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<p /> <p>The commodity price volatility over the past couple of years has had a deep and likely lasting impact on the oil and gas industry. Companies have learned the hard way that exposure to commodity prices plus loads of leverage could be the undoing of a company. That's why a most midstream companies have focused their attention on bolstering their fee-based asset base. That has certainly been a focus of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners , which has been investing heavily to boost its portfolio of fee-based assets. These assets now support more than 90% of its revenue, with even greater support on the way.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Drilling down into this numberBoardwalk Pipeline Partners actually has a pretty strong history of deriving the bulk of its revenue from fee-based assets. As the slide below notes, roughly 80% of its revenue has come from take-or-pay contracts while another 10% has come from utilization charges keeping the fee-based average at well over 90% for the past five years:</p> <p>Image source: Boardwalk Pipeline Partners Investor Presentation.</p> <p>Where the company has run into a little bit of trouble is when its fee-based contracts have come up for renewal, with the company having to take lower rates on some pipelines a couple years back just to keep the capacity from dropping to much. That came at the wrong time for Boardwalk, which was in the middle of a multibillion-dollar expansion program and needed all the cash it could get to fund that program without going too deeply in debt. That's one reason why it significantly reduced its dividend, using that cash flow to help support the construction of its next wave of fee-based projects.</p> <p>The remaining projects, which were alluded to on the above slide, will cost the company $1.6 billion. However, they're backed by a weighted-average contract life of about 18 years. That will help extend the weighted-average contract life of the company's current fee-based portfolio, which at the moment averages just five years.</p> <p>This is important because these fee-based contracts basically lock in the bulk of the company's revenue for the next few years. In a sense, it puts a firm floor underneath revenue, with that floor slowly growing as new assets are placed into service. As this next slide shows, that floor is expected to grow from $940 million last year to $1.03 billion by 2017:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Image source: Boardwalk Pipeline Partners Investor Presentation.</p> <p>What this means is that the company can bank on this revenue no matter what commodity prices or volumes do over the next few years.</p> <p>When commodity prices hitWe saw just what commodity price volatility could do to the earnings of the company's peers last year. Energy Transfer Partners' midstream segment, for example, has come under a lot of pressure due to weakening commodity prices. As the chart below shows, its midstream segment's earnings last quarter were down substantially year over year:</p> <p>Data source: Energy Transfer Partners.</p> <p>Energy Transfer Partners attributed the decline to lower natural gas and NGL prices, which resulted in lower non-fee based margins. That roughly $100 million year-over-year decline in segment earnings worked out to a 6% impact on the company's overall segment earnings. It was also a major factor pushing Energy Transfer Partners' distribution coverage ratio in 2015 down to a very concerning 0.99 times, meaning it paid out all of its cash flow and then some.</p> <p>Meanwhile, midstream peers Williams Companies and its MLP Williams Partners also both experienced a similar impact from commodity price volatility last year. While Williams Partners noted that its adjusted EBITDA rose $848 million, or by 26% to $4.09 billion, that was a much smaller increase than the company's fee-based revenue, which surged 36% or by $1.376 billion due to fee-based projects going into service. Offsetting this surge in fee-based revenue was a $229 million hit from lower NGL margins after NGL prices remained at a 13-year low. That impact resulted in Williams Partners non-adjusted distribution coverage ratio averaging a worrisome 0.97 times last year with its general partner Williams Companies also seeing a concerning 0.99 times coverage ratio last year.</p> <p>Investor takeawayFee-based revenue that's backed by long-term contracts really matters for midstream companies. That's why Boardwalk Pipeline Partners' investors need to keep an eye on this number. Right now, it's not only well over 90% but poised to head higher given its investments to build additional fee-based assets. However, if Boardwalk were to start building or buying assets that are exposed to commodity prices, it has the potential to push that number down. That could have a big impact on cash flow and a company's ability to comfortably maintain its distribution and fund growth projects during troubling times.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/01/1-key-boardwalk-pipeline-partners-lp-number-you-mu.aspx" type="external">1 Key Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP Number You Must Know 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 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>

commodity price volatility past couple years deep likely lasting impact oil gas industry companies learned hard way exposure commodity prices plus loads leverage could undoing company thats midstream companies focused attention bolstering feebased asset base certainly focus boardwalk pipeline partners investing heavily boost portfolio feebased assets assets support 90 revenue even greater support way continue reading drilling numberboardwalk pipeline partners actually pretty strong history deriving bulk revenue feebased assets slide notes roughly 80 revenue come takeorpay contracts another 10 come utilization charges keeping feebased average well 90 past five years image source boardwalk pipeline partners investor presentation company run little bit trouble feebased contracts come renewal company take lower rates pipelines couple years back keep capacity dropping much came wrong time boardwalk middle multibilliondollar expansion program needed cash could get fund program without going deeply debt thats one reason significantly reduced dividend using cash flow help support construction next wave feebased projects remaining projects alluded slide cost company 16 billion however theyre backed weightedaverage contract life 18 years help extend weightedaverage contract life companys current feebased portfolio moment averages five years important feebased contracts basically lock bulk companys revenue next years sense puts firm floor underneath revenue floor slowly growing new assets placed service next slide shows floor expected grow 940 million last year 103 billion 2017 advertisement image source boardwalk pipeline partners investor presentation means company bank revenue matter commodity prices volumes next years commodity prices hitwe saw commodity price volatility could earnings companys peers last year energy transfer partners midstream segment example come lot pressure due weakening commodity prices chart shows midstream segments earnings last quarter substantially year year data source energy transfer partners energy transfer partners attributed decline lower natural gas ngl prices resulted lower nonfee based margins roughly 100 million yearoveryear decline segment earnings worked 6 impact companys overall segment earnings also major factor pushing energy transfer partners distribution coverage ratio 2015 concerning 099 times meaning paid cash flow meanwhile midstream peers williams companies mlp williams partners also experienced similar impact commodity price volatility last year williams partners noted adjusted ebitda rose 848 million 26 409 billion much smaller increase companys feebased revenue surged 36 1376 billion due feebased projects going service offsetting surge feebased revenue 229 million hit lower ngl margins ngl prices remained 13year low impact resulted williams partners nonadjusted distribution coverage ratio averaging worrisome 097 times last year general partner williams companies also seeing concerning 099 times coverage ratio last year investor takeawayfeebased revenue thats backed longterm contracts really matters midstream companies thats boardwalk pipeline partners investors need keep eye number right well 90 poised head higher given investments build additional feebased assets however boardwalk start building buying assets exposed commodity prices potential push number could big impact cash flow companys ability comfortably maintain distribution fund growth projects troubling times article 1 key boardwalk pipeline partners lp number must know opens new window originally appeared foolcom matt dilallo opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>3D SystemsCorporation(NYSE: DDD) and Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS)are the largest and most diversified publicly traded pure-play 3D printing companies. Some investors who are bullish on the long-term potential of 3D printing likely want to invest in at least one of these two companies. The two industry leaders share many similarities -- in size, business mix and model, and recent struggles to grow revenue due to a widespread slowdown in demand. So, it can be difficult to tease out relevant key differences to determine which company's stock is the better long-term investment.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Our quest here is to try to answer that question -- or at least provide some insight into it.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>"Quality" here refers to top management's ability to strategize and execute. Both3D printing companieshave struggled with execution over the last couple of years -- 3D Systems more widely, and Stratasys with respect to its desktop unit, MakerBot. However, both have new CEOs in 2016, and 3D Systems also has a very new CFO, so we could see some changes -- positive or negative -- on the execution front.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>How well the two leading 3D printing companies perform is going to largely depend upon how well their respective new top leadership teams strategize and execute. It's too early to tell which company has the best team.</p> <p>The 3D printing leaders have similar business mixes and models. Both sell 3D printers and related hardware, sell material for the printers, and have service operations that perform on-demand 3D printing services.</p> <p>Both companies employ a razor-and-blade-like business model in their hardware businesses, where 3D printers are the "razors," and materials and service contracts are the "blades." The more 3D printers sold, the greater the demand should be for materials and service contracts in the future. These types of business models can be quite lucrative when they're working well, because the recurring revenue streams they generate typically sport higher profit margins than a company's average.</p> <p>The effectiveness of these business models is illustrated by the fact that, while Stratasys' 3D printer revenue declined 19% year over year in the second quarter, its print materials revenue increased 11%, and its customer support revenue, which includes revenue generated from service contracts, also rose 11%.</p> <p>The primary goal of companies that use razor-and-blade-like business models is to build the largest installed base of their "razors."</p> <p>Stratasys has sold a total of 156,543 3D printers across its three brands (Stratasys, Objet, and MakerBot) as of the end of the second quarter of 2016. Of course, we can't know how many of these systems are still printing away. The company has long claimed to have the largest installed base of 3D printers in the industry -- an achievement that surely got a big boost from its acquisition of MakerBot in 2013.</p> <p>While Stratasys doesn't seem to be advertising this claim more recently, there's no reason to believe anything has changed on this front. 3D Systems doesn't make public itsinstalled base numbers, though it's never challenged Stratasys' king-of-the-installed base claim.</p> <p>3D Systems has seven 3D printing technologies, while Stratasys has three. 3D Systems' greater technological diversity should theoretically provide it with greater market potential and make it less vulnerable to competition.So, some folks might want to put this category in 3D Systems' column.</p> <p>I'm making a subjective call, however, and deeming this category a tie. That's because Stratasys has the edge in quality, in my opinion, and quality is at least as important as quantity. Stratasys' Polyjet Connex tech is the creme de la creme of the established polymer 3D printing technologies, in my view. (Polymers include all plastics, but not all polymers are plastics.) This technology, whose standout features are its multicolor and multimaterial capabilities, is especially favored in the entertainment industry.</p> <p>Investors will soon get a taste of the relative strengths of 3D Systems' and Stratasys' technological moats. Several new entrants -- most notably HP Inc. and Carbon (formerly Carbon3D) -- have recently launched speedy and otherwise compelling polymer 3D printers for the enterprise market.</p> <p>3D Systems has the edge here because it sells 3D printers that can print in materials other than polymers -- namely, metals and ceramics -- whereas Stratasys sells only printers with polymer capabilities. This factor should theoretically better insulate Triple D from competition from HP and Carbon, both of whose 3D printers print only in polymers. 3D Systems' edge, though, is tempered by the fact that both it and Stratasys have materials capabilities beyond polymers in their 3D printing services operations.</p> <p>Both companies continue to struggle to grow revenue because of the industrywide slowdown in demand for 3D printers that began in early 2015. Stratasys has attributed this slowdown to a glut of 3D printers in the field due to the large numbers that were sold in the previous few years. It has also acknowledged that increased competition has likely lengthened sales cycles because customers have more choices to consider.</p> <p>Both companies continue to post negative earnings on a generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, basis. 3D Systems, however, performed better from an adjusted earnings-per-share basis in the second quarter. Its adjusted EPS increased to $0.12, up from $0.03 in the year-ago period. Stratasys' adjusted EPS also came in at $0.12, but it was down from $0.15.</p> <p>3D Systems' GAAP gross margin was 50.9% in the second quarter, up from 47.9% in the year-ago period. The company trumped Stratasys' 46.2% on this key metric. However, Stratasys' adjusted gross margin of 55.9% comfortably beat 3D Systems' 50%.</p> <p>Both companies sport clean balance sheets, with a solid amount of cash on hand and no long-term debt. Moreover, while they both continue to report negative earnings, they're both at least generating positive cash flows from their operations.</p> <p>3D Systems generated $12.9 million in cash from operations in the second quarter, while Stratasys' generated $6.9 million. However, Stratasys had the larger cash stash at the end of the quarter: $253.9 million vs. 3D Systems' $176.2 million.</p> <p>3D Systems and Stratasys share too manysimilaritiesand have performed inrelatively similar ways more recently to call one of them the better investment. Of course, investors should also consider valuations when making investment decisions.</p> <p>Many investors likely have long favored one of these two 3D printing companies over the other. I'd suggest keeping an open mind now that both companies have had recent changes in top leadership. We should soon see evidence that one top management team is emerging as better able to strategize and execute in an increasingly competitiveenvironment.</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! 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3d systemscorporationnyse ddd stratasys ltd nasdaq ssysare largest diversified publicly traded pureplay 3d printing companies investors bullish longterm potential 3d printing likely want invest least one two companies two industry leaders share many similarities size business mix model recent struggles grow revenue due widespread slowdown demand difficult tease relevant key differences determine companys stock better longterm investment continue reading quest try answer question least provide insight image source getty images quality refers top managements ability strategize execute both3d printing companieshave struggled execution last couple years 3d systems widely stratasys respect desktop unit makerbot however new ceos 2016 3d systems also new cfo could see changes positive negative execution front advertisement well two leading 3d printing companies perform going largely depend upon well respective new top leadership teams strategize execute early tell company best team 3d printing leaders similar business mixes models sell 3d printers related hardware sell material printers service operations perform ondemand 3d printing services companies employ razorandbladelike business model hardware businesses 3d printers razors materials service contracts blades 3d printers sold greater demand materials service contracts future types business models quite lucrative theyre working well recurring revenue streams generate typically sport higher profit margins companys average effectiveness business models illustrated fact stratasys 3d printer revenue declined 19 year year second quarter print materials revenue increased 11 customer support revenue includes revenue generated service contracts also rose 11 primary goal companies use razorandbladelike business models build largest installed base razors stratasys sold total 156543 3d printers across three brands stratasys objet makerbot end second quarter 2016 course cant know many systems still printing away company long claimed largest installed base 3d printers industry achievement surely got big boost acquisition makerbot 2013 stratasys doesnt seem advertising claim recently theres reason believe anything changed front 3d systems doesnt make public itsinstalled base numbers though never challenged stratasys kingoftheinstalled base claim 3d systems seven 3d printing technologies stratasys three 3d systems greater technological diversity theoretically provide greater market potential make less vulnerable competitionso folks might want put category 3d systems column im making subjective call however deeming category tie thats stratasys edge quality opinion quality least important quantity stratasys polyjet connex tech creme de la creme established polymer 3d printing technologies view polymers include plastics polymers plastics technology whose standout features multicolor multimaterial capabilities especially favored entertainment industry investors soon get taste relative strengths 3d systems stratasys technological moats several new entrants notably hp inc carbon formerly carbon3d recently launched speedy otherwise compelling polymer 3d printers enterprise market 3d systems edge sells 3d printers print materials polymers namely metals ceramics whereas stratasys sells printers polymer capabilities factor theoretically better insulate triple competition hp carbon whose 3d printers print polymers 3d systems edge though tempered fact stratasys materials capabilities beyond polymers 3d printing services operations companies continue struggle grow revenue industrywide slowdown demand 3d printers began early 2015 stratasys attributed slowdown glut 3d printers field due large numbers sold previous years also acknowledged increased competition likely lengthened sales cycles customers choices consider companies continue post negative earnings generally accepted accounting principles gaap basis 3d systems however performed better adjusted earningspershare basis second quarter adjusted eps increased 012 003 yearago period stratasys adjusted eps also came 012 015 3d systems gaap gross margin 509 second quarter 479 yearago period company trumped stratasys 462 key metric however stratasys adjusted gross margin 559 comfortably beat 3d systems 50 companies sport clean balance sheets solid amount cash hand longterm debt moreover continue report negative earnings theyre least generating positive cash flows operations 3d systems generated 129 million cash operations second quarter stratasys generated 69 million however stratasys larger cash stash end quarter 2539 million vs 3d systems 1762 million 3d systems stratasys share manysimilaritiesand performed inrelatively similar ways recently call one better investment course investors also consider valuations making investment decisions many investors likely long favored one two 3d printing companies id suggest keeping open mind companies recent changes top leadership soon see evidence one top management team emerging 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<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>For the roughly 150 million of you who file income tax returns with the federal government each year, relish in the fact that you're about as far away as possible from Tax Day (traditionally April 15) as you can get!</p> <p>However, millions of other Americans are nearing crunch time. Though we don't have the data as of yet for the 2015 tax year, since the Internal Revenue Service released tax filing data after the fact, nearly 13 million taxpayers chose to file extensions (Form 4868) in 2014 for their 2013 tax returns. This is important because the Oct. 17, 2016 deadline for people who filed federal tax extensions for the 2015 tax year is rapidly approaching.</p> <p>In some respects, filing for a tax extension makes a lot of sense. For example, if you have missing or inaccurate information, then you simply don't have the ability to file a complete tax return on-time. TurboTax notes that it's not completely unusual to have Form 1099 or a Schedule K-1 arrive late and foul up your plans to file your taxes by the April deadline.</p> <p>Two other reasons why some people may consider extensions are if they'll be out of town on business or a vacation, or if major life events get in the way and they simply don't have time to complete their federal income tax return before the April deadline rolls around. Whatever the reason, the IRS allows taxpayers to take advantage of extensions if they need them -- and apparently quite a few do.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>But as we inch closer to the October 2016 tax extension deadline, there are three things these millions of tax extension filers need to know.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>One realization you may have had when filing your tax extension was that an extension doesn't exempt you from paying the federal government what you believe you'll owe. People filing for a tax extension are still required to pay 90% of what they believe they'll owe by the April Tax Day deadline.</p> <p>If you failed to pay the full amount owed to the IRS by the April tax deadline, you'll more than likely owe penalties and interest as well. Failing to pay the full balance of what you owe can result in a 0.5% penalty per month, with a maximum penalty that works out to 25% of what you owe. Additionally, interest is charged (the federal short-term rate plus 3%) on your remaining balance, with this interest rate subject to change on a quarterly basis.</p> <p>But fail to miss the October tax extension deadline and you could really be hurting. The penalty for failing to file your tax return or tax extension can be 10 times as much (5% per month) as simply failing to pay (0.5% per month). When combined, the maximum penalty for failure to pay and file could reach as high as 47.5% of your total tax bill (22.5% for late filing and 25% for late payment).</p> <p>Long story short: be prepared to open your wallet if you've filed for an extension and failed to pay enough of your tax back in April.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>The second thing you'll want to know if you've filed a tax extension is that if you can't afford to pay the remainder that's owed, the smartest thing you can do is be proactive and contact the IRS in an attempt to work out an installment agreement. Just like a lender that's owed money, the IRS would rather work with you to collect your balance in full than have to penalize you and try to collect by other means.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://smartasset.com/taxes/4-things-to-know-about-the-october-tax-extension-deadline" type="external">SmartAsset Opens a New Window.</a>, qualifying for an installment agreement with the IRS is fairly straightforward. As long as you don't owe more than $50,000 and you've remained up-to-date on your tax filing, then you'll probably be able to work out a payment plan with the IRS over a 72-month period.</p> <p>Being proactive and upfront with the IRS over your inability to pay also has an ancillary benefit: you may be able to get some, or all, of your penalties waved. Furthermore, if you haven't had any recent tax trouble over the past three years and you proactively approach the IRS for help, they may even be willing to reduce the amount that you owe.</p> <p>Image source: U.S. Army.</p> <p>Finally, if you filed a tax extension, consider that a select few circumstances could allow you to postpone your tax deadline even further.</p> <p>For example, if you're in the military and stationed abroad, or you're in a combat zone, you may qualify for certain automatic exemptions that go well beyond the October tax extension deadline. Typically, members of the armed forces are granted an extension of 180 days from their last day of service in a combat zone. In certain cases, additional days may be tacked on for the period prior to Tax Day that military members were deployed. In short, the extension can vary from case to case, but members of the military in combat or stationed abroad usually have a viable reason to extend their tax filing.</p> <p>Another instance would be U.S. citizens who are living abroad. According to the IRS, U.S. citizens living abroad who also have a main place of business outside of the U.S. or Puerto Rico are allowed an automatic extension of two months to file their return and pay their federal income taxes.</p> <p>With Tax Day version 2.0 approaching, make sure you understand your options.</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! 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image source getty images continue reading roughly 150 million file income tax returns federal government year relish fact youre far away possible tax day traditionally april 15 get however millions americans nearing crunch time though dont data yet 2015 tax year since internal revenue service released tax filing data fact nearly 13 million taxpayers chose file extensions form 4868 2014 2013 tax returns important oct 17 2016 deadline people filed federal tax extensions 2015 tax year rapidly approaching respects filing tax extension makes lot sense example missing inaccurate information simply dont ability file complete tax return ontime turbotax notes completely unusual form 1099 schedule k1 arrive late foul plans file taxes april deadline two reasons people may consider extensions theyll town business vacation major life events get way simply dont time complete federal income tax return april deadline rolls around whatever reason irs allows taxpayers take advantage extensions need apparently quite advertisement inch closer october 2016 tax extension deadline three things millions tax extension filers need know image source getty images one realization may filing tax extension extension doesnt exempt paying federal government believe youll owe people filing tax extension still required pay 90 believe theyll owe april tax day deadline failed pay full amount owed irs april tax deadline youll likely owe penalties interest well failing pay full balance owe result 05 penalty per month maximum penalty works 25 owe additionally interest charged federal shortterm rate plus 3 remaining balance interest rate subject change quarterly basis fail miss october tax extension deadline could really hurting penalty failing file tax return tax extension 10 times much 5 per month simply failing pay 05 per month combined maximum penalty failure pay file could reach high 475 total tax bill 225 late filing 25 late payment long story short prepared open wallet youve filed extension failed pay enough tax back april image source getty images second thing youll want know youve filed tax extension cant afford pay remainder thats owed smartest thing proactive contact irs attempt work installment agreement like lender thats owed money irs would rather work collect balance full penalize try collect means according smartasset opens new window qualifying installment agreement irs fairly straightforward long dont owe 50000 youve remained uptodate tax filing youll probably able work payment plan irs 72month period proactive upfront irs inability pay also ancillary benefit may able get penalties waved furthermore havent recent tax trouble past three years proactively approach irs help may even willing reduce amount owe image source us army finally filed tax extension consider select circumstances could allow postpone tax deadline even example youre military stationed abroad youre combat zone may qualify certain automatic exemptions go well beyond october tax extension deadline typically members armed forces granted extension 180 days last day service combat zone certain cases additional days may tacked period prior tax day military members deployed short extension vary case case members military combat stationed abroad usually viable reason extend tax filing another instance would us citizens living abroad according irs us citizens living abroad also main place business outside us puerto rico allowed automatic extension two months file return pay federal income taxes tax day version 20 approaching make sure understand options 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>A row about how much top British politicians and officials knew about interest rate rigging will intensify on Monday as the man tipped to be the next Bank of England governor reveals what he told Barclays when it fiddled its figures.</p> <p>Paul Tucker, deputy governor of the Bank of England, will appear before lawmakers examining Barclays and other banks suspected of manipulating Libor, the interbank lending rate that underpins trillions of dollars of contracts around the globe. He appears at 1530 GMT.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Earlier this month, Barclays was fined a record $450 million by U.S. and UK regulators for conspiring to rig Libor rates between 2005 and 2009, plunging the bank into crisis and triggering a brawl between politicians over who was to blame.</p> <p>Brussels also stepped up its involvement in the probe and said it intends to propose new rules that would criminalise the manipulation of indexes such as Libor.</p> <p>"We need to draw lessons from the Libor case," said a spokesman for Michel Barnier, the EU Commissioner in charge of financial regulation. "We intend to close the regulatory gap in our proposed market abuse legislation by including the direct manipulation of market indexes such as Libor."</p> <p>The BoE's Tucker asked to appear before the lawmakers' panel to clarify his position after questions over his role in the scandal. Barclays is among more than a dozen global banks under investigation by authorities in North America, Europe and Japan, but the only one so far to admit wrongdoing.</p> <p>Barclays says some of its traders tried to manipulate Libor to improve their trading positions, and also says it wrongly lowered its estimates of the interest it paid other banks at the height of the financial crisis in 2008, to make its health appear better in comparison.</p> <p>An internal email released by Barclays last week drew Tucker into the scandal, showing that in October 2008 Tucker told Bob Diamond, then Barclays investment bank boss and later its CEO, that top officials questioned why Barclays rates were so high.</p> <p>"Mr Tucker stated the levels of calls he was receiving from Whitehall were 'senior' and that while he was certain we did not need advice, that it did not always need to be the case that we appeared as high as we have recently," Diamond wrote in 2008.</p> <p>Barclays has said Diamond's deputy, Jerry del Missier, understood Tucker's comments as a green light to fiddle rates.</p> <p>Diamond deflected blame from Tucker last week, telling the Treasury Select Committee he did not take Tucker's warning as an instruction to lower Libor estimates, and that del Missier had misunderstood it.</p> <p>Diamond and del Missier quit Barclays on Tuesday. Several sources have said the BoE and financial regulator had made clear they wanted Diamond to go.</p> <p>The Bank of England declined to comment on Diamond's note. Before it was released, a bank spokesman said: "It is nonsense to suggest that the Bank of England was aware of any impropriety in the setting of Libor." Tucker has not commented himself.</p> <p>MORE TESTIMONY</p> <p>Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne has said people close to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown were implicated.</p> <p>Osborne's Conservatives-led coalition replaced Brown's Labour government in 2010. Labour has angrily denied Osborne's accusation of complicity, leading to heated exchanges on the floor of the House of Commons.</p> <p>Tucker's appearance before the Treasury Select Committee will be followed the next day by Marcus Agius, who quit as Barclays chairman on Monday to take the heat off Diamond, but then became executive chairman when Diamond left. Agius will stay until a replacement is found.</p> <p>Adair Turner, chairman of the Financial Services Authority, could also be called to appear later in the week.</p> <p>The scandal - complete with emails showing bankers boasting of fiddling figures and congratulating each other with offers of champagne - has sparked fierce criticism about the financial industry in general and Barclays in particular.</p> <p>Politicians say Diamond fostered an aggressive culture of excessive risk-taking, and have raised the threat of more political and regulatory intrusion in its operations. New pressure could force the bank to shrink or hive off its investment banking arm.</p> <p>Diamond says Barclays was unfairly targeted for agreeing to accept blame for a practice that was widespread in the industry.</p> <p>Barclays is the only bank to settle in what has been a long-running Libor investigation involving more than a dozen banks, including UBS, Deutsche Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.</p> <p>Britain's fraud squad took up the case on Friday, raising the prospect of criminal prosecutions, and sources told Reuters that Germany's markets regulator had launched a probe into Deutsche Bank.</p> <p>Two Deutsche Bank employees were suspended and left the bank in late 2011 after an examination of whether staff were involved in manipulating interbank lending rates, two sources at Deutsche Bank said, declining to reveal their identity.</p> <p>Deutsche Bank declined to comment, referring to its last quarterly report, which said it has received subpoenas and requests for information from U.S. and European authorities in connection with setting interbank rates between 2005 and 2011.</p> <p>UBS declined to comment beyond its last quarterly filing, which said it was being investigated over whether there were improper attempts to manipulate Libor, and it had been granted conditional leniency or immunity for co-operating.</p> <p>RBS has said "certain members" of the bank are alleged to have individually or collectively manipulated Libor. It declined further comment.</p> <p>Libor, or the London interbank offered rate, is compiled from estimates by large international banks of how much they believe they have to pay to borrow from each other. It is used for $550 trillion of interest rate derivatives contracts and influences rates on mortgages, student loans and credit cards.</p> <p>The rates submitted by banks are compiled by Thomson Reuters , parent company of Reuters, on behalf of the British Bankers' Association.</p> <p>Advertisement</p>

row much top british politicians officials knew interest rate rigging intensify monday man tipped next bank england governor reveals told barclays fiddled figures paul tucker deputy governor bank england appear lawmakers examining barclays banks suspected manipulating libor interbank lending rate underpins trillions dollars contracts around globe appears 1530 gmt continue reading earlier month barclays fined record 450 million us uk regulators conspiring rig libor rates 2005 2009 plunging bank crisis triggering brawl politicians blame brussels also stepped involvement probe said intends propose new rules would criminalise manipulation indexes libor need draw lessons libor case said spokesman michel barnier eu commissioner charge financial regulation intend close regulatory gap proposed market abuse legislation including direct manipulation market indexes libor boes tucker asked appear lawmakers panel clarify position questions role scandal barclays among dozen global banks investigation authorities north america europe japan one far admit wrongdoing barclays says traders tried manipulate libor improve trading positions also says wrongly lowered estimates interest paid banks height financial crisis 2008 make health appear better comparison internal email released barclays last week drew tucker scandal showing october 2008 tucker told bob diamond barclays investment bank boss later ceo top officials questioned barclays rates high mr tucker stated levels calls receiving whitehall senior certain need advice always need case appeared high recently diamond wrote 2008 barclays said diamonds deputy jerry del missier understood tuckers comments green light fiddle rates diamond deflected blame tucker last week telling treasury select committee take tuckers warning instruction lower libor estimates del missier misunderstood diamond del missier quit barclays tuesday several sources said boe financial regulator made clear wanted diamond go bank england declined comment diamonds note released bank spokesman said nonsense suggest bank england aware impropriety setting libor tucker commented testimony britains finance minister george osborne said people close thenprime minister gordon brown implicated osbornes conservativesled coalition replaced browns labour government 2010 labour angrily denied osbornes accusation complicity leading heated exchanges floor house commons tuckers appearance treasury select committee followed next day marcus agius quit barclays chairman monday take heat diamond became executive chairman diamond left agius stay replacement found adair turner chairman financial services authority could also called appear later week scandal complete emails showing bankers boasting fiddling figures congratulating offers champagne sparked fierce criticism financial industry general barclays particular politicians say diamond fostered aggressive culture excessive risktaking raised threat political regulatory intrusion operations new pressure could force bank shrink hive investment banking arm diamond says barclays unfairly targeted agreeing accept blame practice widespread industry barclays bank settle longrunning libor investigation involving dozen banks including ubs deutsche bank royal bank scotland britains fraud squad took case friday raising prospect criminal prosecutions sources told reuters germanys markets regulator launched probe deutsche bank two deutsche bank employees suspended left bank late 2011 examination whether staff involved manipulating interbank lending rates two sources deutsche bank said declining reveal identity deutsche bank declined comment referring last quarterly report said received subpoenas requests information us european authorities connection setting interbank rates 2005 2011 ubs declined comment beyond last quarterly filing said investigated whether improper attempts manipulate libor granted conditional leniency immunity cooperating rbs said certain members bank alleged individually collectively manipulated libor declined comment libor london interbank offered rate compiled estimates large international banks much believe pay borrow used 550 trillion interest rate derivatives contracts influences rates mortgages student loans credit cards rates submitted banks compiled thomson reuters parent company reuters behalf british bankers association advertisement

<p /> <p>Online ads are more pervasive today than ever before. Facebook's (NASDAQ: FB) CFO told investors last year that it's nearing the limit of the number of ads it can show in people's News Feeds before they abandon the app or website in search of something with fewer commercial interruptions.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Ads are simply a part of the internet browsing experience today, but that doesn't mean we have to like them. More people find digital ads annoying compared to television commercials, billboards, and magazine ads even though online advertisers have access to targeting data that should make them more relevant to viewers. Only 31% of internet users said they'd sit through an entire online video ad if it was targeted toward their interests. And a growing number of internet browsers are using ad blockers.</p> <p>That presents a problem for Facebook, which sees a growing amount of its engagement come from video views. In order to monetize the format, it's experimenting with yet another annoying ad format.</p> <p>Image source: Facebook.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The biggest reason people dislike ads on the internet is because they're often disruptive. Pop-up ads can obfuscate the content a reader came to see. Autoplay video ads in the middle of an article can be extremely distracting -- and embarrassing if you're slacking off at work and forgot to mute your computer. Even pre-roll ads, like on YouTube, can disrupt the experience of binge watching unlikely animal friend videos.</p> <p>Additionally, some people have security and privacy concerns about digital ads. Some <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016/01/08/you-say-advertising-i-say-block-that-malware/" type="external">high-profile Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/16/major-sites-new-york-times-bbc-ransomware-malvertising" type="external">reports Opens a New Window.</a> of digital ads leading browsers to install malware on their computers led people to install ad blockers.</p> <p>More often, ads creep people out because they "follow" browsers around the web. This gives internet users concerns about how private their browsing history is. (I don't want anyone else to know how many animal friend videos I watched!) Ad blocking software can disable tracking and profiling systems.</p> <p>There are several other reasons people might block ads, but those are the big ones. So, how is Facebook planning to overcome that challenge?</p> <p>Facebook is testing mid-roll video ads. Unlike the pre-roll ads you'll sometimes see before YouTube videos, mid-roll ads start at some point in the middle of a video. That hits on the biggest reason people dislike digital advertisements -- they're disruptive.</p> <p>Facebook's mid-roll video ads have the potential to be the most annoying ad format it's introduced yet if it's not careful. Imagine watching a video, then all of a sudden, about 20 seconds in, an ad starts playing. There's almost no way you're going to sit through it.</p> <p>At the same time, video publishers have an incentive to make the transition to the ad as smooth and non-disruptive as possible. Publishers receive 55% of revenue from the ad spots.</p> <p>Facebook sees mid-roll ads more along the lines of television commercials than your typical digital advertisement. Only 36% of respondents said they dislike television commercials, while 57% said they dislike online video ads in a recent survey from <a href="https://research.hubspot.com/reports/why-people-block-ads-and-what-it-means-for-marketers-and-advertisers" type="external">HubSpot Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Facebook is investing heavily in video content. It recently hired MTV's executive vice president Mina Lefevre to head content development on the platform.She'll lead plans to produce content to seed the video ecosystem on the social network with high-quality videos -- the kind of content you'd sit through a commercial interruption to see the whole thing.</p> <p>Mid-roll ads are a risky proposition. If they prove annoying to most users, it could stop them from coming to Facebook as a destination for video. That's one of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's big goals. "We want people to think of Facebook as a place for interesting and relevant video content from professional creators as well as their friends," he said on the company's fourth-quarter earnings call.</p> <p>But Facebook is running out of room to put new ads, and users are spending more time watching videos (where they're not seeing ads). In order to keep growing revenue, Facebook needs to find a way to monetize videos directly. Not only that, but monetizing video opens the door to share revenue with professional creators, giving them additional incentives to post their best work to Facebook.</p> <p>Facebook is being cautious with mid-roll ads, rolling them out to a small portion of users and publishers at a time. Zuckerberg told investors, "The early trends are good," so we could see an expansion in the near future. Facebook will continue to tread lightly, but improving the quality of the average video on its platform and strongly vetting the mid-roll ads to ensure they're relevant to users and the content they're watching should help it maintain those good results.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=80b66a3b-9d7b-4ceb-aecf-84d4bcafcffe&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 Facebook wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=80b66a3b-9d7b-4ceb-aecf-84d4bcafcffe&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/adamlevy/info.aspx" type="external">Adam Levy Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook. 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online ads pervasive today ever facebooks nasdaq fb cfo told investors last year nearing limit number ads show peoples news feeds abandon app website search something fewer commercial interruptions continue reading ads simply part internet browsing experience today doesnt mean like people find digital ads annoying compared television commercials billboards magazine ads even though online advertisers access targeting data make relevant viewers 31 internet users said theyd sit entire online video ad targeted toward interests growing number internet browsers using ad blockers presents problem facebook sees growing amount engagement come video views order monetize format experimenting yet another annoying ad format image source facebook advertisement biggest reason people dislike ads internet theyre often disruptive popup ads obfuscate content reader came see autoplay video ads middle article extremely distracting embarrassing youre slacking work forgot mute computer even preroll ads like youtube disrupt experience binge watching unlikely animal friend videos additionally people security privacy concerns digital ads highprofile opens new window reports opens new window digital ads leading browsers install malware computers led people install ad blockers often ads creep people follow browsers around web gives internet users concerns private browsing history dont want anyone else know many animal friend videos watched ad blocking software disable tracking profiling systems several reasons people might block ads big ones facebook planning overcome challenge facebook testing midroll video ads unlike preroll ads youll sometimes see youtube videos midroll ads start point middle video hits biggest reason people dislike digital advertisements theyre disruptive facebooks midroll video ads potential annoying ad format introduced yet careful imagine watching video sudden 20 seconds ad starts playing theres almost way youre going sit time video publishers incentive make transition ad smooth nondisruptive possible publishers receive 55 revenue ad spots facebook sees midroll ads along lines television commercials typical digital advertisement 36 respondents said dislike television commercials 57 said dislike online video ads recent survey hubspot opens new window meanwhile facebook investing heavily video content recently hired mtvs executive vice president mina lefevre head content development platformshell lead plans produce content seed video ecosystem social network highquality videos kind content youd sit commercial interruption see whole thing midroll ads risky proposition prove annoying users could stop coming facebook destination video thats one ceo mark zuckerbergs big goals want people think facebook place interesting relevant video content professional creators well friends said companys fourthquarter earnings call facebook running room put new ads users spending time watching videos theyre seeing ads order keep growing revenue facebook needs find way monetize videos directly monetizing video opens door share revenue professional creators giving additional incentives post best work facebook facebook cautious midroll ads rolling small portion users publishers time zuckerberg told investors early trends good could see expansion near future facebook continue tread lightly improving quality average video platform strongly vetting midroll ads ensure theyre relevant users content theyre watching help maintain good results 10 stocks like better facebookwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right facebook wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 adam levy opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends facebook motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p><a href="" type="internal" />What say you? If the police can have, shouldn&#8217;t the people?</p> <p>It is now legal for law enforcement in North Dakota to fly drones armed with everything from Tasers to tear gas thanks to a last-minute push by a pro-police lobbyist.</p> <p>With all the concern over the <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/02/the-swat-lobby-bats-away-ferguson.html" type="external">militarization of police</a> in the past year, no one noticed that the state became the first in the union to allow police to equip drones with &#8220;less than lethal&#8221; weapons. House Bill 1328 wasn&#8217;t drafted that way, but then a lobbyist representing law enforcement&#8212;tight with a booming drone industry&#8212;got his hands on it.</p> <p>The bill&#8217;s stated intent was to require police to obtain a search warrant from a judge in order to use a drone to search for criminal evidence. In fact, the original draft of Rep. Rick Becker&#8217;s bill would have banned all weapons on police drones.</p> <p>Then Bruce Burkett of North Dakota Peace Officer&#8217;s Association was allowed by the state house committee to amend HB 1328 and limit the prohibition only to lethal weapons. &#8220;Less than lethal&#8221; weapons like rubber bullets, pepper spray, tear gas, sound cannons, and Tasers are therefore permitted on police drones.</p> <p>Becker, the bill&#8217;s Republican sponsor, said he had to live with it.</p> <p>&#8220;This is one I&#8217;m not in full agreement with. I wish it was any weapon,&#8221; he said at a hearing in March. &#8220;In my opinion there should be a nice, red line: Drones should not be weaponized. Period.&#8221;</p> <p>Even &#8220;less than lethal&#8221; weapons can kill though. At least 39 people have been killed by <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/18/when-police-tasers-kill-the-tragic-death-of-stanley-harlan.html" type="external">police Tasers</a> in 2015 so far, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2015/jun/01/the-counted-police-killings-us-database" type="external">according</a> to The Guardian. Bean bags, rubber bullets, and flying tear gas canisters have also maimed, if not killed, in the U.S. and abroad.</p> <p>Becker said he worried about police firing on criminal suspects remotely, not unlike U.S. Air Force pilots who <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/17/the-war-on-isis-is-a-drone-war.html" type="external">bomb the so-called Islamic State widely known as ISIS from more than 5,000 miles away</a>.</p> <p>&#8220;When you&#8217;re not on the ground, and you&#8217;re making decisions, you&#8217;re sort of separate,&#8221; Becker said in March. &#8220;Depersonalized.&#8221;</p> <p>Drones have been in use for decades by the military, but their high prices have prevented police departments from obtaining them until recently. Money&#8217;s no problem for the the Grand Forks County Sheriff&#8217;s Department, though: A California manufacturer loaned them two drones.</p> <p>Grand Forks County Sheriff Bob Rost said his department&#8217;s drones are only equipped with cameras and he doesn&#8217;t think he should need a warrant to go snooping.</p> <p>&#8220;It was a bad bill to start with,&#8221; Rost told The Daily Beast. &#8220;We just thought the whole thing was ridiculous.&#8221;</p> <p>Rost said he needs to use drones for surveillance in order to obtain a warrant in the first place.</p> <p>&#8220;If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear,&#8221; Becker remembered opponents like Rost saying.</p> <p>Yet the sheriff&#8217;s department is hiding a full accounting of how many drone missions they&#8217;ve flown since 2012. Records requests by The Daily Beast were initially denied by the sheriff because they would &#8220;cost a fortune,&#8221; and were only handed over after an appeal to the state&#8217;s attorney general&#8217;s office.</p> <p>The sheriff and lobbyists assured lawmakers that drones would only be used in non-criminal situations, like the search for a missing person or to photograph an accident scene. What they didn&#8217;t mention was the 2011 arrest of Rodney Brossart, a cattle thief who was caught by a Department of Homeland Security drone.</p> <p>When a few cows wandered onto his land, Brossart refused to take them back to their owner, his neighbor. The neighbor called the police and the situation turned into a 16-hour standoff. Fearful of entering his ranch without knowing where Brossart was, police asked Homeland Security to redirect a Predator searching the border with Canada.</p> <p>The drone meant to find drug smugglers instead found Brossart&#8212;on his own property&#8212;and he was arrested.</p> <p>Law enforcement wasn&#8217;t the only one who disapproved of the legislation. A representative from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the vice president of an economic development group, the founder of a drone company, and the director of the University of North Dakota&#8217;s drone major program all testified against the bill.</p> <p>Why would a bunch of business types want to stop something like warrants for drones?</p> <p>&#8220;I think when you&#8217;re trying to stimulate an industry in your state, you don&#8217;t want things that would potentially have a chilling effect on [drone] manufacturers,&#8221; said Al Frazier, a Grand Forks sheriff&#8217;s deputy who pilots the drones.</p> <p>Organizations like the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International track legislation, especially any laws that appear to limit drone &#8220;development,&#8221; according to Keith Lund of the Grand Forks Regional Economic Development Corporation.</p> <p>&#8220;Requiring a search warrant for surveillance is &#8216;restricting development?&#8217;&#8221; asked Rep. Gary Paur, a Republican, at a hearing.</p> <p>&#8220;It&#8217;s really all about the commercial development, which is where all of this is heading,&#8221; Lund replied. &#8220;If [a law] is somehow limiting commercial, law enforcement development&#8230; that is a negative in terms of companies looking and investing in opportunities in the state of North Dakota,&#8221; Lund said.</p> <p>In other words, limit civil liberties so Big Drone can spread its wings.</p> <p>Drones in North Dakota are a profitable enterprise in a state hit hard by the oil bust. Companies that market machines for agricultural and commercial use have been popping up in industrial parks on the outskirts of Grand Forks for the better part of the last three years. The university, one of the city&#8217;s largest employers, even offers a four-year degree in drones. The Air Force has partnered with the private sector to create a drone research and development park, too.</p> <p>Read more:&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/26/first-state-legalizes-armed-drones-for-cops-thanks-to-a-lobbyist.html" type="external">The Daily Beast</a></p>

say police shouldnt people legal law enforcement north dakota fly drones armed everything tasers tear gas thanks lastminute push propolice lobbyist concern militarization police past year one noticed state became first union allow police equip drones less lethal weapons house bill 1328 wasnt drafted way lobbyist representing law enforcementtight booming drone industrygot hands bills stated intent require police obtain search warrant judge order use drone search criminal evidence fact original draft rep rick beckers bill would banned weapons police drones bruce burkett north dakota peace officers association allowed state house committee amend hb 1328 limit prohibition lethal weapons less lethal weapons like rubber bullets pepper spray tear gas sound cannons tasers therefore permitted police drones becker bills republican sponsor said live one im full agreement wish weapon said hearing march opinion nice red line drones weaponized period even less lethal weapons kill though least 39 people killed police tasers 2015 far according guardian bean bags rubber bullets flying tear gas canisters also maimed killed us abroad becker said worried police firing criminal suspects remotely unlike us air force pilots bomb socalled islamic state widely known isis 5000 miles away youre ground youre making decisions youre sort separate becker said march depersonalized drones use decades military high prices prevented police departments obtaining recently moneys problem grand forks county sheriffs department though california manufacturer loaned two drones grand forks county sheriff bob rost said departments drones equipped cameras doesnt think need warrant go snooping bad bill start rost told daily beast thought whole thing ridiculous rost said needs use drones surveillance order obtain warrant first place nothing hide nothing fear becker remembered opponents like rost saying yet sheriffs department hiding full accounting many drone missions theyve flown since 2012 records requests daily beast initially denied sheriff would cost fortune handed appeal states attorney generals office sheriff lobbyists assured lawmakers drones would used noncriminal situations like search missing person photograph accident scene didnt mention 2011 arrest rodney brossart cattle thief caught department homeland security drone cows wandered onto land brossart refused take back owner neighbor neighbor called police situation turned 16hour standoff fearful entering ranch without knowing brossart police asked homeland security redirect predator searching border canada drone meant find drug smugglers instead found brossarton propertyand arrested law enforcement wasnt one disapproved legislation representative north dakota department commerce vice president economic development group founder drone company director university north dakotas drone major program testified bill would bunch business types want stop something like warrants drones think youre trying stimulate industry state dont want things would potentially chilling effect drone manufacturers said al frazier grand forks sheriffs deputy pilots drones organizations like association unmanned vehicle systems international track legislation especially laws appear limit drone development according keith lund grand forks regional economic development corporation requiring search warrant surveillance restricting development asked rep gary paur republican hearing really commercial development heading lund replied law somehow limiting commercial law enforcement development negative terms companies looking investing opportunities state north dakota lund said words limit civil liberties big drone spread wings drones north dakota profitable enterprise state hit hard oil bust companies market machines agricultural commercial use popping industrial parks outskirts grand forks better part last three years university one citys largest employers even offers fouryear degree drones air force partnered private sector create drone research development park read more160 daily beast

<p /> <p>As OPEC gathers in Vienna next month to consider cutting its oil output, a lower profile event in Baghdad on the same day will signal Iraq's longer term ambition to do precisely the opposite.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Nov. 30 is both the date when OPEC ministers meet in the Austrian capital and the deadline set by Iraqi oil minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi for international firms to submit bids to help it develop 12 "small and medium-sized" oil fields.</p> <p>Crude output in Iraq, OPEC's second largest producer, is already rising dramatically despite corruption, poor infrastructure and the fight against Islamic State. This is complicating OPEC's efforts to revive prices by making its first output cut since the 2008 global financial crisis.</p> <p>Ministers from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries are supposed to decide in Vienna which member states will make the cuts under an outline agreement struck last month.</p> <p>Iraq says it will not reduce output because it needs oil money to combat Islamic State, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi offered strictly limited support on Tuesday. "We are prepared to cooperate on the correct basis," he said. "We want oil prices to increase."</p> <p>At around $50 a barrel, crude prices are less than half their levels in mid-2014 and OPEC is seeking a production deal that will last at least six months.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Developing the 12 Iraqi oil fields, which lie in southern and central areas away from Islamic State strongholds, will take longer than that. Nevertheless, fellow OPEC members and rivals need read no further than the terms of the new tender to understand Baghdad's intentions.</p> <p>The tender document sets quick output gains as the main requirement to win the contracts. Baghdad also wants maximum revenue, including from selling gas produced as a by-product of the crude extraction, rather than simply burning it off.</p> <p>After achieving commercial production in the first phase of development, the Oil Ministry's document says, "in the second phase, the sustainable high production level will be achieved, along with complete utilization of associated gas".</p> <p>With oil reserves of 143 billion barrels, Iraq controls almost every tenth barrel of oil in the ground in the world.</p> <p>Aside from security problems, its crude is as cheap and easy to extract as in Saudi Arabia or Iran, but its energy industry suffered decades of under-investment under Saddam Hussein who was overthrown by a U.S.-led invasion in 2003.</p> <p>Since then Iraq has signed deals with majors such as Exxon Mobil , BP and Royal Dutch Shell to develop its giant fields. Production has almost doubled to 4.7 million barrels per day this year from 2.4 million bpd at the start of the decade.</p> <p>But the growth has lagged the initial forecasts of production at 9 million bpd by 2018, equal to Saudi Arabia's. Held back by red tape, infrastructure constraints and difficult contract terms, Iraq is now targeting a more modest 5.5 million to 6 million bpd by 2020.</p> <p>The oil ministry is in a hurry. "Luaibi's plan is to boost production as quickly as possible to mitigate damage from lower prices, generate more revenues and have additional crude to repay contractors. This is the best way to keep everybody happy," a senior official with state-run South Oil Co said.</p> <p>Another reason for the push to develop smaller fields is that talks with the majors on revising their contracts for operating the giant fields in southern Iraq have stalled. "We can't just waste time and run round in circles with these tough talks," said the official, who declined to be named.</p> <p>Under service contracts awarded since 2003, the oil ministry pays the operators a fixed dollar-denominated fee for every barrel of oil produced. While the model worked well for Baghdad when prices were high, it is now paying the same fees while its revenue from oil sales is significantly lower.</p> <p>NEW CONTRACT MODEL</p> <p>An executive from a company bidding for one of the new contracts said that Luaibi wants to leave his mark "by ramping up production quickly".</p> <p>Iraq has already pre-qualified 19 companies for the round including giants such as Glencore , Russia's Rosneft and the UAE's Mubadala Oil.</p> <p>The fields might be small or midsize by Iraqi standards, but they are significant by anybody else's. Nine of the fields together hold 2.3 billion barrels, equal to the entire reserves of Britain, which currently produces around 1 million bpd.</p> <p>The new tenders also signal a departure from existing technical service contracts (TSCs), under which some oil producers complained of late payments by Baghdad.</p> <p>"Luaibi wants to tear apart old contracts and make them work better for Iraq and oil firms. He is telling oil firms: keep investing - we will find a way to pay you," one of the executives involved in bidding said.</p> <p>New deals will be awarded based on bilateral and direct negotiations between the oil ministry and oil companies, moving closer to production sharing contracts (PSCs), when companies get a percentage of the oil output instead of being paid a fee for their work.</p> <p>Their structures are likely to vary, reflecting the differing geologies of the various fields and consequently differing methods of extracting the crude.</p> <p>"In a country like Iraq with so much diversity in the oil fields, it's impossible to have one contract system. This is an evolution towards a hybrid Iraqi contract model combining elements of TSC and PSC," managing director of UAE-based Manaar Energy Group Jaafar Altaie said.</p> <p>CLAWING BACK MARKET SHARE</p> <p>Iraq has long said it believes it was cut out of the market in the 1990s, when the government of Saddam Hussein was under international sanctions, and hence it has lost its market share to rival OPEC producer Saudi Arabia.</p> <p>Officials say that as Iraq tries to retake its second city of Mosul from Islamic State, it should get the same exemptions from OPEC output restrictions as Iran, Nigeria and Libya, whose crude production has been hit by conflict and sanctions.</p> <p>"We are fighting a vicious war," Luaibi said this week.</p> <p>Veteran oil watcher and founder of Petromatrix consultancy, Oliver Jakob, says a third of OPEC's member states are now pleading special circumstances for why they should not accept output caps. As a result, Jakob has come up with a new way of spelling out the OPEC acronym: the Organisation of Producers Exempt from Cuts.</p> <p>(Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov and Ahmad Ghaddar; editing by David Stamp)</p>

opec gathers vienna next month consider cutting oil output lower profile event baghdad day signal iraqs longer term ambition precisely opposite continue reading nov 30 date opec ministers meet austrian capital deadline set iraqi oil minister jabar ali alluaibi international firms submit bids help develop 12 small mediumsized oil fields crude output iraq opecs second largest producer already rising dramatically despite corruption poor infrastructure fight islamic state complicating opecs efforts revive prices making first output cut since 2008 global financial crisis ministers organization petroleum exporting countries supposed decide vienna member states make cuts outline agreement struck last month iraq says reduce output needs oil money combat islamic state prime minister haider alabadi offered strictly limited support tuesday prepared cooperate correct basis said want oil prices increase around 50 barrel crude prices less half levels mid2014 opec seeking production deal last least six months advertisement developing 12 iraqi oil fields lie southern central areas away islamic state strongholds take longer nevertheless fellow opec members rivals need read terms new tender understand baghdads intentions tender document sets quick output gains main requirement win contracts baghdad also wants maximum revenue including selling gas produced byproduct crude extraction rather simply burning achieving commercial production first phase development oil ministrys document says second phase sustainable high production level achieved along complete utilization associated gas oil reserves 143 billion barrels iraq controls almost every tenth barrel oil ground world aside security problems crude cheap easy extract saudi arabia iran energy industry suffered decades underinvestment saddam hussein overthrown usled invasion 2003 since iraq signed deals majors exxon mobil bp royal dutch shell develop giant fields production almost doubled 47 million barrels per day year 24 million bpd start decade growth lagged initial forecasts production 9 million bpd 2018 equal saudi arabias held back red tape infrastructure constraints difficult contract terms iraq targeting modest 55 million 6 million bpd 2020 oil ministry hurry luaibis plan boost production quickly possible mitigate damage lower prices generate revenues additional crude repay contractors best way keep everybody happy senior official staterun south oil co said another reason push develop smaller fields talks majors revising contracts operating giant fields southern iraq stalled cant waste time run round circles tough talks said official declined named service contracts awarded since 2003 oil ministry pays operators fixed dollardenominated fee every barrel oil produced model worked well baghdad prices high paying fees revenue oil sales significantly lower new contract model executive company bidding one new contracts said luaibi wants leave mark ramping production quickly iraq already prequalified 19 companies round including giants glencore russias rosneft uaes mubadala oil fields might small midsize iraqi standards significant anybody elses nine fields together hold 23 billion barrels equal entire reserves britain currently produces around 1 million bpd new tenders also signal departure existing technical service contracts tscs oil producers complained late payments baghdad luaibi wants tear apart old contracts make work better iraq oil firms telling oil firms keep investing find way pay one executives involved bidding said new deals awarded based bilateral direct negotiations oil ministry oil companies moving closer production sharing contracts pscs companies get percentage oil output instead paid fee work structures likely vary reflecting differing geologies various fields consequently differing methods extracting crude country like iraq much diversity oil fields impossible one contract system evolution towards hybrid iraqi contract model combining elements tsc psc managing director uaebased manaar energy group jaafar altaie said clawing back market share iraq long said believes cut market 1990s government saddam hussein international sanctions hence lost market share rival opec producer saudi arabia officials say iraq tries retake second city mosul islamic state get exemptions opec output restrictions iran nigeria libya whose crude production hit conflict sanctions fighting vicious war luaibi said week veteran oil watcher founder petromatrix consultancy oliver jakob says third opecs member states pleading special circumstances accept output caps result jakob come new way spelling opec acronym organisation producers exempt cuts writing dmitry zhdannikov ahmad ghaddar editing david stamp

