Datasets:

maneshkarun

/

hyperpartisan-balanced-dataset

like 0

<p /> <p>Chinese stocks fell out of favor over the past two years after the Shanghai Stock Exchange crashed on snowballing concerns about economic growth, inflated valuations, and over-leveraged investors. The government's subsequent attempts to prop up the market withdirect purchases, short selling bans, and threats against financial journalists also undermined investor confidence in the market.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>But now that the smoke has cleared and the SSE has rallied 15% over the past 12 months, it might be wise to buy some high-growth Chinese stocks to hedge against the stateside turbulence caused by the Trump Administration's unpredictable policies. Let's take a closer look at three high-growth Chinese stocks which could outperform the broader markets in 2017.</p> <p>Momo's (NASDAQ: MOMO) social networking app is often referred to as the "Chinese Tinder". The app lets users search for nearby users based on their personal profiles, then message them to meet up in real life. Momo ran into regulatory problems in 2014 when Chinese officials accused the company of enabling prostitution, but it weathered those charges and went public in the U.S. later that year.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Since its IPO, Momo has posted explosive top line growth. Its revenue surged 319% annually to$157 million last quarter, representing its strongest growth rate in six quarters. Its monthly active users (MAUs) rose 6% year-over-year to 77.4 million. The company attributed that growth to the rising popularity of its live broadcasts, which lets users buyvirtual gifts (from Momo) for their favorite live streamers. It also benefited from the launch of "Moments", an interactive short video service platform akin to Snapchat Stories. Analysts expect that growth to continue with272% sales growth this year.</p> <p>Momo's mobile app. Image source: Google Play.</p> <p>Momo is also profitable by both non-GAAP and GAAP measures. Its non-GAAP net income rose from $3.9 million a year ago to $49.5 million last quarter. During that period, its GAAP net loss of $0.8 million turned into a net profit of $39 million. Analysts expect Momo's non-GAAP earnings to rise 373% this year.</p> <p>Microblogging site Weibo (NASDAQ: WB) is commonly called "China's Twitter". The company was previously a unit of online media giant Sina, but it was spun off as an independent company in 2014. Sina retained an 11% stake in Weibo, and e-commerce giant Alibaba eventually acquired a 32% stake.</p> <p>Unlike Twitter, Weibo's MAUs and revenues are growing rapidly and it's incredibly profitable. Last quarter, its MAUs rose 34% annually to297 million and its revenue rose 42% to $176.9 million. On the bottom line, its non-GAAP net income surged 147% to $54.6 million, and its GAAP earnings rose 122% to $32.1 million. Analysts expect Weibo's revenue and non-GAAP earnings to respectively rise 36% and 138% this year.</p> <p>Weibo's mobile app. Image source: Google Play.</p> <p>Weibo attributes that growth to the popularity of its ads among small- to medium-sized businesses, and the success of its live video streaming platform. Like Momo, Weibo lets its users buy virtual gifts for their favorite broadcasters -- which has boosted its valued-added services (VAS) revenue. It's also been expanding that ecosystem with integrated features like its payments platform, powered by Alibaba's Alipay.</p> <p>Ctrip (NASDAQ: CTRP) is China's biggest OTA (online travel agency). It went public back in 2003, and it benefited from the Olympic Games in 2008 and the growth of the Chinese middle class. A major price war broke outbetween Ctrip and its main rival Qunar (NASDAQ: QUNR) in 2014, which crushed both companies' earnings growth. But thosebattles ended in late 2015, whensearch giant Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) swapped its 45% stake in Qunar for a 25% stake in Ctrip -- which effectively merged the two companies.</p> <p>Ctrip's revenue rose 75% annually to$836 million last quarter, thanks to its new stake in Qunar. The company fired on all cylinders during that quarter -- accommodation revenues rose 51%, transportation ticketing revenues soared 101%, packaged tour revenues grew 31%, and corporate travel revenues were up 34%. Analysts expect itsfull-year revenue to rise 76% this year, but its bottom line will end up in the red due to merger-related expenses. Ctrip is expected to return to full-year profitability by fiscal 2017.</p> <p>Momo, Weibo, and Ctrip are all risky stocks. None of them are cheap -- Momo trades at 71 times earnings, Weibo trades at 127 times earnings, and Ctrip has a negative P/E due to its lack of profitability. But investors who are hungry for growth and overseas diversification should take a closer look at these three stocks -- which might just provide better returns than their U.S counterparts.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Ctrip.com International 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;amp;impression=6968bed5-0fb0-4ad2-928c-01b0f7d84f18&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Ctrip.com International 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;amp;impression=6968bed5-0fb0-4ad2-928c-01b0f7d84f18&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Baidu and Weibo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Baidu and Twitter. The Motley Fool recommends Ctrip.com International, Sina, and Weibo. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

chinese stocks fell favor past two years shanghai stock exchange crashed snowballing concerns economic growth inflated valuations overleveraged investors governments subsequent attempts prop market withdirect purchases short selling bans threats financial journalists also undermined investor confidence market continue reading image source getty images smoke cleared sse rallied 15 past 12 months might wise buy highgrowth chinese stocks hedge stateside turbulence caused trump administrations unpredictable policies lets take closer look three highgrowth chinese stocks could outperform broader markets 2017 momos nasdaq momo social networking app often referred chinese tinder app lets users search nearby users based personal profiles message meet real life momo ran regulatory problems 2014 chinese officials accused company enabling prostitution weathered charges went public us later year advertisement since ipo momo posted explosive top line growth revenue surged 319 annually to157 million last quarter representing strongest growth rate six quarters monthly active users maus rose 6 yearoveryear 774 million company attributed growth rising popularity live broadcasts lets users buyvirtual gifts momo favorite live streamers also benefited launch moments interactive short video service platform akin snapchat stories analysts expect growth continue with272 sales growth year momos mobile app image source google play momo also profitable nongaap gaap measures nongaap net income rose 39 million year ago 495 million last quarter period gaap net loss 08 million turned net profit 39 million analysts expect momos nongaap earnings rise 373 year microblogging site weibo nasdaq wb commonly called chinas twitter company previously unit online media giant sina spun independent company 2014 sina retained 11 stake weibo ecommerce giant alibaba eventually acquired 32 stake unlike twitter weibos maus revenues growing rapidly incredibly profitable last quarter maus rose 34 annually to297 million revenue rose 42 1769 million bottom line nongaap net income surged 147 546 million gaap earnings rose 122 321 million analysts expect weibos revenue nongaap earnings respectively rise 36 138 year weibos mobile app image source google play weibo attributes growth popularity ads among small mediumsized businesses success live video streaming platform like momo weibo lets users buy virtual gifts favorite broadcasters boosted valuedadded services vas revenue also expanding ecosystem integrated features like payments platform powered alibabas alipay ctrip nasdaq ctrp chinas biggest ota online travel agency went public back 2003 benefited olympic games 2008 growth chinese middle class major price war broke outbetween ctrip main rival qunar nasdaq qunr 2014 crushed companies earnings growth thosebattles ended late 2015 whensearch giant baidu nasdaq bidu swapped 45 stake qunar 25 stake ctrip effectively merged two companies ctrips revenue rose 75 annually to836 million last quarter thanks new stake qunar company fired cylinders quarter accommodation revenues rose 51 transportation ticketing revenues soared 101 packaged tour revenues grew 31 corporate travel revenues 34 analysts expect itsfullyear revenue rise 76 year bottom line end red due mergerrelated expenses ctrip expected return fullyear profitability fiscal 2017 momo weibo ctrip risky stocks none cheap momo trades 71 times earnings weibo trades 127 times earnings ctrip negative pe due lack profitability investors hungry growth overseas diversification take closer look three stocks might provide better returns us counterparts 10 stocks like better ctripcom international 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 ctripcom international wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 leo sun opens new window owns shares baidu weibo motley fool owns shares recommends baidu twitter motley fool recommends ctripcom international sina weibo motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>The recently public social media company Snap (NYSE: SNAP)has been insistent on rebranding itself as a hardware company with the release of its Spectacles glasses.</p> <p>In this clip from <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Tech Opens a New Window.</a>,Motley Fool analyst Dylan Lewis and tech specialist Evan Niu explain what the Spectacles are and what Snap is hoping to do with them, and why they'renot sold on the product just yet. Also, the two discuss why it's such an odd move for Snap to focus its attention and money on hardware and rebrand itself as a hardware company.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than AppleWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=69fad0ce-0d05-4648-aeca-f56803a17744&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now and Apple wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <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;amp;impression=69fad0ce-0d05-4648-aeca-f56803a17744&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p>This podcast was recorded on March 3, 2017.</p> <p>Dylan Lewis: You know, that might be the perfect transition into the next section that we're going to be talking about. There had been some news coming out about their hardware business. In the last episode, we talked about how Snap is saying, "We are a camera company," yet they currently make a very tiny amount of money from their Spectacle camera glasses. I think around 96%-98% of Snap'srevenue currently comes in through ads. We have two pieces of news when it comes to hardware. Originally, they only sold these Spectacles at specific locations via vending machines. So, there were these tech insider moments where they would find out there was a vending machine somewhere in San Francisco, and it would be flooded with people in line down the block forever. It was very novelty, it was very buzz-oriented. They've announced that you can now buy the Spectacles online at spectacles.com for just $130, which seems pretty expensive for, basically, glasses that capture what your smartphone does.</p> <p>Evan Niu:And probably not as well, either. I know that the Spectacles use anAmbarellaimage processor. I'm not sure who actually produces the actual image sensor or the tech specs. I don't think Snap has released the tech specs very broadly. I think they've been playing close to the chest. But, it's weird because you have company that's trying to brand itself as a camera company and they've only been making a camera for a couple months, whereas through the vast majority of their history they have relied on the smartphone camera that's already in your phone, which, in a way, is easier, because the entire smartphone industry has placed a lot of value on really innovating and developing the camera systems because it's such an important thing to consumers. So, you have this intact industry that's pouring money into building the best possible cameras, and then you have Snap come along saying, "Oh, we're going to be a camera company." It's almost committing them to trying to out-innovate the smartphone industry, which, of course, includesApple, which is the richest company on Earth. We were talking about this earlier. Apple's camera department alone has somewhere between 800 and 1,000 engineers working just on cameras, which is why the cameras are so good. Snapchat now has a total of 1,800-1,900 employees. Apple's camera department alone is half the size of Snapchat's entire company. So, who do you think is going to win? [laughs]</p> <p>Lewis:Yeah, where is the innovation going to come from.</p> <p>Niu:Yeah. And sure, Snap has this little form factor thing you put in the glasses, but I just think there was certainly a lot of buzz around it, but whether or not that's going to be a long-term deal...it's just really hard to make the pitch. I also don't understand because, in terms of investor perception specifically, I think most people consider Snap asoftware-as-a-servicecompany. Software-as-a-servicecompanies get much richer valuations in terms of all of the valuation metrics because they're more profitable, they can scale better, etc., whereas consumer hardware businesses get very low valuations because everything gets commoditized, you have really thin margins, consumer preferences change a lot so you're always at the mercy of these products cycles, and,not many companies can navigate that well, so investors don't give them very good valuations. So, you have Snap, that historically is a software-as-a-service companytrading at ridiculous valuations now trying to say they're a hardware company, but it's like, why would you want that association if, by proxy, you might be asking for a lower valuation? [laughs] It's weird, I don't understand it at all.</p> <p>Lewis:Yeah, if you want to look at the market's opinion of consumer device companies, check outGoProandFitbit. These are two companies that sell what I would consider to be very successful mainstream consumer device products, but they've hit saturation points with how much they can penetrate a market, and have struggled to get outside of those markets, and that's one of the problems that a lot of consumer hardware companies run into.</p> <p>Niu:Even if you look at all these old, mature Asian companies, likeSony-- Sony trades at less than one times sales.Toshiba, all of these household names in consumer electronics, they trade really cheap.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFlewis/info.aspx" type="external">Dylan Lewis Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of AMBA and AAPL. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewCow/info.aspx" type="external">Evan Niu, CFA Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of AAPL. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends AMBA, AAPL, FIT, and GPRO. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on AAPL, short January 2018 $95 calls on AAPL, short January 2019 $12 calls on GPRO, and long January 2019 $12 puts on GPRO. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

recently public social media company snap nyse snaphas insistent rebranding hardware company release spectacles glasses clip industry focus tech opens new windowmotley fool analyst dylan lewis tech specialist evan niu explain spectacles snap hoping theyrenot sold product yet also two discuss odd move snap focus attention money hardware rebrand hardware company continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better applewhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right apple wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks advertisement stock advisor returns february 6 2017 podcast recorded march 3 2017 dylan lewis know might perfect transition next section going talking news coming hardware business last episode talked snap saying camera company yet currently make tiny amount money spectacle camera glasses think around 9698 snapsrevenue currently comes ads two pieces news comes hardware originally sold spectacles specific locations via vending machines tech insider moments would find vending machine somewhere san francisco would flooded people line block forever novelty buzzoriented theyve announced buy spectacles online spectaclescom 130 seems pretty expensive basically glasses capture smartphone evan niuand probably well either know spectacles use anambarellaimage processor im sure actually produces actual image sensor tech specs dont think snap released tech specs broadly think theyve playing close chest weird company thats trying brand camera company theyve making camera couple months whereas vast majority history relied smartphone camera thats already phone way easier entire smartphone industry placed lot value really innovating developing camera systems important thing consumers intact industry thats pouring money building best possible cameras snap come along saying oh going camera company almost committing trying outinnovate smartphone industry course includesapple richest company earth talking earlier apples camera department alone somewhere 800 1000 engineers working cameras cameras good snapchat total 18001900 employees apples camera department alone half size snapchats entire company think going win laughs lewisyeah innovation going come niuyeah sure snap little form factor thing put glasses think certainly lot buzz around whether thats going longterm dealits really hard make pitch also dont understand terms investor perception specifically think people consider snap asoftwareasaservicecompany softwareasaservicecompanies get much richer valuations terms valuation metrics theyre profitable scale better etc whereas consumer hardware businesses get low valuations everything gets commoditized really thin margins consumer preferences change lot youre always mercy products cycles andnot many companies navigate well investors dont give good valuations snap historically softwareasaservice companytrading ridiculous valuations trying say theyre hardware company like would want association proxy might asking lower valuation laughs weird dont understand lewisyeah want look markets opinion consumer device companies check outgoproandfitbit two companies sell would consider successful mainstream consumer device products theyve hit saturation points much penetrate market struggled get outside markets thats one problems lot consumer hardware companies run niueven look old mature asian companies likesony sony trades less one times salestoshiba household names consumer electronics trade really cheap dylan lewis opens new window owns shares amba aapl evan niu cfa opens new window owns shares aapl motley fool owns shares recommends amba aapl fit gpro motley fool following options long january 2018 90 calls aapl short january 2018 95 calls aapl short january 2019 12 calls gpro long january 2019 12 puts gpro motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>___</p> <p>US vs. China: a 'slap-fight,' not a trade war. So far</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; First, the United States imposed a tax on Chinese steel and aluminum. Then, China counterpunched Monday with tariffs on a host of U.S. products, including apples, pork and ginseng. On Wall Street, the stock market buckled on the prospect of an all-out trade war between the world's two biggest economies. But it hasn't come to that &#8212; not yet, anyway.</p> <p>___</p> <p>China raises tariffs on US pork, fruit in trade dispute</p> <p>BEIJING (AP) &#8212; China's move to raise import duties on U.S. pork, apples and other products will hit American farm states, many of which voted for Donald Trump in 2016. But spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Trump isn't going to back down in the escalating trade dispute with China. She tells "Fox and Friends" that Trump is "going to fight back and he's going to push back." China's government says it's responding to a U.S. tariff hike on steel and aluminum.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Tech woes, worsening tensions with China sink US stocks</p> <p>NEW YORK (AP) &#8212; Stocks tumbled Monday after China raised import duties on a number of U.S. exports, bringing the two economic giants closer to a full-on trade conflict. Big technology companies, long investor favorites, suffered heavy losses. The worries over newly protectionist U.S. trade policies combined with blowback over Facebook's ever-widening privacy scandal have prompted investors to take money off the table. That has meant steep drops in former big winners including Netflix, Microsoft and Alphabet.</p> <p>___</p> <p>EPA to ease back emissions standards</p> <p>NEW YORK (AP) &#8212; Environmental Protection Agency has set a plan to roll back emissions standards for cars and trucks but it didn't specify details. The regulator said Monday standards set by President Barack Obama were inappropriate and too high.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Facebook CEO defends advertising-supported business model</p> <p>NEW YORK (AP) &#8212; The CEO of Facebook is defending its advertising-supported business model. Mark Zuckerberg's defense comes after Apple CEO Tim Cook said his company wouldn't be in Facebook's situation because Apple doesn't sell ads based on customer data the way Facebook does. Zuckerberg responded Monday that an advertising-supported business model is the only way that the service can survive because not everyone would be able to pay for Facebook if it charged a fee.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Pace of US factory growth slipped in March</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; U.S. manufacturers say they expanded at a slower pace in March. The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, reports that its manufacturing index slipped to 59.3 last month from February's reading of 60.8, which had been the highest since 2004. Any score above 50 signals growth. Multiple companies surveyed for the index said that the introduction of steel and aluminum tariffs by President Donald Trump were causing concerns about rising prices.</p> <p>___</p> <p>EPA says Pruitt's condo lease didn't violate ethics rules</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; An agency ethics official at the Environmental Protection Agency says Administrator Scott Pruitt's lease of a Capitol Hill condo tied to a prominent fossil-fuels lobbyist didn't violate federal rules. A memo signed by the official concludes that Pruitt's $50-a-night rental payments constitute a fair market rate. Pruitt paid just for nights he occupied the unit, averaging $1,000 a month. Two-bedroom apartments in the neighborhood typically rent for three to four times that amount per month.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Puerto Rico gov defies board, rejects reform, pension cuts</p> <p>SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) &#8212; The powers of a federal control board overseeing Puerto Rico's finances could soon be tested as the U.S. territory's governor defies its calls to implement more austerity measures amid an 11-year recession. Gov. Ricardo Rossello on Monday rejected demands that his administration submit a revised fiscal plan to include a labor reform and a 10 percent cut to a pension system facing nearly $50 billion in liabilities. He said the plan he will submit Thursday also will not contain any layoffs.</p> <p>___</p> <p>French train strikes aim to disrupt travel, test Macron</p> <p>PARIS (AP) &#8212; Trains around France are grinding to a stop as unions stage a mass strike to challenge President Emmanuel Macron's strategy for making his country more economically competitive. Passengers are sharing cars or canceling trips after national railway SNCF said the strike will halt 85 percent of France's high-speed trains and 75 percent of regional trains. A quarter of Air France flights will be grounded Tuesday by a separate strike over pay.</p> <p>___</p> <p>The Standard &amp;amp; Poor's 500 index gave up 58.99 points, or 2.2 percent, to 2,581.88. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 458.92 points, or 1.9 percent, to 23,644.19. The Nasdaq composite slumped 193.33 points, or 2.7 percent, to 6,870.12. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks fell 36.90 points, or 2.4 percent, to 1,492.53.</p> <p>Benchmark U.S. crude lost $1.93, or 3 percent, to $63.01 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, slid $1.70, or 2.5 percent, to $67.64 a barrel in London. Wholesale gasoline dropped 5 cents to $1.97 a gallon. Heating oil fell 4 cents to $1.98 a gallon. Natural gas slid 5 cents to $2.68 per 1,000 cubic feet.</p>

___ us vs china slapfight trade war far continue reading washington ap first united states imposed tax chinese steel aluminum china counterpunched monday tariffs host us products including apples pork ginseng wall street stock market buckled prospect allout trade war worlds two biggest economies hasnt come yet anyway ___ china raises tariffs us pork fruit trade dispute beijing ap chinas move raise import duties us pork apples products hit american farm states many voted donald trump 2016 spokeswoman sarah huckabee sanders says trump isnt going back escalating trade dispute china tells fox friends trump going fight back hes going push back chinas government says responding us tariff hike steel aluminum ___ advertisement tech woes worsening tensions china sink us stocks new york ap stocks tumbled monday china raised import duties number us exports bringing two economic giants closer fullon trade conflict big technology companies long investor favorites suffered heavy losses worries newly protectionist us trade policies combined blowback facebooks everwidening privacy scandal prompted investors take money table meant steep drops former big winners including netflix microsoft alphabet ___ epa ease back emissions standards new york ap environmental protection agency set plan roll back emissions standards cars trucks didnt specify details regulator said monday standards set president barack obama inappropriate high ___ facebook ceo defends advertisingsupported business model new york ap ceo facebook defending advertisingsupported business model mark zuckerbergs defense comes apple ceo tim cook said company wouldnt facebooks situation apple doesnt sell ads based customer data way facebook zuckerberg responded monday advertisingsupported business model way service survive everyone would able pay facebook charged fee ___ pace us factory growth slipped march washington ap us manufacturers say expanded slower pace march institute supply management trade group purchasing managers reports manufacturing index slipped 593 last month februarys reading 608 highest since 2004 score 50 signals growth multiple companies surveyed index said introduction steel aluminum tariffs president donald trump causing concerns rising prices ___ epa says pruitts condo lease didnt violate ethics rules washington ap agency ethics official environmental protection agency says administrator scott pruitts lease capitol hill condo tied prominent fossilfuels lobbyist didnt violate federal rules memo signed official concludes pruitts 50anight rental payments constitute fair market rate pruitt paid nights occupied unit averaging 1000 month twobedroom apartments neighborhood typically rent three four times amount per month ___ puerto rico gov defies board rejects reform pension cuts san juan puerto rico ap powers federal control board overseeing puerto ricos finances could soon tested us territorys governor defies calls implement austerity measures amid 11year recession gov ricardo rossello monday rejected demands administration submit revised fiscal plan include labor reform 10 percent cut pension system facing nearly 50 billion liabilities said plan submit thursday also contain layoffs ___ french train strikes aim disrupt travel test macron paris ap trains around france grinding stop unions stage mass strike challenge president emmanuel macrons strategy making country economically competitive passengers sharing cars canceling trips national railway sncf said strike halt 85 percent frances highspeed trains 75 percent regional trains quarter air france flights grounded tuesday separate strike pay ___ standard amp poors 500 index gave 5899 points 22 percent 258188 dow jones industrial average lost 45892 points 19 percent 2364419 nasdaq composite slumped 19333 points 27 percent 687012 russell 2000 index smallercompany stocks fell 3690 points 24 percent 149253 benchmark us crude lost 193 3 percent 6301 barrel new york brent crude used price international oils slid 170 25 percent 6764 barrel london wholesale gasoline dropped 5 cents 197 gallon heating oil fell 4 cents 198 gallon natural gas slid 5 cents 268 per 1000 cubic feet

<p /> <p>In planning Amazon.com Inc.'s second headquarters, Chief Executive Jeff Bezos faces a new challenge: how to maintain the online retail giant's carefully cultivated culture when he can't be in two places at once.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The answer to his riddle may lie in one defining element of Amazon's business practices. Its highly decentralized structure, with small, siloed teams, is the equivalent of "1,000 independent businesses, all marching in the same direction," says former Amazon senior manager Eric Heller, who now helps brands sell on the site.</p> <p>Mr. Bezos has been fundamental in defining the Seattle-based company's culture, setting the tone on everything from innovation to how many pizzas teams should need to order in for lunch. Amazon emphasizes 14 leadership principles that guide employee behavior, focus and goals.</p> <p>Former executives say that while they saw Mr. Bezos infrequently -- in part because the 33-building Seattle campus is so large -- he still has an outsize presence at the company he founded in his garage in 1994. Mr. Bezos is known for encouraging employees to reach out via email directly for his guidance. That's even as the number of Amazon's employees surpasses 450,000 globally, including the recent acquisition of Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc.</p> <p>But Amazon, having outgrown Seattle, is now planning to split its headquarters in half, an unusual step that presents the risk of reduced collaboration, decreased face time and an off-kilter leadership structure if executives don't split their time evenly between the two sites, management experts say.</p> <p>Amazon said the new location, which could house as many as 50,000 employees, will be equal in stature to Seattle. Amazon is soliciting proposals for the $5 billion project from metro areas that meet criteria including access to an international airport, mass transit and more than a million people.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>An Amazon spokesman declined to comment on the company's plans.</p> <p>Multinational corporations like Lenovo Group Ltd. and advertising giant WPP maintain several large business centers, but most are the result of mergers or cross-border shareholding structures, such as Airbus SE.</p> <p>Amazon already has more than a dozen tech hubs across the U.S. as well as international offices, with about a quarter of its corporate staff operating outside Seattle. But Amazon's power center has always remained in and around the place where Mr. Bezos founded the company.</p> <p>Mr. Bezos, 53 years old, still works to preserve the remnants of startup culture at Amazon, including a mandate to make quick decisions.</p> <p>"I've been reminding people that it's Day 1 for a couple of decades," he wrote in his annual shareholder letter this year. "Day 2 is stasis. Followed by irrelevance. Followed by excruciating, painful decline. Followed by death. And that is why it is always Day 1."</p> <p>Mr. Bezos constantly emphasizes Amazon's leadership principles, such as customer obsession, ownership and frugality. Managers know that the optimal size of a team is one that can be fed on two pizzas.</p> <p>He frequently forwards customer emails to teams with the message "??," to jog them to respond.</p> <p>Through "feedback mechanisms like that, we got clarity of what he was looking for," said Jennifer Arthur, who worked at Amazon for 16 years and is now a general manager at online home-improvement marketplace BuildDirect. "He also delivered a lot of the messages and a lot of that consistency" via his senior leadership team.</p> <p>Indeed, Mr. Bezos is likely to lean heavily on his team of senior executives in opening the second headquarters. Veterans, including senior executives who have shadowed Mr. Bezos, are often chosen to open new remote offices to help ensure cultural cohesion.</p> <p>A similar tactic is likely to be used at the new headquarters. Amazon has said team leaders will be allowed to choose whether to keep their reports in Seattle, move them, or work out of both locations.</p> <p>Mr. Bezos will "probably send over some of his leaders who he thinks are some of his strongest culture carriers," says Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. "The people make the place."</p> <p>One trait that might prove helpful for a dual-headquartered company is the decentralization of teams at Amazon. A former lead engineer recalls being kept in the dark about other projects under way just a floor or two above him in the same office building. Other former employees say teams were at times purposefully kept unaware of similar projects.</p> <p>"Every team functions like an independent company," says Elaine Kwon, founder of e-commerce management and software firm Kwontified and a former Amazon manager. "They're all moving as quickly as they can because they're given a lot of autonomy."</p> <p>That can lead to confusion or duplication at times, some former employees say -- something that could worsen with two headquarters.</p> <p>"One team rarely knows what another team is doing," says Chris McCabe, a former Amazon performance evaluation and policy enforcement investigator who now works with sellers on the retailer's marketplace.</p> <p>Still, Mr. Bezos expects employees to act like owners, even if that pits teams against each other.</p> <p>While launching the sports and outdoors marketplace platform about a decade ago, former Amazon senior manager Mr. Heller was given only a few weeks to get it up and running. He later even competed directly against Amazon's internal retail team, something he said demonstrated the leadership principle of putting the customer first.</p> <p>"You really had to almost represent it as your own business," says Mr. Heller, who has since founded consultation firm Marketplace Ignition.</p> <p>Write to Laura Stevens at [email protected]</p>

planning amazoncom incs second headquarters chief executive jeff bezos faces new challenge maintain online retail giants carefully cultivated culture cant two places continue reading answer riddle may lie one defining element amazons business practices highly decentralized structure small siloed teams equivalent 1000 independent businesses marching direction says former amazon senior manager eric heller helps brands sell site mr bezos fundamental defining seattlebased companys culture setting tone everything innovation many pizzas teams need order lunch amazon emphasizes 14 leadership principles guide employee behavior focus goals former executives say saw mr bezos infrequently part 33building seattle campus large still outsize presence company founded garage 1994 mr bezos known encouraging employees reach via email directly guidance thats even number amazons employees surpasses 450000 globally including recent acquisition austin texasbased whole foods market inc amazon outgrown seattle planning split headquarters half unusual step presents risk reduced collaboration decreased face time offkilter leadership structure executives dont split time evenly two sites management experts say amazon said new location could house many 50000 employees equal stature seattle amazon soliciting proposals 5 billion project metro areas meet criteria including access international airport mass transit million people advertisement amazon spokesman declined comment companys plans multinational corporations like lenovo group ltd advertising giant wpp maintain several large business centers result mergers crossborder shareholding structures airbus se amazon already dozen tech hubs across us well international offices quarter corporate staff operating outside seattle amazons power center always remained around place mr bezos founded company mr bezos 53 years old still works preserve remnants startup culture amazon including mandate make quick decisions ive reminding people day 1 couple decades wrote annual shareholder letter year day 2 stasis followed irrelevance followed excruciating painful decline followed death always day 1 mr bezos constantly emphasizes amazons leadership principles customer obsession ownership frugality managers know optimal size team one fed two pizzas frequently forwards customer emails teams message jog respond feedback mechanisms like got clarity looking said jennifer arthur worked amazon 16 years general manager online homeimprovement marketplace builddirect also delivered lot messages lot consistency via senior leadership team indeed mr bezos likely lean heavily team senior executives opening second headquarters veterans including senior executives shadowed mr bezos often chosen open new remote offices help ensure cultural cohesion similar tactic likely used new headquarters amazon said team leaders allowed choose whether keep reports seattle move work locations mr bezos probably send leaders thinks strongest culture carriers says adam grant organizational psychologist professor university pennsylvanias wharton school people make place one trait might prove helpful dualheadquartered company decentralization teams amazon former lead engineer recalls kept dark projects way floor two office building former employees say teams times purposefully kept unaware similar projects every team functions like independent company says elaine kwon founder ecommerce management software firm kwontified former amazon manager theyre moving quickly theyre given lot autonomy lead confusion duplication times former employees say something could worsen two headquarters one team rarely knows another team says chris mccabe former amazon performance evaluation policy enforcement investigator works sellers retailers marketplace still mr bezos expects employees act like owners even pits teams launching sports outdoors marketplace platform decade ago former amazon senior manager mr heller given weeks get running later even competed directly amazons internal retail team something said demonstrated leadership principle putting customer first really almost represent business says mr heller since founded consultation firm marketplace ignition write laura stevens laurastevenswsjcom

<p>Americans are happier at work, but they might just be settling for less.</p> <p>For the first time since 2005, more than half of U.S. workers say they're satisfied with their jobs, according to the Conference Board, a research group. Employment is up, wages are finally rising and layoffs are near record lows, resulting in a more optimistic, contented workforce.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>That buoyancy is giving Americans confidence to pull out their wallets. Consumer spending has risen every month this year, with a strong pickup in August, and the U.S. economy grew in the second quarter at its fastest pace in more than two years.</p> <p>Yet the data also suggest U.S. workers have changing views of what makes a job good, and a decade of bruising job cuts, minimal raises and lean staffing has led them to lower their expectations, economists and labor-market experts say.</p> <p>The average employee today shoulders more risk for her retirement and health care than in past generations, and enjoys less job security as the idea of a job for life has vanished. The traditional bond between employer and employee -- in which companies provided job and retirement security in exchange for hard work and loyalty -- has eroded so much that young workers today "don't even know what they're missing," says Rick Wartzman, a management expert and author of "The End of Loyalty: The Rise and Fall of Good Jobs in America," released in May by PublicAffairs.</p> <p>Almost 51% of employees say they are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their jobs, according to the Conference Board, which surveyed about 1,600 workers across the U.S. last November on various aspects of their work. Workers gave top ranking to their colleagues, commutes and job tasks, but were frustrated with companies' promotion policies, bonus plans, training opportunities and performance-review processes.</p> <p>American workers remain scarred by the Great Recession, which reset expectations for a whole generation, says Peter Cappelli, a management professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Unemployment reached a 25-year high of 10% in 2009, sending record numbers of Americans into long stretches of joblessness. Those who did remain in jobs were asked to do more with less, for smaller rewards.</p> <p>"In the dot-com period, we had M.B.A. students who literally were expecting to be millionaires within two or three years," Mr. Cappelli says, referring to the late-1990s tech bubble. "After 2009, we had people who were just glad to get any kind of job."</p> <p>Now, with unemployment at 4.4% and wages showing signs of lifting, workers are feeling greater peace of mind and fulfillment than they have in years, finding roles in line with their skills and ambitions.</p> <p>Mechanical engineer David Hunt was let go from an engineering job in 2012 and spent the next five years unemployed or working short-term contracts, including a stint as a salesperson at a Lowe's Cos. store.</p> <p>When Mr. Hunt, who holds two master's degrees, was offered a job at a Boston-area high-tech company in June, the firm's human-resources manager called him with good news and bad news about his salary. Mr. Hunt, 52 years old, asked for the bad first.</p> <p>We can't pay what you asked for, the manager told Mr. Hunt. Instead, the company offered 10% above that number.</p> <p>Mr. Hunt now earns enough to support his family while his wife pursues a Ph.D., and says he feels his ideas are valued. For the first time in years, he says, he's excited to go to work each day.</p> <p>Worker satisfaction is mixed but improving in areas like wages and job security. Just over 52% of workers feel safe from a layoff, up six percentage points from 2011, and 41.6% say they are pleased with their wages, up from 36.1% five years earlier, according to Conference Board.</p> <p>Average hourly earnings are growing at a slow pace by historical standards -- rising 2.5% from July 2016 to July 2017 -- but low inflation means paychecks are buying more and workers are feeling more flush.</p> <p>After starting a new job as a business process analyst with an automotive supplier in May, Peter Bynarowicz, 24, was impressed to discover free coffee -- regular, flavored and decaf -- on every floor. "That stood out to me," he says, adding that his previous job had sparse perks.</p> <p>The new job also came with a 20% salary increase and promises of growth. During a job interview, his manager told him, "I won't let you be in this position for two years. I want you to grow," recalls Mr. Bynarowicz, of Greenville, S.C.</p> <p>Amid a continuing shift away from pensions toward 401(k) plans with unpredictable returns, satisfaction with retirement plans rose from 35% to 37.3% from 2011 to 2016, the Conference Board says, possibly reflecting higher 401(k) returns from stock investments.</p> <p>Overall, Americans' sense of retirement security has dropped. In 1993, 73% of U.S. workers felt confident they could afford a comfortable retirement, according to the Employee Benefits Research Institute. In 2017, 60% felt that way.</p> <p>Also falling in workers' esteem are health-insurance and family-leave plans. Employees are paying more for health care and coping with higher deductibles. And though some employers have enriched parental-leave benefits for white-collar workers, U.S. working parents get less leave than their counterparts in other industrialized nations.</p> <p>Haley O'Donnell, 33, was a manager in the corporate office of a Fortune 500 retailer a few years ago when one of her employees became a father. The company offered no paid paternity leave, and Ms. O'Donnell sent an angry letter to the chief executive. She never received a response.</p> <p>Following a career switch, Ms. O'Donnell wrote a young-adult novel and now works part time as a writer for Armstrong &amp;amp; Associates, Inc., a logistics consulting firm in Milwaukee. She recently had her first child and has eight weeks' paid maternity leave, a rare benefit for part-timers.</p> <p>Ms. O'Donnell contrasts her career path with that of her father, who worked in the same corporation for more than two decades. "You go into the world expecting it to be like it was," she says. "You learn the hard way when you're paying out-of-pocket for health insurance."</p> <p>Write to Lauren Weber at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 01, 2017 09:58 ET (13:58 GMT)</p>

americans happier work might settling less first time since 2005 half us workers say theyre satisfied jobs according conference board research group employment wages finally rising layoffs near record lows resulting optimistic contented workforce continue reading buoyancy giving americans confidence pull wallets consumer spending risen every month year strong pickup august us economy grew second quarter fastest pace two years yet data also suggest us workers changing views makes job good decade bruising job cuts minimal raises lean staffing led lower expectations economists labormarket experts say average employee today shoulders risk retirement health care past generations enjoys less job security idea job life vanished traditional bond employer employee companies provided job retirement security exchange hard work loyalty eroded much young workers today dont even know theyre missing says rick wartzman management expert author end loyalty rise fall good jobs america released may publicaffairs almost 51 employees say satisfied somewhat satisfied jobs according conference board surveyed 1600 workers across us last november various aspects work workers gave top ranking colleagues commutes job tasks frustrated companies promotion policies bonus plans training opportunities performancereview processes american workers remain scarred great recession reset expectations whole generation says peter cappelli management professor university pennsylvanias wharton school business advertisement unemployment reached 25year high 10 2009 sending record numbers americans long stretches joblessness remain jobs asked less smaller rewards dotcom period mba students literally expecting millionaires within two three years mr cappelli says referring late1990s tech bubble 2009 people glad get kind job unemployment 44 wages showing signs lifting workers feeling greater peace mind fulfillment years finding roles line skills ambitions mechanical engineer david hunt let go engineering job 2012 spent next five years unemployed working shortterm contracts including stint salesperson lowes cos store mr hunt holds two masters degrees offered job bostonarea hightech company june firms humanresources manager called good news bad news salary mr hunt 52 years old asked bad first cant pay asked manager told mr hunt instead company offered 10 number mr hunt earns enough support family wife pursues phd says feels ideas valued first time years says hes excited go work day worker satisfaction mixed improving areas like wages job security 52 workers feel safe layoff six percentage points 2011 416 say pleased wages 361 five years earlier according conference board average hourly earnings growing slow pace historical standards rising 25 july 2016 july 2017 low inflation means paychecks buying workers feeling flush starting new job business process analyst automotive supplier may peter bynarowicz 24 impressed discover free coffee regular flavored decaf every floor stood says adding previous job sparse perks new job also came 20 salary increase promises growth job interview manager told wont let position two years want grow recalls mr bynarowicz greenville sc amid continuing shift away pensions toward 401k plans unpredictable returns satisfaction retirement plans rose 35 373 2011 2016 conference board says possibly reflecting higher 401k returns stock investments overall americans sense retirement security dropped 1993 73 us workers felt confident could afford comfortable retirement according employee benefits research institute 2017 60 felt way also falling workers esteem healthinsurance familyleave plans employees paying health care coping higher deductibles though employers enriched parentalleave benefits whitecollar workers us working parents get less leave counterparts industrialized nations haley odonnell 33 manager corporate office fortune 500 retailer years ago one employees became father company offered paid paternity leave ms odonnell sent angry letter chief executive never received response following career switch ms odonnell wrote youngadult novel works part time writer armstrong amp associates inc logistics consulting firm milwaukee recently first child eight weeks paid maternity leave rare benefit parttimers ms odonnell contrasts career path father worked corporation two decades go world expecting like says learn hard way youre paying outofpocket health insurance write lauren weber laurenweberwsjcom end dow jones newswires september 01 2017 0958 et 1358 gmt

<p /> <p>RUSH: Here is Shana in Springfield, Oregon. I&#8217;m glad you called. Welcome to the program.</p> <p>CALLER: Hi, Rush. It&#8217;s an honor to talk to you.</p> <p>RUSH: Thank you very much.</p> <p>CALLER: Thanks for taking my call. I was calling just to say I am so very thankful to you for your Rush Revere books. Um, at the beginning of the school year our son was hit by a drunk driver.</p> <p>RUSH: Oh.</p> <p>CALLER: He suffered a real serious skull fracture and he&#8217;s had a really long road to recovery, and your books have been such a blessing to our family. He has enjoyed them. He has had to sit still &#8212; which he hates to do &#8212; but we have helped pass many hours by listening to the books and relistening to them. And he&#8217;s gone to sleep listening to them when he&#8217;d had trouble sleeping, and I just wanted to say how thankful that we were to you for writing them and for inspiring our children to remember America and to love America.</p> <p>RUSH: I just am blown away that you would take the time to call and tell me this&#8230; These are really sobering things to hear, and I can&#8217;t thank you enough.</p> <p>CALLER: Well, it gets even better, because he is just an amazing kid. One of the things that has happened as a result of this accident is he&#8217;s lost the hearing in one of his ears, and we&#8217;ve been hoping and praying as he heals that it would come back, and we found out this week that he&#8217;s not ever gonna hear again in that ear (choking up) and he was so sad, and he had a few days of just feeling like it was more than he could handle (crying) and there are just gonna be too many obstacles in life as an adult and as a man.</p> <p>Of coruse, we kept encouraging him and trying to focus or thoughts on the blessings that we have of still having him with us, and we had the most beautiful lightbulb moment I had to call and share with you. We were talking through these things and there were tears and sadness and all of a sudden he said, &#8220;Hey, Mom! Rush has a hearing loss, too,&#8221; and I said, &#8220;That&#8217;s right, Buddy, he does.&#8221; And he said, &#8220;Nothing stops him from being successful with a hearing loss, so I can be successful, too.&#8221; And I just wanted to thank you for being a public figure that can inspire children. I&#8217;m very grateful.</p> <p>RUSH: Wow. You have really reached me here. Whew! This is incredible. Look, I&#8217;m going just a few seconds. Can you hang on through the break?</p> <p>CALLER: Sure.</p> <p>RUSH: &#8216;Cause I want to talk to you about your son&#8217;s hearing challenges, just some things that I have learned since I lost mine that would be helpful.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: And we are back with Shana in Springfield, Oregon.</p> <p>CALLER: Hi there.</p> <p>RUSH: Shana, pardon me? Pardon me? What did you just say? Shana, are you there?</p> <p>CALLER: I&#8217;m here. Sorry. Yes. I&#8217;m here.</p> <p>RUSH: Okay. Good. I just gonna say, you got us crying our eyes out here with this story of what&#8217;s happened to your son, and I wanted to talk to you about your son&#8217;s hearing loss. How old is he?</p> <p>CALLER: He just turned 13.</p> <p>RUSH: And you&#8217;ve been told by doctors that he definitely has lost hearing in one ear?</p> <p>CALLER: Correct, yes.</p> <p>RUSH: And it&#8217;s not retrievable?</p> <p>CALLER: Permanent nerve damage.</p> <p>RUSH: Permanent nerve damage.</p> <p>CALLER: Yeah.</p> <p>RUSH: So he has no residual hearing whatsoever?</p> <p>CALLER: No. He can hear some sounds, like screeching kind of sounds. And he can hear some sounds, that, if they&#8217;re super magnified he can hear them, but not in any kind of a normal range.</p> <p>RUSH: So does he know when somebody&#8217;s talking to him in that ear?</p> <p>CALLER: No.</p> <p>RUSH: Can he hear shower water, like water running in the shower, any sounds like that?</p> <p>CALLER: The only sound he says he hears are like shrieking sounds and ringing sounds in that ear.</p> <p>RUSH: That may be tinnitus, however you pronounce it. Look, I lost my hearing in both ears in 2000, and mine was an autoimmune attack, and I use cochlear implants. But things have advanced so much. I was zero, too, I mean, literally nothing. I didn&#8217;t even hear screeching or any of that. I mean, a nuclear bomb could go off and I wouldn&#8217;t hear it if I weren&#8217;t wearing my cochlear implants.</p> <p>They have gotten so much better. You know, I only had one ear done initially, and I had the second ear done two or three years ago, and it&#8217;s just made a huge world of difference. Your son will be able to regain hearing in his ear. It will be bionic or electronic of some kind. I don&#8217;t want to supersede what doctors have told you, but there are all kinds of possibilities.</p> <p>CALLER: Right. I think he&#8217;s gonna have to get a hearing aid. That&#8217;s kinda what we&#8217;ve come to understand &#8212;</p> <p>RUSH: There&#8217;s nothing to fear, whether it&#8217;s a cochlear implant &#8212; you can tell him that people think I am a spy and a secret agent because they think the implants I&#8217;m wearing in my ear are secret communication devices to powerful people in the CIA or something.</p> <p>CALLER: That&#8217;s what he said. &#8220;Do I have to get the kind like the CIA, Mom?&#8221; I said, &#8220;I don&#8217;t think so, buddy, but that would be cool.&#8221; (laughing)</p> <p>RUSH: Well, you know, something I never had a problem with, and it differs from person to person, I never had a problem with the way they make me look. For me being able to hear was &#8212; if I couldn&#8217;t, I couldn&#8217;t continue to work, so I didn&#8217;t care what it took. I don&#8217;t have vanity in that regard. It doesn&#8217;t change your appearance anyway except from the side. To me it&#8217;s not a factor. Other people have, you know, different concerns.</p> <p>But the thing that I think you can be very confident of &#8212; look, I&#8217;m not trying to supersede doctors, I don&#8217;t know the nature of your son&#8217;s medical condition in his ear, but even for people that have lost it all like I did, my audial nerve was still functioning enough to be able to carry information. Mine gets generated by bionic electrodes that are implanted in my brain rather than by the hair cells that everybody else hears with.</p> <p>CALLER: Right.</p> <p>RUSH: They&#8217;re microscopic and there&#8217;s hundreds of thousands of them in the ear, and those hundreds of thousands have been replaced by essentially eight electrodes. So he&#8217;ll be able to function and get by. Just tell him it&#8217;s not something to fear.</p> <p>CALLER: Right. I was just so blessed that he was inspired by you and he had that moment of himself being like, &#8220;Hey, wait a minute. Instead of me looking at this as something that is gonna stop me from doing what I want to do, look at Rush, nothing stopped him, he&#8217;s so successful. Mom, I&#8217;m gonna be okay.&#8221;</p> <p>RUSH: Let me tell you something, honestly. That&#8217;s just incredible. I am so happy that he was informed enough to draw that conclusion and some inspiration from it, because I never hear that. I never hear that at all. And I think it&#8217;s political in nature &#8212;</p> <p>CALLER: That&#8217;s why I wanted to tell you.</p> <p>RUSH: That is dramatic, that is profound, and I can&#8217;t tell you &#8212; I mean, that almost makes losing my hearing worth it, if it&#8217;s providing inspiration to your son to withstand what happened to him.</p> <p>CALLER: Thank you. I just thought it was amazing that you&#8217;ve done something so great with Rush Revere and that impacted him in such a way that your own personal struggles became an inspiration to him, which was wonderful to me.</p> <p>RUSH: Well, I tell you what I want you to do. When we hang up here I want you to stay on the line, and we want to send &#8212; what is your son&#8217;s first name?</p> <p>CALLER: His name is Noah.</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rush-Revere-Presidency-Limbaugh/dp/1501156896/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1478090839&amp;amp;sr=8-1&amp;amp;keywords=RUsh+Revere+and+the+presidency" type="external" />RUSH: Noah. Okay. We want to send him some little goodies from the Rush Revere time-travel adventures world, and a couple of other things.</p> <p>CALLER: He&#8217;ll love that.</p> <p>RUSH: I really appreciate this. And, you know, you&#8217;re inspiring in your own way because this all happened because of a drunk driver. And I&#8217;m sure you questioned, &#8220;Why us? Why this?&#8221; You went through stages of anger and then you finally had to deal with it. It doesn&#8217;t sound at all like you have any bitterness about this at this stage, and that&#8217;s a true testament to you.</p> <p>CALLER: Well, it&#8217;s something that I definitely wrestle with, but it isn&#8217;t something that I want to define my son&#8217;s life, so we have to learn how to move past it.</p> <p>RUSH: Well, that&#8217;s great. You can&#8217;t believe how mature that is. When you say it&#8217;s not something you want to be defined by, you&#8217;re refusing to be a victim. And I can&#8217;t tell you how wonderful that is. I cannot tell you. Just for you and for Noah, to not look at this as making you both victims, that&#8217;s gonna mean so much as you go forward, I can&#8217;t tell you how much, but that&#8217;s fabulous.</p> <p>CALLER: Well, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your books and just tell you what a special place you have in our hearts.</p> <p>RUSH: Well, you have a place in ours as well, and we want to, in a small, little token type of way show you that, so hang on so we can get your address.</p> <p>CALLER: Okay, thank you, Rush.</p> <p>RUSH: You&#8217;re welcome.</p> <p>CALLER: Thank you for all you do.</p> <p>RUSH: I&#8217;m really grateful that you were able to get through today. All the thousands of people trying to call here, you made it through. So I appreciate that, too.</p> <p>CALLER: Thank you so much. You have a great day.</p> <p>RUSH: You do the same.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: Hey, Shana? One more&#8230; I don&#8217;t know. Call it piece of advice or just a thought that I meant to share with you that slipped my mind because I was so moved by what you had said. What I have found is that hearing loss, hearing challenge, deafness, whatever, is the only disability where the person suffering from it is blamed. And by this I mean if you see somebody who cannot walk, in a wheelchair, you never say, &#8220;I know you can walk. Get up! Don&#8217;t make us push you around all day.&#8221;</p> <p>If you run across somebody who&#8217;s blind, you don&#8217;t say, &#8220;Just try harder! I know you can see. You&#8217;re just faking everybody out.&#8221; But when people who have hearing loss, it&#8217;s amazing, because nobody&#8230; You can imagine being blind; you can close your eyes and you can it. You can imagine not being able to walk and not. Hearing loss, you can&#8217;t imagine. You cannot create deafness. You can cover your ears, you get plugs, you can get whatever, but you can hear some. You cannot imagine total deafness, and people who can hear cannot relate to people that can&#8217;t.</p> <p>I mean, I myself am guilty of this. My father, late in his life, was losing his hearing, and we just got sick and tired of him saying, &#8220;What? What?&#8221; And we just said, &#8220;He&#8217;s not even trying to hear. He&#8217;s not even trying to listen.&#8221; And you have since learned that it actually is the case. People think that if you just try harder, if you just pay more attention to them, if you weren&#8217;t looking around elsewhere while they&#8217;re speaking, or if you were whatever, that you could hear what they&#8217;re saying, and then there are times where you can hear them and people think you can&#8217;t.</p> <p>&#8220;See, I know you can hear! I know you can hear! You&#8217;re just faking it. You&#8217;re just using it to not have to talk to us.&#8221; I&#8217;ll give you an example: There is a place, one of the golf clubs that I go to, with a giant restaurant. And that room can be empty with just us at a table for four, and that room sounds like a thousand people are in it to me. For the longest time, it was frustrating &#8217;cause I literally couldn&#8217;t talk to people at my table and we were the only ones in there, and I looked around and it was the noise being made by the bartender just putting ice in glasses and clinking silverware around and moving bottles and stuff.</p> <p>The acoustics of that bar were making that room to me sound like a thousand people were in it. And if I took out my implant on my right side, it went away, and I was able to converse with people at the table. But they couldn&#8217;t relate to it. &#8220;What do you mean you can&#8217;t hear? We&#8217;re the only ones in here.&#8221; They didn&#8217;t hear the noise at the bar the way I did, the way my implants were making it sound to me. But it is the case. It&#8217;s the only disability where &#8212; and it&#8217;s not people trying to do it. It&#8217;s just they can hear and can&#8217;t relate to not being able to. And so that&#8217;s something to warn your son of, Shana, to be patient with people, because they can&#8217;t relate to it.</p> <p>And he can hear in one year anyway.</p> <p>That&#8217;s half the battle.</p>

rush shana springfield oregon im glad called welcome program caller hi rush honor talk rush thank much caller thanks taking call calling say thankful rush revere books um beginning school year son hit drunk driver rush oh caller suffered real serious skull fracture hes really long road recovery books blessing family enjoyed sit still hates helped pass many hours listening books relistening hes gone sleep listening hed trouble sleeping wanted say thankful writing inspiring children remember america love america rush blown away would take time call tell really sobering things hear cant thank enough caller well gets even better amazing kid one things happened result accident hes lost hearing one ears weve hoping praying heals would come back found week hes ever gon na hear ear choking sad days feeling like could handle crying gon na many obstacles life adult man coruse kept encouraging trying focus thoughts blessings still us beautiful lightbulb moment call share talking things tears sadness sudden said hey mom rush hearing loss said thats right buddy said nothing stops successful hearing loss successful wanted thank public figure inspire children im grateful rush wow really reached whew incredible look im going seconds hang break caller sure rush cause want talk sons hearing challenges things learned since lost mine would helpful break transcript rush back shana springfield oregon caller hi rush shana pardon pardon say shana caller im sorry yes im rush okay good gon na say got us crying eyes story whats happened son wanted talk sons hearing loss old caller turned 13 rush youve told doctors definitely lost hearing one ear caller correct yes rush retrievable caller permanent nerve damage rush permanent nerve damage caller yeah rush residual hearing whatsoever caller hear sounds like screeching kind sounds hear sounds theyre super magnified hear kind normal range rush know somebodys talking ear caller rush hear shower water like water running shower sounds like caller sound says hears like shrieking sounds ringing sounds ear rush may tinnitus however pronounce look lost hearing ears 2000 mine autoimmune attack use cochlear implants things advanced much zero mean literally nothing didnt even hear screeching mean nuclear bomb could go wouldnt hear werent wearing cochlear implants gotten much better know one ear done initially second ear done two three years ago made huge world difference son able regain hearing ear bionic electronic kind dont want supersede doctors told kinds possibilities caller right think hes gon na get hearing aid thats kinda weve come understand rush theres nothing fear whether cochlear implant tell people think spy secret agent think implants im wearing ear secret communication devices powerful people cia something caller thats said get kind like cia mom said dont think buddy would cool laughing rush well know something never problem differs person person never problem way make look able hear couldnt couldnt continue work didnt care took dont vanity regard doesnt change appearance anyway except side factor people know different concerns thing think confident look im trying supersede doctors dont know nature sons medical condition ear even people lost like audial nerve still functioning enough able carry information mine gets generated bionic electrodes implanted brain rather hair cells everybody else hears caller right rush theyre microscopic theres hundreds thousands ear hundreds thousands replaced essentially eight electrodes hell able function get tell something fear caller right blessed inspired moment like hey wait minute instead looking something gon na stop want look rush nothing stopped hes successful mom im gon na okay rush let tell something honestly thats incredible happy informed enough draw conclusion inspiration never hear never hear think political nature caller thats wanted tell rush dramatic profound cant tell mean almost makes losing hearing worth providing inspiration son withstand happened caller thank thought amazing youve done something great rush revere impacted way personal struggles became inspiration wonderful rush well tell want hang want stay line want send sons first name caller name noah rush noah okay want send little goodies rush revere timetravel adventures world couple things caller hell love rush really appreciate know youre inspiring way happened drunk driver im sure questioned us went stages anger finally deal doesnt sound like bitterness stage thats true testament caller well something definitely wrestle isnt something want define sons life learn move past rush well thats great cant believe mature say something want defined youre refusing victim cant tell wonderful tell noah look making victims thats gon na mean much go forward cant tell much thats fabulous caller well wanted thank bottom hearts books tell special place hearts rush well place well want small little token type way show hang get address caller okay thank rush rush youre welcome caller thank rush im really grateful able get today thousands people trying call made appreciate caller thank much great day rush break transcript rush hey shana one dont know call piece advice thought meant share slipped mind moved said found hearing loss hearing challenge deafness whatever disability person suffering blamed mean see somebody walk wheelchair never say know walk get dont make us push around day run across somebody whos blind dont say try harder know see youre faking everybody people hearing loss amazing nobody imagine blind close eyes imagine able walk hearing loss cant imagine create deafness cover ears get plugs get whatever hear imagine total deafness people hear relate people cant mean guilty father late life losing hearing got sick tired saying said hes even trying hear hes even trying listen since learned actually case people think try harder pay attention werent looking around elsewhere theyre speaking whatever could hear theyre saying times hear people think cant see know hear know hear youre faking youre using talk us ill give example place one golf clubs go giant restaurant room empty us table four room sounds like thousand people longest time frustrating cause literally couldnt talk people table ones looked around noise made bartender putting ice glasses clinking silverware around moving bottles stuff acoustics bar making room sound like thousand people took implant right side went away able converse people table couldnt relate mean cant hear ones didnt hear noise bar way way implants making sound case disability people trying hear cant relate able thats something warn son shana patient people cant relate hear one year anyway thats half battle

<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> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Today's Question: Do you think artificial intelligence (AI) will change <a href="https://www.recruiter.com/recruiting.html" type="external">recruiting Opens a New Window.</a> and hiring? How so? Or, do you think the effects of AI are overstated? Why?</p> <p>1. AI Will Change the Way We Assess &#8211; and Develop &#8211;&amp;#160;Soft Skills</p> <p>Artificial intelligence will help organizations place employees within roles and teams that make the most sense based on their specific skill sets, both hard and soft.</p> <p>While it's relatively easy to detect hard skills via someone's resume or work background, it's more difficult to assess soft skills and one's propensity to succeed as a manager. Tools designed to score and ultimately coach these types of soft skills will be critical when it comes to placing employees in roles within an organization, and even externally. It's not far-fetched to envision a future in which this data is transported as employees move from job to job, serving as an ever-evolving profile designed to match employees with the best opportunities, and vice versa.</p> <p>&#8212; David Mendlewicz, <a href="https://www.butterfly.ai/" type="external">Butterfly Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=@davidpixl" type="external">Twitter Social Network Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>2. AI: A Corporate Lie Detector</p> <p>I think the one thing that people might not have thought about is how AI will be used as a lie detector.</p> <p>There are many tells when a person is lying, from where they look to the stress levels in their voice. By combining a camera that observes eye movement with voice-stress analysis, HR managers will be able to use nothing more complicated than a webcam and their computer microphone to analyze an interview and see flags of potential deceit or, at minimum, concern.</p> <p>The foundational technologies are all there. It's only a matter of time before the tools of the FBI and CIA become cheap enough to sit in a boardroom.</p> <p>&#8212; Sean MacPhedran, <a href="http://www.smith.co/" type="external">SMITH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=seanmacphedran" type="external">Twitter Social Network Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>3. AI Can Do Great Things &#8211; But We Should Be Careful About How We Use the Term</p> <p>I don't think the effects of AI are overstated, but I do think "AI" is being thrown around a little too loosely in the recruitment software industry. Anybody with a simple machine-learning algorithm is claiming to offer AI as part of their recruitment solution. I think that, at least in the beginning, software companies with more marketers than engineers will give it a bad rap. So, for the relatively "weak" AI offerings, the effects will be overstated. Since "AI" is being used so loosely, it's more critical than ever that the talent acquisition function tracks relevant recruiting data.</p> <p>&#8212; Jon-Mark Sabel, <a href="https://www.hirevue.com/" type="external">HireVue</a></p> <p>4. What's Time-Intensive for Recruiters Is Child's Play for AI</p> <p>Right now, AI still has its flaws, but its real strength is pattern recognition. Its role in recruiting in today's world is first to analyze resumes and social media profiles.</p> <p>Let's take a simple example: AI could easily sort through thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, scanning for grammatical errors. It could eliminate thousands of candidates simply based on the frequency of grammar and spelling errors in a matter of seconds. Then, it could analyze keyword frequencies used to see what knowledge base and interests candidates have. This is an extremely time-intensive activity for humans, but child's play for AI, which means that companies could quickly create their short lists in a non-scary, robots-aren't-taking-over kind of way.</p> <p>&#8212; Carrie Wood, <a href="https://www.leaseref.com/" type="external">Lease Ref Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=@Lease_Ref" type="external">Twitter Social Network Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>5. Goodbye, Black Hole</p> <p>Because the economy has been growing and unemployment has been shrinking, companies are feeling the squeeze when it comes to finding talent. Companies with high-volume openings (like sales or customer service) are especially challenged with both building talent pools and qualifying candidates in a timely fashion. For these types of roles, candidates simply aren't waiting around for opportunities; companies have to engage quickly or risk losing the candidate.</p> <p>AI could potentially eliminate the candidate black hole, A.K.A, the corporate ATS. Companies with high-volume needs can see a huge benefit in AI tools that auto-match candidates to current requisitions, eliminating time-consuming searching and reviewing. This allows relevant candidates to get to the front of the line and creates a better candidate experience.</p> <p>&#8212; Sabrina N. Balmick, <a href="http://acatalent.com/" type="external">ACA Talent</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=acatalent" type="external">Twitter Social Network Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>6. Recruiting Is in a Sorry State Today &#8211;&amp;#160;But Maybe AI Will Change That</p> <p>I very much hope AI will change recruiting and hiring because it is in a sorry state at the moment.</p> <p>With ATS, avatars doing videos, and pre-interview testing that takes the candidate hours to do, companies have taken what should be an engaging relationship-based process and turned it into a transaction &#8211; all based on fake precision. Does any recruiter or manager really believe that the five people with the most keywords in their resumes are the most qualified candidates? Or are they just the best resume writers?</p> <p>Since companies aren't about to abandon these tools, I believe AI will at least be able to read the context of a resume rather than just keywords. Moreover, AI will allow the accessing of Facebook, LinkedIn, school databases, companies, associations, etc., in the future to complete a picture of someone's career trajectory, interests, and strengths. Then, the recruiter can reach out to the individual and engage them person to person!</p> <p>&#8212; Dave Denaro, <a href="http://www.keystonepartners.com/" type="external">Keystone Partners</a></p> <p>7. Don't Let the Hype Distract You</p> <p>The hype that comes with the incremental developments in AI technology often seems to supersede the immediate impact. There's no denying machine learning and automation tools will have significant impacts on recruiting, especially in terms of early-stage tasks, as the ability to move quickly and maintain up-to-date, detailed information is imperative in today's staffing market. While there's a lot of buzz around how AI tools will provide more flexibility in the research phase of the recruiting process, ultimately, it continues to be up to the actual recruiter to understand and navigate the challenges of placing the right candidate in the right position.</p> <p>&#8212; Hilary Craft, <a href="http://www.addisongroup.com/" type="external">Addison Group Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=@Addison__Group" type="external">Twitter Social Network</a></p>

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 think artificial intelligence ai change recruiting opens new window hiring think effects ai overstated 1 ai change way assess develop 160soft skills artificial intelligence help organizations place employees within roles teams make sense based specific skill sets hard soft relatively easy detect hard skills via someones resume work background difficult assess soft skills ones propensity succeed manager tools designed score ultimately coach types soft skills critical comes placing employees roles within organization even externally farfetched envision future data transported employees move job job serving everevolving profile designed match employees best opportunities vice versa david mendlewicz butterfly opens new window twitter social network opens new window advertisement 2 ai corporate lie detector think one thing people might thought ai used lie detector many tells person lying look stress levels voice combining camera observes eye movement voicestress analysis hr managers able use nothing complicated webcam computer microphone analyze interview see flags potential deceit minimum concern foundational technologies matter time tools fbi cia become cheap enough sit boardroom sean macphedran smith twitter social network opens new window 3 ai great things careful use term dont think effects ai overstated think ai thrown around little loosely recruitment software industry anybody simple machinelearning algorithm claiming offer ai part recruitment solution think least beginning software companies marketers engineers give bad rap relatively weak ai offerings effects overstated since ai used loosely critical ever talent acquisition function tracks relevant recruiting data jonmark sabel hirevue 4 whats timeintensive recruiters childs play ai right ai still flaws real strength pattern recognition role recruiting todays world first analyze resumes social media profiles lets take simple example ai could easily sort thousands resumes linkedin profiles scanning grammatical errors could eliminate thousands candidates simply based frequency grammar spelling errors matter seconds could analyze keyword frequencies used see knowledge base interests candidates extremely timeintensive activity humans childs play ai means companies could quickly create short lists nonscary robotsarenttakingover kind way carrie wood lease ref opens new window twitter social network opens new window 5 goodbye black hole economy growing unemployment shrinking companies feeling squeeze comes finding talent companies highvolume openings like sales customer service especially challenged building talent pools qualifying candidates timely fashion types roles candidates simply arent waiting around opportunities companies engage quickly risk losing candidate ai could potentially eliminate candidate black hole aka corporate ats companies highvolume needs see huge benefit ai tools automatch candidates current requisitions eliminating timeconsuming searching reviewing allows relevant candidates get front line creates better candidate experience sabrina n balmick aca talent twitter social network opens new window 6 recruiting sorry state today 160but maybe ai change much hope ai change recruiting hiring sorry state moment ats avatars videos preinterview testing takes candidate hours companies taken engaging relationshipbased process turned transaction based fake precision recruiter manager really believe five people keywords resumes qualified candidates best resume writers since companies arent abandon tools believe ai least able read context resume rather keywords moreover ai allow accessing facebook linkedin school databases companies associations etc future complete picture someones career trajectory interests strengths recruiter reach individual engage person person dave denaro keystone partners 7 dont let hype distract hype comes incremental developments ai technology often seems supersede immediate impact theres denying machine learning automation tools significant impacts recruiting especially terms earlystage tasks ability move quickly maintain uptodate detailed information imperative todays staffing market theres lot buzz around ai tools provide flexibility research phase recruiting process ultimately continues actual recruiter understand navigate challenges placing right candidate right position hilary craft addison group opens new window twitter social network

<p>Amazon.com Inc. this week added hundreds of new Whole Foods products to its website in a bid to get consumers to finally buy their groceries online.</p> <p>Online grocery shopping accounts for less than 5% of the nearly $800 billion in food and beverage sales in the U.S., despite Amazon and others rolling out deliveries in major U.S. metro areas. Buying groceries online has been slow to take hold because of consumers' desire to touch and smell fresh produce before buying it, as well as price concerns and limits to where it's available.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Now Amazon's $13.5 billion acquisition of grocery chain Whole Foods Market Inc., which closed this week, is providing a new impetus for online grocery shopping. Amazon has expanded its catalog with Whole Foods groceries at the same prices as in stores, and could use Whole Foods' 470 stores as hubs for online pickups and deliveries.</p> <p>Food retailers that have both physical stores and e-commerce offerings have done better in capturing the online grocery market so far. Twenty-two percent of consumers surveyed in April by Morgan Stanley had shopped for food from a nearby supermarket's website, while only 13% had done so from an online-only grocery service.</p> <p>"I don't want some guy picking out my tomatoes or my zucchini. I'm just going to get shoveled whatever is on top of the bin," said Skip Olinger, a 64-year-old retired shipping container executive from Sonoma, Calif., who spends upward of $100 a week at a local Whole Foods.</p> <p>While stock prices of traditional grocers have tanked in the past week over Amazon's price cuts in Whole Foods stores, the greater menace to their business could be Amazon's online grocery ambitions, especially if Amazon drives down prices further, analysts said.</p> <p>"The biggest threat is what Amazon can do online. There's only so much reach the stores can achieve," said William Kirk, an analyst for RBC Capital Markets, LLC.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Amazon declined to comment beyond a statement issued last week, which said that several of Whole Foods private labels, including 365 Everyday Value, would be available on Amazon.com and via several of its grocery delivery options.</p> <p>The new Whole Foods category on Amazon.com for customers of AmazonFresh, its online grocery delivery service, turns up nearly 900 results for everything from $4.99 organic vanilla ice cream to $6.99 creamy almond butter. On Amazon's Prime Now app, which offers faster delivery, about 90 products are available to start. Amazon said previously it would add other private label brands to its selection.</p> <p>Amazon's strategy for selling Whole Foods online is likely twofold, analysts say. Private label products are typically higher-margin due to lower production and marketing costs, helping add a profitable new category on the site. And Whole Foods' cachet as a healthy lifestyle brand could entice more shoppers to add food to their online shopping cart.</p> <p>Amazon's push into food started in earnest in 2007, when it launched AmazonFresh in Seattle. Fresh costs $15 extra a month on top of Amazon's $99 annual Prime membership fee. But it's tricky to handle perishable items, such as ice cream in the summer heat, and the business is costly, requiring expensive refrigerated storage that thins profit margins. After testing it for about six years in its hometown, Amazon rolled it out to more than 20 U.S. markets, as well as London, Berlin and Tokyo.</p> <p>Adding to its grocery business, Amazon's Prime Now offers a more limited selection of food with one- and two-hour delivery. In some of the 50 markets where it operates, Prime Now joined in grocery delivery with Sprouts Farmers Markets Inc. The online retail giant recently opened two brick-and-mortar AmazonFresh stores in Seattle for pickup of online orders.</p> <p>But online grocery has become increasingly crowded. Delivery services such as Instacart Inc., Peapod LLC, Shipt Inc. and FreshDirect LLC have expanded nationally. Instacart has handled Whole Foods online orders since 2014. (Instacart executives have declined to say what Amazon's merger with Whole Foods will mean for its business.)</p> <p>Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Kroger Co. have rolled out in-store pickup for online orders.</p> <p>While Amazon hasn't outlined exactly how it might use Whole Foods to bolster its online delivery options, people familiar with the matter have said that it's likely to introduce online grocery pickup in stores. In an announcement last week, Amazon said it would be adding lockers for package pickups in store. It is unclear if the lockers will be used for food orders.</p> <p>Still, the higher prices charged by Whole Foods for its organic store goods could limit sales on a mass market platform such as Amazon, analysts say. Whole Foods diapers, sandwich bags and other dry goods that drive its private-label sales will also compete with Amazon's own private labels and other cheaper offerings.</p> <p>Analysts say that adding Whole Foods private labels will help Amazon quickly track product data online that is harder to obtain in stores, helping it identify how its new pricing changes and offerings are taking effect.</p> <p>"This is a great social experiment from a data perspective," says Mike Kim, a director at data performance consultancy AArete.</p> <p>Write to Laura Stevens at [email protected] and Heather Haddon at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>August 30, 2017 05:44 ET (09:44 GMT)</p>

amazoncom inc week added hundreds new whole foods products website bid get consumers finally buy groceries online online grocery shopping accounts less 5 nearly 800 billion food beverage sales us despite amazon others rolling deliveries major us metro areas buying groceries online slow take hold consumers desire touch smell fresh produce buying well price concerns limits available continue reading amazons 135 billion acquisition grocery chain whole foods market inc closed week providing new impetus online grocery shopping amazon expanded catalog whole foods groceries prices stores could use whole foods 470 stores hubs online pickups deliveries food retailers physical stores ecommerce offerings done better capturing online grocery market far twentytwo percent consumers surveyed april morgan stanley shopped food nearby supermarkets website 13 done onlineonly grocery service dont want guy picking tomatoes zucchini im going get shoveled whatever top bin said skip olinger 64yearold retired shipping container executive sonoma calif spends upward 100 week local whole foods stock prices traditional grocers tanked past week amazons price cuts whole foods stores greater menace business could amazons online grocery ambitions especially amazon drives prices analysts said biggest threat amazon online theres much reach stores achieve said william kirk analyst rbc capital markets llc advertisement amazon declined comment beyond statement issued last week said several whole foods private labels including 365 everyday value would available amazoncom via several grocery delivery options new whole foods category amazoncom customers amazonfresh online grocery delivery service turns nearly 900 results everything 499 organic vanilla ice cream 699 creamy almond butter amazons prime app offers faster delivery 90 products available start amazon said previously would add private label brands selection amazons strategy selling whole foods online likely twofold analysts say private label products typically highermargin due lower production marketing costs helping add profitable new category site whole foods cachet healthy lifestyle brand could entice shoppers add food online shopping cart amazons push food started earnest 2007 launched amazonfresh seattle fresh costs 15 extra month top amazons 99 annual prime membership fee tricky handle perishable items ice cream summer heat business costly requiring expensive refrigerated storage thins profit margins testing six years hometown amazon rolled 20 us markets well london berlin tokyo adding grocery business amazons prime offers limited selection food one twohour delivery 50 markets operates prime joined grocery delivery sprouts farmers markets inc online retail giant recently opened two brickandmortar amazonfresh stores seattle pickup online orders online grocery become increasingly crowded delivery services instacart inc peapod llc shipt inc freshdirect llc expanded nationally instacart handled whole foods online orders since 2014 instacart executives declined say amazons merger whole foods mean business walmart stores inc kroger co rolled instore pickup online orders amazon hasnt outlined exactly might use whole foods bolster online delivery options people familiar matter said likely introduce online grocery pickup stores announcement last week amazon said would adding lockers package pickups store unclear lockers used food orders still higher prices charged whole foods organic store goods could limit sales mass market platform amazon analysts say whole foods diapers sandwich bags dry goods drive privatelabel sales also compete amazons private labels cheaper offerings analysts say adding whole foods private labels help amazon quickly track product data online harder obtain stores helping identify new pricing changes offerings taking effect great social experiment data perspective says mike kim director data performance consultancy aarete write laura stevens laurastevenswsjcom heather haddon heatherhaddonwsjcom end dow jones newswires august 30 2017 0544 et 0944 gmt

<p /> <p>Image Source: Marathon Oil corporate website</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Investors considering Marathon Oil Corporation need to be aware of something. It's information that you aren't going to find in the company's investor presentation, because this isn't the kind of thing to be proud of.</p> <p>I'm going to lay it out in full for you, because before you purchase shares of Marathon you need to know about it.</p> <p>A share repurchase plan -- buying highFor oil producers, the following chart of WTI oil prices looks really pretty if you focus on the time period from the start of 2012 through mid-2014. Over that time period, oil prices stayed in a rather tight range, bouncing between $85 and $110 per barrel.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/indicators/crude_oil_spot_price" type="external">WTI Crude Oil Spot Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>As those prices, oil producers generate a lot of cash flow. Marathon Oil Corporation was no exception. Cash flow from operations for Marathon for those three years came in as follows:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>With all of that cash flow coming in, Marathon needed to decide how to use it. One decision the company made was to repurchase shares.</p> <p>In 2013, Marathon spent $513 million repurchasing 14 million shares at an average price of $36.64 per share. In 2014 the company spent even more, deploying $1.015 billion repurchasing 29 million shares at an average price of $35 per share.</p> <p>Now, I'm sure the company was trying to reward shareholders by repurchasing shares. The problem is that I'm not sure what the logic behind the share repurchase decision itself was.</p> <p>A side effect for oil producers of high oil prices and the resulting strong cash flows is a high share price. By using that $1.5 billion of cash to repurchase shares when oil prices were high, Marathon's board of directors and management were effectively buying at the worst possible time.</p> <p>That isn't good, but the story gets even worse.</p> <p>A share issuance plan -- selling lowBuying back shares when the price is high and then stopping the repurchasing when cash flows and the share price tumbles is less than ideal. For Marathon shareholders, there's an even more bitter pill to swallow.</p> <p>After spending $1.5 billion of shareholder cash to repurchase 43 million shares at an average price of more than $35 per share in 2013 and 2014, Marathon announced on Feb. 29 that it will issue 145 million shares at $7.65 per share.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/MRO" type="external">MRO</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p> <p>Drink those numbers in for a moment. Marathon just told its shareholders that it will issue more than 3 times as many shares as it had repurchased and that it would be doing it at one-fifth the price it had paid. All of this within two years.</p> <p>Under pressureWhenever I've made a mistake, my father has always been there to tell me that "hindsight is 20-20" to try to make me feel better. Yes, that is certainly a valid point when it comes to Marathon's share count horror story. Not many people saw this oil crash coming.</p> <p>However, there are a couple of things that I would point out.</p> <p>One is that this is a very cyclical business. We only need to go back to 2008 for the last oil crash, and the one before that was only 10 years prior. My second point is that the people at the top of a company such as Marathon make huge amounts of money because they're supposed to have the experience and ability to do better than this.</p> <p>The question I would like answered is, why don't more of these companies let cash build on their balance sheets during the good times, so that it's there when the next crash inevitably comes around? I suspect the answer would be that the analysts that cover these companies and the funds that own the majority of the shares wouldn't allow it.</p> <p>If a management team chose to let cash build up in the bank they would be called on to do something with it almost immediately. Heck, a management team that tried to use this kind of long term strategy would likely be at risk of losing their jobs. The investors in these companies are likely just as much to blame for the short term thinking that pushes these companies to the brink during oil crashes as management is.</p> <p>Tough to swallow, but probably the right decisionYou might be surprised that I don't think the equity issuance at these depressed prices is a mistake. This is the corner the company has backed itself into.</p> <p>This issue came up in the Q4 earnings conference <a href="http://seekingalpha.com/article/3907696-marathon-oil-mro-lee-m-tillman-q4-2015-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=single" type="external">call Opens a New Window.</a>, with one analyst asking how Marathon expected to cover a nearly $600 million spending shortfall (using current strip pricing).</p> <p>Marathon's plan for that is a non-core asset sale target of $750 million to $1 billion and the fact that it has $4.2 billion of liquidity in the form of $1.2 billion in cash and an undrawn $3 billion revolving credit facility.</p> <p>Selling assets at this point in time is a tough endeavor if you're looking for a decent price, and tapping into the revolving credit facility isn't a great option, either, with a $750 million debt maturity in 2017.</p> <p>In the end, the equity issuance is probably the best option, although one that only the investment bankers who are getting the fees will love. For investors looking at Marathon, I'd suggest taking a pass and looking elsewhere. Your money probably deserves better than what this team has shown it can do.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/29/marathon-oils-epic-mismanagement-of-its-share-coun.aspx" type="external">Marathon Oil's Epic Mismanagement of Its Share Count Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFWolfpack/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFWolfpack Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source marathon oil corporate website continue reading investors considering marathon oil corporation need aware something information arent going find companys investor presentation isnt kind thing proud im going lay full purchase shares marathon need know share repurchase plan buying highfor oil producers following chart wti oil prices looks really pretty focus time period start 2012 mid2014 time period oil prices stayed rather tight range bouncing 85 110 per barrel wti crude oil spot price data ycharts opens new window prices oil producers generate lot cash flow marathon oil corporation exception cash flow operations marathon three years came follows advertisement cash flow coming marathon needed decide use one decision company made repurchase shares 2013 marathon spent 513 million repurchasing 14 million shares average price 3664 per share 2014 company spent even deploying 1015 billion repurchasing 29 million shares average price 35 per share im sure company trying reward shareholders repurchasing shares problem im sure logic behind share repurchase decision side effect oil producers high oil prices resulting strong cash flows high share price using 15 billion cash repurchase shares oil prices high marathons board directors management effectively buying worst possible time isnt good story gets even worse share issuance plan selling lowbuying back shares price high stopping repurchasing cash flows share price tumbles less ideal marathon shareholders theres even bitter pill swallow spending 15 billion shareholder cash repurchase 43 million shares average price 35 per share 2013 2014 marathon announced feb 29 issue 145 million shares 765 per share mro data ycharts drink numbers moment marathon told shareholders issue 3 times many shares repurchased would onefifth price paid within two years pressurewhenever ive made mistake father always tell hindsight 2020 try make feel better yes certainly valid point comes marathons share count horror story many people saw oil crash coming however couple things would point one cyclical business need go back 2008 last oil crash one 10 years prior second point people top company marathon make huge amounts money theyre supposed experience ability better question would like answered dont companies let cash build balance sheets good times next crash inevitably comes around suspect answer would analysts cover companies funds majority shares wouldnt allow management team chose let cash build bank would called something almost immediately heck management team tried use kind long term strategy would likely risk losing jobs investors companies likely much blame short term thinking pushes companies brink oil crashes management tough swallow probably right decisionyou might surprised dont think equity issuance depressed prices mistake corner company backed issue came q4 earnings conference call opens new window one analyst asking marathon expected cover nearly 600 million spending shortfall using current strip pricing marathons plan noncore asset sale target 750 million 1 billion fact 42 billion liquidity form 12 billion cash undrawn 3 billion revolving credit facility selling assets point time tough endeavor youre looking decent price tapping revolving credit facility isnt great option either 750 million debt maturity 2017 end equity issuance probably best option although one investment bankers getting fees love investors looking marathon id suggest taking pass looking elsewhere money probably deserves better team shown article marathon oils epic mismanagement share count opens new window originally appeared foolcom tmfwolfpack opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>AP</p> <p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">CJ Ciaramella</a> February 8, 2012 5:00 am</p> <p>The Obama administration and Congress have renewed a push for increased natural gas production in the U.S., but behind their claims of reduced oil consumption and pollution are a network of financial interests, cozy relationships, and wealthy investors.</p> <p>In his State of the Union <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/24/remarks-president-state-union-address" type="external">address</a> and in a <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/26/remarks-president-american-energy-aurora-colorado" type="external">Jan. 26 speech</a>, President Obama touted natural gas as the next big thing in American energy. Obama called the U.S. the "Saudi Arabia of natural gas" and said expanding natural gas production could create up to 600,000 jobs over the next decade.</p> <p>Congress is working on legislation that would turn Obama&#8217;s plan into a reality. The New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011, or <a href="http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h1380/show" type="external">NAT GAS Act</a>, would provide tax breaks and financial perks for the natural gas industry, as well as companies and municipalities that convert trucks and buses to natural gas.</p> <p>The bill includes infrastructure credits for installing fueling stations, along with tax credits good for up to $7,500 for passenger trucks and $64,000 for commercial trucks that run on natural gas fuels.</p> <p>All told, the NAT GAS Act amounts to about $5 billion in new handouts to the natural gas industry while not expanding natural gas exploration.</p> <p>The company that stands to benefit the most from the NAT GAS Act is Clean Energy Fuels, a company founded by oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens.</p> <p>Pickens has aggressively lobbied the legislative and executive branch to expand natural gas production in the U.S. since 2008, when he introduced his Pickens Plan. Pickens claims to have spent $100 million educating "the public and Washington policymakers on the need to address the OPEC oil threat."</p> <p>The billionaire claims that increased natural gas production will reduce pollution and dependence on foreign oil. His motives aren&#8217;t entirely altruistic, however: Pickens is also protecting his investments. He is the single biggest shareholder in Clean Energy Fuels. He owned options to buy 15 million more shares of Clean Energy at $10 a share. Those options expired on Dec. 28, but not before Pickens&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/898680/000119312512002227/d276022dex997.htm" type="external">bought</a> one million shares of Clean Energy stock.</p> <p>By conservative estimates, the passage of the NAT GAS Act or similar executive policy could be worth tens of millions of dollars to Pickens. But if the legislation fails, it will be a hard blow to the company.</p> <p>In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Clean Energy Fuels admits its success is subsidy-dependent: "Our business plan and the ability of our business to successfully grow depends in part on the extension of the federal fuel excise tax credit for natural gas vehicle fuel, the reinstatement and extension of the federal income tax credit for the purchase of natural gas vehicles and the passage of legislation providing for additional incentives for the sale and use of natural gas vehicles."</p> <p>The market is aware of this: When the NAT GAS Act was introduced in the Senate on Nov. 15, stock prices in Clean Energy Fuels jumped from $11.73 a share to close the day at $13.50.</p> <p>The bill was expected to reach the floor of both chambers sometime in December, but Congress ground to a halt in a fight over the payroll tax extension. Clean Energy Fuels share-prices dipped in mid-December back down to around $11. Since Congress has come back in session, stock prices have risen to $16 a share.</p> <p>Another company that stands to profit handsomely from the passage of the NAT GAS Act is Westport Innovations, a provider of technology that allows engines to operate on clean-burning fuels. According to his <a href="http://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1029160/000101143811000328/form_13f-soros.txt" type="external">latest SEC filings</a>, billionaire investor and liberal philanthropist George Soros owns more than 3 million shares of Westport, making it one of his largest holdings.</p> <p>Pickens was also a shareholder in Westport until late 2008 or early 2009, and then sold his entire stake&#8212;just under 800,000 shares&#8212;in early 2009, when the NAT GAS Act was first introduced.</p> <p>Pickens and the natural gas industry have curried the support of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), as well as other influential Democrats like Oklahoma&#8217;s Rep. Dan Boren.</p> <p>In the last election Pickens&#8217; wife gave Reid the maximum contribution, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Reid invited Pickens to his 2009 National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas.</p> <p>Pelosi has a more concrete stake in the bill. In 2007, Pelosi snatched up to $100,000 worth of shares of Clean Energy stock in the company&#8217;s initial public offering. Since then, she has been a cheerleader for natural gas. For example, she included the NAT GAS Act in her <a href="http://www.democraticleader.gov/issues?id=0077" type="external">"Make it in America" initiative</a>.</p> <p>Then there&#8217;s Boren, the co-chair of the House Natural Gas Caucus and a member of the House Natural Resources Committee.</p> <p>The New York Times <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/us/politics/dan-boren-oklahoma-lawmaker-shares-in-gas-field-bounty.html?pagewanted=all" type="external">reported</a> that Pickens and Clean Energy executives have given at least $24,000 to Boren&#8217;s campaigns, and the American Gas Association sponsored an "Energy Industry Breakfast" for Boren in 2010 at its Washington headquarters. Boren co-sponsored legislation drafted with Pickens three times in the past three years.</p> <p>Both Boren&#8217;s father and stepfather are in the gas industry. Boren partially owns two businesses that have made lucrative deals with Chesapeake Energy.</p> <p>Chesapeake Energy is the second-largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and a top donor to Boren&#8217;s campaigns.</p> <p>"There&#8217;s zero conflict," Boren <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/us/politics/dan-boren-oklahoma-lawmaker-shares-in-gas-field-bounty.html?pagewanted=all" type="external">told the New York Times</a>. "It&#8217;s like if you are living in a timber community and your parents are working for the local mill. You should go and advocate for your local mill, even if you derive some benefit from it."</p> <p>Pickens has been busy on the executive side, too. According to <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/visitor-records" type="external">visitor logs</a>, Pickens has visited the White House seven times since Obama took office, twice to meet with former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and once to meet with former senior advisor David Axelrod.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>The NAT GAS Act is also supported by a number of Republicans, including House Speaker John Boehner.</p> <p>Supporters, like the <a href="http://dpc.senate.gov/files_energybill/natural_gas_vehicles.pdf" type="external">Senate Democratic Policy Committee</a>, cite natural gas industry projections that the "program will create more than 100,000 direct manufacturing and labor jobs and more than 450,000 indirect jobs."</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/04/american_fuel.html" type="external">Center for American Progress produced an analysis</a> arguing that a transition to natural gas trucks and buses could reduce oil use by at least 1.2 million barrels per day by 2035 or sooner if the NAT GAS Act were adopted and implemented. That analysis is suspect, however, as Soros&#8212;who stands to profit handsomely if the bill is passed&#8212;is one of CAP&#8217;s major funders.</p> <p>Unlike the NAT GAS Act, Obama&#8217;s proposal would also make approximately 38 million acres of land available in a lease sale that could result in production of 1 billion barrels of oil and 4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.</p> <p>Opposition to the bill and the president&#8217;s plans has come from the oil industry and free-market groups, who argue that the bill would distort markets by giving special handouts to the natural gas industry.</p> <p>Americans For Prosperity, along with other groups such as the Heritage Action for America, Club for Growth, and the National Taxpayers Union, sent <a href="http://www.americansforprosperity.org/013012-conservative-coalition-comes-together-stop-nat-gas" type="external">a letter</a> to Congress urging members to oppose the NAT GAS Act</p> <p>"We believe that evenly applying low taxation across the board allows market participants to make choices that are not manipulated by Washington policymakers," the letter reads. "By targeting tax preferences toward one type of transportation fuel&#8212;natural gas&#8212;the NAT GAS Act does the exact opposite. America&#8217;s tax code is already overburdened with too many carve outs for special interests that raise compliance costs, distort decision making, and advantage the politically well connected. The last thing Congress should be doing is making the tax code more complex."</p>

ap cj ciaramella february 8 2012 500 obama administration congress renewed push increased natural gas production us behind claims reduced oil consumption pollution network financial interests cozy relationships wealthy investors state union address jan 26 speech president obama touted natural gas next big thing american energy obama called us saudi arabia natural gas said expanding natural gas production could create 600000 jobs next decade congress working legislation would turn obamas plan reality new alternative transportation give americans solutions act 2011 nat gas act would provide tax breaks financial perks natural gas industry well companies municipalities convert trucks buses natural gas bill includes infrastructure credits installing fueling stations along tax credits good 7500 passenger trucks 64000 commercial trucks run natural gas fuels told nat gas act amounts 5 billion new handouts natural gas industry expanding natural gas exploration company stands benefit nat gas act clean energy fuels company founded oil tycoon boone pickens pickens aggressively lobbied legislative executive branch expand natural gas production us since 2008 introduced pickens plan pickens claims spent 100 million educating public washington policymakers need address opec oil threat billionaire claims increased natural gas production reduce pollution dependence foreign oil motives arent entirely altruistic however pickens also protecting investments single biggest shareholder clean energy fuels owned options buy 15 million shares clean energy 10 share options expired dec 28 pickens160 bought one million shares clean energy stock conservative estimates passage nat gas act similar executive policy could worth tens millions dollars pickens legislation fails hard blow company filing securities exchange commission clean energy fuels admits success subsidydependent business plan ability business successfully grow depends part extension federal fuel excise tax credit natural gas vehicle fuel reinstatement extension federal income tax credit purchase natural gas vehicles passage legislation providing additional incentives sale use natural gas vehicles market aware nat gas act introduced senate nov 15 stock prices clean energy fuels jumped 1173 share close day 1350 bill expected reach floor chambers sometime december congress ground halt fight payroll tax extension clean energy fuels shareprices dipped middecember back around 11 since congress come back session stock prices risen 16 share another company stands profit handsomely passage nat gas act westport innovations provider technology allows engines operate cleanburning fuels according latest sec filings billionaire investor liberal philanthropist george soros owns 3 million shares westport making one largest holdings pickens also shareholder westport late 2008 early 2009 sold entire stakejust 800000 sharesin early 2009 nat gas act first introduced pickens natural gas industry curried support house minority leader nancy pelosi dcalif senate majority leader harry reid dnev well influential democrats like oklahomas rep dan boren last election pickens wife gave reid maximum contribution according center responsive politics reid invited pickens 2009 national clean energy summit las vegas pelosi concrete stake bill 2007 pelosi snatched 100000 worth shares clean energy stock companys initial public offering since cheerleader natural gas example included nat gas act make america initiative theres boren cochair house natural gas caucus member house natural resources committee new york times reported pickens clean energy executives given least 24000 borens campaigns american gas association sponsored energy industry breakfast boren 2010 washington headquarters boren cosponsored legislation drafted pickens three times past three years borens father stepfather gas industry boren partially owns two businesses made lucrative deals chesapeake energy chesapeake energy secondlargest natural gas producer us top donor borens campaigns theres zero conflict boren told new york times like living timber community parents working local mill go advocate local mill even derive benefit pickens busy executive side according visitor logs pickens visited white house seven times since obama took office twice meet former white house chief staff rahm emanuel meet former senior advisor david axelrod 160 nat gas act also supported number republicans including house speaker john boehner supporters like senate democratic policy committee cite natural gas industry projections program create 100000 direct manufacturing labor jobs 450000 indirect jobs center american progress produced analysis arguing transition natural gas trucks buses could reduce oil use least 12 million barrels per day 2035 sooner nat gas act adopted implemented analysis suspect however soroswho stands profit handsomely bill passedis one caps major funders unlike nat gas act obamas proposal would also make approximately 38 million acres land available lease sale could result production 1 billion barrels oil 4 trillion cubic feet natural gas opposition bill presidents plans come oil industry freemarket groups argue bill would distort markets giving special handouts natural gas industry americans prosperity along groups heritage action america club growth national taxpayers union sent letter congress urging members oppose nat gas act believe evenly applying low taxation across board allows market participants make choices manipulated washington policymakers letter reads targeting tax preferences toward one type transportation fuelnatural gasthe nat gas act exact opposite americas tax code already overburdened many carve outs special interests raise compliance costs distort decision making advantage politically well connected last thing congress making tax code complex

<p /> <p>If the merger between Bayer and Monsanto makes it past regulators and shareholders it will create a global crop sciences giant, but if not, Monsanto can always sit back and count the $2 billion breakup fee Bayer guaranteed it. Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>After months of drama, German chemicals giant Bayer (NASDAQOTH: BAYRY) announced that it and Monsanto (NYSE: MON) have agreed on terms of a merger at $128 per share. The $66 billion deal will create a global giant that represents one-third of all farm inputs, from seeds to crop protection. Make no mistake though, this deal is not without controversy, and there's no easy path to approval from regulators. For Bayer, it may take just as much work getting shareholders of both companies to sign off the union as it will take getting the deal past regulators.</p> <p>For all the sound and fury generated by Monsanto that Bayer's previous offers undervalued the biotech, the agreed-upon price -- the fourth bid the German company made for its U.S. counterpart -- is only $0.50 per share higher than the last one. It may be that the $2 billion breakup fee Bayer has offered to pay Monsanto if the merger doesn't go through was the deciding factor in the board of directors' decision to accept the offer, one that's below the $130- to $140-per-share level management had reportedly deemed acceptable.</p> <p>Bayer is the second biggest producer of crop protection chemicals behind Syngenta (NYSE: SYT), which Monsanto once tried to acquire but which instead agreed to be bought by China National Chemical. Together, Bayer and Monsanto will be the global leader in seeds and will account for one-third of all global crop inputs. The deal will push Bayer's crop science division from representing 30% of total revenues to about half, a significant restructuring of its business that may not sit well with its investors.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Until Bayer began pursuing Monsanto, it had been shedding assets that were not essential to its primary pharmaceutical business as it transformed into a life sciences company. It shed its plastics business, Covestroin an IPO, as well as its diabetes care business, and it recently announced the sale of its dermatology business. The announcement in May that it wanted to buy Monsanto caused some <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/23/is-there-any-price-at-which-bayer-investors-will-a.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">large shareholders Opens a New Window.</a> to call the move an "immediate destruction" of shareholder value and to complain that the $122-per-share offer price was too high. It would also hit Bayer's credit rating, as it will be financing the deal mostly with debt, and it already carries a heavy load.</p> <p>It's not much better on Monsanto's side, as investors -- though supportive of a buyout, as the stock had lost about a third of its value from highs of $125 in 2014 -- were reportedly looking for a price closer to $140 than below $130 a stub.</p> <p>The middle ground between the two extremes that Bayer chooses looks as though it will appease no one, but Monsanto might hold an ace in its hand.</p> <p>Although their businesses don't overlap much, they may still face antitrust hurdles, as the industry will be consolidated in fewer hands. As noted, Syngenta is being acquired by ChemChina in a $43 billion deal, while Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW) and DuPont (NYSE: DD) are in the midst of their own $130 billion merger of equals.</p> <p>Data sources: ETC Group, Phillips McDougall. Chart by author.</p> <p>According to ETC Group data, Bayer-Monsanto will own 29% of the global seed market, Dow-DuPont will own 21%, and Syngenta-ChemChina will own 9%. In pesticides, the breakdown is 24%, 23%, and 16%, respectively.</p> <p>The Justice Department has proved to be a harsh critic when significant concentration occurs in an industry, stopping Halliburton from taking over Baker Hughes, Aetna from acquiring Humana, Anthem from buying Cigna, and most recently, John Deerefrom buying Monsanto's precision planting technology.</p> <p>The concentration that will occur is certain to worry regulators, which is why the $2 billion breakup fee is important. While Bayer says the high figure represents its confidence that the deal will go through, Monsanto is assuredly looking at it as a windfall to finance its future growth should the merger fail. In context, the breakup fee is equal to almost all of Monsanto's full-year 2015 profits of $2.3 billion.</p> <p>In short, it's something of a win-win scenario for the biotech. Although the purchase price is below what it would prefer, it still represents a 44% premium to where its stock was trading, and it has the backstop of a big breakup fee if the deal is quashed.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2692&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Halliburton. The Motley Fool is short John Deere. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

merger bayer monsanto makes past regulators shareholders create global crop sciences giant monsanto always sit back count 2 billion breakup fee bayer guaranteed image source getty images continue reading months drama german chemicals giant bayer nasdaqoth bayry announced monsanto nyse mon agreed terms merger 128 per share 66 billion deal create global giant represents onethird farm inputs seeds crop protection make mistake though deal without controversy theres easy path approval regulators bayer may take much work getting shareholders companies sign union take getting deal past regulators sound fury generated monsanto bayers previous offers undervalued biotech agreedupon price fourth bid german company made us counterpart 050 per share higher last one may 2 billion breakup fee bayer offered pay monsanto merger doesnt go deciding factor board directors decision accept offer one thats 130 140pershare level management reportedly deemed acceptable bayer second biggest producer crop protection chemicals behind syngenta nyse syt monsanto tried acquire instead agreed bought china national chemical together bayer monsanto global leader seeds account onethird global crop inputs deal push bayers crop science division representing 30 total revenues half significant restructuring business may sit well investors advertisement bayer began pursuing monsanto shedding assets essential primary pharmaceutical business transformed life sciences company shed plastics business covestroin ipo well diabetes care business recently announced sale dermatology business announcement may wanted buy monsanto caused large shareholders opens new window call move immediate destruction shareholder value complain 122pershare offer price high would also hit bayers credit rating financing deal mostly debt already carries heavy load much better monsantos side investors though supportive buyout stock lost third value highs 125 2014 reportedly looking price closer 140 130 stub middle ground two extremes bayer chooses looks though appease one monsanto might hold ace hand although businesses dont overlap much may still face antitrust hurdles industry consolidated fewer hands noted syngenta acquired chemchina 43 billion deal dow chemical nyse dow dupont nyse dd midst 130 billion merger equals data sources etc group phillips mcdougall chart author according etc group data bayermonsanto 29 global seed market dowdupont 21 syngentachemchina 9 pesticides breakdown 24 23 16 respectively justice department proved harsh critic significant concentration occurs industry stopping halliburton taking baker hughes aetna acquiring humana anthem buying cigna recently john deerefrom buying monsantos precision planting technology concentration occur certain worry regulators 2 billion breakup fee important bayer says high figure represents confidence deal go monsanto assuredly looking windfall finance future growth merger fail context breakup fee equal almost monsantos fullyear 2015 profits 23 billion short something winwin scenario biotech although purchase price would prefer still represents 44 premium stock trading backstop big breakup fee deal quashed secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares halliburton motley fool short john deere 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

<p /> <p>Your company is only as good as the software on which it runs. Unfortunately, there are so many tools from which to choose that the selection process can be quite daunting. This is especially true for selecting mobile applications, many of which are inherently tied to desktop software. Unfortunately, you can't ignore this pressing need. Your business doesn't just run on a desktop, in an office, on weekdays, from 9-5. Your business is a 24/7 operation and it needs to be treated as such. Mobile applications allow you to operate with this mentality.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Thankfully, we've put this list together to help you choose the right mobile apps for your business. This list covers everything from human resources (HR) to data management to communication. It is by no means complete; new mobile apps launch every day that you can use to improve operations. However, it's chock full of the best tools we've tested here in our labs. Happy hunting.</p> <p>.article-image.secondary-img { margin: 0px auto 5px!important; } .product_name a { font: 1.438rem/1.563rem "open_sansbold",arial,sans-serif; color: #000000!important; } .product_name a:hover { color: #E20309!important; } .category_summary { line-height:19px!important; } hr { height:6px; border-top: 1px solid #aabdbf; border-bottom: 1px solid #aabdbf; margin: 15px 0 5px 0; } h2 { font-size: 23px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; } #backtotop{ margin-top:0!important; margin-bottom: 10px; } .arrow-up { background-image: url(http://www6.pcmag.com/media/images/435223-arrow-up-rollover.png); width: 37px; height: 37px; float: right; } #arrow-hover:hover .arrow-up { background-image: url(http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/435222-arrow-up.png); } .subhed { float: left; width: 100%; display:table; padding: 15px 0 8px 0; } .sectionhed { height:60px; margin: 20px 0 8px 0; background-color:#293a47; } .sectionhed span{ padding: 0 0 0 8px; font: 31px/61px 'Oswald', sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; color:#ffffff; } .sectionhed img { height:90px; padding: 0 15px 0 0; margin: -16px 0 0 0; } .toc-hed{ max-height:50px; background-color:#ffffff; } .toc-hed span { padding: 0 0 0 5px; font: 37px/51px 'Oswald', sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; color:#000000; text-transform: uppercase; } .toc-hed.closed {overflow:hidden;max-height: 50px;transition: max-height .5s;} .toc-hed.closed .arrow {transform: rotate(0deg); transition:.5s; padding: 7px 0 0 0;} .toc-hed.open {max-height:9999px;transition: max-height .5s; padding:0 0 0 0;} .toc-hed.open .arrow {transform: rotate(-180deg); transition:.5s; padding: 0 0 7px 0;} .toc-hed ul {padding: 2px 0 5px 0!important; list-style: none!important;} .toc-hed ul li {padding: 0 0 0 0!important; list-style: none!important;} .toc-hed ul li a {display: block!important; padding: .3rem .625rem!important; color: #FFFFFF!important; font-size: 1.2rem!important; font-family: 'Oswald', sans-serif!important;} .toc-hed ul li a:hover {color: #E20309!important;} .toc-hed ul li a:active {color: #E20309!important;} .small-20 { padding: 0 0 5px 0; } .row div div .tocitem { color:#000000!important; } .vertical { display: table-cell; vertical-align: middle; float: none!important; } .vertical img { display: block; margin: auto; } .backtotop { text-align: right; padding: 3px 0 10px 0; } .backtotop a { color: #000000!important; font: 24px/40px 'Oswald', sans-serif!important; font-weight: 600; padding: 0 10px 0 0; } .backtotop a:hover { color:#E20309!important; } .screenshot-background { background-image: url('http://www1.pcmag.com/media/images/418881-grey-background.gif'); display: table; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0 15px 0; } .rating5 {background-image: url('http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/418995-5-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating45 {background-image: url('http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/418996-4-5-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating4 {background-image: url('http://www1.pcmag.com/media/images/418994-4-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating35 {background-image: url('http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/418997-3-5-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating3 {background-image: url('http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/418991-3-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating25 {background-image: url('http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/418990-2-5-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating2 {background-image: url('http://www1.pcmag.com/media/images/418993-2-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating15 {background-image: url('http://www2.pcmag.com/media/images/418992-1-5-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating1 {background-image: url('http://www1.pcmag.com/media/images/418989-1-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating05 {background-image: url('http://www1.pcmag.com/media/images/418999-0-5-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .rating0 {background-image: url('http://www2.pcmag.com/media/images/418998-0-rating.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:80px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 3px 0 0px 0;} .editorschoice {background-image: url('http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/418988-editors-choice.png'); background-repeat: no-repeat; width:110px; height:16px; float:left; margin: 4px 7px 0px 0;} @media only screen and (min-width: 40.0625em) { .product_name a { font: 2.313rem/2.75rem "SourceSansPro-Bold",arial,sans-serif; color: #000000!important; } .toc-hed{ max-height:50px; } .toc-hed.closed { max-height: 50px; } .small-20 { padding: 0 0 0 0; } .medium-2 { width: 5%; padding: 0 0 0 0; float: none; vertical-align: middle; display: table-cell; } .medium-18 { width: 95%; float: none!important; padding: 0 0 0 10px; vertical-align: middle; display: table-cell; } .sectionhed span{ padding: 0 0 0 8px; font: 40px/61px 'Oswald', sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; } .sectionhed img { height:103px; padding: 0 30px 0 0; margin: -25px 0 0 0; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 61.3125em) { .sectionhed img { padding: 0 50px 0 0; } } .tocleft{padding: 0 15px 0 0; display: table;} .tocright {padding: 0 0 0 15px; display: table;} .toc-item { font: 23px/23px 'Oswald', sans-serif; display: table-cell; vertical-align: middle; padding: 0 0 0 7px; border-bottom: 8px solid #aabdbf; } .toc-img { width: 83px; height: 47px; display: table-cell; border-bottom: 8px solid #aabdbf; } .toc-img img {width:83px; height:47px;} #toclink { color:#000000; } #toclink:hover { color:#ee2824; } #toclink:hover div.toc-img { border-bottom: 8px solid #293a47; } #toclink:hover div.toc-item { border-bottom: 8px solid #293a47; } .toc {padding:0 0 10px 0;} .toc .row {padding:0 0 7px 0;} @media (min-width: 981px) { #backtotop{ margin-top:-108px!important; } .jumplink-anchor { margin-top: -108px!important; padding-top: 108px!important; pointer-events: none; } }</p> <p>Categories <a href="#" type="external" /></p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Accounting and Expenses</p> <p>Collaboration and Communications</p> <p>Analytics and Data Management</p> <p>Human Resources</p> <p>Accounting and Expenses</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/roundup/346016/the-best-erp-software" type="external">Netsuite OneWorld</a> <a type="external" href="" /> provides large and small businesses with a completely scalable <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/review/343051/netsuite-oneworld" type="external">enterprise resource planning (ERP) Opens a New Window.</a> system. With the mobile app you're able to manage expense reports, purchase orders, business dashboards, and security records. This could be your one-stop shop for managing your business when you're away from a desktop or laptop.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/review/344312/acumatica" type="external">Acumatica Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> is the <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article/342998/the-best-enterprise-class-general-ledger-accounting-software" type="external">best general ledger accounting software Opens a New Window.</a> on the market. Because it's a browser-based tool, you can access your accounting data from any device with an internet connection, or you can download the iOS and Android apps. From the apps you can enter time cards, run expense reports, and enter purchase orders, among many other features.</p> <p>If you're looking for the <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2496149,00.asp" type="external">best expense report software Opens a New Window.</a> for a mobile device, look no further than <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/review/347876/expensify" type="external">Expensify Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" />. Expensify lets you upload receipts via its iOS and Androids apps, both of which utilize OCR SmartScan. Expensify is the best tool we reviewed at accurately processing scanned data, which saves employees and administrators time inputting and processing expenses.</p> <p><a href="http://#backtotop" type="external">SEE ALL CATEGORIES Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Collaboration and Communications</p> <p>Anyone can create a <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388678,00.asp" type="external">video conference</a> from their phone, but few services give you the enhanced functionality that <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2487371,00.asp" type="external">ClickMeeting Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> provides. ClickMeeting's Android, Apple, and BlackBerry apps let you schedule meetings, stream audio and video, share your screen, and record your events, all from a smartphone.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2490290,00.asp" type="external">best secure managed file transfer services Opens a New Window.</a> aren't just designed to send large files from desktop to desktop. With <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2490272,00.asp" type="external">Citrix ShareFile Business Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" />, you can share from Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows mobile devices. For administrators, it also offers excellent device management functionality, enabling IT to instantly disable and wipe devices when necessary.</p> <p>Taking the pulse of your customers or employees can be crucial for even the largest organization. The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2494737,00.asp" type="external">Best Online Survey Tools Opens a New Window.</a> allow you to create and participate in surveys from your mobile device. <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2494734,00.asp" type="external">SurveyMonkey Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> lets you create, send, and analyze polls directly from your iOS and Android devices.</p> <p>Your customers don't shop during business hours only. As a result, it's imperative that your customer service reps are on-call to handle requests at all times. The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2489457,00.asp" type="external">best helpdesk software Opens a New Window.</a> includes mobile applications that let your reps answer calls, search for customer-specific information, and resolve tickets, all while away from the desktop. <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2487958,00.asp" type="external">HappyFox Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> in particular provides a crisp, clean, and adaptable mobile interface that makes remote customer service easy as pie.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2490969,00.asp" type="external">Document management services Opens a New Window.</a> allow you to create, share, and send files from iOS and Android devices, as well as on desktop. You'll also be able to collaborate on documents and restrict who has access. With <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2490935,00.asp" type="external">Zoho Docs Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> you can create shared folders, access documents while offline, and invite external users to collaborate.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2453354,00.asp" type="external">Email marketing Opens a New Window.</a> is a 24/7 job. Tools like <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/review/346947/elgato-eve-room" type="external">MailChimp Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> make it easy to launch campaigns from a mobile device. With just a few taps you can create the same campaign on your mobile device that you would have created from your desktop. You can even monitor campaign progress, edit subscriber profiles, and run multivariate reports, all from your handheld device.</p> <p><a href="http://#backtotop" type="external">SEE ALL CATEGORIES Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Analytics and Data Management</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367263,00.asp" type="external">best CRM software Opens a New Window.</a> gives you access to customer and sales data that can be used to improve business operations. Relying on desktops and laptops to access that data puts you a step behind your competitors, most of whom are using mobile apps from standouts like <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2364726,00.asp" type="external">Salesforce Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" />. The king of CRM, Salesforce offers the most comprehensive and flexible platform on the market, even on a mobile device.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367263,00.asp" type="external">Zoho CRM</a> <a type="external" href="" /> gives you a similar level of functionality as Salesforce, but it ties in nicely with the rest of the Zoho software ecosystem. If you want a CRM system that organically ties into your email, document management, and email marketing client, turn to Zoho.</p> <p>Of all the <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2489257,00.asp" type="external">membership management software Opens a New Window.</a> we tested, <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2488888,00.asp" type="external">Active Network Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> has the most robust iOS and Android applications. With the tool you can track basic membership information, collect donations and fees, communicate with members and prospects, and plan events, all from a smartphone or tablet.</p> <p>What good is your business with a solid social media strategy? You can access the best <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2491376,00.asp" type="external">social media management &amp;amp; analytics tools Opens a New Window.</a> from your mobile device without sacrificing any functionality. <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2491291,00.asp" type="external">Sprout Social Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" /> offers iOS and Android apps that let you identify influencers, ideal moments for customer engagement, and the data that proves it all true.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2491294,00.asp" type="external">HootSuite Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" />, which is available on iOS and Android, offers a mature, complete set of social media management and analytics tools in a nicely designed hub. With it, you can conduct comprehensive monitoring, influencer identification, and publishing tools.</p> <p><a href="http://#backtotop" type="external">SEE ALL CATEGORIES Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Human Resources</p> <p>Managing a company's human resources network is a full-time job. The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2492792,00.asp" type="external">best HR software and management systems Opens a New Window.</a> let you conduct applicant tracking, benefits administration, and performance reviews all from a handheld device. <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2492792,00.asp" type="external">BambooHR</a> <a type="external" href="" /> offers all these features and more.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2492792,00.asp" type="external">Fairsail HRMS</a> <a type="external" href="" /> is a highly configurable tool that accommodates companies with multinational operations. It offers applicant tracking, benefits administration, and other add-ons and it integrates with third-party payroll and other outside vendors. Oh, and you can access the majority of these features directly from your mobile app.</p> <p>If you don't need the fancy-schmancy features in a full human resources suite, but you'd like to be able to schedule shifts, try <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2498858,00.asp" type="external">Deputy Opens a New Window.</a>, which is the <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/roundup/345904/the-best-employee-scheduling-shift-planning-software" type="external">best HR employee scheduling and shift planning system Opens a New Window.</a> on the market. With Deputy's iOS and Android apps you can make group announcements, integrate with Intuit QuickBooks and ADP, and of course, you'll be able to make sure you're fully staffed at all times.</p> <p>Similarly, if you want an HR suite that's specifically focused on <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/roundup/343388/the-best-performance-management-software" type="external">performance management Opens a New Window.</a>, <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2492792,00.asp" type="external">SuccessFactors</a> <a type="external" href="" /> is an ideal platform for mobile users. With the app you'll be able to schedule feedback, calculate performance with regards to compensation, and produce custom reports, all via iOS and Android apps.</p> <p>You don't want to miss out on the best candidates for new positions at your company. The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article/343125/the-best-applicant-tracking-software-of-2016" type="external">best applicant tracking systems Opens a New Window.</a> let you create new job postings, search for candidates, communicate with candidates and colleagues, and work with recruiters, all from iOS and Android apps. For the best applicant tracking tool for mobile users, check out <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/review/343127/zoho-recruit" type="external">Zoho Recruit Opens a New Window.</a> <a type="external" href="" />.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/roundup/347946/the-best-benefits-administration-software" type="external">best benefits administration Opens a New Window.</a> tools give your human resources team, as well as your employees, the ability to research, record, and update benefits data. With <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2492902,00.asp" type="external">Zenefits Opens a New Window.</a> on iOS and Android, you'll be able to access an entire set of traditional benefits data, as well as access termination management, stock options modules, and compliance information.</p> <p>var tocHed = document.querySelector('.toc-hed'); var tocHedToggle = document.querySelector('.toc-hed a'); tocHedToggle.addEventListener('click', function(event) { event.preventDefault(); if (tocHed.classList) { tocHed.classList.toggle('open'); tocHed.classList.toggle('closed'); } });</p> <p>This article <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article/349551/20-best-business-mobile-apps-of-2016" type="external">originally appeared Opens a New Window.</a> on <a href="http://www.pcmag.com" type="external">PCMag.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