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Elections aside, the marijuana industry has had an incredible run over the past two decades.</p> <p>Prior to the 1996 approval of a compassionate use medical cannabis law in California, marijuana was illegal in all aspects (medical and recreational), and public support for nationwide legalization stood at just 25% per Gallup. Fast-forward to today and 25 states have legalized medical cannabis, with four states, as well as Washington D.C., legalizing the purchase of recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and up. It's worth noting that the two most recent states to legalize medical marijuana -- Pennsylvania and Ohio -- did so entirely through the legislative process. Furthermore, public support for nationwide legalization tied an all-time high in Gallup's 2015 poll at 58%.</p> <p>This marked shift in public opinion has translated into rapid growth for the legal marijuana industry. According to Cowen &amp;amp; Co., legal marijuana sales currently total about $6 billion annually. However, based on organic growth and expansion opportunities, the industry could be worth $50 billion by 2026.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The next step in that expansionary process is just over two weeks away, with residents in nine states set to vote on whether or not to legalize recreational or medical marijuana.</p> <p>The following five states are voting on recreational marijuana laws:</p> <p>And the following four states will be deciding whether or not to legalize medical marijuana:</p> <p>Let's take a closer look, based on the latest polls, at how voting could shake out in these nine states.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>The crown jewel for the marijuana industry is California, which is on its own the eighth-largest economy in the world by GDP. If marijuana is legalized for recreational use, California could be looking at an additional $1 billion in annual tax revenue, and the marijuana industry would have a new pathway to rapid growth. Ironically, though, some of the biggest opposition within the state has come from cannabis growers.</p> <p>Thus far, things are swaying toward approval for Prop 64. A late September poll from KPIX 5/Survey USA found that 52% of respondents favored Prop 64, compared to 41% who opposed the measure. A similar poll released on Sept. 12 from USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times found 58% support for the measure.</p> <p>California might be the crown jewel of the marijuana movement, but Nevada was actually the first state to put marijuana on its 2016 ballot. Considering that Nevada has long-standing medical cannabis infrastructure in place, legalization seems to be more of a possibility than not -- and the latest polls would seem to concur.</p> <p>A mid-September poll from KTNV and Rasmussen Reports shows that 53% of Nevadans supported the state's recreational marijuana law compared to just 39% who opposed it.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>While not as quick in getting a cannabis measure on its ballot, Maine met the number of signatures required to get a marijuana initiative in front of voters with plenty of time to spare. Having legalized medical cannabis back in 1999, Maine regulators have a good understanding of the infrastructure of the marijuana industry, and the state seems like a good candidate to legalize recreational pot next month.</p> <p>Based on the latest poll from the Portland Press Herald, 53% of respondents favored Question 1 compared to 38% who opposed the measure. As expected, younger adults demonstrated stronger favorability toward the measure, with 58% of seniors over age 65 opposing it.</p> <p>Whereas California, Nevada, and Maine have looked like strong candidates to legalize recreational marijuana, Massachusetts has been a battleground state for months. Should it become legal, residents would pay a 10% retail sales tax and could face up to a 2% additional local sales tax, depending on the city or county.</p> <p>So where does recreational marijuana stand in Massachusetts? A Sept. 7-10 survey from WBUR/MassINC Polling Group found that 50% of respondents favored legalizing recreational cannabis and 45% opposed it. Considering that the poll had a margin of error of 4.4%, and previous polls have actually shown the opposition in the lead, Massachusetts is nothing more than a coin flip at this point.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Another recreational cannabis battleground state is Arizona. Though Prop 205 got more than 250,000 signatures, landing it a spot on the November ballot, its passage is not a guarantee. If Prop 205 does pass, consumers can expect to pay a 15% tax at the retail level.</p> <p>According to a poll released from Phoenix-based Data Orbital last week, 45% of Arizonans are against the passage of Prop 205, 44% are for the measure, and 5% are still undecided (the figures don't add to 100% due to rounding). Arizona has traditionally been a Republican-voting state, and Republicans tend to oppose the expansion of recreational marijuana, so the Nov. 8 vote could deliver a big surprise or stick to historic norms.</p> <p>Supporters of Amendment 2 in Florida will be looking to put a narrow defeat from 2014 firmly in the rearview mirror. Unlike most states where the majority rules, legalizing medical cannabis in Florida requires amending the state's constitution. This means a 60% yes vote from the public is required instead of just 50%. A similar measure received 58% support in 2014, narrowly falling short of passing.</p> <p>The latest polls suggest approval is more likely this time around. A brand-new poll released by WESH 2 and Public Policy Polling last week found that 69% of respondents favored Amendment 2 compared to just 24% who said they'd oppose it.Recently, FloridaPolitics.com also noted that eight polls since Jan. 2015 have all ended with support for a medical marijuana measure of over 60%.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Unlike Florida, which seems to have a good shot of passing medical pot this November, Arkansas is a full-fledged battleground state. What makes things more confusing for voters is that there are two separate medical cannabis measures on the ballot: the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment and the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act. The former would limit the number of state dispensaries to 40, while the latter would also limit the number of dispensaries and allow patients living more than 20 miles from a dispensary to grow up to 10 cannabis plants.</p> <p>Just to make things as confusing as possible, the latest poll from Talk Business &amp;amp; Politics/Hendrix College found that 49% favored the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment compared to 43% against and 8% undecided, whereas 53% opposed the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act compared to 36% for it and 11% who remain undecided.</p> <p>Montana is an interesting case as well given that voters in 2004 already approved a medical cannabis initiative. However, the addition of tight restrictions in recent years has effectively nullified the state's law. Initiative 182 would aim to roll back those restrictions so medical marijuana patients once again have access to the drug.</p> <p>Because Montana isn't all too populous, polling in the state is a bit sparse. However, a recently conducted informal poll from the Lewistown News-Argus found 54% in favor of I-182 compared to 46% who opposed it. That is, however, a close enough margin that Montana could be very much a toss-up this election season.</p> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Finally, residents of North Dakota will be heading to the polls to decide if they want to legalize the use of medical cannabis in their state. Similar to the medical cannabis law in Arkansas, it would allow residents to grow cannabis plants (up to eight in North Dakota) if they live a certain amount of miles (40) away from the nearest dispensary.</p> <p>Like Arkansas and Montana, a coin flip may tell the tale. Making matters even tougher is that no official polling on medical marijuana has been conducted in the state in two years! The last official poll came from Forum Communications Co., which commissioned the University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration to conduct the survey. Back then, 47% of residents supported legalizing medical cannabis and 41% opposed it, but those who strongly opposed it slightly outnumbered those who strongly favored the idea.</p> <p>It's looking as if the voting in a few states could truly come down to the wire.</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! 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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 elections aside marijuana industry incredible run past two decades prior 1996 approval compassionate use medical cannabis law california marijuana illegal aspects medical recreational public support nationwide legalization stood 25 per gallup fastforward today 25 states legalized medical cannabis four states well washington dc legalizing purchase recreational marijuana adults ages 21 worth noting two recent states legalize medical marijuana pennsylvania ohio entirely legislative process furthermore public support nationwide legalization tied alltime high gallups 2015 poll 58 marked shift public opinion translated rapid growth legal marijuana industry according cowen amp co legal marijuana sales currently total 6 billion annually however based organic growth expansion opportunities industry could worth 50 billion 2026 advertisement next step expansionary process two weeks away residents nine states set vote whether legalize recreational medical marijuana following five states voting recreational marijuana laws following four states deciding whether legalize medical marijuana lets take closer look based latest polls voting could shake nine states image source pixabay crown jewel marijuana industry california eighthlargest economy world gdp marijuana legalized recreational use california could looking additional 1 billion annual tax revenue marijuana industry would new pathway rapid growth ironically though biggest opposition within state come cannabis growers thus far things swaying toward approval prop 64 late september poll kpix 5survey usa found 52 respondents favored prop 64 compared 41 opposed measure similar poll released sept 12 usc dornsifelos angeles times found 58 support measure california might crown jewel marijuana movement nevada actually first state put marijuana 2016 ballot considering nevada longstanding medical cannabis infrastructure place legalization seems possibility latest polls would seem concur midseptember poll ktnv rasmussen reports shows 53 nevadans supported states recreational marijuana law compared 39 opposed image source pixabay quick getting cannabis measure ballot maine met number signatures required get marijuana initiative front voters plenty time spare legalized medical cannabis back 1999 maine regulators good understanding infrastructure marijuana industry state seems like good candidate legalize recreational pot next month based latest poll portland press herald 53 respondents favored question 1 compared 38 opposed measure expected younger adults demonstrated stronger favorability toward measure 58 seniors age 65 opposing whereas california nevada maine looked like strong candidates legalize recreational marijuana massachusetts battleground state months become legal residents would pay 10 retail sales tax could face 2 additional local sales tax depending city county recreational marijuana stand massachusetts sept 710 survey wburmassinc polling group found 50 respondents favored legalizing recreational cannabis 45 opposed considering poll margin error 44 previous polls actually shown opposition lead massachusetts nothing coin flip point image source pixabay another recreational cannabis battleground state arizona though prop 205 got 250000 signatures landing spot november ballot passage guarantee prop 205 pass consumers expect pay 15 tax retail level according poll released phoenixbased data orbital last week 45 arizonans passage prop 205 44 measure 5 still undecided figures dont add 100 due rounding arizona traditionally republicanvoting state republicans tend oppose expansion recreational marijuana nov 8 vote could deliver big surprise stick historic norms supporters amendment 2 florida looking put narrow defeat 2014 firmly rearview mirror unlike states majority rules legalizing medical cannabis florida requires amending states constitution means 60 yes vote public required instead 50 similar measure received 58 support 2014 narrowly falling short passing latest polls suggest approval likely time around brandnew poll released wesh 2 public policy polling last week found 69 respondents favored amendment 2 compared 24 said theyd oppose itrecently floridapoliticscom also noted eight polls since jan 2015 ended support medical marijuana measure 60 image source pixabay unlike florida seems good shot passing medical pot november arkansas fullfledged battleground state makes things confusing voters two separate medical cannabis measures ballot arkansas medical marijuana amendment arkansas medical cannabis act former would limit number state dispensaries 40 latter would also limit number dispensaries allow patients living 20 miles dispensary grow 10 cannabis plants make things confusing possible latest poll talk business amp politicshendrix college found 49 favored arkansas medical marijuana amendment compared 43 8 undecided whereas 53 opposed arkansas medical cannabis act compared 36 11 remain undecided montana interesting case well given voters 2004 already approved medical cannabis initiative however addition tight restrictions recent years effectively nullified states law initiative 182 would aim roll back restrictions medical marijuana patients access drug montana isnt populous polling state bit sparse however recently conducted informal poll lewistown newsargus found 54 favor i182 compared 46 opposed however close enough margin montana could much tossup election season image source pixabay finally residents north dakota heading polls decide want legalize use medical cannabis state similar medical cannabis law arkansas would allow residents grow cannabis plants eight north dakota live certain amount miles 40 away nearest dispensary like arkansas montana coin flip may tell tale making matters even tougher official polling medical marijuana conducted state two years last official poll came forum communications co commissioned university north dakota college business public administration conduct survey back 47 residents supported legalizing medical cannabis 41 opposed strongly opposed slightly outnumbered strongly favored idea looking voting states could truly come wire 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 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>TIDMINVP TIDMTSCO</p> <p>FORM 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN</p> <p>EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITHOUT RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY ("RI") STATUS</p> <p>(OR WHERE RI STATUS IS NOT APPLICABLE)</p> <p>Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")</p> <p>1. KEY INFORMATION</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>(a) Name of exempt principal trader:</p> <p>Investec Bank plc</p> <p>(b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant</p> <p>securities this form relates: Tesco plc</p> <p>Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree</p> <p>(c) Name of the party to the offer with which exempt Investec are Broker to</p> <p>principal trader is connected: Booker Group plc</p> <p>(d) Date position held/dealing undertaken:</p> <p>For an opening position disclosure, state the latest 1(st) December 2017</p> <p>practicable date prior to the disclosure</p> <p>(e) In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the</p> <p>exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect YES - Booker Group plc</p> <p>of any other party to the offer?</p> <p>If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state</p> <p>"N/A"</p> <p>2. POSITIONS OF THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER</p> <p>If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than</p> <p>one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b),</p> <p>copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of</p> <p>relevant security.</p> <p>(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of</p> <p>the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the</p> <p>dealing (if any)</p> <p>Class of relevant security:</p> <p>Interests Short positions</p> <p>Number % Number %</p> <p>(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:</p> <p>0 0.0000</p> <p>(2) Cash-settled derivatives:</p> <p>(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options)</p> <p>and agreements to purchase/sell:</p> <p>TOTAL: 0 0.0000</p> <p>All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.</p> <p>Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded</p> <p>options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should</p> <p>be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).</p> <p>(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors'</p> <p>and other employee options)</p> <p>Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription</p> <p>right exists:</p> <p>Details, including nature of the rights concerned</p> <p>and relevant percentages:</p> <p>3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER</p> <p>Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant</p> <p>securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 3(a), (b),</p> <p>(c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant</p> <p>security dealt in.</p> <p>The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.</p> <p>(a) Purchases and sales</p> <p>Class of Purchases/ sales Total number Highest price Lowest price</p> <p>relevant of securities per unit per unit</p> <p>security paid/received paid/received</p> <p>Ordinary Purchase 20,000 195.5 195.5</p> <p>(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions</p> <p>Class of Product description Nature of dealing Number of Price</p> <p>relevant e.g. CFD e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing reference per</p> <p>security a long/short position securities unit</p> <p>(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)</p> <p>(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying</p> <p>Class of Product Writing, Number of Exercise Type Expiry Option</p> <p>relevant description purchasing, securities price e.g. American, European etc. date money</p> <p>security e.g. call selling, to which per paid/</p> <p>option varying option unit received</p> <p>etc. relates per</p> <p>unit</p> <p>(ii) Exercise</p> <p>Class of Product description Exercising/ Number of Exercise</p> <p>relevant e.g. call option exercised securities price per</p> <p>security against unit</p> <p>(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)</p> <p>Class of relevant Nature of dealing Details Price per unit</p> <p>security e.g. subscription, conversion (if applicable)</p> <p>4. OTHER INFORMATION</p> <p>(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements</p> <p>Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or</p> <p>any agreement or understanding, formal or informal,</p> <p>relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement</p> <p>to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the</p> <p>exempt principal trader making the disclosure and</p> <p>any party to the offer or any person acting in concert</p> <p>with a party to the offer:</p> <p>Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should</p> <p>not be included. If there are no such agreements,</p> <p>arrangements or understandings, state "none"</p> <p>None</p> <p>(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to</p> <p>options or derivatives</p> <p>Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding,</p> <p>formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader</p> <p>making the disclosure and any other person relating</p> <p>to:</p> <p>(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under</p> <p>any option; or</p> <p>(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal</p> <p>of any relevant securities to which any derivative</p> <p>is referenced:</p> <p>If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings,</p> <p>state "none"</p> <p>None</p> <p>(c) Attachments</p> <p>Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO</p> <p>Date of disclosure:</p> <p>4(th) December 2017</p> <p>Contact name:</p> <p>Gary Darch</p> <p>Telephone number:</p> <p>020 7597 4549</p> <p>Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory</p> <p>Information Service.</p> <p>The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in</p> <p>relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.</p> <p>The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at</p> <p>www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.</p> <p>This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf</p> <p>of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.</p> <p>The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely</p> <p>responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information</p> <p>contained therein.</p> <p>Source: Investec Bank plc via Globenewswire</p> <p>https://www.investec.co.uk/</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>December 04, 2017 05:08 ET (10:08 GMT)</p>

tidminvp tidmtsco form 85 eptnonri continue reading public opening position disclosuredealing disclosure exempt principal trader without recognised intermediary ri status ri status applicable rule 85 takeover code code 1 key information advertisement name exempt principal trader investec bank plc b name offerorofferee relation whose relevant securities form relates tesco plc use separate form offerorofferee c name party offer exempt investec broker principal trader connected booker group plc date position helddealing undertaken opening position disclosure state latest 1st december 2017 practicable date prior disclosure e addition company 1b exempt principal trader making disclosures respect yes booker group plc party offer cash offer possible cash offer state na 2 positions exempt principal trader positions rights subscribe disclose one class relevant securities offeror offeree named 1b copy table 2a b appropriate additional class relevant security interests short positions relevant securities offeror offeree disclosure relates following dealing class relevant security interests short positions number number 1 relevant securities owned andor controlled 0 00000 2 cashsettled derivatives 3 stocksettled derivatives including options agreements purchasesell total 0 00000 interests short positions disclosed details open stocksettled derivative positions including traded options agreements purchase sell relevant securities given supplemental form 8 open positions b rights subscribe new securities including directors employee options class relevant security relation subscription right exists details including nature rights concerned relevant percentages 3 dealings exempt principal trader dealings one class relevant securities offeror offeree named 1b copy table 3a b c appropriate additional class relevant security dealt currency prices monetary amounts stated purchases sales class purchases sales total number highest price lowest price relevant securities per unit per unit security paidreceived paidreceived ordinary purchase 20000 1955 1955 b cashsettled derivative transactions class product description nature dealing number price relevant eg cfd eg openingclosing longshort position increasingreducing reference per security longshort position securities unit c stocksettled derivative transactions including options writing selling purchasing varying class product writing number exercise type expiry option relevant description purchasing securities price eg american european etc date money security eg call selling per paid option varying option unit received etc relates per unit ii exercise class product description exercising number exercise relevant eg call option exercised securities price per security unit dealings including subscribing new securities class relevant nature dealing details price per unit security eg subscription conversion applicable 4 information indemnity dealing arrangements details indemnity option arrangement agreement understanding formal informal relating relevant securities may inducement deal refrain dealing entered exempt principal trader making disclosure party offer person acting concert party offer irrevocable commitments letters intent included agreements arrangements understandings state none none b agreements arrangements understandings relating options derivatives details agreement arrangement understanding formal informal exempt principal trader making disclosure person relating voting rights relevant securities option ii voting rights future acquisition disposal relevant securities derivative referenced agreements arrangements understandings state none none c attachments supplemental form 8 open positions attached date disclosure 4th december 2017 contact name gary darch telephone number 020 7597 4549 public disclosures rule 8 code must made regulatory information service panels market surveillance unit available consultation relation codes disclosure requirements 44 020 7638 0129 code viewed panels website wwwthetakeoverpanelorguk announcement distributed nasdaq corporate solutions behalf nasdaq corporate solutions clients issuer announcement warrants solely responsible content accuracy originality information contained therein source investec bank plc via globenewswire httpswwwinvesteccouk end dow jones newswires december 04 2017 0508 et 1008 gmt

<p>USEBC Delegation / www.usegyptcouncil.org</p> <p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Adam Kredo</a> September 13, 2012 5:00 am</p> <p>A delegation of American business leaders with lobbying ties to relatives of a top Obama administration adviser wrapped up a <a href="http://www.uschamber.com/press/releases/2012/september/us-chamber-lead-largest-ever-business-delegation-egypt" type="external">four-day tour</a> in Egypt aimed at laying the groundwork for increased economic cooperation on Tuesday, as violent rioters stormed the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.</p> <p>Senior State Department officials accompanied more than 100 executives from 50 American companies on the trip, which included high-level powwows with Egypt&#8217;s Muslim Brotherhood-backed president, Mohamed Morsi, and other Egyptian officials.</p> <p>Among the Obama administration officials present on the tour, which was jointly sponsored by the State Department and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce&#8217;s Egyptian affiliate, was John Podesta, a senior adviser to the Secretary of State and former Clinton administration official who founded the liberal Center For American Progress.</p> <p>Ten of the 50 companies present on the tour have been clients of lobbying firms separately run by Podesta&#8217;s brother and sister-in-law, leaving some observers wondering what role the Democratic insider may have played in determining which companies earned slots on the potentially lucrative junket.</p> <p>One of the firms, The Podesta Group, is operated by Tony Podesta, who is John&#8217;s brother. The other, Heather Podesta + Partners, is run by John&#8217;s sister-in-law.</p> <p>During the several-day jaunt, business leaders from the finance, defense, and aerospace sectors, among others, were exposed to investment opportunities in Egypt&#8217;s burgeoning public and private sectors.</p> <p>"The group, which included representatives from 50 leading American companies and top administration officials, traveled to Egypt to deliver a simple message to the nation&#8217;s new government: Egypt is open for business, and the U.S. business community is ready to invest," according to an <a href="http://www.freeenterprise.com/how-help-egypt-move-forward" type="external">account of</a> the trip on the Chamber of Commerce&#8217;s website.</p> <p>Ten of the most prominent companies to <a href="http://www.usegyptcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/U.S.-Business-Mission-to-Egypt-%E2%80%93-Corporate-Participants1.pdf" type="external">participate</a> in the trip have been or are currently represented by either <a href="http://www.podesta.com/" type="external">The Podesta Group</a> or <a href="http://www.heatherpodesta.com/team.htm" type="external">Heather Podesta + Partners</a>, highlighting the close ties between the Obama administration and Democratic-leaning lobbying outfits.</p> <p>The companies whose representatives John Podesta accompanied to Egypt have collectively spent millions on firms run by his brother and sister-in-law, records show.</p> <p>They include Boeing, Raytheon, Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson and Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Credit Suisse, Google Inc., Oracle, Pfizer, and General Electric.</p> <p>None of the companies commented on the trip when approached by the Free Beacon.</p> <p>Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor that works closely with the U.S. government, has paid The Podesta Group more than $2.2 million since 2004 to lobby both Congress and the Obama administration on a range of issues, records show.</p> <p>The Podesta Group has pushed lawmakers to endorse various appropriations measures that would benefit Lockheed, according to records.</p> <p>Boeing, also an aerospace group, has been a partner of both The Podesta Group and Heather Podesta + Partners, according to records.</p> <p>Since President Obama entered office in 2008, Boeing has spent $840,000 on The Podesta Group&#8217;s services, relying on the firm to lobby in favor of lucrative defense appropriations at the White House and on Capitol Hill.</p> <p>From 2007 to 2009, Boeing paid Heather Podesta&#8217;s firm $760,000 to lobby the administration on multiple defense issues, including the implementation of a missile defense system, records show.</p> <p>Raytheon, a prominent aerospace company, also has been a client of both Podesta family firms, spending a combined $340,000 since 2008 on a range of lobbying services.</p> <p>Heather Podesta + Partners, for example, has monitored congressional legislation pertaining to the foreign sale of arms on Raytheon&#8217;s behalf, records show.</p> <p>Another of Heather Podesta&#8217;s clients on the government-endorsed Egypt jaunt was Eli Lilly and Company, a healthcare organization that has paid her lobbying group more than $1.1 million since 2008.</p> <p>Johnson and Johnson, which also has a stake in the health industry, has paid The Podesta Group $140,000 since 2011 to lobby lawmakers on legislation pertaining to certain medical devices.</p> <p>Credit Suisse Securities, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/business/16bank.html" type="external">a firm that has been tied to Iran</a>, also hobnobbed with Egyptian officials during the trip. It has employed The Podesta Group since 2009.</p> <p>The company, which has been a Podesta Group client since 2009, came under scrutiny last month for <a href="" type="internal">paying</a> senior White House adviser David Plouffe for a speaking engagement.</p> <p>Internet search giant Google has spent more than $3 million on The Podesta Group&#8217;s services, utilizing it to lobby the White House on issues such as cyber security and online privacy, according to records.</p> <p>Oracle, Pfizer, and General Electric also count themselves among The Podesta Group&#8217;s clientele, utilizing the firm to lobby on a range of high profile issues.</p> <p>While details about the trip to Egypt remain sparse, the business leaders Tuesday issued a <a href="http://www.usegyptcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Statement-of-the-U.S.-Business-Delegation-to-Egypt.pdf" type="external">joint statement</a> with U.S. Chamber of Commerce discussing their goals.</p> <p>"We believe in the critical importance and mutual benefit of investing in Egypt now&#8212;particularly in its talented young men and women," the statement reads. "With a newly democratically elected Egyptian government now in place, we believe that it is critical to take concrete steps to broaden and to deepen the Egyptian-American economic relationship."</p> <p>The statement offered several policy recommendations to the U.S. government, but did not mention Tuesday&#8217;s violent confrontation at the American embassy in Cairo.</p>

usebc delegation wwwusegyptcouncilorg adam kredo september 13 2012 500 delegation american business leaders lobbying ties relatives top obama administration adviser wrapped fourday tour egypt aimed laying groundwork increased economic cooperation tuesday violent rioters stormed us embassy cairo senior state department officials accompanied 100 executives 50 american companies trip included highlevel powwows egypts muslim brotherhoodbacked president mohamed morsi egyptian officials among obama administration officials present tour jointly sponsored state department us chamber commerces egyptian affiliate john podesta senior adviser secretary state former clinton administration official founded liberal center american progress ten 50 companies present tour clients lobbying firms separately run podestas brother sisterinlaw leaving observers wondering role democratic insider may played determining companies earned slots potentially lucrative junket one firms podesta group operated tony podesta johns brother heather podesta partners run johns sisterinlaw severalday jaunt business leaders finance defense aerospace sectors among others exposed investment opportunities egypts burgeoning public private sectors group included representatives 50 leading american companies top administration officials traveled egypt deliver simple message nations new government egypt open business us business community ready invest according account trip chamber commerces website ten prominent companies participate trip currently represented either podesta group heather podesta partners highlighting close ties obama administration democraticleaning lobbying outfits companies whose representatives john podesta accompanied egypt collectively spent millions firms run brother sisterinlaw records show include boeing raytheon eli lilly company johnson johnson lockheed martin credit suisse google inc oracle pfizer general electric none companies commented trip approached free beacon lockheed martin defense contractor works closely us government paid podesta group 22 million since 2004 lobby congress obama administration range issues records show podesta group pushed lawmakers endorse various appropriations measures would benefit lockheed according records boeing also aerospace group partner podesta group heather podesta partners according records since president obama entered office 2008 boeing spent 840000 podesta groups services relying firm lobby favor lucrative defense appropriations white house capitol hill 2007 2009 boeing paid heather podestas firm 760000 lobby administration multiple defense issues including implementation missile defense system records show raytheon prominent aerospace company also client podesta family firms spending combined 340000 since 2008 range lobbying services heather podesta partners example monitored congressional legislation pertaining foreign sale arms raytheons behalf records show another heather podestas clients governmentendorsed egypt jaunt eli lilly company healthcare organization paid lobbying group 11 million since 2008 johnson johnson also stake health industry paid podesta group 140000 since 2011 lobby lawmakers legislation pertaining certain medical devices credit suisse securities firm tied iran also hobnobbed egyptian officials trip employed podesta group since 2009 company podesta group client since 2009 came scrutiny last month paying senior white house adviser david plouffe speaking engagement internet search giant google spent 3 million podesta groups services utilizing lobby white house issues cyber security online privacy according records oracle pfizer general electric also count among podesta groups clientele utilizing firm lobby range high profile issues details trip egypt remain sparse business leaders tuesday issued joint statement us chamber commerce discussing goals believe critical importance mutual benefit investing egypt nowparticularly talented young men women statement reads newly democratically elected egyptian government place believe critical take concrete steps broaden deepen egyptianamerican economic relationship statement offered several policy recommendations us government mention tuesdays violent confrontation american embassy cairo

<p /> <p>You probably know that Social Security is a key source of income for most retirees. But here are a number of things you may not have known about the program.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.</p> <p>1. Nearly 61 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. Not all recipients, however, are seniors. Retired workers and their dependents account for 71% of beneficiaries, while disabled workers and their dependents make up 16%. The remaining 13% of benefits are paid to survivors of deceased workers.</p> <p>2. Last year, Social Security paid out an estimated $918 billion in benefits. As of June 2016, the average monthly benefit among retired workers was $1,348, while the average monthly payment for disabled workers was $1,166.</p> <p>3. It's only designed to replace about 40% of the average worker's pre-retirement income. Many people are under the mistaken impression that Social Security will sustain them financially in retirement without the need for additional savings, but because most of us still require 70% to 80% of our former income once we stop working, relying on this benefit alone just isn't economically prudent.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>4. Social Security is the only source of income for almost 25% of U.S. seniors -- though it really shouldn't be. Furthermore, an estimated 65% of Americans 65 and over count on Social Security to provide the majority of their income in retirement.</p> <p>5. If you're currently working, only the first $127,200 of your income is subject to Social Security taxes. This means that someone earning $130,000 a year and someone else earning $2 million a year pay the same amount of Social Security tax annually.</p> <p>6. You can increase your benefits by up to 32% or decrease them by up to 30%. Once you reach your full retirement age, which, for today's older workers, is 66, 67, or somewhere in between, you're eligible to receive your "full" Social Security benefit amount. That said, you're allowed to claim your benefits as early as age 62, but doing so will reduce those payments by 6.67% for the first three years you claim early and then 5% each subsequent year. So if your full retirement age is 67 but you start taking benefits at 62, you'll slash your payments by 30%. On the flipside, you'll get an 8% boost for each year you hold off on benefits until age 70. So if your full retirement age is 66 and you delay your payments until 70, you'll increase your benefits by 32%.</p> <p>7. In 2017, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit for those who file at their full retirement age is $2,687. Only the former highest earners, however, will receive that much. However, if (as noted above) you have delayed your retirement and are filing at age 70, the maximum monthly check this year is $3,547.</p> <p>8. Since 2000, Social Security cost-of-living adjustments have increased benefits by 41%. In 1972, Congress enacted a provision calling for automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for all beneficiaries, the purpose of which is to help retirees incomes keep up with inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. But COLAs have either been stingy or non-existent for the past few of years, and as a result, seniors have lost an estimated 31% of their purchasing power over the past decade and a half.</p> <p>9. An estimated 77% of workers worry that Social Security won't be around when they retire. The latest Transamerica survey reveals that a majority of today's workers fear the program will completely run out of funds. Thankfully, that's far from being true. According to the Social Security Board of Trustees' latest report, the program's trust fund will likely be depleted by 2034. Once that happens, the program would only be able to pay out about 75% of benefits using its ongoing payroll tax income. But because Social Security will still receive those taxes, it will remain capable of paying recipients the majority of their benefits.</p> <p>10. Social Security overpaid about $16.8 billion in benefits between October 2003 and February 2014.These errors stemmed from a number of factors, from misreported work activity among beneficiaries to outdated health records among those qualifying for disabilities. Thankfully, the program managed to recover approximately $8.1 billion from the $16.8 billion it overpaid.</p> <p>11. Social Security has 6.5 million people on record aged112 or older.. The agency is missing a considerable number of death records, leaving itself vulnerable to fraudulent activity and even more erroneous payments.</p> <p>12. Social Security mistakenly declares 14,000 people dead every year. Of the estimated 2.8 million death reports the Social Security Administration receives each year, about 14,000 are entered incorrectly into its database. Yikes!</p> <p>While these stats will no doubt shed some light on Social Security, there's a lot more to be learned about <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2015/11/22/how-does-social-security-work.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">how the program works Opens a New Window.</a>. The more you read up on Social Security, the better prepared you'll be to maximize your benefits when it's your turn to collect them.</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>

probably know social security key source income retirees number things may known program continue reading image source getty images 1 nearly 61 million americans receive social security benefits recipients however seniors retired workers dependents account 71 beneficiaries disabled workers dependents make 16 remaining 13 benefits paid survivors deceased workers 2 last year social security paid estimated 918 billion benefits june 2016 average monthly benefit among retired workers 1348 average monthly payment disabled workers 1166 3 designed replace 40 average workers preretirement income many people mistaken impression social security sustain financially retirement without need additional savings us still require 70 80 former income stop working relying benefit alone isnt economically prudent advertisement 4 social security source income almost 25 us seniors though really shouldnt furthermore estimated 65 americans 65 count social security provide majority income retirement 5 youre currently working first 127200 income subject social security taxes means someone earning 130000 year someone else earning 2 million year pay amount social security tax annually 6 increase benefits 32 decrease 30 reach full retirement age todays older workers 66 67 somewhere youre eligible receive full social security benefit amount said youre allowed claim benefits early age 62 reduce payments 667 first three years claim early 5 subsequent year full retirement age 67 start taking benefits 62 youll slash payments 30 flipside youll get 8 boost year hold benefits age 70 full retirement age 66 delay payments 70 youll increase benefits 32 7 2017 maximum monthly social security benefit file full retirement age 2687 former highest earners however receive much however noted delayed retirement filing age 70 maximum monthly check year 3547 8 since 2000 social security costofliving adjustments increased benefits 41 1972 congress enacted provision calling automatic annual costofliving adjustments colas beneficiaries purpose help retirees incomes keep inflation measured consumer price index colas either stingy nonexistent past years result seniors lost estimated 31 purchasing power past decade half 9 estimated 77 workers worry social security wont around retire latest transamerica survey reveals majority todays workers fear program completely run funds thankfully thats far true according social security board trustees latest report programs trust fund likely depleted 2034 happens program would able pay 75 benefits using ongoing payroll tax income social security still receive taxes remain capable paying recipients majority benefits 10 social security overpaid 168 billion benefits october 2003 february 2014these errors stemmed number factors misreported work activity among beneficiaries outdated health records among qualifying disabilities thankfully program managed recover approximately 81 billion 168 billion overpaid 11 social security 65 million people record aged112 older agency missing considerable number death records leaving vulnerable fraudulent activity even erroneous payments 12 social security mistakenly declares 14000 people dead every year estimated 28 million death reports social security administration receives year 14000 entered incorrectly database yikes stats doubt shed light social security theres lot learned program works opens new window read social security better prepared youll maximize benefits turn collect 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>It&#8217;s a great honor and privilege for me to write about the 2nd Amendment, the Constitution and America in general and have so many dedicated readers and followers who enjoy my point of view, the stories I bring them and the truths I reveal.</p> <p>Sometimes though, the truth that is revealed doesn&#8217;t come from me but from one of my readers.</p> <p>In this case the following five facts graphic was emailed to me &amp;#160;( tony@bulletsfirst.net ) by&amp;#160;George Wauchope. &amp;#160;I&#8217;m always happy to interact with the readers and I found out that George also owns a firearms related website called &amp;#160; <a href="https://www.gunsforsalereviews.com/" type="external">Gunforsalereviews.com</a></p> <p>Always happy to give a shout out to a reader who passes on some good stuff.</p> <p>Now, without further ado, let&#8217;s take a look at the 5 facts that Gun Control Advocates Hate. Underneath the graphic is my dissection of each fact, where I go into further detail and explain why the gun controllers hate them so much.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" /></p> <p>Gun free zones attract mass shooters like a flame attract moths. &amp;#160;The only difference is that while a flame will kill a moth, Gun free zones have ensured that the criminal has no fear of reprisals and can go on killing and hurting people to their twisted hearts content. &amp;#160;92% of mass shootings happen where guns aren&#8217;t supposed to be allowed. &amp;#160;Gun free zones are a myth, a fairy tale to put the juvenile minds of hoplophobes at ease. &amp;#160;In truth, gun free zones are breeding grounds for tragedy made even worse as later fact #4 will get into.</p> <p>Pretty much every since the Republicans took control in Congress in 1994 with their Contract with America pledge, the decades upon decades of gun hating and the controlling of the populace began to erode away. &amp;#160;As gun ownership and the rise of concealed carry states grew the less gun violence there was. &amp;#160;By a degree of 50%. &amp;#160;Why is that? &amp;#160;Because criminals by nature are cowards by and large. &amp;#160;And while it&#8217;s easy for a coward to rob and mug people he/she KNOWS are unarmed and unable to defend themselves it&#8217;s a little more precarious for a criminal to approach someone to rob that very may well be packing a hand cannon and is more than willing to arrange the appointment time between said scumbag criminal and Satan. &amp;#160;So it&#8217;s no wonder that gun violence has plummeted. &amp;#160;And if there were less bastions of gun control lunacy out there the rate would decrease even greater.</p> <p>Gun controllers and progressives LOVE their buzzwords. &amp;#160;They create terms in order to frighten the ignorant and herding the sheeple into their way of thinking without those people actually looking into the matter themselves. &amp;#160;A great example is the term &#8220;Assault Weapon/Rifle.&#8221; &amp;#160;By that very nomenclature one would expect this rifle to jump up and kill you just for looking at it wrong. &amp;#160;But call it by its more accurate &#8220;Sporting Rifle&#8221; moniker and the fear and doomsaying from the anti-gunners dissipates. &amp;#160;The same for the &#8220;gun show loophole.&#8221; &amp;#160;There IS NO gun show loophole. &amp;#160;The gun control advocates want to scare the general populace by spreading this lie but if you go to a gun show and want to buy a pistol from a dealer you HAVE to get a background check. &amp;#160;In Pennsylvania I don&#8217;t need a background check to buy a shotgun from anyone; be it my buddy looking to off load one of his to Dick&#8217;s Sports who are having a black Friday sale. &amp;#160;But if I go to a Gun Show and by the same shotgun, Gun Controllers lose their shit and scream &#8220;LOOPHOLE!!!!&#8221; &amp;#160; Any law that I have to follow away from the gun show I have to follow while at the gun show.&amp;#160;</p> <p>This fact goes uncovered by the main stream media because it guts their narrative and leaves it bleeding in its own pool of defecation and entrails. &amp;#160;2.5 MILLION times a year some law abiding citizen uses a firearm to stop a crime. &amp;#160;Because being beaten or murdered&amp;#160;or raped by a criminal happens to be a crime, so stopping that is a win for the good guys. &amp;#160;Gun Control advocates think it is morally superior to allow yourself to be murdered, beaten or raped than to use a firearm to defend yourself. &amp;#160;So they bury these stories an we hear inflated numbers about the 33,000 people killed by firearms every year. &amp;#160;Of course when you break down that number and realize that about half of those instances are suicides, and another chunk is criminal on criminal crime the number evaporates. &amp;#160;Gun control advocates don&#8217;t want to talk about that. &amp;#160;They also don&#8217;t want to talk about Gun Free Zones are where the gun violence is being perpetrated because criminals know that they won&#8217;t be in that 2.5 million number because law abiding citizens won&#8217;t be armed. &amp;#160;Hence tragedy is created by gun control advocates&#8230;they made the perfect environment for criminals to thrive.</p> <p>You&#8217;ve no doubt heard it before but it bears repeating. &amp;#160;In order to subjugate or exterminate a people you must first disarm them. &amp;#160;Recent history is full of madmen, despots, and evil who did just that. &amp;#160;I&#8217;ll even lay out the numbers for you:</p> <p>See, these are the hard numbers that Gun Control Advocates never want to talk about. &amp;#160;They try to dance around it but even to the uninitiated of the general population their sidestepping has become tedious and evident.</p> <p>About Fact 5, gun control advocates love to say that such things could never happen in America. &amp;#160;In truth, they are right. &amp;#160;It can&#8217;t happen in America because we have 80+ million gun owners ready to stop the government from doing it. &amp;#160;If the gun control advocates had their way, much like their beloved gun free zone, they would pave the way from tyranny and genocide.</p> <p>Hope you enjoyed the breakdown and feel free to sign up to the newsletter, follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bulletsfirst1776/" type="external">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsFirst1" type="external">twitter</a> and please, share this article with friends you think would enjoy having some facts to throw in the faces of gun control zealots who view facts like a slug views salt.</p> <p>Thanks again to&amp;#160;George Wauchope from&amp;#160; <a href="https://www.gunsforsalereviews.com/" type="external">www.gunsforsalereviews.com</a>&amp;#160;for passing along the graphic.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p /> <p /> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, vulgarity, profanity, all caps, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a courteous and useful public environment where we can engage in reasonable discourse.</p>

great honor privilege write 2nd amendment constitution america general many dedicated readers followers enjoy point view stories bring truths reveal sometimes though truth revealed doesnt come one readers case following five facts graphic emailed 160 tonybulletsfirstnet by160george wauchope 160im always happy interact readers found george also owns firearms related website called 160 gunforsalereviewscom always happy give shout reader passes good stuff without ado lets take look 5 facts gun control advocates hate underneath graphic dissection fact go detail explain gun controllers hate much gun free zones attract mass shooters like flame attract moths 160the difference flame kill moth gun free zones ensured criminal fear reprisals go killing hurting people twisted hearts content 16092 mass shootings happen guns arent supposed allowed 160gun free zones myth fairy tale put juvenile minds hoplophobes ease 160in truth gun free zones breeding grounds tragedy made even worse later fact 4 get pretty much every since republicans took control congress 1994 contract america pledge decades upon decades gun hating controlling populace began erode away 160as gun ownership rise concealed carry states grew less gun violence 160by degree 50 160why 160because criminals nature cowards large 160and easy coward rob mug people heshe knows unarmed unable defend little precarious criminal approach someone rob may well packing hand cannon willing arrange appointment time said scumbag criminal satan 160so wonder gun violence plummeted 160and less bastions gun control lunacy rate would decrease even greater gun controllers progressives love buzzwords 160they create terms order frighten ignorant herding sheeple way thinking without people actually looking matter 160a great example term assault weaponrifle 160by nomenclature one would expect rifle jump kill looking wrong 160but call accurate sporting rifle moniker fear doomsaying antigunners dissipates 160the gun show loophole 160there gun show loophole 160the gun control advocates want scare general populace spreading lie go gun show want buy pistol dealer get background check 160in pennsylvania dont need background check buy shotgun anyone buddy looking load one dicks sports black friday sale 160but go gun show shotgun gun controllers lose shit scream loophole 160 law follow away gun show follow gun show160 fact goes uncovered main stream media guts narrative leaves bleeding pool defecation entrails 16025 million times year law abiding citizen uses firearm stop crime 160because beaten murdered160or raped criminal happens crime stopping win good guys 160gun control advocates think morally superior allow murdered beaten raped use firearm defend 160so bury stories hear inflated numbers 33000 people killed firearms every year 160of course break number realize half instances suicides another chunk criminal criminal crime number evaporates 160gun control advocates dont want talk 160they also dont want talk gun free zones gun violence perpetrated criminals know wont 25 million number law abiding citizens wont armed 160hence tragedy created gun control advocatesthey made perfect environment criminals thrive youve doubt heard bears repeating 160in order subjugate exterminate people must first disarm 160recent history full madmen despots evil 160ill even lay numbers see hard numbers gun control advocates never want talk 160they try dance around even uninitiated general population sidestepping become tedious evident fact 5 gun control advocates love say things could never happen america 160in truth right 160it cant happen america 80 million gun owners ready stop government 160if gun control advocates way much like beloved gun free zone would pave way tyranny genocide hope enjoyed breakdown feel free sign newsletter follow facebook twitter please share article friends think would enjoy facts throw faces gun control zealots view facts like slug views salt thanks to160george wauchope from160 wwwgunsforsalereviewscom160for passing along graphic 160 160 160 tolerance comments containing violence racism vulgarity profanity caps discourteous behavior thank partnering us maintain courteous useful public environment engage reasonable discourse

<p /> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Winston Churchill once described Soviet Russia as "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma." While that was a politically motivated statement, it may also aptly described Social Security, the federal program designed to provide financial support to our nation's workers in retirement.</p> <p>Much of the Social Security program remains a mystery to the American public, both working and retired; and if the American public doesn't understand how the program can help them, they'll be unable to take full advantage of its benefits. An AARP survey of financial advisors last year showed that just 1% believed their clients were "very knowledgeable" about Social Security.</p> <p>With this in mind, let's take a closer look at 20 things you should know about Social Security.</p> <p>1. It's been paying out benefits for decades: The Social Security Act was first signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aug. 14, 1935, with payroll taxes first collected in 1937 and monthly benefits beginning in January 1940. The program's been paying out benefits for more than 75 years, and it'll continue to pay out benefits for decades to come. Between 1937 and 2009 the program paid out a cumulative $11.3 trillion.</p> <p>2. It only invests in guaranteed assets: The money held by the Social Security Trust Funds is invested, but only in securities with guaranteed principal and interest. This pretty much limits investments to short- and long-term U.S. Treasuries and special obligation securities issued only to federal trust funds.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>3. Both you and your employer are paying into Social Security: Social Security is funded through the payroll tax, which currently sits at 12.4%. You and your employer each pay half of that -- 6.2% of your wages. Self-employed people are responsible for paying all 12.4%.</p> <p>4. There's a payroll tax cap: The aforementioned 12.4% payroll tax is collected on income up to $118,500 as of 2016. Every dollar earned above and beyond $118,500 is free and clear of the payroll tax.</p> <p>You have to work to earn lifetime benefits. Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>5. It's not exactly an entitlement: Social Security covers 94% of American workers, but in order to qualify, a worker will need to collect 40 "work credits" over their lifetime. A maximum of four work credits can be earned each year, with one work credit equating to $1,260 in 2016. Thus, $5,040 in income in 2016 would max out your work credits for the year. Some exceptions for younger workers who become disabled or pass away may apply.</p> <p>6. It covers more than just workers: Social Security is best known for covering retirees, but it also provides benefits to some workers' spouses and their qualified children, as well as to the disabled, and to eligible family members of deceased workers. Nearly 60 million people received a Social Security benefit payment in December 2015, 40 million of whom were retired workers.</p> <p>7. Here's about how much of your prior salary the benefits cover: According to the Social Security Administration, benefits paid are designed to replace about 40% of a worker's income during retirement. Based on data from the SSA, this figure is currently closer to 55% for low-income earners, and 27% for maximum earners.</p> <p>8. You can claim benefits earlier ...: Retirees are eligible to file for benefits as early as age 62, as late as age 70, and anywhere in between.</p> <p>9. ... But you probably shouldn't, because benefits grow over time: The longer an individual waits to file for benefits, the more their benefits will increase in value. On average, for every year an eligible individual holds off on filing for benefits, their benefit amount will increase by 8%.</p> <p>10. The full retirement age isn't static: The full retirement age, or FRA, is the level at which an eligible beneficiary can start taking 100% of their calculated benefit. However, the FRA is a moving target: It's changing based on the year you were born. Currently, the FRA is 66 years, but it'll be rising by two months each year for Americans born between 1955 and 1959, officially hitting 67 for those born in 1960 and later. Individuals claiming after their FRA could receive in excess of 100% of their benefit.</p> <p>When you file for benefits matters. Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>11. There's no minimum benefit: It takes at least 10 years for a worker to qualify for lifetime Social Security benefits, but there's no minimum benefit they'll be eligible for. If a worker earns very little over their lifetime, their monthly benefit payment might be less than $100.</p> <p>12. There is, however, a maximum benefit: On the flip side, regardless of how much you make during your lifetime, the maximum monthly benefit a worker retiring at full retirement age can expect in 2016 is $2,639 per month. That's actually $24 less than 2015 levels, due to an unusual combination of events: A dip in the Consumer Price Index meant there was no cost of living adjustment (see item 15), while the national average wage index (which is used to calculate SSI benefits) rose.</p> <p>13. The average retiree's monthly benefit payment is ... : According to data from January 2016, retired workers were receiving an average of $1,341 per month, or about $16,100 per year. Married couples who are both receiving benefits averaged $2,212 a month, or about $26,500 per year.</p> <p>14. How long you work matters: The Social Security Administration determines your benefit by averaging your annual income over your highest-earning 35 years of work. If you worked fewer than 35 years, the SSA will average in goose eggs (i.e., $0) for each year below 35 that you didn't work, potentially reducing your benefit by a sizable amount.</p> <p>15. COLA helps you keep up: The SSA typically adjusts benefits annually to keep them in step with inflation this is known as a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. The indicator that determines COLA is the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W. In 2016, the CPI-W fell, so no inflationary increase was awarded to beneficiaries.</p> <p>16. Mulligans do exist: Regret filing for benefits at an early age? There's actually a solution. Form SSA-521, also known as "Request for Withdrawal of Application," allows filers to take a mulligan -- but they can only do this within the first 12 months after filing for benefits. They also have to pay back every cent of the benefits received after they filed. But by doing this, their request for benefits will be undone, and their benefits will again be allowed to grow.</p> <p>Don't get too reliant on Social Security income. Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>17. There's a cash shortfall on the horizon: What Soical Security takes in from payroll taxes stopped being enough to cover what it pays out some years ago. And,according to the latest Trustees' report, the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust (OASDI) that covers the difference is projected to burn through its reserves by 2035. This does not mean the program is going bankrupt, but it could mean benefit cuts, tax increases, or some combination of the two are coming.</p> <p>18. Blame demographic shifts for the cash shortfall: Two demographic shifts are responsible for the ongoing depletion of the OASDI. First, baby boomers are retiring in greater numbers and there simply aren't enough new workers to take their places. As the worker-to-beneficiary ratio fell, the cash inflow turned into a cash outflow. Secondly, people are living longer than ever, meaning retirees are, on average, drawing down on the Trust for more years.</p> <p>19. It's actually a very efficient program: As <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2015/04/05/10-facts-about-social-security-every-american-shou.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">noted last year Opens a New Window.</a>, the SSA is administered with exceptionally low overhead. The program paid out nearly $840 billion in benefits in 2014; that year, its expenditures totaled a mere $5.6 billion, or 0.7% of total benefits paid.</p> <p>20. Your Social Security number says something about your past (but new ones won't): Lastly, prior to June 2011 Social Security numbers (SSNs) were doled out partially based on geography. The first three digits were assigned based on the geographic region you were living in when the number was assigned, with lower numbers on the East Coast and higher numbers as you moved West. The remaining six digits were random. Beginning June 25, 2011, the entire process of SSN assignment became randomized. And no, the program does not reuse SSNs after the people assigned them pass away. You truly are unique!</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/03/06/20-things-you-should-know-about-social-security.aspx" type="external">20 Things You Should Know About Social Security 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 winston churchill described soviet russia riddle wrapped mystery inside enigma politically motivated statement may also aptly described social security federal program designed provide financial support nations workers retirement much social security program remains mystery american public working retired american public doesnt understand program help theyll unable take full advantage benefits aarp survey financial advisors last year showed 1 believed clients knowledgeable social security mind lets take closer look 20 things know social security 1 paying benefits decades social security act first signed law president franklin roosevelt aug 14 1935 payroll taxes first collected 1937 monthly benefits beginning january 1940 programs paying benefits 75 years itll continue pay benefits decades come 1937 2009 program paid cumulative 113 trillion 2 invests guaranteed assets money held social security trust funds invested securities guaranteed principal interest pretty much limits investments short longterm us treasuries special obligation securities issued federal trust funds advertisement 3 employer paying social security social security funded payroll tax currently sits 124 employer pay half 62 wages selfemployed people responsible paying 124 4 theres payroll tax cap aforementioned 124 payroll tax collected income 118500 2016 every dollar earned beyond 118500 free clear payroll tax work earn lifetime benefits image source pixabay 5 exactly entitlement social security covers 94 american workers order qualify worker need collect 40 work credits lifetime maximum four work credits earned year one work credit equating 1260 2016 thus 5040 income 2016 would max work credits year exceptions younger workers become disabled pass away may apply 6 covers workers social security best known covering retirees also provides benefits workers spouses qualified children well disabled eligible family members deceased workers nearly 60 million people received social security benefit payment december 2015 40 million retired workers 7 heres much prior salary benefits cover according social security administration benefits paid designed replace 40 workers income retirement based data ssa figure currently closer 55 lowincome earners 27 maximum earners 8 claim benefits earlier retirees eligible file benefits early age 62 late age 70 anywhere 9 probably shouldnt benefits grow time longer individual waits file benefits benefits increase value average every year eligible individual holds filing benefits benefit amount increase 8 10 full retirement age isnt static full retirement age fra level eligible beneficiary start taking 100 calculated benefit however fra moving target changing based year born currently fra 66 years itll rising two months year americans born 1955 1959 officially hitting 67 born 1960 later individuals claiming fra could receive excess 100 benefit file benefits matters image source pixabay 11 theres minimum benefit takes least 10 years worker qualify lifetime social security benefits theres minimum benefit theyll eligible worker earns little lifetime monthly benefit payment might less 100 12 however maximum benefit flip side regardless much make lifetime maximum monthly benefit worker retiring full retirement age expect 2016 2639 per month thats actually 24 less 2015 levels due unusual combination events dip consumer price index meant cost living adjustment see item 15 national average wage index used calculate ssi benefits rose 13 average retirees monthly benefit payment according data january 2016 retired workers receiving average 1341 per month 16100 per year married couples receiving benefits averaged 2212 month 26500 per year 14 long work matters social security administration determines benefit averaging annual income highestearning 35 years work worked fewer 35 years ssa average goose eggs ie 0 year 35 didnt work potentially reducing benefit sizable amount 15 cola helps keep ssa typically adjusts benefits annually keep step inflation known costofliving adjustment cola indicator determines cola consumer price index urban wage earners clerical workers cpiw 2016 cpiw fell inflationary increase awarded beneficiaries 16 mulligans exist regret filing benefits early age theres actually solution form ssa521 also known request withdrawal application allows filers take mulligan within first 12 months filing benefits also pay back every cent benefits received filed request benefits undone benefits allowed grow dont get reliant social security income image source pixabay 17 theres cash shortfall horizon soical security takes payroll taxes stopped enough cover pays years ago andaccording latest trustees report oldage survivors disability insurance trust oasdi covers difference projected burn reserves 2035 mean program going bankrupt could mean benefit cuts tax increases combination two coming 18 blame demographic shifts cash shortfall two demographic shifts responsible ongoing depletion oasdi first baby boomers retiring greater numbers simply arent enough new workers take places workertobeneficiary ratio fell cash inflow turned cash outflow secondly people living longer ever meaning retirees average drawing trust years 19 actually efficient program noted last year opens new window ssa administered exceptionally low overhead program paid nearly 840 billion benefits 2014 year expenditures totaled mere 56 billion 07 total benefits paid 20 social security number says something past new ones wont lastly prior june 2011 social security numbers ssns doled partially based geography first three digits assigned based geographic region living number assigned lower numbers east coast higher numbers moved west remaining six digits random beginning june 25 2011 entire process ssn assignment became randomized program reuse ssns people assigned pass away truly unique article 20 things know social security opens new window originally appeared foolcom sean williams opens new 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<p /> <p>Rewind a few decades and all that car buyers cared about was speed and power. These days, it's more about safety and economy.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>From high-end vehicles to low-priced ones, active-safety technology is becoming a standard in vehicles, evolving as seat belts did many years ago. But it's not stopping there. In the not-too-distant future, there will be cars that warn each other of an impending collision, and even self-driving cars.</p> <p>"Active safety (technology) has come a long way," says Luke Neurauter, group leader for the Connected and Advanced Vehicle Systems group at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. "Safety is a big industry push now."</p> <p><a href="http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/auto/?pid=p:foxbz" type="external">Compare auto rates in your area. Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>In-vehicle safety trickles down to more models</p> <p>The whole idea behind these in-vehicle safety technologies is to reduce the number of car accidents while requiring the driver to do little, if anything at all. An early iteration of this type of technology was anti-lock brakes and air bags. Those two technologies first appeared in high-end luxury vehicles but are now found on most vehicles.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>That's what is starting to happen with advanced collision technology such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights and front- and rear-collision warning systems.</p> <p>"All types of high-tech items tend to start off in higher-margin, expensive luxury cars and trickle down into the lower segment," says Eric Lyman, vice president of ALG, a Santa Barbara, California-based automotive research firm. He pointed to Mercedes-Benz as one car manufacturer that releases technology first in its high-end models before bringing it to lower-tier models.</p> <p>But it's not only the luxury vehicle manufacturers that are bringing safety technology to their models. Volvo, Subaru and Toyota also offer advanced safety technology as standard equipment on certain models, and they are only a few examples.</p> <p>Available technologies in today's cars</p> <p>Some of those features found in many of Toyota's lineup include lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, automatic high beams, vehicle stability control, and pre-collision systems, says Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight.</p> <p>A majority of collisions that result in serious injury can be attributed to human error, Knight says.</p> <p>"At Toyota, we approach this problem two ways. One is to develop and deploy in-car technologies that are designed to help support the driver's awareness of his surroundings," she says. The other is to educate drivers about the rules of the road and how to avoid distractive driving.</p> <p>Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which uses cameras to monitor the road and provide audible and visual warnings if it recognizes potentially dangerous driving situations and even apply automatic braking when necessary, is already in most of its highest-volume car lines and will be rolled out to more vehicles, Subaru spokeswoman Jessica Tullman says.</p> <p>Subaru EyeSight System</p> <p>According to Tullman, you can purchase a 2014 Subaru Legacy with EyeSight for slightly more than $26,000. "It is possible to equip cars at lower price points with active-safety technology," she says.</p> <p>For Volvo, safety has always been a cornerstone of its business, which is why advanced-safety technology has been standard on all its models since 2008 when it incorporated a self-braking system. But the safety features don't stop there.</p> <p>According to Trent Victor, senior specialist in safety analysis and human factors at Volvo Technology, Volvo's safety technology is closely tied to reducing collisions and includes forward collision warnings, auto braking at high speeds, road-edge and barrier detection with steer assist and adaptive cruise control. The carmaker recently introduced pedestrian detection in darkness and also plans to introduce cyclist detection in its vehicles.</p> <p>Advances in Technology Reduce Accidents</p> <p>While these technologies may seem like novelties or a way for a car manufacturer to have bragging rights, they are effective.</p> <p>"The crash prevention systems that provide warnings, as well as the systems that provide automatic braking, are preventing crashes," says David Zuby, chief research officer for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "If you look at the insurance data and compare it to vehicles that don't have the systems, you see a reduction in the crash claims reported by insurers."</p> <p>Adaptive headlights that help drivers see better at night are also "highly effective" at reducing crashes, he says.</p> <p>A lot of the attention recently has focused on the concept of the connected car. It got a big push in early February when the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it will begin taking steps to enable vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology to be built into cars.</p> <p>Connected Car: Crash Prevention, Added Convenience</p> <p>The connected vehicle takes advantage of global positioning systems, or GPS, and dedicated short-range communication to equip cars with a Wi-Fi-like system that sends basic safety messages to surrounding vehicles. The systems can track the speed and position of the vehicle and any other vehicles around it, and would notify drivers if a car came into their blind spots or alert them to a car suddenly braking up ahead.</p> <p>"If you are the last car in a group of seven and the first one brakes abruptly, it's unlikely that you, as a driver of a traditional vehicle, will respond before the chain reaction reaches you," Virginia Tech's Neurauter says.</p> <p>With connected cars, once the first vehicle brakes heavily, it can issue a warning to following drivers, he says. Another example of where connected cars can help drivers avoid accidents is when they warn a driver with a green light that a vehicle is driving through a red light as he or she nears the intersection. It may even alert a driver to icy road conditions ahead.</p> <p>"Initially, connected vehicle technology will simply, yet effectively, provide drivers with information pertaining to safety, mobility, convenience," Neurauter says. "The next step will be integrating connected vehicle and active safety technologies together, further increasing safety on our roadways."</p> <p>ALG's Lyman says that safety will be a big push in the connected car, but it's not the only feature that may come to pass. In the future, you can expect vehicles that are not only connected to each other, but to the traffic signals -- to improve efficiency, fuel usage and provide alternative routes if there is a traffic jam.</p> <p>Infotainment also will be a major focus, with cars able to tell you where to get the cheapest gas or where the closest ATM is. "We could get to the point where the car drives us and we read the newspaper on the way to work," Lyman says.</p> <p>Volvo for its part has committed to having 100 driverless cars on the road by 2017. Nissan has committed to having a totally autonomous car by 2020. "Part of the solution for a crash-free future can be the implementation of autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars," Volvo's Victor says.</p> <p>Not only will people be safer, but consumers also will be able to use their time more efficiently.</p> <p>Information Overload Must be Balanced with Safety</p> <p>Information is power, but it can cause overload, which would not be ideal for people behind the steering wheel of a lethal machine. Because of that, it will be up to the car manufacturers to create connected car systems that aren't intrusive or provide too much information, causing drivers to be distracted or overwhelmed by the messages intended to protect them.</p> <p>"The connected car market is a rapidly growing market and there's no way to predict what direction it's going to go," says Peggy Smedley, president and editorial director of the Connected World Magazine in Carol Stream, Illinois. "Whatever direction, (car manufacturers) have to think about safety first, above all of the other things."</p> <p>Copyright 2014, Bankrate Inc.</p>

rewind decades car buyers cared speed power days safety economy continue reading highend vehicles lowpriced ones activesafety technology becoming standard vehicles evolving seat belts many years ago stopping nottoodistant future cars warn impending collision even selfdriving cars active safety technology come long way says luke neurauter group leader connected advanced vehicle systems group virginia tech transportation institute safety big industry push compare auto rates area opens new window invehicle safety trickles models whole idea behind invehicle safety technologies reduce number car accidents requiring driver little anything early iteration type technology antilock brakes air bags two technologies first appeared highend luxury vehicles found vehicles advertisement thats starting happen advanced collision technology adaptive cruise control blindspot monitoring adaptive headlights front rearcollision warning systems types hightech items tend start highermargin expensive luxury cars trickle lower segment says eric lyman vice president alg santa barbara californiabased automotive research firm pointed mercedesbenz one car manufacturer releases technology first highend models bringing lowertier models luxury vehicle manufacturers bringing safety technology models volvo subaru toyota also offer advanced safety technology standard equipment certain models examples available technologies todays cars features found many toyotas lineup include lanekeep assist blindspot monitor automatic high beams vehicle stability control precollision systems says toyota spokeswoman cindy knight majority collisions result serious injury attributed human error knight says toyota approach problem two ways one develop deploy incar technologies designed help support drivers awareness surroundings says educate drivers rules road avoid distractive driving subarus eyesight driverassist system uses cameras monitor road provide audible visual warnings recognizes potentially dangerous driving situations even apply automatic braking necessary already highestvolume car lines rolled vehicles subaru spokeswoman jessica tullman says subaru eyesight system according tullman purchase 2014 subaru legacy eyesight slightly 26000 possible equip cars lower price points activesafety technology says volvo safety always cornerstone business advancedsafety technology standard models since 2008 incorporated selfbraking system safety features dont stop according trent victor senior specialist safety analysis human factors volvo technology volvos safety technology closely tied reducing collisions includes forward collision warnings auto braking high speeds roadedge barrier detection steer assist adaptive cruise control carmaker recently introduced pedestrian detection darkness also plans introduce cyclist detection vehicles advances technology reduce accidents technologies may seem like novelties way car manufacturer bragging rights effective crash prevention systems provide warnings well systems provide automatic braking preventing crashes says david zuby chief research officer insurance institute highway safety look insurance data compare vehicles dont systems see reduction crash claims reported insurers adaptive headlights help drivers see better night also highly effective reducing crashes says lot attention recently focused concept connected car got big push early february us national highway traffic safety administration announced begin taking steps enable vehicletovehicle communication technology built cars connected car crash prevention added convenience connected vehicle takes advantage global positioning systems gps dedicated shortrange communication equip cars wifilike system sends basic safety messages surrounding vehicles systems track speed position vehicle vehicles around would notify drivers car came blind spots alert car suddenly braking ahead last car group seven first one brakes abruptly unlikely driver traditional vehicle respond chain reaction reaches virginia techs neurauter says connected cars first vehicle brakes heavily issue warning following drivers says another example connected cars help drivers avoid accidents warn driver green light vehicle driving red light nears intersection may even alert driver icy road conditions ahead initially connected vehicle technology simply yet effectively provide drivers information pertaining safety mobility convenience neurauter says next step integrating connected vehicle active safety technologies together increasing safety roadways algs lyman says safety big push connected car feature may come pass future expect vehicles connected traffic signals improve efficiency fuel usage provide alternative routes traffic jam infotainment also major focus cars able tell get cheapest gas closest atm could get point car drives us read newspaper way work lyman says volvo part committed 100 driverless cars road 2017 nissan committed totally autonomous car 2020 part solution crashfree future implementation autonomous vehicles selfdriving cars volvos victor says people safer consumers also able use time efficiently information overload must balanced safety information power cause overload would ideal people behind steering wheel lethal machine car manufacturers create connected car systems arent intrusive provide much information causing drivers distracted overwhelmed messages intended protect connected car market rapidly growing market theres way predict direction going go says peggy smedley president editorial director connected world magazine carol stream illinois whatever direction car manufacturers think safety first things copyright 2014 bankrate inc

<p /> <p>The wheels look like they're <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/07/did-bass-pro-shops-just-waste-55-billion-on-cabela.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">coming off the merger Opens a New Window.</a> between Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's (NYSE: CAB). It appears the hurdles for successfully navigating the regulatory landscape are more hazardous than originally believed. Not only has the Federal Trade Commission sought more information about the transaction, delaying the potential closing deadline, but the regulatory request has jeopardized the sale of Cabela's financial arm to Capital One.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Still struggling with a changing retail landscape, Cabela's agreed last October to be acquired by privately-held rival Bass Pro Shops for $65.50 per share, or about $5.5 billion, including debt. It was a decent price for the outdoors retailer, representing a 19% premium to Cabela's closing price on Sept. 30, the day before the acquisition was announced. It was also a 40% premium to its closing price on Dec. 1 of the previous year, the day before Cabela's declared that it was exploring strategic alternatives.</p> <p>Image source: Cabela's.</p> <p>Those options, which had always included a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/24/bass-pro-shops-on-verge-of-buying-cabelas.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">potential sale Opens a New Window.</a> of the company but were also thought to focus on selling its World's Foremost Bank division, were brought about by activist investor Elliott Management, which had taken a 11% stake in the company, saying it would push management to sell everything. When Cabela's share price is viewed from that perspective, the Bass Pro offer is almost double the price the stock traded at the time.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>And there didn't seem to be any doubt the deal would sail through. The transaction was obviously a good fit for the two since both retailers target the same customer and even offer a fairly similar retail experience. It would also allow Bass Pro to better compete against rivals like Dick's Sporting Goods, whose preeminent position was being bolstered by the shakeout occurring in the outdoor recreation space. City Sports declared bankruptcy, as did Eastern Mountain Sports, Sport Chalet, and of course, Sports Authority.</p> <p>Despite the similarities between Bass Pro and Cabela's, though, there were enough degrees of separation that should have allowed the deal to move forward with relative ease. Cabela's operates some 80 stores in 36 states, mostly in the West, with nine more locations in Canada. Bass Pro Shops has about 100 stores, mostly in the Midwest and East Coast. Moreover, Cabela's specialty is hunting while Bass Pro's is, as its name implies, fishing.</p> <p>But a deal of this size, evenin the $76 billion hunting and fishing industry, invites regulatory scrutiny from an FTC that has not shown favor toward large mergers.Even so, the deal seemed to have a good chance of success, and it even brought in Capital One Finance to take over the banking operations of Cabela's. In a side deal from the merger, Capital One agreed to pay about $200 millionto originate and service Cabela's co-branded credit card for 10 years while acquiring the credit card operations,which is one of the country's biggest issuers by volume.</p> <p>But the deal looks like it's unraveling. Although the FTC's request for more information is not a death sentence -- Anheuser-Busch also got a second notice request in its pursuit of SABMiller, which was ultimately approved -- it's going to be more complicated and may require divestitures that will delay any potential closing date for some time.</p> <p>Also, in Capital One's fourth quarter earnings conference call with analysts, Chairman and CEO Richard Fairbank said it was all but out of the running to get the credit card business. "Within the next week or so, we expect to either withdraw our bank merger act application or have our application denied by the OCC [Office of the Comptroller of the Currency]".</p> <p>While a bank would normally just withdraw an application before it was denied, because Capital One's deal is tied up with the merger, it needs to get Cabela's permission to withdraw, which the retailer is apparently loathe to do.And because Cabela's credit card operation is chartered as a bank, the merger requires the approval of the comptroller.</p> <p>Image source: Cabela's.</p> <p>Regardless, with these delays, Capital One won't have time to refile an application. It is currently still operating under a consent order from the comptroller due to money laundering laws it violated a few years ago from a check-cashing business it once operated.</p> <p>And while Capital One hasn't updated the status of its application as of this writing, it's seems to be out of the running. While that could open up a chance for another card issuer to step forward, Bass Pro will probably have to manage the portfolio in-house for awhile, perhaps putting it up for sale later on -- if it gets the nod from regulators, of course.</p> <p>Bass Pro Shop's hunt for Cabela's is becoming stuck in a regulatory thicket and could ultimately fall apart, raising questions of whether investors will ever see that buyout premium they are hoping for.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Cabela's 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=f4173c8b-dfc8-4cfc-ba5c-599eba091f3f&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 Cabela's 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=f4173c8b-dfc8-4cfc-ba5c-599eba091f3f&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/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. 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>

wheels look like theyre coming merger opens new window bass pro shops cabelas nyse cab appears hurdles successfully navigating regulatory landscape hazardous originally believed federal trade commission sought information transaction delaying potential closing deadline regulatory request jeopardized sale cabelas financial arm capital one continue reading still struggling changing retail landscape cabelas agreed last october acquired privatelyheld rival bass pro shops 6550 per share 55 billion including debt decent price outdoors retailer representing 19 premium cabelas closing price sept 30 day acquisition announced also 40 premium closing price dec 1 previous year day cabelas declared exploring strategic alternatives image source cabelas options always included potential sale opens new window company also thought focus selling worlds foremost bank division brought activist investor elliott management taken 11 stake company saying would push management sell everything cabelas share price viewed perspective bass pro offer almost double price stock traded time advertisement didnt seem doubt deal would sail transaction obviously good fit two since retailers target customer even offer fairly similar retail experience would also allow bass pro better compete rivals like dicks sporting goods whose preeminent position bolstered shakeout occurring outdoor recreation space city sports declared bankruptcy eastern mountain sports sport chalet course sports authority despite similarities bass pro cabelas though enough degrees separation allowed deal move forward relative ease cabelas operates 80 stores 36 states mostly west nine locations canada bass pro shops 100 stores mostly midwest east coast moreover cabelas specialty hunting bass pros name implies fishing deal size evenin 76 billion hunting fishing industry invites regulatory scrutiny ftc shown favor toward large mergerseven deal seemed good chance success even brought capital one finance take banking operations cabelas side deal merger capital one agreed pay 200 millionto originate service cabelas cobranded credit card 10 years acquiring credit card operationswhich one countrys biggest issuers volume deal looks like unraveling although ftcs request information death sentence anheuserbusch also got second notice request pursuit sabmiller ultimately approved going complicated may require divestitures delay potential closing date time also capital ones fourth quarter earnings conference call analysts chairman ceo richard fairbank said running get credit card business within next week expect either withdraw bank merger act application application denied occ office comptroller currency bank would normally withdraw application denied capital ones deal tied merger needs get cabelas permission withdraw retailer apparently loathe doand cabelas credit card operation chartered bank merger requires approval comptroller image source cabelas regardless delays capital one wont time refile application currently still operating consent order comptroller due money laundering laws violated years ago checkcashing business operated capital one hasnt updated status application writing seems running could open chance another card issuer step forward bass pro probably manage portfolio inhouse awhile perhaps putting sale later gets nod regulators course bass pro shops hunt cabelas becoming stuck regulatory thicket could ultimately fall apart raising questions whether investors ever see buyout premium hoping 10 stocks like better cabelas 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 cabelas wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>China's dirty skyline. Image Source: Cameco Corp.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Oil is up! Oil is down! Oil is getting way too much attention... Sure, oil is an important global commodity, but there's still no clear evidence that the supply/demand problems facing "black gold" are anywhere near correcting themselves. But there's another commodity, uranium, where demand looks like it's going to dwarf supply in the very near future and there's one company that looks poised to benefit. Here's what you need to know to take advantage of the situation.</p> <p>When you look at oil, the big picture is pretty simple to understand. When oil prices were high everyone was drilling. That led to too much supply. Add in slowing growth in China and other developed markets and demand started to fall off, too. Too much supply and too little demand leads to falling prices. But this dynamic affects all commodities, so it's an important lesson.</p> <p>So is the aftermath of the decline that started in mid-2014, which led to a steep pullback in exploration budgets. For example, ExxonMobil is cutting its spending budget by 25% this year, with more cuts to come. The industry wide pullback will, eventually, lead to an upturn as demand catches up to supply, but when that actually happens is anyone's guess. And the gyrations in the oil market show that a lot of people are, indeed, guessing!</p> <p>But there's a commodity market that has gone through its bust and that has a far clearer picture of the future taking shape. What is that commodity? Uranium. And Cameco Corp. , the largest publicly traded uranium miner, is poised to take advantage of the situation.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The coming imbalance. Image Source: Cameco</p> <p>So why look at uranium? The answer is nuclear power, a source of energy that gets a bad rap because of a small number of troubling incidents, but that doesn't emit greenhouse gases. And while some developed countries, notably Germany, have chosen to shift away from nuclear, construction of new nuclear power plants around the world hasn't stopped. In fact, as you read this, there are 61 reactors being built. About 40 of those are expected to come on line in the next 5 years. That has to be juxtaposed against China's plans to increase its own supply of uranium, but the general idea is the same--uranium demand is set to increase. .</p> <p>Sure, there are nuclear plants being mothballed, but by 2025 the new construction will easily dwarf the ones being closed down. That, in turn, will lead to more reactors and more uranium demand. China and India, two nations struggling to keep up with the growing demand for electricity as their residents move up the socioeconomic ladder, are the driving forces. Cameco, in case you wanted to know, has supply agreements with both nations.</p> <p>Indeed, although it doesn't break out individual countries, Asia is a big market for Cameco, representing about 50% of its contracted backlog of uranium sales. That said, the supply agreement Cameco has with India was only inked last year, so any sales in that country are basically new business.</p> <p>But, here's the really interesting thing, there's already an imbalance between uranium production and demand -- tilted in Cameco's favor. For example, the miner estimates that demand will outstrip uranium production by around 3% this year. That may not sound like a big deal, but with all the new nuclear plants being built and the lingering impact of miners pulling back during the uranium downturn that started in 2011, the disconnect only looks like it will get worse. In fact, the production shortfall this year is up from a nearly 2% shortfall last year. And if no new mines are built the shortfall will be a massive 57% by 2025 by Cameco's estimates!</p> <p>Obviously, it's highly unlikely that no new uranium mines, or expansions of existing mines, will take place between now and 2025, especially if demand heats up. Rather the point is that uranium looks like it is at an inflection point, where demand is going to start pushing prices up again. And Cameco, with a global footprint and projects waiting in the wings for higher prices, should be a key beneficiary.</p> <p>The top- and bottom-lines have been hit hard by the commodity downturn that started in 2011. There's no way to sugar coat that. But, here's the thing, Cameco hasn't posted an annual loss in at least a decade, even at the current weak uranium price levels. Indeed, management hasn't been waiting around for better times, it's been making sure the miner's costs are below what it's getting paid. For example,Cameco's cash cost of production fell 26% year over year in the first quarter because of the investment it's made to ramp up production from its Cigar Lake mine.</p> <p>Add the fact that long-term debt makes up only about 20% of Cameco's capital structure and you start to see a company that's not only handling the downturn well, but looks like it has the fortitude to stick around for the eventual upturn, too. And, all the while, it's investing in its business to improve operations.</p> <p>Image Source: Cameco</p> <p>With that positive backdrop, it's worth taking a look at Cameco's stock price. Let's politely agree to call it ugly, with the shares off some 80% from the highs reached late last decade. Will it ever get to those lofty levels again? No one knows, but the beating it has taken seems at odds with the long-term outlook for nuclear power and Cameco's ability to, so far, weather the downturn in stride while maintaining a strong balance sheet and investing for the future.</p> <p>If you are tired of all the news about oil, perhaps it's time for you to switch gears and examine a commodity that's been through its darkest days and is now starting to see some silver linings on the clouds it's facing. And for that, uranium miner Cameco is probably your best bet.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/26/forget-oil-this-commodity-is-poised-to-rally-long.aspx" type="external">Forget Oil, This Commodity is Poised to Rally Long Term Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. 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>

chinas dirty skyline image source cameco corp continue reading oil oil oil getting way much attention sure oil important global commodity theres still clear evidence supplydemand problems facing black gold anywhere near correcting theres another commodity uranium demand looks like going dwarf supply near future theres one company looks poised benefit heres need know take advantage situation look oil big picture pretty simple understand oil prices high everyone drilling led much supply add slowing growth china developed markets demand started fall much supply little demand leads falling prices dynamic affects commodities important lesson aftermath decline started mid2014 led steep pullback exploration budgets example exxonmobil cutting spending budget 25 year cuts come industry wide pullback eventually lead upturn demand catches supply actually happens anyones guess gyrations oil market show lot people indeed guessing theres commodity market gone bust far clearer picture future taking shape commodity uranium cameco corp largest publicly traded uranium miner poised take advantage situation advertisement coming imbalance image source cameco look uranium answer nuclear power source energy gets bad rap small number troubling incidents doesnt emit greenhouse gases developed countries notably germany chosen shift away nuclear construction new nuclear power plants around world hasnt stopped fact read 61 reactors built 40 expected come line next 5 years juxtaposed chinas plans increase supply uranium general idea sameuranium demand set increase sure nuclear plants mothballed 2025 new construction easily dwarf ones closed turn lead reactors uranium demand china india two nations struggling keep growing demand electricity residents move socioeconomic ladder driving forces cameco case wanted know supply agreements nations indeed although doesnt break individual countries asia big market cameco representing 50 contracted backlog uranium sales said supply agreement cameco india inked last year sales country basically new business heres really interesting thing theres already imbalance uranium production demand tilted camecos favor example miner estimates demand outstrip uranium production around 3 year may sound like big deal new nuclear plants built lingering impact miners pulling back uranium downturn started 2011 disconnect looks like get worse fact production shortfall year nearly 2 shortfall last year new mines built shortfall massive 57 2025 camecos estimates obviously highly unlikely new uranium mines expansions existing mines take place 2025 especially demand heats rather point uranium looks like inflection point demand going start pushing prices cameco global footprint projects waiting wings higher prices key beneficiary top bottomlines hit hard commodity downturn started 2011 theres way sugar coat heres thing cameco hasnt posted annual loss least decade even current weak uranium price levels indeed management hasnt waiting around better times making sure miners costs getting paid examplecamecos cash cost production fell 26 year year first quarter investment made ramp production cigar lake mine add fact longterm debt makes 20 camecos capital structure start see company thats handling downturn well looks like fortitude stick around eventual upturn investing business improve operations image source cameco positive backdrop worth taking look camecos stock price lets politely agree call ugly shares 80 highs reached late last decade ever get lofty levels one knows beating taken seems odds longterm outlook nuclear power camecos ability far weather downturn stride maintaining strong balance sheet investing future tired news oil perhaps time switch gears examine commodity thats darkest days starting see silver linings clouds facing uranium miner cameco probably best bet article forget oil commodity poised rally long term opens new window originally appeared foolcom reuben brewer opens new window owns shares exxonmobil motley fool owns shares exxonmobil 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>When "Marvel's The Punisher" debuted on Netflix last month, it was greeted with great interest and high anticipation.</p> <p>But it arrived as just one of many comic-book adaptations. "The Punisher" is only the latest in a flood now comprising some 28 shows across nine broadcast, cable and streaming platforms, with no end in sight.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Granted, all comic-book shows aren't created equal.</p> <p>AMC's "The Walking Dead," beset by zombies, differs markedly from the teen adventures of Archie Andrews on the CW's "Riverdale" and from Amazon's superhero spoof "The Tick."</p> <p>But the majority exists within either of two expansive brands, not dissimilar to Pepsi and Coke.</p> <p>One is DC, which (with the midseason arrival of "Black Lightning" on the CW) will be represented by nine shows on three networks. The other is Marvel with 13 shows arrayed on six outlets, chiefly Netflix, which currently hosts a half-dozen of its own.</p> <p>That all adds up to more spandex get-ups than you'd find in an aerobics class. But before concluding that superheroes have taken over the small screen, it's worth noting a few things.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>First, TV has always chased trends. Think: cop shows, doctor shows, lawyer shows. Way back in Fall 1959, more than two dozen Westerns were airing on just three broadcast networks. That would dwarf the current slate of comic book shows as a percentage of the 500-odd scripted original prime-time series airing in 2017.</p> <p>"Comics-related television series have always been a mainstay of television," says Paul Levinson, professor of communications and media studies at Fordham University. "Now it may seem like they're all over the place. But that's because there's television all over the place."</p> <p>Even so, an upsurge of comic-based shows the past few years is unmistakable. Consider the CW, where, without "Smallville" after a decade's run, no such shows were in its lineup in Fall 2011. But after a subsequent year-by-year buildup, it will boast seven this season.</p> <p>Along the way, comics-related movies proliferated, while in October 2010, "The Walking Dead" made clear from its explosive arrival that a comic-book property could be a TV smash.</p> <p>By then, the CGI (computer graphics imagery) that any superhero show requires had become more sophisticated yet sufficiently affordable for weekly TV productions. Conversely, superhero series were a perfect TV showcase for those ever-more-eye-popping special effects in a way that more realistic cop dramas or sitcoms could never be.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the launch of more and more channels, especially streaming platforms with their limitless capacity, signaled an ever-escalating need to create content.</p> <p>"With this extraordinary appetite for source material, decades of comic books offered material just waiting to be plucked," says Robert Thompson, director of Syracuse University's Bleier Center for Television &amp;amp; Popular Culture.</p> <p>Even better, they're perfectly formatted for turning into TV.</p> <p>"A comic book is like a TV storyboard: visual dialogue in frames," Thompson says. "It's so perfectly transferable! Comic books make the life of a network development executive really, really easy."</p> <p>But none of this accounts for the apparently insatiable hunger for these shows with which the audience receives them.</p> <p>"All of it, one some level, is escapism," explains Brett Rogers, classics professor at the University of Puget Sound. "If I'm watching 'Jessica Jones' for an hour, I'm not dealing with some real thing in my life. But the flip side is that comic-book-inspired shows can be spaces for thinking through some serious questions: 'Jessica Jones' is an opportunity to explore sexual violence and post-traumatic stress disorder.</p> <p>"The comic book industry famously has had to fight the stigma of being for just for children and idiots," he says. But as gifted "kids and idiots" like Joss Whedon and Kevin Smith came of age and made waves by nurturing a comics ethos across multiple media including TV, comics gained new gravitas, respect and urgency.</p> <p>"It's now being normalized as shared myth of mainstream culture," Rogers said. "It's a common myth shared between readers and viewers, adolescents and adults, comics and film buffs alike &#8212; NOT just kids' culture."</p> <p>Such shows, like the comics that spawned them, can offer welcome moral clarity in an ever-more-confounding world.</p> <p>"It's much easier to identify the heroes and villains, the good guys vs. the bad guys, than it is on other television shows," says Levinson. "And, by and large, the good characters and heroes endure and triumph over adversity."</p> <p>"These characters were created as morality tales. They have a primal appeal, a simple appeal," says Glen Weldon, a panelist on NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" podcast and author of "Superman: The Unauthorized Biography."</p> <p>"They represent our best selves. We are meant to look at them and strive to be more like them."</p> <p>And thanks to the internet, the appreciation of these comic-book heroes, whether they exist on the page or the screen, can now be enjoyed as a communal experience.</p> <p>"In the past, if you grew up a nerd, you thought you were alone," says Weldon. "Now you can go online and find people just like you who share your passion."</p> <p>How long will this craze last? For more than a half-century, TV's trends have burst on the scene, then flared out and been given up for dead. (How many current TV Westerns can you count?)</p> <p>But comics-inspired TV may not follow that cycle.</p> <p>"It may ebb as well as flow," says Thompson, "but I don't think there's any reason to believe that this genre will exhaust itself as others have done, or that viewers will get tired of it. It's such a versatile genre."</p> <p>Versatile, and with room to grow, he adds, unlike other genres that may have reached their peak. While the police procedural may well have plateaued creatively, "the comic-book genre is still maturing," he says. "We're still seeing it evolve."</p>

marvels punisher debuted netflix last month greeted great interest high anticipation arrived one many comicbook adaptations punisher latest flood comprising 28 shows across nine broadcast cable streaming platforms end sight continue reading granted comicbook shows arent created equal amcs walking dead beset zombies differs markedly teen adventures archie andrews cws riverdale amazons superhero spoof tick majority exists within either two expansive brands dissimilar pepsi coke one dc midseason arrival black lightning cw represented nine shows three networks marvel 13 shows arrayed six outlets chiefly netflix currently hosts halfdozen adds spandex getups youd find aerobics class concluding superheroes taken small screen worth noting things advertisement first tv always chased trends think cop shows doctor shows lawyer shows way back fall 1959 two dozen westerns airing three broadcast networks would dwarf current slate comic book shows percentage 500odd scripted original primetime series airing 2017 comicsrelated television series always mainstay television says paul levinson professor communications media studies fordham university may seem like theyre place thats theres television place even upsurge comicbased shows past years unmistakable consider cw without smallville decades run shows lineup fall 2011 subsequent yearbyyear buildup boast seven season along way comicsrelated movies proliferated october 2010 walking dead made clear explosive arrival comicbook property could tv smash cgi computer graphics imagery superhero show requires become sophisticated yet sufficiently affordable weekly tv productions conversely superhero series perfect tv showcase evermoreeyepopping special effects way realistic cop dramas sitcoms could never meanwhile launch channels especially streaming platforms limitless capacity signaled everescalating need create content extraordinary appetite source material decades comic books offered material waiting plucked says robert thompson director syracuse universitys bleier center television amp popular culture even better theyre perfectly formatted turning tv comic book like tv storyboard visual dialogue frames thompson says perfectly transferable comic books make life network development executive really really easy none accounts apparently insatiable hunger shows audience receives one level escapism explains brett rogers classics professor university puget sound im watching jessica jones hour im dealing real thing life flip side comicbookinspired shows spaces thinking serious questions jessica jones opportunity explore sexual violence posttraumatic stress disorder comic book industry famously fight stigma children idiots says gifted kids idiots like joss whedon kevin smith came age made waves nurturing comics ethos across multiple media including tv comics gained new gravitas respect urgency normalized shared myth mainstream culture rogers said common myth shared readers viewers adolescents adults comics film buffs alike kids culture shows like comics spawned offer welcome moral clarity evermoreconfounding world much easier identify heroes villains good guys vs bad guys television shows says levinson large good characters heroes endure triumph adversity characters created morality tales primal appeal simple appeal says glen weldon panelist nprs pop culture happy hour podcast author superman unauthorized biography represent best selves meant look strive like thanks internet appreciation comicbook heroes whether exist page screen enjoyed communal experience past grew nerd thought alone says weldon go online find people like share passion long craze last halfcentury tvs trends burst scene flared given dead many current tv westerns count comicsinspired tv may follow cycle may ebb well flow says thompson dont think theres reason believe genre exhaust others done viewers get tired versatile genre versatile room grow adds unlike genres may reached peak police procedural may well plateaued creatively comicbook genre still maturing says still seeing evolve

<p>You've probably heard the expression "cash cow," but what does it really mean? The metaphor comes from the dairy industry, where a farmer buys a cow and then receives a steady supply of milk for years to come. In the business world, the equivalent is a company that consistently generates solid cash flow.</p> <p>Stocks with strong free cash flow (the amount of cash remaining after capital expenditures) often make great investment choices. They're more likely to pay out dividends and to keep those dividends coming. The companies also have more flexibility in reinvesting in their businesses to remain competitive.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Three top stocks that are definitely cash cows are Alphabet&amp;#160;(NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson&amp;#160;(NYSE: JNJ). Here's how they make their big moola (sorry -- the pun was too hard to resist).</p> <p>Alphabet's free cash flow over the last 12 months totaled almost $28 billion. This great cash flow helped Google report cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $92.4 billion at the end of the first quarter.</p> <p>How does Alphabet generate its enormous cash flow? Nearly all of it (99%) comes from Google, with a small portion stemming from what the company calls its "other bets," which include Nest home automation and its Verily life sciences division. Within Google, advertising revenue on its search engine and YouTube social media site account for roughly 87% of revenue.</p> <p>What's particularly great for Alphabet is that its free cash flow continues to grow. Sooner or later, the company will <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/06/how-alphabet-can-use-its-92-billion-war-chest.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">need to do something with the big cash stockpile Opens a New Window.</a> that it has accumulated. Most likely, Alphabet will make strategic acquisitions, buy back more shares, and/or initiate a dividend. Any of these will reward investors, making Alphabet one of the most attractive cash cow stocks on the market.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Apple generated free cash flow over the last 12 months of nearly $53 billion. Thanks to this strong cash flow, Apple claims a massive cash stockpile totaling $67.1 billion (including cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities). The company's cash flow also enables it to pay a dividend with a current yield of 1.76%.</p> <p>While Apple makes money from many popular products and services, its iPhone sales generate 63% of total revenue. This could change in the future, though. One venture capital firm founder thinks that Apple could be developing augmented reality glasses that could be even <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/05/could-apples-rumored-augmented-reality-glasses-rea.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">bigger than the iPhone Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Also, Apple's iPhone sales are only growing by single-digit percentages. By comparison, revenue from the company's second-biggest moneymaker -- services, which includes digital content, AppleCare, Apple Pay, and licensing -- jumped 18% year over year in the first quarter of 2017.&amp;#160;Although Apples faces some risks from competition, it seems likely that the company will remain a cash cow for years to come.</p> <p>Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson's free cash flow over the last 12 months topped $16 billion. The healthcare giant reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $39.3 billion at the end of March. J&amp;amp;J's dividend is one of the most solid in all of healthcare, with a current yield of 2.53% and a 54-year streak of dividend increases.</p> <p>There isn't much in healthcare that J&amp;amp;J doesn't do. The company's top source of revenue is its pharmaceutical business, which generates around 46% of total sales. Its medical devices segment isn't too far behind, contributing more than 35% of total revenue. J&amp;amp;J's consumer business kicks in the rest of the company's sales.</p> <p>The company has prioritized acquisitions as a key way of using its cash and cash flow. Earlier this year, J&amp;amp;J acquired Abbott Medical Optics from Abbott Laboratories, bolstering its medical devices business. More recently, the company completed its $30 billion acquisition of Swiss drugmaker Actelion. Although there have been <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/12/3-reasons-johnson-johnsons-actelion-deal-might-not.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">quite a few questions Opens a New Window.</a> about the price tag paid for Actelion, J&amp;amp;J seems poised to stay ranked as a top cash cow stock.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Johnson &amp;amp; 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=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=0ef028a0-bb59-458c-8b02-00dc0b418a33&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Johnson &amp;amp; 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=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=0ef028a0-bb59-458c-8b02-00dc0b418a33&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&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>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights 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 Johnson &amp;amp; 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;uuid=4ba18722-625f-11e7-b579-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

youve probably heard expression cash cow really mean metaphor comes dairy industry farmer buys cow receives steady supply milk years come business world equivalent company consistently generates solid cash flow stocks strong free cash flow amount cash remaining capital expenditures often make great investment choices theyre likely pay dividends keep dividends coming companies also flexibility reinvesting businesses remain competitive continue reading three top stocks definitely cash cows alphabet160nasdaq goog nasdaq googl apple nasdaq aapl johnson amp johnson160nyse jnj heres make big moola sorry pun hard resist alphabets free cash flow last 12 months totaled almost 28 billion great cash flow helped google report cash cash equivalents marketable securities 924 billion end first quarter alphabet generate enormous cash flow nearly 99 comes google small portion stemming company calls bets include nest home automation verily life sciences division within google advertising revenue search engine youtube social media site account roughly 87 revenue whats particularly great alphabet free cash flow continues grow sooner later company need something big cash stockpile opens new window accumulated likely alphabet make strategic acquisitions buy back shares andor initiate dividend reward investors making alphabet one attractive cash cow stocks market advertisement apple generated free cash flow last 12 months nearly 53 billion thanks strong cash flow apple claims massive cash stockpile totaling 671 billion including cash cash equivalents marketable securities companys cash flow also enables pay dividend current yield 176 apple makes money many popular products services iphone sales generate 63 total revenue could change future though one venture capital firm founder thinks apple could developing augmented reality glasses could even bigger iphone opens new window also apples iphone sales growing singledigit percentages comparison revenue companys secondbiggest moneymaker services includes digital content applecare apple pay licensing jumped 18 year year first quarter 2017160although apples faces risks competition seems likely company remain cash cow years come johnson amp johnsons free cash flow last 12 months topped 16 billion healthcare giant reported cash cash equivalents marketable securities 393 billion end march jampjs dividend one solid healthcare current yield 253 54year streak dividend increases isnt much healthcare jampj doesnt companys top source revenue pharmaceutical business generates around 46 total sales medical devices segment isnt far behind contributing 35 total revenue jampjs consumer business kicks rest companys sales company prioritized acquisitions key way using cash cash flow earlier year jampj acquired abbott medical optics abbott laboratories bolstering medical devices business recently company completed 30 billion acquisition swiss drugmaker actelion although quite questions opens new window price tag paid actelion jampj seems poised stay ranked top cash cow stock 10 stocks like better johnson amp 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 amp johnson wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors keith speights opens new window owns shares alphabet shares apple motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares apple johnson amp johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Bastille Day in 2017 corresponds to the actual French Revolution about as much as St. Patrick's Day corresponds to Catholicism or Guy Fawkes Day to blowing up British Parliament. A holiday whose foundational ethos of bloodshed, cruelty, radical secularization and hatred for religion (specifically Catholicism) has been supplanted by occasions for national pride: military parades, baguettes, Foie gras, fromage, croissants, merlot, and chants of "Vive la France!" as the country throws up its white flag of surrender to Muslim conquest.</p> <p>Having grown up close to my French heritage, much thanks to my beloved grandparents (may God grant them peace), who hailed from New Caledonia, I'd be pulling a trompe l'oeil on you if I said I didn't feel a bit of my inner le Tiers &#201;tat wanting to throw on a beret, pop open a Kronenbourg, slice into an overpriced brie and watch the fireworks over the Champs-&#201;lys&#233;es every July 14.</p> <p>As fate would have it though, I reverted to my Catholicism in 2014, which would then become the fulcrum on which I based my entire worldview, and my French pride would have to take a backseat to my understanding that Bastille Day represents neither the "rights of man" nor the advancement of France's freedom, as some would <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/18/arts/how-the-storming-of-the-bastille-liberated-the-printing-press-too.html" type="external">regard it</a>, and set the stage for all of Europe to commit the suicide by secularism we see unfolding today.</p> <p>I know what you're thinking right now, you bourgeois-minded philosophe: But monarchy sucks, and 'let them eat cake,' and medieval torture, and sans-culottes, and covfefe and stuff...</p> <p>Whatever the reasons or causes that led to the French Revolution, I won't debate here, rather directing you to a brilliant talk by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQsEJtJEwEk" type="external">historian Michael Davies</a> to give you a slightly less slanted picture than what they'll show you <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLY7WABdnXw&amp;amp;t=4703s" type="external">on the BBC</a>. Besides, debating whether anti-Catholic pogroms and the promulgation of a <a href="http://www.periclespress.net/france_fouche.html" type="external">secret police</a> were just unfortunate occurrences in an otherwise noble goal of deposing the French monarchy makes about as much sense as debating if Lenin and Stalin were just unfortunate occurrences of overthrowing the Czar. When the bodies stack up, when families are torn, when souls are corrupted, when allies become enemies, when a nation severs from its foundational principles, when envious hatred becomes violent mobs, who cares?</p> <p>No question that by 1789 France needed some drastic economic reforms. No question that a perfect storm of geopolitical conflicts, economic bankruptcy, aristocratic decadence,and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/15/iceland-volcano-weather-french-revolution" type="external">unfortunate weather</a> resulted in the overthrow of King Louis XVI. We can say all of this for certain, but we can also say for certain that the French Revolution would mark the precursor for the socialist revolutions of the twentieth century.</p> <p>Think of the French Revolution as the sloppy prequel to the Red Terror or the Great Leap Forward or the Khmer Rouge or Roe v. Wade. All violent social and political revolutions pushed by a minority of secularly-minded intellectuals of immense privilege proclaiming themselves spokesmen for the masses all from the comfort of their luxurious lifestyle. In the case of the French Revolution, this special class was, of course, the bourgeoisie.</p> <p>With their regular consorting in the Paris salons for discussions about religious superstition and the power of human reason, the bourgeoisie were the limousine liberals of their day. The fattened, effeminate elitist whose lazy rear-end is too busy penning intellectually insipid scribes like "man is born free but everywhere he is in chains" to feed their <a href="http://www.conservapedia.com/Jean_Jacques_Rousseau#Background" type="external">19 bastard children</a>. Like Bernie Sanders lecturing how rich people shouldn't own three houses while <a href="" type="internal">he himself owns three houses</a>, the bourgeoisie were hypocrites, and either had no clue or frankly had little care for the consequences of what they advocated for: overthrow of French nobility, subjugation of Christianity, and the confiscation of private property.</p> <p>Sure, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_Man_and_of_the_Citizen" type="external">signed into law by the National Convention in August 1789</a> just one month after the storming of the Bastille had various Enlightenment Easter eggs like universal suffrage and "natural rights" sprinkled throughout, but they were mere posturing, a sanitized rhetoric far removed from the depravity that would ensue as la resistance crept on.</p> <p>As the Welsh historian Gwynne Lewis noted, "From the beginning of the revolution, serious contradictions began to emerge between the rhetoric of life, liberty, equality and fraternity and the reality of a revolution led by a wealthy, propertied elite." This would explain why the revolution's figurehead, Maximilien Robespierre, who was to the revolution what Lenin was to Bolshevism, would leap from opposing the death penalty to advocating <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/3964724/Vende-French-call-for-revolution-massacre-to-be-termed-genocide.html" type="external">wholesale genocide</a>.You could say his enlightened reason helped him to "evolve" on the issue.</p> <p>People typically think of the "Reign of Terror" ushered in by Robespierre and his Jacobin club as an era of grotesque political executions where kangaroo courts would sentence crown loyalists and traitors to death by way of the iconic guillotine as the crowds of Paris celebrated. It was all of this, yes, but it was all of this and much more.</p> <p>In September 1792, an event known as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_Massacres" type="external">September Massacres</a> claimed the lives of 1200 to 1400 people in less than four days when revolutionary mobs stormed the Paris jails and murdered men, women, and children by hacking them to pieces or bashing their skulls in. Of those killed, 233 were Catholic priests that refused the oath demanded of them in the " <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_Massacres" type="external">Civil Constitution of the Clergy</a>," which placed the Church under state control.</p> <p>Spurned on by rebellions in the countryside, the revolutionaries by 1793 would jettison the principles laid out in the "Declaration of the Rights of Man" with the institution of a secret police that would monitor citizen activity and arrest anyone they deemed unfriendly to the revolution. Informants were stationed everywhere, and people could be carted off to the guillotine for so much as addressing people in the old-fashioned "Monsieur" and "Madame" instead of the state sanctioned "citoyen" (citizen). Even back in 1793, leftists were butchering common terms.</p> <p>Robespierre and the Jacobins regarded the Catholic Church and Christianity in general as little more than a cloying reminder of France's monarchical and superstitious past. To fully sever from it, they launched an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dechristianization_of_France_during_the_French_Revolution" type="external">era of dechristianization</a> that included the state's confiscation of Church property, the destruction of Christian icons, and instituting of bizarre civic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_(religious_practice)" type="external">cults</a>, including the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_Reason" type="external">Cult of Reason</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_the_Supreme_Being" type="external">Cult of the Supreme Being</a>. All priests and clergymen that did not swear the oath mandated in the "Civil Constitution" were liable to execution on site.</p> <p>None felt this dechristianization quite so harshly as the peasants in the coastal region of the Vend&#233;e, who became subject to what some historians have classified as the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/French-Genocide-Vendee-Reynald-Secher/dp/0268028656" type="external">first modern genocide</a>, with the current death toll 170,000. For a more extensive treatment on this horrific episode and the barbaric tactics used against these faithful people at the hands of revolutionary France, see Daniel Rabourdin's docudrama <a href="http://hiddenrebellion.com/" type="external">The Hidden Rebellion</a>.</p> <p>The sons of the revolution always consume the fathers of the revolution, and as irony would have it, Robespierre went to the guillotine courtesy of the very same kangaroo courts he ushered in. Only with Napoleon's rise in 1804 did Christianity and the Catholic Church receive protections again, but the stain of the revolution lives in France to this very day. For instance, Catholic weddings have <a href="http://www.expatica.com/fr/family-essentials/French-weddings-A-guide-to-getting-married-in-France_101112.html" type="external">not been recognized</a> by the state in over 200 years. To get married in France, couples must first undergo a civil ceremony before a religious ceremony.</p> <p>Knowing these facts, now you might understand why I as a French Catholic have a rough time shouting "Vive la France" on Bastille Day. This leaves me feeling in a little left out in the celebration of national pride. The Irish have St. Patrick, the Italians have St. Joseph, the Germans have Oktoberfest, the Mexicans have Cinco de Mayo, and the British have Guy Fawkes. What's a French Catholic who loves his heritage and his faith to do? Simple, invent my own day of national pride that other French Catholics can enjoy as well.</p> <p>That's why next year, on May 30, I will be celebrating St. Joan of Arc Day with all my French Catholic roturiers, and you can come join us too. We meet down by the tennis courts.</p>

bastille day 2017 corresponds actual french revolution much st patricks day corresponds catholicism guy fawkes day blowing british parliament holiday whose foundational ethos bloodshed cruelty radical secularization hatred religion specifically catholicism supplanted occasions national pride military parades baguettes foie gras fromage croissants merlot chants vive la france country throws white flag surrender muslim conquest grown close french heritage much thanks beloved grandparents may god grant peace hailed new caledonia id pulling trompe loeil said didnt feel bit inner le tiers État wanting throw beret pop open kronenbourg slice overpriced brie watch fireworks champsÉlysées every july 14 fate would though reverted catholicism 2014 would become fulcrum based entire worldview french pride would take backseat understanding bastille day represents neither rights man advancement frances freedom would regard set stage europe commit suicide secularism see unfolding today know youre thinking right bourgeoisminded philosophe monarchy sucks let eat cake medieval torture sansculottes covfefe stuff whatever reasons causes led french revolution wont debate rather directing brilliant talk historian michael davies give slightly less slanted picture theyll show bbc besides debating whether anticatholic pogroms promulgation secret police unfortunate occurrences otherwise noble goal deposing french monarchy makes much sense debating lenin stalin unfortunate occurrences overthrowing czar bodies stack families torn souls corrupted allies become enemies nation severs foundational principles envious hatred becomes violent mobs cares question 1789 france needed drastic economic reforms question perfect storm geopolitical conflicts economic bankruptcy aristocratic decadenceand unfortunate weather resulted overthrow king louis xvi say certain also say certain french revolution would mark precursor socialist revolutions twentieth century think french revolution sloppy prequel red terror great leap forward khmer rouge roe v wade violent social political revolutions pushed minority secularlyminded intellectuals immense privilege proclaiming spokesmen masses comfort luxurious lifestyle case french revolution special class course bourgeoisie regular consorting paris salons discussions religious superstition power human reason bourgeoisie limousine liberals day fattened effeminate elitist whose lazy rearend busy penning intellectually insipid scribes like man born free everywhere chains feed 19 bastard children like bernie sanders lecturing rich people shouldnt three houses owns three houses bourgeoisie hypocrites either clue frankly little care consequences advocated overthrow french nobility subjugation christianity confiscation private property sure declaration rights man citizen signed law national convention august 1789 one month storming bastille various enlightenment easter eggs like universal suffrage natural rights sprinkled throughout mere posturing sanitized rhetoric far removed depravity would ensue la resistance crept welsh historian gwynne lewis noted beginning revolution serious contradictions began emerge rhetoric life liberty equality fraternity reality revolution led wealthy propertied elite would explain revolutions figurehead maximilien robespierre revolution lenin bolshevism would leap opposing death penalty advocating wholesale genocideyou could say enlightened reason helped evolve issue people typically think reign terror ushered robespierre jacobin club era grotesque political executions kangaroo courts would sentence crown loyalists traitors death way iconic guillotine crowds paris celebrated yes much september 1792 event known september massacres claimed lives 1200 1400 people less four days revolutionary mobs stormed paris jails murdered men women children hacking pieces bashing skulls killed 233 catholic priests refused oath demanded civil constitution clergy placed church state control spurned rebellions countryside revolutionaries 1793 would jettison principles laid declaration rights man institution secret police would monitor citizen activity arrest anyone deemed unfriendly revolution informants stationed everywhere people could carted guillotine much addressing people oldfashioned monsieur madame instead state sanctioned citoyen citizen even back 1793 leftists butchering common terms robespierre jacobins regarded catholic church christianity general little cloying reminder frances monarchical superstitious past fully sever launched era dechristianization included states confiscation church property destruction christian icons instituting bizarre civic cults including cult reason cult supreme priests clergymen swear oath mandated civil constitution liable execution site none felt dechristianization quite harshly peasants coastal region vendée became subject historians classified first modern genocide current death toll 170000 extensive treatment horrific episode barbaric tactics used faithful people hands revolutionary france see daniel rabourdins docudrama hidden rebellion sons revolution always consume fathers revolution irony would robespierre went guillotine courtesy kangaroo courts ushered napoleons rise 1804 christianity catholic church receive protections stain revolution lives france day instance catholic weddings recognized state 200 years get married france couples must first undergo civil ceremony religious ceremony knowing facts might understand french catholic rough time shouting vive la france bastille day leaves feeling little left celebration national pride irish st patrick italians st joseph germans oktoberfest mexicans cinco de mayo british guy fawkes whats french catholic loves heritage faith simple invent day national pride french catholics enjoy well thats next year may 30 celebrating st joan arc day french catholic roturiers come join us meet tennis courts

<p>Gold prices, Japanese yen take a back seat to stocks</p> <p>U.S. stocks carved out fresh all-time highs on Monday as investors bought financials, telecommunications and materials shares.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 67 points, or 0.3%, to 22,335, led by sharp gains in industrials giants Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), up 1.8%, and a 1.1% rise in Boeing Co.(BA). The S&amp;amp;P 500 index advanced 6 points, or 0.3%, to 2,506. Telecommunications were trading up 0.6%, while the financials (XLF) and materials sectors were both rising up about 0.5%, leading the S&amp;amp;P 500's 11 sectors.</p> <p>The technology heavy Nasdaq Composite Index added 24 points, or 0.4%, at 6,473, setting an intraday day record at 6,477.21.</p> <p>On Monday, worries about tensions between North Korea and the U.S. seemed to be abating, with investors turning back to equities and other assets seen as riskier.</p> <p>However, some market participants saw healthy data domestically and abroad as the key impetus for the re-emergence of equity buying.</p> <p>"The economic data continue to support the fact that the world economy is doing better," said Maris Ogg, president at Tower Bridge Advisors. "And we have received confirmation from a lot of angles that Europe is finally in recovery," she said.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"All leading indicators are rising and confidence is rising," Ogg said. She said Europe represents about 30% of world GDP on a purchase -power parity basis, adding that "could very well keep the rest of us moving forward."</p> <p>Wall Street stocks posted sharp gains last week. On Friday, the Dow industrials logged a fourth straight record close (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dow-futures-steady-paring-losses-that-came-after-latest-north-korean-missile-2017-09-15) and a sixth straight gain. At the same time, The S&amp;amp;P 500 index managed a record finish, its 34th of 2017. Weekly gains for those indexes--up 2.16% and 1.58%, respectively--were the best for the Dow and S&amp;amp;P 500 since late 2016 and early 2017.</p> <p>Check out MarketWatch's Need to know column:When the stock market finally implodes, don't say these 3 charts didn't warn you (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/when-the-stock-market-finally-implodes-dont-say-these-3-charts-didnt-warn-you-2017-09-18)</p> <p>In a possible contributing factor, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. seeks a "peaceful solution" and wants to "bring North Korea to the table for constructive, productive dialogue," speaking in an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation." (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-is-looking-for-a-peaceful-solution-to-the-north-korea-crisis-says-rex-tillerson-2017-09-18)</p> <p>But in a separate interview, White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster said Sunday that "all options remain on the table," with regards to pushing Pyongyang to denuclearize (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-again-says-north-korea-must-give-up-nukes-hints-at-military-strike-2017-09-17).</p> <p>Diplomats at a United Nations gathering in New York are eager to hear President Donald Trump address the 193-member body for the first time, on Tuesday, where he will likely discuss the Pyongyang threat.</p> <p>In other global markets, it has largely been a sea of green. In Asia (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/asia-pacific-markets-start-the-week-with-gains-2017-09-17), South Korea's Kospi logged its biggest gain since May, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 1.3%. That is as the Japanese yen and gold prices, both considered havens in times of geopolitical unease, each pulled back.</p> <p>Fed in the spotlight: A highlight for this week will be the Federal Open Market Committee's two-day meeting, which wraps up Wednesday.</p> <p>Investors aren't expecting any changes to interest rates from Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen, but the central bank is expected to lay the groundwork to start unwinding its $4.5 trillion balance sheet. Yellen is due to a hold a news conference after the meeting.</p> <p>Read:Fed to take historic leap into the unknown (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-to-take-historic-leap-into-the-unknown-2017-09-14)</p> <p>(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-to-take-historic-leap-into-the-unknown-2017-09-14)And:How much longer this stock-market bull run lasts may depend on the Fed's next move (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-much-longer-this-stock-market-bull-run-lasts-may-depend-on-the-feds-next-move-2017-09-17)</p> <p>Meanwhile, National Association of Home Builders' index for September showed that builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes dropped during the month, on worries that the recent hurricanes will make it difficult to find workers and materials.</p> <p>The NAHB/Wells Fargo housing-market index (https://www.nahb.org/en/news-and-publications/press-releases/2017/09/builder-confidence-drops-three-points-as-hurricanes-add-uncertanity.aspx) fell 3 points to 64, and August's reading was cut by a point to 67.</p> <p>Stocks to watch: Shares of Orbital ATK Inc.(OA) jumped 21% after Northrop Grumman Corp.(NOC) announced a deal to buy its rival defense contractor (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/northrop-to-buy-orbital-atk-for-78-billion-in-cash-2017-09-18) for $7.8 billion in cash. Shares of Northrop Grumman were up 1.4%.</p> <p>Silver Spring Networks(SSNI) is up 24% after Itron Inc. (ITRI) says it would buy the Internet-of-things company (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/itron-to-buy-silver-spring-networks-for-a-25-premium-2017-09-18)for $830 million. The deal represents a 25% premium to shares of Silver Spring from Friday's close. Shares of Itron were up 1.5%.</p> <p>Nabriva Therapeutics PLC(NBRV) is up more than 58% on a positive trial (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nabriva-therapeutics-stock-jumps-50-premarket-on-positive-trial-of-pneumonia-treatment-2017-09-18)for a pneumonia treatment.</p> <p>Other markets: European stocks (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/european-stocks-get-a-lift-as-north-korea-tensions-cool-2017-09-18) posted gains across the board. Crude-oil prices struggled (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/oil-prices-struggle-to-hold-onto-gains-2017-09-18).</p> <p>Read:German election: Who's Merkel up against and what are their chances? (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/german-election-whos-merkel-up-against-and-how-could-they-shape-the-new-government-2017-08-31)</p> <p>Gold futures slipped $10.60, or 0.8%, to around $1,314 an ounce, while the dollar shot up to an eight week-high of Yen111.32 (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dollar-jumps-to-8-week-high-week-against-yen-as-north-korea-fears-fade-2017-09-18) against the Japanese yen.</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 18, 2017 11:14 ET (15:14 GMT)</p>

gold prices japanese yen take back seat stocks us stocks carved fresh alltime highs monday investors bought financials telecommunications materials shares continue reading dow jones industrial average rose 67 points 03 22335 led sharp gains industrials giants caterpillar inc cat 18 11 rise boeing coba sampp 500 index advanced 6 points 03 2506 telecommunications trading 06 financials xlf materials sectors rising 05 leading sampp 500s 11 sectors technology heavy nasdaq composite index added 24 points 04 6473 setting intraday day record 647721 monday worries tensions north korea us seemed abating investors turning back equities assets seen riskier however market participants saw healthy data domestically abroad key impetus reemergence equity buying economic data continue support fact world economy better said maris ogg president tower bridge advisors received confirmation lot angles europe finally recovery said advertisement leading indicators rising confidence rising ogg said said europe represents 30 world gdp purchase power parity basis adding could well keep rest us moving forward wall street stocks posted sharp gains last week friday dow industrials logged fourth straight record close httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydowfuturessteadyparinglossesthatcameafterlatestnorthkoreanmissile20170915 sixth straight gain time sampp 500 index managed record finish 34th 2017 weekly gains indexesup 216 158 respectivelywere best dow sampp 500 since late 2016 early 2017 check marketwatchs need know columnwhen stock market finally implodes dont say 3 charts didnt warn httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorywhenthestockmarketfinallyimplodesdontsaythese3chartsdidntwarnyou20170918 possible contributing factor us secretary state rex tillerson said us seeks peaceful solution wants bring north korea table constructive productive dialogue speaking interview cbss face nation httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryusislookingforapeacefulsolutiontothenorthkoreacrisissaysrextillerson20170918 separate interview white house national security adviser hr mcmaster said sunday options remain table regards pushing pyongyang denuclearize httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryusagainsaysnorthkoreamustgiveupnukeshintsatmilitarystrike20170917 diplomats united nations gathering new york eager hear president donald trump address 193member body first time tuesday likely discuss pyongyang threat global markets largely sea green asia httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryasiapacificmarketsstarttheweekwithgains20170917 south koreas kospi logged biggest gain since may hong kongs hang seng index rose 13 japanese yen gold prices considered havens times geopolitical unease pulled back fed spotlight highlight week federal open market committees twoday meeting wraps wednesday investors arent expecting changes interest rates federal reserve chairwoman janet yellen central bank expected lay groundwork start unwinding 45 trillion balance sheet yellen due hold news conference meeting readfed take historic leap unknown httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedtotakehistoricleapintotheunknown20170914 httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedtotakehistoricleapintotheunknown20170914andhow much longer stockmarket bull run lasts may depend feds next move httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryhowmuchlongerthisstockmarketbullrunlastsmaydependonthefedsnextmove20170917 meanwhile national association home builders index september showed builder confidence market newly built singlefamily homes dropped month worries recent hurricanes make difficult find workers materials nahbwells fargo housingmarket index httpswwwnahborgennewsandpublicationspressreleases201709builderconfidencedropsthreepointsashurricanesadduncertanityaspx fell 3 points 64 augusts reading cut point 67 stocks watch shares orbital atk incoa jumped 21 northrop grumman corpnoc announced deal buy rival defense contractor httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorynorthroptobuyorbitalatkfor78billionincash20170918 78 billion cash shares northrop grumman 14 silver spring networksssni 24 itron inc itri says would buy internetofthings company httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryitrontobuysilverspringnetworksfora25premium20170918for 830 million deal represents 25 premium shares silver spring fridays close shares itron 15 nabriva therapeutics plcnbrv 58 positive trial httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorynabrivatherapeuticsstockjumps50premarketonpositivetrialofpneumoniatreatment20170918for pneumonia treatment markets european stocks httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryeuropeanstocksgetaliftasnorthkoreatensionscool20170918 posted gains across board crudeoil prices struggled httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryoilpricesstruggletoholdontogains20170918 readgerman election whos merkel chances httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorygermanelectionwhosmerkelupagainstandhowcouldtheyshapethenewgovernment20170831 gold futures slipped 1060 08 around 1314 ounce dollar shot eight weekhigh yen11132 httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydollarjumpsto8weekhighweekagainstyenasnorthkoreafearsfade20170918 japanese yen end dow jones newswires september 18 2017 1114 et 1514 gmt

<p /> <p>The financial world remains glued to the standoff in the Middle East between Iran and the West, searching for clues of an airstrike by Israel or even the U.S. that could plunge the region and financial markets into chaos.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>While the chances of a conflict over Iran&#8217;s nuclear ambitions before the end of the year seem unlikely, a slew of recent developments have kept the threat of war on jittery investors&#8217; radar screens.</p> <p>That&#8217;s for good reason, as in addition to a potentially significant loss of life, a military confrontation would likely have profound economic repercussions: driving oil prices to unthinkable heights, sending cash pouring into safe-haven assets like gold and eating into already-sagging global growth.</p> <p>&#8220;If it&#8217;s a prolonged oil shock we&#8217;ll definitely see a disruption in the economic recovery,&#8221; said Schehrazade Rehman, a professor at George Washington University, who predicted U.S. gross domestic product growth for the second half of the year could be wiped out.</p> <p>Rising Risk?</p> <p>Investors on Intrade, which takes bets on political outcomes, see a 30% chance of a U.S. or Israeli overt air strike against Iran before the end of 2012, up from 24% at the end of July.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Underscoring those jitters, Brent crude oil, which is more sensitive than light sweet crude, has rallied six of the past seven sessions, settling at a three-month high of $113.60 on Monday.</p> <p>Market watchers pointed to a cluster of new stories, including a Stratfor report indicating a buildup of U.S. aircraft carriers near Iran, Israel testing a texting system that would warn civilians about missile attacks, Israel&#8217;s central bank admitting it is preparing for a major crisis and a &#8220;security situation&#8221; and Israel handing new powers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that could help him evade internal opposition to a strike.</p> <p>Commodities analysts at Barclays (NYSE:BCS) noted a &#8220;discernible increase in international tension regarding Iran&#8217;s foreign relations and nuclear program moving to the spotlight.&#8221;</p> <p>Knee-Jerk Oil Spike</p> <p>The most obvious place where a conflict with Iran would be felt would be the jittery oil markets, especially due to Iran&#8217;s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, where 40% of the world&#8217;s supplies transit daily.</p> <p>No one can say for sure just how sharply oil prices would climb.</p> <p>On the more conservative end, Darin Newsom of Telvent DTN predicted a knee-jerk spike that would &#8220;certainly&#8221; lead to a test of Brent&#8217;s 2012 high of $128.30. That would reflect a painful but relatively modest 13% jump in Brent prices.</p> <p>On the other hand, George Friedman of private-intelligence site Stratfor told Barron&#8217;s in February that oil prices could skyrocket to $300 a barrel.</p> <p>&#8220;The impact it would have on the financial markets would be absolutely enormous,&#8221; said Peter Zeihan, vice president of analysis at Stratfor. Zeihan pointed to the estimated 75% of crude oil contracts being traded by skittish investment professionals not affiliated with the energy industry.</p> <p>Energy Ripple Effects</p> <p>A massive jump in oil prices would almost immediately hit consumer spending, which still accounts for around two-thirds of U.S. GDP.&amp;#160;Soaring gas prices would eat into discretionary spending, threatening the anemic economic recovery.</p> <p>However, the extent of the economic damage would likely depend on how long the oil-price shock lingered.</p> <p>While oil prices soared after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, they plummeted by 36.2% to $19.25 in a single day in January 1991 -- the largest percentage decline in history -- after the short-lived Gulf War began.</p> <p>&#8220;We would see prices go through the roof in the first 24 hours,&#8221; said Zeihan. &#8220;They would probably tank just as fast they went up.&#8221;</p> <p>Stocks to Slump, Safe Havens to Rally</p> <p>It&#8217;s easy to see how the equity markets would likely retreat in the event of a military clash in Iran, responding to the higher energy prices, chances of a recession and increased geopolitical uncertainty.</p> <p>In particular, the markets would probably punish stocks that are very sensitive to oil prices like airline and shipping companies as well as other affected sectors like insurers and luxury goods makers. Some relative winners could include defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT).</p> <p>&#8220;In any conflict like this the stock market takes a little bit of a hit. Depending on how long the conflict lasts, the good news is the stock market understands military action is temporary and it tends to correct itself if there is an end in sight," said Rehman, paraphrasing a belief expressed by investor Paul Dietrich</p> <p>Investors who are long in gold would be likely to see very healthy returns as cash flees risky assets like stocks in favor of safe havens. Gold settled at $1,609.60 on Monday, up just 2.8% so far this year and still 15% away from its all-time high of $1,888.70 set in August 2011.</p> <p>Other safe havens would also probably benefit, including the U.S. dollar and Treasurys. Despite concerns about America&#8217;s fiscal difficulties, recent crises show the Treasury market remains the go-to place for investors during times of stress.</p> <p>Odds Still Stacked Against Attack&#8230;For Now</p> <p>It&#8217;s important to remember that there are still more reasons for the current standoff to continue than for tensions to reach a boiling point.</p> <p>For starters, the White House has no desire during an election year to allow Israel to pull the trigger on an attack that may very well drag the U.S. into the conflict. That means Israel would be alienating its biggest ally through a unilateral attack.</p> <p>&#8220;While Iran is increasingly becoming a hot topic on the U.S. campaign trail, we do not believe that this development heightens the risks of war in 2012,&#8221; Barclays analysts wrote.</p> <p>According to surveys, just 35% of Israelis even support the idea of a solo attack on Iran, a growing faction but still a minority.</p> <p>Zeihan sees less than a 10% chance of a conflict before the end of the year. &#8220;They have definitely stepped back from the brink. It&#8217;s going to take a miscalculation on both sides,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>Still, that doesn&#8217;t mean a conflict can&#8217;t happen or won&#8217;t after the U.S. elections.</p> <p>Intrade is currently forecasting a 37.5% chance of an air strike on Iran before the end of 2013 and Mitt Romney&#8217;s campaign has recently signaled the GOP standard bearer would support a unilateral air strike by Israel.</p> <p>&#8220;We believe that 2013 may produce an important inflection point in Western capitals if the diplomatic track remains stalled,&#8221; Barclays wrote.</p>

financial world remains glued standoff middle east iran west searching clues airstrike israel even us could plunge region financial markets chaos continue reading chances conflict irans nuclear ambitions end year seem unlikely slew recent developments kept threat war jittery investors radar screens thats good reason addition potentially significant loss life military confrontation would likely profound economic repercussions driving oil prices unthinkable heights sending cash pouring safehaven assets like gold eating alreadysagging global growth prolonged oil shock well definitely see disruption economic recovery said schehrazade rehman professor george washington university predicted us gross domestic product growth second half year could wiped rising risk investors intrade takes bets political outcomes see 30 chance us israeli overt air strike iran end 2012 24 end july advertisement underscoring jitters brent crude oil sensitive light sweet crude rallied six past seven sessions settling threemonth high 11360 monday market watchers pointed cluster new stories including stratfor report indicating buildup us aircraft carriers near iran israel testing texting system would warn civilians missile attacks israels central bank admitting preparing major crisis security situation israel handing new powers prime minister benjamin netanyahu could help evade internal opposition strike commodities analysts barclays nysebcs noted discernible increase international tension regarding irans foreign relations nuclear program moving spotlight kneejerk oil spike obvious place conflict iran would felt would jittery oil markets especially due irans threats close strait hormuz 40 worlds supplies transit daily one say sure sharply oil prices would climb conservative end darin newsom telvent dtn predicted kneejerk spike would certainly lead test brents 2012 high 12830 would reflect painful relatively modest 13 jump brent prices hand george friedman privateintelligence site stratfor told barrons february oil prices could skyrocket 300 barrel impact would financial markets would absolutely enormous said peter zeihan vice president analysis stratfor zeihan pointed estimated 75 crude oil contracts traded skittish investment professionals affiliated energy industry energy ripple effects massive jump oil prices would almost immediately hit consumer spending still accounts around twothirds us gdp160soaring gas prices would eat discretionary spending threatening anemic economic recovery however extent economic damage would likely depend long oilprice shock lingered oil prices soared iraq invaded kuwait august 1990 plummeted 362 1925 single day january 1991 largest percentage decline history shortlived gulf war began would see prices go roof first 24 hours said zeihan would probably tank fast went stocks slump safe havens rally easy see equity markets would likely retreat event military clash iran responding higher energy prices chances recession increased geopolitical uncertainty particular markets would probably punish stocks sensitive oil prices like airline shipping companies well affected sectors like insurers luxury goods makers relative winners could include defense contractors lockheed martin nyselmt conflict like stock market takes little bit hit depending long conflict lasts good news stock market understands military action temporary tends correct end sight said rehman paraphrasing belief expressed investor paul dietrich investors long gold would likely see healthy returns cash flees risky assets like stocks favor safe havens gold settled 160960 monday 28 far year still 15 away alltime high 188870 set august 2011 safe havens would also probably benefit including us dollar treasurys despite concerns americas fiscal difficulties recent crises show treasury market remains goto place investors times stress odds still stacked attackfor important remember still reasons current standoff continue tensions reach boiling point starters white house desire election year allow israel pull trigger attack may well drag us conflict means israel would alienating biggest ally unilateral attack iran increasingly becoming hot topic us campaign trail believe development heightens risks war 2012 barclays analysts wrote according surveys 35 israelis even support idea solo attack iran growing faction still minority zeihan sees less 10 chance conflict end year definitely stepped back brink going take miscalculation sides said still doesnt mean conflict cant happen wont us elections intrade currently forecasting 375 chance air strike iran end 2013 mitt romneys campaign recently signaled gop standard bearer would support unilateral air strike israel believe 2013 may produce important inflection point western capitals diplomatic track remains stalled barclays wrote