company good software runs unfortunately many tools choose selection process quite daunting especially true selecting mobile applications many inherently tied desktop software unfortunately cant ignore pressing need business doesnt run desktop office weekdays 95 business 247 operation needs treated mobile applications allow operate mentality continue reading thankfully weve put list together help choose right mobile apps business list covers everything human resources hr data management communication means complete new mobile apps launch every day use improve operations however chock full best tools weve tested labs happy hunting articleimagesecondaryimg margin 0px auto 5pximportant product_name font 1438rem1563rem open_sansboldarialsansserif color 000000important product_name ahover color e20309important category_summary lineheight19pximportant hr height6px bordertop 1px solid aabdbf borderbottom 1px solid aabdbf margin 15px 0 5px 0 h2 fontsize 23px fontweight bold margin 0 backtotop margintop0important marginbottom 10px arrowup backgroundimage urlhttpwww6pcmagcommediaimages435223arrowuprolloverpng width 37px height 37px float right arrowhoverhover arrowup backgroundimage urlhttpwww8pcmagcommediaimages435222arrowuppng subhed float left width 100 displaytable padding 15px 0 8px 0 sectionhed height60px margin 20px 0 8px 0 backgroundcolor293a47 sectionhed span padding 0 0 0 8px font 31px61px oswald sansserif texttransform uppercase colorffffff sectionhed img height90px padding 0 15px 0 0 margin 16px 0 0 0 toched maxheight50px backgroundcolorffffff toched span padding 0 0 0 5px font 37px51px oswald sansserif letterspacing 1px color000000 texttransform uppercase tochedclosed overflowhiddenmaxheight 50pxtransition maxheight 5s tochedclosed arrow transform rotate0deg transition5s padding 7px 0 0 0 tochedopen maxheight9999pxtransition maxheight 5s padding0 0 0 0 tochedopen arrow transform rotate180deg transition5s padding 0 0 7px 0 toched ul padding 2px 0 5px 0important liststyle noneimportant toched ul li padding 0 0 0 0important liststyle noneimportant toched ul li display blockimportant padding 3rem 625remimportant color ffffffimportant fontsize 12remimportant fontfamily oswald sansserifimportant toched ul li ahover color e20309important toched ul li aactive color e20309important small20 padding 0 0 5px 0 row div div tocitem color000000important vertical display tablecell verticalalign middle float noneimportant vertical img display block margin auto backtotop textalign right padding 3px 0 10px 0 backtotop color 000000important font 24px40px oswald sansserifimportant fontweight 600 padding 0 10px 0 0 backtotop ahover colore20309important screenshotbackground backgroundimage urlhttpwww1pcmagcommediaimages418881greybackgroundgif display table width 100 margin 15px 0 15px 0 rating5 backgroundimage urlhttpwww4pcmagcommediaimages4189955ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating45 backgroundimage urlhttpwww8pcmagcommediaimages41899645ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating4 backgroundimage urlhttpwww1pcmagcommediaimages4189944ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating35 backgroundimage urlhttpwww8pcmagcommediaimages41899735ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating3 backgroundimage urlhttpwww8pcmagcommediaimages4189913ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating25 backgroundimage urlhttpwww8pcmagcommediaimages41899025ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating2 backgroundimage urlhttpwww1pcmagcommediaimages4189932ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating15 backgroundimage urlhttpwww2pcmagcommediaimages41899215ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating1 backgroundimage urlhttpwww1pcmagcommediaimages4189891ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating05 backgroundimage urlhttpwww1pcmagcommediaimages41899905ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 rating0 backgroundimage urlhttpwww2pcmagcommediaimages4189980ratingjpg backgroundrepeat norepeat width80px height16px floatleft margin 3px 0 0px 0 editorschoice backgroundimage urlhttpwww8pcmagcommediaimages418988editorschoicepng backgroundrepeat norepeat width110px height16px floatleft margin 4px 7px 0px 0 media screen minwidth 400625em product_name font 2313rem275rem sourcesansproboldarialsansserif color 000000important toched maxheight50px tochedclosed maxheight 50px small20 padding 0 0 0 0 medium2 width 5 padding 0 0 0 0 float none verticalalign middle display tablecell medium18 width 95 float noneimportant padding 0 0 0 10px verticalalign middle display tablecell sectionhed span padding 0 0 0 8px font 40px61px oswald sansserif texttransform uppercase sectionhed img height103px padding 0 30px 0 0 margin 25px 0 0 0 media screen minwidth 613125em sectionhed img padding 0 50px 0 0 tocleftpadding 0 15px 0 0 display table tocright padding 0 0 0 15px display table tocitem font 23px23px oswald sansserif display tablecell verticalalign middle padding 0 0 0 7px borderbottom 8px solid aabdbf tocimg width 83px height 47px display tablecell borderbottom 8px solid aabdbf tocimg img width83px height47px toclink color000000 toclinkhover coloree2824 toclinkhover divtocimg borderbottom 8px solid 293a47 toclinkhover divtocitem borderbottom 8px solid 293a47 toc padding0 0 10px 0 toc row padding0 0 7px 0 media minwidth 981px backtotop margintop108pximportant jumplinkanchor margintop 108pximportant paddingtop 108pximportant pointerevents none categories advertisement accounting expenses collaboration communications analytics data management human resources accounting expenses netsuite oneworld provides large small businesses completely scalable enterprise resource planning erp opens new window system mobile app youre able manage expense reports purchase orders business dashboards security records could onestop shop managing business youre away desktop laptop acumatica opens new window best general ledger accounting software opens new window market browserbased tool access accounting data device internet connection download ios android apps apps enter time cards run expense reports enter purchase orders among many features youre looking best expense report software opens new window mobile device look expensify opens new window expensify lets upload receipts via ios androids apps utilize ocr smartscan expensify best tool reviewed accurately processing scanned data saves employees administrators time inputting processing expenses see categories opens new window collaboration communications anyone create video conference phone services give enhanced functionality clickmeeting opens new window provides clickmeetings android apple blackberry apps let schedule meetings stream audio video share screen record events smartphone best secure managed file transfer services opens new window arent designed send large files desktop desktop citrix sharefile business opens new window share android blackberry ios windows mobile devices administrators also offers excellent device management functionality enabling instantly disable wipe devices necessary taking pulse customers employees crucial even largest organization best online survey tools opens new window allow create participate surveys mobile device surveymonkey opens new window lets create send analyze polls directly ios android devices customers dont shop business hours result imperative customer service reps oncall handle requests times best helpdesk software opens new window includes mobile applications let reps answer calls search customerspecific information resolve tickets away desktop happyfox opens new window particular provides crisp clean adaptable mobile interface makes remote customer service easy pie document management services opens new window allow create share send files ios android devices well desktop youll also able collaborate documents restrict access zoho docs opens new window create shared folders access documents offline invite external users collaborate email marketing opens new window 247 job tools like mailchimp opens new window make easy launch campaigns mobile device taps create campaign mobile device would created desktop even monitor campaign progress edit subscriber profiles run multivariate reports handheld device see categories opens new window analytics data management best crm software opens new window gives access customer sales data used improve business operations relying desktops laptops access data puts step behind competitors using mobile apps standouts like salesforce opens new window king crm salesforce offers comprehensive flexible platform market even mobile device zoho crm gives similar level functionality salesforce ties nicely rest zoho software ecosystem want crm system organically ties email document management email marketing client turn zoho membership management software opens new window tested active network opens new window robust ios android applications tool track basic membership information collect donations fees communicate members prospects plan events smartphone tablet good business solid social media strategy access best social media management amp analytics tools opens new window mobile device without sacrificing functionality sprout social opens new window offers ios android apps let identify influencers ideal moments customer engagement data proves true hootsuite opens new window available ios android offers mature complete set social media management analytics tools nicely designed hub conduct comprehensive monitoring influencer identification publishing tools see categories opens new window human resources managing companys human resources network fulltime job best hr software management systems opens new window let conduct applicant tracking benefits administration performance reviews handheld device bamboohr offers features fairsail hrms highly configurable tool accommodates companies multinational operations offers applicant tracking benefits administration addons integrates thirdparty payroll outside vendors oh access majority features directly mobile app dont need fancyschmancy features full human resources suite youd like able schedule shifts try deputy opens new window best hr employee scheduling shift planning system opens new window market deputys ios android apps make group announcements integrate intuit quickbooks adp course youll able make sure youre fully staffed times similarly want hr suite thats specifically focused performance management opens new window successfactors ideal platform mobile users app youll able schedule feedback calculate performance regards compensation produce custom reports via ios android apps dont want miss best candidates new positions company best applicant tracking systems opens new window let create new job postings search candidates communicate candidates colleagues work recruiters ios android apps best applicant tracking tool mobile users check zoho recruit opens new window best benefits administration opens new window tools give human resources team well employees ability research record update benefits data zenefits opens new window ios android youll able access entire set traditional benefits data well access termination management stock options modules compliance information var toched documentqueryselectortoched var tochedtoggle documentqueryselectortoched tochedtoggleaddeventlistenerclick functionevent eventpreventdefault tochedclasslist tochedclasslisttoggleopen tochedclasslisttoggleclosed article originally appeared opens new window pcmagcom opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Medicare plays a vital role in keeping medical care affordable for our nation's seniors, and its importance is only expected to grow in the coming decades. The program's heightened importance can be traced to two ongoing trends.</p> <p>First, we have a major demographic shift under way as baby boomers leave the workforce and become eligible for Medicare at age 65. There are more than 70 million baby boomers, which means the number of eligible beneficiaries in Medicare is set to explode. Mind you, these beneficiaries are also living longer than ever, too.</p> <p>Secondly, medical inflation is handily outpacing wage growth and the national inflation rate, which means seniors -- especially lower-income and even some middle-class seniors with little-to-no retirement savings -- could lean heavily on the program to assist with their medical expenses during their golden years. Over the past decade, medical inflation has outpaced the national rate of inflation in all but one year.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Medical inflation is particularly apparent when it comes to prescription drug inflation, which is typically handled under Medicare Part D, aka, the prescription drug plan. A <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/26/prescription-drug-prices-have-doubled-in-just-7-ye.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">study conducted by AARP Opens a New Window.</a> found that seniors had witnessed a better than doubling in prescription drug costs over just a seven-year period (2006 to 2013), with inflation for drugs covered by Part D showing no signs of slowing. With no annual cap on the amount of money a beneficiary can be charged out of pocket by Medicare Part D, it pays to understand the actions you can take to lower your Medicare prescription drug costs.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Here are seven strategies to consider that could help lower what you'll pay out of pocket for Medicare Part D.</p> <p>I can't emphasize this point enough, but one of the best ways you can help lower your prescription drug costs under Medicare is to research which Part D plan offers the best value for you each and every year, as opposed to automatically reenrolling in your existing plan. Note, I didn't say "price," because the cheapest plan may not offer you the best value. Cheaper plans may have higher out-of-pocket expenses, resulting in you spending more than if you had purchased a plan with a higher monthly premium.</p> <p>According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare Part D re-enrollees faced an estimated 13% increase in monthly premiums in 2016, to an average of $41.46 per month from $36.68. Shopping around and comparing the slightly more than two dozen Part D plans offered through Medicare Plan Finder can help narrow your search to only the best plans for your medical needs.</p> <p>In addition to never automatically reenrolling in a Part D plan, you should also understand what sort of hurdles might be involved with each plan you're considering. As specialty and brand-name drug costs have skyrocketed, private insurers contracting with Medicare have, in some cases, added more hoops that need to be jumped through before more expensive medication can be covered.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>For example, some prescription drug plans may require patients to go through "step therapy" before being administered a costly drug. This involves the patient trying less-costly alternatives first before being given a specialty or branded therapy.</p> <p>You'll also want to pay attention to drug restrictions for each plan you're considering. Plans may limit the number of doses of certain drugs you'll be covered for each month, which can lead to you having to pay full price for certain drugs. This is where really digging deep and comparing plans can be critical to saving you money. Understanding how each plan you're considering treats your current medications is a must.</p> <p>It may not be a well-known fact, but most insurance companies offering a Part D plan have preferred pharmacies for dispensing prescription drugs. Plan providers and pharmacies forge deals that can result in substantially lower costs for plan members if they stay within the preferred network. Based on data from Kiplinger, just 7% of Part D plans had preferred in-network pharmacies five years ago. Today, 85% of Part D plans have preferred in-network pharmacies.</p> <p>An example provided by Kiplinger notes that with a Humana-Wal-Martprescription drug plan, you'll pay 35% of the cost for non-preferred drugs if you stay within the preferred network of pharmacies. Go outside this preferred network, and your costs jump to 45%-50% of non-preferred drug costs.</p> <p>Image source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.</p> <p>Your doctor is always on the lookout for your well-being, but sometimes you have to keep your financial well-being in mind, too, by requesting generic alternatives to medications.</p> <p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration puts generic drugs through the same rigorous efficacy tests as innovator drugs, so they should work just as effectively as more expensive branded therapies. The big difference is that generic drugs typically cost between 80% and 90% less than branded therapies, which can mean a lot of extra money in your pocket.</p> <p>It's worth noting that not all medications can be dispensed as a generic. However, with generic drugs comprising a whopping 88% of prescriptions written today, it can't hurt to ask your doctor.</p> <p>Spending money now can have a big impact later in life, which is why you shouldn't put off visiting your doctor for routine checkups.</p> <p>While it might seem tedious to visit your doctor once or twice annually, even if you feel perfectly healthy, these visits could result in catching potentially chronic ailments early, allowing you to mitigate their impact, or perhaps even reverse them entirely. Chronic conditions that aren't caught early by a doctor are what can turn into potentially expensive ailments to treat later in life.</p> <p>This probably goes without saying, but make doubly certain that you enroll for a Medicare Part D plan on time.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Every year, beginning on Oct. 1, insurers that have contracted with Medicare begin publishing the details of next year's plans. This includes monthly premium pricing and what each plan covers. Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, you'll have the opportunity to decide which plan is the best value for you and enroll. Once you've made your selection, your coverage will kick in on Jan. 1.</p> <p>However, if you miss this enrollment period, you'll be charged a penalty once you do enroll. This penalty works out to 1% of the national base beneficiary premium (which is $34.10 in 2016) multiplied by the number of full uncovered months you remain unenrolled. Worst of all, this penalty is carried with you for the life of the program, meaning you'll be charged a penalty every single year thereafter that you're enrolled.</p> <p>Do yourself a favor and never be late enrolling in Part D!</p> <p>Lastly, one of America's greatest retirement tools, the Roth IRA, can be particularly helpful when you reach the eligible age to enroll in Medicare.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Americans have an abundance of retirement tools to choose from, and some of the most popular, like an employer-sponsored 401(k) or Traditional IRA, defer your taxes until you begin making withdrawals. Unfortunately, both of these popular plans have minimum required distributions in place once you reach age 70-1/2, meaning that in addition to Social Security income and whatever other channels of income a person has, the money you receive in retirement could lead to you earning too much money and paying a Medicare surcharge. Admittedly, the level where the monthly surcharge kicks in is pretty high for an individual ($85,000), but it's certainly not impossible to reach.</p> <p>A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars and allows your investment gains to grow completely free of tax for life, as long as you make no unqualified withdrawals. This means regardless of how much you decide to withdraw from a Roth IRA during retirement, it won't be counted toward your annual income. A Roth could help keep you safely below the income threshold where monthly Medicare premium surcharges would kick in.</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;amp;source=irreditxt0000002&amp;amp;ftm_cam=ryr-ss-intro-report&amp;amp;ftm_pit=3186&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The Motley Fool 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a>makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading medicare plays vital role keeping medical care affordable nations seniors importance expected grow coming decades programs heightened importance traced two ongoing trends first major demographic shift way baby boomers leave workforce become eligible medicare age 65 70 million baby boomers means number eligible beneficiaries medicare set explode mind beneficiaries also living longer ever secondly medical inflation handily outpacing wage growth national inflation rate means seniors especially lowerincome even middleclass seniors littletono retirement savings could lean heavily program assist medical expenses golden years past decade medical inflation outpaced national rate inflation one year advertisement medical inflation particularly apparent comes prescription drug inflation typically handled medicare part aka prescription drug plan study conducted aarp opens new window found seniors witnessed better doubling prescription drug costs sevenyear period 2006 2013 inflation drugs covered part showing signs slowing annual cap amount money beneficiary charged pocket medicare part pays understand actions take lower medicare prescription drug costs image source getty images seven strategies consider could help lower youll pay pocket medicare part cant emphasize point enough one best ways help lower prescription drug costs medicare research part plan offers best value every year opposed automatically reenrolling existing plan note didnt say price cheapest plan may offer best value cheaper plans may higher outofpocket expenses resulting spending purchased plan higher monthly premium according kaiser family foundation medicare part reenrollees faced estimated 13 increase monthly premiums 2016 average 4146 per month 3668 shopping around comparing slightly two dozen part plans offered medicare plan finder help narrow search best plans medical needs addition never automatically reenrolling part plan also understand sort hurdles might involved plan youre considering specialty brandname drug costs skyrocketed private insurers contracting medicare cases added hoops need jumped expensive medication covered image source getty images example prescription drug plans may require patients go step therapy administered costly drug involves patient trying lesscostly alternatives first given specialty branded therapy youll also want pay attention drug restrictions plan youre considering plans may limit number doses certain drugs youll covered month lead pay full price certain drugs really digging deep comparing plans critical saving money understanding plan youre considering treats current medications must may wellknown fact insurance companies offering part plan preferred pharmacies dispensing prescription drugs plan providers pharmacies forge deals result substantially lower costs plan members stay within preferred network based data kiplinger 7 part plans preferred innetwork pharmacies five years ago today 85 part plans preferred innetwork pharmacies example provided kiplinger notes humanawalmartprescription drug plan youll pay 35 cost nonpreferred drugs stay within preferred network pharmacies go outside preferred network costs jump 4550 nonpreferred drug costs image source us food drug administration doctor always lookout wellbeing sometimes keep financial wellbeing mind requesting generic alternatives medications us food drug administration puts generic drugs rigorous efficacy tests innovator drugs work effectively expensive branded therapies big difference generic drugs typically cost 80 90 less branded therapies mean lot extra money pocket worth noting medications dispensed generic however generic drugs comprising whopping 88 prescriptions written today cant hurt ask doctor spending money big impact later life shouldnt put visiting doctor routine checkups might seem tedious visit doctor twice annually even feel perfectly healthy visits could result catching potentially chronic ailments early allowing mitigate impact perhaps even reverse entirely chronic conditions arent caught early doctor turn potentially expensive ailments treat later life probably goes without saying make doubly certain enroll medicare part plan time image source getty images every year beginning oct 1 insurers contracted medicare begin publishing details next years plans includes monthly premium pricing plan covers oct 15 dec 7 youll opportunity decide plan best value enroll youve made selection coverage kick jan 1 however miss enrollment period youll charged penalty enroll penalty works 1 national base beneficiary premium 3410 2016 multiplied number full uncovered months remain unenrolled worst penalty carried life program meaning youll charged penalty every single year thereafter youre enrolled favor never late enrolling part lastly one americas greatest retirement tools roth ira particularly helpful reach eligible age enroll medicare image source getty images americans abundance retirement tools choose popular like employersponsored 401k traditional ira defer taxes begin making withdrawals unfortunately popular plans minimum required distributions place reach age 7012 meaning addition social security income whatever channels income person money receive retirement could lead earning much money paying medicare surcharge admittedly level monthly surcharge kicks pretty high individual 85000 certainly impossible reach roth ira funded aftertax dollars allows investment gains grow completely free tax life long make unqualified withdrawals means regardless much decide withdraw roth ira retirement wont counted toward annual income roth could help keep safely income threshold monthly medicare premium surcharges would kick 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 moreeach year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new window motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new windowmakes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Finding a high-yielding dividend stock that sells on the cheap isn't that hard. There are plenty of high-yield stocks out there that sell for bargain-basement prices. The real challenge is finding a quality business with those credentials that can be held for a long time to let the wonders of reinvested dividends do their magic. When you add that little caveat, the list becomes much, much smaller.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Three companies that look to have the traits investors want in a cheap, high-yield dividend stock are General Motors (NYSE: GM), Terra Nitrogen Company (NYSE: TNH), and Alliance Resource Partners (NASDAQ: ARLP). Here's a quick breakdown as to why you may want to put these stocks on your radar.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>The idea that the U.S. automotive market is at the top of the sales cycle has been going on for more than 18 months, and that made some investors consider that this may be the end of a great run for General Motors. That's why the company's stock trades at a very modest enterprise value to EBITDA of 5.4 times and carries a dividend yield of 4.2%. Basically, the market is saying that earnings are going to contract from here and valuations will revert to the mean.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Perhaps that is true, but that seems to discount a couple things. One is that the recent sale of Opel and Vauxhall to Peugot S.A. will shed the company of a business unit that <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/06/3-charts-that-show-why-general-motors-is-selling-o.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">has been losing money for decades Opens a New Window.</a>. This not only boosts profit margins, but it will also free up capital to be deployed to higher-margin segments or will simply lead to more free cash flow.</p> <p>Another is that while total sales may be at the top of the cycle, the mix of sales is continuing to favor manufacturers as consumers are buying more higher-margin SUVs and trucks and fewer lower-margin sedans. If these trends continue, the company should be able to produce higher profits while possibly taking a modest hit to revenue.</p> <p>On top of all of this, a 4.1% dividend yield is already a decent yield for a stock at the top of the cycle. General Motors is clearly in a better place than a few years ago, and a decline isn't the end of the world for this stock. If you are looking for a cheap stock with a strong payout, then General Motors is certainly worth a look.</p> <p>The agriculture business has been going through a rough patch lately, and fertilizer producers have been hit particularly hard. Not only has demand growth stalled for fertilizers but we have been wrapping up a period of rapid expansion in the business. For nitrogen fertilizer producers like Terra Nitrogen Company, the abundance of cheap domestic natural gas has led to its building of several new facilities. The hope was that these new, low-cost facilities would take market share from more expensive sources such as anthracite coal-based fertilizers made in China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. These costlier facilities have been slow to shutter, and it has created a glut of capacity. This led urea and ammonium nitrate prices to reach 12 year lows in November 2016.</p> <p>Image source: CF Industries investor presentation.</p> <p>There are two reasons why investors in Terra Nitrogen need not worry too much about this. First, the company's natural gas-based facility is one of the lowest-cost sources of urea out there. Even in the fourth quarter of 2016, with urea prices at their nadir, Terra Nitrogen produced a 47% net income margin. Close proximity to America's corn belt and lower transportation costs, a strong relationship with parent company CF Industries, and no debt on the balance sheet are all major contributing factors to why it is able to produce such high rates of return on what is a commodity product in a tough market.</p> <p>The other reason to be confident is that we're starting to see the response in the market that all those natural gas producers were hoping for. Close to 9 million tons of annual ammonia manufacturing was shuttered in China in 2016, and net reductions are expected in overall capacity between 2017 through 2021 based on current construction plans. As a result, we've seen more than six months of consecutive increases in urea prices.</p> <p>Terra Nitrogen may not be a growth company -- it has only one facility -- but the company's high distribution yield of 7.3% makes up for a lack of share price growth. And with shares trading at a modest 7.2 times EBITDA, now seems like a good time to consider Terra Nitrogen.</p> <p>There is little evidence to suggest that coal consumption in the U.S. is going to increase ever again. The low cost of natural gas and the continued cost decline for alternative energy make coal-fired power plants one of the more expensive options for a new power plant today, and that is even before considering any emission regulations that may push decision makers toward other sources as well -- if not by the current administration, then potentially from the following one.</p> <p>It is also true, though, that the slump in coal consumption across the country won't be as sharp as many might expect, and those trends are going to vary from coal basin to coal basin. The largest decreases are expected to happen in the Powder River Basin, where transportation costs are high, and in the Appalachia regions, where coal seams there have been tapped for more than 100 years and are getting more expensive to recover.</p> <p>An exception is the Illinois Basin, right where Alliance Resource Partners has a majority of its coal assets.Its mines have the benefit of being in a low-cost, centrally located region so they can undercut transportation costs from other basins. Alliance has coupled that benefit with a management team that has no delusions of grandeur like other coal companies that took on mountains of debt to consolidate at the beginning of the decade, only to go bankrupt in this recent down cycle.</p> <p>I can't say with great confidence that Alliance is a buy-and-hold-forever kind of investment, but it certainly is a cheap, high-yield stock that has some staying power for a while. With a distribution yield of 8% and an enterprise value to EBITDA of 2.9 times, Alliance can expect to generate a decent return over the next several years, provided it avoids the debt pitfalls that so many other coal companies fell into.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than General MotorsWhen 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;amp;impression=a247afc2-3914-430b-aa84-28032666cfd0&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and General Motors 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;amp;impression=a247afc2-3914-430b-aa84-28032666cfd0&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Terra Nitrogen. The Motley Fool recommends Alliance Resource Partners and General Motors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

finding highyielding dividend stock sells cheap isnt hard plenty highyield stocks sell bargainbasement prices real challenge finding quality business credentials held long time let wonders reinvested dividends magic add little caveat list becomes much much smaller continue reading three companies look traits investors want cheap highyield dividend stock general motors nyse gm terra nitrogen company nyse tnh alliance resource partners nasdaq arlp heres quick breakdown may want put stocks radar image source getty images idea us automotive market top sales cycle going 18 months made investors consider may end great run general motors thats companys stock trades modest enterprise value ebitda 54 times carries dividend yield 42 basically market saying earnings going contract valuations revert mean advertisement perhaps true seems discount couple things one recent sale opel vauxhall peugot sa shed company business unit losing money decades opens new window boosts profit margins also free capital deployed highermargin segments simply lead free cash flow another total sales may top cycle mix sales continuing favor manufacturers consumers buying highermargin suvs trucks fewer lowermargin sedans trends continue company able produce higher profits possibly taking modest hit revenue top 41 dividend yield already decent yield stock top cycle general motors clearly better place years ago decline isnt end world stock looking cheap stock strong payout general motors certainly worth look agriculture business going rough patch lately fertilizer producers hit particularly hard demand growth stalled fertilizers wrapping period rapid expansion business nitrogen fertilizer producers like terra nitrogen company abundance cheap domestic natural gas led building several new facilities hope new lowcost facilities would take market share expensive sources anthracite coalbased fertilizers made china countries asiapacific region costlier facilities slow shutter created glut capacity led urea ammonium nitrate prices reach 12 year lows november 2016 image source cf industries investor presentation two reasons investors terra nitrogen need worry much first companys natural gasbased facility one lowestcost sources urea even fourth quarter 2016 urea prices nadir terra nitrogen produced 47 net income margin close proximity americas corn belt lower transportation costs strong relationship parent company cf industries debt balance sheet major contributing factors able produce high rates return commodity product tough market reason confident starting see response market natural gas producers hoping close 9 million tons annual ammonia manufacturing shuttered china 2016 net reductions expected overall capacity 2017 2021 based current construction plans result weve seen six months consecutive increases urea prices terra nitrogen may growth company one facility companys high distribution yield 73 makes lack share price growth shares trading modest 72 times ebitda seems like good time consider terra nitrogen little evidence suggest coal consumption us going increase ever low cost natural gas continued cost decline alternative energy make coalfired power plants one expensive options new power plant today even considering emission regulations may push decision makers toward sources well current administration potentially following one also true though slump coal consumption across country wont sharp many might expect trends going vary coal basin coal basin largest decreases expected happen powder river basin transportation costs high appalachia regions coal seams tapped 100 years getting expensive recover exception illinois basin right alliance resource partners majority coal assetsits mines benefit lowcost centrally located region undercut transportation costs basins alliance coupled benefit management team delusions grandeur like coal companies took mountains debt consolidate beginning decade go bankrupt recent cycle cant say great confidence alliance buyandholdforever kind investment certainly cheap highyield stock staying power distribution yield 8 enterprise value ebitda 29 times alliance expect generate decent return next several years provided avoids debt pitfalls many coal companies fell 10 stocks like better general motorswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right general motors wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 tyler crowe opens new window owns shares terra nitrogen motley fool recommends alliance resource partners general motors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>There could be more trouble than we ever imagined headed our way on November 4th when a bunch of folks who aren&#8217;t happy about Trump and Pence attempt to overthrow the government in a Communist revolution.</p> <p>Groups like Antifa, Resist Fascism, and the Revolutionary Communist Party have been meeting for months to openly plan sedition and organize what they promise will be massive protests all over the country. Don&#8217;t be surprised if things become violent. The website says:</p> <p>ON NOVEMBER 4, 2017:</p> <p>We will gather in the streets and public squares of cities and towns across this country, at first many thousands declaring that this whole regime is illegitimate and that we will not stop until our single demand is met:&amp;#160;This Nightmare Must End: the Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!</p> <p>Our protest must grow&amp;#160;day after day and night after night&#8212;thousands becoming hundreds of thousands, and then millions&#8212;determined to act to put a stop to the grave danger that the Trump/Pence Regime poses to the world by demanding that this whole regime be removed from power.</p> <p>Our actions will reflect the values of respect for all of humanity and the world we want&#8212;in stark contrast to the hate and bigotry of the Trump/Pence fascist regime.</p> <p>Our determination to persist and not back down will compel the whole world to take note. Every force and faction in the power structure would be forced to respond to our demand. The cracks and divisions among the powers already evident today will sharpen and widen. As we draw more and more people forward to stand up, all of this could lead to a situation where this illegitimate regime is removed from power.</p> <p>Spread the word and organize now. Be a part of making history. Don&#8217;t let it be said that you stood aside when there was still a chance to stop a regime that imperils humanity and the Earth itself. Join in taking to the streets and the public squares day after day and night after night demonstrating that In the Name of Humanity, We REFUSE to Accept a Fascist America.</p> <p>On November 4, 2017, we will stand together with conviction and courage, overcoming fear and uncertainty, to insist that:&amp;#160;This Nightmare Must End: The Trump/Pence Regime Must GO!&amp;#160;( <a href="http://revcom.us/a/503/this-nightmare-must-end-the-trump-pence-regime-must-go-en.html" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>Back in August,&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/communists-trump-pence-regime-08192017" type="external">I wrote about conferences held across the nation</a>&amp;#160;to begin planning these&amp;#160;riotsprotests. Conferences were held in New York, Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This is something that has been in the works for months, and basically, every group that is un-American is in on it.</p> <p>I&#8217;m glad you asked. Their plan is to replace our current form of government with first, Socialism and ultimately, Communism. Clearly they&#8217;ve learned nothing from the brutal collapse of Venezuela.</p> <p>It says so right in the preamble to their constitution. Oh, wait &#8211; I forgot to tell you &#8211; they have a draft of a constitution with which they want to replace the governing document of America. It&#8217;s called, &#8220;The Constitution for the New Socialist Republic in North America.&#8221; Here&#8217;s a little snippet from the introduction:</p> <p>It is intended to set forth a basic model, and fundamental principles and guidelines, for the nature and functioning of a vastly different society and government than now exists:&amp;#160;the New Socialist Republic in North America, a socialist state which would embody, institutionalize and promote radically different relations and values among people; a socialist state whose final and fundamental aim would be to achieve, together with the revolutionary struggle throughout the world, the emancipation of humanity as a whole and the opening of a whole new epoch in human history&#8211;communism&#8211;with the final abolition of all exploitative and oppressive relations among human beings and the destructive antagonistic conflicts to which these relations give rise.</p> <p>In order to bring this new socialist state into being, it would be necessary to thoroughly defeat, dismantle and&amp;#160;abolish the capitalist-imperialist state of the USA; and this in turn&amp;#160;would only become possible with the development of a profound and acute crisis in society&amp;#160;and the emergence of a revolutionary people, in the millions and millions, who have the leadership of&amp;#160;a revolutionary communist vanguard and are conscious of the need for revolutionary change and determined to fight for it. To work for this objective&#8211;to hasten while awaiting the emergence of these necessary conditions,&amp;#160;with the goal of revolution and ultimately communism clearly in mind&#8211;is the strategic orientation of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA. ( <a href="http://www.revcom.us/socialistconstitution/SocialistConstitution-en.pdf" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>They mince no words when stating that their ideal is a dictatorship.</p> <p>The New Socialist Republic in North America is, like all states, a form of dictatorship&#8211;the dictatorship of the proletariat&#8211;which means that, in its essential character and its basic principles, structures, institutions and political processes, it must give expression to and serve the fundamental interests of the proletariat, a class whose exploitation is the engine of the accumulation of capitalist wealth and the functioning of capitalist society and whose emancipation from its exploited condition can only be brought about through&amp;#160;the communist revolution, with its goal of abolishing all relations of exploitation and oppression and achieving the emancipation of humanity as a whole. In accordance with this, the 4 Constitution for the New Socialist Republic in North America (Draft Proposal) governing bodies and processes of this socialist state, at all levels, must be vehicles for the furtherance of the communist revolution; and, as a key dimension of this,&amp;#160;they must provide the means for those who were exploited and oppressed in the old society&#8211;and were effectively locked out of the exercise of political power and the governance of society, as well as the spheres of intellectual endeavor and working with ideas overall&#8211;&amp;#160;to increasingly take part in these spheres, with the aim of continually&amp;#160;transforming society in the direction of communism.&amp;#160;( <a href="http://www.revcom.us/socialistconstitution/SocialistConstitution-en.pdf" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>What could be more appealing to our society of victims than this warm invitation to become the ruling class over those who have &#8220;oppressed&#8221; them? Psychologically speaking, this is an ingenious way to gain the support of all those angry Social Justice Warriors who believe that racial minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community are all downtrodden.</p> <p>In the economy section, true to the communist roots of the document, it discusses how &#8220;the means of production&#8221; will&amp;#160;&#8220;become the common property and resource of the whole of society, and ultimately all of humanity.&#8221; So that means if you own a plant or a farm or a factory, it won&#8217;t be yours for long should they somehow manage to take power. Capitalism would be over in their commie utopia. In fact&#8230;</p> <p>&#8220;one of the principal aims is to eliminate the ownership of private capital&amp;#160;and the resultant relations of exploitation in the form of wage labor; and while, for a fairly long period of time, it will be necessary for people employed in enterprises and other units of the socialist economy to receive remuneration&#8211;and to meet their various personal needs, to a significant degree&#8211;through the medium of money, it will be possible, and will be the orientation,&amp;#160;to eliminate, in a much shorter period of time, conditions and situations in which individuals are forced to work for other individuals who own private capital. Accordingly, the private ownership of means of production and other capital, and&amp;#160;the hiring of wage labor by owners of private capital, shall be prohibited.&amp;#160;( <a href="http://www.revcom.us/socialistconstitution/SocialistConstitution-en.pdf" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>Media independent of the government will require a license to operate. I think we all know what that means. Censorship would be utter and complete. Surprisingly, the &#8220;constitution&#8221; permits all those over the age of 18 to own firearms, but there is a clause stating that all rights can be withdrawn if &#8220;the central Executive Council&#8221; declares a &#8220;security emergency.&#8221; If this happens, they &#8220;may temporarily suspend rights and provisions set forth in this Article and elsewhere in this Constitution.&#8221;</p> <p>You can read&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.revcom.us/socialistconstitution/SocialistConstitution-en.pdf" type="external">the whole 104-page document here</a>.</p> <p>Bob Avakian is the big kahuna in the Revolutionary Communist Party and he has been since the 70s. Avakian idolizes the likes of Mao Tse Tung and the Black Panthers. He is the main author of the Commie Constitution cited above and also the editor of the periodical, Revolution, formerly Revolutionary Worker. He is the author of&amp;#160; <a href="http://revcom.us/avakian/science/bob-avakian_the-new-commmunism.pdf" type="external">The New Communism: The science, the strategy, the leadership for an actual revolution, and a radically new society on the road to real emancipation</a>, which you can check out at the link if you really want to know where he&#8217;s coming from.</p> <p>He isn&#8217;t some skinny millennial living in his mama&#8217;s basement. According to&amp;#160; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Avakian" type="external">Wikipedia</a>, Avakian is in his 70s and has been pressing his agenda since the 1960s when he teamed up with the Black Panthers and the Students for a Democratic Society at Berkeley.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.theorganicprepper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/avakian_bob_.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Avakian is teaming up with other groups, though, like Resist Fascism. Resist Fascism has some fascinating contributors, including the sh*t-disturbing George Soros. I&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/communists-trump-pence-regime-08192017" type="external">wrote previously</a>:</p> <p>Refuse Fascism is a project of the Alliance for Global Justice. This is noted on their website where they ask for donations. (Obviously, I&#8217;m not recommending you donate. I&#8217;m just quoting this to show you where their bread gets buttered.)</p> <p>To support our educational activities and make a tax-deductible donation by mail, make your check out to Alliance for Global Justice&#8221; (our fiscal sponsor; you can use the abbreviation AFGJ), designate Refuse Fascism in the memo and mail to the address above. RefuseFascism.org is a fiscally sponsored project of the Alliance for Global Justice, a registered 501(c)3. ( <a href="https://refusefascism.org/donate/" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>According to&amp;#160; <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2017/02/03/look-who-funds-the-group-behind-the-call-to-arms-at-milos-berkeley-event/" type="external">The Daily Caller</a>:</p> <p>&#8230;the benefactors of the Alliance for Global Justice &#8212; and Refuse Fascism &#8212; are listed online.</p> <p><a href="http://afgj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AFGJ-990-2015-Small.pdf" type="external">According to its most recent 990 tax form</a>, Alliance for Global Justice (AfGJ) received $2.2 million in funding for the fiscal year ending in March 2016.</p> <p>One of the group&#8217;s biggest donors is the Tides Foundation, a non-profit funded by billionaire progressive philanthropist George Soros. Tides gave AfGJ $50,000.</p> <p>The United Steel Workers labor union also contributed $5,000. The city of Tucson is also listed in AfGJ&#8217;s 990 as a donor, but a city official says that the city acted merely as a pass-through for a Native American tribe that provided a grant to the activist group. The city official said that no city money went to AfGJ. ( <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2017/02/03/look-who-funds-the-group-behind-the-call-to-arms-at-milos-berkeley-event/" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>Raise your hand if you&#8217;re surprised to see George Soros linked to this. Hello? &amp;#160;Anyone?</p> <p>For further reference,&amp;#160; <a href="http://afgj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AFGJ-990-2015-Small.pdf" type="external">here&#8217;s a link to a PDF of their tax form</a>&amp;#160;with a list of all their donors. &amp;#160;Interesting reading. ( <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/communists-trump-pence-regime-08192017" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>In fact, the&amp;#160; <a href="http://freebeacon.com/politics/donors-anti-trump-resistance-group-revealed/" type="external">Washington Beacon</a>&amp;#160;got ahold of Soros&#8217;s unredacted tax returns and learned he sent more than $1.7M to an Antifa-linked foundation known as&amp;#160;The Center for Community Change Action.&amp;#160; <a href="http://offendedamerica.com/leaked-tax-returns-george-soros-sent-1-7m-antifa/" type="external">Other unsurprising donors were</a>:</p> <p>Take note, because these are the people and corporations that want to destroy our country.</p> <p>The Revolutionary Communist Party is working with other groups to bring down the &#8220;Trump Pence regime.&#8221; In their &#8220;Strategy for Revolution, they state:</p> <p>In order for revolution to be real there must be:&amp;#160;a revolutionary crisis, and a revolutionary people,&amp;#160;numbering in the millions and&amp;#160;led by a far-seeing, highly organized and disciplined revolutionary party.</p> <p>So they plan to use any type of crisis to stir the pot and gather more support. This includes shocking events, economic issues, and &#8220;breakdowns in the normal functioning of society.&#8221; Racial tension and strife fall right in line with their goals and add more bodies to their ranks.</p> <p>As well, you can be sure that the Marxist agenda we see in our education system, most particularly our colleges and universities, is a funnel to deliver young people into the fold. The more our young people feel disenfranchised, angry, and out of place with society, the more they will hate it and wish to overturn it. Just one such example of this is&amp;#160;Stefan Bradley, a professor at Loyola Marymount University who argued on behalf of violent protests just last week, writing:</p> <p>An undercurrent in these concerns over activism is the threat of escalation &#8212; of peaceful demonstrations veering into violence and property destruction. To be sure, disruption should not be mistaken for violence, and inflicting physical harm (not counting self-defense) on opponents and property often derails a just cause. At times, though,&amp;#160;it is the violent or destructive demonstrations that draw the attention of the wider public and motivates decision makers to act.&amp;#160;The response of the institution to nonviolent disruption often determines the reaction of agitators. Some will quibble about what constitutes self-defense or even violence, but America&#8217;s past has proved that the powers of persuasion do not often yield just results. ( <a href="http://www.chronicle.com/article/Civil-Debate-Is-Fine-Protest/241297" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>They are targeting the &#8220;oppressed&#8221; and the &#8220;victims&#8221; to empower their cause. They&#8217;re promoting anger and divisiveness.</p> <p>More needs to be learned, and will be learned, about how the revolutionary struggle can win when these conditions have been brought into being, but&amp;#160;the basic strategic conception and approach has been developed&amp;#160;for actually&amp;#160;defeating and dismantling&amp;#160;the oppressive forces and institutions of&amp;#160;this system&#8212;and bringing into being new institutions of a new, revolutionary system&#8212;when there is a revolutionary crisis and a revolutionary people&#8230;</p> <p>But the possibility of revolution will never really ripen unless&amp;#160;those who recognize the need for revolution are preparing the ground for this politically and ideologically even now:&amp;#160;working to influence the thinking of people in a revolutionary direction, organizing them into the struggle against this system, and winning growing numbers to become actively involved in building the movement for revolution&#8230;.</p> <p>All along the way, both in more &#8220;normal times&#8221; and especially in times of sharp breaks with the &#8220;normal routine,&#8221; it is necessary to be&amp;#160;working consistently&amp;#160;to&amp;#160;accumulate forces&#8212;to prepare minds and organize people in growing numbers&#8212;for revolution, among all those who can be rallied to the revolutionary cause. Among the millions and millions who catch hell in the hardest ways every day under this system. But also among many others who may not, on a daily basis, feel the hardest edge of this system&#8217;s oppression but are demeaned and degraded, are alienated and often outraged, by what this system does, the relations among people it promotes and enforces, the brutality this embodies.</p> <p>What is the way to carry out this work?&amp;#160;Fight the Power, and Transform the People, for Revolution.&amp;#160;This is a big part of the answer. People need to fight back, and people do fight back, against the many ways human beings, and the environment, are exploited, degraded, ravaged and even destroyed by this system. But to make that fight more powerful&#8212;and, more, to carry it through&amp;#160;to put an end to all this&#8212;people need to learn that the&amp;#160;fundamental problem&amp;#160;is&amp;#160;this capitalist system, and&amp;#160;the&amp;#160;solution&amp;#160;is&amp;#160;getting rid&amp;#160;of this system and bringing into being&amp;#160;a new system, socialism, aiming for the final goal of a communist world.&amp;#160;Fight the Power, and Transform the People, for Revolution&amp;#160;is a key part of our strategic approach, which provides a way for the Party to unite with and give leadership to people to&amp;#160;change themselves as they take part in the struggle to change the world&#8230;to&amp;#160;lift their heads and broaden their vision, to recognize what kind of world is possible, what their real interests are, and who their real friends and real enemies are,&amp;#160;as they rise up against this system&#8230;to take up&amp;#160;a revolutionary viewpoint and revolutionary values and morals&amp;#160;as they join with others to&amp;#160;resist this system&#8217;s crimes and build up the basis&amp;#160;for the ultimate all-out revolutionary struggle&amp;#160;to sweep this system away&amp;#160;and bring in a whole new way of organizing society, a whole new way of being&#8230;to become emancipators of humanity.</p> <p>Rest assured, everything that we look around and see that makes us shake our heads in confusion has been done for a reason. There is an agenda.</p> <p>This group is the enemy of freedom and the enemy of our way of life. Capitalism is the fuel of the American dream. It is the basis of every success story in our society. Without it, we&#8217;re all just cogs in a wheel spinning beyond our control. Capitalism is freedom.</p> <p>When you keep in mind that we very nearly had a self-proclaimed socialist as a top contender in our last presidential election, you will see that while this seems like the far-fetched fantasy of an angry bearded college student who writes beer-and-pizza-fueled manifestos in a basement apartment, it&#8217;s actually a very real movement that is gaining traction every day.</p> <p>Violence is on the upswing and people like members of Antifa and Resist Fascism think nothing of brutally assaulting those who support capitalism, Trump, or the Conservative point of view. Undercover videos of late have shown these people making aggressive plans that include violence and weapons at an upcoming Ben Shapiro speaking engagement:</p> <p>&#8220;The idea is plainclothes and hard tactics,&#8221; she explained. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think they&#8217;ll know what hit&amp;#160; them. Because they&#8217;re not prepared for what we&#8217;re planning.&#8221;</p> <p>Jared also filmed several members of Antifa and pressed them for information on what they were planning ahead of Shapiro&#8217;s speech.</p> <p>They admitted that they were considering using various weapons against those who opposed them, including an &#8220;assault weapon,&#8221; a &#8220;sawed-off shotgun,&#8221; and a &#8220;regular rifle.&#8221; ( <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/09/29/undercover-video-exposes-violent-plans-at-antifa-event-threats-weapons-and-violence-abound/" type="external">source</a>)</p> <p>Here&#8217;s the video that the media ignored.</p> <p /> <p>If this group succeeds in getting the numbers out there that they&#8217;re talking about, it will effectively shut down commerce in protest locations. Military, national guard, and police will step in. Counter-protests should be expected, and it will only be a matter of time until true violence like we haven&#8217;t seen in centuries, erupts in our city streets. Martial law in this situation will be a given.</p> <p>One thing these Communists aren&#8217;t considering is the well-trained, gun-toting Americans that they wish to victimize will fight back and they will do so effectively. Not only will the police and military object to this attempt to overturn our constitution and government, but everyday patriotic citizens will also strongly resist.</p> <p>It would be wise to be prepared to be prepared with&amp;#160; <a href="https://preppersmarket.com/collections/buckets" type="external">food</a>,&amp;#160; <a href="https://preppersmarket.com/collections/water-preparedness/products/small-water-storage-barrel" type="external">water</a>, and a&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/preppers-need-guns-3-reasons-firearms-play-a-role-in-your-defensive-plan-12012015" type="external">personal defense plan</a>. A violent attempt to overthrow our way of life via a communist revolution is on the very near horizon. Watch out for Nov. 4, because that could be the day that the next Civil War begins.</p> <p>Daisy is a coffee-swigging, gun-toting, homeschooling blogger who writes about current events, preparedness, frugality, and the pursuit of liberty on her websites,&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/sign-daily-newsletter" type="external">The Organic Prepper</a>&amp;#160;and&amp;#160; <a href="http://daisyluther.com/" type="external">DaisyLuther.com&amp;#160;</a>She is the author of&amp;#160; <a href="http://amzn.to/2h3c5S1" type="external">4 books</a>and the co-founder of&amp;#160; <a href="https://preppersuniversity.com/" type="external">Preppers University</a>, where she teaches intensive preparedness courses in a live online classroom setting. You can follow her on&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheOrganicPrepper?ref=hl" type="external">Facebook</a>,&amp;#160; <a href="http://pinterest.com/daisyluther/boards/" type="external">Pinterest</a>, and&amp;#160; <a href="https://twitter.com/DaisyLuther" type="external">Twitter</a>.</p> <p /> <p />

could trouble ever imagined headed way november 4th bunch folks arent happy trump pence attempt overthrow government communist revolution groups like antifa resist fascism revolutionary communist party meeting months openly plan sedition organize promise massive protests country dont surprised things become violent website says november 4 2017 gather streets public squares cities towns across country first many thousands declaring whole regime illegitimate stop single demand met160this nightmare must end trumppence regime must go protest must grow160day day night nightthousands becoming hundreds thousands millionsdetermined act put stop grave danger trumppence regime poses world demanding whole regime removed power actions reflect values respect humanity world wantin stark contrast hate bigotry trumppence fascist regime determination persist back compel whole world take note every force faction power structure would forced respond demand cracks divisions among powers already evident today sharpen widen draw people forward stand could lead situation illegitimate regime removed power spread word organize part making history dont let said stood aside still chance stop regime imperils humanity earth join taking streets public squares day day night night demonstrating name humanity refuse accept fascist america november 4 2017 stand together conviction courage overcoming fear uncertainty insist that160this nightmare must end trumppence regime must go160 source back august160 wrote conferences held across nation160to begin planning these160riotsprotests conferences held new york chicago austin los angeles san francisco something works months basically every group unamerican im glad asked plan replace current form government first socialism ultimately communism clearly theyve learned nothing brutal collapse venezuela says right preamble constitution oh wait forgot tell draft constitution want replace governing document america called constitution new socialist republic north america heres little snippet introduction intended set forth basic model fundamental principles guidelines nature functioning vastly different society government exists160the new socialist republic north america socialist state would embody institutionalize promote radically different relations values among people socialist state whose final fundamental aim would achieve together revolutionary struggle throughout world emancipation humanity whole opening whole new epoch human historycommunismwith final abolition exploitative oppressive relations among human beings destructive antagonistic conflicts relations give rise order bring new socialist state would necessary thoroughly defeat dismantle and160abolish capitalistimperialist state usa turn160would become possible development profound acute crisis society160and emergence revolutionary people millions millions leadership of160a revolutionary communist vanguard conscious need revolutionary change determined fight work objectiveto hasten awaiting emergence necessary conditions160with goal revolution ultimately communism clearly mindis strategic orientation revolutionary communist party usa source mince words stating ideal dictatorship new socialist republic north america like states form dictatorshipthe dictatorship proletariatwhich means essential character basic principles structures institutions political processes must give expression serve fundamental interests proletariat class whose exploitation engine accumulation capitalist wealth functioning capitalist society whose emancipation exploited condition brought through160the communist revolution goal abolishing relations exploitation oppression achieving emancipation humanity whole accordance 4 constitution new socialist republic north america draft proposal governing bodies processes socialist state levels must vehicles furtherance communist revolution key dimension this160they must provide means exploited oppressed old societyand effectively locked exercise political power governance society well spheres intellectual endeavor working ideas overall160to increasingly take part spheres aim continually160transforming society direction communism160 source could appealing society victims warm invitation become ruling class oppressed psychologically speaking ingenious way gain support angry social justice warriors believe racial minorities women lgbtq community downtrodden economy section true communist roots document discusses means production will160become common property resource whole society ultimately humanity means plant farm factory wont long somehow manage take power capitalism would commie utopia fact one principal aims eliminate ownership private capital160and resultant relations exploitation form wage labor fairly long period time necessary people employed enterprises units socialist economy receive remunerationand meet various personal needs significant degreethrough medium money possible orientation160to eliminate much shorter period time conditions situations individuals forced work individuals private capital accordingly private ownership means production capital and160the hiring wage labor owners private capital shall prohibited160 source media independent government require license operate think know means censorship would utter complete surprisingly constitution permits age 18 firearms clause stating rights withdrawn central executive council declares security emergency happens may temporarily suspend rights provisions set forth article elsewhere constitution read160 whole 104page document bob avakian big kahuna revolutionary communist party since 70s avakian idolizes likes mao tse tung black panthers main author commie constitution cited also editor periodical revolution formerly revolutionary worker author of160 new communism science strategy leadership actual revolution radically new society road real emancipation check link really want know hes coming isnt skinny millennial living mamas basement according to160 wikipedia avakian 70s pressing agenda since 1960s teamed black panthers students democratic society berkeley avakian teaming groups though like resist fascism resist fascism fascinating contributors including shtdisturbing george soros i160 wrote previously refuse fascism project alliance global justice noted website ask donations obviously im recommending donate im quoting show bread gets buttered support educational activities make taxdeductible donation mail make check alliance global justice fiscal sponsor use abbreviation afgj designate refuse fascism memo mail address refusefascismorg fiscally sponsored project alliance global justice registered 501c3 source according to160 daily caller benefactors alliance global justice refuse fascism listed online according recent 990 tax form alliance global justice afgj received 22 million funding fiscal year ending march 2016 one groups biggest donors tides foundation nonprofit funded billionaire progressive philanthropist george soros tides gave afgj 50000 united steel workers labor union also contributed 5000 city tucson also listed afgjs 990 donor city official says city acted merely passthrough native american tribe provided grant activist group city official said city money went afgj source raise hand youre surprised see george soros linked hello 160anyone reference160 heres link pdf tax form160with list donors 160interesting reading source fact the160 washington beacon160got ahold soross unredacted tax returns learned sent 17m antifalinked foundation known as160the center community change action160 unsurprising donors take note people corporations want destroy country revolutionary communist party working groups bring trump pence regime strategy revolution state order revolution real must be160a revolutionary crisis revolutionary people160numbering millions and160led farseeing highly organized disciplined revolutionary party plan use type crisis stir pot gather support includes shocking events economic issues breakdowns normal functioning society racial tension strife fall right line goals add bodies ranks well sure marxist agenda see education system particularly colleges universities funnel deliver young people fold young people feel disenfranchised angry place society hate wish overturn one example is160stefan bradley professor loyola marymount university argued behalf violent protests last week writing undercurrent concerns activism threat escalation peaceful demonstrations veering violence property destruction sure disruption mistaken violence inflicting physical harm counting selfdefense opponents property often derails cause times though160it violent destructive demonstrations draw attention wider public motivates decision makers act160the response institution nonviolent disruption often determines reaction agitators quibble constitutes selfdefense even violence americas past proved powers persuasion often yield results source targeting oppressed victims empower cause theyre promoting anger divisiveness needs learned learned revolutionary struggle win conditions brought but160the basic strategic conception approach developed160for actually160defeating dismantling160the oppressive forces institutions of160this systemand bringing new institutions new revolutionary systemwhen revolutionary crisis revolutionary people possibility revolution never really ripen unless160those recognize need revolution preparing ground politically ideologically even now160working influence thinking people revolutionary direction organizing struggle system winning growing numbers become actively involved building movement revolution along way normal times especially times sharp breaks normal routine necessary be160working consistently160to160accumulate forcesto prepare minds organize people growing numbersfor revolution among rallied revolutionary cause among millions millions catch hell hardest ways every day system also among many others may daily basis feel hardest edge systems oppression demeaned degraded alienated often outraged system relations among people promotes enforces brutality embodies way carry work160fight power transform people revolution160this big part answer people need fight back people fight back many ways human beings environment exploited degraded ravaged even destroyed system make fight powerfuland carry through160to put end thispeople need learn the160fundamental problem160is160this capitalist system and160the160solution160is160getting rid160of system bringing being160a new system socialism aiming final goal communist world160fight power transform people revolution160is key part strategic approach provides way party unite give leadership people to160change take part struggle change worldto160lift heads broaden vision recognize kind world possible real interests real friends real enemies are160as rise systemto take up160a revolutionary viewpoint revolutionary values morals160as join others to160resist systems crimes build basis160for ultimate allout revolutionary struggle160to sweep system away160and bring whole new way organizing society whole new way beingto become emancipators humanity rest assured everything look around see makes us shake heads confusion done reason agenda group enemy freedom enemy way life capitalism fuel american dream basis every success story society without cogs wheel spinning beyond control capitalism freedom keep mind nearly selfproclaimed socialist top contender last presidential election see seems like farfetched fantasy angry bearded college student writes beerandpizzafueled manifestos basement apartment actually real movement gaining traction every day violence upswing people like members antifa resist fascism think nothing brutally assaulting support capitalism trump conservative point view undercover videos late shown people making aggressive plans include violence weapons upcoming ben shapiro speaking engagement idea plainclothes hard tactics explained dont think theyll know hit160 theyre prepared planning jared also filmed several members antifa pressed information planning ahead shapiros speech admitted considering using various weapons opposed including assault weapon sawedoff shotgun regular rifle source heres video media ignored group succeeds getting numbers theyre talking effectively shut commerce protest locations military national guard police step counterprotests expected matter time true violence like havent seen centuries erupts city streets martial law situation given one thing communists arent considering welltrained guntoting americans wish victimize fight back effectively police military object attempt overturn constitution government everyday patriotic citizens also strongly resist would wise prepared prepared with160 food160 water a160 personal defense plan violent attempt overthrow way life via communist revolution near horizon watch nov 4 could day next civil war begins daisy coffeeswigging guntoting homeschooling blogger writes current events preparedness frugality pursuit liberty websites160 organic prepper160and160 daisyluthercom160she author of160 4 booksand cofounder of160 preppers university teaches intensive preparedness courses live online classroom setting follow on160 facebook160 pinterest and160 twitter

<p>The e-commerce platform company, Shopify&amp;#160;(NYSE: SHOP), has an <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/27/tobi-lutke-snowboarder-programmer-and-shopifys-unl.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">amazing growth story Opens a New Window.</a>. Since 2012, the company has grown its customer base 12 times, and its revenues 21 times, which has&amp;#160;powered its stock to over 300% gains since its IPO. While the company has aspects of its business <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/03/3-ways-shopify-is-like-amazon-and-1-key-difference.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">in common with Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), now it seems to have one more: The flywheel. Read on for details about how Shopify's business is creating a virtuous cycle that powers its growth for the long term.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/SHOP" type="external">SHOP Opens a New Window.</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Amazon has had a long <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/09/29/amazoncom-is-20-years-old-but-still-an-infant.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">successful growth story Opens a New Window.</a> from being known as "Earth's Biggest Bookstore" in the early days to becoming The Everything Store.&amp;#160;The <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/19/the-1-key-to-amazoncom-incs-success-that-no-one-ta.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Amazon flywheel Opens a New Window.</a> (as shown below) was developed with the help of author Jim Collins, as part of a company executive leadership team retreat in 2001.&amp;#160;The company has been using this graphic ever since to describe how Amazon's business is able to grow.</p> <p>Amazon's success starts with an obsession over the customer experience. Having a great customer experience drives more traffic to its website. More traffic attracts more sellers and improves selection, which in turn attracts more customers.</p> <p>The outer loop is a lower cost structure. This results when more customers buy more goods and Amazon can spread out its fixed costs over more orders, thus lowering cost per order. Instead of taking profits, Amazon lowers prices. Improve any part of the circle and the flywheel spins faster.</p> <p>This is a proven model that has grown Amazon into the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/11/amazon-is-using-this-one-two-punch-to-knock-out-re.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">largest online seller Opens a New Window.</a> in the world. Shopify has big dreams too. It wants to be the platform of choice that entrepreneurs use to power their e-commerce business and it seem to have taken inspiration from Amazon's flywheel.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Shopify just released its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/04/shopify-continues-it-torrid-growth.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">earnings Opens a New Window.</a> and put up record revenue, record gross margin dollars, all supported by a record number of merchants on the platform. Below is a slide that was included as part of Shopify's quarterly earnings release which has a lot in common with Amazon's flywheel.</p> <p>The tailwinds indicated above are trends that support people becoming entrepreneurs in the first place. A Fast Company <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3049532/heres-why-the-freelancer-economy-is-on-the-rise" type="external">article Opens a New Window.</a> points to enablers such as online marketplaces that match talent with work and more coworking spaces as fueling the trend of self-employment. The <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/27/the-1-stock-id-buy-right-now.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">e-commerce Opens a New Window.</a> tailwind is a powerful one and still just getting started even though it has been in growth mode for the last <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/10/1-chart-shows-why-physical-retail-needs-to-go-digi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">two decades Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Lastly, <a href="https://www.shopify.com/enterprise/84435398-the-consumerization-of-enterprise-software" type="external">consumerization of the enterprise Opens a New Window.</a> is the combination of higher expectations of enterprise software driven by the multitude of powerful, easy-to-use smartphone apps that are readily accessible to the general consumer. Shopify understands this trend and has been focused on creating a platform that is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/08/5-things-investors-should-know-about-shopifys-late.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">easy to use Opens a New Window.</a> for most merchants.</p> <p>Once a new merchant is added to the Shopify platform -- as represented by the circle in the middle -- the flywheel gets a little more energy to spin just a little faster.</p> <p>Recently Shopify surpassed an amazing <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/01/shopify-inc-revenue-surges-as-merchant-network-sur.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">500,000 merchants Opens a New Window.</a> on its platform, but Shopify doesn't like to focus on its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/06/shopify-didnt-mention-a-key-number-but-investors-s.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">number of merchants Opens a New Window.</a>, it &amp;#160;likes to point to monthly recurring revenue (MRR) as its measure of success. MRR refers to the amount spent by merchants on a monthly basis to be part of the Shopify platform and that has grown at 80% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since 2012.</p> <p>Having more merchants selling their goods on the platform creates more gross merchandise volume (GMV), which represents sales made on the platform. This number has been on a tremendous growth path as well.</p> <p>Having more merchants sell more stuff on the platform in turn leads to more channels, partners, and capabilities.</p> <p>Over the years, Shopify has built an impressive set of channels for its merchants to be able to sell through. For as little as $9 per month, a <a href="https://www.shopify.com/lite" type="external">Shopify Lite Opens a New Window.</a> subscription allows merchants to set up a "buy button" to sell their product on thousands of websites. With a higher priced subscription plan, Shopify merchants can sell on Amazon, Pinterest, Facebook, their own custom website, and coming soon, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/19/shopify-is-turning-another-competitor-into-a-partn.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">eBay Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Shopify has attracted a number of partners to help build out its platform. A partner can sign on to be an app developer, a Shopify "expert" or a theme store designer. All of these partnerships expand the capabilities of the platform and make it more valuable for individual merchants.</p> <p>Lastly, having more merchants allows Shopify to deliver more capabilities. Shopify's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/13/1-thing-shopify-does-right.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">credit card reader Opens a New Window.</a> is a great example of something that the company was able to bring to its platform now that the company has a huge base of merchants who will benefit from the addition.</p> <p>Lastly, one of the keys to Amazon's success is that instead of driving profits, the company utilizes its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/08/19/a-look-at-operating-leverage.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">operating leverage Opens a New Window.</a> to lower prices for its customers further accelerating the flywheel. Tobi Lutke, Shopify's CEO, seems to have learned this lesson from Amazon as well. Here's what Lutke said in the filing to go public in 2015.</p> <p>Shopify seems to have a lot in common with the proven growth story of Amazon and that should make Shopify investors pretty happy.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than ShopifyWhen 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;amp;impression=0a620587-3549-43bc-aa25-184a70ac939e&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Shopify 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;amp;impression=0a620587-3549-43bc-aa25-184a70ac939e&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;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/TMFBwithbike/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Brian Withers Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Amazon and Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon and Shopify. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=61aff68e-8b5e-11e7-b480-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

ecommerce platform company shopify160nyse shop amazing growth story opens new window since 2012 company grown customer base 12 times revenues 21 times has160powered stock 300 gains since ipo company aspects business common opens new window160amazon nasdaq amzn seems one flywheel read details shopifys business creating virtuous cycle powers growth long term shop opens new window data ycharts opens new window continue reading amazon long successful growth story opens new window known earths biggest bookstore early days becoming everything store160the amazon flywheel opens new window shown developed help author jim collins part company executive leadership team retreat 2001160the company using graphic ever since describe amazons business able grow amazons success starts obsession customer experience great customer experience drives traffic website traffic attracts sellers improves selection turn attracts customers outer loop lower cost structure results customers buy goods amazon spread fixed costs orders thus lowering cost per order instead taking profits amazon lowers prices improve part circle flywheel spins faster proven model grown amazon largest online seller opens new window world shopify big dreams wants platform choice entrepreneurs use power ecommerce business seem taken inspiration amazons flywheel advertisement shopify released earnings opens new window put record revenue record gross margin dollars supported record number merchants platform slide included part shopifys quarterly earnings release lot common amazons flywheel tailwinds indicated trends support people becoming entrepreneurs first place fast company article opens new window points enablers online marketplaces match talent work coworking spaces fueling trend selfemployment ecommerce opens new window tailwind powerful one still getting started even though growth mode last two decades opens new window lastly consumerization enterprise opens new window combination higher expectations enterprise software driven multitude powerful easytouse smartphone apps readily accessible general consumer shopify understands trend focused creating platform easy use opens new window merchants new merchant added shopify platform represented circle middle flywheel gets little energy spin little faster recently shopify surpassed amazing 500000 merchants opens new window platform shopify doesnt like focus number merchants opens new window 160likes point monthly recurring revenue mrr measure success mrr refers amount spent merchants monthly basis part shopify platform grown 80 compound annual growth rate cagr since 2012 merchants selling goods platform creates gross merchandise volume gmv represents sales made platform number tremendous growth path well merchants sell stuff platform turn leads channels partners capabilities years shopify built impressive set channels merchants able sell little 9 per month shopify lite opens new window subscription allows merchants set buy button sell product thousands websites higher priced subscription plan shopify merchants sell amazon pinterest facebook custom website coming soon ebay opens new window shopify attracted number partners help build platform partner sign app developer shopify expert theme store designer partnerships expand capabilities platform make valuable individual merchants lastly merchants allows shopify deliver capabilities shopifys credit card reader opens new window great example something company able bring platform company huge base merchants benefit addition lastly one keys amazons success instead driving profits company utilizes operating leverage opens new window lower prices customers accelerating flywheel tobi lutke shopifys ceo seems learned lesson amazon well heres lutke said filing go public 2015 shopify seems lot common proven growth story amazon make shopify investors pretty happy 10 stocks like better shopifywhen 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 shopify wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 brian withers opens new window owns shares amazon shopify motley fool owns shares recommends amazon shopify motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Clariant and Huntsman end merger talks; Electrolux shares rise</p> <p>Spanish stocks dropped further Friday as the Catalonia region moved toward separating itself from the central government. But a continued pullback in the euro and some well-received corporate earnings reports helped European stocks hold to higher ground.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>What stock indexes are doing</p> <p>In Madrid, the IBEX 35 fell as much as 2%, but has since slightly pared the decline to 1.2% at 10,221.40. The benchmark hit an intraday low after the Catalan parliament voted for a resolution to declare independence, although members of anti-independence parties walked out in protest before the vote, according to media reports.</p> <p>The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.4% to 392.95, led by tech and consumer goods shares. But the consumer services and financial sectors lost ground. On Thursday, the benchmark jumped 1.1%, (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/european-stocks-cling-to-small-gains-as-investors-brace-for-ecb-move-2017-10-26) a move that could help leave it higher by 0.7% this week. That would be the index's sixth advance in seven weeks, according to FactSet data.</p> <p>On Friday, Germany's DAX 30 index rose 0.7% to 13,223.67, after finishing Thursday's session at a record close of 13,133.28.</p> <p>In Paris, the CAC 40 moved up 0.6% to 5,489.58, and in London, the FTSE 100 rose 0.1% to 7,496.57 (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ftse-100-steps-higher-as-pound-slips-again-2017-10-27).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Italy's FTSE MIB fell 0.6% to 22,662.61.</p> <p>What driving markets</p> <p>Spain's IBEX 35 drove was on track for a small loss for the week, with the escalation of the conflict between Madrid and Barcelona exacerbating losses on Friday. The Spanish Senate in Madrid on Friday -- after Catalonia's parliament voted to declare independence -- voted in favor of invoking Article 155, which would strip Catalonia of its autonomous powers and impose direct rule from the capital.</p> <p>The yield on 10-year Spanish government bonds rose 4 basis points to 1.591%, according to Tradeweb. Yields rise as prices fall.</p> <p>The euro was little changed but remained below $1.1600 after news of the Catalan vote hit. The euro on Friday fell below $1.16 for the first time since late July, according to FactSet data, still struggling after the European Central Bank on Thursday said it will reduce its monthly bond purchases by half, to EUR30 billion, starting in January and extend the duration of those purchases to at least September 2018.</p> <p>Read:Draghi averts 'taper tantrum'--for now--as ECB takes baby step toward end of QE (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/draghi-averts-taper-tantrumfor-nowas-ecb-begins-slow-walk-to-normalization-2017-10-26)</p> <p>Also read:Is the euro rally toast after ECB unveils dovish bond-buying cutback? (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-the-euro-rally-toast-after-ecb-unveils-dovish-bond-buying-reduction-2017-10-26)</p> <p>Euro weakness can lead to gains in shares of European exporters, in part on the prospect that their products will become less expensive for overseas clients to purchase.</p> <p>The reduced amount in monthly bond purchases was widely anticipated as the eurozone economy continues to recover, but the bank is still dealing with stubbornly low inflation. ECB President Mario Draghi said during his news conference the decision reflects an "open-ended" program that won't stop suddenly.</p> <p>Read:Draghi averts 'taper tantrum'--for now--as ECB begins slow walk to normalization (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/draghi-averts-taper-tantrumfor-nowas-ecb-begins-slow-walk-to-normalization-2017-10-26)</p> <p>Read MarketWatch's recap of Draghi's news conference (http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell/2017/10/26/live-blog-ecb-to-begin-tapering-its-massive-bond-buying-program-in-january/)</p> <p>What strategists are saying</p> <p>"While [the ECB decision] was exactly what most economists anticipated, it was slightly less than what some euro bulls may have hoped for," said Kathy Lien, managing director of FX strategy at BK Asset Management in a late Thursday note.</p> <p>"More importantly, the ECB said they would keep rates at current levels well past the end of QE. That means the first rate hike would not be until October 2018. Nothing else mattered after Draghi made it clear that rates won't be increased anytime soon," she added.</p> <p>Read: Why Italy faces worst shock in Europe as ECB prepares to taper bond buys (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-italy-faces-worst-shock-in-europe-as-ecb-prepares-to-taper-bond-buys-2017-10-24)</p> <p>Stock movers</p> <p>Gemalto NV (GTO.AE) rallied 10% as the digital-security company backed its profit forecast for the year (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gemalto-sales-flatten-backs-2017-profit-outlook-2017-10-27). Sales during the third-quarter were virtually flat.</p> <p>Volkswagen AG shares (VOW.XE) leapt 3.5% as the German auto maker raised its operating margin guidance for the full year. But third-quarter net profit slid to EUR1.06 billion (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/vw-profit-slides-on-emissions-scandal-charges-2017-10-27) ($1.25 billion), hit by costs related to its diesel emissions scandal.</p> <p>Shares of Banco de Sabadell SA (SAB.MC) were yanked 5.3% lower as Spanish stocks overall sold off. The lender said third-quarter net profit fell slightly on the year, to EUR203.2 million (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sabadell-profit-falls-sticks-to-annual-view-2017-10-27). Sabadell recently moved its legal headquarters out of Catalonia as political tensions surround the region after its independence drive.</p> <p>Clariant AG (CLN.EB) fell 1.9% as the Swiss chemicals maker and U.S.-based Huntsman Corp. (HUN) said they've ended their proposed merger (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/clariant-huntsman-call-halt-to-planned-merger-2017-10-27) to create a $15 billion chemicals company after facing pressure from U.S. activist investors.</p> <p>SES SA shares tumbled 13%. The Luxembourg-based satellite operator posted a 9% decline in third-quarter revenue to EUR478.5 million, which was below FactSet's consensus estimate of EUR487.10 million. Shares of rival Eutelsat Communications (ETL.FR) slid 12%.</p> <p>Electrolux AB (ELUXY) sprang up 5.6%, with the Swedish household-appliance maker's quarterly profit of 1.42 billion Swedish kronor ($175.2 million) beating expectations. (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/electrolux-profit-rises-12-beating-forecasts-2017-10-27)</p> <p>Kindred Group PLC (KIND-SDB.SK) charged up 11% after the online gambling company said gross winnings revenue of GBP193.6 million in the third quarter was an all-time high.</p> <p>UBS Group AG (UBS) said third-quarter net profit rose 14% to 946 million Swiss francs ($952.7 million). Shares of the Swiss lender turned lower, down 1.3%.</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>October 27, 2017 10:26 ET (14:26 GMT)</p>

clariant huntsman end merger talks electrolux shares rise spanish stocks dropped friday catalonia region moved toward separating central government continued pullback euro wellreceived corporate earnings reports helped european stocks hold higher ground continue reading stock indexes madrid ibex 35 fell much 2 since slightly pared decline 12 1022140 benchmark hit intraday low catalan parliament voted resolution declare independence although members antiindependence parties walked protest vote according media reports stoxx europe 600 index rose 04 39295 led tech consumer goods shares consumer services financial sectors lost ground thursday benchmark jumped 11 httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryeuropeanstocksclingtosmallgainsasinvestorsbraceforecbmove20171026 move could help leave higher 07 week would indexs sixth advance seven weeks according factset data friday germanys dax 30 index rose 07 1322367 finishing thursdays session record close 1313328 paris cac 40 moved 06 548958 london ftse 100 rose 01 749657 httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryftse100stepshigheraspoundslipsagain20171027 advertisement italys ftse mib fell 06 2266261 driving markets spains ibex 35 drove track small loss week escalation conflict madrid barcelona exacerbating losses friday spanish senate madrid friday catalonias parliament voted declare independence voted favor invoking article 155 would strip catalonia autonomous powers impose direct rule capital yield 10year spanish government bonds rose 4 basis points 1591 according tradeweb yields rise prices fall euro little changed remained 11600 news catalan vote hit euro friday fell 116 first time since late july according factset data still struggling european central bank thursday said reduce monthly bond purchases half eur30 billion starting january extend duration purchases least september 2018 readdraghi averts taper tantrumfor nowas ecb takes baby step toward end qe httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydraghiavertstapertantrumfornowasecbbeginsslowwalktonormalization20171026 also readis euro rally toast ecb unveils dovish bondbuying cutback httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryistheeurorallytoastafterecbunveilsdovishbondbuyingreduction20171026 euro weakness lead gains shares european exporters part prospect products become less expensive overseas clients purchase reduced amount monthly bond purchases widely anticipated eurozone economy continues recover bank still dealing stubbornly low inflation ecb president mario draghi said news conference decision reflects openended program wont stop suddenly readdraghi averts taper tantrumfor nowas ecb begins slow walk normalization httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydraghiavertstapertantrumfornowasecbbeginsslowwalktonormalization20171026 read marketwatchs recap draghis news conference httpblogsmarketwatchcomthetell20171026liveblogecbtobegintaperingitsmassivebondbuyingprograminjanuary strategists saying ecb decision exactly economists anticipated slightly less euro bulls may hoped said kathy lien managing director fx strategy bk asset management late thursday note importantly ecb said would keep rates current levels well past end qe means first rate hike would october 2018 nothing else mattered draghi made clear rates wont increased anytime soon added read italy faces worst shock europe ecb prepares taper bond buys httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorywhyitalyfacesworstshockineuropeasecbpreparestotaperbondbuys20171024 stock movers gemalto nv gtoae rallied 10 digitalsecurity company backed profit forecast year httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorygemaltosalesflattenbacks2017profitoutlook20171027 sales thirdquarter virtually flat volkswagen ag shares vowxe leapt 35 german auto maker raised operating margin guidance full year thirdquarter net profit slid eur106 billion httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryvwprofitslidesonemissionsscandalcharges20171027 125 billion hit costs related diesel emissions scandal shares banco de sabadell sa sabmc yanked 53 lower spanish stocks overall sold lender said thirdquarter net profit fell slightly year eur2032 million httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorysabadellprofitfallsstickstoannualview20171027 sabadell recently moved legal headquarters catalonia political tensions surround region independence drive clariant ag clneb fell 19 swiss chemicals maker usbased huntsman corp hun said theyve ended proposed merger httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryclarianthuntsmancallhalttoplannedmerger20171027 create 15 billion chemicals company facing pressure us activist investors ses sa shares tumbled 13 luxembourgbased satellite operator posted 9 decline thirdquarter revenue eur4785 million factsets consensus estimate eur48710 million shares rival eutelsat communications etlfr slid 12 electrolux ab eluxy sprang 56 swedish householdappliance makers quarterly profit 142 billion swedish kronor 1752 million beating expectations httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryelectroluxprofitrises12beatingforecasts20171027 kindred group plc kindsdbsk charged 11 online gambling company said gross winnings revenue gbp1936 million third quarter alltime high ubs group ag ubs said thirdquarter net profit rose 14 946 million swiss francs 9527 million shares swiss lender turned lower 13 end dow jones newswires october 27 2017 1026 et 1426 gmt

<p>The law of compounding returns isn't a secret, but it's nevertheless a difficult subject to get one's head around. None other than Albert Einstein once referred to it as the Eighth Wonder of the World.</p> <p>Yet, while it may be hard to conceptualize the law of compounding returns, it isn't difficult to show why it matters so much for investors. One of the best places to see this, as Gaby Lapera and John Maxfield discuss on this week's episode of <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Financials Opens a New Window.</a>, is the first page of Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE: BRK-A) (NYSE: BRK-B) annual shareholder letter.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Listen in below to learn what Warren Buffett has taught Gaby and John about investing.</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Berkshire HathawayWhen 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;amp;impression=6279e0e6-c236-492d-8dbb-a56e9ae96488&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Berkshire Hathaway wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p>Advertisement</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;amp;impression=6279e0e6-c236-492d-8dbb-a56e9ae96488&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p>This podcast was recorded on March 6, 2017.</p> <p>Gaby Lapera: Speaking of someone who has had a very long life, Warren Buffett. Exciting news from Omaha this week. He released his long-anticipated investor letter that he does every year. That is something that's ... I don't know how to describe it. It's like the Great American novel of American investing that gets written every year. If you look back at past ones, it's just this beautiful collection of investing wisdom from one of the best investors ever.</p> <p>John Maxfield:If not the best.</p> <p>Lapera:I know you were really excited about this, Maxfield.</p> <p>Maxfield:I was.I think that's a great way that you framed it. It's not just that it's, maybe, the most valuable document that has ever been written about investing, which, I think it is, but it's a living document. He's adding to it each year. So we can not only see what he says each year, but we can see how his thought process evolved. For an individual investor, you just couldn't have a more valuable document to study than his letters.</p> <p>Lapera:That's so true. For all you millennials out there, it's like Harry Potter for investing, except it doesn't end. At least I make myself laugh, and you, which is good. So one of the things that characterizes this letter is that the first page always has all the returns thatBerkshirehas had since 1965, when Buffett took over Berkshire. Do you want to expound a little bit on what's going on there?</p> <p>Maxfield:Let me start out with a slightly different thing. One of the things that when the letter comes out, somebody like me reads immediately. Other people in the media industry do the same thing. What you're doing is looking for those pithy quotes, or what he has to say about stuff like the American economy or stuff like that. But I think one of the things that's really important, it's not only that investors should read his letter -- I honestly think that investors should always read his letters -- but it's also about how you read them. You don't want to just fall into that habit of going through and superficially picking out the favorite pithy quote that he had to say, or the five awesomest quotes that he had to say, or what he had to say about politics or the American economy. You really want to sit down and switch your thought process from that instinctual system one, which is how they refer to it in behavioral finance, into more of that calculated, slower thought process, where you're actually thinking and analyzing it. When you think about Warren Buffett, I think it's really important that while we can all sit around and say, "This guy is the most successful investor," I mean, as far as I know, and I've read quite a bit about investing, he's the most successful investor over such a long stretch of time of all time. But that doesn't mean that you should suspend your critical thought process even when reading Warren Buffett's letters.</p> <p>Lapera:Not at all. I think one of the best things I picked up from college, and thathelped me get successfully through grad school, was marking up every single thing that I read. I know this must drive librarians crazy, and I'm so sorry about this -- I only do this to books that I actually own, but I take a pen or pencil and I mark every page. So every time that someone says something interesting or something I want to fact-check later, I circle it, I have my own little set of symbols and notations for what I think is actually going on, and at the end of each chapter, I like to give a little summary of the most important points. And at the end of the book, I go back and write down what I thought the best things were, or what were things that I disagreed with, and think on them some more.</p> <p>Maxfield:Yeah. It's funny, when you were explaining that, there are a lot of people who talk about the process of reading, and a lot of really good readers apply a very similar process to that. So, now, let me answer your first question, Gaby. On the very first page of Warren Buffett's letter, it compares the performance of Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, which is the year that he actually took over the company, until today, and it looks at the performance of Berkshire Hathaway, both the growth and book value per share, the growth in its market value of its actual shares on the exchanges, and it compares that to the S&amp;amp;P 500. And what I love about this first page is, the law of compounding returns, one of those things that is so difficult to get your brain around, because it's just a difficult thing to define. Albert Einstein, who I think we can all agree was a pretty smart guy -- right, Gaby? Do you agree that Albert Einstein is smart?</p> <p>Lapera:Sure, he's OK.</p> <p>Maxfield:Yeah. He calls that the Eighth Wonder of the World. So Albert Einstein says this is a difficult concept to understand. But the first page on Warren Buffett's letter really drives home, even if you can't understand it, how incredibly powerful compound returns are. Let meput this into perspective. Over that 52-year stretch, Buffett hasaveraged a 20.8% annualized gainon Berkshire Hathaway stock. Now that's anannualized gain. Over that entire period, he's earned nearly a 2 millionpercentage return on his investors money. What that translates into is, a $10,000investment in Berkshire Hathawayin 1965 -- which,if you factor inflationinto the equation,that's basically enough to buy aBMW5 Series,a nice car but nothing ridiculously fancy -- thattransformed that amount of money into $88 million, i.e., generational wealth for most families.</p> <p>Lapera:That's crazy.</p> <p>Maxfield:Isn't it? It's justsuch a good example. And the other thing that really drives this point home about thepower of compounding returns --to put that in perspective, whileBuffett has returned to 2 million percentover that time period,the S&amp;amp;P 500 has returned 12,700%.</p> <p>Lapera:That'salso very impressive.</p> <p>Maxfield:It is, but it's like a rounding errorwhen you look at it compared to Warren Buffett's returns. So that second point is,even small differences in percentages over an extended stretch of time, when those returns compound, canresult in a huge difference. Let me give you an example from that first page. The per-share change in Berkshire'sbook value per share is anannualized gain of 19%. But the same, like I was saying, themarket value of its actual shares is20.8%. So a1.8% difference. Over that stretch of time period, that transforms that 2 million percentreturn all the way down to 884,000% return. So just, on a yearly basis,even though it's less than a 2% difference,over the stretch of that 52-year time period,you're looking at a 1.1 millionpercentage difference. The point is, compounding returns issomething that you want to grasp onto as an investor andtake advantage of to the greatest extent that you can.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCaffeine/info.aspx" type="external">Gaby Lapera Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/JohnMaxfield37/info.aspx" type="external">John Maxfield Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

law compounding returns isnt secret nevertheless difficult subject get ones head around none albert einstein referred eighth wonder world yet may hard conceptualize law compounding returns isnt difficult show matters much investors one best places see gaby lapera john maxfield discuss weeks episode industry focus financials opens new window first page berkshire hathaways nyse brka nyse brkb annual shareholder letter continue reading listen learn warren buffett taught gaby john investing full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better berkshire hathawaywhen 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 berkshire hathaway wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys advertisement click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 podcast recorded march 6 2017 gaby lapera speaking someone long life warren buffett exciting news omaha week released longanticipated investor letter every year something thats dont know describe like great american novel american investing gets written every year look back past ones beautiful collection investing wisdom one best investors ever john maxfieldif best laperai know really excited maxfield maxfieldi wasi think thats great way framed maybe valuable document ever written investing think living document hes adding year see says year see thought process evolved individual investor couldnt valuable document study letters laperathats true millennials like harry potter investing except doesnt end least make laugh good one things characterizes letter first page always returns thatberkshirehas since 1965 buffett took berkshire want expound little bit whats going maxfieldlet start slightly different thing one things letter comes somebody like reads immediately people media industry thing youre looking pithy quotes say stuff like american economy stuff like think one things thats really important investors read letter honestly think investors always read letters also read dont want fall habit going superficially picking favorite pithy quote say five awesomest quotes say say politics american economy really want sit switch thought process instinctual system one refer behavioral finance calculated slower thought process youre actually thinking analyzing think warren buffett think really important sit around say guy successful investor mean far know ive read quite bit investing hes successful investor long stretch time time doesnt mean suspend critical thought process even reading warren buffetts letters laperanot think one best things picked college thathelped get successfully grad school marking every single thing read know must drive librarians crazy im sorry books actually take pen pencil mark every page every time someone says something interesting something want factcheck later circle little set symbols notations think actually going end chapter like give little summary important points end book go back write thought best things things disagreed think maxfieldyeah funny explaining lot people talk process reading lot really good readers apply similar process let answer first question gaby first page warren buffetts letter compares performance berkshire hathaway since 1965 year actually took company today looks performance berkshire hathaway growth book value per share growth market value actual shares exchanges compares sampp 500 love first page law compounding returns one things difficult get brain around difficult thing define albert einstein think agree pretty smart guy right gaby agree albert einstein smart laperasure hes ok maxfieldyeah calls eighth wonder world albert einstein says difficult concept understand first page warren buffetts letter really drives home even cant understand incredibly powerful compound returns let meput perspective 52year stretch buffett hasaveraged 208 annualized gainon berkshire hathaway stock thats anannualized gain entire period hes earned nearly 2 millionpercentage return investors money translates 10000investment berkshire hathawayin 1965 whichif factor inflationinto equationthats basically enough buy abmw5 seriesa nice car nothing ridiculously fancy thattransformed amount money 88 million ie generational wealth families laperathats crazy maxfieldisnt justsuch good example thing really drives point home thepower compounding returns put perspective whilebuffett returned 2 million percentover time periodthe sampp 500 returned 12700 laperathatsalso impressive maxfieldit like rounding errorwhen look compared warren buffetts returns second point iseven small differences percentages extended stretch time returns compound canresult huge difference let give example first page pershare change berkshiresbook value per share anannualized gain 19 like saying themarket value actual shares is208 a18 difference stretch time period transforms 2 million percentreturn way 884000 return yearly basiseven though less 2 differenceover stretch 52year time periodyoure looking 11 millionpercentage difference point compounding returns issomething want grasp onto investor andtake advantage greatest extent gaby lapera opens new window position stocks mentioned john maxfield opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway b shares motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>North Korean tensions help to undercut investor optimism</p> <p>All three major equity benchmarks stumbled firmly lower on Thursday, with the trifecta of indexes on track to fall in three consecutive sessions in unison for the first time since mid April amid a persistent war of words between the U.S. and North Korea.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Dow Jones Industrial Average traded 143 points, or 0.6%, lower at 21,915, as Apple Inc.(AAPL) shares dropped more than 2% and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.(GS) shares fell 1.7%</p> <p>The S&amp;amp;P 500 index gave up 26 points, or 1%, to 2,448, with 10 of the index's 11 sectors trading in the red, led lower by a 1.5% drop in tech shares and more than 1% declines in materials, financials, and consumer-discretionary components.</p> <p>The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite Index lost 101 points, or 1.7%, to 6,242.</p> <p>If all three stock gauges finish in the red on the same day for a third straight session, it would be the first time such a streak occurred since April 13, according to WSJ Market Data Group. The Dow is currently 0.9% off its closing record, while the S&amp;amp;P 500 is 1.3% off and the Nasdaq is 2.7% off their respective closing records.</p> <p>Geopolitical tension gained momentum on Thursday, after a North Korean army commander said, "sound dialogue" isn't possible with President Donald Trump and "only absolute force can work on him," according to state media. North Korea also laid out detailed plans of how it would launch a missile strike on U.S. military bases in Guam (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/north-korea-details-plan-to-fire-missiles-toward-guam-says-only-absolute-force-will-work-with-trump-2017-08-09).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Brian Nick, chief Investment Strategist for TIAA Investments, which has $938 billion in assets under management said few catalysts remain to push stocks higher after earnings season is near wrapping up, which may give added significant to concerns about unease between North Korea and the U.S.</p> <p>"What will markets take a cue from in that information gap? If it's North Korea, I don't think this will be a fruitful period for equity investors," Nick said.</p> <p>Stocks finished off their lows, but still held on to losses Wednesday (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stock-futures-pull-back-as-north-korea-threatens-guam-2017-08-09), as investors remained anxious about the U.S.-North Korea war of words and a clutch of disappointing earnings reports.</p> <p>Some investors, however, still maintained a bullish outlook on equities.</p> <p>Then again, if this is truly just a war of words, expect the pullback to be short lived, said. "The move down now is geopolitical, and short-lived if nothing happens," Joe Saluzzi, co-head of equity trading at Themis Trading.</p> <p>Saluzzi sees the North Korea concern as an excuse for traders to sell off in a market near record highs given the strength of earnings season and fairly good economic data that have come out recently. And if that sort of downtrend continues, it would be the kind that many investors have been looking for after 283 trading days without a pullback of 5% or more.</p> <p>"People want to digest the move and a downtrend now totally makes sense," Saluzzi said. "If the Dow drops 1,000 points over a week that might sound like a lot but it's 5%, and then I think it blows over and buyers start talking about next quarter's earnings."</p> <p>Meanwhile, traders absorbed a report on jobless claims (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-jobless-claims-rise-by-3000-to-244000-2017-08-10) that showed that initial claims for U.S. unemployment-insurance benefits continue to reflect a strong labor market, even as they inched slightly higher. The number of people who applied for U.S. unemployment-insurance benefits rose by 3,000 to 244,000 in the week that ended August 5, the Labor Department reported.</p> <p>Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected the government to report that initial claims for regular state unemployment-insurance benefits rose 2,000 to 242,000.</p> <p>Meanwhile, U.S. wholesale prices (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-wholesale-inflation-fall-01-in-july-first-decline-in-almost-a-year-2017-08-10) declined in July for the first time in almost a year, providing additional evidence of tepid inflation that is bedeviling the Federal Reserve.</p> <p>Opinion:Time is running out to avoid war with North Korea (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/time-is-running-out-to-avoid-war-with-north-korea-2017-08-09)</p> <p>Economic docket: New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley said reaching the Fed's 2% inflation target this year is going to be tough (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-dudley-says-2-inflation-target-will-remain-illusive-even-if-price-pressures-pick-up-2017-08-10) even if monthly data begins picking up.</p> <p>Stocks to watch: Blue Apron shares tumbled 15%, despite a beat on revenue (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/blue-apron-shares-climb-after-revenue-beat-better-customer-revenue-2017-08-10). Shares of Kohl's (KSS) tumbled by 6.7% after an earnings beat (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/kohls-stock-jumps-premarket-after-earnings-beat-2017-08-10).</p> <p>Macy's(M) slipped nearly 10% as the retailer reaffirmed downbeat guidance, but reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectation (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/macys-shares-rise-after-earnings-revenue-beat-2017-08-10)s. Net income was $116.0 million, or 38 cents per share, up from $11.0 million, or 3 cents per share, for the same period last year.</p> <p>Opinion: Here's one retailer Amazon won't kill (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-one-retailer-amazon-wont-kill-2017-08-09)</p> <p>Perrigo Co.(PRGO) shares rallied 16% after the drugmaker topped Wall Street estimates (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/perrigo-is-the-rare-generic-drugmaker-that-isnt-suffering-right-now-2017-08-10) for the quarter.</p> <p>Snapchat parent Snap Inc.(SNAP), Nordstrom Inc.(JWN), News Corp.(NWS.AU) and Nvidia Corp.(NVDA) will report after the close.</p> <p>Check out earnings previews for Snap (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/snap-earnings-as-facebook-and-google-challenge-turf-new-approach-rolls-out-2017-08-09) (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/snap-earnings-as-facebook-and-google-challenge-turf-new-approach-rolls-out-2017-08-09)and Nvidia (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nvidia-earnings-cryptocurrency-boom-could-lead-to-new-products-2017-08-08)</p> <p>(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nvidia-earnings-cryptocurrency-boom-could-lead-to-new-products-2017-08-08)Other markets: Investors' appetite for assets perceived as haven in times of geopolitical trouble ebbed slightly. The Swiss franc gave up some gains (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/swiss-franc-gives-up-some-gains-as-investors-monitor-us-north-korea-standoff-2017-08-10), as the U.S. dollar was slightly lower across the board. Gold (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-trades-at-2-mo-high-as-north-korea-tension-boosts-haven-investments-over-stocks-2017-08-10) jumped 0.9% to $1,290.50 an ounce, trading at a roughly two-month high.</p> <p>Read:Here's why export powerhouse Germany is 'euphoric' even with a soaring euro (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/export-reliant-germany-euphoric-even-as-the-euro-soars-yes-heres-why-2017-08-09)</p> <p>Oil prices (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/oil-struggles-for-direction-as-investors-ponder-us-supply-falls-2017-08-10) climbed 1.3%, but data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries showed a further rise in crude-oil production in July (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/opec-production-rises-in-july-in-latest-blow-to-output-deal-2017-08-10).</p> <p>Asian markets continued to fall on Thursday (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/asian-markets-continue-to-fall-after-wednesdays-selloff-2017-08-09), with losses of over 1% for the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index . European stocks (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/european-stocks-fall-as-caution-over-geopolitical-tensions-linger-2017-08-10) were also in the red.</p> <p>--Ryan Vlastelica and Barbara Kollmeyer contributed to this article</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>August 10, 2017 13:01 ET (17:01 GMT)</p>

north korean tensions help undercut investor optimism three major equity benchmarks stumbled firmly lower thursday trifecta indexes track fall three consecutive sessions unison first time since mid april amid persistent war words us north korea continue reading dow jones industrial average traded 143 points 06 lower 21915 apple incaapl shares dropped 2 goldman sachs group incgs shares fell 17 sampp 500 index gave 26 points 1 2448 10 indexs 11 sectors trading red led lower 15 drop tech shares 1 declines materials financials consumerdiscretionary components techladen nasdaq composite index lost 101 points 17 6242 three stock gauges finish red day third straight session would first time streak occurred since april 13 according wsj market data group dow currently 09 closing record sampp 500 13 nasdaq 27 respective closing records geopolitical tension gained momentum thursday north korean army commander said sound dialogue isnt possible president donald trump absolute force work according state media north korea also laid detailed plans would launch missile strike us military bases guam httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorynorthkoreadetailsplantofiremissilestowardguamsaysonlyabsoluteforcewillworkwithtrump20170809 advertisement brian nick chief investment strategist tiaa investments 938 billion assets management said catalysts remain push stocks higher earnings season near wrapping may give added significant concerns unease north korea us markets take cue information gap north korea dont think fruitful period equity investors nick said stocks finished lows still held losses wednesday httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryusstockfuturespullbackasnorthkoreathreatensguam20170809 investors remained anxious usnorth korea war words clutch disappointing earnings reports investors however still maintained bullish outlook equities truly war words expect pullback short lived said move geopolitical shortlived nothing happens joe saluzzi cohead equity trading themis trading saluzzi sees north korea concern excuse traders sell market near record highs given strength earnings season fairly good economic data come recently sort downtrend continues would kind many investors looking 283 trading days without pullback 5 people want digest move downtrend totally makes sense saluzzi said dow drops 1000 points week might sound like lot 5 think blows buyers start talking next quarters earnings meanwhile traders absorbed report jobless claims httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryusjoblessclaimsriseby3000to24400020170810 showed initial claims us unemploymentinsurance benefits continue reflect strong labor market even inched slightly higher number people applied us unemploymentinsurance benefits rose 3000 244000 week ended august 5 labor department reported economists polled marketwatch expected government report initial claims regular state unemploymentinsurance benefits rose 2000 242000 meanwhile us wholesale prices httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryuswholesaleinflationfall01injulyfirstdeclineinalmostayear20170810 declined july first time almost year providing additional evidence tepid inflation bedeviling federal reserve opiniontime running avoid war north korea httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorytimeisrunningouttoavoidwarwithnorthkorea20170809 economic docket new york federal reserve president william dudley said reaching feds 2 inflation target year going tough httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedsdudleysays2inflationtargetwillremainillusiveevenifpricepressurespickup20170810 even monthly data begins picking stocks watch blue apron shares tumbled 15 despite beat revenue httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryblueapronsharesclimbafterrevenuebeatbettercustomerrevenue20170810 shares kohls kss tumbled 67 earnings beat httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorykohlsstockjumpspremarketafterearningsbeat20170810 macysm slipped nearly 10 retailer reaffirmed downbeat guidance reported secondquarter earnings revenue beat expectation httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorymacyssharesriseafterearningsrevenuebeat20170810s net income 1160 million 38 cents per share 110 million 3 cents per share period last year opinion heres one retailer amazon wont kill httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryheresoneretaileramazonwontkill20170809 perrigo coprgo shares rallied 16 drugmaker topped wall street estimates httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryperrigoistheraregenericdrugmakerthatisntsufferingrightnow20170810 quarter snapchat parent snap incsnap nordstrom incjwn news corpnwsau nvidia corpnvda report close check earnings previews snap httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorysnapearningsasfacebookandgooglechallengeturfnewapproachrollsout20170809 httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorysnapearningsasfacebookandgooglechallengeturfnewapproachrollsout20170809and nvidia httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorynvidiaearningscryptocurrencyboomcouldleadtonewproducts20170808 httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorynvidiaearningscryptocurrencyboomcouldleadtonewproducts20170808other markets investors appetite assets perceived times geopolitical trouble ebbed slightly swiss franc gave gains httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryswissfrancgivesupsomegainsasinvestorsmonitorusnorthkoreastandoff20170810 us dollar slightly lower across board gold httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorygoldtradesat2mohighasnorthkoreatensionboostshaveninvestmentsoverstocks20170810 jumped 09 129050 ounce trading roughly twomonth high readheres export powerhouse germany euphoric even soaring euro httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryexportreliantgermanyeuphoricevenastheeurosoarsyeshereswhy20170809 oil prices httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryoilstrugglesfordirectionasinvestorsponderussupplyfalls20170810 climbed 13 data organization petroleum exporting countries showed rise crudeoil production july httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryopecproductionrisesinjulyinlatestblowtooutputdeal20170810 asian markets continued fall thursday httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryasianmarketscontinuetofallafterwednesdaysselloff20170809 losses 1 hong kong hang seng index european stocks httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryeuropeanstocksfallascautionovergeopoliticaltensionslinger20170810 also red ryan vlastelica barbara kollmeyer contributed article end dow jones newswires august 10 2017 1301 et 1701 gmt

<p>Sign up: With one click, get this newsletter delivered to your inbox.</p> <p>Electronics supply chains that Apple Inc. has helped build across Asia are shuddering at the cutback in production of the latest iPhone. Apple is slashing its plans for making iPhone X handsets by half, to 20 million, in the current quarter, the WSJ's Yoko Kubota and Tripp Mickle report. Orders for components could be cut even more, by perhaps 60%, as reductions ripple across the broad eco-system of electronics manufacturing and distribution that Apple products have fostered. The latest reduction, the result of disappointing sales of the latest generation of the iPhone, is a new example of how companies in Apple's orbit can rise and fall as the company builds up new technology and then moves on or sees some features grow stale. Just last month, shares in Dialog Semiconductor, whose chips control power use in Apple products, fell by a quarter when it said its main client "has the resources and capability" to make its own power-management chips.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Harley-Davidson Inc. is scaling down its U.S. supply chain as sales of its iconic motorcycles sag inside the country and abroad. The company is closing its assembly plant in Kansas City, Mo., and consolidating that production into one of its three remaining U.S. factories, the WSJ's Andrew Tangel reports, a step back for the manufacturing sector that follows recent announcements of new factory investments. Harley's problems look bigger than broad changes in the American economy that have fueled other factory expansion, however: The company's revenue from motorcycle sales fell 6.8% last year, and sales of its signature Hog line declined for the third straight year as it loses market share to overseas competitors. Harley has been looking to get more global its production. The company said last year it would put a plant in Thailand, in part to get tax breaks for motorcycles it ships to other Southeast Asian countries. Harley will see lower taxes in the U.S., of course, but what it needs now are more sales.</p> <p>The era of driverless cars and delivery vehicles is well underway as far as some architects and developers are concerned. Planners in cities in North America, Europe and Asia are drawing up designs for streets with curbside drop-off areas for e-commerce deliveries and passengers rather than parking spaces, the WSJ's Peter Grant writes, while architects are laying out office and residential buildings with space for stacking up packages and delivery lockers. The goal for many planners, says an executive at one architecture firm, is to "future-proof" everything from roads to parking garages against what they say is an upheaval in transportation of goods and people. Real-estate developers and architects are thinking about a driverless future today because many of the structures and streets they're designing will still be around decades from now. They want to include flexibility so they can later adapt to changing transportation and shipping patterns with limited cost.</p> <p>TRANSPORTATION</p> <p>The very meager production of Tesla Inc. Model 3 sedans has created an unusual , big-money market for the electric cars. A shortage of the vehicles is fueling a frenzy among curious competitors, the WSJ's Tim Higgins reports, with some automotive companies paying upward of $500,000 to get their hands on the car billed as Tesla's entry into mass-market sales. The Model 3 so far hasn't worked out that way, with supply chain problems and production bottlenecks leaving fewer than 2,000 of the cars rolling out over the past two quarters. That's made the sedan a kind of model for the impact of supply scarcity in a market, with competitors and analysts scrambling to get their hands on the car. For some, it's purely a business decision. Engineering firm Caresoft Global Inc. has bought three Model 3s for around three times the list price each. They're in it not for the ride but for the technical analysis that Caresoft believes it can sell to competitors.</p> <p>QUOTABLE</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>IN OTHER NEWS</p> <p>President Donald Trump called for spending of "at least $1.5 trillion" on infrastructure but offered scant details on his State of the Union address on how to fund such a program. (WSJ)</p> <p>U.S. consumer confidence rose in January. (WSJ)</p> <p>A revival of the French economy helped the eurozone clock its strongest growth in a decade last year. (WSJ)</p> <p>Mexico's economy expanded at its fastest pace in more than a year in the fourth quarter. (WSJ)</p> <p>The U.S. homeownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years. (WSJ)</p> <p>Growth in U.S. home prices accelerated in November on tight supply. (WSJ)</p> <p>Amazon.com Inc., Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase &amp;amp; Co. are forming a company looking to reduce health-care costs for their U.S. employees. (WSJ)</p> <p>Pfizer Inc. plans to invest $5 billion in manufacturing and other capital projects in the U.S. over the next five years. (WSJ)</p> <p>McDonald's Corp. gained sales again by luring core customers to its cheapest meals and drinks. (WSJ)</p> <p>Nikola Motor Co. chose the Phoenix area for a $1 billion manufacturing plant for its hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty trucks. (Reuters)</p> <p>Sequoia Capital led a $21 million funding round for online freight marketplace Next Trucking. (VentureBeat)</p> <p>U.S. steel imports rose 15.4% last year from the year before. (Northwest Indiana Times)</p> <p>An investigation shows drug distributors sent 20.8 million prescription pain killers to a West Virginia town with 2,900 residents. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)</p> <p>Uber Technologies Inc. reportedly looked at buying Chicago-based freight broker Load Delivered Logistics to bolster its Uber Freight service. (Recode)</p> <p>Truckload carrier Werner Enterprises Inc.'s fourth-quarter operating profit soared 29% on a 9% gain in overall revenue. (Omaha World-Herald)</p> <p>Covenant Transportation Group Inc. expects a measure of truck pricing to rise at a mid to high single-digit percentage rate this year. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)</p> <p>CMA CGM Group is starting a incubator called Ze Box for digital shipping technology startups. (American Shipper)</p> <p>India's Jawaharlal Nehru Port will open its fourth container terminal this week. (DNA India)</p> <p>French logistics group Bollor&#233; Logistics acquired majority control of Danish freight forwarder Global Solutions. (The Loadstar)</p> <p>Private equity group Leonard Green &amp;amp; Partners bought packaging machinery manufacturer ProMach. (Business Journals)</p> <p>Parcel volume at U.K. delivery company Hermes expanded 12% year-over-year during the holiday peak season. (Motor Transport)</p> <p>Colombian authorities seized 185 kilos of cocaine and arrested 10 suspected drug smugglers aboard a Hapag-Lloyd AG container ship. (Splash 14/7)</p> <p>ABOUT US</p> <p>Paul Page is deputy editor of WSJ Logistics Report. Follow him at @PaulPage, and follow the entire WSJ Logistics Report team: @brianjbaskin , @jensmithWSJ and @EEPhillips_WSJ. Follow the WSJ Logistics Report on Twitter at @WSJLogistics.</p> <p>Write to Paul Page at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>January 31, 2018 07:13 ET (12:13 GMT)</p>

sign one click get newsletter delivered inbox electronics supply chains apple inc helped build across asia shuddering cutback production latest iphone apple slashing plans making iphone x handsets half 20 million current quarter wsjs yoko kubota tripp mickle report orders components could cut even perhaps 60 reductions ripple across broad ecosystem electronics manufacturing distribution apple products fostered latest reduction result disappointing sales latest generation iphone new example companies apples orbit rise fall company builds new technology moves sees features grow stale last month shares dialog semiconductor whose chips control power use apple products fell quarter said main client resources capability make powermanagement chips continue reading harleydavidson inc scaling us supply chain sales iconic motorcycles sag inside country abroad company closing assembly plant kansas city mo consolidating production one three remaining us factories wsjs andrew tangel reports step back manufacturing sector follows recent announcements new factory investments harleys problems look bigger broad changes american economy fueled factory expansion however companys revenue motorcycle sales fell 68 last year sales signature hog line declined third straight year loses market share overseas competitors harley looking get global production company said last year would put plant thailand part get tax breaks motorcycles ships southeast asian countries harley see lower taxes us course needs sales era driverless cars delivery vehicles well underway far architects developers concerned planners cities north america europe asia drawing designs streets curbside dropoff areas ecommerce deliveries passengers rather parking spaces wsjs peter grant writes architects laying office residential buildings space stacking packages delivery lockers goal many planners says executive one architecture firm futureproof everything roads parking garages say upheaval transportation goods people realestate developers architects thinking driverless future today many structures streets theyre designing still around decades want include flexibility later adapt changing transportation shipping patterns limited cost transportation meager production tesla inc model 3 sedans created unusual bigmoney market electric cars shortage vehicles fueling frenzy among curious competitors wsjs tim higgins reports automotive companies paying upward 500000 get hands car billed teslas entry massmarket sales model 3 far hasnt worked way supply chain problems production bottlenecks leaving fewer 2000 cars rolling past two quarters thats made sedan kind model impact supply scarcity market competitors analysts scrambling get hands car purely business decision engineering firm caresoft global inc bought three model 3s around three times list price theyre ride technical analysis caresoft believes sell competitors quotable advertisement news president donald trump called spending least 15 trillion infrastructure offered scant details state union address fund program wsj us consumer confidence rose january wsj revival french economy helped eurozone clock strongest growth decade last year wsj mexicos economy expanded fastest pace year fourth quarter wsj us homeownership rate rose 2017 first time 13 years wsj growth us home prices accelerated november tight supply wsj amazoncom inc berkshire hathaway jpmorgan chase amp co forming company looking reduce healthcare costs us employees wsj pfizer inc plans invest 5 billion manufacturing capital projects us next five years wsj mcdonalds corp gained sales luring core customers cheapest meals drinks wsj nikola motor co chose phoenix area 1 billion manufacturing plant hydrogenfueled heavyduty trucks reuters sequoia capital led 21 million funding round online freight marketplace next trucking venturebeat us steel imports rose 154 last year year northwest indiana times investigation shows drug distributors sent 208 million prescription pain killers west virginia town 2900 residents charleston gazettemail uber technologies inc reportedly looked buying chicagobased freight broker load delivered logistics bolster uber freight service recode truckload carrier werner enterprises incs fourthquarter operating profit soared 29 9 gain overall revenue omaha worldherald covenant transportation group inc expects measure truck pricing rise mid high singledigit percentage rate year chattanooga times free press cma cgm group starting incubator called ze box digital shipping technology startups american shipper indias jawaharlal nehru port open fourth container terminal week dna india french logistics group bolloré logistics acquired majority control danish freight forwarder global solutions loadstar private equity group leonard green amp partners bought packaging machinery manufacturer promach business journals parcel volume uk delivery company hermes expanded 12 yearoveryear holiday peak season motor transport colombian authorities seized 185 kilos cocaine arrested 10 suspected drug smugglers aboard hapaglloyd ag container ship splash 147 us paul page deputy editor wsj logistics report follow paulpage follow entire wsj logistics report team brianjbaskin jensmithwsj eephillips_wsj follow wsj logistics report twitter wsjlogistics write paul page paulpagewsjcom end dow jones newswires january 31 2018 0713 et 1213 gmt

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>This is going to be a transformative year for the United States. Not only are we set to vote in a new president for the first time in eight years this November, but we could also see the most rapid expansion of marijuana ever, with eight states now set to vote on recreational or medical cannabis initiatives or amendments this fall.</p> <p>The expansion of the cannabis industry was initially put in motion 20 years ago when California approved a compassionate use law for medical marijuana. Today, half of all U.S. states have approved a medical marijuana law. The two most recent approvals came from Pennsylvania and Ohio, which used the legislative process to pass medical cannabis laws.</p> <p>Additionally, we've witnessed four states legalize the recreational use of cannabis -- Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, along with Washington, D.C. Recreational approvals and the expansion of medical cannabis have generated tax revenue and licensing fees that are boosting state education budgets and allowing certain patients access to new pathways of treatment.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The real buzz among marijuana supporters is what might happen come November. President Obama has suggested that the best way to get the attention of Congress is to legalize marijuana in as many states as possible at the state level. If a majority of states approve marijuana measures and public opinion continues to swell in favor of cannabis, Congress may have no choice but to consider decriminalization -- or legalize the substance.</p> <p>Of course, success for the movement is no guarantee. Florida failed to pass a medical marijuana amendment in 2014, and Prop 19 in California failed to legalize recreational marijuana in 2010. It's worth noting that support for marijuana has grown substantially since both of these elections, but that still doesn't guarantee success this November.</p> <p>Here are the eight states that'll be voting on a marijuana initiative or amendment this fall.</p> <p>Las Vegas, NV. Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Nevada was the only state that was a lock to be voting on recreational marijuana in 2016, since it was added to the ballot last November. As home to "Sin City" and an existing infrastructure of medical marijuana dispensaries, Nevada appears to be the perfect stomping ground to become a recreation-legal state. If the measure is approved, an excise tax of 15% would be applied at the wholesale level, with the consumer also paying existing sales tax at the retail level.</p> <p>Despite a narrow defeat in 2014, Florida is once again looking to legalize medical marijuana come November. Florida's constitution is set up in such a way that a traditional majority vote doesn't equate to passage. The state's constitution requires an amendment, which in turn needs 60% "Yes" votes to pass. The nation's younger generation appears overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing medical cannabis, but seniors tend to have a more negative view on cannabis (and there are a lot of retirees in Florida).</p> <p>But for what it's worth, a Quinnipiac University poll conducted in May found that 80% of Florida voters favor the legalization of medical marijuana, while 16% said they would vote no on the measure. This could be the year that Florida finally gets a medical marijuana measure passed.</p> <p>It's been a little more than two months since we learned that Maine would have a recreational marijuana initiative on the November ballot. Maine's proposal includes a 10% excise tax, and like most other recreation-legal states (save for Oregon), it would limit the number of licenses it issues.</p> <p>A May poll of just over 600 Maine residents from the Marijuana Policy Projectshowed that 55% supported the recreational legalization of marijuana, compared to 41% who were said to be leaning against legalization. Obviously polls have some margin for error, but things are looking promising for cannabis supporters in Maine.</p> <p>Santa Monica, CA. Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>It's been officially "unofficial" for more than two months, but a little more than a week ago, California made it resoundingly clear that a recreational marijuana vote had won a place on the state's November ballot. Should California voters choose to approve the measure, they'd be subject to a 15% retail sales tax. Growers within the state would also pay additional taxes.</p> <p>Per Dale Gieringer of the California chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), legalization in marijuana could result in more than $1 billion in annual tax revenue and at least a $100 million reduction in law enforcement costs. Needless to say, approval here would be the crown jewel for the cannabis industry.</p> <p>A poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California earlier this year showed 60% in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, compared to just 37% who opposed the idea. This was up from the 54% in favor as of June 2015 and down from the 44% who opposed its legalization.</p> <p>Enough signatures were gathered in Massachusetts to put a recreational marijuana initiative on the November ballot. As we <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/05/up-to-12-states-could-vote-on-marijuana-this-novem.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">examined about five weeks ago Opens a New Window.</a> when Massachusetts was still somewhat on the fence, an approval would mean consumers paying the state a 6.25% tax, plus an excise tax of 3.75%. Individual cities and towns could also impose taxes totaling up to 2%, meaning a top-tier marijuana tax of about 12%.</p> <p>Unlike Maine or California, where polled residents appear to be in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, the issue could come down to the wire in Massachusetts. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll conducted in the first week of May found that 43% of polled residents would vote yes to legalize, while another 46% would vote no. Some 11% were undecided.</p> <p>Will this be the dawn or sunset of Arizona's recreational marijuana industry? Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Residents in Arizona will also be voting on recreational marijuana this November. If it's approved, a 15% tax on retail sales would be passed on to the consumer, with a decent chunk of tax revenue raised going to support Arizona's K-12 public schools and a full-day kindergarten program. However, supporters are facing an uphill battle. A poll released in April from Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy showed that only 43% supported a legal recreational marijuana measure compared to the 49% who opposed it.</p> <p>Interestingly enough, in April a bill aimed at legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri was voted down by the state's House of Representatives. Killing the bill on the legislative front meant that any chance of passage would be up to voters. With enough signatures collected, Missourians will now have that chance.</p> <p>But like in Arizona, the battle to legalize could be tough. Show-Me Cannabis suspended legalization efforts in Missouri in 2015 after polls showed that registered voters were against the full legalization of marijuana to the tune of 51% to 45% in 2015. However, with just a medical marijuana proposal on the table, the outcome could be different.</p> <p>Finally, residents in Arkansas will be voting on whether or not to legalize medical marijuana, too. Having easily surpassed the 84,859 signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot, the next step for in-state supporters is to push the measure in a region that's generally been hostile to legalizing marijuana. The potential good news (for supporters) is a Talk Business &amp;amp; Politics/Hendrix College survey, which recently showed that a majority of Arkansans polled (58%) favored the legalization of medical marijuana compared to those who opposed it (34%).</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>It'll undeniably be an exciting year for the marijuana industry. But I would discourage investors from jumping on the bandwagon prior to November, as there are other dynamics at work that could keep you from benefiting -- even with success in the voting booths.</p> <p>As we've looked at previously, inaction at the federal level means inherent disadvantages for marijuana businesses, which in turn means bad news for investors.</p> <p>For starters, marijuana businesses owe a lot more in taxes (assuming they're profitable) as a percentage of net income than most normal businesses because businesses that sell an illegal substance are barred from taking normal business deductions. This leaves cannabis-based businesses to pay federal tax on their gross profits instead of net profits.</p> <p>Secondly, cannabis-based businesses have very limited access to banking solutions. Only about 3% of banks nationwide are currently servicing the marijuana industry, mostly for fear of prosecution from the federal government down the road. Without access to basic banking services like a checking account or lines of credit, it can be a pain to expand, replenish product, or even pay employees -- not to mention that dealing with cash is a potentially costly security concern.</p> <p>Until we see discernable changes on Capitol Hill, marijuana stocks should be nowhere near your portfolio.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/10/residents-in-these-8-states-are-set-to-vote-on-mar.aspx" type="external">Residents in These 8 States Are Set to Vote on Marijuana This November Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a>makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading going transformative year united states set vote new president first time eight years november could also see rapid expansion marijuana ever eight states set vote recreational medical cannabis initiatives amendments fall expansion cannabis industry initially put motion 20 years ago california approved compassionate use law medical marijuana today half us states approved medical marijuana law two recent approvals came pennsylvania ohio used legislative process pass medical cannabis laws additionally weve witnessed four states legalize recreational use cannabis colorado washington oregon alaska along washington dc recreational approvals expansion medical cannabis generated tax revenue licensing fees boosting state education budgets allowing certain patients access new pathways treatment advertisement real buzz among marijuana supporters might happen come november president obama suggested best way get attention congress legalize marijuana many states possible state level majority states approve marijuana measures public opinion continues swell favor cannabis congress may choice consider decriminalization legalize substance course success movement guarantee florida failed pass medical marijuana amendment 2014 prop 19 california failed legalize recreational marijuana 2010 worth noting support marijuana grown substantially since elections still doesnt guarantee success november eight states thatll voting marijuana initiative amendment fall las vegas nv image source pixabay nevada state lock voting recreational marijuana 2016 since added ballot last november home sin city existing infrastructure medical marijuana dispensaries nevada appears perfect stomping ground become recreationlegal state measure approved excise tax 15 would applied wholesale level consumer also paying existing sales tax retail level despite narrow defeat 2014 florida looking legalize medical marijuana come november floridas constitution set way traditional majority vote doesnt equate passage states constitution requires amendment turn needs 60 yes votes pass nations younger generation appears overwhelmingly favor legalizing medical cannabis seniors tend negative view cannabis lot retirees florida worth quinnipiac university poll conducted may found 80 florida voters favor legalization medical marijuana 16 said would vote measure could year florida finally gets medical marijuana measure passed little two months since learned maine would recreational marijuana initiative november ballot maines proposal includes 10 excise tax like recreationlegal states save oregon would limit number licenses issues may poll 600 maine residents marijuana policy projectshowed 55 supported recreational legalization marijuana compared 41 said leaning legalization obviously polls margin error things looking promising cannabis supporters maine santa monica ca image source pixabay officially unofficial two months little week ago california made resoundingly clear recreational marijuana vote place states november ballot california voters choose approve measure theyd subject 15 retail sales tax growers within state would also pay additional taxes per dale gieringer california chapter national organization reform marijuana laws norml legalization marijuana could result 1 billion annual tax revenue least 100 million reduction law enforcement costs needless say approval would crown jewel cannabis industry poll conducted public policy institute california earlier year showed 60 favor legalizing recreational marijuana compared 37 opposed idea 54 favor june 2015 44 opposed legalization enough signatures gathered massachusetts put recreational marijuana initiative november ballot examined five weeks ago opens new window massachusetts still somewhat fence approval would mean consumers paying state 625 tax plus excise tax 375 individual cities towns could also impose taxes totaling 2 meaning toptier marijuana tax 12 unlike maine california polled residents appear favor legalizing recreational marijuana issue could come wire massachusetts suffolk universityboston globe poll conducted first week may found 43 polled residents would vote yes legalize another 46 would vote 11 undecided dawn sunset arizonas recreational marijuana industry image source pixabay residents arizona also voting recreational marijuana november approved 15 tax retail sales would passed consumer decent chunk tax revenue raised going support arizonas k12 public schools fullday kindergarten program however supporters facing uphill battle poll released april arizonans responsible drug policy showed 43 supported legal recreational marijuana measure compared 49 opposed interestingly enough april bill aimed legalizing medical marijuana missouri voted states house representatives killing bill legislative front meant chance passage would voters enough signatures collected missourians chance like arizona battle legalize could tough showme cannabis suspended legalization efforts missouri 2015 polls showed registered voters full legalization marijuana tune 51 45 2015 however medical marijuana proposal table outcome could different finally residents arkansas voting whether legalize medical marijuana easily surpassed 84859 signatures needed get measure ballot next step instate supporters push measure region thats generally hostile legalizing marijuana potential good news supporters talk business amp politicshendrix college survey recently showed majority arkansans polled 58 favored legalization medical marijuana compared opposed 34 image source getty images itll undeniably exciting year marijuana industry would discourage investors jumping bandwagon prior november dynamics work could keep benefiting even success voting booths weve looked previously inaction federal level means inherent disadvantages marijuana businesses turn means bad news investors starters marijuana businesses owe lot taxes assuming theyre profitable percentage net income normal businesses businesses sell illegal substance barred taking normal business deductions leaves cannabisbased businesses pay federal tax gross profits instead net profits secondly cannabisbased businesses limited access banking solutions 3 banks nationwide currently servicing marijuana industry mostly fear prosecution federal government road without access basic banking services like checking account lines credit pain expand replenish product even pay employees mention dealing cash potentially costly security concern see discernable changes capitol hill marijuana stocks nowhere near portfolio article residents 8 states set vote marijuana november opens new window originally appeared foolcom sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new windowthe motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new windowmakes 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