<p>As much as Americans love gift cards, many of those pieces of plastic will go partially or entirely unused. Some will be lost or forgotten. Others will simply be ignored because there's not enough money left on the card to bother with.</p> <p>That unused value -- known in industry parlance as "spillage" or "breakage" -- is par for the course, and it means big profits for the gift card industry. But if you follow a few simple steps, you can avoid becoming breakage and get the most out of your card.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>About 6 percent of the total value of gift cards bought this year will go unused, according to <a href="http://www.towergroup.com/research/news/news.htm?newsId=5500" type="external">data Opens a New Window.</a> from research firm TowerGroup, down from a record high of 10 percent in 2007. That drop makes sense in light of a recession that has turned formerly apathetic gift-card recipients into value-hungry consumers anxious to wring every last cent from a Target card. "One driver behind the drop is that people understand that 'even though there's only $2.12 on my gift card, I've got to find a way to use it,'" says Brian Riley, research director for bank cards at TowerGroup.</p> <p>Even with the drop, however, an estimated $5 billion worth of gift cards will be lost to fees and expiration dates or misplaced, shoved in a drawer or otherwise neglected this year. That's a huge amount of money that consumers won't be able to use toward a new stuffed animal, bicycle or Wii.</p> <p>Business and breakageRetailers love when people use gift cards because studies show that most customers spend more in the store than the card is worth. On the other hand, with an estimated $87 billion in cards purchased this year, even a little breakage can make gift cards very profitable and can boost a company's bottom line by millions of dollars. Those profits make it feasible for retailers to make some consumer-friendly moves, such as <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/gift-card-discount-1276.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">selling gift cards at a discount</a>, but most of the money goes towards other endeavors.</p> <p>"Somebody like <a href="" type="internal">Wal-Mart</a> may have a billion dollars [in unused gift cards] sitting there," says Dan Horne, a professor of marketing at Providence College in Providence, R.I., and a gift card expert. "Wal-Mart could go out and build 30 new superstores without borrowing a penny. They know those gift cards will come in eventually, but for now, they have the use of that money."</p> <p>8 ways to make sure you're not 'breakage'If you don't want "eventually" to become "never," take steps to prevent it, and to avoid becoming "breakage." The longer you let a card sit there, the less likely you are to use it. So here are eight ways to make sure your gift cards -- both the ones you give and the ones you receive -- aren't lost to breakage this year:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />1. Corral your cards. Make sure you can always find cards when you need them by putting them in the same place, says Jackie Kelley, a professional organizer and owner of The Clearing House (ClearingHouseNow.com), in Bethesda, Md. If you have too many to tuck in your wallet, she recommends stowing them in a durable plastic envelope or, for an upgrade, the luxe Card Cubby ($19.99, <a href="http://www.CardCubby.com" type="external">CardCubby.com Opens a New Window.</a>), which includes alphabetized tabs and is tiny enough to stow in a purse.</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />2. Log them online. Register card numbers and <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-pin-personal-identification-number.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">PIN</a>s online at LeverageCard.com or PlasticJungle.com, where you can track your balances and check expiration dates. You'll also have backup in case you lose your piece of plastic.</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />3. Read the fine print. The new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act -- better known simply as the <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-law-interactive-1282.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">Credit CARD Act</a> -- prohibits <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/gift-card-federal-reserve-regulations-1271.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">gift card inactivity fees</a> for the first year and extends expiration dates to five years from activation, so consumers have more time to use cards before their values start slipping away. But that provision of the law&amp;#160;won't go into effect until August 2010. Until then, read the fine print to <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/buyers-guide-gift-card-purchase-5-questions-1271.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">avoid gifting a card with fees and expiration dates</a>.</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />4. Calendar it. Set up your e-mail program to send you monthly alert&amp;#160;to use your gift cards. Kelley also recommends mentally plotting the errand so you'll be more likely to follow through. "Think in terms of the week or month ahead. When will you be near the store? What items do you need there? Is there a gift you need for someone else? You are more likely to use the card if you know what you want ahead of time and can get in and out quickly."</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />5. Trade it. If you get a card you know you won't use -- a Hot Topic gift certificate, for instance, when you're more of an L.L.Bean type -- use one of the many card-swapping and -selling sites to get what you really want. Some to try: PlasticJungle.com, SwapaGift.com and GiftCardRescue.com.</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />6. Give low-end cards. To make sure your gift card doesn't languish in someone else's wallet, think Wal-Mart and Wendy's instead of <a href="" type="internal">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="" type="internal">Saks</a>. According to TowerGroup, practical gift cards, such as those for fast-food chains and discount retailers, are used faster than cards to fine dining establishments and pricey department stores. That's because with a McDonald's and a Target on practically every corner, they're simply easier to use. They also offer more value for your card. "If you give a Wal-Mart gift card to your mailman, there are plenty of things to use it on. But you don't give your mailman a Brooks Brothers card," says Riley, because even a $25 card won't get him more than a pair of socks.</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />7. Rethink general-purpose gift cards. Gift cards from credit card companies can be used anywhere a credit card can, so that makes them the best choice, right? Not necessarily, since these so-called <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-open-loop.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">open-loop</a> cards also more likely to come with startup fees and monthly inactivity fees that chip away at your balance. To make matters more complicated, many of these gift cards include a "valid thru" or "good thru" date stamped on the front. Hit that date and your balance won't expire, but you'll have to call customer service for a replacement card. According to a <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/Discover.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">Discover</a> card representative, the date protects you from fraud and lets you use your card with online merchants, but replacing a card after a "valid thru" date may seem like such a hassle that you'll simply toss the card (and your remaining balance).</p> <p><a type="external" href="" />8. Give again. Instead of letting that last two bucks on a <a href="" type="internal">Best Buy</a> or Borders card go to waste, send it off to Atlanta-based nonprofit Gift Card Giver (GiftCardGiver.com), which stockpiles cards then combines them into higher-value gift cards that are donated to the needy. Founder Jeff Shinabarger got the idea when he asked a group of acquaintances how many had unused gift cards sitting in their wallets. "They literally started pulling out gift cards from their wallets. Everyone had one." Shinabarger offered to redistribute the unused cards to the needy, and a new nonprofit was born. That makes one thing clear: You can always find better things to do with a gift card than line the pockets of the retailer who sold it.</p> <p>More from CreditCards.com:</p>

much americans love gift cards many pieces plastic go partially entirely unused lost forgotten others simply ignored theres enough money left card bother unused value known industry parlance spillage breakage par course means big profits gift card industry follow simple steps avoid becoming breakage get card continue reading 6 percent total value gift cards bought year go unused according data opens new window research firm towergroup record high 10 percent 2007 drop makes sense light recession turned formerly apathetic giftcard recipients valuehungry consumers anxious wring every last cent target card one driver behind drop people understand even though theres 212 gift card ive got find way use says brian riley research director bank cards towergroup even drop however estimated 5 billion worth gift cards lost fees expiration dates misplaced shoved drawer otherwise neglected year thats huge amount money consumers wont able use toward new stuffed animal bicycle wii business breakageretailers love people use gift cards studies show customers spend store card worth hand estimated 87 billion cards purchased year even little breakage make gift cards profitable boost companys bottom line millions dollars profits make feasible retailers make consumerfriendly moves selling gift cards discount money goes towards endeavors somebody like walmart may billion dollars unused gift cards sitting says dan horne professor marketing providence college providence ri gift card expert walmart could go build 30 new superstores without borrowing penny know gift cards come eventually use money 8 ways make sure youre breakageif dont want eventually become never take steps prevent avoid becoming breakage longer let card sit less likely use eight ways make sure gift cards ones give ones receive arent lost breakage year advertisement 1 corral cards make sure always find cards need putting place says jackie kelley professional organizer owner clearing house clearinghousenowcom bethesda md many tuck wallet recommends stowing durable plastic envelope upgrade luxe card cubby 1999 cardcubbycom opens new window includes alphabetized tabs tiny enough stow purse 2 log online register card numbers pins online leveragecardcom plasticjunglecom track balances check expiration dates youll also backup case lose piece plastic 3 read fine print new credit card accountability responsibility disclosure act better known simply credit card act prohibits gift card inactivity fees first year extends expiration dates five years activation consumers time use cards values start slipping away provision law160wont go effect august 2010 read fine print avoid gifting card fees expiration dates 4 calendar set email program send monthly alert160to use gift cards kelley also recommends mentally plotting errand youll likely follow think terms week month ahead near store items need gift need someone else likely use card know want ahead time get quickly 5 trade get card know wont use hot topic gift certificate instance youre llbean type use one many cardswapping selling sites get really want try plasticjunglecom swapagiftcom giftcardrescuecom 6 give lowend cards make sure gift card doesnt languish someone elses wallet think walmart wendys instead nordstrom saks according towergroup practical gift cards fastfood chains discount retailers used faster cards fine dining establishments pricey department stores thats mcdonalds target practically every corner theyre simply easier use also offer value card give walmart gift card mailman plenty things use dont give mailman brooks brothers card says riley even 25 card wont get pair socks 7 rethink generalpurpose gift cards gift cards credit card companies used anywhere credit card makes best choice right necessarily since socalled openloop cards also likely come startup fees monthly inactivity fees chip away balance make matters complicated many gift cards include valid thru good thru date stamped front hit date balance wont expire youll call customer service replacement card according discover card representative date protects fraud lets use card online merchants replacing card valid thru date may seem like hassle youll simply toss card remaining balance 8 give instead letting last two bucks best buy borders card go waste send atlantabased nonprofit gift card giver giftcardgivercom stockpiles cards combines highervalue gift cards donated needy founder jeff shinabarger got idea asked group acquaintances many unused gift cards sitting wallets literally started pulling gift cards wallets everyone one shinabarger offered redistribute unused cards needy new nonprofit born makes one thing clear always find better things gift card line pockets retailer sold creditcardscom

<p /> <p>"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" The Pretribulation Rapture. NTEB has started a series making the historical and biblical case for the existience of the Pretribulation Rapture of the Church. We believe it is stated time and time again in the bible, in no uncertain terms, and we are proud to take a stand to defend this exciting End Times Bible prophecy. Does the bible teach a Pretribulation Rapture? Yes, we believe it does, and present evidence for proof of a Pretribulation Rapture. It Is Written "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rev&amp;amp;c=3" type="external">Revelation 3:10</a></p> <p>Scriptural Evidence for the Pretribulation Rapture This section is used by permission from <a href="http://www.raptureready.com/rr-pretribulation-rapture.html" type="external">RaptureReady.com</a> The Unknown Hour When we search the Scriptures and read the passages describing the Lord Jesus' return, we find verses that tell us we won't know the day and hour of that event. Matthew 25:13 says Jesus will return at an unknown time, while Revelation 12:6 indicates that the Jews will have to wait on the Lord 1,260 days, starting when the Antichrist stands in the Temple of God and declares himself to be God (2 Thes 2:4). This event will take place at the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation (Dan 9:27).</p> <p>Note that some people only see a three-and-a-half-year tribulation. In a way, they are correct because the first half of the tribulation will be relatively peaceful compared to the second half. Nonetheless, peaceful or not, there still remains a seven-year period called the tribulation. When the Jews flee into the wilderness, they know that all they have to do is wait out those 1,260 days (Mat 24:16). There is no way to apply the phrase "neither the day nor the hour" to this situation. The only way for these two viewpoints to be true is to separate the two distinct events transpiring here: 1) the rapture of the Church, which comes before the tribulation; and 2) the return of Jesus to the earth, which takes place roughly seven years later. The Pretribulation Rapture: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb In Luke 12:36, the Word states that when Christ returns, He will be returning from a wedding. In Revelation 19:7-8, we read about the marriage itself. The marriage supper takes place before the marriage. According to Jewish custom, the marriage contract, which often includes a dowry, is drawn up first. The contract parallels the act of faith we use when we trust Jesus to be our Savior. The dowry is His life, which was used to purchase us. When it's time for the wedding, the groom goes to the bride's house unannounced. She comes out to meet him, and then he takes her to his father's house. This precisely correlates with the events according to the pre-trib scenario. Jesus, the Groom, comes down from heaven and calls up the Church, His Bride. After meeting in the air, He and His Bride return to His Father's house, heaven. The marriage supper itself will take place there, while down here on earth the final events of the tribulation will be playing out. After the marriage supper of Jewish tradition, the bride and groom are presented to the world as man and wife. This corresponds to the time when Jesus returns to earth accompanied by an army "clothed in fine linen, white and clean" (Rev 19:14). The Pretribulation Rapture: What They Didn't Teach You in History Class Many groups try to discredit the pre-trib rapture by saying most of the end-time events in the Bible have already taken place. A group of people called preterists claims that the Book of Revelation was mostly fulfilled by 70 AD. If the events described in the Book of Revelation took place in the past, I'm at a loss to explain some of the current situations I see around us: the rebirth of Israel, the reunification of Europe, the number of global wars that have occurred, and the development of nuclear weapons. During history class, I must have slept through the part where the teacher talked about the time when a third of the trees were burned up, 100-pound hailstones fell from the sky, and the sea turned into blood (Rev 8:7-8, 16:21). I think several people would have to question their opposition to the pre-trib rapture doctrine if they knew that the evidence provided to them was based on the understanding that most tribulation prophecies have already occurred. The Pretribulation Rapture: The Time of Jacob's Trouble In several passages, the Bible refers to the tribulation as a time of trouble for the Jews. The phrase "Jacob's trouble" pertains to the descendants of Jacob. Jeremiah 30:7 says that this time of trouble will come just before the Lord returns to save His people. The final week of Daniel's 70th week is yet to take place. An angel told Daniel that, "70 weeks are determined unto thy people" (Dan 9:24). Scripture never mentions that the tribulation is meant to be a time of testing for Christians. However, some post-tribbers try to claim that they are the ones being tested during the tribulation. To make this so, they need to spiritualize the 144,000 Jewish believers in Revelation 7:2-8 who receive God's protective seal. Placing the Church dispensation into the same time frame as the seven-year Jewish dispensation, as the post-tribbers do, raises one good question: Can two dispensations transpire at the same time? In the past, God has only dealt with one at a time. Having both present during the tribulation would have to be an exception. The Pretribulation Rapture: God Hath Not Appointed Us to Wrath In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul assures us that God has not appointed His people to wrath. This wrath is plainly God's anger that will be poured out during the tribulation. Pre-trib believers interpret this as meaning that Christians will be removed from the earth. Post-trib believers tell a different story. They describe this as meaning that God will protect Christians during the tribulation and pour this wrath out on the unbelievers only. This idea runs against the statement made in Revelation 13:7, in which the Antichrist is given power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. A post-trib view would make God's promise of protection from wrath into a lie. In years past, it was possible to think of being protected from the guns and swords of that day. Today, when any major war would involve nuclear and chemical weapons, it's impossible to expect that same kind of protection. When Nagasaki, Japan was bombed during World War II, the bomb exploded over a Catholic church. Everyone who was in the center of the explosion died--both Christians and non-Christians. The only way to validly interpret God's promise of protection from wrath is by viewing 1 Thessalonians 5:9 as the bodily removal of the Church from this world. The Pretribulation Rapture: Noah and Lot as Examples The tribulation period is compared to the times of Noah and Lot by Jesus in Luke 17:28. Most people argue over whether the time frame Jesus was talking about in that passage was pre-trib or post-trib. In doing so, they miss an important point. The two circumstances that the Noah and Lot situations have in common are the removal of the righteous and the judgment of the unbelievers. From these two accounts, we see that God prefers to remove His own when danger is involved. <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Rapture Ready</a></p> <p>The Pretribulation Rapture: The Unknown Hour</p> <p>When we search the Scriptures and read the passages describing the Lord Jesus' return, we find verses that tell us we won't know the day and hour of that event. Matthew 25:13 says Jesus will return at an unknown time, while Revelation 12:6 indicates that the Jews will have to wait on the Lord 1,260 days, starting when the Antichrist stands in the Temple of God and declares himself to be God (2 Thes 2:4). This event will take place at the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation (Dan 9:27). Note that some people only see a three-and-a-half-year tribulation.</p> <p>In a way, they are correct because the first half of the tribulation will be relatively peaceful compared to the second half. Nonetheless, peaceful or not, there still remains a seven-year period called the tribulation. When the Jews flee into the wilderness, they know that all they have to do is wait out those 1,260 days (Mat 24:16). There is no way to apply the phrase "neither the day nor the hour" to this situation. The only way for these two viewpoints to be true is to separate the two distinct events transpiring here: 1) the rapture of the Church, which comes before the tribulation; and 2) the return of Jesus to the earth, which takes place roughly seven years later.</p> It Is Written click here

things begin come pass look lift heads redemption draweth nigh pretribulation rapture nteb started series making historical biblical case existience pretribulation rapture church believe stated time time bible uncertain terms proud take stand defend exciting end times bible prophecy bible teach pretribulation rapture yes believe present evidence proof pretribulation rapture written thou hast kept word patience also keep thee hour temptation shall come upon world try dwell upon earth revelation 310 scriptural evidence pretribulation rapture section used permission rapturereadycom unknown hour search scriptures read passages describing lord jesus return find verses tell us wont know day hour event matthew 2513 says jesus return unknown time revelation 126 indicates jews wait lord 1260 days starting antichrist stands temple god declares god 2 thes 24 event take place midpoint sevenyear tribulation dan 927 note people see threeandahalfyear tribulation way correct first half tribulation relatively peaceful compared second half nonetheless peaceful still remains sevenyear period called tribulation jews flee wilderness know wait 1260 days mat 2416 way apply phrase neither day hour situation way two viewpoints true separate two distinct events transpiring 1 rapture church comes tribulation 2 return jesus earth takes place roughly seven years later pretribulation rapture marriage supper lamb luke 1236 word states christ returns returning wedding revelation 1978 read marriage marriage supper takes place marriage according jewish custom marriage contract often includes dowry drawn first contract parallels act faith use trust jesus savior dowry life used purchase us time wedding groom goes brides house unannounced comes meet takes fathers house precisely correlates events according pretrib scenario jesus groom comes heaven calls church bride meeting air bride return fathers house heaven marriage supper take place earth final events tribulation playing marriage supper jewish tradition bride groom presented world man wife corresponds time jesus returns earth accompanied army clothed fine linen white clean rev 1914 pretribulation rapture didnt teach history class many groups try discredit pretrib rapture saying endtime events bible already taken place group people called preterists claims book revelation mostly fulfilled 70 ad events described book revelation took place past im loss explain current situations see around us rebirth israel reunification europe number global wars occurred development nuclear weapons history class must slept part teacher talked time third trees burned 100pound hailstones fell sky sea turned blood rev 878 1621 think several people would question opposition pretrib rapture doctrine knew evidence provided based understanding tribulation prophecies already occurred pretribulation rapture time jacobs trouble several passages bible refers tribulation time trouble jews phrase jacobs trouble pertains descendants jacob jeremiah 307 says time trouble come lord returns save people final week daniels 70th week yet take place angel told daniel 70 weeks determined unto thy people dan 924 scripture never mentions tribulation meant time testing christians however posttribbers try claim ones tested tribulation make need spiritualize 144000 jewish believers revelation 728 receive gods protective seal placing church dispensation time frame sevenyear jewish dispensation posttribbers raises one good question two dispensations transpire time past god dealt one time present tribulation would exception pretribulation rapture god hath appointed us wrath 1 thessalonians 59 paul assures us god appointed people wrath wrath plainly gods anger poured tribulation pretrib believers interpret meaning christians removed earth posttrib believers tell different story describe meaning god protect christians tribulation pour wrath unbelievers idea runs statement made revelation 137 antichrist given power make war saints overcome posttrib view would make gods promise protection wrath lie years past possible think protected guns swords day today major war would involve nuclear chemical weapons impossible expect kind protection nagasaki japan bombed world war ii bomb exploded catholic church everyone center explosion diedboth christians nonchristians way validly interpret gods promise protection wrath viewing 1 thessalonians 59 bodily removal church world pretribulation rapture noah lot examples tribulation period compared times noah lot jesus luke 1728 people argue whether time frame jesus talking passage pretrib posttrib miss important point two circumstances noah lot situations common removal righteous judgment unbelievers two accounts see god prefers remove danger involved source rapture ready pretribulation rapture unknown hour search scriptures read passages describing lord jesus return find verses tell us wont know day hour event matthew 2513 says jesus return unknown time revelation 126 indicates jews wait lord 1260 days starting antichrist stands temple god declares god 2 thes 24 event take place midpoint sevenyear tribulation dan 927 note people see threeandahalfyear tribulation way correct first half tribulation relatively peaceful compared second half nonetheless peaceful still remains sevenyear period called tribulation jews flee wilderness know wait 1260 days mat 2416 way apply phrase neither day hour situation way two viewpoints true separate two distinct events transpiring 1 rapture church comes tribulation 2 return jesus earth takes place roughly seven years later written click

<p>Because Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) continues to dilute the distinction between craft beer and so-called "mass craft," the trade group representing craft brewers has unveiled a new logo that allows consumers to quickly identify if what they're buying is real craft beer...or just "crafty."</p> <p>While it's true Anheuser-Busch has gone on a multiyear spending spree, scooping up nearly a dozen small, independent brewers as mass-brewed beer sales fell, the real question is whether beer drinkers will care who brews their beer so long as it tastes good. More to the point: Can a new label spur higher craft beer sales again?</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The craft beer industry is still growing and now accounts for 12% of all beer brewed in the U.S. With over 5,300 breweries operating in the U.S., the Brewers Association says 99% of them are craft breweries: small, independently owned, and producing less than 6 million barrels of beer a year.</p> <p>Yet that growth has slowed significantly, falling to just 6% last year after many years of double-digit expansion. Of course, the slowdown isn't just because the craft beer market is saturated with new beers; Anheuser-Busch's acquisitions have taken millions of barrels of production out of the market.</p> <p>In the past two years alone, the megabrewer has siphoned off seven craft brewers, including Elysian Brewing, Golden Road Brewing, Breckenridge Brewing, Four Peaks Brewing, Devil's Backbone Brewing, Karbach Brewing, and <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/20/anheuser-busch-inbev-makes-yet-another-craft-beer.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">most recently Opens a New Window.</a>, Wicked Weed Brewing.</p> <p>It's not the only one making acquisitions in the space;&amp;#160;Constellation Brands, Molson Coors, and Heinken have all bought brewers to better compete in the $108 billion American beer market. What sets Anheuser-Busch apart from the others is the aggressiveness of its buying habits.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Although big beer and craft brewers have often been at odds -- A-B <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/02/05/budweiser-attacks-craft-beers-growing-market-share.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">infamously mocked Opens a New Window.</a> craft beer in its 2015 Super Bowl ad, calling itself a "macro brewer" -- the pace of acquisitions has many in the industry worried.</p> <p>Jim Koch, founder and chairman of Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM),&amp;#160;arguably the biggest brewer most closely associated with the craft beer industry, has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/15/boston-beer-founder-doubles-down-on-call-for-big-b.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">twice called on Opens a New Window.</a> the government to rein in Anheuser-Busch's ability to buy more small brewers. Before that, the Brewers Association itself <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/12/15/craft-beer-brews-up-trouble.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">slammed the giant breweries Opens a New Window.</a> for trying to pass themselves off as small craft shops.</p> <p>The trade group has a set definition of what a craft beer is:</p> <p>Based on those criteria (and membership in the association), a craft brewer can now display a logo on its bottles and cans that will identify it as a true craft beer. The image is one of an inverted beer bottle -- representing the way "craft brewers have upended beer" -- with the words "Certified Independent Craft." With the new seal, beer drinkers no longer have to wonder where their beer came from -- whether it was from an entrepreneurial brewer or out of the depths of some macro brewer's vast vats.</p> <p>It's unclear whether the majority of beer drinkers care that much. It might be important to the brewers who take pride in their independence, but for the large numbers of drinkers who are loyal to a beer like Craft Brew Alliance's (NASDAQ: BREW) Kona Brewing brand, it likely matters little.</p> <p>Despite owning such pioneering craft beer brands like Kona, Widmer Brothers, and Redhook, Craft Brew Alliance is not considered a craft beer because Anheuser-Busch owns a 32% stake in the brewery.</p> <p>It's not surprising, therefore, that Craft Brew CEO Andy Thomas has previously excoriated the Brewers Association for trying to segregate the beer industry. Rather,&amp;#160;educating consumers about brewers and their styles, instead of confusing them with labels and questioning their choice of beer, would do more to bring more drinkers around.</p> <p>He has a point: if beer drinkers like a beer, whether it's A-B's Shock Top or New Belgium's Fat Tire, it's the taste that matters most, and that's what beer drinkers are looking for,&amp;#160;at least if a SurveyMonkey survey is to be believed. Perhaps not scientific, but it found that when it comes to choosing a beer, 57% of people make a purchase decision based on a beer's taste; price and style of beer ranked higher than the brewery that produced it, which factored into the decision-making process of slightly more than 40% of the people surveyed.</p> <p>Certainly, some drinkers will rebel against a brewer selling out, such as reportedly happened when Wicked Weed agreed to be bought out, but by and large someone going to a packaged goods store and picking up their favorite beer probably won't be persuaded not to because it doesn't carry the Brewers Association's stamp of approval.</p> <p>It's not because Boston Beer isn't a craft beer that it's having trouble selling, but because beer drinkers want their beer new, small-batch, and authentic. Anheuser-Busch InBev is actually tapping into that desire by snapping up these small, craft brewers and introducing their beers to more people unfamiliar with these regional tastes. Until faced with a protracted spate of tumbling sales, Boston Beer eschewed following craft beer trends; now it offers hop-heavy IPAs and nitros, not to mention hard ciders, soda, and water.</p> <p>Anheuser-Busch InBev's effort should be applauded because it ultimately expands the market for all brewers, even if it also boosts the macro brewer's own sales in the process.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Anheuser-Busch InBev NVWhen 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=0463f65e-d037-421d-b2a5-0303697b3d30&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Anheuser-Busch InBev NV 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=0463f65e-d037-421d-b2a5-0303697b3d30&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&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/TMFCop/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and Boston Beer. 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=8fb81356-62f8-11e7-8005-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

anheuserbusch inbev nyse bud continues dilute distinction craft beer socalled mass craft trade group representing craft brewers unveiled new logo allows consumers quickly identify theyre buying real craft beeror crafty true anheuserbusch gone multiyear spending spree scooping nearly dozen small independent brewers massbrewed beer sales fell real question whether beer drinkers care brews beer long tastes good point new label spur higher craft beer sales continue reading craft beer industry still growing accounts 12 beer brewed us 5300 breweries operating us brewers association says 99 craft breweries small independently owned producing less 6 million barrels beer year yet growth slowed significantly falling 6 last year many years doubledigit expansion course slowdown isnt craft beer market saturated new beers anheuserbuschs acquisitions taken millions barrels production market past two years alone megabrewer siphoned seven craft brewers including elysian brewing golden road brewing breckenridge brewing four peaks brewing devils backbone brewing karbach brewing recently opens new window wicked weed brewing one making acquisitions space160constellation brands molson coors heinken bought brewers better compete 108 billion american beer market sets anheuserbusch apart others aggressiveness buying habits advertisement although big beer craft brewers often odds ab infamously mocked opens new window craft beer 2015 super bowl ad calling macro brewer pace acquisitions many industry worried jim koch founder chairman boston beer nyse sam160arguably biggest brewer closely associated craft beer industry twice called opens new window government rein anheuserbuschs ability buy small brewers brewers association slammed giant breweries opens new window trying pass small craft shops trade group set definition craft beer based criteria membership association craft brewer display logo bottles cans identify true craft beer image one inverted beer bottle representing way craft brewers upended beer words certified independent craft new seal beer drinkers longer wonder beer came whether entrepreneurial brewer depths macro brewers vast vats unclear whether majority beer drinkers care much might important brewers take pride independence large numbers drinkers loyal beer like craft brew alliances nasdaq brew kona brewing brand likely matters little despite owning pioneering craft beer brands like kona widmer brothers redhook craft brew alliance considered craft beer anheuserbusch owns 32 stake brewery surprising therefore craft brew ceo andy thomas previously excoriated brewers association trying segregate beer industry rather160educating consumers brewers styles instead confusing labels questioning choice beer would bring drinkers around point beer drinkers like beer whether abs shock top new belgiums fat tire taste matters thats beer drinkers looking for160at least surveymonkey survey believed perhaps scientific found comes choosing beer 57 people make purchase decision based beers taste price style beer ranked higher brewery produced factored decisionmaking process slightly 40 people surveyed certainly drinkers rebel brewer selling reportedly happened wicked weed agreed bought large someone going packaged goods store picking favorite beer probably wont persuaded doesnt carry brewers associations stamp approval boston beer isnt craft beer trouble selling beer drinkers want beer new smallbatch authentic anheuserbusch inbev actually tapping desire snapping small craft brewers introducing beers people unfamiliar regional tastes faced protracted spate tumbling sales boston beer eschewed following craft beer trends offers hopheavy ipas nitros mention hard ciders soda water anheuserbusch inbevs effort applauded ultimately expands market brewers even also boosts macro brewers sales process 10 stocks like better anheuserbusch inbev nvwhen 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 anheuserbusch inbev nv wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends anheuserbusch inbev nv boston beer motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The best way to start the New Year off on the right foot is by purchasing high-quality dividend stocks and allowing them to go to work for you over the long-term. Dividend stocks have historically left non-dividend-paying stocks in the dust over the long run, and companies that pay dividends often have time-tested business models that serve as beacons to attract investors hungry for added income.</p> <p>So which dividend stocks should you consider buying in January? That's a question we posed to a diverse set of Foolish contributors. The dividend stocks they settled on include Paychex(NASDAQ: PAYX), PNC Financial Services (NYSE: PNC), Terra Nitrogen Company LP (NYSE: TNH), Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP), and United Technologies (NYSE: UTX).</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a> (Paychex): The one dividend stock that comes to mind for me, a stock which has nearly everything working in its favor, is payroll and human resource solutions provider Paychex.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>To begin with, Paychex is benefiting from unemployment rates hitting more than a nine-year low. The recently released November jobs report showed an unemployment rate of just 4.6%, which is well within the Fed's targeted unemployment range. The more people who are employed, in theory, the more active Paychex will be with small- and medium-sized businesses. It's a company that relies on a strong economy to drive growth.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Secondly, Paychex looks poised to benefit from a number of Donald Trump's policy proposals. Trump's plan to boost infrastructure spending and lower corporate income tax rates from 35% to 15% could easily mean more money in the pockets of businesses; and this could lead to even more hiring. Also, if Trump is able to pass legislation for a corporate tax holiday for overseas cash, the repatriated capital may be put to work to boost employment. A lower corporate tax rate would also be a positive for Paychex, which had an effective income tax of 33% during Q1 2017.</p> <p>Paychex is also receiving a boost from the Federal Reserve, which just raised the federal funds target rate for only the second time in a decade this December. Usually, higher interest rates are bad news for most consumers and businesses, but not for Paychex. Paychex can earn interest income over the short-term period between when it receives cash from the businesses it deals with and when it cuts paychecks to the employees of those businesses. The higher interest rates go, the more interest income Paychex will be able to generate on its short-term float.</p> <p>Sporting a 3% yield, Paychex could continue to fly high in January and beyond.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJCar/activity.aspx?source=iaasitlnk0000002" type="external">Jamal Carnette Opens a New Window.</a>, CFA (PNC Financial): The stock market has registered an impressive run in the short period following the presidential election of Republican Donald J. Trump. Under a Trump Administration, investors expect lower taxes, less regulation, and a $1 billion infrastructure plan -- and each could be positive for equity investments. However, I think it's important to temper the "animal spirits" until we receive more concrete details. In reality, it's likely the Trump Administration will fall short of expectations on one plan -- and possibly all three -- at least in the short term. Additionally, a few of Trump's economic ideas appear negative for investors, like import tariffs and other anti-free trade provisions that investors seem to be ignoring in the "Trump Rally."</p> <p>One sector that has been rallying post-election is financials. However, I feel this sector will continue to push higher, even taking into account a "trust, but verify" approach to the next administration. While the financial media has mostly focused on the run-up in stocks, there has been a rout in the Treasury markets. The chart below shows the yield curve, which is the yield across various maturities, between the day before Trump's election and this writing:</p> <p>Data source: Treasury.gov. Chart and table by Jamal Carnette.</p> <p>As you see above, yields are up across all maturities. More importantly, however, is the fact that yields have increased more for longer maturities than shorter ones. This steepening of the yield curve is great news for banks that are in the business of lending at longer maturities and borrowing from depositors at the shorter ones. Even if regulatory and tax reform are delayed, financials should immediately benefit from the shift in the yield curve.</p> <p>PNC Financialis a strong dividend stock to buy in this environment. While the recent stock run has pushed its dividend yield down to 1.9%, PNC has a strong record of dividend increases. After passing the Federal Reserve's stress test, PNC increased its per-share dividend payout nearly 8% over last year's total and committed up to $2 billion in share buybacks in the fourth quarter,and has increased its per share dividend payout nearly 60% in five years. PNC Financial is suited to outperform as a dividend investment in this environment, and won't require an act of Congress (or the new administration) to do so.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a>(Terra Nitrogen Company LP): Here's the thing when buying companies in commodities: You're never going to be able to call the exact bottom and get things just right. In reality, though, you don't have to. You're much better off finding a company than can do reasonably well even when times are tough in the industry. If weakness in that market lasts longer than expect, then at least you can be comfortable with modest returns until the market does pick up.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>This is why Terra Nitrogen Company looks compelling to me as an investment for January and headed into 2017. Terra Nitrogen is a manufacturer of ammonium nitrate and urea, two nitrogen-based fertilizers. It is uniquely positioned because it is a variable rate master limited partnership that pays out all available cash at the end of each quarter. Even though it only has one factory as an asset, it also has no debt and generates strong returns even during tough times in the market. Even last quarter when urea prices were at their lowest in a dozen years, Terra Nitrogen produced a 30% net income margin.</p> <p>The nitrogen market is in a tough spot right now, as demand has been weak and cheap US natural gas has introduced a lot of new fertilizer plants that use natural gas as a feedstock -- the lowest cost method out there today. Luckily, Terra Nitrogen is out in front of these trends, and is one of the low cost producers. I can't put a timeline on it, but eventually higher cost production will get cut out of the market, and prices will likely rise when that happens. Even if it takes a long time, though, Terra Nitrogen will do just fine and throw off large amounts of cash to shareholders.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi Opens a New Window.</a>(Brookfield Infrastructure Partners): Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a publicly traded limited partnership that owns a variety of infrastructure assets sprinkled all around the world. This includes toll roads In Brazil, cellular towers in France, shipping ports in Australia, and much, much more.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Brookfield's goal is to buy one-of-a-kind infrastructure assets that crank out cash flow and are nearly impossible to reproduce, thereby proving the company with stable and recurring profits. Management then returns that cash flow to investors in the form of a distribution, which is partnership speak for dividend.</p> <p>This operating formula has worked like magic. Since being spun out ofBrookfield Asset Managementin 2009, the company's funds from operation have compounded at 34% annually. That's allowed the company to increase its payout by 12% each year and still have plenty of capital leftover to invest in growing the business.</p> <p>Management believes that Brookfield's assets should allow the company to grow its distribution by 5% to 9% annually over the long term. That's an attractive growth rate for a company that currently yield 4.6%, making this a great stock for dividend investors to consider buying today.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx" type="external">Daniel Miller Opens a New Window.</a>(United Technologies): Investors know what they're going to get with United Technologies: an extremely balanced and diversified company that consistently outperforms the market when it comes to returning value to shareholders.</p> <p>Image source: United Technologies December investor presentation.</p> <p>United Technologies can essentially be split into four entities. Pratt &amp;amp; Whitney manufactures engines for both commercial airplanes as well as the military, while UTC Aerospace Systems makes landing gear, brakes, interior products and flight control systems. Closer to the ground, United Technologies and its Otis company is the world's largest elevator manufacturer and sells a slew of other products to residential and commercial buildings.</p> <p>But just listing its divisions and product offerings doesn't do its diversified business justice. Consider that it makes about 44% of its net sales from reoccurring and high-margin aftermarket products, while the other 56% is generated from OEM sales. Also, its commercial &amp;amp; industrial business generates 52% of net sales, while commercial aerospace and military aerospace generate the other 48%. It even generates this pretty evenly across the globe, with 38% generated in the U.S., 27% in Europe, 20% in Asia, and 15% in other regions.</p> <p>In terms of a growth story, United Technologies expects worldwide urbanization and economic growth to fuel its commercial building business. It also estimates that revenue passenger miles will move from 3.1 trillion in 2010 to 5.4 trillion in 2020, before jumping to 9.1 trillion in 2030 -- which spells good things for its aerospace business. For investors looking for a diversified global conglomerate with upside, and a dividend yield of 2.36% with consistent annual raises, United Technologies is definitely worth a look in 2017.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than United Technologies 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=76d12e16-79ee-4aa5-b68a-6604e7ef0651&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 United Technologies 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=76d12e16-79ee-4aa5-b68a-6604e7ef0651&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/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a>, <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx" type="external">Daniel Miller</a>, <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJCar/info.aspx" type="external">Jamal Carnette Opens a New Window.</a>, and <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx" type="external">Sean Williams</a> have no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe</a> owns shares of Brookfield Asset Management and Terra Nitrogen Company LP.</p> <p>The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;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 best way start new year right foot purchasing highquality dividend stocks allowing go work longterm dividend stocks historically left nondividendpaying stocks dust long run companies pay dividends often timetested business models serve beacons attract investors hungry added income dividend stocks consider buying january thats question posed diverse set foolish contributors dividend stocks settled include paychexnasdaq payx pnc financial services nyse pnc terra nitrogen company lp nyse tnh brookfield infrastructure partners nyse bip united technologies nyse utx sean williams opens new window paychex one dividend stock comes mind stock nearly everything working favor payroll human resource solutions provider paychex advertisement begin paychex benefiting unemployment rates hitting nineyear low recently released november jobs report showed unemployment rate 46 well within feds targeted unemployment range people employed theory active paychex small mediumsized businesses company relies strong economy drive growth image source getty images secondly paychex looks poised benefit number donald trumps policy proposals trumps plan boost infrastructure spending lower corporate income tax rates 35 15 could easily mean money pockets businesses could lead even hiring also trump able pass legislation corporate tax holiday overseas cash repatriated capital may put work boost employment lower corporate tax rate would also positive paychex effective income tax 33 q1 2017 paychex also receiving boost federal reserve raised federal funds target rate second time decade december usually higher interest rates bad news consumers businesses paychex paychex earn interest income shortterm period receives cash businesses deals cuts paychecks employees businesses higher interest rates go interest income paychex able generate shortterm float sporting 3 yield paychex could continue fly high january beyond jamal carnette opens new window cfa pnc financial stock market registered impressive run short period following presidential election republican donald j trump trump administration investors expect lower taxes less regulation 1 billion infrastructure plan could positive equity investments however think important temper animal spirits receive concrete details reality likely trump administration fall short expectations one plan possibly three least short term additionally trumps economic ideas appear negative investors like import tariffs antifree trade provisions investors seem ignoring trump rally one sector rallying postelection financials however feel sector continue push higher even taking account trust verify approach next administration financial media mostly focused runup stocks rout treasury markets chart shows yield curve yield across various maturities day trumps election writing data source treasurygov chart table jamal carnette see yields across maturities importantly however fact yields increased longer maturities shorter ones steepening yield curve great news banks business lending longer maturities borrowing depositors shorter ones even regulatory tax reform delayed financials immediately benefit shift yield curve pnc financialis strong dividend stock buy environment recent stock run pushed dividend yield 19 pnc strong record dividend increases passing federal reserves stress test pnc increased pershare dividend payout nearly 8 last years total committed 2 billion share buybacks fourth quarterand increased per share dividend payout nearly 60 five years pnc financial suited outperform dividend investment environment wont require act congress new administration tyler crowe opens new windowterra nitrogen company lp heres thing buying companies commodities youre never going able call exact bottom get things right reality though dont youre much better finding company reasonably well even times tough industry weakness market lasts longer expect least comfortable modest returns market pick image source getty images terra nitrogen company looks compelling investment january headed 2017 terra nitrogen manufacturer ammonium nitrate urea two nitrogenbased fertilizers uniquely positioned variable rate master limited partnership pays available cash end quarter even though one factory asset also debt generates strong returns even tough times market even last quarter urea prices lowest dozen years terra nitrogen produced 30 net income margin nitrogen market tough spot right demand weak cheap us natural gas introduced lot new fertilizer plants use natural gas feedstock lowest cost method today luckily terra nitrogen front trends one low cost producers cant put timeline eventually higher cost production get cut market prices likely rise happens even takes long time though terra nitrogen fine throw large amounts cash shareholders brian feroldi opens new windowbrookfield infrastructure partners brookfield infrastructure partners publicly traded limited partnership owns variety infrastructure assets sprinkled around world includes toll roads brazil cellular towers france shipping ports australia much much image source getty images brookfields goal buy oneofakind infrastructure assets crank cash flow nearly impossible reproduce thereby proving company stable recurring profits management returns cash flow investors form distribution partnership speak dividend operating formula worked like magic since spun ofbrookfield asset managementin 2009 companys funds operation compounded 34 annually thats allowed company increase payout 12 year still plenty capital leftover invest growing business management believes brookfields assets allow company grow distribution 5 9 annually long term thats attractive growth rate company currently yield 46 making great stock dividend investors consider buying today daniel miller opens new windowunited technologies investors know theyre going get united technologies extremely balanced diversified company consistently outperforms market comes returning value shareholders image source united technologies december investor presentation united technologies essentially split four entities pratt amp whitney manufactures engines commercial airplanes well military utc aerospace systems makes landing gear brakes interior products flight control systems closer ground united technologies otis company worlds largest elevator manufacturer sells slew products residential commercial buildings listing divisions product offerings doesnt diversified business justice consider makes 44 net sales reoccurring highmargin aftermarket products 56 generated oem sales also commercial amp industrial business generates 52 net sales commercial aerospace military aerospace generate 48 even generates pretty evenly across globe 38 generated us 27 europe 20 asia 15 regions terms growth story united technologies expects worldwide urbanization economic growth fuel commercial building business also estimates revenue passenger miles move 31 trillion 2010 54 trillion 2020 jumping 91 trillion 2030 spells good things aerospace business investors looking diversified global conglomerate upside dividend yield 236 consistent annual raises united technologies definitely worth look 2017 10 stocks like better united technologies investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right united technologies wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 brian feroldi daniel miller jamal carnette opens new window sean williams position stocks mentioned tyler crowe owns shares brookfield asset management terra nitrogen company lp motley fool recommends brookfield infrastructure partners try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>What: Shares of major industrial manufacturersCaterpillar,Joy Global, andWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. , finished March up strongly. This continued what has been a very run for all three stocks, going back to mid-January:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CAT" type="external">CAT</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>So what: Joy Global, like Caterpillar, has taken a beating over the past year-plus as global mining -- of essentially everything that's mined -- has turned south. There's too much coal (and too little demand for what there is), too much steel and iron -- you get the point. This has heavily weighed on Joy's business which is largely tied to mining.</p> <p>Image source: Joy Global</p> <p>And when the company announced first quarter earnings in early March, it reported a 25% revenue decline, a 21% decline in new orders booked, and a $0.41-per-share loss in the quarter after turning in a $0.31-per-share profit one year ago. However, Joy Global's stock shot up more than 20% that day when management held firm on its full-year guidance(that's the sharp jump you can see in the preceding chart).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Caterpillar, which competes with Joy in a number of sectors, while also manufacturing heavy equipment for rail, energy and construction industries, isn't scheduled to announce its earnings until late April, but the company said in mid-March that it's results in the first quarter will likely fall short of analyst estimates, providing guidance that was substantially lower than analyst projections.</p> <p>However, Caterpillar management also held firm on its full-year guidance, and despite a quarterly earnings forecast of $0.65-$0.70 per share that was well below consensus estimates of $0.95 at the time of the guidance release, the market has stayed relatively upbeat on Caterpillar's prospects in recent weeks.</p> <p>Wabtec, on the other hand, doesn't really have any exposure to the mining industry that's plagued both Joy Global and Cat recently. The company manufactures products for the freight and transit industry, including locomotives, freight cars, passenger transit vehicles, and parts and components for them. Over the past year-plus, Wabtec has faced the same challenge many multinational manufacturers have: a softening global economy that's weighed on demand, and also the impact of a strong dollar on both its top and bottom line, reducing the value of overseas business.</p> <p>In early March, Wabtec did make one positive announcement, reporting that it had signed a deal with a Canadian transit authority for 17 low-emission locomotives worth $97 million, that would be delivered starting in 2017. Beyond that, Wabtec didn't really give investors much more to chew on; however, the company's earnings in February, which included evidence that the company's cost-cutting efforts were taking effect even faster than anticipated, could have continued to lift the stock price higher into March.</p> <p>Now what: It's important to remember where we've come from with regard to these companies' stocks over the past year:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/CAT" type="external">CAT</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p> <p>So even after the nice bounce back over the past couple of months, all three companies' stocks are still down from recent highs, and for good reason, as there's still lingering uncertainty as to when the prospects for these companies -- particularly Joy Global and Caterpillar -- will turn around. There's little reason to expect demand in key industries that Cat and Joy to bounce back in the next quarter or two, or for the global economic weakness that's affecting both of those companies as well as Wabtec, to improve overnight. But historically speaking, the best time to buy manufacturers with heavy exposure to boom-and-bust industries like mining, or the ups-and-downs of global demand, is typically in a downturn.</p> <p>To put it another way, when stocks are up largely on optimism, and not improved business performance, it doesn't take much for them to give back those gains. This is especially true when the companies involved are largely tied to cyclical industries, as Cat, Joy, and Wabtec are.</p> <p>Even with that caveat, and the potential for their share prices to fall again in the short term, now is probably still a good time to invest in these companies for the long term. It's impossible to predict what will happen in coming quarters, but looking out years ahead, it's hard to see a world where mining, energy, and global transportation doesn't bounce back and see growth in demand.</p> <p>When that happens, these companies will be big beneficiaries, and long-term investors willing to ride out the downturn -- and even a short-term pullback in their stocks -- could do quite well.</p> <p>Image source: Caterpillar.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/08/heres-why-caterpillar-inc-joy-global-inc-and-westi.aspx" type="external">Here's Why Caterpillar Inc., Joy Global Inc., and Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp Stocks Went Up Big in March Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies. 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 westinghouse air brake technologies corp continue reading shares major industrial manufacturerscaterpillarjoy global andwestinghouse air brake technologies corp finished march strongly continued run three stocks going back midjanuary cat data ycharts opens new window joy global like caterpillar taken beating past yearplus global mining essentially everything thats mined turned south theres much coal little demand much steel iron get point heavily weighed joys business largely tied mining image source joy global company announced first quarter earnings early march reported 25 revenue decline 21 decline new orders booked 041pershare loss quarter turning 031pershare profit one year ago however joy globals stock shot 20 day management held firm fullyear guidancethats sharp jump see preceding chart advertisement caterpillar competes joy number sectors also manufacturing heavy equipment rail energy construction industries isnt scheduled announce earnings late april company said midmarch results first quarter likely fall short analyst estimates providing guidance substantially lower analyst projections however caterpillar management also held firm fullyear guidance despite quarterly earnings forecast 065070 per share well consensus estimates 095 time guidance release market stayed relatively upbeat caterpillars prospects recent weeks wabtec hand doesnt really exposure mining industry thats plagued joy global cat recently company manufactures products freight transit industry including locomotives freight cars passenger transit vehicles parts components past yearplus wabtec faced challenge many multinational manufacturers softening global economy thats weighed demand also impact strong dollar top bottom line reducing value overseas business early march wabtec make one positive announcement reporting signed deal canadian transit authority 17 lowemission locomotives worth 97 million would delivered starting 2017 beyond wabtec didnt really give investors much chew however companys earnings february included evidence companys costcutting efforts taking effect even faster anticipated could continued lift stock price higher march important remember weve come regard companies stocks past year cat data ycharts even nice bounce back past couple months three companies stocks still recent highs good reason theres still lingering uncertainty prospects companies particularly joy global caterpillar turn around theres little reason expect demand key industries cat joy bounce back next quarter two global economic weakness thats affecting companies well wabtec improve overnight historically speaking best time buy manufacturers heavy exposure boomandbust industries like mining upsanddowns global demand typically downturn put another way stocks largely optimism improved business performance doesnt take much give back gains especially true companies involved largely tied cyclical industries cat joy wabtec even caveat potential share prices fall short term probably still good time invest companies long term impossible predict happen coming quarters looking years ahead hard see world mining energy global transportation doesnt bounce back see growth demand happens companies big beneficiaries longterm investors willing ride downturn even shortterm pullback stocks could quite well image source caterpillar article heres caterpillar inc joy global inc westinghouse air brake technologies corp stocks went big march opens new window originally appeared foolcom jason hall opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends westinghouse air brake technologies 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>TIDMTSCO</p> <p>FORM 8.3</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY</p> <p>A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE</p> <p>Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")</p> <p>1. KEY INFORMATION</p> <p>(a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. ("Dimensional"), in</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>its capacity as investment manager and on behalf its</p> <p>affiliates who are also investment managers. Dimensional</p> <p>and its affiliates expressly disclaim beneficial ownership</p> <p>of the shares described in this form 8.3</p> <p>(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions</p> <p>disclosed, if different from 1(a):</p> <p>The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient.</p> <p>For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries</p> <p>must be named.</p> <p>(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant Tesco Plc</p> <p>securities this form relates: (GB0008847096)</p> <p>Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree</p> <p>(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree,</p> <p>state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:</p> <p>(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: 30 January 2018</p> <p>For an opening position disclosure, state the latest</p> <p>practicable date prior to the disclosure</p> <p>(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the YES</p> <p>discloser making disclosures in respect of any other If YES, specify which:</p> <p>party to the offer? Booker Group Plc</p> <p>If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state (GB00B01TND91)</p> <p>"N/A"</p> <p>2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE</p> <p>If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than</p> <p>one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c),</p> <p>copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of</p> <p>relevant security.</p> <p>(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of</p> <p>the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the</p> <p>dealing (if any)</p> <p>Class of relevant security: 5p Ordinary Shares</p> <p>Short</p> <p>Interests positions</p> <p>Number % Number %</p> <p>(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 45,536,399* 0.56</p> <p>(2) Cash-settled derivatives:</p> <p>(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options)</p> <p>and agreements to purchase/sell:</p> <p>TOTAL: 45,536,399 0.56</p> <p>*Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. and / or its affiliates do not control</p> <p>voting discretion for 308,537 shares.</p> <p>All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.</p> <p>Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded</p> <p>options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should</p> <p>be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).</p> <p>(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors'</p> <p>and other employee options)</p> <p>Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription</p> <p>right exists:</p> <p>Details, including nature of the rights concerned</p> <p>and relevant percentages:</p> <p>3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE</p> <p>Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant</p> <p>securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b),</p> <p>(c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant</p> <p>security dealt in.</p> <p>The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.</p> <p>(a) Purchases and sales</p> <p>Class of relevant Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit</p> <p>security</p> <p>Ordinary shares Purchase 9,192 GBP 2.1052</p> <p>(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions</p> <p>Class of Product description Nature of dealing Number of Price</p> <p>relevant e.g. CFD e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing reference per</p> <p>security a long/short position securities unit</p> <p>(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)</p> <p>(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying</p> <p>Class of Product Writing, Number of Exercise Type Expiry Option</p> <p>relevant description purchasing, securities price e.g. American, European etc. date money</p> <p>security e.g. call selling, to which per paid/</p> <p>option varying option unit received</p> <p>etc. relates per</p> <p>unit</p> <p>(ii) Exercise</p> <p>Class of Product description Exercising/ Number of Exercise</p> <p>relevant e.g. call option exercised securities price per</p> <p>security against unit</p> <p>(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)</p> <p>Class of Nature of dealing Details Price per unit</p> <p>relevant e.g. subscription, conversion (if</p> <p>security applicable)</p> <p>4. OTHER INFORMATION</p> <p>(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements</p> <p>Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or</p> <p>any agreement or understanding, formal or informal,</p> <p>relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement</p> <p>to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the</p> <p>person making the disclosure and any party to the</p> <p>offer or any person acting in concert with a party</p> <p>to the offer:</p> <p>Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should</p> <p>not be included. If there are no such agreements,</p> <p>arrangements or understandings, state "none"</p> <p>(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to</p> <p>options or derivatives</p> <p>Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding,</p> <p>formal or informal, between the person making the</p> <p>disclosure and any other person relating to:</p> <p>(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under</p> <p>any option; or</p> <p>(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal</p> <p>of any relevant securities to which any derivative</p> <p>is referenced:</p> <p>If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings,</p> <p>state "none"</p> <p>(c) Attachments</p> <p>Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO</p> <p>Date of disclosure: 31 January 2018</p> <p>Contact name: Joann Kong</p> <p>Telephone number: 020 3033 4876</p> <p>Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory</p> <p>Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at</p> <p>monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is</p> <p>available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure</p> <p>requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.</p> <p>The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at</p> <p>www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.</p> <p>This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf</p> <p>of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.</p> <p>The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely</p> <p>responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information</p> <p>contained therein.</p> <p>Source: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. via Globenewswire</p> <p>https://www.dimensional.com/</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>January 31, 2018 05:36 ET (10:36 GMT)</p>

tidmtsco form 83 continue reading public opening position disclosuredealing disclosure person interests relevant securities representing 1 rule 83 takeover code code 1 key information full name discloser dimensional fund advisors ltd dimensional advertisement capacity investment manager behalf affiliates also investment managers dimensional affiliates expressly disclaim beneficial ownership shares described form 83 b owner controller interests short positions disclosed different 1a naming nominee vehicle companies insufficient trust trustees settlor beneficiaries must named c name offerorofferee relation whose relevant tesco plc securities form relates gb0008847096 use separate form offerorofferee exempt fund manager connected offerorofferee state specify identity offerorofferee e date position helddealing undertaken 30 january 2018 opening position disclosure state latest practicable date prior disclosure f addition company 1c yes discloser making disclosures respect yes specify party offer booker group plc cash offer possible cash offer state gb00b01tnd91 na 2 positions person making disclosure positions rights subscribe disclose one class relevant securities offeror offeree named 1c copy table 2a b appropriate additional class relevant security interests short positions relevant securities offeror offeree disclosure relates following dealing class relevant security 5p ordinary shares short interests positions number number 1 relevant securities owned andor controlled 45536399 056 2 cashsettled derivatives 3 stocksettled derivatives including options agreements purchasesell total 45536399 056 dimensional fund advisors ltd affiliates control voting discretion 308537 shares interests short positions disclosed details open stocksettled derivative positions including traded options agreements purchase sell relevant securities given supplemental form 8 open positions b rights subscribe new securities including directors employee options class relevant security relation subscription right exists details including nature rights concerned relevant percentages 3 dealings person making disclosure dealings one class relevant securities offeror offeree named 1c copy table 3a b c appropriate additional class relevant security dealt currency prices monetary amounts stated purchases sales class relevant purchasesale number securities price per unit security ordinary shares purchase 9192 gbp 21052 b cashsettled derivative transactions class product description nature dealing number price relevant eg cfd eg openingclosing longshort position increasingreducing reference per security longshort position securities unit c stocksettled derivative transactions including options writing selling purchasing varying class product writing number exercise type expiry option relevant description purchasing securities price eg american european etc date money security eg call selling per paid option varying option unit received etc relates per unit ii exercise class product description exercising number exercise relevant eg call option exercised securities price per security unit dealings including subscribing new securities class nature dealing details price per unit relevant eg subscription conversion security applicable 4 information indemnity dealing arrangements details indemnity option arrangement agreement understanding formal informal relating relevant securities may inducement deal refrain dealing entered person making disclosure party offer person acting concert party offer irrevocable commitments letters intent included agreements arrangements understandings state none b agreements arrangements understandings relating options derivatives details agreement arrangement understanding formal informal person making disclosure person relating voting rights relevant securities option ii voting rights future acquisition disposal relevant securities derivative referenced agreements arrangements understandings state none c attachments supplemental form 8 open positions attached date disclosure 31 january 2018 contact name joann kong telephone number 020 3033 4876 public disclosures rule 8 code must made regulatory information service must also emailed takeover panel monitoringdisclosureorguk panels market surveillance unit available consultation relation codes disclosure requirements 44 020 7638 0129 code viewed panels website wwwthetakeoverpanelorguk announcement distributed nasdaq corporate solutions behalf nasdaq corporate solutions clients issuer announcement warrants solely responsible content accuracy originality information contained therein source dimensional fund advisors ltd via globenewswire httpswwwdimensionalcom end dow jones newswires january 31 2018 0536 et 1036 gmt

<p>On Thursday, Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD) released another dreadful quarterly earnings report. Revenue plunged 27.2% to $3.66 billion, driven by a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/06/more-store-closures-wont-save-sears-holdings-from.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">massive number of store closures Opens a New Window.</a> and a 15.3% comp sales decline.</p> <p>Sears Holdings stock still rose, as management said it had completed a $1.25 billion cost-cutting initiative ahead of schedule, leading to some modest earnings improvement. However, without a turnaround in its sales performance, Sears has virtually no chance of surviving more than another year or two.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, Sears Holdings reported further <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/25/sears-holdings-just-offered-more-proof-its-doomed.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">deterioration in its profitability Opens a New Window.</a>, due to a double-digit comp sales decline and margin erosion. In response, the company raised its cost-cutting targets. As a result, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) improved by $124 million in Q2, although that still left it in negative territory.</p> <p>Last quarter, adjusted EBITDA improved again relative to the prior-year period, this time by $100 million. (Adjusted EBITDA was still deeply negative at -$275 million.) Sears Holdings' net loss also decreased by nearly $200 million, although that was driven by higher asset sale gains last quarter.</p> <p>Sears Holdings' management held up this second consecutive quarter of adjusted EBITDA improvement as a sign that the cost-cutting campaign is working. In fact, CEO Eddie Lampert vowed that adjusted EBITDA would turn positive in 2018.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Taking a deeper look at Sears Holdings' results, Lampert's bold prediction looks like hot air. After all, Sears already captured most of the benefits of its cost-cutting plan in its third-quarter results, yet adjusted EBITDA was still deeply negative.</p> <p>Furthermore, Sears may be unable to maintain its recent pace of earnings improvement. In the fourth quarter of 2016, adjusted EBITDA improved by $76 million year over year, compared to a $48 million decline in the first nine months of last year. As a result, the company faces a tougher year-over-year comparison this quarter.</p> <p>Assuming Sears posts a smaller improvement in adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter, its full-year adjusted EBITDA loss will come to approximately $600 million. That's a long way from positive territory. In fact, for adjusted EBITDA to turn positive in 2018, the pace of improvement would have to accelerate relative to Q3, even though Sears was already benefiting from most of its 2017 cost cuts then.</p> <p>If sales continue to erode rapidly, it won't take long for the recent trend of earnings improvement to peter out -- unless management finds another $1 billion of cost cuts. The bottom line is that without meaningful sales improvement, cost-cutting can only provide a modest, short-term boost to earnings.</p> <p>The most damning part of Sears Holdings' Q3 earnings report was the cash flow statement. In the first nine months of fiscal 2017, operating cash flow fell approximately $500 million deeper into negative territory, reaching -$1.9 billion. Sears has only kept the lights on by selling roughly $1.5 billion of assets, mainly consisting of real estate and the storied Craftsman brand.</p> <p>There's no reason to believe Sears Holdings will have it any easier in 2018. Furthermore, despite some recent attempts to reduce its near-term debt maturities, Sears still has about $400 million due on a term loan maturing in June 2018, and another $303 million of debt maturing in October.</p> <p>To help meet its obligations, Sears Holdings recently <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/12/sears-holdings-corp-this-train-wreck-is-going-off.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">negotiated an agreement Opens a New Window.</a> with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation that will allow it to sell 138 more properties (roughly half of its remaining owned stores). But in return, the company must contribute a total of $464 million to its pension plans between now and the middle of next year.</p> <p>The net result is that Sears has bought itself some breathing room. However, after deducting the pension contributions and the payments on the company's expiring term loan, the proceeds from selling this real estate won't even get Sears through the end of next year.</p> <p>In short, Sears Holdings is at risk of running out of cash next fall, just as its $303 million debt payment is due -- and just when it needs extra liquidity so it can stock up for the holidays. Barring a miraculous sales turnaround that would drive a sustainable uptick in earnings, the clock may be running out for this troubled retail giant.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Sears HoldingsWhen 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=91a00553-efda-4aed-8111-763f35a6bf59&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Sears Holdings 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=91a00553-efda-4aed-8111-763f35a6bf59&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&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/TMFGemHunter/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Adam Levine-Weinberg Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=5833c844-d5fd-11e7-9007-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

thursday sears holdings nasdaq shld released another dreadful quarterly earnings report revenue plunged 272 366 billion driven massive number store closures opens new window 153 comp sales decline sears holdings stock still rose management said completed 125 billion costcutting initiative ahead schedule leading modest earnings improvement however without turnaround sales performance sears virtually chance surviving another year two continue reading first quarter fiscal 2017 sears holdings reported deterioration profitability opens new window due doubledigit comp sales decline margin erosion response company raised costcutting targets result adjusted earnings interest taxes depreciation amortization ebitda improved 124 million q2 although still left negative territory last quarter adjusted ebitda improved relative prioryear period time 100 million adjusted ebitda still deeply negative 275 million sears holdings net loss also decreased nearly 200 million although driven higher asset sale gains last quarter sears holdings management held second consecutive quarter adjusted ebitda improvement sign costcutting campaign working fact ceo eddie lampert vowed adjusted ebitda would turn positive 2018 advertisement taking deeper look sears holdings results lamperts bold prediction looks like hot air sears already captured benefits costcutting plan thirdquarter results yet adjusted ebitda still deeply negative furthermore sears may unable maintain recent pace earnings improvement fourth quarter 2016 adjusted ebitda improved 76 million year year compared 48 million decline first nine months last year result company faces tougher yearoveryear comparison quarter assuming sears posts smaller improvement adjusted ebitda fourth quarter fullyear adjusted ebitda loss come approximately 600 million thats long way positive territory fact adjusted ebitda turn positive 2018 pace improvement would accelerate relative q3 even though sears already benefiting 2017 cost cuts sales continue erode rapidly wont take long recent trend earnings improvement peter unless management finds another 1 billion cost cuts bottom line without meaningful sales improvement costcutting provide modest shortterm boost earnings damning part sears holdings q3 earnings report cash flow statement first nine months fiscal 2017 operating cash flow fell approximately 500 million deeper negative territory reaching 19 billion sears kept lights selling roughly 15 billion assets mainly consisting real estate storied craftsman brand theres reason believe sears holdings easier 2018 furthermore despite recent attempts reduce nearterm debt maturities sears still 400 million due term loan maturing june 2018 another 303 million debt maturing october help meet obligations sears holdings recently negotiated agreement opens new window pension benefit guaranty corporation allow sell 138 properties roughly half remaining owned stores return company must contribute total 464 million pension plans middle next year net result sears bought breathing room however deducting pension contributions payments companys expiring term loan proceeds selling real estate wont even get sears end next year short sears holdings risk running cash next fall 303 million debt payment due needs extra liquidity stock holidays barring miraculous sales turnaround would drive sustainable uptick earnings clock may running troubled retail giant 10 stocks like better sears holdingswhen 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 sears holdings wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 adam levineweinberg opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic amounts of damage to Texas and Louisiana, and at the end of last week, the Department of Energy authorized an emergency release of 500,000 barrels of oil to Phillips 66's (NYSE: PSX) Lake Charles refinery.</p> <p>In this week's episode of <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5382a380-94b0-11e7-bc50-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Energy Opens a New Window.</a>, Sarah Priestley and Taylor Muckerman explain what that means. Find out what the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is and what it does, whether investors should be worried about this dip into the emergency reserves, what Phillips 66 investors should know about the 500,000-barrel loan, what the not-too-distant future could hold for the SPR, and more.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Phillips 66When 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=4b1115aa-dcc1-49ed-915a-7f6f2cc1c7c5&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5382a380-94b0-11e7-bc50-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Phillips 66 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=4b1115aa-dcc1-49ed-915a-7f6f2cc1c7c5&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5382a380-94b0-11e7-bc50-0050569d32b9&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>Advertisement</p> <p>This video was recorded on Sept. 7, 2017.</p> <p>Sarah Priestley: Welcome to Industry Focus, the show that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. Today we're talking energy and industrials. It's&amp;#160;Thursday, seventh of September,&amp;#160;and we're going to be discussing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve&amp;#160;after a question from one of our wonderful&amp;#160;listeners. Joining me in the studio is Motley Fool Canada premium analyst Taylor Muckerman.&amp;#160;Taylor, thank you very much for joining me today!</p> <p>Taylor Muckerman: Absolutely.</p> <p>Priestley: Are&amp;#160;you refreshed from the long weekend?</p> <p>Muckerman: My&amp;#160;lack of labor over the weekend.&amp;#160;[laughs]</p> <p>Priestley: [laughs] It&amp;#160;was wonderful! As I said,&amp;#160;today we're going to be talking about the SPR. Really,&amp;#160;the reason we're talking about that is&amp;#160;because of the sheer extent of the damage from Hurricane Harvey. We're&amp;#160;going to be covering the SPR&amp;#160;and its role during these emergency&amp;#160;situations. Harvey, thankfully, is now past,&amp;#160;although we were just talking about this,&amp;#160;there's another three hurricanes apparently out there getting ready. Harvey dumped&amp;#160;about 50 inches of rain on&amp;#160;parts of Texas and Louisiana. Sadly,&amp;#160;it took the lives of 42 people and 40,000 homes were damaged, so&amp;#160;there's some serious implications of this. It's been&amp;#160;truly terrible for Texas. Just awful images in the media&amp;#160;depicting terrible devastation. And as so often happens&amp;#160;in these times of crisis,&amp;#160;some really wonderful stories of some really great people.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yes.</p> <p>Priestley: I saw a great one about people forming a human line&amp;#160;to save a woman who was in labor from the floodwater, which is just incredible.</p> <p>Muckerman: Wow. That's&amp;#160;a story to tell your kids in a few years.</p> <p>Priestley: It's true. Babies won't wait,&amp;#160;that's the thing.&amp;#160;Texan residents and business owners are&amp;#160;left to survey the damage and long-term impact. Preliminary estimates&amp;#160;for the cost of recovery are at $190 billion. That figure would make this&amp;#160;the costliest natural disaster in U.S.&amp;#160;history. Taylor, part of the reason for this,&amp;#160;I think, is the concentration of U.S.&amp;#160;oil producing and refining industry. Five of the largest U.S. oil refineries are&amp;#160;on the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. Two&amp;#160;of the largest refineries are near&amp;#160;Houston. What will be the aftermath of this? What&amp;#160;are they going to be dealing with now?</p> <p>Muckerman: You&amp;#160;have the Lake Charles area,&amp;#160;big for refining. The Corpus Christi area,&amp;#160;big for refining.&amp;#160;Corpus Christi is almost back to pre-Harvey levels. They&amp;#160;expect that a few more days, they'll be able to be&amp;#160;quite near fully online. You&amp;#160;look at, about 20% of the nation's refining capacity was shut down,&amp;#160;so that's a big deal. And&amp;#160;as a result, you've seen gas prices spike the most since Hurricane Katrina. The average price for regular&amp;#160;unleaded, up $0.33 nationwide,&amp;#160;up to $2.65&amp;#160;for the average. So people are feeling it. And that's probably going to last for several weeks,&amp;#160;especially as you see, like you mentioned,&amp;#160;other hurricanes potentially on the way.&amp;#160;BP&amp;#160;is&amp;#160;already evacuating some of its Gulf platforms&amp;#160;ahead of Hurricane Irma. So certainly still some risk out there for higher prices. The chemical industry is still offline as well,&amp;#160;out of the ethylene production that they need to&amp;#160;produce plastics. That's offline. So not only gasoline -- oil and chemicals all impacted. It's&amp;#160;going to take a while for&amp;#160;the supply chains for these to kick back in.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah.&amp;#160;I read somewhere that the flooding has been the biggest issue they're about to deal with. It's kind of dangerous sometimes, especially fracking,&amp;#160;if they get water in the wells, to start up again. And&amp;#160;the other thing that people have got to consider is,&amp;#160;the EPA is investigating&amp;#160;potentially hazardous carcinogens&amp;#160;in the area as a result of some of the&amp;#160;explosions that we saw that took a lot of the media that may not be a huge&amp;#160;impact on those companies, but on the people around,&amp;#160;they definitely will. The&amp;#160;reason that we're&amp;#160;touching on this is,&amp;#160;at the end of last week, the 31st of August,&amp;#160;Energy Secretary&amp;#160;Rick Perry announced&amp;#160;that the Department of Energy is releasing oil&amp;#160;from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an&amp;#160;attempt to mitigate some of this disruption that we're talking about. This&amp;#160;authorized the release of 500,000 barrels to&amp;#160;Phillips 66's&amp;#160;refinery&amp;#160;in Lake Charles. This is the first emergency release from the SPR since Hurricane Isaac&amp;#160;hit Louisiana in 2012. We got a great question from a listener on&amp;#160;Twitter&amp;#160;asking, "What&amp;#160;are the implications and impact of this?" But&amp;#160;first, I thought it might be worth touching on what exactly the SPR is. So, Taylor?</p> <p>Muckerman: Basically, it's our nation's fall-back plan, if oil imports either get disrupted&amp;#160;or we necessarily have to cut off oil&amp;#160;imports for any diplomatic reasons. So I think we have about 140-some days of technically U.S.&amp;#160;demand for oil, which would then probably be used for gasoline and other things&amp;#160;to keep the nation running&amp;#160;for almost half a year. So tap this every now and then. It hasn't been tapped in a few years.&amp;#160;I think President Obama did it at least once during his two&amp;#160;terms as president.&amp;#160;I don't think it's necessarily anything to get in an uproar about. It's&amp;#160;only 500,000 barrels in this case&amp;#160;out of a few hundred million, 700 million,&amp;#160;I believe, just north of that. And we're at peak&amp;#160;capacity right now in terms of how much oil is actually in the SPR. So it's not like we're starting from a position of weakness letting this out. And in this case, Phillips 66 is a company that tapped it for 500,000 barrels,&amp;#160;and they do have to refill it and then some&amp;#160;once the term of the agreement --&amp;#160;I haven't seen exactly how long they have to replace this,&amp;#160;but I imagine it's not immediate.</p> <p>Then,&amp;#160;for the company itself,&amp;#160;you look at it and the&amp;#160;refinery that they're using this oil at,&amp;#160;it's completely online, so we already&amp;#160;talked about high gas prices, so&amp;#160;maybe just try to take advantage of the fact that they still can refine some oil. This is in&amp;#160;Lake Charles. They&amp;#160;do have other refineries&amp;#160;that aren't completely online. So maybe just trying to take advantage of some higher margins right now.</p> <p>Priestley: Interesting. You mentioned this was to protect the U.S. from&amp;#160;international issues. I think that's how they started the SPR. They became a founding member of the International Energy Agency&amp;#160;after the oil embargo by OPEC in the '70s. Obviously,&amp;#160;it's a very different environment now. So that raises a lot of questions that we'll&amp;#160;touch on later.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah, we're&amp;#160;producing near-record oil in the United States. We were definitely producing oil&amp;#160;back then as well, but I think there's a much clearer path to the U.S.&amp;#160;sustaining its own oil production if need be.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah. You touched on this,&amp;#160;but in this instance, this is an exchange, which basically means that the borrower --&amp;#160;in this case, Phillips -- is&amp;#160;loaned the barrels. They then&amp;#160;have to return the same amount back to the reserves,&amp;#160;the same quality of oil,&amp;#160;plus extra as interest. So Philips must have requested this exchange,&amp;#160;as you said, because they're probably taking advantage of the greater crack spread.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yes.</p> <p>Priestley: Should&amp;#160;investors be concerned about them&amp;#160;servicing this loan? Is it an issue to make good on that loan?</p> <p>Muckerman: No,&amp;#160;I think it's a small enough amount to where, as an investor,&amp;#160;maybe it's encouraging to see&amp;#160;management trying all options to keep&amp;#160;capacity and their inputs coming in,&amp;#160;because a lot of pipelines in that area were disrupted. So not only have we seen production be impacted,&amp;#160;but even&amp;#160;the production in the oil fields that are still running,&amp;#160;it's having a hard time making it&amp;#160;to the endpoints here and refineries&amp;#160;along the Gulf Coast,&amp;#160;because not only were the refineries impacted,&amp;#160;but the feeding pipelines were as well.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah. And&amp;#160;a lot of the ports,&amp;#160;I can't remember the term for it, but they're&amp;#160;essentially filled with silt now,&amp;#160;so they have to be&amp;#160;excavated.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah,&amp;#160;they have to be dredged, probably. We'll&amp;#160;wait to see that, because the Gulf area is the hub for all the oil exports&amp;#160;that we've seen ramp up over the last couple of years&amp;#160;since we released that limit on U.S. oil&amp;#160;exportations.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah,&amp;#160;which is incredible when you think about&amp;#160;how vulnerable that area is.&amp;#160;I know&amp;#160;every area has its risks.</p> <p>Muckerman: As&amp;#160;far west as this one went,&amp;#160;it was kind of a surprise to a lot of people. Mid- to eastern region of the Gulf usually gets hit&amp;#160;almost on a yearly basis. But&amp;#160;as far west as Houston,&amp;#160;kind of a shock there.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah,&amp;#160;it's new to me. We have&amp;#160;a lot of rain,&amp;#160;but not hurricanes. I think, you said this already, but&amp;#160;talking about how serious this is and what the impact is,&amp;#160;I think it's important to remember that the&amp;#160;reserves are tapped during natural disasters. It's&amp;#160;very usual. And, as you said, 500,000 is nothing&amp;#160;compared to how it has been. 2008, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike,&amp;#160;they reduced levels by 5.4&amp;#160;million barrels. 2005,&amp;#160;Hurricane Katrina, 20.8 million barrels. So there is a precedent for this. We shouldn't be too concerned.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah. When&amp;#160;you look at 500,000 barrels, and we're producing 9 million barrels per day&amp;#160;as a country, not exactly something to&amp;#160;get in a fuss about.</p> <p>Priestley: Which leads on to my next question. The SPR is&amp;#160;often in the news when natural disasters happen. But last year, it was in the news&amp;#160;not concerning a disaster. The Energy Department released a report, and it said the SPR was&amp;#160;increasingly ineffective due to aging infrastructure and a booming domestic oil industry. The report essentially said that the complex infrastructure was&amp;#160;getting too old to function efficiently; they needed money from Congress to fix&amp;#160;most of the critical&amp;#160;infrastructure, for&amp;#160;moving crude within the SPR had&amp;#160;exceeded its service for life. So it didn't paint a&amp;#160;great picture of the&amp;#160;infrastructure there. But the thing that I think is interesting is where the large reserves are needed in the U.S.&amp;#160;since the recent oil boom. The rules of the IEA were made when the U.S.&amp;#160;wasn't producing as much. So what do you make of that?</p> <p>Muckerman: Certainly,&amp;#160;when you look at the inventory,&amp;#160;we just saw crude oil inventories rise by&amp;#160;almost 3 million barrels. So that's not necessarily 270 million barrels like we see in the SPR,&amp;#160;but at the same time,&amp;#160;it's nice to have. And we're not the only country that has one. China has one that I believe is much larger than ours, and as they've&amp;#160;started to build that and maintain it,&amp;#160;it was actually a pretty nice little driver for demand in the oil markets, because here you are,&amp;#160;feeling these vast reserves without even using them. So it's just like a&amp;#160;sudden increase in demand. But&amp;#160;we've seen that taper off. Not&amp;#160;the only country that has it. Nothing special. But I think it's just nice to have. It's kind of interesting. I didn't realize that they were worried about necessarily the quality of the crude&amp;#160;within the salt caverns. Because&amp;#160;you're right, it's not in its&amp;#160;original formations. Technically,&amp;#160;oil is several thousands of years old,&amp;#160;so you wouldn't think that a few more years in a different area would impact it. But certainly, you could imagine that&amp;#160;it's not in such a high-pressure environment, it's&amp;#160;not nearly as far down into the Earth anymore, and&amp;#160;it has been extracted,&amp;#160;so maybe there's some changes going on there. You have to worry about the quality,&amp;#160;which I never would have considered.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah. They're&amp;#160;kept in salt caverns,&amp;#160;which are probably the best way that you could keep it,&amp;#160;because salt is impervious, it's far down,&amp;#160;there's some pressure. But as you said,&amp;#160;it's not in its natural state.</p> <p>Muckerman: Right. And salt caverns are&amp;#160;also where a lot of companies will store their wastewater that they inject into fracking wells, or&amp;#160;things like that, or they'll store some spare natural gas&amp;#160;instead of flaring it. So salt caverns are&amp;#160;used for very&amp;#160;many reasons.</p> <p>Priestley: I think, as part of this debate over whether we should have one or not,&amp;#160;I think it would be stupid for us to not have one&amp;#160;as a country. And also,&amp;#160;if you think about the economics of it,&amp;#160;I think the per-barrel cost is&amp;#160;$27, which&amp;#160;even now at the depressed value is a good price.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah, absolutely.</p> <p>Priestley: And&amp;#160;a lot of the exchanges that they do,&amp;#160;it's a great way of getting high-quality,&amp;#160;very well-priced oil for the U.S. citizens,&amp;#160;essentially. And the other thing to factor in is that&amp;#160;lawmakers are beginning to see the oil reserves as almost a piggy bank. Congress tapped the&amp;#160;oil reserves for funds twice last year. So it may be something that we start to see&amp;#160;happen more, but possibly not in this environment.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah,&amp;#160;if you think we're strong enough&amp;#160;as a producing country now to&amp;#160;where there's a little bit more flexibility there versus in the early 2000s,&amp;#160;before the fracking boom really kicked in,&amp;#160;you could see a steady decline from the 1970, 1971, to 2005 of oil&amp;#160;production in the United States. And then,&amp;#160;just straight up and to the right&amp;#160;in terms of growth. Almost not even straight up to the right,&amp;#160;almost just straight up&amp;#160;from 2005&amp;#160;until the present. So assuaging a little bit of fears.</p> <p>Priestley: The&amp;#160;bottom line for this is,&amp;#160;it sounds like a concerning issue. It&amp;#160;sounds like a big thing.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah, Strategic Petroleum Reserve.</p> <p>Priestley: But&amp;#160;it's really not. It's&amp;#160;not a big deal. And I guess everybody is going to be keeping their eye&amp;#160;on the next three hurricanes.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah. It's&amp;#160;interesting, I don't remember a time&amp;#160;where a specific company was able to request some oil or make this exchange. I think the last few times was just the country&amp;#160;releasing some oil into the general market,&amp;#160;probably in an auction format. So kind of interesting to see maybe if that happens again in the future, where&amp;#160;a specific company is almost loaned oil,&amp;#160;essentially.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah. It's&amp;#160;like you said, they're probably&amp;#160;taking advantage of the situation. And the U.S. is&amp;#160;taking advantage of the fact that we now have this glut in&amp;#160;production so that we can do that to leverage our&amp;#160;position. Which is great to see. It's a good use of that material, I think. So, Taylor, as always,&amp;#160;thank you for being awesome and shedding light on the issue.</p> <p>Muckerman: [laughs] No doubt. What's up next week?</p> <p>Priestley: Next week is airlines.&amp;#160;I don't know if anybody managed to catch the bonus episode that we did. It went out on Saturday over the holiday weekend, but we talked about how we wanted to broaden the scope of the show. So next week, we're trying to deliver on that promise, so we're&amp;#160;going to do which of the big four U.S. national airline&amp;#160;companies is the better buy right now.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah,&amp;#160;those have been some pretty good stocks over the last couple of years.</p> <p>Priestley: They have. Historically,&amp;#160;people have&amp;#160;avoided&amp;#160;them like the plague.</p> <p>Muckerman: Yeah. Some&amp;#160;consolidation in that area has&amp;#160;boosted some stock prices.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah.&amp;#160;I'm nerdy, so I think that's fascinating. But we'll see if anybody else finds it interesting.</p> <p>Muckerman: Once&amp;#160;Buffett charges in, you have to expect something.</p> <p>Priestley: Yeah,&amp;#160;not everybody wants in. Taylor,&amp;#160;thank you very much. As always, you've been wonderfully knowledgeable. That's it from us today. If&amp;#160;you would like to get in touch, please feel free to email us at industryfocus@fool.com,&amp;#160;or tweet us on Twitter @MFIndustryFocus. As&amp;#160;always, people on the program may own companies&amp;#160;discussed on the show, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations&amp;#160;for or against stocks mentioned,&amp;#160;so don't buy or sell anything based solely on what you hear. For,&amp;#160;Taylor, I'm Sarah Priestley. Thanks for listening, and Fool on!</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSarahp/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5382a380-94b0-11e7-bc50-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Sarah Priestley Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFrunAMuck/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5382a380-94b0-11e7-bc50-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Taylor Muckerman Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Twitter. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Twitter. 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=5382a380-94b0-11e7-bc50-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

hurricane harvey caused catastrophic amounts damage texas louisiana end last week department energy authorized emergency release 500000 barrels oil phillips 66s nyse psx lake charles refinery weeks episode industry focus energy opens new window sarah priestley taylor muckerman explain means find strategic petroleum reserve spr whether investors worried dip emergency reserves phillips 66 investors know 500000barrel loan nottoodistant future could hold spr continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better phillips 66when 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 phillips 66 wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 advertisement video recorded sept 7 2017 sarah priestley welcome industry focus show dives different sector stock market every day today talking energy industrials its160thursday seventh september160and going discussing strategic petroleum reserve160after question one wonderful160listeners joining studio motley fool canada premium analyst taylor muckerman160taylor thank much joining today taylor muckerman absolutely priestley are160you refreshed long weekend muckerman my160lack labor weekend160laughs priestley laughs it160was wonderful said160today going talking spr really160the reason talking is160because sheer extent damage hurricane harvey were160going covering spr160and role emergency160situations harvey thankfully past160although talking this160theres another three hurricanes apparently getting ready harvey dumped160about 50 inches rain on160parts texas louisiana sadly160it took lives 42 people 40000 homes damaged so160theres serious implications been160truly terrible texas awful images media160depicting terrible devastation often happens160in times crisis160some really wonderful stories really great people muckerman yes priestley saw great one people forming human line160to save woman labor floodwater incredible muckerman wow thats160a story tell kids years priestley true babies wont wait160thats thing160texan residents business owners are160left survey damage longterm impact preliminary estimates160for cost recovery 190 billion figure would make this160the costliest natural disaster us160history taylor part reason this160i think concentration us160oil producing refining industry five largest us oil refineries are160on texas louisiana gulf coast two160of largest refineries near160houston aftermath what160are going dealing muckerman you160have lake charles area160big refining corpus christi area160big refining160corpus christi almost back preharvey levels they160expect days theyll able be160quite near fully online you160look 20 nations refining capacity shut down160so thats big deal and160as result youve seen gas prices spike since hurricane katrina average price regular160unleaded 033 nationwide160up 265160for average people feeling thats probably going last several weeks160especially see like mentioned160other hurricanes potentially way160bp160is160already evacuating gulf platforms160ahead hurricane irma certainly still risk higher prices chemical industry still offline well160out ethylene production need to160produce plastics thats offline gasoline oil chemicals impacted its160going take for160the supply chains kick back priestley yeah160i read somewhere flooding biggest issue theyre deal kind dangerous sometimes especially fracking160if get water wells start and160the thing people got consider is160the epa investigating160potentially hazardous carcinogens160in area result the160explosions saw took lot media may huge160impact companies people around160they definitely the160reason were160touching is160at end last week 31st august160energy secretary160rick perry announced160that department energy releasing oil160from strategic petroleum reserve an160attempt mitigate disruption talking this160authorized release 500000 barrels to160phillips 66s160refinery160in lake charles first emergency release spr since hurricane isaac160hit louisiana 2012 got great question listener on160twitter160asking what160are implications impact but160first thought might worth touching exactly spr taylor muckerman basically nations fallback plan oil imports either get disrupted160or necessarily cut oil160imports diplomatic reasons think 140some days technically us160demand oil would probably used gasoline things160to keep nation running160for almost half year tap every hasnt tapped years160i think president obama least two160terms president160i dont think necessarily anything get uproar its160only 500000 barrels case160out hundred million 700 million160i believe north peak160capacity right terms much oil actually spr like starting position weakness letting case phillips 66 company tapped 500000 barrels160and refill some160once term agreement 160i havent seen exactly long replace this160but imagine immediate then160for company itself160you look the160refinery theyre using oil at160its completely online already160talked high gas prices so160maybe try take advantage fact still refine oil in160lake charles they160do refineries160that arent completely online maybe trying take advantage higher margins right priestley interesting mentioned protect us from160international issues think thats started spr became founding member international energy agency160after oil embargo opec 70s obviously160its different environment raises lot questions well160touch later muckerman yeah were160producing nearrecord oil united states definitely producing oil160back well think theres much clearer path us160sustaining oil production need priestley yeah touched this160but instance exchange basically means borrower 160in case phillips is160loaned barrels then160have return amount back reserves160the quality oil160plus extra interest philips must requested exchange160as said theyre probably taking advantage greater crack spread muckerman yes priestley should160investors concerned them160servicing loan issue make good loan muckerman no160i think small enough amount investor160maybe encouraging see160management trying options keep160capacity inputs coming in160because lot pipelines area disrupted seen production impacted160but even160the production oil fields still running160its hard time making it160to endpoints refineries160along gulf coast160because refineries impacted160but feeding pipelines well priestley yeah and160a lot ports160i cant remember term theyre160essentially filled silt now160so be160excavated muckerman yeah160they dredged probably well160wait see gulf area hub oil exports160that weve seen ramp last couple years160since released limit us oil160exportations priestley yeah160which incredible think about160how vulnerable area is160i know160every area risks muckerman as160far west one went160it kind surprise lot people mid eastern region gulf usually gets hit160almost yearly basis but160as far west houston160kind shock priestley yeah160its new have160a lot rain160but hurricanes think said already but160talking serious impact is160i think important remember the160reserves tapped natural disasters its160very usual said 500000 nothing160compared 2008 hurricane gustav hurricane ike160they reduced levels 54160million barrels 2005160hurricane katrina 208 million barrels precedent shouldnt concerned muckerman yeah when160you look 500000 barrels producing 9 million barrels per day160as country exactly something to160get fuss priestley leads next question spr is160often news natural disasters happen last year news160not concerning disaster energy department released report said spr was160increasingly ineffective due aging infrastructure booming domestic oil industry report essentially said complex infrastructure was160getting old function efficiently needed money congress fix160most critical160infrastructure for160moving crude within spr had160exceeded service life didnt paint a160great picture the160infrastructure thing think interesting large reserves needed us160since recent oil boom rules iea made us160wasnt producing much make muckerman certainly160when look inventory160we saw crude oil inventories rise by160almost 3 million barrels thats necessarily 270 million barrels like see spr160but time160its nice country one china one believe much larger theyve160started build maintain it160it actually pretty nice little driver demand oil markets are160feeling vast reserves without even using like a160sudden increase demand but160weve seen taper not160the country nothing special think nice kind interesting didnt realize worried necessarily quality crude160within salt caverns because160youre right its160original formations technically160oil several thousands years old160so wouldnt think years different area would impact certainly could imagine that160its highpressure environment its160not nearly far earth anymore and160it extracted160so maybe theres changes going worry quality160which never would considered priestley yeah theyre160kept salt caverns160which probably best way could keep it160because salt impervious far down160theres pressure said160its natural state muckerman right salt caverns are160also lot companies store wastewater inject fracking wells or160things like theyll store spare natural gas160instead flaring salt caverns are160used very160many reasons priestley think part debate whether one not160i think would stupid us one160as country also160if think economics it160i think perbarrel cost is16027 which160even depressed value good price muckerman yeah absolutely priestley and160a lot exchanges do160its great way getting highquality160very wellpriced oil us citizens160essentially thing factor that160lawmakers beginning see oil reserves almost piggy bank congress tapped the160oil reserves funds twice last year may something start see160happen possibly environment muckerman yeah160if think strong enough160as producing country to160where theres little bit flexibility versus early 2000s160before fracking boom really kicked in160you could see steady decline 1970 1971 2005 oil160production united states then160just straight right160in terms growth almost even straight right160almost straight up160from 2005160until present assuaging little bit fears priestley the160bottom line is160it sounds like concerning issue it160sounds like big thing muckerman yeah strategic petroleum reserve priestley but160its really its160not big deal guess everybody going keeping eye160on next three hurricanes muckerman yeah its160interesting dont remember time160where specific company able request oil make exchange think last times country160releasing oil general market160probably auction format kind interesting see maybe happens future where160a specific company almost loaned oil160essentially priestley yeah its160like said theyre probably160taking advantage situation us is160taking advantage fact glut in160production leverage our160position great see good use material think taylor always160thank awesome shedding light issue muckerman laughs doubt whats next week priestley next week airlines160i dont know anybody managed catch bonus episode went saturday holiday weekend talked wanted broaden scope show next week trying deliver promise were160going big four us national airline160companies better buy right muckerman yeah160those pretty good stocks last couple years priestley historically160people have160avoided160them like plague muckerman yeah some160consolidation area has160boosted stock prices priestley yeah160im nerdy think thats fascinating well see anybody else finds interesting muckerman once160buffett charges expect something priestley yeah160not everybody wants taylor160thank much always youve wonderfully knowledgeable thats us today if160you would like get touch please feel free email us industryfocusfoolcom160or tweet us twitter mfindustryfocus as160always people program may companies160discussed show motley fool may formal recommendations160for stocks mentioned160so dont buy sell anything based solely hear for160taylor im sarah priestley thanks listening fool sarah priestley opens new window position stocks mentioned taylor muckerman opens new window owns shares twitter motley fool owns shares recommends twitter motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Getting out from under college loan debt</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>If there's one obstacle that prevents most millennials from investing either independently or with a financial adviser, it's the burden of college loans. These loans weigh down graduates, preventing them from seizing new financial opportunities until they clear their debt. In 2012, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that the average outstanding student loan balance was $24,301, with 10% of borrowers owing more than $58,000.</p> <p>So how can you get out from under that debt quickly? We spoke to investment managers and financial planners for their top tips to become free of that student loan. While they may be faster, some will definitely not be cheaper -- at least initially. But all are worthwhile in the end.</p> <p>Treat the loan like a mortgage</p> <p>If you can afford it, treat the loan like a mortgage and simply make larger payments to reduce the principal more quickly, says financial planner Allan Katz, CFP, president of Comprehensive Wealth Management Group in New York's Staten Island.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>For example, a $25,000 student loan with 6.8% interest with a 10-year payback period would cost $288 a month. Paying $700 a month instead of $288 enables the borrower to repay the loan in just over three years, Katz says.</p> <p>By doing this, borrowers are "paying the principal down more quickly, which results in lower interest charges," he says. By paying extra, the entire loan would cost $28,000 rather than $34,560.</p> <p>Another strategy is adding payments and sending in checks every two weeks rather than monthly.</p> <p>Once that college loan is repaid, the benefits proliferate. "It's one less debt you owe. The money you make is now free to be invested and applied to owning a house, saving for retirement or putting a child through college," Katz says.</p> <p>Create a 3- to 5-year plan</p> <p>Clayton Shearer, a Certified Financial Planner at Wellness Financial Services in Thornton, Colo., urges clients to create a three- to five-year plan to pare down college debt. Knowing exactly when the loan ends is comforting for many clients. Clients "have a goal in place, they're committed to it and they know exactly what to pay monthly," Shearer says. Paying it becomes part of their monthly routine comparable to submitting checks for mortgages, cable TV and telephone.</p> <p>For example, two clients had $50,000 combined in college debt and were making around $100,000 a year jointly. To pay it off, they established a budget and curtailed spending. Their budget was helped by two sizable bonuses from work, resulting in their sending $800 per month for two years to cancel their college debt. Had they not prepaid, it would have taken about 15 years to pay off the loan. The result, Shearer says, is clients "get debt-free and have a load lifted off their shoulder."</p> <p>Establish your own college repaIf a graduate can save an additional $100, $200 or more a month and deposit it into an account via automatic savings, it can expedite repayment. Having money moved automatically is effective because it's forced savings, Katz says. It enables people to set aside money to grow what otherwise would be spent on TVs or iPhones, Katz says. Just make sure to set up an account that will be used only for paying back your college debt. Don't use checking or savings accounts you already have because you might use that money for something other than your loan.</p> <p>When you create the account, you can tie it to mutual funds, saving accounts, annuities and stocks that offer dividend reinvestment plans. The most effective way to ensure that the money saved multiplies is to let the money grow until it accumulates into a lump sum and then transfer it a chunk at a time to pay off the loan balance. "How long somebody must save depends on the returns they get, as well as the amount they are investing and how much they owe," he says.</p> <p>Of course, there's risk associated with savings in investments like mutual funds because the stock market is volatile and can falter. Typically over the span of a five-year or longer loan, stock market investments recover and grow, he says.</p> <p>Establish your own college repayment fund</p> <p>If a graduate can save an additional $100, $200 or more a month and deposit it into an account via automatic savings, it can expedite repayment. Having money moved automatically is effective because it's forced savings, Katz says. It enables people to set aside money to grow what otherwise would be spent on TVs or iPhones, Katz says. Just make sure to set up an account that will be used only for paying back your college debt. Don't use checking or savings accounts you already have because you might use that money for something other than your loan.</p> <p>When you create the account, you can tie it to mutual funds, saving accounts, annuities and stocks that offer dividend reinvestment plans. The most effective way to ensure that the money saved multiplies is to let the money grow until it accumulates into a lump sum and then transfer it a chunk at a time to pay off the loan balance. "How long somebody must save depends on the returns they get, as well as the amount they are investing and how much they owe," he says.</p> <p>Of course, there's risk associated with savings in investments like mutual funds because the stock market is volatile and can falter. Typically over the span of a five-year or longer loan, stock market investments recover and grow, he says.</p> <p>Start early with a part-time job in college</p> <p>Earning money while attending college is one way to be proactive about keeping college debt in check, says Charles Sachs, a principal at Private Wealth Counsel in Miami. He says it's a win-win because "getting a paid position while still in school generates some money that offsets loans and builds invaluable industry specific knowledge."</p> <p>If a student can manage to put away $1,000 a month, "that's $12,000 (a year) less in student loans and not having to take that money out in loans -- a big savings," Shearer says.</p> <p>Working part time while attending college can also strengthen a student's ability, Shearer says. It develops discipline, provides real-world experience and earns income to lower future debt obligations, he adds.</p> <p>Avoid the usual traps</p> <p>The most compelling obstacle preventing people from repaying loans faster is the need for "instant gratification," Shearer says. People can lose sight of their future financial goals, live for today, and "fall off the budgetary wagon," he says. The most effective way to reduce debt is to plan ahead, make some sacrifices, focus on future financial goals and delay instant gratification.</p> <p>Katz agrees. Maintaining financial discipline is a difficult hurdle for many people, he says. "Most people don't have the discipline to save. Most people spend like goldfish eat, which is nonstop," Katz says.</p> <p>The people who succeed at reducing college debts are those who "live within their own means and are conscientious about saving," Katz says.</p>

getting college loan debt continue reading theres one obstacle prevents millennials investing either independently financial adviser burden college loans loans weigh graduates preventing seizing new financial opportunities clear debt 2012 federal reserve bank new york reported average outstanding student loan balance 24301 10 borrowers owing 58000 get debt quickly spoke investment managers financial planners top tips become free student loan may faster definitely cheaper least initially worthwhile end treat loan like mortgage afford treat loan like mortgage simply make larger payments reduce principal quickly says financial planner allan katz cfp president comprehensive wealth management group new yorks staten island advertisement example 25000 student loan 68 interest 10year payback period would cost 288 month paying 700 month instead 288 enables borrower repay loan three years katz says borrowers paying principal quickly results lower interest charges says paying extra entire loan would cost 28000 rather 34560 another strategy adding payments sending checks every two weeks rather monthly college loan repaid benefits proliferate one less debt owe money make free invested applied owning house saving retirement putting child college katz says create 3 5year plan clayton shearer certified financial planner wellness financial services thornton colo urges clients create three fiveyear plan pare college debt knowing exactly loan ends comforting many clients clients goal place theyre committed know exactly pay monthly shearer says paying becomes part monthly routine comparable submitting checks mortgages cable tv telephone example two clients 50000 combined college debt making around 100000 year jointly pay established budget curtailed spending budget helped two sizable bonuses work resulting sending 800 per month two years cancel college debt prepaid would taken 15 years pay loan result shearer says clients get debtfree load lifted shoulder establish college repaif graduate save additional 100 200 month deposit account via automatic savings expedite repayment money moved automatically effective forced savings katz says enables people set aside money grow otherwise would spent tvs iphones katz says make sure set account used paying back college debt dont use checking savings accounts already might use money something loan create account tie mutual funds saving accounts annuities stocks offer dividend reinvestment plans effective way ensure money saved multiplies let money grow accumulates lump sum transfer chunk time pay loan balance long somebody must save depends returns get well amount investing much owe says course theres risk associated savings investments like mutual funds stock market volatile falter typically span fiveyear longer loan stock market investments recover grow says establish college repayment fund graduate save additional 100 200 month deposit account via automatic savings expedite repayment money moved automatically effective forced savings katz says enables people set aside money grow otherwise would spent tvs iphones katz says make sure set account used paying back college debt dont use checking savings accounts already might use money something loan create account tie mutual funds saving accounts annuities stocks offer dividend reinvestment plans effective way ensure money saved multiplies let money grow accumulates lump sum transfer chunk time pay loan balance long somebody must save depends returns get well amount investing much owe says course theres risk associated savings investments like mutual funds stock market volatile falter typically span fiveyear longer loan stock market investments recover grow says start early parttime job college earning money attending college one way proactive keeping college debt check says charles sachs principal private wealth counsel miami says winwin getting paid position still school generates money offsets loans builds invaluable industry specific knowledge student manage put away 1000 month thats 12000 year less student loans take money loans big savings shearer says working part time attending college also strengthen students ability shearer says develops discipline provides realworld experience earns income lower future debt obligations adds avoid usual traps compelling obstacle preventing people repaying loans faster need instant gratification shearer says people lose sight future financial goals live today fall budgetary wagon says effective way reduce debt plan ahead make sacrifices focus future financial goals delay instant gratification katz agrees maintaining financial discipline difficult hurdle many people says people dont discipline save people spend like goldfish eat nonstop katz says people succeed reducing college debts live within means conscientious saving katz says

<p>Most people dream of a retirement spent pursuing all the activities they couldn't do while working, not one spent wrestling with money problems. Yet if you're not careful, you could make expensive money mistakes that will end up tainting the rest of your retirement -- and in the worst-case scenario could even run you out of money. Below you'll find some regrettably common retiree money mistakes; hopefully these grim examples will ensure that you'll never fall into these traps yourself.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Picking the wrong retirement date can cause irrevocable harm to your finances. In most cases, the mistake is retiring too early -- if you quit working before you have enough savings and other sources of income to keep you going for the rest of your life, you'll either end up scraping and pinching to get by or you'll simply run out of money.</p> <p>More retirees choose to claim their <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/04/19/when-does-the-average-american-start-collecting-so.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Social Security benefits at age 62 Opens a New Window.</a> than any other age. 62 is the earliest that you can start getting Social Security benefits, but claiming your benefits this early comes at a price -- your Social Security checks will be permanently reduced by an early retirement penalty of as much as 30%. In fact, according to the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/supplement/2017/5a.html#table5.a1.1" type="external">2017 Annual Statistical Supplement Opens a New Window.</a> of the Social Security Administration, the average 62-year-old receiving Social Security benefits gets $1,076.70 per month; the average 70-year-old gets $1,482.40. That means that retiring early is a double financial whammy: not only do you stop saving and start spending your retirement money earlier than most, but you also end up with a smaller Social Security benefit.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/09/10/4-smart-reasons-to-claim-social-security-early.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">For some retirees Opens a New Window.</a>, it makes a lot of sense to retire that early. If you've been diligent about saving and have plenty tucked away by age 62, or if health reasons force you to retire at that point, then clearly retiring early is the best choice. But for most retirees, it's best to wait at least until full retirement age before walking away from your job forever.</p> <p>When you first retire and start drawing from your retirement savings, the balances in those accounts may look enormous. Sadly, it's way too easy to drain down those high balances to the point where they can no longer support you. Take too much out of your retirement savings, especially in the first few years of retirement, and you'll end up with serious cash shortages later on.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>For example, let's say that you have $300,000 in your retirement accounts on the day you retire. You decide to take $30,000 per year (which equals $2,500 per month) from your accounts, combining this money with your Social Security benefits to give yourself a comfortable income. Assuming that your retirement investments produce a 6% annual return during this time, you'll run out of money during your 16th year of retirement. If you plan to live for more than 16 years, this is pretty terrible news.</p> <p>In order to make your retirement savings last, you need to preserve your capital. That means you need to take less money from your investments than they gained over the course of the year. If your investments grew by 6%, you have to take less than 6% of your account balances out that year to keep your savings from shrinking. Indeed, the safest approach is to plan to take <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/10/17/what-the-4-rule-means-to-you.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">no more than 4% Opens a New Window.</a> of your total account balances out of your retirement accounts each year -- and in a bad year, you may need to take less. Keeping your account withdrawals low is especially important early on in retirement; as you get older and your life expectancy gets shorter, you can get a little freer with your withdrawals. For example, once you hit 70 you might hike your planned account withdrawals up to 5% or even 6% of your total account balances, and at 80 you might go as high as 8%.</p> <p>Once you retire, your investment priority changes from growing your money to preserving your money. That's because during retirement you're living on the income from those investments and can't afford to take the kind of risks that will generate the highest possible returns.</p> <p>Retirement is a time to shift your investment focus away from stocks and toward bonds. However, you can't dump your entire stock portfolio and just own bonds; the return on bonds is so low these days that you almost certainly won't be able to generate enough money to live on. And while interest rates are likely to increase in the future, they rarely go high enough to make an all-bond portfolio livable; the average annual long-term return on bonds is around 5% to 6%, whereas the average annual long-term return on stocks is about 10%.</p> <p>The easy way to figure out how you should balance your portfolio is to subtract your age from 110 and put that percentage of your investment money in stocks, with the remainder in bonds. Thus, a 70-year-old would have 40% stocks and 60% bonds in his retirement savings accounts. Such a distribution would result in roughly a 7.3% average annual return over the long haul. Of course, that's only an average; in any given year you could make substantially higher or lower returns than this. That's why it's important to save enough so that you can get by with a low withdrawal rate, as explained in the previous section.</p> <p>So what do you do if you've already made one of these mistakes? If you retired too early, picking up a part-time job can provide you with some extra income and preserve the money in your retirement savings accounts. Finding <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/11/20/7-ways-you-can-get-more-money-in-retirement.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">additional sources of income Opens a New Window.</a> can also help if you've taken too much money out of your retirement savings; in a best-case scenario, you may even be able to put some money back into those accounts. Rebalancing a portfolio that's too heavy in either stocks or bonds is a fairly simple proposition -- just sell some of the excessive investments and use this money to <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/18/3-dividend-stocks-ideal-for-retirees-2.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">buy the other type Opens a New Window.</a>. And now that you know how serious these issues can be, you'll be able to avoid falling into these money traps in the future -- and you can enjoy the rest of your retirement without financial woes.</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.&amp;#160; <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=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&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=406f4d78-cfc2-11e7-b588-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

people dream retirement spent pursuing activities couldnt working one spent wrestling money problems yet youre careful could make expensive money mistakes end tainting rest retirement worstcase scenario could even run money youll find regrettably common retiree money mistakes hopefully grim examples ensure youll never fall traps continue reading picking wrong retirement date cause irrevocable harm finances cases mistake retiring early quit working enough savings sources income keep going rest life youll either end scraping pinching get youll simply run money retirees choose claim social security benefits age 62 opens new window age 62 earliest start getting social security benefits claiming benefits early comes price social security checks permanently reduced early retirement penalty much 30 fact according 2017 annual statistical supplement opens new window social security administration average 62yearold receiving social security benefits gets 107670 per month average 70yearold gets 148240 means retiring early double financial whammy stop saving start spending retirement money earlier also end smaller social security benefit retirees opens new window makes lot sense retire early youve diligent saving plenty tucked away age 62 health reasons force retire point clearly retiring early best choice retirees best wait least full retirement age walking away job forever first retire start drawing retirement savings balances accounts may look enormous sadly way easy drain high balances point longer support take much retirement savings especially first years retirement youll end serious cash shortages later advertisement example lets say 300000 retirement accounts day retire decide take 30000 per year equals 2500 per month accounts combining money social security benefits give comfortable income assuming retirement investments produce 6 annual return time youll run money 16th year retirement plan live 16 years pretty terrible news order make retirement savings last need preserve capital means need take less money investments gained course year investments grew 6 take less 6 account balances year keep savings shrinking indeed safest approach plan take 4 opens new window total account balances retirement accounts year bad year may need take less keeping account withdrawals low especially important early retirement get older life expectancy gets shorter get little freer withdrawals example hit 70 might hike planned account withdrawals 5 even 6 total account balances 80 might go high 8 retire investment priority changes growing money preserving money thats retirement youre living income investments cant afford take kind risks generate highest possible returns retirement time shift investment focus away stocks toward bonds however cant dump entire stock portfolio bonds return bonds low days almost certainly wont able generate enough money live interest rates likely increase future rarely go high enough make allbond portfolio livable average annual longterm return bonds around 5 6 whereas average annual longterm return stocks 10 easy way figure balance portfolio subtract age 110 put percentage investment money stocks remainder bonds thus 70yearold would 40 stocks 60 bonds retirement savings accounts distribution would result roughly 73 average annual return long haul course thats average given year could make substantially higher lower returns thats important save enough get low withdrawal rate explained previous section youve already made one mistakes retired early picking parttime job provide extra income preserve money retirement savings accounts finding additional sources income opens new window also help youve taken much money retirement savings bestcase scenario may even able put money back accounts rebalancing portfolio thats heavy either stocks bonds fairly simple proposition sell excessive investments use money buy type opens new window know serious issues youll able avoid falling money traps future enjoy rest retirement without financial woes 16122 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 16122 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind after160 simply click discover learn strategies opens new window motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>President <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a>&#8217;s demand for a new plan to defeat the Islamic State has triggered a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity at the Pentagon and State Department, where officials are poised to propose a dramatic increase in weapons for Kurdish fighters in Syria, significantly more U.S. airstrikes against the jihadi group and an expansion of American special forces commandos operating on the ground.</p> <p>Those moves, along with studying how to coordinate U.S. airstrikes with Russian forces backing Syrian President Bashar Assad, will make up the bulk of what gets presented to the <a href="/topics/white-house/" type="external">White House</a> in response to the executive order that <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> signed Friday mandating a new plan &#8220;within 30 days&#8221; to defeat the terror group also known as ISIS, officials say.</p> <p>One official directly involved in the planning told The Washington Times that the proposals won&#8217;t start from scratch, but rather green-light and dramatically accelerate controversial aspects of a strategy already set in motion by the Obama administration &#8212; with the most difficult piece being the movement of more and heavier arms to the ethnic Kurdish forces without outraging NATO ally Turkey.</p> <p>&#8220;The main sticking point has been Ankara,&#8221; said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in reference to Ankara&#8217;s anger over U.S. support for a Kurdish militia in Syria that the Turks say is a terrorist organization linked to violent Turkish Kurdish separatists.</p> <p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve been working with the Turks on this,&#8221; the official said, adding that &#8220;at some point, we will have to make a decision.&#8221;</p> <p>Other officials said a proposal for more U.S. Special Forces deployed inside Syria will expand the mission to train and possibly fight alongside the Kurdish People&#8217;s Protection Unit, or YPG, and other militias in the campaign to capture Islamic State&#8217;s de facto &#8220;capital&#8221; of Raqqa.</p> <p>&#8220;If you want to take Raqqa in short order, in a time frame of months, this is the only force that can do it, and they need to be properly equipped,&#8221; said one official.</p> <p><a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a>&#8217;s executive order, signed in a ceremony on his first visit to the Pentagon, dealt with rebuilding the U.S. military along with formulating the new Islamic State strategy.</p> <p>The new order will include &#8220;developing a plan for new planes, new ships, new resources and new tools for our men and women in uniform, and I&#8217;m very proud to be doing that,&#8221; <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> said Friday. &#8220;As we prepare our budget request of Congress, and I think Congress is going to be very happy to see it, our military strength will be questioned by no one, but neither will our dedication to peace.&#8221;</p> <p>Increasing arms supplies to Kurdish forces had been under consideration long before the Trump administration took office, a senior Pentagon official told The Times. &#8220;I would not necessarily tie this to the 30-day review&#8221; being called for by the <a href="/topics/white-house/" type="external">White House</a>.</p> <p>But the decision whether to boost the number of special operations fighters in Syria is directly tied to the new strategy to battle Islamic State.</p> <p>&#8220;As the battle for Raqqa gets closer &#8230; it&#8217;s no surprise that you are going to have to increase that capability,&#8221; the Pentagon official said, adding department leaders have not many any final recommendations concerning the review.</p> <p>American special operations units have trained over 5,000 Syrian Arabs and Turkmen fighters in the Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed paramilitary group leading the charge on Raqqa.</p> <p>As the battle for Raqqa looms and the fight for the Islamic State-held northern Iraqi city of Mosul rages on, military advisers close to Defense Secretary James N. Mattis are considering revising Obama administration-era rules of engagement that were designed to limit the number of estimated civilian casualties in the war against Islamic State.</p> <p>Changing the rules</p> <p>A key tenet of the proposed revisions, according to current and former U.S. officials, will be to dramatically increase the &#8220;acceptable&#8221; number of civilian casualties in an authorized airstrike &#8212; giving American commanders a freer hand to pound Islamic State positions not only in Syria and Iraq, but further afar in Libya and potentially other nations where the terror group&#8217;s affiliates hold territory.</p> <p>On a separate front, officials said the most immediate counter-Islamic State collaboration with Moscow is likely to center on reviving a stalled Obama administration plan that had called for joint U.S.-Russian airstrikes in Syria.</p> <p>&#8220;We were ready to go, and we can be ready to go again,&#8221; one U.S. defense official told The Times in November, speaking on condition of anonymity hours before the Kremlin first announced that <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> and Russian President Vladimir Putin were discussing ways to work together on Syria.</p> <p>A State Department official said on background at the time that the Obama plan, which had in September called for the creation of a Geneva-based Joint Integration Center staffed by Russian and U.S. military officials, likely would be presented to the incoming administration.</p> <p>The same official said this week that the creation of a &#8220;joint command center with Russia &#8220;is one of the things being looked at,&#8221; but that it will be &#8220;complicated to do.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;A lot goes into it, and you have to have a basic level of trust there,&#8221; the official said, suggesting that concerns remain high among career State Department and Pentagon officials over the prospect of aligning with Russia forces, who have been accused by human rights groups and U.S. lawmakers &#8212; including several prominent Republicans &#8212; of committing war crimes against civilians in Syria.</p> <p>The foreign policy establishment in Washington remains split on President <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a>&#8217;s embrace of a more aggressive national security policy that downplays human rights concerns, as shown by a flurry of directives the new commander in chief issued during his first week in office.</p> <p>Some experts welcome the forward-leaning nature of the emerging <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a> doctrine, which was lacking in the Obama administration&#8217;s hands-off approach to the use of U.S. military force worldwide. But a number of current and former national security officials have questioned <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a>&#8217;s desire to take a much harder military line in a region battered by political, ethnic and religious cross-currents.</p> <p>President <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a> began issuing executive orders to transform U.S. defense policy and the national security apparatus in his first days in office, moving to fulfill a campaign promise to take a much harder line on Islamic State and remove what he said were self-imposed restraints on U.S. military action. Some analysts argue that the 30-day mandate on Islamic State was the opening salvo in what is shaping up as a wholesale rebuke of the so-called &#8220;Obama doctrine.&#8221;</p> <p>Throughout his presidency Mr. Obama relied heavily on proxy forces, trained and armed by small U.S. special operations forces teams and backed by American surveillance drones and airpower, as opposed to direct American military involvement. Such missions in Yemen, Afghanistan and Iraq were initially touted as clear examples of the strategy&#8217;s success. Mr. Obama was clearly skeptical that fundamental U.S. security interests were at stake in the Syrian conflict or that the U.S. military was the best tool to protect those interests.</p> <p>No more &#8216;leading from behind&#8217;</p> <p>But on the campaign trail, <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> and his allies claimed the &#8220;leading from behind&#8221; strategy only served to weaken America&#8217;s leadership role in the world.</p> <p>&#8220;If you think about the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East today, obviously ISIS was a major if not predominant factor in a lot of that,&#8221; a senior Trump <a href="/topics/white-house/" type="external">White House</a> official told The Times. &#8220;You see the genocide of Yazidis and Christians and Kurds and many other groups.&#8221;</p> <p><a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> also roiled veteran Washington national security watchers by changing the construct of his National Security Council, adding Senior <a href="/topics/white-house/" type="external">White House</a> Adviser Steve Bannon as a permanent participant while giving a lesser role to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and Acting Director of National Intelligence Michael Dempsey.</p> <p>In the order, <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> wrote that the nation&#8217;s top military officer and top spy would only attend council meetings &#8220;as needed.&#8221; <a href="/topics/white-house/" type="external">White House</a> officials play down the changes and say they track the minor bureaucratic changes that every new administration makes when coming to power.</p> <p>But critics say the shift elevates <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a>&#8217;s top political adviser and demotes top military and intelligence voices on a panel designed to provide unvarnished advice on security matters to the president.</p> <p>Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates criticized the moves, telling ABC&#8217;s &#8220;This Week&#8221; on Sunday, &#8220;I think pushing them out of the National Security Council meetings, except when their specific issues are at stake, is a big mistake.&#8221;</p> <p>Arizona Sen. John McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee and has emerged as a major Republican critic of <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a>&#8217;s foreign policy, also slammed the exclusion of the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from the council.</p> <p>&#8220;I understand this [is a] reorganization, [but] one person who is indispensable would be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in my view,&#8221; Sen. McCain said on CBS&#8217; &#8220;Face the Nation,&#8221; adding Mr. Bannon&#8217;s appointment is &#8220;a radical departure from any National Security Council in history.&#8221;</p> <p>Gen. Dunford on Monday offered some clarification on his future role on the council, insisting in a statement Monday he would &#8220;fully participate&#8221; in the group&#8217;s activities &#8220;to provide the best military advice to the president.&#8221;</p> <p>Copyright &#169; 2018 The Washington Times, LLC. <a href="http://license.icopyright.net/3.7280?icx_id=/news/2017/jan/31/pentagon-state-department-scramble-fill-trumps-isi/" type="external">Click here for reprint permission</a>.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

president trumps demand new plan defeat islamic state triggered flurry behindthescenes activity pentagon state department officials poised propose dramatic increase weapons kurdish fighters syria significantly us airstrikes jihadi group expansion american special forces commandos operating ground moves along studying coordinate us airstrikes russian forces backing syrian president bashar assad make bulk gets presented white house response executive order mr trump signed friday mandating new plan within 30 days defeat terror group also known isis officials say one official directly involved planning told washington times proposals wont start scratch rather greenlight dramatically accelerate controversial aspects strategy already set motion obama administration difficult piece movement heavier arms ethnic kurdish forces without outraging nato ally turkey main sticking point ankara said official spoke condition anonymity reference ankaras anger us support kurdish militia syria turks say terrorist organization linked violent turkish kurdish separatists weve working turks official said adding point make decision officials said proposal us special forces deployed inside syria expand mission train possibly fight alongside kurdish peoples protection unit ypg militias campaign capture islamic states de facto capital raqqa want take raqqa short order time frame months force need properly equipped said one official mr trumps executive order signed ceremony first visit pentagon dealt rebuilding us military along formulating new islamic state strategy new order include developing plan new planes new ships new resources new tools men women uniform im proud mr trump said friday prepare budget request congress think congress going happy see military strength questioned one neither dedication peace increasing arms supplies kurdish forces consideration long trump administration took office senior pentagon official told times would necessarily tie 30day review called white house decision whether boost number special operations fighters syria directly tied new strategy battle islamic state battle raqqa gets closer surprise going increase capability pentagon official said adding department leaders many final recommendations concerning review american special operations units trained 5000 syrian arabs turkmen fighters syrian democratic forces usbacked paramilitary group leading charge raqqa battle raqqa looms fight islamic stateheld northern iraqi city mosul rages military advisers close defense secretary james n mattis considering revising obama administrationera rules engagement designed limit number estimated civilian casualties war islamic state changing rules key tenet proposed revisions according current former us officials dramatically increase acceptable number civilian casualties authorized airstrike giving american commanders freer hand pound islamic state positions syria iraq afar libya potentially nations terror groups affiliates hold territory separate front officials said immediate counterislamic state collaboration moscow likely center reviving stalled obama administration plan called joint usrussian airstrikes syria ready go ready go one us defense official told times november speaking condition anonymity hours kremlin first announced mr trump russian president vladimir putin discussing ways work together syria state department official said background time obama plan september called creation genevabased joint integration center staffed russian us military officials likely would presented incoming administration official said week creation joint command center russia one things looked complicated lot goes basic level trust official said suggesting concerns remain high among career state department pentagon officials prospect aligning russia forces accused human rights groups us lawmakers including several prominent republicans committing war crimes civilians syria foreign policy establishment washington remains split president trumps embrace aggressive national security policy downplays human rights concerns shown flurry directives new commander chief issued first week office experts welcome forwardleaning nature emerging trump doctrine lacking obama administrations handsoff approach use us military force worldwide number current former national security officials questioned mr trumps desire take much harder military line region battered political ethnic religious crosscurrents president trump began issuing executive orders transform us defense policy national security apparatus first days office moving fulfill campaign promise take much harder line islamic state remove said selfimposed restraints us military action analysts argue 30day mandate islamic state opening salvo shaping wholesale rebuke socalled obama doctrine throughout presidency mr obama relied heavily proxy forces trained armed small us special operations forces teams backed american surveillance drones airpower opposed direct american military involvement missions yemen afghanistan iraq initially touted clear examples strategys success mr obama clearly skeptical fundamental us security interests stake syrian conflict us military best tool protect interests leading behind campaign trail mr trump allies claimed leading behind strategy served weaken americas leadership role world think root causes humanitarian crisis middle east today obviously isis major predominant factor lot senior trump white house official told times see genocide yazidis christians kurds many groups mr trump also roiled veteran washington national security watchers changing construct national security council adding senior white house adviser steve bannon permanent participant giving lesser role chairman joint chiefs staff gen joseph dunford acting director national intelligence michael dempsey order mr trump wrote nations top military officer top spy would attend council meetings needed white house officials play changes say track minor bureaucratic changes every new administration makes coming power critics say shift elevates mr trumps top political adviser demotes top military intelligence voices panel designed provide unvarnished advice security matters president former defense secretary robert gates criticized moves telling abcs week sunday think pushing national security council meetings except specific issues stake big mistake arizona sen john mccain chairs senate armed services committee emerged major republican critic mr trumps foreign policy also slammed exclusion head joint chiefs staff council understand reorganization one person indispensable would chairman joint chiefs staff view sen mccain said cbs face nation adding mr bannons appointment radical departure national security council history gen dunford monday offered clarification future role council insisting statement monday would fully participate groups activities provide best military advice president copyright 2018 washington times llc click reprint permission 160