<p /> <p>Wall Street is a funny place. When the Journal broke the story that&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/yahoo-board-to-weigh-potential-sale-of-internet-business-sources-say-1449015461" type="external">Yahoo&#8217;s board would consider selling its core business Opens a New Window.</a>, that sparked a media frenzy that sent the stock soaring nearly 6%. In other words, the company is worth less&amp;#160;with&amp;#160;its Internet advertising business than&amp;#160;without&amp;#160;it.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Which begs the question, how can a cash-flow positive revenue stream of $4 billion a year be worth less than zero? When the Street has zero confidence in the management team&#8217;s ability to do anything but manage its slow and steady decline. And that&#8217;s apparently how investors feel about Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer.</p> <p>A more important question is, how credible is the possibility that the board may actually give up on Mayer&#8217;s three-year plight to turn Yahoo&amp;#160;(NASDAQ:YHOO)&amp;#160;around and unload its core advertising business? The answer is, nobody knows, including the board. At this point, it&#8217;s all just speculation by a click-hungry media and investors out to make a buck.</p> <p>Don&#8217;t get me wrong. Yahoo&#8217;s directors do have some very important decisions to make during their annual strategy meetings that began on Wednesday and are slated to conclude tomorrow. At the top of the agenda is undoubtedly whether to go through with a planned spin-off of the company&#8217;s $32 billion stake in Alibaba&amp;#160;(NYSE:BABA)&amp;#160;early next year.</p> <p>But the efficacy of that plan was called into question two weeks ago, when activist investor Starboard Value LP sent a letter to Mayer and chairman Maynard Webb calling for Yahoo to reverse course, keep its stake in the Chinese e-commerce giant, and instead explore a sale of its core search and display advertising businesses.</p> <p>Funny thing is, it wasn&#8217;t too long ago that Starboard advocated for the Alibaba spin-off as a viable option to unlock shareholder value, but that was predicated on the transaction being tax-free. Unfortunately, the feds have decided not to rule in advance, meaning Yahoo&#8217;s shareholders &#8211; including Starboard &#8211; could get stuck with a massive tax liability.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Rather than take the risk, Starboard is now advocating for Yahoo to become an investment holding company whose combined assets &#8211; a 35% ownership in Yahoo Japan and 15% stake in Alibaba Group &#8211; would be worth about $40 billion. If Yahoo were to get,&amp;#160;say $3 billion for its core business, that adds up to $43 billion &#8211; a $10 billion step up in basis from its current market cap of $33 billion. Not a bad payday for shareholders.</p> <p>At least, that&#8217;s the sort of math hedge funds like Starboard tend to do. In this case, the numbers do work and Yahoo&#8217;s board may very well opt for the low-risk approach and avoid the possibility of massive shareholder suits. Besides, there&#8217;s still considerable value in Yahoo&#8217;s core businesses &#8211; a lot more than zero, that&#8217;s for sure.</p> <p>Its sites &#8211; including Yahoo&#8217;s News, Finance and Home pages &#8211; still get over 200 million visitors a month &#8211; more than any other U.S. company except Google and Facebook&amp;#160;(NASDAQ:FB). And Mayer&#8217;s focus on fast growing initiatives she calls Mavens &#8211; mobile, video, native and social advertising &#8211; would certainly be valuable assets in the right hands.</p> <p>As for which hands might be the right hands, there&#8217;s no shortage of possibilities. I&#8217;m sure some private equity firms like TPG Capital or Silver Lake Partners would consider taking the company private, selling off its legacy units and repositioning the Mavens as a high-growth Internet play. And there&#8217;s also the usual laundry list of public companies being tossed around by the media.</p> <p>But here&#8217;s the rub. The biggest question of all, which nobody knows the answer to, is whether Mayer is ready to throw in the towel yet. Remember, this is the hotshot former Googler who came to Yahoo with great media fanfare, a hefty pay-package and a mandate to revitalize the chronically ailing and rapidly aging Internet has-been.</p> <p>That was just over three years ago &#8211; three long years of what to many, including me, has seemed like Mayer throwing massive amounts of spaghetti at Yahoo&#8217;s purple walls to see what sticks. We&#8217;re talking dozens of acquisitions, executive hires, and internal projects. But aside from the future promise of the Mavens, nothing has really stuck.</p> <p>And while the media speculates that her days may be numbered,&amp;#160; <a href="http://recode.net/2015/12/02/despite-wall-street-noise-and-sale-rumors-yahoo-board-backs-mayer/" type="external">Re/code&#8217;s always wise and well-informed Kara Swisher Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;wrote yesterday that &#8220;reports of the impending demise of CEO Marissa Mayer at Yahoo are greatly exaggerated&#8221; and the board still has Mayer&#8217;s back. Which is not surprising since she chose many of them, as Swisher points out.</p> <p>Thinking back to when Yahoo announced that its incoming chief would be none other than the tech industry&#8217;s most glamorous geek, I pondered whether Mayer&#8217;s glitzy image would turn out to be more sizzle than substance. I wondered whether she had the experience and maturity to turn around a perpetual train wreck like Yahoo.</p> <p>But eight months later, I&#8217;d seen enough, and declared&amp;#160; <a href="" type="internal">Mayer&#8217;s Yahoo to be Alibaba, smoke and mirrors</a>. Not much has changed. I&#8217;m not saying she hasn&#8217;t given it her all, but in the hyper-competitive and fast-changing tech world, that&#8217;s not nearly enough.</p> <p>Running a public company is hard. Turnarounds are even harder. And after who knows how many CEOs have tried, Yahoo has proven to be one of the most challenging of all.</p> <p>Taking Yahoo&#8217;s core business private or selling it to a public company may very well be the right move for shareholders, a lower risk bet for the board of directors and an honorable way for Mayer to exit.</p>

wall street funny place journal broke story that160 yahoos board would consider selling core business opens new window sparked media frenzy sent stock soaring nearly 6 words company worth less160with160its internet advertising business than160without160it continue reading begs question cashflow positive revenue stream 4 billion year worth less zero street zero confidence management teams ability anything manage slow steady decline thats apparently investors feel yahoo ceo marissa mayer important question credible possibility board may actually give mayers threeyear plight turn yahoo160nasdaqyhoo160around unload core advertising business answer nobody knows including board point speculation clickhungry media investors make buck dont get wrong yahoos directors important decisions make annual strategy meetings began wednesday slated conclude tomorrow top agenda undoubtedly whether go planned spinoff companys 32 billion stake alibaba160nysebaba160early next year efficacy plan called question two weeks ago activist investor starboard value lp sent letter mayer chairman maynard webb calling yahoo reverse course keep stake chinese ecommerce giant instead explore sale core search display advertising businesses funny thing wasnt long ago starboard advocated alibaba spinoff viable option unlock shareholder value predicated transaction taxfree unfortunately feds decided rule advance meaning yahoos shareholders including starboard could get stuck massive tax liability advertisement rather take risk starboard advocating yahoo become investment holding company whose combined assets 35 ownership yahoo japan 15 stake alibaba group would worth 40 billion yahoo get160say 3 billion core business adds 43 billion 10 billion step basis current market cap 33 billion bad payday shareholders least thats sort math hedge funds like starboard tend case numbers work yahoos board may well opt lowrisk approach avoid possibility massive shareholder suits besides theres still considerable value yahoos core businesses lot zero thats sure sites including yahoos news finance home pages still get 200 million visitors month us company except google facebook160nasdaqfb mayers focus fast growing initiatives calls mavens mobile video native social advertising would certainly valuable assets right hands hands might right hands theres shortage possibilities im sure private equity firms like tpg capital silver lake partners would consider taking company private selling legacy units repositioning mavens highgrowth internet play theres also usual laundry list public companies tossed around media heres rub biggest question nobody knows answer whether mayer ready throw towel yet remember hotshot former googler came yahoo great media fanfare hefty paypackage mandate revitalize chronically ailing rapidly aging internet hasbeen three years ago three long years many including seemed like mayer throwing massive amounts spaghetti yahoos purple walls see sticks talking dozens acquisitions executive hires internal projects aside future promise mavens nothing really stuck media speculates days may numbered160 recodes always wise wellinformed kara swisher opens new window160wrote yesterday reports impending demise ceo marissa mayer yahoo greatly exaggerated board still mayers back surprising since chose many swisher points thinking back yahoo announced incoming chief would none tech industrys glamorous geek pondered whether mayers glitzy image would turn sizzle substance wondered whether experience maturity turn around perpetual train wreck like yahoo eight months later id seen enough declared160 mayers yahoo alibaba smoke mirrors much changed im saying hasnt given hypercompetitive fastchanging tech world thats nearly enough running public company hard turnarounds even harder knows many ceos tried yahoo proven one challenging taking yahoos core business private selling public company may well right move shareholders lower risk bet board directors honorable way mayer exit

<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>American Water Works (NYSE: AWK) is set to release second-quarter earnings on Aug. 3. Finding yourself interested but equally worried about drowning in a flood of facts and figures? It's not uncommon during earnings season. Let's prepare by keying in on three things we can expect management to address in its report.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Amid Brexit concerns, market volatility, and political uncertainty, the S&amp;amp;P 500 has struggled to keep its head above water; currently, it's up about 4% over the past 52 weeks. Investors, consequently, have been gushing over American Water Works. Shares have steadily floated up about 60% since last summer, but Wall Street doesn't necessarily agree with the direction of thing=, as Merrill Lynch <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/14/why-wall-street-is-wrong-about-american-water-work.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">downgraded Opens a New Window.</a> of the stock from "buy" to "neutral."</p> <p>Shares may seem pricey, but the company's fundamentals are strong. And though its peers may seem more attractively priced, American Water Works has demonstrated a superior ability to consistently and effectively use of one of its many tools -- equity -- to provide returns to shareholders. Currently, American Water Works doesn't sport the best return on equity (ROE) among its peers, including Aqua America (NYSE: WTR), American States Water Company (NYSE: AWR), and California Water Services Group (NYSE: CWT). But it has proved to be far better at improving its ROE over the past five years.</p> <p>Data source: YCharts.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Look for the company to continue the trend and improve upon the currentROE of 9.43%. Of course, you can do the calculations yourself by referring to the company's 10-Q, identifying the net income, and dividing the shareholders' equity. You may find it a lot more practical, though, to use some of the available Foolish <a href="http://www.fool.com/quote/nyse/american-water-works/awk/financial-ratios?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">tools Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Though it accounted for only $0.03 of the company's total EPS of $0.46 in Q1, the market-based business is an important area to watch. Growth from this side of the business enables the company to mitigate risk as it represents diversification in the company's revenue sources.</p> <p>When evaluating the market-based businesses, it's essential to take note of Keystone Clearwater -- a $133 million acquisition in 2015 that provides water and related services to natural gas exploration and production companies in the Appalachian Basin. Earlier in the year, management had forecast that Keystone would be accretive to earnings for fiscal 2016.</p> <p>Puddles has been the company's mascot since 1996. Image source: American Water Works.</p> <p>Recognizing the downturn in the oil and gas industry, however, management revised its estimate and suggested that Keystone would not contribute to earnings per share, though it would be operating cash flow-positive.</p> <p>Another important facet of the segment is the military services group. In Q1, American Water reported a $45 million increase year over year in operating revenue. Of that amount, management attributed $15 million to incremental revenue from the military services group and contract growth in the homeowner services group.</p> <p>The future doesn't look as bright, though. On the conference call, Linda Sullivan, executive vice president and CFO, suggested that the company was facing headwinds in the military services group because of federal budgetary constraints.</p> <p>One figure that will surely show up in the earnings release is the company's operations and maintenance (O&amp;amp;M) efficiency ratio. The company relies heavily on this non-GAAP metric, which is similar to the operating margin, to assess its ability to control costs.</p> <p>As of March 31, American Water achieved a ratio of 35.6% for its trailing-12-month period. Management has the long-term goal of achieving a 34% ratio by 2020. And it seems as though the company is on track, steadily improving upon this measure from 2010 through 2015.</p> <p>Look for the ratio to fall again in the earnings release. Should management fail to report an improvement, it may be an indication of a much greater problem.</p> <p>Management, in the first quarter, affirmed its guidance for fiscal 2016, forecasting EPS to fall between $2.75 and $2.85 per share. I'd be surprised if the company didn't affirm this again; however, if it provides a downward revision, it may suggest management is doubtful of achieving its long-term goal of an EPS compound annual growth rate of 7% to 10% (anchored in the $2.38 it reported for fiscal 2014) from 2016 to 2020. But equally important, investors should monitor the company's return on equity, market-based businesses segment, and O&amp;amp;M efficiency ratio as additional signs of the company's financial well-being.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2692&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/scott81236/info.aspx" type="external">Scott Levine 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" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images american water works nyse awk set release secondquarter earnings aug 3 finding interested equally worried drowning flood facts figures uncommon earnings season lets prepare keying three things expect management address report continue reading amid brexit concerns market volatility political uncertainty sampp 500 struggled keep head water currently 4 past 52 weeks investors consequently gushing american water works shares steadily floated 60 since last summer wall street doesnt necessarily agree direction thing merrill lynch downgraded opens new window stock buy neutral shares may seem pricey companys fundamentals strong though peers may seem attractively priced american water works demonstrated superior ability consistently effectively use one many tools equity provide returns shareholders currently american water works doesnt sport best return equity roe among peers including aqua america nyse wtr american states water company nyse awr california water services group nyse cwt proved far better improving roe past five years data source ycharts advertisement look company continue trend improve upon currentroe 943 course calculations referring companys 10q identifying net income dividing shareholders equity may find lot practical though use available foolish tools opens new window though accounted 003 companys total eps 046 q1 marketbased business important area watch growth side business enables company mitigate risk represents diversification companys revenue sources evaluating marketbased businesses essential take note keystone clearwater 133 million acquisition 2015 provides water related services natural gas exploration production companies appalachian basin earlier year management forecast keystone would accretive earnings fiscal 2016 puddles companys mascot since 1996 image source american water works recognizing downturn oil gas industry however management revised estimate suggested keystone would contribute earnings per share though would operating cash flowpositive another important facet segment military services group q1 american water reported 45 million increase year year operating revenue amount management attributed 15 million incremental revenue military services group contract growth homeowner services group future doesnt look bright though conference call linda sullivan executive vice president cfo suggested company facing headwinds military services group federal budgetary constraints one figure surely show earnings release companys operations maintenance oampm efficiency ratio company relies heavily nongaap metric similar operating margin assess ability control costs march 31 american water achieved ratio 356 trailing12month period management longterm goal achieving 34 ratio 2020 seems though company track steadily improving upon measure 2010 2015 look ratio fall earnings release management fail report improvement may indication much greater problem management first quarter affirmed guidance fiscal 2016 forecasting eps fall 275 285 per share id surprised company didnt affirm however provides downward revision may suggest management doubtful achieving longterm goal eps compound annual growth rate 7 10 anchored 238 reported fiscal 2014 2016 2020 equally important investors monitor companys return equity marketbased businesses segment oampm efficiency ratio additional signs companys financial wellbeing 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 scott levine 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

<p /> <p>IMAGE SOURCE: PANDORA MEDIA. http://blog.pandora.com/us/new-music-stations/</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It wasn't a great quarter for investors in Pandora Media (NYSE: P), with revenue growth slumping to 20% over the year-ago period -- near it's lowest since going public -- and the company revising its guidance to reflect a weaker second half.</p> <p>Shares have been resilient in the face of the smaller numbers, however, rising some 8% in the week following earnings. Some of that bounce may reflect the interest from Liberty Media boss Greg Maffei, who reportedly made an offer of $15 a share for the company.</p> <p>But Pandora execs also hinted that the company is in better shape than its quarterly numbers might indicate, and that its short-term results are suffering so that its long-term strategy might succeed. In a nutshell, while it acknowledged "softness" in national advertising, it's also telling investors that it has left some revenue on the table by choice as it revs up plans to launch a new on-demand subscription service.</p> <p>"So our strategy in front of us it to offer this broader product, and we want to have our audience as large as possible when we hit that and bring that to market," CEO Tim Westergren told analysts. "So we are trying to balance this monetization efficiency with maximum retention and engagement."</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>As investors, we should approach this kind of explanation with a dose of healthy skepticism. But we also should be careful not to dismiss it, either, especially when it comes from a company in a state of transition, like Pandora.</p> <p>A look at Pandora's revenue growth over its time as a publicly traded company isn't exactly inspiring.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/P/revenues_growth" type="external">P Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>That's a pretty sharp tumble from 2012 to 2013, and Pandora has never really recovered its growth mojo. That's troubling for a company that makes 77% of its revenue from digital advertising.</p> <p>It should be noted here that Pandora says its free, ad-based streaming service would be profitable if it were operating on its own and the company wasn't continuing to invest in new services.</p> <p>But the digital ad space is becoming increasingly dominated by just a few large players, most notably Facebook and Alphabet, which together control more than half of the overall digital ad market and, by some estimates, a whopping 85% of all the new money coming to the digital ad space.</p> <p>That's one of the reasons it has made sense for Pandora to explore its viability as a subscription-based service.</p> <p>Pandora plans to launch an on-demand music service, offering listeners the ability to choose what songs they want to hear as they want to hear them. If it succeeds in growing that service, it has the potential to deliver the company steady subscription revenue, strengthening a business that now relies on advertising for more than three-quarters of the money it generates.</p> <p>It certainly won't be any easy transition. The subscription-based streaming market is hotly competitive, from the 30-million subscriber Spotify to services from tech giants Apple and Alphabet, which both offer free and paid streaming services. And Pandora's early foray into subscriptions -- it offers ad-free streaming, but not on-demand listening -- have pretty much flopped, It's netted just 3.9 million users, a number that hasn't risen over the past year.</p> <p>But Pandora believes it can succeed with on-demand. It may be the best-recognized name in streaming; it has more than 77 million regular listeners, and it has an existing platform that generates some $343 million a quarter in revenue.</p> <p>To position itself for that launch, Pandora wants to grow its listeners and keep them spending as much time as possible tuned into its channels. That means giving them the best experience it can. Flooding them with ads on the free service would only cause them to tune out.</p> <p>Last quarter, listener hours were up almost 7% over last year, even as the number of active listeners on the free service fell by more than a percent.</p> <p>Pandora execs didn't say how much money they believe the company is leaving on the table.</p> <p>The bigger question, from a long-term perspective, is whether Pandora is better off pursuing the subscription on-demand music service strategy, or recognizing that it has a profitable ad-based free service that many listeners enjoy, even if that would leave it as a slower-growing business.</p> <p>If the company can grow its subscription service to scale and turn it into a profitable business, no one will be complaining about leaving money on the table years from now. But if Pandora fails to differentiate itself enough in an on-demand market that's growing increasingly crowded, neglecting its advertising opportunities will look like a critical misstep.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2668&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/jekoslosky/info.aspx" type="external">John-Erik Koslosky Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Alphabet (A shares) and Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Apple, and Pandora Media. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source pandora media httpblogpandoracomusnewmusicstations continue reading wasnt great quarter investors pandora media nyse p revenue growth slumping 20 yearago period near lowest since going public company revising guidance reflect weaker second half shares resilient face smaller numbers however rising 8 week following earnings bounce may reflect interest liberty media boss greg maffei reportedly made offer 15 share company pandora execs also hinted company better shape quarterly numbers might indicate shortterm results suffering longterm strategy might succeed nutshell acknowledged softness national advertising also telling investors left revenue table choice revs plans launch new ondemand subscription service strategy front us offer broader product want audience large possible hit bring market ceo tim westergren told analysts trying balance monetization efficiency maximum retention engagement advertisement investors approach kind explanation dose healthy skepticism also careful dismiss either especially comes company state transition like pandora look pandoras revenue growth time publicly traded company isnt exactly inspiring p revenue quarterly yoy growth data ycharts opens new window thats pretty sharp tumble 2012 2013 pandora never really recovered growth mojo thats troubling company makes 77 revenue digital advertising noted pandora says free adbased streaming service would profitable operating company wasnt continuing invest new services digital ad space becoming increasingly dominated large players notably facebook alphabet together control half overall digital ad market estimates whopping 85 new money coming digital ad space thats one reasons made sense pandora explore viability subscriptionbased service pandora plans launch ondemand music service offering listeners ability choose songs want hear want hear succeeds growing service potential deliver company steady subscription revenue strengthening business relies advertising threequarters money generates certainly wont easy transition subscriptionbased streaming market hotly competitive 30million subscriber spotify services tech giants apple alphabet offer free paid streaming services pandoras early foray subscriptions offers adfree streaming ondemand listening pretty much flopped netted 39 million users number hasnt risen past year pandora believes succeed ondemand may bestrecognized name streaming 77 million regular listeners existing platform generates 343 million quarter revenue position launch pandora wants grow listeners keep spending much time possible tuned channels means giving best experience flooding ads free service would cause tune last quarter listener hours almost 7 last year even number active listeners free service fell percent pandora execs didnt say much money believe company leaving table bigger question longterm perspective whether pandora better pursuing subscription ondemand music service strategy recognizing profitable adbased free service many listeners enjoy even would leave slowergrowing business company grow subscription service scale turn profitable business one complaining leaving money table years pandora fails differentiate enough ondemand market thats growing increasingly crowded neglecting advertising opportunities look like critical misstep secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors johnerik koslosky opens new window owns shares alphabet shares apple motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares apple pandora media motley fool following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>One of the biggest retirement decisions most of us will make is deciding when to start receiving our Social Security benefits. That's because the age at which you start collecting determines, to some degree, the size of the checks.</p> <p>Take a few minutes to learn how the system works and why you might want to start collecting Social Security at age 62.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>You may be assuming that The Social Security Administration expects you to retire at 65, an age often thought of as the typical retirement age. That was once the official "full" retirement age at which people could start collecting their full benefits, but the rules were changed in 1983. The SSA now assigns our full retirement age based on the year we were born. For those born in 1937 or earlier, it's 65, for those born in 1960 or later, it's 67, and for those born between 1937 and 1960, it's somewhere in between.</p> <p>Regardless of your full retirement age, you're allowed to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Most people start collecting Social Security at age 62 -- and here are three compelling reasons why you might want to do the same.</p> <p>Despite the good plans we might make for how our lives should unfold, things often don't turn out as expected. Fully 46% of retirees left the workforce earlier than planned, according to the 2016 Retirement Confidence Survey, with 55% citing health problems or a disability as the reason and 24% citing changes at work such as a downsizing or workplace closure.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Since there's a not-insignificant chance that you'll end up retiring earlier than expected, it's nice to know you can start receiving income from Social Security at age 62. It's likely to be especially welcome at such a time, because those retiring ahead of schedule will have less money socked away to support <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2018/01/02/lifetime-income-retirees-need-it-and-heres-how-to.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=d3aaf73e-f3fa-11e7-a20f-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">a comfortable retirement Opens a New Window.</a> and may be in even greater need of Social Security dollars. (Indeed, a majority of elderly beneficiaries get 50% or more of their income from Social Security, while 23% of married ones and 43% of unmarried ones get fully 90% or more of their income from it, according to the SSA.)</p> <p>Here's the main reason why many people choose to start collecting Social Security later than their full retirement age: The longer you wait, until age 70, the bigger your checks will be. For every year beyond your full retirement age that you delay, your benefits will increase in value by about 8% -- up to age 70. So if you delay from 67 to 70, you can make your checks about 24% bigger. That's a meaningful difference: If you were expecting to collect $2,000 per month ($24,000 per year), you would instead receive $2,480 per month (or nearly $30,000 annually).</p> <p>Given that, it may seem like a no-brainer decision to <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/06/10/social-security-3-great-reasons-to-file-for-benefi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=d3aaf73e-f3fa-11e7-a20f-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">hang on as long as you can Opens a New Window.</a> before claiming your benefits. It's not, though. As the SSA has explained, "If you live to the average life expectancy for someone your age, you will receive about the same amount in lifetime benefits no matter whether you choose to start receiving benefits at age 62, full retirement age, age 70 or any age in between." In other words, the system is designed so that for those who live average-length lives, it will wash in terms of total benefits received no matter when you start collecting. After all, if you delay starting to collect from ages 67 to 70, you will miss out on three years' worth of payments (albeit smaller ones) -- that's 36 payments.</p> <p>Delaying starting to collect does make sense in some cases, of course. Maybe you're perfectly happy working and want to work until your late 60s or age 70 or beyond. Perhaps many people in your family have enjoyed very long lives, in which case collecting bigger checks for a longer-than-average time can be worth it. For many of us, however, delaying won't be very worthwhile.</p> <p>Finally, here's a terrific reason to claim Social Security at age 62: It can help you <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/04/02/3-reasons-to-retire-as-early-as-you-can.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=d3aaf73e-f3fa-11e7-a20f-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">retire early Opens a New Window.</a>. That's true whether you need to retire early or you don't. Claiming your benefits early can be a smart move if your family tree is full of people who lived shorter-than-average lives. In case you end up being one of them, you might as well enjoy the money while you're still around. If you beat the odds and end up living a long life, you'll still be collecting benefits.</p> <p>Early retirees enjoy the extra benefits of being not so old and often not so sick in their early retirement years, and thus, they can better enjoy active goals such as traveling, golfing, and gardening.</p> <p>Crunch the numbers to see if retiring early would work for you. If it doesn't look like it would right now, consider beefing up your saving and investing. If you get more aggressive about it now, you may be able to shave a few years off your working life.</p> <p>Since you probably have no idea how long you'll live, consider trying to retire early and starting to collect Social Security benefits as early as you can, possibly as early as age 62.</p> <p>The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-social-security?aid=8727&amp;amp;source=irreditxt0000002&amp;amp;ftm_cam=ryr-ss-intro-report&amp;amp;ftm_pit=3186&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=d3aaf73e-f3fa-11e7-a20f-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=d3aaf73e-f3fa-11e7-a20f-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

one biggest retirement decisions us make deciding start receiving social security benefits thats age start collecting determines degree size checks take minutes learn system works might want start collecting social security age 62 continue reading may assuming social security administration expects retire 65 age often thought typical retirement age official full retirement age people could start collecting full benefits rules changed 1983 ssa assigns full retirement age based year born born 1937 earlier 65 born 1960 later 67 born 1937 1960 somewhere regardless full retirement age youre allowed start receiving social security retirement benefits early age 62 late age 70 people start collecting social security age 62 three compelling reasons might want despite good plans might make lives unfold things often dont turn expected fully 46 retirees left workforce earlier planned according 2016 retirement confidence survey 55 citing health problems disability reason 24 citing changes work downsizing workplace closure advertisement since theres notinsignificant chance youll end retiring earlier expected nice know start receiving income social security age 62 likely especially welcome time retiring ahead schedule less money socked away support comfortable retirement opens new window may even greater need social security dollars indeed majority elderly beneficiaries get 50 income social security 23 married ones 43 unmarried ones get fully 90 income according ssa heres main reason many people choose start collecting social security later full retirement age longer wait age 70 bigger checks every year beyond full retirement age delay benefits increase value 8 age 70 delay 67 70 make checks 24 bigger thats meaningful difference expecting collect 2000 per month 24000 per year would instead receive 2480 per month nearly 30000 annually given may seem like nobrainer decision hang long opens new window claiming benefits though ssa explained live average life expectancy someone age receive amount lifetime benefits matter whether choose start receiving benefits age 62 full retirement age age 70 age words system designed live averagelength lives wash terms total benefits received matter start collecting delay starting collect ages 67 70 miss three years worth payments albeit smaller ones thats 36 payments delaying starting collect make sense cases course maybe youre perfectly happy working want work late 60s age 70 beyond perhaps many people family enjoyed long lives case collecting bigger checks longerthanaverage time worth many us however delaying wont worthwhile finally heres terrific reason claim social security age 62 help retire early opens new window thats true whether need retire early dont claiming benefits early smart move family tree full people lived shorterthanaverage lives case end one might well enjoy money youre still around beat odds end living long life youll still collecting benefits early retirees enjoy extra benefits old often sick early retirement years thus better enjoy active goals traveling golfing gardening crunch numbers see retiring early would work doesnt look like would right consider beefing saving investing get aggressive may able shave years working life since probably idea long youll live consider trying retire early starting collect social security benefits early possibly early age 62 16122 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 16122 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Who wouldn&#8217;t want to sign up for a store loyalty program? They reward you for shopping. Not surprisingly, a recent survey found that Americans average about 22 loyalty program memberships per household.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>We reviewed programs from nine national retailers to figure out which are best for what benefits&#8212;plus the fine print you need to know.</p> <p>(Some programs require you to sign up for a <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/credit-cards/buying-guide.htm?EXTKEY=AFOXDIG01" type="external">credit or debit card Opens a New Window.</a>; those are noted with an asterisk.)</p> <p>Target REDcard*</p> <p>Best perk: 5 percent off in-store and online purchasesHow it works: Just shop and pay with your card.Why join: In addition to 5 percent discounts on just about everything, you get free shipping on online purchases, plus 30 extra days for returns. The debit card gives you all the perks and none of the interest payments that come with the credit options. And Target donates up to 1 percent of your spending total to an eligible school of your choice. Enroll in Target Pharmacy Rewards and get a 5 percent off coupon for every five prescriptions filled.The fine print: Credit cards carry a 22.9 percent APR. Also, gift cards, online-gift wrapping services, prescriptions, and some medical services are excluded from the 5 percent discount.How to sign up: Apply in store, using a mail-in form, or at target.com/redcard for a Target Debit Card, Target Credit Card, or Target Visa Credit Card.</p> <p>JCPenney&#8217;s JCP Rewards</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Best perk: Monthly discounts</p> <p>How it works: You earn a $10 reward any time you spend $100 in a calendar month at JCPenney stores or jcp.com.</p> <p>Why join: There&#8217;s no pressure to shop frequently, but when you do spend, you get a discount on a future purchase. You also get access to exclusive sales. Sign up for a store credit card to enjoy the most perks: up to $100 in rewards per month, fraud protection, a birthday gift, and special financing for some purchases, including decorating services, furniture, jewelry, and window treatments.</p> <p>The fine print: Your point total resets to zero each month, and you get a maximum of one reward a month regardless of your purchase amount, unless you&#8217;re a JCP credit-card holder. Transactions made through PayPal don&#8217;t count toward your monthly spending.</p> <p>How to sign up: Enroll in JCPenney stores or at jcprewards.com. All JCP credit-card holders are automatically enrolled.</p> <p>Gilt Insider</p> <p>Best perks: Early access to salesHow it works: Early access and other perks cost you points. You get one point every time you go to the site, five points for every dollar you spend, 25 points for referring friends, 35 points for &#8220;liking&#8221; the brand on Facebook, and 100 points if you sign in five weekdays in a row.Why join: The benefits are always changing, but they&#8217;re good ones. Early sale access&#8212;a huge advantage at a flash-sale site&#8212;starts at 250 points, free shipping at 3,500 points, and discounts up to 30 percent require 20,000 points. Members start out at the General tier. Collect 5,000 points to become a Select member, 10,000 to become a Premier member, and 25,000 to gain Noir status. Premier members get a 1-hour sale preview window; Noir folks get waitlist priority and access to a VIP customer-service line.The fine print: You can redeem only one reward per order.How to sign up: Go online at https://www.gilt.com/register.</p> <p>Gap Rewards Program*</p> <p>Best perk: 10 percent off every Tuesday in stores and on Gap.com, OldNavy.com, and Piperlime.comHow it works: Spend $1 in stores or online and get five points. Earn at Gap and all its sister companies: Athleta.com, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Piperlime.com. For Gap and Banana Republic cards, earn a $10 reward certificate every time you accumulate 1,000 points. For Old Navy cards, earn $5 in rewards when you rack up 500 points.Why join: This is a great program for folks who shop at any&#8212;or all&#8212;of this family of retailers. Points aren&#8217;t shared if you open multiple cards, but all you need is one, which lets you collect points across all stores and sites. Take advantage of 15 percent off your first card purchase and get 2,000 points just for signing up for e-mail and text alerts&#8212;and an additional 500 if you opt for paperless statements. Members get advance notice for sales, exclusive offers, and birthday discounts. Spend $800 in a calendar year and you attain Gap Silver/Banana Republic Luxe status, with extra benefits including free shipping on all orders, 15 percent off personal sale days, free basic alterations at Banana Republic, access to a priority customer-service line, and triple points days.The fine print: The APR is 23.99 or 24.99 percent, depending on the card. Points expire 24 months after last card activity; $250 reward limit per 30-day billing cycle.How to sign up: Apply for Gap Visa Card or GapCard credit card at gap.com/gapcard or at Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic stores.</p> <p>What&#8217;s in it for the retailers?</p> <p>In addition to encouraging your repeat business, retailer reward programs give companies access to lots of data&#8212;your address, age, purchase history&#8212;they can use for marketing purposes. Be sure to check privacy policies before you sign up. For programs tied to a credit card, interest rates are also a juicy incentive. Our advice: Don&#8217;t leave a balance on these cards; many charge relatively high interest rates. If you don&#8217;t plan to pay your balance every month, look for a low-interest card at bankrate.com.</p> <p>Best Buy Reward Zone</p> <p>Best perk: Free product setup helpline for Premier Silver members of the programHow it works: One dollar spent in stores or online equals one point. Open a store credit card and earn 2.5 points per dollar, one point per dollar for dining and grocery spending, and one point per $2 on all other spending. Join the free Reward Zone Gamers Club to score two points per dollar for gaming purchases and trade-ins (250 points earns a $5 reward certificate).Why join: If you make some big purchases, the perks are a big incentive to shop at Best Buy&#8212;especially with its new price-match guarantee, which includes online retailers such as Amazon.com. Members receive exclusive offers, promotions, and access to special events. Drop $2,500 in a calendar year for Premier Silver status and earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent, plus get access to a free helpline, expedited shipping, one Geek Squad visit per year, and other nice extras.The fine print: Certificates expire after 90 days.How to sign up: Enroll in stores or online at myrewardzone.bestbuy.com/enrollment.</p> <p>Macy&#8217;s Star Rewards*</p> <p>Best perk: Exclusive store couponsHow it works: All Macy&#8217;s cardholders automatically receive coupons in the mail. Get a Macy&#8217;s American Express card and spend $500 to $999 a year at Macy&#8217;s and Macys.com to earn 1.5 percent rewards on all your Macy&#8217;s purchases and 1 percent on purchases made elsewhere. Rewards certificates start at $10. Enroll in the Thanks for Sharing program to earn 10 percent rewards for most purchases made with your card Sept. 11 though Dec. 31 ($25 fee, $10 of which goes to charity).Why join: You get 15 percent off purchases made in your first two days after enrolling (up to $100 off), plus choose-your-own sale days. Make returns for up to two years without a receipt. Preferred American Express members also get exclusive travel offers. Bonus: Rewards never expire.The fine print: Macy&#8217;s store card carries a 24.5 percent APR. Points aren&#8217;t earned on gift card purchases.How to sign up: Apply in stores or at macys.com/star_rewards for a Macy&#8217;s store card. Call 877-493-9207 or live chat online to upgrade to Macy&#8217;s American Express Card.</p> <p>DSW Rewards</p> <p>Best perk: Free shipping for online orders of $35 or moreHow it works: Score 10 points per dollar for regularly priced items, and 5 points for clearance buys. Get a $10 reward certificate each time you collect 1,500 points. Double-point days twice a year.Why join: Perks include early sale notifications, $5 off birthday gift certificates, and other free promos. The more you spend, the more you earn. Members with Premier status (those who earn 6,000 points in a calendar year) get free next-day shipping, priority customer-service assistance, 15 points per dollar spent on regular merchandise and 7.5 points for clearance, and triple points shopping days twice a year. Premier members can also bank points to use on larger purchases rather than have them automatically rolled into $10 rewards certificates.The fine print: Earn up to 50 certificates a year, use up to three certificates on one transaction. Points expire after two years; certificates expire after 180 days.How to join: Enroll in stores or at dsw.com/dsw_shoes/user/rewardsLanding.jsp.</p> <p>Amazon Rewards Visa card*</p> <p>Best perk: A $50 gift card just for signing upHow it works: Rack up a generous three points for every dollar you charge at Amazon.com, including downloads, gift cards, and subscriptions. Also earn points at partner sites. One hundred points equals $1 you can spend at Amazon.Why join: If you already shop Amazon frequently&#8212;we&#8217;re looking at you, Prime members&#8212;this card is definitely worth it, especially if you&#8217;re in the market for a new credit card. In addition to earning on Amazon.com, you get two points for every dollar spent at drugstores, gas stations, office-supply stores, and restaurants, and one point per dollar for all other purchases. Points never expire. You can also trade points for cash back, gift cards, and travel through chase.com/amazonrewards.The fine print: APR ranges from 14.24 to 22.24 percent, based on creditworthiness. You can&#8217;t redeem reward points for some gift certificates and digital items, Kindle downloads, Subscribe and Save, or AmazonFresh orders.How to join: Apply at amazon.com/rewards.</p> <p>Nordstrom Fashion Rewards*</p> <p>Best perk: Free alterationsHow it works: Tally two points for every dollar spent at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Nordstrom.com using a Nordstrom card, and one point per dollar for purchases made elsewhere with the Nordstrom Visa card. Get a $20 rewards certificate for every 2,000 points earned.Why join: The more you spend in a year, the more perks you get. Spend $2,000 to become a Level 2 member, $5,000 for Level 3, and $10,000 for Level 4. All members receive early access to the store&#8217;s big anniversary sale. Starting with Level 2, members are rewarded with increasingly exclusive perks, all the way up to private shopping parties in stores.The fine print: The credit cards&#8217; APRs range from 10.9 to 22.9 percent, based on creditworthiness. Points expire three years after the end of the year in which they are earned; rewards certificates expire after one year.How to join: Apply in stores or at shop.nordstrom.com/c/fashion-rewards#/1 for a Nordstrom debit card or credit card, or in stores for a Nordstrom Visa Signature card.</p> <p>Belly</p> <p>Forget punch cards and stamps: Scan your phone at the register to keep track of your loyalty activity and earn rewards for chain and local restaurants and service providers. It even offers freebies to encourage you to try new places.</p> <p>Works on: Android, Apple</p> <p>Front Flip</p> <p>Scan QR codes at participating retailers, restaurants, and even online to unlock rewards&#8212;and chances to win instant prizes, such as a free lunch or a half-off appetizer, with the &#8220;Digital Scratch Card&#8221; feature. Share rewards with friends via social networks, too.</p> <p>Works on: Android, Apple</p> <p>Key Ring Rewards Cards</p> <p>Scan loyalty cards to keep them all in one place and free up space in your wallet. Join new programs directly from this newly updated app, browse weekly sales, and receive exclusive discounts, too.</p> <p>Works on: Android, Apple</p> <p>This article appeared in the November 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine.</p> <p>Copyright &#169; 2005-2013 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this site.</p>

wouldnt want sign store loyalty program reward shopping surprisingly recent survey found americans average 22 loyalty program memberships per household continue reading reviewed programs nine national retailers figure best benefitsplus fine print need know programs require sign credit debit card opens new window noted asterisk target redcard best perk 5 percent instore online purchaseshow works shop pay cardwhy join addition 5 percent discounts everything get free shipping online purchases plus 30 extra days returns debit card gives perks none interest payments come credit options target donates 1 percent spending total eligible school choice enroll target pharmacy rewards get 5 percent coupon every five prescriptions filledthe fine print credit cards carry 229 percent apr also gift cards onlinegift wrapping services prescriptions medical services excluded 5 percent discounthow sign apply store using mailin form targetcomredcard target debit card target credit card target visa credit card jcpenneys jcp rewards advertisement best perk monthly discounts works earn 10 reward time spend 100 calendar month jcpenney stores jcpcom join theres pressure shop frequently spend get discount future purchase also get access exclusive sales sign store credit card enjoy perks 100 rewards per month fraud protection birthday gift special financing purchases including decorating services furniture jewelry window treatments fine print point total resets zero month get maximum one reward month regardless purchase amount unless youre jcp creditcard holder transactions made paypal dont count toward monthly spending sign enroll jcpenney stores jcprewardscom jcp creditcard holders automatically enrolled gilt insider best perks early access saleshow works early access perks cost points get one point every time go site five points every dollar spend 25 points referring friends 35 points liking brand facebook 100 points sign five weekdays rowwhy join benefits always changing theyre good ones early sale accessa huge advantage flashsale sitestarts 250 points free shipping 3500 points discounts 30 percent require 20000 points members start general tier collect 5000 points become select member 10000 become premier member 25000 gain noir status premier members get 1hour sale preview window noir folks get waitlist priority access vip customerservice linethe fine print redeem one reward per orderhow sign go online httpswwwgiltcomregister gap rewards program best perk 10 percent every tuesday stores gapcom oldnavycom piperlimecomhow works spend 1 stores online get five points earn gap sister companies athletacom banana republic old navy piperlimecom gap banana republic cards earn 10 reward certificate every time accumulate 1000 points old navy cards earn 5 rewards rack 500 pointswhy join great program folks shop anyor allof family retailers points arent shared open multiple cards need one lets collect points across stores sites take advantage 15 percent first card purchase get 2000 points signing email text alertsand additional 500 opt paperless statements members get advance notice sales exclusive offers birthday discounts spend 800 calendar year attain gap silverbanana republic luxe status extra benefits including free shipping orders 15 percent personal sale days free basic alterations banana republic access priority customerservice line triple points daysthe fine print apr 2399 2499 percent depending card points expire 24 months last card activity 250 reward limit per 30day billing cyclehow sign apply gap visa card gapcard credit card gapcomgapcard gap old navy banana republic stores whats retailers addition encouraging repeat business retailer reward programs give companies access lots datayour address age purchase historythey use marketing purposes sure check privacy policies sign programs tied credit card interest rates also juicy incentive advice dont leave balance cards many charge relatively high interest rates dont plan pay balance every month look lowinterest card bankratecom best buy reward zone best perk free product setup helpline premier silver members programhow works one dollar spent stores online equals one point open store credit card earn 25 points per dollar one point per dollar dining grocery spending one point per 2 spending join free reward zone gamers club score two points per dollar gaming purchases tradeins 250 points earns 5 reward certificatewhy join make big purchases perks big incentive shop best buyespecially new pricematch guarantee includes online retailers amazoncom members receive exclusive offers promotions access special events drop 2500 calendar year premier silver status earn 125 points every dollar spent plus get access free helpline expedited shipping one geek squad visit per year nice extrasthe fine print certificates expire 90 dayshow sign enroll stores online myrewardzonebestbuycomenrollment macys star rewards best perk exclusive store couponshow works macys cardholders automatically receive coupons mail get macys american express card spend 500 999 year macys macyscom earn 15 percent rewards macys purchases 1 percent purchases made elsewhere rewards certificates start 10 enroll thanks sharing program earn 10 percent rewards purchases made card sept 11 though dec 31 25 fee 10 goes charitywhy join get 15 percent purchases made first two days enrolling 100 plus chooseyourown sale days make returns two years without receipt preferred american express members also get exclusive travel offers bonus rewards never expirethe fine print macys store card carries 245 percent apr points arent earned gift card purchaseshow sign apply stores macyscomstar_rewards macys store card call 8774939207 live chat online upgrade macys american express card dsw rewards best perk free shipping online orders 35 morehow works score 10 points per dollar regularly priced items 5 points clearance buys get 10 reward certificate time collect 1500 points doublepoint days twice yearwhy join perks include early sale notifications 5 birthday gift certificates free promos spend earn members premier status earn 6000 points calendar year get free nextday shipping priority customerservice assistance 15 points per dollar spent regular merchandise 75 points clearance triple points shopping days twice year premier members also bank points use larger purchases rather automatically rolled 10 rewards certificatesthe fine print earn 50 certificates year use three certificates one transaction points expire two years certificates expire 180 dayshow join enroll stores dswcomdsw_shoesuserrewardslandingjsp amazon rewards visa card best perk 50 gift card signing uphow works rack generous three points every dollar charge amazoncom including downloads gift cards subscriptions also earn points partner sites one hundred points equals 1 spend amazonwhy join already shop amazon frequentlywere looking prime membersthis card definitely worth especially youre market new credit card addition earning amazoncom get two points every dollar spent drugstores gas stations officesupply stores restaurants one point per dollar purchases points never expire also trade points cash back gift cards travel chasecomamazonrewardsthe fine print apr ranges 1424 2224 percent based creditworthiness cant redeem reward points gift certificates digital items kindle downloads subscribe save amazonfresh ordershow join apply amazoncomrewards nordstrom fashion rewards best perk free alterationshow works tally two points every dollar spent nordstrom nordstrom rack nordstromcom using nordstrom card one point per dollar purchases made elsewhere nordstrom visa card get 20 rewards certificate every 2000 points earnedwhy join spend year perks get spend 2000 become level 2 member 5000 level 3 10000 level 4 members receive early access stores big anniversary sale starting level 2 members rewarded increasingly exclusive perks way private shopping parties storesthe fine print credit cards aprs range 109 229 percent based creditworthiness points expire three years end year earned rewards certificates expire one yearhow join apply stores shopnordstromcomcfashionrewards1 nordstrom debit card credit card stores nordstrom visa signature card belly forget punch cards stamps scan phone register keep track loyalty activity earn rewards chain local restaurants service providers even offers freebies encourage try new places works android apple front flip scan qr codes participating retailers restaurants even online unlock rewardsand chances win instant prizes free lunch halfoff appetizer digital scratch card feature share rewards friends via social networks works android apple key ring rewards cards scan loyalty cards keep one place free space wallet join new programs directly newly updated app browse weekly sales receive exclusive discounts works android apple article appeared november 2013 issue shopsmart magazine copyright 20052013 consumers union us inc reproduction whole part without written permission consumer reports relationship advertisers site

<p /> <p>Workplace <a href="https://www.recruiter.com/diversity.html" type="external">diversity Opens a New Window.</a> is no longer just a feel-good concept or compliance issue. Companies are catching onto diversity's bottom-line benefits, including increased productivity, innovation, and sales revenue. For example, research has found that every 1 percent increase in racial diversity correlates with a <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331091252.htm" type="external">9 percent increase in sales revenue Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>This means diversity recruitment has become a top priority for recruiters these days. <a href="http://www.equalitymagazines.com/index.php/blog/235-shrm-survey-finds-diversity-still-important" type="external">A SHRM survey Opens a New Window.</a> found that 57 percent of HR professionals say their recruiting strategies are designed to attract diverse candidates.</p> <p>Successfully marketing to and attracting diverse candidates is becoming a competitive differentiator for recruiters. <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/diversity/" type="external">A Glassdoor survey Opens a New Window.</a> found that 67 percent of active and passive job seekers said that diversity is an important factor when considering companies and job offers.</p> <p>However, good intentions aren't enough to move the needle. Recruiters need both organizational support and proven strategies to <a href="https://ideal.com/workplace-diversity/" type="external">increase their workplace diversity Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Here are seven research-based tips for improving your diversity recruitment efforts:</p> <p>1. Hack Your Job Postings</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Employers often fail to realize every job posting is part of their employer brand. <a href="http://careerbuildercommunications.com/candidatebehavior/" type="external">A CareerBuilder survey Opens a New Window.</a> found that a bad job posting is the third most important factor that causes job seekers to have a negative perception of a company. This means your job posting should be considered a part of your recruitment marketing.</p> <p>If your goal is to increase your diversity recruitment, <a href="http://www.eremedia.com/ere/you-dont-know-it-but-women-see-gender-bias-in-your-job-postings/" type="external">research has found Opens a New Window.</a> that the language you use in your job description makes a difference. For example, to attract more female candidates, you should avoid using too many "masculine-type" words (e.g., ambitious, dominate, challenging) in your job description because they tend to put women off. Instead, you should include more "feminine-type" words &amp;#160;(e.g., committed, trust, dependable).</p> <p><a href="http://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/industryview/visual-job-postings-2014/" type="external">A Software Advice survey Opens a New Window.</a> found that 51 percent of job applicants are more attracted to a company whose job postings contain&amp;#160;images and videos. An easy way to showcase the diversity of your employees &#8211; or the workplace diversity you aspire to achieve &#8211; is through a media-rich company page with images and videos that demonstrate your company culture, your leadership, and your top performers.</p> <p>A great example of a company with compelling job descriptions that showcase its&amp;#160;diversity and culture is educational software startup&amp;#160; <a href="https://ideal.com/companies/top-hat/" type="external">Top Hat Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>2.&amp;#160;Craft&amp;#160;Workplace Policies Consistent With Diversity Recruitment</p> <p>Another easy way to improve your diversity recruitment is to offer the workplace policies that are most attractive to diverse candidates.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/talent/future-of-work/millennials-survey.html" type="external">A PwC survey Opens a New Window.</a> found that millennials value work/life balance more than older generations. <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/employees-like-flexible-work-programsbut-few-use-them-1443600593" type="external">McKinsey found Opens a New Window.</a> that the top workplace policy that women are attracted to is a flexible schedule. <a href="https://ideal.com/hiring-for-sales-hunters-vs-farmers" type="external">Research has found Opens a New Window.</a> a strong predictor that someone will quit&amp;#160;their&amp;#160;job is a long commute, and distance from downtown office locations is often correlated with more diverse neighborhoods.</p> <p>By&amp;#160;offering flexibility such as work from home options and flexible work hours, you not only attract more diverse candidates, but also&amp;#160;prevent expensive turnover.</p> <p>3.&amp;#160;Use a Pre-Hire Assessment</p> <p>A valid and reliable pre-hire assessment is a great unbiased tool for&amp;#160;measuring candidates' personalities, knowledge, and skills.</p> <p>Personality assessments in particular work to increase workplace diversity because they lack adverse impact (i.e., scores don't differ for minority group members). <a href="http://www.academia.edu/1410962/The_effect_of_adverse_impact_in_selection_practices_on_organizational_diversity_a_field_study" type="external">A study Opens a New Window.</a> found that companies that&amp;#160;use personality assessments in their recruitment processes had more racially diverse workforces.</p> <p>4. Encourage&amp;#160;Referrals From a More Diverse Array of Employees</p> <p>Hiring through referrals can be a bottleneck for diversity&amp;#160;hiring&amp;#160;because, in general, people's networks are comprised of people who are similar to them demographically.</p> <p>You can, however, use this "similarity attracts" effect to your advantage by encouraging <a href="http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8736-word-of-mouth-diversity.html" type="external">referrals from a more diverse array of employees Opens a New Window.</a>.&amp;#160;This way, you gain all the benefits of hiring from referrals with the added bonus of improving your diversity recruitment at the same time.</p> <p>5. Strategically Seed Your Candidate Pipeline</p> <p><a href="https://hbr.org/2016/04/if-theres-only-one-woman-in-your-candidate-pool-theres-statistically-no-chance-shell-be-hired" type="external">Research has found Opens a New Window.</a> that when the final candidate pool holds only one candidate from a demographic minority group, that candidates has&amp;#160;virtually no chance of getting hired.</p> <p>A "two in the pool" effect, on the other hand, dramatically increases the chances of a woman or person of color&amp;#160;being hired. If there are at least two women&amp;#160;in the final candidate pool, the odds of hiring a woman&amp;#160;are 79 times greater. If there are least two people of color&amp;#160;in the final candidate pool, the odds of hiring a person of color&amp;#160;are 194 times greater.</p> <p>6. Use Blind Hiring</p> <p><a href="http://www.nber.org/papers/w9873" type="external">Studies have found Opens a New Window.</a> that bias plays a fairly large role in resume screening.&amp;#160;For example, resumes with white-sounding names receive 30 percent more callbacks than identical resumes with African American-sounding names.</p> <p>Blind hiring increases diversity recruitment by allowing you to more objectively evaluate a candidate's skills, knowledge, and potential to succeed free from unconscious biases of the candidate's race, gender, age, and education level.</p> <p>The most common <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-boss-doesnt-want-your-resume-1452025908" type="external">blind hiring Opens a New Window.</a> method is the&amp;#160;removal of candidates' names from resumes. Other personal information often removed in the interest of fairness includes graduation years, college names, and addresses.</p> <p>7. Leverage Shortlisting Technology</p> <p>New technology that automates <a href="https://ideal.com/shortlisting/" type="external">shortlisting Opens a New Window.</a> increases diversity recruitment by replacing manual resume-screening with a system that objectively and consistently applies shortlisting criteria across all candidates.</p> <p>Shortlisting software lives inside your ATS and uses your existing resume database to learn about employees' experiences, educations, and other traits and applies this criteria to new applicants in order to rank and shortlist the strongest candidates, free from human biases.</p> <p>The Takeaways</p> <p>Recruiters can't implement successful diversity recruitment programs&amp;#160;without organizational support, nor will those programs be successful unless they are based in research-backed strategies. These research-based strategies for diversity recruitment include:</p> <p>Hacking your job posts to attract more diverse candidates.</p> <p>Offering flexibility as a workplace perk.</p> <p>Using an assessment to objectively measure candidates' personalities and skills.</p> <p>Encouraging&amp;#160;referrals from a more diverse array of employees.</p> <p>Strategically seeding your candidate pipelines.</p> <p>Using blind hiring methods.</p> <p>Leveraging shortlisting technology.</p> <p>If increasing your workplace diversity is a recruitment priority for you, implement some of these strategies today to achieve a more diverse, productive, and creative workforce.</p> <p>Ji-A Min&amp;#160;is the head data scientist at <a href="http://ideal.com" type="external">Ideal.com Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

workplace diversity opens new window longer feelgood concept compliance issue companies catching onto diversitys bottomline benefits including increased productivity innovation sales revenue example research found every 1 percent increase racial diversity correlates 9 percent increase sales revenue opens new window continue reading means diversity recruitment become top priority recruiters days shrm survey opens new window found 57 percent hr professionals say recruiting strategies designed attract diverse candidates successfully marketing attracting diverse candidates becoming competitive differentiator recruiters glassdoor survey opens new window found 67 percent active passive job seekers said diversity important factor considering companies job offers however good intentions arent enough move needle recruiters need organizational support proven strategies increase workplace diversity opens new window seven researchbased tips improving diversity recruitment efforts 1 hack job postings advertisement employers often fail realize every job posting part employer brand careerbuilder survey opens new window found bad job posting third important factor causes job seekers negative perception company means job posting considered part recruitment marketing goal increase diversity recruitment research found opens new window language use job description makes difference example attract female candidates avoid using many masculinetype words eg ambitious dominate challenging job description tend put women instead include femininetype words 160eg committed trust dependable software advice survey opens new window found 51 percent job applicants attracted company whose job postings contain160images videos easy way showcase diversity employees workplace diversity aspire achieve mediarich company page images videos demonstrate company culture leadership top performers great example company compelling job descriptions showcase its160diversity culture educational software startup160 top hat opens new window 2160craft160workplace policies consistent diversity recruitment another easy way improve diversity recruitment offer workplace policies attractive diverse candidates pwc survey opens new window found millennials value worklife balance older generations mckinsey found opens new window top workplace policy women attracted flexible schedule research found opens new window strong predictor someone quit160their160job long commute distance downtown office locations often correlated diverse neighborhoods by160offering flexibility work home options flexible work hours attract diverse candidates also160prevent expensive turnover 3160use prehire assessment valid reliable prehire assessment great unbiased tool for160measuring candidates personalities knowledge skills personality assessments particular work increase workplace diversity lack adverse impact ie scores dont differ minority group members study opens new window found companies that160use personality assessments recruitment processes racially diverse workforces 4 encourage160referrals diverse array employees hiring referrals bottleneck diversity160hiring160because general peoples networks comprised people similar demographically however use similarity attracts effect advantage encouraging referrals diverse array employees opens new window160this way gain benefits hiring referrals added bonus improving diversity recruitment time 5 strategically seed candidate pipeline research found opens new window final candidate pool holds one candidate demographic minority group candidates has160virtually chance getting hired two pool effect hand dramatically increases chances woman person color160being hired least two women160in final candidate pool odds hiring woman160are 79 times greater least two people color160in final candidate pool odds hiring person color160are 194 times greater 6 use blind hiring studies found opens new window bias plays fairly large role resume screening160for example resumes whitesounding names receive 30 percent callbacks identical resumes african americansounding names blind hiring increases diversity recruitment allowing objectively evaluate candidates skills knowledge potential succeed free unconscious biases candidates race gender age education level common blind hiring opens new window method the160removal candidates names resumes personal information often removed interest fairness includes graduation years college names addresses 7 leverage shortlisting technology new technology automates shortlisting opens new window increases diversity recruitment replacing manual resumescreening system objectively consistently applies shortlisting criteria across candidates shortlisting software lives inside ats uses existing resume database learn employees experiences educations traits applies criteria new applicants order rank shortlist strongest candidates free human biases takeaways recruiters cant implement successful diversity recruitment programs160without organizational support programs successful unless based researchbacked strategies researchbased strategies diversity recruitment include hacking job posts attract diverse candidates offering flexibility workplace perk using assessment objectively measure candidates personalities skills encouraging160referrals diverse array employees strategically seeding candidate pipelines using blind hiring methods leveraging shortlisting technology increasing workplace diversity recruitment priority implement strategies today achieve diverse productive creative workforce jia min160is head data scientist idealcom opens new window

<p>Former Defense Secretary William J. Perry held a series of previously undisclosed meetings last year with a senior adviser to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to discuss Iran&#8217;s nuclear program, a person familiar with the back-channel talks said Thursday.</p> <p>The person, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the topic, said the talks took place with Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi, Mr. Ahmadinejad&#8217;s closest aide, and were &#8220;discussions, not negotiations,&#8221; aimed at clarifying understanding of the two sides&#8217; positions.</p> <p>Former U.S. officials have had numerous conversations with Iranians over the years, but few, if any, with officials as influential as Mr. Samareh.</p> <p>It was not clear whether Mr. Perry, a veteran statesman who also served as a Clinton administration troubleshooter on the North Korean nuclear program, was acting at the behest of the Bush administration or others. The Bush White House rejected several overtures for back-channel talks with Iranian officials in 2005 and 2006.</p> <p>Mr. Perry was traveling and not available to comment, his office said.</p> <p>The United States has accused Iran of developing a program that could give it nuclear weapons and supporting Arab militant groups. Iran denies that it is seeking weapons and says groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah are freedom fighters, not terrorists.</p> <p>The talks were revealed as U.S. and European diplomats predicted that the Obama administration would not rush into high-level official meetings with Iran before the nation holds presidential elections in June. An aide to Mr. Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that the president will seek re-election.</p> <p>The diplomats said the U.S. does not want to take actions that could boost Mr. Ahmadinejad&#8217;s chances.</p> <p>An Iranian Web site, Yari News, first reported Thursday that talks between Mr. Perry and Mr. Samareh were &#8220;about to be held&#8221; in Europe. Mr. Samareh, speaking to the Fars News Agency in Iran, denied this.</p> <p>The person familiar with so-called track-two diplomacy with Iran outside official channels said the talks already had taken place and that he feared that the revelation could prejudice further discussions.</p> <p>A U.S. official declined to comment but said the administration was not ruling out any approach toward Tehran.</p> <p>Diplomats involved in efforts to bring Tehran to the negotiating table said that the Obama administration, in keeping with the president&#8217;s campaign pledges, would seek talks, but at a level below president or secretary of state.</p> <p>&#8220;Something is certainly in the works with regard to engagement, but I suspect it will be at a low level,&#8221; said a senior U.S. diplomat who declined to discuss the issue on the record because Iran policy is under review.</p> <p>The State Department denied reports that the administration had written a letter to Iranian officials in response to Mr. Ahmadinejad&#8217;s letter congratulating President Obama on his election, but left open the prospect.</p> <p>State Department spokesman Robert A. Wood said that &#8220;no one has tasked anybody within the administration to draft&#8221; such a letter.</p> <p>&#8220;Could somebody in this building at some point have taken it upon his or herself to draft something? You know how large this building is. It&#8217;s hard to know,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>One challenge for the administration is that it is not sure whom to approach in Iran, where a Muslim cleric, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, wields supreme power but does not generally meet with Westerners.</p> <p>White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said, &#8220;It is unclear who exactly that dialogue would be with in Iran.&#8221;</p> <p>Among the issues Washington has to &#8220;work through&#8221; with Tehran are &#8220;an illicit nuclear program, the sponsorship of terrorism and the threatening of peace in Israel,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>Thomas R. Pickering, a retired career ambassador who was undersecretary of state for political affairs in the Clinton administration, met last year with academics from Iranian government-run institutions, he said Thursday.</p> <p>Mr. Pickering said the new administration should not wait to engage Iran, but at the same time, &#8220;it would be unwise to take positions that could influence the outcome of the election.&#8221;</p> <p>A senior Western diplomat said the administration is being &#8220;very cautious,&#8221; trying to balance its position that early contacts with Iran are important with the many challenges such contacts are certain to pose.</p> <p>&#8220;One challenge is the [Iranian] presidential election and what you do before it,&#8221; said the diplomat, who also asked not to be named because he was discussing private conversations. &#8220;If you want to make any kind of move, you have to be very cautious so that the move doesn&#8217;t play a part in one way or another in the election. To put it in simple terms, how to move without giving some sort of support to President Ahmadinejad.&#8221;</p> <p>Mr. Ahmadinejad could argue that his tough stance and defiance of U.N. sanctions have caused a change of American policy, the diplomat said.</p> <p>In an interview Tuesday with the Al-Arabiya Arabic news channel, Mr. Obama repeated a comment from his inaugural address: &#8220;If countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us.&#8221;</p> <p>Iranian officials responded that the United States first must change its policies toward Tehran.</p> <p>The administration is expected to name former Middle East negotiator Dennis Ross to coordinate its Iran policy. Although that has been known for a few weeks, Mr. Ross&#8217; official appointment has not been made because &#8220;the scope of his duties are clearly an issue the administration is [still] trying to define,&#8221; one U.S. official said.</p> <p>People in the Iranian-American community and groups that promote engagement with Iran oppose the nomination because Mr. Ross has no experience dealing with Iranians and is seen in Tehran as biased toward Israel, said Hooshang Amirahmadi, president of the American Iranian Council, an advocacy group.</p> <p>&#8220;Dennis Ross will not engender trust in Tehran,&#8221; Mr. Amirahmadi told The Washington Times.</p> <p>The person who confirmed the Perry talks said Mr. Ross had also angered the Obama administration by having the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a think tank where Mr. Ross is a councilor, report his appointment to its trustees before the administration announced it.</p> <p>In the meantime, Undersecretary of State William J. Burns, a holdover from the Bush administration who took part last summer in a multilateral meeting including Iranian negotiators, will meet next week in Germany with the other four permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - Britain, France, Russia and China - and Germany to discuss Iran policy, the State Department said.</p> <p>&#8220;The possibility by the American administration of a dialogue with Iran is a very important card in our game,&#8221; said a senior European diplomat. He added that the six powers are considering more U.N. sanctions on Iran affecting technology transfers in the energy sector.</p> <p>The diplomat also said the Obama administration has promised the Europeans &#8220;not to do anything without consulting&#8221; with them first. He said no major decisions are expected until the U.S. policy review is completed.</p> <p>Eli Lake contributed to this report.</p> <p>Copyright &#169; 2018 The Washington Times, LLC. <a href="http://license.icopyright.net/3.7280?icx_id=/news/2009/jan/30/ex-defense-secretary-meets-with-tehran-aide/" type="external">Click here for reprint permission</a>.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

former defense secretary william j perry held series previously undisclosed meetings last year senior adviser iranian president mahmoud ahmadinejad discuss irans nuclear program person familiar backchannel talks said thursday person asked named sensitivity topic said talks took place mojtaba samareh hashemi mr ahmadinejads closest aide discussions negotiations aimed clarifying understanding two sides positions former us officials numerous conversations iranians years officials influential mr samareh clear whether mr perry veteran statesman also served clinton administration troubleshooter north korean nuclear program acting behest bush administration others bush white house rejected several overtures backchannel talks iranian officials 2005 2006 mr perry traveling available comment office said united states accused iran developing program could give nuclear weapons supporting arab militant groups iran denies seeking weapons says groups hamas hezbollah freedom fighters terrorists talks revealed us european diplomats predicted obama administration would rush highlevel official meetings iran nation holds presidential elections june aide mr ahmadinejad said wednesday president seek reelection diplomats said us want take actions could boost mr ahmadinejads chances iranian web site yari news first reported thursday talks mr perry mr samareh held europe mr samareh speaking fars news agency iran denied person familiar socalled tracktwo diplomacy iran outside official channels said talks already taken place feared revelation could prejudice discussions us official declined comment said administration ruling approach toward tehran diplomats involved efforts bring tehran negotiating table said obama administration keeping presidents campaign pledges would seek talks level president secretary state something certainly works regard engagement suspect low level said senior us diplomat declined discuss issue record iran policy review state department denied reports administration written letter iranian officials response mr ahmadinejads letter congratulating president obama election left open prospect state department spokesman robert wood said one tasked anybody within administration draft letter could somebody building point taken upon draft something know large building hard know said one challenge administration sure approach iran muslim cleric ayatollah ali khameini wields supreme power generally meet westerners white house press secretary robert gibbs said unclear exactly dialogue would iran among issues washington work tehran illicit nuclear program sponsorship terrorism threatening peace israel said thomas r pickering retired career ambassador undersecretary state political affairs clinton administration met last year academics iranian governmentrun institutions said thursday mr pickering said new administration wait engage iran time would unwise take positions could influence outcome election senior western diplomat said administration cautious trying balance position early contacts iran important many challenges contacts certain pose one challenge iranian presidential election said diplomat also asked named discussing private conversations want make kind move cautious move doesnt play part one way another election put simple terms move without giving sort support president ahmadinejad mr ahmadinejad could argue tough stance defiance un sanctions caused change american policy diplomat said interview tuesday alarabiya arabic news channel mr obama repeated comment inaugural address countries like iran willing unclench fist find extended hand us iranian officials responded united states first must change policies toward tehran administration expected name former middle east negotiator dennis ross coordinate iran policy although known weeks mr ross official appointment made scope duties clearly issue administration still trying define one us official said people iranianamerican community groups promote engagement iran oppose nomination mr ross experience dealing iranians seen tehran biased toward israel said hooshang amirahmadi president american iranian council advocacy group dennis ross engender trust tehran mr amirahmadi told washington times person confirmed perry talks said mr ross also angered obama administration washington institute near east policy think tank mr ross councilor report appointment trustees administration announced meantime undersecretary state william j burns holdover bush administration took part last summer multilateral meeting including iranian negotiators meet next week germany four permanent members un security council britain france russia china germany discuss iran policy state department said possibility american administration dialogue iran important card game said senior european diplomat added six powers considering un sanctions iran affecting technology transfers energy sector diplomat also said obama administration promised europeans anything without consulting first said major decisions expected us policy review completed eli lake contributed report copyright 2018 washington times llc click reprint permission 160

<p /> <p>The solar sector can be an enticing and risky space for investors. There's tremendous growth in the industry and <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/11/22/solar-disrupt-energy-industry-ceo-tells.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">trillions of dollars in potential revenue Opens a New Window.</a>, but companies come and go rapidly as the landscape changes. Before jumping in, here are three things every investor should keep in mind.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>: One of the most important things to know about solar stocks is that external policies can have a big impact on the industry. Three really good examples are OPEC's policies, the EPA's policies, and U.S. Solar Investment Tax Credit.</p> <p>Solar panel makers thrive when there's both demand and urgency for their products. This means when fossil fuel prices are high, the urgency for consumers and businesses to switch to solar is there. When crude and natural gas prices fall, solar panel supply can increase and the urgency to make the transition to a green energy solution decreases. Over the past two-plus years, we've witnessed solar panel supply increase and urgency decline as crude and natural gas have hit multi-year lows. However, with OPEC recently agreeing to cut production and crude prices surging on the news, it's possible we could see demand for solar begin creeping back into the industry.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Within the U.S., policies from the Environmental Protection Agency can certainly have an impact on the solar industry. Tougher carbon emission regulations have encouraged utilities to switch away from coal-fired electrical generation and toward alternatives, such as cleaner-burning natural gas and solar-powered systems. Of course, president-elect Donald Trump's stance that some EPA regulations and oversight should be pulled back could work against the solar industry in the near-term.</p> <p>Finally, we have the U.S Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC), which allows for a 30% dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the cost of the panels and installation. In late 2015, the SITC was extended through 2019, providing an impetus for Americans to invest in home-solar systems. The SITC will begin throttling down in 2020 before disappearing completely for consumers by 2023. These subsidies can be a strong tool that encourage or discourage solar investment.</p> <p>As a solar industry investor you'll need to keep your eyes on the policies and subsidies that could impact the valuation of the companies you own.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Hall Opens a New Window.</a>: Today, solar still generates a very small percentage of total electricity around the world, meaning there's likely to be huge growth for decades to come. Factor in an expected one-billion-person expansion of the power-hungry global middle class over the next couple of decades, and there's a wonderful growth market for long-term investors to profit from. One has to look only at power generation in the United States alone to see the potential:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/indicators/us_primary_energy_production" type="external">US Primary Energy Production</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>However, investors must also understand the nature of the solar industry's likely growth to have the best chance at profiting. The best way to understand solar panel manufacturing is that it's a wonderful long-term growth industry, but it will also be highly cyclical from year to year, with ups-and-downs in the short-term even as long-term demand increases. This is particularly true in the utility and commercial/industrial segments, where the amount spent on large, expensive projects can shift dramatically up or down from year to year.</p> <p>At the same time, solar panel manufacturing is complex, expensive, and largely a cost-driven, commodity business. This makes operating leverage critically important, and any solar manufacturer that's unable to respond to shifts in demand before the market shifts can swing from solid profits to steep losses very quickly.</p> <p>For this reason, investors must understand that:</p> <p>Solar has a lot of potential, both as an energy source and an investment. But unless you're willing to put in the work and understand the industry and find the best companies, it's also an easy industry to lose a lot of money in.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a>: Sean is right that policies impact the solar industry's demand more than most industries. And if we want to go more granular we could look at how policies in states like Hawaii, Nevada, and California are impacting the industry on a local level.</p> <p>That's why having a flexible business model is really key to solar companies. Manufacturers need to be able to move supply to where it's needed all around the globe, installers need to be able to ramp up and down depending on demand, and finance companies need to be flexible in the products they offer.</p> <p>One example of a company handling this well is SunPower Corp (NASDAQ: SPWR), the high efficiency solar panel manufacturer. The company sells solar panels into nearly every major solar market, so when Germany was a big installer it had a presence there and now that China is growing it has solutions there. SunPower can also go big or small, providing solutions for rooftop solar customers and utilities looking for massive power plants. This doesn't guarantee success, but it allows a flexibility to change the business as market conditions necessitate.</p> <p>Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) subsidiary SolarCity has been on the opposite end of the spectrum. The company is almost completely focused in the U.S. and has tied itself to the lease/power purchase agreement finance model. When states like Nevada change policy the company has to lay off workers and shut down operations. And when customers started demanding loans this year the company had trouble adapting, leading to multiple reductions in guidance.</p> <p>The solar industry changes extremely quickly and that requires flexibility to survive. And some companies are set up to adapt much more quickly than others.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than SunPower 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;amp;impression=c75fd44b-7729-4b6e-82e9-d438e1862ff4&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and SunPower 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;amp;impression=c75fd44b-7729-4b6e-82e9-d438e1862ff4&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of SunPower and Tesla Motors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium</a> owns shares of SunPower. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

solar sector enticing risky space investors theres tremendous growth industry trillions dollars potential revenue opens new window companies come go rapidly landscape changes jumping three things every investor keep mind continue reading image source getty images sean williams opens new window one important things know solar stocks external policies big impact industry three really good examples opecs policies epas policies us solar investment tax credit solar panel makers thrive theres demand urgency products means fossil fuel prices high urgency consumers businesses switch solar crude natural gas prices fall solar panel supply increase urgency make transition green energy solution decreases past twoplus years weve witnessed solar panel supply increase urgency decline crude natural gas hit multiyear lows however opec recently agreeing cut production crude prices surging news possible could see demand solar begin creeping back industry advertisement within us policies environmental protection agency certainly impact solar industry tougher carbon emission regulations encouraged utilities switch away coalfired electrical generation toward alternatives cleanerburning natural gas solarpowered systems course presidentelect donald trumps stance epa regulations oversight pulled back could work solar industry nearterm finally us solar investment tax credit sitc allows 30 dollarfordollar tax credit cost panels installation late 2015 sitc extended 2019 providing impetus americans invest homesolar systems sitc begin throttling 2020 disappearing completely consumers 2023 subsidies strong tool encourage discourage solar investment solar industry investor youll need keep eyes policies subsidies could impact valuation companies jason opens new window hall opens new window today solar still generates small percentage total electricity around world meaning theres likely huge growth decades come factor expected onebillionperson expansion powerhungry global middle class next couple decades theres wonderful growth market longterm investors profit one look power generation united states alone see potential us primary energy production data ycharts opens new window however investors must also understand nature solar industrys likely growth best chance profiting best way understand solar panel manufacturing wonderful longterm growth industry also highly cyclical year year upsanddowns shortterm even longterm demand increases particularly true utility commercialindustrial segments amount spent large expensive projects shift dramatically year year time solar panel manufacturing complex expensive largely costdriven commodity business makes operating leverage critically important solar manufacturer thats unable respond shifts demand market shifts swing solid profits steep losses quickly reason investors must understand solar lot potential energy source investment unless youre willing put work understand industry find best companies also easy industry lose lot money travis hoium opens new window sean right policies impact solar industrys demand industries want go granular could look policies states like hawaii nevada california impacting industry local level thats flexible business model really key solar companies manufacturers need able move supply needed around globe installers need able ramp depending demand finance companies need flexible products offer one example company handling well sunpower corp nasdaq spwr high efficiency solar panel manufacturer company sells solar panels nearly every major solar market germany big installer presence china growing solutions sunpower also go big small providing solutions rooftop solar customers utilities looking massive power plants doesnt guarantee success allows flexibility change business market conditions necessitate tesla nasdaq tsla subsidiary solarcity opposite end spectrum company almost completely focused us tied leasepower purchase agreement finance model states like nevada change policy company lay workers shut operations customers started demanding loans year company trouble adapting leading multiple reductions guidance solar industry changes extremely quickly requires flexibility survive companies set adapt much quickly others 10 stocks like better sunpower 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 sunpower wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 jason hall opens new window owns shares sunpower tesla motors sean williams position stocks mentioned travis hoium owns shares sunpower motley fool owns shares recommends tesla motors try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>One day in March 2000, just days before the dot-com bubble began its journey back to earth, German engineer Thomas Alt first glimpsed the future of technology.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>"Do you know augmented reality?" his boss at Volkswagen asked.</p> <p>He did not.</p> <p>"Neither do I, but you are about to, because this will be your project," he said, dropping a stack of papers on his desk.</p> <p>For the next three years, Alt developed a technology that overlays text or graphics on real-life images and objects. The resulting hybrid can be viewed on a smartphone, tablet or PC screen, and soon - the tech geek's fantasy - through dedicated specs.</p> <p>Today, 37-year-old Alt partly owns Munich-based Metaio, one of the leading companies in the rapidly growing augmented reality (AR) industry. Along with dozens of other products, Alt has created an AR manual for Audi cars.</p> <p>No more leafing through a crumpled manual to find out why the aircon's blowing hot in August. Point your phone at the offending gadget, and instructions pop up on the screen.</p> <p>Augmented reality has been called the eighth mass medium, after print, recordings, cinema, radio, television, Internet and mobile phones.</p> <p>By reaching out to media companies, the industry, which was a collection of smartphone apps generating less than $2 million in 2010, is on the verge of becoming a real business worth perhaps $1.5 billion in 2015.</p> <p>"In the early days, we were talking about visionary ideas for the future. Today we come up with business models and products," said Maarten Lens-FitzGerald, co-founder and general manager at Layar, a Dutch start-up.</p> <p>Layar, whose software has been downloaded more than 20 million times, hooking 3 million active users, has the world's most used consumer AR application, a reality browser that helps find services nearby, acquiring info on anything from favorite restaurants to networking opportunities via a mobile camera.</p> <p>"We are actually making money and are becoming a little boring. But that is what the industry needs right now," said Lens-FitzGerald. "We actually try to hold back on visionary ideas. We are getting out of the gimmicky stuff."</p> <p>Layar's demonstration video went viral in 2009. It showed period houses as seen from a boat on Amsterdam's canals. By pointing a camera at the houses, information about which were for sale and their prices is layered on the camera image.</p> <p>Not for the faint-hearted, but another eye-opener for the house hunter, SpotCrime, by Popvox, will people the scene with the stylized muggers, murderers and burglars that have graced the neighborhood, too.</p> <p>CHIPS WITH VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING</p> <p>Sector executives speaking at the Reuters Media and Technology summit said most interest for their products came from the publishing industry and e-commerce.</p> <p>Sweden's Ikea, famed for its low-price flat-pack furniture, has an app that lets you point a camera at a spot in your room and overlays an image of the furniture you are thinking of buying. Assembly is still down to you.</p> <p>Heavy hitters are now throwing their weight behind the concept. Qualcomm, the top wireless chip maker, has bought up AR assets and opened its platform for software developers in 2010. ARM is also adding AR features to the chips it designs.</p> <p>Chipmaker Intel has invested $14 million in Layar through its venture arm and is looking to add AR features to its chips.</p> <p>Intel anticipated that ways of controlling a phone without touching it, such as by voice or by gesture, would be the next big developments.</p> <p>The challenge is to make money out of those features.</p> <p>"We would certainly anticipate a sharp rise in service adoption, although we would suggest that, given the continued uncertainty surrounding optimal monetization models, 2015 revenues are unlikely to exceed the $1.5 billion," said Juniper Research director Windsor Holden.</p> <p>Laurence Tetrel Poupart, chief operating officer at Total Immersion, one of AR's front runners, agrees.</p> <p>The company has been around since 1999 and expects to double sales this year to 20 million euros, but Tetrel Poupart said the technology has a little further to go to become a reliable moneyspinner.</p> <p>"We would definitely like to go for the virtual trying on of clothes, but some technical issues need to be resolved," she said, adding that the company needed faster chips to make the 'virtual dressing room' take off.</p> <p>"We don't want you to see whether the clothing suits you but that it actually fits. We don't want it to be a gimmick, we want to have true usage, to reduce the return rate for the e-commerce merchants."</p> <p>TRY BEFORE YOU BUY</p> <p>Simpler applications have found their way to consumers, and businesses are very keen to use them.</p> <p>Thomas Alt's Audi manual is one example. Another is a Layar application that helps publishers more easily link print and digital content. By pointing their smartphones at a magazine, readers can get information about products featured in articles, and go on to buy them.</p> <p>"At the same time, companies get loads of feedback about consumer behavior, which they can use for marketing purposes," said Alt, who has also developed a similar product for German magazine Stern, owned by Bertelsmann's Gruner + Jahr publishers.</p> <p>Currently more than 10 million German magazines with AR features hit the shelves every month, including titles from publisher Axel Springer.</p> <p>Companies are lining up to use the technology, said Tetrel Poupart. "But we are now in a phase that we need to discourage companies from going for another gimmick."</p> <p>Total Immersion has seen strong interest in its software, which allows consumers to try on glasses without physically touching them.</p> <p>There is still a long way to go before augmented reality catches up with the movies, however; it is nearly three decades since Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator viewed mission-critical data and images projected on the inside of his aviator shades.</p> <p>Google has launched what it has dubbed "Project Glass" to develop such features, but it is viewed as a long shot.</p> <p>"Since I started, this has been the ultimate dream in the industry. I don't buy it so much," Tetrel Poupart said.</p> <p>"It makes you dizzy. I think we should use augmented reality in a more simple way and use the tablet. The tablet is a key device. It is here."</p> <p>Eventually she expects traditional television screens - connected to the Internet with a built-in camera - to be a significant driver for both AR and the e-commerce industry.</p> <p>"You use your television set as a mirror, trying on and ordering your clothes from your home."</p> <p>Buyer beware - if the trend continues, you'll have nowhere to go to wear them.</p> <p>Advertisement</p>

one day march 2000 days dotcom bubble began journey back earth german engineer thomas alt first glimpsed future technology continue reading know augmented reality boss volkswagen asked neither project said dropping stack papers desk next three years alt developed technology overlays text graphics reallife images objects resulting hybrid viewed smartphone tablet pc screen soon tech geeks fantasy dedicated specs today 37yearold alt partly owns munichbased metaio one leading companies rapidly growing augmented reality ar industry along dozens products alt created ar manual audi cars leafing crumpled manual find aircons blowing hot august point phone offending gadget instructions pop screen augmented reality called eighth mass medium print recordings cinema radio television internet mobile phones reaching media companies industry collection smartphone apps generating less 2 million 2010 verge becoming real business worth perhaps 15 billion 2015 early days talking visionary ideas future today come business models products said maarten lensfitzgerald cofounder general manager layar dutch startup layar whose software downloaded 20 million times hooking 3 million active users worlds used consumer ar application reality browser helps find services nearby acquiring info anything favorite restaurants networking opportunities via mobile camera actually making money becoming little boring industry needs right said lensfitzgerald actually try hold back visionary ideas getting gimmicky stuff layars demonstration video went viral 2009 showed period houses seen boat amsterdams canals pointing camera houses information sale prices layered camera image fainthearted another eyeopener house hunter spotcrime popvox people scene stylized muggers murderers burglars graced neighborhood chips virtually everything sector executives speaking reuters media technology summit said interest products came publishing industry ecommerce swedens ikea famed lowprice flatpack furniture app lets point camera spot room overlays image furniture thinking buying assembly still heavy hitters throwing weight behind concept qualcomm top wireless chip maker bought ar assets opened platform software developers 2010 arm also adding ar features chips designs chipmaker intel invested 14 million layar venture arm looking add ar features chips intel anticipated ways controlling phone without touching voice gesture would next big developments challenge make money features would certainly anticipate sharp rise service adoption although would suggest given continued uncertainty surrounding optimal monetization models 2015 revenues unlikely exceed 15 billion said juniper research director windsor holden laurence tetrel poupart chief operating officer total immersion one ars front runners agrees company around since 1999 expects double sales year 20 million euros tetrel poupart said technology little go become reliable moneyspinner would definitely like go virtual trying clothes technical issues need resolved said adding company needed faster chips make virtual dressing room take dont want see whether clothing suits actually fits dont want gimmick want true usage reduce return rate ecommerce merchants try buy simpler applications found way consumers businesses keen use thomas alts audi manual one example another layar application helps publishers easily link print digital content pointing smartphones magazine readers get information products featured articles go buy time companies get loads feedback consumer behavior use marketing purposes said alt also developed similar product german magazine stern owned bertelsmanns gruner jahr publishers currently 10 million german magazines ar features hit shelves every month including titles publisher axel springer companies lining use technology said tetrel poupart phase need discourage companies going another gimmick total immersion seen strong interest software allows consumers try glasses without physically touching still long way go augmented reality catches movies however nearly three decades since arnold schwarzenegger terminator viewed missioncritical data images projected inside aviator shades google launched dubbed project glass develop features viewed long shot since started ultimate dream industry dont buy much tetrel poupart said makes dizzy think use augmented reality simple way use tablet tablet key device eventually expects traditional television screens connected internet builtin camera significant driver ar ecommerce industry use television set mirror trying ordering clothes home buyer beware trend continues youll nowhere go wear advertisement

<p>If you were to sum up what Mr. Market will be paying the most attention to next week, when&amp;#160;Starbucks Corporation&amp;#160;(NASDAQ: SBUX) reports third-quarter earnings, it's&amp;#160;comps. That is, comparable sales, which measures revenue at Starbucks coffee shops that have been open for at least 13 months. And for good reason, since after years and years of steadily delivering 5%-plus comps growth, the caffeinated behemoth has seen this important measure of growth slip in recent quarters.</p> <p>Even more concerning to many investors, Starbucks' comps transaction count -- a proxy for traffic in its restaurants -- was down on a consolidated basis and in the Americas last quarter. This showing has certainly affected Starbucks' stock price, which is more or less where it was one year ago, and down 10% since early June. But at the same time, Starbucks continues to deliver incredible top- and bottom-line results, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/28/starbucks-corporation-delivers-record-earnings-but.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=881173a6-6e36-11e7-8241-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reporting record profits and sales Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;every quarter for the past several years, as many of the company's growth initiatives pay off.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Let's take a closer look at what to expect when Starbucks reports earnings on July 27. Comps are important, but there's a lot more investors need to pay attention to.</p> <p>Starbucks' comps as reported measure only company-owned stores. That's important for a couple of reasons. First, the company's expansion in China/Asia-Pacific is heavily tied to licensees, which own about 75% of the new Starbucks stores opened each year in Asia, while the company has been steadily selling its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) stores to licensees over the past few years. So comps offer a limited view of how Starbucks' stores are performing, especially in market such as China, where licensees operate most stores.</p> <p>Comps growth has slowed over the past three quarters, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/22/starbucks-corporation-reports-record-quarter-but-i.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=881173a6-6e36-11e7-8241-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">starting with Q3 of 2016 Opens a New Window.</a>, when U.S. comps growth dropped from 7% year over year and 9% sequentially, to "only" 4%. Since then, it has slipped more, falling to 3% growth on a consolidated basis last quarter.</p> <p>Furthermore, transactions have fallen in the most recent quarters.&amp;#160;On the Q3 2016 earnings call, then-CEO (and still chairman) Howard Schultz said that result was almost entirely related to changes made to the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program. Declining transactions, he said, were caused not by fewer customers in stores, but by changes in the rewards program that led to more order consolidation so that people could maximize the program's benefits. Schultz also said management has "a clear line of sight to returning our business to historic levels of comps growth."</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In the two quarters since, that "line of sight" hasn't exactly translated to a resurgence in comps growth, though there was a hint in last quarter's earnings that the trend may have finally started reversing. The company said U.S. comps grew 4% in March and "further accelerated" in April, the first month of the upcoming quarter.</p> <p>It's not just North America that's faced weakening comps growth. China/Asia-Pacific comps grew 3% last quarter, but the vast majority of that performance was driven by China, which reported 7% comps growth on a strong 6% surge in transactions. The EMEA segment reported a 1% comps decline.</p> <p>A year has passed since management blamed changes in the rewards program and the timing of a big marketing promotion on the weakened comps, and it's likely that this theme will remain a key point of conversation among management and analysts on the earnings call.</p> <p>Several things to pay attention to, related to comps, when the company reports include:</p> <p>At the end of last quarter, Starbucks had 26,161 stores, having opened 2,271 new stores over the past year. Of that total, 1,015 were opened in the China/Asia-Pacific region, nearly 45% of the total. And this isn't a short-term growth spurt, either, with Asia -- especially China -- on track to become the company's largest segment in the future. As CEO Kevin Johnson said on the last earnings call, Starbucks opens a new store in China alone about every 15 hours and expects this rate of growth "to continue for decades to come."</p> <p>Starbucks ended the third quarter with over 2,600 Chinese stores, but it plans to reach 5,000 stores by 2021. That would require the company to open an average of nearly 700 new stores in China yearly to reach that near-term goal. The big driver here is China's burgeoning middle class. Most estimates are that China's middle-class population will surpass 600 million members by 2022, roughly double the 300 million-plus in 2015.</p> <p>Just as with comps, expect a lot of detail on the company's execution of its expansion plans in Asia, particularly China.</p> <p>Starbucks' products are also found in other retail outlets. Whether it's bagged coffee in your local grocery store, a bottled Frappuccino in a convenience store, or the coffee served on your airline flight, these products account for a measurable portion of revenues and an outsize piece of profits. Last quarter, the company's "channel development" segment reported 8.7% of total sales but 21% of the company's total operating income.</p> <p>And Starbucks is expecting this segment to keep getting bigger. In the U.S., its market share of K-Cup and roast/ground coffee grew 1 point last quarter, while the company's partnerships with beverage giants&amp;#160;PepsiCo&amp;#160;and&amp;#160;Anheuser-Bush InBev&amp;#160;to distribute and sell bottled and canned coffee and tea beverages&amp;#160;are both performing well. The company also recently launched Nespresso-compatible pods in Europe, and so far it has taken significant market share.</p> <p>China is also a key area of growth for Starbucks' packaged beverages, with a recent partnership expanding distribution of its bottled beverages to over 30,000 retail outlets. It has tripled its ready-to-drink sales in the country.</p> <p>At less than 10% of sales, this segment may be a small revenue generator, but with operating income approaching one-quarter of the company's total, strategic expansion of this segment generates a lot of profit for the company. Keep an eye on how well the company's expansion plans are working here.</p> <p>When Starbucks last reported, management did cut back its guidance for full-year profits slightly, but not because of expectations of slowing growth or weak sales. The reason for the cut is tied to plans to accelerate spending to grow its Roastery Reserve stores and Princi food business, and to expand its digital capabilities.</p> <p>The company's guidance for the third quarter includes an earnings range of $0.54-$0.55 per share, roughly 5%-8% higher than in last year's third quarter. That performance would be a step backward after steadily delivering double-digit earnings growth for some time now, but management's commitment to accelerating the Roastery Reserve expansion under Schultz, and investing in the "digital flywheel," are priorities that the company expects will pay off.</p> <p>With history as our guide, the odds are in the company's favor that it, indeed, will.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than StarbucksWhen 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;amp;impression=c146ed07-1d1e-4a20-b17a-82486b208298&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=881173a6-6e36-11e7-8241-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Starbucks 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;amp;impression=c146ed07-1d1e-4a20-b17a-82486b208298&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=881173a6-6e36-11e7-8241-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of July 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=881173a6-6e36-11e7-8241-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Starbucks. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, PepsiCo, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=881173a6-6e36-11e7-8241-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

sum mr market paying attention next week when160starbucks corporation160nasdaq sbux reports thirdquarter earnings its160comps comparable sales measures revenue starbucks coffee shops open least 13 months good reason since years years steadily delivering 5plus comps growth caffeinated behemoth seen important measure growth slip recent quarters even concerning many investors starbucks comps transaction count proxy traffic restaurants consolidated basis americas last quarter showing certainly affected starbucks stock price less one year ago 10 since early june time starbucks continues deliver incredible top bottomline results reporting record profits sales opens new window160every quarter past several years many companys growth initiatives pay continue reading lets take closer look expect starbucks reports earnings july 27 comps important theres lot investors need pay attention starbucks comps reported measure companyowned stores thats important couple reasons first companys expansion chinaasiapacific heavily tied licensees 75 new starbucks stores opened year asia company steadily selling europe middle east africa emea stores licensees past years comps offer limited view starbucks stores performing especially market china licensees operate stores comps growth slowed past three quarters starting q3 2016 opens new window us comps growth dropped 7 year year 9 sequentially 4 since slipped falling 3 growth consolidated basis last quarter furthermore transactions fallen recent quarters160on q3 2016 earnings call thenceo still chairman howard schultz said result almost entirely related changes made starbucks rewards loyalty program declining transactions said caused fewer customers stores changes rewards program led order consolidation people could maximize programs benefits schultz also said management clear line sight returning business historic levels comps growth advertisement two quarters since line sight hasnt exactly translated resurgence comps growth though hint last quarters earnings trend may finally started reversing company said us comps grew 4 march accelerated april first month upcoming quarter north america thats faced weakening comps growth chinaasiapacific comps grew 3 last quarter vast majority performance driven china reported 7 comps growth strong 6 surge transactions emea segment reported 1 comps decline year passed since management blamed changes rewards program timing big marketing promotion weakened comps likely theme remain key point conversation among management analysts earnings call several things pay attention related comps company reports include end last quarter starbucks 26161 stores opened 2271 new stores past year total 1015 opened chinaasiapacific region nearly 45 total isnt shortterm growth spurt either asia especially china track become companys largest segment future ceo kevin johnson said last earnings call starbucks opens new store china alone every 15 hours expects rate growth continue decades come starbucks ended third quarter 2600 chinese stores plans reach 5000 stores 2021 would require company open average nearly 700 new stores china yearly reach nearterm goal big driver chinas burgeoning middle class estimates chinas middleclass population surpass 600 million members 2022 roughly double 300 millionplus 2015 comps expect lot detail companys execution expansion plans asia particularly china starbucks products also found retail outlets whether bagged coffee local grocery store bottled frappuccino convenience store coffee served airline flight products account measurable portion revenues outsize piece profits last quarter companys channel development segment reported 87 total sales 21 companys total operating income starbucks expecting segment keep getting bigger us market share kcup roastground coffee grew 1 point last quarter companys partnerships beverage giants160pepsico160and160anheuserbush inbev160to distribute sell bottled canned coffee tea beverages160are performing well company also recently launched nespressocompatible pods europe far taken significant market share china also key area growth starbucks packaged beverages recent partnership expanding distribution bottled beverages 30000 retail outlets tripled readytodrink sales country less 10 sales segment may small revenue generator operating income approaching onequarter companys total strategic expansion segment generates lot profit company keep eye well companys expansion plans working starbucks last reported management cut back guidance fullyear profits slightly expectations slowing growth weak sales reason cut tied plans accelerate spending grow roastery reserve stores princi food business expand digital capabilities companys guidance third quarter includes earnings range 054055 per share roughly 58 higher last years third quarter performance would step backward steadily delivering doubledigit earnings growth time managements commitment accelerating roastery reserve expansion schultz investing digital flywheel priorities company expects pay history guide odds companys favor indeed 10 stocks like better starbuckswhen 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 starbucks wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 jason hall opens new window owns shares starbucks motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv pepsico starbucks motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: The Motley Fool.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Can you name a beverage maker that's returned more than 700% over the last five years?</p> <p>It's notCoca-ColaorPepsiCo or a beer maker likeAnheuser Busch InBev(NYSE: BUD)or Sam Adams-parentBoston Beer Co. It's scrappyConstellation Brands(NYSE: STZ), a company that has built a surprisingly strong position with a stable of Mexican beer brands, a craft brewery acquisition, and a diversified portfolio of wine and spirits. Since 2011, the stock has increased steadily, consistently beaten earnings estimates, and delivered strong profit growth, making it one of the best stocks to own over the last five years.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/STZ" type="external">STZ Opens a New Window.</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Over that time, the company has made several acquisitions including the Ruffino, Mark West, and Meiomi wine brands, the Casa Noble tequila brand, and Ballast Point brewery.However, none of those acquisitions has been more important than the 2013 deal that gave it full rights to sell Grupo Modelo's beers in the U.S. -- which include Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico -- when it acquired Crown Imports from AB InBev for $4.75 billion. Previously, its shared ownership of Crown 50-50 with the Budweiser parent. The acquisition nearly doubled the Constellation's sales at the time.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>With its takeover of some of the most popular Mexican beer brands in the U.S., Constellation has found a fast-growing niche in an otherwise stagnant market as macrobrews like Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light have seen sales slip away to craft brews and other competitors. According to some analysts, Mexican beers like Corona have become convenient substitutes for traditional American light beers because they are easy to drink but don't carry the same stigma.</p> <p>Recently, Constellation has accounted for about half of the beer growth in the U.S as its beer sales increased 13.6% last year. Beer now makes up more than half of the company's revenue.</p> <p>As sales have grown over the past five years, the company's operating margin has also widened, reaching 27% last year. While its acquisition strategy gives it a high debt burden and therefore interest payments upwards of $300 million a year, it still has a bottom-line profit margin of 16%. Operating margin in beer was particularly strong at 35%.</p> <p>In the near future, Constellation's beer strategy is focused on expanding capacity and distribution for its Mexican beer brands as well as innovating from its current portfolio and eyeing other potential craft beer acquisitions such as when it bought Ballast Point last year for nearly $1 billion.</p> <p>That strong growth has continued this year as organic beer sales increased 15% in its most recent quarter or 20% with the addition of Ballast Point. Constellation's brands were responsible for 60% of growth in the U.S. beer market, an increase from a year ago. Overall operating income surged 27% in the quarter, driving a 17% increase in earnings per share.</p> <p>Low interest rates have been kind to Constellation. While it's been on its acquisition run, the company has accumulated more than $8 billion in debt with little cash on the balance sheet, meaning the torrid pace with which it's taken over new brands may eventually have to slow, especially if interest rates move higher.</p> <p>Still, that debt burden seems like a distant concern today. The company continues to deliver strong profit growth and making key investments in brewery expansion, distribution, and marketing to leverage those brands is the right move, especially at a time when its rivals are forced to spin off brands as they consolidate, which is how it was able to fully acquire Crown in 2013.</p> <p>Constellation's strategy has been a simple one but it's delivered. Concentrate its portfolio on fast-growing segments like premium wine and spirits, craft, and imported beers, and invest in acquisitions and capital expenditures to grow it current portfolio. Without the albatross of a macro brew like many of its rivals have, that strategy has been a formula for success and industry-leading growth.</p> <p>With a market cap above $30 billion, it will be harder for the stock to double so quickly, but I'd still expect it to outperform. Wall Street analysts continue to underestimate Constellation as it has topped earnings estimates for the last eight quarters. That's one big sign that this growth phase should continue.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2667&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFHobo/info.aspx" type="external">Jeremy Bowman Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, Boston Beer, and PepsiCo. The Motley Fool recommends Coca-Cola. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source motley fool continue reading name beverage maker thats returned 700 last five years notcocacolaorpepsico beer maker likeanheuser busch inbevnyse budor sam adamsparentboston beer co scrappyconstellation brandsnyse stz company built surprisingly strong position stable mexican beer brands craft brewery acquisition diversified portfolio wine spirits since 2011 stock increased steadily consistently beaten earnings estimates delivered strong profit growth making one best stocks last five years stz opens new window data ycharts opens new window time company made several acquisitions including ruffino mark west meiomi wine brands casa noble tequila brand ballast point breweryhowever none acquisitions important 2013 deal gave full rights sell grupo modelos beers us include corona modelo pacifico acquired crown imports ab inbev 475 billion previously shared ownership crown 5050 budweiser parent acquisition nearly doubled constellations sales time advertisement takeover popular mexican beer brands us constellation found fastgrowing niche otherwise stagnant market macrobrews like bud bud light miller lite coors light seen sales slip away craft brews competitors according analysts mexican beers like corona become convenient substitutes traditional american light beers easy drink dont carry stigma recently constellation accounted half beer growth us beer sales increased 136 last year beer makes half companys revenue sales grown past five years companys operating margin also widened reaching 27 last year acquisition strategy gives high debt burden therefore interest payments upwards 300 million year still bottomline profit margin 16 operating margin beer particularly strong 35 near future constellations beer strategy focused expanding capacity distribution mexican beer brands well innovating current portfolio eyeing potential craft beer acquisitions bought ballast point last year nearly 1 billion strong growth continued year organic beer sales increased 15 recent quarter 20 addition ballast point constellations brands responsible 60 growth us beer market increase year ago overall operating income surged 27 quarter driving 17 increase earnings per share low interest rates kind constellation acquisition run company accumulated 8 billion debt little cash balance sheet meaning torrid pace taken new brands may eventually slow especially interest rates move higher still debt burden seems like distant concern today company continues deliver strong profit growth making key investments brewery expansion distribution marketing leverage brands right move especially time rivals forced spin brands consolidate able fully acquire crown 2013 constellations strategy simple one delivered concentrate portfolio fastgrowing segments like premium wine spirits craft imported beers invest acquisitions capital expenditures grow current portfolio without albatross macro brew like many rivals strategy formula success industryleading growth market cap 30 billion harder stock double quickly id still expect outperform wall street analysts continue underestimate constellation topped earnings estimates last eight quarters thats one big sign growth phase continue 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 jeremy bowman opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv boston beer pepsico motley fool recommends cocacola 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

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Social Security is, for many retirees, a vital source of income during their golden years. The Social Security Administration notes that 71% of unmarried elderly beneficiaries count on Social Security to provide at least half of their monthly income during retirement.</p> <p>However, Social Security is also widely misunderstood. In 2015, more than 1,500 people took a 10-question Social Security quiz from MassMutual Financial Group on relatively straightforward concepts to test their understanding of America's most important social program. The results found that just 28% of test takers passed with seven correct answers, and just one out of the more than 1,500 survey takers got all 10 questions correct. What you don't know about Social Security could wind up costing you thousands, or tens of thousands, of dollars during your retirement.</p> <p>Though a number of nuances about Social Security aren't well understood by working Americans and pre-retirees, there are two specific Social Security misconceptions that sit head and shoulders above everything else. Fall for one of these Social Security myths, and you could wind up wrecking your retirement.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Easily the most pervasive misconception about Social Security is that the program is heading toward bankruptcy, and therefore, today's working generation shouldn't count on receiving any money from the program when they retire decades from now.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>This myth is compounded by estimates from the Social Security Board of Trustees in their 2016 annual report. The Trustees are forecasting a switch from a cash inflow to a cash outflow in the program beginning in the year 2020, with the Social Security Trust's more than $2.8 trillion in spare cash being completely exhausted by 2034. In some Americans' minds, the exhaustion of this spare cash means Social Security is no longer solvent.</p> <p>Thankfully, this isn't true, and Social Security will be there to provide some degree of financial income during retirement for many generations to come. The reason? Look no further than the payroll tax.</p> <p>The payroll tax is a 12.4% tax on wages earned between $1 and $127,200 in 2017. Any income earned above and beyond $127,200 is free and clear of the payroll tax. If you're employed by someone else, you'll split this tax down the middle, with you and your employer each paying 6.2%. If you're self-employed, you're on the hook for the full 12.4% up to the aforementioned payroll tax earnings cap of $127,200. The beauty of the payroll tax, and the reason that Social Security can never be insolvent, is that, as long as Americans are working, the tax is being collected and funding Social Security payouts.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Keep in mind that there's a big difference between solvency and needing an adjustment. Social Security has no issues when it comes to solvency. If people are working and payroll tax revenue is being collected, beneficiaries are being paid. However, with a growing number of baby boomers set to leave the workforce, and life expectancies increasing by roughly nine years over the past five decades, there's a real possibility that benefits may need to be cut in order to sustain future payouts through the year 2090. The Trustees report pegged this across-the-board cut at 21%.</p> <p>Long story short, while Social Security needs some congressional TLC, it's going to be there to provide some financial assistance to a vast majority of seniors during retirement.</p> <p>The other major Social Security misconception lies completely at the other end of the spectrum. It involves the belief that Social Security can effectively be your primary source of income during retirement.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>In reality, the Social Security Administration suggests that your Social Security benefits are designed to replace just 40% of your working wages. As you might imagine, this percentage is a bit lower for higher-income Americans, and a bit higher for lower-income Americans. Nonetheless, the point is that Social Security was never designed to be a major or sole income source for retired workers.</p> <p>As noted above, the Social Security program could be facing a budgetary shortfall by the year 2034. If Congress fails to find a way to generate more revenue for the program, an across-the-board benefits cut may be needed. If you're among the 61% of current retirees who count on Social Security to provide at least half of your monthly income, you could be in big trouble with a 21% benefits cut possibly looming.</p> <p>The solution is fairly simple for working Americans: You need alternative channels of income when you retire. Having additional sources of income beyond Social Security should ensure that you aren't too reliant on a program that could face a cut in benefits in less than two decades.</p> <p>Today's working Americans have a smorgasbord of retirement options available, but an employer-sponsored 401(k) or Roth IRA could be the most intriguing.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>A 401(k) has a substantially higher annual contribution limit, when compared to a Roth IRA, of $18,000 for individuals aged 49 and under and $24,000 for seniors aged 50 and up. What's more, a number of employers that offer 401(k)s have been offering salary matches of around 3% to keep their employees happy, as well as retain talent. This is essentially free money being offered to working Americans who show the initiative to save for their futures.</p> <p>The one downside to a 401(k) is that your account is tax-deferred, meaning you'll owe federal tax on the money once you begin making withdrawals during retirement. This could, potentially, put you into a higher tax bracket during retirement.</p> <p>A Roth IRA, on the other hand, has a much smaller annual contribution limit -- $5,500 for workers aged 49 and under and $6,500 for seniors aged 50 and up but it has one key advantage over the 401(k): Money contributed to a Roth is considered after-tax, meaning your account can grow over your lifetime completely free of taxation. This means any eligible withdrawals during retirement will not count toward your adjusted gross income, therefore not affecting your tax status.</p> <p>To summarize: Don't discount what Social Security can add to your income stream during retirement, but at the same time, don't become over-reliant on a program that could face a cut in benefits within the next two decades.</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;amp;source=irreditxt0000002&amp;amp;ftm_cam=ryr-ss-intro-report&amp;amp;ftm_pit=3186&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The Motley Fool 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a>makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading social security many retirees vital source income golden years social security administration notes 71 unmarried elderly beneficiaries count social security provide least half monthly income retirement however social security also widely misunderstood 2015 1500 people took 10question social security quiz massmutual financial group relatively straightforward concepts test understanding americas important social program results found 28 test takers passed seven correct answers one 1500 survey takers got 10 questions correct dont know social security could wind costing thousands tens thousands dollars retirement though number nuances social security arent well understood working americans preretirees two specific social security misconceptions sit head shoulders everything else fall one social security myths could wind wrecking retirement advertisement easily pervasive misconception social security program heading toward bankruptcy therefore todays working generation shouldnt count receiving money program retire decades image source getty images myth compounded estimates social security board trustees 2016 annual report trustees forecasting switch cash inflow cash outflow program beginning year 2020 social security trusts 28 trillion spare cash completely exhausted 2034 americans minds exhaustion spare cash means social security longer solvent thankfully isnt true social security provide degree financial income retirement many generations come reason look payroll tax payroll tax 124 tax wages earned 1 127200 2017 income earned beyond 127200 free clear payroll tax youre employed someone else youll split tax middle employer paying 62 youre selfemployed youre hook full 124 aforementioned payroll tax earnings cap 127200 beauty payroll tax reason social security never insolvent long americans working tax collected funding social security payouts image source getty images keep mind theres big difference solvency needing adjustment social security issues comes solvency people working payroll tax revenue collected beneficiaries paid however growing number baby boomers set leave workforce life expectancies increasing roughly nine years past five decades theres real possibility benefits may need cut order sustain future payouts year 2090 trustees report pegged acrosstheboard cut 21 long story short social security needs congressional tlc going provide financial assistance vast majority seniors retirement major social security misconception lies completely end spectrum involves belief social security effectively primary source income retirement image source getty images reality social security administration suggests social security benefits designed replace 40 working wages might imagine percentage bit lower higherincome americans bit higher lowerincome americans nonetheless point social security never designed major sole income source retired workers noted social security program could facing budgetary shortfall year 2034 congress fails find way generate revenue program acrosstheboard benefits cut may needed youre among 61 current retirees count social security provide least half monthly income could big trouble 21 benefits cut possibly looming solution fairly simple working americans need alternative channels income retire additional sources income beyond social security ensure arent reliant program could face cut benefits less two decades todays working americans smorgasbord retirement options available employersponsored 401k roth ira could intriguing image source getty images 401k substantially higher annual contribution limit compared roth ira 18000 individuals aged 49 24000 seniors aged 50 whats number employers offer 401ks offering salary matches around 3 keep employees happy well retain talent essentially free money offered working americans show initiative save futures one downside 401k account taxdeferred meaning youll owe federal tax money begin making withdrawals retirement could potentially put higher tax bracket retirement roth ira hand much smaller annual contribution limit 5500 workers aged 49 6500 seniors aged 50 one key advantage 401k money contributed roth considered aftertax meaning account grow lifetime completely free taxation means eligible withdrawals retirement count toward adjusted gross income therefore affecting tax status summarize dont discount social security add income stream retirement time dont become overreliant program could face cut benefits within next two decades 15834 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 15834 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new window motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new windowmakes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Oil stocks have been crushed during the past couple of years after a supply buildup caused crude prices to crash. That crash has wiped away more than $1 trillion in equity value from investors' portfolios since oil prices peaked in late 2014.</p> <p>Those losses are enough to make any investor want to swear off oil stocks for good. However, despite the sector's recent turmoil, there are three very good reasons why oil stocks make smart investments.</p> <p>Energy prices are relatively low at the moment; but prior to the recent downturn, oil prices were painfully elevated, which had a noticeable impact on disposable income. For example, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average U.S. household spent less than 4% of its budget on energy needed for heating, cooking, and personal transportation in 2009, a year in which oil averaged $53.48 per barrel.</p> <p>However, household spending on energy jumped to more than 5% by 2011 as a result of oil averaging $87.04 per barrel that year. For the average American household that spends around $53,500 per year, that's roughly a $500 impact.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>One way to offset the future impact of higher oil prices is to invest in oil stocks as a hedge against rising prices. A great way to do this is to take some of the savings from the pump, or from lower utility bills, and invest it into a top oil stock like ExxonMobil , or an oil stock ETF such as the Energy Select SPDR ETF .</p> <p>That ETF not only counts ExxonMobil as its top holding, but it holds a number of other top oil stocks, including oil refiner Valero Energy and oil-field service company Halliburton , which are both top-10 holdings of the Energy Select SPDR ETF. These are companies that should stand to benefit from rising oil prices and demand, helping to hedge against a future increase in personal energy costs.</p> <p>For a lot of investors, the often-generous income streams of oil stocks is the primary reason why they're invested in the sector. Prior to the oil-price crash, oil stocks had been fueling billions of dollars in cash to investors each year via dividends and distributions.However, the crash in oil has forced many oil stocks to cut investor payouts, with shareholders losing more than $7.4 billion in dividend income this year alonedue to dividend reductions or suspensions.</p> <p>Not all oil stocks have cut their dividends, however. In fact, both ExxonMobil and Valero Energy have continued to raise their payouts during the downturn. In Exxon's case it boosted its payout by 2.7% earlier this year, continuing its streak of more than a century of uninterrupted dividends, with the oil giant now having increased its payout for the past 34 years.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Valero Energy increased its dividend by 20% earlier this year. That's on top of a 25% boost last fall, and followed a 45% boost to start 2015. Both companies are able to raise their payouts, thanks to their abilities to capture growing global demand for oil.</p> <p>A big reason why oil supplies started to pile up in mid-2014 was weaker-than-expected oil-demand growth. The cure for low oil demand is often low oil prices, and that certainly appears to be the case. In fact, the IEA recently revised its oil demand-growth forecast upward; it now expects oil demand to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day this year. It sees that same growth rate next year, with global oil demand expected to average 97.4 million barrels per day in 2017.</p> <p>Despite a global push for renewables to combat climate change, the expectation is that demand for oil will continue to grow well into the future, driven largely by emerging-market economies. According to ExxonMobil's most-recent outlook for energy, it sees demand for oil growing by 0.7% per year through 2040. While that's a much slower pace than the expected 4.8% annual growth rate of renewables, the aggregate demand growth for oil is expected to be much higher than renewables on an absolute basis.</p> <p>This growth suggests that there will be plenty of opportunities for ExxonMobil and other producers in the Energy Select SPDR ETFto expand production, while also keeping oil-field services companies, like Halliburton, busy. Further, given that the bulk of the world's future oil supplies will likely come from complex sources like deepwater or horizontal drilling, which require a higher intensity of oil-field services, it implies robust growth opportunities for Halliburton. In other words, there's lots of growth left in the oil market.</p> <p>The oil sector has clearly hit a rough patch during the past couple of years, which has likely caused some investors to consider completely avoiding oil stocks in the future. While that's understandable, it might not be the best idea, because there are three really smart reasons to invest in oil stocks. Not only can an investor hedge against future increases in oil prices and collect a nice income stream, but the sector isn't in decline. Instead, it still has a lot of growth ahead of it.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/18/3-reasons-oil-stocks-are-smart-investments.aspx" type="external">3 Reasons Oil Stocks Are Smart Investments Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil and Halliburton. 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>

image source getty images continue reading oil stocks crushed past couple years supply buildup caused crude prices crash crash wiped away 1 trillion equity value investors portfolios since oil prices peaked late 2014 losses enough make investor want swear oil stocks good however despite sectors recent turmoil three good reasons oil stocks make smart investments energy prices relatively low moment prior recent downturn oil prices painfully elevated noticeable impact disposable income example according international energy agency iea average us household spent less 4 budget energy needed heating cooking personal transportation 2009 year oil averaged 5348 per barrel however household spending energy jumped 5 2011 result oil averaging 8704 per barrel year average american household spends around 53500 per year thats roughly 500 impact advertisement one way offset future impact higher oil prices invest oil stocks hedge rising prices great way take savings pump lower utility bills invest top oil stock like exxonmobil oil stock etf energy select spdr etf etf counts exxonmobil top holding holds number top oil stocks including oil refiner valero energy oilfield service company halliburton top10 holdings energy select spdr etf companies stand benefit rising oil prices demand helping hedge future increase personal energy costs lot investors oftengenerous income streams oil stocks primary reason theyre invested sector prior oilprice crash oil stocks fueling billions dollars cash investors year via dividends distributionshowever crash oil forced many oil stocks cut investor payouts shareholders losing 74 billion dividend income year alonedue dividend reductions suspensions oil stocks cut dividends however fact exxonmobil valero energy continued raise payouts downturn exxons case boosted payout 27 earlier year continuing streak century uninterrupted dividends oil giant increased payout past 34 years meanwhile valero energy increased dividend 20 earlier year thats top 25 boost last fall followed 45 boost start 2015 companies able raise payouts thanks abilities capture growing global demand oil big reason oil supplies started pile mid2014 weakerthanexpected oildemand growth cure low oil demand often low oil prices certainly appears case fact iea recently revised oil demandgrowth forecast upward expects oil demand grow 13 million barrels per day year sees growth rate next year global oil demand expected average 974 million barrels per day 2017 despite global push renewables combat climate change expectation demand oil continue grow well future driven largely emergingmarket economies according exxonmobils mostrecent outlook energy sees demand oil growing 07 per year 2040 thats much slower pace expected 48 annual growth rate renewables aggregate demand growth oil expected much higher renewables absolute basis growth suggests plenty opportunities exxonmobil producers energy select spdr etfto expand production also keeping oilfield services companies like halliburton busy given bulk worlds future oil supplies likely come complex sources like deepwater horizontal drilling require higher intensity oilfield services implies robust growth opportunities halliburton words theres lots growth left oil market oil sector clearly hit rough patch past couple years likely caused investors consider completely avoiding oil stocks future thats understandable might best idea three really smart reasons invest oil stocks investor hedge future increases oil prices collect nice income stream sector isnt decline instead still lot growth ahead article 3 reasons oil stocks smart investments opens new window originally appeared foolcom matt dilallo opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares exxonmobil halliburton 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