<p /> <p>The death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia caught the legal and political worlds by surprise. Photo source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenmasker/4668514068/in/photolist-87xmzS-dBjh5q-87wxnY-99yxBP-dBdPB6-hNHq64-vbMQuK-a2R5NT-E8BT5W-882Fro-z6DZur-BMJc7B-Ddy314-EaXhEF-DBtfWn-pwoRPY-DZw2o5-DBtkNX-E2HcZv-E8C7ML-DBtezK-DdyhW6-Ddyg4t-E8Cvqw-DBt7We-E2GL5p-E2GPs6-DdynJn-DdysuK-a7Ttts-E1LLdi-btfutY-oa1r4G-Eee9Rp-aiCG55-dNwpCW-jDQF9p-dtqRcW-rbUh3s-bJQh7v-CRqRcX-jDRyXn-jDRjqr-jDTiP5-jDTpCE-jDSLPN-jDTvMU-jDQokz-jDTyAu-jDTqw3" type="external">Stephen Masker Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The shock over the sudden death of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia quickly gave way to political enmity as it was immediately understood the ramifications his demise has for future court decisions.</p> <p>The court is set to rule on a number of cases that hold important outcomes for individuals and business, but it's the outcome of future cases after a justice has been appointed to fill the vacancy where the biggest questions loom.</p> <p>And arguably there is no more contentious issue that may make it to the Supreme Court than those about gun rights and the implications such decisions will have on Smith &amp;amp; Wesson Holding , Sturm, Ruger , and the other firearms manufacturers.</p> <p>The seminal case on gun rightsIn fact, one of Scalia's most influential decisions wasDistrict of Columbia v. Heller, a ruling that established theabsoluteconstitutionalprotections afforded an individualand his right to purchase and own firearms.</p> <p>Where the city government had made it virtually impossible for a person to legally own a gun, Heller held that "The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home."</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>That was followed two years later by McDonald v. City of Chicago, written by Justice Samuel Alito, which said the due process clause of the 14th Amendment made the federal protections outlined in Heller applicable as well to the states, meaning just as Congress could not pass laws violating the Second Amendment, neither could state or local legislatures.</p> <p>Both decisions, though, were 5-4 in favor of upholding an individual's right to keep and bear arms, but a court packed with the type of progressive justices President Obama has nominated thus far would likely have a very different outcome, which is why the battle over whether Obama or the next president should fill the vacancy is likely to be hotly contested. Liberals obviously want another progressive on the bench; conservatives want to wait for the next president to have the choice of justice, undoubtedly hoping their judicial philosophy will prevail.</p> <p>Fear is a powerful motivatorHowever, the possibility an anti-gun majority will sit on the bench sent the stocks of Smith &amp;amp; Wesson and Sturm, Ruger racing higher on Tuesday, as investors expect a gun-buying frenzy to follow. Their shares closed out the day 3% and 2% higher, respectively.</p> <p>The firearms industry has thrived during the current administration because of fear over actions the president might take to impede lawful gun ownership. Yet no real laws were attempted, let alone adopted. Not even his vaunted <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/07/how-will-obamas-executive-action-affect-gun-sales.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">executive orders Opens a New Window.</a> did anything meaningful.</p> <p>Source: Chart by author from data provided by the FBI.</p> <p>Still the demand for firearms is staggering. For nine straight months now, the FBI has conducted record numbers of background checks on applicants wanting to purchase a gun. In January it performed more than 2.5 million investigations into gun buyers, more checks than during any other January since the law enforcement agency began keeping records in the late 1990s. It was higher than evenJanuary 2013, which had been the all-time record as it followed on the heels of the Sandy Hook shootings. Last month's volume is now only second to this past December, when the FBI conducted over 3.3 million investigations.</p> <p>Gun buyers are not who you thinkYet the demand for guns isn't being driven by survivalists planning for Armageddon. Rather, just as Heller foretold, it's been the desire for <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/24/will-these-be-the-best-selling-guns-of-2016.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">self-defense in the home Opens a New Window.</a> that is the single greatest impetus behind the spike in gun sales. And it's not just men, either, but women, too, seeking to level the playing field, a factor that could be key to driving <a href="http://mockup.www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/08/smith-wesson-holding-corp-will-women-fire-up-the-n.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">future gun sales Opens a New Window.</a>. As the Illinois Supreme Court noted in the follow up gun case of Aguilar v. Illinois, the premise of both Heller and McDonald was that "individual self-defense is 'thecentral component'of the Second Amendment right."</p> <p>Last month, Smith &amp;amp; Wesson <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/13/smith-wesson-holding-corp-blasts-sales-earnings-gu.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">tore up the guidance Opens a New Window.</a> it issued just the month before and said it was experiencing sales so red hot it was raising its revenues and profits forecast. Sturm, Ruger looks like it's on track, too, for yet another profitable quarter, and even Colt Defense has returned from <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/06/18/where-smith-wesson-and-ruger-thrive-gunmaker-colt.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">bankruptcy Opens a New Window.</a> in time to capitalize on the demand for weapons.</p> <p>Although there is perhaps more reason for concern for the future of gun rights with the passing of Justice Scalia, it is likely not an issue that will be decided for some time to come. Because of the U.S. Senate's power over consenting to any nominee put up for consideration, the checks and balances built into the Constitution mean the outcome will almost certainly be punted till next year, though the pace of gun buying will continue unabated.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/21/what-does-justice-scalias-death-mean-for-smith-wes.aspx" type="external">What Does Justice Scalia's Death Mean for Smith &amp;amp; Wesson Holding Corp.? Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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=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>

death associate justice antonin scalia caught legal political worlds surprise photo source stephen masker opens new window continue reading shock sudden death us supreme court associate justice antonin scalia quickly gave way political enmity immediately understood ramifications demise future court decisions court set rule number cases hold important outcomes individuals business outcome future cases justice appointed fill vacancy biggest questions loom arguably contentious issue may make supreme court gun rights implications decisions smith amp wesson holding sturm ruger firearms manufacturers seminal case gun rightsin fact one scalias influential decisions wasdistrict columbia v heller ruling established theabsoluteconstitutionalprotections afforded individualand right purchase firearms city government made virtually impossible person legally gun heller held second amendment protects individual right possess firearm unconnected service militia use arm traditionally lawful purposes selfdefense within home advertisement followed two years later mcdonald v city chicago written justice samuel alito said due process clause 14th amendment made federal protections outlined heller applicable well states meaning congress could pass laws violating second amendment neither could state local legislatures decisions though 54 favor upholding individuals right keep bear arms court packed type progressive justices president obama nominated thus far would likely different outcome battle whether obama next president fill vacancy likely hotly contested liberals obviously want another progressive bench conservatives want wait next president choice justice undoubtedly hoping judicial philosophy prevail fear powerful motivatorhowever possibility antigun majority sit bench sent stocks smith amp wesson sturm ruger racing higher tuesday investors expect gunbuying frenzy follow shares closed day 3 2 higher respectively firearms industry thrived current administration fear actions president might take impede lawful gun ownership yet real laws attempted let alone adopted even vaunted executive orders opens new window anything meaningful source chart author data provided fbi still demand firearms staggering nine straight months fbi conducted record numbers background checks applicants wanting purchase gun january performed 25 million investigations gun buyers checks january since law enforcement agency began keeping records late 1990s higher evenjanuary 2013 alltime record followed heels sandy hook shootings last months volume second past december fbi conducted 33 million investigations gun buyers thinkyet demand guns isnt driven survivalists planning armageddon rather heller foretold desire selfdefense home opens new window single greatest impetus behind spike gun sales men either women seeking level playing field factor could key driving future gun sales opens new window illinois supreme court noted follow gun case aguilar v illinois premise heller mcdonald individual selfdefense thecentral componentof second amendment right last month smith amp wesson tore guidance opens new window issued month said experiencing sales red hot raising revenues profits forecast sturm ruger looks like track yet another profitable quarter even colt defense returned bankruptcy opens new window time capitalize demand weapons although perhaps reason concern future gun rights passing justice scalia likely issue decided time come us senates power consenting nominee put consideration checks balances built constitution mean outcome almost certainly punted till next year though pace gun buying continue unabated article justice scalias death mean smith amp wesson holding corp opens new window originally appeared foolcom 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 copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Democrat candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders each picked up primary wins on Tuesday in yet another demonstration of how divided the party is in the drawn-out national race to win the nomination for November's general election.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Clinton narrowly defeated Sanders in Kentucky, a state where she was not expected to win. Sanders bested her in Oregon, a state that played to his strengths.</p> <p>In Kentucky, the two candidates will likely split the 55 delegates up for grabs. In Oregon, Sanders will take only a handful more of the 61 delegates that were awarded.</p> <p>Clinton&#8217;s sizeable lead in delegates means it is likely she will eventually be her party's nominee, but she remains more than 100 delegates short of sealing the deal. The Democratic primary now hits a two-week lull, with the final set major contests, including California, scheduled for June 7.</p> <p>Clinton, who spent the past two days campaigning in Kentucky, would like to lock up the nomination and turn her attention to the Nov. 8 general election and presumptive Republican nominee Donald&amp;#160;Trump.</p> <p>Trump&amp;#160;has begun to organize his general election campaign. On Tuesday, he signed a joint fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee. The agreement allows him to raise $449,400 from a single donor by splitting the funds between his campaign, the RNC and state Republican parties.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Trump, who eschewed donations in the political system through the primary, has thus far insisted on mostly self-funding his campaign. The shift to a more traditional fundraising approach could draw the ire of some supporters.</p> <p>Trump, in an interview with Megyn Kelly that aired on Fox News Tuesday night, said he did have regrets about his actions during the Republican primary process.</p> <p>"I could have used different language in a couple of instances, but overall I&#8217;m happy with the outcome,"&amp;#160;Trump&amp;#160;said.</p> <p>NEVADA STILL RANKLES</p> <p>Sanders supporters became angry when Nevada state party officials chose to end their convention and block efforts to award the U.S. senator from Vermont more delegates than he initially won in the February caucus. Clinton won the caucus.</p> <p>The Nevada incident was a warning about the potential for fireworks at July's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.</p> <p>Clinton's campaign continued to express confidence that she would be able to unify the party.</p> <p>"Hillary Clinton is grateful to the thousands of Nevadans who came out to participate in the caucuses and convention process," Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said.</p> <p>"She believes every voice should be heard and no one should be intimidated, harassed or threatened in this process. When the primary process is complete, our party must come together and ensure a Democrat is elected to serve as our next president," Mook said.</p> <p>Sanders on Tuesday joined his supporters in criticizing the Nevada Democratic Party after Saturday's events.</p> <p>One Sanders supporter threw a chair, unhappy about being blocked in a rules vote that was part of the effort to help the senator win more delegates to the national convention. Others drew chalk graffiti on a party building, while the state's party chairwoman has been receiving death threats.</p> <p>Sanders framed Nevada's incident as a warning.</p> <p>"If the Democratic Party is to be successful in November, it is imperative that all state parties treat our campaign supporters with fairness and the respect that they have earned," Sanders said in a statement on the Nevada incident.</p> <p>Sanders - who said he condemns violence and personal harassment of individuals - leveled some of the same complaints his supporters did, arguing that state party Chairwoman Roberta Lange did not allow a headcount on a disputed rules change. He also argued that 64 delegates to the state convention were not given a hearing before being ruled ineligible.</p> <p>THREATS OF VIOLENCE</p> <p>The state party disputed the Sanders campaign's interpretation of the events. It said some delegates did not show up at the convention and others were disqualified because they were not registered as Democrats in time.</p> <p>"The Sanders campaign is continuing to be dishonest about what happened Saturday and is failing to adequately denounce the threats of violence of his supporters," the Nevada Democratic Party said in a statement.</p> <p>Sanders supporters began circulating a picture of Lange on the internet that included her cellphone number and encouraged others to contact her to express their unhappiness.</p> <p>Lange said on MSNBC she had been receiving death threats, including many containing vulgar language. Public messages sent to her Twitter account included a barrage of derogatory statements.</p> <p>MSNBC played some of the voicemails, including one saying &#8220;people like you should be hung in a public execution.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;What you heard is a few of the thousands of emails and texts and Facebook messages and Twitter messages that I&#8217;ve gotten," Lange said on MSNBC. "Threats to my family, to my grandson, to my husband.</p> <p>Sanders' continued presence in the race is prompting concerns among Clinton allies that he will damage her ability to take on&amp;#160;Trump&amp;#160;and hurt her in the fall.</p> <p>But Sanders supporters shrug off that worry, arguing that&amp;#160;Trump&amp;#160;is such a flawed candidate that Clinton will easily dispatch with him if she faces him in the Nov. 8 election.</p> <p>Clinton's camp seems to agree.</p> <p>"Ultimately, we are confident that the passion and energy from the primary will be united in a common purpose &#8212; to move forward the ideals of our party and keep the White House out of Donald&amp;#160;Trump&#8217;s hands," her campaign manager Mook said.</p> <p>(Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez in New York and Doina Chiacu, John Whitesides and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Caren Bohan, Jonathan Oatis, Leslie Adler, Michael Perry and Paul Tait)</p>

democrat candidates hillary clinton bernie sanders picked primary wins tuesday yet another demonstration divided party drawnout national race win nomination novembers general election continue reading clinton narrowly defeated sanders kentucky state expected win sanders bested oregon state played strengths kentucky two candidates likely split 55 delegates grabs oregon sanders take handful 61 delegates awarded clintons sizeable lead delegates means likely eventually partys nominee remains 100 delegates short sealing deal democratic primary hits twoweek lull final set major contests including california scheduled june 7 clinton spent past two days campaigning kentucky would like lock nomination turn attention nov 8 general election presumptive republican nominee donald160trump trump160has begun organize general election campaign tuesday signed joint fundraising agreement republican national committee agreement allows raise 449400 single donor splitting funds campaign rnc state republican parties advertisement trump eschewed donations political system primary thus far insisted mostly selffunding campaign shift traditional fundraising approach could draw ire supporters trump interview megyn kelly aired fox news tuesday night said regrets actions republican primary process could used different language couple instances overall im happy outcome160trump160said nevada still rankles sanders supporters became angry nevada state party officials chose end convention block efforts award us senator vermont delegates initially february caucus clinton caucus nevada incident warning potential fireworks julys democratic national convention philadelphia clintons campaign continued express confidence would able unify party hillary clinton grateful thousands nevadans came participate caucuses convention process clinton campaign manager robby mook said believes every voice heard one intimidated harassed threatened process primary process complete party must come together ensure democrat elected serve next president mook said sanders tuesday joined supporters criticizing nevada democratic party saturdays events one sanders supporter threw chair unhappy blocked rules vote part effort help senator win delegates national convention others drew chalk graffiti party building states party chairwoman receiving death threats sanders framed nevadas incident warning democratic party successful november imperative state parties treat campaign supporters fairness respect earned sanders said statement nevada incident sanders said condemns violence personal harassment individuals leveled complaints supporters arguing state party chairwoman roberta lange allow headcount disputed rules change also argued 64 delegates state convention given hearing ruled ineligible threats violence state party disputed sanders campaigns interpretation events said delegates show convention others disqualified registered democrats time sanders campaign continuing dishonest happened saturday failing adequately denounce threats violence supporters nevada democratic party said statement sanders supporters began circulating picture lange internet included cellphone number encouraged others contact express unhappiness lange said msnbc receiving death threats including many containing vulgar language public messages sent twitter account included barrage derogatory statements msnbc played voicemails including one saying people like hung public execution heard thousands emails texts facebook messages twitter messages ive gotten lange said msnbc threats family grandson husband sanders continued presence race prompting concerns among clinton allies damage ability take on160trump160and hurt fall sanders supporters shrug worry arguing that160trump160is flawed candidate clinton easily dispatch faces nov 8 election clintons camp seems agree ultimately confident passion energy primary united common purpose move forward ideals party keep white house donald160trumps hands campaign manager mook said additional reporting luciana lopez new york doina chiacu john whitesides patricia zengerle washington editing caren bohan jonathan oatis leslie adler michael perry paul tait

<p>Republican presidential candidates will be debating in Greenville, South Carolina, on Saturday. Beginning at 9 PM ET, the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/live/" type="external">CBS-hosted debate can be watched live here</a>.</p> <p>Stay tuned for live updates.</p> <p>11:00 PM</p> <p>I missed the first 17 minutes of the debate, but here are my debate grades:</p> <p>Trump: F. Trump is a disaster area. His yelling, shouting, ridiculous bloviation, and leftist lying were all on full display tonight. It may not matter.</p> <p>Cruz: C. He clocked Trump -- or would have, had the moderators gotten Trump to stop shouting over him. Trump's consistent drumbeat that Cruz is a liar hurts him.</p> <p>Rubio: A. Rubio did fine tonight, and avoided most of the car wreck moments. Good night for him, although he fibbed about Cruz's record over and over to do it.</p> <p>Carson: Go Away.</p> <p>Kasich: A. Kasich got away with playing the upbeat guy because nobody cares about him in South Carolina, but he preached big government repeatedly.</p> <p>Jeb: B. Jeb clocked Trump several times, but he has the punch of a featherweight, so he didn't put Trump on the mat. He kept citing to his mother, which is obviously super-macho stuff.</p> <p>10:55 PM</p> <p>OH GOD NO NOT JOHN KASICH</p> <p>Kasich says he'll send the power back to the people, after vowing to take care of jobs and wages and Social Security and the border. He says what the Lord wants is for us to engage.</p> <p>Ben Carson says stuff because he's growing his email list.</p> <p>Jeb! asks who you want to have sitting behind the big desks. And he stumbles while doing it. He says he'll unite the country.</p> <p>Rubio gives his stump speech about poverty, culture falling apart, foreign policy on fire.</p> <p>Cruz says he's a proven conservative.</p> <p>Trump says we need change. He says we'll win again.</p> <p>10:38 PM</p> <p>Carson wants to respond to the debate. Then he complains about the screaming.</p> <p>OH GOD NO NOT JOHN KASICH</p> <p>Kasich blabs about something. Nobody cares.</p> <p>Trump says his wife tells him he's wrong all the time, and he listens. He says he has great people working for him. He says politicians are all talk and no action, which describes his entire campaign. Trump is asked about profanity. He says he never said the "f-word." He says it's unfair.</p> <p>Jeb! is asked about his comments that Reagan and HW would have a tough time working in DC. Jeb! gives his stump speech.</p> <p>Trump says he never went bankrupt -- he used the laws to his advantage. He rips Jeb!'s record in Florida. Jeb! touts his record and rips Trump again.</p> <p>Rubio talks Reagan again. Oh happy day.</p> <p>10:30 PM</p> <p>Trump is asked why changing his mind is like Reagan, and Cruz changing his opinion is a big character flaw. Trump says in life you have flexibility. Trump says he's not in love with eminent domain, and then talks about how you need it.</p> <p>Jeb! says you shouldn't use eminent domain for private purposes.</p> <p>Cruz says you shouldn't be flexible on core principles. He calls Trump an amazing entertainer. He says for most of his life, his policies have been very liberal. Trump calls Cruz the single biggest liar; Trump repeats that Cruz lied about Ben Carson, and he just continues. Trump mentions robocalls saying Trump won't run -- he says Cruz is a nasty guy, and has no endorsements. Cruz says that Trump defending Carson after comparing him to a child molester is amazing. Cruz says Trump has a weird pattern: if you point to his record, Trump complains. Trump says that Planned Parenthood does wonderful things. Trump blusters over him.</p> <p>Cruz says the reason principle matters is illustrated by the first question today. He says if Trump is president, he will appoint liberals. He says your Second Amendment will go away. Trump says Ted Cruz wanted John Roberts on the Supreme Court, who approved Obamacare.</p> <p>Jeb! jumps in to talk about Reagan, because he's Jeb.</p> <p>Cruz says that Trump will appoint lefties because he's contributed to lefties.</p> <p>Now Rubio avoids the car wreck and starts talking randomly about poverty.</p> <p>10:15 PM</p> <p>Trump vs. Jeb again. Trump calls Jeb weak on immigration; Jeb says that Trump is weak by atacking women, the disabled, Hispanics. Then, for some inexplicable reason, he cites his mother. Again.</p> <p>OH GOD NO NOT JOHN KASICH</p> <p>Kasich says we should stop negative advertising. Oh, that's not hackneyed.</p> <p>Carson is talking for no reason other than to build his email list.</p> <p>Cruz says we need smaller government, booming economic growth. Cruz again pitches his father's story, and talks about discarding regulations.</p> <p>Trump is asked about Ford moving to Mexico; Trump said he'd stop them by trying to tax them. Major Garrett asks him where he would derive such power, and would he threaten industry. Trump says he'd build consensus with Congress and Congress would agree with him.</p> <p>10:10 PM</p> <p>Dickerson asks Trump about finding "a humane solution to those who live in the shadows." Trump says we have to take care of our people in this country. He says we either have a border or we don't.</p> <p>Dickerson then turns to Rubio. Rubio says he opposes amnesty. Rubio says we can't make progress on illegal immigration until we bring it under control. He says we can have a pathway to legalization but we can't do that until we bring illegal immigration under control.</p> <p>Strassel asks Cruz about reversing Obama's executive action. Cruz wheels on Rubio and says that they've been burned by people who have lied about amnesty.</p> <p>Rubio then says that Cruz would have legalized people.</p> <p>Cruz reiterates that Rubio supports citizenship for 12 million here illegally. He opposes it. Cruz says Rubio has a long record on amnesty going all the way back to Florida, smacks him for saying he wouldn't rescind Obama's executive action on amnesty.</p> <p>Rubio says Cruz doesn't speak Spanish. Cruz speaks Spanish to him. Now Rubio says Cruz lied to Ben Carson in Iowa, etc. Gross.</p> <p>9:58 PM</p> <p>Jeb! is asked about his plan to tax hedge fund bonuses as income instead of capital gains. He defends it and then says we need to simplify the rates.</p> <p>Ben Carson says crap to build his email data list.</p> <p>9:50 PM</p> <p>Strassel says that Trump's plans would cost $12 trillion to $15 trillion, and we'd need growth of 7.7% to pay for them. Trump says he'll save Social Security because he's the only guy who can get elected. He's going to bring all the jobs back from Mexico and Vietnam. Trump says the only cuts will be waste, fraud and abuse.</p> <p>Cruz is asked whether his tax plan is value-added tax that will be increased by others. Cruz says that the middle class has been left behind by the Obama economy. Cruz says that under his tax plan, you pay no taxes on first $36,000, above 10%, everyone pays the same simple flat 10% rate, and we abolish the IRS.</p> <p>Strassel asks about Rubio's tax rates; his top tax rate is 35%. She says that it's liberals who like to use the tax code to push social policy. Rubio says he's not influencing social policy. He says you don't earn the tax credit unless you're working.</p> <p>Kasich is asked about his Medicaid expansions. He says it's going great, and then defends it. He says he's cut taxes and they have a surplus now, and they've grown jobs. Jeb! jumps in and rightly smacks Kasich for expanding Obamacare. Kasich says Reagan expanded Medicaid five times. We get people on their feet, he says.</p> <p>9:38 PM</p> <p>OH GOD NO PLEASE GOD NOT JOHN KASICH</p> <p>Kasich makes a joke about how he doesn't like this conflict. What a waste of time.</p> <p>Rubio says he thanks God that W was in the White House on 9/11 and not Al Gore. Rubio says that W did what the international community refused to do, and W kept us safe.</p> <p>Trump asks how W kept us safe when the WTC came down.</p> <p>Jeb! says he's rescinding his invitation to Trump for his rally with W.</p> <p>Carson is asked about whether he's tough on terrorism. Carson says he wasn't in favor of the war in Iraq, primarily because he's studied the Middle East.</p> <p>9:32 PM</p> <p>Cruz says that we have to stop focusing on nation building and toppling governments. We need a president who says we will defeat ISIS, and will rely on military experts. He says Iran is the greatest threat to the US. Cruz says we have Kurds fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria.</p> <p>Trump is questioned about impeaching Bush regarding Iraq. Trump says he gets along with everybody as a businessman. Trump says the war in Iraq was a big fat mistake. He then shouts about it a fair bit. He refuses to answer whether Bush should have been impeached. Then he calls Bush a liar about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.</p> <p>Jeb! says he doesn't care about the bloodsport of Trump. Jeb! says while Trump was building a reality TV show, Bush was keeping us safe. Trump says the WTC came down while W was in office. He says "that's not keeping us safe." Now Jeb! is talking about his mother. For God's sake, Jeb!, stop being so damn weak. Trump rightly says, "She should be running."</p> <p>9:27 PM</p> <p>OH GOD NO JOHN KASICH</p> <p>Kasich says the world is desperate for leadership, so we can&#8217;t let Russia run roughshod over us.</p> <p>Jeb! says the sequester must be reversed. He then smacks Trump for his relationship with Putin.</p> <p>Trump says Putin called him a genius, so he likes him. Then he says that Jeb!&#8217;s special interests and lobbyists are causing him to go after Trump on Russia. Trump says we must prioritize defeating ISIS over Russia. He then talks about how we've spent too much on prior wars and can't spend more.</p> <p>Jeb! says Putin won't be an ally of the US, and says we need a coalition.</p> <p>Trump says we're supporting troops we don't even know. When Jeb! protests, Trump yells at him and says he spent too much money in New Hampshire. Which is not responsive to the question at hand, of course.</p> <p>9:23 - KASICH WANTS TO FIGHT FOR UKRAINE - "An attack on NATO is an attack on us," says Kasich, calling for arming and other support for Ukraine's "fight for freedom" against Russia's moves under Putin.</p> <p>9:21 - CARSON ON 2 AM PHONE CALL - Complaining with humor about getting insufficient questions thus far in the debate, Carson says that "judgment" is what's necessary when making life or death decisions under pressure, a trait he says he developed in high pressure circumstances in his former career as a neurosurgeon.</p> <p>9:18 - EXPAND NATO - Highlighting threats to American interest abroad posed by Russia and China, Rubio calls for expansion of NATO.</p> <p>9:17 - "TAKE THE OIL" - Asked about foreign policy priorities, Trump says we should "take the oil" controlled by ISIS.</p> <p>9:15 - CRUZ: SENATE MUST STAND UP - Cruz highlights the most important aspect of Scalia's death: the stakes. Describing Scalia as "brilliant" and "faithful to the Constitution," he states that "we are one Supreme Court Justice away" from open access to all forms of abortion, destruction of the Second Amendment, protections and protections of religious liberty.</p> <p>Cruz promises to nominate men and/or women who will uphold constitutional protects as SCOTUS justices.</p> <p>9:13 - BUSH SAYS WE NEED CONSERVATIVE JUSTICES</p> <p>9:12 - RUBIO: CONSTITUTION ISN'T "LIVING AND BREATHING DOCUMENT - Rubio nails the most important dimension of Scalia's death: its political implications and the responsibility of the President to nominate another SCOTUS justice.</p> <p>Rubio describes Scalia as an originalist, and a great legal mind. He promises that if elected POTUS, he will nominate conservative persons to the Supreme Court.</p> <p>9:09 - CARSON: NASTY COMMENTS ABOUT SCALIA ONLINE - Carson points to the classless comments about Scalia by left-wingers and Democrats online, stating that is illustrative of damaging divisions across the nation, echoing Kasich's avoidance of the most important aspects of this tragedy.</p> <p>9:07 - KASICH POSTURES AS UNIFYING - Lamenting the political dimension of Scalia's death, Kasich says the nation would be less divided if her POTUS. His donors and supporters cheer him ignoring the most important aspect of th tragic and breaking news and its importance to America.</p> <p>9:06 - TRUMP ON SCOTUS REPLACEMENT - Asked about what he would do if in Obama's position, Trump calls on McConnell to "delay, delay, delay!" any nominations.</p> <p>9:03 - MOMENT OF SILENCE - Debate moderator John Dickerson opens up the event with a moment of silence for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who was discovered dead earlier today.</p> <p>Follow Robert Kraychik on <a href="https://twitter.com/kr3ch3k" type="external">Twitter</a></p>

republican presidential candidates debating greenville south carolina saturday beginning 9 pm et cbshosted debate watched live stay tuned live updates 1100 pm missed first 17 minutes debate debate grades trump f trump disaster area yelling shouting ridiculous bloviation leftist lying full display tonight may matter cruz c clocked trump would moderators gotten trump stop shouting trumps consistent drumbeat cruz liar hurts rubio rubio fine tonight avoided car wreck moments good night although fibbed cruzs record carson go away kasich kasich got away playing upbeat guy nobody cares south carolina preached big government repeatedly jeb b jeb clocked trump several times punch featherweight didnt put trump mat kept citing mother obviously supermacho stuff 1055 pm oh god john kasich kasich says hell send power back people vowing take care jobs wages social security border says lord wants us engage ben carson says stuff hes growing email list jeb asks want sitting behind big desks stumbles says hell unite country rubio gives stump speech poverty culture falling apart foreign policy fire cruz says hes proven conservative trump says need change says well win 1038 pm carson wants respond debate complains screaming oh god john kasich kasich blabs something nobody cares trump says wife tells hes wrong time listens says great people working says politicians talk action describes entire campaign trump asked profanity says never said fword says unfair jeb asked comments reagan hw would tough time working dc jeb gives stump speech trump says never went bankrupt used laws advantage rips jebs record florida jeb touts record rips trump rubio talks reagan oh happy day 1030 pm trump asked changing mind like reagan cruz changing opinion big character flaw trump says life flexibility trump says hes love eminent domain talks need jeb says shouldnt use eminent domain private purposes cruz says shouldnt flexible core principles calls trump amazing entertainer says life policies liberal trump calls cruz single biggest liar trump repeats cruz lied ben carson continues trump mentions robocalls saying trump wont run says cruz nasty guy endorsements cruz says trump defending carson comparing child molester amazing cruz says trump weird pattern point record trump complains trump says planned parenthood wonderful things trump blusters cruz says reason principle matters illustrated first question today says trump president appoint liberals says second amendment go away trump says ted cruz wanted john roberts supreme court approved obamacare jeb jumps talk reagan hes jeb cruz says trump appoint lefties hes contributed lefties rubio avoids car wreck starts talking randomly poverty 1015 pm trump vs jeb trump calls jeb weak immigration jeb says trump weak atacking women disabled hispanics inexplicable reason cites mother oh god john kasich kasich says stop negative advertising oh thats hackneyed carson talking reason build email list cruz says need smaller government booming economic growth cruz pitches fathers story talks discarding regulations trump asked ford moving mexico trump said hed stop trying tax major garrett asks would derive power would threaten industry trump says hed build consensus congress congress would agree 1010 pm dickerson asks trump finding humane solution live shadows trump says take care people country says either border dont dickerson turns rubio rubio says opposes amnesty rubio says cant make progress illegal immigration bring control says pathway legalization cant bring illegal immigration control strassel asks cruz reversing obamas executive action cruz wheels rubio says theyve burned people lied amnesty rubio says cruz would legalized people cruz reiterates rubio supports citizenship 12 million illegally opposes cruz says rubio long record amnesty going way back florida smacks saying wouldnt rescind obamas executive action amnesty rubio says cruz doesnt speak spanish cruz speaks spanish rubio says cruz lied ben carson iowa etc gross 958 pm jeb asked plan tax hedge fund bonuses income instead capital gains defends says need simplify rates ben carson says crap build email data list 950 pm strassel says trumps plans would cost 12 trillion 15 trillion wed need growth 77 pay trump says hell save social security hes guy get elected hes going bring jobs back mexico vietnam trump says cuts waste fraud abuse cruz asked whether tax plan valueadded tax increased others cruz says middle class left behind obama economy cruz says tax plan pay taxes first 36000 10 everyone pays simple flat 10 rate abolish irs strassel asks rubios tax rates top tax rate 35 says liberals like use tax code push social policy rubio says hes influencing social policy says dont earn tax credit unless youre working kasich asked medicaid expansions says going great defends says hes cut taxes surplus theyve grown jobs jeb jumps rightly smacks kasich expanding obamacare kasich says reagan expanded medicaid five times get people feet says 938 pm oh god please god john kasich kasich makes joke doesnt like conflict waste time rubio says thanks god w white house 911 al gore rubio says w international community refused w kept us safe trump asks w kept us safe wtc came jeb says hes rescinding invitation trump rally w carson asked whether hes tough terrorism carson says wasnt favor war iraq primarily hes studied middle east 932 pm cruz says stop focusing nation building toppling governments need president says defeat isis rely military experts says iran greatest threat us cruz says kurds fighting isis iraq syria trump questioned impeaching bush regarding iraq trump says gets along everybody businessman trump says war iraq big fat mistake shouts fair bit refuses answer whether bush impeached calls bush liar weapons mass destruction iraq jeb says doesnt care bloodsport trump jeb says trump building reality tv show bush keeping us safe trump says wtc came w office says thats keeping us safe jeb talking mother gods sake jeb stop damn weak trump rightly says running 927 pm oh god john kasich kasich says world desperate leadership cant let russia run roughshod us jeb says sequester must reversed smacks trump relationship putin trump says putin called genius likes says jebs special interests lobbyists causing go trump russia trump says must prioritize defeating isis russia talks weve spent much prior wars cant spend jeb says putin wont ally us says need coalition trump says supporting troops dont even know jeb protests trump yells says spent much money new hampshire responsive question hand course 923 kasich wants fight ukraine attack nato attack us says kasich calling arming support ukraines fight freedom russias moves putin 921 carson 2 phone call complaining humor getting insufficient questions thus far debate carson says judgment whats necessary making life death decisions pressure trait says developed high pressure circumstances former career neurosurgeon 918 expand nato highlighting threats american interest abroad posed russia china rubio calls expansion nato 917 take oil asked foreign policy priorities trump says take oil controlled isis 915 cruz senate must stand cruz highlights important aspect scalias death stakes describing scalia brilliant faithful constitution states one supreme court justice away open access forms abortion destruction second amendment protections protections religious liberty cruz promises nominate men andor women uphold constitutional protects scotus justices 913 bush says need conservative justices 912 rubio constitution isnt living breathing document rubio nails important dimension scalias death political implications responsibility president nominate another scotus justice rubio describes scalia originalist great legal mind promises elected potus nominate conservative persons supreme court 909 carson nasty comments scalia online carson points classless comments scalia leftwingers democrats online stating illustrative damaging divisions across nation echoing kasichs avoidance important aspects tragedy 907 kasich postures unifying lamenting political dimension scalias death kasich says nation would less divided potus donors supporters cheer ignoring important aspect th tragic breaking news importance america 906 trump scotus replacement asked would obamas position trump calls mcconnell delay delay delay nominations 903 moment silence debate moderator john dickerson opens event moment silence late justice antonin scalia discovered dead earlier today follow robert kraychik twitter

<p>In this segment from <a href="https://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: Consumer Goods Opens a New Window.</a>, virtual reality is the name of the game as Vincent Shen and Seth McNew look at the companies vying for a dominant position in this exciting, fast-growing segment of the video game industry.</p> <p>Some of the first dedicated headsets hit store shelves in 2016. While sales for some devices have been promising, others have stalled due to high price tags and a lack of titles. How big will this market ultimately be?</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better thanWal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and TomGardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter theyhave run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tomjust revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/e-sa-bbn-eg?aid=8867&amp;amp;source=isaeditxt0000476&amp;amp;ftm_cam=sa-bbn-evergreen&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6627&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&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 Wal-Mart wasn't one of them! That's right -- theythink these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/e-sa-bbn-eg?aid=8867&amp;amp;source=isaeditxt0000476&amp;amp;ftm_cam=sa-bbn-evergreen&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6627&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&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>*StockAdvisor returns as of March 6, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p> <p>This video was recorded on March 23, 2017.</p> <p>Vincent Shen:A lot of the big players have been putting money into this, and also,people not typically into thevideo game industry. Sony(NYSE: SNE)has the PlayStation VR. This offering issupposed to be meeting management expectations. This is a headset, sells for about $400for most of the retailers that I checked before the show. It was released late last fall. So far, they've sold about 1 million units. Management seemsvery happy with the progress they've seen with this. What do you think?</p> <p>McNew:I think they had a great advantage ofhaving the first console to make this a real part of the console. I think it works great. I love being able to play on it. And there's a lot of upsells they have with that, different kinds of controllers, the games that go along with it. It seems like it's agreat opportunity for them to continue getting revenueoff of that release. And obviously,other companies are following along.</p> <p>Shen:Yeah. In terms of that dedicated headset, two other main competitors are the -- OK, thepronunciation on this, I've heard two differentthoughts --HTC(NASDAQOTH: HTCXF)Vive. I don't mind either one,we'll just call it HTC. Theirheadset is being compared a lot to the FacebookOculus Rift. These companies have not offered nearly that level of detail that Sony has in terms of their PlayStation VR, but some people say the VR is outselling the Rift three to one,in terms of some analyst estimates. But ultimately, bringing this back,what kind of impact is this going to have for these companies, their bottom lines, and their overall revenue? A research group called CCS Insight, they put virtual and augmented reality device sales at 11 million last year, which is actually way more than you would think. We talk about console sales. Nintendo, with the Switch, is hoping that,if they can hit 10 million,that's really a good threshold for them to attractdeveloper attention. They would be very happy with that. But, while that seems really great, and the forecasted device sales might top 60 million by 2020, there is a caveat to all of that:most of this volume comes from low-cost solutions, likeGoogle Cardboard.</p> <p>McNew:Sure, or even ones like theGoogle Daydreamthat they released for the Pixel, that'ssomething like $80, but that has to be used with the phone. There'snot a lot of technology thereother than the screen that views the phone. Here, you'retalking about real headsets that have the technology to be a serious gaming solution. And you have the early adopters thathave used that so far. But,here in the next couple of years,you'll see the prices start to decrease a little bit,and they could be a little bit more mass market.</p> <p>Shen:And that's the big challenge, I think, with this technology in general. A lot of people have said that 2016deflated a lot of expectations for virtual reality. Not that there isn't a lot of optimism behind it, but a reality check, in a sense. When it comes down to it, if you want something like what the Oculus Rift offers, you need not just the headset itself, which costs anywhere from $500, for Facebook's offering, to $800 for HTC's offering,at least according to Amazon. Inaddition to that, you need a PC with some really strong specs, and a high quality GPU video card to be able to even run these games. So, at the moment,like you mentioned, early adopters --although, you're going to get early adopters, but otherwise,people are going to be very reluctant to shell out over $1,000 for a dedicated system when the titles themselves arelimited in the virtual reality space.</p> <p>McNew:Andas we talked about earlier in this podcast, that's going to be a holdback. When you have the content that makes people want to pay that much money, then people will. But, of course, the other thing about the virtual reality is that you're still waiting to see what other industries it can be used for. People arealready going to have one at home for gaming,and it also works for something else. Might be moreimpetus to buy something, if it works for something more than just the game.</p> <p>Shen:Thevalue proposition,it's easier to shell out that kind of money. And the thing is, over time, likeanything with technology, it will get cheaper.Going back to that original number I mentioned, 11 millionvirtual and augmented reality devices sold in 2016. If yougo to those dedicated headsets, the ones that are hundreds of dollars, muchmore sophisticated than, for example, theGoogle Cardboard, sales at just over 1 million. Still really early, butdefinitely something that I personally am very excited personally to see develop. Anything else from you, Seth, in terms of takeaways forpeople who are thinking big picture about video games, be it eSports, virtual reality, digital downloads? Anything else?</p> <p>McNew:Yeah,especially, we were talking about the chips that go in your computer that are going to power all this stuff,that leads into a whole other discussion of companies likeNVIDIA,for example, that's making that technology that'sdriving the technology behind the gaming industry. That's for a whole other podcast, but it's something to look at.</p> <p>https://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMcNew/info.aspx" type="external">Seth McNew Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJourneyMan/info.aspx" type="external">Vincent Shen Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon, Facebook, and NVIDIA. 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>

segment industry focus consumer goods opens new window virtual reality name game vincent shen seth mcnew look companies vying dominant position exciting fastgrowing segment video game industry first dedicated headsets hit store shelves 2016 sales devices promising others stalled due high price tags lack titles big market ultimately continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better thanwalmartwhen investing geniuses david tomgardner stock tip pay listen newsletter theyhave run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tomjust revealed believe ten best stocks opens new windowfor investors buy right walmart wasnt one thats right theythink 10 stocks even better buys click opens new windowto learn picks advertisement stockadvisor returns march 6 2017the authors may position stocks mentioned video recorded march 23 2017 vincent shena lot big players putting money alsopeople typically thevideo game industry sonynyse snehas playstation vr offering issupposed meeting management expectations headset sells 400for retailers checked show released late last fall far theyve sold 1 million units management seemsvery happy progress theyve seen think mcnewi think great advantage ofhaving first console make real part console think works great love able play theres lot upsells different kinds controllers games go along seems like agreat opportunity continue getting revenueoff release obviouslyother companies following along shenyeah terms dedicated headset two main competitors ok thepronunciation ive heard two differentthoughts htcnasdaqoth htcxfvive dont mind either onewell call htc theirheadset compared lot facebookoculus rift companies offered nearly level detail sony terms playstation vr people say vr outselling rift three onein terms analyst estimates ultimately bringing backwhat kind impact going companies bottom lines overall revenue research group called ccs insight put virtual augmented reality device sales 11 million last year actually way would think talk console sales nintendo switch hoping thatif hit 10 millionthats really good threshold attractdeveloper attention would happy seems really great forecasted device sales might top 60 million 2020 caveat thatmost volume comes lowcost solutions likegoogle cardboard mcnewsure even ones like thegoogle daydreamthat released pixel thatssomething like 80 used phone theresnot lot technology thereother screen views phone youretalking real headsets technology serious gaming solution early adopters thathave used far buthere next couple yearsyoull see prices start decrease little bitand could little bit mass market shenand thats big challenge think technology general lot people said 2016deflated lot expectations virtual reality isnt lot optimism behind reality check sense comes want something like oculus rift offers need headset costs anywhere 500 facebooks offering 800 htcs offeringat least according amazon inaddition need pc really strong specs high quality gpu video card able even run games momentlike mentioned early adopters although youre going get early adopters otherwisepeople going reluctant shell 1000 dedicated system titles arelimited virtual reality space mcnewandas talked earlier podcast thats going holdback content makes people want pay much money people course thing virtual reality youre still waiting see industries used people arealready going one home gamingand also works something else might moreimpetus buy something works something game shenthevalue propositionits easier shell kind money thing time likeanything technology get cheapergoing back original number mentioned 11 millionvirtual augmented reality devices sold 2016 yougo dedicated headsets ones hundreds dollars muchmore sophisticated example thegoogle cardboard sales 1 million still really early butdefinitely something personally excited personally see develop anything else seth terms takeaways forpeople thinking big picture video games esports virtual reality digital downloads anything else mcnewyeahespecially talking chips go computer going power stuffthat leads whole discussion companies likenvidiafor example thats making technology thatsdriving technology behind gaming industry thats whole podcast something look httpswwwfoolcompodcastsindustryfocus seth mcnew opens new window position stocks mentioned vincent shen opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends amazon facebook nvidia motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>On Thursday, Donald Trump offered another reason that he should not be taken seriously as a presidential candidate, telling Fox News Channel's Bret Baier that he knew Russia well because he held a Miss Universe event there.</p> <p>The clown show that is Trump offered that <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/05/06/donald-trump-russia-miss-universe/84024666/" type="external">ridiculous statement</a> when prompted by Baier asking Trump if he had ever spoken with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as Trump had refused to answer earlier in the week when asked if they had ever met. Trump told Baiaer he still wouldn&#8217;t answer the question because "I don't want to hurt his confidence."</p> <p>Then, incredibly, Trump actually said to Baier, &#8220;I know Russia well. I had a major event in Russia two or three years ago, Miss Universe contest, which was a big, big, incredible event. An incredible success.&#8221;</p> <p>Baier asked, &#8220;OK, so you got to talk to him?&#8221;</p> <p>Trump, who apparently learned everything he needs to know about foreign policy by listening to Miss Universe contestants, gushed, &#8220;No, I got to meet a lot of people. And you know what? They want to be friendly with the United States. Wouldn't it be nice if we actually got along with somebody?&#8221;</p> <p>Remember, this is the same man who said he obtained his knowledge of military affairs this way: &#8220;I watch the shows.&#8221; Trump&#8217;s utter inability to deal with foreign policy as an adult has frightened numerous people; in March, a <a href="http://warontherocks.com/2016/03/open-letter-on-donald-trump-from-gop-national-security-leaders/" type="external">letter</a> with over 120 signatories by Republicans, many of them foreign policy experts, adumbrated the reasons why Trump was genuinely dangerous as a prospective leader of the United States. In part, the letter stated:</p> <p>His vision of American influence and power in the world is wildly inconsistent and unmoored in principle. He swings from isolationism to military adventurism within the space of one sentence &#8230; Similarly, his insistence that close allies such as Japan must pay vast sums for protection is the sentiment of a racketeer, not the leader of the alliances that have served us so well since World War II. His admiration for foreign dictators such as Vladimir Putin is unacceptable for the leader of the world&#8217;s greatest democracy. He is fundamentally dishonest. Evidence of this includes his attempts to deny positions he has unquestionably taken in the past, including on the 2003 Iraq war and the 2011 Libyan conflict. We accept that views evolve over time, but this is simply misrepresentation. His equation of business acumen with foreign policy experience is false. Not all lethal conflicts can be resolved as a real estate deal might, and there is no recourse to bankruptcy court in international affairs.</p> <p>In addition to Trump&#8217;s terrifying incoherence on foreign affairs, his connections with Russia are <a href="http://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trumps-russia-connections-foreign-policy-presidential-campaign/" type="external">highly suspect</a>. In late April, Trump gave his <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/04/21/donald-trump-schedules-his-first-foreign-policy-address/?_r=0" type="external">first major foreign policy address</a> under the banner of the <a href="http://cftni.org/" type="external">Center for the National Interes</a>t, which has strong ties to Putin. The Center for the National Interest was buddy-buddy with the Russian government-funded Institute for Democracy and Cooperation; in May 2014 both think tanks held a press conference defending Russia&#8217;s position in Ukraine. As David Adesnik wrote in 2014, &#8220;Although there is diversity in the dozens of articles TNI has run, its editorial staff leans heavily toward portrayal of the Kiev protests as an illegitimate coup d&#8217;&#233;tat while encouraging concessions to Russia rather than a firm response to its aggression.&#8221;</p> <p>As Eliot Cohen, who served under George W. Bush, told Politico, &#8220;Well, we&#8217;re all known by the company we choose to keep, aren&#8217;t we? Trump is a dangerous, ignorant demagogue. To give him a platform, and hence legitimacy, is to be complicit in his rise.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;I know Russia well. I had a major event in Russia two or three years ago, Miss Universe contest, which was a big, big, incredible event. An incredible success.&#8221;</p> <p>Donald Trump, vying for the Miss Universe title</p> <p>As the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/world/us-election/when-russians-look-at-trump-politclown-vladimir-zhirinovsky-comes-to-mind-20160505-gonrko.html" type="external">Sydney Morning Herald</a> points out, Russians see a strong similar similarity between Trump and the former ultranationalist leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and presidential candidate, Vladimir Zhirinovsky. The Herald writes:</p> <p>Trump says he wants to build a wall to stop illegal immigrants; Zhirinovsky once threatened to use giant fans to blow radioactive waste into the Baltic states. Trump talks of "making America great again"; Zhirinovsky promised to "bring Russia up off its knees" and dreamed of a Greater Russia with Russian soldiers washing their boots in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Trump doesn't draw back from insulting women; Zhirinovsky once ordered an aide to rape a pregnant woman journalist.</p> <p>As U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul wrote in his 1994 book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Russias-1993-Parliamentary-Elections/dp/0817955429" type="external">Understanding Russia's 1993 Parliamentary Elections: implications for US foreign policy</a>, Trump&#8217;s use of television was anticipated by Zhirinovsky. McFaul wrote:</p> <p>After Russia's Choice [the government party], the LDP had more television time than any other party or bloc. As an individual candidate Zhirinovsky received more television exposure than any other candidate. Zhirinovsky used his television time effectively. He spoke in short sentences using simple language. His message was clear. He addressed issues that were of concern to voters &#8230; He lambasted the people in government as theoreticians who cared little and knew even less about the Russian people. He blamed Caucasians, (those from the Caucusus) Jews, neighbouring countries, and the West for Russia's woes. Russians, Zhirinovsky declared, no longer had to sacrifice and wait to be great again.</p> <p>Zhirinovsky was responsible in part for the downfall of Boris Yeltsin, paving the way for the ascension of the brutal Putin. Russian political analyst Leonid Radzikhovsky said, "Zhirinovsky is a very, very, very bad person &#8230; all of his public activities are evil. He is aggressive, cynical, mercenary, without a conscience. When he entered parliament, it was quite different. After 25 years, Zhirinovsky has totally brought it down to his level, even if Russians don't take him seriously.&#8221;</p>

thursday donald trump offered another reason taken seriously presidential candidate telling fox news channels bret baier knew russia well held miss universe event clown show trump offered ridiculous statement prompted baier asking trump ever spoken russian leader vladimir putin trump refused answer earlier week asked ever met trump told baiaer still wouldnt answer question dont want hurt confidence incredibly trump actually said baier know russia well major event russia two three years ago miss universe contest big big incredible event incredible success baier asked ok got talk trump apparently learned everything needs know foreign policy listening miss universe contestants gushed got meet lot people know want friendly united states wouldnt nice actually got along somebody remember man said obtained knowledge military affairs way watch shows trumps utter inability deal foreign policy adult frightened numerous people march letter 120 signatories republicans many foreign policy experts adumbrated reasons trump genuinely dangerous prospective leader united states part letter stated vision american influence power world wildly inconsistent unmoored principle swings isolationism military adventurism within space one sentence similarly insistence close allies japan must pay vast sums protection sentiment racketeer leader alliances served us well since world war ii admiration foreign dictators vladimir putin unacceptable leader worlds greatest democracy fundamentally dishonest evidence includes attempts deny positions unquestionably taken past including 2003 iraq war 2011 libyan conflict accept views evolve time simply misrepresentation equation business acumen foreign policy experience false lethal conflicts resolved real estate deal might recourse bankruptcy court international affairs addition trumps terrifying incoherence foreign affairs connections russia highly suspect late april trump gave first major foreign policy address banner center national interest strong ties putin center national interest buddybuddy russian governmentfunded institute democracy cooperation may 2014 think tanks held press conference defending russias position ukraine david adesnik wrote 2014 although diversity dozens articles tni run editorial staff leans heavily toward portrayal kiev protests illegitimate coup détat encouraging concessions russia rather firm response aggression eliot cohen served george w bush told politico well known company choose keep arent trump dangerous ignorant demagogue give platform hence legitimacy complicit rise know russia well major event russia two three years ago miss universe contest big big incredible event incredible success donald trump vying miss universe title sydney morning herald points russians see strong similar similarity trump former ultranationalist leader liberal democratic party presidential candidate vladimir zhirinovsky herald writes trump says wants build wall stop illegal immigrants zhirinovsky threatened use giant fans blow radioactive waste baltic states trump talks making america great zhirinovsky promised bring russia knees dreamed greater russia russian soldiers washing boots warm waters indian ocean trump doesnt draw back insulting women zhirinovsky ordered aide rape pregnant woman journalist us ambassador russia michael mcfaul wrote 1994 book understanding russias 1993 parliamentary elections implications us foreign policy trumps use television anticipated zhirinovsky mcfaul wrote russias choice government party ldp television time party bloc individual candidate zhirinovsky received television exposure candidate zhirinovsky used television time effectively spoke short sentences using simple language message clear addressed issues concern voters lambasted people government theoreticians cared little knew even less russian people blamed caucasians caucusus jews neighbouring countries west russias woes russians zhirinovsky declared longer sacrifice wait great zhirinovsky responsible part downfall boris yeltsin paving way ascension brutal putin russian political analyst leonid radzikhovsky said zhirinovsky bad person public activities evil aggressive cynical mercenary without conscience entered parliament quite different 25 years zhirinovsky totally brought level even russians dont take seriously

<p>In this segment from <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/marketfoolery?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Market Foolery Opens a New Window.</a>, Chris Hill is joined by Motley Fool analystsAaron Bush and David Kretzmann as they reflect on the bullish opening trades of Snap (NYSE: SNAP): from an initial offering price of $17 per share, the stock surged above $20 and has remained at these elevated levels after its first full week on the market.</p> <p>Based on most common metrics, this is a pricey stock, which leads to the obvious question: With the company priced to perfection and logging significant losses, what will set Snap apart from its social media competition?</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=d498dab1-6bd7-4596-82b3-2bf109f74a33&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 Facebook wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=d498dab1-6bd7-4596-82b3-2bf109f74a33&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 2, 2017.</p> <p>Chris Hill: Let's start with Snap. Snap goes public at $17 per share. It opens for trading to regular investors like you and me at about $24.50. If you're scoring at home, that's a 46% increase right off the bat before regular investors can get in. At that point, Snap's market cap is $33 billion, which puts it in the top third of companies in theS&amp;amp;P 500. I don't know where to begin, David. This is, partly,madness. It's certainly exuberance, this is what exuberance looks like. This is also what it looks like when you haven't had a tech IPO in a couple of years.</p> <p>David Kretzmann:Yeah, I think people are excited. This is one of the bigger IPOs, certainly, in tech, that we've seen in a couple years. So Wall Street is clearly excited today. All rationality is going out the window for a day or two, most likely. It's interesting to take a look at how Snap today compares toFacebook(NASDAQ: FB)before the IPO. Obviously, Snap is a younger company going public today than Facebook was at the time it went public in 2012, but there are some similarities here, where you can see the opportunity or potential for Snap.It's still more of a stretch, I think, for Snap to succeed from here and really reward investors. But just looking at something like average revenue per user. At the time Facebook went public, its average revenue per user was $1.21. For Snap, it's $1.05. So, pretty close there. The main difference for Snap, and the reason the company is losing a ton of money right now and its losses are increasing, its cost per user is above $2, while Facebook's cost per user was more like $1.25. So, Snap now has even higher expectations. Whether or not the company can become profitable is something that they themselves question in the S-1. They say, "We might not ever be able to reach profitability." So, there are certainly a lot of question marks with Snap. It's a riskier company, very high expectations, and still a very limited operating track record that investors can work with.</p> <p>Hill:I suppose you have to give them bonus points, Aaron, for just coming out and saying, "You know what? We might never be profitable."</p> <p>Kretzmann:At least they're admitting it.</p> <p>Aaron Bush:I do think that cost per user number issomething that's going to prove to be one of the most important metrics that investors need to be looking at. When I read through the S-1 prospectus, I was starting to piece together that what management thinks is their competitive advantage isn't really thenetwork that they have built, it's not necessarily the uniqueness that Snapchat has created, but rather it's their ability to innovate rapidly and always be one step ahead of the competition. And that's a very different kind of story thanyou hear from other social media companies.Twitter(NYSE: TWTR) is "we are live". Facebook wants to connect the world and that kind of thing. On one hand, this is good, because it's going to keep Snapchat out of the trap that Twitter fell into where product innovation stalled. If anything, with Snapchat, we've seen an acceleration in the number of new features and stuff that they have thrown out. So that will help them, definitely, stay relevant and improve engagement, and that engagement should lead to higherrevenue per user and that kind of thing. But that does come at a cost. And that's just yet another hurdle to overcome. And when Snap says that they're a camera company ...</p> <p>Hill:Ugh.</p> <p>Kretzmann:I cringe.</p> <p>Bush:That's theirleading statement for everything, "Snap is a camera company." It's like, what?!</p> <p>Hill:It's like, why are you saying that out loud?</p> <p>Kretzmann:Wasn'tKodaka camera company? How did that turn out?!</p> <p>Bush:So, I think that's an important thing to be thinking about, what exactly that means. I think for Snap, that means that the evolution of the camera is real, and Snap is driving that. It means that software is playing a bigger and bigger role in what camera technology is doing in connecting people, and having people engage with each other on a mobile basis, augmented reality filters, all that kind of stuff. But it also means that they're probably going to be stepping more into the hardware game. They've already done that with Spectacles. I still don't really know what I think about that.</p> <p>Hill:TheSpectacles are literally just glasses.</p> <p>Kretzmann:Glasses you wear, they take the 10-second videos that automatically upload to your Snap account. They cost $130. So, it might draw some comparisons toGoogleGlass. But obviously much more affordable, has a much more direct use case. So far, I think you have seen broader adoption, even at this early stage, compared to Google Glass.</p> <p>Bush:Yeah, and I think Evan Spiegel in general has constantly been an underrated CEO. He probably is a really brilliant product guy. So, for Spectacles, that obviously is a better thing than Google Glass was, and I think we will probably see the hardware portfolio expand, as well. I don't really know what that's going to look like. But I get the sense that things are going to be moving more in that direction as well.</p> <p>Kretzmann:Yeah, design and innovation, that's the name of the game for Snapchat. And like Aaron mentioned, I think a lot of that starts with Evan Spiegel, who does have a very solid reputation of being a designer and an innovator, a product guy, in Silicon Valley. But I take a step back and I think, there was a reason that Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg were very interested. At first, they tried to compete with Snap. Zuckerberg actually flew down to Los Angeles in 2011 and met with Evan Spiegel, and he said, "Here's what I would do if I were Snap, and by the way, Facebook is going to try to do this." And then, a year or so later, Facebook offered $3 billion to acquire Snap. And Spiegel and Snap turned it down without thinking about it, and they got a good amount of heat from investors and the press for that. And here they are worth 10 times what Facebook offered for them a few years ago. So, there is something there, especially with Spiegel.</p> <p>I think that leadership factor is a huge piece of the valuation today, and those high expectations for Snap. And Chris, you and I were just at the member event that we had an Arizona,and you talked to Brad Stone, whose new bookTheUpstartslooks at the early days ofAirbnbandUber. And there was a quote that I thought was very relevant to how to think about Snap. This was a quotes from Fred Wilson, who was an early Twitter backer who passed on Airbnb, and he said that his mistake -- this is his direct quote: "We made the classic mistake that all investors make -- we focused too much on what they were doing at the time, and not enough on what they could do, would do, and did do." I think with Snap, you really have to look at the bigger picture. This is expected to be the first year where digital advertising spend exceeds TV marketing. That's a pretty big milestone, if that does happen this year. And Snap is really trying to capture those dollars that are shifting from TV advertising to digital advertising, trying to reach that audience of 18 to 35 years old, which is really Snap's bread and butter. So I can see where the company is in a really interesting position. They have some tailwinds, potentially, behind their back. They have a very innovative CEO. But yeah, the costs are very high, they're expected to keep going higher. So the company probably won't make money for a long time.</p> <p>Bush:Yeah, and to give some final perspectives, on anumbers basis, when Facebook IPO'd, it came out with pricing about 28 times sales. Twitter was priced at 56 times sales. Snap, right now, at $33 billion, is about 80 times sales. [laughs] That's a high number. I would also keep in mind that today, Twitter, just to keep the comparison going, has $2.5 billion in sales, which is about eight times what it had when it IPO'd. And the stock, today, is trading for significantly less than it was when it IPO'd. Where it is right now, about $11 billion, is one third where Snap is right now. So, Twitter made all that progress, but here Snap is in the same boat.</p> <p>Hill:Would you rather have all of Twitter or one third of Snap?</p> <p>Kretzmann:I'd actually probably go with one third of Snap right now. I would take that gamble on Spiegel. I just like the leadership and the vision of Snap a lot more than Twitter right now. It's obviously a riskier bet, but I think Snap, right now, with the leadership, is a bigger idea than Twitter.</p> <p>Hill:Aaron?</p> <p>Bush:I'd take Twitter, but getting creative, I think if I can take 100% of Twitter, you can have some more control, and then I could make a deal to figure out how to work things out with Snap.</p> <p>Kretzmann:Aaron Bush, new CEO of Twitter.</p> <p>Hill:There are worse ideas. Let me go back to Spiegel for a second, just because here at The Motley Fool, one of the things we focus on is leadership. There are a lot of people going into this IPO -- speaking of Facebook and Twitter -- using those two companies as comparison points. Like, this could be the next Facebook. It could also be the next Twitter.People are saying that not as a compliment, in terms of the IPO. As you said, Aaron, Twitter's value today is about one third less than it was on the day that it went public. But, if you think back to when Facebook went public, there were questions about Mark Zuckerberg. Completely fair questions about both his age and his experience. That's where I think the comparison to Spiegel is apt. As I said, these were fair questions. Here's this young person. What kind ofpublic company CEO is he going to be? I think that's the thing we will only find out with time. With the case of Facebook and Zuckerberg, you could point to people like Sheryl Sandberg, or other people in the management team, also a bigger and more mature company at the time. But you could see other people and say, "OK, whatever kind of public company CEOZuckerberg turns out to be, he has some other steady hands on board there." I don't know who else is on Evan Spiegel's management team. We will only find out in time what kind of public CEO he's going to be. But I think it's perfectly legitimate to say -- and I agree with you, Aaron, he's underrated. To this point, I think Evan Spiegel is not getting quite the credit he probably deserves. But now, it's a brand new ballgame because they're a public company, and they're going to get a report card in three month, and we'll see how they do.</p> <p>Kretzmann:Really, the main thing that Snap has going for it right now certainly is not its financials. It's leadership and vision. I think the company didn't even start making any revenue until 2015, so just a couple years. That's a very limited operating history. And they have beenscaling that revenue pretty quickly. But that's not a whole lot to go off of. I think it really does come down to the design, theinnovation of Spiegel and that vision. And obviously, Wall Street bought into it on the roadshow. Butthat, right now, is really the main thing investors have to go off of. So that's one of the reasons it's a riskier bet today.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFPaladin/info.aspx" type="external">Aaron Bush Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Facebook and Twitter. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFWizard/info.aspx" type="external">Chris Hill Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFPencils/info.aspx" type="external">David Kretzmann Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Facebook and Twitter. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook and Twitter. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