<p /> <p>Social Security is America's most popular "retirement plan" by far, but it's poorly understood by millions of Americans -- especially those who are yet to claim their benefit. To help you make smart Social Security decisions for you and your family, here's a quick guide to how your Social Security retirement benefit will be calculated, how your retirement age affects your benefit, and whether or not your spouse may be entitled to a higher benefit than they think.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image Source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Unlike most pensions, Social Security benefits aren't based on your last few years of earnings. Instead, the Social Security benefit formula takes all of your earnings into account.</p> <p>Each year's earnings, up to the maximum amount that's subject to Social Security taxes, are indexed to account for inflation. Then, the 35 highest-income years are averaged together and divided by 12 to arrive at your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). If you didn't have taxable earnings for at least 35 years, then a zero will be factored into the average for every missing year, so if you're close to 35 years of work but not there yet, then it may be worth it to work until you reach that milestone before you claim your benefit.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Once your AIME is determined, it is applied to a formula to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the Social Security benefit you'll receive if you claim it at your <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/12/04/what-is-your-social-security-retirement-age.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">full retirement age Opens a New Window.</a>. As of 2017, here's the formula for calculating your PIA:</p> <p>This whole process may sound too complicated to attempt on your own, but fortunately, you can get a good estimate of what your Social Security benefit might be by creating an account at <a href="http://www.ssa.gov" type="external">www.ssa.gov Opens a New Window.</a>and viewing your latest Social Security statement.</p> <p>Full retirement age for Social Security is 66 years old for individuals born in 1954 or earlier. Beginning with people born in 1955, two months is added to the full retirement age per year until it reaches 67 for those born in 1960 or later.</p> <p>While full, or normal, retirement age is a specific number, you can choose to claim your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. If you claim early, your benefit will be permanently reduced, and if you wait, your benefit will be permanently increased according to these percentages:</p> <p>Aside from the financial implications, there are some potentially good reasons to claim <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/10/10/social-security-2-great-reasons-to-file-for-benefi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">early Opens a New Window.</a>or <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/10/15/3-reasons-its-smart-to-take-social-security-benefi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">late Opens a New Window.</a>, as well as on time. For example, if you're forced to retire earlier than you wanted, it may be a good idea to claim at 62 so you can pay the bills. On the other hand, if you're happy at your job and don't really need the money yet, it may be smart to wait. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of all your options, as well as to know what it will mean for the size of your monthly checks, before you decide.</p> <p>Social Security <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/01/17/your-short-guide-social-security-spousal-benefits.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">spousal benefits Opens a New Window.</a> are not well understood by many people.</p> <p>The simple explanation of spousal benefits is that your spouse is entitled to a retirement benefit equal to half of yours. This can be especially helpful if your spouse never worked or earned relatively little throughout their career, and is therefore entitled to little or no benefit based on their own earnings record. If their calculated benefit at full retirement age is less than half of your full retirement benefit, then a spousal benefit will make up the difference.</p> <p>For example, if your full retirement benefit is $1,600 and your spouse is only entitled to a monthly benefit of $500 based on their work record, a spousal benefit of $300 per month will be added to theirs to make it equal to half of yours.</p> <p>Spousal benefits can be reduced by early retirement, much like an individual's own benefits. For instance, if you claim benefits at age 62, then spousal benefits based on your record will be permanently reduced.</p> <p>However, there is no such thing as delayed-retirement credits for spousal benefits. In other words, if your spouse's full retirement age is 67, they get no added benefit for waiting to claim spousal benefits beyond that age. Furthermore, one of the conditions for a spousal benefit is that the primary earner must also be collecting benefits. For this reason, if your spouse expects a benefit based on your work record, it is rarely a good idea to delay your benefit beyond their full retirement age, even if your benefit will continue to rise by doing so.</p> <p>As a final thought -- and this is particularly important for younger workers to understand -- Social Security is not meant to be your only retirement plan. Far from it, actually.</p> <p>In fact, Social Security is only intended to replace about 40% of the average worker's pre-retirement income. Experts generally suggest that you plan to replace at least 80% of your income after retirement to maintain your standard of living, which means that you can rely on Social Security for at most half of your income in retirement. The rest will need to come from other sources, such as a pension or your own retirement savings.</p> <p>With that in mind, if you have a 401(k) or similar retirement plan at work, it may be a good idea to boost your contributions. If you don't have an employer-sponsored plan, or if you just want to take a more proactive approach to your retirement investing, then check out The Motley Fool's <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/ira/index.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">IRA center Opens a New Window.</a>, which can help you start building a nest egg of your own to complement your Social Security income.</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;amp;source=irreditxt0000002&amp;amp;ftm_cam=ryr-ss-intro-report&amp;amp;ftm_pit=3186&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

social security americas popular retirement plan far poorly understood millions americans especially yet claim benefit help make smart social security decisions family heres quick guide social security retirement benefit calculated retirement age affects benefit whether spouse may entitled higher benefit think continue reading image source getty images unlike pensions social security benefits arent based last years earnings instead social security benefit formula takes earnings account years earnings maximum amount thats subject social security taxes indexed account inflation 35 highestincome years averaged together divided 12 arrive average indexed monthly earnings aime didnt taxable earnings least 35 years zero factored average every missing year youre close 35 years work yet may worth work reach milestone claim benefit advertisement aime determined applied formula determine primary insurance amount pia social security benefit youll receive claim full retirement age opens new window 2017 heres formula calculating pia whole process may sound complicated attempt fortunately get good estimate social security benefit might creating account wwwssagov opens new windowand viewing latest social security statement full retirement age social security 66 years old individuals born 1954 earlier beginning people born 1955 two months added full retirement age per year reaches 67 born 1960 later full normal retirement age specific number choose claim social security retirement benefit early age 62 late age 70 claim early benefit permanently reduced wait benefit permanently increased according percentages aside financial implications potentially good reasons claim early opens new windowor late opens new window well time example youre forced retire earlier wanted may good idea claim 62 pay bills hand youre happy job dont really need money yet may smart wait important weigh pros cons options well know mean size monthly checks decide social security spousal benefits opens new window well understood many people simple explanation spousal benefits spouse entitled retirement benefit equal half especially helpful spouse never worked earned relatively little throughout career therefore entitled little benefit based earnings record calculated benefit full retirement age less half full retirement benefit spousal benefit make difference example full retirement benefit 1600 spouse entitled monthly benefit 500 based work record spousal benefit 300 per month added make equal half spousal benefits reduced early retirement much like individuals benefits instance claim benefits age 62 spousal benefits based record permanently reduced however thing delayedretirement credits spousal benefits words spouses full retirement age 67 get added benefit waiting claim spousal benefits beyond age furthermore one conditions spousal benefit primary earner must also collecting benefits reason spouse expects benefit based work record rarely good idea delay benefit beyond full retirement age even benefit continue rise final thought particularly important younger workers understand social security meant retirement plan far actually fact social security intended replace 40 average workers preretirement income experts generally suggest plan replace least 80 income retirement maintain standard living means rely social security half income retirement rest need come sources pension retirement savings mind 401k similar retirement plan work may good idea boost contributions dont employersponsored plan want take proactive approach retirement investing check motley fools ira center opens new window help start building nest egg complement social security income 15834 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 15834 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>I've never shorted a stock in my life. But if I were so inclined, one stock that would be at the top of my list would be organic-goods conglomerate Hain Celestial (NASDAQ: HAIN). If you own shares of the company, here are three big reasons I think you should consider parting ways.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Back on Aug. 12, shares of Hain were trading for $55 per share. Then, the company released a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/16/hain-celestial-group-inc-stock-down-28-on-accounti.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">bombshell Opens a New Window.</a>: It was delaying the release of earnings. It stated:"During the fourth quarter, the Company identified concessions that were granted to certain distributors in the United States. The Company is currently evaluating whether the revenue associated with those concessions was accounted for in the correct period and is also currently evaluating its internal control over financial reporting."</p> <p>Shares fell as much as 35% in the aftermath.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In mid-November, the company announced that an internal review, "found no evidence of intentional wrongdoing in connection with the Company's financial statements." Since then, shares have advanced over 15%.</p> <p>But here's the thing: We still have no idea where the company stands. The November release concluded by saying, "Hain Celestial will not be in a position to release financial results until the completion of the Company's internal accounting review and the audit process." It's been over 60 days since then, and 150 days since the problems surfaced, and we still have no idea what the scope and consequence of these "concessions" truly are.</p> <p>While it's admirable that the company is apparently doing a thorough job, with each passing day it becomes increasingly likely that these concessions were a bigger problem than originally feared. Either way, we have a company that is trading for 20 times what we think trailing earnings could be. While that's not outrageous, I think it's pretty high when so many question marks are present.</p> <p>Generally, I'm a huge fan of founder-led companies. Hain is one such entity, as it was founded and built by Irwin Simon. In fact, I was a shareholder for quite a while before <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/31/1-stock-i-was-glad-to-sell-recently.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">parting ways Opens a New Window.</a> with the company in early 2016.</p> <p>But there's something that I think necessarily needs to go hand-in-hand with being an owner-operator: You have to have skin in the game. While Simon owned 2.4% of shares outstanding as of the company's last proxy filing, one-third of that came from the filing of options. In other words, it was not necessarily representative of long-term skin in the game. Furthermore, when all officers and directors were added together, they owned just 3.1% of shares outstanding.</p> <p>If this were a behemoth company, I could understand such low equity. But Hain is a relatively small $4 billion company, and Irwin founded it all the way back in 1993. Furthermore, between 2013 and 2015, Irwin's average compensation package came in at over $18 millionper year.</p> <p>Another way of viewing this is to say that Irwin had lots of upside exposure (through his salary and compensation), with relatively low downside skin in the game (via equity holdings). If you invested in the company, you were paying him, not necessarily investing with him.</p> <p>His employees don't give him or the company very favorable reviews either, with a mere 10% approval rating on Glassdoor.</p> <p>But perhaps most troubling is how this business was built in the first place. Hain is nothing more than a collection of hundreds of what were once small, successful, independent organic and natural brands. That meant big business for a long time: Hain was one of the first to really understand what a huge trend the natural/organic movement was, and the company and its stock benefited for a long time.</p> <p>However, there are two huge problems with the growth-via-acquisition strategy. First, when a company acquires so many different brands, it becomes endlessly complex. The independent spirit that often made a natural brand successful was squashed through a cultural mismatch once it entered Hain's domain. As one Glassdoor reviewer put it: "Hain is where brands go to die."</p> <p>The second problem is that with the success of natural and organic products, competition has followed. Outside of the power of the brand, there's little economic moat to speak of with these companies. Nothing is stopping the very same small and independent-type brands that Hain could once acquire from stealing business away over the coming years and decades.</p> <p>Essentially, that's what has happened to Hain's most important customer: Whole Foods. After years of playing alone in the organic sandbox, its growth has wilted under the pressure from both smaller players and big-box grocery stores offering the same fare.</p> <p>Add it all together -- question marks surrounding accounting, management with too little skin in the game, and no real moat -- and you have three great reasons to part ways with your Hain shares.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Hain Celestial 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;amp;impression=498c5770-3da5-4aa9-9723-ba4e29bf8a34&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Hain Celestial 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;amp;impression=498c5770-3da5-4aa9-9723-ba4e29bf8a34&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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>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/TMFCheesehead/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Stoffel Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Hain Celestial and WFM. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

ive never shorted stock life inclined one stock would top list would organicgoods conglomerate hain celestial nasdaq hain shares company three big reasons think consider parting ways continue reading image source getty images back aug 12 shares hain trading 55 per share company released bombshell opens new window delaying release earnings statedduring fourth quarter company identified concessions granted certain distributors united states company currently evaluating whether revenue associated concessions accounted correct period also currently evaluating internal control financial reporting shares fell much 35 aftermath advertisement midnovember company announced internal review found evidence intentional wrongdoing connection companys financial statements since shares advanced 15 heres thing still idea company stands november release concluded saying hain celestial position release financial results completion companys internal accounting review audit process 60 days since 150 days since problems surfaced still idea scope consequence concessions truly admirable company apparently thorough job passing day becomes increasingly likely concessions bigger problem originally feared either way company trading 20 times think trailing earnings could thats outrageous think pretty high many question marks present generally im huge fan founderled companies hain one entity founded built irwin simon fact shareholder quite parting ways opens new window company early 2016 theres something think necessarily needs go handinhand owneroperator skin game simon owned 24 shares outstanding companys last proxy filing onethird came filing options words necessarily representative longterm skin game furthermore officers directors added together owned 31 shares outstanding behemoth company could understand low equity hain relatively small 4 billion company irwin founded way back 1993 furthermore 2013 2015 irwins average compensation package came 18 millionper year another way viewing say irwin lots upside exposure salary compensation relatively low downside skin game via equity holdings invested company paying necessarily investing employees dont give company favorable reviews either mere 10 approval rating glassdoor perhaps troubling business built first place hain nothing collection hundreds small successful independent organic natural brands meant big business long time hain one first really understand huge trend naturalorganic movement company stock benefited long time however two huge problems growthviaacquisition strategy first company acquires many different brands becomes endlessly complex independent spirit often made natural brand successful squashed cultural mismatch entered hains domain one glassdoor reviewer put hain brands go die second problem success natural organic products competition followed outside power brand theres little economic moat speak companies nothing stopping small independenttype brands hain could acquire stealing business away coming years decades essentially thats happened hains important customer whole foods years playing alone organic sandbox growth wilted pressure smaller players bigbox grocery stores offering fare add together question marks surrounding accounting management little skin game real moat three great reasons part ways hain shares 10 stocks like better hain celestial 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 hain celestial wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 john mackey ceo whole foods market member motley fools board directors brian stoffel opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends hain celestial wfm motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Comcast Corp.'s entertainment unit surged in the second quarter, helped by the strong box-office performance of "The Fate of the Furious," lifting profit and revenue even as cable video subscriber losses ticked up.</p> <p>At the NBCUniversal media division, revenue rose 17% to $8.33 billion. Revenue in the filmed entertainment division jumped 60%, thanks to the latest installment of the "Fast and the Furious" franchise.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The cable networks and broadcast TV units grew revenue and earnings due to increases in subscription fees from pay TV providers, but both also saw a decline in ad sales because of ratings softness. Cable networks' ad revenues declined 0.9% to $906 million, while broadcast TV ad revenue declined 1.2% to $1.27 billion.</p> <p>In the cable business, the company lost 34,000 residential and business video customers, compared with a loss of 4,000 in the same quarter last year.</p> <p>Comcast has generally managed to withstand the turmoil in cable TV from cord-cutting better than some peers in pay television. In a tough environment, with consumers gravitating to streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and Sling TV, the company has added net video subscribers in five of the past seven quarters. The cord-cutting has taken a toll on TV ratings, however, for NBCUniversal's channels just like those of many other media companies.</p> <p>Comcast and industry analysts point to its investment in X1, a cloud-based, set-top box system, as a reason its video business has held up. The company said that 55% of its residential video customers now have X1, up from nearly 40% in the same quarter last year.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Comcast and other cable providers stand to benefit on the internet access side of their business as streaming TV subscriptions and usage increase. Comcast added 175,000 total internet customers in the second quarter, down from 220,000 in the year-earlier period.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Total revenue per customer relationship, Comcast's unit revenue figure for its cable division, increased 2.2% to $151.19.</p> <p>Comcast lost 22,000 voice customers in the quarter, compared with an addition of 64,000 in the year-ago quarter.</p> <p>Overall revenue for Comcast's cable division, which makes up 61% of revenue, rose 5.5% to $13.12 billion.</p> <p>Comcast recently launched a new wireless service, aimed at adding a fourth pillar to the typical television-phone-internet bundles. The mobile service is only for customers who subscribe to at least its internet service already.</p> <p>The cable operator is relying on a five-year-old network-resale agreement with Verizon Communications to offer its service. Comcast, along fellow cable provider Charter Communications Inc., has explored a deal with Sprint Corp. that could provide an alternative reseller arrangement, potentially with better terms, people familiar with the matter have said.</p> <p>Comcast has signaled that it views the wireless service as an add-on for its customers, aimed at increasing profits and reducing the percentage of customers leaving its service.</p> <p>In all, net income rose to $2.51 billion, or 52 cents a share, up from about $2.03 billion, or 41 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue grew 9.8% to $21.17 billion.</p> <p>Revenue and profit exceeded estimates from analysts, who were projecting earnings of 48 cents a share on $20.86 billion in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters.</p> <p>Write to Austen Hufford at [email protected]</p> <p>Comcast Corp.'s entertainment unit surged in the second quarter, helped by the strong box-office performance of "The Fate of the Furious," lifting profit and revenue even as cable video subscriber losses ticked up.</p> <p>At the NBCUniversal media division, revenue rose 17% to $8.33 billion. Revenue in the filmed entertainment division jumped 60%, thanks to the latest installment of the "Fast and the Furious" franchise.</p> <p>The cable networks and broadcast TV units grew revenue and earnings due to increases in subscription fees from pay TV providers, but both also saw a decline in ad sales because of ratings softness. Cable networks' ad revenues declined 0.9% to $906 million, while broadcast TV ad revenue declined 1.2% to $1.27 billion.</p> <p>In the cable business, the company lost 34,000 residential and business video customers, compared with a loss of 4,000 in the same quarter last year.</p> <p>Comcast has generally managed to withstand the turmoil in cable TV from cord-cutting better than some peers in pay television. In a tough environment, with consumers gravitating to streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and Sling TV, the company has added net video subscribers in five of the past seven quarters. The cord-cutting has taken a toll on TV ratings, however, for NBCUniversal's channels just like those of many other media companies.</p> <p>Comcast and industry analysts point to its investment in X1, a cloud-based, set-top box system, as a reason its video business has held up. The company said that 55% of its residential video customers now have X1, up from nearly 40% in the same quarter last year.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Comcast and other cable providers stand to benefit on the internet access side of their business as streaming TV subscriptions and usage increase. Comcast added 175,000 total internet customers in the second quarter, down from 220,000 in the year-earlier period.</p> <p>Total revenue per customer relationship, Comcast's unit revenue figure for its cable division, increased 2.2% to $151.19.</p> <p>Comcast lost 22,000 voice customers in the quarter, compared with an addition of 64,000 in the year-ago quarter.</p> <p>Overall revenue for Comcast's cable division, which makes up 61% of revenue, rose 5.5% to $13.12 billion.</p> <p>Comcast recently launched a new wireless service, aimed at adding a fourth pillar to the typical television-phone-internet bundles. The mobile service is only for customers who subscribe to at least its internet service already.</p> <p>The cable operator is relying on a five-year-old network-resale agreement with Verizon Communications to offer its service. Comcast, along fellow cable provider Charter Communications Inc., has explored a deal with Sprint Corp. that could provide an alternative reseller arrangement, potentially with better terms, people familiar with the matter have said.</p> <p>Comcast has signaled that it views the wireless service as an add-on for its customers, aimed at increasing profits and reducing the percentage of customers leaving its service.</p> <p>In all, net income rose to $2.51 billion, or 52 cents a share, up from about $2.03 billion, or 41 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue grew 9.8% to $21.17 billion.</p> <p>Revenue and profit exceeded estimates from analysts, who were projecting earnings of 48 cents a share on $20.86 billion in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters.</p> <p>Write to Austen Hufford at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>July 27, 2017 06:16 ET (10:16 GMT)</p>

comcast corps entertainment unit surged second quarter helped strong boxoffice performance fate furious lifting profit revenue even cable video subscriber losses ticked nbcuniversal media division revenue rose 17 833 billion revenue filmed entertainment division jumped 60 thanks latest installment fast furious franchise continue reading cable networks broadcast tv units grew revenue earnings due increases subscription fees pay tv providers also saw decline ad sales ratings softness cable networks ad revenues declined 09 906 million broadcast tv ad revenue declined 12 127 billion cable business company lost 34000 residential business video customers compared loss 4000 quarter last year comcast generally managed withstand turmoil cable tv cordcutting better peers pay television tough environment consumers gravitating streaming services netflix amazon hulu sling tv company added net video subscribers five past seven quarters cordcutting taken toll tv ratings however nbcuniversals channels like many media companies comcast industry analysts point investment x1 cloudbased settop box system reason video business held company said 55 residential video customers x1 nearly 40 quarter last year meanwhile comcast cable providers stand benefit internet access side business streaming tv subscriptions usage increase comcast added 175000 total internet customers second quarter 220000 yearearlier period advertisement total revenue per customer relationship comcasts unit revenue figure cable division increased 22 15119 comcast lost 22000 voice customers quarter compared addition 64000 yearago quarter overall revenue comcasts cable division makes 61 revenue rose 55 1312 billion comcast recently launched new wireless service aimed adding fourth pillar typical televisionphoneinternet bundles mobile service customers subscribe least internet service already cable operator relying fiveyearold networkresale agreement verizon communications offer service comcast along fellow cable provider charter communications inc explored deal sprint corp could provide alternative reseller arrangement potentially better terms people familiar matter said comcast signaled views wireless service addon customers aimed increasing profits reducing percentage customers leaving service net income rose 251 billion 52 cents share 203 billion 41 cents share year ago revenue grew 98 2117 billion revenue profit exceeded estimates analysts projecting earnings 48 cents share 2086 billion revenue according thomson reuters write austen hufford austenhuffordwsjcom comcast corps entertainment unit surged second quarter helped strong boxoffice performance fate furious lifting profit revenue even cable video subscriber losses ticked nbcuniversal media division revenue rose 17 833 billion revenue filmed entertainment division jumped 60 thanks latest installment fast furious franchise cable networks broadcast tv units grew revenue earnings due increases subscription fees pay tv providers also saw decline ad sales ratings softness cable networks ad revenues declined 09 906 million broadcast tv ad revenue declined 12 127 billion cable business company lost 34000 residential business video customers compared loss 4000 quarter last year comcast generally managed withstand turmoil cable tv cordcutting better peers pay television tough environment consumers gravitating streaming services netflix amazon hulu sling tv company added net video subscribers five past seven quarters cordcutting taken toll tv ratings however nbcuniversals channels like many media companies comcast industry analysts point investment x1 cloudbased settop box system reason video business held company said 55 residential video customers x1 nearly 40 quarter last year meanwhile comcast cable providers stand benefit internet access side business streaming tv subscriptions usage increase comcast added 175000 total internet customers second quarter 220000 yearearlier period total revenue per customer relationship comcasts unit revenue figure cable division increased 22 15119 comcast lost 22000 voice customers quarter compared addition 64000 yearago quarter overall revenue comcasts cable division makes 61 revenue rose 55 1312 billion comcast recently launched new wireless service aimed adding fourth pillar typical televisionphoneinternet bundles mobile service customers subscribe least internet service already cable operator relying fiveyearold networkresale agreement verizon communications offer service comcast along fellow cable provider charter communications inc explored deal sprint corp could provide alternative reseller arrangement potentially better terms people familiar matter said comcast signaled views wireless service addon customers aimed increasing profits reducing percentage customers leaving service net income rose 251 billion 52 cents share 203 billion 41 cents share year ago revenue grew 98 2117 billion revenue profit exceeded estimates analysts projecting earnings 48 cents share 2086 billion revenue according thomson reuters write austen hufford austenhuffordwsjcom end dow jones newswires july 27 2017 0616 et 1016 gmt

<p><a href="//videos/37/62586" type="external" /></p> <p>RUSH: <a href="" type="internal">Ebola story continues</a> to grow out there as more and more questions are being raised about the second nurse, the healthcare worker who flew to Dallas from Cleveland on a Frontier airlines flight.</p> <p>The flight crew said, &#8220;No, we didn&#8217;t see any symptoms.&#8221;</p> <p>But she has them. She has the disease. She <a href="" type="internal">has Ebola</a>.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" />So now people are starting to ask the next logical question: &#8220;Well, how did she get to Cleveland? If she flew to Dallas from Cleveland on a Frontier Airlines flight, how did she get to Cleveland? How many people might have been infected on that trip? What airline did that happen on?&#8221; We&#8217;re witnessing, ladies and gentlemen, the breaking of the illusion of government competence here. It is just overwhelming</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: Here&#8217;s Zach, State College, Pennsylvania. Hi Zach, glad you called. Great to have you on the program. Hello.</p> <p>CALLER: Hey, it&#8217;s an honor.</p> <p>RUSH: Thank you. Great to have you here.</p> <p>CALLER: So you know, the White House themselves, CDC, had promised us that they had careful protocols, yet they had 77 healthcare workers treating one Ebola patient. That&#8217;s a lot of healthcare workers.</p> <p>RUSH: I didn&#8217;t see that.</p> <p>CALLER: What did they think was going to happen? You know, my mom and dad worked in the &#8212;</p> <p>RUSH: I think what happened is that 76 or 77 people came in contact with her. I don&#8217;t think they&#8217;re all healthcare workers, but that&#8217;s how many people came in contact with her, yes.</p> <p>CALLER: That&#8217;s a lot.</p> <p>RUSH: Yeah, yeah. Especially for somebody who is supposed to be monitored.</p> <p>CALLER: I&#8217;ve been to the hospital seven times or so. To touch 76, 77 people, I&#8217;d literally have to be walking around touching people.</p> <p>RUSH: Wait a minute. You&#8217;ve been to the hospital 17 times?</p> <p>CALLER: Six or seven. Yeah, I&#8217;ve been there seven times, and I&#8217;ve at most come in contact with five. My mom and dad worked in the ER and they talked about how hard it is to follow the protocols, you know, about when to take your gloves on and off and taking the gown off the patient, what part of the gown to touch. You have all those workers in there, what do they think is going to happen?</p> <p>RUSH: Wait a minute, Zach. We haven&#8217;t heard that before, the protocols are hard to follow? Your parents told you that?</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" />CALLER: Yeah. And they work in the ER. My dad is an ER doctor.</p> <p>RUSH: The protocols are magic. The CDC guy said we&#8217;ve got protocols and people following the protocols.</p> <p>CALLER: The protocols will save us all.</p> <p>RUSH: Exactly. Because, why, because a liberal set them up. Look, I know that &#8212; here we go again. If you&#8217;re new to the program and you hear me say something like this, you say, &#8220;Come on. Would you get serious?&#8221; I am serious, folks. I know these people better than I know the back of my own hand. And I&#8217;m telling you that they are so impressed with themselves, they&#8217;re so superior in their caring and their compassion, they really do believe &#8212; and Obama, all you have to say is it&#8217;s not coming here and that will keep it out. You give a speech and that ends the subject. You give a speech on beating ISIS and it&#8217;s going to happen. It&#8217;s just the personality type. It&#8217;s combined with a conceit and an arrogance.</p> <p>So, yeah, I&#8217;m being snarky when I say, &#8220;Wait the protocols are hard? No, no, everything&#8217;s easy. Everything&#8217;s easy. We set up the protocols. You follow the protocols and nothing will go wrong.&#8221; (interruption) Do I think candidates should be using this Ebola thing on the trail? Let me think about this. You&#8217;re asking me this in light of my previous monologue today. In this case, if it were me, if it were I, I don&#8217;t think I would. I might name Frieden. I might name him. But I would couch this as a clear demonstration of the utter incompetence in reaches of the government in institutions that people have long trusted.</p> <p>I would point out that it&#8217;s symptomatic of the current administration and it&#8217;s why we desperately need a change, to competent, qualified people in these terribly important positions that we currently don&#8217;t have. I don&#8217;t know about hammering Obama. I&#8217;m not afraid of hammering Obama. I don&#8217;t buy this polling data that says if you hammer Obama you send the independents running back to the Democrats. I think it&#8217;s bigger than Obama. Obama, he&#8217;s the head of the tail here, because he puts all these people in these positions, but this is institutional. These are institutions that people have trusted, they implicitly trust them.</p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control. Let&#8217;s be honest, a breakout of any disease happens, when you hear the CDC is on the scene you sigh, what a relief. Okay. Somebody&#8217;s on the case. You just trust that the best in the business are there in terms of diagnostics, knowledge, ways in which to deal with it. That&#8217;s what&#8217;s breaking down here. That&#8217;s what I mean when I say that the illusion of government competence is breaking here. And I think it&#8217;s scaring a lot of people. When you&#8217;re already assuming that the best people you have are in these positions, when you find out that they aren&#8217;t, it&#8217;s a scary thing. And I think that&#8217;s where people are right now. At that point, then, yeah, I would use it campaign-wise, to tout my own ability to fix it.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: This was this afternoon at the Centers for Disease Control teleconference with reporters. He got a question: &#8220;I&#8217;m curious if you can go into some more detail about how this nurse was able to get on an aircraft and not being monitored or quarantined if she&#8217;d been in contact with the Index Patient, Thomas Duncan, in Texas?&#8221;</p> <p>FRIEDEN: She was in a group of individuals known to have exposure to Ebola. She should not have traveled on a commercial airline. The CDC guidance in this setting outlines the need for what is called controlled movement. That can include a charter plane. That can include a car. But it does not include public transport. We will, from this moment forward, ensure that no other individual who is being monitored for exposure, undergoes travel in any way other than controlled movement.</p> <p>RUSH: Now, can I translate this for you? You know what this guy is saying? He&#8217;s essentially saying: Well that nurse, she should have known. The honor system, she should have known that she should not have gotten on a commercial airline. She was in a group of individuals known to have exposure to Ebola. She should not have traveled on a commercial airline. We have guidance in this setting that outlines the need for what is called controlled movement.</p> <p>See, they&#8217;ve got guidelines. They&#8217;ve got protocols. Problem solved. Except somebody either didn&#8217;t know or wasn&#8217;t thinking or took the risk or whatever.</p> <p>They weren&#8217;t being monitored.</p> <p>We were told they were being monitored. They weren&#8217;t.</p> <p>It was the honor system. Because you see, why, we have guidelines and outlines and we have settings and we have protocols. This is beyond comprehensible. This is it, folks.</p> <p>I guess Earnest is doing the press briefing today right now, Josh Earnest at the White House. Fox has got a graphic caption up there that says: &#8220;White House: Second Ebola Diagnosis Indicates a Serious Situation.&#8221; Really? We have a serious situation. They just said so at the White House out there, folks. Yeah. It must be because Obama cancelled that fundraising trip. He also said we don&#8217;t need an Ebola czar. That was CNN&#8217;s big deal. CNN earlier today said we need an Ebola czar.</p> <p>We need an Ebola czar? We&#8217;ve got one. It&#8217;s called Dr. Thomas Frieden at the CDC. We&#8217;ve got an Ebola Messiah. We&#8217;ve got the President of the United States. What more do we need? We need an Ebola czar? See, we have a problem created by government incompetence and what&#8217;s the solution? Okay, government creates a problem. We need more government. We need the same people who made the original mistakes fixing them. And the White House rejected the idea that we need an Ebola czar. I&#8217;m sure it&#8217;s because they think they already are the Ebola czar.</p>

rush ebola story continues grow questions raised second nurse healthcare worker flew dallas cleveland frontier airlines flight flight crew said didnt see symptoms disease ebola people starting ask next logical question well get cleveland flew dallas cleveland frontier airlines flight get cleveland many people might infected trip airline happen witnessing ladies gentlemen breaking illusion government competence overwhelming break transcript rush heres zach state college pennsylvania hi zach glad called great program hello caller hey honor rush thank great caller know white house cdc promised us careful protocols yet 77 healthcare workers treating one ebola patient thats lot healthcare workers rush didnt see caller think going happen know mom dad worked rush think happened 76 77 people came contact dont think theyre healthcare workers thats many people came contact yes caller thats lot rush yeah yeah especially somebody supposed monitored caller ive hospital seven times touch 76 77 people id literally walking around touching people rush wait minute youve hospital 17 times caller six seven yeah ive seven times ive come contact five mom dad worked er talked hard follow protocols know take gloves taking gown patient part gown touch workers think going happen rush wait minute zach havent heard protocols hard follow parents told caller yeah work er dad er doctor rush protocols magic cdc guy said weve got protocols people following protocols caller protocols save us rush exactly liberal set look know go youre new program hear say something like say come would get serious serious folks know people better know back hand im telling impressed theyre superior caring compassion really believe obama say coming keep give speech ends subject give speech beating isis going happen personality type combined conceit arrogance yeah im snarky say wait protocols hard everythings easy everythings easy set protocols follow protocols nothing go wrong interruption think candidates using ebola thing trail let think youre asking light previous monologue today case dont think would might name frieden might name would couch clear demonstration utter incompetence reaches government institutions people long trusted would point symptomatic current administration desperately need change competent qualified people terribly important positions currently dont dont know hammering obama im afraid hammering obama dont buy polling data says hammer obama send independents running back democrats think bigger obama obama hes head tail puts people positions institutional institutions people trusted implicitly trust centers disease control lets honest breakout disease happens hear cdc scene sigh relief okay somebodys case trust best business terms diagnostics knowledge ways deal thats whats breaking thats mean say illusion government competence breaking think scaring lot people youre already assuming best people positions find arent scary thing think thats people right point yeah would use campaignwise tout ability fix break transcript rush afternoon centers disease control teleconference reporters got question im curious go detail nurse able get aircraft monitored quarantined shed contact index patient thomas duncan texas frieden group individuals known exposure ebola traveled commercial airline cdc guidance setting outlines need called controlled movement include charter plane include car include public transport moment forward ensure individual monitored exposure undergoes travel way controlled movement rush translate know guy saying hes essentially saying well nurse known honor system known gotten commercial airline group individuals known exposure ebola traveled commercial airline guidance setting outlines need called controlled movement see theyve got guidelines theyve got protocols problem solved except somebody either didnt know wasnt thinking took risk whatever werent monitored told monitored werent honor system see guidelines outlines settings protocols beyond comprehensible folks guess earnest press briefing today right josh earnest white house fox got graphic caption says white house second ebola diagnosis indicates serious situation really serious situation said white house folks yeah must obama cancelled fundraising trip also said dont need ebola czar cnns big deal cnn earlier today said need ebola czar need ebola czar weve got one called dr thomas frieden cdc weve got ebola messiah weve got president united states need need ebola czar see problem created government incompetence whats solution okay government creates problem need government need people made original mistakes fixing white house rejected idea need ebola czar im sure think already ebola czar

<p>Best-selling author Nick Adams recently spoke with The Daily Wire about his new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Retaking-America-Crushing-Political-Correctness/dp/1618688502" type="external">Retaking America &#8211; Crushing Political Correctness</a>, which outlines how and why "only America can, and must, crush political correctness."</p> <p><a href="http://nickadamsinamerica.com/" type="external">Adams</a> is a widely known Australian speaker, lecturer, author, and media commentator, best known for his work in the field of American exceptionalism. His new book takes on, among other issues, the self-destructive nature of political correctness, which Adams calls the "noose around America's neck," the threat of Islamism, the growth of world powers hostile to America, and the left's dismantling of the American dream.</p> <p>Here's the full transcript of our exchange:</p> <p>Daily Wire: Let&#8217;s begin with this question: Why does an Australian care what happens in America?</p> <p>Adams: What&#8217;s good for America is good for the world. A weak America is a weak world. A strong America is a strong world. That&#8217;s not a theory. That&#8217;s reality. We can see it happening right now. Cast your eye over the world: Islamists are openly working to establish a Caliphate. There is a catastrophic humanitarian disaster. Russia is attempting to re-establish the Soviet empire. China is aggressively expanding in the South China Sea. There are vast refugee flows. This is no coincidence. Frankly, this is what the world looks like when American influence is in decline. We are all paying a heavy price for the Obama administration&#8217;s politically correct decisions. Western intellectuals have long believed that America is not a force for good in the world, and should take a backseat in world affairs. They now have egg on their face.</p> <p>Daily Wire: Tell us about your new book and why people should read it.</p> <p>Adams: Let me put it this way: if you love America, and you hate political correctness, then you need to read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Retaking-America-Crushing-Political-Correctness/dp/1618688502" type="external">this book</a>. It&#8217;s as simple as that. Nothing is more anti-American, anti-freedom, anti-truth, and anti-reality than political correctness. It is a noose around America&#8217;s neck, growing tighter each day. From identity politics and secularism to the all-powerful welfare state and the war against national identity, every problem in America today is either rooted in, or compounded by political correctness. It is destroying America, and if it destroys America, it destroys Western civilization. So, we have to crush it, and only America can.</p> <p>Daily Wire: Why do you think only Americans can do it?</p> <p>Adams: America is not Europe. At least, not yet. It has proud, historic traditions of freedom, patriotism and individualism that set it apart from anywhere else in the world. This is what makes it Western civilization&#8217;s last hope. It is exceptional. Beyond the smug commentators who monopolize academia, politics and the media, the American frontier spirit remains strong. Don&#8217;t get me wrong &#8211; things are really, really, really awful. But&#8230; always believe in America. It's never too late. The only people capable of rejecting political correctness, of destroying it, are Americans. Everyone else is too far gone. Your founding and your culture allows you to be different. American exceptionalism can crush PC, but at the moment, it&#8217;s the other way around!</p> <p>Daily Wire: Who exactly does political correctness target?</p> <p>Adams: Political correctness targets many. Men, Christians, whites, and heterosexuals are all firmly in the crosshairs. But make no mistake: America is at the top of the kill list. If the proponents of political correctness had &#8220;Most Wanted Playing Cards,&#8221; the ace of spades would be America. There is no clearer evidence of this than the myriad of politicians, teachers, artists, and journalists who deliberately and recklessly make America seem hateful to the young, old and everyone in between. This is all because America is the major impediment to Leftist success. It is the last great holdout.</p> <p>Conservative Americans have it the worst. Due to political correctness and its prevalence, conservatives are today what communists used to be. It was once that if you were a communist, or knew someone that was, or had any type of connection to a communist, you couldn&#8217;t get a job. Or couldn&#8217;t get a favorable assessment on an application. You were blacklisted. That&#8217;s a conservative today. We&#8217;re canceled as speakers on campuses, we lose our jobs when trolls approach our employers, we&#8217;re stood down the moment employers are given any heat over us.</p> <p>Daily Wire: You've made the comment that the American dream is threatened by political correctness. Explain that a little more.</p> <p>Adams: One of the central themes of this book is that political correctness weakens the health and threatens the existence of the American Dream. This is not simply because you can find yourself in hot water over something you may say, but because of the broader consequences it has on the cultural mindset. Politically-correct ideology requires that success is resented. Ambition becomes suspicious. Mediocrity is preferred to excellence.</p> <p>The collective is elevated over the individual. The dream becomes obscured by the symbols of political correctness: big government, gatekeepers, envy, an aversion to risk, and collectivism. When the focus is on the collective, individual dreams can never fully materialize. I believe if we can get Americans to understand that their personal right to pursue happiness is inhibited by political correctness, they will be much more willing to openly defy political correctness.</p> <p>Daily Wire: How has political correctness changed the world?</p> <p>Adams: Well, for example, one of the things my book does is make the case that World War II could not have been prosecuted by the Allied forces in today&#8217;s culture, with our values. Politically-correct positions, increasingly ingrained in the general population, simply would not allow it. The positions, instincts, and attitudes that were present in enough people in the world then have been perpetually and actively attacked by the Left ever since. Things such as: 1) our own unifying nationalism, and sense of pride, 2) a willingness to judge another culture, 3) the desire to confront, fight and defeat evil, at any cost, 4) patience to be in it for as long as it takes, and 5) preparedness to &#8220;go it alone,&#8221; regardless of criticism from others. Plus, I&#8217;d say some of the greatest political identities of the twentieth century - Churchill, Thatcher, Reagan &#8211; I don&#8217;t think they would survive today.</p> <p>Daily Wire: Why is political correctness exploding now?</p> <p>Adams: There is no doubt that the digital age has amplified political correctness. It has given a voice to those who don&#8217;t deserve one. It has made it easier for the media and the public to punish anyone who is interesting. With this, being bland has been encouraged. It&#8217;s impossible to be a giant anymore. Unless your opinion is the same as the mob, it doesn&#8217;t pay to express it. If you do, it&#8217;s very likely you will experience loss of some kind: friends, opportunities, standing, opportunities and even your job.</p> <p>Daily Wire: In your opinion, what are some of the key politically correct orthodoxies the left says must be embraced?</p> <p>Adams: Gay marriage, climate change, feminism, multiculturalism, Israel and America are the ones that immediately come to mind. If you have disagreements with the first four (and are prepared to let it be known), but are inclined to defend the last two &#8211; let&#8217;s face it, you&#8217;re going to be doing it tough, very tough. While they were once mainstream opinions, they are very unpopular positions today, and the Left has excelled in the techniques of &#8216;shaming&#8217;, aided by technology, to the point of creating a new, choking conformism.</p> <p>Daily Wire: How does Islam fit into political correctness?</p> <p>Adams: Where do I begin? They should be calling the Islamic State the Islamic Caliphate. Instead, they expect us to believe that it all has nothing to do with Islam. They refuse to say the words &#8220;Islamic terrorism&#8221;. They tell us we have more to fear from climate change. That&#8217;s political correctness 101. It is devoid of truth or reality, more interested in advancing a narrative. Then we are told that it&#8217;s our fault. Blame America. Blame the West. It&#8217;s because they don&#8217;t have jobs. It&#8217;s because they are marginalized, they say. Was it marginalisation that caused Mohammed to go into battle so often and kill/enslave his enemies? The fundamental problem is that the majority of otherwise peaceful and law-abiding Muslims are unwilling to acknowledge, much less repudiate, the theological warrant for intolerance and violence embedded in their own religious texts. And the apologists&#8217; position has been a complete policy failure because it denies the religious justifications the Quran and the Hadith provide for violence, gender inequality, and discrimination against other religions. Political correctness has enabled Caliphate ambitions, a point strongly made in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Retaking-America-Crushing-Political-Correctness/dp/1618688502" type="external">book</a>.</p> <p>Daily Wire: What message do you want people to take away from the book?</p> <p>Adams: I want people to step up, and fight. I love my freedom of speech and I celebrate my individuality. I&#8217;ve always liked coloring outside the lines. I&#8217;ve always aspired to be great, not mediocre. Above all, I love life. And political correctness steals the joy from life. It limits life, it prohibits life, it destroys life. I want people to dream, and succeed and achieve.</p>

bestselling author nick adams recently spoke daily wire new book retaking america crushing political correctness outlines america must crush political correctness adams widely known australian speaker lecturer author media commentator best known work field american exceptionalism new book takes among issues selfdestructive nature political correctness adams calls noose around americas neck threat islamism growth world powers hostile america lefts dismantling american dream heres full transcript exchange daily wire lets begin question australian care happens america adams whats good america good world weak america weak world strong america strong world thats theory thats reality see happening right cast eye world islamists openly working establish caliphate catastrophic humanitarian disaster russia attempting reestablish soviet empire china aggressively expanding south china sea vast refugee flows coincidence frankly world looks like american influence decline paying heavy price obama administrations politically correct decisions western intellectuals long believed america force good world take backseat world affairs egg face daily wire tell us new book people read adams let put way love america hate political correctness need read book simple nothing antiamerican antifreedom antitruth antireality political correctness noose around americas neck growing tighter day identity politics secularism allpowerful welfare state war national identity every problem america today either rooted compounded political correctness destroying america destroys america destroys western civilization crush america daily wire think americans adams america europe least yet proud historic traditions freedom patriotism individualism set apart anywhere else world makes western civilizations last hope exceptional beyond smug commentators monopolize academia politics media american frontier spirit remains strong dont get wrong things really really really awful always believe america never late people capable rejecting political correctness destroying americans everyone else far gone founding culture allows different american exceptionalism crush pc moment way around daily wire exactly political correctness target adams political correctness targets many men christians whites heterosexuals firmly crosshairs make mistake america top kill list proponents political correctness wanted playing cards ace spades would america clearer evidence myriad politicians teachers artists journalists deliberately recklessly make america seem hateful young old everyone america major impediment leftist success last great holdout conservative americans worst due political correctness prevalence conservatives today communists used communist knew someone type connection communist couldnt get job couldnt get favorable assessment application blacklisted thats conservative today canceled speakers campuses lose jobs trolls approach employers stood moment employers given heat us daily wire youve made comment american dream threatened political correctness explain little adams one central themes book political correctness weakens health threatens existence american dream simply find hot water something may say broader consequences cultural mindset politicallycorrect ideology requires success resented ambition becomes suspicious mediocrity preferred excellence collective elevated individual dream becomes obscured symbols political correctness big government gatekeepers envy aversion risk collectivism focus collective individual dreams never fully materialize believe get americans understand personal right pursue happiness inhibited political correctness much willing openly defy political correctness daily wire political correctness changed world adams well example one things book make case world war ii could prosecuted allied forces todays culture values politicallycorrect positions increasingly ingrained general population simply would allow positions instincts attitudes present enough people world perpetually actively attacked left ever since things 1 unifying nationalism sense pride 2 willingness judge another culture 3 desire confront fight defeat evil cost 4 patience long takes 5 preparedness go alone regardless criticism others plus id say greatest political identities twentieth century churchill thatcher reagan dont think would survive today daily wire political correctness exploding adams doubt digital age amplified political correctness given voice dont deserve one made easier media public punish anyone interesting bland encouraged impossible giant anymore unless opinion mob doesnt pay express likely experience loss kind friends opportunities standing opportunities even job daily wire opinion key politically correct orthodoxies left says must embraced adams gay marriage climate change feminism multiculturalism israel america ones immediately come mind disagreements first four prepared let known inclined defend last two lets face youre going tough tough mainstream opinions unpopular positions today left excelled techniques shaming aided technology point creating new choking conformism daily wire islam fit political correctness adams begin calling islamic state islamic caliphate instead expect us believe nothing islam refuse say words islamic terrorism tell us fear climate change thats political correctness 101 devoid truth reality interested advancing narrative told fault blame america blame west dont jobs marginalized say marginalisation caused mohammed go battle often killenslave enemies fundamental problem majority otherwise peaceful lawabiding muslims unwilling acknowledge much less repudiate theological warrant intolerance violence embedded religious texts apologists position complete policy failure denies religious justifications quran hadith provide violence gender inequality discrimination religions political correctness enabled caliphate ambitions point strongly made book daily wire message want people take away book adams want people step fight love freedom speech celebrate individuality ive always liked coloring outside lines ive always aspired great mediocre love life political correctness steals joy life limits life prohibits life destroys life want people dream succeed achieve

<p /> <p>Image Source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Shares of Clovis Oncology (NASDAQ: CLVS) shot up more than 30% last weekon news that the Food and Drug Administration had accepted a New Drug Application (or NDA) for accelerated approval of rucaparib, an ovarian cancer drug. Rucaparib's fast-track status will shorten the review clock from the usual 10 months to six months -- meaning an approval decision should come in February 2017.</p> <p>Clovis's stock responded to news of the NDA acceptance with a big leap upward, but the company is still a very long way from drug approval. This suggests there could be another big leap ahead if approval actually comes. But there's another side of the story here: This stock has a history of <a type="external" href="">extreme volatility Opens a New Window.</a>, and there are several major red flags investors need to watch out for.</p> <p>Rucaparib belongs to an emerging class of chemotherapy drugs called PARP inhibitors. Interestingly, PARP's appear to be rapidly gaining credibility and bankability in the world of big pharma. While Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) sold rucaparib to Clovis for a measly $7 million dollars back in 2011, the big pharma <a type="external" href="">jumped back in the game Opens a New Window.</a>with its acquisition of Medivation, whose portfolio includes an experimental breast cancer PARP inhibitor. While Pfizer can't be happy about its decision to off-load its former PARP drug right now, at least it held on to some rights and should get a mid-teen royalty if rucaparib is approved.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>But will that happen? On the plus side, the clinical data on rucaparib is promising. The drug is designated for treatment of women with advanced, mutant (inclusive of both germline and somatic BRCA mutations) ovarian cancer. At last month's American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting, Clovis presented updated results on its ARIEL2 study. While multiple criteria are being used and multiple studies ongoing, the drug showed a 73% reduction in the risk of progression in one BRCA subgroup and a 38% reduction in risk of progression in another subgroup.</p> <p>But there's also a negative side to this story -- and unfortunately, it may undermine the good results.</p> <p>Clovis lost a big chunk of its market valuation last year when it terminated development on its former lead drug rociletinib, which targeted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Because NSCLC's overall survival rate at five years is so low, mid-stage trial results showing a 53% response rate led to the possibility the drug could be accepted for review under the FDA's accelerated pathway -- exactly the pathway rucaparib is now on.</p> <p>Unfortunately, this didn't happen. Clovis later admitted that the actual response rate was far lower than initially reported, and the FDA advisory committee voted against approval for the drug. Knowing it was facing an almost impossible task to gain approval, Clovis announced it was ending rociletinib's development.</p> <p>Biopharmaceutical companies terminate drug development programs every day; it's a well-known risk in the industry. The real problem with rociletinib was that Clovis had to revise data. As previously mentioned, the company admitted that instead of the 53% initially touted, the response rate was actually between 28% and 34%. Making it worse, around half of the patients taking the experimental drug experienced severe side effects.</p> <p>Let's not mince matters. Clovis was forced to correct pivotal data on its previous cancer drug trials. At the very least, that means additional FDA scrutiny and sky-high skepticism about the reliability of the company's data on its more recent cancer drug rucaparib. This doesn't take anything away from rucaparib's promise, but it's something investors need to keep an eye on.</p> <p>Clovis's CEO Patrick Mahaffy said during the Q2 earnings call that "our U.S. commercial team is preparing for launch and will be ready to launch at the time of the potential approval." Mahaffy also indicated the company was planning on submitting rucaparib to European authorities for approval in the fourth quarter of this year.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Clovis has entered into a clinical trial collaboration with Roche Holdingsto evaluate the drug in a "cocktail combination" with Roche's immunotherapy atezolizumab.Two studies exploring rucaparib's activity as a solo agent against breast cancer are also either under way, or starting later this year,as well as one study on gastroesophageal cancer.</p> <p>Clovis ended last quarter with $378.5 million in cash or cash equivalents, and reported a cash burn of $68 million for the second quarter and $151.7 million for the first six months of the year. That's a jump from the $57.2 million and $105.6 million, respectively, it spent during comparable periods a year ago, due to increased development activities for rucaparib. While the company looks to have enough to launch the drug, there's no margin of safety here if FDA approval is delayed.</p> <p>In sum, I don't expect clear sailing for Clovis Oncology, but there's no doubt a new ovarian cancer treatment is badly needed. More than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. this year. Of those women, 80% will have advanced cancer, and one in four will have the BRCA mutations that rucaparib seems particularly effective at treating. For their sake, I'm optimistic Clovis has learned the wisdom of under promising and over delivering, and this drug fulfills its promise.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2518&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CherylSwanson/info.aspx" type="external">Cheryl Swanson 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading shares clovis oncology nasdaq clvs shot 30 last weekon news food drug administration accepted new drug application nda accelerated approval rucaparib ovarian cancer drug rucaparibs fasttrack status shorten review clock usual 10 months six months meaning approval decision come february 2017 cloviss stock responded news nda acceptance big leap upward company still long way drug approval suggests could another big leap ahead approval actually comes theres another side story stock history extreme volatility opens new window several major red flags investors need watch rucaparib belongs emerging class chemotherapy drugs called parp inhibitors interestingly parps appear rapidly gaining credibility bankability world big pharma pfizer nyse pfe sold rucaparib clovis measly 7 million dollars back 2011 big pharma jumped back game opens new windowwith acquisition medivation whose portfolio includes experimental breast cancer parp inhibitor pfizer cant happy decision offload former parp drug right least held rights get midteen royalty rucaparib approved advertisement happen plus side clinical data rucaparib promising drug designated treatment women advanced mutant inclusive germline somatic brca mutations ovarian cancer last months american society clinical oncology asco meeting clovis presented updated results ariel2 study multiple criteria used multiple studies ongoing drug showed 73 reduction risk progression one brca subgroup 38 reduction risk progression another subgroup theres also negative side story unfortunately may undermine good results clovis lost big chunk market valuation last year terminated development former lead drug rociletinib targeted nonsmall cell lung cancer nsclc patients nsclcs overall survival rate five years low midstage trial results showing 53 response rate led possibility drug could accepted review fdas accelerated pathway exactly pathway rucaparib unfortunately didnt happen clovis later admitted actual response rate far lower initially reported fda advisory committee voted approval drug knowing facing almost impossible task gain approval clovis announced ending rociletinibs development biopharmaceutical companies terminate drug development programs every day wellknown risk industry real problem rociletinib clovis revise data previously mentioned company admitted instead 53 initially touted response rate actually 28 34 making worse around half patients taking experimental drug experienced severe side effects lets mince matters clovis forced correct pivotal data previous cancer drug trials least means additional fda scrutiny skyhigh skepticism reliability companys data recent cancer drug rucaparib doesnt take anything away rucaparibs promise something investors need keep eye cloviss ceo patrick mahaffy said q2 earnings call us commercial team preparing launch ready launch time potential approval mahaffy also indicated company planning submitting rucaparib european authorities approval fourth quarter year meanwhile clovis entered clinical trial collaboration roche holdingsto evaluate drug cocktail combination roches immunotherapy atezolizumabtwo studies exploring rucaparibs activity solo agent breast cancer also either way starting later yearas well one study gastroesophageal cancer clovis ended last quarter 3785 million cash cash equivalents reported cash burn 68 million second quarter 1517 million first six months year thats jump 572 million 1056 million respectively spent comparable periods year ago due increased development activities rucaparib company looks enough launch drug theres margin safety fda approval delayed sum dont expect clear sailing clovis oncology theres doubt new ovarian cancer treatment badly needed 22000 women diagnosed ovarian cancer us year women 80 advanced cancer one four brca mutations rucaparib seems particularly effective treating sake im optimistic clovis learned wisdom promising delivering drug fulfills promise 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 cheryl swanson 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

<p /> <p>Warren Buffett famously stated that his favorite holding period for well-run companies was "forever." Yet Buffett also avoided tech stocks for most of his career, following his own rule to never invest in companies that he couldn't fully understand. Therefore, investors might think that it could be tough to find"forever" picks within the tech sector.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>However, I believe that there are two easy-to-understand tech stocks that can be held for the long term -- Google's parent company Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Facebook (NASDAQ: FB). Both companies dominate their respective markets and have extremely wide competitive moats.</p> <p>Alphabet owns the world's most popular search engine (Google), mobile operating system (Android), webbrowser (Chrome), video streaming site(YouTube), and mobile navigation app(Google Maps). It ties that sprawling ecosystem together with Gmail, one of the most popular email services in the world, and its cloud storage platform Google Drive.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Alphabet uses all the data gathered from those sources to craft targeted ads for its users, making it the 800-pound gorilla in internet advertising. Its advertising revenues rose19% annually to $19.14 billion last quarter, or 89% of the company's top line. That represents an acceleration from 16% growth in the previous quarter and 11% growth a year earlier. Analysts expect Alphabet's revenue to rise 18% this year and 15% next year.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Since digital ads are a high margin business, Alphabet is also highly profitable, finishing last quarter with a non-GAAP operating margin of 35%. Non-GAAP net earnings rose 20% during the quarter, and analysts expect Alphabet's annual earnings to grow at an average rate of 18% over thenext five years.</p> <p>That estimate gives Alphabet a 5-year PEG ratio of 1.3. That isn't below the threshold of 1 for "undervalued" stocks, but it indicates that the stock still has room to run over the long term. Moreover, some of Alphabet's "moon shots" -- like medicine, medical devices, and driverless cars -- might eventually evolve into fresh sources of revenue.</p> <p>Facebook is the world's largest social network. Despite its massive size, it stillgrew its monthly active users (MAUs) 15% annually to 1.71 billion last quarter. It also owns Instagram, which had500 MAUs as of June, and WhatsApp, which crossed a billion MAUs inFebruary. It's also been expanding into adjacent markets like virtual reality with Oculus VR, enterprise networking with Facebook at Work, e-commerce with Facebook Marketplace, and monolithic messaging and services with its stand-alone Messenger app.</p> <p>Like Alphabet, Facebook uses the data it gathers to sell targeted ads. Last quarter, the company's advertising revenues soared a whopping 63% annually to $6.24 billion and accounted for 97% of of its top line. Facebook still generates less ad revenue than Google, but its ability to deliver ads along social pathways strategically counters Google's search and location-based ads. Analysts expect Facebook's salesto rise 51% this year and 35% next year,indicating that its growth story is far from over.</p> <p>Since Facebook also sells high-margin ads, it finished last quarter with a GAAP operating margin of 43%. Net earnings rose 184%, allaying earlier concerns about the company's spending habits. Over the next five years, analysts expect Facebook's annual earnings to grow 35% per year, giving it an undervalued PEG ratio of 0.9.</p> <p>Looking further ahead, Facebook could become much more than a social network that relies on ad sales. The Oculus Rift and its Oculus Home ecosystem could generate substantial hardware and software revenue. Messenger, which already has overa billion MAUs, could expand into its own ecosystem of apps, services, mobile payments, and more.</p> <p>The Oculus Rift. Image source: Oculus VR.</p> <p>I believe that investors who hold Alphabet and Facebook for decades will be richly rewarded, since neither company faces any meaningful competition. As long as people need to digitally search for things or connect to people, there will be a market for their products.</p> <p>That's not to say that Alphabet and Facebook won't face near-term challenges. Economic slowdowns cloud throttle ad spending, while probes regarding privacy and anticompetitive practices could weaken their ability to gather data or expand their ecosystems. But I believe that both companies are already tethered to so many people and businesses that they will overcome those hurdles and continue growing for decades to come.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2668&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Facebook. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

warren buffett famously stated favorite holding period wellrun companies forever yet buffett also avoided tech stocks career following rule never invest companies couldnt fully understand therefore investors might think could tough findforever picks within tech sector continue reading image source getty images however believe two easytounderstand tech stocks held long term googles parent company alphabet nasdaq goog nasdaq googl facebook nasdaq fb companies dominate respective markets extremely wide competitive moats alphabet owns worlds popular search engine google mobile operating system android webbrowser chrome video streaming siteyoutube mobile navigation appgoogle maps ties sprawling ecosystem together gmail one popular email services world cloud storage platform google drive advertisement alphabet uses data gathered sources craft targeted ads users making 800pound gorilla internet advertising advertising revenues rose19 annually 1914 billion last quarter 89 companys top line represents acceleration 16 growth previous quarter 11 growth year earlier analysts expect alphabets revenue rise 18 year 15 next year image source pixabay since digital ads high margin business alphabet also highly profitable finishing last quarter nongaap operating margin 35 nongaap net earnings rose 20 quarter analysts expect alphabets annual earnings grow average rate 18 thenext five years estimate gives alphabet 5year peg ratio 13 isnt threshold 1 undervalued stocks indicates stock still room run long term moreover alphabets moon shots like medicine medical devices driverless cars might eventually evolve fresh sources revenue facebook worlds largest social network despite massive size stillgrew monthly active users maus 15 annually 171 billion last quarter also owns instagram had500 maus june whatsapp crossed billion maus infebruary also expanding adjacent markets like virtual reality oculus vr enterprise networking facebook work ecommerce facebook marketplace monolithic messaging services standalone messenger app like alphabet facebook uses data gathers sell targeted ads last quarter companys advertising revenues soared whopping 63 annually 624 billion accounted 97 top line facebook still generates less ad revenue google ability deliver ads along social pathways strategically counters googles search locationbased ads analysts expect facebooks salesto rise 51 year 35 next yearindicating growth story far since facebook also sells highmargin ads finished last quarter gaap operating margin 43 net earnings rose 184 allaying earlier concerns companys spending habits next five years analysts expect facebooks annual earnings grow 35 per year giving undervalued peg ratio 09 looking ahead facebook could become much social network relies ad sales oculus rift oculus home ecosystem could generate substantial hardware software revenue messenger already overa billion maus could expand ecosystem apps services mobile payments oculus rift image source oculus vr believe investors hold alphabet facebook decades richly rewarded since neither company faces meaningful competition long people need digitally search things connect people market products thats say alphabet facebook wont face nearterm challenges economic slowdowns cloud throttle ad spending probes regarding privacy anticompetitive practices could weaken ability gather data expand ecosystems believe companies already tethered many people businesses overcome hurdles continue growing decades 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 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares facebook 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

<p /> <p>"Big brand" companies are appealing long-term investments because they have well-established brands, robust cash flow, and wide competitive moats. That's why these stocks usually rebound from nasty bear markets, while lesser-known brands with weaker cash flows wither. I personally own several big brand stocks, and today I'll discuss two of my favorite long-term plays:Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) and AT&amp;amp;T (NYSE: T).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Disney is best known for its theme parks and cartoons, but its sprawling media empire also includes Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channels. Disney's theme park and movie businesses are posting robust growth, but cord-cutting has hurt is cable subscriber numbers in recent years. Those fears caused Disney to slump 14% over the past 12 months, but it remains up about 190% over the past five years.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Disney is trying to allay fears about itsmedia business, which generated almost half its operating income in the first nine months of 2016, with new investments and partnerships. It recently acquired a 33% stake in Major League Baseball's BAMTech streaming unit to serve as the foundation for a new stand-alone over-the-top platform for ESPN, and announced that AT&amp;amp;Twill bundle its main cable channels into its DIRECTV Now packages. Many streaming-only "skinny bundles," which include a smaller set of channels at lower prices, also include Disney's cable channels.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Disney still has <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/06/the-3-biggest-opportunities-for-walt-disney-co.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">plenty of ways Opens a New Window.</a> to diversify away from cable TV. Its future growth in theme parks, supported by the recent opening of Shanghai Disney Resort and the upcoming opening of Star Wars Land at its domestic theme parks, could offset softness in its media business. Its film business, which is firing on all cylinders with "cinematic universes" for its Marvel and Star Wars characters, is built to provide reliable box office returns for years.</p> <p>Analysts expect the House of Mouse's revenue to grow 7% this year and 4% next year, while earnings are expected to improve 12% this year and 5% next year. Those forecasts reflect concerns about Disney's cable business, but the stock remains fairly cheap at 16 times earnings, which is lower than the industry average of 19 for diversified entertainment companies.</p> <p>Telecom giant AT&amp;amp;T has hiked its payout annually for over three decades. It currently pays a forward yield of 4.9%, and spent 67% of its free cash flow on dividends over the past 12 months. In previous years, AT&amp;amp;T was a slow-growth stock with a price which barely budged.</p> <p>Yet the stock rallied almost 20% over the past 12 months due to two main factors. First, low interest rates caused many investors to flock to high-yielding dividend stocks like AT&amp;amp;T. Second, AT&amp;amp;T's $49 billion acquisition of DIRECTV turned it intothe biggest pay TV provider in America and boosted its free cash flow 60% to$15.9 billion last year. AT&amp;amp;T's FCF has continued to grow this year, with17% year-over-year growth in the first quarter and 8% growth inthe second.</p> <p>Image source: AT&amp;amp;T.</p> <p>AT&amp;amp;T alsosold a large portion of its slower-growth wireline services to Frontier Communicationsto invest more heavily in its higher-growth wireless business. To simultaneously grow DIRECTV and its wireless business, AT&amp;amp;T started offering wireless users unlimited data plans if they signed up for DIRECTV. It also launched <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/10/att-inc-threatens-netflix-with-3-new-streaming-str.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">streaming DIRECTV video bundles Opens a New Window.</a> forits mobile users. AT&amp;amp;T is also expanding beyond mobile devices by selling wireless plans for smart homes, drones, and connected cars. It partnered with Intel todevelop autonomous 4G drones, and is working with Ford to connect "at least" 10 million cars within thenext five years.</p> <p>Analysts expect AT&amp;amp;T's revenue to rise 12% this year and 2% next year. Earnings are expected to grow 5% this year and6% next year. Its top-line slowdown could be caused by the saturation of the wireless market amidrising competition from smaller rivals like T-Mobile, which recently launched unlimited data, talk, and text plans for all its customers. Nonetheless, AT&amp;amp;T remains a solid dividend stock with a P/E of 17 -- much lower than the industry average of 25 for domestic telcos.</p> <p>I originally bought Disney and AT&amp;amp;T at lower prices, but I wouldn't hesitate to add more shares of both companies today. Disney's year-long swoon has cooled off its multiples to more attractive levels, and AT&amp;amp;T's 4.9% yield remains one of the safest income investments in the market today.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2668&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of AT&amp;amp;T, Ford, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Intel and T-Mobile US. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

big brand companies appealing longterm investments wellestablished brands robust cash flow wide competitive moats thats stocks usually rebound nasty bear markets lesserknown brands weaker cash flows wither personally several big brand stocks today ill discuss two favorite longterm playswalt disney nyse dis atampt nyse continue reading disney best known theme parks cartoons sprawling media empire also includes pixar marvel lucasfilm abc espn disney channels disneys theme park movie businesses posting robust growth cordcutting hurt cable subscriber numbers recent years fears caused disney slump 14 past 12 months remains 190 past five years image source pixabay disney trying allay fears itsmedia business generated almost half operating income first nine months 2016 new investments partnerships recently acquired 33 stake major league baseballs bamtech streaming unit serve foundation new standalone overthetop platform espn announced atamptwill bundle main cable channels directv packages many streamingonly skinny bundles include smaller set channels lower prices also include disneys cable channels advertisement disney still plenty ways opens new window diversify away cable tv future growth theme parks supported recent opening shanghai disney resort upcoming opening star wars land domestic theme parks could offset softness media business film business firing cylinders cinematic universes marvel star wars characters built provide reliable box office returns years analysts expect house mouses revenue grow 7 year 4 next year earnings expected improve 12 year 5 next year forecasts reflect concerns disneys cable business stock remains fairly cheap 16 times earnings lower industry average 19 diversified entertainment companies telecom giant atampt hiked payout annually three decades currently pays forward yield 49 spent 67 free cash flow dividends past 12 months previous years atampt slowgrowth stock price barely budged yet stock rallied almost 20 past 12 months due two main factors first low interest rates caused many investors flock highyielding dividend stocks like atampt second atampts 49 billion acquisition directv turned intothe biggest pay tv provider america boosted free cash flow 60 to159 billion last year atampts fcf continued grow year with17 yearoveryear growth first quarter 8 growth inthe second image source atampt atampt alsosold large portion slowergrowth wireline services frontier communicationsto invest heavily highergrowth wireless business simultaneously grow directv wireless business atampt started offering wireless users unlimited data plans signed directv also launched streaming directv video bundles opens new window forits mobile users atampt also expanding beyond mobile devices selling wireless plans smart homes drones connected cars partnered intel todevelop autonomous 4g drones working ford connect least 10 million cars within thenext five years analysts expect atampts revenue rise 12 year 2 next year earnings expected grow 5 year and6 next year topline slowdown could caused saturation wireless market amidrising competition smaller rivals like tmobile recently launched unlimited data talk text plans customers nonetheless atampt remains solid dividend stock pe 17 much lower industry average 25 domestic telcos originally bought disney atampt lower prices wouldnt hesitate add shares companies today disneys yearlong swoon cooled multiples attractive levels atampts 49 yield remains one safest income investments market today secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window leo sun opens new window owns shares atampt ford walt disney motley fool owns shares recommends ford walt disney motley fool recommends intel tmobile us 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

<p>POLITICAL THEATER COLUMN:</p> <p>President Obama said his prime-time press conference on Day 100 of his presidency was intended as a &#8220;look forward to &#8230; all of the hundreds of days to follow,&#8221; but it turned into more of a look back in anger, complete with finger-pointing.</p> <p>Throughout his hourlong session in the White House East Room on Wednesday, the candidate who vowed a new post-partisan Washington, free from the rancorous bickering that often grinds the city to gridlock, ripped Republicans as the members of a do-nothing party of no.</p> <p>He began at the top, calling his predecessor, the former head of the Republican Party, a torturer.</p> <p>TWT RELATED STORIES: &#8226; <a href="" type="internal">Obama: Torture not worth trade-off</a> &#8226; <a href="" type="internal">Congress OKs $3.6 trillion Obama budget</a> &#8226; <a href="" type="internal">Chrysler to file for bankruptcy</a></p> <p>&#8220;Waterboarding was torture,&#8221; he said, making no exception for post-Sept. 11 circumstances and giving no credence to claims that the &#8220;enhanced interrogation techniques&#8221; authorized by George W. Bush saved Americans lives.</p> <p>&#8220;We could have gotten this information in other ways,&#8221; Mr. Obama said, without adding that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the self-described planner of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was waterboarded 183 times before he divulged plans of a massive attack planned against Los Angeles.</p> <p>The cerebral president, who most recently shook hands with America-hater Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and plans talks with nuke-happy Iranian leaders, was content to muse philosophically: &#8220;Could we have gotten that same information without resorting to these techniques?&#8221;</p> <p>(Still, he did steal Mr. Bush&#8217;s daily mantra that his first obligation is to keep the American people safe: &#8220;That&#8217;s the responsibility I wake up with and it&#8217;s the responsibility I go to sleep with.)</p> <p>But on the arbitrary day of presidential measurement, Mr. Obama often appeared to still be running for office. In one breath, he said: &#8220;I do think that, to my Republican friends, I want them to realize that me reaching out to them has been genuine.&#8221;</p> <p>In another: &#8220;There is still a certain quotient of political posturing and bickering that takes place even when we&#8217;re in the middle of really big crises,&#8221; with &#8220;political posturing&#8221; targeted at Republicans who apparently do not believe their jobs are to rubber-stamp each expensive Obama initiative.</p> <p>Mr. Obama sought to portray the Republican definition of bipartisanship as &#8220;a situation in which basically, wherever there are philosophical differences, I have to simply go along with ideas that have been rejected by the American people in a historic election.&#8221;</p> <p>He added: &#8220;We&#8217;re probably not going to make progress,&#8221; and in case the other party missed the message, he later said that &#8220;opposing our approach on every front is probably not a good political strategy.&#8221;</p> <p>Casting blame on Mr. Bush for the economic woes, the president vowed that &#8220;even as we clear away the wreckage of this recession, I&#8217;ve also said that we can&#8217;t go back to an economy that&#8217;s built on a pile of sand.&#8221;</p> <p>(He did not mention the loss of nearly 2 million jobs in his first 100 days, nor the $350 billion deficit the federal government incurred in the first financial quarter.)</p> <p>For his part, Mr. Obama gave his administration an &#8220;A,&#8221; ticking off a host of initiatives and efforts he and his top aides have made since taking office Jan. 20.</p> <p>&#8220;So I think we&#8217;re off to a good start,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&#8217;m proud of what we&#8217;ve achieved,&#8221; he added, and also &#8220;I&#8217;m pleased with our progress.&#8221;</p> <p>The president opened with a seven-minute statement, and even though he read his speech from a large teleprompter, he was as measured and metered as a great Broadway actor (although it was his second performance of the same piece - he had already performed a matinee in Arnold, Mo., on Wednesday for a town hall full of supporters).</p> <p>Like each of his other two prime-time press conferences, he had the White House press corps eating out of his hand, guffawing at his every joke, great or small. He put one reporter, Jeff Zeleny of the New York Times, through a painful pantomime that drew wild laughs from reporters.</p> <p>&#8220;During these first 100 days, what has surprised you the most about this office? Enchanted you the most from serving in this office? Humbled you the most? And troubled you the most?&#8221; Mr. Zeleny asked.</p> <p>&#8220;Now let me write this down,&#8221; the president said, pulling a presidential pen from his pocket.</p> <p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve got - what was the first one?&#8221; Mr. Obama said.</p> <p>&#8220;Surprised.&#8221; Mr. Zeleny said.</p> <p>&#8220;Surprised.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Troubled.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Troubled.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Enchanted.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Enchanted, nice.&#8221; Howls of laughter.</p> <p>&#8220;And what was the last one, humbled?&#8221; Mr. Obama said.</p> <p>&#8220;Humbled. Thank you, sir.&#8221;</p> <p>So quick to giggle is the White House corps that they laughed heartily at a joke about the United States being in two wars.</p> <p>Asked about the federal government taking over financial institutions and other private companies, Mr. Obama said, &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to run auto companies. I don&#8217;t want to run banks. I&#8217;ve got two wars I&#8217;ve got to run already.&#8221; The room erupted in laughter.</p> <p>While he spent much of the hour criticizing Republicans and his predecessor, he did laud Mr. Bush for preparing to face a pandemic such as swine flu. &#8220;We&#8217;ve got 50 million courses of anti-viral drugs in the event that they&#8217;re needed.&#8221; He also said he is working closely with Sen. John McCain, whom he defeated in the 2008 presidential campaign, on immigration and overhauling the federal procurement procedure.</p> <p>But the candidate who encouraged Americans to inflate their tires as a way to offset $4-a-gallon gas prices had his own solution to the swine flu epidemic.</p> <p>&#8220;Wash your hands when you shake hands. Cover your mouth when you cough. I know it sounds trivial, but it makes a huge difference.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8226; Joseph Curl can be reached at [email protected]</p> <p>Copyright &#169; 2018 The Washington Times, LLC. <a href="http://license.icopyright.net/3.7280?icx_id=/news/2009/apr/30/placing-blame-on-the-gop-obama-looks-back-in-anger/" type="external">Click here for reprint permission</a>.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

political theater column president obama said primetime press conference day 100 presidency intended look forward hundreds days follow turned look back anger complete fingerpointing throughout hourlong session white house east room wednesday candidate vowed new postpartisan washington free rancorous bickering often grinds city gridlock ripped republicans members donothing party began top calling predecessor former head republican party torturer twt related stories obama torture worth tradeoff congress oks 36 trillion obama budget chrysler file bankruptcy waterboarding torture said making exception postsept 11 circumstances giving credence claims enhanced interrogation techniques authorized george w bush saved americans lives could gotten information ways mr obama said without adding khalid shaikh mohammed selfdescribed planner sept 11 2001 terrorist attacks waterboarded 183 times divulged plans massive attack planned los angeles cerebral president recently shook hands americahater hugo chavez venezuela plans talks nukehappy iranian leaders content muse philosophically could gotten information without resorting techniques still steal mr bushs daily mantra first obligation keep american people safe thats responsibility wake responsibility go sleep arbitrary day presidential measurement mr obama often appeared still running office one breath said think republican friends want realize reaching genuine another still certain quotient political posturing bickering takes place even middle really big crises political posturing targeted republicans apparently believe jobs rubberstamp expensive obama initiative mr obama sought portray republican definition bipartisanship situation basically wherever philosophical differences simply go along ideas rejected american people historic election added probably going make progress case party missed message later said opposing approach every front probably good political strategy casting blame mr bush economic woes president vowed even clear away wreckage recession ive also said cant go back economy thats built pile sand mention loss nearly 2 million jobs first 100 days 350 billion deficit federal government incurred first financial quarter part mr obama gave administration ticking host initiatives efforts top aides made since taking office jan 20 think good start said im proud weve achieved added also im pleased progress president opened sevenminute statement even though read speech large teleprompter measured metered great broadway actor although second performance piece already performed matinee arnold mo wednesday town hall full supporters like two primetime press conferences white house press corps eating hand guffawing every joke great small put one reporter jeff zeleny new york times painful pantomime drew wild laughs reporters first 100 days surprised office enchanted serving office humbled troubled mr zeleny asked let write president said pulling presidential pen pocket ive got first one mr obama said surprised mr zeleny said surprised troubled troubled enchanted enchanted nice howls laughter last one humbled mr obama said humbled thank sir quick giggle white house corps laughed heartily joke united states two wars asked federal government taking financial institutions private companies mr obama said dont want run auto companies dont want run banks ive got two wars ive got run already room erupted laughter spent much hour criticizing republicans predecessor laud mr bush preparing face pandemic swine flu weve got 50 million courses antiviral drugs event theyre needed also said working closely sen john mccain defeated 2008 presidential campaign immigration overhauling federal procurement procedure candidate encouraged americans inflate tires way offset 4agallon gas prices solution swine flu epidemic wash hands shake hands cover mouth cough know sounds trivial makes huge difference joseph curl reached jcurlwashingtontimescom copyright 2018 washington times llc click reprint permission 160

<p /> <p>Donald Trump is at it again. (Or is he?)</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Last week, the Tweeter-in-Chief <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/811977223326625792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" type="external">announced on Twitter Opens a New Window.</a> his intention to "greatly strengthen and expand [America's] nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes." As you might expect, the Interwebs immediately erupted in outrage, with Trump detractors painting the tweet as equivalent to the declaration of a new arms race.</p> <p>But was it, really?</p> <p>Did Donald Trump just launch a pre-emptive nuclear tweet? Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Media outlets, from the usually level-headed <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/311827-nuclear-experts-trump-tweets-could-provoke-global-crisis" type="external">The Hill Opens a New Window.</a>to the liberal-leaning <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/12/26/could-trump-help-unleash-nuclear-catastrophe-with-a-single-tweet/?utm_term=.46e3bdfbf29f" type="external">Washington Post Opens a New Window.</a> to the downright colorful <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/12/donald-trump-frightening-tweet-nuclear-weapons" type="external">Mother Jones Opens a New Window.</a>, criticized the president-elect, warning that tweets of this sort "could provoke global crisis" (The Hill) or even "unleash nuclear catastrophe" (the Post).And in the instant case, warned Mother Jones, Trump's nuclear tweet seems to reverse "decades of... policy aimed at stopping the spread of nuclear weapons around the world. For decades," it continued, "the United States has worked with Russia, the other major nuclear power, to reduce both nations' nuclear arsenals. ... Yet with a single tweet, Trump suggested he would move in the opposite direction."</p> <p>Which sounds bad -- if it were true. Fortunately, it simply is not.</p> <p>Whatever you think about nuclear weapons -- or about the president-elect choosing to communicate defense policy by tweet --critics of Trump's nuclear tweet are getting a couple of basic facts wrong here. First, that President-elect Trump is initiating a nuclear arms race against Russia. He's not.</p> <p>At worst, Trump is taking the bait offered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who <a href="https://www.state.gov/t/avc/rls/rpt/2015/243224.htm#INF2" type="external">according to the U.S. State Department Opens a New Window.</a> violated the 1987 U.S.-Russia Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty by resuming tests of nuclear-capable cruise missiles in 2014. Russia has reportedly also begun <a href="http://time.com/4280169/russia-nuclear-security-summit/" type="external">modernizing Opens a New Window.</a>its nuclear forces, ordered <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/russia-practiced-nuclear-strike-sweden-nato-report-422914?rx=us" type="external">practice runs Opens a New Window.</a> at conducting pre-emptive nuclear strikes, and even <a href="http://time.com/4280169/russia-nuclear-security-summit/" type="external">drawn up plans Opens a New Window.</a> for a new nuclear "dirty bomb." Responding to such provocations by expanding America's own nuclear forces may not be great policy from a mutually-assured-destruction point of view -- but it's not the same thing as starting an arms race.</p> <p>Russia seems to have already done that.</p> <p>And when you get right down to it, even if America were starting an arms race, it wouldn't be Trump's doing -- but President Barack Obama's.</p> <p>While Trump's nuclear tweet appears to have taken some folks off guard, the fact is that the U.S. has been planning a major upgrade and refurbishmentof its nuclear arsenal <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/29/meet-the-arms-program-that-dwarfs-lockheeds-trilli.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">for quite some time Opens a New Window.</a> -- since at least the early years of the second Obama administration, in fact. As far back as three years ago, we were writing about a U.S. Air Force effort to begin upgrading the nation's aging fleet of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles -- a contract that Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE: AJRD), among others, is counting on <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/06/gencorp-stock-could-explode-on-new-nuclear-bomb-co.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">to juice its rocket revenues Opens a New Window.</a>. Rival rocket scientist Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA) is bidding <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/12/05/new-nuke-contract-could-be-a-blast-for-orbital-atk.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">on the same contract Opens a New Window.</a>, and whether it's Aerojet or Orbital that eventually ends up winning this piece of the nuclear rearmament project, there should be money aplenty to go around.</p> <p>As details about the Pentagon's plan have emerged, it's become clear that this will be a sizable program, amounting to perhaps $1 trillion in spending over 30 years -- not just to upgrade the Minuteman missiles, but also to buy new <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/10/27/news-flash-northrop-grumman-wins-the-b-3-bomber-co.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">B-21 stealth bombers Opens a New Window.</a> from Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC)and have General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) and Huntington Ingalls (NYSE: HII) design an entirely new class of <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/01/18/nuclear-submarine-cost-could-torpedo-navy-budget.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ballistic missile submarines Opens a New Window.</a> (to be known as the "Columbia class.")</p> <p>The sum total of these upgrades will be to "greatly strengthen" America's nuclear arsenal with technological improvements to the missiles and added stealth capability for the delivery systems -- "expanding" our "nuclear capability" considerably.</p> <p>Given the media's reaction to Trump's nuclear tweet, you could be forgiven for getting the impression that thisis some harebrained scheme the president-elect has just come up with -- one that will likely be dashed by the outpouring of public disapproval on social media. That couldn't be further from the truth.</p> <p>This is not a case of Trump going rogueand taking the Pentagon by surprise with some cockamamy idea about starting an arms race. To the contrary, the trillion-dollar project to upgradeAmerica's nuclear arsenal enjoys the full support of the Pentagon brass -- and of the current administration, and of defense contractors like Aerojet, Orbital, Northrop, General Dynamics, and Huntington Ingalls, which all stand to profit from it.</p> <p>The plan has been set in motion, and however strongly some folks might oppose it, it's not going away.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Aerojet Rocketdyne 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;amp;impression=bce4a484-0790-4940-be03-bc7ed3a6a7f3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Aerojet Rocketdyne 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;amp;impression=bce4a484-0790-4940-be03-bc7ed3a6a7f3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDitty/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a>does not own shares of, nor is he short, any company named above. You can find him on <a href="http://caps.fool.com/" type="external">Motley Fool CAPS Opens a New Window.</a>, publicly pontificating under the handle <a href="http://caps.fool.com/ViewPlayer.aspx?t=01002844399633209838" type="external">TMFDitty Opens a New Window.</a>, where he's currently ranked No. 346 out of more than 75,000 rated members.</p> <p>The Motley Fool recommends Orbital ATK. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

donald trump continue reading last week tweeterinchief announced twitter opens new window intention greatly strengthen expand americas nuclear capability time world comes senses regarding nukes might expect interwebs immediately erupted outrage trump detractors painting tweet equivalent declaration new arms race really donald trump launch preemptive nuclear tweet image source getty images advertisement media outlets usually levelheaded hill opens new windowto liberalleaning washington post opens new window downright colorful mother jones opens new window criticized presidentelect warning tweets sort could provoke global crisis hill even unleash nuclear catastrophe postand instant case warned mother jones trumps nuclear tweet seems reverse decades policy aimed stopping spread nuclear weapons around world decades continued united states worked russia major nuclear power reduce nations nuclear arsenals yet single tweet trump suggested would move opposite direction sounds bad true fortunately simply whatever think nuclear weapons presidentelect choosing communicate defense policy tweet critics trumps nuclear tweet getting couple basic facts wrong first presidentelect trump initiating nuclear arms race russia hes worst trump taking bait offered russian president vladimir putin according us state department opens new window violated 1987 usrussia intermediaterange nuclear forces treaty resuming tests nuclearcapable cruise missiles 2014 russia reportedly also begun modernizing opens new windowits nuclear forces ordered practice runs opens new window conducting preemptive nuclear strikes even drawn plans opens new window new nuclear dirty bomb responding provocations expanding americas nuclear forces may great policy mutuallyassureddestruction point view thing starting arms race russia seems already done get right even america starting arms race wouldnt trumps president barack obamas trumps nuclear tweet appears taken folks guard fact us planning major upgrade refurbishmentof nuclear arsenal quite time opens new window since least early years second obama administration fact far back three years ago writing us air force effort begin upgrading nations aging fleet minuteman iii intercontinental ballistic missiles contract aerojet rocketdyne nyse ajrd among others counting juice rocket revenues opens new window rival rocket scientist orbital atk nyse oa bidding contract opens new window whether aerojet orbital eventually ends winning piece nuclear rearmament project money aplenty go around details pentagons plan emerged become clear sizable program amounting perhaps 1 trillion spending 30 years upgrade minuteman missiles also buy new b21 stealth bombers opens new window northrop grumman nyse nocand general dynamics nyse gd huntington ingalls nyse hii design entirely new class ballistic missile submarines opens new window known columbia class sum total upgrades greatly strengthen americas nuclear arsenal technological improvements missiles added stealth capability delivery systems expanding nuclear capability considerably given medias reaction trumps nuclear tweet could forgiven getting impression thisis harebrained scheme presidentelect come one likely dashed outpouring public disapproval social media couldnt truth case trump going rogueand taking pentagon surprise cockamamy idea starting arms race contrary trilliondollar project upgradeamericas nuclear arsenal enjoys full support pentagon brass current administration defense contractors like aerojet orbital northrop general dynamics huntington ingalls stand profit plan set motion however strongly folks might oppose going away 10 stocks like better aerojet rocketdyne 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 aerojet rocketdyne wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 rich smith opens new windowdoes shares short company named find motley fool caps opens new window publicly pontificating handle tmfditty opens new window hes currently ranked 346 75000 rated members motley fool recommends orbital atk 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

<p><a href="//videos/37/61293" type="external" /></p> <p>RUSH: Jeff Sessions, the great senator from Alabama, I&#8217;m sure sometimes feels like he&#8217;s all alone. He looks at what&#8217;s happening on <a href="" type="internal">the Southern border</a>, and he can&#8217;t believe it. He hears what President Obama says and combines that with what he sees happening. He can&#8217;t believe it. He can&#8217;t believe that there&#8217;s nobody where he works in the US Senate, or in the House of Representatives, trying to do anything to stop this.</p> <p>So he decided that he was going to do so.</p> <p>In advance of letting you hear what Jeff Sessions said on the floor of the Senate, we have a heartwarming story I would like to you hear &#8212; a heartwarming story of the triumph from Organizing Up America. (playing of spoof) Ah, yes, another heartwarming story of Carlos, Organizing Up America. Stuff like that is happening, by the way. Jeff Sessions yesterday afternoon on the floor of the Senate spoke about President Obama and &#8220;immigration reform,&#8221; and we have &#8212; one, two, three &#8212; four sound bites.</p> <p>SESSIONS: The president is preparing to assume for himself the absolute power to set immigration law in America. &#8220;Well, I&#8217;ll just enforce what I wish to enforce.&#8221; The absolute power to determine who may enter and who may work, no matter what the law says, by the millions. Our response now is of great import. It will define the scope of executive and congressional powers for years to come.</p> <p>RUSH: Sessions then said that if Obama is allowed to do this, the moral authority for any border enforcement will forever be eviscerated.</p> <p>SESSIONS: If President Obama is not stopped in this action and he exceeds his powers by attempting to execute such a massive amnesty contrary to law, the moral authority for any immigration enforcement henceforth will be eviscerated. Anyone the world over will get the message: &#8220;Get into America by any method you can, and you will never have to leave.&#8221; We&#8217;re almost there, but it&#8217;s not too late.</p> <p>RUSH: And then he issued a warning&#8230;</p> <p>SESSIONS: Let me state a warning. The American people are being roused to action &#8212; and once activated, their power will be felt. They will not be mocked. They have begged and pleaded for our nation&#8217;s immigration laws to be enforced for 30 or 40 years. The politicians have refused, refused, refused. There&#8217;s one thing the powers in Washington fear; that is being voted out of office. Before a member of Congress acquiesces to any action of this kind, they should consider their responsibility to their constituents.</p> <p>RUSH: And then he did something that few in Washington have the courage to do.</p> <p>SESSIONS: Mr. President, you work for the American people, they don&#8217;t work for you, and they will not accept nullification of their law passed by their elected representatives. I&#8217;m calling on all members of Congress today to stand up to these lawless actions and sponsor legislation that will block them. I&#8217;m calling on every person in this body and in this house and in the House of Representatives to stand and be counted at this perilous hour.</p> <p>RUSH: Folks, I have to tell you: It&#8217;s both appalling and astonishing that it has really come down to this. A United States Senator has to practically beg his fellow congressmen and countrymen to do something to stop these upcoming extra-constitutional executive orders. And he&#8217;s right. They will effectively overturn what is left of our immigration law. Now, the Drive-By Media ignored the speech totally.</p> <p>They don&#8217;t want the American public to get riled up and kill amnesty like they&#8217;ve done so many other times in the past. But they&#8217;re not gonna be able to stop it because Sessions also asked for the phone lines in Washington to be melted. Now, granted, it&#8217;s near congressional recess time, and they&#8217;re all gonna be leaving town. But not quite yet.</p> <p>The phones in Washington did indeed melt yesterday, despite the fact the Drive-Bys did not cover this. There&#8217;s so much going on that it&#8217;s hard for anybody to focus on any one single thing. The chaos, the deterioration, the disasters are numerous. But here you have a United States senator, the only one standing up in opposition to this &#8212; the erasure of the Southern border, for all intents and purposes.</p> <p>When is this gonna stop? With a stroke of his pen he authorizes five or six million with amnesty. Meanwhile, the trains keep coming from Central America, and there&#8217;s no end in sight to that. None! And nobody&#8217;s talking about ending it. Some are obsessed with immigration reform, comprehensive or otherwise. But, I mean, it&#8217;s just astounding. Here&#8217;s the story on this from the <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/obama-mulls-large-scale-move-immigration-24749794" type="external">Associated Press</a>:</p> <p>&#8220;Obama Mulls Large-Scale Move on Immigration.&#8221; He&#8217;s gonna expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to include adults, which we predicted, by the way. That&#8217;s what he&#8217;s gonna do. It&#8217;s been obvious from day one. &#8220;You can&#8217;t have these kids arriving here unaccompanied! Well, you can&#8217;t have them arriving without their parents! At some point, we&#8217;re gonna have to track down their parents and bring them here.</p> <p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the only humane thing to do. We must unite these children with their parents.&#8221; So we&#8217;ll find them and we&#8217;ll fly them up here. It&#8217;s a Democrat voter-registration effort. It&#8217;ll further pressure on the welfare or whatever it is. None of it&#8217;s any good. I don&#8217;t care how cloaked in compassion you claim to be. We could be as compassionate as you want, but compassion does not require us to commit suicide as a nation.</p> <p>How many of you remember that we shut down immigration from 1924 or &#8217;25 to 1965? There was none. Zip, zero, nada! Every time I mention that, people are stunned. They think immigration is something that happens all year, every year, throughout the year. From 1925 to 1960, 35 years we suspended legal immigration. You know why? So that the people who came here post-Civil War up to post-World War I could assimilate and become Americans.</p> <p>They could learn our holidays, learn English, and become part of the American fabric and culture &#8212; which, by the way, they wanted to do. That&#8217;s not even a component anymore. Talk about assimilation and you get laughed out of the room. &#8220;Who are we to make people want to live like us?&#8221; Well, it&#8217;s our country!</p> <p>&#8220;Well, what gives us the right to tell people they have to live like we do?&#8221; That&#8217;s the catcall from the left. &#8220;These people have their own culture. Why can&#8217;t they set it up here? Who are we to tell them how?&#8221; That&#8217;s the justification for this, and running throughout all of it is: America has been to blame and must pay the price for all of our aggressive transgressions over all of these decades.</p>

rush jeff sessions great senator alabama im sure sometimes feels like hes alone looks whats happening southern border cant believe hears president obama says combines sees happening cant believe cant believe theres nobody works us senate house representatives trying anything stop decided going advance letting hear jeff sessions said floor senate heartwarming story would like hear heartwarming story triumph organizing america playing spoof ah yes another heartwarming story carlos organizing america stuff like happening way jeff sessions yesterday afternoon floor senate spoke president obama immigration reform one two three four sound bites sessions president preparing assume absolute power set immigration law america well ill enforce wish enforce absolute power determine may enter may work matter law says millions response great import define scope executive congressional powers years come rush sessions said obama allowed moral authority border enforcement forever eviscerated sessions president obama stopped action exceeds powers attempting execute massive amnesty contrary law moral authority immigration enforcement henceforth eviscerated anyone world get message get america method never leave almost late rush issued warning sessions let state warning american people roused action activated power felt mocked begged pleaded nations immigration laws enforced 30 40 years politicians refused refused refused theres one thing powers washington fear voted office member congress acquiesces action kind consider responsibility constituents rush something washington courage sessions mr president work american people dont work accept nullification law passed elected representatives im calling members congress today stand lawless actions sponsor legislation block im calling every person body house house representatives stand counted perilous hour rush folks tell appalling astonishing really come united states senator practically beg fellow congressmen countrymen something stop upcoming extraconstitutional executive orders hes right effectively overturn left immigration law driveby media ignored speech totally dont want american public get riled kill amnesty like theyve done many times past theyre gon na able stop sessions also asked phone lines washington melted granted near congressional recess time theyre gon na leaving town quite yet phones washington indeed melt yesterday despite fact drivebys cover theres much going hard anybody focus one single thing chaos deterioration disasters numerous united states senator one standing opposition erasure southern border intents purposes gon na stop stroke pen authorizes five six million amnesty meanwhile trains keep coming central america theres end sight none nobodys talking ending obsessed immigration reform comprehensive otherwise mean astounding heres story associated press obama mulls largescale move immigration hes gon na expand deferred action childhood arrivals include adults predicted way thats hes gon na obvious day one cant kids arriving unaccompanied well cant arriving without parents point gon na track parents bring thats humane thing must unite children parents well find well fly democrat voterregistration effort itll pressure welfare whatever none good dont care cloaked compassion claim could compassionate want compassion require us commit suicide nation many remember shut immigration 1924 25 1965 none zip zero nada every time mention people stunned think immigration something happens year every year throughout year 1925 1960 35 years suspended legal immigration know people came postcivil war postworld war could assimilate become americans could learn holidays learn english become part american fabric culture way wanted thats even component anymore talk assimilation get laughed room make people want live like us well country well gives us right tell people live like thats catcall left people culture cant set tell thats justification running throughout america blame must pay price aggressive transgressions decades

<p /> <p>Image source: United States Steel.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>United States Steel (NYSE: X) rose more than 60% in July because of an improving industry outlook. However, there's a host of key suppliers to the industry that are poised to benefit along with the steelmakers, like iron ore supplier Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF) and metallurgical coal miner Teck Resources Limited (NYSE: TCK).</p> <p>The big news out of the steel industry is basically that things are starting to get better. Prices are improving, and foreign imports into the U.S. market are slowing now that protective tariffs have been put in place. That's been huge for U.S. Steel.</p> <p>Although the steel mill lost $0.32 a share in the second quarter, that was a vast improvement over the $1.79 a share loss in the year-ago period and the $2.32 loss it inked in the first quarter. But it was the future that got investors excited enough to push the shares up more than 60% in a single month. On that score, U.S. Steel said it expects net earnings of $0.34 a share for 2016, assuming the current industry conditions hold. Any further improvement would likely mean more upside. The positive industry outlook was basically echoed at AK Steel, Steel Dynamics, Nucor, and ArcelorMittal.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CLF" type="external">CLF</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>That's good news for iron ore miners like Cliffs and Vale SA (NYSE: VALE), which were up 39% and 13%, respectively. Results from both companies back up the stock gains. For example, on June 9,Cliffs announced that it was upping its full-year production and sales guidance, setting the tone for earnings. It's worth noting that steelmaker Nucor upped its second-quarter earnings guidance shortly after, painting an even brighter picture for the steel and steel supplier industries. So it probably wasn't too big a surprise when Cliffs reported second-quarter earnings on July 28that were a notable improvement over the first quarter.</p> <p>For example, Cliffs' sales volume was down 2% year over year in the second quarter. But that was a huge improvement over the 35% year-over-year decline in the first quarter. So it looks like things are getting better, particularly if you pair this news with the positive results out of the steel mills. Moreover, Cliffs inked deals to supply ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel Canada with iron ore, which should help to solidify future results. Cliffs also penned an energy supply deal that should help keep its costs in check. Was it an amazing quarter? No, but the trend seems to be going in the right direction.</p> <p>Vale's earnings results, also released on the 28th, showed a similarly positive trend. The Brazilian miner's top line increased roughly 16% compared to the first quarter, largely because it sold more iron ore, and -- equally important -- it was able to charge more for the iron ore it sold. That said, it's important to note that Vale is still dealing with the fallout from the failure of a mine waste storage site at a mine it co-owns with BHP Billiton. Although it has come to an agreement with Brazil over clean-up costs, there's still more litigation pending that could up the final cost materially. It also has a hefty debt load it's trying to manage. So Vale's business may be looking up in some ways, but there are other risks to keep in mind here.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/TCK" type="external">TCK</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>Another key input for steel mills is metallurgical coal, which a major product for Teck Resources. SunCoke Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SXCP), meanwhile, sells coke, which is made from coal and is a key steelmaking input. Teck was up 20% in July, while SunCoke Energy Partners and its general partner,SunCoke Energy Inc. (NYSE: SXC), were both up around 30%.</p> <p>Met coal only makes up around a third of Teck's business. The rest comes from copper and zinc, but coal has been a major drag for several years as the steel industry has been retrenching. So it's little surprise that Teck's shares would start to rebound along with steel. And while the second-quarter results, released on the 28th, weren't great, the improving outlook for coal was highlighted by Teck's realized prices for the steelmaking input, which increased 10% over the first quarter. The company also increased its coal production guidance for the year, further hinting at a brighter future ahead for this key steel input.</p> <p>SunCoke Energy Partners' results didn't have the same positive tilt to them when it reported earnings on the 28th, but the partnership was able to cover its distributions by 1.33 times. And both SunCoke Energy Partners and general partner SunCoke Energy continued to reduce debt. So overall, there were some good things in the quarter for everything SunCoke, too. Notably, it's surviving a deep industry downturn. And if the steel industry is indeed destined to see better days, SunCoke Energy and SunCoke Energy Partners look like they'll be around to benefit along with the industry they supply.</p> <p>If you are looking at Teck, Cliffs, or any of their peers, you'll want to keep a close eye on what's happening in the steel industry. Right now the future is starting to look a lot brighter than it has for some time. And that has obviously got investors excited. It's unlikely that you'll see a long string of big monthly gains like the one in July, but the underlying trends are starting to look better -- and that could mean that now is a good time to do a deep dive in the met coal and iron ore spaces.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2692&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Nucor. The Motley Fool owns shares of Cliffs Natural Resources and Companhia Vale. The Motley Fool recommends Nucor. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source united states steel continue reading united states steel nyse x rose 60 july improving industry outlook however theres host key suppliers industry poised benefit along steelmakers like iron ore supplier cliffs natural resources inc nyse clf metallurgical coal miner teck resources limited nyse tck big news steel industry basically things starting get better prices improving foreign imports us market slowing protective tariffs put place thats huge us steel although steel mill lost 032 share second quarter vast improvement 179 share loss yearago period 232 loss inked first quarter future got investors excited enough push shares 60 single month score us steel said expects net earnings 034 share 2016 assuming current industry conditions hold improvement would likely mean upside positive industry outlook basically echoed ak steel steel dynamics nucor arcelormittal advertisement clf data ycharts opens new window thats good news iron ore miners like cliffs vale sa nyse vale 39 13 respectively results companies back stock gains example june 9cliffs announced upping fullyear production sales guidance setting tone earnings worth noting steelmaker nucor upped secondquarter earnings guidance shortly painting even brighter picture steel steel supplier industries probably wasnt big surprise cliffs reported secondquarter earnings july 28that notable improvement first quarter example cliffs sales volume 2 year year second quarter huge improvement 35 yearoveryear decline first quarter looks like things getting better particularly pair news positive results steel mills moreover cliffs inked deals supply arcelormittal us steel canada iron ore help solidify future results cliffs also penned energy supply deal help keep costs check amazing quarter trend seems going right direction vales earnings results also released 28th showed similarly positive trend brazilian miners top line increased roughly 16 compared first quarter largely sold iron ore equally important able charge iron ore sold said important note vale still dealing fallout failure mine waste storage site mine coowns bhp billiton although come agreement brazil cleanup costs theres still litigation pending could final cost materially also hefty debt load trying manage vales business may looking ways risks keep mind tck data ycharts another key input steel mills metallurgical coal major product teck resources suncoke energy partners lp nyse sxcp meanwhile sells coke made coal key steelmaking input teck 20 july suncoke energy partners general partnersuncoke energy inc nyse sxc around 30 met coal makes around third tecks business rest comes copper zinc coal major drag several years steel industry retrenching little surprise tecks shares would start rebound along steel secondquarter results released 28th werent great improving outlook coal highlighted tecks realized prices steelmaking input increased 10 first quarter company also increased coal production guidance year hinting brighter future ahead key steel input suncoke energy partners results didnt positive tilt reported earnings 28th partnership able cover distributions 133 times suncoke energy partners general partner suncoke energy continued reduce debt overall good things quarter everything suncoke notably surviving deep industry downturn steel industry indeed destined see better days suncoke energy suncoke energy partners look like theyll around benefit along industry supply looking teck cliffs peers youll want keep close eye whats happening steel industry right future starting look lot brighter time obviously got investors excited unlikely youll see long string big monthly gains like one july underlying trends starting look better could mean good time deep dive met coal iron ore spaces secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window reuben brewer opens new window owns shares nucor motley fool owns shares cliffs natural resources companhia vale motley fool recommends nucor 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

<p /> <p>Florida is undeniably behind the curve when it comes to passing pro-pot legislation, but the Sunshine State did make up some ground in November, when voters legalized medical marijuana in the state. How big could the medical marijuana market be in Florida for marijuana stocks? Read on to find out.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>While Florida's been dragging its feet in passing medical marijuana laws, Americans' attitudes toward marijuana have been steadily improving.</p> <p>According to Gallup polls, more Americans support marijuana legalization than ever before, and Americans' view of medical marijuana is even more favorable. Because of improving attitudes, 25 states had passed medical marijuana laws before 2016, and three more states, including Florida, passed medical marijuana laws in November.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Pro-pot advocates victory in Florida significantly expands the use of medical marijuana beyond earlier efforts in 2014 that legalized low THCproducts for compassionate use.</p> <p>While Florida will allow greater use of medical marijuana following November's vote, the list of approved indications falls shy of what's been approved in many other states. For instance, Florida doesn't allow the use of medical marijuana for chronic pain, but Arizona does.</p> <p>As a result, medical marijuana sales in Florida <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/14/heres-how-big-the-opportunity-could-be-for-marijua.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">may trail other states Opens a New Window.</a> with smaller populations and more inclusive laws.</p> <p>Nevertheless, medical marijuana market in Florida could still be big. Following November's vote,the Florida Department of Health is drafting guidelines that will establish a medical marijuana market by mid-2017. After those guidelines are complete, licenses will be issued, and sales will begin, likely in 2018.</p> <p>Although sales will initially be small, they could grow significantly over the next few years, according to Matt Karnes, founder of GreenWave Advisors, LLC.</p> <p>Karnes expects that Florida's medical marijuana market will be worth $85 million in 2018, and that it could grow to $705 million in 2021.</p> <p>Data source: GreenWave Advisors, LLC. Author's chart.</p> <p>The potential to profit from Florida's medical marijuana market could be big, but investors have few investment options that they can buy right now.</p> <p>Most marijuana stocks that can benefit from ramping demand in Florida are small companies that are trading on over the counter markets, which are risky, unregulated exchanges that are prone to fraud. For that reason, the majority of marijuana stocks are best left untouched.</p> <p>Instead, investors interested in buying marijuana stocks might want to consider backdoor marijuana stocks that won't benefit directly from sales in Florida, but will benefit from improving attitudes toward cannabis.</p> <p>Among the most intriguing of these companies are Canadian medical marijuana stocks Canopy Growth (TSX: CGC)(NASDAQOTH: TWMJF) and Aphria, Inc. Canada's approved the use of medical marijuana nationally, and market demand in Canada is leading to millions of dollars in medical marijuana sales for these companies.</p> <p>For instance,Canopy Growth's brands include Tweed and a partnership with cultural icon Snoop Dog on his Leafs by Snoop.</p> <p>So far, Canopy's sales are small, but they're growing quickly. In Q3, unaudited revenue was $8.4 million Canadian, up from $2.5 million Canadian the year before, and profit was $0.05 Canadian. The company's robust expansion plans, however, could mean that its profit swings wildly, or that profits turn to losses. Given its market cap is already north of $900 million, investors may already be pricing in a lot of its potential growth.</p> <p>Instead, investors might want to consider bio-pharmaceutical companies that are working on marijuana medicine, such asGW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: GWPH), a U.K. drugmaker.</p> <p>GW Pharmaceuticals is developing Epidiolex,a purified CBD that in scientifically controlled clinical trials has reduced seizures by about 40% in rare forms of childhood epilepsy.</p> <p>Industry watchers believe that if Epidiolex wins FDA approval, it could have nine-figure sales potential. GW Pharmaceuticals hopes to file for approval soon, and if so, then a FDA decision could come later this year, or early next year.</p> <p>According to management, roughly one-third of the470,000 children who suffer from epilepsy receive inadequate relief from existing medications, and therefore, there's a big opportunity to fill this big unmet need. That being said, GW Pharmaceuticals' shares aren't cheap, and the company's got very little revenue coming in, so it's losing money every quarter.</p> <p>With a market cap of $3 billion, investors are already pretty optimistic about GW Pharmaceuticals, but there's no guarantee Epidiolex nets a FDA approval, or that if approved, it becomes a top seller. Because of that, investors should approach this company cautiously, despite Epidiolex's potential.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than GW Pharmaceuticals 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;amp;impression=6a0d245b-b270-41c4-8d5c-8c03b6d7a517&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and GW Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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;amp;impression=6a0d245b-b270-41c4-8d5c-8c03b6d7a517&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned.His clients may have positions in the companies 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

florida undeniably behind curve comes passing propot legislation sunshine state make ground november voters legalized medical marijuana state big could medical marijuana market florida marijuana stocks read find continue reading image source getty images floridas dragging feet passing medical marijuana laws americans attitudes toward marijuana steadily improving according gallup polls americans support marijuana legalization ever americans view medical marijuana even favorable improving attitudes 25 states passed medical marijuana laws 2016 three states including florida passed medical marijuana laws november advertisement propot advocates victory florida significantly expands use medical marijuana beyond earlier efforts 2014 legalized low thcproducts compassionate use florida allow greater use medical marijuana following novembers vote list approved indications falls shy whats approved many states instance florida doesnt allow use medical marijuana chronic pain arizona result medical marijuana sales florida may trail states opens new window smaller populations inclusive laws nevertheless medical marijuana market florida could still big following novembers votethe florida department health drafting guidelines establish medical marijuana market mid2017 guidelines complete licenses issued sales begin likely 2018 although sales initially small could grow significantly next years according matt karnes founder greenwave advisors llc karnes expects floridas medical marijuana market worth 85 million 2018 could grow 705 million 2021 data source greenwave advisors llc authors chart potential profit floridas medical marijuana market could big investors investment options buy right marijuana stocks benefit ramping demand florida small companies trading counter markets risky unregulated exchanges prone fraud reason majority marijuana stocks best left untouched instead investors interested buying marijuana stocks might want consider backdoor marijuana stocks wont benefit directly sales florida benefit improving attitudes toward cannabis among intriguing companies canadian medical marijuana stocks canopy growth tsx cgcnasdaqoth twmjf aphria inc canadas approved use medical marijuana nationally market demand canada leading millions dollars medical marijuana sales companies instancecanopy growths brands include tweed partnership cultural icon snoop dog leafs snoop far canopys sales small theyre growing quickly q3 unaudited revenue 84 million canadian 25 million canadian year profit 005 canadian companys robust expansion plans however could mean profit swings wildly profits turn losses given market cap already north 900 million investors may already pricing lot potential growth instead investors might want consider biopharmaceutical companies working marijuana medicine asgw pharmaceuticals nasdaq gwph uk drugmaker gw pharmaceuticals developing epidiolexa purified cbd scientifically controlled clinical trials reduced seizures 40 rare forms childhood epilepsy industry watchers believe epidiolex wins fda approval could ninefigure sales potential gw pharmaceuticals hopes file approval soon fda decision could come later year early next year according management roughly onethird the470000 children suffer epilepsy receive inadequate relief existing medications therefore theres big opportunity fill big unmet need said gw pharmaceuticals shares arent cheap companys got little revenue coming losing money every quarter market cap 3 billion investors already pretty optimistic gw pharmaceuticals theres guarantee epidiolex nets fda approval approved becomes top seller investors approach company cautiously despite epidiolexs potential 10 stocks like better gw pharmaceuticals 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 gw pharmaceuticals wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 todd campbell opens new window position stocks mentionedhis clients may positions companies mentionedthe motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>The State of Connecticut&#8217;s Public Safety and Security Committee (PSSC) is a joint standing committee of the Connecticut General Assembly and contains members of the Senate and the House. In the Connecticut Legislature, there are no separate chamber committees.</p> <p>PSSC is charged with matters relating to homeland security, the Department of Public Safety, including <a href="" type="internal">state police</a>, state organized task force on crime, municipal police training, fire marshals, the fire safety code and the state building code, civil preparedness and legalized gambling, and military and veterans&#8217; affairs, except veterans&#8217; pensions.</p> <p>The Public Safety and Security Committee of 2015 has 15 Democratic members and 10 Republican members. The Chair of the committee is <a href="http://www.senatedems.ct.gov/Larson.php" type="external">Sen. Timothy Larson</a>, Democrat, who is also the General Assembly&#8217;s Majority Whip. For the names of the other 24 committee members, <a href="http://ballotpedia.org/Public_Safety_and_Security_Committee,_Connecticut_General_Assembly" type="external">go here</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://fellowshipofminds.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/connecticut-public-safety-security-committee.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>On March 3, 2015, at a&amp;#160;public hearing of the Public Safety and Security Committee&amp;#160;on SB 1011: An Act Concerning the Training of Security Personnel, a private citizen named Maureen Crowley boldly spoke out on the <a href="" type="internal">Sandy Hook fraud</a>.</p> <p>Maureen Crowley</p> <p>Below is the transcript I took of Crowley&#8217;s testimony:</p> <p>Thank you, all, for allowing me to be here today.</p> <p>My name is Maureen Crowley. I was born in New Britain, the city in which my great grandfather James Christopher Crowley founded the Crowley Brothers Paint Company in 1885. We then moved to Plainville when I was toddler, moved back to Briton when I was in the 6th grade. I attended St. Francis of Assisi Junior High where Sister Miriam Patrise taught me &#8220;When you&#8217;re not sure of the right thing to do, the right thing is usually the hard thing to do.&#8221;</p> <p>It&#8217;s hard for me to speak here today, to speak &#8212; an aging baby boomer &#8212; would have been easier to sit home. But the truth never comes easily. It comes with dues for those who choose to speak it. The truth is often not palatable or pristine, but it is simple. Simple, but far from easy.</p> <p>Security matters indeed, of course it does. Safety. Based on the events in Newtown, Connecticut, December 14, 2012 &#8212; not December 13, 2012, the day which was confirmed by [search engine] Bing itself, that the interview with principal Dawn Hochsprung was cached. Not&amp;#160;December 13, the day that the September 2013 FBI Report says that the &#8220;shooting&#8221; occurred. This was before the other report, Uniform Crime Reporting of the FBI, infamously declared no murders in Newtown in 2012. Not December 13, the day that the Social Security Death Index proclaimed was the day that Mr. Fictional himself, &#8220;Adam Lanza,&#8221; left this world. There&#8217;s even a report from the Committee on the Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster that not only has the date of this event wrong, they have the day of the week wrong. It was NOT on, December 12 was not a Tuesday. December 11 was a Tuesday. In fact, December 11 was the day when United Way started soliciting funds.</p> <p>The list of pre-knowledge &#8212; confirmed, issued, and divulged &#8212; is long. How could this be if it were a real shooting, done by a 112-pound young man, standing a full 6 feet tall, wearing a size 8&#189; shoe, after he neatly made his bed and washed the New Hampshire trip dirt off his mom&#8217;s car, and shot 26 people?</p> <p>No. [Crowley shakes her head]</p> <p>I was, as some of you here are now, I believed every word out of [CNN anchor] Anderson Cooper&#8217;s mouth that day. But once the persecution of Wolfgang Halbig began, I wanted to ask why the Newtown Police would send law enforcement into his home in Florida if they did not have something to hide.</p> <p>This is serious! This is a non-event that has turned the culture of the state of Connecticut and the culture of the United States of America upside down. Mental health vulturism. Drills in which 3rd-graders are forced to look down the barrel of a gun. And even state monitoring of Connecticut homeschooling, and even a president that wants to war on bullets.</p> <p>I reject the official narrative of Sandy Hook. I reject the lies. I&#8217;m suspicious of the upwards of $500 million raised through a plethora of donation websites with zero ISUC scrutiny, zero money-laundering scrutiny, zero United Way &#8230;</p> <p>At this point, Timothy Larson, the chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee, interrupts Crowley and orders her to &#8220;wrap it up.&#8221;</p> <p>Newtown Safety &amp;amp; Security Committee chair Timothy Larson</p> <p>Maureen Crowley continues:</p> <p>We the people are not as stupid as the people in this room think we are.</p> <p>I invite you to at least watch the video, &#8220;We Need to Talk About Sandy Hook.&#8221; Again, the name of the video is &#8220;We Need to Talk About Sandy Hook.&#8221; You&#8217;ll find it well thought-out, fact based, zero speculation, and interesting.</p> <p>I hope you&#8217;ll remember my words today, unlike the ten members of the Connecticut State Police who could not remember how they entered the non-commissioned, non-operating Sandy Hook Elementary School that day! You think broken glass would be memorable, at a school that boasted 34 classrooms&amp;#160;when it was K through 5, but no mass evacuation captured on a single police dash cam.</p> <p>Connecticut &#8212; the state which I volunteer to teach piano in the prison systems. The state that I graduated from with a Bachelor&#8217;s degree from Central Connecticut State University. Connecticut &#8212; the state that was nothing but good to me. And I seek to return the favor by speaking the truth. If they don&#8217;t like hearing the nickname &#8220;Corrupticut,&#8221; then neither should any of you.</p> <p>Sredzinski: &#8220;Thank you for your testimony. Any further questions? Thank you very much.&#8221;</p> <p>Watch Maureen Crowley&#8217;s testimony for yourself before YouTube scrubs this video:</p> <p /> <p>Thank you, Maureen Crowley.</p> <p>Thank you for <a href="" type="internal">speaking out</a>.</p> <p>And may God bless and keep you safe from all harm, brave lady.&amp;#160;</p> <p>Here&#8217;s contact Info for Public Safety and Security Committee Chair Sen. Timothy Larson:</p> <p>Legislative Office Building Room 3600 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 1-800-842-1420 To send an email: <a href="http://www.senatedems.ct.gov/Larson-mailform.php" type="external">http://www.senatedems.ct.gov/Larson-mailform.php</a></p> <p>H/t Barry Soetoro, Esq. and FOTM reader Matt Lombardo</p> <p>For all the posts FOTM has published on the <a href="" type="internal">Sandy Hook hoax</a>, including every facet alluded to by Maureen Crowley &#8212; Adam Lanza&#8217;s curious 12/13/2012 date-of-death, pre-dated donation websites, <a href="" type="internal">Wolfgang Halbig</a>, the long- <a href="" type="internal">abandoned Sandy Hook school</a>, no dash cam video of <a href="" type="internal">students being evacuated</a> &#8212;&amp;#160; <a href="http://fellowshipoftheminds.com/sandy-hook-massacre/" type="external">go here</a>.</p> <p>~&#201;owyn</p> <p>Dr. Eowyn&#8217;s post first appeared at <a href="http://fellowshipoftheminds.com/2015/03/06/citizen-speaks-out-on-sandy-hook-hoax-at-connecticut-state-committee-hearing/" type="external">Fellowship of the Minds</a>.</p> <p /> <p />

state connecticuts public safety security committee pssc joint standing committee connecticut general assembly contains members senate house connecticut legislature separate chamber committees pssc charged matters relating homeland security department public safety including state police state organized task force crime municipal police training fire marshals fire safety code state building code civil preparedness legalized gambling military veterans affairs except veterans pensions public safety security committee 2015 15 democratic members 10 republican members chair committee sen timothy larson democrat also general assemblys majority whip names 24 committee members go march 3 2015 a160public hearing public safety security committee160on sb 1011 act concerning training security personnel private citizen named maureen crowley boldly spoke sandy hook fraud maureen crowley transcript took crowleys testimony thank allowing today name maureen crowley born new britain city great grandfather james christopher crowley founded crowley brothers paint company 1885 moved plainville toddler moved back briton 6th grade attended st francis assisi junior high sister miriam patrise taught youre sure right thing right thing usually hard thing hard speak today speak aging baby boomer would easier sit home truth never comes easily comes dues choose speak truth often palatable pristine simple simple far easy security matters indeed course safety based events newtown connecticut december 14 2012 december 13 2012 day confirmed search engine bing interview principal dawn hochsprung cached not160december 13 day september 2013 fbi report says shooting occurred report uniform crime reporting fbi infamously declared murders newtown 2012 december 13 day social security death index proclaimed day mr fictional adam lanza left world theres even report committee psychiatric dimensions disaster date event wrong day week wrong december 12 tuesday december 11 tuesday fact december 11 day united way started soliciting funds list preknowledge confirmed issued divulged long could real shooting done 112pound young man standing full 6 feet tall wearing size 8½ shoe neatly made bed washed new hampshire trip dirt moms car shot 26 people crowley shakes head believed every word cnn anchor anderson coopers mouth day persecution wolfgang halbig began wanted ask newtown police would send law enforcement home florida something hide serious nonevent turned culture state connecticut culture united states america upside mental health vulturism drills 3rdgraders forced look barrel gun even state monitoring connecticut homeschooling even president wants war bullets reject official narrative sandy hook reject lies im suspicious upwards 500 million raised plethora donation websites zero isuc scrutiny zero moneylaundering scrutiny zero united way point timothy larson chairman public safety security committee interrupts crowley orders wrap newtown safety amp security committee chair timothy larson maureen crowley continues people stupid people room think invite least watch video need talk sandy hook name video need talk sandy hook youll find well thoughtout fact based zero speculation interesting hope youll remember words today unlike ten members connecticut state police could remember entered noncommissioned nonoperating sandy hook elementary school day think broken glass would memorable school boasted 34 classrooms160when k 5 mass evacuation captured single police dash cam connecticut state volunteer teach piano prison systems state graduated bachelors degree central connecticut state university connecticut state nothing good seek return favor speaking truth dont like hearing nickname corrupticut neither sredzinski thank testimony questions thank much watch maureen crowleys testimony youtube scrubs video thank maureen crowley thank speaking may god bless keep safe harm brave lady160 heres contact info public safety security committee chair sen timothy larson legislative office building room 3600 hartford ct 061061591 18008421420 send email httpwwwsenatedemsctgovlarsonmailformphp ht barry soetoro esq fotm reader matt lombardo posts fotm published sandy hook hoax including every facet alluded maureen crowley adam lanzas curious 12132012 dateofdeath predated donation websites wolfgang halbig long abandoned sandy hook school dash cam video students evacuated 160 go Éowyn dr eowyns post first appeared fellowship minds

<p>On Sunday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus spoke to NBC&#8217;s Chuck Todd and pushed back against allegations that the delegate system was somehow corrupt. The &#8220;Meet the Press&#8221; host opened the segment by calling Priebus&#8217; attention to Donald Trump&#8217;s&#8217; recent claims that the entire delegate allocation system was &#8220;stacked against&#8221; him and &#8220;rigged.&#8221; &#8220;How do you tell Republican voters you are running a fair process when the front-runner is calling what you are doing &#8216;rigged,&#8217;&#8221; Todd asked Priebus.</p> <p>Visibly agitated, the RNC chair stated that Trump&#8217;s &#8220;hyperbole&#8221; is nothing more than &#8220;rhetoric.&#8221; &#8220;These are the same rules that have been in place basically for over a century,&#8221; asserted Priebus. Indeed, the delegate system is the same system that chose Abraham Lincoln as the Republican nominee in 1860.</p> <p /> <p>Undermining the false narrative that Trump was somehow blind-sided, Priebus continued, &#8220;All of these states submitted their delegate allocation plans by October 1st of 2015.&#8221;</p> <p>Unfortunately, Trump&#8217;s pitchfork populism doesn&#8217;t leave room for nuance. At a campaign rally on Saturday, the real estate mogul doubled down on his conspiracy theories, accusing his own party of foul play. "It's a whole phony deal, just like what's happening with the Republican Party in terms of this delegate deal," Trump <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trump-threatens-rough-july-if-rnc-doesn-t-straighten-out-n557096" type="external">told</a> his supporters. At one point, the billionaire businessman even threatened the party if it didn&#8217;t &#8220;straighten out,&#8221; declaring:</p> <p>I'll tell you what, you're gonna have a rough July at that convention.</p> <p>You better get going, and you better straighten out the system because the people want their vote, the people want to vote and they want to be represented properly.</p> <p>&#8220;The threat comes a month after Trump told CNN that he thought there could be 'riots' at the GOP convention in Cleveland should the establishment push for a brokered convention,&#8221; <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trump-threatens-rough-july-if-rnc-doesn-t-straighten-out-n557096" type="external">adds</a> NBC. In early April, longtime Trump ally Roger Stone issued a more disturbing threat. "We&#8217;re going to have protests, demonstrations. We will disclose the hotels and the room numbers of those delegates who are directly involved in the steal," Stone told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzZgoTOb2Gg" type="external">Freedomain Radio</a>'s Stefan Molyneux.</p> <p>In response, Priebus issued a call for calm on Sunday&#8217;s Meet the Press. &#8220;There&#8217;s no room for threatening the delegates or convention or anybody that would be going to the national convention,&#8221; he stated. However, the RNC chair made sure not to sound alarmist, adding that &#8220;some of&#8221; Trump&#8217;s bellicose pronouncements are nothing more than &#8220;rhetoric and hyperbole.&#8221;</p> <p>Dissolving the illusion that the delegate system was "undemocratic," Priebus proceeded to explain how state conventions actually work:</p> <p>These conventions that people talk about...</p> <p>Number one, it&#8217;s not common, but a few states out West use a convention system where delegates start competing at the county level a month ago, and they go through the county, the precinct, the congressional district, and the state convention. The candidates participate the whole way through. No one was complaining except for when it was all over.</p> <p>Priebus continued: &#8220;The truth is, the delegates themselves are the ones that write the rules to the convention. The RNC doesn&#8217;t write any rules.&#8221; The RNC only has an &#8220;administrative role&#8221; at the convention, he added.</p> <p>Todd, however, pressed Priebus again. &#8220;Who&#8217;s picking the nominee: the voters of the delegates?&#8221; he asked. The RNC chair&#8217;s explanation contained a little bit of nuance, again something that the cult of Trump is conditioned to shun. Here was Priebus&#8217; answer:</p> <p>It&#8217;s a combination.</p> <p>Voters empower the delegates, but ultimately the delegates who in most cases are bound by the outcomes of caucuses and primaries and conventions make the decisions at the conventions.</p> <p>As Priebus mentioned, the system is similar to the electoral college used to elect the president of the United States. In case that wasn&#8217;t clear, here is a detailed <a href="http://www.cfr.org/elections/us-presidential-nominating-process/p37522" type="external">explanation</a> of the controversial "unpledged delegates" (delegates not directly elected by popular vote) provided by the Council on Foreign Relations:</p> <p>Each party also reserves a certain number of delegate slots for its high-ranking officials, who generally are not bound (or are &#8220;unpledged&#8221;) to a specific candidate heading into the national convention (unlike pledged delegates). On the Republican side, these include the three members of each state&#8217;s national committee, representing less than 7 percent of party&#8217;s total delegates in 2016. (The Republican Party has <a href="https://www.gop.com/rnc-issues-the-call-of-the-2016-republican-national-convention/" type="external">instructed</a> state delegations to bind RNC members based on voting results.)</p> <p>If the real estate magnate cannot wrap his &#8220;genius&#8221; mind around the nuance of delegate allocation, then he&#8217;s in for an uphill battle when the general election rolls around. Or perhaps it's just selective blindness. When Trump won all of Florida's delegates after receiving just over 40% of the total vote, he was more than happy to embrace the state's delegate allocation process. Here, Trump benefited from the so-called "rules," rules that sanctioned all-or-nothing delegate allocation rather than proportional representation. He was more than happy to keep his mouth shut then. Now that it's working against him he has launched a full-blown temper tantrum. Or, as some call it, "Trumptantrum."</p> <p>To Trump&#8217;s chagrin, he must acquire a majority, not a plurality, of delegates to win the Republican nomination. Those are the rules, plain and simple. If he doesn&#8217;t like it, he&#8217;s more than welcome to opt out of the party system and run as an independent. The fact that Trump had complete access to these rules and refused to pay attention to them until after the results of the Wyoming and Colorado conventions were released doesn&#8217;t bode well for a man looking to negotiate the bestest deals in the world.</p> <p>By opposing the entire delegate system carte blanche, Trump is acting like an unprepared and incompetent student whining to the professor after failing an exam. Perhaps you should have studied and read something other than &#8220;The Art of the Deal&#8221; before running for the highest office in the land, Donald.</p>

sunday republican national committee chairman reince priebus spoke nbcs chuck todd pushed back allegations delegate system somehow corrupt meet press host opened segment calling priebus attention donald trumps recent claims entire delegate allocation system stacked rigged tell republican voters running fair process frontrunner calling rigged todd asked priebus visibly agitated rnc chair stated trumps hyperbole nothing rhetoric rules place basically century asserted priebus indeed delegate system system chose abraham lincoln republican nominee 1860 undermining false narrative trump somehow blindsided priebus continued states submitted delegate allocation plans october 1st 2015 unfortunately trumps pitchfork populism doesnt leave room nuance campaign rally saturday real estate mogul doubled conspiracy theories accusing party foul play whole phony deal like whats happening republican party terms delegate deal trump told supporters one point billionaire businessman even threatened party didnt straighten declaring ill tell youre gon na rough july convention better get going better straighten system people want vote people want vote want represented properly threat comes month trump told cnn thought could riots gop convention cleveland establishment push brokered convention adds nbc early april longtime trump ally roger stone issued disturbing threat going protests demonstrations disclose hotels room numbers delegates directly involved steal stone told freedomain radios stefan molyneux response priebus issued call calm sundays meet press theres room threatening delegates convention anybody would going national convention stated however rnc chair made sure sound alarmist adding trumps bellicose pronouncements nothing rhetoric hyperbole dissolving illusion delegate system undemocratic priebus proceeded explain state conventions actually work conventions people talk number one common states west use convention system delegates start competing county level month ago go county precinct congressional district state convention candidates participate whole way one complaining except priebus continued truth delegates ones write rules convention rnc doesnt write rules rnc administrative role convention added todd however pressed priebus whos picking nominee voters delegates asked rnc chairs explanation contained little bit nuance something cult trump conditioned shun priebus answer combination voters empower delegates ultimately delegates cases bound outcomes caucuses primaries conventions make decisions conventions priebus mentioned system similar electoral college used elect president united states case wasnt clear detailed explanation controversial unpledged delegates delegates directly elected popular vote provided council foreign relations party also reserves certain number delegate slots highranking officials generally bound unpledged specific candidate heading national convention unlike pledged delegates republican side include three members states national committee representing less 7 percent partys total delegates 2016 republican party instructed state delegations bind rnc members based voting results real estate magnate wrap genius mind around nuance delegate allocation hes uphill battle general election rolls around perhaps selective blindness trump floridas delegates receiving 40 total vote happy embrace states delegate allocation process trump benefited socalled rules rules sanctioned allornothing delegate allocation rather proportional representation happy keep mouth shut working launched fullblown temper tantrum call trumptantrum trumps chagrin must acquire majority plurality delegates win republican nomination rules plain simple doesnt like hes welcome opt party system run independent fact trump complete access rules refused pay attention results wyoming colorado conventions released doesnt bode well man looking negotiate bestest deals world opposing entire delegate system carte blanche trump acting like unprepared incompetent student whining professor failing exam perhaps studied read something art deal running highest office land donald

<p /> <p>Income investors don't have it easy these days. Bond yields remain low, and many dividend stocks trade at high multiples. One opportunity income-oriented investors may wish to look at is Blackstone (NYSE: BX). In the March 12issue of Barron's, writer Jack Hough wrote that he expects Blackstone units to yield 8% this year with a fair value of $40 per share. This would be an almost 33% increase from today's price of $30.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Why would Blackstone, the leading private equity firm, be undervalued? Barron's suspects public shareholders are turned off by Blackstone's complex operating structure, tax consequences, and hard-to-understand financials. Let's go through these concerns point-by-point. At the end, you'll have a better picture of this high-yielding stock.</p> <p>Blackstone is the largest and arguably most successful alternative asset manager in the world. It manages $366 billion in assets under management (AUM) across private equity, real estate funds, hedge funds, and credit funds.</p> <p>Image source: Blackstone.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Blackstone raises money from limited partners (pension funds, endowments, wealthy family offices), then invests on their behalf in each asset class. Blackstone manages the investments as the general partner over a multi-year period. When you invest in Blackstone's stock, you are investing in this general partner, which takes a management fee (usually 1-2% of assets), plus a cut of the profits (usually 15-20%). Blackstone's general partner can also invest alongside its limited partners, but this is usually under 5% of each fund.</p> <p>Blackstone is run by Steve Schwartzman. Schwartzman had a very tough year in 2016 as his salary was almost cut in half...to only $425 million! Obviously feeling melancholy about his pay cut, he tried to cheer himself up with a birthday party featuring <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/02/stephen-schwarzmans-birthday-blowout-included-fireworks-acrobats-and-live-camels" type="external">acrobats, Mongolian soldiers, and camels Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Kidding aside, what was the reason for Schwartzman's diminished pay? As founder, Schwartzman owns a large part of the company, and is paid the same way Blackstone unitholders are: in dividends. Dividends of publicly traded alternative managers can vary from quarter to quarter depending on when the company sells its holdings (though rival firm KKR (NYSE: KKR) recently switched to a lower, fixed dividend). This vacillating dividend can turn investors off.</p> <p>.</p> <p>Blackstone distributions per unit. Data source: Blackstone SEC filing. Table by author.</p> <p>2016 had the lowest number of IPOs since the financial crisis, and IPOs are a common "exit strategy" for private equity. Lower exits mean lower distributions, and private equity firms don't have to sell holdings until they get the right price. While this is good for Foolish long-term investors, those hoping for steady income are likely to be turned off.</p> <p>Blackstone equity owners are not stockholders, but unit-holders in a partnership. While income is shielded from most taxes at the company level, distributions require filing a K-1, and may be taxed as ordinary income. Often, the distribution is a combination of interest income, capital gains, and return of capital. Thus, for people in a high tax bracket, or those wishing to avoid tax-preparation headaches and costs, Blackstone may appear to be more trouble than it's worth.</p> <p>With all these moving parts, how does one value Blackstone? While the company must report GAAP income, many analysts use a measure of earnings called economic income, which adjusts for equity compensation to employees (who are paid in Blackstone units for performance)and transaction costs related to acquisitions/disposals. That gives a and idea of how the company is doing purely from an investing perspective. Still, others wish to use distributable earnings, which is essentially valuing the company its current dividend. Finally, others monitor Blackstone's fee-related earnings, which are earnings it makes solely from management fees, which, if the company maintains its assets under management, gives a good baseline for a minimum dividend. The company provides a guide to each measure:</p> <p>Image source: Blackstone SEC filing.</p> <p>One can see what each measure translates to in terms of a price to earnings multiple in the table below, based on Blackstone's market cap of $36 billion:</p> <p>Data source: Blackstone. Table by author.</p> <p>Blackstone's fee-earnings yield is almost 2.8%. That's pretty strong, considering the 10-year treasury is under 2.5%. Moreover, Blackstone has been a fund-raising machine, increasing its fee-earning assets under management by 12.5% in 2016. If the trend continues, that baseline dividend should keep growing.</p> <p>Given the performance of the markets since the presidential election, it's also likely that Blackstone will realize more IPO exits than it did in 2016.According to Yahoo! Finance, the average analyst estimate for 2017 earnings is $2.87 per unit. If Blackstone achieves that amount in distributable earnings (some years distributable earnings are greater, some years they are less), and pays 85% out as dividends, which is the company's policy, that would increase the yield to roughly $2.43, per unit, or 8%, as Barron's describes.</p> <p>That hefty payout, along with Blackstone's leading brand and fundraising prowess, may make it worth the tax headache for yield-hungry investors.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than The Blackstone GroupWhen 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;amp;impression=96c64fee-4fe4-48c5-bf1c-cb0863fac510&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and The Blackstone 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;amp;impression=96c64fee-4fe4-48c5-bf1c-cb0863fac510&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Dubs82/info.aspx" type="external">Billy Duberstein Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of The Blackstone Group. 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

income investors dont easy days bond yields remain low many dividend stocks trade high multiples one opportunity incomeoriented investors may wish look blackstone nyse bx march 12issue barrons writer jack hough wrote expects blackstone units yield 8 year fair value 40 per share would almost 33 increase todays price 30 continue reading would blackstone leading private equity firm undervalued barrons suspects public shareholders turned blackstones complex operating structure tax consequences hardtounderstand financials lets go concerns pointbypoint end youll better picture highyielding stock blackstone largest arguably successful alternative asset manager world manages 366 billion assets management aum across private equity real estate funds hedge funds credit funds image source blackstone advertisement blackstone raises money limited partners pension funds endowments wealthy family offices invests behalf asset class blackstone manages investments general partner multiyear period invest blackstones stock investing general partner takes management fee usually 12 assets plus cut profits usually 1520 blackstones general partner also invest alongside limited partners usually 5 fund blackstone run steve schwartzman schwartzman tough year 2016 salary almost cut halfto 425 million obviously feeling melancholy pay cut tried cheer birthday party featuring acrobats mongolian soldiers camels opens new window kidding aside reason schwartzmans diminished pay founder schwartzman owns large part company paid way blackstone unitholders dividends dividends publicly traded alternative managers vary quarter quarter depending company sells holdings though rival firm kkr nyse kkr recently switched lower fixed dividend vacillating dividend turn investors blackstone distributions per unit data source blackstone sec filing table author 2016 lowest number ipos since financial crisis ipos common exit strategy private equity lower exits mean lower distributions private equity firms dont sell holdings get right price good foolish longterm investors hoping steady income likely turned blackstone equity owners stockholders unitholders partnership income shielded taxes company level distributions require filing k1 may taxed ordinary income often distribution combination interest income capital gains return capital thus people high tax bracket wishing avoid taxpreparation headaches costs blackstone may appear trouble worth moving parts one value blackstone company must report gaap income many analysts use measure earnings called economic income adjusts equity compensation employees paid blackstone units performanceand transaction costs related acquisitionsdisposals gives idea company purely investing perspective still others wish use distributable earnings essentially valuing company current dividend finally others monitor blackstones feerelated earnings earnings makes solely management fees company maintains assets management gives good baseline minimum dividend company provides guide measure image source blackstone sec filing one see measure translates terms price earnings multiple table based blackstones market cap 36 billion data source blackstone table author blackstones feeearnings yield almost 28 thats pretty strong considering 10year treasury 25 moreover blackstone fundraising machine increasing feeearning assets management 125 2016 trend continues baseline dividend keep growing given performance markets since presidential election also likely blackstone realize ipo exits 2016according yahoo finance average analyst estimate 2017 earnings 287 per unit blackstone achieves amount distributable earnings years distributable earnings greater years less pays 85 dividends companys policy would increase yield roughly 243 per unit 8 barrons describes hefty payout along blackstones leading brand fundraising prowess may make worth tax headache yieldhungry investors 10 stocks like better blackstone groupwhen 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 blackstone group wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 billy duberstein opens new window owns shares blackstone group motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>More than 2 million Hello Kitty whistles distributed with McDonald's meals have been recalled because they pose a choking hazard to young children. Other recalled consumer products this week include misting fans with bad wiring and water heaters that can cause a fire.</p> <p>Here's a more detailed look:</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>WHISTLES</p> <p>DETAILS: Hello Kitty Birthday Lollipop Whistles distributed exclusively at McDonald's restaurants nationwide from October 2014 through the first week of November 2014 with Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals. A picture of Hello Kitty appears on both sides of the whistle. The text "(copyright)1976, 2014 SANRIO CO., LTD." appears above Hello Kitty's face on the whistle, and "Made for McDonald's China CCW Chine" appears below Hello Kitty's face on the whistle. The bag in which the toy is packaged includes the text "Hello Kitty Birthday Lollipop" and the number "6'' in the upper right corner.</p> <p>WHY: Components inside of the whistle can detach, posing choking and aspiration hazards to young children.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: McDonald's has received two reports of children who coughed out pieces of the whistle that they had sucked into their mouths, including one child who received medical attention.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 2.3 million in the U.S. In addition, about 200,000 were distributed in Canada.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call McDonald's at 800-244-6227 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Central Time or visit www.mcdonalds.com.</p> <p>BUOYANCY COMPENSATORS</p> <p>DETAILS: Aqua Lung buoyancy compensators with SureLock II weight pocket handles, including those with SureLock II handles that were replaced in the previous recall. SureLock II handles were installed in most Aqua Lung and one model of Apeks buoyancy compensators including: all discontinued Black Diamond, Pro QD and Pro QDi3 models with serial numbers lower than BB408620. The recall also includes all Apeks Black Ice, Axiom, Axiom i3, Balance, Dimension, Libra, Lotus, Pearl, Pearl i3, ProLT and Zuma models with serial numbers lower than BB408620. The buoyancy compensator's model name is embroidered on the inside back pad or on the right lobe. "Sure Lock" is molded into the back of the weight pocket. The serial numbers are located on a tag under the back pad of the buoyance compensator or inside the pocket. Earlier models could have the number printed on a tag behind the hook and loop inflator hold down on the left shoulder. They were sold at sporting goods and scuba diving stores nationwide from September 2008 through October 2014.</p> <p>WHY: The rubber handles can detach as divers are trying to remove the weight pockets to rise to the surface in an emergency. This poses a drowning hazard.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Aqua Lung is aware of an additional 50 reports of the handles detaching from the weight pockets. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 30,000 in the U.S. and 11,300 in Canada. An additional 110,000 were previously recalled in the U.S. in March 2013.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Aqua Lung at 855-355-7170 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit www.aqualung.com and click on Recall Notice for more information.</p> <p>MISTING FANS</p> <p>DETAILS: Cool Draft misting mid pressure and high pressure misting fans. The misting fans fit on top of 15 gallon yellow or orange round Igloo coolers or on top of gray 40 gallon water tanks. Cool Draft by Ventamatic is printed on a sticker on the fan's water tank and www.cooldraft.com is printed on a sticker in the center of all of fans. They were sold at hardware, home improvement, fire and home security retailers, buying cooperatives and online at AdvancedSystems.com, BigFogg.com, Collinssports.com, Cooldraft.com, MistNGo.com and Propack.com from November 2013 through August 2014.</p> <p>WHY: The fan's wiring is not properly grounded, posing electric shock and fire hazards.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Two incidents with the misting fans, including one electric shock injury to a consumer.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 450.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Ventamatic at 800-433-1626 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.bvc.com and click on "Cool Draft Recall" for more information.</p> <p>TANKLESS WATER HEATERS</p> <p>DETAILS: All models of single- and dual-purpose Coaire and Quietside brand tankless gas water heaters. The recalled water heaters heat either 4 or 7.2 gallons of water per minute. The words "S-Line Condensing" are on the top front and brand names "Coaire" or "Quietside" are on the bottom front of the recalled water heaters. They were sold at independent dealers nationwide and on various websites including Amazon.com from July 2008 through August 2014.</p> <p>WHY: The water heaters can overheat, posing a fire hazard.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: 40 reports of the units overheating, including four involving burns on the wall where the heater was mounted and two involving fires and property damage. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 29,000 in the U.S and 2,200 in Canada</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Challenger Supply Holdings at 800-729-6118 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.challengersupply.com and click on "Product Recall" for more information.</p> <p>AIR EXCHANGERS</p> <p>DETAILS: Air exchangers with and without heat recovery sold under different brands that are used to circulate air in and out of the home. Details on the brands and model numbers involved can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Venmar-Ventilation-Expands-Recall-of-Air-Exchangers/ The metal air exchangers are painted blue or grey. Air exchangers with heat recovery included in this recall were made from January 2002 through May 2008 and have brand and model information written on a silver or black label on the outside panel. Air exchangers without heat recovery included in this recall were made from January 2002 through July 2009 and have brand and model information printed on the unit's rating plate or imprinted on the side of the unit. Air exchangers with heat recovery were sold at heating, plumbing and building supply distributors nationwide from January 2002 through May 2008. Air exchangers without heat recovery were sold at heating, plumbing, and building supply distributors nationwide from January 2002 through July 2009.</p> <p>WHY: The motor in the air exchangers can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Venmar Ventilation has received four new reports in relation to this recall expansion. In the previous recalls, Venmar Ventilation reported 26 incidents, for a total of 30. Out of these 30 incidents, five took place in the U.S. and 25 took place in Canada. All incidents resulted in fires and more than $1.1 million in property damages. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 108,000 in the U.S., with an additional 77,500 previously recalled in March 2007, December 2007 and June 2011. About 207,000 in Canada.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Venmar Ventilation at 866-441-4645 anytime or visit www.venmar.ca and click on the Safety Upgrade Program link for more information.</p>

2 million hello kitty whistles distributed mcdonalds meals recalled pose choking hazard young children recalled consumer products week include misting fans bad wiring water heaters cause fire heres detailed look continue reading whistles details hello kitty birthday lollipop whistles distributed exclusively mcdonalds restaurants nationwide october 2014 first week november 2014 happy meals mighty kids meals picture hello kitty appears sides whistle text copyright1976 2014 sanrio co ltd appears hello kittys face whistle made mcdonalds china ccw chine appears hello kittys face whistle bag toy packaged includes text hello kitty birthday lollipop number 6 upper right corner components inside whistle detach posing choking aspiration hazards young children incidents mcdonalds received two reports children coughed pieces whistle sucked mouths including one child received medical attention many 23 million us addition 200000 distributed canada advertisement call mcdonalds 8002446227 7 7 pm central time visit wwwmcdonaldscom buoyancy compensators details aqua lung buoyancy compensators surelock ii weight pocket handles including surelock ii handles replaced previous recall surelock ii handles installed aqua lung one model apeks buoyancy compensators including discontinued black diamond pro qd pro qdi3 models serial numbers lower bb408620 recall also includes apeks black ice axiom axiom i3 balance dimension libra lotus pearl pearl i3 prolt zuma models serial numbers lower bb408620 buoyancy compensators model name embroidered inside back pad right lobe sure lock molded back weight pocket serial numbers located tag back pad buoyance compensator inside pocket earlier models could number printed tag behind hook loop inflator hold left shoulder sold sporting goods scuba diving stores nationwide september 2008 october 2014 rubber handles detach divers trying remove weight pockets rise surface emergency poses drowning hazard incidents aqua lung aware additional 50 reports handles detaching weight pockets injuries reported many 30000 us 11300 canada additional 110000 previously recalled us march 2013 call aqua lung 8553557170 8 5 pm pt monday friday visit wwwaqualungcom click recall notice information misting fans details cool draft misting mid pressure high pressure misting fans misting fans fit top 15 gallon yellow orange round igloo coolers top gray 40 gallon water tanks cool draft ventamatic printed sticker fans water tank wwwcooldraftcom printed sticker center fans sold hardware home improvement fire home security retailers buying cooperatives online advancedsystemscom bigfoggcom collinssportscom cooldraftcom mistngocom propackcom november 2013 august 2014 fans wiring properly grounded posing electric shock fire hazards incidents two incidents misting fans including one electric shock injury consumer many 450 call ventamatic 8004331626 8 5 pm ct monday friday visit wwwbvccom click cool draft recall information tankless water heaters details models single dualpurpose coaire quietside brand tankless gas water heaters recalled water heaters heat either 4 72 gallons water per minute words sline condensing top front brand names coaire quietside bottom front recalled water heaters sold independent dealers nationwide various websites including amazoncom july 2008 august 2014 water heaters overheat posing fire hazard incidents 40 reports units overheating including four involving burns wall heater mounted two involving fires property damage injuries reported many 29000 us 2200 canada call challenger supply holdings 8007296118 7 6 pm ct monday friday visit wwwchallengersupplycom click product recall information air exchangers details air exchangers without heat recovery sold different brands used circulate air home details brands model numbers involved found httpwwwcpscgovenrecalls2015venmarventilationexpandsrecallofairexchangers metal air exchangers painted blue grey air exchangers heat recovery included recall made january 2002 may 2008 brand model information written silver black label outside panel air exchangers without heat recovery included recall made january 2002 july 2009 brand model information printed units rating plate imprinted side unit air exchangers heat recovery sold heating plumbing building supply distributors nationwide january 2002 may 2008 air exchangers without heat recovery sold heating plumbing building supply distributors nationwide january 2002 july 2009 motor air exchangers overheat posing fire hazard consumers incidents venmar ventilation received four new reports relation recall expansion previous recalls venmar ventilation reported 26 incidents total 30 30 incidents five took place us 25 took place canada incidents resulted fires 11 million property damages injuries reported many 108000 us additional 77500 previously recalled march 2007 december 2007 june 2011 207000 canada call venmar ventilation 8664414645 anytime visit wwwvenmarca click safety upgrade program link information

<p>In the third installment of their undercover videos exposing Common Core, Project Veritas features a Common Core executive trashing the Second Amendment, admitting that the program is all about the money, and bashing conservatives.</p> <p>Kim Koerber, a sales consultant for National Geographic &#8211; which is funded by the <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/01/21/exclusive-former-pearson-exec-reveals-anti-american-agenda-in-common-core-on-constitution-guns-christianity/" type="external">pro-Common Core</a> Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation &#8211; and a former Pearson executive, explicitly says "Damn the Second Amendment" when asked by an undercover Project Veritas if Common Core covers it.</p> <p>"I don&#8217;t think personal handguns need to be on anyone except the government, the police. What is the purpose of having a gun?" Koerber said.</p> <p>Koerber's contempt for the Second Amendment would certainly explain why one Common Core textbook defines the Second Amendment as "the people have the right to keep and bear arms in a state militia" and another describing the Second and Third Amendment as granting "citizens the right to bear arms as members of a militia of citizen-soldiers and prevent the government from housing troops in private homes in peacetime," according to <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/09/17/publisher-of-ap-history-book-containing-questionable-second-amendment-summary-has-direct-ties-to-common-core-and-theres-more/" type="external">The Blaze.</a></p> <p>The definition of the Second Amendment that the Common Core provides is inaccurate, as The Daily Wire has previously <a href="" type="internal">explained</a>. But that likely does not matter to Koerber, who subscribes to the delusional fantasy of a gun-free utopia.</p> <p>Koerber also revealed that Common Core doesn't cover Christianity at all, but extensively covers Islam:</p> <p>PV: Christianity is totally out of the common core?</p> <p>KK: Yes it is. Totally. It&#8217;s not a core concept at all.</p> <p>PV: But then there is a mention of other religions like Islam.</p> <p>KK: Yeah well you have to because &#8230;</p> <p>PV: So how did Islam get worked in?</p> <p>KK: Islam&#8230;they said you have to talk about Islam, you have to talk about Judaism and you have to talk about Christianity and they wanted to make it big about Christianity; no it&#8217;s like, everybody needs to know about everything else&#8230;</p> <p>Common Core has also been a massive stimulus package for textbook companies:</p> <p>KK: Anytime anybody changes something in a textbook, it's profitable for the textbook companies. So the textbooks have to change and the school district has to adopt the new ones, that&#8217;s profitable.</p> <p>PV: Say that again.</p> <p>KK: Anytime a change happens that has to be put in a textbook suddenly the school district has to adopt new books.</p> <p>Koerber essentially confirms what columnist <a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2015/03/18/jeb-bush-common-core-cronie-pearson-parcc-and-your-kids-privacy/" type="external">Michelle Malkin</a> and radio host <a href="http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/09/24/did-bill-gates-admit-the-real-purpose-of-common-core/" type="external">Glenn Beck</a> have been sounding the alarm about for the past few years: Common Core is an egregious crony capitalist program imposed at the expense of students.</p> <p>But perhaps most revealing about the video is Koerber's ferocious hatred of conservatives:</p> <p>KK: People that are not educated, Fox TV viewers think that Common Core comes from the educated liberal groups and that&#8217;s why they are against it. They don&#8217;t know anything about it. They think it&#8217;s liberal so they&#8217;re against it. That&#8217;s what I think it is. It&#8217;s a knee jerk reaction. My mother, oh my God, she&#8217;s a Fox person. If I could remove Fox from my television set, I would&#8230;</p> <p>I did a big presentation yesterday for AP US History and the AP US History agenda was set, until Texas got upset about it and they wanted to have their founders &#8211; they wanted founders in it. And it&#8217;s like &#8211; come on. The dead white guys did not create this country. It was a whole bunch of different kinds of people. And yes there were women, and yes there were people of color, and yes&#8230;you need to talk about them too. But they want to talk about those dead white guys.</p> <p>...</p> <p>KK: Republicans want to get in there and talk about stuff and change things about school stuff because they want to, they want to influence what is being taught. Common core doesn&#8217;t put up with that.</p> <p>PV: Yeah. And, so it&#8217;s not really being&#8230; A lot of these complaints about it are not so much about the content yeah&#8230;</p> <p>KK: They&#8217;re misunderstanding; they are people that don&#8217;t really know what they are talking about.</p> <p>I&#8230;I can&#8217;t stand it. If they talk to me one more time about&#8230;climate change not being real, I&#8217;m just gonna scream.</p> <p>...</p> <p>KK: Yes, they feel like we&#8217;d be educating their kids to the world which they don&#8217;t want to do that. They want their kids to only know this&#8230; It&#8217;s like birth control. They don&#8217;t want their kids to know about it, yet Chlamydia is huge in Texas. So it&#8217;s like, you know&#8230;In the schools that have kids that, because the kids don&#8217;t learn about anything about what they&#8217;re doing and they&#8217;re messing around and they get in trouble because they didn&#8217;t get educated. So, I think the progressive bias is the more educated you are, the better you are, and the conservative bias is the less they know the better they are going to be. Yeah.</p> <p>PV: What is it that they don&#8217;t agree with?</p> <p>KK: They don&#8217;t agree with Islam, so they don&#8217;t want their kids to be taught it. They don&#8217;t agree with birth control so they don&#8217;t want their kids to talk about it. They don&#8217;t agree with math because they don&#8217;t understand it. It&#8217;s not the same math they did in high school. So they don&#8217;t want their kids to know about it.</p> <p>It&#8217;s conservative push back, that, they are afraid. So these conservative, these conservative voters are afraid of everything.</p> <p>The irony of Koerber's nonsensical rant is that she lambasts conservatives for complaining about the liberal bias in Common Core, while she admits to being a dyed-in-the-wool leftist whose worldview is being imposed on students through Common Core. But such ironies are likely inconsequential to Koerber as long as the textbook companies and the Gates Foundation keep raking in that crony capitalist money.</p> <p>The two previous Common Core undercover videos by Project Veritas can be seen below:</p> <p /> <p>Passages of the video were provided through Breitbart's <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/01/21/exclusive-former-pearson-exec-reveals-anti-american-agenda-in-common-core-on-constitution-guns-christianity/" type="external">transcript.</a></p>

third installment undercover videos exposing common core project veritas features common core executive trashing second amendment admitting program money bashing conservatives kim koerber sales consultant national geographic funded procommon core bill melinda gates foundation former pearson executive explicitly says damn second amendment asked undercover project veritas common core covers dont think personal handguns need anyone except government police purpose gun koerber said koerbers contempt second amendment would certainly explain one common core textbook defines second amendment people right keep bear arms state militia another describing second third amendment granting citizens right bear arms members militia citizensoldiers prevent government housing troops private homes peacetime according blaze definition second amendment common core provides inaccurate daily wire previously explained likely matter koerber subscribes delusional fantasy gunfree utopia koerber also revealed common core doesnt cover christianity extensively covers islam pv christianity totally common core kk yes totally core concept pv mention religions like islam kk yeah well pv islam get worked kk islamthey said talk islam talk judaism talk christianity wanted make big christianity like everybody needs know everything else common core also massive stimulus package textbook companies kk anytime anybody changes something textbook profitable textbook companies textbooks change school district adopt new ones thats profitable pv say kk anytime change happens put textbook suddenly school district adopt new books koerber essentially confirms columnist michelle malkin radio host glenn beck sounding alarm past years common core egregious crony capitalist program imposed expense students perhaps revealing video koerbers ferocious hatred conservatives kk people educated fox tv viewers think common core comes educated liberal groups thats dont know anything think liberal theyre thats think knee jerk reaction mother oh god shes fox person could remove fox television set would big presentation yesterday ap us history ap us history agenda set texas got upset wanted founders wanted founders like come dead white guys create country whole bunch different kinds people yes women yes people color yesyou need talk want talk dead white guys kk republicans want get talk stuff change things school stuff want want influence taught common core doesnt put pv yeah really lot complaints much content yeah kk theyre misunderstanding people dont really know talking ii cant stand talk one time aboutclimate change real im gon na scream kk yes feel like wed educating kids world dont want want kids know like birth control dont want kids know yet chlamydia huge texas like knowin schools kids kids dont learn anything theyre theyre messing around get trouble didnt get educated think progressive bias educated better conservative bias less know better going yeah pv dont agree kk dont agree islam dont want kids taught dont agree birth control dont want kids talk dont agree math dont understand math high school dont want kids know conservative push back afraid conservative conservative voters afraid everything irony koerbers nonsensical rant lambasts conservatives complaining liberal bias common core admits dyedinthewool leftist whose worldview imposed students common core ironies likely inconsequential koerber long textbook companies gates foundation keep raking crony capitalist money two previous common core undercover videos project veritas seen passages video provided breitbarts transcript

<p /> <p>Image source: Sunoco LP.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In a little more than 18 months, Sunoco LP has gone through a massive transformation. Between August 2014 and this past quarter, the company has completed $5.7 billion worth of acquisitions and dropdowns from parent company Energy Transfer Partners . This activity has helped fuel fast growth of the company's profits and its generous distribution that yields close to 9.4% today.</p> <p>As impressive as this run has been, there's now a problem the company has to deal with, and that's where the next phase of growth will come. Could Sunoco's growth start to stall now that its parent company is out of assets to swap? Let's look at the options Sunoco has available to it.</p> <p>A fast turnaroundThe company that is now Sunoco isn't the same one that's been using that brand name for more than 125 years. The current company is a result of Energy Transfer Partners' moves to utilize the brand name. In August 2014, Energy Transfer acquired Susser Petroleum Partners and the retail network that came with it. Energy Transfer then quickly changed the name of the company to Sunoco -- it had acquired the brand name through a prior purchase in 2014 -- and started to drop its retail and marketing assets down to the subsidiary partnership.</p> <p>Since that time, the company has acquired Energy Transfers Partners' interest in Sunoco's wholesale and retail business, a well as its interest in other various retail brands. Today, the company's retail network is close to 6,800 locations across 30 states. All told, these acquisitions have more than doubled the company's EBITDA and increased the quarterly distribution by 50%</p> <p>Image source: Sunoco LP investor presentation.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The most recent acquisition, which closed at the end of March, was more than $2.2 billion of Energy Transfer Partners' assets. This acquisition will probably stretch the company's balance sheet for a while, but the company expects to wind down capital spending after this acquisition and get back to a target debt range of a rather reasonable debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 4.0 to 4.5.</p> <p>Another reason Sunoco might be backing away from the acquisition front for a bit is that Energy Transfer Partners is basically out of retail and marketing assets to drop down to Sunoco, and the company will now need to pivot to a new growth strategy.</p> <p>Plenty of optionsThere are two things you need to consider with the retail and marketing aspect of the oil business: It's a very mature market, and it's very fragmented. Typically when you see a gas station, you see big name brands such as Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, or Shell. In reality, tough, most of these stations aren't actually owned by the Big Oil giants. Rather, they lease their name out to mom-and-pop organizations that may own only one or two stations. In fact, more than 70% of retail stations in the U.S. are operated by companies that own no more than 50 total locations.</p> <p>Image Source: Sunoco LP investor presentation</p> <p>Consider, too, that we've been using gasoline as our primary transportation fuel for more than a century now, and with more than 128,000 retail stations already in place across the country, overall growth for the industry will be very modest. For Sunoco to keep growing at a strong clip, it will need to take greater market share. Fortunately for Sunoco, this fragmented industry could be consolidated rather easily.</p> <p>While there's ample opportunity here, the company's growth strategy would definitely change. Rather than growing with large, single transactions, the greater opportunity will lie in picking up new stores one at a time. This is a strategy that may not garner lots of headlines, but it does give the company some financial flexibility, since raising the funds for a few stations at a time is a lot easier than trying to get $2 billion all at once, as it did with its most recent purchase. In fact, smaller acquisitions could allow the company to grow through investing any excess distributable cash flow, making it less reliant on external sources of capital.</p> <p>What a Fool believesInvesting in retail gas stations doesn't sound like the fastest-growing business approach, but the past year at Sunoco has been a big one for growth, having acquired all of Energy Transfer Partners' retail stations. Without it, though, the company will need to look elsewhere to find growth. After taking on such a large debt load from its recent dropdown, it wouldn't be surprising if the company elected to forgo large acquisitions and focus on improving the company's financial standing. Once growth is back on the menu, though, don't be surprised if Sunoco looks to start consolidating a very fragmented industry.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/03/where-will-sunoco-lp-get-growth-from-here.aspx" type="external">Where Will Sunoco LP Get Growth From Here? Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned.You can follow him at Fool.comor on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerCroweFool" type="external">@TylerCroweFool Opens a New Window.</a>. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days 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>

image source sunoco lp continue reading little 18 months sunoco lp gone massive transformation august 2014 past quarter company completed 57 billion worth acquisitions dropdowns parent company energy transfer partners activity helped fuel fast growth companys profits generous distribution yields close 94 today impressive run theres problem company deal thats next phase growth come could sunocos growth start stall parent company assets swap lets look options sunoco available fast turnaroundthe company sunoco isnt one thats using brand name 125 years current company result energy transfer partners moves utilize brand name august 2014 energy transfer acquired susser petroleum partners retail network came energy transfer quickly changed name company sunoco acquired brand name prior purchase 2014 started drop retail marketing assets subsidiary partnership since time company acquired energy transfers partners interest sunocos wholesale retail business well interest various retail brands today companys retail network close 6800 locations across 30 states told acquisitions doubled companys ebitda increased quarterly distribution 50 image source sunoco lp investor presentation advertisement recent acquisition closed end march 22 billion energy transfer partners assets acquisition probably stretch companys balance sheet company expects wind capital spending acquisition get back target debt range rather reasonable debttoebitda ratio 40 45 another reason sunoco might backing away acquisition front bit energy transfer partners basically retail marketing assets drop sunoco company need pivot new growth strategy plenty optionsthere two things need consider retail marketing aspect oil business mature market fragmented typically see gas station see big name brands exxon mobil chevron shell reality tough stations arent actually owned big oil giants rather lease name momandpop organizations may one two stations fact 70 retail stations us operated companies 50 total locations image source sunoco lp investor presentation consider weve using gasoline primary transportation fuel century 128000 retail stations already place across country overall growth industry modest sunoco keep growing strong clip need take greater market share fortunately sunoco fragmented industry could consolidated rather easily theres ample opportunity companys growth strategy would definitely change rather growing large single transactions greater opportunity lie picking new stores one time strategy may garner lots headlines give company financial flexibility since raising funds stations time lot easier trying get 2 billion recent purchase fact smaller acquisitions could allow company grow investing excess distributable cash flow making less reliant external sources capital fool believesinvesting retail gas stations doesnt sound like fastestgrowing business approach past year sunoco big one growth acquired energy transfer partners retail stations without though company need look elsewhere find growth taking large debt load recent dropdown wouldnt surprising company elected forgo large acquisitions focus improving companys financial standing growth back menu though dont surprised sunoco looks start consolidating fragmented industry article sunoco lp get growth opens new window originally appeared foolcom tyler crowe opens new window position stocks mentionedyou follow foolcomor twitter tylercrowefool opens new window motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p><a href="http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/obama-allows-great-lakes-water-to-be-sold-to-china-as-half-the-u-s-faces-extreme-water-crisiss/drought-monitor-december-2013-3" type="external" />What in the world is Barack Obama thinking?&amp;#160; At a time when the United States is facing the greatest water crisis that it has ever known, Obama is allowing water from the Great Lakes to be drained, bottled and shipped to China and other countries around the globe.&amp;#160; Right now, the Great Lakes hold approximately&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/concerns-mount-as-great-lake-l/14834545" type="external">21 percent</a>&amp;#160;of the total supply of fresh water in the entire world.&amp;#160; Considering the fact that global water supplies are becoming extremely tight, that is an invaluable resource.&amp;#160; One recent UN report projected that&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.greatlakeslaw.org/files/dornbos_information_loophole.pdf" type="external">two-thirds</a>&amp;#160;of the people in the world will be dealing with &#8220;water stress&#8221; and&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.greatlakeslaw.org/files/dornbos_information_loophole.pdf" type="external">1.8 billion people</a>&amp;#160;will be facing &#8220;absolute water scarcity&#8221; by the year 2025.&amp;#160; So why are we allowing foreign corporations such as Nestle to make millions upon millions of dollars pumping water out of the Great Lakes and selling it overseas?&amp;#160; Considering the massive worldwide water crisis that we know is coming in the years ahead, shouldn&#8217;t we be doing everything that we can to protect this precious natural resource?</p> <p>Most Americans don&#8217;t realize this, but earlier this year water levels in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan were at their lowest levels&amp;#160;ever recorded.&amp;#160; The following is from a recent article&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.westernjournalism.com/obamas-blessing-nations-water-supply-disappearing/" type="external">by Suzanne Eovaldi</a>&#8230;</p> <p>&#8220;Two of the Great Lakes have hit their lowest water levels EVER RECORDED,&#8221; the US Army Corps of Engineers reported early this year. Corps measurements taken in January of 2013 &#8220;show Lake Huron and Lake Michigan have reached their lowest ebb since record keeping began in 1918.&#8221;&amp;#160; The chief watershed hydrology expert warns Americans that &#8220;We&#8217;re in an extreme situation.&#8221;</p> <p>So what is causing all of this?&amp;#160; Well, of course most of the water that leaves the Great Lakes is lost by evaporation.&amp;#160; But the fact that water is being steadily pumped out of the Great Lakes and sold overseas&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.westernjournalism.com/obamas-blessing-nations-water-supply-disappearing/" type="external">is certainly not helping matters</a>&#8230;</p> <p>&#8220;Plunging water levels are beyond anyone&#8217;s control,&#8221; says another expert, James Weakley. But in one of our most popular posts, last year we warned, &#8220;Lake Michigan water is being shipped by boat loads over to China! By using a little known loophole in the 2006 Great Lakes Compact, Obama minions are allowing Nestle Company to export precious fresh water out of Lake Michigan to the tune of an estimated $500,000 to $1.8 million per day profit.&#8221;</p> <p>For even more on this, please check out&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCZxdSJ_cxI&amp;amp;NR=1&amp;amp;feature=endscreen" type="external">the episode of &#8220;Conspiracy Theory&#8221; with Jesse Ventura</a>&amp;#160;that I have posted below&#8230;</p> <p>All of this is happening at a time when the U.S. is getting ready to deal with the greatest water crisis this nation has ever known.</p> <p>For example, according to a&amp;#160; <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/california-water-woes-hit-hard-driest-record-130433079.html" type="external">Reuters article</a>&amp;#160;from just a few weeks ago, the state of California is currently experiencing the driest year&amp;#160;ever recorded&#8230;</p> <p>To nurture his acres of pistachio trees, Tom Coleman has long relied on water from California&#8217;s mountain-ringed reservoirs, fed by Sierra streams and water pumped from the massive Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.</p> <p>But the driest year on record has left the reservoirs so depleted &#8211; and the delta so fragile &#8211; that state water officials say they may be able to provide just 5 percent of the water he and others were expecting for next year.</p> <p>This water shortage is causing massive problems all over the state.&amp;#160; Just check out how&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/10/27/3574965/reservoirs-need-a-wet-winter.html" type="external">a recent Fresno Bee article</a>&amp;#160;described what is happening to Pine Flat Reservoir&#8230;</p> <p>Pine Flat Reservoir is a ghost of a lake in the Fresno County foothills &#8212; a puddle in a 326 billion-gallon gorge.</p> <p>Holding only 16% of its capacity, Pine Flat is the best example of why there is high anxiety over the approaching wet season.</p> <p>Gone is the healthy water storage that floated California through two dry years. Major reservoirs around the state need gully-washing storms this winter.</p> <p>And further east, similar things are happening.&amp;#160; Lake Powell is fed by the once mighty Colorado River, and at this point the flow of water into the lake has been reduced&amp;#160; <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/11-billion-people-mean-water-scarcity-122500423.html" type="external">to a &#8220;trickle&#8221;</a>&#8230;</p> <p>After 14 years of drought, Lake Powell is less than half full.</p> <p>Water flows into Lake Powell, nestled between Utah and Arizona, from high in the Rocky Mountains via the Colorado River. More than 30 million people in seven states depend on the mighty Colorado for water to grow crops, fuel power plants and keep cities such as Las Vegas alive. But this year, the worst drought in a century has slowed the flow to a trickle.</p> <p>In August, the federal Bureau of Reclamation cut, by 9 percent, the amount of water people in the southwestern United States could draw from Lake Powell. As states and counties squabble over their allotment of water in the coming years, hydroelectric plants (including the one on the Hoover Dam) could idle, and farmers are bracing for reduced crop production.</p> <p>And most Americans do not realize this, but the Colorado River does not run all the way to the ocean any longer.&amp;#160; If something is not done soon, even the Hoover Dam could be forced to shut down.&amp;#160; For much more on this, please see&amp;#160; <a href="http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/the-colorado-river-the-high-plains-aquifer-and-the-entire-western-half-of-the-u-s-are-rapidly-drying-up" type="external">this article</a>.</p> <p>Just recently, the Huffington Post ran an article entitled &#8220; <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/04/water-shortage_n_4378418.html" type="external">These 11 Cities May Completely Run Out Of Water Sooner Than You Think</a>&#8220;.&amp;#160; According to that piece, some of the cities that are heading for a massive water crisis are not cities that you would normally think of&#8230;</p> <p>-Salt Lake City, Utah -Lincoln, Nebraska -Cleveland, Ohio -Miami, Florida -Atlanta, Georgia -Washington, D.C. -El Paso, Texas -San Antonio, Texas -San Francisco Bay Area, California -Houston, Texas -Los Angeles, California</p> <p>But those cities are far from alone.&amp;#160; The truth is that pretty much the entire western half of the country is drying up.&amp;#160; the following list of 15 facts about the coming water crisis is from one of my previous articles entitled &#8220; <a href="http://thetruthwins.com/archives/dust-bowl-conditions-are-literally-returning-to-the-western-half-of-the-united-states" type="external">Dust Bowl Conditions Are Literally Returning To The Western Half Of The United States</a>&#8220;&#8230;</p> <p>1.&amp;#160;The Ogallala Aquifer is being drained at a rate of approximately&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/new_west_new_dust_bowl/C35/L35/" type="external">800 gallons</a>&amp;#160;per minute.</p> <p>2.&amp;#160;According to the U.S. Geological Survey, &#8220; <a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/02/07/texas-water-district-acts-to-slow-depletion-of-the-ogallala-aquifer/" type="external">a volume equivalent to two-thirds of the water in Lake Erie</a>&#8221; has been permanently drained from the Ogallala Aquifer since 1940.</p> <p>3.&amp;#160;Decades ago, the Ogallala Aquifer had an average depth of approximately 240 feet but today the average depth is&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1gsyhuHGgc&amp;amp;feature=channel_video_title" type="external">just 80 feet</a>. In some areas of Texas, the water is gone completely.</p> <p>4.&amp;#160;Scientists are warning that nothing can be done to stop the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer. The ominous words&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/8359076/US-farmers-fear-the-return-of-the-Dust-Bowl.html" type="external">of David Brauer</a>&amp;#160;of the Ogallala Research Service should alarm us all&#8230;</p> <p>&#8220;Our goal now is to engineer a soft landing. That&#8217;s all we can do.&#8221;</p> <p>5.&amp;#160;According to a recent&amp;#160; <a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/02/07/texas-water-district-acts-to-slow-depletion-of-the-ogallala-aquifer/" type="external">National Geographic article</a>, the average depletion rate of the Ogallala Aquifer is picking up speed&#8230;</p> <p>Even more worrisome, the draining of the High Plains water account has picked up speed. The average annual depletion rate between 2000 and 2007 was more than twice that during the previous fifty years. The depletion is most severe in the southern portion of the aquifer, especially in Texas, where the water table beneath sizeable areas has dropped 100-150 feet; in smaller pockets, it has dropped more than 150 feet.</p> <p>6.&amp;#160;According to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. interior west is now the driest that it has been&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/interesting-water-facts/" type="external">in 500 years</a>.</p> <p>7.&amp;#160;Wildfires have burned millions of acres of vegetation in the central part of the United States in recent years. For example, wildfires burned an astounding&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wildfires/story/2011-09-06/Texas-officials-1000-homes-burned-in-past-week/50273608/1" type="external">3.6 million acres</a>&amp;#160;in the state of Texas alone during 2011. This helps set the stage for huge dust storms in the future.</p> <p>8.&amp;#160;Unfortunately, scientists tell us that it would be normal for extremely dry conditions to persist in parts of western North America for decades. The following is from an article&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/North+America+could+with+decades+long+megadrought+scientist/6200846/story.html" type="external">in the Vancouver Sun</a>&#8230;</p> <p>But University of Regina paleoclimatologist Jeannine-Marie St. Jacques says that decade-long drought is nowhere near as bad as it can get.</p> <p>St. Jacques and her colleagues have been studying tree ring data and, at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Vancouver over the weekend, she explained the reality of droughts.</p> <p>&#8220;What we&#8217;re seeing in the climate records is these megadroughts, and they don&#8217;t last a decade&#8212;they last 20 years, 30 years, maybe 60 years, and they&#8217;ll be semi-continental in expanse,&#8221; she told the Regina Leader-Post by phone from Vancouver.</p> <p>&#8220;So it&#8217;s like what we saw in the Dirty Thirties, but imagine the Dirty Thirties going on for 30 years. That&#8217;s what scares those of us who are in the community studying this data pool.&#8221;</p> <p>9.&amp;#160;Experts tell us that U.S. water bills are likely to soar in the coming years. It is being projected that repairing and expanding our decaying drinking water infrastructure will cost more than one trillion dollars over the next 25 years, and as a result our water bills will likely&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/GADocuments/BuriedNoLongerCompleteFinal.pdf" type="external">approximately triple</a>&amp;#160;over that time period.</p> <p>10.&amp;#160;Right now, the United States uses approximately&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/022915.html#ixzz1WFMBO1Tm" type="external">148 trillion gallons</a>&amp;#160;of fresh water a year, and there is no way that is sustainable in the long run.</p> <p>11.&amp;#160;According to a U.S. government report,&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21494919/ns/us_news-environment/t/crisis-feared-us-water-supplies-dry/#.TnPct-yUrkw" type="external">36 states</a>&amp;#160;are already facing water shortages or will be facing water shortages within the next few years.</p> <p>12.&amp;#160;Lake Mead supplies about 85 percent of the water to Las Vegas, and since 1998 the level of water in Lake Mead&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/08/eveningnews/main6073416.shtml?tag=contentBody;featuredPost-PE" type="external">has dropped by about 5.6 trillion gallons.</a></p> <p>13.&amp;#160;It has been estimated that the state of California only has&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/interesting-water-facts/" type="external">a 20 year supply</a>&amp;#160;of fresh water left.</p> <p>14.&amp;#160;It has been estimated that the state of New Mexico only has&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/interesting-water-facts/" type="external">a 10 year supply</a>&amp;#160;of fresh water left.</p> <p>15.&amp;#160;Approximately&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/interesting-water-facts/" type="external">40 percent</a>&amp;#160;of all rivers in the United States and approximately&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/interesting-water-facts/" type="external">46 percent</a>&amp;#160;of all lakes in the United States have become so polluted that they are are no longer fit for human use.</p> <p>Are you starting to get the picture?</p> <p>If things don&#8217;t turn around soon, we are going to be facing an absolutely crippling water crisis in this country.</p> <p>And according to&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101226001" type="external">recent forecasts</a>, it appears that drought conditions may soon get even worse in the Southeast and the Southwest&#8230;</p> <p>Ongoing winter storms won&#8217;t be doing much to relieve some drought-stricken areas of the U.S. In fact, conditions could get worse in the Southwest and Southeast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration.</p> <p>NOAA last week forecast below-average precipitation for those regions this winter, meaning that &#8220;after some relief during the past few months,&#8221; the Southwest&#8217;s three-year drought is likely to redevelop and spread to the Southeast.</p> <p>Sadly, most Americans are not aware of any of these things.</p> <p>They just assume that there will always be plenty of fresh water for all of us to use just like there always has been.</p> <p>But times are changing rapidly.</p> <p>Please share this article with as many people as you can.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1484871308/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=1484871308&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;tag=theeconomiccollapse-20" type="external" /></p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>Michael T. Snyder is the Editor of <a href="http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/obama-allows-great-lakes-water-to-be-sold-to-china-as-half-the-u-s-faces-extreme-water-crisiss" type="external">End of the American Dream</a>.</p> <p /> <p />

world barack obama thinking160 time united states facing greatest water crisis ever known obama allowing water great lakes drained bottled shipped china countries around globe160 right great lakes hold approximately160 21 percent160of total supply fresh water entire world160 considering fact global water supplies becoming extremely tight invaluable resource160 one recent un report projected that160 twothirds160of people world dealing water stress and160 18 billion people160will facing absolute water scarcity year 2025160 allowing foreign corporations nestle make millions upon millions dollars pumping water great lakes selling overseas160 considering massive worldwide water crisis know coming years ahead shouldnt everything protect precious natural resource americans dont realize earlier year water levels lake huron lake michigan lowest levels160ever recorded160 following recent article160 suzanne eovaldi two great lakes hit lowest water levels ever recorded us army corps engineers reported early year corps measurements taken january 2013 show lake huron lake michigan reached lowest ebb since record keeping began 1918160 chief watershed hydrology expert warns americans extreme situation causing this160 well course water leaves great lakes lost evaporation160 fact water steadily pumped great lakes sold overseas160 certainly helping matters plunging water levels beyond anyones control says another expert james weakley one popular posts last year warned lake michigan water shipped boat loads china using little known loophole 2006 great lakes compact obama minions allowing nestle company export precious fresh water lake michigan tune estimated 500000 18 million per day profit even please check out160 episode conspiracy theory jesse ventura160that posted happening time us getting ready deal greatest water crisis nation ever known example according a160 reuters article160from weeks ago state california currently experiencing driest year160ever recorded nurture acres pistachio trees tom coleman long relied water californias mountainringed reservoirs fed sierra streams water pumped massive sacramentosan joaquin delta driest year record left reservoirs depleted delta fragile state water officials say may able provide 5 percent water others expecting next year water shortage causing massive problems state160 check how160 recent fresno bee article160described happening pine flat reservoir pine flat reservoir ghost lake fresno county foothills puddle 326 billiongallon gorge holding 16 capacity pine flat best example high anxiety approaching wet season gone healthy water storage floated california two dry years major reservoirs around state need gullywashing storms winter east similar things happening160 lake powell fed mighty colorado river point flow water lake reduced160 trickle 14 years drought lake powell less half full water flows lake powell nestled utah arizona high rocky mountains via colorado river 30 million people seven states depend mighty colorado water grow crops fuel power plants keep cities las vegas alive year worst drought century slowed flow trickle august federal bureau reclamation cut 9 percent amount water people southwestern united states could draw lake powell states counties squabble allotment water coming years hydroelectric plants including one hoover dam could idle farmers bracing reduced crop production americans realize colorado river run way ocean longer160 something done soon even hoover dam could forced shut down160 much please see160 article recently huffington post ran article entitled 11 cities may completely run water sooner think160 according piece cities heading massive water crisis cities would normally think salt lake city utah lincoln nebraska cleveland ohio miami florida atlanta georgia washington dc el paso texas san antonio texas san francisco bay area california houston texas los angeles california cities far alone160 truth pretty much entire western half country drying up160 following list 15 facts coming water crisis one previous articles entitled dust bowl conditions literally returning western half united states 1160the ogallala aquifer drained rate approximately160 800 gallons160per minute 2160according us geological survey volume equivalent twothirds water lake erie permanently drained ogallala aquifer since 1940 3160decades ago ogallala aquifer average depth approximately 240 feet today average depth is160 80 feet areas texas water gone completely 4160scientists warning nothing done stop depletion ogallala aquifer ominous words160 david brauer160of ogallala research service alarm us goal engineer soft landing thats 5160according recent160 national geographic article average depletion rate ogallala aquifer picking speed even worrisome draining high plains water account picked speed average annual depletion rate 2000 2007 twice previous fifty years depletion severe southern portion aquifer especially texas water table beneath sizeable areas dropped 100150 feet smaller pockets dropped 150 feet 6160according us national academy sciences us interior west driest been160 500 years 7160wildfires burned millions acres vegetation central part united states recent years example wildfires burned astounding160 36 million acres160in state texas alone 2011 helps set stage huge dust storms future 8160unfortunately scientists tell us would normal extremely dry conditions persist parts western north america decades following article160 vancouver sun university regina paleoclimatologist jeanninemarie st jacques says decadelong drought nowhere near bad get st jacques colleagues studying tree ring data american association advancement science conference vancouver weekend explained reality droughts seeing climate records megadroughts dont last decadethey last 20 years 30 years maybe 60 years theyll semicontinental expanse told regina leaderpost phone vancouver like saw dirty thirties imagine dirty thirties going 30 years thats scares us community studying data pool 9160experts tell us us water bills likely soar coming years projected repairing expanding decaying drinking water infrastructure cost one trillion dollars next 25 years result water bills likely160 approximately triple160over time period 10160right united states uses approximately160 148 trillion gallons160of fresh water year way sustainable long run 11160according us government report160 36 states160are already facing water shortages facing water shortages within next years 12160lake mead supplies 85 percent water las vegas since 1998 level water lake mead160 dropped 56 trillion gallons 13160it estimated state california has160 20 year supply160of fresh water left 14160it estimated state new mexico has160 10 year supply160of fresh water left 15160approximately160 40 percent160of rivers united states approximately160 46 percent160of lakes united states become polluted longer fit human use starting get picture things dont turn around soon going facing absolutely crippling water crisis country according to160 recent forecasts appears drought conditions may soon get even worse southeast southwest ongoing winter storms wont much relieve droughtstricken areas us fact conditions could get worse southwest southeast according national oceanic atmosphere administration noaa last week forecast belowaverage precipitation regions winter meaning relief past months southwests threeyear drought likely redevelop spread southeast sadly americans aware things assume always plenty fresh water us use like always times changing rapidly please share article many people 160 michael snyder editor end american dream

<p /> <p>Wells Fargo &amp;amp; Co Chief Executive John Stumpf prides himself on being a banker who understands the little guy's financial problems. He has spoken publicly about growing up poor on a Minnesota farm, starting his career as a low-level repo man and being underwater on his own mortgage years ago.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>But when called before U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday to answer questions about a scandal at his bank involving 2 million fake accounts that thousands of employees set up in customers' names, Stumpf's answers fell flat.</p> <p>The white-haired, 63-year-old CEO repeatedly told a congressional panel that he had to check with staff, lacked information or was not an "expert" on a range of topics including executive compensation, credit scores and contracts that must be signed to open an account.</p> <p>Throughout the hearing, Stumpf was polite, responding to senators' often aggressive questions with a calm, earthy twang. His hand was bandaged and in a splint after "roughhousing" with his grandkids, Wells Fargo spokeswoman Jennifer Dunn said.</p> <p>"He talks about the team, he talks about the good people ... He smiles, and he's sweet and he's in no way responsible," said Robert Monks, chairman of ValueEdge Advisors, which advises investors on corporate governance issues.</p> <p>"His response to questions remind me of Muhammad Ali's rope a dope defense &#65533;&#65533;&#65533; he gets up against the ropes, he puts up his hands."</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Earlier this month, the lender agreed to pay $190 million in penalties and customer payouts to settle the case involving the creation of credit, savings and other accounts without customers' knowledge. About $5 million will directly go to customers, many of whom might have paid a small fee on the unwanted accounts.</p> <p>His responses gave plenty of ammunition to critics who point to the scandal as the latest example that some banks are still too big to manage and executives should serve jail time.</p> <p>Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts who frequently lambasts the financial industry, said the only appropriate response to the scandal would be for Stumpf to resign, give back his pay and be criminally investigated. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton penned an open letter arguing for greater accountability.</p> <p>Wells Fargo spokesman Mark Folk declined to comment on Stumpf's testimony.</p> <p>Pressure has been building beyond Capitol Hill for Stumpf and Wells Fargo's board of directors to come up with better answers.</p> <p>Activist investors including the Needmor Fund and Public Citizen's Bart Naylor have filed motions to split the roles of chairman and CEO on Wells Fargo's proxy and examine whether the bank should be broken up.</p> <p>The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation also have launched probes into the bank's actions following Wells' settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Los Angeles city attorney.</p> <p>BAD PUBLICITY</p> <p>Wells Fargo has mostly sought to minimize the problem since its settlement was announced on Sept. 8.</p> <p>Executives have pointed out that while thousands of employees set up accounts without customers' authorization over five years, they represent a tiny fraction of total staff.</p> <p>Wells Fargo did not consider the matter to be financially "material," Stumpf told Congress on Tuesday, even though it involved $2.6 million worth of inappropriate fees charged to consumers and resulted in the bank paying $190 million worth of penalties.</p> <p>Stumpf said he takes responsibility for the problems, and detailed additional steps the bank is taking to address them.</p> <p>He is not the first Wall Street CEO to have his day before an angry congressional panel and live to tell about it.</p> <p>Goldman Sachs Group Inc executives, including CEO Lloyd Blankfein, were grilled by lawmakers in April 2010 over a derivative trade that helped the bank profit from the mortgage market's implosion.</p> <p>In 2011, former MF Global CEO Jon Corzine had to explain how his collapsed firm managed to lose more than $1 billion in customer funds.</p> <p>And in 2012, JPMorgan Chase &amp;amp; Co CEO Jamie Dimon had to answer for the so-called "London Whale," a wrong-way derivative bet that lost the bank billions of dollars.</p> <p>But Wells Fargo's problem may be resonating more because it involves regular bank accounts for regular people who faced unjustified fees, rather than arcane derivatives traded by sophisticated investors.</p> <p>But even if the scandal is more palpable on Main Street, analysts and investors who spoke to Reuters after Stumpf's testimony said it may ultimately matter little to Wells Fargo's bottom line or share price. Its biggest investor, Warren Buffett, has declined to comment on the matter.</p> <p>The bank turned a $23-billion profit last year and until recently was the most highly-valued bank in the United States.</p> <p>Even analysts who were critical of Wells' response to the scandal characterized its recent stock decline as a buying opportunity.</p> <p>"It's not very good publicity for Wells but I think they'll get through it," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer of Solaris Group in Bedford Hills, New York. "It's a cheap stock."</p> <p>(Reporting by Dan Freed; Additional reporting by Michael Erman and Sinead Carew; Writing by Lauren Tara LaCapra; editing by Diane Craft and Nick Zieminski)</p>

wells fargo amp co chief executive john stumpf prides banker understands little guys financial problems spoken publicly growing poor minnesota farm starting career lowlevel repo man underwater mortgage years ago continue reading called us lawmakers tuesday answer questions scandal bank involving 2 million fake accounts thousands employees set customers names stumpfs answers fell flat whitehaired 63yearold ceo repeatedly told congressional panel check staff lacked information expert range topics including executive compensation credit scores contracts must signed open account throughout hearing stumpf polite responding senators often aggressive questions calm earthy twang hand bandaged splint roughhousing grandkids wells fargo spokeswoman jennifer dunn said talks team talks good people smiles hes sweet hes way responsible said robert monks chairman valueedge advisors advises investors corporate governance issues response questions remind muhammad alis rope dope defense gets ropes puts hands advertisement earlier month lender agreed pay 190 million penalties customer payouts settle case involving creation credit savings accounts without customers knowledge 5 million directly go customers many might paid small fee unwanted accounts responses gave plenty ammunition critics point scandal latest example banks still big manage executives serve jail time sen elizabeth warren democrat massachusetts frequently lambasts financial industry said appropriate response scandal would stumpf resign give back pay criminally investigated democratic presidential candidate hillary clinton penned open letter arguing greater accountability wells fargo spokesman mark folk declined comment stumpfs testimony pressure building beyond capitol hill stumpf wells fargos board directors come better answers activist investors including needmor fund public citizens bart naylor filed motions split roles chairman ceo wells fargos proxy examine whether bank broken department justice federal bureau investigation also launched probes banks actions following wells settlement consumer financial protection bureau los angeles city attorney bad publicity wells fargo mostly sought minimize problem since settlement announced sept 8 executives pointed thousands employees set accounts without customers authorization five years represent tiny fraction total staff wells fargo consider matter financially material stumpf told congress tuesday even though involved 26 million worth inappropriate fees charged consumers resulted bank paying 190 million worth penalties stumpf said takes responsibility problems detailed additional steps bank taking address first wall street ceo day angry congressional panel live tell goldman sachs group inc executives including ceo lloyd blankfein grilled lawmakers april 2010 derivative trade helped bank profit mortgage markets implosion 2011 former mf global ceo jon corzine explain collapsed firm managed lose 1 billion customer funds 2012 jpmorgan chase amp co ceo jamie dimon answer socalled london whale wrongway derivative bet lost bank billions dollars wells fargos problem may resonating involves regular bank accounts regular people faced unjustified fees rather arcane derivatives traded sophisticated investors even scandal palpable main street analysts investors spoke reuters stumpfs testimony said may ultimately matter little wells fargos bottom line share price biggest investor warren buffett declined comment matter bank turned 23billion profit last year recently highlyvalued bank united states even analysts critical wells response scandal characterized recent stock decline buying opportunity good publicity wells think theyll get said tim ghriskey chief investment officer solaris group bedford hills new york cheap stock reporting dan freed additional reporting michael erman sinead carew writing lauren tara lacapra editing diane craft nick zieminski

<p>Some of the biggest moves week in and week out come from biotech stocks. Whether it's a financial surprise, a positive clinical-trial update, regulatory approval, or even just rumors of potentially good news, biotech stocks can rise quickly.</p> <p>Three biotech stocks did just that this past week, with gains of 18% to nearly 40%. Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR), Wave Life Sciences (NASDAQ: WVE), and Savara&amp;#160;soared over the past few days. Here's what lit a fire beneath these biotech stocks -- and whether they're buys after their huge gains.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A week ago, Nektar Therapeutics ranked as <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/11/3-biotech-stocks-that-soared-this-week-are-they-bu.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=25007aa0-cbb0-11e7-a4b8-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">one of the biggest biotech winners of the week Opens a New Window.</a>, with its stock jumping more than 40%. Nektar repeated its fantastic performance this past week, again posting a gain of almost 40%.</p> <p>Nektar had two catalysts a week ago, with solid third-quarter financial results and the announcement of plans to submit&amp;#160;experimental pain drug NKTR-181 for U.S. approval by April 2018. NKTR-181 is a mu-opioid agonist that provides pain relief with significantly lower risk of addiction than traditional opioid drugs.</p> <p>The good news for Nektar this past week stemmed from the first presentation of data on Nov. 11 from a phase 1/2 study evaluating a combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb's (NYSE: BMY) Opdivo with Nektar's immuno-oncology candidate NKTR-214 in treating&amp;#160;melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. Although it's still early, the results for the Opdivo/NKTR-214 combo were encouraging.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Wave Life Sciences stock gained more than 38% this past week. However, the biotech didn't announce anything new over the past few days. What caused Wave stock to take off?</p> <p>The company began to experience some positive momentum after providing its third-quarter update. Wave's financial results included a loss of over $26 million. However, investors were far more interested in the company's initiation of a clinical trial for experimental&amp;#160;Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) drug&amp;#160;WVE-210201 and its overall pipeline progress.</p> <p>Wave has two phase 1/2 clinical studies under way evaluating its experimental Huntington's disease drugs&amp;#160;WVE-120101 and WVE-120102. The biotech expects to report top-line data from these studies in the first half of 2019. Wave is also partnering with Pfizer to develop&amp;#160;genetically targeted therapies for treating metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).</p> <p>Over the past week, Savara's share price has soared nearly 18%. The pharma company's CEO,&amp;#160;Rob Neville, presented at the Jefferies healthcare conference in London on Thursday, but Savara stock's jump began before then.</p> <p>As was the case with Wave Life Sciences, Savara's catalyst appears to be its third-quarter update provided more than a week ago. And like Wave, it wasn't Savara's financial numbers that mattered. The company said that enrollment is going well for its late-stage study of experimental drug&amp;#160;Molgradex in treating rare lung disease&amp;#160;pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Enrollment is expected to wrap up in the first quarter of 2018, with top-line data anticipated by the end of next year.</p> <p>Savara also announced that it plans to start a phase 2a study of Mogradex in treating nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in early 2018. In addition, the company expects results from its phase 2 study evaluating inhaled sodium nitrite in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the first half of next year.</p> <p>In October, I wrote about <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/12/7-essential-rules-for-investing-in-biotech-stocks.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=25007aa0-cbb0-11e7-a4b8-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">seven essential rules for investing in biotech stocks Opens a New Window.</a>. No. 1 was being aware of the stage of the company. While Nektar has products on the market, both Wave Life Sciences and Savara are clinical-stage drugmakers. That makes their risk levels much higher. In my view, Wave and Savara remain speculative plays at this point and probably aren't suited for most investors.</p> <p>What about Nektar? I'd point out my No. 7 rule: Check out the financials. Nektar is still losing a lot of money, even though its revenue is growing. The company has a market cap of over $7 billion, with sales probably on track to total close to $300 million this year. Clearly, high expectations for growth are baked into Nektar's stock price.</p> <p>I think Nektar has a pretty good chance of winning approval for&amp;#160;NKTR-181. The potential for&amp;#160;NKTR-214 in combination with Opdivo is encouraging. Bristol-Myers Squibb, or another big pharma company, might even view Nektar as an acquisition opportunity. However, in my view, there are other biotech stocks that look better than Nektar -- and certainly better than Wave and Savara.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Nektar 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;amp;impression=d7acc2f2-b6be-464a-999c-140f9f1d61a2&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=25007aa0-cbb0-11e7-a4b8-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Nektar 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;amp;impression=d7acc2f2-b6be-464a-999c-140f9f1d61a2&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=25007aa0-cbb0-11e7-a4b8-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=25007aa0-cbb0-11e7-a4b8-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=25007aa0-cbb0-11e7-a4b8-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

biggest moves week week come biotech stocks whether financial surprise positive clinicaltrial update regulatory approval even rumors potentially good news biotech stocks rise quickly three biotech stocks past week gains 18 nearly 40 nektar therapeutics nasdaq nktr wave life sciences nasdaq wve savara160soared past days heres lit fire beneath biotech stocks whether theyre buys huge gains continue reading week ago nektar therapeutics ranked one biggest biotech winners week opens new window stock jumping 40 nektar repeated fantastic performance past week posting gain almost 40 nektar two catalysts week ago solid thirdquarter financial results announcement plans submit160experimental pain drug nktr181 us approval april 2018 nktr181 muopioid agonist provides pain relief significantly lower risk addiction traditional opioid drugs good news nektar past week stemmed first presentation data nov 11 phase 12 study evaluating combination bristolmyers squibbs nyse bmy opdivo nektars immunooncology candidate nktr214 treating160melanoma renal cell carcinoma nonsmallcell lung cancer although still early results opdivonktr214 combo encouraging advertisement wave life sciences stock gained 38 past week however biotech didnt announce anything new past days caused wave stock take company began experience positive momentum providing thirdquarter update waves financial results included loss 26 million however investors far interested companys initiation clinical trial experimental160duchenne muscular dystrophy dmd drug160wve210201 overall pipeline progress wave two phase 12 clinical studies way evaluating experimental huntingtons disease drugs160wve120101 wve120102 biotech expects report topline data studies first half 2019 wave also partnering pfizer develop160genetically targeted therapies treating metabolic diseases including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nash past week savaras share price soared nearly 18 pharma companys ceo160rob neville presented jefferies healthcare conference london thursday savara stocks jump began case wave life sciences savaras catalyst appears thirdquarter update provided week ago like wave wasnt savaras financial numbers mattered company said enrollment going well latestage study experimental drug160molgradex treating rare lung disease160pulmonary alveolar proteinosis enrollment expected wrap first quarter 2018 topline data anticipated end next year savara also announced plans start phase 2a study mogradex treating nontuberculous mycobacteria ntm early 2018 addition company expects results phase 2 study evaluating inhaled sodium nitrite heart failure preserved ejection fraction first half next year october wrote seven essential rules investing biotech stocks opens new window 1 aware stage company nektar products market wave life sciences savara clinicalstage drugmakers makes risk levels much higher view wave savara remain speculative plays point probably arent suited investors nektar id point 7 rule check financials nektar still losing lot money even though revenue growing company market cap 7 billion sales probably track total close 300 million year clearly high expectations growth baked nektars stock price think nektar pretty good chance winning approval for160nktr181 potential for160nktr214 combination opdivo encouraging bristolmyers squibb another big pharma company might even view nektar acquisition opportunity however view biotech stocks look better nektar certainly better wave savara 10 stocks like better nektar 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 nektar therapeutics wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares pfizer motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>There are always at least two views to any economy. If you think the U.S. economy is recovering but might need more stimulus, you probably vote liberal. If you think the economy stinks and government needs to be reined in, then you might be committing treason.</p> <p>Prominent Democrats have been nibbling at this issue for more than a year &#8211; saying GOP opposition to Obama&#8217;s socialistic plans is only driven by politics. The consistent claim has been the GOP wants, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid put it, <a href="http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/harry-reid-accuses-eric-cantor-of-economic-sabotage.php?ref=fpa" type="external">&#8220;to make the economy worse&#8221;</a> to ensure defeating Obama.</p> <p>Now some are even more blatant. Major Obama <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/bill-maher-super-pac-obama-_n_1299250.html" type="external">funder</a> and onetime comedian Bill Maher said &#8220;Republicans are stalling every effort that he has tried to make to create jobs and help the economy.&#8221; He called it <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2012/06/09/bill-maher-gop-opposition-to-obama-economic-initiatives-is-treason/#ixzz1y4EajrPt" type="external">&#8220;treason&#8221;</a> during his June 8 HBO show.</p> <p>&#8220;You can say that in 2004 when Iraq was falling apart, and there were bombings all [over] Baghdad , that every time there was a bombing, maybe some Democrats secretly applauded? But the difference is they didn&#8217;t cause the bombings. They&#8217;re actually causing the bombings here. That&#8217;s why I called it treason,&#8221; Maher explained.</p> <p>He&#8217;s not alone.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/thom-hartmann-says-republicans-and-fox-news-engaging-in-treason/" type="external">Progressive talker Thom Hartmann</a> (on whose show I sometimes appear) asked &#8220;have Republicans committed treason, sedition or just conspiracy to destroy the lives of millions of working Americans so they can make sure Obama stays a one term president?&#8221; According to Hartmann, following a cabal-like planning meeting, Republicans had worked to &#8220;intentionally sabotage an entire nation.&#8221;</p> <p>The claim somehow ignores that Democrats initially controlled the House and had 60 votes in the Senate. It also bypasses that somehow both the stimulus and Obamacare passed the Congress under Obama.</p> <p>Even the Fourth of July wasn&#8217;t allowed to pass without Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg calling the GOP &#8220;the Treason Party&#8221; Of course, he claimed Republican &#8220;dogma&#8221; includes &#8220;hobble education, starve the government by slashing taxes to the rich, kneecap attempts to jumpstart the economy by fixating on debt.&#8221;</p> <p>Public Relations strategist Cliff Schechter raised this issue last June, writing: <a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/151711/are_republicans_committing_treason/?page=entire" type="external">&#8220;Are Republicans Committing Treason?&#8221;</a> Schecter, whose <a href="http://libertasllc.com/clients/" type="external">clients</a> include the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Democratic National Committee, railed on what he called &#8220;anti-American Right.&#8221;</p> <p>It&#8217;s also the question asked by the Associated Press, just without the claims of treason. <a href="http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-23/news/31813359_1_spending-cuts-debt-limit-tax-increases" type="external">&#8220;Is GOP stalling on economy to hurt Obama?&#8221;</a> wrote AP&#8217;s Charles Babington on May 23. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,&amp;#160; warned that House Majority Leader Boehner is threatening another debt-ceiling crisis. &#8220;I hope that the speaker is not doing this because he doesn't want to see the economy improve, because what he said will certainly rattle the markets,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>The story reminded readers that this isn&#8217;t a new idea. &#8220;&#8216;Their strategy is to suffocate the economy for the sake of what they think will be a political victory,&#8217; Obama&#8217;s campaign manager, Jim Messina, wrote in an e-mail to supporters last October, when Congress was debating a jobs bill.&#8217;&#8221;</p> <p>The idea in all this is almost laughable. Democrats are so sure that they are right and righteous can find no other explanation for the continued economic downturn. Unemployment spent three and a half years at 5 percent or below under President George W. Bush. It has spent nearly an identical time under Obama above 8 percent. At the same time even the most supportive news outlets have been forced to cover the national cataclysm in household wealth where the median household lost 39 percent since 2007.</p> <p>There is no way to spin those statistics except failure. So if Obama the All Knowing has failed, well it must be the fault of the GOP.</p> <p>This is not a small issue. It&#8217;s already crossed to Europe. Guardian UK columnist Michael Cohen asked &#8220;Did Republicans deliberately crash the US economy?&#8221; in a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jun/09/did-republicans-deliberately-crash-us-economy" type="external">June 9, 2012, column.</a> Don&#8217;t doubt where Cohen stands. He&#8217;s a fellow with the Century Foundation, where Obama transition team head John Podesta is a trustee.</p> <p>Cohen started out bashing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for saying: &#8220;The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.&#8221; Though he pretended to give both sides, he quickly added &#8220;there is circumstantial evidence to make the case.&#8221; He was inconclusive, but still strongly bashed the right, saying, &#8220;one of two major political parties in America is engaging in scorched-earth economic policies that are undercutting the economic recovery, possibly on purpose.&#8221;</p> <p>It&#8217;s certainly a strategy that seems to be having an impact. The lefty loons at Daily Kos polled asking the question: &#8220;Do you think the Republicans are intentionally stalling efforts to jumpstart the economy to insure that Barack Obama is not reelected or not?&#8221; The results show 50 percent voting yes. Of course, that comes from a Daily Kos/SEIU poll, which is like asking death row inmates to handle the poll on the death penalty.</p> <p>That isn&#8217;t the only time recently the left has been claiming conservatives are committing treason. New York Times economist Paul Krugman claimed climate change deniers are treasonous against Mother Earth. &#8220;And as I watched the deniers make their arguments, I couldn&#8217;t help thinking that I was watching a form of treason &#8211; treason against the planet.&#8221; Eco-treason? &amp;#160;And former Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm claimed asked for ID from voters is also &#8220;treasonous.&#8221; Of course, she calls it <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-m-granholm/voter-suppression-is-trea_b_1537771.html" type="external">&#8220;voter suppression.&#8221;</a> Like when then asked me for ID at the theater recently. I guess that was &#8220;Avengers&#8221; suppression.</p> <p>Political watchers would say conservatives, like Texas Gov. Rick Perry, have also used the term. That&#8217;s true. The difference is media types skewered him for it. Now it&#8217;s becoming commonplace for prominent Democrats and their supporters to claim any opposition to the president is &#8220;treason.&#8221; No, it&#8217;s called freedom. The people who declare all political opposition to be treason usually run third world dictatorships.&amp;#160;</p> <p>Dan Gainor is the Boone Pickens Fellow and the Media Research Center&#8217;s Vice President for Business and Culture. His column appears each week on The Fox Forum. He can also be contacted on Facebook and Twitter as dangainor.</p>

always least two views economy think us economy recovering might need stimulus probably vote liberal think economy stinks government needs reined might committing treason prominent democrats nibbling issue year saying gop opposition obamas socialistic plans driven politics consistent claim gop wants senate majority leader harry reid put make economy worse ensure defeating obama even blatant major obama funder onetime comedian bill maher said republicans stalling every effort tried make create jobs help economy called treason june 8 hbo show say 2004 iraq falling apart bombings baghdad every time bombing maybe democrats secretly applauded difference didnt cause bombings theyre actually causing bombings thats called treason maher explained hes alone progressive talker thom hartmann whose show sometimes appear asked republicans committed treason sedition conspiracy destroy lives millions working americans make sure obama stays one term president according hartmann following caballike planning meeting republicans worked intentionally sabotage entire nation claim somehow ignores democrats initially controlled house 60 votes senate also bypasses somehow stimulus obamacare passed congress obama even fourth july wasnt allowed pass without chicago suntimes columnist neil steinberg calling gop treason party course claimed republican dogma includes hobble education starve government slashing taxes rich kneecap attempts jumpstart economy fixating debt public relations strategist cliff schechter raised issue last june writing republicans committing treason schecter whose clients include democratic congressional campaign committee democratic national committee railed called antiamerican right also question asked associated press without claims treason gop stalling economy hurt obama wrote aps charles babington may 23 sen chuck schumer dny160 warned house majority leader boehner threatening another debtceiling crisis hope speaker doesnt want see economy improve said certainly rattle markets said story reminded readers isnt new idea strategy suffocate economy sake think political victory obamas campaign manager jim messina wrote email supporters last october congress debating jobs bill idea almost laughable democrats sure right righteous find explanation continued economic downturn unemployment spent three half years 5 percent president george w bush spent nearly identical time obama 8 percent time even supportive news outlets forced cover national cataclysm household wealth median household lost 39 percent since 2007 way spin statistics except failure obama knowing failed well must fault gop small issue already crossed europe guardian uk columnist michael cohen asked republicans deliberately crash us economy june 9 2012 column dont doubt cohen stands hes fellow century foundation obama transition team head john podesta trustee cohen started bashing senate minority leader mitch mcconnell saying single important thing want achieve president obama oneterm president though pretended give sides quickly added circumstantial evidence make case inconclusive still strongly bashed right saying one two major political parties america engaging scorchedearth economic policies undercutting economic recovery possibly purpose certainly strategy seems impact lefty loons daily kos polled asking question think republicans intentionally stalling efforts jumpstart economy insure barack obama reelected results show 50 percent voting yes course comes daily kosseiu poll like asking death row inmates handle poll death penalty isnt time recently left claiming conservatives committing treason new york times economist paul krugman claimed climate change deniers treasonous mother earth watched deniers make arguments couldnt help thinking watching form treason treason planet ecotreason 160and former michigan gov jennifer granholm claimed asked id voters also treasonous course calls voter suppression like asked id theater recently guess avengers suppression political watchers would say conservatives like texas gov rick perry also used term thats true difference media types skewered becoming commonplace prominent democrats supporters claim opposition president treason called freedom people declare political opposition treason usually run third world dictatorships160 dan gainor boone pickens fellow media research centers vice president business culture column appears week fox forum also contacted facebook twitter dangainor

<p /> <p><a href="" type="internal" /></p> <p>Update: On November 24th, <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/11/23/14-Year-Old-Murderer-of-Young-Teacher-Used-Tree-Branch-to-Rape-Her" type="external">Breitbart News</a>confirms that Philip Chism used a tree branch to rape his teacher. This adds an entirely new dimension to this story. And not just any branch, a three foot long tree branch.&amp;#160; This was not in the original story, since it was not confirmed until after.</p> <p>The murder of 24-year-old Massachusetts high school teacher <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">Colleen Ritzer</a>on October 22nd, one month ago, sent shock waves across the country. The murder was so horrifying because it was committed by a 14-year-old student named Philip Chism. And the circumstances of the crime were even more chilling, in that Ritzer had asked Chism to stay after school so she could help him prepare for an upcoming math exam. But Philip Chism had other plans. He intended to kill Ms. Ritzer in the most vicious way possible. And he had all the necessary tools with him. The mere thought that a seemingly normal 14-year-old boy could be capable of such a sexually explicit and horrific, premeditated crime is bone chilling.</p> <p>America, this is an indictment. Philip Chism is a product of a violent and sexually charged culture. Sin is a sickness, and for it there is only one cure. Without Jesus Christ, there is only death and Hell. For a 14-year old boy to imagine rape and murder, and then to carry it out is proof positive that American culture is a vile cesspool. But the blame is on him for carrying it out.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">Philip Chism</a> is in court today, and the details of the crime are more sinister and vile than previously believed. It was known before the court proceedings that Chism had killed Ritzer and hid her body in the woods behind the school. But before the court proceedings, the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">sexual torture</a> that Ritzer experienced at the hands of Chism wasn&#8217;t known. But now the full details of the crime are being made known to the public, and it is much worse than anyone could possibly imagine. Philip Chism used a <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/11/23/14-Year-Old-Murderer-of-Young-Teacher-Used-Tree-Branch-to-Rape-Her" type="external">tree branch</a> to sexually torture his teacher.</p> <p>A note found near the brutalized body of a beloved Massachusetts teacher who police said was raped and killed by one of her students read, &#8220; <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">I hate you all</a>.&#8221;</p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Philip+Chism" type="external">Philip Chism</a>, the 14-year-old accused killer, came to Danvers High School on Oct. 22 equipped to kill, the papers showed. He allegedly brought a <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">box cutter, mask, gloves and several changes of clothing</a>.</p> <p>This was premeditated murder. And to think that a 14-year-old boy would bring a box cutter, mask, and clothing change to school for the purpose of murdering his teacher is more than one can process. Box cutters are crudely fashioned. This is the weapon of terrorists. The mere mention of a box cutter is a reminder of what the Islamic hijackers used on 9/11. But yet, this was what Chism had determined as his weapon of choice when killing his teacher. It&#8217;s sickening.</p> <p>Chism had followed Ritzer and put &#8220; <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">on a gloves and a hood</a>as he followed the unsuspecting teacher to a second-floor bathroom.&#8221; This was all <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">captured</a> by surveillance cameras.&amp;#160;</p> <p><a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/wp-admin/There,%20investigators%20said,%20Chism%20punched%20Ratzer%20in%20the%20face,%20raped%20her%20with%20%E2%80%9Can%20object,%E2%80%9D%20and%20slit%20her%20throat%20with%20the%20box%20cutter.%20%20Read%20more:%20http:/www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898#ixzz2lP9izOcJ" type="external">There,</a> investigators said, Chism punched Ratzer in the face, raped her with &#8220; <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/wp-admin/There,%20investigators%20said,%20Chism%20punched%20Ratzer%20in%20the%20face,%20raped%20her%20with%20%E2%80%9Can%20object,%E2%80%9D%20and%20slit%20her%20throat%20with%20the%20box%20cutter.%20%20Read%20more:%20http:/www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898#ixzz2lP9izOcJ" type="external">an object</a>,&#8221; and slit her throat with the box cutter.</p> <p>The object couldn&#8217;t be more repulsive. A tree branch from outside. Ritzer had innocently gotten up from the tutoring session to use the bathroom. Chism followed her with the intent of sexually torturing her and killing her with a box cutter. It is believed she suffered near <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/11/21/philip-chism-accused-raping-murdering-danvers-high-teacher-colleen-ritzer/jGdMVl1PumhF39uZ7lrbIN/story.html" type="external">fatal torture</a>before her throat was slit. How is a 14-year-old capable of such atrocity? To murder the beautiful young woman was horrific enough, but to know that she was sexually tortured by this young man, in the most inhuman of ways before he killed her is too repulsive to fully comprehend.</p> <p>But it gets worse. After brutalizing her in the most horrific, unspeakable way, he robs her dead body.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">Chism robbed Ratzer of her credit cards</a>, iPhone, and her underwear, they said. Then he wheeled her body out of the school in a recycling bin and dumped her body in the woods, where he covered her with leaves, authorities said.</p> <p><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/11/21/its-hard-to-believe-a-14-year-old-is-capable-of-such-a-grotesque-evil-crime/" type="external">Chism was spotted leaving a movie theater</a> about 6:30 p.m. on the day Ritzer was killed, then picked up by police as he walked along a highway in a neighboring town six hours later. Police said they believe Ritzer died sometime after the school day ended at 2 p.m., but they have not said exactly when.</p> <p>He massacres the young woman, dumps her body, robs her, and then goes to a movie. Philip Chism is barely a teenager and he is committed a crime this cold without a moments regret or remorse. What does this say about America? It says everything. It says we are dead, physically and spiritually. We have lost our souls and we&#8217;ve become animals.</p> <p>Collen Ritzer was a young teacher with a promising future and a family who loved her dearly. By all accounts, she was dedicated to her job and she loved her students. She cared about her students, and noticed Philip Chism needed <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/11/21/philip-chism-accused-raping-murdering-danvers-high-teacher-colleen-ritzer/jGdMVl1PumhF39uZ7lrbIN/story.html" type="external">some guidance</a>before an upcoming exam. And he took her life.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">The teen</a> was charged as a juvenile with aggravated rape and armed robbery. He is being held at a Department of Youth Services lockup.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/chilling-note-found-body-murdered-teacher-article-1.1525898" type="external">Ritzer&#8217;s family released a statement</a> after the indictment was announced. &#8220;We are devastated and heartbroken by the details of the horrific circumstances surrounding the death of our beautiful daughter and sister, Colleen,&#8221; the family said.</p> <p>There is no motive in this case. If there was, it wouldn&#8217;t matter. There is nothing that could justify a crime of this magnitude. Colleen Ritzer&#8217;s life was snuffed out by the very individual she was seeking to guide. Philip Chism was a cold, calculating, sexual deviant. And he isn&#8217;t even old enough to have his driver&#8217;s permit. This is American culture put under the most damning spotlight.</p> <p /> <p />

update november 24th breitbart newsconfirms philip chism used tree branch rape teacher adds entirely new dimension story branch three foot long tree branch160 original story since confirmed murder 24yearold massachusetts high school teacher colleen ritzeron october 22nd one month ago sent shock waves across country murder horrifying committed 14yearold student named philip chism circumstances crime even chilling ritzer asked chism stay school could help prepare upcoming math exam philip chism plans intended kill ms ritzer vicious way possible necessary tools mere thought seemingly normal 14yearold boy could capable sexually explicit horrific premeditated crime bone chilling america indictment philip chism product violent sexually charged culture sin sickness one cure without jesus christ death hell 14year old boy imagine rape murder carry proof positive american culture vile cesspool blame carrying philip chism court today details crime sinister vile previously believed known court proceedings chism killed ritzer hid body woods behind school court proceedings sexual torture ritzer experienced hands chism wasnt known full details crime made known public much worse anyone could possibly imagine philip chism used tree branch sexually torture teacher note found near brutalized body beloved massachusetts teacher police said raped killed one students read hate philip chism 14yearold accused killer came danvers high school oct 22 equipped kill papers showed allegedly brought box cutter mask gloves several changes clothing premeditated murder think 14yearold boy would bring box cutter mask clothing change school purpose murdering teacher one process box cutters crudely fashioned weapon terrorists mere mention box cutter reminder islamic hijackers used 911 yet chism determined weapon choice killing teacher sickening chism followed ritzer put gloves hoodas followed unsuspecting teacher secondfloor bathroom captured surveillance cameras160 investigators said chism punched ratzer face raped object slit throat box cutter object couldnt repulsive tree branch outside ritzer innocently gotten tutoring session use bathroom chism followed intent sexually torturing killing box cutter believed suffered near fatal torturebefore throat slit 14yearold capable atrocity murder beautiful young woman horrific enough know sexually tortured young man inhuman ways killed repulsive fully comprehend gets worse brutalizing horrific unspeakable way robs dead body chism robbed ratzer credit cards iphone underwear said wheeled body school recycling bin dumped body woods covered leaves authorities said chism spotted leaving movie theater 630 pm day ritzer killed picked police walked along highway neighboring town six hours later police said believe ritzer died sometime school day ended 2 pm said exactly massacres young woman dumps body robs goes movie philip chism barely teenager committed crime cold without moments regret remorse say america says everything says dead physically spiritually lost souls weve become animals collen ritzer young teacher promising future family loved dearly accounts dedicated job loved students cared students noticed philip chism needed guidancebefore upcoming exam took life teen charged juvenile aggravated rape armed robbery held department youth services lockup ritzers family released statement indictment announced devastated heartbroken details horrific circumstances surrounding death beautiful daughter sister colleen family said motive case wouldnt matter nothing could justify crime magnitude colleen ritzers life snuffed individual seeking guide philip chism cold calculating sexual deviant isnt even old enough drivers permit american culture put damning spotlight

<p /> <p>Tobacco king Altria Group (NYSE: MO) has been one of the strongest-performing stocks in the entire market over the past half-century, and dividends have played a vital role in producing its total return.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Growth in Altria's quarterly payout has been consistent and dependable, and in August, the company made its latest increase of 8% to what it pays shareholders every three months. Even with substantial gains, Altria still remains poised to find new ways to become more successful, and that should translate into stronger dividends in the years to come.</p> <p>Below, we'll look more closely at what Altria has been doing and whether it can keep rewarding dividend investors.</p> <p>Data source: Yahoo! Finance. Last increase refers to dividend announcement. * Takes into account adjustments for spinoffs.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Investors who like income have come to rely on Altria for stable dividend growth. The most recent increase took the quarterly payout from $0.565 to $0.61 per share, or about 8%. Since its 2008 spinoff of Philip Morris International,Altria has made similar-sized increases in the 6% to 10% range.</p> <p>It's a bit harder to assess Altria's dividend performance over the longer run because of the many corporate reorganizations it has gone through. For instance, when you look at the company's dividend history, it looks like Altria made a huge cut in 2008, moving its dividend from $0.75 per share down to $0.29. But that reflected the spinoff of Philip Morris, which took with it about two-thirds of the company's previous value and continued paying dividends of its own. If you make adjustments to properly allow for the corporate moves that Altria made, the tobacco giant's dividend increase in 2016 brought its streak of annual dividend increases to 47 years.</p> <p>Data source: Altria investor relations.</p> <p>Perhaps the most impressive thing about this track record is that Altria has managed to keep its earnings growing to support higher dividend despite negative trends among consumers, with many smokers having quit and others currently seeking to quit. To achieve bottom-line gains, Altria has used its brand recognition to increase prices enough to offset any declines in sales volume.</p> <p>Altria's 2016 dividend increase pushed its earnings payout ratio up above the 85% mark, which is higher than most investors would like to see and is above the long-term average for the tobacco company over the years. Investors expect that number to fall, however, because they see earnings growth making up for the move. If things go as anticipated, then the payout ratio should fall back toward its more typical range of 75% to 80%.</p> <p>Altria has emphasized the importance of dividends in its capital return strategy. On numerous occasions, CFO Billy Gifford has said that dividends get top priority in deciding how to allocate capital. Altria has an official dividend target payout ratio of 80%, and longtime investors look to that benchmark as a guide for what to expect from the company in its dividend moves.</p> <p>One thing that appears not to be likely to affect the dividend is the company's cash windfall from the sale of SABMiller to Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD). Altria ended up getting even more cash than it had originally expected in the deal, with more than $5 billion coming in. However, the company will need to pay taxes on part of that amount, and it has already used a sizable chunk to bring its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev above the 10% level at which certain foreign tax credit provisions get triggered. Some believed that a special dividend might follow, but it seems more likely at this point that Altria will keep the cash for stock buybacks or other strategic moves.</p> <p>With earnings growth on track, Altria will probably make another dividend increase in the second half of 2017. If the company raised its quarterly dividend by $0.05 per share to $0.66, that would represent an 8% rise, squarely in the middle of its previous range. As long as Altria can keep growing its bottom line, dividend investors should count on the tobacco giant's streak of dividend increases to continue in 2017 and beyond.</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;amp;impression=e62ccdf2-b9d0-4f89-adbf-564b98c603b6&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;impression=e62ccdf2-b9d0-4f89-adbf-564b98c603b6&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

tobacco king altria group nyse mo one strongestperforming stocks entire market past halfcentury dividends played vital role producing total return continue reading growth altrias quarterly payout consistent dependable august company made latest increase 8 pays shareholders every three months even substantial gains altria still remains poised find new ways become successful translate stronger dividends years come well look closely altria whether keep rewarding dividend investors data source yahoo finance last increase refers dividend announcement takes account adjustments spinoffs advertisement investors like income come rely altria stable dividend growth recent increase took quarterly payout 0565 061 per share 8 since 2008 spinoff philip morris internationalaltria made similarsized increases 6 10 range bit harder assess altrias dividend performance longer run many corporate reorganizations gone instance look companys dividend history looks like altria made huge cut 2008 moving dividend 075 per share 029 reflected spinoff philip morris took twothirds companys previous value continued paying dividends make adjustments properly allow corporate moves altria made tobacco giants dividend increase 2016 brought streak annual dividend increases 47 years data source altria investor relations perhaps impressive thing track record altria managed keep earnings growing support higher dividend despite negative trends among consumers many smokers quit others currently seeking quit achieve bottomline gains altria used brand recognition increase prices enough offset declines sales volume altrias 2016 dividend increase pushed earnings payout ratio 85 mark higher investors would like see longterm average tobacco company years investors expect number fall however see earnings growth making move things go anticipated payout ratio fall back toward typical range 75 80 altria emphasized importance dividends capital return strategy numerous occasions cfo billy gifford said dividends get top priority deciding allocate capital altria official dividend target payout ratio 80 longtime investors look benchmark guide expect company dividend moves one thing appears likely affect dividend companys cash windfall sale sabmiller anheuserbusch inbev nyse bud altria ended getting even cash originally expected deal 5 billion coming however company need pay taxes part amount already used sizable chunk bring stake anheuserbusch inbev 10 level certain foreign tax credit provisions get triggered believed special dividend might follow seems likely point altria keep cash stock buybacks strategic moves earnings growth track altria probably make another dividend increase second half 2017 company raised quarterly dividend 005 per share 066 would represent 8 rise squarely middle previous range long altria keep growing bottom line dividend investors count tobacco giants streak dividend increases continue 2017 beyond 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 nov 7 2016 dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv 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

<p /> <p>Millions of Americans fear that their retirement savings will come up short, so if you're worrying that you won't have enough income in retirement, you're not alone. Saving money for retirement when you're young is the simplest way to insure financial security in your golden years, but if you feel like you've gotten a big behind of your goals, or you started saving later in life, there are still things you can do to boost your future income in retirement.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Contributions to traditional IRAs are made with pre-tax money, so money that gets withdrawn from a traditional IRA in retirement will be taxed at your then-current income tax rate. Furthermore, traditional IRAs mandate that individuals begin withdrawing money from them at age 70 1/2. That means that even if you don't need that money in retirement, you'll still have to withdraw it and pay taxes on it.</p> <p>Rather than paying income taxes on savings in retirement, it may be a better idea to contribute to a Roth IRA.</p> <p>Money in a Roth IRA is taxed when it's contributed, not when it's withdrawn, as long as you follow some simple rules. Contributions to a Roth IRA can always be withdrawn tax-free. However, earnings in a Roth IRA will be taxed unless the Roth IRA has been open for at least five years and the withdrawal occurs after age 59 1/2.</p> <p>Because income taxes can represent 20% or more of your retirement income, reducing your tax bill in retirement via a Roth IRA can lead to significantly more dollars in your wallet in retirement.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Asking for a raise may create anxiety, but increasing your earnings now can pay off in a few important ways in retirement. Specifically, getting a raise:</p> <p>If you make $40,000 and you get a 1% pay increase annually, then your annual income will reach $48,808 in 20 years. But if you get a 4% pay raise per year instead, then your annual income would grow to $87,645 in 20 years.</p> <p>Those larger paychecks also translate into more money being set aside annually in workplace retirement plans. The median percentage of income that's contributed to a workplace retirement plan every year is 8%, so using the previous example, a person getting a 1% annual raise would contribute just $3,904 to retirement in their last year of work, while someone getting a 4% pay raise would contribute over $7,000. Over the course of a 20-year period, those larger contributions add up.</p> <p>And don't forget that Social Security calculates your monthly Social Security income based on your highest 35 working years. Therefore, if your career spans more than 35 years, every high income year beyond that limit removes a low-income year from this calculation and thus increases the size of your Social Security check.</p> <p>Image source: SeniorLiving.org.</p> <p>Contributing more money to retirement accounts right now can make a huge impact on your future retirement income thanks to compound interest, or interest earning interest year after year. Although maxing out your 401(k), 403(b), and IRAs is arguably the most effective way to increase income in retirement, millions of Americans fail to do it.</p> <p>Because the median contribution to a workplace retirement account is 8% and the average household income <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/14/what-is-the-average-income-in-the-us.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">is $62,462 Opens a New Window.</a>, the average American saves less than $5,000 per year for retirement.</p> <p>That's significantly below the amount that people are allowed to contribute to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan and below the limits for traditional and Roth IRAs, too. In 2016, up to $18,000 can be tucked away in an employer-sponsored plan and up to $5,500 can be saved in IRAs. People over 50 years old can also contribute an additional $6,000 to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan and an additional $1,000 to an IRA.</p> <p>Monthly bills and debt are often cited as the main reasons for not contributing more to retirement savings accounts, but even small changes made now can create a lot more income later. For example, increasing your contribution to 12% from 8% adds tens of thousands of dollars to your retirement nest egg.</p> <p>If you have 20 years until retirement, retirement savings of $10,000, and you contribute 8% of your average $62,462 in income to a retirement plan that earns a hypothetical 6% return every year, you'll end up with $225,495 saved up. However, if you contribute 12% per year instead of 8%. you'll end up with $321,692, or nearly $100,000 more.</p> <p>Increasing your percentage contribution doesn't have to happen all at once to make a difference, either. If you can't increase your contributions by that much right away, commit to increasing your annual contribution by 1% per year until you're contributing the maximum. That extra 1% per year isn't likely to be missed in your budget now, but you'll certainly notice it when you're cashing checks in retirement.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/04/3-moves-you-can-make-right-now-to-boost-your-incom.aspx" type="external">3 Moves You Can Make Right Now to Boost Your Income in Retirement Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p>Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

millions americans fear retirement savings come short youre worrying wont enough income retirement youre alone saving money retirement youre young simplest way insure financial security golden years feel like youve gotten big behind goals started saving later life still things boost future income retirement continue reading contributions traditional iras made pretax money money gets withdrawn traditional ira retirement taxed thencurrent income tax rate furthermore traditional iras mandate individuals begin withdrawing money age 70 12 means even dont need money retirement youll still withdraw pay taxes rather paying income taxes savings retirement may better idea contribute roth ira money roth ira taxed contributed withdrawn long follow simple rules contributions roth ira always withdrawn taxfree however earnings roth ira taxed unless roth ira open least five years withdrawal occurs age 59 12 income taxes represent 20 retirement income reducing tax bill retirement via roth ira lead significantly dollars wallet retirement advertisement asking raise may create anxiety increasing earnings pay important ways retirement specifically getting raise make 40000 get 1 pay increase annually annual income reach 48808 20 years get 4 pay raise per year instead annual income would grow 87645 20 years larger paychecks also translate money set aside annually workplace retirement plans median percentage income thats contributed workplace retirement plan every year 8 using previous example person getting 1 annual raise would contribute 3904 retirement last year work someone getting 4 pay raise would contribute 7000 course 20year period larger contributions add dont forget social security calculates monthly social security income based highest 35 working years therefore career spans 35 years every high income year beyond limit removes lowincome year calculation thus increases size social security check image source seniorlivingorg contributing money retirement accounts right make huge impact future retirement income thanks compound interest interest earning interest year year although maxing 401k 403b iras arguably effective way increase income retirement millions americans fail median contribution workplace retirement account 8 average household income 62462 opens new window average american saves less 5000 per year retirement thats significantly amount people allowed contribute 401k 403b plan limits traditional roth iras 2016 18000 tucked away employersponsored plan 5500 saved iras people 50 years old also contribute additional 6000 401k 403b plan additional 1000 ira monthly bills debt often cited main reasons contributing retirement savings accounts even small changes made create lot income later example increasing contribution 12 8 adds tens thousands dollars retirement nest egg 20 years retirement retirement savings 10000 contribute 8 average 62462 income retirement plan earns hypothetical 6 return every year youll end 225495 saved however contribute 12 per year instead 8 youll end 321692 nearly 100000 increasing percentage contribution doesnt happen make difference either cant increase contributions much right away commit increasing annual contribution 1 per year youre contributing maximum extra 1 per year isnt likely missed budget youll certainly notice youre cashing checks retirement article 3 moves make right boost income retirement opens new window originally appeared foolcom try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) new iPhone goes on sale on Friday with a bigger screen and 4G wireless technology, as the company seeks to safeguard its edge over rivals like Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The iPhone 5 fulfilled many of the expectations laid out by gadget geeks and technology analysts ahead of its Wednesday unveiling but offered few surprises to give Apple shares -- already near record highs -- another major kick.</p> <p>"There is not a wow factor because everything you saw today is evolutionary. I do think they did enough to satisfy," said Michael Yoshikami, chief executive of wealth management company Destination Wealth Management.</p> <p>Other industry analysts speculated about what else was in Apple's product pipeline ahead of the crucial year-end holiday season, especially since the company stayed mum about an oft-rumored TV device or a smaller iPad.</p> <p>The consumer electronics giant that in 2010 popularized tablet computing with the iPad has given no hints on whether it plans a smaller version to match cheaper tablets from the likes of Google or Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN).</p> <p>"We would really like to see the iPad Mini in the product offering for the all-important holiday quarter. They still have time," said Channing Smith, co-manager of the Capital Advisors Growth Fund. "As soon as we see that, we will have more conviction about the stock heading into the final quarter."</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Apple shares ended the day up 1.4 percent at $669.79.</p> <p>The latest iPhone comes as Apple faces competition beyond current key competitors Samsung and Google. Late entrant Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is now trying to push its Windows Phone 8 operating system as an alternative to Apple and Android, the most-used smartphone operating system in the world.</p> <p>Analysts have forecast sales of 10 million to 12 million of the new iPhones in this month alone.</p> <p>Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook kicked off the event in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center but it was marketing chief Phil Schiller who introduced the iPhone 5 and took the audience through the new phone's features.</p> <p>The iPhone 5 sports a 4-inch "retina" display, can surf a high-speed 4G LTE wireless network, and is 20 percent lighter than the previous iPhone 4S.</p> <p>CEDING A LEAD</p> <p>It ships September 21 in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Britain. It will hit 100 countries by year's end in the fastest international rollout for an iPhone so far.</p> <p>The stakes are high with the iPhone, Apple's marque product, accounting for nearly half its revenue. The California company has sold more than 243 million iPhones since 2007, when the device ushered in the current applications ecosystem model.</p> <p>But Samsung now leads the smartphone market with a 32.6 percent share followed by Apple with 17 percent, according to market research firm IDC. Both saw shipments rise compared to a year ago, with Samsung riding its flagship Galaxy S III phone.</p> <p>Available for pre-order on Friday starting from $199 with a data plan, the iPhone 5 comes with Apple's newest "A6" processor, which executives said runs twice as fast as the previous generation. It will pack three microphones -- enhancing built-in voice assistant Siri -- and an 8 megapixel camera that can take panoramic views.</p> <p>It will hitch a ride on the three largest U.S. carriers: Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ), AT&amp;amp;T Inc (NYSE:T), and Sprint (NYSE:S).</p> <p>One popular enhancement was improved battery endurance -- the iPhone 5 can support eight hours of 4G Web browsing, the company said.</p> <p>While Apple played catch-up on many of the new phone's features -- Samsung and Google's Motorola already have larger and 4G-ready phones -- analysts say the device's attraction is the way its software and hardware work in tandem.</p> <p>"Where they are pushing the envelope, and where they remain the one to beat, is on the experience those features bring to the consumer," said Carolina Milanesi, Gartner Research analyst. "While other vendors continue to focus just on the hardware -- delivering the speeds and feeds and bigger batteries -- Apple focuses on pulling the operating system, the hardware and what you can consume on the hardware."</p> <p>FOO FIGHTERS ROCK</p> <p>Cook began the event by giving updated metrics on the company's products and then quickly gave up the stage for Schiller to introduce the iPhone 5.</p> <p>The team then moved on to a new lineup of iPods, a redesigned iTunes store and ended with a surprise performance by rock band Foo Fighters. Apple executives in the front row could be seen rocking their heads to "Times Like These" and other hits.</p> <p>For the iPhone 5, Apple has done away with the connectors used on previous devices and replaced them with a smaller and more efficient "Lightning" connector.</p> <p>With the iPhone, it is shipping new "EarPods" audiophones, designed after digitally scanning hundreds of ears. Shares in Skullcandy, which specializes in stylized earphones, fell 4.5 percent on Wednesday.</p> <p>Beyond hardware, Apple telegraphed many of the software changes to expect in iPhone 5 when it debuted iOS 6, its latest mobile operating system, in June.</p> <p>Upgrades to the software include voice navigation for driving, a feature already available on many Android smartphones, as well as "Passbook" for storing electronic boarding passes, sports tickets and gift cards.</p> <p>Siri has been improved. In an onstage demonstration, Siri was able to answer questions about the result of a recent pro football game and recite a list of movies playing around town, along with ratings.</p> <p>Earlier, Cook told the audience that its apps store now has more than 700,000 on tap -- the industry's largest library.</p> <p>"When you look at each of these, they are incredible industry-leading innovations by themselves. But what sets them apart, and what places Apple way out in front of the competition, is how they work so well together," Cook said toward the end of the two-hour presentation.</p> <p>(Additional reporting by Jennifer Saba in New York, Alexei Oreskovic and Alistair Barr in San Francisco and Bill Rigby in Seattle; Writing by Edwin Chan; Editing by Leslie Gevirtz and Phil Berlowitz)</p>

apple incs nasdaqaapl new iphone goes sale friday bigger screen 4g wireless technology company seeks safeguard edge rivals like samsung electronics co ltd google inc nasdaqgoog continue reading iphone 5 fulfilled many expectations laid gadget geeks technology analysts ahead wednesday unveiling offered surprises give apple shares already near record highs another major kick wow factor everything saw today evolutionary think enough satisfy said michael yoshikami chief executive wealth management company destination wealth management industry analysts speculated else apples product pipeline ahead crucial yearend holiday season especially since company stayed mum oftrumored tv device smaller ipad consumer electronics giant 2010 popularized tablet computing ipad given hints whether plans smaller version match cheaper tablets likes google amazoncom inc nasdaqamzn would really like see ipad mini product offering allimportant holiday quarter still time said channing smith comanager capital advisors growth fund soon see conviction stock heading final quarter advertisement apple shares ended day 14 percent 66979 latest iphone comes apple faces competition beyond current key competitors samsung google late entrant microsoft corp nasdaqmsft trying push windows phone 8 operating system alternative apple android mostused smartphone operating system world analysts forecast sales 10 million 12 million new iphones month alone apple chief executive tim cook kicked event san franciscos yerba buena center marketing chief phil schiller introduced iphone 5 took audience new phones features iphone 5 sports 4inch retina display surf highspeed 4g lte wireless network 20 percent lighter previous iphone 4s ceding lead ships september 21 united states australia canada france germany hong kong japan singapore britain hit 100 countries years end fastest international rollout iphone far stakes high iphone apples marque product accounting nearly half revenue california company sold 243 million iphones since 2007 device ushered current applications ecosystem model samsung leads smartphone market 326 percent share followed apple 17 percent according market research firm idc saw shipments rise compared year ago samsung riding flagship galaxy iii phone available preorder friday starting 199 data plan iphone 5 comes apples newest a6 processor executives said runs twice fast previous generation pack three microphones enhancing builtin voice assistant siri 8 megapixel camera take panoramic views hitch ride three largest us carriers verizon wireless nysevz atampt inc nyset sprint nyses one popular enhancement improved battery endurance iphone 5 support eight hours 4g web browsing company said apple played catchup many new phones features samsung googles motorola already larger 4gready phones analysts say devices attraction way software hardware work tandem pushing envelope remain one beat experience features bring consumer said carolina milanesi gartner research analyst vendors continue focus hardware delivering speeds feeds bigger batteries apple focuses pulling operating system hardware consume hardware foo fighters rock cook began event giving updated metrics companys products quickly gave stage schiller introduce iphone 5 team moved new lineup ipods redesigned itunes store ended surprise performance rock band foo fighters apple executives front row could seen rocking heads times like hits iphone 5 apple done away connectors used previous devices replaced smaller efficient lightning connector iphone shipping new earpods audiophones designed digitally scanning hundreds ears shares skullcandy specializes stylized earphones fell 45 percent wednesday beyond hardware apple telegraphed many software changes expect iphone 5 debuted ios 6 latest mobile operating system june upgrades software include voice navigation driving feature already available many android smartphones well passbook storing electronic boarding passes sports tickets gift cards siri improved onstage demonstration siri able answer questions result recent pro football game recite list movies playing around town along ratings earlier cook told audience apps store 700000 tap industrys largest library look incredible industryleading innovations sets apart places apple way front competition work well together cook said toward end twohour presentation additional reporting jennifer saba new york alexei oreskovic alistair barr san francisco bill rigby seattle writing edwin chan editing leslie gevirtz phil berlowitz