segment market foolery opens new window chris hill joined motley fool analystsaaron bush david kretzmann reflect bullish opening trades snap nyse snap initial offering price 17 per share stock surged 20 remained elevated levels first full week market based common metrics pricey stock leads obvious question company priced perfection logging significant losses set snap apart social media competition continue reading full transcript follows video 10 stocks like better facebookwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right facebook wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks advertisement stock advisor returns february 6 2017 podcast recorded march 2 2017 chris hill lets start snap snap goes public 17 per share opens trading regular investors like 2450 youre scoring home thats 46 increase right bat regular investors get point snaps market cap 33 billion puts top third companies thesampp 500 dont know begin david partlymadness certainly exuberance exuberance looks like also looks like havent tech ipo couple years david kretzmannyeah think people excited one bigger ipos certainly tech weve seen couple years wall street clearly excited today rationality going window day two likely interesting take look snap today compares tofacebooknasdaq fbbefore ipo obviously snap younger company going public today facebook time went public 2012 similarities see opportunity potential snapits still stretch think snap succeed really reward investors looking something like average revenue per user time facebook went public average revenue per user 121 snap 105 pretty close main difference snap reason company losing ton money right losses increasing cost per user 2 facebooks cost per user like 125 snap even higher expectations whether company become profitable something question s1 say might ever able reach profitability certainly lot question marks snap riskier company high expectations still limited operating track record investors work hilli suppose give bonus points aaron coming saying know might never profitable kretzmannat least theyre admitting aaron bushi think cost per user number issomething thats going prove one important metrics investors need looking read s1 prospectus starting piece together management thinks competitive advantage isnt really thenetwork built necessarily uniqueness snapchat created rather ability innovate rapidly always one step ahead competition thats different kind story thanyou hear social media companiestwitternyse twtr live facebook wants connect world kind thing one hand good going keep snapchat trap twitter fell product innovation stalled anything snapchat weve seen acceleration number new features stuff thrown help definitely stay relevant improve engagement engagement lead higherrevenue per user kind thing come cost thats yet another hurdle overcome snap says theyre camera company hillugh kretzmanni cringe bushthats theirleading statement everything snap camera company like hillits like saying loud kretzmannwasntkodaka camera company turn bushso think thats important thing thinking exactly means think snap means evolution camera real snap driving means software playing bigger bigger role camera technology connecting people people engage mobile basis augmented reality filters kind stuff also means theyre probably going stepping hardware game theyve already done spectacles still dont really know think hillthespectacles literally glasses kretzmannglasses wear take 10second videos automatically upload snap account cost 130 might draw comparisons togoogleglass obviously much affordable much direct use case far think seen broader adoption even early stage compared google glass bushyeah think evan spiegel general constantly underrated ceo probably really brilliant product guy spectacles obviously better thing google glass think probably see hardware portfolio expand well dont really know thats going look like get sense things going moving direction well kretzmannyeah design innovation thats name game snapchat like aaron mentioned think lot starts evan spiegel solid reputation designer innovator product guy silicon valley take step back think reason facebook mark zuckerberg interested first tried compete snap zuckerberg actually flew los angeles 2011 met evan spiegel said heres would snap way facebook going try year later facebook offered 3 billion acquire snap spiegel snap turned without thinking got good amount heat investors press worth 10 times facebook offered years ago something especially spiegel think leadership factor huge piece valuation today high expectations snap chris member event arizonaand talked brad stone whose new booktheupstartslooks early days ofairbnbanduber quote thought relevant think snap quotes fred wilson early twitter backer passed airbnb said mistake direct quote made classic mistake investors make focused much time enough could would think snap really look bigger picture expected first year digital advertising spend exceeds tv marketing thats pretty big milestone happen year snap really trying capture dollars shifting tv advertising digital advertising trying reach audience 18 35 years old really snaps bread butter see company really interesting position tailwinds potentially behind back innovative ceo yeah costs high theyre expected keep going higher company probably wont make money long time bushyeah give final perspectives anumbers basis facebook ipod came pricing 28 times sales twitter priced 56 times sales snap right 33 billion 80 times sales laughs thats high number would also keep mind today twitter keep comparison going 25 billion sales eight times ipod stock today trading significantly less ipod right 11 billion one third snap right twitter made progress snap boat hillwould rather twitter one third snap kretzmannid actually probably go one third snap right would take gamble spiegel like leadership vision snap lot twitter right obviously riskier bet think snap right leadership bigger idea twitter hillaaron bushid take twitter getting creative think take 100 twitter control could make deal figure work things snap kretzmannaaron bush new ceo twitter hillthere worse ideas let go back spiegel second motley fool one things focus leadership lot people going ipo speaking facebook twitter using two companies comparison points like could next facebook could also next twitterpeople saying compliment terms ipo said aaron twitters value today one third less day went public think back facebook went public questions mark zuckerberg completely fair questions age experience thats think comparison spiegel apt said fair questions heres young person kind ofpublic company ceo going think thats thing find time case facebook zuckerberg could point people like sheryl sandberg people management team also bigger mature company time could see people say ok whatever kind public company ceozuckerberg turns steady hands board dont know else evan spiegels management team find time kind public ceo hes going think perfectly legitimate say agree aaron hes underrated point think evan spiegel getting quite credit probably deserves brand new ballgame theyre public company theyre going get report card three month well see kretzmannreally main thing snap going right certainly financials leadership vision think company didnt even start making revenue 2015 couple years thats limited operating history beenscaling revenue pretty quickly thats whole lot go think really come design theinnovation spiegel vision obviously wall street bought roadshow butthat right really main thing investors go thats one reasons riskier bet today aaron bush opens new window owns shares facebook twitter chris hill opens new window position stocks mentioned david kretzmann opens new window owns shares facebook twitter motley fool owns shares recommends facebook twitter motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>One American city is having a multi-pronged crisis. According to the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-census-population-loss-met-20170322-story.html" type="external">Chicago Tribune</a>, "out of the country's ten largest cities, the Chicago metropolitan statistical area was the only one to drop in population between 2015 and 2016."</p> <p>In 2016, a staggering 19,570 people left the Chicago area--almost double the number that left in 2015, which was the first year since 1990 that the city and surrounding metropolitan area didn't gain residents.</p> <p>Over the past year, the Tribune surveyed dozens of former residents who've packed up in recent years and they cited a variety of reasons: high taxes, the state budget stalemate, crime, the unemployment rate, and weather.</p> <p>Chicago Tribune cites a resident named Patrice Bedford:</p> <p>The city's expensive, she said. Public schools face an unfolding financial crisis and the violence is "terrifying and frightening" to a parent-to-be. It didn't take long for Bedford, 28, to realize it was time to pack up and leave her Roscoe Village home.</p> <p>Bedford is moving to Denver, Colorado.</p> <p>While one cannot change the weather, and budget fights are mainstays of numerous states, three factors are critical in determining why Americans are fleeing Chicago.</p> <p>1. Taxes</p> <p><a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-to-be-a-taxpayer/2416/#sarah-e-larson" type="external">WalletHub</a> recently crunched the numbers to find the states with the worst tax burden, and Illinois came out on top. The website "calculated relative income-tax obligations by applying the effective income-tax rates in each state and locality to the average American&#8217;s income."</p> <p>Illinois had the highest "effective total state and local tax rates on median U.S. households" at 14.76%, or approximately $8,011 annually. When cost-of-living is included, Illinois jumps to from 51 to 43--still pretty bad.</p> <p>2. Unemployment</p> <p>According to a January 2017 report form the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/web/metro/laulrgma.htm" type="external">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> (BLS), of the 51 largest metropolitan areas, Chicago ranks 47th, with an unemployment rate of 6%. While 6% may not seem like a high number, other metropolitan areas such as Salt Lake City, Denver, and Austin sit at 3%, 3.1%, and 3.5% unemployment respectively. In difficult economic times, three percentage points could be the difference between a steady job and continuous unemployment.</p> <p>3. Crime</p> <p>The murder rate in Chicago is astronomical. From 2014 - 2015, murders in Chicago rose by approximately 17%, jumping from 423 to 496, according to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/02/us/chicago-murder-rate-2016-visual-guide/" type="external">CNN</a>. However, the leap from 2015 - 2016 is truly shocking. In 2016, there were 762 murders in Chicago, a year-to-year increase of 53.6%.</p> <p>The reason for this, according to Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute, is a precipitous drop in "proactive policing."</p> <p>Mac Donald, author of The War on Cops, spoke with The Daily Wire about Chicago's increase in violence:</p> <p>"Officers are backing off of proactive policing. Pedestrian stops dropped 82% through most of last year, and criminals have become emboldened.</p> <p>It began in 2015 because of the general--what I've called the 'Ferguson Effect,' which is the officers' response to the calumnies against them by the Black Lives Matter movement that says that proactive policing is racist. Officers are encountering huge hostility in the streets now.</p> <p>Last June, a Chicago officer told me he's never encountered so much hatred in his 19 years on the job. He said it's basically become an undoable job now because when officers get out of their cars to make a pedestrian stop, [they] often find themselves surrounded by hostile, jeering crowds, throwing things at them or interfering with their arrest."</p> <p>Mac Donald noted that the increase in crime, as well as the retreat of proactive policing, was made worse in late-2015 due to several separate incidents:</p> <p>"It was noticeable already in 2015. There was a meeting Attorney General Loretta Lynch had called in Washington in October of 2015 with big city police chiefs and mayors to discuss the rising crime. [Chicago Mayor] Rahm Emanuel told Loretta Lynch that the Chicago cops had gone fetal; they were no longer willing to try to interdict criminal behavior.</p> <p>Then you had the release of the Laquon McDonald video in November of 2015, which definitely set the department back.</p> <p>Then, former superintendent, Garry McCarthy, foolishly agreed to a settlement with the ACLU over the Chicago police's 'stop policies.' The ACLU of Illinois had written a completely specious report on stops that pointed out that 74% of all stops police made in Chicago had black subjects. However, that type of analysis is completely illegitimate because it ignores crime rates.</p> <p>McCarthy agreed to the 'stop' agreement, and it created a new form that officers had to fill out following a pedestrian stop that was three pages long, three narrative sections, and it discouraged that type of proactive policing above and beyond the type of ideological attack the Black Lives Matter movement had done. That was the additional nail in the coffin."</p> <p>While the unemployment rate is a mixed bag in terms of blame, cause and effect, both the egregiously high taxes, as well as the rise in crime can be directly attributed to progressive policies or ideals.</p> <p>Progressives strive for a perverse Utopianism in which the government is the parent, and the people its children. The only means by which they can achieve such utopian goals is to forcibly remove money from taxpayers. When the utopia ultimately fails to emerge, progressives increase taxes. Rather than realize the failure of their aims, they push harder, believing their plans simply haven't gone far enough. It's a cycle that only ends when the money dries up.</p> <p>As for violence, Mac Donald explains it perfectly. Anti-police sentiment has become increasingly aggressive, and departments have backed down, which has left the city open to criminal activity. When criminals--specifically gang members--freely roam the streets, death follows.</p> <p>Americans are fleeing Chicago because it's a dying city; and its status as a dying city is due in large part to progressive social justice and utopian policies.</p> <p>Follow Frank Camp on <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankDCamp?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" type="external">Twitter</a>.</p>

one american city multipronged crisis according chicago tribune countrys ten largest cities chicago metropolitan statistical area one drop population 2015 2016 2016 staggering 19570 people left chicago areaalmost double number left 2015 first year since 1990 city surrounding metropolitan area didnt gain residents past year tribune surveyed dozens former residents whove packed recent years cited variety reasons high taxes state budget stalemate crime unemployment rate weather chicago tribune cites resident named patrice bedford citys expensive said public schools face unfolding financial crisis violence terrifying frightening parenttobe didnt take long bedford 28 realize time pack leave roscoe village home bedford moving denver colorado one change weather budget fights mainstays numerous states three factors critical determining americans fleeing chicago 1 taxes wallethub recently crunched numbers find states worst tax burden illinois came top website calculated relative incometax obligations applying effective incometax rates state locality average americans income illinois highest effective total state local tax rates median us households 1476 approximately 8011 annually costofliving included illinois jumps 51 43still pretty bad 2 unemployment according january 2017 report form bureau labor statistics bls 51 largest metropolitan areas chicago ranks 47th unemployment rate 6 6 may seem like high number metropolitan areas salt lake city denver austin sit 3 31 35 unemployment respectively difficult economic times three percentage points could difference steady job continuous unemployment 3 crime murder rate chicago astronomical 2014 2015 murders chicago rose approximately 17 jumping 423 496 according cnn however leap 2015 2016 truly shocking 2016 762 murders chicago yeartoyear increase 536 reason according heather mac donald manhattan institute precipitous drop proactive policing mac donald author war cops spoke daily wire chicagos increase violence officers backing proactive policing pedestrian stops dropped 82 last year criminals become emboldened began 2015 generalwhat ive called ferguson effect officers response calumnies black lives matter movement says proactive policing racist officers encountering huge hostility streets last june chicago officer told hes never encountered much hatred 19 years job said basically become undoable job officers get cars make pedestrian stop often find surrounded hostile jeering crowds throwing things interfering arrest mac donald noted increase crime well retreat proactive policing made worse late2015 due several separate incidents noticeable already 2015 meeting attorney general loretta lynch called washington october 2015 big city police chiefs mayors discuss rising crime chicago mayor rahm emanuel told loretta lynch chicago cops gone fetal longer willing try interdict criminal behavior release laquon mcdonald video november 2015 definitely set department back former superintendent garry mccarthy foolishly agreed settlement aclu chicago polices stop policies aclu illinois written completely specious report stops pointed 74 stops police made chicago black subjects however type analysis completely illegitimate ignores crime rates mccarthy agreed stop agreement created new form officers fill following pedestrian stop three pages long three narrative sections discouraged type proactive policing beyond type ideological attack black lives matter movement done additional nail coffin unemployment rate mixed bag terms blame cause effect egregiously high taxes well rise crime directly attributed progressive policies ideals progressives strive perverse utopianism government parent people children means achieve utopian goals forcibly remove money taxpayers utopia ultimately fails emerge progressives increase taxes rather realize failure aims push harder believing plans simply havent gone far enough cycle ends money dries violence mac donald explains perfectly antipolice sentiment become increasingly aggressive departments backed left city open criminal activity criminalsspecifically gang membersfreely roam streets death follows americans fleeing chicago dying city status dying city due large part progressive social justice utopian policies follow frank camp twitter

<p><a href="//videos/37/64400" type="external" /></p> <p>RUSH: <a href="" type="internal">Let&#8217;s go back to yesterday, me, on this program</a>.</p> <p>RUSH ARCHIVE: Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s gonna happen. The legend is Belichick&#8217;s a genius, and that&#8217;s how this is all gonna end up. I&#8217;ll tell you what&#8217;s gonna happen. Belichick didn&#8217;t call time-out. Forty seconds left. Second and goal. Forty seconds. The story is that the Patriots had capitulated, given up, meaning, let them score with as much time left and get down for a field goal that would tie it. That&#8217;s the thinking, capitulation not conceding, capitulate, just don&#8217;t contest, let them score the touchdown. Belichick is gonna be said to be a genius. What&#8217;s gonna be said is &#8212; it may have been said already in other places; I don&#8217;t know, &#8217;cause I haven&#8217;t listened, &#8217;cause I never do, but the key to Belichick not calling a time-out, they&#8217;re gonna say that Belichick not calling a time-out lured Pete Carroll into making the mistake. That Belichick&#8217;s a genius by having the defensive personnel in the game that he had at that point was a lure.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" />RUSH: What personnel did Belichick have in the game? He had three cornerbacks. He did not have a goal line, standard goal line defense. He had eight guys lined up in the box, I mean, played for the run, but he didn&#8217;t have two cornerbacks, two safeties. He had three cornerbacks and a safety in there. Wasn&#8217;t running a standard nickel defense, which you don&#8217;t do on the goal line anyway. But this, not calling the time-out, that was genius because, well, the Seahawks expected Belichick to call a time-out and they were gonna use the New England time-out to take the time, it would be a 30-second time-out in that circumstance, to discuss on the sideline what to do, throw a pass, run the ball with Lynch or whatever.</p> <p>But Belichick outfoxed &#8217;em, yes. Belichick lured them into losing the game by not calling the time-out. The Seahawks waiting and waiting for the time-out, which was never called, time ran off the clock, Seahawks panic and decide, all right, let&#8217;s throw the ball because &#8212; and that&#8217;s the genius of Belichick. That&#8217;s what I said is gonna happen. Here it is in the Washington Post: &#8220;Bill Belichick Made a Sneaky-Smart Decision That Might Have Contributed to Fateful Play Call by Pete Carroll &#8212; Pete Carroll&#194;&#8217;s confounding last-minute play call Sunday night will be dissected, debated and mocked for as long they play Super Bowls.</p> <p>They go on say that Belichick not calling a time-out just totally discombobulated &#8212; exactly what I said. Just exactly what I said. Audio sound bites, a little montage here, various sports personages making the same thing from yesterday and last night.</p> <p>MIKE FLORIO: You just get the feeling Bill Belichick knew what was coming.</p> <p>ROSS TUCKER: I thought he really out-coached the Seahawks.</p> <p>CHRIS MCGEE: I don&#8217;t know what he was thinking not calling that time-out, but it&#194;&#8217;s probably the greatest play of his career that he didn&#8217;t call. It&#8217;s pretty remarkable.</p> <p>PABLO TORRE: Belichick didn&#8217;t use that time-out. Pete Carroll maybe found himself with a bounty of options suddenly that really weren&#8217;t that bountiful after all.</p> <p>JIM ROME: This guy&#194;&#8217;s made out to be a genius. If, in fact, Belichick looked at that set up and he saw three wide receivers, and he thought to himself, let them run that play, we have it, and then he didn&#8217;t call a time-out for that reason, he&#8217;s the smartest guy ever.</p> <p>RUSH: See? See? So it&#8217;s gone from the Seahawks just making an absolute bonehead call to they were lured, trapped, and suckered into making a bonehead call by the brilliance of Belichick. Now, I suppose, folks, it could be. The one thing, if it&#8217;s true, Belichick is never gonna own up to this. Belichick has always downplayed his own genius in everything else. So they&#8217;re never gonna get any confirmation. But with emotions running, and when you&#8217;ve got that kind of time left, not much, the world is going by in much faster speed than normal speed. I mean, the idea that anybody would have the presence of mind to think those kinds of &#8212; I guess it could be possible. That&#8217;s why I made the prediction, because people are saying it. So there it is. You can count on me, ladies and gentlemen, coming up with this.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: Here&#8217;s Randy, Mississippi. Randy, great to have you on the EIB Network. Hello.</p> <p>CALLER: Oh, it&#8217;s my honor to speak with the great one. How you doing, Rush?</p> <p>RUSH: I&#8217;m fine, sir. Thank you very much.</p> <p>CALLER: Well, I just had a comment on that Seahawk-Patriot game. I think Carroll made the right call, to tell you the truth. Lynch was 1-for-5 in that situation in the past, and I tell you, that pass is rarely intercepted in that area, and I think Russell just overthrew the pass just a little bit right into the Patriot&#8217;s hands.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" />RUSH: Well, that&#8217;s actually not what happened, but I understand. Look, I don&#8217;t mean to sound mean saying that&#8217;s not what happened. I&#8217;m not being disrespectful Randy, &#8217;cause some people think it was a good call. You&#8217;re one of them, and that had they executed, everybody talking about what a brilliant call it was, and that happens to be true, if they&#8217;d executed it. But they had the wrong receiver chosen. They should have chosen some guy six four, six five. If you&#8217;re gonna throw it do a fade route in the corner of the end zone where if it&#8217;s incomplete, it&#8217;s no way intercepted. This route, they gave it to this guy Lockette who had not done much all day &#8212; did you see the way he got bounced off his route by this cornerback?</p> <p>The reason he got bounced off of his route is because the pass was ill thrown. He led the receiver. He should have thrown that ball over the receiver&#8217;s back shoulder where only the receiver could have caught that ball. The only thing the cornerback could have done was maybe deflect it. But he led the receiver, and had he not done that &#8212; and he&#8217;s close enough not to have led. He could have just fired a dart right in the receiver&#8217;s gut or on that back outside shoulder, where the cornerback couldn&#8217;t have gotten to it. But your point is it was Wilson&#8217;s fault, and I don&#8217;t disagree with that if you&#8217;re gonna analyze the play for what it was.</p> <p>But I still think it was the wrong call. If you&#8217;re hell-bent on throwing a pass, you&#8217;ve got this guy Matthews. Now, I know the Patriot defense had put a different cornerback. Kyle Arrington had been burned by Chris Matthews, so they took Arrington and put a taller cornerback on Matthews, and that cornerback shut him down from the moment they made that change. But you still go with your six five guy on a corner fade route, and if it&#8217;s incomplete, it&#8217;s incomplete; you still stop the clock and you&#8217;ve done your precious pass play, as Carroll said. Matthews, the receiver, he&#8217;s got a good future. He&#8217;s fine, gonna be fine.</p> <p>Anyway, let&#8217;s see. Fred in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, hi. You&#8217;re next on the EIB Network. Graduate to have you, sir.</p> <p>CALLER: Hello, Rush. Thanks for taking my call.</p> <p>RUSH: You bet.</p> <p>CALLER: I am in Wilkes-Barre, I&#8217;m actually a truck driver from Akron, Ohio. But just to follow up on that previous caller, I also have the take that it was a good call. Something that&#8217;s not getting attention, though, the touchdown was there except for one thing, the New England rookie that made the interception. I wonder why he doesn&#8217;t get any attention.</p> <p>RUSH: Well, he&#8217;s starting to. In the shock of the disbelief of the call, the focus obviously on the coaching staff of the Patriots. Now as time is passing they are focusing on Malcolm Butler. Brady is gonna give him the truck that he won for MVP. He&#8217;s gonna give it to Malcolm Butler. Malcolm Butler makes the league minimum. He&#8217;s an undrafted rookie free agent, which I think rookie minimum is 500 grand, you know, Brady and Gisele spend that in a day. So he&#8217;s gonna give him the truck. But, yeah, &#8220;good call,&#8221; I mean, it wasn&#8217;t good. It didn&#8217;t work.</p> <p>CALLER: Well, if that rookie didn&#8217;t have it figured out, then Seattle&#8217;s brilliant.</p> <p>RUSH: Yeah, yeah. I&#8217;m out of time here, I&#8217;ve gotta go, I wish I weren&#8217;t, but I am, so&#8230;</p>

rush lets go back yesterday program rush archive heres whats gon na happen legend belichicks genius thats gon na end ill tell whats gon na happen belichick didnt call timeout forty seconds left second goal forty seconds story patriots capitulated given meaning let score much time left get field goal would tie thats thinking capitulation conceding capitulate dont contest let score touchdown belichick gon na said genius whats gon na said may said already places dont know cause havent listened cause never key belichick calling timeout theyre gon na say belichick calling timeout lured pete carroll making mistake belichicks genius defensive personnel game point lure rush personnel belichick game three cornerbacks goal line standard goal line defense eight guys lined box mean played run didnt two cornerbacks two safeties three cornerbacks safety wasnt running standard nickel defense dont goal line anyway calling timeout genius well seahawks expected belichick call timeout gon na use new england timeout take time would 30second timeout circumstance discuss sideline throw pass run ball lynch whatever belichick outfoxed em yes belichick lured losing game calling timeout seahawks waiting waiting timeout never called time ran clock seahawks panic decide right lets throw ball thats genius belichick thats said gon na happen washington post bill belichick made sneakysmart decision might contributed fateful play call pete carroll pete carrollÂs confounding lastminute play call sunday night dissected debated mocked long play super bowls go say belichick calling timeout totally discombobulated exactly said exactly said audio sound bites little montage various sports personages making thing yesterday last night mike florio get feeling bill belichick knew coming ross tucker thought really outcoached seahawks chris mcgee dont know thinking calling timeout itÂs probably greatest play career didnt call pretty remarkable pablo torre belichick didnt use timeout pete carroll maybe found bounty options suddenly really werent bountiful jim rome guyÂs made genius fact belichick looked set saw three wide receivers thought let run play didnt call timeout reason hes smartest guy ever rush see see gone seahawks making absolute bonehead call lured trapped suckered making bonehead call brilliance belichick suppose folks could one thing true belichick never gon na belichick always downplayed genius everything else theyre never gon na get confirmation emotions running youve got kind time left much world going much faster speed normal speed mean idea anybody would presence mind think kinds guess could possible thats made prediction people saying count ladies gentlemen coming break transcript rush heres randy mississippi randy great eib network hello caller oh honor speak great one rush rush im fine sir thank much caller well comment seahawkpatriot game think carroll made right call tell truth lynch 1for5 situation past tell pass rarely intercepted area think russell overthrew pass little bit right patriots hands rush well thats actually happened understand look dont mean sound mean saying thats happened im disrespectful randy cause people think good call youre one executed everybody talking brilliant call happens true theyd executed wrong receiver chosen chosen guy six four six five youre gon na throw fade route corner end zone incomplete way intercepted route gave guy lockette done much day see way got bounced route cornerback reason got bounced route pass ill thrown led receiver thrown ball receivers back shoulder receiver could caught ball thing cornerback could done maybe deflect led receiver done hes close enough led could fired dart right receivers gut back outside shoulder cornerback couldnt gotten point wilsons fault dont disagree youre gon na analyze play still think wrong call youre hellbent throwing pass youve got guy matthews know patriot defense put different cornerback kyle arrington burned chris matthews took arrington put taller cornerback matthews cornerback shut moment made change still go six five guy corner fade route incomplete incomplete still stop clock youve done precious pass play carroll said matthews receiver hes got good future hes fine gon na fine anyway lets see fred wilkesbarre pennsylvania hi youre next eib network graduate sir caller hello rush thanks taking call rush bet caller wilkesbarre im actually truck driver akron ohio follow previous caller also take good call something thats getting attention though touchdown except one thing new england rookie made interception wonder doesnt get attention rush well hes starting shock disbelief call focus obviously coaching staff patriots time passing focusing malcolm butler brady gon na give truck mvp hes gon na give malcolm butler malcolm butler makes league minimum hes undrafted rookie free agent think rookie minimum 500 grand know brady gisele spend day hes gon na give truck yeah good call mean wasnt good didnt work caller well rookie didnt figured seattles brilliant rush yeah yeah im time ive got ta go wish werent

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It's definitely a device with some startup flair.</p> <p>Startup Tool of the Month: Linksys LAPAC2600 MU-MIMO Access PointThe <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/review/349056/hp-officejet-pro-7740" type="external">Linksys LAPAC2600 MU-MIMO Access Point</a> <a type="external" href="" /> is a versatile connectivity device for any workplace that's specifically geared toward small to midsize businesses (SMBs). It's got good throughput speed, is easily configurable for different <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2495263,00.asp" type="external">network management Opens a New Window.</a> scenarios, and packs a ton of features for administrators to help secure end-to-end wireless traffic. It's a great device to help your startup ditch the wires.</p> <p>This article <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article/349133/pcmag-startup-toolkit-november-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>

happy halloween startup opens new window entrepreneurs another month brings new slate newly tested products pcmag labs help streamline business processes productive improve bottom line novembers startup tools span everything laptops routers storage benefits administration opens new window software search engine optimization seo tools continue reading software services opens new window kwfinderidentifying right keywords search results target one important facets effective seo strategy rather spinning startups wheels trying rank page entrenched results theres chance breaking kwfinder one powerful easiest use ad hoc keyword research tools priced bargain spyfuwhy one seo tool roundup businesses need one effective strategy spyfu one editors choices category startups particular platform integrates seo research capabilities holistic digital strategy encompassing marketing advertising sales customer relationship management opens new window also relatively cheap paired kwfinder perfect 12 seo punch startup expanding digital footprint teamgantt gantt charts simple effective way every business visualize map projects teamgantt opens new window intuitive welldesigned tool makes easy possible get team room kick next product technology sales marketing project shape future startup advertisement zenefits zenefits already great allinone platform centralize startups human resources hr management companys recent reboot redesign z2 opens new window adds new features like hr app directory hr advisor apps smbs zenefits payroll californiabased startups automated benefits shopping experience part rebranded revamped platform makes hr benefits experience seamless admins employees zoho docs standardmicrosoft google arent games town comes document editing sharing collaboration tools zoho docs standard opens new window editors choice document management opens new window strength great cloudbased editing capabilities document sharing collaboration ton integrations low price compared office 365 youre looking hidden document management gem save startup money zoho might move needle hardware hp elite x3say hello hp elite x3 opens new window years flagship windows 10 opens new window smartphone businessfocused device integrates well microsoft cloud salesforce hands right department potentially mobile workers dream supported right lineofbusiness apps oh windows 10s continuum feature turn desktop laptop needed hp officejet pro 7740 want allinone printer copier scanner small startup office hp officejet pro 7740 opens new window works fast good text quality along ethernet wifu wireless direct connectivity supports twosided scanning allinone printers go also pretty cheap lacie 5big thunderbolt 2are big data startup business storing vast quantities data highres multimedia files need big black box case white one store data make easily accessible team lacie 5big thunderbolt 2 opens new window may largecapacity hard drive give 40tb storage five 8tb drive bays back best suited design studio development firm currently uses thunderbolt thunderbolt 2equipped macs pcs lenovo yoga book androidif business wants avoid apple microsoft ecosystems equip employees cheap line hybrid notebooktablets great notetaking conceptual drawing design lenovo yoga book android intriguing option light stylish device comes pensized accessory thats far accurate stylus yoga books pressuresensitive display definitely device startup flair startup tool month linksys lapac2600 mumimo access pointthe linksys lapac2600 mumimo access point versatile connectivity device workplace thats specifically geared toward small midsize businesses smbs got good throughput speed easily configurable different network management opens new window scenarios packs ton features administrators help secure endtoend wireless traffic great device help startup ditch wires article originally appeared opens new window pcmagcom opens new window

<p>As I was watching Monday Night Football, I couldn't help but notice the advertisements for Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) Watch, the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/10/facebook-officially-launches-its-video-platform.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=babecac0-a2dd-11e7-a7f5-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">new video platform Opens a New Window.</a> found within its flagship app. It might not be a coincidence that Facebook decided to advertise its new product to NFL fans. The next morning, the company announced a multiyear deal to stream game highlights as well as three weekly series productions from NFL Films.</p> <p>This isn't the first time Facebook has teamed up with the NFL. It briefly tested showing game highlights at the end of the 2014 season, attempting to monetize them with post-roll ads. The NFL abandoned Facebook for the following two seasons, working more closely with Twitter (NYSE: TWTR). Twitter also has a current deal with the NFL to live-stream a 30-minute show four times a week. Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) won the rights to stream 10 Thursday Night Football games this season for $50 million.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Despite declining TV ratings, the NFL still commands a ton of attention from people all over the world. Adding highlights and other football content to Watch could attract the attention Facebook is seeking to get Watch off the ground.</p> <p>The NFL deal is just one of many high-profile contracts Facebook has signed in recent months. It's signed deals with other sports leagues like Major League Baseball and with major media companies to produce original content. Facebook is paying for the content upfront, but eventually it hopes to split advertising revenue with content makers.</p> <p>But Facebook isn't just seeding the content -- it's apparently also seeding viewership. Last I checked, advertising time during Monday Night Football isn't cheap. But Facebook likely sees television commercials as a long-term investment to seed the ecosystem for creators. After all, a video platform that promises to share ad revenue isn't very appealing to content producers without a lot of viewers.</p> <p>Investors shouldn't expect Facebook to continue spending to promote Watch. Facebook wants Watch to be like YouTube, and you don't see commercials for YouTube. Facebook grew to be as successful as it is because it successfully leveraged the network effect. Getting to that point isn't as easy when there's a much larger incumbent, though.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Content like the NFL also differentiates the Watch product. While Twitter and Amazon each have their own NFL content, Facebook's deal still sets itself apart from other major video platforms like YouTube. It's not just the NFL; as noted, Facebook is working with major media companies, and it's also reportedly working on big-budget original shows. Overall, the content on Watch should be of higher quality than on YouTube or other noncurated platforms.</p> <p>While Watch might not provide better content than Amazon, it has a couple of big advantages. Facebook Watch is free, and it has 2 billion potential users. They won't generate as much as Amazon Prime members, but then again Facebook doesn't need to worry about getting millions of packages to people's doorsteps within two days.</p> <p>Not only is Facebook aggregating unique and high-quality content, it has the user data needed to provide a better viewing experience. That's something Twitter can't touch. Twitter users need to be on Twitter at the right time and have the right interests for Twitter's live-streaming shows to have the most appeal. Facebook has the capabilities so that whenever users click on the Watch icon, they see interesting content immediately.</p> <p>Ultimately, that can provide a better viewing experience leading to users watching for longer and coming back more often. With literally billions of people logging in to Facebook, it could provide a significant amount of revenue from ads. If broadcast television could survive on an ads-only model for decades, Facebook's video platform could as well.</p> <p>To be sure, Facebook hasn't already scored a touchdown with Watch. Not by any means.</p> <p>After all, its record with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSzoDPptYNA" type="external">television advertising Opens a New Window.</a> isn't great. While people consume hundreds of millions of hours of video on Facebook every day, Facebook has yet to prove that it can convert that into visitors to a special video feed.</p> <p>But video consumption continues to <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/15/millennials-arent-watching-tv-buy-these-stocks-not.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=babecac0-a2dd-11e7-a7f5-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">shift online Opens a New Window.</a>. And Facebook has the capital to spend on establishing a premier destination for online video. It's a bet worth taking, and one worth keeping an eye on over the next couple of years as Facebook works to grow Watch.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than FacebookWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=b02cc0e3-d81d-48a2-b5ee-4efcb02ad015&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=babecac0-a2dd-11e7-a7f5-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Facebook wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=b02cc0e3-d81d-48a2-b5ee-4efcb02ad015&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=babecac0-a2dd-11e7-a7f5-0050569d32b9&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/TMFnCaffeine/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=babecac0-a2dd-11e7-a7f5-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Adam Levy Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Amazon. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter. 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=babecac0-a2dd-11e7-a7f5-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

watching monday night football couldnt help notice advertisements facebook nasdaq fb watch new video platform opens new window found within flagship app might coincidence facebook decided advertise new product nfl fans next morning company announced multiyear deal stream game highlights well three weekly series productions nfl films isnt first time facebook teamed nfl briefly tested showing game highlights end 2014 season attempting monetize postroll ads nfl abandoned facebook following two seasons working closely twitter nyse twtr twitter also current deal nfl livestream 30minute show four times week amazon nasdaq amzn rights stream 10 thursday night football games season 50 million continue reading despite declining tv ratings nfl still commands ton attention people world adding highlights football content watch could attract attention facebook seeking get watch ground nfl deal one many highprofile contracts facebook signed recent months signed deals sports leagues like major league baseball major media companies produce original content facebook paying content upfront eventually hopes split advertising revenue content makers facebook isnt seeding content apparently also seeding viewership last checked advertising time monday night football isnt cheap facebook likely sees television commercials longterm investment seed ecosystem creators video platform promises share ad revenue isnt appealing content producers without lot viewers investors shouldnt expect facebook continue spending promote watch facebook wants watch like youtube dont see commercials youtube facebook grew successful successfully leveraged network effect getting point isnt easy theres much larger incumbent though advertisement content like nfl also differentiates watch product twitter amazon nfl content facebooks deal still sets apart major video platforms like youtube nfl noted facebook working major media companies also reportedly working bigbudget original shows overall content watch higher quality youtube noncurated platforms watch might provide better content amazon couple big advantages facebook watch free 2 billion potential users wont generate much amazon prime members facebook doesnt need worry getting millions packages peoples doorsteps within two days facebook aggregating unique highquality content user data needed provide better viewing experience thats something twitter cant touch twitter users need twitter right time right interests twitters livestreaming shows appeal facebook capabilities whenever users click watch icon see interesting content immediately ultimately provide better viewing experience leading users watching longer coming back often literally billions people logging facebook could provide significant amount revenue ads broadcast television could survive adsonly model decades facebooks video platform could well sure facebook hasnt already scored touchdown watch means record television advertising opens new window isnt great people consume hundreds millions hours video facebook every day facebook yet prove convert visitors special video feed video consumption continues shift online opens new window facebook capital spend establishing premier destination online video bet worth taking one worth keeping eye next couple years facebook works grow watch 10 stocks like better facebookwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right facebook wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 adam levy opens new window owns shares amazon motley fool owns shares recommends amazon facebook twitter motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Baby boomers who started their own small business and are ready to hand over the reins should choose their successor with careful thought.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Launching and running a successful business requires a lot of hard work, planning and dedication and these qualities need to be present in the succession process. Consider this: an estimated eight million baby boomer business owners are at or nearing retirement, according to <a href="http://wealthmanagement.com/retirement-planning/here-come-boomer-biz-owners" type="external">a report, Opens a New Window.</a> and if they want their business legacy to live on, they need to find the best possible candidate to take over.</p> <p>Avi Kestenbaum, partner and co-chair of the Trusts &amp;amp; Estates Department at New York law firm Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein &amp;amp; Breitstone, says only 30% of family businesses successfully pass to the second generation, 12% to the third and 4% to fourth generation. Succession planning is often the most complex part of the estate planning process and without proper planning and execution of a succession plan, there could be trouble ahead for family businesses.</p> <p>"The three biggest mistakes well-meaning families and estate planners routinely make create more problems than they solve." He says that 85% of the crises faced by family businesses focus around the issue of succession, underlying the need for boomers to take this process serious.</p> <p>Kestenbaum offers the following tips to create a family business succession plan to make sure the transition from one generation to the next is seamless:</p> <p>Boomer: What are the three biggest mistakes in estate planning and what are some solutions?</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Kestenbaum: The biggest mistake is the failure to understand the difference between probate vs. non-probate assets and the ramifications of not understanding this difference. Probate assets pass under a will. Non-probate assets such as IRAs and life insurance policies pass by beneficiary designation and/or operation of law, such as a joint account holder with rights of survivorship. Another example is a home that might be jointly owned: Not recognizing this important distinction could mean a will that is substantially irrelevant and assets that would pass to someone not intended.</p> <p>Another large mistake often occurs with tax apportionment clauses. If a state or federal estate tax is due, from which assets are these taxes paid? The will or trust will often have provisions dealing with this. If not, state law governs, but often times there are conflicting provisions and/or not well thought out provisions. For example, two children may receive assets, but one child pays all the estate taxes due on both assets ----and might ultimately receive nothing or much less than the other due to the taxes paid out of his portion. This could also occur if the IRS later asserts a gift or estate tax that wasn&#8217;t contemplated and the provisions require all taxes to be paid out of a certain portion of the estate.</p> <p>Leaving substantial assets outright to beneficiaries, even when they reach certain ages, can be a big mistake. These beneficiaries might later have a creditor problem, divorce, or other financial issues and the assets could be taken away from them. Or they might be financially irresponsible or become lazy by receiving too much at once. Furthermore, they may have their own estate tax issues someday. Instead, let the assets pass in trust for the beneficiaries. The trusts can be drafted very flexibly and even allow the beneficiary to appoint his or her own trustees or serve as co-trustee. This depends on the wishes of the creator of the trust as to how flexible the trust should be.</p> <p>Boomer: Should your family be involved in business succession discussions?</p> <p>Kestenbaum: Generally speaking my answer is "absolutely not" even though the textbook answer is "yes". No good generally comes out of this meeting. It usually leads to more discord, jealousies and accusations. As Jerry Seinfeld says, "there is no such thing as fun for the whole family." Parents need to be strong and unwavering about their decisions and make them while they are still vibrant. Also, the decisions must be implemented while the parents are still living so everyone gets used to the business running with the succession plan the parents have drawn up. This way there is a smooth transition upon their death or incapacity. One on one meetings and being sensitive to the children is certainly always recommended, and in rare circumstances, perhaps the entire family meeting might be helpful.</p> <p>Boomer: How can you integrate a non-family CEO into a family business?</p> <p>Kestenbaum: If a non-family CEO is going to take over, he or she should be integrated into the business while the boomer owner(s) is still strong, vibrant and involved in the business. It should not be done as a direct insult to their children.</p> <p>I often recommend a structure similar to a public company, where perhaps no one person has total authority and there are real boards and leadership committees. Sometimes there can even be a company board and a family board. It really depends on the situation. It is worth noting that there is a business model called "self-management" which essentially discards the typical hierarchical business model into more of a team approach, which might be helpful to assure business longevity.</p> <p>Boomer: Where can one look for professional help with business succession planning?</p> <p>Kestenbaum: Many estate planning attorneys have experience in this area, but there should be a team approach: an accountant, insurance professional and &amp;#160;banker should all be involved with a &#8220;quarterback&#8221; from the list taking the lead.</p> <p>There are outside consultants who also claim to have special expertise in this area, and even a psychologist might be helpful at times. Reading books and articles on the subject is also informative, but this is a complicated area that when done properly, blends tax planning, business acumen, legal structures, psychology and emotional intelligence. In most circumstances, this is very difficult. Keys to success include choosing the right advisor, and the parents being open and not afraid to make difficult decisions.</p>

baby boomers started small business ready hand reins choose successor careful thought continue reading launching running successful business requires lot hard work planning dedication qualities need present succession process consider estimated eight million baby boomer business owners nearing retirement according report opens new window want business legacy live need find best possible candidate take avi kestenbaum partner cochair trusts amp estates department new york law firm meltzer lippe goldstein amp breitstone says 30 family businesses successfully pass second generation 12 third 4 fourth generation succession planning often complex part estate planning process without proper planning execution succession plan could trouble ahead family businesses three biggest mistakes wellmeaning families estate planners routinely make create problems solve says 85 crises faced family businesses focus around issue succession underlying need boomers take process serious kestenbaum offers following tips create family business succession plan make sure transition one generation next seamless boomer three biggest mistakes estate planning solutions advertisement kestenbaum biggest mistake failure understand difference probate vs nonprobate assets ramifications understanding difference probate assets pass nonprobate assets iras life insurance policies pass beneficiary designation andor operation law joint account holder rights survivorship another example home might jointly owned recognizing important distinction could mean substantially irrelevant assets would pass someone intended another large mistake often occurs tax apportionment clauses state federal estate tax due assets taxes paid trust often provisions dealing state law governs often times conflicting provisions andor well thought provisions example two children may receive assets one child pays estate taxes due assets might ultimately receive nothing much less due taxes paid portion could also occur irs later asserts gift estate tax wasnt contemplated provisions require taxes paid certain portion estate leaving substantial assets outright beneficiaries even reach certain ages big mistake beneficiaries might later creditor problem divorce financial issues assets could taken away might financially irresponsible become lazy receiving much furthermore may estate tax issues someday instead let assets pass trust beneficiaries trusts drafted flexibly even allow beneficiary appoint trustees serve cotrustee depends wishes creator trust flexible trust boomer family involved business succession discussions kestenbaum generally speaking answer absolutely even though textbook answer yes good generally comes meeting usually leads discord jealousies accusations jerry seinfeld says thing fun whole family parents need strong unwavering decisions make still vibrant also decisions must implemented parents still living everyone gets used business running succession plan parents drawn way smooth transition upon death incapacity one one meetings sensitive children certainly always recommended rare circumstances perhaps entire family meeting might helpful boomer integrate nonfamily ceo family business kestenbaum nonfamily ceo going take integrated business boomer owners still strong vibrant involved business done direct insult children often recommend structure similar public company perhaps one person total authority real boards leadership committees sometimes even company board family board really depends situation worth noting business model called selfmanagement essentially discards typical hierarchical business model team approach might helpful assure business longevity boomer one look professional help business succession planning kestenbaum many estate planning attorneys experience area team approach accountant insurance professional 160banker involved quarterback list taking lead outside consultants also claim special expertise area even psychologist might helpful times reading books articles subject also informative complicated area done properly blends tax planning business acumen legal structures psychology emotional intelligence circumstances difficult keys success include choosing right advisor parents open afraid make difficult decisions

<p>A wave of attacks by Chinese hackers on Germany's cutting-edge manufacturers is raising alarm in Berlin and prompting the government to step in to defend the country's competitive edge.</p> <p>The small and midsize companies that make Germany an export powerhouse have landed in the crosshairs of foreign hackers attracted to the firms' valuable but often poorly protected intellectual property, German intelligence officials warn.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Some 65% of German manufacturing and technology firms were hit by cyberattacks in 2016, compared with 62% in the U.S. and 50% in the U.K., according to insurer Hiscox Ltd. Germany's BfV domestic intelligence agency estimates German firms lost EUR55 billion euros ($65.3 billion) to espionage, sabotage and data theft last year, up from EUR51 billion in 2015.</p> <p>Spooked by the losses, the German government is now moving to shield companies from state-backed hackers and criminal gangs, offering to pay to harden the defenses of Germany's most vulnerable firms. Industry groups are also reaching out to members about the threat.</p> <p>"The German economy is the focus of industrial espionage," Hans-Georg Maassen, head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, said in July. "Attacks have increased over the last two years."</p> <p>Two years ago, the U.S. and China signed an agreement not to support hacking aimed at industrial espionage. But despite high-level talks, German officials have yet to secure a similar deal. The G-20, which includes China and Germany, announced a pact against commercial cyberespionage in 2015.</p> <p>In June 2016, a delegation led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel flew to Beijing for talks on the matter. While Chinese officials led by Premier Li Keqiang told Ms. Merkel that Beijing would protect German firms' intellectual property in China, they didn't agree to stop hacking.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>As Chinese attacks on U.S. companies have eased, Germany has become a bigger target, according to Nigel Inkster, senior adviser to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.</p> <p>In a faxed statement, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was unaware of the German allegations but reiterated Beijing's official position that it "resolutely opposes" cyberhacking in every form.</p> <p>"If the relevant parties have definitive evidence of hacking attacks, they can provide it to the Chinese side and we will handle it according to the law," the statement said. It added that, "baseless accusations and speculation are not only unprofessional, they also do nothing to solve the problem."</p> <p>German firms lead the world in advanced-manufacturing patents, with 3,917 filed last year versus 1,410 by U.S. and 860 by Japanese companies, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization. The world's third-largest exporter spends 2.9% of gross domestic product on research and development, a higher percentage than the U.S. and the U.K do, according to the most recent figures from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.</p> <p>Large multinationals can afford to protect their property. Not so the more than 3.5 million small and midsize businesses -- known collectively as the Mittelstand -- that produce more than half of Germany's economic output and sell the tools, parts and components that power factories around the world, experts say.</p> <p>"The ignorance at smaller firms is extreme," Alexander D&#246;rsam, head of IT security at computer-security firm Antago GmbH said. "The founders of the company are often its leaders. They are older and don't understand the technology."</p> <p>China has long fed its voracious appetite for German technology via Chinese regulations and directives that force foreign investors to share knowledge with local partners and by acquiring German businesses. But China's spy agencies have also joined the hunt, counterintelligence officials here say.</p> <p>Deutsche Telekom AG, Germany's largest telecommunications company, said it detected 30,150 cyberattacks from China so far in this month, with Russia the second-largest source at 7,661 attacks.</p> <p>Chinese state-backed hacking of Western companies is conducted by the cyberwarfare units of the People's Liberation Army or China's Ministry of State Security intelligence agency, according to Western intelligence agencies and security firms.</p> <p>Chinese companies used to be able to direct the PLA or MSS to hack into Western competitors, according to James Lewis, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. After Beijing cracked down on businesses using intelligence resources, companies can still put in a request for a target to be hacked but no longer can assign tasks to the teams directly, Mr. Lewis said.</p> <p>Germany's domestic intelligence agency said in May it had evidence the APT-10 Chinese hacker group -- also known as Menupass Team and Stone Panda -- was behind a recent hacking campaign against German high-tech firms.</p> <p>APT-10 has been active since 2009 when it started hacking U.S. military research institutions and companies, according to an April report by BAE Systems PLC and consulting firm PWC in collaboration with Britain's GCHQ intelligence agency. APT-10 has significant financial and human resources and was active during Chinese working hours, according to the report.</p> <p>Intelligence officials in the South-German state of Baden-W&#252;rttemberg in March said hackers likely controlled by Chinese intelligence had penetrated in 2016 the systems of a Mittelstand manufacturer -- a leading manufacturer in its field -- injecting software to steal blueprints and other data.</p> <p>Deepening economic ties between China and Germany makes Berlin wary of confronting Beijing over the attacks, according to Nad&#232;ge Rolland, a senior China analyst at the National Bureau of Asian Research in Washington. Exports to China, one of the fastest-growing markets for German goods, hit $76 billion in 2016.</p> <p>A spokesman for Germany's foreign ministry said Berlin often raises the issues of cyberattacks and intellectual property with Beijing.</p> <p>Berlin offers to cover some of the cost of shielding Mittelstand firms from cyberattacks. The economics ministry now pays for consultants to visit smaller firms and plot countermeasures.</p> <p>Some German Mittelstand firms have been reluctant to invest in protection, the cost of which can exceed EUR100,000 a year for a 1,000-person firm, according to Armin Harbrecht of computer-security company Aramido GmbH.</p> <p>Almost 90% of Germany's Mittelstand firms have turnover of less than EUR1 million, according to the KfW bank, making cyber protection expensive.</p> <p>Germany's chambers of commerce have sounded the alarm on hacking too, organizing cybersecurity education seminars for companies. German insurers have started offering coverage.</p> <p>"Company leaders in Germany have slowly woken up," said Claudia Philipp, cyberdefense expert at security firm Atarax GmbH.</p> <p>Josh Chin contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to William Wilkes at william.wilkes@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 23, 2017 07:14 ET (11:14 GMT)</p>

wave attacks chinese hackers germanys cuttingedge manufacturers raising alarm berlin prompting government step defend countrys competitive edge small midsize companies make germany export powerhouse landed crosshairs foreign hackers attracted firms valuable often poorly protected intellectual property german intelligence officials warn continue reading 65 german manufacturing technology firms hit cyberattacks 2016 compared 62 us 50 uk according insurer hiscox ltd germanys bfv domestic intelligence agency estimates german firms lost eur55 billion euros 653 billion espionage sabotage data theft last year eur51 billion 2015 spooked losses german government moving shield companies statebacked hackers criminal gangs offering pay harden defenses germanys vulnerable firms industry groups also reaching members threat german economy focus industrial espionage hansgeorg maassen head germanys domestic intelligence agency said july attacks increased last two years two years ago us china signed agreement support hacking aimed industrial espionage despite highlevel talks german officials yet secure similar deal g20 includes china germany announced pact commercial cyberespionage 2015 june 2016 delegation led german chancellor angela merkel flew beijing talks matter chinese officials led premier li keqiang told ms merkel beijing would protect german firms intellectual property china didnt agree stop hacking advertisement chinese attacks us companies eased germany become bigger target according nigel inkster senior adviser international institute strategic studies london faxed statement chinas ministry foreign affairs said unaware german allegations reiterated beijings official position resolutely opposes cyberhacking every form relevant parties definitive evidence hacking attacks provide chinese side handle according law statement said added baseless accusations speculation unprofessional also nothing solve problem german firms lead world advancedmanufacturing patents 3917 filed last year versus 1410 us 860 japanese companies according world intellectual property organization worlds thirdlargest exporter spends 29 gross domestic product research development higher percentage us uk according recent figures organization economic cooperation development large multinationals afford protect property 35 million small midsize businesses known collectively mittelstand produce half germanys economic output sell tools parts components power factories around world experts say ignorance smaller firms extreme alexander dörsam head security computersecurity firm antago gmbh said founders company often leaders older dont understand technology china long fed voracious appetite german technology via chinese regulations directives force foreign investors share knowledge local partners acquiring german businesses chinas spy agencies also joined hunt counterintelligence officials say deutsche telekom ag germanys largest telecommunications company said detected 30150 cyberattacks china far month russia secondlargest source 7661 attacks chinese statebacked hacking western companies conducted cyberwarfare units peoples liberation army chinas ministry state security intelligence agency according western intelligence agencies security firms chinese companies used able direct pla mss hack western competitors according james lewis director strategic technologies program center strategic international studies washington beijing cracked businesses using intelligence resources companies still put request target hacked longer assign tasks teams directly mr lewis said germanys domestic intelligence agency said may evidence apt10 chinese hacker group also known menupass team stone panda behind recent hacking campaign german hightech firms apt10 active since 2009 started hacking us military research institutions companies according april report bae systems plc consulting firm pwc collaboration britains gchq intelligence agency apt10 significant financial human resources active chinese working hours according report intelligence officials southgerman state badenwürttemberg march said hackers likely controlled chinese intelligence penetrated 2016 systems mittelstand manufacturer leading manufacturer field injecting software steal blueprints data deepening economic ties china germany makes berlin wary confronting beijing attacks according nadège rolland senior china analyst national bureau asian research washington exports china one fastestgrowing markets german goods hit 76 billion 2016 spokesman germanys foreign ministry said berlin often raises issues cyberattacks intellectual property beijing berlin offers cover cost shielding mittelstand firms cyberattacks economics ministry pays consultants visit smaller firms plot countermeasures german mittelstand firms reluctant invest protection cost exceed eur100000 year 1000person firm according armin harbrecht computersecurity company aramido gmbh almost 90 germanys mittelstand firms turnover less eur1 million according kfw bank making cyber protection expensive germanys chambers commerce sounded alarm hacking organizing cybersecurity education seminars companies german insurers started offering coverage company leaders germany slowly woken said claudia philipp cyberdefense expert security firm atarax gmbh josh chin contributed article write william wilkes williamwilkeswsjcom end dow jones newswires september 23 2017 0714 et 1114 gmt

<p /> <p>Ask someone, "When should I retire?" and you're very likely to hear, "As soon as you can!"But the best answer for many people can be very different and for more reasons than you might expect.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Deciding when to retire is more than just a financial decision. It's also social and emotional; after all, this is the biggest uprooting of a person's life since they left school and joined the workforce full-time. There are four key things to consider before deciding when you should retire: Wealth, health, housing, and purpose.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>For many Americans, early retirement isn't an affordable alternative. According to a Federal Reserve study, the median value of financial assets (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and others) for a head of household aged 65-74 was $72,000 in 2013 (most recent data). Based on the 4% distribution rule, that would only generate about $2,900 per year in sustainable income.Pensions are another source of retirement income for many. However, only a small percentage of Americans will receive any pension benefits.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Furthermore, Social Security -- a cornerstone retirement income source for most Americans -- only pays about $1,500 per month on average to current retirees, meaning there's a pretty wide gap between the median retirement-aged American's retirement savings, what Social Security pays, and how much income they'll actually need.</p> <p>This alone is a key reason why many Americans shouldn't retire early. By taking Social Security early, the monthly benefit is significantly lower, meaning faster depletion of other retirement assets. For many early retirees, this means going without later in life, or relying on family and charity to make ends meet.</p> <p>Healthcare expenses alone keep many people on the job until they are eligible for Medicare at 65, even with substantial retirement savings. This is particularly true for those who receive health insurance from an employer's group plan.</p> <p>There is some good news in this regard: Federal law requires most employers to allow former employees remain on their group insurance (100% paid by the employee)for a period. In most cases, you would be able to continue coverage (COBRA) for 18 months. If qualify for Medicare within 18 months before you qualify for COBRA, your dependents covered by your group insurance would be able to retain COBRA for up to 36 months from the date you qualified for Medicare.</p> <p>There are private marketplaces and state exchanges through which you can purchase health insurance, but prices and coverages can vary based on geography and other factors, including pre-existing conditions. There's also significant uncertainty around congressional efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), and how this could affect insurance rates for millions of Americans. Anyone considering retiring before they are eligible for Medicare, or some other health insurance for retirees (such as union benefits) would probably best served to plan for higher healthcare costs in coming years.</p> <p>There are also the costs of care that insurance and Medicare won't cover. According to the department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people who live to age 65 will require long-term care at some point, and insurance or Medicare won't cover many of those costs.</p> <p>For instance, if you suffer a fall, you may need help bathing, preparing meals, or with other household activities that aren't medically necessary. It could cost thousands of dollars for only a few weeks of support, and you'd be out of pocket for this expense.</p> <p>Just as with retirement savings, the data isn't necessarily great when it comes to housing for many older Americans. According to a study by Harvard University, the percentage of people aged 60-69 owning a home has fallenover the past 20 years:</p> <p>Image source: Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies, <a href="http://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/jchs.harvard.edu/files/son_2016_200dpi_ch1.pdf" type="external">State of the Nation'sHousing 2016</a>.</p> <p>This is important for two reasons. First, home equity is an important source of income for many retirees, particularly later in life when other assets may be depleted.</p> <p>Second is the burden of housing costs.Many homeowners enter retirement without a mortgage or pay it off early in retirement. This can mean significantly lower housing costs versus renters, who will typically see housing costs increase every year at a higher rate than homeowners.</p> <p>Retirement should be a chance to take your leisure and pursue activities you didn't have the time for during your working years. But many retirees leave a decades-long career and lose the sense of purpose and fulfillment work often provides. There's also social interaction many retirees lose. These things can lead to isolation and in some cases depression for retirees.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Getting involved in your community or even maintaining some work activities can help fill the need to have purpose and make a difference. Whether it's volunteering for a favorite charity, picking up a part-time job, or even starting a small home-based business, there are multiple ways you can be sure you're still giving back and plugged into your community while still enjoying the freedom of retirement.Not only will this fill the hours many retirees find themselves idle, but it will help you live a more meaningful life.</p> <p>Wealth, health, housing, and purpose. Once you've weighed each of these things, factored the financial and emotional impacts they will have, and taken steps to make sure you're as prepared for them as you can be, you'll be able to answer, "When should I retire?" for yourself.</p> <p>How to simplify investing -- in just 30 minutes a dayIt's roughly the same amount of time it takes to walk a quarter-mile on a treadmill... whip up dinner... read your children a bedtime story. And it's how little time it takes to learn everything you need to know to begin investing in the stock market. (Which -- if you're like most of us -- is something you know youshoulddo... but keep putting off.) The Motley Fool's Director of Investor Learning is eager to help you start down that venture -- absolutely FREE -- in just 30 minutes a day, for 13 days.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fool.com/ecap/stock-advisor/13steps-ecap/?aid=8707&amp;amp;source=isaedi7410010028&amp;amp;ftm_cam=sa-13-steps&amp;amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;amp;ftm_pit=4797&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Simply click here to get started.</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</a>.</p>

ask someone retire youre likely hear soon canbut best answer many people different reasons might expect continue reading deciding retire financial decision also social emotional biggest uprooting persons life since left school joined workforce fulltime four key things consider deciding retire wealth health housing purpose image source getty images many americans early retirement isnt affordable alternative according federal reserve study median value financial assets stocks bonds mutual funds others head household aged 6574 72000 2013 recent data based 4 distribution rule would generate 2900 per year sustainable incomepensions another source retirement income many however small percentage americans receive pension benefits advertisement furthermore social security cornerstone retirement income source americans pays 1500 per month average current retirees meaning theres pretty wide gap median retirementaged americans retirement savings social security pays much income theyll actually need alone key reason many americans shouldnt retire early taking social security early monthly benefit significantly lower meaning faster depletion retirement assets many early retirees means going without later life relying family charity make ends meet healthcare expenses alone keep many people job eligible medicare 65 even substantial retirement savings particularly true receive health insurance employers group plan good news regard federal law requires employers allow former employees remain group insurance 100 paid employeefor period cases would able continue coverage cobra 18 months qualify medicare within 18 months qualify cobra dependents covered group insurance would able retain cobra 36 months date qualified medicare private marketplaces state exchanges purchase health insurance prices coverages vary based geography factors including preexisting conditions theres also significant uncertainty around congressional efforts repeal replace affordable care act also known obamacare could affect insurance rates millions americans anyone considering retiring eligible medicare health insurance retirees union benefits would probably best served plan higher healthcare costs coming years also costs care insurance medicare wont cover according department health human services 70 people live age 65 require longterm care point insurance medicare wont cover many costs instance suffer fall may need help bathing preparing meals household activities arent medically necessary could cost thousands dollars weeks support youd pocket expense retirement savings data isnt necessarily great comes housing many older americans according study harvard university percentage people aged 6069 owning home fallenover past 20 years image source harvard university joint center housing studies state nationshousing 2016 important two reasons first home equity important source income many retirees particularly later life assets may depleted second burden housing costsmany homeowners enter retirement without mortgage pay early retirement mean significantly lower housing costs versus renters typically see housing costs increase every year higher rate homeowners retirement chance take leisure pursue activities didnt time working years many retirees leave decadeslong career lose sense purpose fulfillment work often provides theres also social interaction many retirees lose things lead isolation cases depression retirees image source getty images getting involved community even maintaining work activities help fill need purpose make difference whether volunteering favorite charity picking parttime job even starting small homebased business multiple ways sure youre still giving back plugged community still enjoying freedom retirementnot fill hours many retirees find idle help live meaningful life wealth health housing purpose youve weighed things factored financial emotional impacts taken steps make sure youre prepared youll able answer retire simplify investing 30 minutes dayits roughly amount time takes walk quartermile treadmill whip dinner read children bedtime story little time takes learn everything need know begin investing stock market youre like us something know youshoulddo keep putting motley fools director investor learning eager help start venture absolutely free 30 minutes day 13 days simply click get started motley fool disclosure policy