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>You will be hard-pressed to find an investment in the energy industry that has produced the returns Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE: MMP) has since its initial public offering in 2001. The company's solid business model and a management team that has focused intently on being good stewards of shareholder capital have translated into an investment that has beaten the S&amp;amp;P 500 by more than 20 times on a total return basis.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/MMP/total_return_price" type="external">MMP Total Return Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>As with everything in investing, though, there are no guarantees that the company will be able to keep these returns going. So let's take a look at three big risks it will face in the coming years that could take a big bite out of that stellar performance.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>It's not that often that Magellan Midstream Partners makes huge investment bets. Most of the projects it approves are typically smaller or modest-sized investments, and the ones that are larger investments -- its major crude oil pipelines, for example -- are de-risked by bringing in a partner or two to share the financial load of getting these projects off the ground.</p> <p>This is what makes Magellan's Pasadena Marine Terminal in Texas so interesting. The Pasadena terminal will look to export refined products and ethanol and have up to 1 million barrels of storage for these products. This is a project that Magellan estimates will, if all expansion options are exercised, will cost upwards of $1 billion. Compared to larger master limited partnerships, this is a medium to large project. For Magellan, though, it is equal to every other project that is currently under construction.</p> <p>What should be of concern for Magellan investors is that this project is expected to be completed in stages. The first is a $335 million investment that should be completed by 2019. However, this initial phase does some of the heavy lifting for further development such as land acquisition. As such, the company is anticipating that this project should generate a 12 times EBITDA multiple, which is much higher than the 7.1 times average EBITDA multiple that the company's other projects are expected to generate.</p> <p>Management expects that, as the other phases are completed, it will lower the overall EBITDA multiple on the project to a much more attractive eight times. That is contingent, however, on those expansion options being picked up. A lot can happen between now and 2019 that could change the landscape. If things were to change for the worse and the company didn't go froward with the expansion, then Magellan could be left with a still-large-for-its-size asset that generates lower returns.</p> <p>Whenever a company makes investment projections like Magellan has done with the project above, it is predicated on being able to raise capital at a certain rate. This is an incredibly important aspect of investing in master limited partnerships: their ability to access copious amounts of cheap capital.</p> <p>I'm not going to go into the speculation over interest rates and where they are headed. When you look at the borrowing rates of companies, it is much more based on their overall creditworthiness than the interest rate environment in which it is borrowing. For Magellan, that works in its favor because it has an investment-grade credit rating -- BBB+ from Standard &amp;amp; Poor's -- and has kept a much more modest balance sheet over the years. You can even look to its most recent $500 million bond issuance with a 4.92% interest rate -- used to pay down borrowings that carried a 5.65% interest rate -- as evidence of its strong credit profile.</p> <p>This spending push over the past two years, though, has started to push its leverage ratings higher, and the suite of projects it has in the wings will likely require even more borrowing. If the company bites off more debt than it can chew for these new projects, it could raise interest rates on its debt. That would, in turn, impact the returns generated by existing projects and fewer future projects will be able to meet target returns. That's something that no shareholder wants.</p> <p>Magellan's largest business is moving refined petroleum products -- think gasoline and diesel -- from refineries in the Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent region to retail and wholesale distribution points across a large swath of the lower 48 states.</p> <p>Image source: Magellan Midstream Partners.</p> <p>This makes for a very steady cash-generating business. Unlike crude oil or natural gas where production can boom and bust or shift geographically, refined product demand remains pretty steady and the volumes that move through Magellan's pipes pay a fixed fee rather than a percentage of the commodity price. In fact, much of that refined product system is in parts of the country where it is the only game in town, and therefore prices are regulated like a utility by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission such that Magellan has a guaranteed rate of return.</p> <p>Much of those returns and fixed fees are profitable because those pipes run at high utilization rates. With the costs for those pipes mostly fixed, a drop in volume would drastically lower those rates of return. It's clear that there are signs we are moving toward a time of less fuel consumption, but they are slow-moving trends. As recently as a couple years ago, Magellan was estimating 1% or less annual declines in its pipeline volumes from lower consumption.</p> <p>But what if that demand for gasoline and diesel were to change quicker than anticipated? There are a lot of things that would need to go right for this to happen -- rapid adoption of electric vehicles and more efficient driving from automated vehicles, to name two -- but there are enough factors working to lower fuel consumption that they cannot be denied.</p> <p>Clearly, this is still a longer-term threat for Magellan that still has some questions up in the air, but it is a threat nonetheless. If consumers take to electric vehicles or if automated driving becomes ubiquitous faster than our current track, we could see a rapid slump in fuel use and Magellan's pipeline network won't be as valuable as it has been.</p> <p>Looking over the nearer term, there aren't a whole lot of things that could knock Magellan off its tracks. The company still has a reliable revenue stream, a solid financial foundation, and a decent slew of projects coming on line in the next year or two to fuel growth. Longer term, though, investors should be on the lookout for a misplaced bet on its Pasadena Terminal, the threat of higher capital costs, and a faster-than-predicted shift away from fossil fuels for transportation. If it does announce the expansion of Pasadena and can keep its finances in check while it gets through this spending push, then it may be able to hold off the inevitable declines in fuel consumption for a while.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2692&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Magellan Midstream Partners.You can follow Tyler at Fool.comor on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerCroweFool" type="external">@TylerCroweFool Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The Motley Fool recommends Magellan Midstream Partners. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading hardpressed find investment energy industry produced returns magellan midstream partners nyse mmp since initial public offering 2001 companys solid business model management team focused intently good stewards shareholder capital translated investment beaten sampp 500 20 times total return basis mmp total return price data ycharts opens new window everything investing though guarantees company able keep returns going lets take look three big risks face coming years could take big bite stellar performance advertisement often magellan midstream partners makes huge investment bets projects approves typically smaller modestsized investments ones larger investments major crude oil pipelines example derisked bringing partner two share financial load getting projects ground makes magellans pasadena marine terminal texas interesting pasadena terminal look export refined products ethanol 1 million barrels storage products project magellan estimates expansion options exercised cost upwards 1 billion compared larger master limited partnerships medium large project magellan though equal every project currently construction concern magellan investors project expected completed stages first 335 million investment completed 2019 however initial phase heavy lifting development land acquisition company anticipating project generate 12 times ebitda multiple much higher 71 times average ebitda multiple companys projects expected generate management expects phases completed lower overall ebitda multiple project much attractive eight times contingent however expansion options picked lot happen 2019 could change landscape things change worse company didnt go froward expansion magellan could left stilllargeforitssize asset generates lower returns whenever company makes investment projections like magellan done project predicated able raise capital certain rate incredibly important aspect investing master limited partnerships ability access copious amounts cheap capital im going go speculation interest rates headed look borrowing rates companies much based overall creditworthiness interest rate environment borrowing magellan works favor investmentgrade credit rating bbb standard amp poors kept much modest balance sheet years even look recent 500 million bond issuance 492 interest rate used pay borrowings carried 565 interest rate evidence strong credit profile spending push past two years though started push leverage ratings higher suite projects wings likely require even borrowing company bites debt chew new projects could raise interest rates debt would turn impact returns generated existing projects fewer future projects able meet target returns thats something shareholder wants magellans largest business moving refined petroleum products think gasoline diesel refineries gulf coast midcontinent region retail wholesale distribution points across large swath lower 48 states image source magellan midstream partners makes steady cashgenerating business unlike crude oil natural gas production boom bust shift geographically refined product demand remains pretty steady volumes move magellans pipes pay fixed fee rather percentage commodity price fact much refined product system parts country game town therefore prices regulated like utility federal energy regulatory commission magellan guaranteed rate return much returns fixed fees profitable pipes run high utilization rates costs pipes mostly fixed drop volume would drastically lower rates return clear signs moving toward time less fuel consumption slowmoving trends recently couple years ago magellan estimating 1 less annual declines pipeline volumes lower consumption demand gasoline diesel change quicker anticipated lot things would need go right happen rapid adoption electric vehicles efficient driving automated vehicles name two enough factors working lower fuel consumption denied clearly still longerterm threat magellan still questions air threat nonetheless consumers take electric vehicles automated driving becomes ubiquitous faster current track could see rapid slump fuel use magellans pipeline network wont valuable looking nearer term arent whole lot things could knock magellan tracks company still reliable revenue stream solid financial foundation decent slew projects coming line next year two fuel growth longer term though investors lookout misplaced bet pasadena terminal threat higher capital costs fasterthanpredicted shift away fossil fuels transportation announce expansion pasadena keep finances check gets spending push may able hold inevitable declines fuel consumption secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window tyler crowe opens new window owns shares magellan midstream partnersyou follow tyler foolcomor twitter tylercrowefool opens new window motley fool recommends magellan midstream 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

<p>Broadcom Ltd.'s $105 billion gambit to acquire Qualcomm Inc. faces challenges not only in winning over shareholders but in navigating a host of potential roadblocks from regulators over market dominance, innovation and national security.</p> <p>For now, any marriage is in limbo after Qualcomm rejected the bid last week, leaving Broadcom to decide whether to raise its offer or seek board seats.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Combined, they would form the No. 3 chip maker by revenue behind Intel Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. -- a colossus spanning markets from consumer devices to phone-service providers to data centers.</p> <p>That alone may give antitrust enforcers pause. Add in, authorities in the U.S. and other countries already have Qualcomm's patent-licensing business in their crosshairs, and regulatory reviews have held up other multibillion-dollar deals initiated by both companies.</p> <p>Regulators would have to consider the merged entity's dominant position in parts critical to smartphones. Broadcom and Qualcomm are the top suppliers in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips for wireless devices with a combined market share of roughly 60%, and together they would dominate in GPS chips with a 52% share, according to the market-research firm Gartner Inc. They also compete in components that amplify, filter and route cellular radio signals. Qualcomm leads the market for cellular communications chips with a nearly 59% share.</p> <p>The Justice Department's lawsuit on Monday to block AT&amp;amp;T Inc.'s proposed $85 billion takeover of Time Warner Inc. sent a signal that even Republican enforcers, who generally have been friendly toward mergers, could take an interventionist attitude toward large tie-ups.</p> <p>Broadcom Chief Executive Hock Tan has expressed confidence that the deal would pass muster. "There's nothing we can't work through in our review in terms of regulators, which is why we believe there's a very clear path to completion," he told the Wall Street Journal shortly after he submitted his bid.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Qualcomm declined to comment. The proposed merger "comes with significant regulatory uncertainty," the company said in a statement when it rejected Broadcom's bid.</p> <p>The combination could undermine consumers, device makers, software coders and service providers by creating an entity capable of dictating what wireless devices can and can't do, said Sascha Meinrath, a professor of telecommunications at Pennsylvania State University.</p> <p>U.S. regulators have paid particular attention to deals that allow a single company to package complementary technologies in ways that could thwart smaller competitors, said Harry First, a professor at New York University who specializes in antitrust law. In the early 2000s, for example, regulators ruled Microsoft Corp. unfairly blocked Netscape Communications Corp. by bundling its Internet Explorer browser with its Windows operating system.</p> <p>In Europe and China, a Broadcom-Qualcomm merger likely would entail "a lot of required divestitures and behavior requirements" such as selling or sharing intellectual property, said Eleanor Fox, a specialist in international antitrust law at New York University.</p> <p>European regulators lately have been eager to ensure continued spending on innovation, Ms. Fox said. Earlier this year, they conditioned approval of the $130 billion merger between Dow Chemical Co. and DuPont Co. on the latter's sale of a research-and-development center.</p> <p>Mr. Tan isn't averse to divestitures. After merging Avago Ltd. and Broadcom in 2016, he sold Broadcom's wireless internet-of-things unit to Cypress Semiconductor Corp. because it didn't fit his yardstick for market dominance or predictable revenue, among other criteria, Bernstein Research analyst Stacy Rasgon said.</p> <p>China, meanwhile, hasn't shied from using antitrust decisions to help local industry. In settling a complaint against Qualcomm, for instance, Chinese authorities in 2015 demanded the chip maker cut its royalty-rate basis in that country, a requirement some observers interpreted as an effort to give Chinese device makers an advantage.</p> <p>Mr. Tan already has suggested he might revamp Qualcomm's patent-licensing business, despite its pretax profit margin far outstripping that of the company's chip sales. In an interview with Mr. Rasgon, he said he "sees an opportunity to rationalize and restructure the licensing business." That could hearten competition watchdogs world-wide as well as Apple Inc., which is waging a bitter war against Qualcomm over royalty rates.</p> <p>Broadcom has said it expects the transaction to clear regulatory reviews within 12 months of striking a deal. That is not unrealistic, according to antitrust experts. However, both Broadcom and Qualcomm have encountered obstacles in getting other deals past regulators.</p> <p>Qualcomm's $39 billion deal for automotive chip leader NXP Semiconductors NV has been delayed by the European Commission. Broadcom's proposed acquisition of Brocade Communications Systems Inc. for $5.5 billion was held up in a U.S. national security review before closing last week.</p> <p>The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which vets foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies on national security grounds, lately has combed chip deals for involvement from China, which been trying to extend its semiconductor capabilities. Late last year, for instance, the committee quashed the sale of Aixtron SE, a German maker of chip-fabrication equipment that has U.S. operations, to Chinese investor Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund LP.</p> <p>Broadcom's Mr. Tan recently took what appeared to be a step toward easing such scrutiny. Shortly before presenting his bid to Qualcomm, he stood beside President Donald Trump to announce a plan to relocate Broadcom's headquarters from Singapore to the U.S.</p> <p>The committee is likely to investigate anyway if it suspects Chinese backing, said James Lewis, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. However, he believes that is unlikely. The tie-up would cause "a little discomfort," he said, but probably not enough to trigger a national security investigation.</p> <p>Write to Ted Greenwald at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 22, 2017 07:14 ET (12:14 GMT)</p>

broadcom ltds 105 billion gambit acquire qualcomm inc faces challenges winning shareholders navigating host potential roadblocks regulators market dominance innovation national security marriage limbo qualcomm rejected bid last week leaving broadcom decide whether raise offer seek board seats continue reading combined would form 3 chip maker revenue behind intel corp samsung electronics co colossus spanning markets consumer devices phoneservice providers data centers alone may give antitrust enforcers pause add authorities us countries already qualcomms patentlicensing business crosshairs regulatory reviews held multibilliondollar deals initiated companies regulators would consider merged entitys dominant position parts critical smartphones broadcom qualcomm top suppliers wifi bluetooth chips wireless devices combined market share roughly 60 together would dominate gps chips 52 share according marketresearch firm gartner inc also compete components amplify filter route cellular radio signals qualcomm leads market cellular communications chips nearly 59 share justice departments lawsuit monday block atampt incs proposed 85 billion takeover time warner inc sent signal even republican enforcers generally friendly toward mergers could take interventionist attitude toward large tieups broadcom chief executive hock tan expressed confidence deal would pass muster theres nothing cant work review terms regulators believe theres clear path completion told wall street journal shortly submitted bid advertisement qualcomm declined comment proposed merger comes significant regulatory uncertainty company said statement rejected broadcoms bid combination could undermine consumers device makers software coders service providers creating entity capable dictating wireless devices cant said sascha meinrath professor telecommunications pennsylvania state university us regulators paid particular attention deals allow single company package complementary technologies ways could thwart smaller competitors said harry first professor new york university specializes antitrust law early 2000s example regulators ruled microsoft corp unfairly blocked netscape communications corp bundling internet explorer browser windows operating system europe china broadcomqualcomm merger likely would entail lot required divestitures behavior requirements selling sharing intellectual property said eleanor fox specialist international antitrust law new york university european regulators lately eager ensure continued spending innovation ms fox said earlier year conditioned approval 130 billion merger dow chemical co dupont co latters sale researchanddevelopment center mr tan isnt averse divestitures merging avago ltd broadcom 2016 sold broadcoms wireless internetofthings unit cypress semiconductor corp didnt fit yardstick market dominance predictable revenue among criteria bernstein research analyst stacy rasgon said china meanwhile hasnt shied using antitrust decisions help local industry settling complaint qualcomm instance chinese authorities 2015 demanded chip maker cut royaltyrate basis country requirement observers interpreted effort give chinese device makers advantage mr tan already suggested might revamp qualcomms patentlicensing business despite pretax profit margin far outstripping companys chip sales interview mr rasgon said sees opportunity rationalize restructure licensing business could hearten competition watchdogs worldwide well apple inc waging bitter war qualcomm royalty rates broadcom said expects transaction clear regulatory reviews within 12 months striking deal unrealistic according antitrust experts however broadcom qualcomm encountered obstacles getting deals past regulators qualcomms 39 billion deal automotive chip leader nxp semiconductors nv delayed european commission broadcoms proposed acquisition brocade communications systems inc 55 billion held us national security review closing last week committee foreign investment us vets foreign acquisitions us companies national security grounds lately combed chip deals involvement china trying extend semiconductor capabilities late last year instance committee quashed sale aixtron se german maker chipfabrication equipment us operations chinese investor fujian grand chip investment fund lp broadcoms mr tan recently took appeared step toward easing scrutiny shortly presenting bid qualcomm stood beside president donald trump announce plan relocate broadcoms headquarters singapore us committee likely investigate anyway suspects chinese backing said james lewis senior fellow center strategic international studies washington however believes unlikely tieup would cause little discomfort said probably enough trigger national security investigation write ted greenwald tedgreenwaldwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 22 2017 0714 et 1214 gmt

<p>The Trump administration is endorsing significant changes in the criteria for regulating large insurers and asset managers, sending a strong signal that firms such as MetLife Inc., Prudential Financial Inc. and BlackRock Inc. can worry less about strict rules from Washington.</p> <p>The Treasury Department on Friday recommended an overhaul of the process for designating nonbank financial institutions as systemically important, a post-financial crisis label that subjects some firms to stricter regulatory oversight.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Observers on both sides of the political spectrum said the recommendations would make it less likely that the Financial Stability Oversight Council will designate nonbank firms systemically important.</p> <p>Regulators can implement the recommendations by rule without action from Congress.</p> <p>Trump administration officials already had signaled skepticism of using the "systemic" label, but the Treasury's report Friday offered the most definitive critique to date. It calls for allowing companies targeted for the designation to make changes before additional supervision is applied and said a cost-benefit analysis should be part of the process.</p> <p>Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a written statement the changes would improve FSOC's analysis and increase transparency.</p> <p>It was good news for Prudential, the remaining nonbank firm wearing the systemic tag, as well as for BlackRock and other asset managers that fought under the Obama administration to avoid the label.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Prudential is hoping regulators will release the firm from federal oversight later this year.</p> <p>A MetLife spokesman said the report "correctly identifies flaws in the current designation process and endorses strong remedies."</p> <p>Representatives of Prudential and BlackRock had no immediate comment.</p> <p>For MetLife, the report signals regulators may stop trying to reassert federal oversight of the company. A U.S. District Judge rescinded the company's systemically important designation in March 2016, calling it unreasonable. The Obama administration appealed the ruling. Earlier this year the case was put on hold, pending the Treasury's report.</p> <p>The Trump administration hasn't said what it plans to do about the MetLife case, but the arguments in Friday's report endorsed many of the company's complaints.</p> <p>"What it tells you is they are agreeing with MetLife," said Margaret Tahyar, a partner in the financial institutions group at Davis, Polk and Wardwell LLP.</p> <p>The report responds to a memorandum issued in April by President Donald Trump directing the Treasury to evaluate the designation process undertaken by FSOC, which is led by the Treasury Secretary and includes top financial regulators.</p> <p>The 2010 Dodd-Frank law created FSOC to avoid a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis, when large firms outside the heavily regulated banking sector, such as American International Group Inc., received bailouts.</p> <p>FSOC used its designation power to regulate AIG, General Electric Co.'s GE Capital, MetLife and Prudential. Sometimes, FSOC decided not to designate firms. The Obama administration evaluated but never designated others, including Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.</p> <p>Industry groups and some lawmakers saw FSOC's designations as unfounded and have been seeking to undo or restrain the FSOC's authority for years.</p> <p>In the Trump administration, those voices have found a more sympathetic ear. Craig Phillips, a top counselor to Mr. Mnuchin on financial regulation issues, is a former BlackRock executive. Andrew Olmem, an adviser to president on financial policy at the White House National Economic Council, represented MetLife and other financial firms as a lobbyist after leaving his post as a lawyer on the Senate Banking Committee.</p> <p>The White House counsel has waived an ethics restriction on Mr. Olmem, allowing him to participate in work on "reforming the Financial Stability Oversight Council's [FSOC's] procedures."</p> <p>White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters said in a written statement that despite the waiver, Mr. Olmem is recused from "any particular matters involving MetLife as a party" and he "fully complied with his recusal obligations."</p> <p>Treasury said in preparing the report it met with academics and advocacy groups along with industry groups and companies such as MetLife and BlackRock.</p> <p>Though the Treasury's recommendations don't suggest axing the designation process, as Republicans in Congress have proposed, it could significantly raise the bar for FSOC to justify a designation.</p> <p>Thomas Vartanian, a partner at Dechert LLP who has been critical of FSOC, said the report means "FSOC has to create a better record to designate nonbanks as [systemic]. If that makes it harder for them, it's possible that they may not designate" more companies in the future.</p> <p>The report suggested FSOC should work with a company's primary regulator to address systemic risk concerns, in addition to giving companies the chance to address risks before it moves forward with a designation. In evaluating a company, FSOC would conduct a cost-benefit analysis and consider the likelihood that a company could pose a threat to financial stability.</p> <p>Marcus Stanley, a Dodd-Frank supporter who is policy director for the Americans for Financial Reform advocacy group, said the changes would tilt the process in favor of companies. "You're letting companies that could be big and sensitive to the financial system make excuses that claim everything is fine," he said. "I'm sure AIG in 2005 would have come up with a very good argument."</p> <p>Once the systemic label is applied, companies should be provided with a "clear 'off-ramp' " for getting the designation rescinded, the report added. AIG and GE Capital already have taken an "off-ramp" by persuading regulators to rescind their systemic designations.</p> <p>Write to Ryan Tracy at [email protected] and Lalita Clozel at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 17, 2017 17:26 ET (22:26 GMT)</p>

trump administration endorsing significant changes criteria regulating large insurers asset managers sending strong signal firms metlife inc prudential financial inc blackrock inc worry less strict rules washington treasury department friday recommended overhaul process designating nonbank financial institutions systemically important postfinancial crisis label subjects firms stricter regulatory oversight continue reading observers sides political spectrum said recommendations would make less likely financial stability oversight council designate nonbank firms systemically important regulators implement recommendations rule without action congress trump administration officials already signaled skepticism using systemic label treasurys report friday offered definitive critique date calls allowing companies targeted designation make changes additional supervision applied said costbenefit analysis part process treasury secretary steven mnuchin said written statement changes would improve fsocs analysis increase transparency good news prudential remaining nonbank firm wearing systemic tag well blackrock asset managers fought obama administration avoid label advertisement prudential hoping regulators release firm federal oversight later year metlife spokesman said report correctly identifies flaws current designation process endorses strong remedies representatives prudential blackrock immediate comment metlife report signals regulators may stop trying reassert federal oversight company us district judge rescinded companys systemically important designation march 2016 calling unreasonable obama administration appealed ruling earlier year case put hold pending treasurys report trump administration hasnt said plans metlife case arguments fridays report endorsed many companys complaints tells agreeing metlife said margaret tahyar partner financial institutions group davis polk wardwell llp report responds memorandum issued april president donald trump directing treasury evaluate designation process undertaken fsoc led treasury secretary includes top financial regulators 2010 doddfrank law created fsoc avoid repeat 2008 financial crisis large firms outside heavily regulated banking sector american international group inc received bailouts fsoc used designation power regulate aig general electric cos ge capital metlife prudential sometimes fsoc decided designate firms obama administration evaluated never designated others including warren buffetts berkshire hathaway inc industry groups lawmakers saw fsocs designations unfounded seeking undo restrain fsocs authority years trump administration voices found sympathetic ear craig phillips top counselor mr mnuchin financial regulation issues former blackrock executive andrew olmem adviser president financial policy white house national economic council represented metlife financial firms lobbyist leaving post lawyer senate banking committee white house counsel waived ethics restriction mr olmem allowing participate work reforming financial stability oversight councils fsocs procedures white house deputy press secretary lindsay walters said written statement despite waiver mr olmem recused particular matters involving metlife party fully complied recusal obligations treasury said preparing report met academics advocacy groups along industry groups companies metlife blackrock though treasurys recommendations dont suggest axing designation process republicans congress proposed could significantly raise bar fsoc justify designation thomas vartanian partner dechert llp critical fsoc said report means fsoc create better record designate nonbanks systemic makes harder possible may designate companies future report suggested fsoc work companys primary regulator address systemic risk concerns addition giving companies chance address risks moves forward designation evaluating company fsoc would conduct costbenefit analysis consider likelihood company could pose threat financial stability marcus stanley doddfrank supporter policy director americans financial reform advocacy group said changes would tilt process favor companies youre letting companies could big sensitive financial system make excuses claim everything fine said im sure aig 2005 would come good argument systemic label applied companies provided clear offramp getting designation rescinded report added aig ge capital already taken offramp persuading regulators rescind systemic designations write ryan tracy ryantracywsjcom lalita clozel lalitaclozelwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 17 2017 1726 et 2226 gmt

<p /> <p>Since the Great Recession that began in 2008, Americans have built up a worrying amount of debt. According to a recent <a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/interactives/householdcredit/data/pdf/HHDC_2016Q4.pdf" type="external">Federal Reserve Bank report Opens a New Window.</a>, household debt balances in the fourth quarter of 2016 reached $12.58 trillion, just 0.8% below the peak debt load in the third quarter of 2008.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It's wise to consider how much your household is contributing to those numbers. While adjusting your own household's debt load is not likely to have a significant impact on whether or not a recession occurs, it can certainly make it easier for you to weather such a recession without going under. Even if there isn't another recession, having an excessive amount of debt is an enormous drain on your financial resources and can make your goals unattainable.</p> <p>IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.</p> <p>The Federal Reserve Bank report breaks debt into several distinct categories: mortgages (which represent 67% of the total fourth-quarter 2016 debt load), revolving home equity debt (4%), auto loans (9%), credit cards (6%), student loans (10%), and other miscellaneous types of debt (3%).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The good news that stands out when reviewing these numbers is that over three-quarters of the debt load is " <a href="http://www.fool.com/credit-cards/2017/02/24/good-debt-vs-bad-debt.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">good Opens a New Window.</a>" debt,meaning it's debt that was used to finance something that will increase in value over time. Mortgages and student loans are widely considered good debt because your house will very likely net you a profit when you sell it, and your education will allow you to earn a higher income over your lifetime.</p> <p>The bad news is that even good debt can be a problem if you have more of it than you can afford to pay. Buying a house is no longer a good investment if you're forced into bankruptcy and lose the house because you can't pay for it. Excessive mortgage debt was arguably the most significant factor in causing the 2008 recession; when a large enough percentage of households couldn't afford to keep up the mortgage payments anymore, the banks financing those mortgages crumbled and the economy crumbled with them.</p> <p>So when does debt cross the line and become too much? It's tough to assign a specific percentage because it depends heavily on your own situation: how much your income is, how much money you're devoting to non-debt expenses, and how your prospects look for the near future. Someone heading for a promotion and raise could potentially handle a much higher percentage of debt than someone heading for a layoff, for example.</p> <p>In her book All Your Worth, Senator Elizabeth Warren suggests a 50/30/20 budget: 50% of your income toward necessities, 30% toward things you want but don't need, and 20% toward saving money and paying down debt. Ideally, you'll want to squeeze your debt load into that 20% category; if you do so, you likely will be able to keep it under control over time. If your debt grows to the point where you can no longer keep it in the 20% category, you'll have to set aside some of your 30% "wants" budget for extra payments to reduce your total debt.</p> <p>Obviously, figuring out the percentage of debt you now enjoy requires you to sit down and add up all your debt and income. Yes, this is tedious and possibly traumatic, but it's the first step toward getting your debt under control instead of letting it control you. And you may even be pleasantly surprised to discover that you have less debt than you realized. Once you've added up your debt, you can then figure out <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/02/18/which-is-better-saving-money-or-paying-down-debt.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">how much you need to pay each month Opens a New Window.</a> to keep it at a level you're comfortable with, and still have a little money to put in savings. Speaking of which...</p> <p>Having a fully funded emergency savings account can give you a little more wiggle room as to how much debt you can handle. If you have an emergency savings account, then when an inevitable life crisis comes along, you can pay for it out of savings instead of putting it on a credit card. So your emergency savings means you don't have to reserve space on credit cards (and in your personal debt budget) to protect you in case of emergency. Also, having a fully funded savings account means that more of that 20% of income you're reserving for debt and savings can go toward debt.</p> <p>At the very least, you'll want enough money in your emergency savings account to cover three months' worth of expenses; many experts recommend saving enough money for six months to a year or even more, in extreme cases. This is another number that will fluctuate based on your personal situation. If you're single with no dependents, successfully employed, and don't have a lot of expenses, you can get by with a relatively small emergency savings account; on the other hand, someone with an iffy job situation and several kids or other dependents will want to have a lot more than three months' worth of expenses saved up.</p> <p>The final factor in deciding if your debt load is too high is whether or not you feel comfortable with your current financial situation. Do you feel financially secure? Or do you count the days toward your next paycheck and fret whether there will be enough money to pay for everything? Are you able to regularly set aside money for savings, including retirement savings? The answers to these questions will tell you if you've overextended on debt. And when it comes to balancing your own household budget, your personal preferences should be the deciding factor.</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 theyre 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. Youll 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;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;source=ic3editxt0000001&amp;amp;aid=8985&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6983&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">FREE credit score guide Opens a New Window.</a>. Its 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;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;source=ic3editxt0000001&amp;amp;aid=8985&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6983&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

since great recession began 2008 americans built worrying amount debt according recent federal reserve bank report opens new window household debt balances fourth quarter 2016 reached 1258 trillion 08 peak debt load third quarter 2008 continue reading wise consider much household contributing numbers adjusting households debt load likely significant impact whether recession occurs certainly make easier weather recession without going even isnt another recession excessive amount debt enormous drain financial resources make goals unattainable image source getty images federal reserve bank report breaks debt several distinct categories mortgages represent 67 total fourthquarter 2016 debt load revolving home equity debt 4 auto loans 9 credit cards 6 student loans 10 miscellaneous types debt 3 advertisement good news stands reviewing numbers threequarters debt load good opens new window debtmeaning debt used finance something increase value time mortgages student loans widely considered good debt house likely net profit sell education allow earn higher income lifetime bad news even good debt problem afford pay buying house longer good investment youre forced bankruptcy lose house cant pay excessive mortgage debt arguably significant factor causing 2008 recession large enough percentage households couldnt afford keep mortgage payments anymore banks financing mortgages crumbled economy crumbled debt cross line become much tough assign specific percentage depends heavily situation much income much money youre devoting nondebt expenses prospects look near future someone heading promotion raise could potentially handle much higher percentage debt someone heading layoff example book worth senator elizabeth warren suggests 503020 budget 50 income toward necessities 30 toward things want dont need 20 toward saving money paying debt ideally youll want squeeze debt load 20 category likely able keep control time debt grows point longer keep 20 category youll set aside 30 wants budget extra payments reduce total debt obviously figuring percentage debt enjoy requires sit add debt income yes tedious possibly traumatic first step toward getting debt control instead letting control may even pleasantly surprised discover less debt realized youve added debt figure much need pay month opens new window keep level youre comfortable still little money put savings speaking fully funded emergency savings account give little wiggle room much debt handle emergency savings account inevitable life crisis comes along pay savings instead putting credit card emergency savings means dont reserve space credit cards personal debt budget protect case emergency also fully funded savings account means 20 income youre reserving debt savings go toward debt least youll want enough money emergency savings account cover three months worth expenses many experts recommend saving enough money six months year even extreme cases another number fluctuate based personal situation youre single dependents successfully employed dont lot expenses get relatively small emergency savings account hand someone iffy job situation several kids dependents want lot three months worth expenses saved final factor deciding debt load high whether feel comfortable current financial situation feel financially secure count days toward next paycheck fret whether enough money pay everything able regularly set aside money savings including retirement savings answers questions tell youve overextended debt comes balancing household budget personal preferences deciding factor 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

<p>A January Time <a href="http://time.com/4649914/why-the-doctor-takes-only-cash/" type="external">article</a> provided a glimpse into what a cash-based health care system would look like: an actual free market health care system that conservatives have longed for. What are the benefits and drawbacks of such a system? Could it be the wave of the future given the looming dumpster fire that is Trumpcare?</p> <p>Here are seven things you need to know about paying cash for medical care.</p> <p>1. It allows consumers to be more cost-conscious. One of the main problems with the current health care system is that a third party, whether it's an insurance company or the government, covers most of the costs; therefore incentivizing consumers to overconsume when it comes to medical care. In a cash-based system, consumers can see how much each particular treatment costs and can decide from a variety options what the best service is for them.</p> <p>2. Doctors won't have to deal with nearly as much bureaucracy. Bypassing the third party means doctors don't have to dedicate as many resources toward filling out unnecessary paperwork and learning the various rules and regulations that come with dealing with a third party. As a result, it can be cheaper for a patient in a cash-based system to obtain various tests or procedures: ( <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-cut-your-health-care-bill-pay-cash-1455592277" type="external">H/T:</a> Wall Street Journal)</p> <p>ClearHealthCosts has compiled self-pay prices for dozens of tests and procedures in eight cities and found a vast range. In Houston, an MRI for the lower back can cost as little as $750 at an imaging clinic and as much as $1,961 at an academic medical center. A colonoscopy in San Francisco is $600 at one surgical center and $5,500 at another.</p> <p>Finding the negotiated rates for those same services is tougher, since many insurance contracts bar payers and providers from disclosing them. But individual plan members can see that information on their Explanation of Benefit statements, so ClearHealthCosts has joined with public radio stations in New York, California and Pennsylvania, asking listeners to anonymously post what their health provider charged, what their insurance paid and what they paid out of pocket. Thousands have responded, showing that in many cases, while insurers had negotiated a big discount off the provider&#8217;s original charge, the negotiated rates were still higher than the service would have cost in cash at the same place or nearby.</p> <p>&#8220;My favorite was the $5,400 MRI at an academic medical center in California,&#8221; Ms. Pinder says. &#8220;Insurance paid about $2,900 and the patient paid about $2,500. It looked like he got a great deal&#8212;but he could have paid $725 cash down the street.&#8221; When people see this data, she says, &#8220;they don&#8217;t behave the same way in the marketplace again.&#8221;</p> <p><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/11/news/economy/cash-only-doctors/" type="external">CNN Money</a> also highlighted an example in which someone could "get a cholesterol test done for $3, versus the $90 the lab company he works with once billed to insurance carriers. An MRI can be had for $400, compared to a typical billed rate of $2,000 or more."</p> <p>3. Doctors that take only cash typically charge monthly or annual fees for "unlimited access." The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) <a href="http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2015/June/Healthcares-Antidote-Cash-In-on-a-Cash-Only-Plan" type="external">reported</a> that one facility in Dallas, TX called Diamond Physicians, charges "$95 to $295 each month, based on age" for "acute procedures and medications." This is a model that <a href="http://aapp.org/2014/06/11/are-cash-only-healthcare-providers-in-our-future/" type="external">a lot of cash only doctors follow.</a></p> <p>4. The cash-only model allows doctors to spend more time with their patients. According to CBN, on average patients spend "as little as eight minutes per visit" to actually be able to talk to their doctor in person because Obamacare has overwhelmed doctors with an average of 3,000 patients. Doctors that only take cash deal with an average of 500 patients, therefore providing patients more doctor face-time.</p> <p>5. Hospitals are offering discounted rates to those who pay with cash up front. The Wall Street Journal explains that this is largely due to the fact that they can bypass a lot of "administrative work and collection hassles," although regulations that prevent hospitals from price-gouging also play a role.</p> <p>6. The number of cash-only doctors is small, but it's growing. Per <a href="http://www.scpr.org/blogs/health/2015/10/07/18080/are-cash-only-doctors-better-for-consumers/" type="external">KPCC:</a></p> <p>The American Academy of Private Physicians estimates there are about 6,000 doctors in the country who contract directly with their patients. That's less than 1 percent of the more than 900,000 licensed doctors in the U.S., according to a study of 2014 national data.</p> <p>However, the article points out that the number of cash-only doctors has increased "by 25 percent a year over the past four years."</p> <p>7. The most common criticism of cash-only medical care is that it adversely harms the poor. The Time article quoted Twila Brase, the Citizens' Council for Health Freedom president, as saying that the answer to that is charity. Additionally, CBN quoted Dr. James Pinckney, a cash-only doctor, as saying those in favor of a cash-only system were hoping to end the perception that cash-only medical care is only for the rich.</p> <p>"We're trying to obliterate that stigma and make sure people in this country understand that concierge medicine, or what we're calling 'direct medicine,' is affordable, and something that everybody should strive for," Pinckney said.</p> <p>Cash-only doctors do still recommend that people buy catastrophic health insurance with high deductibles. Vouchers with work requirements for the poor would also be a way to allay fears that the poor would be unable to afford cash-only medical care.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/bandlersbanter" type="external">Follow Aaron Bandler on Twitter.</a></p>

january time article provided glimpse cashbased health care system would look like actual free market health care system conservatives longed benefits drawbacks system could wave future given looming dumpster fire trumpcare seven things need know paying cash medical care 1 allows consumers costconscious one main problems current health care system third party whether insurance company government covers costs therefore incentivizing consumers overconsume comes medical care cashbased system consumers see much particular treatment costs decide variety options best service 2 doctors wont deal nearly much bureaucracy bypassing third party means doctors dont dedicate many resources toward filling unnecessary paperwork learning various rules regulations come dealing third party result cheaper patient cashbased system obtain various tests procedures ht wall street journal clearhealthcosts compiled selfpay prices dozens tests procedures eight cities found vast range houston mri lower back cost little 750 imaging clinic much 1961 academic medical center colonoscopy san francisco 600 one surgical center 5500 another finding negotiated rates services tougher since many insurance contracts bar payers providers disclosing individual plan members see information explanation benefit statements clearhealthcosts joined public radio stations new york california pennsylvania asking listeners anonymously post health provider charged insurance paid paid pocket thousands responded showing many cases insurers negotiated big discount providers original charge negotiated rates still higher service would cost cash place nearby favorite 5400 mri academic medical center california ms pinder says insurance paid 2900 patient paid 2500 looked like got great dealbut could paid 725 cash street people see data says dont behave way marketplace cnn money also highlighted example someone could get cholesterol test done 3 versus 90 lab company works billed insurance carriers mri 400 compared typical billed rate 2000 3 doctors take cash typically charge monthly annual fees unlimited access christian broadcasting network cbn reported one facility dallas tx called diamond physicians charges 95 295 month based age acute procedures medications model lot cash doctors follow 4 cashonly model allows doctors spend time patients according cbn average patients spend little eight minutes per visit actually able talk doctor person obamacare overwhelmed doctors average 3000 patients doctors take cash deal average 500 patients therefore providing patients doctor facetime 5 hospitals offering discounted rates pay cash front wall street journal explains largely due fact bypass lot administrative work collection hassles although regulations prevent hospitals pricegouging also play role 6 number cashonly doctors small growing per kpcc american academy private physicians estimates 6000 doctors country contract directly patients thats less 1 percent 900000 licensed doctors us according study 2014 national data however article points number cashonly doctors increased 25 percent year past four years 7 common criticism cashonly medical care adversely harms poor time article quoted twila brase citizens council health freedom president saying answer charity additionally cbn quoted dr james pinckney cashonly doctor saying favor cashonly system hoping end perception cashonly medical care rich trying obliterate stigma make sure people country understand concierge medicine calling direct medicine affordable something everybody strive pinckney said cashonly doctors still recommend people buy catastrophic health insurance high deductibles vouchers work requirements poor would also way allay fears poor would unable afford cashonly medical care follow aaron bandler twitter

<p /> <p>Source: HillaryClinton.com</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The presidential campaign is finally entering its home stretch, and in less than two weeks we'll know who our next president will be.While the outcome isn't certain, most polls show Hillary Clinton leading the race, making it most likely that she will be president come January.</p> <p>Clinton has called for raising the minimum wage to a living wage, and has promised to work to lift base hourly pay to $15/hour over time. She has also said she would encourage companies to invest in workers by rewarding companies that share profits and make investments in their employees.</p> <p>Raising the minimum wage has long been controversial among businesses and political interests, who claim that such a policy would actually force layoffs by incentivizing automation and raising prices on customers. While the consequences of such a policy are debatable, there are several companies that have found success by paying above-average wages and investing in their employees. Here are three of them.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Best known for its rock-bottom prices on bulk goods, Costco also pays its employees surprisingly high wages. Earlier this year, the warehouse retailer said it would bump up its base pay rate by $1.50 to $13-$13.50/hour.The average Costco worker now earns more than $20/hour, much better than last year's median wage of $10.47/hour.</p> <p>Costco has long had an employee-friendly compensation policy, as it believes that reducing turnover and keeping employees within its ranks saves money in training and hiring costs over the long run. The high wages also mean the company avoids much of the bad press that has sullied rivals likeWal-Mart(NYSE: WMT) over the years. Wal-Mart's employees have demanded higher wages, and interest groups have assailed it for poor labor practices.</p> <p>Costco's business model enables it to pay higher wages than Wal-Mart because its revenue per employee is nearly three times as high as Wal-Mart's, meaning wages are a lower percentage of its costs. Wal-Mart, however, seems to be borrowing from Costco's strategy, as it's noticed an improvement in store performance and customer satisfaction since it lifted wages to $10/hour.</p> <p>Like Costco Co-Founder and former CEO Jim Sinegal, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has often led with an employee-first mindset. Schultz has taken steps to provide unique benefits for frontline employees, including offering tuition reimbursement for all full-time and part-time benefits-eligible employees who wish to pursue their BAs online through Arizona State University.</p> <p>Employees are also eligible for stock grants after one year of employment with the company. Starbucks offers new hires restricted units it calls bean stock, with employees becoming eligible to receive 50% of shares after their first year and the remaining after the second. Introduced in 1991, it was the first such program of its kind in retail.</p> <p>The coffee giant has also been consistently ahead of the curve in providing healthcare coverage to its employees. Even before the Affordable Care Act, it offered insurance to part-time employees, a rare benefit in the restaurant industry, and today the company covers about 70% of premium costs and 100% of preventative care costs.</p> <p>Founder Danny Meyer refers to his booming burger chain as not fast food or even fast casual, but as fine casual. That attitude seems to be reflected in the way the company treats its employees. Shake Shack has a policy of paying workers a premium above the minimum wage, and according toGlassdoor, it pays more than $2.50 above the prevailing fast-food wage.Meyer and his company see that as the price for attracting and retaining a higher-quality workforce. As Costco has found, doing so reduces turnover and helps the burger chain fill managerial roles as the company expands.</p> <p>As far as benefits, Shake Shack also offers a 401(k) matching program, comprehensive healthcare after 90 days, and a monthly bonus program based on store sales and other metrics. CEO Randy Garutti summed up the company's employment philosophy, tellingThe New York Times, "The No. 1 reason we pay our team well above the minimum wage is we believe that if we take care, they will take care of our customers."</p> <p>Notably, all three of these companies have outperformed their peers by wide margins. Shake Shack and Starbucks continue to thrive at a time when many fast-food chains are suffering from the so-called restaurant recession, and Costco has been one of the few mass-merchandise retailers that has been able to consistently grow despite the threat ofAmazonand e-commerce. As Hillary Clinton hopes, perhaps more companies will soon take notice that such policies can reward employees and investors.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2667&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFHobo/info.aspx" type="external">Jeremy Bowman Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Shake Shack and Starbucks. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, and Starbucks. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

source hillaryclintoncom continue reading presidential campaign finally entering home stretch less two weeks well know next president bewhile outcome isnt certain polls show hillary clinton leading race making likely president come january clinton called raising minimum wage living wage promised work lift base hourly pay 15hour time also said would encourage companies invest workers rewarding companies share profits make investments employees raising minimum wage long controversial among businesses political interests claim policy would actually force layoffs incentivizing automation raising prices customers consequences policy debatable several companies found success paying aboveaverage wages investing employees three advertisement best known rockbottom prices bulk goods costco also pays employees surprisingly high wages earlier year warehouse retailer said would bump base pay rate 150 131350hourthe average costco worker earns 20hour much better last years median wage 1047hour costco long employeefriendly compensation policy believes reducing turnover keeping employees within ranks saves money training hiring costs long run high wages also mean company avoids much bad press sullied rivals likewalmartnyse wmt years walmarts employees demanded higher wages interest groups assailed poor labor practices costcos business model enables pay higher wages walmart revenue per employee nearly three times high walmarts meaning wages lower percentage costs walmart however seems borrowing costcos strategy noticed improvement store performance customer satisfaction since lifted wages 10hour like costco cofounder former ceo jim sinegal starbucks ceo howard schultz often led employeefirst mindset schultz taken steps provide unique benefits frontline employees including offering tuition reimbursement fulltime parttime benefitseligible employees wish pursue bas online arizona state university employees also eligible stock grants one year employment company starbucks offers new hires restricted units calls bean stock employees becoming eligible receive 50 shares first year remaining second introduced 1991 first program kind retail coffee giant also consistently ahead curve providing healthcare coverage employees even affordable care act offered insurance parttime employees rare benefit restaurant industry today company covers 70 premium costs 100 preventative care costs founder danny meyer refers booming burger chain fast food even fast casual fine casual attitude seems reflected way company treats employees shake shack policy paying workers premium minimum wage according toglassdoor pays 250 prevailing fastfood wagemeyer company see price attracting retaining higherquality workforce costco found reduces turnover helps burger chain fill managerial roles company expands far benefits shake shack also offers 401k matching program comprehensive healthcare 90 days monthly bonus program based store sales metrics ceo randy garutti summed companys employment philosophy tellingthe new york times 1 reason pay team well minimum wage believe take care take care customers notably three companies outperformed peers wide margins shake shack starbucks continue thrive time many fastfood chains suffering socalled restaurant recession costco one massmerchandise retailers able consistently grow despite threat ofamazonand ecommerce hillary clinton hopes perhaps companies soon take notice policies reward employees 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 jeremy bowman opens new window owns shares shake shack starbucks motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom costco wholesale starbucks 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

<p>A massive data breach at Yahoo in 2013 was far more extensive than previously disclosed, affecting all of its 3 billion user accounts, new parent company Verizon Communications Inc. said on Tuesday.</p> <p>The figure, which Verizon said was based on new information, is three times the 1 billion accounts Yahoo said were affected when it first disclosed the breach in December 2016. The new disclosure, four months after Verizon completed its acquisition of Yahoo, shows that executives are still coming to grips with the extent of the security problem in what was already the largest hacking incident in history by number of user accounts.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A spokesman for Oath, the Verizon unit that now includes Yahoo, said the company determined within the past week that the break-in was much worse than thought, after it received new information from outside the company. He declined to elaborate on that information. Compromised customer information included usernames, passwords, and in some cases telephone numbers and dates of birth, the spokesman said.</p> <p>Several other major cyberattacks recently have focused attention on the vulnerability of big companies that possess enormous amounts of vital personal information about their customers.</p> <p>On Tuesday, lawmakers slammed former Equifax Inc. Chief Executive Richard Smith for his company's handling of a data breach that affected more than 140 million consumers. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the accounting firm Deloitte also disclosed major hacks in recent weeks.</p> <p>The number of individuals affected by the 2013 attack is smaller than 3 billion, because some people have multiple accounts across Yahoo's sites, including email, fantasy sports, Tumblr and Flickr, the spokesman said. He said Oath will immediately begin notifying by email users who own the additional roughly 2 billion accounts. That is expected to take several days, he said.</p> <p>Victims won't need to take additional action, however, because Yahoo already forced all account holders to reset their passwords after the December 2016 disclosure.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Verizon's chief information security officer, Chandra McMahon, said in a statement that the company is "committed to the highest standards of accountability and transparency" and that Yahoo's cybersecurity team was benefiting from Verizon's "experience and resources."</p> <p>The disclosure is the latest chapter in a long-running saga that tattered the reputation of a former Silicon Valley icon and continues to spawn problems for its new owner. It began in September 2016, two months after Verizon agreed to acquire the fallen internet pioneer, with Yahoo first disclosing a separate attack that took place in 2014 and affected 500 million accounts. Yahoo later revealed the larger 2013 incident.</p> <p>In March, the U.S. Justice Department indicted four men in the 2014 hack, including two Russian intelligence officers who it said directed it. Authorities said the two paid hackers to steal information so the Russians could spy on diplomats, journalists and company officials.</p> <p>A Russian official at the time said the charges amounted to "the next round of raising the theme of 'Russian hackers' in the domestic political squabbles in the U.S."</p> <p>Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said Tuesday the Senate Commerce Committee would call witnesses from Yahoo and Equifax to testify later this month about the breaches.</p> <p>"After a breach, affected consumers expect organizations that failed to safeguard sensitive information to be forthcoming," he said in a statement.</p> <p>Avivah Litan, an analyst with industry research firm Gartner Inc., said the Yahoo incidents illustrate the growing role of sophisticated hackers often backed by governments in the ongoing plague of data breaches.</p> <p>She said it is surprising that Yahoo didn't uncover the full extent of the issue during its 2016 investigation. She said it suggested that the company didn't have effective records for keeping track of access to its systems, known as audit logs. "Usually an audit trail will tell you what records and what databases were accessed," she said.</p> <p>The breaches already have been costly for Yahoo, and lawsuits and a regulatory investigation could add to that. Verizon agreed to buy it in mid-2016 for $4.83 billion, but the deal was delayed after Yahoo's disclosure of the two large hacks, plus a third incident in which hackers forged digital files, called cookies, that could have been used to access 32 million user accounts.</p> <p>Verizon knocked $350 million off the deal price as a result of those breaches, ultimately paying $4.48 billion. When renegotiating the price, executives at Verizon built into their assumptions that Yahoo's entire user base had been breached, but didn't find the evidence until now, a person familiar with the matter said.</p> <p>The deal closed in June 2017, and Verizon gave up its right to sue the entity that sold Yahoo, now called Altaba Inc., over any allegations that it had covered up the hacks. Yahoo now operates alongside AOL in Verizon's Oath subsidiary, which is seeking to build a digital media and advertising business.</p> <p>In addition, Yahoo's former Chief Executive, Marissa Mayer, gave up her 2016 cash bonus following the incident and the company's top lawyer, Ronald Bell, resigned after a board review found problems with the company's handling of this and the other breaches.</p> <p>Ms. Mayer couldn't immediately be reached. In a statement at the time, she said she learned that a "large" amount of user data was stolen in September 2016. Mr. Bell didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.</p> <p>About 43 consumer class-action lawsuits have been filed against the company relating to these security incidents, Yahoo said in a May filing with the SEC. The SEC itself has opened an investigation into whether Yahoo should have reported the two incidents sooner to investors.</p> <p>The Oath spokesman said the new disclosure won't affect the terms of Verizon's acquisition, in which it agreed to evenly split with Altaba costs and liabilities related to any lawsuits from consumers or partners about the breaches. Altaba retains liability for the SEC investigation and any shareholder lawsuits.</p> <p>The status of the SEC investigation is unclear. The SEC issued guidance in 2011 that required companies to disclose material information about cybersecurity issues, and legal experts have said the agency has been looking for a case to clarify what type of conduct would warrant an enforcement action. The SEC on Tuesday declined to comment.</p> <p>In the May SEC filing, Yahoo also said it is "cooperating with federal, state, and foreign governmental officials and agencies seeking information and/or documents" about the incident, including the Federal Trade Commission, the SEC, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, and two State Attorneys General.</p> <p>Bob Lord, who oversaw cybersecurity at Yahoo, left the company last month. He didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Chris Nims, who previously worked at AOL, now oversees cybersecurity for all of Oath, and works closely with Verizon's Ms. McMahon.</p> <p>Write to Robert McMillan at [email protected] and Ryan Knutson at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>October 03, 2017 21:37 ET (01:37 GMT)</p>

massive data breach yahoo 2013 far extensive previously disclosed affecting 3 billion user accounts new parent company verizon communications inc said tuesday figure verizon said based new information three times 1 billion accounts yahoo said affected first disclosed breach december 2016 new disclosure four months verizon completed acquisition yahoo shows executives still coming grips extent security problem already largest hacking incident history number user accounts continue reading spokesman oath verizon unit includes yahoo said company determined within past week breakin much worse thought received new information outside company declined elaborate information compromised customer information included usernames passwords cases telephone numbers dates birth spokesman said several major cyberattacks recently focused attention vulnerability big companies possess enormous amounts vital personal information customers tuesday lawmakers slammed former equifax inc chief executive richard smith companys handling data breach affected 140 million consumers securities exchange commission accounting firm deloitte also disclosed major hacks recent weeks number individuals affected 2013 attack smaller 3 billion people multiple accounts across yahoos sites including email fantasy sports tumblr flickr spokesman said said oath immediately begin notifying email users additional roughly 2 billion accounts expected take several days said victims wont need take additional action however yahoo already forced account holders reset passwords december 2016 disclosure advertisement verizons chief information security officer chandra mcmahon said statement company committed highest standards accountability transparency yahoos cybersecurity team benefiting verizons experience resources disclosure latest chapter longrunning saga tattered reputation former silicon valley icon continues spawn problems new owner began september 2016 two months verizon agreed acquire fallen internet pioneer yahoo first disclosing separate attack took place 2014 affected 500 million accounts yahoo later revealed larger 2013 incident march us justice department indicted four men 2014 hack including two russian intelligence officers said directed authorities said two paid hackers steal information russians could spy diplomats journalists company officials russian official time said charges amounted next round raising theme russian hackers domestic political squabbles us sen john thune rsd said tuesday senate commerce committee would call witnesses yahoo equifax testify later month breaches breach affected consumers expect organizations failed safeguard sensitive information forthcoming said statement avivah litan analyst industry research firm gartner inc said yahoo incidents illustrate growing role sophisticated hackers often backed governments ongoing plague data breaches said surprising yahoo didnt uncover full extent issue 2016 investigation said suggested company didnt effective records keeping track access systems known audit logs usually audit trail tell records databases accessed said breaches already costly yahoo lawsuits regulatory investigation could add verizon agreed buy mid2016 483 billion deal delayed yahoos disclosure two large hacks plus third incident hackers forged digital files called cookies could used access 32 million user accounts verizon knocked 350 million deal price result breaches ultimately paying 448 billion renegotiating price executives verizon built assumptions yahoos entire user base breached didnt find evidence person familiar matter said deal closed june 2017 verizon gave right sue entity sold yahoo called altaba inc allegations covered hacks yahoo operates alongside aol verizons oath subsidiary seeking build digital media advertising business addition yahoos former chief executive marissa mayer gave 2016 cash bonus following incident companys top lawyer ronald bell resigned board review found problems companys handling breaches ms mayer couldnt immediately reached statement time said learned large amount user data stolen september 2016 mr bell didnt immediately respond request comment 43 consumer classaction lawsuits filed company relating security incidents yahoo said may filing sec sec opened investigation whether yahoo reported two incidents sooner investors oath spokesman said new disclosure wont affect terms verizons acquisition agreed evenly split altaba costs liabilities related lawsuits consumers partners breaches altaba retains liability sec investigation shareholder lawsuits status sec investigation unclear sec issued guidance 2011 required companies disclose material information cybersecurity issues legal experts said agency looking case clarify type conduct would warrant enforcement action sec tuesday declined comment may sec filing yahoo also said cooperating federal state foreign governmental officials agencies seeking information andor documents incident including federal trade commission sec us attorneys office southern district new york two state attorneys general bob lord oversaw cybersecurity yahoo left company last month didnt immediately respond request comment chris nims previously worked aol oversees cybersecurity oath works closely verizons ms mcmahon write robert mcmillan robertmcmillanwsjcom ryan knutson ryanknutsonwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 03 2017 2137 et 0137 gmt

<p>If investors want to "see green," all they've had to do over the past year is follow marijuana stocks. In most instances, companies that have a market cap in excess of $200 million have seen their share prices double or triple in value, if not more.</p> <p>The strong growth prospects of the legal weed industry is what's primarily responsible for this investor euphoria. For instance, investment firm Cowen &amp;amp; Co. predicts that legal U.S. pot sales could hit $50 billion by 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24% for a decade. You'd probably struggle to find a more consistently growing industry, assuming expansion continues at its current blistering pace.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Perception of the marijuana industry has helped, too. Some U.S. states have been eager to expand with the idea that marijuana tax and licensing revenue could help fill some smaller budget holes. As for the public, polls from Gallup in 2016 and CBS News in 2017 show an all-time high percentage of respondents (60% and 61%, respectively) want to see weed legal across the country.</p> <p>But not all marijuana stocks are thriving. In fact, one pot stock has been taken to the woodshed over the past two weeks.</p> <p>On Tuesday, June 27, Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CARA), a clinical-stage biotech company with a focus on treating chronic pain and pruritus (itching), surged to an all-time intraday high of $28.50 a share. Cara was just $73 million away (a little over $2 per share) from joining the $1 billon market cap ranks.</p> <p>However, as of the closing bell on Friday, July 7, less than two weeks later, Cara's share price had crumbled to $13.62. From intraday peak to closing trough, Cara's stock has fallen by 52% and it's shed more than $480 million in market value.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>What on earth happened to this burgeoning marijuana stock, you ask? Look no further than the company's press release concerning top-line results from its phase 2b study involving oral CR845. CR845 is a kappa opioid receptor agonist (which means it has nothing to do with cannabis) that in this instance was being examined as a treatment for chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee.</p> <p>The results showed that two out of three of Cara's dosing options (1 mg and 2.5 mg) were not statistically significant in terms of efficacy, which was a reduction in mean joint pain score, for either hip or knee pain. However, the highest dose (5 mg) did demonstrate encouraging results, with a catch.</p> <p>When examining all patients with OA of the hip or knee, a 35% reduction in mean joint pain score was noted. Meanwhile, a 39% reduction in mean joint pain score was observed in patients with OA of the hip. However, the p-value for these studies -- a measure of chance or randomness -- was disappointing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) usually only accepts p-values below 0.05 as being statistically significant. The p-values of the OA hip and knee 5 mg dose and OA hip only 5 mg dose studies were 0.111 and 0.043, respectively. This means there was an 11.1% chance of randomness affecting the overall hip and knee results, and the OA of the hip study just squeaked by with a 95.7% chance that the positive effects were the result of CR845 and not randomness.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/05/up-in-smoke-heres-why-this-marijuana-stocks-absolu.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=da85a406-6452-11e7-8402-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">real reason Cara was pummeled Opens a New Window.</a> is that chronic pain is seen as a far more profitable indication, and has a much larger patient pool, than does pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease. Even though CR845 has shown promise as a treatment for pruritus in clinical studies, treating chronic pain is where the big money is. The failure of two of three doses, and high p-values in the 5 mg dosing arm, was a big disappointment to Wall Street. This disappointment carried over into the shortened week that just passed and pushed Cara's share price down another 11.5%, which followed a 40% drubbing on Friday, June 30.</p> <p>If there was a silver lining from the company's phase 2b trial, it's that oral CR845 hit statistical significance in the 5 mg dose for patients with OA of the hip. The trial itself wasn't designed with just OA of the hip in mind, but since that subset of patients experienced the best results, Cara is likely to run a new study specifically targeting OA of the hip with the 5 mg dose, if not a higher dose. It's pretty clear that the results showed a dose-dependent reduction in mean pain joint score, so a higher dose, assuming it can be safely tolerated, may also offer a solution.&amp;#160; Of course, the downside here is that a new trial means more money and a longer wait to establish efficacy of the drug.</p> <p>Cara has plenty of other things going on in its pipeline as well beyond this phase 2b study. Just three weeks ago, the company announced that the independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) recommended the continuation of a phase 3 study involving intravenously administered CR845 as a treatment for postoperative pain.&amp;#160;This doesn't mean that I.V. CR845 is going to necessarily hit its primary study endpoint, but the fact that the IDMC suggested the trial continue implies that it has a shot at reaching its goal. That in itself is good news, and postoperative pain could be a very strong and profitable indication for Cara.</p> <p>Also about three weeks ago, Cara received the breakthrough therapy designation for I.V. CR845 as a treatment for chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus.&amp;#160;Again, the breakthrough designation doesn't guarantee the success of CR845 or FDA approval, but it does give Cara Therapeutics easier access to work hand in hand with the FDA during development, as well as the opportunity to be given an expedited review of the drug by the FDA.</p> <p>Of course, we also can't forget CR701, a CB-receptor agonist that in preclinical trials reduced hyperalgesia and allodynia in rodent models, leading to the belief that it may offer promise as a treatment for neuropathic pain. CR701 is where Cara Therapeutics gets its link with " <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/26/better-know-a-marijuana-stock-cara-therapeutics.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=da85a406-6452-11e7-8402-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">marijuana stocks Opens a New Window.</a>." Considering how big the prescription opioid crisis has grown in America, cannabis-based medicines and therapies that target cannabinoid receptors, like CR701, may offer equal or better pain relief without the potential for overdose-related death that accompanies opioid use.</p> <p>So, what are investors to make of Cara Therapeutics at this point? While I believe the near-term selling may be a bit overdone, I'd be hesitant to consider taking a position until we see tangible late-stage evidence of CR845's success in treating postoperative pain or we get new details about the development of CR701, which has seemingly stalled out.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Cara 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;amp;impression=4e55f2cb-5cfc-4833-ace6-63dc473f2afb&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=da85a406-6452-11e7-8402-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Cara 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;amp;impression=4e55f2cb-5cfc-4833-ace6-63dc473f2afb&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=da85a406-6452-11e7-8402-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of July 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=da85a406-6452-11e7-8402-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Sean Williams 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=da85a406-6452-11e7-8402-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

investors want see green theyve past year follow marijuana stocks instances companies market cap excess 200 million seen share prices double triple value strong growth prospects legal weed industry whats primarily responsible investor euphoria instance investment firm cowen amp co predicts legal us pot sales could hit 50 billion 2026 representing compound annual growth rate nearly 24 decade youd probably struggle find consistently growing industry assuming expansion continues current blistering pace continue reading perception marijuana industry helped us states eager expand idea marijuana tax licensing revenue could help fill smaller budget holes public polls gallup 2016 cbs news 2017 show alltime high percentage respondents 60 61 respectively want see weed legal across country marijuana stocks thriving fact one pot stock taken woodshed past two weeks tuesday june 27 cara therapeutics nasdaq cara clinicalstage biotech company focus treating chronic pain pruritus itching surged alltime intraday high 2850 share cara 73 million away little 2 per share joining 1 billon market cap ranks however closing bell friday july 7 less two weeks later caras share price crumbled 1362 intraday peak closing trough caras stock fallen 52 shed 480 million market value advertisement earth happened burgeoning marijuana stock ask look companys press release concerning topline results phase 2b study involving oral cr845 cr845 kappa opioid receptor agonist means nothing cannabis instance examined treatment chronic pain patients osteoarthritis oa hip knee results showed two three caras dosing options 1 mg 25 mg statistically significant terms efficacy reduction mean joint pain score either hip knee pain however highest dose 5 mg demonstrate encouraging results catch examining patients oa hip knee 35 reduction mean joint pain score noted meanwhile 39 reduction mean joint pain score observed patients oa hip however pvalue studies measure chance randomness disappointing food drug administration fda usually accepts pvalues 005 statistically significant pvalues oa hip knee 5 mg dose oa hip 5 mg dose studies 0111 0043 respectively means 111 chance randomness affecting overall hip knee results oa hip study squeaked 957 chance positive effects result cr845 randomness real reason cara pummeled opens new window chronic pain seen far profitable indication much larger patient pool pruritus associated chronic kidney disease even though cr845 shown promise treatment pruritus clinical studies treating chronic pain big money failure two three doses high pvalues 5 mg dosing arm big disappointment wall street disappointment carried shortened week passed pushed caras share price another 115 followed 40 drubbing friday june 30 silver lining companys phase 2b trial oral cr845 hit statistical significance 5 mg dose patients oa hip trial wasnt designed oa hip mind since subset patients experienced best results cara likely run new study specifically targeting oa hip 5 mg dose higher dose pretty clear results showed dosedependent reduction mean pain joint score higher dose assuming safely tolerated may also offer solution160 course downside new trial means money longer wait establish efficacy drug cara plenty things going pipeline well beyond phase 2b study three weeks ago company announced independent data monitoring committee idmc recommended continuation phase 3 study involving intravenously administered cr845 treatment postoperative pain160this doesnt mean iv cr845 going necessarily hit primary study endpoint fact idmc suggested trial continue implies shot reaching goal good news postoperative pain could strong profitable indication cara also three weeks ago cara received breakthrough therapy designation iv cr845 treatment chronic kidney diseaseassociated pruritus160again breakthrough designation doesnt guarantee success cr845 fda approval give cara therapeutics easier access work hand hand fda development well opportunity given expedited review drug fda course also cant forget cr701 cbreceptor agonist preclinical trials reduced hyperalgesia allodynia rodent models leading belief may offer promise treatment neuropathic pain cr701 cara therapeutics gets link marijuana stocks opens new window considering big prescription opioid crisis grown america cannabisbased medicines therapies target cannabinoid receptors like cr701 may offer equal better pain relief without potential overdoserelated death accompanies opioid use investors make cara therapeutics point believe nearterm selling may bit overdone id hesitant consider taking position see tangible latestage evidence cr845s success treating postoperative pain get new details development cr701 seemingly stalled 10 stocks like better cara 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 cara therapeutics wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 sean williams opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG) is the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/16/the-5-companies-dominating-the-eagle-ford-shale-pl.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dominant player in the Eagle Ford shale Opens a New Window.</a> of south Texas, where it's the largest acreage holder and producer. The company has leveraged its position in that play to fuel remarkable oil production growth over the past several years. Furthermore, EOG expects it to play an essential role in driving its U.S. oil output up 20% this year.</p> <p>However, that view came before Hurricane Harvey soaked south Texas, causing several oil producers to shut in wells and shut down their drilling activities. As a result, the storm will likely have a noticeable impact on EOG's third-quarter results that will be posted later this week. However, the report still might not be that bad considering how the storm impacted rivals, which provides clues on what we might see in EOG's results.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Heading into the third quarter, EOG Resources anticipated that its U.S. oil production in the period would average between 335,000 to 345,000 barrels per day (BPD). At the midpoint, it would be 2.1% higher than the second quarter and would keep the company on pace to boost its oil output by 20% over last year's average.</p> <p>That said, Hurricane Harvey forced EOG and several rivals to take production offline during the storm. In mid-September, EOG noted that this would result in its oil output from the Eagle Ford coming in 15,000 BPD lower than expected. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that investors should brace themselves for a rough quarter.</p> <p>That's because several rivals made similar cautionary statements after the storm only to go on and report solid third-quarter results.&amp;#160;Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN), for example, initially <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/30/will-hurricane-harvey-slow-down-devon-energy-corps.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">warned Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;that production in the quarter would be 15,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day&amp;#160;(BOE/D) below expectations. However, earlier this week, the company reported that oil output still managed to come in just below the low end of its guidance range. Because of that and its ability to drive down costs, Devon's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/01/devon-energy-corp-shrugs-off-hurricane-harvey-to-p.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">earnings blew past expectations Opens a New Window.</a>. It also remains on pace to end the year producing 20% more oil than it was at the end of last year.</p> <p>Likewise, large Eagle Ford producers ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) and Sanchez Energy (NYSE: SN) announced that while Harvey had an impact, it wasn't enough to waterlog the quarter. In ConocoPhillips' case, it already <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/26/conocophillips-demonstrated-its-strength-amid-the.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reported that output was close to the high end of its guidance range Opens a New Window.</a> despite a 15,000 BOE/D impact from Harvey. Consequently, ConocoPhillips also easily exceeded analysts expectations. Sanchez, meanwhile, hasn't reported results yet. However, it announced&amp;#160;last month that output would be at the high end of its guidance range despite the impact from Harvey and another big storm.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>One of the reasons that these producers were able to overcome the impact from Harvey is that they delivered exceptional results elsewhere. For example, Devon Energy reported that it completed 50 high-rate wells during the quarter, which on average produced 2,100 BOE/D in their first 30 days. Moreover, Sanchez Energy reported that several strong well results helped push production up 43% versus the year-ago period. In the meantime, ConocoPhillips said that "increased volumes from its globally diverse portfolio" offset much of Harvey's impact.</p> <p>Given EOG's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/03/3-things-from-eog-resources-incs-2q-results-you-wo.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">drilling prowess Opens a New Window.</a>, there's a good chance that it followed its rivals and delivered strong well results in the quarter, which should help it mute Harvey's impact. That's what the company seemed to indicate when it reiterated to investors in mid-September that it wasn't planning to water down its full-year growth guidance. The affirmation was noteworthy because of how EOG measures growth, which is that its average daily production rate would be 20% higher than last year. Contrast that with Devon's growth metric of choice, which is that its production rate at year-end would be 20% higher than it was at the end of 2016. Because of that difference, one lousy quarter could have caused EOG to fall short while Devon could more easily overcome a rough patch as long as it got to where it needed to be by year-end.</p> <p>While Hurricane Harvey caused production out of the Eagle Ford to fall last quarter, it didn't have as big of an impact on the region's largest producers as feared, which suggests it shouldn't derail EOG's 2017 growth plans. So, investors shouldn't be too worried if the company's oil production or earnings come in a bit below expectations. In fact, if that happens and the stock sells off, it could be a good opportunity to buy this <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/14/5-oil-stocks-built-to-thrive-at-50-crude.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">top-tier oil stock Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than EOG ResourcesWhen 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;amp;impression=1086d651-88e9-495e-b5af-253867d61d16&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and EOG Resources 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;amp;impression=1086d651-88e9-495e-b5af-253867d61d16&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;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/TMFmd19/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Matthew DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of ConocoPhillips. 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=73142a14-bf37-11e7-876c-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

eog resources nyse eog dominant player eagle ford shale opens new window south texas largest acreage holder producer company leveraged position play fuel remarkable oil production growth past several years furthermore eog expects play essential role driving us oil output 20 year however view came hurricane harvey soaked south texas causing several oil producers shut wells shut drilling activities result storm likely noticeable impact eogs thirdquarter results posted later week however report still might bad considering storm impacted rivals provides clues might see eogs results continue reading heading third quarter eog resources anticipated us oil production period would average 335000 345000 barrels per day bpd midpoint would 21 higher second quarter would keep company pace boost oil output 20 last years average said hurricane harvey forced eog several rivals take production offline storm midseptember eog noted would result oil output eagle ford coming 15000 bpd lower expected however doesnt necessarily mean investors brace rough quarter thats several rivals made similar cautionary statements storm go report solid thirdquarter results160devon energy nyse dvn example initially warned opens new window160that production quarter would 15000 barrels oil equivalent per day160boed expectations however earlier week company reported oil output still managed come low end guidance range ability drive costs devons earnings blew past expectations opens new window also remains pace end year producing 20 oil end last year likewise large eagle ford producers conocophillips nyse cop sanchez energy nyse sn announced harvey impact wasnt enough waterlog quarter conocophillips case already reported output close high end guidance range opens new window despite 15000 boed impact harvey consequently conocophillips also easily exceeded analysts expectations sanchez meanwhile hasnt reported results yet however announced160last month output would high end guidance range despite impact harvey another big storm advertisement one reasons producers able overcome impact harvey delivered exceptional results elsewhere example devon energy reported completed 50 highrate wells quarter average produced 2100 boed first 30 days moreover sanchez energy reported several strong well results helped push production 43 versus yearago period meantime conocophillips said increased volumes globally diverse portfolio offset much harveys impact given eogs drilling prowess opens new window theres good chance followed rivals delivered strong well results quarter help mute harveys impact thats company seemed indicate reiterated investors midseptember wasnt planning water fullyear growth guidance affirmation noteworthy eog measures growth average daily production rate would 20 higher last year contrast devons growth metric choice production rate yearend would 20 higher end 2016 difference one lousy quarter could caused eog fall short devon could easily overcome rough patch long got needed yearend hurricane harvey caused production eagle ford fall last quarter didnt big impact regions largest producers feared suggests shouldnt derail eogs 2017 growth plans investors shouldnt worried companys oil production earnings come bit expectations fact happens stock sells could good opportunity buy toptier oil stock opens new window 10 stocks like better eog resourceswhen 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 eog resources wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 matthew dilallo opens new window owns shares conocophillips motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p><a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/22/casinos-have-1-million-reasons-to-be-happy-about-m.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Macau tourism Opens a New Window.</a>got a nice bump from the Chinese national holiday that kicked off October, raising hopes that the two-month streak in higher casino gambling revenues would continue for a third straight month, but the arrest of 18 Crown Resorts (NASDAQOTH: CWLDY)employees suggests the good times may quickly come to an end.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>On the surface it seems Macau shouldn't be affected by the arrests, and could actually be helped, as these were employees of a competitor trying to siphon away customers from local casinoswho ran afoul of laws on marketing to high-stakes gamblers.</p> <p>The authorities allege the detained employees committed "gambling crimes" by trying to lure gamblers to Crown's casinos in Australia and elsewhere by discussing gambling. While its standard practice for junket operators to entice VIP gamblers with promises of perks, amenities, and benefits for frequenting a specified resort, it's actually not permissible to mention gambling when doing so while on the mainland.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Since the gambling enclave has only just managed to <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/14/should-investors-thank-steve-wynn-for-macaus-first.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reverse a two-year decline Opens a New Window.</a> in gambling revenues with back-to-back monthly increases, a crackdown on the competition might be welcome.</p> <p>Besides, China's wealthy gamblers don't want to be the center of attention.Although Macau is the only place in China where it's legal to gamble, it's not really encouraged by the communist government. Wealth and excess are tolerated is more like it, and Beijing's crackdown on corruption, luxury, and elite gift-giving that ensnared several junket operators caused the high rollers to search for other venues out of the spotlight where they could lay their bets. Casinos in Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore have all reported a booming business, while Macau has gone wanting.</p> <p>The notoriety these latest arrests bring is something the VIPs would very much rather avoid, and so instead of being a help to Macau's casinos, the gamblers may choose to lie low once more, causing the nascent recovery to turn south.</p> <p>It was only in August the enclave's 26-month <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/05/macau-casino-revenue-soars-7-in-september-are-the.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">losing streak Opens a New Window.</a>was snapped when Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) opened its new Palace resort. Gambling revenues for the month rose 1% from the year-ago period, and though it was a modest gain, it was one that showed Macau's new focus on mass-market entertainment just might have potential. Because in addition to the corruptioncrackdown, Macau was also under orders to turn the region into a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/28/will-wynn-and-sands-follow-melco-crowns-lead.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Las Vegas-style r Opens a New Window.</a>etreat where families from the mainland as well as high rollers could travel for entertainment.</p> <p>Melco Crown Entertainment's(NASDAQ: MPEL)Studio City featured theme park-like rides, including a Batman roller coaster and a figure-eight Ferris wheel. Wynn's Palace didn't quite go that route, but it did offer luxury retail shopping, a lake with "dancing water" performances, and a gondola ride that gave views of the city.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>When Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS)repeated the feat after opening its Parisian casino in September, helping Macau's gambling revenues to jump 7% for the month, it seemed as though a trend might be developing.</p> <p>Yet the industry faceschallenges nonetheless.The most notable feature missing from the new casinos is gambling tables catering to VIPs. Gambling authorities have imposed a 3% annual growth cap on the number of <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/17/mgm-resorts-is-planning-for-the-worst-on-cotai.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">new VIP tables Opens a New Window.</a> that are allowed so that when Studio City opened and Galaxy Entertainmentexpanded its Galaxy Macau resort, they were only given 250 tables each to assign to the high rollers. Wynn and Sands received just 100 a piece, with 25 more to come in 2017 and 2018.</p> <p>While the casino operators are free to shuffle tables in from existing venues, and Wynn <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/08/wynn-resorts-limiteds-best-moves-in-2016-so-far.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">moved 250 tables Opens a New Window.</a> from its Wynn Macau resort to the Palace, it suggests the casinos might not be able to live up to their full potential.</p> <p>Still, October got off to a big start, indicating that gamblers, both VIP and mass-market alike, were flocking to Macau to see what all the hype and non-gambling entertainmentwas about. The Macau Government Tourist Office estimated some 770,000 tourists arrived on the peninsula the first week of October, a nearly 20% increase from the year ago period, and a sign the recovery mighthave staying power.</p> <p>Which is why the arrests of the Crown Resorts employees are an unwelcome distraction. The allegations may cast a pall over the celebration as it puts the casinos, their VIPclientele, and the practices they use to lure them there back in the limelight.</p> <p>The extraordinary wealth of some Chinese mainlanders has never set well with the ruling party in Beijing, and the flow of money into Macau has always been a touchy subject. Arresting junket operator employees, regardless of whether they're connected to foreign or domestic resorts, only brings unwanted attention upon the gamblers and their wealth.</p> <p>Rather than remaining on center stage, the high rollers may instead choose to lay low, and that would deliver a gut-punch to Macau's renaissance.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2667&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

macau tourism opens new windowgot nice bump chinese national holiday kicked october raising hopes twomonth streak higher casino gambling revenues would continue third straight month arrest 18 crown resorts nasdaqoth cwldyemployees suggests good times may quickly come end continue reading image source getty images surface seems macau shouldnt affected arrests could actually helped employees competitor trying siphon away customers local casinoswho ran afoul laws marketing highstakes gamblers authorities allege detained employees committed gambling crimes trying lure gamblers crowns casinos australia elsewhere discussing gambling standard practice junket operators entice vip gamblers promises perks amenities benefits frequenting specified resort actually permissible mention gambling mainland advertisement since gambling enclave managed reverse twoyear decline opens new window gambling revenues backtoback monthly increases crackdown competition might welcome besides chinas wealthy gamblers dont want center attentionalthough macau place china legal gamble really encouraged communist government wealth excess tolerated like beijings crackdown corruption luxury elite giftgiving ensnared several junket operators caused high rollers search venues spotlight could lay bets casinos australia malaysia philippines singapore reported booming business macau gone wanting notoriety latest arrests bring something vips would much rather avoid instead help macaus casinos gamblers may choose lie low causing nascent recovery turn south august enclaves 26month losing streak opens new windowwas snapped wynn resorts nasdaq wynn opened new palace resort gambling revenues month rose 1 yearago period though modest gain one showed macaus new focus massmarket entertainment might potential addition corruptioncrackdown macau also orders turn region las vegasstyle r opens new windowetreat families mainland well high rollers could travel entertainment melco crown entertainmentsnasdaq mpelstudio city featured theme parklike rides including batman roller coaster figureeight ferris wheel wynns palace didnt quite go route offer luxury retail shopping lake dancing water performances gondola ride gave views city image source getty images las vegas sands nyse lvsrepeated feat opening parisian casino september helping macaus gambling revenues jump 7 month seemed though trend might developing yet industry faceschallenges nonethelessthe notable feature missing new casinos gambling tables catering vips gambling authorities imposed 3 annual growth cap number new vip tables opens new window allowed studio city opened galaxy entertainmentexpanded galaxy macau resort given 250 tables assign high rollers wynn sands received 100 piece 25 come 2017 2018 casino operators free shuffle tables existing venues wynn moved 250 tables opens new window wynn macau resort palace suggests casinos might able live full potential still october got big start indicating gamblers vip massmarket alike flocking macau see hype nongambling entertainmentwas macau government tourist office estimated 770000 tourists arrived peninsula first week october nearly 20 increase year ago period sign recovery mighthave staying power arrests crown resorts employees unwelcome distraction allegations may cast pall celebration puts casinos vipclientele practices use lure back limelight extraordinary wealth chinese mainlanders never set well ruling party beijing flow money macau always touchy subject arresting junket operator employees regardless whether theyre connected foreign domestic resorts brings unwanted attention upon gamblers wealth rather remaining center stage high rollers may instead choose lay low would deliver gutpunch macaus renaissance secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool 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

<p>When CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/08/cvs-health-corporations-pbm-strong-but-retail-busi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reported its second-quarter results Opens a New Window.</a> in August, there were two main stories -- one good, and one not so good. The good news stemmed from its pharmacy services segment, which consists of the CVS Caremark pharmacy benefits management (PBM) unit along with several other businesses. Results from CVS Health's retail/long-term care (LTC) segment, though, were lackluster.</p> <p>Will it be the same two stories when CVS Health provides a third-quarter update on Nov. 6? Here are three things you'll want to closely watch.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Although CVS Health combines its retail pharmacy operations and its Omnicare LTC pharmacy services unit into one segment, the two businesses face different challenges. For the retail side, the biggest headwind in the third quarter will be what the company has dealt with all year long: the loss of two major contracts. This loss hurts CVS Health's prescription volumes (and associated revenue). It also negatively impacts store traffic, which weighs down front-store sales comparisons against the prior-year period.</p> <p>That's not the only problem for CVS Health's retail business, though. Lower reimbursement rates also push profit margin lower. That's offset to some degree by higher generic dispensing rates, which help boost profits, but result in lower revenue. As with the lingering effects of the lost contracts, don't expect any big improvement for CVS Health in the third quarter with reimbursement pressure.</p> <p>Omnicare's issues aren't likely to diminish yet, either. CVS Health bought the LTC pharmacy services leader in 2015, but the deal hasn't been a big winner so far. According to Larry Merlo, CVS Health CEO, the need to invest in technology with Omnicare and dynamics in the skilled nursing market, especially lower lengths of stay and occupancy rates, have caused progress to be slower than expected. Again, there's no reason to think the third quarter will be significantly better than last quarter. That being said, any pleasant surprises -- even if small -- could help CVS Health beat expectations.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>While CVS Health's PBM was the definite bright spot in the second quarter, one key factor is exerting pressure on profits: a decline in hepatitis C prescription fills. The company lowered its PBM operating profit margin outlook in August due to the hepatitis C slowdown.</p> <p>Will weakness in hepatitis C sales still be problematic in the third quarter? Based on Gilead Sciences' (NASDAQ: GILD) <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/26/gilead-sciences-inc-still-singing-the-hcv-blues-in.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">third-quarter results Opens a New Window.</a>, the answer is probably "yes." Gilead's hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs Epclusa, Harvoni, and Sovaldi dominate the market. Combined sales for the drugs fell from $2.9 billion in the second quarter of 2017 to $2.2 billion in the third quarter. And that's even with a newly approved HCV drug, Vosevi, in the mix for the last quarter.</p> <p>Still, though, CVS Health's PBM business should remain quite strong. Lower profitability isn't ideal, but this area will almost certainly continue to provide the best news for shareholders.</p> <p>CVS Health has been clear that timing issues could impact its performance from quarter to quarter in 2017. The company enjoyed the positive side of these timing issues in the second quarter, with higher cash flow stemming from an early receipt of a Medicare Part D payment. Timing issues could be a negative in the third quarter, though.</p> <p>The biggest impact will likely be related to Medicare Part D, again. The federal prescription drug program includes a risk-sharing corridor, which basically involves subsidies to plan sponsors so that they won't avoid less-profitable members who use more prescription drugs.</p> <p>Sometimes, those risk-sharing corridor payments kick into high gear in the third quarter. That's what happened in 2016. This year, though, CVS Health expects a shift into the fourth quarter. If the company's projections are right, it could make its numbers artificially low when it reports third-quarter results. The good news, however, is that this is only a temporary issue.</p> <p>So far, CVS Health hasn't made an official announcement on its reported bid to acquire Aetna (NYSE: AET). Neither has Aetna stated anything publicly regarding a potential deal. You can bet there will be plenty of questions during CVS Health's quarterly conference call about the possible acquisition. I wouldn't necessarily count on many details being provided.</p> <p>However, I do think <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/27/3-reasons-why-a-cvs-health-aetna-merger-makes-sens.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">buying Aetna would be a good move Opens a New Window.</a> for CVS Health shareholders over the long run. If Larry Merlo, or other executives, give hints that a deal is likely, it could make a larger impact on CVS Health stock's immediate movement than the third-quarter results themselves.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than CVS HealthWhen 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;amp;impression=89080288-19e9-4878-83f5-4290f7a78117&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and CVS Health wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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;amp;impression=89080288-19e9-4878-83f5-4290f7a78117&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;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/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool recommends CVS Health. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=8a05581c-be6d-11e7-8134-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

cvs health nyse cvs reported secondquarter results opens new window august two main stories one good one good good news stemmed pharmacy services segment consists cvs caremark pharmacy benefits management pbm unit along several businesses results cvs healths retaillongterm care ltc segment though lackluster two stories cvs health provides thirdquarter update nov 6 three things youll want closely watch continue reading although cvs health combines retail pharmacy operations omnicare ltc pharmacy services unit one segment two businesses face different challenges retail side biggest headwind third quarter company dealt year long loss two major contracts loss hurts cvs healths prescription volumes associated revenue also negatively impacts store traffic weighs frontstore sales comparisons prioryear period thats problem cvs healths retail business though lower reimbursement rates also push profit margin lower thats offset degree higher generic dispensing rates help boost profits result lower revenue lingering effects lost contracts dont expect big improvement cvs health third quarter reimbursement pressure omnicares issues arent likely diminish yet either cvs health bought ltc pharmacy services leader 2015 deal hasnt big winner far according larry merlo cvs health ceo need invest technology omnicare dynamics skilled nursing market especially lower lengths stay occupancy rates caused progress slower expected theres reason think third quarter significantly better last quarter said pleasant surprises even small could help cvs health beat expectations advertisement cvs healths pbm definite bright spot second quarter one key factor exerting pressure profits decline hepatitis c prescription fills company lowered pbm operating profit margin outlook august due hepatitis c slowdown weakness hepatitis c sales still problematic third quarter based gilead sciences nasdaq gild thirdquarter results opens new window answer probably yes gileads hepatitis c virus hcv drugs epclusa harvoni sovaldi dominate market combined sales drugs fell 29 billion second quarter 2017 22 billion third quarter thats even newly approved hcv drug vosevi mix last quarter still though cvs healths pbm business remain quite strong lower profitability isnt ideal area almost certainly continue provide best news shareholders cvs health clear timing issues could impact performance quarter quarter 2017 company enjoyed positive side timing issues second quarter higher cash flow stemming early receipt medicare part payment timing issues could negative third quarter though biggest impact likely related medicare part federal prescription drug program includes risksharing corridor basically involves subsidies plan sponsors wont avoid lessprofitable members use prescription drugs sometimes risksharing corridor payments kick high gear third quarter thats happened 2016 year though cvs health expects shift fourth quarter companys projections right could make numbers artificially low reports thirdquarter results good news however temporary issue far cvs health hasnt made official announcement reported bid acquire aetna nyse aet neither aetna stated anything publicly regarding potential deal bet plenty questions cvs healths quarterly conference call possible acquisition wouldnt necessarily count many details provided however think buying aetna would good move opens new window cvs health shareholders long run larry merlo executives give hints deal likely could make larger impact cvs health stocks immediate movement thirdquarter results 10 stocks like better cvs healthwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right cvs health wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares gilead sciences motley fool owns shares recommends gilead sciences motley fool recommends cvs health motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>'Sentiment is a tricky thing', says Bespoke's macrostrategist Pearkes</p> <p>Several measures of Wall Street sentiment peaked this year and rolled over without a corresponding pullback in the stock market, underlining the faultiness of metrics used for timing the market that have so far consistently betrayed Wall Street investors.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The S&amp;amp;P 500 , which closed at 2.582.28 on Friday recorded its first weekly loss in nine weeks. Despite recent modest selling, the benchmark index is still less than half a percentage point below its peak set Wednesday (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dow-set-to-cool-its-heels-after-another-record-close-2017-11-08).</p> <p>As of Nov. 10, the S&amp;amp;P 500 has gone without a 3% pullback for 12 months and the 12-month rolling average implied volatility, as measured by the CBOE Volatility index has been at record lows, closing at 11.29 on Friday, nearly half its historic average at around 20.</p> <p>In fact, over the past 12 months, the largest decline on the S&amp;amp;P 500 from peak to trough was 2.8%.</p> <p>Yet, this shouldn't imply that the stock market will rise indefinitely to records, with the halting of weekly streaks (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dow-futures-slump-70-points-as-tax-delay-concerns-spook-investors-2017-11-10) for the main U.S. benchmarks perhaps signaling that some retrenchment may be at hand.</p> <p>A gradual shift in investor sentiment, however, suggests that despite all-time highs on the S&amp;amp;P 500, investor sentiment is moderating. Sentiment readings are used as a sign of the mood on Wall Street, with swings at either extremes, bearish or bullish, sometimes interpreted as a contraindicator and as a buy or sell signal.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>To be sure, those extreme sentiment readings don't always correspond with moves in the market.</p> <p>Case in point, last month, CNN's "Fear and Greed" indicator, one measure of risk appetite on Wall Street, flashed extreme greed, prompting many strategists to call for caution in buying. However, since then, the indicator has retreated to "neutral" levels, while the market mostly clambered to new heights.</p> <p>Read: Retail investors see this as the 'best time ever' to jump into stocks. Time to worry? (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/retail-investors-see-this-as-the-best-time-ever-to-jump-into-stocks-time-to-worry-2017-10-18)</p> <p>Similarly, an indicator run by Nobel laureate and Yale professor of economics Robert Shiller, peaked in March of 2017 at above 90%, marking the highest level for the gauge since 1999. Shiller's "Investor Confidence" gauge has been around since late 1980 and measures the percentage of investors, both retail and institutional, who think equities will rise over the next 12 months.</p> <p>George Pearkes, macro strategist at Bespoke Investment Group, publishes a proprietary sentiment index in which he combines Shiller's confidence and valuation index to gauge "irrational exuberance," a term coined by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan in the 1996 in reference to the dot-com bubble, which ultimately imploded in the early 2000s.</p> <p>And as seen in a chart below, investors were seemingly irrationally exuberant in March of this year when they believed valuations were stretched but also believed markets would rise over the next year.</p> <p>Stock indexes putting in fresh records, albeit with subdued moves higher, highlight the market's ability to defy timing indicators that suggests that a market top has been put in.</p> <p>"Sentiment is a tricky thing. People respond to different market conditions in a different way. And currently, politics is a big factor in how investors feel about the market," said Pearkes.</p> <p>Hopes of fiscal stimulus, with an emphasis on individual and corporate tax cuts, have helped to jolt markets into double-digit gains since President Donald Trump was elected last November. The S&amp;amp;P 500 index is up about 21% since Election Day and is up more than 15% so far this year.</p> <p>Any news that the tax plan will be delayed or derailed has sparked selling of stocks.</p> <p>"People can be optimistic or pessimistic for the wrong reasons. It would be a mistake to rely on sentiment for an investment strategy," Pearkes said. He said this doesn't mean markets can't see a small pullback in the short term, citing equity valuations considered lofty.</p> <p>"With a 20% annual gain, stretched valuations and overbought conditions, markets often consolidate. I would not be surprised to see a mild 3% pullback and then record highs by the end of the year," Pearkes said.</p> <p>"Often sentiment turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy," he said "For example, wealthier investors tend to be optimistic when business-friendly Republicans are in the office to the point their optimism raises market prices," Pearkes said.</p> <p>That said, there are signs that the market is cooling after its breathless run-up.</p> <p>"Technical indicators, such as market internals suggests momentum is fading globally, not just in the U.S. Odds are pretty high that stocks will consolidate a little in the short term," Pearkes said.</p> <p>Read: Here's why one chart watcher says the stock market is finally ready for a pullback (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-why-one-chart-watchers-says-the-stock-market-is-finally-ready-for-a-pullback-2017-10-23)</p> <p>In fact, an unscientific Twitter poll conducted by MarketWatch's Ryan Vlastelica shows more market participants are expecting the S&amp;amp;P 500 to see a 3% pullback before fresh all-time highs.</p> <p>(https://twitter.com/RyanVlastelica/status/928670169353867266)</p> <p>What's on deck for the week?</p> <p>Corporate earnings</p> <p>More than 90% of large corporations in the S&amp;amp;P 500 index have reported quarterly results, but there are still a few dozen companies that will report financials next week, including foods company Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN), a number of well-known retailers including L Brands Inc. (LB), Target Corp. (TGT), Best Buy &amp;amp; Co. (BBY), Gap Inc. (GPS) and Wal-Mart Stores(WMT), as well as tech company Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO).</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 13, 2017 05:23 ET (10:23 GMT)</p>

sentiment tricky thing says bespokes macrostrategist pearkes several measures wall street sentiment peaked year rolled without corresponding pullback stock market underlining faultiness metrics used timing market far consistently betrayed wall street investors continue reading sampp 500 closed 258228 friday recorded first weekly loss nine weeks despite recent modest selling benchmark index still less half percentage point peak set wednesday httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydowsettocoolitsheelsafteranotherrecordclose20171108 nov 10 sampp 500 gone without 3 pullback 12 months 12month rolling average implied volatility measured cboe volatility index record lows closing 1129 friday nearly half historic average around 20 fact past 12 months largest decline sampp 500 peak trough 28 yet shouldnt imply stock market rise indefinitely records halting weekly streaks httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydowfuturesslump70pointsastaxdelayconcernsspookinvestors20171110 main us benchmarks perhaps signaling retrenchment may hand gradual shift investor sentiment however suggests despite alltime highs sampp 500 investor sentiment moderating sentiment readings used sign mood wall street swings either extremes bearish bullish sometimes interpreted contraindicator buy sell signal advertisement sure extreme sentiment readings dont always correspond moves market case point last month cnns fear greed indicator one measure risk appetite wall street flashed extreme greed prompting many strategists call caution buying however since indicator retreated neutral levels market mostly clambered new heights read retail investors see best time ever jump stocks time worry httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryretailinvestorsseethisasthebesttimeevertojumpintostockstimetoworry20171018 similarly indicator run nobel laureate yale professor economics robert shiller peaked march 2017 90 marking highest level gauge since 1999 shillers investor confidence gauge around since late 1980 measures percentage investors retail institutional think equities rise next 12 months george pearkes macro strategist bespoke investment group publishes proprietary sentiment index combines shillers confidence valuation index gauge irrational exuberance term coined former federal reserve chairman alan greenspan 1996 reference dotcom bubble ultimately imploded early 2000s seen chart investors seemingly irrationally exuberant march year believed valuations stretched also believed markets would rise next year stock indexes putting fresh records albeit subdued moves higher highlight markets ability defy timing indicators suggests market top put sentiment tricky thing people respond different market conditions different way currently politics big factor investors feel market said pearkes hopes fiscal stimulus emphasis individual corporate tax cuts helped jolt markets doubledigit gains since president donald trump elected last november sampp 500 index 21 since election day 15 far year news tax plan delayed derailed sparked selling stocks people optimistic pessimistic wrong reasons would mistake rely sentiment investment strategy pearkes said said doesnt mean markets cant see small pullback short term citing equity valuations considered lofty 20 annual gain stretched valuations overbought conditions markets often consolidate would surprised see mild 3 pullback record highs end year pearkes said often sentiment turns selffulfilling prophecy said example wealthier investors tend optimistic businessfriendly republicans office point optimism raises market prices pearkes said said signs market cooling breathless runup technical indicators market internals suggests momentum fading globally us odds pretty high stocks consolidate little short term pearkes said read heres one chart watcher says stock market finally ready pullback httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryhereswhyonechartwatcherssaysthestockmarketisfinallyreadyforapullback20171023 fact unscientific twitter poll conducted marketwatchs ryan vlastelica shows market participants expecting sampp 500 see 3 pullback fresh alltime highs httpstwittercomryanvlastelicastatus928670169353867266 whats deck week corporate earnings 90 large corporations sampp 500 index reported quarterly results still dozen companies report financials next week including foods company tyson foods inc tsn number wellknown retailers including l brands inc lb target corp tgt best buy amp co bby gap inc gps walmart storeswmt well tech company cisco systems inc csco end dow jones newswires november 13 2017 0523 et 1023 gmt

<p /> <p>A larger, longer-living population is going to drive demand for medicine higher, and if so, then adding top pharmaceuticals stocks Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), and Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) to your 401(k) could be smart. All three of these companies are developing game-changing drugs that could revolutionize patient treatment, and they all have the added benefit of offering investors a steady stream of shareholder-friendly dividend payments.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Pfizer's revenue took a big dip when the company lost patent protection on its $13 billion-per-year cholesterol drug Lipitor, but sales are stabilizing, its balance sheet is rock solid, and it has intriguing revenue drivers that could propel a return back to growth.</p> <p>IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.</p> <p>After seeing sales drop from over $65 billion to a low of less than $50 billion in the past 10 years, Pfizer's sales inched higher in 2016, and they're expected to increase again this year.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Organic growth stemming from the launch of new medicine, including the breast-cancer drug Ibrance and the anticoagulant Eliquis, which it co-markets with Bristol-Myers Squibb, is abig reason Pfizer's getting back on track. Ibrance's sales jumped to $2.1 billion last year from $723 million in 2015, while Eliquis sales soared 80% higher to $3.3 billion.</p> <p>Pfizer's also done a good job of controlling its expenses, and that's helped it build up an impressive balance sheet. The company sold-off non-core assets, such as Zoetis, earlier this decade, and as a percentage of revenue, its selling, general, and administrative expenses have fallen from over 30% at Lipitor's height to about 28%. Exiting December, the company reported having$25 billion in cash and investments on hand, and with $16 billion in annual operating cash flowing in, there's plenty of wiggle room for Pfizer to pay its bills, and invest in its future.</p> <p>Pfizer's already been doing just that. In addition to spending $7.9 billion on R&amp;amp;D last year, it's also been acquiring peers with intriguing assets. For example, its $17 billion acquisition of Hospira instantly made it aleader in the emerging market for generic alternatives to biologic drugs, and its $14 billion purchase of Medivation landed it rights to $50 of the multibillion-dollar prostate cancer drug Xtandi.</p> <p>With fast-growing drugs on the market, plenty of financial firepower, and opportunities to grow organically and via acquisition, adding Pfizer to your 401(k), and pocketing its 3.7% dividend yield, could pay off.</p> <p>Perhaps the biggest advance in cancer treatment lately has been the development of immunotherapies that supercharge a patient's immune system so that it can detect and destroy cancer cells, and of these immunotherapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb's Opdivo is one of the brightest shining stars.</p> <p>Opdivo belongs to a new class of PD-1-inhibiting drugs called checkpoint inhibitors. Opdivo targets PD-1 proteins that cancer cells use to skirt detection by the immune system. By inhibiting PD-1, Opdivo disarms one of cancer's best defense systems.</p> <p>After impressing in clinical trials, Opdivo has won FDA approval for use in various cancers, but it's probably best known for its use in advanced lung cancer and melanoma patients. Because of its success in those cancers, Opdivo has become one of the world's best-selling drugs. In Q4 alone, it racked up $1.3 billion in sales. Trials that could expand Opdivo's addressable market are under way, and industry analysts think Opdivo's peak annual sales could approach $10 billion someday.</p> <p>It's anyone guess if Opdivo will deliver on those projections, but even if it doesn't, the company has other drugs that can pick up any slack. For instance, it shares in Eliquis' success with Pfizer, and its multiple myeloma drug Empliciti, which won FDA approval in 2015, is gaining traction, with annualized sales of $188 million in Q4.</p> <p>Bristol-Myers Squibb is also developing new drugs that could one day contribute growth. The company's studying 11 immuno-oncology therapies, and early stage data will be available soon to help it determine their potential. It's also pursuing clinical-stage compounds that target lupus, non-alcoholic steteohepatitis (an increasingly common cause of liver transplant), and psoriasis, a mutlibillion-dollar market.</p> <p>Competition is going to increase in PD-1 this year, and that will cause sales growth to slow. But management still thinks it can deliver single digit revenue growth, and while tepid guidance for EPS of between $2.70 and $2.90 (roughly in line with 2016) isn't exciting, worries over slowing has arguably put this company's shares on sale. In the past year the company's lost about $30 billion in market cap value, and given that declining shares have boosted its dividend yield to 2.7%, I think stashing Bristol-Myers Squibb's stock in 401(k)s now makes sense.</p> <p>Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson is one of healthcare's biggest bellwether stocks, and while it's so big that it's unlikely to generate double-digit growth in the future, its steady-Eddy nature makes it a cornerstone-type stock worth owning in a 401(k).</p> <p>The company's best known for consumer brands such as Band-Aid and Listerine, but it makes most of its money selling prescription medicine and medical equipment. Last year, it generated $13.3 billion in revenue selling consumer goods, $25.1 billion selling medical equipment, and $33.5 billion selling pharmaceuticals.</p> <p>While consumer-goods sales provide revenue consistency, new drug launches provide long-term growth opportunities. Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson's drugs are some of the most commonly used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.</p> <p>Its fastest-growing drugs include the blood cancer drug Imbruvica, which grew sales by more than 80% last year, and the multiple myeloma drug Darzalex, which racked up sales of over $500 million in its first full year on the market. Sales of its psoriasis drug Stelara jumped 30% to $3.2 billion, and revenue from the schizophrenia drug Invega Sustenna climbed 21% to $2.2 billion in 2016. Some of its other notable drugs are the anticoagulant Xarelto, which saw sales climb 22% to $2.3 billion and the diabetes drug Invokana, which posted sales of $1.4 billion last year.</p> <p>Strong sales growth for existing drugs, plus a stream of potential new drugs in its pipeline, has me thinking that Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson will be able to navigate any headwinds, including threats toits best-selling drug, Remicade. That drug began facing off against Pfizer's biosimilar, Inflectra, late last year, and while that's going to be a drag on sales, I think Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson's track record warrants giving it the benefit of the doubt that it will be able manage the decline.</p> <p>Overall, when it comes to dividend increases, this company's one of the best. It's increased its dividend payment in 54 consecutive years, and since investors don't pay taxes on dividends in 401(k)s until that money is withdrawn, a track record like that is very retirement friendly.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Johnson and JohnsonWhen 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;amp;impression=8c7fcefe-ed1e-4fa0-b57b-04eb411b75a5&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;impression=8c7fcefe-ed1e-4fa0-b57b-04eb411b75a5&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Pfizer.His clients may have positions in the companies mentioned.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

larger longerliving population going drive demand medicine higher adding top pharmaceuticals stocks pfizer inc nyse pfe bristolmyers squibb nyse bmy johnson amp johnson nyse jnj 401k could smart three companies developing gamechanging drugs could revolutionize patient treatment added benefit offering investors steady stream shareholderfriendly dividend payments continue reading pfizers revenue took big dip company lost patent protection 13 billionperyear cholesterol drug lipitor sales stabilizing balance sheet rock solid intriguing revenue drivers could propel return back growth image source getty images seeing sales drop 65 billion low less 50 billion past 10 years pfizers sales inched higher 2016 theyre expected increase year advertisement organic growth stemming launch new medicine including breastcancer drug ibrance anticoagulant eliquis comarkets bristolmyers squibb abig reason pfizers getting back track ibrances sales jumped 21 billion last year 723 million 2015 eliquis sales soared 80 higher 33 billion pfizers also done good job controlling expenses thats helped build impressive balance sheet company soldoff noncore assets zoetis earlier decade percentage revenue selling general administrative expenses fallen 30 lipitors height 28 exiting december company reported having25 billion cash investments hand 16 billion annual operating cash flowing theres plenty wiggle room pfizer pay bills invest future pfizers already addition spending 79 billion rampd last year also acquiring peers intriguing assets example 17 billion acquisition hospira instantly made aleader emerging market generic alternatives biologic drugs 14 billion purchase medivation landed rights 50 multibilliondollar prostate cancer drug xtandi fastgrowing drugs market plenty financial firepower opportunities grow organically via acquisition adding pfizer 401k pocketing 37 dividend yield could pay perhaps biggest advance cancer treatment lately development immunotherapies supercharge patients immune system detect destroy cancer cells immunotherapies bristolmyers squibbs opdivo one brightest shining stars opdivo belongs new class pd1inhibiting drugs called checkpoint inhibitors opdivo targets pd1 proteins cancer cells use skirt detection immune system inhibiting pd1 opdivo disarms one cancers best defense systems impressing clinical trials opdivo fda approval use various cancers probably best known use advanced lung cancer melanoma patients success cancers opdivo become one worlds bestselling drugs q4 alone racked 13 billion sales trials could expand opdivos addressable market way industry analysts think opdivos peak annual sales could approach 10 billion someday anyone guess opdivo deliver projections even doesnt company drugs pick slack instance shares eliquis success pfizer multiple myeloma drug empliciti fda approval 2015 gaining traction annualized sales 188 million q4 bristolmyers squibb also developing new drugs could one day contribute growth companys studying 11 immunooncology therapies early stage data available soon help determine potential also pursuing clinicalstage compounds target lupus nonalcoholic steteohepatitis increasingly common cause liver transplant psoriasis mutlibilliondollar market competition going increase pd1 year cause sales growth slow management still thinks deliver single digit revenue growth tepid guidance eps 270 290 roughly line 2016 isnt exciting worries slowing arguably put companys shares sale past year companys lost 30 billion market cap value given declining shares boosted dividend yield 27 think stashing bristolmyers squibbs stock 401ks makes sense johnson amp johnson one healthcares biggest bellwether stocks big unlikely generate doubledigit growth future steadyeddy nature makes cornerstonetype stock worth owning 401k companys best known consumer brands bandaid listerine makes money selling prescription medicine medical equipment last year generated 133 billion revenue selling consumer goods 251 billion selling medical equipment 335 billion selling pharmaceuticals consumergoods sales provide revenue consistency new drug launches provide longterm growth opportunities johnson amp johnsons drugs commonly used treat cancer autoimmune diseases cardiovascular disease fastestgrowing drugs include blood cancer drug imbruvica grew sales 80 last year multiple myeloma drug darzalex racked sales 500 million first full year market sales psoriasis drug stelara jumped 30 32 billion revenue schizophrenia drug invega sustenna climbed 21 22 billion 2016 notable drugs anticoagulant xarelto saw sales climb 22 23 billion diabetes drug invokana posted sales 14 billion last year strong sales growth existing drugs plus stream potential new drugs pipeline thinking johnson amp johnson able navigate headwinds including threats toits bestselling drug remicade drug began facing pfizers biosimilar inflectra late last year thats going drag sales think johnson amp johnsons track record warrants giving benefit doubt able manage decline overall comes dividend increases companys one best increased dividend payment 54 consecutive years since investors dont pay taxes dividends 401ks money withdrawn track record like retirement friendly 10 stocks like better johnson johnsonwhen 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 february 6 2017 todd campbell opens new window owns shares pfizerhis clients may positions companies mentionedthe motley fool owns shares recommends johnson johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>U.S. oil giant ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) wants to set itself apart from rivals in the eyes of investors, with a top goal of delivering "superior returns to shareholders." That aim led the company to lay out five priorities for its cash flow:</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>One thing that's clear from the plan is that ConocoPhillips' top priority is to return money to investors. That's also evident in the company's recently unveiled three-year operating strategy, which should see it return $7.5 billion in cash to investors in share repurchases alone by the end of 2020, with more money headed their way via a growing dividend. That combination of cash returns and prudent growth positions the oil giant to deliver a compelling total annual return, even if crude stays low.</p> <p>About a year ago ConocoPhillips unveiled its strategy to create value for investors in an increasingly uncertain oil market, which included the five cash flow priorities listed earlier. However, the company also said that it would sell between $5 billion and $8 billion in assets in the three years that followed to accelerate its value proposition, with a plan to use the money to repurchase $3 billion in stock and pay off several billion dollars in debt.</p> <p>Since that time the company has vastly exceeded its initial expectations, given that it's on pace to sell $16 billion in assets by year-end, driven by the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/30/conocophillips-takes-a-surprising-turn-to-supercha.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">sale of several Canadian oil and gas properties Opens a New Window.</a> to Cenovus Energy (NYSE: CVE) for $13.3 billion. That deal and those that followed enabled ConocoPhillips to lower the cash flow break-even level of its current portfolio to less than $40 a barrel, because it mostly offloaded low-margin assets to Cenovus and other buyers. Meanwhile, ConocoPhillips used the cash proceeds to retire debt that lowered its interest expenses, and it repurchased shares, expecting to spend $3 billion on the buyback by year-end.</p> <p>Those actions set the company up to generate more cash in the coming years. It estimated that, combined with its current cash balance, it can produce enough cash flow at $50 oil to:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Even after allocating capital across those priorities, the company expects to end 2020 with about $4.5 billion in cash. Meanwhile, if crude prices rise, ConocoPhillips would generate even more excess cash, with a portion likely heading back to investors via buybacks, since that's the quickest way for the company to ensure it meets the target of returning 20% to 30% of cash flow to investors each year.</p> <p>ConocoPhillips' updated plan is the most shareholder-friendly one in the industry: It consistently returns money to investors via an above-average dividend and steady repurchases, with built-in upside as oil prices rise. While several rivals recently unveiled shareholder-focused strategies, none go as far as ConocoPhillips. For example, Canadian shale driller Encana (NYSE: ECA) recently shifted the focus of its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/18/this-oil-stock-is-thriving-through-innovation.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">go-forward strategy Opens a New Window.</a> from growing production to cash flow. As a result, Encana expects to increase cash flow by a 25% compound annual rate through 2022, which would produce $1.5 billion in excess cash over that time frame. However, other than continuing to pay a paltry dividend yielding 0.5%, Encana doesn't yet have a formal plan to return any of the money to investors.</p> <p>Meanwhile, U.S. oil giant Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE: APC) recently announced plans to <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/21/another-oil-giant-sees-value-in-an-unexpected-plac.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">repurchase $2.5 billion of stock Opens a New Window.</a> by the end of 2018. Anadarko would pay for those repurchases by tapping the $6 billion war chest of cash it built up during the downturn by selling assets. However, aside from that one-time authorization, there doesn't appear to be a sustainable plan to send cash to investors, since Anadarko's current operating strategy calls for it to spend all its cash flow on drilling more wells or expanding midstream infrastructure. That leaves it with little room to return cash above its minuscule 0.4% dividend once it exhausts its current cash balance.</p> <p>ConocoPhillips' focus on returning cash has already paid dividends for investors, given that the stock has delivered a nearly 25% total return over the past year. That has eclipsed not only the red-hot S&amp;amp;P 500's slightly more than 24% total return, but is well above the sub-3% return of the average oil stock over the past year.</p> <p>This outperformance versus its peers should continue, since none come close to rivaling its shareholder-first plan, which should deliver a blend of dividend income and growth over the next few years. That return potential makes ConocoPhillips, which can thrive at low oil prices, a top-notch oil stock to buy.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than ConocoPhillipsWhen 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;amp;impression=8ebb8a1a-a2fa-414f-a12c-d4a8c55d2544&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and ConocoPhillips 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;amp;impression=8ebb8a1a-a2fa-414f-a12c-d4a8c55d2544&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Matthew DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of ConocoPhillips. 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7e3c7210-c4bf-11e7-8c88-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

us oil giant conocophillips nyse cop wants set apart rivals eyes investors top goal delivering superior returns shareholders aim led company lay five priorities cash flow continue reading one thing thats clear plan conocophillips top priority return money investors thats also evident companys recently unveiled threeyear operating strategy see return 75 billion cash investors share repurchases alone end 2020 money headed way via growing dividend combination cash returns prudent growth positions oil giant deliver compelling total annual return even crude stays low year ago conocophillips unveiled strategy create value investors increasingly uncertain oil market included five cash flow priorities listed earlier however company also said would sell 5 billion 8 billion assets three years followed accelerate value proposition plan use money repurchase 3 billion stock pay several billion dollars debt since time company vastly exceeded initial expectations given pace sell 16 billion assets yearend driven sale several canadian oil gas properties opens new window cenovus energy nyse cve 133 billion deal followed enabled conocophillips lower cash flow breakeven level current portfolio less 40 barrel mostly offloaded lowmargin assets cenovus buyers meanwhile conocophillips used cash proceeds retire debt lowered interest expenses repurchased shares expecting spend 3 billion buyback yearend actions set company generate cash coming years estimated combined current cash balance produce enough cash flow 50 oil advertisement even allocating capital across priorities company expects end 2020 45 billion cash meanwhile crude prices rise conocophillips would generate even excess cash portion likely heading back investors via buybacks since thats quickest way company ensure meets target returning 20 30 cash flow investors year conocophillips updated plan shareholderfriendly one industry consistently returns money investors via aboveaverage dividend steady repurchases builtin upside oil prices rise several rivals recently unveiled shareholderfocused strategies none go far conocophillips example canadian shale driller encana nyse eca recently shifted focus goforward strategy opens new window growing production cash flow result encana expects increase cash flow 25 compound annual rate 2022 would produce 15 billion excess cash time frame however continuing pay paltry dividend yielding 05 encana doesnt yet formal plan return money investors meanwhile us oil giant anadarko petroleum nyse apc recently announced plans repurchase 25 billion stock opens new window end 2018 anadarko would pay repurchases tapping 6 billion war chest cash built downturn selling assets however aside onetime authorization doesnt appear sustainable plan send cash investors since anadarkos current operating strategy calls spend cash flow drilling wells expanding midstream infrastructure leaves little room return cash minuscule 04 dividend exhausts current cash balance conocophillips focus returning cash already paid dividends investors given stock delivered nearly 25 total return past year eclipsed redhot sampp 500s slightly 24 total return well sub3 return average oil stock past year outperformance versus peers continue since none come close rivaling shareholderfirst plan deliver blend dividend income growth next years return potential makes conocophillips thrive low oil prices topnotch oil stock buy 10 stocks like better conocophillipswhen 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 conocophillips wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 matthew dilallo opens new window owns shares conocophillips motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Conservative professor Keith Fink has been officially let go from his position as part-time continuing lecturer for the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).</p> <p>Fink has been undergoing his Excellence Review process regarding whether his employment at UCLA will continue after his 18th quarter of teaching. On Tuesday, Dean of Social Sciences Laura Gomez sent Fink a brief letter informing him of her decision to let him go, a copy of which was obtained by The Daily Wire:</p> <p>I write to inform you that your appointment as a Continuing Lecturer, effective January 1, 2018, was not approved. after a thoughtful and comprehensive academic review, it has been determined that your teaching does not meet the standard of excellence. The effective end date of your last employment as a Lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies will be June 30, 2017.</p> <p>Fink provided the following statement to The Daily Wire in an email:</p> <p>Dean Gomez' letter to me is devoid of any reason or rationale. I articulated in a seven page letter numerous concerns about the procedure and substance of my Excellence Review to Dean Gomez all of which she ignored. In return, she responded a month later with a five sentence letter comprised mainly of pleasantries, lacking substance or accountability. Despite being biased she refused to recuse herself. Why does UCLA ask a teacher to list those who are biased if there is no recusal? Why isn't a teacher after ten years of teaching entitled to some explanation as to why he is no longer able to teach? I intend to ensure that the UCLA is held accountable to the fundamental principles of free speech, due process and fairness. To that end I am establishing a non-profit that will provide free legal services for UCLA students and teachers whose rights have been violated. I will always fight for principles that we hold dear as Americans and will continue to be the one person UCLA students can count on for help when needed. I have been offered many teaching opportunities and will continue to be a positive role model and inspiring teacher for young people.</p> <p>The Daily Wire has reported on Gomez's bias against Fink and Fink's letter making his case to Gomez <a href="" type="internal">here</a> and <a href="" type="internal">here</a>.</p> <p>Fink's teacher aide, Andrew Litt, excoriated Gomez in a text message to The Daily Wire.</p> <p>"This was preordained," Litt seethed. "What a joke. No recusal. No analysis. As expected."</p> <p>Litt also noted that no one in the review process had any expertise on the subject matter that Fink teaches &#8211; free speech and employment law &#8211; and that Fink had requested for Gomez to seek "the input of the campus' (arguably the nation's) preeminent First Amendment scholar Eugene Volokh." But her letter suggests that "she solicited nothing."</p> <p>Indeed, Fink's letter to Gomez is filled with substantive arguments explaining how he meets UCLA's standards of excellence, while Gomez's letter is substance-free. You can read Fink's full letter <a href="http://dailybruin.com/2017/06/04/submission-students-must-speak-up-in-defense-of-professor-keith-fink/" type="external">here</a>.</p> <p>As The Daily Wire has previously <a href="" type="internal">reported</a>, Fink has been railroaded during his review process from the get-go, which ultimately resulted in a deadlocked panel vote on his future at UCLA, leaving the decision in the hands of Dean Gomez, who seems to have a bias against Fink.</p> <p>Meanwhile, The Daily Wire has received some of Fink's student evaluations from this past spring quarter and the vast majority of them are overwhelmingly positive:</p> <p>I'm a science major who normally has no interests in classes like these. When I say this was one of my favorite classes here at UCLA, with the most passionate professor I've ever had, who made me want to learn a new field, I am not exaggerating. Professor Fink cares for his students like no other, and you always feel secure and welcome asking a man of his stature for help. His class was organized, concise, and he was very well spoken. I cannot point out any direct weaknesses because I feel nothing was needing of improvement. His strengths are the remainder, and they speak for themselves.</p> <p>If I could rate every single category of this survey as a 10 instead of a 9, I would have. Professor Fink has been, by far, my most interesting, intriguing, articulate, and well-spoken instructor I've had here at UCLA. His class has single-handedly compelled me to pursue a career in law and has increased my interest 10 fold. It's really a shame that he has been under attack by the department because this is the best (in all aspects) communications course I've taken. If I could take his courses every quarter, I most definitely would. And I really hope he is not removed from teaching because this class really forces students to critically think about events and situations before they assume their position. With the current political leanings of the campus, I think it'd be valuable for every and any student to take his classes. He challenges you and forces you to question your own beliefs. He creates more conscientious and empowered students who know their rights. All in all, an amazing course that everyone should have the opportunity to take.</p> <p>In my 4 years at UCLA, I've had a great deal of excellent professors but the one that stands out the most among them is Professor Fink. I first took his Free Speech on Campus last quarter and this experience was so life changing that I HAD to enroll in his class this quarter. Professor Fink is one of the few Professors at UCLA that TRULY cares about his students and he makes an effort to help students in any way that he can. The classes are conducted as Socratic Seminars and this method makes the class very engaging and helps my learning and understanding of the court cases. There has been controversy surrounding this course as some may view Professor Fink as being too conservative, but the truth is that Fink remains mostly neutral throughout the discussions and always plays the devil advocates in order to encourage dialogue and discussion. His class made me understand the importance of colleges remaining a market place of ideas with free speech as one can only defend their opinion by understanding both sides. If Fink were to be fired for being deemed "not excellent," this would be robbing future bruins the opportunity to take one of the most rewarding classes at UCLA with one of the most excellent professors in the campus. Interesting class... I have learned so much..</p> <p>It seems that the UCLA administration wanted Fink out and used his Excellence Review as an opportunity to do so. They have gotten their wish, but in the process the university has a lost a popular professor who had a profoundly positive impact on his students.</p> <p>Gomez's full letter can be seen below:</p> <p /> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/bandlersbanter" type="external">Follow Aaron Bandler on Twitter.</a></p>

conservative professor keith fink officially let go position parttime continuing lecturer university california los angeles ucla fink undergoing excellence review process regarding whether employment ucla continue 18th quarter teaching tuesday dean social sciences laura gomez sent fink brief letter informing decision let go copy obtained daily wire write inform appointment continuing lecturer effective january 1 2018 approved thoughtful comprehensive academic review determined teaching meet standard excellence effective end date last employment lecturer department communication studies june 30 2017 fink provided following statement daily wire email dean gomez letter devoid reason rationale articulated seven page letter numerous concerns procedure substance excellence review dean gomez ignored return responded month later five sentence letter comprised mainly pleasantries lacking substance accountability despite biased refused recuse ucla ask teacher list biased recusal isnt teacher ten years teaching entitled explanation longer able teach intend ensure ucla held accountable fundamental principles free speech due process fairness end establishing nonprofit provide free legal services ucla students teachers whose rights violated always fight principles hold dear americans continue one person ucla students count help needed offered many teaching opportunities continue positive role model inspiring teacher young people daily wire reported gomezs bias fink finks letter making case gomez finks teacher aide andrew litt excoriated gomez text message daily wire preordained litt seethed joke recusal analysis expected litt also noted one review process expertise subject matter fink teaches free speech employment law fink requested gomez seek input campus arguably nations preeminent first amendment scholar eugene volokh letter suggests solicited nothing indeed finks letter gomez filled substantive arguments explaining meets uclas standards excellence gomezs letter substancefree read finks full letter daily wire previously reported fink railroaded review process getgo ultimately resulted deadlocked panel vote future ucla leaving decision hands dean gomez seems bias fink meanwhile daily wire received finks student evaluations past spring quarter vast majority overwhelmingly positive im science major normally interests classes like say one favorite classes ucla passionate professor ive ever made want learn new field exaggerating professor fink cares students like always feel secure welcome asking man stature help class organized concise well spoken point direct weaknesses feel nothing needing improvement strengths remainder speak could rate every single category survey 10 instead 9 would professor fink far interesting intriguing articulate wellspoken instructor ive ucla class singlehandedly compelled pursue career law increased interest 10 fold really shame attack department best aspects communications course ive taken could take courses every quarter definitely would really hope removed teaching class really forces students critically think events situations assume position current political leanings campus think itd valuable every student take classes challenges forces question beliefs creates conscientious empowered students know rights amazing course everyone opportunity take 4 years ucla ive great deal excellent professors one stands among professor fink first took free speech campus last quarter experience life changing enroll class quarter professor fink one professors ucla truly cares students makes effort help students way classes conducted socratic seminars method makes class engaging helps learning understanding court cases controversy surrounding course may view professor fink conservative truth fink remains mostly neutral throughout discussions always plays devil advocates order encourage dialogue discussion class made understand importance colleges remaining market place ideas free speech one defend opinion understanding sides fink fired deemed excellent would robbing future bruins opportunity take one rewarding classes ucla one excellent professors campus interesting class learned much seems ucla administration wanted fink used excellence review opportunity gotten wish process university lost popular professor profoundly positive impact students gomezs full letter seen follow aaron bandler twitter

<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p> <p>A group of foreign militants infiltrates the U.S. using student visas, weak borders, bribery and cooperation with drug cartels. Secret cells integrate within metropolitan areas and blend with the populace. At the precise moment, they activate, unleashing small attacks across the country in coordinated blitzkrieg-style terror campaigns against everything from suburban neighborhoods to public schools to shopping malls, striking fear into the citizenry, which now believes no one is safe, even in the heartland. With normal law enforcement overwhelmed, the economy on the brink and the populace ready to riot, the military is deployed domestically; curfews, price controls and rationing are initiated; and special operations agents act as infiltrators in order to subdue the terrorist factions. The loss of common liberties is welcomed by most as safety and security become the paramount motivator.</p> <p>A glimpse into the future? Well, perhaps. Actually, it&#8217;s the plot narrative to a Chuck Norris movie called &#8220;Invasion U.S.A.&#8221; The terrorists in that movie were communists from places like Cuba and Venezuela (hey, it was the 80s, and we had no idea that the communists were elitists that had already taken over from within), but the premise is strangely not far from what the government is trying to sell to us as a potential real-life scenario today.</p> <p>As Americans, we have been bombarded with propaganda for decades, which conjures rationalizations for domestic military operations. This propaganda always presents us with an all-or-nothing option: relinquish liberty and beat the enemy, or &#8220;cling&#8221; to the &#8220;outdated&#8221; Constitution and fall as a society. There never seems to be a third option, an option that does not require the loss of freedoms and allows for security. In the film &#8220;Invasion U.S.A.,&#8221; I suppose we had Chuck Norris as a third option, which is not a bad third option in the world of cinema; but I&#8217;m sorry to say that Chuck alone cannot save us from what is coming in the real America.</p> <p>I am highly suspicious of the rhetoric coming out of Washington lately in terms of the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/17/iraqi-prime-minister-defence-anbar-isis-attacks" type="external">ISIS situation</a>. ISIS has apparently secured the Iraqi city of Ramadi and put the government there on the defensive, meaning that despite the recent claims that ISIS leadership has been hit in Syria, the group continues to advance.</p> <p>Rumors of <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/25/us/possible-isis-inspired-threat/" type="external">potential ISIS attacks</a> on <a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/04/25/u-s-intel-community-warns-isis-attack-u-s-soil/" type="external">U.S. soil</a> continue to spread from sources like the FBI and the Transportation Security Administration.</p> <p>&#8220;Former&#8221; CIA officials (is there such a thing?) are also getting in on the action, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/12/politics/michael-morell-isis-attack-osama-bin-laden/" type="external">warning</a> in mainstream media outlets that ISIS has the ability to direct at least small-scale attacks on the U.S. today.</p> <p>However, the threat of ISIS does not frighten me. It concerns me, but what truly disturbs me is the likely government response if such predictions by alphabet agencies come to pass.</p> <p>In my recent article <a href="http://www.alt-market.com/articles/2588-when-the-elites-wage-war-on-america-this-is-how-they-will-do-it" type="external">&#8220;When The Elites Wage War On America, This Is How They Will Do It,&#8221;</a> I examined the tactics behind not only globalization, but also the most probable methods that will be used to secure globalization through the oppression of dissenting voices and groups. Part of that examination included my take on the <a href="" type="internal">Jade Helm 15</a> exercises running from summer into autumn and how they fit directly into the strategies for disrupting insurgencies (revolutions) discussed openly by internationalists in their own symposiums.</p> <p>My conclusion given the clear evidence at hand? Jade Helm is definitely NOT meant to prepare troops for foreign operations. The program is admitted to be a primer for military response to &#8220;crisis scenarios,&#8221; denoting domestic operation. Special forces groups are training with domestic agencies like the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration. And they are training and infiltrating completely American environments, which they would not be doing unless they planned to operate in very similar environments. Special forces always train like they fight. Period.</p> <p>With at least 45% of Americans <a href="http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/may_2015/voters_worry_military_exercises_may_lead_to_federal_control_of_states" type="external">concerned</a> that <a href="" type="internal">open domestic military exercises</a> are a precursor to greater federal control over states and more than 62% convinced that government power is suffocating individual liberty, it is only a matter of time before the government spin doctors create a semi-believable rationale for such endeavors as Jade Helm. I believe that ISIS could be their perfect rationale.</p> <p>As public concern is amplified and evidence indicating that the Department of Defense is lying about the purpose of JH15 is more widely recognized, the DOD may very well admit that the operation is not for training in foreign theaters. Rather, they may argue that JH15 is in fact training designed to protect Americans on American soil from widespread terrorist threats. That is to say, the new spin will be that Jade Helm is meant to save us all from the psychopathic child killing cannibal monstrosity known as <a href="" type="internal">ISIS</a>.</p> <p>Look at it this way, what better excuse for covert military actions in domestic environments? What better way to justify lying to the American people about Jade Helm goals and directives? What better way to silence the critics and so-called &#8220;conspiracy theorists&#8221; than for the government to say: &#8220;Yes, we lied, but it was to keep the real and honorable purpose of JH15 secret, and to save the public from terrorism, now shut up naysayers and liberty activists, you are putting the whole nation at risk&#8230;!&#8221;</p> <p>Maybe I am connecting dots that are not dots, but it seems to me that the timing of ISIS warnings, the re-ignition of economic downturn in 2014/2015, the global shift away from the dollar, and Jade Helm are not entirely coincidental. Martial Law is not a scenario that can be generated in a vacuum; it needs a primer, a trigger event, if not multiple trigger events.</p> <p>If the final trigger event is indeed intended to be a terror campaign on U.S. soil, then questions of the true purpose of Jade Helm will undoubtedly take a back seat to immediate solutions to what amounts to a foreign invasion (at least, that is how it will be painted), and none other than Jade Helm will be presented as that solution.</p> <p>The debate over JH15 and programs like it will change. It will become a matter of the &#8220;greater good&#8221; against a foreign enemy, rather than a government overstep against the rights of the people. How can we possibly question the defense of American soil against terrorists? Isn&#8217;t that an undeniable directive of the military? And if we do question such a directive and its value to the American people, are we not &#8220;weakening&#8221; the resolve and effectiveness of the defense apparatus through negative public opinion? And by extension, would that not make us &#8220;domestic enemies&#8221; as well?</p> <p>In fact, I can easily argue that there is absolutely NO rationale for domestic military operations against ISIS or anyone else, and here&#8217;s why.</p> <p>As I outlined in detail in my article <a href="http://www.alt-market.com/articles/2298-the-time-is-ripe-for-a-false-flag-attack-on-american-soil" type="external">&#8220;The Time Is Ripe For A False Flag Attack On American Soil,&#8221;</a>the organization known as <a href="" type="internal">ISIS has long been a collaborative creation</a> of the U.S. government and its allies. From funding and training in Libya and Jordan, to arming in Syria and Iraq, ISIS is nothing without the Western intelligence apparatus, just as al-Qaida was nothing more than a CIA Frankenstein monster.</p> <p>So should Americans be forced to relinquish their freedoms in order to combat an enemy that our own government engineered out of thin air? And beyond that, who represents the greater enemy: ISIS or the lunatic elitists who gave ISIS the tools to commit atrocities?</p> <p>Some people may argue that the true origins of ISIS are a matter of historical debate that will not solve our immediate problem of rampant terror threats. How can we nitpick where ISIS came from while ISIS is trying to massacre us? Fair enough.</p> <p>My rebuttal would be that regardless of where ISIS found its organizational support, the U.S. government and the military apparatus under the direction of a corrupt DOD are incapable of protecting the American people anyway. If ISIS is able to unleash a campaign of attacks that give license to the idea of martial law, then the government has only proven one of two things:</p> <p>1)&amp;#160; It is too inept to prevent such events from occurring due to its refusal to secure our borders and despite full-spectrum surveillance of the American people by the NSA.</p> <p>2)&amp;#160; It is so evil in its machinations that it has allowed terrorist infiltration in order to further an agenda of greater control.</p> <p>Either the government is a bungling bureaucratic mess not capable of keeping anyone safe, or it is a cesspool of tyranny that has no intention of keeping anyone safe. In either case, why should the American people give such an entity even MORE power, when it can&#8217;t responsibly handle the considerable power it already has?</p> <p>Official martial law may never be declared, but it could nevertheless become a reality. I would present the response to the Boston bombing event as a direct example of militarization of a domestic region without it being called &#8220;martial law.&#8221; This was, of course, a &#8220;federalized&#8221; response, rather than a military one. But it was militarization in its nature all the same. The establishment will use all kinds of mislabeling and spin in order to entice the populace to submit to further encroachment of liberties in the name of security.</p> <p>The fact is the best defense for the civilian population of America has always been the individual population itself. Terrorists are far more likely to be thwarted tactically and psychologically by a trained, armed, aware and free citizenry than any oppressive federal or military dragnet. Why?&amp;#160; Because the citizenry is the target, and thus, always first on the scene to respond.&amp;#160; Citizens become victims when they wait around passively for government &#8220;authorized&#8221; responders to save them, instead of adopting the attitude that THEY are responsible for their own defense.&amp;#160; Legally, it is a constitutional mandate that American militias retain authority over domestic defense. And to be clear, the militia is every able-bodied American, not only a certain percentage of Americans the government deems acceptable (which means the National Guard does not qualify as the militia).</p> <p>This is the answer to the propaganda of militarization. We do not have to choose between liberty and security. We can have both, and we can provide it for ourselves as our own protectors. Sheepdogs be damned. Each citizen is his first and best line of defense.</p> <p>Only when the American people take on the philosophy of self-defense rather than government reliance will we be free of fear from terrorism and free of fear from tyrannical government. It starts with each of you, in your homes, neighborhoods, towns and counties. Citizen organizations for mutual aid and security to counter any threat, regardless of the mask it wears, will be the catalyst for a legitimately free society. In the face of such organization, martial law is not only illegitimate, but entirely unnecessary. ISIS does not matter. It is what we ultimately do about ISIS or similar threats that matters, and martial law is not the answer.</p> <p>If you would like to support the publishing of articles like the one you have just read, visit our donations page <a href="http://www.alt-market.com/donate" type="external">here</a>.&amp;#160; We greatly appreciate your patronage.</p> <p>Courtesy of <a href="http://www.alt-market.com/articles/2600-is-martial-law-justified-if-isis-attacks" type="external">ALT-Market</a>.</p> <p>You can contact Brandon Smith at:</p> <p><a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a></p> <p /> <p />

group foreign militants infiltrates us using student visas weak borders bribery cooperation drug cartels secret cells integrate within metropolitan areas blend populace precise moment activate unleashing small attacks across country coordinated blitzkriegstyle terror campaigns everything suburban neighborhoods public schools shopping malls striking fear citizenry believes one safe even heartland normal law enforcement overwhelmed economy brink populace ready riot military deployed domestically curfews price controls rationing initiated special operations agents act infiltrators order subdue terrorist factions loss common liberties welcomed safety security become paramount motivator glimpse future well perhaps actually plot narrative chuck norris movie called invasion usa terrorists movie communists places like cuba venezuela hey 80s idea communists elitists already taken within premise strangely far government trying sell us potential reallife scenario today americans bombarded propaganda decades conjures rationalizations domestic military operations propaganda always presents us allornothing option relinquish liberty beat enemy cling outdated constitution fall society never seems third option option require loss freedoms allows security film invasion usa suppose chuck norris third option bad third option world cinema im sorry say chuck alone save us coming real america highly suspicious rhetoric coming washington lately terms isis situation isis apparently secured iraqi city ramadi put government defensive meaning despite recent claims isis leadership hit syria group continues advance rumors potential isis attacks us soil continue spread sources like fbi transportation security administration former cia officials thing also getting action warning mainstream media outlets isis ability direct least smallscale attacks us today however threat isis frighten concerns truly disturbs likely government response predictions alphabet agencies come pass recent article elites wage war america examined tactics behind globalization also probable methods used secure globalization oppression dissenting voices groups part examination included take jade helm 15 exercises running summer autumn fit directly strategies disrupting insurgencies revolutions discussed openly internationalists symposiums conclusion given clear evidence hand jade helm definitely meant prepare troops foreign operations program admitted primer military response crisis scenarios denoting domestic operation special forces groups training domestic agencies like fbi drug enforcement administration training infiltrating completely american environments would unless planned operate similar environments special forces always train like fight period least 45 americans concerned open domestic military exercises precursor greater federal control states 62 convinced government power suffocating individual liberty matter time government spin doctors create semibelievable rationale endeavors jade helm believe isis could perfect rationale public concern amplified evidence indicating department defense lying purpose jh15 widely recognized dod may well admit operation training foreign theaters rather may argue jh15 fact training designed protect americans american soil widespread terrorist threats say new spin jade helm meant save us psychopathic child killing cannibal monstrosity known isis look way better excuse covert military actions domestic environments better way justify lying american people jade helm goals directives better way silence critics socalled conspiracy theorists government say yes lied keep real honorable purpose jh15 secret save public terrorism shut naysayers liberty activists putting whole nation risk maybe connecting dots dots seems timing isis warnings reignition economic downturn 20142015 global shift away dollar jade helm entirely coincidental martial law scenario generated vacuum needs primer trigger event multiple trigger events final trigger event indeed intended terror campaign us soil questions true purpose jade helm undoubtedly take back seat immediate solutions amounts foreign invasion least painted none jade helm presented solution debate jh15 programs like change become matter greater good foreign enemy rather government overstep rights people possibly question defense american soil terrorists isnt undeniable directive military question directive value american people weakening resolve effectiveness defense apparatus negative public opinion extension would make us domestic enemies well fact easily argue absolutely rationale domestic military operations isis anyone else heres outlined detail article time ripe false flag attack american soilthe organization known isis long collaborative creation us government allies funding training libya jordan arming syria iraq isis nothing without western intelligence apparatus alqaida nothing cia frankenstein monster americans forced relinquish freedoms order combat enemy government engineered thin air beyond represents greater enemy isis lunatic elitists gave isis tools commit atrocities people may argue true origins isis matter historical debate solve immediate problem rampant terror threats nitpick isis came isis trying massacre us fair enough rebuttal would regardless isis found organizational support us government military apparatus direction corrupt dod incapable protecting american people anyway isis able unleash campaign attacks give license idea martial law government proven one two things 1160 inept prevent events occurring due refusal secure borders despite fullspectrum surveillance american people nsa 2160 evil machinations allowed terrorist infiltration order agenda greater control either government bungling bureaucratic mess capable keeping anyone safe cesspool tyranny intention keeping anyone safe either case american people give entity even power cant responsibly handle considerable power already official martial law may never declared could nevertheless become reality would present response boston bombing event direct example militarization domestic region without called martial law course federalized response rather military one militarization nature establishment use kinds mislabeling spin order entice populace submit encroachment liberties name security fact best defense civilian population america always individual population terrorists far likely thwarted tactically psychologically trained armed aware free citizenry oppressive federal military dragnet why160 citizenry target thus always first scene respond160 citizens become victims wait around passively government authorized responders save instead adopting attitude responsible defense160 legally constitutional mandate american militias retain authority domestic defense clear militia every ablebodied american certain percentage americans government deems acceptable means national guard qualify militia answer propaganda militarization choose liberty security provide protectors sheepdogs damned citizen first best line defense american people take philosophy selfdefense rather government reliance free fear terrorism free fear tyrannical government starts homes neighborhoods towns counties citizen organizations mutual aid security counter threat regardless mask wears catalyst legitimately free society face organization martial law illegitimate entirely unnecessary isis matter ultimately isis similar threats matters martial law answer would like support publishing articles like one read visit donations page here160 greatly appreciate patronage courtesy altmarket contact brandon smith brandonaltmarketcom

<p /> <p>For most oil companies, 2016 was the year they finally got their mojo back. While crude prices continued crashing through the first couple of months, oil would go on to rebound sharply off the bottom, ending the year up more than 50%. That rebound in the oil market was all the fuel most oil stocks needed last year, as many rallied as much as (if not more than) the price of crude.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Unfortunately, Cobalt International Energy (NYSE: CIE) was one of the laggards. In fact, not only did the company completely miss the rally in the oil market, but its stock went in the opposite direction:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CIE" type="external">CIE</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Here's what went wrong and why things might not get much better in 2017.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Cobalt International Energy is not like most other oil companies. Until last January, it had never produced a drop of oil in its history. Instead, the company spent the first decade of its existence raising capital from outside investors to finance deepwater exploration and development, which is both expensive and time-consuming. However, the company started a new chapter in its history last year when Anadarko Petroleum's (NYSE: APC) Heidelberg project delivered first oil in mid-January, which is a facility that Cobalt owns a 9.375% stake. That production was a long time coming considering that Anadarko discovered Heidelberg in 2009 and began constructing the multibillion dollar production platform in 2013 before finally producing oil last year.</p> <p>While Heidelberg has performed as expected, it only supplied Cobalt with $13.7 million in cash flow from operations through the first nine months of the year. That barely put a dent in the nearly $775 million the company expected to spend in the Gulf of Mexico last year to fund its continuing operations nor the up to $140 million it needed to support development activities at its properties in Angola. As a result, those investments consumed nearly half of its cash position last year, leaving the company with just $683 million in cash at the end of the third quarter, down from $1.2 billion to start the year.</p> <p>On a positive note, that capital enabled the company to drill additional test wells, resulting in the confirmation of oil and gas at several promising prospects. For example, Cobalt's Shenandoah prospect continues to strike oil, with the company completing its fourth successful test last year. However, not every well paid off; the Goodfellow No. 1 exploration well came up dry, forcing Cobalt and its partner Total (NYSE: TOT) to abandon the prospect. That dry hole cost Cobalt its entire $149.9 million investment.</p> <p>Given the high costs of developing offshore fields, the company had hoped to boost its cash position by agreeing to sell its Angolan assets in 2015 for $1.75 billion. However, that deal fell through last year, putting the company in a tight spot financially as it continued to burn through cash. Because of that, Cobalt had no choice but to obtain high-cost funding so it could have a bit more breathing room. Towards the end of the year, the company completed a debt exchange and financing transaction that raised $500 million of liquidity and pushed out half of its $1.38 billion in debt by four years. To sweeten the deal, Cobalt offered creditors 30 million shares of its common stock, which <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/08/cobalt-international-energy-incs-stock-craters-aft.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">diluted existing shareholders by 7% Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Image source: Anadarko Petroleum.</p> <p>While last year's debt transaction bought Cobalt some time, the fact of the matter is that it is still running low on cash. That is why the company is actively marketing its Angolan assets. However, these assets have been on the market for quite some time, which suggests the company has not received any acceptable offers. Because of that, even when it does find a buyer, it seems unlikely to sell the assets for anything close to what the previous buyer had agreed to pay. That said, if the company does find a buyer willing to pay more than the market expects, it could fuel a major rally in the stock.</p> <p>However, any asset sale would still just be a band-aid for Cobalt because it is not even close to the point where its operations can sustain development projects. Because of that, the company will need to continue seeking outside capital to finance expansion. That cash could come from additional asset sales, more debt, or further dilution. Unfortunately, not one option is very palatable at the moment given the current market environment. Asset sales will not fetch full value until oil prices are much higher. Meanwhile, future debt or dilution are not appealing given the sky-high costs. That said, at some point, the company has to do something so that it does not run out of money. The concern is that like last year, desperate times could call for desperate measures, such as a significant equity offering that could further dilute existing investors and crush the stock price.</p> <p>Cobalt International Energy's expenses far outstrip its cash flow, which is a dangerous way to run an oil company. At its current spending rate, the company has about a year's worth of cash left, which obviously isn't enough. Needless to say, the company needs to do something to shore up its balance sheet. That likely means more debt or dilution could be on the way, which depending on the terms, might not sit well with the market and could potentially cause a deep sell-off in the stock.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Cobalt International EnergyWhen 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;amp;impression=040ac8a6-61d9-4550-a1c4-df4c5883bb62&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Cobalt International Energy 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;amp;impression=040ac8a6-61d9-4550-a1c4-df4c5883bb62&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Total. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

oil companies 2016 year finally got mojo back crude prices continued crashing first couple months oil would go rebound sharply bottom ending year 50 rebound oil market fuel oil stocks needed last year many rallied much price crude continue reading unfortunately cobalt international energy nyse cie one laggards fact company completely miss rally oil market stock went opposite direction cie data ycharts opens new window heres went wrong things might get much better 2017 advertisement cobalt international energy like oil companies last january never produced drop oil history instead company spent first decade existence raising capital outside investors finance deepwater exploration development expensive timeconsuming however company started new chapter history last year anadarko petroleums nyse apc heidelberg project delivered first oil midjanuary facility cobalt owns 9375 stake production long time coming considering anadarko discovered heidelberg 2009 began constructing multibillion dollar production platform 2013 finally producing oil last year heidelberg performed expected supplied cobalt 137 million cash flow operations first nine months year barely put dent nearly 775 million company expected spend gulf mexico last year fund continuing operations 140 million needed support development activities properties angola result investments consumed nearly half cash position last year leaving company 683 million cash end third quarter 12 billion start year positive note capital enabled company drill additional test wells resulting confirmation oil gas several promising prospects example cobalts shenandoah prospect continues strike oil company completing fourth successful test last year however every well paid goodfellow 1 exploration well came dry forcing cobalt partner total nyse tot abandon prospect dry hole cost cobalt entire 1499 million investment given high costs developing offshore fields company hoped boost cash position agreeing sell angolan assets 2015 175 billion however deal fell last year putting company tight spot financially continued burn cash cobalt choice obtain highcost funding could bit breathing room towards end year company completed debt exchange financing transaction raised 500 million liquidity pushed half 138 billion debt four years sweeten deal cobalt offered creditors 30 million shares common stock diluted existing shareholders 7 opens new window image source anadarko petroleum last years debt transaction bought cobalt time fact matter still running low cash company actively marketing angolan assets however assets market quite time suggests company received acceptable offers even find buyer seems unlikely sell assets anything close previous buyer agreed pay said company find buyer willing pay market expects could fuel major rally stock however asset sale would still bandaid cobalt even close point operations sustain development projects company need continue seeking outside capital finance expansion cash could come additional asset sales debt dilution unfortunately one option palatable moment given current market environment asset sales fetch full value oil prices much higher meanwhile future debt dilution appealing given skyhigh costs said point company something run money concern like last year desperate times could call desperate measures significant equity offering could dilute existing investors crush stock price cobalt international energys expenses far outstrip cash flow dangerous way run oil company current spending rate company years worth cash left obviously isnt enough needless say company needs something shore balance sheet likely means debt dilution could way depending terms might sit well market could potentially cause deep selloff stock 10 stocks like better cobalt international energywhen 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 cobalt international energy wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 matt dilallo opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends total motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>A worthwhile dividend stock that many investors probably don't think of as such is toymakerHasbro(NASDAQ: HAS). The company's brands include such perennial favorites as Nerf, Play-Doh, and Monopoly, and it has tight ties to entertainment powerhouse Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Hasbro's dividend yield is currently 2.3%, which is somewhat on the modest side, but its dividend has been growing fast. Investors often miss out on good opportunities by looking only at current yield.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>The term "dividend stocks" probably brings to mind the stocks of pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer; stocks of oil and gas powerhouses, such as ExxonMobil; stocks of century-plus-old consumer product titans, such as Coca-Cola;stocks of industrial goliaths, such as General Electric;and stocks of old-guard technology giants, like IBM.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>As you can see below, not only has Hasbro's 345% total return (stock price appreciation plus dividends) outperformed all these stocks over the last ten years, but Hasbro's dividend has increased the second-highest percentage, trailing only IBM's. And while IBM's dividend has increased the most, its stock's 128% total return has considerably lagged Hasbro's.</p> <p>For context, the S&amp;amp;P 500 returned 103% over the last 10 years. Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>If these same general dynamics continue, an investor'seffective yield on his or her Hasbro stock, purchased now, would approach and eventually surpass his of her yield from the stocks of all these other companies purchased now (except IBM), even though they all currently have higher dividend yields than Hasbro. (Their current yields range from IBM and GE's 3.2% to Pfizer's 3.8%.)</p> <p>A key thing to remember is that your effective yield is based on the price you paid for a stock, not its current price. It's important to consider a company's growth potential and related dividend growth potential even if your primary or sole goal for that stock is to provide you an income stream in the future. Of course, if youneed a certain yield now that's higher than the 2.3% that Hasbro stock is yielding, then Hasbro stock isn't a good fit for you.</p> <p>Image source: Hasbro.</p> <p>In February, Hasbro announced a 12% hike in its quarterly dividend, payable on May 15 to shareholders of record on May 1. This follows an 11% raise last year.</p> <p>Among the popular dividend stocks previously mentioned, IBM's most recent dividend increase of 7.7%, effective last June, is the highest.The others' most recent raises range from Pfizer's 6.6% down to ExxonMobil's 2.7%.</p> <p>Moreover, unlike most of the stocks (ExxonMobil, Coke, and GE), Hasbro's cash dividend payout ratio (dividends paid divided by free cash flow) indicates that it has plenty of room to increase its dividend. Hasbro's ratio is 40.1%. While several factors come into play, a cash dividend payout ratio of about 60% to 70% or less suggests that shareholders can probably count on more dividend increases ahead.</p> <p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>Hasbro's robust financial performance supports the dividend-hike party continuing. In 2016,revenue rose 12.8% as reported and 14% in constant currency, adjusted earnings per share soared 27.1%, and EPS on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) jumped 21.6%.</p> <p>Moreover, 2017 looks bright. Hasbro's toy sales should get a nice boost from Disney's recent release of Beauty and the Beast,which is wowing moviegoers. And a strong slate of movies will follow that should drive toy sales: Disney'sGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2and Hasbro's Transformers: The Last Knightin the second quarter; Disney'sSpider-Man: Homecomingin the third quarter; and Disney'sThor: Ragnarok,My Little Pony: The Movie,and Disney'sStar Wars: The Last Jedi in the fourthquarter.</p> <p>Yes, that's a lot of mentions of Disney. Hasbro's status as a favored Disney partner is a big reasonfor the company's strong performance, though Hasbro's internal brands, particularly Nerf and Play-Doh, have also been performing well in recent years.</p> <p>Hasbro's business isn't as immune as some popular dividend stocks to macroeconomic factors, so it's not a good match for all dividend investors. However, the company's robust financial performance and outlook coupled with its low cash dividend payout ratio make it a worthy choice for investors looking for a stock that has the potential to continue to outperform both from stock appreciation and dividend growth standpoints.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than HasbroWhen 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;amp;impression=75f98eee-f3a7-4ce3-87bb-76cc76fbf813&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Hasbro 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;amp;impression=75f98eee-f3a7-4ce3-87bb-76cc76fbf813&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMcKenna/info.aspx" type="external">Beth McKenna Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Hasbro and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

worthwhile dividend stock many investors probably dont think toymakerhasbronasdaq companys brands include perennial favorites nerf playdoh monopoly tight ties entertainment powerhouse walt disney nyse dis continue reading hasbros dividend yield currently 23 somewhat modest side dividend growing fast investors often miss good opportunities looking current yield image source getty images term dividend stocks probably brings mind stocks pharmaceutical companies pfizer stocks oil gas powerhouses exxonmobil stocks centuryplusold consumer product titans cocacolastocks industrial goliaths general electricand stocks oldguard technology giants like ibm advertisement see hasbros 345 total return stock price appreciation plus dividends outperformed stocks last ten years hasbros dividend increased secondhighest percentage trailing ibms ibms dividend increased stocks 128 total return considerably lagged hasbros context sampp 500 returned 103 last 10 years data ycharts general dynamics continue investorseffective yield hasbro stock purchased would approach eventually surpass yield stocks companies purchased except ibm even though currently higher dividend yields hasbro current yields range ibm ges 32 pfizers 38 key thing remember effective yield based price paid stock current price important consider companys growth potential related dividend growth potential even primary sole goal stock provide income stream future course youneed certain yield thats higher 23 hasbro stock yielding hasbro stock isnt good fit image source hasbro february hasbro announced 12 hike quarterly dividend payable may 15 shareholders record may 1 follows 11 raise last year among popular dividend stocks previously mentioned ibms recent dividend increase 77 effective last june highestthe others recent raises range pfizers 66 exxonmobils 27 moreover unlike stocks exxonmobil coke ge hasbros cash dividend payout ratio dividends paid divided free cash flow indicates plenty room increase dividend hasbros ratio 401 several factors come play cash dividend payout ratio 60 70 less suggests shareholders probably count dividend increases ahead data ycharts hasbros robust financial performance supports dividendhike party continuing 2016revenue rose 128 reported 14 constant currency adjusted earnings per share soared 271 eps basis generally accepted accounting principles gaap jumped 216 moreover 2017 looks bright hasbros toy sales get nice boost disneys recent release beauty beastwhich wowing moviegoers strong slate movies follow drive toy sales disneysguardians galaxy vol 2and hasbros transformers last knightin second quarter disneysspiderman homecomingin third quarter disneysthor ragnarokmy little pony movieand disneysstar wars last jedi fourthquarter yes thats lot mentions disney hasbros status favored disney partner big reasonfor companys strong performance though hasbros internal brands particularly nerf playdoh also performing well recent years hasbros business isnt immune popular dividend stocks macroeconomic factors good match dividend investors however companys robust financial performance outlook coupled low cash dividend payout ratio make worthy choice investors looking stock potential continue outperform stock appreciation dividend growth standpoints 10 stocks like better hasbrowhen 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 hasbro wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 beth mckenna opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends hasbro walt disney motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Fast Company recently published a <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/40497639/source-apple-is-looking-to-intel-to-power-super-fast-5g-iphone" type="external">report Opens a New Window.</a> claiming that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is "leaning heavily toward" using chipmaker Intel's (NASDAQ: INTC) 5G cellular modems exclusively in a next-generation iPhone, leaving longtime Apple supplier Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) out of the mix. The report says that, while Apple's engineers have been working together to prepare for the move toward 5G networks, Apple and Qualcomm have only had what is described as "limited" discussions about future 5G modem technology.</p> <p>Given the seemingly <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/08/this-might-be-the-real-reason-apple-inc-wants-qual.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">sour relationship Opens a New Window.</a> between Apple and Qualcomm, it's not surprising that Apple would be more interested in cementing Intel, and not Qualcomm, as its long-term cellular technology provider.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>There was one tidbit in the article, however, that seemed a little bit questionable. Let's dive into it.</p> <p>Fast Company says Apple eventually wants to integrate Intel's modem technology into a future version of the former's A-series applications processors, which currently integrate many of the critical processors that the iPhone requires to function. Such a chip,&amp;#160;Fast Company reports, would be "co-designed by Intel and Apple, and would be fabricated at an Intel facility." Fabrication, in this case, refers to the manufacture of the chip, which requires highly specialized factories and manufacturing processes.</p> <p>Today, Apple's latest <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/13/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-apples-a11-bionic.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">A-series applications processors Opens a New Window.</a> are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), while the stand-alone cellular modems that Apple utilizes in its devices are manufactured by either TSMC or Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF).</p> <p>While such an agreement would be a clear win for Intel -- as well as a clear loss for TSMC -- I'm highly skeptical that this is something that will come to fruition anytime soon for several reasons.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>By keeping the applications processor and cellular modems separate in today's iPhones, Apple makes a sensible engineering trade-off. One benefit of keeping these technologies separate includes lower product-development risk, as integrating the cellular baseband processor into the applications processor adds complexity and an additional point of failure. Another is the ability to buy modems from multiple sources for both pricing leverage and as insurance if one supplier fails to deliver.</p> <p>The downside is that keeping these components separate means that Apple's iPhones necessarily have larger logic boards than they would in the case where Apple used an integrated applications processor and cellular baseband processor solution. For example, such larger logic boards can limit Apple's ability to include larger batteries in its devices.</p> <p>Additionally, all else being equal, an integrated solution might be more power efficient than using stand-alone chips.</p> <p>In my view, Apple is making the right call in keeping these components separate, as the benefits far outweigh the risks. By forcing the integration of these technologies into a single chip, Apple would not only take on the risks inherently associated with integrating a cellular modem into the applications processor, but amplify that risk because the modem technology comes from a third party.</p> <p>On top of that, it would seemingly require that Apple shift the manufacturing of its A-series applications processors to Intel's factories. Since Intel has seen <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/31/intel-corp-doesnt-seem-that-serious-about-its-cont.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">limited success in trying to build chips for third parties Opens a New Window.</a>, it's hard to imagine that Apple would be willing to bet the farm on Intel's contract chip-manufacturing business for the hearts and souls of its future iPhones.</p> <p>The only way that I could see such an arrangement working is if the integration referenced by Fast Company didn't refer to integrating Intel's modems onto the same piece of silicon as the Apple A-series processor, but instead, integrating Apple's A-series applications processors alongside Intel's modems in a single package.</p> <p>Such an integration scheme could afford Apple most of the benefits of the integration of the modem into the main applications processor, but with vastly reduced risk -- since the A-series processor and the modem would still be separate chips.</p> <p>It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see Apple and Intel deepen their technological collaboration in the years ahead, so I think the odds of Apple eventually sourcing its cellular modems exclusively from Intel in the near future are reasonable. What I think is far less likely is the scenario where Apple and Intel work to co-design the A-series applications processors used in future iPhones, and then build them exclusively in Intel's factories, as it would simply represent far too much risk on Apple's part.</p> <p>Find out why Apple 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. Apple <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-sa-bbn-eg%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;amp;impression=c962df67-3090-4f62-a8ac-7d5b43a8a841&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">is on the list Opens a New Window.</a> -- but there are nine others you may be overlooking.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-sa-bbn-eg%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;amp;impression=c962df67-3090-4f62-a8ac-7d5b43a8a841&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here to get access to the full list! Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFChipFool/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Ashraf Eassa Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Intel and Qualcomm. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Qualcomm and has the following options: long January 2020 $150 calls on Apple and short January 2020 $155 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=df17bc1a-cb46-11e7-b865-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

fast company recently published report opens new window claiming apple nasdaq aapl leaning heavily toward using chipmaker intels nasdaq intc 5g cellular modems exclusively nextgeneration iphone leaving longtime apple supplier qualcomm nasdaq qcom mix report says apples engineers working together prepare move toward 5g networks apple qualcomm described limited discussions future 5g modem technology given seemingly sour relationship opens new window apple qualcomm surprising apple would interested cementing intel qualcomm longterm cellular technology provider continue reading one tidbit article however seemed little bit questionable lets dive fast company says apple eventually wants integrate intels modem technology future version formers aseries applications processors currently integrate many critical processors iphone requires function chip160fast company reports would codesigned intel apple would fabricated intel facility fabrication case refers manufacture chip requires highly specialized factories manufacturing processes today apples latest aseries applications processors opens new window manufactured taiwan semiconductor manufacturing company nyse tsm standalone cellular modems apple utilizes devices manufactured either tsmc samsung nasdaqoth ssnlf agreement would clear win intel well clear loss tsmc im highly skeptical something come fruition anytime soon several reasons advertisement keeping applications processor cellular modems separate todays iphones apple makes sensible engineering tradeoff one benefit keeping technologies separate includes lower productdevelopment risk integrating cellular baseband processor applications processor adds complexity additional point failure another ability buy modems multiple sources pricing leverage insurance one supplier fails deliver downside keeping components separate means apples iphones necessarily larger logic boards would case apple used integrated applications processor cellular baseband processor solution example larger logic boards limit apples ability include larger batteries devices additionally else equal integrated solution might power efficient using standalone chips view apple making right call keeping components separate benefits far outweigh risks forcing integration technologies single chip apple would take risks inherently associated integrating cellular modem applications processor amplify risk modem technology comes third party top would seemingly require apple shift manufacturing aseries applications processors intels factories since intel seen limited success trying build chips third parties opens new window hard imagine apple would willing bet farm intels contract chipmanufacturing business hearts souls future iphones way could see arrangement working integration referenced fast company didnt refer integrating intels modems onto piece silicon apple aseries processor instead integrating apples aseries applications processors alongside intels modems single package integration scheme could afford apple benefits integration modem main applications processor vastly reduced risk since aseries processor modem would still separate chips wouldnt surprise one bit see apple intel deepen technological collaboration years ahead think odds apple eventually sourcing cellular modems exclusively intel near future reasonable think far less likely scenario apple intel work codesign aseries applications processors used future iphones build exclusively intels factories would simply represent far much risk apples part find apple 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 apple list opens new window nine others may overlooking click get access full list opens new window stock advisor returns november 6 2017 ashraf eassa opens new window owns shares intel qualcomm motley fool owns shares recommends apple motley fool owns shares qualcomm following options long january 2020 150 calls apple short january 2020 155 calls apple motley fool recommends intel motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>As hundreds of names scrolled up the screen after 2012's "The Avengers," moviegoers who remained glued to their seats for a taste of the next treat in Marvel's superhero universe didn't know one name was missing &#8212; that of John Suttles, a truck driver who died helping bring the $1.5 billion blockbuster to theaters.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Every year, workers on both sides of the camera are maimed, burned, break bones and even die striving to deliver entertainment that packs multiplexes and commands top TV ratings. Injuries come not just from obvious risks such as stunts and explosives, but from falls off ladders, toppled equipment and machines without safety guards.</p> <p>Yet in an industry where virtually everything is tallied and every success is touted, set accidents remain largely hidden and the consequences usually amount to mere thousands of dollars in fines paid out of multimillion-dollar budgets.</p> <p>The Associated Press determined that, since 1990, at least 43 people have died on sets in the U.S. and more than 150 have been left with life-altering injuries, numbers derived by combing through data from workplace and aviation safety investigations, court records and news accounts. And those figures almost certainly don't tell the entire story: The AP found several instances in which major accidents either weren't reflected in investigation records or did not appear in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration database of the most serious set accidents.</p> <p>Several fatal accidents in the U.S. &#8212; all outside of the traditional production centers of California and New York &#8212; were missing from the database, the most glaring being the 1993 shooting death of actor Brandon Lee during the filming of the movie "The Crow." That omission came despite OSHA officials in North Carolina amassing a 1,500-page investigative file on Lee's death. An agency spokesman blamed a clerical error.</p> <p>Internationally, at least 37 people have died in filming accidents since 2000, including a worker killed Aug. 26 on the Budapest set of the "Blade Runner" sequel and two stuntmen who drowned in India this November. Many more have been seriously injured. No entity compiles data on international filming accidents, so the AP's tally relied on news accounts and lawsuits.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Injuries to actors, such as the concussion and facial injuries Dylan O'Brien sustained in April in Canada while shooting a sequel in the "Maze Runner" film series, do gain the public's attention. And some, like Harrison Ford's broken leg suffered on the London set of the seventh "Star Wars" film in 2014, are even discussed openly during the film's marketing campaign.</p> <p>That's not the case, however, when workers behind the camera are hurt.</p> <p>"I think it's always been something that's been swept under the rug," said Stephen Farber, a film critic and journalist who chronicled the aftermath of the 1982 "Twilight Zone" helicopter crash that killed actor Vic Morrow and two child actors.</p> <p>As with most workplace accidents &#8212; whether they take place on a movie set, a factory or a farm &#8212; OSHA is the investigating body.</p> <p>The death of Brandon Lee, who was martial arts superstar Bruce Lee's son, garnered worldwide attention and prompted changes on how firearms are treated on sets. Yet it also illustrates the paltry sums companies face after serious accidents. OSHA fined the company making the "The Crow" $84,000 &#8212; the highest fine levied since 1990 &#8212; but later reduced the penalty to $55,000. "The Crow" grossed more than $50 million.</p> <p>OSHA assessed Paramount Pictures $21,000 after the 2011 death of a worker killed while operating an aerial platform in Louisiana during production of the film "G.I. Joe: Retaliation." Almost five years later, that penalty is still being contested. Meanwhile, "G.I. Joe" has grossed more than $122 million in North America alone.</p> <p>The agency's fines often are fiercely contested by studios and production companies, and prosecutions are rarely pursued. Most workers are legally barred from suing, and those that do encounter the reluctance of witnesses to come forward for fear of being rendered unemployable in the ultra-competitive entertainment industry.</p> <p>The AP's review found that in nearly half the instances where OSHA fined studios or production companies after a serious accident, the penalty was reduced. The agency assessed roughly $404,000 in fines for 15 fatal accidents, with those penalties eventually knocked down to $236,000.</p> <p>As with other big companies, OSHA's fines levied on the film industry amount to "not even a footnote in their financial reports," said Charles Jeffress, a former top administrator for the agency.</p> <p>Hassan Adan, a regional manager for Cal/OSHA, California's workplace safety agency, said settlements are determined on a case-by-case basis and are intended to correct dangerous situations. "We try to err on the side of safety," he said.</p> <p>Some within the industry say that, along with concerns about workers' well-being, heftier cost-related factors are a greater incentive for safety on the set.</p> <p>"Producers never want to have any accident during the filming of a motion picture. It can be expensive," said Richard Charnley, a veteran entertainment attorney who has handled several injury cases. "They're valuable people. Sometimes you're paying hundreds of thousands a day to film."</p> <p>J.J. Abrams, who has produced and directed major blockbuster movies &#8212; including entries in the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" franchises &#8212; said nothing is more important than crew safety, "whether you're on a spaceship or a movie set."</p> <p>"Accidents happen and so there's that category. And then there are accidents waiting to happen," he said. "I think that film crews have done extraordinary job preventing the accidents waiting to happen."</p> <p>___</p> <p>On May 6, 2011, John Suttles had climbed onto the back of a truck at Universal Studios in Los Angeles to check a load destined for an "Avengers" set in New Mexico. He fell backward onto the pavement, fracturing his skull, and died the following day.</p> <p>Suttles had just a few hours of sleep before he was called back to the studio lot to pick up the Marvel load, his daughter Lanette Leon said. He'd been working on the film for weeks, even ducking out early from his 65th birthday party a month earlier to make a delivery for the then-secretive film that would cement Marvel's dominance at the summer box office.</p> <p>"I would make a wish, but all my wishes have come true," he told friends and family before blowing out the candles on his cake.</p> <p>After Suttles' death, family members struggled to get answers, including unsuccessfully attempting to obtain security footage of the accident.</p> <p>The Cal/OSHA investigation ultimately found two safety violations &#8212; not having proper hand-holds on the back of the truck and not supplying drivers with first-aid kits. The film company, affiliated with the Walt Disney Company, paid a $745 fine.</p> <p>Disney would not respond to specific questions, but issued a statement saying, "The safety of our cast and crew is always a top priority and we expect the highest standards of compliance from our production teams to ensure it." Marvel offered no comment.</p> <p>Leon said her only interaction with the companies was going through the arduous process of securing enough workers compensation money to cover her son's schooling, which Suttles had been paying for. The production didn't give crew members time off to attend Suttles' funeral, although many workers provided donations to cover the costs, Leon said, and no contribution was made by Marvel or Disney.</p> <p>"It was very disheartening to see that in the end, that they treated him like a number," she said.</p> <p>"The Lone Ranger" was another Disney film with blockbuster ambitions. But instead of breaking box-office records, it notched the distinction of paying the highest fine related to a set accident in the AP's count &#8212; a $61,445 penalty for the death of diver Michael Bridger, who drowned during production. Despite the film's anemic ticket sales, the studio made that much money from its share of opening-night receipts from fewer than 50 theaters out of the thousands where it played.</p> <p>The 24-foot tank that Bridger was called to clean on Sept. 12, 2012, should have posed little challenge for the Redondo Beach, California, native, who had been diving since he was 15. Yet it was in that tank where Bridger, alone and away from the view of co-workers, died.</p> <p>Cal/OSHA investigators later determined that the film's production company, Silver Bullet, violated numerous safety protocols, including not offering adequate training and documentation of dives, allowing a backup diver to leave the tank Bridger was cleaning for up to 10 minutes, failing to have a person adequately trained in CPR, and not requiring Bridger and other divers to submit a recent medical examination.</p> <p>Investigators concluded some of the violations were significant, resulting in "a realistic possibility that death or serious physical harm could result from the actual hazard created by the violation."</p> <p>After his death, Bridger was returned to the sea, with his family spreading his ashes at an ocean-side memorial service. The studio didn't send a card or flowers, his brother Tim Bridger said, and the diver's name didn't appear in the film's credits.</p> <p>"My sense was they ran for cover," Tim Bridger said.</p> <p>As with the "Avengers" accident, Disney did not respond to questions about the fatality.</p> <p>Bridger said he contemplated filing a lawsuit over his brother's death, but was told there was no case because he and his mother were not dependents and workers' compensation rules mandated they could not sue. Workers' compensation rules make it the "exclusive remedy" for employees who are injured or killed. While some exceptions apply, including if the injury was caused by serious or willful misconduct by an employer, workers and their families are barred from suing in most cases.</p> <p>Death benefits in California are capped at $320,000 for families of workers killed on the job, but only families with three or more dependents qualify for consideration for that amount.</p> <p>The family of Julio Villamariona, a security guard killed near Los Angeles on a shoot for the hit TV series "NCIS," was able to sue CBS because he worked for a private firm, not the studio &#8212; and they won a $10.45 million verdict. The studio also paid for his funeral, and included a mention of his death in the show's credits.</p> <p>Villamariona was killed when a production van driven by a man with a history of medical episodes behind the wheel ran over him in February 2011.</p> <p>Like many immigrants, Villamariona had come to the United States to escape danger, leaving behind his career in the financial sector and several businesses in El Salvador to pack boxes and eventually help safeguard "NCIS" shoots. Shortly before his death, he had gained permanent residency and just been hired by a bank.</p> <p>Family members said Villamariona's death should prompt increased safety on sets.</p> <p>"I just hope that this accident helps these companies to be more responsible about their employees," said one of his three daughters, Yasmara Garcia.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Hollywood used to be a well-defined place, with much of the filming industry centered in and around Los Angeles at various studios, movie ranches and the city's most picturesque streets. Now, Hollywood is seemingly everywhere, with 37 states offering some level of film incentives.</p> <p>The state of California requires productions to keep logs of worker injuries. Away from California, however, OSHA considers filming a safe industry and exempts productions from certain record-keeping requirements.</p> <p>The investigation into a 2010 accident that critically injured an extra during shooting of the third film in Paramount's "Transformers" series offers an example of the disparity.</p> <p>Gabriela Cedillo was driving her own car down an Indiana highway when a cable towing a stunt car snapped loose, striking her in the head and causing massive trauma. An Indiana OSHA investigator arrived at the scene three days later and was met by a studio safety officer and an attorney, OSHA's records show. Relying on witness statements collected by police and assurances that a new tow device would be designed to prevent a similar accident, the investigator closed the case three weeks later without interviewing any witnesses, writing that it would "be a waste of time."</p> <p>Indiana OSHA officials said they could not answer questions about the handling of the case, since the inspector and his supervisor have since left the agency. And Paramount did not respond to questions about whether the towing apparatus was indeed re-designed.</p> <p>Cedillo's family received an $18 million settlement from Paramount, but she requires a lifetime of assistance for balance and judgment issues, family attorney Todd A. Smith said.</p> <p>"She was a lovely 24 year old, engaged and with a bright future," Smith said. "Her life changed dramatically. Her career and marriage never occurred."</p> <p>The AP's review also found cases in which serious accidents during productions outside California were not properly catalogued. For instance, OSHA's database of fatal accidents still does not include Bryce Dion, who was killed in Omaha, Nebraska, in August 2014 while filming an attempted armed robbery at a fast-food restaurant for the "Cops" reality TV series. A stray bullet from a police officer slipped past his bulletproof vest. An OSHA spokesman attributed the omission to a delay in adding Dion's death to the database.</p> <p>Also omitted was the 2012 death of Terry Flannell, who died while filming the opening of a reality TV series pilot for the Discovery Channel at her family's gun range in Colorado. An OSHA spokesman said the agency didn't find an employee-employer relationship between Flannell and Discovery. Although Flannell's death occurred while cameras were rolling, OSHA classified her death as an "amusement and recreation industry" fatality.</p> <p>Government investigations are key, since they often provide the only detailed account of a set accident that is publicly available.</p> <p>Kevin Boyle, an attorney who has handled several injury cases, said accidents within the film and TV industry are different from most workplace incidents.</p> <p>"Usually in a severe injury or death case, there are numerous witnesses who want to come forward to help out the victim," Boyle said. "When the entertainment industry is involved, witnesses are very reluctant to come forward. People who work for the entertainment industry are very afraid of retribution and they're always looking out for that next job, so a lot of times these on-set injuries and deaths go under the radar."</p> <p>___</p> <p>Within the industry, a broad coalition &#8212; including the major Hollywood studios and labor unions &#8212; has created its own training programs and conducts monthly meetings to discuss safety practices. Many say the efforts have led to improved safety, though several on-set accidents still occur most years.</p> <p>Stunt performers, like the one seriously hurt July 6 north of Los Angeles while filming the upcoming TV series "Shooter," are among the most likely to be injured. But just as likely are carpenters, with a number of them suffering partial or complete amputations of fingers, records show.</p> <p>The AP found 25 instances of amputations occurring during productions since 1990, with the most recent taking place in 2013, when a worker on the TV show "The New Girl" lost part of his ring finger when he was cut by a saw that had an anti-kick safety device removed for unspecified reasons. Twentieth Century Fox was fined $18,000.</p> <p>Warner Bros. was fined $18,560 after a worker breaking down a set on the movie "Jersey Boys" fell 37 feet from a studio catwalk where a rail had been removed, again for unknown reasons. The worker suffered bruised ribs and required facial reconstruction, OSHA records show, but likely escaped more serious injuries or death because she grabbed a rope on the way down. OSHA reduced the fine to $1,310 after determining it could not prove Warner Bros. knew the rail was missing.</p> <p>A new 40,000-square-foot training facility in Burbank, California, represents the next major effort to improve filming safety. The site is the home of the Safety Pass program, which since 2003 has trained more than 50,000 workers in many areas, including the proper use of forklifts and heavy machinery in rough terrain, erecting scaffolds, and using gear to prevent serious falls, according to its administrator, the Contract Services Administration Trust Fund.</p> <p>This year, it will begin an ambitious program to have tens of thousands of set workers take refresher courses. The curriculum covers dozens of topics, although some guilds want even more courses added, including safety on productions involving water.</p> <p>"The challenge you have with water accidents is that when they go bad, it's very, very serious," said Thom Davis, business manager for IATSE Local 80, which represents a variety of motion picture laborers, including grips, medics, craft service and water workers. "Nobody gets a splinter in the water."</p> <p>Richard Jones and his wife, Elizabeth, have become set safety evangelists since the death of their daughter while she was working as a camera assistant on the Gregg Allman biopic "Midnight Rider" in Jessup, Georgia, in February 2014.</p> <p>A few times a year, Jones visits sets to describe the last frightening moments of Sarah Jones' life: A location shoot turned deadly when a train unexpectedly came roaring down the tracks, with the blaring of its horn the only warning of danger. In the space of mere moments, his 27-year-old daughter was struck and killed. The production did not have permission to shoot on the tracks, leading director Randall Miller to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jones' death. He served half of a two-year sentence in the only domestic prosecution involving a set accident since "The Twilight Zone."</p> <p>Earlier this year, the Joneses' evangelism brought them to a crowded room near downtown Los Angeles where the actresses Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried prepared to shoot a scene for the upcoming film "The Last Word."</p> <p>"Please look out for each other," he told the group as he ended his remarks.</p> <p>MacLaine stepped forward. "Thanks for reminding all of us we've got to protect each other," she said, before telling Sarah's parents that she believed their efforts would lead to better practices.</p> <p>Through their Sarah Jones Foundation, the Joneses also are planning a documentary about their daughter and safety efforts, and they're trying to get a "Safety for Sarah" logo included in the end credits of TV shows and films certifying the productions put safety first. Several productions &#8212; including TV's "The Vampire Diaries," which Sarah Jones worked on &#8212; have included the logo.</p> <p>"She loved the industry," Richard Jones said. "We don't want to tear it down. We want to make it better and make it safer."</p> <p>___</p> <p>AP Entertainment Writer Ryan Pearson contributed to this report.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP</p>

hundreds names scrolled screen 2012s avengers moviegoers remained glued seats taste next treat marvels superhero universe didnt know one name missing john suttles truck driver died helping bring 15 billion blockbuster theaters continue reading every year workers sides camera maimed burned break bones even die striving deliver entertainment packs multiplexes commands top tv ratings injuries come obvious risks stunts explosives falls ladders toppled equipment machines without safety guards yet industry virtually everything tallied every success touted set accidents remain largely hidden consequences usually amount mere thousands dollars fines paid multimilliondollar budgets associated press determined since 1990 least 43 people died sets us 150 left lifealtering injuries numbers derived combing data workplace aviation safety investigations court records news accounts figures almost certainly dont tell entire story ap found several instances major accidents either werent reflected investigation records appear occupational safety health administration database serious set accidents several fatal accidents us outside traditional production centers california new york missing database glaring 1993 shooting death actor brandon lee filming movie crow omission came despite osha officials north carolina amassing 1500page investigative file lees death agency spokesman blamed clerical error internationally least 37 people died filming accidents since 2000 including worker killed aug 26 budapest set blade runner sequel two stuntmen drowned india november many seriously injured entity compiles data international filming accidents aps tally relied news accounts lawsuits advertisement injuries actors concussion facial injuries dylan obrien sustained april canada shooting sequel maze runner film series gain publics attention like harrison fords broken leg suffered london set seventh star wars film 2014 even discussed openly films marketing campaign thats case however workers behind camera hurt think always something thats swept rug said stephen farber film critic journalist chronicled aftermath 1982 twilight zone helicopter crash killed actor vic morrow two child actors workplace accidents whether take place movie set factory farm osha investigating body death brandon lee martial arts superstar bruce lees son garnered worldwide attention prompted changes firearms treated sets yet also illustrates paltry sums companies face serious accidents osha fined company making crow 84000 highest fine levied since 1990 later reduced penalty 55000 crow grossed 50 million osha assessed paramount pictures 21000 2011 death worker killed operating aerial platform louisiana production film gi joe retaliation almost five years later penalty still contested meanwhile gi joe grossed 122 million north america alone agencys fines often fiercely contested studios production companies prosecutions rarely pursued workers legally barred suing encounter reluctance witnesses come forward fear rendered unemployable ultracompetitive entertainment industry aps review found nearly half instances osha fined studios production companies serious accident penalty reduced agency assessed roughly 404000 fines 15 fatal accidents penalties eventually knocked 236000 big companies oshas fines levied film industry amount even footnote financial reports said charles jeffress former top administrator agency hassan adan regional manager calosha californias workplace safety agency said settlements determined casebycase basis intended correct dangerous situations try err side safety said within industry say along concerns workers wellbeing heftier costrelated factors greater incentive safety set producers never want accident filming motion picture expensive said richard charnley veteran entertainment attorney handled several injury cases theyre valuable people sometimes youre paying hundreds thousands day film jj abrams produced directed major blockbuster movies including entries star trek star wars franchises said nothing important crew safety whether youre spaceship movie set accidents happen theres category accidents waiting happen said think film crews done extraordinary job preventing accidents waiting happen ___ may 6 2011 john suttles climbed onto back truck universal studios los angeles check load destined avengers set new mexico fell backward onto pavement fracturing skull died following day suttles hours sleep called back studio lot pick marvel load daughter lanette leon said hed working film weeks even ducking early 65th birthday party month earlier make delivery thensecretive film would cement marvels dominance summer box office would make wish wishes come true told friends family blowing candles cake suttles death family members struggled get answers including unsuccessfully attempting obtain security footage accident calosha investigation ultimately found two safety violations proper handholds back truck supplying drivers firstaid kits film company affiliated walt disney company paid 745 fine disney would respond specific questions issued statement saying safety cast crew always top priority expect highest standards compliance production teams ensure marvel offered comment leon said interaction companies going arduous process securing enough workers compensation money cover sons schooling suttles paying production didnt give crew members time attend suttles funeral although many workers provided donations cover costs leon said contribution made marvel disney disheartening see end treated like number said lone ranger another disney film blockbuster ambitions instead breaking boxoffice records notched distinction paying highest fine related set accident aps count 61445 penalty death diver michael bridger drowned production despite films anemic ticket sales studio made much money share openingnight receipts fewer 50 theaters thousands played 24foot tank bridger called clean sept 12 2012 posed little challenge redondo beach california native diving since 15 yet tank bridger alone away view coworkers died calosha investigators later determined films production company silver bullet violated numerous safety protocols including offering adequate training documentation dives allowing backup diver leave tank bridger cleaning 10 minutes failing person adequately trained cpr requiring bridger divers submit recent medical examination investigators concluded violations significant resulting realistic possibility death serious physical harm could result actual hazard created violation death bridger returned sea family spreading ashes oceanside memorial service studio didnt send card flowers brother tim bridger said divers name didnt appear films credits sense ran cover tim bridger said avengers accident disney respond questions fatality bridger said contemplated filing lawsuit brothers death told case mother dependents workers compensation rules mandated could sue workers compensation rules make exclusive remedy employees injured killed exceptions apply including injury caused serious willful misconduct employer workers families barred suing cases death benefits california capped 320000 families workers killed job families three dependents qualify consideration amount family julio villamariona security guard killed near los angeles shoot hit tv series ncis able sue cbs worked private firm studio 1045 million verdict studio also paid funeral included mention death shows credits villamariona killed production van driven man history medical episodes behind wheel ran february 2011 like many immigrants villamariona come united states escape danger leaving behind career financial sector several businesses el salvador pack boxes eventually help safeguard ncis shoots shortly death gained permanent residency hired bank family members said villamarionas death prompt increased safety sets hope accident helps companies responsible employees said one three daughters yasmara garcia ___ hollywood used welldefined place much filming industry centered around los angeles various studios movie ranches citys picturesque streets hollywood seemingly everywhere 37 states offering level film incentives state california requires productions keep logs worker injuries away california however osha considers filming safe industry exempts productions certain recordkeeping requirements investigation 2010 accident critically injured extra shooting third film paramounts transformers series offers example disparity gabriela cedillo driving car indiana highway cable towing stunt car snapped loose striking head causing massive trauma indiana osha investigator arrived scene three days later met studio safety officer attorney oshas records show relying witness statements collected police assurances new tow device would designed prevent similar accident investigator closed case three weeks later without interviewing witnesses writing would waste time indiana osha officials said could answer questions handling case since inspector supervisor since left agency paramount respond questions whether towing apparatus indeed redesigned cedillos family received 18 million settlement paramount requires lifetime assistance balance judgment issues family attorney todd smith said lovely 24 year old engaged bright future smith said life changed dramatically career marriage never occurred aps review also found cases serious accidents productions outside california properly catalogued instance oshas database fatal accidents still include bryce dion killed omaha nebraska august 2014 filming attempted armed robbery fastfood restaurant cops reality tv series stray bullet police officer slipped past bulletproof vest osha spokesman attributed omission delay adding dions death database also omitted 2012 death terry flannell died filming opening reality tv series pilot discovery channel familys gun range colorado osha spokesman said agency didnt find employeeemployer relationship flannell discovery although flannells death occurred cameras rolling osha classified death amusement recreation industry fatality government investigations key since often provide detailed account set accident publicly available kevin boyle attorney handled several injury cases said accidents within film tv industry different workplace incidents usually severe injury death case numerous witnesses want come forward help victim boyle said entertainment industry involved witnesses reluctant come forward people work entertainment industry afraid retribution theyre always looking next job lot times onset injuries deaths go radar ___ within industry broad coalition including major hollywood studios labor unions created training programs conducts monthly meetings discuss safety practices many say efforts led improved safety though several onset accidents still occur years stunt performers like one seriously hurt july 6 north los angeles filming upcoming tv series shooter among likely injured likely carpenters number suffering partial complete amputations fingers records show ap found 25 instances amputations occurring productions since 1990 recent taking place 2013 worker tv show new girl lost part ring finger cut saw antikick safety device removed unspecified reasons twentieth century fox fined 18000 warner bros fined 18560 worker breaking set movie jersey boys fell 37 feet studio catwalk rail removed unknown reasons worker suffered bruised ribs required facial reconstruction osha records show likely escaped serious injuries death grabbed rope way osha reduced fine 1310 determining could prove warner bros knew rail missing new 40000squarefoot training facility burbank california represents next major effort improve filming safety site home safety pass program since 2003 trained 50000 workers many areas including proper use forklifts heavy machinery rough terrain erecting scaffolds using gear prevent serious falls according administrator contract services administration trust fund year begin ambitious program tens thousands set workers take refresher courses curriculum covers dozens topics although guilds want even courses added including safety productions involving water challenge water accidents go bad serious said thom davis business manager iatse local 80 represents variety motion picture laborers including grips medics craft service water workers nobody gets splinter water richard jones wife elizabeth become set safety evangelists since death daughter working camera assistant gregg allman biopic midnight rider jessup georgia february 2014 times year jones visits sets describe last frightening moments sarah jones life location shoot turned deadly train unexpectedly came roaring tracks blaring horn warning danger space mere moments 27yearold daughter struck killed production permission shoot tracks leading director randall miller plead guilty involuntary manslaughter connection jones death served half twoyear sentence domestic prosecution involving set accident since twilight zone earlier year joneses evangelism brought crowded room near downtown los angeles actresses shirley maclaine amanda seyfried prepared shoot scene upcoming film last word please look told group ended remarks maclaine stepped forward thanks reminding us weve got protect said telling sarahs parents believed efforts would lead better practices sarah jones foundation joneses also planning documentary daughter safety efforts theyre trying get safety sarah logo included end credits tv shows films certifying productions put safety first several productions including tvs vampire diaries sarah jones worked included logo loved industry richard jones said dont want tear want make better make safer ___ ap entertainment writer ryan pearson contributed report ___ anthony mccartney reached httptwittercommccartneyap

<p /> <p>British journalist Julia Breen's scoop about racism at her local police force didn't just get her on the front page, it got her put under surveillance.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In the months that followed Breen's exclusive, investigators logged her calls, those of her colleague Graeme Hetherington and even their small newspaper's busy switchboard in an effort to unmask their sources. The two were stunned when they eventually discovered the scale of the spying.</p> <p>"It just never even crossed our minds," Breen said in a recent interview in the newsroom of The Northern Echo, in the English market town of Darlington. "I don't know if I was quite naive, but on a regional newspaper you don't expect your local police force to do this."</p> <p>The Echo's editor, Andy Richardson, said his small paper's brush with police spying carries a warning as surveillance laws stiffen up and down the continent .</p> <p>"This case might be about a relatively obscure newspaper in the northeast of England, but it asks much bigger questions about where we're headed as democratic societies all across Europe," Richardson said.</p> <p>Breen and Hetherington make for unlikely targets of state surveillance. On a wintry day earlier this month, Breen was looking into reports of flooding. Hetherington was writing a story about an attack on a cat. Above them, a flat screen television kept a running tally of the day's most-clicked stories. "Traffic 'back to normal' on A19 northbound," was No. 1. "Weather pictures: Snow leads to accidents" was a close second.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Nevertheless the Echo has often provided painful reading for Cleveland Police , a department responsible for a Chicago-sized patch of England's industrial northeast.</p> <p>The small force has weathered a series of scandals. A minority officer, Sultan Alam, was awarded 800,000 pounds in 2012 (then worth $1.26 million) after allegedly being framed by colleagues in retaliation for a discrimination lawsuit. When the judgment made national headlines on April 16 of that year, Cleveland Police issued a statement insisting the force wasn't racist.</p> <p>The next day, an anonymous caller told Breen an internal police report suggested otherwise.</p> <p>Working the phones, Breen confirmed the story. The following morning her byline was across the front page beneath the words: "Institutional racism uncovered within Cleveland Police ."</p> <p>It caused a stir, but news cycles change. Breen, who soon went on maternity leave, eventually forgot the episode.</p> <p>Cleveland Police didn't.</p> <p>Officer Mark Dias confessed to being Breen's anonymous tipster the day the Echo's story ran, but higher-ups wanted to get to the bottom of other leaks. The force secretly began logging calls to and from Breen, Hetherington and a third journalist from another newspaper. Dias was put under surveillance, as was a police union leader and a lawyer associated with the pair. The next month, police seized three days' worth of calls made to The Northern Echo's switchboard.</p> <p>Although none of the seized records included the content of the individuals' conversations, collectively the length, timing and nature of hundreds of phone calls can be extraordinarily revealing. It was later calculated that the surveillance covered over 1 million minutes of calling time.</p> <p>The Echo isn't unique. Britain's wiretapping watchdog &#8212; the Interception of Communications Commissioner's Office &#8212; revealed in 2015 that 82 journalists' communications records had been seized as part of leak investigations across the country over a three-year period.</p> <p>The watchdog said those figures were "artificially inflated" by the investigation into Britain's tabloid bribery scandal, which centered on industrial-scale abuses by journalists working for London-based titles. But it also reported that 21 of the targeted journalists worked for local or regional papers, publications far from the center of the scandal.</p> <p>A law passed in the wake of the findings required police to seek judicial authorization before monitoring reporters' calls, but old habits die hard. Last March, a senior Scottish police official resigned after it was revealed that his force failed to seek proper approval for a media leak investigation.</p> <p>The commissioner's office said it could not immediately provide further information on media surveillance, including up-to-date figures.</p> <p>Journalists are targeted by law enforcement in other countries. While Cleveland Police were combing through Breen's calls, for example, the U.S. Department of Justice was rifling through the telephone records of Associated Press journalists in an attempt to learn who leaked them details of a botched al-Qaida bomb plot.</p> <p>When news of the Justice Department's leak investigation broke the following year, the scandal lit up Washington. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus &#8212; now U.S. President Donald Trump's chief of staff &#8212; accused then-Attorney General Eric Holder of having "trampled on the First Amendment."</p> <p>The reaction to the seizure of the Echo's call records, news of which emerged late last year, has been far more muted.</p> <p>Neil Macfarlane, who teaches journalism at the University of Sunderland and has followed the Echo case closely, said "it takes a lot" for the U.K.'s London-centric press corps to take an interest in what happens outside the capital.</p> <p>Then again, there could just be greater tolerance in Britain for police prying into journalists' affairs.</p> <p>"There has been a culture of surveillance when it comes to journalists for a while now," he said.</p> <p>Cleveland Police has apologized to the reporters, as well as to Dias, its now-former officer, and to Steve Matthews, the police union boss. In a ruling issued Tuesday, Britain's surveillance court, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, ruled that the spying was unjustified. Cleveland Police, which declined interview requests ahead of the judgment, did not immediately return messages seeking comment, but a statement posted to its Facebook page it noted the force was reviewing its internal affairs department as well as the past six years' worth of police surveillance work.</p> <p>"When we get things wrong, as we did here, we will say sorry and work to make things right," Chief Constable Iain Spittal said in the statement.</p> <p>Speaking ahead of the judgment, Matthews said he was pleased lawyers and journalists now enjoy judicial oversight of police requests for their call records, protection they didn't have in 2012.</p> <p>But he wondered where that left ordinary people.</p> <p>"If you can do it to us," Matthews said, "You can do it anyone."</p> <p>___</p> <p>Online:</p> <p>Satter can be reached at: http://raphaelsatter.com</p>

british journalist julia breens scoop racism local police force didnt get front page got put surveillance continue reading months followed breens exclusive investigators logged calls colleague graeme hetherington even small newspapers busy switchboard effort unmask sources two stunned eventually discovered scale spying never even crossed minds breen said recent interview newsroom northern echo english market town darlington dont know quite naive regional newspaper dont expect local police force echos editor andy richardson said small papers brush police spying carries warning surveillance laws stiffen continent case might relatively obscure newspaper northeast england asks much bigger questions headed democratic societies across europe richardson said breen hetherington make unlikely targets state surveillance wintry day earlier month breen looking reports flooding hetherington writing story attack cat flat screen television kept running tally days mostclicked stories traffic back normal a19 northbound 1 weather pictures snow leads accidents close second advertisement nevertheless echo often provided painful reading cleveland police department responsible chicagosized patch englands industrial northeast small force weathered series scandals minority officer sultan alam awarded 800000 pounds 2012 worth 126 million allegedly framed colleagues retaliation discrimination lawsuit judgment made national headlines april 16 year cleveland police issued statement insisting force wasnt racist next day anonymous caller told breen internal police report suggested otherwise working phones breen confirmed story following morning byline across front page beneath words institutional racism uncovered within cleveland police caused stir news cycles change breen soon went maternity leave eventually forgot episode cleveland police didnt officer mark dias confessed breens anonymous tipster day echos story ran higherups wanted get bottom leaks force secretly began logging calls breen hetherington third journalist another newspaper dias put surveillance police union leader lawyer associated pair next month police seized three days worth calls made northern echos switchboard although none seized records included content individuals conversations collectively length timing nature hundreds phone calls extraordinarily revealing later calculated surveillance covered 1 million minutes calling time echo isnt unique britains wiretapping watchdog interception communications commissioners office revealed 2015 82 journalists communications records seized part leak investigations across country threeyear period watchdog said figures artificially inflated investigation britains tabloid bribery scandal centered industrialscale abuses journalists working londonbased titles also reported 21 targeted journalists worked local regional papers publications far center scandal law passed wake findings required police seek judicial authorization monitoring reporters calls old habits die hard last march senior scottish police official resigned revealed force failed seek proper approval media leak investigation commissioners office said could immediately provide information media surveillance including uptodate figures journalists targeted law enforcement countries cleveland police combing breens calls example us department justice rifling telephone records associated press journalists attempt learn leaked details botched alqaida bomb plot news justice departments leak investigation broke following year scandal lit washington republican national committee chairman reince priebus us president donald trumps chief staff accused thenattorney general eric holder trampled first amendment reaction seizure echos call records news emerged late last year far muted neil macfarlane teaches journalism university sunderland followed echo case closely said takes lot uks londoncentric press corps take interest happens outside capital could greater tolerance britain police prying journalists affairs culture surveillance comes journalists said cleveland police apologized reporters well dias nowformer officer steve matthews police union boss ruling issued tuesday britains surveillance court investigatory powers tribunal ruled spying unjustified cleveland police declined interview requests ahead judgment immediately return messages seeking comment statement posted facebook page noted force reviewing internal affairs department well past six years worth police surveillance work get things wrong say sorry work make things right chief constable iain spittal said statement speaking ahead judgment matthews said pleased lawyers journalists enjoy judicial oversight police requests call records protection didnt 2012 wondered left ordinary people us matthews said anyone ___ online satter reached httpraphaelsattercom

<p /> <p>Image source: LinkedIn.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD) CEO Jeff Weiner thinks that traditional four-year college degrees are overrated. As the company prepares to join forces with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Weiner is not resting on his laurels but trying to make a more perfect job-hunting beast.</p> <p>As it turns out, he is not alone. Is the job search market about to make a dramatic turn in a new direction, powered by deep data analysis?</p> <p>In a presentation given at the Recode Code Enterprise conference, Weiner explained why he isn't a big fan of hiring decisions based on college diplomas.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"Historically here, there's been a tremendous amount of weight that's been given to four-year university degrees and not nearly enough weight in my opinion is given to vocational training facilities and vocational training certifications," he said. "We would do much better if we stopped ensuring that everyone had to have a four-year degree to get certain types of jobs and started being open to the fact that there's a much broader array of talents and skills and perspectives and experiences that people can be successful."</p> <p>You could argue that this was a self-serving statement. After all, LinkedIn recently <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/19/linkedin-corps-integration-of-lyndacom-is-lookin-2.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">acquired Opens a New Window.</a> Lynda.com in a $1.5 billion deal, giving the company access to a respected library of skills-training classes and videos. Refocusing the hiring narrative on single skills instead of complete college degrees can help LinkedIn make the most of this expensive but promising asset.</p> <p>That's a fair point, but far from the whole story.</p> <p>Weiner's comments fit right into a much larger industry trend.</p> <p>When Netherlands-based staffing specialist Randstad <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/09/why-monster-worldwide-inc-stock-shot-up.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">bought American job search veteran Monster Worldwide Opens a New Window.</a>, it was the end of an era. The best spin management could put on Monster's 2015 performance was that the company's market share was stabilizing as compared to Monster's "traditional competitors."</p> <p>That watered-down progress report said nothing of the "traditional" job search market's struggles against new and disruptive competitors.</p> <p>It's easy enough to set up a database of available jobs and another of applicant resumes and then run simple matches across those two halves. But that model breaks down when both job hunters and employers start to figure out that many crucial job skills do not follow automatically from selecting the right college degree. Monster's revenues fell from $890 million in 2012 to $667 million in 2015. That 25% drop over three years shows how hard it is to squeeze green blood out of that tired old stone.</p> <p>So Randstad picked up a struggling asset at a low price, getting a quick growth-to-acquisition boost at a discount.</p> <p>Meanwhile, staffing specialist Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) has always taken the time to run hands-on evaluations of each prospective job applicant.</p> <p>That commitment to human-powered analysis and a deeper understanding of each positions show in the company's financial results. Robert Half's annual revenues have increased by 24% over the same period where Monster's shrunk by 25%. At the same time, Robert Half shares have gained 26% since the end of 2012. Monster investors lost 40% instead, and that includes a generous buyout premium from Randstad.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>That's far from the only value-added approach, of course. Elsewhere, companies with access to rich data on both sides of the job-matching process have started to apply next-generation computerized data analysis to the market.</p> <p>The exact strategies vary.</p> <p>SAP (NYSE: SAP) attacks this problem from the perspective of a data collection and analysis veteran. The SAP HANA 2 platform tries to merge the staffing problem right into fundamental business analysis processes. It's like throwing raw computing horsepower at a human issue. As SAP's artificial intelligence tools improve over time, so will its staffing abilities.</p> <p>LinkedIn brings more of a social media strategy to the table. The company's job-hunting and position-filling muscle depends on direct input from its users and a massive network effect. The way to improve this platform is by adding more users on both sides of the staffing equation and by providing motivation to feed more data into LinkedIn's information vaults.</p> <p>And there are hybrid strategies between these extremes, too.</p> <p>For example, enterprise-grade staffing specialist 1-Page maintains a database of over 350 million professionals and active relationships with a stable of large employers.</p> <p>"We built actual intelligence, or really AI, on top of our own database," said 1-Page founder and CEO Joanna Riley in a phone interview with The Motley Fool. "So when any of our clients come and say that they want to hire a data scientist in Silicon Valley, our system is going to be able to match that client's specific requirements to our database and really pick up on the nuances through AI, through intelligent analysis."</p> <p>1-Page aims to hand its clients a short list of highly qualified candidates, saving their HR department from wading through oceans of kinda-sorta qualified applicants. The company takes the data gathering of a LinkedIn-style social network and marries it to the deep artificial intelligence analysis of an SAP.</p> <p>In short, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner is on to something here. The right job skills for a particular position are not always the same thing as having the right college diploma, and it's a good idea to start selling the value of highly specific training to both sides of the job search process.</p> <p>And merging LinkedIn's social tools to the well-established number-crunching powers of Microsoft might just pay off in unexpected ways, too. Maybe I'm drinking too much of Weiner's Kool-Aid, but the whole Microsoft transaction is starting to make a ton of sense from this angle.</p> <p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than LinkedIn Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:</p> <p>Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fecap-foolcom-bbn-election%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000468%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6454%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=15d76143-8332-4f9f-9510-84396ca93ab3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ten best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and LinkedIn wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fecap-foolcom-bbn-election%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000468%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6454%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=15d76143-8332-4f9f-9510-84396ca93ab3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFZahrim/info.aspx" type="external">Anders Bylund Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Robert Half International. The Motley Fool also owns shares of both LinkedIn and Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source linkedin continue reading linkedin nyse lnkd ceo jeff weiner thinks traditional fouryear college degrees overrated company prepares join forces microsoft nasdaq msft weiner resting laurels trying make perfect jobhunting beast turns alone job search market make dramatic turn new direction powered deep data analysis presentation given recode code enterprise conference weiner explained isnt big fan hiring decisions based college diplomas advertisement historically theres tremendous amount weight thats given fouryear university degrees nearly enough weight opinion given vocational training facilities vocational training certifications said would much better stopped ensuring everyone fouryear degree get certain types jobs started open fact theres much broader array talents skills perspectives experiences people successful could argue selfserving statement linkedin recently acquired opens new window lyndacom 15 billion deal giving company access respected library skillstraining classes videos refocusing hiring narrative single skills instead complete college degrees help linkedin make expensive promising asset thats fair point far whole story weiners comments fit right much larger industry trend netherlandsbased staffing specialist randstad bought american job search veteran monster worldwide opens new window end era best spin management could put monsters 2015 performance companys market share stabilizing compared monsters traditional competitors watereddown progress report said nothing traditional job search markets struggles new disruptive competitors easy enough set database available jobs another applicant resumes run simple matches across two halves model breaks job hunters employers start figure many crucial job skills follow automatically selecting right college degree monsters revenues fell 890 million 2012 667 million 2015 25 drop three years shows hard squeeze green blood tired old stone randstad picked struggling asset low price getting quick growthtoacquisition boost discount meanwhile staffing specialist robert half nyse rhi always taken time run handson evaluations prospective job applicant commitment humanpowered analysis deeper understanding positions show companys financial results robert halfs annual revenues increased 24 period monsters shrunk 25 time robert half shares gained 26 since end 2012 monster investors lost 40 instead includes generous buyout premium randstad image source getty images thats far valueadded approach course elsewhere companies access rich data sides jobmatching process started apply nextgeneration computerized data analysis market exact strategies vary sap nyse sap attacks problem perspective data collection analysis veteran sap hana 2 platform tries merge staffing problem right fundamental business analysis processes like throwing raw computing horsepower human issue saps artificial intelligence tools improve time staffing abilities linkedin brings social media strategy table companys jobhunting positionfilling muscle depends direct input users massive network effect way improve platform adding users sides staffing equation providing motivation feed data linkedins information vaults hybrid strategies extremes example enterprisegrade staffing specialist 1page maintains database 350 million professionals active relationships stable large employers built actual intelligence really ai top database said 1page founder ceo joanna riley phone interview motley fool clients come say want hire data scientist silicon valley system going able match clients specific requirements database really pick nuances ai intelligent analysis 1page aims hand clients short list highly qualified candidates saving hr department wading oceans kindasorta qualified applicants company takes data gathering linkedinstyle social network marries deep artificial intelligence analysis sap short linkedin ceo jeff weiner something right job skills particular position always thing right college diploma good idea start selling value highly specific training sides job search process merging linkedins social tools wellestablished numbercrunching powers microsoft might pay unexpected ways maybe im drinking much weiners koolaid whole microsoft transaction starting make ton sense angle forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better linkedin donald trump elected president volatility heres ignore election investing geniuses tom david gardner spent long time beating market matter whos white house fact newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe ten best stocks opens new window investors buy right linkedin wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 anders bylund opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends robert half international motley fool also owns shares linkedin microsoft 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

<p>The stock market continues to march higher, but not all investors necessarily consider that a good thing. All-time greats from Carl Icahn to Warren Buffett have questioned whether the historic rise, or the difficulty of finding value stocks in today's expensive environment, will end soon. They certainly have a point.</p> <p>At a time when investors need to dig deep to ignore emotional cues and stick to their long-term plan, or put in the extra effort to find that hidden gem, they cannot afford costly mistakes -- such as hanging onto a stock that's set to drop. That's why I think there's good reason to ditch specialty chemical manufacturer Chemours Company (NYSE: CC), oilfield products supplier Flotek Industries (NYSE: FTK), and whiskey specialist MGP Ingredients (NASDAQ: MGPI).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>There's no denying that Chemours is running an efficient operation right now. Its titanium and fluoroproducts businesses are booming. They alone have resulted in a 114% increase in EPS in the first nine months of 2017 compared with the year-ago period. A steady increase in selling prices will have that effect. However, I think there's a major cloud hanging over the stock.</p> <p>Shares have more than doubled in the past year, for two reasons. First, Chemours settled a long-standing legal dispute over the release of a toxic chemical previously used in the manufacturing process of its fluoroproducts. That relieved Wall Street's concerns and removed uncertainty. Second, a global recovery in selling prices of titanium dioxide has boosted performance throughout the year. The improvement is genuine and could continue to deliver gains, but the company may be headed for additional uncertainty regarding pollution.</p> <p>That's because PFOA, the toxic chemical at the center of the previously settled legal battle, was replaced with something called GenX, which appears to be just as toxic to human health. Worse for investors, the state of North Carolina isn't taking any chances and is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/30/chemours-company-bulls-need-a-reality-check.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">getting serious with Chemours</a> before a major public health crisis has the chance to unfold. The company is currently facing five separate lawsuits regarding the discharge of GenX, is being forced to provide bottled water to at least 85 households found to have tainted wells, and may even be investigated by the state's Bureau of Investigation for criminal charges.</p> <p>Simply put, I wouldn't feel comfortable owning Chemours stock right now, and I don't think too many other investors would feel that it's a socially responsible investment, either.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Flotek Industries stock has recently sunk to lows last seen in 2011. That's mostly due to one culprit: oranges. Yes, as in the fruit. It may seem ridiculous at first, but investors need to consider the long-term risks.</p> <p>The company's drilling products and specialty ingredients are derived from citrus oil, which is predominantly sourced from America's orange crop. However, years of <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/06/heres-why-flotek-industries-sank-a-whopping-372-in.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">citrus greening disease</a> have devastated the country's output, while the recent hurricane season wiped out half of all citrus acres. The result: significantly reduced supply, significantly higher prices, and virtually no reasonable alternative for sourcing the inputs that Flotek Industries has staked its product portfolio upon.</p> <p>Worst yet, the problem is largely out of the company's hands. Without significantly pivoting on its established product portfolio -- a costly move that would take years -- there doesn't appear to be much reason for near-term optimism. Even if the nation's citrus crop rebounds from the effects of this year's hurricane season, citrus greening disease promises to continually erode output over time. Investors should steer clear of Flotek Industries stock.</p> <p>Although the stock continues to climb, I don't think MGP Ingredients can continue to hold its remarkable gains. The contract distiller has risen from an $80 million market cap five years ago to a $1.2 billion valuation today -- the definition of a hidden gem. The growth is certainly impressive, but the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/21/3-signs-you-should-sell-this-17-bagger-stock.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">17-bagger stock hasn't quite earned that valuation</a>.</p> <p>In the past three years, MGP Ingredients has enjoyed a 374% increase in market cap despite just a 66% increase in annual EPS. That simply isn't sustainable. Sure, the company has a genuine business and a major vote of confidence from blue-chip customer Diageo, but that alone isn't worth the stock's premium. Besides, much larger fuel ethanol companies are beginning to pivot spare capacity into the higher-margin premium beverage space -- and they have an order of magnitude more capital to deploy.</p> <p>That means there's a new crop of competition about to make growth that much more difficult for MGP Ingredients. The distiller can still grow for the foreseeable future, but there won't be much room for error. Given the astronomical rise in the past three years and its excessive valuation, it seems reasonable that investors will abandon the stock once the growth story begins to falter.</p> <p>There's no denying that the broader stock market is historically expensive. While that doesn't mean investors need to run away in fear, it does hint that they need to continue to focus on only the strongest businesses with a long-term mindset. However, I think there are strong reasons that Chemours, Flotek Industries, and MGP Ingredients are three stocks set to drop. Investors should proceed with caution.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Flotek IndustriesWhen 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;amp;impression=4b5a613c-52ea-4fa7-9ed1-2068b147a6fc&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks</a> for investors to buy right now... and Flotek Industries 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;amp;impression=4b5a613c-52ea-4fa7-9ed1-2068b147a6fc&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBlacknGold/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Maxx Chatsko</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Diageo. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5090db3e-d663-11e7-ab69-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p>

stock market continues march higher investors necessarily consider good thing alltime greats carl icahn warren buffett questioned whether historic rise difficulty finding value stocks todays expensive environment end soon certainly point time investors need dig deep ignore emotional cues stick longterm plan put extra effort find hidden gem afford costly mistakes hanging onto stock thats set drop thats think theres good reason ditch specialty chemical manufacturer chemours company nyse cc oilfield products supplier flotek industries nyse ftk whiskey specialist mgp ingredients nasdaq mgpi continue reading theres denying chemours running efficient operation right titanium fluoroproducts businesses booming alone resulted 114 increase eps first nine months 2017 compared yearago period steady increase selling prices effect however think theres major cloud hanging stock shares doubled past year two reasons first chemours settled longstanding legal dispute release toxic chemical previously used manufacturing process fluoroproducts relieved wall streets concerns removed uncertainty second global recovery selling prices titanium dioxide boosted performance throughout year improvement genuine could continue deliver gains company may headed additional uncertainty regarding pollution thats pfoa toxic chemical center previously settled legal battle replaced something called genx appears toxic human health worse investors state north carolina isnt taking chances getting serious chemours major public health crisis chance unfold company currently facing five separate lawsuits regarding discharge genx forced provide bottled water least 85 households found tainted wells may even investigated states bureau investigation criminal charges simply put wouldnt feel comfortable owning chemours stock right dont think many investors would feel socially responsible investment either advertisement flotek industries stock recently sunk lows last seen 2011 thats mostly due one culprit oranges yes fruit may seem ridiculous first investors need consider longterm risks companys drilling products specialty ingredients derived citrus oil predominantly sourced americas orange crop however years citrus greening disease devastated countrys output recent hurricane season wiped half citrus acres result significantly reduced supply significantly higher prices virtually reasonable alternative sourcing inputs flotek industries staked product portfolio upon worst yet problem largely companys hands without significantly pivoting established product portfolio costly move would take years doesnt appear much reason nearterm optimism even nations citrus crop rebounds effects years hurricane season citrus greening disease promises continually erode output time investors steer clear flotek industries stock although stock continues climb dont think mgp ingredients continue hold remarkable gains contract distiller risen 80 million market cap five years ago 12 billion valuation today definition hidden gem growth certainly impressive 17bagger stock hasnt quite earned valuation past three years mgp ingredients enjoyed 374 increase market cap despite 66 increase annual eps simply isnt sustainable sure company genuine business major vote confidence bluechip customer diageo alone isnt worth stocks premium besides much larger fuel ethanol companies beginning pivot spare capacity highermargin premium beverage space order magnitude capital deploy means theres new crop competition make growth much difficult mgp ingredients distiller still grow foreseeable future wont much room error given astronomical rise past three years excessive valuation seems reasonable investors abandon stock growth story begins falter theres denying broader stock market historically expensive doesnt mean investors need run away fear hint need continue focus strongest businesses longterm mindset however think strong reasons chemours flotek industries mgp ingredients three stocks set drop investors proceed caution 10 stocks like better flotek industrieswhen 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 flotek industries wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 maxx chatsko position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends diageo motley fool disclosure policy

<p>Ohio <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Gov. John Kasich</a>&#8217;s poll surge in New Hampshire has spurred conservatives to warn social issues voters to be wary of him, saying he is one of the worst champions in the Republican presidential field when it comes to hot-button issues such as education and religious liberty.</p> <p><a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a>, who has no illusions of a strong showing in Iowa, where religious conservatives dominate, has instead focused his campaign efforts on New Hampshire, where he has begun to resonate with the more socially moderate electorate.</p> <p>Several polls over the past week show him having risen to second place, behind national front-runner <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Donald Trump</a>. That has set off alarms for conservatives, who say <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a>, when given the chance to ally with them, has refused to enlist.</p> <p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve been working hardest on two issues &#8212; religious liberty and opposing Common Core, and this is the one guy in the Republican field who staked out the opposite positions,&#8221; said Frank Cannon, president of the American Principles Project, which supported failed efforts to gut Common Core education standards in Ohio.</p> <p>&#8220;He is not only not with us, he is questioning the idea whether there is any serious need for religious liberty protections, and he is somebody who wants to claim that Common Core is a positive achievement,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>Indeed, even as other previous backers such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have flipped on Common Core, <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> has stood his ground. He has said that he disagrees with the Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling establishing a national right to same-sex marriage, but &#8220;it&#8217;s time to move on.&#8221;</p> <p>Ohio activists say the country is now seeing what they have witnessed up close.</p> <p>&#8220;We have found that he is not a friend,&#8221; said Phil Burress, head of the Ohio-based Citizens for Community Values Action &#8220;I like <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">John</a> a lot. We have met on several occasions, and he had my total and complete support for his first and second run for governor, and to watch him run to the left now feels like a kick to the stomach. It feels like we have lost a friend.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;The fact that he would not run in Iowa sends a clear message that he is not a conservative and is at best a moderate,&#8221; Mr. Burress said.</p> <p>But <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> has some defenders in the culture wars as well. In an analysis of his record, Heritage Action praised him for cutting funding for Planned Parenthood and for signing legislation requiring ultrasounds before abortions and banning the procedure more than 20 weeks into pregnancy.</p> <p>&#8220;Until we hear differently, we will take <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Gov. Kasich</a> at his word that he is pro-life,&#8221; said Mallory Quigley, a spokeswoman for the Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life group.</p> <p><a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a>, though, does not focus his campaign on his pro-life credentials or stances on other social issues.</p> <p>&#8220;He doesn&#8217;t wear [social issues] on his sleeve, and he clearly has taken a position in this campaign of being somebody who is quite willing to deal with the side, not someone who is going to go to the ideological extremes,&#8221; said Paul Beck, a political science professor at the University of Ohio.</p> <p>He said he views <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> as a full-spectrum conservative.</p> <p>&#8220;One way to put it is that I very much see <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Kasich</a> as a business conservative,&#8221; Mr. Beck said. &#8220;He is a believer in low taxes and low regulations on business and has been very active in both respects in kind of promoting a pro-business agenda, but he also by the same token doesn&#8217;t want to put businesses in a position that makes it awkward for them.&#8221;</p> <p><a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> showcased that approach last year when he refused to endorse Indiana Gov. Mike Pence&#8217;s push for a religious liberty bill that pitted business leaders and gay rights activists against religious groups and opponents of same-sex marriage.</p> <p>&#8220;Everybody&#8217;s opinion has to be respected in all of this, and we have to strike a balance,&#8221; <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> said at the time. &#8220;I think we have a good balance in Ohio, and I don&#8217;t see a reason to do any more.&#8221;</p> <p>He also has lined up with major business groups, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, by backing Common Core and Medicaid expansion under Obamacare, which he defended on religious grounds, saying the move would help families stuck in poverty.</p> <p>On the campaign trail, <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> is driving home the message that he has shown &#8212; as a member of Congress and more recently in the governor&#8217;s mansion &#8212; that he has what it takes to bring Republicans and Democrats together on monumental economic and fiscal challenges.</p> <p>He also has brushed off criticism that he is too liberal for Republican activists.</p> <p>He touts his record on taxes and job creation, embraces school choice and frequently casts himself as one of the chief architects of balancing the federal budget in the mid-1990s.</p> <p>&#8220;I&#8217;m as conservative as anybody in this race. And my record proves this,&#8221; he said last week on CNN.</p> <p>A Suffolk University poll released last week found that <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> has some crossover appeal.</p> <p>Nearly 7 percent of voters said they would be willing to vote in the Republican primary instead of the Democratic primary to support <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> &#8212; more than any other candidate in the field.</p> <p>That approach, though, also is shrinking his pool of potential supporters.</p> <p>Ellen Kolb, who runs a pro-life blog in New Hampshire called Leaven for the Loaf, said that among the activists she knows, <a href="/topics/john-kasich/" type="external">Mr. Kasich</a> &#8220;isn&#8217;t even on the short list.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;That has nothing to do with his life-issues history or position; it&#8217;s simply that other candidates like [Ted] Cruz, [Marco] Rubio and [Carly] Fiorina are working harder for pro-life votes,&#8221; Ms. Kolb said in an email. &#8220;Where there&#8217;s active opposition to him, it&#8217;s coming from anti-Common Core people. Biggest pro-life voters&#8217; concern is [ <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Donald</a>] <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a>. He&#8217;s not a man in whom we have any confidence.&#8221;</p> <p>Copyright &#169; 2018 The Washington Times, LLC. <a href="http://license.icopyright.net/3.7280?icx_id=/news/2016/jan/24/john-kasichs-poll-surge-in-new-hampshire-alarms-so/" type="external">Click here for reprint permission</a>.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

ohio gov john kasichs poll surge new hampshire spurred conservatives warn social issues voters wary saying one worst champions republican presidential field comes hotbutton issues education religious liberty mr kasich illusions strong showing iowa religious conservatives dominate instead focused campaign efforts new hampshire begun resonate socially moderate electorate several polls past week show risen second place behind national frontrunner donald trump set alarms conservatives say mr kasich given chance ally refused enlist weve working hardest two issues religious liberty opposing common core one guy republican field staked opposite positions said frank cannon president american principles project supported failed efforts gut common core education standards ohio us questioning idea whether serious need religious liberty protections somebody wants claim common core positive achievement said indeed even previous backers new jersey gov chris christie flipped common core mr kasich stood ground said disagrees supreme courts ruling establishing national right samesex marriage time move ohio activists say country seeing witnessed close found friend said phil burress head ohiobased citizens community values action like john lot met several occasions total complete support first second run governor watch run left feels like kick stomach feels like lost friend fact would run iowa sends clear message conservative best moderate mr burress said mr kasich defenders culture wars well analysis record heritage action praised cutting funding planned parenthood signing legislation requiring ultrasounds abortions banning procedure 20 weeks pregnancy hear differently take gov kasich word prolife said mallory quigley spokeswoman susan b anthony list prolife group mr kasich though focus campaign prolife credentials stances social issues doesnt wear social issues sleeve clearly taken position campaign somebody quite willing deal side someone going go ideological extremes said paul beck political science professor university ohio said views mr kasich fullspectrum conservative one way put much see kasich business conservative mr beck said believer low taxes low regulations business active respects kind promoting probusiness agenda also token doesnt want put businesses position makes awkward mr kasich showcased approach last year refused endorse indiana gov mike pences push religious liberty bill pitted business leaders gay rights activists religious groups opponents samesex marriage everybodys opinion respected strike balance mr kasich said time think good balance ohio dont see reason also lined major business groups including ohio chamber commerce backing common core medicaid expansion obamacare defended religious grounds saying move would help families stuck poverty campaign trail mr kasich driving home message shown member congress recently governors mansion takes bring republicans democrats together monumental economic fiscal challenges also brushed criticism liberal republican activists touts record taxes job creation embraces school choice frequently casts one chief architects balancing federal budget mid1990s im conservative anybody race record proves said last week cnn suffolk university poll released last week found mr kasich crossover appeal nearly 7 percent voters said would willing vote republican primary instead democratic primary support mr kasich candidate field approach though also shrinking pool potential supporters ellen kolb runs prolife blog new hampshire called leaven loaf said among activists knows mr kasich isnt even short list nothing lifeissues history position simply candidates like ted cruz marco rubio carly fiorina working harder prolife votes ms kolb said email theres active opposition coming anticommon core people biggest prolife voters concern donald trump hes man confidence copyright 2018 washington times llc click reprint permission 160

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>According to the most recent data, short sellers ratcheted up their bet against crude oil and products pipeline MLP Valero Energy Partners (NYSE: VLP). Over the last two weeks of August, traders increased their short position by 59% so that 5% of the float is now sold short, which is double the average short interest in the company over the past few years. That is a pretty sizable bet for a company that has little earnings volatility and is controlled by Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO), which is the largest independent refining company in the world.</p> <p>Unlike some other MLPs, Valero Energy Partners has zero direct exposure to commodity prices. Instead, 100% of its revenue is fee-based, which provides very stable cash flow. Last quarter, for example, distributable cash flow was $59 million, while the company generated $51.5 million and $53 million in the prior two quarters.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the company only distributes about half of that cash to investors. As a result, its distribution coverage ratio was 2.04 times last quarter and averaged 2.02 times this year and 2.06 in 2015. For perspective, that is double the coverage of most MLPs, with energy midstream giant Energy Transfer Partners (NYSE: ETP), for example, having an average coverage ratio of 0.89 times this year and 0.99 in 2015.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Further, Valero Energy Partners maintains a strong balance sheet with a low leverage ratio of just 2.4 times debt-to-EBITDA as of the end of the first quarter and ample liquidity. It also doesn't have the growth capex requirements of most other MLPs with its 2016 capex budget a mere $19 million compared to Energy Transfer Partners' enormous $10 billion project backlog that is harder to fund given that it has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/24/these-4-dividend-stocks-could-slash-their-payouts.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">leverage ratio north of 6 times Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Despite that lack of organic growth, Valero Energy Partners has clear visibility for future growth due to continued drop down transactions with Valero. Just last month the company acquired the Meraux and Three River Terminal Service business for $325 million, which is expected to generate about $39 million in annual EBITDA. Valero has several additional assets to drop down to its MLP, including pipelines, storage facilities, rail cars, and marine assets,which combine to generate an estimated $1 billion of annual EBITDA.</p> <p>That visible backlog of cash flowing assets drives Valero Energy Partners' view that it can deliver 25% annual distribution growth this year and next. Further, given its robust coverage ratio, it has ample room to increase its payout even if it does not complete as many transactions as expected.</p> <p>If there is one potential problem with Valero Energy Partners' growth plan, it is the continued ability to fund future acquisitions given the volatility in the energy markets. Typically, the company uses a combination of cash on hand, availability under its credit facility, and common units to acquire assets from Valero. For example, in late March it announced the acquisition of the McKee Terminal Services Business for $240 million. It financed that deal with $139 million of borrowings under its revolving credit facility, $65 million of cash from excess cash flow, and $36 million in units. The concern going forward is that if its unit price were to plunge as short-sellers believe it could impact the company's ability to use them as a currency to fund drop-down transactions.</p> <p>That said, it is very hard to see any reason for the units to plunge in value. Not only is its cash flow rock-solid, its leverage is low, and it has tremendous distribution coverage, but its units are not overvalued relative to its peers:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/VLP/ev_ebitda" type="external">VLP EV to EBITDA (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>As that chart shows, it is actually undervalued compared to other refiner-led MLPs and is not trading at that much of a premium compared to behemoths like Energy Transfer Partners. Because of all that, I just don't see much of a short thesis here.</p> <p>For reasons I do not quite grasp, short-sellers are increasingly betting that units of Valero Energy Partners are due for a fall. However, the numbers just don't back up that thesis. This is a rock-solid MLP with excellent financials and a clear path to delivering robust distribution growth over the next two years, which should drive its unit price higher, not lower.</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;amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;amp;ftm_pit=2692&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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> owns shares of Enterprise Products Partners. 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=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading according recent data short sellers ratcheted bet crude oil products pipeline mlp valero energy partners nyse vlp last two weeks august traders increased short position 59 5 float sold short double average short interest company past years pretty sizable bet company little earnings volatility controlled valero energy nyse vlo largest independent refining company world unlike mlps valero energy partners zero direct exposure commodity prices instead 100 revenue feebased provides stable cash flow last quarter example distributable cash flow 59 million company generated 515 million 53 million prior two quarters meanwhile company distributes half cash investors result distribution coverage ratio 204 times last quarter averaged 202 times year 206 2015 perspective double coverage mlps energy midstream giant energy transfer partners nyse etp example average coverage ratio 089 times year 099 2015 advertisement valero energy partners maintains strong balance sheet low leverage ratio 24 times debttoebitda end first quarter ample liquidity also doesnt growth capex requirements mlps 2016 capex budget mere 19 million compared energy transfer partners enormous 10 billion project backlog harder fund given leverage ratio north 6 times opens new window despite lack organic growth valero energy partners clear visibility future growth due continued drop transactions valero last month company acquired meraux three river terminal service business 325 million expected generate 39 million annual ebitda valero several additional assets drop mlp including pipelines storage facilities rail cars marine assetswhich combine generate estimated 1 billion annual ebitda visible backlog cash flowing assets drives valero energy partners view deliver 25 annual distribution growth year next given robust coverage ratio ample room increase payout even complete many transactions expected one potential problem valero energy partners growth plan continued ability fund future acquisitions given volatility energy markets typically company uses combination cash hand availability credit facility common units acquire assets valero example late march announced acquisition mckee terminal services business 240 million financed deal 139 million borrowings revolving credit facility 65 million cash excess cash flow 36 million units concern going forward unit price plunge shortsellers believe could impact companys ability use currency fund dropdown transactions said hard see reason units plunge value cash flow rocksolid leverage low tremendous distribution coverage units overvalued relative peers vlp ev ebitda ttm data ycharts opens new window chart shows actually undervalued compared refinerled mlps trading much premium compared behemoths like energy transfer partners dont see much short thesis reasons quite grasp shortsellers increasingly betting units valero energy partners due fall however numbers dont back thesis rocksolid mlp excellent financials clear path delivering robust distribution growth next two years drive unit price higher lower 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 enterprise products partners 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

<p /> <p>Card companies are increasingly rolling out new cards with lengthier terms and confusing cash-back rewards programs. To combat the complexity, we ranked some of the best cash-back cards depending on a user's specific spending habits and requirements from a new card.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Here are the three best cash-back card perks, and five cards that provide some of those perks.</p> <p>Credit card companies will effectively pay new cardholders just for opening an account, with a sign-up bonus for spending a certain amount shortly after opening the card. These bonuses can be very lucrative for new cardholders, given that they act as high-double-digit cash-back rewards cards during the sign-up bonus period.</p> <p>For a no-frills cash-back card with no annual fee and easy sign-up bonus criteria, look no further than JPMorgan Chase's <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Chase Freedom Unlimited Opens a New Window.</a>. Cardholders enjoy a $150 cash sign-up bonus for spending just $500 in the first three months after account opening, plus a 1.5% rewards rate on all spending.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In the premier card category, <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred/?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Chase Sapphire Preferred Opens a New Window.</a> offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points ($500 in cash, or $625 in travel) for spending $4,000 in the first three months after account opening. The card's ongoing rewards program is a little underwhelming when points are redeemed for cash, and cardholders should know about its $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. But the 1% rewards rate (2% for travel and restaurants) doesn't seem to have ever been its biggest draw; the real attraction (from a cash-back standpoint) is the sign-up bonus.</p> <p>Cash-back cards reward you with a portion of your spending on every swipe. Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Cardholders who simply want a flat but high rewards rate on every dollar spent may want to take a look at Citigroup's <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/citi-double-cash?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Citi Double Cash Card Opens a New Window.</a>. While it doesn't offer a sign-up bonus, it does offer a 1% cash-back rewards rate for each purchase, plus 1% cash back as you pay down your balance. In effect, cardholders enjoy a 2% cash-back rate.</p> <p>Whether cardholders should prioritize the cash-back rate or sign-up bonuses depends on their spending habits. The Citi Double Cash Card tops the Chase Freedom Unlimited only after cardholders spend more than $30,000, due to the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $150 sign-up bonus. For some, that rate of spending may be achieved in months, while others would take several years to put $30,000 on a card.</p> <p>People who can optimize their spending among a few cards can typically eke out higher rewards rates by maximizing bonus categories on other cards. The next cards offer the opportunity to earn 5% or more on spending in specific categories like gas, groceries, online retail, and more.</p> <p>Bank of America's <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/bank-of-america-bankamericard-cash-rewards/?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">BankAmericard Cash Rewards Opens a New Window.</a> card is a really great cash-back rewards card all round, serving up an easy-to-reach sign-up bonus, and a healthy rewards rate on big categories like gas and groceries -- and best of all, it doesn't carry an annual fee. Rewards are paid out under a 3-2-1 system, in which cardholders earn 3% on gas, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else. Bank of America customers can qualify for bonuses ranging from 10% to 75%, potentially bringing the all-in rewards rate on gas purchases up to 5.25%. You don't need to do anything special to claim your $100 sign-up bonus, though -- just spend $500 in the first 90 days.</p> <p>Discover Financial Services' <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/discover-it?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Discover it Card Opens a New Window.</a> keeps it simple with 1% cash back, with rotating categories that earn a 5% rate. The card also doubles all rewards earned in the first year, resulting in a large lump sum of rewards after the cardholder's first anniversary of use. Rotating bonus categories have included gas, restaurants, and Amazon.com purchases, with quarterly bonus caps on the first $1,500 of spending. With no annual fee, and no particularly complicated requirements for the bonus categories (log in and click to enroll each quarter), it may be worth keeping around even if you use it just a few months out of the year.</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;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;source=ic3editxt0000001&amp;amp;aid=8985&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6983&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;source=ic3editxt0000001&amp;amp;aid=8985&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6983&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFValueMagnet/info.aspx" type="external">Jordan Wathen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

card companies increasingly rolling new cards lengthier terms confusing cashback rewards programs combat complexity ranked best cashback cards depending users specific spending habits requirements new card continue reading three best cashback card perks five cards provide perks credit card companies effectively pay new cardholders opening account signup bonus spending certain amount shortly opening card bonuses lucrative new cardholders given act highdoubledigit cashback rewards cards signup bonus period nofrills cashback card annual fee easy signup bonus criteria look jpmorgan chases chase freedom unlimited opens new window cardholders enjoy 150 cash signup bonus spending 500 first three months account opening plus 15 rewards rate spending advertisement premier card category chase sapphire preferred opens new window offers signup bonus 50000 points 500 cash 625 travel spending 4000 first three months account opening cards ongoing rewards program little underwhelming points redeemed cash cardholders know 95 annual fee waived first year 1 rewards rate 2 travel restaurants doesnt seem ever biggest draw real attraction cashback standpoint signup bonus cashback cards reward portion spending every swipe image source getty images cardholders simply want flat high rewards rate every dollar spent may want take look citigroups citi double cash card opens new window doesnt offer signup bonus offer 1 cashback rewards rate purchase plus 1 cash back pay balance effect cardholders enjoy 2 cashback rate whether cardholders prioritize cashback rate signup bonuses depends spending habits citi double cash card tops chase freedom unlimited cardholders spend 30000 due chase freedom unlimiteds 150 signup bonus rate spending may achieved months others would take several years put 30000 card people optimize spending among cards typically eke higher rewards rates maximizing bonus categories cards next cards offer opportunity earn 5 spending specific categories like gas groceries online retail bank americas bankamericard cash rewards opens new window card really great cashback rewards card round serving easytoreach signup bonus healthy rewards rate big categories like gas groceries best doesnt carry annual fee rewards paid 321 system cardholders earn 3 gas 2 groceries 1 everything else bank america customers qualify bonuses ranging 10 75 potentially bringing allin rewards rate gas purchases 525 dont need anything special claim 100 signup bonus though spend 500 first 90 days discover financial services discover card opens new window keeps simple 1 cash back rotating categories earn 5 rate card also doubles rewards earned first year resulting large lump sum rewards cardholders first anniversary use rotating bonus categories included gas restaurants amazoncom purchases quarterly bonus caps first 1500 spending annual fee particularly complicated requirements bonus categories log click enroll quarter may worth keeping around even use months year 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 jordan wathen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends amazon motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>It's been a good year for healthcare stocks in general, but a handful of quality companies haven't been swept upward with the rest of the sector.&amp;#160;Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN)&amp;#160;and&amp;#160;CVS Health Corp. (NYSE: CVS) are both poised to continue churning out profits and dividends for years to come, but they aren't priced that way.&amp;#160;Both have been trading at a much lower multiple of their earnings power and could provide market-beating gains over the long run.</p> <p>For investors looking for more excitement,&amp;#160;Celldex Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CLDX) just passed an important milestone that sets the biotech stock up for a big movement early next year. This tiny company hasn't entered the commercial stage yet, but that could change quickly if its lead candidate can repeat a previous success.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Allergan plc has used massive cash flows generated by Botox to acquire a stable of branded drugs that could keep its bottom line marching steadily higher. In 2017 alone, the company earned approvals for five drugs, and applications for five more in late-stage clinical trials at the moment could make their way to the Food and Drug Administration in the quarters ahead. For example, ubrogepant and atogepant could fill a huge unmet need for millions of Americans who suffer from frequent migraine headaches.</p> <p>Botox sales still comprise about 20% of total revenue for the company, and I expect its continued success will keep investors from frowning longer than the treatments themselves. Manufacturing a <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/how-are-biologic-drugs-different-from-normal-drugs.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">biologic drug</a> like Botox is a complex process, which should keep the threat of generic competition at bay for years to come.&amp;#160;The Botox brand dominates the cosmetic market where it faces some competition, but FDA approvals for therapeutic categories should allow the neurotoxin to generate profits in competition-light niches for many years to come.</p> <p>With a Botox franchise that looks like it can weather patent expirations with a smile, and new drugs coming through the pipeline, the average analyst expects Allergan's annual earnings growth to average 13.25% over the next five years. Despite a clear path to double-digit bottom line growth, the stock is trading at just 12.3 times this year's earnings estimates. To put that in perspective, the average stock in the&amp;#160;S&amp;amp;P 500 has been trading at 18.7 times forward estimates.</p> <p>To top it off, this top healthcare stock began making quarterly dividend payments this year. The 1.3% yield the stock offers at recent prices isn't the biggest payout you'll find in big pharma, but Allergan shouldn't have much trouble boosting it higher. The first two payments required just 5% of profits recorded during the first half of the year.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Investors looking for a healthier dividend yield at the moment should consider CVS Health Corp. for the business segment most aren't familiar with. You might not know this, but the 9,700 retail pharmacy outlets this company runs generate less revenue than its <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-pharmacy-benefit-manager.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">pharmacy benefits management</a> (PBM) business.</p> <p>Although the company's retail pharmacy business has been <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/08/cvs-health-corporations-pbm-strong-but-retail-busi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">slipping lately</a>, second quarter sales from the pharmacy services segment&amp;#160;rose 9.5% over the same period last year. The PBM added $1.8 billion in new business for the 2018 selling season and boasts a 97% customer retention rate.</p> <p>The recent integration of Omnicare's operations made CVS the leading provider of pharmaceutical services to U.S. nursing homes and related facilities. The expansion gives CVS Health's PBM more purchasing power that it can use to negotiate lower prices from branded and generic drug manufacturers.</p> <p>Immense purchasing power should keep the PBM growing even if retail sales continue to decline, which is why the stock's recent price of about 13.2 times this year's earnings estimate seems too low to stay put much longer. The dividend offers a 2.6% yield, and a low 37% payout ratio suggests plenty of payout bumps in the years ahead.</p> <p>Celldex Therapeutics is a tiny, clinical-stage biotech with a candidate in a pivotal study that just completed enrollment. Glembatumumab vedotin, or glemba, looks for a protein called gpNMB on the surface of tumor cells where it delivers a lethal dose of chemo.</p> <p>Glemba's target is associated with an extremely difficult to treat form of breast cancer that lacks three targets available therapies look for. It took a long time to find 327 advanced stage, triple-negative breast cancer patients with tumors that overexpress gpNMB, but Celldex got it done.</p> <p>The company will measure how long patients survive without showing signs of disease progression. During a previous study, progression-free survival for a subgroup of triple-negative breast cancer patients with lots of gpNMB on their tumor cells was more than twice as long as the group treated with standard chemotherapy.</p> <p>If glemba can repeat its previous success in the ongoing study, this stock will soar. Of course, a surprise failure could lead to swift losses. Now that the pivotal trial is fully enrolled, we should know one way or the other in the first half of next year.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than AllerganWhen 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;amp;impression=80f3a46d-5ee1-49d5-9b0b-a85afa601109&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks</a> for investors to buy right now... and Allergan 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;amp;impression=80f3a46d-5ee1-49d5-9b0b-a85afa601109&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here</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/TMFang4apples/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Cory Renauer</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Celldex Therapeutics and CVS Health. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d3dee9e6-880b-11e7-b997-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p>

good year healthcare stocks general handful quality companies havent swept upward rest sector160allergan plc nyse agn160and160cvs health corp nyse cvs poised continue churning profits dividends years come arent priced way160both trading much lower multiple earnings power could provide marketbeating gains long run investors looking excitement160celldex therapeutics nasdaq cldx passed important milestone sets biotech stock big movement early next year tiny company hasnt entered commercial stage yet could change quickly lead candidate repeat previous success continue reading allergan plc used massive cash flows generated botox acquire stable branded drugs could keep bottom line marching steadily higher 2017 alone company earned approvals five drugs applications five latestage clinical trials moment could make way food drug administration quarters ahead example ubrogepant atogepant could fill huge unmet need millions americans suffer frequent migraine headaches botox sales still comprise 20 total revenue company expect continued success keep investors frowning longer treatments manufacturing biologic drug like botox complex process keep threat generic competition bay years come160the botox brand dominates cosmetic market faces competition fda approvals therapeutic categories allow neurotoxin generate profits competitionlight niches many years come botox franchise looks like weather patent expirations smile new drugs coming pipeline average analyst expects allergans annual earnings growth average 1325 next five years despite clear path doubledigit bottom line growth stock trading 123 times years earnings estimates put perspective average stock the160sampp 500 trading 187 times forward estimates top top healthcare stock began making quarterly dividend payments year 13 yield stock offers recent prices isnt biggest payout youll find big pharma allergan shouldnt much trouble boosting higher first two payments required 5 profits recorded first half year advertisement investors looking healthier dividend yield moment consider cvs health corp business segment arent familiar might know 9700 retail pharmacy outlets company runs generate less revenue pharmacy benefits management pbm business although companys retail pharmacy business slipping lately second quarter sales pharmacy services segment160rose 95 period last year pbm added 18 billion new business 2018 selling season boasts 97 customer retention rate recent integration omnicares operations made cvs leading provider pharmaceutical services us nursing homes related facilities expansion gives cvs healths pbm purchasing power use negotiate lower prices branded generic drug manufacturers immense purchasing power keep pbm growing even retail sales continue decline stocks recent price 132 times years earnings estimate seems low stay put much longer dividend offers 26 yield low 37 payout ratio suggests plenty payout bumps years ahead celldex therapeutics tiny clinicalstage biotech candidate pivotal study completed enrollment glembatumumab vedotin glemba looks protein called gpnmb surface tumor cells delivers lethal dose chemo glembas target associated extremely difficult treat form breast cancer lacks three targets available therapies look took long time find 327 advanced stage triplenegative breast cancer patients tumors overexpress gpnmb celldex got done company measure long patients survive without showing signs disease progression previous study progressionfree survival subgroup triplenegative breast cancer patients lots gpnmb tumor cells twice long group treated standard chemotherapy glemba repeat previous success ongoing study stock soar course surprise failure could lead swift losses pivotal trial fully enrolled know one way first half next year 10 stocks like better allerganwhen 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 allergan wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 cory renauer position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends celldex therapeutics cvs health motley fool disclosure policy

<p>The White House is coming under pressure from some of its closest allies on healthcare reform to name a chief executive to run its federal health insurance marketplace and allay the concerns of insurers after the rocky rollout of Obamacare.</p> <p>Advocates have been quietly pushing the idea of a CEO who would set marketplace rules, coordinate with insurers and state regulators on the health plans offered for sale, supervise enrollment campaigns and oversee technology, according to several sources familiar with discussions between advocates and the Obama administration.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Supporters of the idea say it could help regain the trust of insurers and others whose confidence in the healthcare overhaul has been shaken by the technological woes that crippled the federal HealthCare.gov insurance shopping website and the flurry of sometimes-confusing administration rule changes that followed.</p> <p>The advocates include former White House adviser Ezekiel Emanuel, the brother of President Barack Obama's former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, and the Center for American Progress, the Washington think tank founded by John Podesta, the president's newly appointed senior counselor.</p> <p>The White House is not embracing the idea of creating a CEO, administration officials said.</p> <p>"This isn't happening. It's not being considered," a senior administration official told Reuters.</p> <p>Some healthcare reform allies say the complexity of the federal marketplace requires a CEO-type figure with clear authority and knowledge of how insurance markets work.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Obama's healthcare overhaul aims to provide health coverage to millions of uninsured or under-insured Americans by offering private insurance at federally subsidized rates through new online health insurance marketplaces in all 50 states and in Washington, D.C.</p> <p>Only 14 states opted to create and operate their own exchanges, leaving the Obama administration to operate a federal marketplace for the remaining 36 states that can be accessed through HealthCare.gov.</p> <p>The marketplace is now officially the responsibility of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and its administrator, Marilyn Tavenner. Healthcare experts say there is no specific official dedicated to running the operation.</p> <p>A CMS spokesman said exchange functions overlap across different groups within the agency's Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.</p> <p>The lack of a clear decision-making hierarchy was identified as a liability months before the disastrous Oct. 1 launch of HealthCare.gov by the consulting firm McKinsey &amp;amp; Co.</p> <p>Obama adviser Jeffrey Zients, who rescued the website from crippling technical glitches last month, also identified the lack of effective management as a problem.</p> <p>POTENTIAL CEO CANDIDATES</p> <p>Former Microsoft executive Kurt DelBene has replaced Zients as website manager, at least through the first half of 2014.</p> <p>"We're fortunate that Kurt DelBene is now part of the administration - there's no one better able to help us keep moving forward to make affordable, quality health insurance available to as many Americans as possible," Obama healthcare adviser Phil Schiliro said in a statement to Reuters.</p> <p>The White House appears, for now, to be concentrating on ironing out the remaining glitches in HealthCare.gov to ensure millions more people are able to sign up for coverage in 2014. Good enrollment numbers are seen by both critics and supporters of Obamacare as a key measure of the program's success.</p> <p>"So my sense is that they're not thinking about appointing a CEO in the short term," said Topher Spiro, a healthcare analyst with the Center for American Progress.</p> <p>The CEO proposal calls for removing day-to-day control of the marketplace from the CMS bureaucracy and placing it under a leadership structure like those used in some of the more successful state-run marketplaces, including California.</p> <p>The new team would be managed by a CEO, or an executive director, who would run the marketplace like a business and answer directly to the White House, sources familiar with the discussions say.</p> <p>They point to insurance industry and healthcare veterans as potential candidates, including former Aetna CEO Ronald Williams, former Kaiser Permanente CEO George Halvorson and Jon Kingsdale, who ran the Massachusetts health exchange established under former Governor Mitt Romney's 2006 healthcare reforms. None of the three was available for comment.</p> <p>Healthcare experts say the idea should have been taken up by the administration years ago.</p> <p>"It's the right thing to do. It's just two years late," said Mike Leavitt, the Republican former Utah governor who oversaw the rollout of the prescription drug program known as Medicare Part D as U.S. health and human services secretary under President George W. Bush.</p> <p>"The administration is confronted by a series of problems they cannot solve on their own. They do not possess internally the competencies or the exposure or the information," he told Reuters.</p> <p>Emanuel, one of the administration's longest-standing allies on healthcare reform, recommended a marketplace CEO in an Oct. 22 Op-Ed article in the New York Times, calling it one of five things the White House could do to fix Obamacare.</p> <p>"The candidate should have management experience, knowledge of how both the government and health insurance industry work, and at least some familiarity with IT (information technology) systems. Obviously this is a tall order, but there are such people. And the administration needs to hire one immediately," he wrote.</p> <p>The administration has adopted Emanuel's four other recommendations: better window-shopping features for HealthCare.gov; a concerted effort to win back public trust; a focus on the customer shopping experience; and a public outreach campaign to engage young adults.</p>

white house coming pressure closest allies healthcare reform name chief executive run federal health insurance marketplace allay concerns insurers rocky rollout obamacare advocates quietly pushing idea ceo would set marketplace rules coordinate insurers state regulators health plans offered sale supervise enrollment campaigns oversee technology according several sources familiar discussions advocates obama administration continue reading supporters idea say could help regain trust insurers others whose confidence healthcare overhaul shaken technological woes crippled federal healthcaregov insurance shopping website flurry sometimesconfusing administration rule changes followed advocates include former white house adviser ezekiel emanuel brother president barack obamas former chief staff rahm emanuel center american progress washington think tank founded john podesta presidents newly appointed senior counselor white house embracing idea creating ceo administration officials said isnt happening considered senior administration official told reuters healthcare reform allies say complexity federal marketplace requires ceotype figure clear authority knowledge insurance markets work advertisement obamas healthcare overhaul aims provide health coverage millions uninsured underinsured americans offering private insurance federally subsidized rates new online health insurance marketplaces 50 states washington dc 14 states opted create operate exchanges leaving obama administration operate federal marketplace remaining 36 states accessed healthcaregov marketplace officially responsibility us centers medicare medicaid services cms administrator marilyn tavenner healthcare experts say specific official dedicated running operation cms spokesman said exchange functions overlap across different groups within agencys center consumer information insurance oversight lack clear decisionmaking hierarchy identified liability months disastrous oct 1 launch healthcaregov consulting firm mckinsey amp co obama adviser jeffrey zients rescued website crippling technical glitches last month also identified lack effective management problem potential ceo candidates former microsoft executive kurt delbene replaced zients website manager least first half 2014 fortunate kurt delbene part administration theres one better able help us keep moving forward make affordable quality health insurance available many americans possible obama healthcare adviser phil schiliro said statement reuters white house appears concentrating ironing remaining glitches healthcaregov ensure millions people able sign coverage 2014 good enrollment numbers seen critics supporters obamacare key measure programs success sense theyre thinking appointing ceo short term said topher spiro healthcare analyst center american progress ceo proposal calls removing daytoday control marketplace cms bureaucracy placing leadership structure like used successful staterun marketplaces including california new team would managed ceo executive director would run marketplace like business answer directly white house sources familiar discussions say point insurance industry healthcare veterans potential candidates including former aetna ceo ronald williams former kaiser permanente ceo george halvorson jon kingsdale ran massachusetts health exchange established former governor mitt romneys 2006 healthcare reforms none three available comment healthcare experts say idea taken administration years ago right thing two years late said mike leavitt republican former utah governor oversaw rollout prescription drug program known medicare part us health human services secretary president george w bush administration confronted series problems solve possess internally competencies exposure information told reuters emanuel one administrations longeststanding allies healthcare reform recommended marketplace ceo oct 22 oped article new york times calling one five things white house could fix obamacare candidate management experience knowledge government health insurance industry work least familiarity information technology systems obviously tall order people administration needs hire one immediately wrote administration adopted emanuels four recommendations better windowshopping features healthcaregov concerted effort win back public trust focus customer shopping experience public outreach campaign engage young adults

<p /> <p>After spinning off PayPal Holdings Inc.(NASDAQ: PYPL) in July of 2015, online marketplace and e-commerce gianteBay, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY)faced the burden of proving to investors that it was capable of creating new paths to revenue growth. In 2016, the company can credibly claim to have done just that.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Much of eBay's recent momentum can be credited to its expansion of online ticket marketplace StubHub. Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Since the spinoff, eBay has improved its Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), and ultimately net revenue, by shifting resources to its StubHub online ticketing business as well as its Classifieds platform. In the third quarter of 2016, for example, StubHub's revenue leaped by 32% on a currency-neutral basis. Similarly, Classifieds expanded its top line by 14%. The overall revenue for eBay's legacy Marketplaces business, by contrast, only improved by 5% on a currency-neutral basis.</p> <p>Will 2017 turn out to be eBay's best year yet? It's possible, if the company can keep up its pattern of smaller, bolt-on acquisitions coupled with internal technology investment. Last year, StubHub acquired Spanish ticket marketplace Ticketbis for $165 million, pushing its geographical reach into Europe, Latin America, and Asia. It also acquired, for an undisclosed amount, Ticket Utils, an online exchange for ticket brokers.</p> <p>Allocating assets, people, and attention to smaller, nimbler segments highlights the magnitude of management's task. Marketplace still towers over the corporate profit and loss statement, having recorded total Q3 2016 revenue of $1.78 billion, compared with $460 million for StubHub, Classifieds, and miscellaneous other corporate revenue. Still, eBay is making tangible progress: Non-Marketplace segments made up nearly 26% of total revenue in Q3 2016, versus roughly 18% in the comparable prior-year quarter.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Of course, just because the Marketplace growth curve has slowed as the segment has matured doesn't mean it's become an afterthought in management's strategic plans. In recent years, eBay has shifted away from an over-reliance on promotions to boost revenue, a practice it generally refers to as "subsidizing" gross merchandise volume. The following quote from CEO Devin Wenig during the company's most recent earnings conference call provides an interesting insight:</p> <p>This point provides perspective for long-term shareholders. The implication is that with its ample cash reserves, eBay could easily sacrifice margin in the near term and drive up GMV, lifting revenue and possibly its stock price as well.</p> <p>But a sustainable approach to revenue generation is one that will incentivize recurring visits from eBay's 165 million active global buyers. The most promising investments in merchandise sales, which may yield greater revenue in 2017, include ongoing page design improvement to lift conversion and the use of artificial intelligence, or AI.</p> <p>eBay executives have been talking up the potential of AI for some time, but in recent months, the use cases are clearer and more tangible for the average shareholder to grasp. In October, the company launched "eBay Collective," a curated shopping destination for high-end art, antiques, and furniture.</p> <p>The site uses image recognition provided by eBay's recent acquisition of visual search technology specialist Corrigon Ltd.When a visitor hovers over a product image, Corrigon's software links it to closely matching available inventory provided by invited dealers and galleries.</p> <p>eBay has enlisted Architectural Digest magazine to provide content for eBay Collective, which it hopes will create a more authoritative as well as sophisticated shopping experience.eBay Collective follows the introduction this year of the upscale "eBay Wine" site, which lists thousands of bottles from a global selection of wine sellers, and similarly strives to project an image of product curation.</p> <p>Providing boutique transaction environments may be antithetical to the original, all-encompassing "marketplace" selling metaphor. Yet these sites allow eBay to control its merchandising and focus on as high-end (and high margin) a sale as it can conceive. If the organization can continue its dual focus on scaling smaller segments, while creating multiple new windows with which to view its global goods, 2017 may indeed prove to be eBay's best year yet.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than eBay 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;amp;impression=e2f9ba38-3e45-445a-8988-d1af6173e694&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now...and eBay 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;amp;impression=e2f9ba38-3e45-445a-8988-d1af6173e694&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFfinosus/info.aspx" type="external">Asit Sharma Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends eBay and PayPal Holdings. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

spinning paypal holdings incnasdaq pypl july 2015 online marketplace ecommerce giantebay inc nasdaq ebayfaced burden proving investors capable creating new paths revenue growth 2016 company credibly claim done continue reading much ebays recent momentum credited expansion online ticket marketplace stubhub image source getty images since spinoff ebay improved gross merchandise volume gmv ultimately net revenue shifting resources stubhub online ticketing business well classifieds platform third quarter 2016 example stubhubs revenue leaped 32 currencyneutral basis similarly classifieds expanded top line 14 overall revenue ebays legacy marketplaces business contrast improved 5 currencyneutral basis 2017 turn ebays best year yet possible company keep pattern smaller bolton acquisitions coupled internal technology investment last year stubhub acquired spanish ticket marketplace ticketbis 165 million pushing geographical reach europe latin america asia also acquired undisclosed amount ticket utils online exchange ticket brokers allocating assets people attention smaller nimbler segments highlights magnitude managements task marketplace still towers corporate profit loss statement recorded total q3 2016 revenue 178 billion compared 460 million stubhub classifieds miscellaneous corporate revenue still ebay making tangible progress nonmarketplace segments made nearly 26 total revenue q3 2016 versus roughly 18 comparable prioryear quarter advertisement course marketplace growth curve slowed segment matured doesnt mean become afterthought managements strategic plans recent years ebay shifted away overreliance promotions boost revenue practice generally refers subsidizing gross merchandise volume following quote ceo devin wenig companys recent earnings conference call provides interesting insight point provides perspective longterm shareholders implication ample cash reserves ebay could easily sacrifice margin near term drive gmv lifting revenue possibly stock price well sustainable approach revenue generation one incentivize recurring visits ebays 165 million active global buyers promising investments merchandise sales may yield greater revenue 2017 include ongoing page design improvement lift conversion use artificial intelligence ai ebay executives talking potential ai time recent months use cases clearer tangible average shareholder grasp october company launched ebay collective curated shopping destination highend art antiques furniture site uses image recognition provided ebays recent acquisition visual search technology specialist corrigon ltdwhen visitor hovers product image corrigons software links closely matching available inventory provided invited dealers galleries ebay enlisted architectural digest magazine provide content ebay collective hopes create authoritative well sophisticated shopping experienceebay collective follows introduction year upscale ebay wine site lists thousands bottles global selection wine sellers similarly strives project image product curation providing boutique transaction environments may antithetical original allencompassing marketplace selling metaphor yet sites allow ebay control merchandising focus highend high margin sale conceive organization continue dual focus scaling smaller segments creating multiple new windows view global goods 2017 may indeed prove ebays best year yet 10 stocks like better ebay investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand ebay wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 asit sharma opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends ebay paypal holdings try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Foundation Medicine's&amp;#160;(NASDAQ: FMI) genetic screening tests are leading the way in discovering what medicines will work best in cancer patients based on their DNA. As more specialized drugs targeting specific genetic mutations launch,&amp;#160;greater reliance on genetic screening will be key to accelerating their use and validating their efficacy. The company's tests are already generating significant sales growth, but it's only early innings in this shift in cancer care. Here's what you need to know before adding this stock to your portfolio.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Already, there are more than 70 FDA approved therapies that can be better matched to patients by genetic testing and thousands of clinical trials are ongoing that&amp;#160;significantly expand the need for genetic insight.</p> <p>Foundation Medicine's assays provide oncologists with a comprehensive understanding of their patients genetic make-up and a comprehensive view of existing FDA-approved and clinical trial treatment options. The company's solutions are also empowering drug developers with the molecular information necessary to develop drugs and successfully enroll research trials with patients most likely to respond to new therapies.</p> <p>As a result of the cancer treatment market overwhelmingly moving toward personalized medicine, Foundation Medicine is enjoying record demand for its products. Sales in the third quarter jumped 45% year over year to nearly $43 million on a 50% increase in clinical volume.</p> <p>The company reports sales in two segments, molecular information services and pharma R&amp;amp;D services, and both of those segments are enjoying demand growth.</p> <p>Molecular information services sales increased to $28.4 million from $18.7 million in Q3 2016. Clinical revenue accounted for $13.1 million of this amount, up from $8.7 million in the same quarter last year. This third-quarter growth was the result of greater volume, including a 10% increase from the second quarter.&amp;#160;At the heart of the performance was growing demand for FoundationOne, a solution that provides genetic insight by testing patient tissue. On average, revenue per test was $2,600 in the quarter, up slightly from Q2 2017.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Molecular Information Services sales also benefited from pharma revenue growing to $15.3 million from $10 million year over year because of an increasing need for clinical trial profiling.</p> <p>Pharma R&amp;amp;D services revenue comes from biopharma partners who are working with Foundation Medicine to create&amp;#160;new assays and other services for their products. In Q3, pharma R&amp;amp;D Services improved to $14.3 million from $10.7 million in the same period of 2016. In the quarter, this segment's sales benefited from a $10 million milestone paid by Roche Holdings (NASDAQOTH: RHHBY), which owns 59% of Foundation Medicine, for work done to enable genetic testing of blood samples to match patients up with a Roche lung cancer drug.</p> <p>Foundation Medicine estimates that one million patients per year could benefit from genetic screening, yet less than 150,000 patients are currently being screened. As more personalized drugs make it to market and cancer treatment continues to migrate from treatment based on the anatomical origin of cancer to the genetic mutations responsible for it, testing volume should increase significantly and, perhaps, become standard in care.</p> <p>Consider these facts:</p> <p>Those numbers are staggering, and they indicate an important need for new treatment approaches that improve patient outcomes. The need is even more pressing when you consider that by 2030, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be&amp;#160;21.7 million new cancer cases and 13 million cancer deaths worldwide annually because of a growing and aging global population.</p> <p>The role of genetic screening, precision medicine, and personalized treatment in battling back against the tidal wave of people getting diagnosed with cancer over the coming decades remains to be seen, but industrywide R&amp;amp;D suggests that these advances will be important weapons.</p> <p>Wherein there were about 680 clinical trials of personalized cancer medicine conducted between 2005 and 2013,&amp;#160;Foundation Medicine estimates there are more than 3,000 trials ongoing now.</p> <p>Demand for Foundation Medicine's tests could improve dramatically if healthcare payers get on board, and one thing that could make that happen is an upcoming FDA decision on FoundationOne CDx, its comprehensive genomic profiling assay.</p> <p>FoundationOne CDx is under parallel review by the FDA and Medicare, and a decision to approve it is expected this quarter. If it's approved and given a distinct Medicare code for reimbursement, it could&amp;#160;significantly accelerate the use of genetic screening by reducing concerns about costs.&amp;#160;Historically, after Medicare grants a distinct code, private insurers follow suit on reimbursement, too.</p> <p>In addition to increasing demand for genetic screening, an approval should increase demand from biopharma companies who will be eager to work with Foundation Medicine on&amp;#160;companion diagnostics knowing that an easier path to FDA approval exists.</p> <p>Even without that happening, though, the future appears bright for Foundation Medicine. Demand for screening is growing without widespread reimbursement now, and that's likely to continue. Additionally, the company's relationship with Roche provides it with a deep-pocketed partner that's aligned in helping it prosper. Roche is responsible for selling Foundation Medicine's products overseas in 21 countries.</p> <p>Roche Holdings&amp;#160;acquired more than 50% ownership of Foundation Medicine in 2015 and since then the relationship has been governed by a stand-still provision preventing Roche from making changes to its stake. The stand-still provision expires early in 2018. At that point, Roche could sell shares, or make an offer to Foundation Medicine to increase its stake.</p> <p>Given the growth runway ahead of Foundation Medicine, I'd be surprised if Roche sells. Exiting Q3, Foundation Medicine is guiding for $135 million to $145 million in sales and 64,000 and 66,000 tests for the full 2017 year. For perspective, sales were&amp;#160;$116.9 million in 2016, and clinical test volume exited 2016 at an annualized quarterly pace of about 52,000.</p> <p>With revenue accelerating and catalysts ahead, Foundation Medicine finds itself in a very good position to reward investors as it taps into what it expects to be a $12 billion to $15 billion per year market. Given that backdrop, it's one personalized medicine stock that investors shouldn't ignore.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Foundation Medicine 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=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;amp;impression=70514ecb-deb0-4478-bb52-c95ba320d709&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=1b2e8290-bfc8-11e7-9004-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Foundation Medicine 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;amp;impression=70514ecb-deb0-4478-bb52-c95ba320d709&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=1b2e8290-bfc8-11e7-9004-0050569d32b9&amp;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/TMFEBCapital/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=1b2e8290-bfc8-11e7-9004-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. His clients may have positions in the companies 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;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=1b2e8290-bfc8-11e7-9004-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

foundation medicines160nasdaq fmi genetic screening tests leading way discovering medicines work best cancer patients based dna specialized drugs targeting specific genetic mutations launch160greater reliance genetic screening key accelerating use validating efficacy companys tests already generating significant sales growth early innings shift cancer care heres need know adding stock portfolio continue reading already 70 fda approved therapies better matched patients genetic testing thousands clinical trials ongoing that160significantly expand need genetic insight foundation medicines assays provide oncologists comprehensive understanding patients genetic makeup comprehensive view existing fdaapproved clinical trial treatment options companys solutions also empowering drug developers molecular information necessary develop drugs successfully enroll research trials patients likely respond new therapies result cancer treatment market overwhelmingly moving toward personalized medicine foundation medicine enjoying record demand products sales third quarter jumped 45 year year nearly 43 million 50 increase clinical volume company reports sales two segments molecular information services pharma rampd services segments enjoying demand growth molecular information services sales increased 284 million 187 million q3 2016 clinical revenue accounted 131 million amount 87 million quarter last year thirdquarter growth result greater volume including 10 increase second quarter160at heart performance growing demand foundationone solution provides genetic insight testing patient tissue average revenue per test 2600 quarter slightly q2 2017 advertisement molecular information services sales also benefited pharma revenue growing 153 million 10 million year year increasing need clinical trial profiling pharma rampd services revenue comes biopharma partners working foundation medicine create160new assays services products q3 pharma rampd services improved 143 million 107 million period 2016 quarter segments sales benefited 10 million milestone paid roche holdings nasdaqoth rhhby owns 59 foundation medicine work done enable genetic testing blood samples match patients roche lung cancer drug foundation medicine estimates one million patients per year could benefit genetic screening yet less 150000 patients currently screened personalized drugs make market cancer treatment continues migrate treatment based anatomical origin cancer genetic mutations responsible testing volume increase significantly perhaps become standard care consider facts numbers staggering indicate important need new treatment approaches improve patient outcomes need even pressing consider 2030 american cancer society estimates be160217 million new cancer cases 13 million cancer deaths worldwide annually growing aging global population role genetic screening precision medicine personalized treatment battling back tidal wave people getting diagnosed cancer coming decades remains seen industrywide rampd suggests advances important weapons wherein 680 clinical trials personalized cancer medicine conducted 2005 2013160foundation medicine estimates 3000 trials ongoing demand foundation medicines tests could improve dramatically healthcare payers get board one thing could make happen upcoming fda decision foundationone cdx comprehensive genomic profiling assay foundationone cdx parallel review fda medicare decision approve expected quarter approved given distinct medicare code reimbursement could160significantly accelerate use genetic screening reducing concerns costs160historically medicare grants distinct code private insurers follow suit reimbursement addition increasing demand genetic screening approval increase demand biopharma companies eager work foundation medicine on160companion diagnostics knowing easier path fda approval exists even without happening though future appears bright foundation medicine demand screening growing without widespread reimbursement thats likely continue additionally companys relationship roche provides deeppocketed partner thats aligned helping prosper roche responsible selling foundation medicines products overseas 21 countries roche holdings160acquired 50 ownership foundation medicine 2015 since relationship governed standstill provision preventing roche making changes stake standstill provision expires early 2018 point roche could sell shares make offer foundation medicine increase stake given growth runway ahead foundation medicine id surprised roche sells exiting q3 foundation medicine guiding 135 million 145 million sales 64000 66000 tests full 2017 year perspective sales were1601169 million 2016 clinical test volume exited 2016 annualized quarterly pace 52000 revenue accelerating catalysts ahead foundation medicine finds good position reward investors taps expects 12 billion 15 billion per year market given backdrop one personalized medicine stock investors shouldnt ignore 10 stocks like better foundation medicine 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 foundation medicine wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 todd campbell opens new window position stocks mentioned clients may positions companies mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Saving money is no easy feat. Though many of us want to save, it's often the case that life's many expenses simply get in the way. Still, there's a difference between saving less than we'd like and saving nothing at all.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>According to a recent study by GoBankingRates, a whopping 62% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. But wait -- it gets worse. Of those surveyed, 21% admitted to not having a savings account at all. Meanwhile, 28% claimed to have savings accounts, albeit empty ones with a balance of $0. In fact, only 14% of respondents could boast of a savings balance of $10,000 or more.</p> <p>IMAGE SOURCE: PIXABAY.</p> <p>Now if you're thinking it's just millennials who are falling behind on savings, think again. Of those surveyed, roughly 30% of participants aged 35 to 64 confessed to having zero savings. Zero. Considering, for example, that the average monthly mortgage payment in the U.S is just over $1,000, what this means is that the typical homeowner with less than $1,000 in savings would not be able to cover even a single month's payment in the event of a job loss. Clearly, those of us who fall into that $1,000 or less category need to do better.</p> <p>Build your emergency fundWhether you're old, young, rent, or own a home, your savings account should contain enough money to cover at least three months' worth of living expenses. That could mean saving $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or more, depending on your typical monthly bills.</p> <p>To figure out how much you need to save, start by breaking your expenses down into two categories: negotiable, and non-negotiable. Your non-negotiable expenses include your rent or mortgage payment, basic food costs, electricity, health insurance premium, and prescription drugs. Your negotiable expenses, meanwhile, could run the gamut from that gym membership you like having but hardly use to your cable bill, which, though not an extreme indulgence, isn't technically a necessity. Once you've divvied up your expenses, add up the non-negotiables and multiply that figure by at least three. That's the number you need to target when building your emergency savings.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Small changes go a long wayCalculating how much money you ought to save is one thing; actually saving that money is another. But rather than focus on how far behind you are in your savings, try making small adjustments to slowly but steadily build up that balance.</p> <p>For starters, take a look at that list of negotiable expenses and trim the fat. Cut back your data plan, cancel Netflix, and stop spending money at restaurants, where you'll most likely pay a good 300% markup on whatever you eat. Say you typically dine out once a week at $30 a pop. Have a low-cost home-cooked dinner instead, and you'll shave off $25 per meal. That translates into $100 per month, or $1,200 per year that you could save. Don't really watch those premium cable channels? That's another $10 to $15 a month, or $120 to $180 a year you can start saving and stop throwing away. Making just a few small changes can help you turn a sad savings account balance into a far more respectable number.</p> <p>Sometimes you need to go bigBut while small changes are definitely a good start, sometimes saving money does mean making bigger lifestyle adjustments. If your mortgage payment, for example, eats up 60% of your paycheck, it's time to downsize or find a new place to live. Can't afford your car payment? If you live in a city with public transportation, you may have to get used to taking the bus till your financial picture improves.</p> <p>If you replace a $1,500-a-month mortgage payment with a $1,200 payment, that's $3,600 a year you'll save right off the bat. Swap a $300-a-month car payment plus a $1,000-a-year auto insurance premium for $200 in monthly public transit expenses, and you'll save over $2,000 a year, not including the amount you'll save on maintenance and fuel costs. You might even consider relocating somewhere with a lower cost of living altogether, especially if you're able to command a similar salary in your new locale. Major changes are never easy, but if you're serious about getting on track financially, a year or two of sacrifice may be worth the long-term benefits of having a more sizable savings cushion.</p> <p>Finally, if you really don't trust yourself to save as you should, set up an automatic savings plan so that money from each paycheck automatically filters into your savings account. Granted, you'll still have the option to tap into it, but seeing that balance go down just might motivate you enough to avoid dipping in unnecessarily. Remember, long-term financial security starts with a healthy savings account balance, so do what it takes to get over that initial hump. You'll be happier for it in the long run.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/03/28/62-of-americans-have-less-than-1000-in-savings-her.aspx" type="external">62% of Americans Have Less Than $1,000 in Savings. Here's What to Do If You're One of Them</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p>Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p>

saving money easy feat though many us want save often case lifes many expenses simply get way still theres difference saving less wed like saving nothing continue reading according recent study gobankingrates whopping 62 americans less 1000 savings wait gets worse surveyed 21 admitted savings account meanwhile 28 claimed savings accounts albeit empty ones balance 0 fact 14 respondents could boast savings balance 10000 image source pixabay youre thinking millennials falling behind savings think surveyed roughly 30 participants aged 35 64 confessed zero savings zero considering example average monthly mortgage payment us 1000 means typical homeowner less 1000 savings would able cover even single months payment event job loss clearly us fall 1000 less category need better build emergency fundwhether youre old young rent home savings account contain enough money cover least three months worth living expenses could mean saving 5000 10000 15000 depending typical monthly bills figure much need save start breaking expenses two categories negotiable nonnegotiable nonnegotiable expenses include rent mortgage payment basic food costs electricity health insurance premium prescription drugs negotiable expenses meanwhile could run gamut gym membership like hardly use cable bill though extreme indulgence isnt technically necessity youve divvied expenses add nonnegotiables multiply figure least three thats number need target building emergency savings advertisement small changes go long waycalculating much money ought save one thing actually saving money another rather focus far behind savings try making small adjustments slowly steadily build balance starters take look list negotiable expenses trim fat cut back data plan cancel netflix stop spending money restaurants youll likely pay good 300 markup whatever eat say typically dine week 30 pop lowcost homecooked dinner instead youll shave 25 per meal translates 100 per month 1200 per year could save dont really watch premium cable channels thats another 10 15 month 120 180 year start saving stop throwing away making small changes help turn sad savings account balance far respectable number sometimes need go bigbut small changes definitely good start sometimes saving money mean making bigger lifestyle adjustments mortgage payment example eats 60 paycheck time downsize find new place live cant afford car payment live city public transportation may get used taking bus till financial picture improves replace 1500amonth mortgage payment 1200 payment thats 3600 year youll save right bat swap 300amonth car payment plus 1000ayear auto insurance premium 200 monthly public transit expenses youll save 2000 year including amount youll save maintenance fuel costs might even consider relocating somewhere lower cost living altogether especially youre able command similar salary new locale major changes never easy youre serious getting track financially year two sacrifice may worth longterm benefits sizable savings cushion finally really dont trust save set automatic savings plan money paycheck automatically filters savings account granted youll still option tap seeing balance go might motivate enough avoid dipping unnecessarily remember longterm financial security starts healthy savings account balance takes get initial hump youll happier long run article 62 americans less 1000 savings heres youre one originally appeared foolcom try foolish newsletter services free 30 days fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy

<p>Canadian alternative asset manager Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) has a history of creating value for investors, delivering a 16% average annual return over the last 20 years. One of the drivers of its ability to consistently generate high-level returns is that it focuses its investments on assets that it can buy at a discount to replacement cost and where it can&amp;#160;leverage its operational expertise to get these businesses performing at a higher level.</p> <p>In addition&amp;#160;to investing its own capital, Brookfield manages money on behalf of others, earning fees in the process. Those payments enhance its profitability, enabling the company to achieve higher returns. That's evident by looking at its total return potential versus that of its infrastructure arm, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP). While that entity should generate an excellent blend of growth and income in the years ahead, its total return likely won't match that of its parent.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has expanded at a rapid rate over the past few years, growing primarily through acquisition. However, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/16/heres-why-the-best-is-yet-to-come-for-brookfield-i.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=3cd9e1fc-a928-11e7-ad9b-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">even better days appear to be up ahead Opens a New Window.</a> because the company has an extensive pipeline of organic growth projects underway. Overall, it has $2.4 billion of projects under construction and could sanction up to $1.5 billion more over the next year. Those organic expansions, when combined with the embedded earnings growth of its existing portfolio, should increase its funds from operations by a 6% to 9% annual rate, which should fuel a similar rise in the company's distribution to investors.</p> <p>Given the company's current yield of 4%, this forecast implies that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners can deliver a 10% to 14% total annual return to investors. Meanwhile, it could further juice those gains by continuing to make <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/04/acquisitions-drive-brookfield-infrastructure-partn.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=3cd9e1fc-a928-11e7-ad9b-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">high-value acquisitions Opens a New Window.</a>. It already has more than $200 million of deals in the pipeline and is always on the prowl for additional opportunities.</p> <p>Over the past few years, Brookfield has refocused its attention on its asset management platform. One of the initiatives it has undertaken to streamline its focus is spinning out its investments into publicly traded vehicles. It created Brookfield Infrastructure Partners to grow its infrastructure business, Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP) to build its clean energy platform, Brookfield Property Partners (NYSE: BPY) to house its vast real estate holdings, and Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE: BBU) to own its private equity investments. That said, one of the benefits of investing in Brookfield Asset Management is that investors gain access to the upside of all four platforms. That diversification gives them more ways to win and should smooth out returns.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Another benefit of investing in Brookfield over one of its listed entities is that its asset management arm collects substantial fee-based income from managing its public affiliates and the capital of investors in its private funds. Consequently, the company should generate a much higher total return when we add the gains it stands to earn on its invested capital in these entities with the fees it should receive for managing them and its funds. In the company's estimation, its four listed companies have the potential to generate a 13% total annual return over the next few years if they hit the midpoints of their growth assumptions. Meanwhile, because of its fee structure, the payments it collects for managing these entities should increase by an 18% compound annual rate over the next few years. Add to that the carried interest it stands to earn from its successful private equity funds and Brookfield Asset Management believes it can deliver a 22% total annual return for its investors over the next five years, almost double the projection of Brookfield Infrastructure.</p> <p>One of the reasons Brookfield Asset Management created Brookfield Infrastructure Partners was to cater to income-focused investors who are willing to accept a lower overall return in exchange for a higher current income stream. So, income seekers still might want to invest in that entity over its parent so they can collect its steadily growing payout. That said, investors who are seeking to compound their wealth should buy Brookfield Asset Management. That's because it should deliver a much higher total return in the coming years due to the fees it will collect from managing its affiliates and funds.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Brookfield Asset ManagementWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <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;amp;impression=2b489747-4d7a-4cc9-8f65-e54572c7c817&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=3cd9e1fc-a928-11e7-ad9b-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Brookfield Asset Management 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;amp;impression=2b489747-4d7a-4cc9-8f65-e54572c7c817&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=3cd9e1fc-a928-11e7-ad9b-0050569d32b9&amp;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><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=3cd9e1fc-a928-11e7-ad9b-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Matthew DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Brookfield Asset Management, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. Limited Partnership Units, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Property Partners, and Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=3cd9e1fc-a928-11e7-ad9b-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

canadian alternative asset manager brookfield asset management nyse bam history creating value investors delivering 16 average annual return last 20 years one drivers ability consistently generate highlevel returns focuses investments assets buy discount replacement cost can160leverage operational expertise get businesses performing higher level addition160to investing capital brookfield manages money behalf others earning fees process payments enhance profitability enabling company achieve higher returns thats evident looking total return potential versus infrastructure arm brookfield infrastructure partners nyse bip entity generate excellent blend growth income years ahead total return likely wont match parent continue reading brookfield infrastructure partners expanded rapid rate past years growing primarily acquisition however even better days appear ahead opens new window company extensive pipeline organic growth projects underway overall 24 billion projects construction could sanction 15 billion next year organic expansions combined embedded earnings growth existing portfolio increase funds operations 6 9 annual rate fuel similar rise companys distribution investors given companys current yield 4 forecast implies brookfield infrastructure partners deliver 10 14 total annual return investors meanwhile could juice gains continuing make highvalue acquisitions opens new window already 200 million deals pipeline always prowl additional opportunities past years brookfield refocused attention asset management platform one initiatives undertaken streamline focus spinning investments publicly traded vehicles created brookfield infrastructure partners grow infrastructure business brookfield renewable partners nyse bep build clean energy platform brookfield property partners nyse bpy house vast real estate holdings brookfield business partners nyse bbu private equity investments said one benefits investing brookfield asset management investors gain access upside four platforms diversification gives ways win smooth returns advertisement another benefit investing brookfield one listed entities asset management arm collects substantial feebased income managing public affiliates capital investors private funds consequently company generate much higher total return add gains stands earn invested capital entities fees receive managing funds companys estimation four listed companies potential generate 13 total annual return next years hit midpoints growth assumptions meanwhile fee structure payments collects managing entities increase 18 compound annual rate next years add carried interest stands earn successful private equity funds brookfield asset management believes deliver 22 total annual return investors next five years almost double projection brookfield infrastructure one reasons brookfield asset management created brookfield infrastructure partners cater incomefocused investors willing accept lower overall return exchange higher current income stream income seekers still might want invest entity parent collect steadily growing payout said investors seeking compound wealth buy brookfield asset management thats deliver much higher total return coming years due fees collect managing affiliates funds 10 stocks like better brookfield asset managementwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right brookfield asset management wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 matthew dilallo opens new window owns shares brookfield asset management brookfield business partners lp limited partnership units brookfield infrastructure partners brookfield property partners brookfield renewable energy partners motley fool recommends brookfield infrastructure partners motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>TOP STORIES</p> <p>Value Meals Drive McDonald's Sales - 2nd Update</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>McDonald's Corp. gained sales again by luring core customers to its cheapest meals and drinks.</p> <p>The burger giant attributed U.S. sales growth in the fourth quarter to a "McPick 2" meal deal and low-price beverages, as well as to higher-priced Buttermilk Crispy Tenders. The chain introduced a new nationwide value menu this month with items priced at $1, $2 and $3, hoping consumers drawn in for cheap sodas and burgers will also order more expensive items.</p> <p>STORIES OF INTEREST</p> <p>Food Union Hails USDA Move on Chicken Plants -- Market Talk</p> <p>12:06 ET -- United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents meat plant employees, claims victory after the U.S. Department of Agriculture rejected a U.S. chicken industry petition to eliminate poultry processing line speed caps in meat plants. The organization and other consumer groups opposed the request, saying it could make food less safe and pose risks to meat plant workers, who already deal with higher rates of injury than other industries. The union says it remains "concerned" that the USDA plans to let some chicken plants apply to run processing lines at speeds up to 175 birds a minute, with most currently capped at 140. ([email protected]; @jacobbunge)</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>USDA Pumps Brakes on Faster Chicken Processing -- Market Talk</p> <p>12:01 ET -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture denies a request by the National Chicken Council to lift all limits on how fast poultry plants can process birds--but the agency says it does plan to let some plants speed up. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the chicken industry group's Sept. 1 petition to eliminate speed limits in chicken plants didn't demonstrate that inspectors could effectively check each carcass for safety at speeds beyond 175 birds a minute--nearly three chickens a second. But FSIS said that the agency plans to lay out criteria for poultry plants, most of which are limited to processing 140 chickens each minute, to run at speeds up to 175, as long as they demonstrate how they will assess food safety and meet other criteria. ([email protected]; @jacobbunge)</p> <p>Wheat Futures Pop on Plains Drought</p> <p>A drought in the Great Plains sparked a rally in wheat prices on Tuesday.</p> <p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the condition of the hard red winter wheat crop, primarily grown in southern Plains states like Kansas, dropped sharply as farmers in the region struggle through dry conditions.</p> <p>FUTURES MARKETS</p> <p>Live Cattle Futures Ease</p> <p>Cattle futures were mixed on Tuesday, easing off multimonth highs.</p> <p>The futures market started the week by hitting a two-month high, after cash prices for physical cattle rose more than expected. But analysts say futures bumped up against selling pressure after falling from those highs, with chart signals suggesting to traders that prices were headed lower.</p> <p>CASH MARKETS</p> <p>Zumbrota, Minn Hog Steady At $44.00 - Jan 30</p> <p>Barrow and gilt prices at the Zumbrota, Minn., livestock market today are steady at $44.00 a hundredweight. Sow prices are steady. Sows weighing 400-450 pounds are at $43.00, 450-500 pounds are $43.00 and those over 500 pounds are $45.00-$47.00.</p> <p>The day's total run is estimated at 180 head.</p> <p>Prices are provided by the Central Livestock Association.</p> <p>Estimated U.S. Pork Packer Margin Index - Jan 30</p> <p>This report reflects U.S. pork packer processing margins. The margin indices</p> <p>are calculated using current cash hog or carcass values and wholesale pork</p> <p>cutout values and may not reflect actual margins at the plants. These</p> <p>estimates reflect the general health of the industry and are not meant to</p> <p>be indicative of any particular company or plant.</p> <p>Source: USDA, based on Wall Street Journal calculations</p> <p>All figures are on a per-head basis.</p> <p>Date Standard Margin Estimated margin</p> <p>Operating Index at vertically -</p> <p>integrated operations</p> <p>*</p> <p>Jan 30 +$20.58 +$ 45.01</p> <p>Jan 29 +$20.88 +$ 45.57</p> <p>Jan 26 +$22.51 +$ 45.96</p> <p>* Based on Iowa State University's latest estimated cost of production.</p> <p>A positive number indicates a processing margin above the cost of</p> <p>production of the animals.</p> <p>Beef-O-Meter</p> <p>This report compares the USDA's latest beef carcass composite</p> <p>values as a percentage of their respective year-ago prices.</p> <p>Beef</p> <p>For Today Choice 108.5</p> <p>(Percent of Year-Ago) Select 108.2</p> <p>USDA Boxed Beef, Pork Reports</p> <p>Wholesale choice-grade beef prices Tuesday rose 58 cents per hundred pounds, to $209.69, according to the USDA. Select-grade prices rose 24 cents per hundred pounds, to $204.37. The total load count was 109. Wholesale pork prices fell 26 cents, to $81.34 a hundred pounds, based on Omaha, Neb., price quotes.</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>January 30, 2018 17:31 ET (22:31 GMT)</p>

top stories value meals drive mcdonalds sales 2nd update continue reading mcdonalds corp gained sales luring core customers cheapest meals drinks burger giant attributed us sales growth fourth quarter mcpick 2 meal deal lowprice beverages well higherpriced buttermilk crispy tenders chain introduced new nationwide value menu month items priced 1 2 3 hoping consumers drawn cheap sodas burgers also order expensive items stories interest food union hails usda move chicken plants market talk 1206 et united food commercial workers international union represents meat plant employees claims victory us department agriculture rejected us chicken industry petition eliminate poultry processing line speed caps meat plants organization consumer groups opposed request saying could make food less safe pose risks meat plant workers already deal higher rates injury industries union says remains concerned usda plans let chicken plants apply run processing lines speeds 175 birds minute currently capped 140 jacobbungewsjcom jacobbunge advertisement usda pumps brakes faster chicken processing market talk 1201 et us department agriculture denies request national chicken council lift limits fast poultry plants process birdsbut agency says plan let plants speed usdas food safety inspection service says chicken industry groups sept 1 petition eliminate speed limits chicken plants didnt demonstrate inspectors could effectively check carcass safety speeds beyond 175 birds minutenearly three chickens second fsis said agency plans lay criteria poultry plants limited processing 140 chickens minute run speeds 175 long demonstrate assess food safety meet criteria jacobbungewsjcom jacobbunge wheat futures pop plains drought drought great plains sparked rally wheat prices tuesday us department agriculture said condition hard red winter wheat crop primarily grown southern plains states like kansas dropped sharply farmers region struggle dry conditions futures markets live cattle futures ease cattle futures mixed tuesday easing multimonth highs futures market started week hitting twomonth high cash prices physical cattle rose expected analysts say futures bumped selling pressure falling highs chart signals suggesting traders prices headed lower cash markets zumbrota minn hog steady 4400 jan 30 barrow gilt prices zumbrota minn livestock market today steady 4400 hundredweight sow prices steady sows weighing 400450 pounds 4300 450500 pounds 4300 500 pounds 45004700 days total run estimated 180 head prices provided central livestock association estimated us pork packer margin index jan 30 report reflects us pork packer processing margins margin indices calculated using current cash hog carcass values wholesale pork cutout values may reflect actual margins plants estimates reflect general health industry meant indicative particular company plant source usda based wall street journal calculations figures perhead basis date standard margin estimated margin operating index vertically integrated operations jan 30 2058 4501 jan 29 2088 4557 jan 26 2251 4596 based iowa state universitys latest estimated cost production positive number indicates processing margin cost production animals beefometer report compares usdas latest beef carcass composite values percentage respective yearago prices beef today choice 1085 percent yearago select 1082 usda boxed beef pork reports wholesale choicegrade beef prices tuesday rose 58 cents per hundred pounds 20969 according usda selectgrade prices rose 24 cents per hundred pounds 20437 total load count 109 wholesale pork prices fell 26 cents 8134 hundred pounds based omaha neb price quotes end dow jones newswires january 30 2018 1731 et 2231 gmt

<p>Many Americans look at the pathological lies of presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and wonder quietly to themselves how we reached this point.</p> <p>Two words: Barack Obama.</p> <p>On Thursday, The New York Times ran a puff piece on White House National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, the man in charge of selling the horrific Iran nuclear deal to the public and the Congress. Rhodes, whom the Times characterizes as an &#8220;aspiring novelist&#8221; who ended up running Barack Obama&#8217;s foreign policy, brags openly about manipulating the press to lie for the administration. He spins fiction for the left.</p> <p>The Times notes, &#8220;His lack of conventional real-world experience of the kind that normally precedes responsibility for the fate of nations &#8212; like military or diplomatic service, or even a master&#8217;s degree in international relations, rather than creative writing &#8212; is still startling.&#8221;</p> <p>But why should it be? Creative fiction is the name of the game in the Obama administration.</p> <p>As the Times states:</p> <p>Watching Rhodes work, I remember that he is still, chiefly, a writer, who is using a new set of tools &#8211; along with the traditional arts of narrative and spin &#8211; to create stories of great consequence on the biggest page imaginable&#8230;When I asked Jon Favreau, Obama&#8217;s lead speechwriter in the 2008 campaign, and a close friend of Rhodes&#8217;s, whether he or Rhodes or the president had ever thought of their individual speeches and bits of policy making as part of some larger restructuring of the American narrative, he replied, &#8216;We saw that as our entire job.&#8217;</p> <p>Entire job.</p> <p>Not telling the truth.</p> <p>Not crafting decent policy for the United States.</p> <p>Writing lies for the left.</p> <p>And Rhodes has help.</p> <p>The Times reports that Rhodes and his lackeys have &#8220;become adept at ventriloquizing many people at once&#8221;:</p> <p>The easiest way for the White House to shape the news, he explained, is from the briefing podiums, each of which has its own dedicated press corps. &#8220;But then there are sort of these force multipliers,&#8221; he said, adding, &#8220;We have our compadres, I will reach out to a couple people, and you know I wouldn&#8217;t want to name them&#8212;&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;I can name them,&#8221; I said, ticking off a few names of prominent Washington reporters and columnists who often tweet in sync with White House messaging.</p> <p>Price laughed. &#8220;I&#8217;ll say, &#8216;Hey, look, some people are spinning this narrative that this is a sign of American weakness,&#8217;&#8201;&#8221; he continued, &#8220;but &#8212; &#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;In fact it&#8217;s a sign of strength!&#8221; I said, chuckling.</p> <p>&#8220;And I&#8217;ll give them some color,&#8221; Price continued, &#8220;and the next thing I know, lots of these guys are in the dot-com publishing space, and have huge Twitter followings, and they&#8217;ll be putting this message out on their own.&#8221;</p> <p>It gets worse. According to the Times, the entire administration narrative about the creation and content of the Iran deal was constructed from wholecloth:</p> <p>Rhodes&#8217;s innovative campaign to sell the Iran deal is likely to be a model for how future administrations explain foreign policy to Congress and the public. The way in which most Americans have heard the story of the Iran deal presented &#8212; that the Obama administration began seriously engaging with Iranian officials in 2013 in order to take advantage of a new political reality in Iran, which came about because of elections that brought moderates to power in that country &#8212; was largely manufactured for the purpose for selling the deal. Even where the particulars of that story are true, the implications that readers and viewers are encouraged to take away from those particulars are often misleading or false. Obama&#8217;s closest advisers always understood him to be eager to do a deal with Iran as far back as 2012, and even since the beginning of his presidency.</p> <p>The fiction went something like this: the Iranians selected a &#8220;moderate,&#8221; Hassan Rouhani, over &#8220;hard-liners.&#8221; Rouhani wanted to make a deal to put aside a nuclear weapons plan, and a historic deal was struck. That was utter horse manure from the get-go, as the Times reports:</p> <p>[T]he most meaningful part of the negotiations with Iran had begun in mid-2012, many months before Rouhani and the &#8220;moderate&#8221; camp were chosen in an election among candidates handpicked by Iran&#8217;s supreme leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The idea that there was a new reality in Iran was politically useful to the Obama administration.</p> <p>Who helped Obama push this nonsense? None other than Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic and Laura Rozen of Al-Monitor, both of whom &#8220;helped retail the administraiton&#8217;s narrative.&#8221;</p> <p>Says Rhodes, &#8220;We created an echo chamber.&#8221;</p> <p>That echo chamber repeated the lie that &#8220;negotiations&#8221; were bearing fruit, when in fact the Obama administration had already given away the store in 2012. Rhodes explains that such lies are fine: &#8220;I mean, I&#8217;d prefer a sober, reasoned public debate, after which members of Congress reflect and take a vote. But that&#8217;s impossible.&#8221;</p> <p>What&#8217;s truly incredible about all of this is not that the Obama administration lied, lied repeatedly, activated shills like Jeffrey Goldberg to market their lies, and watched as the media parroted those lies incessantly. What&#8217;s astonishing is the utter brazenness of telling the media about it. Richard Nixon lied about Watergate. It turns out he should have just switched party registrations, bragged about Watergate to friendly leftist outlets, and then let them do his dirty work.</p> <p>All of this bears Trumpian and Clintonian fruit. When nobody can be trusted to tell the truth, the truth no longer matters. We&#8217;ve now entered the world of knights who promise they are not knaves, and knaves who lie that they are not knaves. When you can&#8217;t tell the difference, lying becomes simply a mode of communication &#8211; and then the only question is, which person will lie for you?</p> <p>Barack Obama perfected this world of lies, and now he brags about it to the very people he played for fools. And they&#8217;re happy to report all of it, knowing that their own readers will continue buying whatever line they choose to sell.</p>

many americans look pathological lies presumptive democratic nominee hillary clinton presumptive republican nominee donald trump wonder quietly reached point two words barack obama thursday new york times ran puff piece white house national security advisor ben rhodes man charge selling horrific iran nuclear deal public congress rhodes times characterizes aspiring novelist ended running barack obamas foreign policy brags openly manipulating press lie administration spins fiction left times notes lack conventional realworld experience kind normally precedes responsibility fate nations like military diplomatic service even masters degree international relations rather creative writing still startling creative fiction name game obama administration times states watching rhodes work remember still chiefly writer using new set tools along traditional arts narrative spin create stories great consequence biggest page imaginablewhen asked jon favreau obamas lead speechwriter 2008 campaign close friend rhodess whether rhodes president ever thought individual speeches bits policy making part larger restructuring american narrative replied saw entire job entire job telling truth crafting decent policy united states writing lies left rhodes help times reports rhodes lackeys become adept ventriloquizing many people easiest way white house shape news explained briefing podiums dedicated press corps sort force multipliers said adding compadres reach couple people know wouldnt want name name said ticking names prominent washington reporters columnists often tweet sync white house messaging price laughed ill say hey look people spinning narrative sign american weakness continued fact sign strength said chuckling ill give color price continued next thing know lots guys dotcom publishing space huge twitter followings theyll putting message gets worse according times entire administration narrative creation content iran deal constructed wholecloth rhodess innovative campaign sell iran deal likely model future administrations explain foreign policy congress public way americans heard story iran deal presented obama administration began seriously engaging iranian officials 2013 order take advantage new political reality iran came elections brought moderates power country largely manufactured purpose selling deal even particulars story true implications readers viewers encouraged take away particulars often misleading false obamas closest advisers always understood eager deal iran far back 2012 even since beginning presidency fiction went something like iranians selected moderate hassan rouhani hardliners rouhani wanted make deal put aside nuclear weapons plan historic deal struck utter horse manure getgo times reports meaningful part negotiations iran begun mid2012 many months rouhani moderate camp chosen election among candidates handpicked irans supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei idea new reality iran politically useful obama administration helped obama push nonsense none jeffrey goldberg atlantic laura rozen almonitor helped retail administraitons narrative says rhodes created echo chamber echo chamber repeated lie negotiations bearing fruit fact obama administration already given away store 2012 rhodes explains lies fine mean id prefer sober reasoned public debate members congress reflect take vote thats impossible whats truly incredible obama administration lied lied repeatedly activated shills like jeffrey goldberg market lies watched media parroted lies incessantly whats astonishing utter brazenness telling media richard nixon lied watergate turns switched party registrations bragged watergate friendly leftist outlets let dirty work bears trumpian clintonian fruit nobody trusted tell truth truth longer matters weve entered world knights promise knaves knaves lie knaves cant tell difference lying becomes simply mode communication question person lie barack obama perfected world lies brags people played fools theyre happy report knowing readers continue buying whatever line choose sell

<p>While I've invested a decent portion of my portfolio into growth stocks, a significant part of my holdings consists of dividend-paying stocks. That's because I like generating passive income (which I currently reinvest into growth stocks) and <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/02/04/these-2-dividend-growth-stocks-could-crush-the-mar.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dividend payers have historically outperformed non-payers by a wide margin Opens a New Window.</a>. Because of those two factors, I'm always adding money to my portfolio so I can buy more dividend paying stocks.</p> <p>The three currently at the top of my buy list are Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI), Enbridge Energy Partners (NYSE: EEP), and Weyerhaeuser (NYSE: WY). While I already own all three, I plan to add to my position in each one over the next month. Here's why.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In addition to collecting income by holding dividend stocks for the long haul, I also like writing <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/options/options-the-basics.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">options Opens a New Window.</a> to generate some extra cash in exchange for being willing to either buy or sell a stock at a certain price. In one of those trades, I wrote puts on natural gas pipeline giant Kinder Morgan to potentially buy it at a lower price or at least get paid to try. Those options expire this month, and given where shares are right now, I could potentially buy another helping of Kinder Morgan this month.</p> <p>I'd love it if the stock remains below my option price so that I can pick up more shares. That's because, at my potential $17 purchase price, I'd pay less than 8.5 times cash flow, which is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/19/kinder-morgan-incs-low-stock-price-continues-to-co.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dirt cheap for such a quality company Opens a New Window.</a> (most peers fetch around 12 times cash flow). On top of that, Kinder Morgan is just about to raise its dividend 60%, which means I could collect an attractive 4.7% yield on this purchase. That said, if shares rally past my option price and I don't get them this month, I'll likely write more and try again.</p> <p>I've already made it known that Enbridge Energy Partners is the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/03/03/why-im-buying-more-of-this-top-income-stock-in-mar.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">top income stock I plan to buy this month Opens a New Window.</a>. However, like Kinder Morgan, what I find most attractive about Enbridge Energy Partners isn't the current yield but its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/17/this-high-yield-stock-was-just-too-cheap-not-to-bu.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">deeply discounted valuation Opens a New Window.</a>. At the moment, units of the oil pipeline <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-master-limited-partnership.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">MLP Opens a New Window.</a> sell for just eight times cash flow. For comparison's sake, most other MLPs trade at more than 10 times cash flow.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>That said, I also love Enbridge Energy Partners' current yield of more than 10%, not only for the size but its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/02/16/this-105-yielding-dividend-stock-is-now-as-low-ris.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">safety Opens a New Window.</a>. After completing several transformational transactions last year, the company now has "one of the lowest business risk profiles in the sector," according to President Mark Maki. I would love to add another helping of the company's low-risk income stream to my portfolio, which is something I plan on doing shortly after the next scheduled cash deposit into my brokerage account later this month.</p> <p>The third dividend stock I'd buy right now is Weyerhaeuser. The forestry company generates steady income from selling lumber, wood products, and non-core land holdings, which it uses to support a 3.6%-yielding dividend. It's a payout the company has increased six times since 2011, including by 3.2% at the end of last year.</p> <p>While that's an attractive income stream, what appeals most to me about Weyerhaeuser is its upside as the U.S. housing market continues improving. According to several forecasts, single-family housing starts should increase 10% this year, driven by rising employment and wages. That outlook bodes well for wood product demand since single-family homes use three times more wood than new multifamily structures. Add in several other tailwinds, and Weyerhaeuser has the potential to build upon the 31% earnings growth it delivered last year, which could pave the way for additional dividend increases as well as continued share buybacks in the coming years. I hope to capture a larger share of that upside potential by adding to my Weyerhaeuser position in the very near future.</p> <p>While I already own all three of these dividend payers, I'd gladly boost my position in each one right now. In fact, if everything goes according to plan, I will do just that over the next month. That's because I believe all three dividends are just as attractive, if not more so, then when I initially added them to my portfolio.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Kinder MorganWhen 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;amp;impression=fc79913a-482e-43e9-b9c2-f7f3d60da4b4&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Kinder Morgan 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;amp;impression=fc79913a-482e-43e9-b9c2-f7f3d60da4b4&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;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 March 5, 2018</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Matthew DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Enbridge Energy Partners, Kinder Morgan, and Weyerhaeuser and has the following options: short March 2018 $17 puts on Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=a3a28846-8a4c-4dc9-80be-371d230a9424&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

ive invested decent portion portfolio growth stocks significant part holdings consists dividendpaying stocks thats like generating passive income currently reinvest growth stocks dividend payers historically outperformed nonpayers wide margin opens new window two factors im always adding money portfolio buy dividend paying stocks three currently top buy list kinder morgan nyse kmi enbridge energy partners nyse eep weyerhaeuser nyse wy already three plan add position one next month heres continue reading addition collecting income holding dividend stocks long haul also like writing options opens new window generate extra cash exchange willing either buy sell stock certain price one trades wrote puts natural gas pipeline giant kinder morgan potentially buy lower price least get paid try options expire month given shares right could potentially buy another helping kinder morgan month id love stock remains option price pick shares thats potential 17 purchase price id pay less 85 times cash flow dirt cheap quality company opens new window peers fetch around 12 times cash flow top kinder morgan raise dividend 60 means could collect attractive 47 yield purchase said shares rally past option price dont get month ill likely write try ive already made known enbridge energy partners top income stock plan buy month opens new window however like kinder morgan find attractive enbridge energy partners isnt current yield deeply discounted valuation opens new window moment units oil pipeline mlp opens new window sell eight times cash flow comparisons sake mlps trade 10 times cash flow advertisement said also love enbridge energy partners current yield 10 size safety opens new window completing several transformational transactions last year company one lowest business risk profiles sector according president mark maki would love add another helping companys lowrisk income stream portfolio something plan shortly next scheduled cash deposit brokerage account later month third dividend stock id buy right weyerhaeuser forestry company generates steady income selling lumber wood products noncore land holdings uses support 36yielding dividend payout company increased six times since 2011 including 32 end last year thats attractive income stream appeals weyerhaeuser upside us housing market continues improving according several forecasts singlefamily housing starts increase 10 year driven rising employment wages outlook bodes well wood product demand since singlefamily homes use three times wood new multifamily structures add several tailwinds weyerhaeuser potential build upon 31 earnings growth delivered last year could pave way additional dividend increases well continued share buybacks coming years hope capture larger share upside potential adding weyerhaeuser position near future already three dividend payers id gladly boost position one right fact everything goes according plan next month thats believe three dividends attractive initially added portfolio 10 stocks like better kinder morganwhen 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 kinder morgan wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns march 5 2018 matthew dilallo opens new window owns shares enbridge energy partners kinder morgan weyerhaeuser following options short march 2018 17 puts kinder morgan motley fool owns shares recommends kinder morgan motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Oil prices rose for a third straight day as forecasts of higher demand and tensions in the Middle East outweighed rising OPEC output.</p> <p>U.S. crude futures settled up 38 cents, or 0.75%, at $51.30 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent, the global benchmark, rose 33 cents, or 0.58%, to $56.94 on ICE Futures Europe.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Oil prices have been grinding higher in recent weeks amid signs of strong demand and depleting stockpiles. The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Wednesday raised its forecast for 2017 oil prices by $1 a barrel, reflecting recent increases.</p> <p>"The bulls are in charge for the most part," said Ric Navy, senior vice president for energy futures at RJ O'Brien &amp;amp; Associates LLC. "There's an upward slant, but we're still within a range -- we'll find out where the lines are drawn."</p> <p>Prices rose amid signs of escalating tensions between Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan following the Kurdish independence referendum," Mr. Navy said.</p> <p>Earlier in the day, prices had wavered between gains and losses after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reported its collective production shot up by 90,000 barrels a day in September. The increase was driven by higher production in Libya, Nigeria, Iraq and Gabon.</p> <p>But OPEC also revised upward its forecast for global oil demand growth by about 30,000 barrels a day for both 2017 and 2018.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In recent months, traders have been watching OPEC's output level as producers led by the oil cartel attempt to reduce global oversupply with an output cut.</p> <p>Russian and Saudi Arabian officials have signaled they are ready to extend a continuing oil production cut deal to the end of 2018, but some analysts are skeptical that other key oil suppliers would agree to an extension.</p> <p>Earlier in the week, oil futures received a boost from Saudi Arabia's plans to cut crude exports next month.</p> <p>Saudi Arabia said it would limit crude export allocations for November to 7.15 million barrels a day, according to analysts from JBC Energy. This would put the kingdom's exports more than 1.1 million barrels a day lower than its record overseas sales in November 2016.</p> <p>"I think the news that the Saudis cut exports in November curtailed declines. Whether that's enough to restart the rally remains to be seen, " said Gene McGillian, research manager at Tradition Energy.</p> <p>Still, not everybody is convinced by Saudi Arabia's numbers.</p> <p>"This reduction in supply relates to an unverifiable reference level," said Commerzbank analysts in a recent note. "Saudi Arabian oil exports will actually increase significantly."</p> <p>Analysts also say other countries such as Russia and Iraq are likely to step in to fill a potential fall in production if Saudi Arabia does reduce its exports.</p> <p>Other experts attribute oil's recent ascent to creeping political risk in the Middle East.</p> <p>President Donald Trump is expected to refuse to certify that Iran is in compliance with the 2015 international nuclear agreement, which could trigger additional U.S. sanctions against Tehran.</p> <p>Iran boosted its oil production after international sanctions against the nation were removed in early 2016 as part of a nuclear deal with six world powers.</p> <p>"The market was not pricing in enough of a risk premium for Iran due to what President Trump needs to announce before the end of the week in regards to decertification" of the agreement, said Olivier Jakob, managing director at oil consultancy Petromatrix.</p> <p>Investors will be watching for oil market data from the International Energy Agency on Thursday.</p> <p>Gasoline futures rose 1.77 cents, or 1.11%, to $1.6092 a gallon. Diesel futures rose 2.12 cents, or 1.2%, to $1.7861 a gallon.</p> <p>--Christopher Alessi and Biman Mukherji contributed to this article</p> <p>Write to Neanda Salvaterra at [email protected] and Biman Mukherji at [email protected]</p> <p>Oil prices rose for a third straight day as forecasts of higher demand and tensions in the Middle East outweighed rising OPEC output.</p> <p>U.S. crude futures settled up 38 cents, or 0.75%, at $51.30 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent, the global benchmark, rose 33 cents, or 0.58%, to $56.94 on ICE Futures Europe.</p> <p>Oil prices have been grinding higher in recent weeks amid signs of strong demand and depleting stockpiles. The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Wednesday raised its forecast for 2017 oil prices by $1 a barrel, reflecting recent increases.</p> <p>"The bulls are in charge for the most part," said Ric Navy, senior vice president for energy futures at RJ O'Brien &amp;amp; Associates LLC. "There's an upward slant, but we're still within a range -- we'll find out where the lines are drawn."</p> <p>Prices rose amid signs of escalating tensions between Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan following the Kurdish independence referendum," Mr. Navy said.</p> <p>Earlier in the day, prices had wavered between gains and losses after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reported its collective production shot up by 90,000 barrels a day in September. The increase was driven by higher production in Libya, Nigeria, Iraq and Gabon.</p> <p>But OPEC also revised upward its forecast for global oil demand growth by about 30,000 barrels a day for both 2017 and 2018.</p> <p>In recent months, traders have been watching OPEC's output level as producers led by the oil cartel attempt to reduce global oversupply with an output cut.</p> <p>Russian and Saudi Arabian officials have signaled they are ready to extend a continuing oil production cut deal to the end of 2018, but some analysts are skeptical that other key oil suppliers would agree to an extension.</p> <p>Earlier in the week, oil futures received a boost from Saudi Arabia's plans to cut crude exports next month.</p> <p>Saudi Arabia said it would limit crude export allocations for November to 7.15 million barrels a day, according to analysts from JBC Energy. This would put the kingdom's exports more than 1.1 million barrels a day lower than its record overseas sales in November 2016.</p> <p>"I think the news that the Saudis cut exports in November curtailed declines. Whether that's enough to restart the rally remains to be seen, " said Gene McGillian, research manager at Tradition Energy.</p> <p>Still, not everybody is convinced by Saudi Arabia's numbers.</p> <p>"This reduction in supply relates to an unverifiable reference level," said Commerzbank analysts in a recent note. "Saudi Arabian oil exports will actually increase significantly."</p> <p>Analysts also say other countries such as Russia and Iraq are likely to step in to fill a potential fall in production if Saudi Arabia does reduce its exports.</p> <p>Other experts attribute oil's recent ascent to creeping political risk in the Middle East.</p> <p>President Donald Trump is expected to refuse to certify that Iran is in compliance with the 2015 international nuclear agreement, which could trigger additional U.S. sanctions against Tehran.</p> <p>Iran boosted its oil production after international sanctions against the nation were removed in early 2016 as part of a nuclear deal with six world powers.</p> <p>"The market was not pricing in enough of a risk premium for Iran due to what President Trump needs to announce before the end of the week in regards to decertification" of the agreement, said Olivier Jakob, managing director at oil consultancy Petromatrix.</p> <p>Investors will be watching for oil market data from the International Energy Agency on Thursday.</p> <p>The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, said late Wednesday that its own data for the week showed a 3.1-million-barrel increase in crude supplies, a 1.6-million-barrel decrease in gasoline stocks and a 2-million-barrel rise in distillate inventories, according to a market participant.</p> <p>Gasoline futures rose 1.77 cents, or 1.11%, to $1.6092 a gallon. Diesel futures rose 2.12 cents, or 1.2%, to $1.7861 a gallon.</p> <p>--Christopher Alessi and Biman Mukherji contributed to this article</p> <p>Write to Neanda Salvaterra at [email protected] and Biman Mukherji at [email protected]</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>October 11, 2017 17:07 ET (21:07 GMT)</p>

oil prices rose third straight day forecasts higher demand tensions middle east outweighed rising opec output us crude futures settled 38 cents 075 5130 barrel new york mercantile exchange brent global benchmark rose 33 cents 058 5694 ice futures europe continue reading oil prices grinding higher recent weeks amid signs strong demand depleting stockpiles us energy information administration wednesday raised forecast 2017 oil prices 1 barrel reflecting recent increases bulls charge part said ric navy senior vice president energy futures rj obrien amp associates llc theres upward slant still within range well find lines drawn prices rose amid signs escalating tensions iraq iraqi kurdistan following kurdish independence referendum mr navy said earlier day prices wavered gains losses organization petroleum exporting countries reported collective production shot 90000 barrels day september increase driven higher production libya nigeria iraq gabon opec also revised upward forecast global oil demand growth 30000 barrels day 2017 2018 advertisement recent months traders watching opecs output level producers led oil cartel attempt reduce global oversupply output cut russian saudi arabian officials signaled ready extend continuing oil production cut deal end 2018 analysts skeptical key oil suppliers would agree extension earlier week oil futures received boost saudi arabias plans cut crude exports next month saudi arabia said would limit crude export allocations november 715 million barrels day according analysts jbc energy would put kingdoms exports 11 million barrels day lower record overseas sales november 2016 think news saudis cut exports november curtailed declines whether thats enough restart rally remains seen said gene mcgillian research manager tradition energy still everybody convinced saudi arabias numbers reduction supply relates unverifiable reference level said commerzbank analysts recent note saudi arabian oil exports actually increase significantly analysts also say countries russia iraq likely step fill potential fall production saudi arabia reduce exports experts attribute oils recent ascent creeping political risk middle east president donald trump expected refuse certify iran compliance 2015 international nuclear agreement could trigger additional us sanctions tehran iran boosted oil production international sanctions nation removed early 2016 part nuclear deal six world powers market pricing enough risk premium iran due president trump needs announce end week regards decertification agreement said olivier jakob managing director oil consultancy petromatrix investors watching oil market data international energy agency thursday gasoline futures rose 177 cents 111 16092 gallon diesel futures rose 212 cents 12 17861 gallon christopher alessi biman mukherji contributed article write neanda salvaterra neandasalvaterrawsjcom biman mukherji bimanmukherjiwsjcom oil prices rose third straight day forecasts higher demand tensions middle east outweighed rising opec output us crude futures settled 38 cents 075 5130 barrel new york mercantile exchange brent global benchmark rose 33 cents 058 5694 ice futures europe oil prices grinding higher recent weeks amid signs strong demand depleting stockpiles us energy information administration wednesday raised forecast 2017 oil prices 1 barrel reflecting recent increases bulls charge part said ric navy senior vice president energy futures rj obrien amp associates llc theres upward slant still within range well find lines drawn prices rose amid signs escalating tensions iraq iraqi kurdistan following kurdish independence referendum mr navy said earlier day prices wavered gains losses organization petroleum exporting countries reported collective production shot 90000 barrels day september increase driven higher production libya nigeria iraq gabon opec also revised upward forecast global oil demand growth 30000 barrels day 2017 2018 recent months traders watching opecs output level producers led oil cartel attempt reduce global oversupply output cut russian saudi arabian officials signaled ready extend continuing oil production cut deal end 2018 analysts skeptical key oil suppliers would agree extension earlier week oil futures received boost saudi arabias plans cut crude exports next month saudi arabia said would limit crude export allocations november 715 million barrels day according analysts jbc energy would put kingdoms exports 11 million barrels day lower record overseas sales november 2016 think news saudis cut exports november curtailed declines whether thats enough restart rally remains seen said gene mcgillian research manager tradition energy still everybody convinced saudi arabias numbers reduction supply relates unverifiable reference level said commerzbank analysts recent note saudi arabian oil exports actually increase significantly analysts also say countries russia iraq likely step fill potential fall production saudi arabia reduce exports experts attribute oils recent ascent creeping political risk middle east president donald trump expected refuse certify iran compliance 2015 international nuclear agreement could trigger additional us sanctions tehran iran boosted oil production international sanctions nation removed early 2016 part nuclear deal six world powers market pricing enough risk premium iran due president trump needs announce end week regards decertification agreement said olivier jakob managing director oil consultancy petromatrix investors watching oil market data international energy agency thursday american petroleum institute industry group said late wednesday data week showed 31millionbarrel increase crude supplies 16millionbarrel decrease gasoline stocks 2millionbarrel rise distillate inventories according market participant gasoline futures rose 177 cents 111 16092 gallon diesel futures rose 212 cents 12 17861 gallon christopher alessi biman mukherji contributed article write neanda salvaterra neandasalvaterrawsjcom biman mukherji bimanmukherjiwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 11 2017 1707 et 2107 gmt

<p>The AFGE union is pushing back on attempt to block employee web-based email at work. FBN&#8217;s Liz MacDonald reports the exclusive details.</p> <p>Last of a Three-Part Series</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It would be reasonable to think that immediately stopping terrorists and foreign spies from breaking into government computers would be an urgent concern for all federal workers at places like the Dept. of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement.</p> <p>Think again.</p> <p>The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union <a href="https://www.flra.gov/node/16456" type="external">last year fought for a grievance alleging that Homeland Security blocked government workers&#8217; access to web-based email on their work computers Opens a New Window.</a> &#8220;without first satisfying its bargaining obligations to the union,&#8221; the case file says. Federal workers can visit their webmail accounts on their own personal mobile devices, &amp;#160;though officials say policies are somewhat unclear about such use at work.</p> <p>Web-based emails are often prone to being loaded with computer viruses and malware, cyber security experts have told FOX Business. The CIA, Dept. of Defense, the FBI, the Nuclear Security Agency, Homeland Security, as well as the White House number among the federal entities hit by cyber hackers. Officials and cyber pros believe terrorists or nation states are trying to break in, noting the easiest way is via Internet-based emails like Hotmail or Gmail freighted with phishing malware.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In fact, the federal government is under daily attack by cyber thieves and cyber spies, government officials warn. Just last week, cyber thieves believed to be from Russia broke into the IRS via an online service for taxpayers and stole personal tax information for 104,000 individuals in order to get fraudulent tax refunds, now estimated at $50 million.</p> <p>Due to concern over the rise in cyber-attacks, the Dept. of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement have blocked personal webmail accounts on government computers. But the federal union has demanded collective bargaining on the policy change.</p> <p>The decision for the union grievance dated July 14 says that Homeland Security noted it has &#8220;sole and exclusive discretion" to &#8220;determine its network-access policies, in other words, the right to determine those policies without bargaining at all with the union,&#8221; citing the Federal&amp;#160;Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA). The agency added that the &#8220;arbitrator&#8217;s direction to bargain [with the union] over such matters is contrary to law.&#8221;</p> <p>The case file notes: &#8220;Following months of discussion among agency managers about whether to block webmail access on the agency&#8217;s network, the agency notified the union that it had decided to terminate employees&#8217; webmail access, effective one week after the notice.&amp;#160;When the agency instituted the webmail block without bargaining, the union filed a grievance.&#8221;</p> <p>Homeland Security cited &#8220;Congress&#8217;s concern with terrorists, transnational criminals, and foreign intelligence services using tools such as computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms, logic bombs, and eavesdropping sniffers&#8221; to &#8220;destroy, intercept,&#8221; even shut down federal government computers. Homeland Security officials also noted the &#8220;urgency of webmail security threats required that it act without bargaining first.&#8221;</p> <p>The threat is so serious that, since the law was enacted in 2002, two Administrations, six Congresses, and several federal courts have reaffirmed the federal cyber security mandate, without union interference, notes Patrick Pizzella, one of three officials at the Federal Labor Relations Authority adjudicating fights between federal agencies and their union workers. Pizzella served for seven and a half years as the chief information officer at the U.S. Department of Labor under President George W. Bush.</p> <p>But the arbitrator on the case ruled <a href="https://www.flra.gov/node/16456" type="external">Homeland Security &#8220;improperly blocked&#8221; union workers&#8217; &#8220;webmail&#8221; on government computers, Opens a New Window.</a> adding it &#8220;violated its bargaining obligations&#8221; with the federal worker union &#8220;in instituting the webmail block.&#8221;</p> <p>The security agencies, though, were not directed by the arbitrator to restore workers&#8217; access to email. &#8220;Instead, he directed the agency to bargain over the impact and implementation of the change in webmail access,&#8221; the case file notes. The security agencies now block webmail accounts at work. For example, &#8220;effective Sept. 8, 2011, ICE employees were no longer able to access personal webmail accounts on any DHS (Homeland Security) network,&#8221; says Gillian M. Christensen, spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Union officials want their federal bosses to negotiate with them in collective bargaining over policy updates in order to help workers deal with changes their employers make in the workplace.</p> <p>According to the case file, the way Congress wrote the FISMA law, &#8220;Congress signaled that collective bargaining is wholly compatible with management&#8217;s right to determine internal&#8209;security practices.&#8221;</p> <p>The concern here is that malware often pops up in company networks months after the fact, disrupting tens of millions of consumers&#8212;for example, the cyber breaches at places like Target (NYSE:TGT), Anthem/Blue-Cross Blue Shield, JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), and Home Depot (NYSE:HD).</p> <p>It takes victim organizations <a href="http://investors.fireeye.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=897918" type="external">on average 205 days Opens a New Window.</a> to discover that their digital networks had been compromised, the cyber-attack research firm FireEye (NASDAQ:FEYE) says. Meanwhile, a quarter million new malware files are put into circulation over the Internet every day, cyber pros at PandaLabs estimate.</p> <p>AFGE&#8217;s attempt to stop email blocks undermined &#8220;a key component of the Federal Information Security Management Act,&#8221; FLRA official Pizzella wrote in his dissent.</p> <p>Pizzella also added a scary back story here: &#8220;In this case, the agency has a mere thirty-six employees to monitor an IT [information-technology] system that is used by 30,000&amp;#160;employees deployed around the globe.During the four years that cover this grievance, the agency experienced daily malware attacks (not unlike those inflicted on other federal agencies as noted above).</p> <p>"Despite repeated warnings from senior agency officials and ongoing training efforts, a significant &#8216;uptick in mail infections and privacy spills&#8217; occurred in February&amp;#160;2011.&amp;#160;The agency determined that the &#8216;uptick&#8217; resulted primarily from employees accessing personal webmail accounts on their work computers.As a consequence, the agency notified all employees that they would &#8216;no longer be able to access personal webmail accounts on any [agency] network.&#8217;"</p> <p>Pizzella noted: &#8220;The arbitrator effectively determined, and my colleagues agree, that the agency may not take any action to reduce security risks to its IT systems, without first providing the Union an opportunity to bargain.&#8221;</p> <p>Meanwhile, in a case that wraps teleworking and cyber threats together, the U.S. Postal Service late last year suspended its teleworking program for workers after a major cyber security breach was discovered that compromised the personal information of as many as 800,000 current and former Post Office employees. The hack was believed to emanate from China.</p> <p>Post office workers were working from home, logging onto a virtual private network to do their jobs. But the network &#8220;was identified as vulnerable&#8221; to cyber hacks, and was made &#8220;unavailable&#8221; as the Post Office works &#8220;to make modifications to this type of remote access&#8221; to its networks, according to a document distributed to employees.</p> <p>But the Post Office&#8217;s biggest union wasn&#8217;t having any of that. It slapped the Postal Service with charges, alleging it mishandled the teleworking program and delayed disclosing information about the hack. &#8220;We have already filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board protesting the Postal Service&#8217;s failure to bargain over the impact of the security breach,&#8221; Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, said in a letter to union members. The Post Office defended the delay as necessary because it would have put its &#8220;remediation actions in jeopardy.&#8221;</p>

afge union pushing back attempt block employee webbased email work fbns liz macdonald reports exclusive details last threepart series continue reading would reasonable think immediately stopping terrorists foreign spies breaking government computers would urgent concern federal workers places like dept homeland security us customs immigration enforcement think american federation government employees afge union last year fought grievance alleging homeland security blocked government workers access webbased email work computers opens new window without first satisfying bargaining obligations union case file says federal workers visit webmail accounts personal mobile devices 160though officials say policies somewhat unclear use work webbased emails often prone loaded computer viruses malware cyber security experts told fox business cia dept defense fbi nuclear security agency homeland security well white house number among federal entities hit cyber hackers officials cyber pros believe terrorists nation states trying break noting easiest way via internetbased emails like hotmail gmail freighted phishing malware advertisement fact federal government daily attack cyber thieves cyber spies government officials warn last week cyber thieves believed russia broke irs via online service taxpayers stole personal tax information 104000 individuals order get fraudulent tax refunds estimated 50 million due concern rise cyberattacks dept homeland security us customs immigration enforcement blocked personal webmail accounts government computers federal union demanded collective bargaining policy change decision union grievance dated july 14 says homeland security noted sole exclusive discretion determine networkaccess policies words right determine policies without bargaining union citing federal160information security management act 2002 fisma agency added arbitrators direction bargain union matters contrary law case file notes following months discussion among agency managers whether block webmail access agencys network agency notified union decided terminate employees webmail access effective one week notice160when agency instituted webmail block without bargaining union filed grievance homeland security cited congresss concern terrorists transnational criminals foreign intelligence services using tools computer viruses trojan horses worms logic bombs eavesdropping sniffers destroy intercept even shut federal government computers homeland security officials also noted urgency webmail security threats required act without bargaining first threat serious since law enacted 2002 two administrations six congresses several federal courts reaffirmed federal cyber security mandate without union interference notes patrick pizzella one three officials federal labor relations authority adjudicating fights federal agencies union workers pizzella served seven half years chief information officer us department labor president george w bush arbitrator case ruled homeland security improperly blocked union workers webmail government computers opens new window adding violated bargaining obligations federal worker union instituting webmail block security agencies though directed arbitrator restore workers access email instead directed agency bargain impact implementation change webmail access case file notes security agencies block webmail accounts work example effective sept 8 2011 ice employees longer able access personal webmail accounts dhs homeland security network says gillian christensen spokeswoman immigration customs enforcement union officials want federal bosses negotiate collective bargaining policy updates order help workers deal changes employers make workplace according case file way congress wrote fisma law congress signaled collective bargaining wholly compatible managements right determine internalsecurity practices concern malware often pops company networks months fact disrupting tens millions consumersfor example cyber breaches places like target nysetgt anthembluecross blue shield jpmorgan chase nysejpm home depot nysehd takes victim organizations average 205 days opens new window discover digital networks compromised cyberattack research firm fireeye nasdaqfeye says meanwhile quarter million new malware files put circulation internet every day cyber pros pandalabs estimate afges attempt stop email blocks undermined key component federal information security management act flra official pizzella wrote dissent pizzella also added scary back story case agency mere thirtysix employees monitor informationtechnology system used 30000160employees deployed around globeduring four years cover grievance agency experienced daily malware attacks unlike inflicted federal agencies noted despite repeated warnings senior agency officials ongoing training efforts significant uptick mail infections privacy spills occurred february1602011160the agency determined uptick resulted primarily employees accessing personal webmail accounts work computersas consequence agency notified employees would longer able access personal webmail accounts agency network pizzella noted arbitrator effectively determined colleagues agree agency may take action reduce security risks systems without first providing union opportunity bargain meanwhile case wraps teleworking cyber threats together us postal service late last year suspended teleworking program workers major cyber security breach discovered compromised personal information many 800000 current former post office employees hack believed emanate china post office workers working home logging onto virtual private network jobs network identified vulnerable cyber hacks made unavailable post office works make modifications type remote access networks according document distributed employees post offices biggest union wasnt slapped postal service charges alleging mishandled teleworking program delayed disclosing information hack already filed charges national labor relations board protesting postal services failure bargain impact security breach mark dimondstein president american postal workers union said letter union members post office defended delay necessary would put remediation actions jeopardy

<p /> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It's officially tax week, which for some Americans brings resounding applause because they know a federal refund is likely on the way. In an average year, the Internal Revenue Service sends refunds to approximately four in five taxpayers.</p> <p>However, preparing our taxes can be a major challenge. This is partly because of the hassle of poring through countless receipts and digging through a year's worth of our income history. But the other component here is that tax knowledge is lacking among most Americans -- and who can blame them, with the U.S. tax code approaching 4 million words?</p> <p>NerdWallet conducted a survey of 1,015 people across the U.S. in February 2015 asking 10 questions regarding basic personal finance topics; the average score turned out to be a paltry 51%. If this were school, Americans would have received a big fat "F" for their cumulative tax knowledge. And as we all know, if the consumer doesn't understand something, they won't be able to tax full advantage of it.</p> <p>Understanding the 2016 federal income tax brackets Rather than tackle some of the complexities of tax credits and deductions today, I thought we'd examine one foundation of the federal tax system, which should come first and foremost when trying to understand your tax liability: federal income tax brackets. Specifically, we're going to be looking at the 2016 federal income tax brackets, which means we're looking at how your income will be taxed this year when you prepare your taxes 9-to-12 months from now.</p> <p>Here are five important things you should know about 2016 federal income tax brackets.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>1. There are seven progressive federal income tax brackets The first thing you'll want to know about the federal income tax brackets is that there are seven of them, and they're progressive based on the amount of taxable income you have, after taking deductions into account.</p> <p>2016 Federal Income Tax Schedule</p> <p>Table by author. Data source: IRS.</p> <p>As you can see above, the more you make, the higher your likelihood of moving into a higher ordinary tax bracket.</p> <p>However, it should be noted that your filing status can also greatly impact what federal income tax bracket you fall into. For instance, couples filing jointly can cumulatively earn up to $151,900 and still be taxed at a peak ordinary tax rate of 25%. By comparison, single filers move to a 28% ordinary income tax rate once they hit $91,150 in income.</p> <p>2. The 2016 tax schedule is relatively unchanged compared to the 2015 tax scheduleEvery year the Internal Revenue Service uses the Consumer Price Index, which calculates the cost of a basket of goods and services in an effort to measure the inflation rate, to adjust income thresholds, deductions, and credits. The higher the rate of inflation, the more we'd expect income thresholds within the federal income tax brackets to increase. The lower the rate of inflation, the less the income thresholds will be affected.</p> <p>2015 Federal Income Tax Schedule</p> <p>Table by author. Data source: IRS.</p> <p>As you can see from the 2015 federal income tax brackets above (which you can compared to the 2016 tax brackets in point one), there have been relatively minor adjustments higher in the income thresholds on a year-over-year basis, in according with our current low-inflation environment. While not a precise science, income thresholds have risen by about 0.5% year-over-year.</p> <p>3. Your effective tax rate is usually lower than your peak ordinary tax rateA potential misconception with federal income taxes is that your entire income for the year is taxed at your peak ordinary income tax rate, which isn't the case. In reality, only money earned within a specific tax bracket is subject to a specific tax rate.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>For example, imagine your taxable income winds up being $50,000 in 2016. As a single filer this would mean your peak ordinary (or marginal) tax rate is 25%. But you won't owe 25% tax on all $50,000. Instead, you'll pay a 10% tax on each dollar earned between $1 and $9,275; then a 15% tax on each dollar earned between $9,276 and $37,650; and finally 25% on each dollar earned between $37,651 and $50,000. Added together, your tax works out to $8,271 with a taxable income of $50,000, or 16.5% of your taxable income. This 16.5% represents your effective tax rate relative to your taxable income.</p> <p>4. Your peak ordinary tax rate may determine your capital gains and dividend taxThe federal income tax brackets may also determine how much you'll owe if you have capital gains or dividend income to report during 2016. Short-term gains from assets held for one year or less are taxed at your peak ordinary income tax rate. However, long-term gains held for one year and a day or longer achieve a special, lower tax rate.</p> <p>Image source: Pictures of Money via Flickr.</p> <p>As you can see in the 2016 federal income tax schedule under point one, taxpayers who fall into the peak ordinary tax rates of 10% or 15% are free and clear of federal income tax on capital gains held for more than a year and a day. Single filers, couples, and heads of household in the 25%, 28%, 33%, and even 35% tax brackets are only on the hook for a 15% tax rate on capital gains and dividends. Finally, the wealthiest taxpayers will owe 20% on long-term capital gains and dividends. Still, this is a nice drop from the 39.6% peak ordinary income tax rate, and a big reason why the rich keep getting richer.</p> <p>5. State and federal income tax tables are usually differentFinally, keep in mind that the majority of states do require taxpayers to file state income tax returns, and that the tax rules and regulations of your state are very likely not the same as the federal income tax brackets. In fact, most states are even unique from one another in how they handle taxing residents and offering credits and deductions. In other words, you'll want to pay close attention to how your state handles income taxes and ensure you're using tax software or seeking professional assistance in order to avoid making an error.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/16/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-2016-federal-incom.aspx" type="external">5 Things You Need to Know About 2016 Federal Income Tax Brackets Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, track every pick he makes under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/trackultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TrackUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a>makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source pixabay continue reading officially tax week americans brings resounding applause know federal refund likely way average year internal revenue service sends refunds approximately four five taxpayers however preparing taxes major challenge partly hassle poring countless receipts digging years worth income history component tax knowledge lacking among americans blame us tax code approaching 4 million words nerdwallet conducted survey 1015 people across us february 2015 asking 10 questions regarding basic personal finance topics average score turned paltry 51 school americans would received big fat f cumulative tax knowledge know consumer doesnt understand something wont able tax full advantage understanding 2016 federal income tax brackets rather tackle complexities tax credits deductions today thought wed examine one foundation federal tax system come first foremost trying understand tax liability federal income tax brackets specifically going looking 2016 federal income tax brackets means looking income taxed year prepare taxes 9to12 months five important things know 2016 federal income tax brackets advertisement 1 seven progressive federal income tax brackets first thing youll want know federal income tax brackets seven theyre progressive based amount taxable income taking deductions account 2016 federal income tax schedule table author data source irs see make higher likelihood moving higher ordinary tax bracket however noted filing status also greatly impact federal income tax bracket fall instance couples filing jointly cumulatively earn 151900 still taxed peak ordinary tax rate 25 comparison single filers move 28 ordinary income tax rate hit 91150 income 2 2016 tax schedule relatively unchanged compared 2015 tax scheduleevery year internal revenue service uses consumer price index calculates cost basket goods services effort measure inflation rate adjust income thresholds deductions credits higher rate inflation wed expect income thresholds within federal income tax brackets increase lower rate inflation less income thresholds affected 2015 federal income tax schedule table author data source irs see 2015 federal income tax brackets compared 2016 tax brackets point one relatively minor adjustments higher income thresholds yearoveryear basis according current lowinflation environment precise science income thresholds risen 05 yearoveryear 3 effective tax rate usually lower peak ordinary tax ratea potential misconception federal income taxes entire income year taxed peak ordinary income tax rate isnt case reality money earned within specific tax bracket subject specific tax rate image source pixabay example imagine taxable income winds 50000 2016 single filer would mean peak ordinary marginal tax rate 25 wont owe 25 tax 50000 instead youll pay 10 tax dollar earned 1 9275 15 tax dollar earned 9276 37650 finally 25 dollar earned 37651 50000 added together tax works 8271 taxable income 50000 165 taxable income 165 represents effective tax rate relative taxable income 4 peak ordinary tax rate may determine capital gains dividend taxthe federal income tax brackets may also determine much youll owe capital gains dividend income report 2016 shortterm gains assets held one year less taxed peak ordinary income tax rate however longterm gains held one year day longer achieve special lower tax rate image source pictures money via flickr see 2016 federal income tax schedule point one taxpayers fall peak ordinary tax rates 10 15 free clear federal income tax capital gains held year day single filers couples heads household 25 28 33 even 35 tax brackets hook 15 tax rate capital gains dividends finally wealthiest taxpayers owe 20 longterm capital gains dividends still nice drop 396 peak ordinary income tax rate big reason rich keep getting richer 5 state federal income tax tables usually differentfinally keep mind majority states require taxpayers file state income tax returns tax rules regulations state likely federal income tax brackets fact states even unique one another handle taxing residents offering credits deductions words youll want pay close attention state handles income taxes ensure youre using tax software seeking professional assistance order avoid making error article 5 things need know 2016 federal income tax brackets opens new window originally appeared foolcom sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window track every pick makes screen name trackultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new windowthe motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new windowmakes 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

<p>RUSH: A few words about Andrew Breitbart. I&#8217;ve known Andrew Breitbart since the 1990s when he was working with Matt Drudge to help produce that page, the Drudge Report, each and every day. He grew up in West Los Angeles, surrounded by liberals, father-in-law Orson Bean, the comedian. Sometime during the 1990s, the early nineties, Breitbart had an awakening. He was constantly questioning what was all around him, which was really extreme liberalism, and he became, as many of you in the audience know, a bulldog. He literally was an indefatigable bulldog for the conservative cause. He did things that nobody else has done on the Internet where there are a lot of players. He accomplished quite a lot, much more than a lot of people.</p> <p>A lot of people get into the business for a number of reasons. His was to effect change. He really sought to effect change above everything else. A lot of people get into it to make a name for themselves. He was about that, too, of course, but he really was about effecting change, and he did on numerous occasions with ACORN, Anthony Weiner, Shirley Sherrod, just to name three of his most famous examples. But he was a bulldog. He was walking outside his home in his neighborhood in Brentwood just after midnight, keeled over. People had talked to him two hours prior, he sounded perfectly fine. They&#8217;re shocked. Family&#8217;s stunned. I mean there were some reports of health problems, but there was no indication of this.</p> <p>So everybody&#8217;s in a state of shock today trying to make sense of it. And when something like this happens to somebody a lot of people know at a very young age, you could say he died too young by half, he&#8217;s 43, life expectancy in the early eighties. You&#8217;re reminded once again, it&#8217;s become a cliche but it&#8217;s worth mentioning. You only get one life, and most people don&#8217;t get as much out of it as they could. Human nature. And one of the reasons that most people don&#8217;t get the most out of their lives that they can is they can&#8217;t stop thinking about themselves. And the more you think about yourself the more depressed you&#8217;re gonna get. Human nature. The more you think about yourself, the less you are aware of things going on outside your sphere. It&#8217;s hard not to do that, and Breitbart did that.</p> <p>Breitbart was outside himself in all of his quests. When I say indefatigable, I never heard of him sleeping. I know he did, but he was constantly on the go. He was also a grateful guy and very thoughtful. He was a guest at our wedding in 2010, and about two months prior he sent Cookie a note, wanted to know if she knew who one of my most inspirational figures was. She told him. He presented us with a classic painting of Ronald Reagan, and every year since, every birthday, three birthdays, he has sent me a giant painting, a different rendering of the American flag.</p> <p>It&#8217;s a very sad thing to see this happen. And I&#8217;ve been made aware that some of the leftists on Twitter and other blog sites are filled with an unspeakable callous and coarse mean-spiritedness today. When I heard about it I went to some of these sites and I read some of the tweets, some of them from well-known left-wing journalists, Slate.com, you would not believe it, I&#8217;m struck. What is there to compromise with these people? Where is the area for compromise with these people? I mean it is really vicious stuff, which, in the end he would have loved and was a testament to his effectiveness and how effective he was.</p> <p>Even today, the AP in their story/obit of Andrew Breitbart misrepresents him, even in death. And maybe fittingly, given his quest in life, this AP article is a textbook example of the kind of outrageous mendacity in the news media today that he fought against. Even in death the AP cannot refrain from lying about him and misrepresenting him. They treat his posting of the Shirley Sherrod video clip as one of the highlights of his career only in order to use it against him. But Breitbart&#8217;s clip did not misrepresent her views.</p> <p>The clip that he posted &#8212; he had the Big Government websites, Big Journalism websites &#8212; the clip that he posted of Shirley Sherrod contained enough of her comments that any fair-minded viewer would realize she was telling the audience about her previous prejudices. This was the case involving all of the mythical black farmers that were signed up for a giant government payout. She and her husband were in on that, and so many of them were not qualified to receive the payment. They all got the payment on the basis of past racism and bigotry and all of this. He exposed Shirley Sherrod, just as he exposed Anthony Weiner&#8217;s photos, or Anthony&#8217;s Weiner photos, he exposed &#8217;em. Where&#8217;s Weiner today? He&#8217;s walking the baby to the dry cleaners in Queens.</p> <p>Then there was ACORN. Remember the James O&#8217;Keefe videos. That was Andrew Breitbart. They went walking in portraying a pimp and a prostitute looking for ways to scam the system, and there was ACORN telling &#8217;em how to do it. All caught on tape. It caused ACORN to theoretically shut down, and change their name and come back to life as a bunch of separate organizations. The AP article damns Andrew Breitbart with faint praise. It describes him as &#8220;an outspoken critic of the mainstream media but was lionized by his fans for his efforts at exposing government corruption and media bias.&#8221; Now, was he only lionized by his fans?</p> <p>Wouldn&#8217;t you think that real-life journalists would applaud Breitbart&#8217;s efforts to expose government corruption and media bias? I mean, what does the media claim to exist to do? To hold the powerful accountable! &#8220;Speak truth to power,&#8221; is that the phrase? Well, the mainstream media has become part of the power. When that power is held by the Democrat Party, the mainstream media covers up the corruption. He was exposing it. He did more and greater work than Woodward and Bernstein! He should have been one of their heroes. But he wasn&#8217;t. He should have been given the same kind of hero worship that Woodward and Bernstein have gotten. And unlike the work of Woodward and Bernstein, Breitbart&#8217;s investigations were actually truthful.</p> <p>Now, at the bottom of the article, the AP notes that, quote, &#8220;Breitbart&#8217;s websites also featured a 2009 hidden-camera sting video that brought embarrassment to the community group ACORN. The videos show ACORN staffers offering advice on taxes and other issues to actors posing as a prostitute and pimp,&#8221; close quote, which is another blatant misrepresentation. We all know that those ACORN staffers were doing more than &#8220;offering advice on taxes and other issues.&#8221; Why else would they have been fired? They were all fired in humiliating disgrace. Why did ACORN lose its funding? Why was it disbanded, and then rebranded and put back together?</p> <p>Because of Andrew Breitbart.</p> <p>All in all, this AP article just goes to show that the country desperately needs another thousand more Andrew Breitbarts, if you ask me. He was something. Constantly on the go. Constantly revved up. He was at Tea Party event. He went to CPAC. He would even occasionally go to breakfast meetings of various Republican members of Congress, sit with them and discuss strategy, the way to effectively advance ideas and be victorious. You know, all of us are unique. It&#8217;s true to say that there will never be another Andrew Breitbart. There will never be another anybody because we&#8217;re all unique. I hope that the people who worked with him can maintain the tradition, the energy, and the effectiveness that his websites all were after his passing.</p> <p>I know they&#8217;re going to try, and I know they&#8217;ll do it with a sense of honor, duty, and devotion to Breitbart as well as the fact they love it, too. It&#8217;s just really a sad thing. Everybody is totally taken by surprise, as I say. He was on the phone with people two hours before he died. Nobody knew that anything was wrong. Now, he&#8217;d had some health problems. People knew that. But there was no terminal diagnosis involved here. There was no ongoing illness that people were aware of. There were some health problems, but nothing that indicated anything like this. Except maybe to people very close to him. Who knows?</p> <p>But at ten o&#8217;clock last night people were talking to him on the phone and two hours later he keels over on the sidewalk in his neighborhood in Brentwood. He&#8217;ll be missed by a lot of people. I will say one thing that happened to him. The Pigford thing. That was the Shirley Sherrod case. That was the USDA. The Pigford settlement. This is where all those black farmers scored big on the federal government for past discrimination way, way back. They just tried to find as many people as they could that had never been farmers; family had never been farmers. It was one of his highlights of his career. But I noted change in him over the years, and I think this is a life lesson.</p> <p>Over the years, the whole thing he was involved in seemed to lose some of the fun factor as the intensity and the seriousness of it picked up. And this loops back to the notion that we all only have one life. I hope that that didn&#8217;t have anything to do with it. I mean, he was very intense. He was profoundly intense, and at times he&#8217;d get very mad, very angry &#8212; as we all do &#8212; and very frustrated. Everybody wants to matter. Everybody wants to be effective. He was far more effective than he probably ever dreamed, but probably wanted to be even more so. So let&#8217;s hope that the people who were around him, who were inspired by him, can keep his work going as though he were still there.</p> <p>&#8216;Cause that work is crucially important to a lot of people on the conservative side. As I say: Remember, now, he grew up in West LA. He grew up surround by liberals. He told me. We interviewed him here for his book. <a href="http://download.premiereradio.net/guest/rushlimb/daily/LimbaughLetter_AndrewBreitbart.pdf" type="external">We interviewed him</a> for the Limbaugh Letter. He described the process that he took, or that occurred to him as he began to question some of this stuff that just been inculcated, drilled into him from the time he was born. He began to question it. A lot of it didn&#8217;t make sense. And then one day, a big burst of reality hit, and his life changed forever. Andrew Breitbart was 43 years old and he&#8217;s going to be missed by everybody who knew him.</p>

rush words andrew breitbart ive known andrew breitbart since 1990s working matt drudge help produce page drudge report every day grew west los angeles surrounded liberals fatherinlaw orson bean comedian sometime 1990s early nineties breitbart awakening constantly questioning around really extreme liberalism became many audience know bulldog literally indefatigable bulldog conservative cause things nobody else done internet lot players accomplished quite lot much lot people lot people get business number reasons effect change really sought effect change everything else lot people get make name course really effecting change numerous occasions acorn anthony weiner shirley sherrod name three famous examples bulldog walking outside home neighborhood brentwood midnight keeled people talked two hours prior sounded perfectly fine theyre shocked familys stunned mean reports health problems indication everybodys state shock today trying make sense something like happens somebody lot people know young age could say died young half hes 43 life expectancy early eighties youre reminded become cliche worth mentioning get one life people dont get much could human nature one reasons people dont get lives cant stop thinking think depressed youre gon na get human nature think less aware things going outside sphere hard breitbart breitbart outside quests say indefatigable never heard sleeping know constantly go also grateful guy thoughtful guest wedding 2010 two months prior sent cookie note wanted know knew one inspirational figures told presented us classic painting ronald reagan every year since every birthday three birthdays sent giant painting different rendering american flag sad thing see happen ive made aware leftists twitter blog sites filled unspeakable callous coarse meanspiritedness today heard went sites read tweets wellknown leftwing journalists slatecom would believe im struck compromise people area compromise people mean really vicious stuff end would loved testament effectiveness effective even today ap storyobit andrew breitbart misrepresents even death maybe fittingly given quest life ap article textbook example kind outrageous mendacity news media today fought even death ap refrain lying misrepresenting treat posting shirley sherrod video clip one highlights career order use breitbarts clip misrepresent views clip posted big government websites big journalism websites clip posted shirley sherrod contained enough comments fairminded viewer would realize telling audience previous prejudices case involving mythical black farmers signed giant government payout husband many qualified receive payment got payment basis past racism bigotry exposed shirley sherrod exposed anthony weiners photos anthonys weiner photos exposed em wheres weiner today hes walking baby dry cleaners queens acorn remember james okeefe videos andrew breitbart went walking portraying pimp prostitute looking ways scam system acorn telling em caught tape caused acorn theoretically shut change name come back life bunch separate organizations ap article damns andrew breitbart faint praise describes outspoken critic mainstream media lionized fans efforts exposing government corruption media bias lionized fans wouldnt think reallife journalists would applaud breitbarts efforts expose government corruption media bias mean media claim exist hold powerful accountable speak truth power phrase well mainstream media become part power power held democrat party mainstream media covers corruption exposing greater work woodward bernstein one heroes wasnt given kind hero worship woodward bernstein gotten unlike work woodward bernstein breitbarts investigations actually truthful bottom article ap notes quote breitbarts websites also featured 2009 hiddencamera sting video brought embarrassment community group acorn videos show acorn staffers offering advice taxes issues actors posing prostitute pimp close quote another blatant misrepresentation know acorn staffers offering advice taxes issues else would fired fired humiliating disgrace acorn lose funding disbanded rebranded put back together andrew breitbart ap article goes show country desperately needs another thousand andrew breitbarts ask something constantly go constantly revved tea party event went cpac would even occasionally go breakfast meetings various republican members congress sit discuss strategy way effectively advance ideas victorious know us unique true say never another andrew breitbart never another anybody unique hope people worked maintain tradition energy effectiveness websites passing know theyre going try know theyll sense honor duty devotion breitbart well fact love really sad thing everybody totally taken surprise say phone people two hours died nobody knew anything wrong hed health problems people knew terminal diagnosis involved ongoing illness people aware health problems nothing indicated anything like except maybe people close knows ten oclock last night people talking phone two hours later keels sidewalk neighborhood brentwood hell missed lot people say one thing happened pigford thing shirley sherrod case usda pigford settlement black farmers scored big federal government past discrimination way way back tried find many people could never farmers family never farmers one highlights career noted change years think life lesson years whole thing involved seemed lose fun factor intensity seriousness picked loops back notion one life hope didnt anything mean intense profoundly intense times hed get mad angry frustrated everybody wants matter everybody wants effective far effective probably ever dreamed probably wanted even lets hope people around inspired keep work going though still cause work crucially important lot people conservative side say remember grew west la grew surround liberals told interviewed book interviewed limbaugh letter described process took occurred began question stuff inculcated drilled time born began question lot didnt make sense one day big burst reality hit life changed forever andrew breitbart 43 years old hes going missed everybody knew