<p>Many in the media are <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-07-20/bachmann-brotherhood-comments/56370300/1" type="external">condemning</a> Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and four other congressmen who sent a letter to the State Department Deputy Inspector General, and the IGs of four other agencies, calling for investigations into the possible infiltration by the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) of the State Department and other agencies. What&#8217;s gotten the most attention is the fact that the letter to the State Department singled out Huma Abedin, the State Department&#8217;s Deputy Chief of Staff, who has been a close aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton going all the way back to her time as First Lady, during the Clinton administration. Abedin is also the wife of the disgraced former congressman from New York, Anthony Weiner.</p> <p>This has caused quite a ruckus, with charges of McCarthyism hurled at Rep. Bachmann, and a split among Republicans, including Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, plus Speaker of the House John Boehner, who have sharply criticized Bachmann and the letters she and the others have sent. The Left is having a field day, the conservatives and Republicans are scrambling to contain the issue.</p> <p>But there is a bigger picture here. Should we care if indeed the Muslim Brotherhood has gained a foothold throughout the Middle East, and if they wield significant influence within the Obama administration? Or does that make us Islamophobic? What shouldn&#8217;t get lost in all this are the policies of the Obama administration that have helped facilitate the ascendency of the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly in Egypt. Investor&#8217;s Business Daily has made it abundantly clear that that is exactly what has taken place. In the editorial, titled &#8220; <a href="http://news.investors.com/articleprint/618823/201207191846/obama-gave-muslim-brotherhood-keys-to-mideast.aspx" type="external">How Obama Engineered Mideast Radicalization</a>,&#8221; they lay out the following timeline:</p> <p>2009: The Brotherhood&#8217;s spiritual leader &#8212; Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi &#8212; writes an open letter to Obama arguing terrorism is a direct response to U.S. foreign policy.</p> <p>2009: Obama travels to Cairo to deliver apologetic speech to Muslims, and infuriates the Mubarak regime by inviting banned Brotherhood leaders to attend. Obama deliberately snubs Mubarak, who was neither present nor mentioned. He also snubs Israel during the Mideast trip.</p> <p>2009: Obama appoints a Brotherhood-tied Islamist &#8212; Rashad Hussain &#8212; as U.S. envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which supports the Brotherhood.</p> <p>2010: State Department lifts visa ban on Tariq Ramadan, suspected terrorist and Egyptian-born grandson of Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna.</p> <p>2010: Hussain meets with Ramadan at American-sponsored conference attended by U.S. and Brotherhood officials.</p> <p>2010: Hussain meets with the Brotherhood&#8217;s grand mufti in Egypt.</p> <p>2010: Obama meets one-on-one with Egypt&#8217;s foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who later remarks on Nile TV: &#8220;The American president told me in confidence that he is a Muslim.&#8221;</p> <p>2010: The Brotherhood&#8217;s supreme guide calls for jihad against the U.S.</p> <p>2011: Qaradawi calls for &#8220;days of rage&#8221; against Mubarak and other pro-Western regimes throughout Mideast.</p> <p>2011: Riots erupt in Cairo&#8217;s Tahrir Square. Crowds organized by the Brotherhood demand Mubarak&#8217;s ouster, storm buildings.</p> <p>2011: The White House fails to back longtime ally Mubarak, who flees Cairo.</p> <p>2011: White House sends intelligence czar James Clapper to Capitol Hill to whitewash the Brotherhood&#8217;s extremism. Clapper testifies the group is moderate, &#8220;largely secular.&#8221;</p> <p>2011: Qaradawi, exiled from Egypt for 30 years, is given a hero&#8217;s welcome in Tahrir Square, where he raises the banner of jihad.</p> <p>2011: Through his State Department office, William Taylor &#8212; Clinton&#8217;s special coordinator for Middle East transitions and a longtime associate of Brotherhood apologists &#8212;gives Brotherhood and other Egyptian Islamists special training to prepare for the post-Mubarak elections.</p> <p>2011: The Brotherhood wins control of Egyptian parliament, vows to tear up Egypt&#8217;s 30-year peace treaty with Israel and reestablishes ties with Hamas, Hezbollah.</p> <p>2011: Obama gives Mideast speech demanding Israel relinquish land to Palestinians, while still refusing to visit Israel.</p> <p>2011: Justice Department pulls plug on further prosecution of U.S.-based Brotherhood front groups identified as collaborators in conspiracy to funnel millions to Hamas.</p> <p>2011: In a shocking first, the State Department formalizes ties with Egypt&#8217;s Brotherhood, letting diplomats deal directly with Brotherhood party officials in Cairo.</p> <p>April 2012: The administration quietly releases $1.5 billion in foreign aid to the new Egyptian regime.</p> <p>June 2012: Morsi wins presidency amid widespread reports of electoral fraud and voter intimidation by gun-toting Brotherhood thugs &#8212; including blockades of entire streets to prevent Christians from going to the polls. The Obama administration turns a blind eye, recognizes Morsi as victor.</p> <p>June 2012: In a victory speech, Morsi vows to instate Shariah law, turning Egypt into an Islamic theocracy, and also promises to free jailed terrorists. He also demands Obama free World Trade Center terrorist and Brotherhood leader Omar Abdel-Rahman, a.k.a. the Blind Sheik, from U.S. prison.</p> <p>June 2012: State grants visa to banned Egyptian terrorist who joins a delegation of Brotherhood officials from Egypt. They&#8217;re all invited to the White House to meet with Obama&#8217;s deputy national security adviser, who listens to their demands for the release of the Blind Sheik.</p> <p>July 2012: Obama invites Morsi to visit the White House this September.</p> <p>The Muslim Brotherhood&#8217;s sudden ascendancy in the Mideast didn&#8217;t happen organically. It was helped along by a U.S. president sympathetic to its interests over those of Israel and his own country.&#8221;</p> <p>This is what should be being debated, and investigated. Sure, some people will take issue with certain of the characterizations in the IBD timeline. But it is hard to deny the overall truth of it.</p> <p>In March of 2011, in an AIM Report titled &#8220; <a href="" type="internal">Media Playing Crucial Role in Middle East Uprisings</a>,&#8221; I wrote that &#8220;Maybe in the next presidential election, we will be debating &#8216;who lost Egypt.&#8217; But preferably, we&#8217;ll be debating instead whether a thriving and peaceful democracy in Egypt should be credited to George Bush&#8217;s democracy agenda or to Barack Obama, for wisely guiding the transition.&#8221;</p> <p>At the time, the MB claimed they were not going to run a candidate for president if Mubarak went away, but that turned out not to be true. While many in the media tried to convince us back then what a moderate force the Brotherhood was, it should be recalled that it is the oldest Islamist group, &#8220;founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, who became a great admirer of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime. Following an attempted assassination of Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1954, the group was outlawed in Egypt.&#8221;</p> <p>The man who was elected last year to head the MB in Egypt was Mohammed Badie. Here is what he said in a sermon in 2010: &#8220;Arab and Muslim regimes are betraying their people by failing to confront the Muslim&#8217;s real enemies&#8212;not only Israel, but the United States. Waging jihad against both of these infidels is a commandment of Allah that cannot be disregarded. Governments have no right to stop their people from fighting the U.S.&#8221;</p> <p>The point is, the media are eager to use this story as another way to attack the GOP. That&#8217;s what they do. But let&#8217;s see if they&#8217;ll show some intellectual honesty and look also at the underlying issue: Should we care if the U.S. government maintains close ties with the MB, both internally and externally, and has supported their ascendancy in the Middle East?</p>

many media condemning rep michele bachmann rmn four congressmen sent letter state department deputy inspector general igs four agencies calling investigations possible infiltration muslim brotherhood mb state department agencies whats gotten attention fact letter state department singled huma abedin state departments deputy chief staff close aide secretary state hillary clinton going way back time first lady clinton administration abedin also wife disgraced former congressman new york anthony weiner caused quite ruckus charges mccarthyism hurled rep bachmann split among republicans including senators john mccain lindsey graham plus speaker house john boehner sharply criticized bachmann letters others sent left field day conservatives republicans scrambling contain issue bigger picture care indeed muslim brotherhood gained foothold throughout middle east wield significant influence within obama administration make us islamophobic shouldnt get lost policies obama administration helped facilitate ascendency muslim brotherhood particularly egypt investors business daily made abundantly clear exactly taken place editorial titled obama engineered mideast radicalization lay following timeline 2009 brotherhoods spiritual leader sheikh yusuf qaradawi writes open letter obama arguing terrorism direct response us foreign policy 2009 obama travels cairo deliver apologetic speech muslims infuriates mubarak regime inviting banned brotherhood leaders attend obama deliberately snubs mubarak neither present mentioned also snubs israel mideast trip 2009 obama appoints brotherhoodtied islamist rashad hussain us envoy organization islamic conference supports brotherhood 2010 state department lifts visa ban tariq ramadan suspected terrorist egyptianborn grandson brotherhood founder hassan albanna 2010 hussain meets ramadan americansponsored conference attended us brotherhood officials 2010 hussain meets brotherhoods grand mufti egypt 2010 obama meets oneonone egypts foreign minister ahmed aboul gheit later remarks nile tv american president told confidence muslim 2010 brotherhoods supreme guide calls jihad us 2011 qaradawi calls days rage mubarak prowestern regimes throughout mideast 2011 riots erupt cairos tahrir square crowds organized brotherhood demand mubaraks ouster storm buildings 2011 white house fails back longtime ally mubarak flees cairo 2011 white house sends intelligence czar james clapper capitol hill whitewash brotherhoods extremism clapper testifies group moderate largely secular 2011 qaradawi exiled egypt 30 years given heros welcome tahrir square raises banner jihad 2011 state department office william taylor clintons special coordinator middle east transitions longtime associate brotherhood apologists gives brotherhood egyptian islamists special training prepare postmubarak elections 2011 brotherhood wins control egyptian parliament vows tear egypts 30year peace treaty israel reestablishes ties hamas hezbollah 2011 obama gives mideast speech demanding israel relinquish land palestinians still refusing visit israel 2011 justice department pulls plug prosecution usbased brotherhood front groups identified collaborators conspiracy funnel millions hamas 2011 shocking first state department formalizes ties egypts brotherhood letting diplomats deal directly brotherhood party officials cairo april 2012 administration quietly releases 15 billion foreign aid new egyptian regime june 2012 morsi wins presidency amid widespread reports electoral fraud voter intimidation guntoting brotherhood thugs including blockades entire streets prevent christians going polls obama administration turns blind eye recognizes morsi victor june 2012 victory speech morsi vows instate shariah law turning egypt islamic theocracy also promises free jailed terrorists also demands obama free world trade center terrorist brotherhood leader omar abdelrahman aka blind sheik us prison june 2012 state grants visa banned egyptian terrorist joins delegation brotherhood officials egypt theyre invited white house meet obamas deputy national security adviser listens demands release blind sheik july 2012 obama invites morsi visit white house september muslim brotherhoods sudden ascendancy mideast didnt happen organically helped along us president sympathetic interests israel country debated investigated sure people take issue certain characterizations ibd timeline hard deny overall truth march 2011 aim report titled media playing crucial role middle east uprisings wrote maybe next presidential election debating lost egypt preferably well debating instead whether thriving peaceful democracy egypt credited george bushs democracy agenda barack obama wisely guiding transition time mb claimed going run candidate president mubarak went away turned true many media tried convince us back moderate force brotherhood recalled oldest islamist group founded egypt 1928 hassan albanna became great admirer adolf hitler nazi regime following attempted assassination gamal abdel nasser 1954 group outlawed egypt man elected last year head mb egypt mohammed badie said sermon 2010 arab muslim regimes betraying people failing confront muslims real enemiesnot israel united states waging jihad infidels commandment allah disregarded governments right stop people fighting us point media eager use story another way attack gop thats lets see theyll show intellectual honesty look also underlying issue care us government maintains close ties mb internally externally supported ascendancy middle east

<p /> <p>When a British bookmaker installed Stephen Elop as favorite to take over the soon-to-be-vacant CEO slot at Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) last week, most tech observers laughed it off as a publicity stunt.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>But Microsoft's purchase of Nokia's handset business, announced late on Monday, has suddenly made Elop one of the most visible candidates for the top spot at the company where he once worked.</p> <p>Investors and others familiar with the board's thinking reject any suggestion that the deal was done with Elop in mind, and his track record at Nokia (NYSE:NOK) is decidedly mixed.</p> <p>At a minimum, though, the understated, steely Canadian will play a critical role in managing Microsoft's controversial entry into the mobile handset market, and thus shape the future of the software giant as it plunges headlong into the hardware business.</p> <p>On paper at least, 49-year-old Elop fits the role. He knows broadly how Microsoft works, having spent nearly three years there running the highly profitable Office unit, and has just spent three years in the thick of the mobile war at Nokia.</p> <p>But that is not enough time to cast him as an "insider" in the minds of many looking to shake up insular Microsoft.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"People are looking for Microsoft to go through some dramatic change," said Kevin Walkush, an analyst at Jensen Investment Management, which holds Microsoft shares. "He has a very good understanding of what happens at Microsoft, and he has made hard decisions in the face of big challenges. It's a pretty strong combination."</p> <p>The jury is still out on whether Elop saved or put a nail in Nokia's coffin by making the pivotal decision to adopt Microsoft's Windows Phone system as its smartphone platform in 2011.</p> <p>Nokia's shares fell more than 60 percent during Elop's tenure as CEO, and its sales collapsed as it jumped from its long-held but outdated Symbian system to the largely untested and unknown Windows, choosing it over the more popular Android system by Google Inc.</p> <p>"They (Nokia) only have 3 percent market share in smartphones. They lost 40 percent of their revenue in mobile phones in Q2. That's not a business on stable ground," said Hakan Wranne, an analyst at Swedbank, summing up Elop's legacy. "Of course we will never know what would've happened if they had chosen Android."</p> <p>TRAIL TO FINLAND</p> <p>But perhaps it could have been worse.</p> <p>The appointment of Elop as Nokia CEO in 2010, making him the first non-Finn to lead the company, was seen by many at the company as a breath of fresh air.</p> <p>Many who survived the massive job cuts - around 40,000 since his arrival - credited Elop for turning around a culture that many said lacked speed, decisiveness and a sensitivity towards demands of customers and partners.</p> <p>Analysts credit him for speeding up product launches over the past year by eliminating unnecessary processes and holding individual executives more accountable.</p> <p>In an interview in July, Elop said the company spent 22 months on the N8, which used the now-obsolete Symbian operating system and was launched shortly after he joined the company. With Windows phones, he got that down to six- to eight-month delivery cycles.</p> <p>Many Finns were relieved the Canadian was more understated than Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer or other U.S. tech executives, bonding with his adopted countrymen over a love of ice hockey.</p> <p>Many were impressed he answered 10 to 20 emails from customers each day.</p> <p>"He is a nice guy. Everyone liked him. That's his strength," said one former Nokia employee who worked closely with Elop and asked not to be named. "He is very down-to-earth, he answers all of his email. His communication skills are very good, but he has got a sense for the dramatic."</p> <p>Elop's dramatic side came to the fore with his startling "Burning Platform" memo sent to staff shortly before he announced the company would adopt Microsoft's Windows Phone in early 2011, which essentially announced the death of Symbian.</p> <p>"It was an internal memo but he (Elop) knew it would get out given the situation at Nokia," said the former Nokia employee who asked not to be named.</p> <p>But outside the company it was broadly welcomed as the jump-start Nokia needed to change.</p> <p>"He (Elop) changed the way Nokia operated. And he did a very good job, he was fast at executing and changing the mind-set of the company," said IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo.</p> <p>Before he came to Microsoft in 2008, Elop was a fairly high profile Chief Operating Officer at network equipment maker Juniper Networks Inc and before that a president at software firm Adobe Systems Inc.</p> <p>"He's got a technical background, he actually understands engineering, he gets it," said Paul Murphy, formerly Elop's chief of staff at Microsoft. "I've seen him interact with customers, he's fantastic with customers in difficult situations."</p> <p>Less is known about Elop's stint as Chief Information Officer of restaurant chain Boston Chicken from 1992 to 1998 when the company filed for bankruptcy.</p> <p>The Nokia deal is not expected to distract the special committee from conducting a thorough search for a new CEO, said one person with knowledge of the matter, hinting strongly that Elop is not a shoo-in for the job, but admitting that he is a probable candidate.</p> <p>"People can point to his Nokia track record and say that he failed, but he was really dealt a tough hand," said Walkush at Jensen Investment Management. "He's demonstrated a lot of leadership and ability."</p>

british bookmaker installed stephen elop favorite take soontobevacant ceo slot microsoft corp nasdaqmsft last week tech observers laughed publicity stunt continue reading microsofts purchase nokias handset business announced late monday suddenly made elop one visible candidates top spot company worked investors others familiar boards thinking reject suggestion deal done elop mind track record nokia nysenok decidedly mixed minimum though understated steely canadian play critical role managing microsofts controversial entry mobile handset market thus shape future software giant plunges headlong hardware business paper least 49yearold elop fits role knows broadly microsoft works spent nearly three years running highly profitable office unit spent three years thick mobile war nokia enough time cast insider minds many looking shake insular microsoft advertisement people looking microsoft go dramatic change said kevin walkush analyst jensen investment management holds microsoft shares good understanding happens microsoft made hard decisions face big challenges pretty strong combination jury still whether elop saved put nail nokias coffin making pivotal decision adopt microsofts windows phone system smartphone platform 2011 nokias shares fell 60 percent elops tenure ceo sales collapsed jumped longheld outdated symbian system largely untested unknown windows choosing popular android system google inc nokia 3 percent market share smartphones lost 40 percent revenue mobile phones q2 thats business stable ground said hakan wranne analyst swedbank summing elops legacy course never know wouldve happened chosen android trail finland perhaps could worse appointment elop nokia ceo 2010 making first nonfinn lead company seen many company breath fresh air many survived massive job cuts around 40000 since arrival credited elop turning around culture many said lacked speed decisiveness sensitivity towards demands customers partners analysts credit speeding product launches past year eliminating unnecessary processes holding individual executives accountable interview july elop said company spent 22 months n8 used nowobsolete symbian operating system launched shortly joined company windows phones got six eightmonth delivery cycles many finns relieved canadian understated microsoft ceo steve ballmer us tech executives bonding adopted countrymen love ice hockey many impressed answered 10 20 emails customers day nice guy everyone liked thats strength said one former nokia employee worked closely elop asked named downtoearth answers email communication skills good got sense dramatic elops dramatic side came fore startling burning platform memo sent staff shortly announced company would adopt microsofts windows phone early 2011 essentially announced death symbian internal memo elop knew would get given situation nokia said former nokia employee asked named outside company broadly welcomed jumpstart nokia needed change elop changed way nokia operated good job fast executing changing mindset company said idc analyst francisco jeronimo came microsoft 2008 elop fairly high profile chief operating officer network equipment maker juniper networks inc president software firm adobe systems inc hes got technical background actually understands engineering gets said paul murphy formerly elops chief staff microsoft ive seen interact customers hes fantastic customers difficult situations less known elops stint chief information officer restaurant chain boston chicken 1992 1998 company filed bankruptcy nokia deal expected distract special committee conducting thorough search new ceo said one person knowledge matter hinting strongly elop shooin job admitting probable candidate people point nokia track record say failed really dealt tough hand said walkush jensen investment management hes demonstrated lot leadership ability

<p /> <p>Image source:Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>With both presidential nominees pushing fordrug-price reform, investors need to start protecting themselves. There's no need to dump all your pharma holdings, you may want to pull away from those that lean on eye-popping price increases on old drugs to prop up their revenue and instead turn toward those that are blazing new territory with pioneering meds, adding millions in new sales along the way. To put it simply, pharmas and biotechs that rely on innovation to drive returns, rather than on price-gouging, are likely to be the best healthcare stocks going forward.</p> <p>Drugmakers that create best-in-class drugs have built-in pricing power. Three stocks in particular come up big on that list:Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG), Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), and, surprisingly, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY). Not only do these drugmakers eschew above-inflation price increases on their old meds, but their new therapies could also save lives, making them much less vulnerable to pushback by politicians or payers.</p> <p>Let's look at each stock in turn</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Celgene's earnings climbed 28% in Q3, and revenue soared 28% to $2.98 billion. Even better, while fellow biotech Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN)is growing by ramping up prices ondrugs whose market share is eroding,Celgene's revenue growth was driven by increased volume.</p> <p>Specifically, Celgene's superstar multiple myeloma drug, Revlimid, ramped up 30.1% last quarter, driven by greater prescriber adoption and longer duration of therapy. Despite that success, Celgene's stock has been caught up in the general fear over potential limits on drug prices. The stock was down 18% for the year, before the Q3 earnings report tacked on 3.4% after hours on Thursday.</p> <p>I scooped up some shares recently, because Celgene's focus on extremely powerful and novel therapies, such as CAR-T, Ozanimod, and CELMods, gives it tremendous pricing power. The concept that a product that works much better deserves a price premium is universal to all sectors of the economy, not just healthcare, so these medications are the least vulnerable to pricing pushback.</p> <p>In fact, while we're hearing a lot of flap over pricing, the only drugmakers Congress is targeting thus far have been those guilty of attempting highway robbery with old drugs, such as Turing Pharmaceuticals' upping the price on an HIV pill from $13.50 to $750 per pill. Meanwhile, Celgene has50 potential new product approvals in over 100 indications pending by 2025. Manytherapies have a chance to end up best-in-class, or first-line treatments, so Celgene should rack up double-digit growth for years to comewith little pricing vulnerability.</p> <p>Image source: Celgene.</p> <p>Bristol Myers blew past analyst estimates last quarter, with revenue up 21% to $4.9 billion. More importantly, the company has plenty of fuel to maintain rapid growth.</p> <p>Specifically, Bristol's new products should chip in a full 65% of 2020 sales. That sets this 3.1% dividend-paying stock up as a great choice for investors looking for both growth and income. Bristol's reliance on new drugs should bring above-average earnings growth for many years, with limited political pressure coming to bear.</p> <p>Bristol's stock is particularly appealing because it presents a bargain right now, having lost nearly a third of its value last summer after cancer immunotherapy Opdivo failed an advanced lung cancer trial. That could go down asone of thedumbest market overreactions this year. Losing out to Merck's (NYSE: MRK) Keytruda for advanced lung cancer hurt, but Opdivo is currently in more than 50 clinical trials and could easily become one of the best-selling drugsin the world in the next five years.</p> <p>Recently, Bristol sharply raised its forecast, reflecting its impressive pipeline of specialty medicines. This company pioneered cancer immunotherapy and relies little on price increases, and I'd expect it to be a terrific performer in pharma's new price-conscious world.</p> <p>Ready for an unexpected choice? I believe 2.8%-yielding pharma Eli Lilly has a big ramp-up coming, because new drugs should bring in a full 50% of sales by 2020. In fact, if you look deeper into Lily's recent disappointing quarter, you'll see its modest growth -- 4.7% in revenue versus a year earlier -- all came from growing demand for recently approved products.</p> <p>Better still, its new drugs are at the beginning of their launch cycles, contributing only around 10% of the $5.2 billion in reported revenue, so big acceleration should be coming.Specifically, Lilly's trio of outstanding new drugs -- psoriasis drug Talz, gastric cancer med Cyramza, and diabetes drug Trulicity -- have seen sales starting to surge. In addition, Lilly's SGLT-2 inhibitor should also see sales pick up soon, assuming the FDA expands its label for a new cardiovascular indication on its PDUFA date of Dec. 4.</p> <p>Typically, stocks don't perform well in the three months after they release disappointing earnings, so Lilly is risky right now. But the company also has a huge, rapidly approaching catalyst in Alzheimer's drug Solanezumab, which should see phase 3 trial data this quarter. It's a stock to watch closely, and high-risk playersmight want to take a chance because of the massive swing factor in Solanezumab.</p> <p>With the presidential election dominating the news, market enthusiasm for pharma has chilled to Ice Age levels. In fact, biotech investors may be approaching panic, with the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index down 9% over the past month.</p> <p>Just remember: Panicking never made anyone a dime in the stock market. Pharma can be a tricky industry, but concern over drug-price reform will probably die down after the election, especially since Congress thus far has chosen to pick a few battles within the sector, rather than go after the entire industry with major legislation.</p> <p>Buthowever the election plays out, these three stocks' reliance on innovation, rather than price-gouging, bodes extremely well for their future. And with investors running away in droves, if you're willing to risk some volatility, they could net you a red-hot deal today, as well as a nice payoff for decades to come.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Celgene 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=23675e24-1e61-4d12-b89d-be19dcd8a4cc&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 Celgene 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=23675e24-1e61-4d12-b89d-be19dcd8a4cc&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/CherylSwanson/info.aspx" type="external">Cheryl Swanson Opens a New Window.</a> owns Celgene.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene. 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 sourcegetty images continue reading presidential nominees pushing fordrugprice reform investors need start protecting theres need dump pharma holdings may want pull away lean eyepopping price increases old drugs prop revenue instead turn toward blazing new territory pioneering meds adding millions new sales along way put simply pharmas biotechs rely innovation drive returns rather pricegouging likely best healthcare stocks going forward drugmakers create bestinclass drugs builtin pricing power three stocks particular come big listcelgene nasdaq celg bristolmyers squibb nyse bmy surprisingly eli lilly nyse lly drugmakers eschew aboveinflation price increases old meds new therapies could also save lives making much less vulnerable pushback politicians payers lets look stock turn advertisement celgenes earnings climbed 28 q3 revenue soared 28 298 billion even better fellow biotech amgen nasdaq amgnis growing ramping prices ondrugs whose market share erodingcelgenes revenue growth driven increased volume specifically celgenes superstar multiple myeloma drug revlimid ramped 301 last quarter driven greater prescriber adoption longer duration therapy despite success celgenes stock caught general fear potential limits drug prices stock 18 year q3 earnings report tacked 34 hours thursday scooped shares recently celgenes focus extremely powerful novel therapies cart ozanimod celmods gives tremendous pricing power concept product works much better deserves price premium universal sectors economy healthcare medications least vulnerable pricing pushback fact hearing lot flap pricing drugmakers congress targeting thus far guilty attempting highway robbery old drugs turing pharmaceuticals upping price hiv pill 1350 750 per pill meanwhile celgene has50 potential new product approvals 100 indications pending 2025 manytherapies chance end bestinclass firstline treatments celgene rack doubledigit growth years comewith little pricing vulnerability image source celgene bristol myers blew past analyst estimates last quarter revenue 21 49 billion importantly company plenty fuel maintain rapid growth specifically bristols new products chip full 65 2020 sales sets 31 dividendpaying stock great choice investors looking growth income bristols reliance new drugs bring aboveaverage earnings growth many years limited political pressure coming bear bristols stock particularly appealing presents bargain right lost nearly third value last summer cancer immunotherapy opdivo failed advanced lung cancer trial could go asone thedumbest market overreactions year losing mercks nyse mrk keytruda advanced lung cancer hurt opdivo currently 50 clinical trials could easily become one bestselling drugsin world next five years recently bristol sharply raised forecast reflecting impressive pipeline specialty medicines company pioneered cancer immunotherapy relies little price increases id expect terrific performer pharmas new priceconscious world ready unexpected choice believe 28yielding pharma eli lilly big rampup coming new drugs bring full 50 sales 2020 fact look deeper lilys recent disappointing quarter youll see modest growth 47 revenue versus year earlier came growing demand recently approved products better still new drugs beginning launch cycles contributing around 10 52 billion reported revenue big acceleration comingspecifically lillys trio outstanding new drugs psoriasis drug talz gastric cancer med cyramza diabetes drug trulicity seen sales starting surge addition lillys sglt2 inhibitor also see sales pick soon assuming fda expands label new cardiovascular indication pdufa date dec 4 typically stocks dont perform well three months release disappointing earnings lilly risky right company also huge rapidly approaching catalyst alzheimers drug solanezumab see phase 3 trial data quarter stock watch closely highrisk playersmight want take chance massive swing factor solanezumab presidential election dominating news market enthusiasm pharma chilled ice age levels fact biotech investors may approaching panic nasdaq biotechnology index 9 past month remember panicking never made anyone dime stock market pharma tricky industry concern drugprice reform probably die election especially since congress thus far chosen pick battles within sector rather go entire industry major legislation buthowever election plays three stocks reliance innovation rather pricegouging bodes extremely well future investors running away droves youre willing risk volatility could net redhot deal today well nice payoff decades come 10 stocks like better celgene investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe ten best stocks opens new window investors buy right celgene wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 cheryl swanson opens new window owns celgenethe motley fool owns shares recommends celgene 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: Under Armour.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Under Armour (NYSE: UA) (NYSE: UA-C) stock fell by nearly 3% on Monday, as investors sold off the stock on news that the company's founder and CEO, Kevin Plank, is planning to sell nearly 2.075 million shares of Under Armour. Is this a big reason for concern?</p> <p>Corporate executives can have all kinds of valid reasons to sell a stock, and portfolio diversification is usually a key consideration. Top-level executives usually receive a considerable part of their annual compensation in shares of the company. If they never sell, the stock can account for a disproportionate share of their overall portfolio.</p> <p>Having both your salary and your investing portfolio depending too much on a particular company can be excessively risky, and most financial advisors typically recommend avoiding those kinds of situations.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In fact, when looking at insider activity for most companies in the market, insider selling is far more typical than insiders buying the company's stock. This can be for a variety of reasons, including cash needs or simply diversifying the portfolio. The main point is that when an insider is selling, it doesn't necessarily mean the executive is losing confidence in the future of the business.</p> <p>That being said, Plank's decision to sell involves a considerable amount of money, 2.075 million shares at a current market price of $39.3 per unit would mean roughly $81.5 million. Besides, the move comes in a very particular time for Under Armour, as the stock is down by over 18% in the last year.</p> <p>The company is firing on all cylinders on the revenue front: Under Armour produced $1 billion in revenue during the second quarter of 2016, an annual increase of 28%. For the full year 2016, management is expecting sales to increase by approximately 24% year over year. On the other hand, Under Armour is aggressively investing for growth, and this is hurting profit margins. In addition, Under Armour took a $23 million impairment related to the liquidation of Sports Authority last quarter.</p> <p>That Kevin Plank is selling lots of Under Armour shares in times when the stock is performing badly thanks to shrinking profit margins is understandably raising some eyebrows among investors in the company.</p> <p>On August 31, 2016, Kevin Plank entered into a pre-arranged trading plan to sell nearly 2.075 million shares of Under Armour class C common stock over nine months. This includes 1.875 million shares in Plank's personal portfolio and 200,000 shares held by his charitable foundation. According to the official SEC filing from Under Armour: "The sales under the trading plan are being done for asset diversification, tax and estate planning, and charitable giving purposes."</p> <p>Under Armour has three different kinds of shares outstanding, with dissimilar voting rights: Class A stock has one vote per share, class B shares have 10 votes each, while class C shares have no voting rights at all.</p> <p>Kevin Plank currently owns 15.6% of Under Armour's total shares outstanding, including the three different kinds of stock. Even after the transaction is fully completed, Plank will still own 15.2% of the company's capital.</p> <p>In terms of voting power, Plank beneficially owns 15.9% of the class A and class B common stock outstanding, representing nearly 65.3% of the combined voting power of the company's outstanding shares. Since he's not selling any class A or class B stock, Plank will fully retain his voting rights.</p> <p>It's never nice to see a CEO selling stock in the business he's running, especially when it's a big transaction and the stock is down materially over the year. Nevertheless, it's important to see things in perspective.</p> <p>Even after selling more than 2 million shares in the company, Plank will remain enormously invested in Under Armour, not only financially, but also in personal terms. Kevin Plank created Under Armour from his mother's basement in 1996, using his personal savings and credit card debt. Since then, he has grown Under Armour into a business worth nearly $17.45 billion in market value and growing at full speed.</p> <p>This is probably about much more than money for Kevin Plank at this stage. Besides, he will still own over 15% of the company's capital and more than 65% of the voting rights. Investing in Under Armour means investing in Kevin Plank to a good degree, and that's not going to change after this scheduled stock sale.</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/acardenal/info.aspx" type="external">Andres Cardenal Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Under Armour (A and C shares). 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 armour continue reading armour nyse ua nyse uac stock fell nearly 3 monday investors sold stock news companys founder ceo kevin plank planning sell nearly 2075 million shares armour big reason concern corporate executives kinds valid reasons sell stock portfolio diversification usually key consideration toplevel executives usually receive considerable part annual compensation shares company never sell stock account disproportionate share overall portfolio salary investing portfolio depending much particular company excessively risky financial advisors typically recommend avoiding kinds situations advertisement fact looking insider activity companies market insider selling far typical insiders buying companys stock variety reasons including cash needs simply diversifying portfolio main point insider selling doesnt necessarily mean executive losing confidence future business said planks decision sell involves considerable amount money 2075 million shares current market price 393 per unit would mean roughly 815 million besides move comes particular time armour stock 18 last year company firing cylinders revenue front armour produced 1 billion revenue second quarter 2016 annual increase 28 full year 2016 management expecting sales increase approximately 24 year year hand armour aggressively investing growth hurting profit margins addition armour took 23 million impairment related liquidation sports authority last quarter kevin plank selling lots armour shares times stock performing badly thanks shrinking profit margins understandably raising eyebrows among investors company august 31 2016 kevin plank entered prearranged trading plan sell nearly 2075 million shares armour class c common stock nine months includes 1875 million shares planks personal portfolio 200000 shares held charitable foundation according official sec filing armour sales trading plan done asset diversification tax estate planning charitable giving purposes armour three different kinds shares outstanding dissimilar voting rights class stock one vote per share class b shares 10 votes class c shares voting rights kevin plank currently owns 156 armours total shares outstanding including three different kinds stock even transaction fully completed plank still 152 companys capital terms voting power plank beneficially owns 159 class class b common stock outstanding representing nearly 653 combined voting power companys outstanding shares since hes selling class class b stock plank fully retain voting rights never nice see ceo selling stock business hes running especially big transaction stock materially year nevertheless important see things perspective even selling 2 million shares company plank remain enormously invested armour financially also personal terms kevin plank created armour mothers basement 1996 using personal savings credit card debt since grown armour business worth nearly 1745 billion market value growing full speed probably much money kevin plank stage besides still 15 companys capital 65 voting rights investing armour means investing kevin plank good degree thats going change scheduled stock sale 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 andres cardenal opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends armour c shares try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Most consumers know PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) as the digital wallet they use to make purchases online. Other consumers' thoughts will immediately turn to online retailer eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY), where PayPal is almost universally used as the payment platform of choice by buyers and sellers.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>For investors, PayPal's history is a bit more complicated. In 2002, the company went public. A few short months later, it was acquired by eBay, after PayPal almost cannibalized its checkout page. From that moment until the summer of 2015, if investors wanted exposure to PayPal, they had to invest in shares of eBay. Since being spun off, PayPal shares have dipped, spiked, and ultimately meandered to little more than a 15% gain.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/PYPL" type="external">PYPL</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>While none of this might be news to investors, here are five lesser-known facts about the digital payment platform's history:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Peter Thiel met Max Levchin after giving a presentation at Stanford University in the late 1990s. Soon thereafter, Levchin approached Thiel about starting a company that would produce encryption software for handheld devices. The company they founded, called Field Link, was established in Silicon Valley.</p> <p>The encryption idea soon fizzled and the company would make the first of what ultimately proved to be several name changes and pivots in focus.</p> <p>Thiel and Levchin refocused their efforts on the booming Palm Pilot business and renamed the company Confinity. The new company was to launch a platform called PayPal that would allow Palm Pilot owners to transfer money to other Palm Pilot owners. To demonstrate PayPal's capabilities, Nokia Ventures, the venture capital arm of Nokia, transferred three million dollars in investment funds to Thiel's personal Palm Pilot. According to this <a href="https://www.wired.com/1999/07/paypal-puts-dough-in-your-palm/" type="external">quaint 1999 Wired article Opens a New Window.</a>, the process took all of five seconds.</p> <p>Image source: PayPal Holdings Inc.</p> <p>The Palm Pilot idea inevitably fizzled too. Even during its heyday, only a small minority of U.S. consumers owned any type of handheld personal assistant device.</p> <p>Fortuitously, it was just at this time that online commerce began to really take off. Confinity devised a way for users to send money via email, creating an immense advantage over other digital-wallet start-ups of the time. Some digital wallets (e.g., Beenz.com, Flooz.com) were entirely based on new and unproven digital currency, while others (e.g., CyberCash) required pre-funding. It is not a coincidence those start-ups are long defunct.</p> <p>Confinity allowed PayPal accounts to be linked to existing bank accounts, so no pre-funding was required. And since it relied on the U.S. dollar instead of gimmicky cybercurrency, consumers placed more trust in the system. Combined with its inherent convenience over writing checks or sending money orders, Confinity's PayPal service proved to be very popular with early e-commerce consumers.</p> <p>PayPal's services were very popular with early eBay users. Image source: <a href="https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-and-flipkart-sign-exclusive-agreement-to-jointly-address-the-ecommerce-market-opportunity-in-india/" type="external">eBay Inc Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>In March 2000, Confinity merged with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X.com" type="external">X.com Opens a New Window.</a>, a company Elon Musk had co-founded that focused on online banking solutions. Musk believed so strongly in the flagship service that he renamed the company PayPal in 2001. After the company began receiving lots of positive feedback from eBay customers, the company shifted focus again, this time to the growing e-commerce market.</p> <p>Musk aggressively marketed the service and offered small cash giveaways to new customers. Due to the marketing push and PayPal's advantages over its competitors, account growth exploded. From January through August 2000, PayPal accounts grew from 12,000 to 2.7 million. Musk would not remain the CEO for long. He believed the company should move from a Unix to a Microsoft platform, but he lost the battle and was replaced by Thiel shortly thereafter.</p> <p>The "PayPal Mafia" is a term used to affectionately describe the pre-IPO PayPal team in California; it was estimated by Thiel to include about 220 people. Members have gone on to found several disruptive start-ups valued at over a billion dollars themselves, including Tesla, LinkedIn (later acquired by Microsoft), Palantir Technologies (private), Yelp, YouTube (acquired for $1.65 billion by Google, now part of Alphabet), SpaceX (private), and Yammer (acquired for $1.2 billion, also by Microsoft).</p> <p>While some have called the PayPal Mafia one of the world's most powerful networks, Thiel is hesitant to use that term. In a TechRepublic " <a href="http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-the-paypal-mafia-redefined-success-in-silicon-valley/" type="external">cover story Opens a New Window.</a>" he stated:</p> <p>As one of the first viral apps, PayPal played a crucial role in shaping Silicon Valley. Users could send money to nonusers through the platform, but before recipients could claim the money, they had to open their own accounts. It was one of the first companies to give users the option to embed a widget it provided; early eBay users could embed PayPal's logo onto auction pages. And PayPal broke the product-cycle scourge by releasing updates as they became available, instead of at specified intervals.</p> <p>The investing lessons learned by reviewing PayPal's long, winding road to success pertain to far more than just the future of the company.</p> <p>First, it is extremely important, especially for young tech companies, to be able to pivot an entire company's focus when necessary. PayPal would have likely been nothing more than a footnote in the dot-com crash if it had kept its focus on transferring money between Palm Pilots.</p> <p>Second, a company's culture is important. While there are many different ways a company can cultivate a good workplace, it is clear PayPal's early days relied on relationships rather than headhunting to find the right people to fill roles.</p> <p>Finally, the last lesson one can learn from PayPal's journey: If you need a job, it doesn't hurt to know someone who's a member of the PayPal Mafia.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than PayPal HoldingsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=8179d619-afef-451b-8ed5-ac0ad5fc66f5&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 PayPal Holdings wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=8179d619-afef-451b-8ed5-ac0ad5fc66f5&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 April 3, 2017</p> <p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors; LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/CMFCochrane/info.aspx" type="external">Matthew Cochrane Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of GOOGL, Microsoft, and PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends GOOGL, GOOG, eBay, PayPal Holdings, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends Yelp. 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>

consumers know paypal holdings inc nasdaq pypl digital wallet use make purchases online consumers thoughts immediately turn online retailer ebay inc nasdaq ebay paypal almost universally used payment platform choice buyers sellers continue reading investors paypals history bit complicated 2002 company went public short months later acquired ebay paypal almost cannibalized checkout page moment summer 2015 investors wanted exposure paypal invest shares ebay since spun paypal shares dipped spiked ultimately meandered little 15 gain pypl data ycharts opens new window none might news investors five lesserknown facts digital payment platforms history advertisement peter thiel met max levchin giving presentation stanford university late 1990s soon thereafter levchin approached thiel starting company would produce encryption software handheld devices company founded called field link established silicon valley encryption idea soon fizzled company would make first ultimately proved several name changes pivots focus thiel levchin refocused efforts booming palm pilot business renamed company confinity new company launch platform called paypal would allow palm pilot owners transfer money palm pilot owners demonstrate paypals capabilities nokia ventures venture capital arm nokia transferred three million dollars investment funds thiels personal palm pilot according quaint 1999 wired article opens new window process took five seconds image source paypal holdings inc palm pilot idea inevitably fizzled even heyday small minority us consumers owned type handheld personal assistant device fortuitously time online commerce began really take confinity devised way users send money via email creating immense advantage digitalwallet startups time digital wallets eg beenzcom floozcom entirely based new unproven digital currency others eg cybercash required prefunding coincidence startups long defunct confinity allowed paypal accounts linked existing bank accounts prefunding required since relied us dollar instead gimmicky cybercurrency consumers placed trust system combined inherent convenience writing checks sending money orders confinitys paypal service proved popular early ecommerce consumers paypals services popular early ebay users image source ebay inc opens new window march 2000 confinity merged xcom opens new window company elon musk cofounded focused online banking solutions musk believed strongly flagship service renamed company paypal 2001 company began receiving lots positive feedback ebay customers company shifted focus time growing ecommerce market musk aggressively marketed service offered small cash giveaways new customers due marketing push paypals advantages competitors account growth exploded january august 2000 paypal accounts grew 12000 27 million musk would remain ceo long believed company move unix microsoft platform lost battle replaced thiel shortly thereafter paypal mafia term used affectionately describe preipo paypal team california estimated thiel include 220 people members gone found several disruptive startups valued billion dollars including tesla linkedin later acquired microsoft palantir technologies private yelp youtube acquired 165 billion google part alphabet spacex private yammer acquired 12 billion also microsoft called paypal mafia one worlds powerful networks thiel hesitant use term techrepublic cover story opens new window stated one first viral apps paypal played crucial role shaping silicon valley users could send money nonusers platform recipients could claim money open accounts one first companies give users option embed widget provided early ebay users could embed paypals logo onto auction pages paypal broke productcycle scourge releasing updates became available instead specified intervals investing lessons learned reviewing paypals long winding road success pertain far future company first extremely important especially young tech companies able pivot entire companys focus necessary paypal would likely nothing footnote dotcom crash kept focus transferring money palm pilots second companys culture important many different ways company cultivate good workplace clear paypals early days relied relationships rather headhunting find right people fill roles finally last lesson one learn paypals journey need job doesnt hurt know someone whos member paypal mafia 10 stocks like better paypal holdingswhen 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 paypal holdings wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft matthew cochrane opens new window owns shares googl microsoft paypal holdings motley fool owns shares recommends googl goog ebay paypal holdings tesla motley fool recommends yelp motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>The average American has a FICO credit score of 700, but in order to qualify for the lowest interest rates on loans as well as the <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-of-2017/?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d0642e5a-9ca8-11e7-9eef-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">best credit card offers Opens a New Window.</a>, you'll need a score that's significantly higher. If you have an average or below-average credit score, here are five suggestions that could help you improve your credit score by 100 points or more and have access to the best possible offers from lenders.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The vast majority of lenders use the <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/2017/08/30/what-does-my-credit-score-mean.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d0642e5a-9ca8-11e7-9eef-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">FICO credit scoring model Opens a New Window.</a> when deciding whether or not to approve you for a loan or new line of credit. So, the first step toward improving your credit is understanding where your score comes from.</p> <p>The specific formula used to compute your FICO score is a closely guarded secret, but fortunately, we do know the five broad categories of information that are used, and how much each one is weighted.</p> <p>The first category is perhaps the most obvious, and I probably don't need to tell you that paying your bills is good for your credit. However, there are some less-obvious ways you can improve your credit score. To be clear, there's no way of knowing what behaviors will result in an improvement of exactly 100 points, but with these suggestions, a 100-point improvement certainly isn't out of the question.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Notice that the second-largest category of information in your FICO score is "amounts owed." This doesn't simply refer to the actual dollar amounts you owe, but also considers something called your <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/2017/06/17/what-is-credit-utilization.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d0642e5a-9ca8-11e7-9eef-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">credit utilization Opens a New Window.</a>, or the percentage of your available credit you're using. And, this is considered on an overall basis, as well as on an account-by-account percentage.</p> <p>As you might imagine, paying off your credit card balances is one way to improve this area of your FICO score. However, not everyone can simply pay off their credit cards all at once. So, here are a couple of less-obvious credit utilization tips that can help you improve your score.</p> <p>The "length of credit history" category considers a variety of time-related factors, including the age of your credit accounts, and the average ages of all of your accounts. If you close an older, <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/2017/04/05/should-i-close-unused-credit-cards.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d0642e5a-9ca8-11e7-9eef-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">unused credit card Opens a New Window.</a>, it can drag this average down and ding your score. Conversely, the longer your individual accounts stay open, the more they'll help this category.</p> <p>In addition, closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can have a negative effect on your credit utilization.</p> <p>The most surefire path to an <a href="https://www.fool.com/credit-cards/2017/03/19/5-habits-of-americans-with-great-credit-scores.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=d0642e5a-9ca8-11e7-9eef-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">excellent credit score Opens a New Window.</a> is responsible credit behavior over a long period of time. By paying your bills on time, you're maximizing the most important FICO category, and by allowing your credit to age, you're boosting the "length of credit history" category.</p> <p>One important point everyone should realize is that there is no quick-fix for shaky credit, unless your score is bad as the result of inaccurate information. Simply allowing time to pass can be a highly effective tool, and you might be surprised at how much of a difference time can make. In fact, according to a myFICO.com credit simulator (available to myFICO.com subscribers), if I were to do nothing other than pay my credit cards on time for the next 24 months, my score would go up by more than 50 points.</p> <p>If you have negative information on your credit report, such as collection accounts, charge-offs, or judgements, there may not be much you can do about them in an immediate sense.</p> <p>It's true that a paid collection account looks better on your credit than an unpaid collection, but it can still show up and drag down your score. In some cases, it can be possible to get a collector to agree to remove a collection account entirely as a condition for payment in full, but be sure to get any such arrangement in writing.</p> <p>Fortunately, adverse information won't stay on your credit report forever. The vast majority of negative information, including late payments, collections, charge-offs, and judgements, will drop off of your credit report after seven years (10 years for Chapter 7 bankruptcy). The negative information will contribute less and less as time goes on, and you could see your score shoot up dramatically once the information is finally removed.</p> <p>During my time at The Motley Fool, I've interviewed quite a few credit experts, some of which even have perfect FICO scores. And while there is some disagreement in regards to the best way to achieve a maximized credit score, the consensus is that making use of your credit is a positive factor.</p> <p>The "credit mix" category takes into account the variety on your credit report. In other words, having an active mortgage, auto loan, and credit card could look better to creditors than just having one of the three.</p> <p>To be clear, I'm not saying to borrow money if you don't need to. However, if you currently don't use credit cards, it might actually help you to start charging some purchases and paying them off shortly after.</p> <p>One major theme here is that there's no way to realistically add 100 points or more to your credit score overnight. I often tell people that you can boost your score by a few points rather quickly, but for major improvements, there's no substitute for time.</p> <p>However, there's also no magic formula you need to know. As you can see from this discussion, most ways to improve your credit aren't much more than good old-fashioned common sense financial behaviors. With a combination of responsible behavior and time, it's certainly possible for the average American to add 100 points to their credit score.</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. 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average american fico credit score 700 order qualify lowest interest rates loans well best credit card offers opens new window youll need score thats significantly higher average belowaverage credit score five suggestions could help improve credit score 100 points access best possible offers lenders continue reading vast majority lenders use fico credit scoring model opens new window deciding whether approve loan new line credit first step toward improving credit understanding score comes specific formula used compute fico score closely guarded secret fortunately know five broad categories information used much one weighted first category perhaps obvious probably dont need tell paying bills good credit however lessobvious ways improve credit score clear theres way knowing behaviors result improvement exactly 100 points suggestions 100point improvement certainly isnt question advertisement notice secondlargest category information fico score amounts owed doesnt simply refer actual dollar amounts owe also considers something called credit utilization opens new window percentage available credit youre using considered overall basis well accountbyaccount percentage might imagine paying credit card balances one way improve area fico score however everyone simply pay credit cards couple lessobvious credit utilization tips help improve score length credit history category considers variety timerelated factors including age credit accounts average ages accounts close older unused credit card opens new window drag average ding score conversely longer individual accounts stay open theyll help category addition closing account reduces total available credit negative effect credit utilization surefire path excellent credit score opens new window responsible credit behavior long period time paying bills time youre maximizing important fico category allowing credit age youre boosting length credit history category one important point everyone realize quickfix shaky credit unless score bad result inaccurate information simply allowing time pass highly effective tool might surprised much difference time make fact according myficocom credit simulator available myficocom subscribers nothing pay credit cards time next 24 months score would go 50 points negative information credit report collection accounts chargeoffs judgements may much immediate sense true paid collection account looks better credit unpaid collection still show drag score cases possible get collector agree remove collection account entirely condition payment full sure get arrangement writing fortunately adverse information wont stay credit report forever vast majority negative information including late payments collections chargeoffs judgements drop credit report seven years 10 years chapter 7 bankruptcy negative information contribute less less time goes could see score shoot dramatically information finally removed time motley fool ive interviewed quite credit experts even perfect fico scores disagreement regards best way achieve maximized credit score consensus making use credit positive factor credit mix category takes account variety credit report words active mortgage auto loan credit card could look better creditors one three clear im saying borrow money dont need however currently dont use credit cards might actually help start charging purchases paying shortly one major theme theres way realistically add 100 points credit score overnight often tell people boost score points rather quickly major improvements theres substitute time however theres also magic formula need know see discussion ways improve credit arent much good oldfashioned common sense financial behaviors combination responsible behavior time certainly possible average american add 100 points credit score 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 window160to claim copy 5 simple tips skyrocket credit score 800 motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Well, this weekend I learned&amp;#160;there&#8217;s a guy named Ray Rice who&#8217;s got a pretty mean left hook, at least when he&#8217;s punching his wife in the face on an elevator.</p> <p>It seems he also plays something called &#8220;football,&#8221; or at least he used to do so until surveillance video&amp;#160;of the punch was released by some kind of news organization called TMZ.</p> <p /> <p>What caught my attention about this story was not, of course, Mr. Rice or football or TMZ, about all of which I know pretty much nothing, but a raging series of debates I see on Twitter today about the matter.</p> <p>As is typical of such debates argued in the 140 character &#8220;jabs&#8221; of the Twitterverse, there&#8217;s a great deal of mis- and cross-communication, undoubtedly much of it deliberate.</p> <p>(UPDATE: Note that this topic can now also be viewed as a Law of Self Defense University Video Lecture, or listened to as a Law of Self Defense Podcast, here: http://is.gd/1HOsaT)</p> <p>The key issues leading to angry pitchforks and torches appear to be:</p> <p>Addressing the the first question from a legal (and, I dare say, a pragmatic) perspective, the answer is of course the latter. &amp;#160;If one meets the necessary conditions of lawful self-defense, one may use necessary force against any aggressor, regardless of their gender.</p> <p>Of course, one of those conditions is the element of proportionality, and it is this element that would appear to undermine any claim that Rice&#8217;s punch could be characterized as lawful self-defense.</p> <p /> <p>In the aftermath of the Ferguson shooting I&#8217;ve done several posts here on the issue of proportionality in the context of deadly force, in particular noting that a weapon, such as a gun, can be used against even a nominally &#8220;unarmed&#8221; aggressor if that aggressor nevertheless represents a threat of death or grave bodily harm:</p> <p><a href="" type="internal">When can you legally use a gun against an unarmed person?</a></p> <p><a href="" type="internal">Caught on Video: Vicious Group Attack by Thugs on Young Couple</a></p> <p><a href="" type="internal">Caught on video: Another black-on-white racially motivated gang attack</a></p> <p>The legal issue in these cases, from the perspective of self-defense, is one of proportionality&#8211;was the gun, a weapon capable of causing death or grave bodily harm, used to counter a threat that was also capable of causing death or grave bodily harm. &amp;#160;If the answer of yes, the demands of proportionality are met. &amp;#160;If not, proportionality fails, the use of the gun was excessive force, and the claim that the gun was used in lawful self-defense collapses.</p> <p>Once the threshold of deadly force has been achieved, the law sees little variance in degree in terms of that force. Deadly force is deadly force.</p> <p>It is important to keep in mind, when we say &#8220;deadly force&#8221; in the context of self-defense law we always mean &#8220;force capable or likely of causing death or grave bodily harm (e.g., maiming, broken bones, unconsciousness, rape, etc.) A broken bone may not threaten a loss of life, but it is &#8220;deadly force&#8221; for purposes of self defense law.</p> <p>Whether that deadly&amp;#160;force is presented by a gun or a knife or a bat or a bone-crushing blows to the face or a stomp to the head makes really no difference to the law. &amp;#160;The law is concerned with the possible or likely mortal outcome, by whatever means it might be achieved.</p> <p>But what about the issue of proportionality in the context of non-deadly force?</p> <p>Somewhat counterintuitively, the analysis of proportionality is actually more difficult and subtle in the context of non-deadly force than it is in the context of deadly force. As mentioned, deadly force is deadly force. Period.</p> <p>The matter is quite more varied in the context of non-deadly self-defense, however. &amp;#160;Some gently places a hand on your arm may well be committing a simple batter, if the touching is offensive and unwanted. &amp;#160;But that is a much lesser degree of force than if they poked&amp;#160;you painfully in the chest, which in turn is a lesser degree of force than if they powerfully shoved you in the chest. &amp;#160;Yet all of these fall under the umbrella of non-deadly force.</p> <p>And because they all fall under the umbrella of non-deadly force, they can be defended against only with non-deadly force in return&#8211;and, as required by the element of proportionality, only by a degree of non-deadly force that is proportional to the aggressive force.</p> <p>So, certainly, if an angry person grabs you by the arm in the absence of any intent to cause you death or grave bodily harm, the requirements of proportionality would clearly prohibit you from responding with, say, a gun. Further, it would prohibit you from responding with force that would predictably result in grave bodily harm.</p> <p>Anybody foolish enough to grab an appropriately trained defender by the arm is putting themselves in a position to have that arm&#8217;s elbow vigorously broken&#8211;but such a &#8220;grave bodily harm&#8221; counter to a non-deadly offense would almost certainly be deemed disproportionate, and therefore not lawful self-defense.</p> <p>What about responding to the arm grab with a multiple blows to the aggressor&#8217;s&amp;#160;face, with such blows causing contusions and abrasions, but no broken bones? &amp;#160;This is far more proportional than the snapped elbow, but still leaves room for a jury to conclude that these lasting injuries were disproportionate given that an arm-grab is not itself likely to cause any lasting injury.</p> <p>In contrast, a joint-lock a few millimeters short of the elbow bending in ways its geometry does not intend would almost certainly not qualify as &#8220;grave bodily harm,&#8221; nor cause any lasting injury, and thus be proportional to an unwanted arm grab. &amp;#160;Similarly the simpler but perhaps less satisfying expedient of simply knocking the arm away.</p> <p>(Note: These dynamics naturally vary if the aggressor is much larger, stronger or possesses an exceptional fighting ability relative to defender&#8211;under such circumstances the defender would be permitted to use as much greater degree of force as necessary to avoid a disparity of force that prevented them from effectively defending themselves.)</p> <p>For purposes of this discussion, I&#8217;m going to assume that Rice&#8217;s punch constituted merely non-deadly force. &amp;#160;Were I the prosecutor of such a case, however, I would argue very vigorously that the punch was, in fact, deadly force, because the victim lost consciousness as a result. Remember, in the context of self-defense deadly force includes force causing grave bodily injury. &amp;#160;Unconsciousness qualifies as grave bodily injury. &amp;#160;(Were I the defense, I&#8217;d counter that the unconsciousness resulted from the wife&#8217;s head striking the handrail in the elevator, to which the prosecutor me would argue that event occurred as a predictable consequence of the punch. Sheesh, lawyers.)</p> <p>Let us also assume for purposes of discussion that Ray&#8217;s wife was the aggressor in the conflict, launching an unjustified physical attack upon him in the elevator, to which he responded with his punch to her face. &amp;#160;Under such circumstances Rice would clearly have the legal right to use necessary non-deadly force to defend himself from that attack.</p> <p>(I note, however, that in the video embedded above at the 0:25 second mark, before the knockdown punch, the wife&#8217;s face turns abruptly to the right of the frame, as if she had been slapped hard. &amp;#160;Immediately afterwards comes her advance on Rice. Clearly, if Rice were actually the initial aggressor in the conflict he cannot claim self-defense for his later punch&#8211;at 0:27&#8211;regardless of whether it was proportional to his wife&#8217;s force against him.)</p> <p>Even with those assumptions, the question remains, was Rice&#8217;s punch&amp;#160;proportional to the threat he faced form &amp;#160;his wife?</p> <p>Here the law requires that we take into consideration the degree of threat likely presented by the non-deadly force his wife could bring to bear against the degree of&amp;#160;non-deadly force at Rice&#8217;s disposal for purposes of self-defense.</p> <p>I know nothing about Rice&#8217;s wife except that she appears to be a modest-sized healthy female with a weight and stature less than that of her husband. I&#8217;m unaware of her possessing any special capabilities that would endow her with exceptional fighting ability for a person of her size and gender.</p> <p>Rice, on the other hand is (regardless of what one might think of him from a moral perspective) a premiere professional athlete. &amp;#160;I understand he was a second round draft pick into the NFL in 2008, which presumably is an indicator of exceptional physical strength and abilities among an already highly elite pool of athletes. &amp;#160;And based on the Twitter screams of the football fantasy fans on Twitter at word of his expulsion from the NFL, I take it that his physical abilities had remained potent to the current day.</p> <p>These disparities alone would mean that any physical act of Rice&#8217;s&#8211;even a mere shove or smack&#8211;could well be several times as powerful as any similar act of his wife. &amp;#160; Thus, if his wife were shoving or smacking at him, the &amp;#160;powerful left hook to her face would clearly be disproportionate response. Indeed, this disproportionality would exist even if she had struck at him with her own left hook to the face.</p> <p>This is especially so when we know Rice&#8217;s left hook to the face dropped his wife instantly to the ground, where along the way she struck her head such that either the punch or the head strike was sufficient to render her unconscious.</p> <p>What actions on Rice&#8217;s part might have been proportional to his wife&#8217;s supposed attack? Simply extending his arms and holding her at arm&#8217;s length would have been a prudent choice, even if he&#8217;d had to grip her firmly to keep her at a distance. &amp;#160;Alternatively, he could simply have wrapped his arms around her to immobilize her arms&#8211;a less prudent choice, perhaps, if she was angry enough to make use of her teeth or knees).</p> <p>A punch to the face hard enough to instantly drop her to the ground, however, is going to be a very difficult sell to a jury on the issue of proportionality.</p> <p>Absent proportionality, then, Rice&#8217;s punch could not have been lawful self-defense, which would make his use of that force at a minimum a simple battery (typically good for as long as 5 years in prison). &amp;#160;Indeed, if the blow could be characterized as deadly force (on the basis that it caused grave bodily harm in the form of unconsciousness), his punch could be characterized as an aggravated battery (typically good for as long as 15 years in prison).</p> <p>Very unhelpful to any defense against such charges, by the way, would be Rice&#8217;s patently callous treatment of his victim/wife in the immediate aftermath of the blow, dragging her unconscious body along the floor and even nudging it with his foot. But that&#8217;s a topic for another day.</p> <p>UPDATE: I see now that Rice was, in fact, charged with aggravated assault at the time, and the grand jury indicted him on that same charge. He initially pled not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors, of course, had possession of the elevator footage just now released to the public, and this would of course have guided them and the grand jury in their decisions.&amp;#160;Prior to trial, however, Rice pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in the third degree in exchange for&amp;#160;acceptance into a pre-trial diversionary program named PTI. Usually this program is not offered to violent offenders, and almost never in cases of physical domestic abuse. &amp;#160;Under the program no further criminal justice actions could be taken against him if he avoided future legal difficulties for one year, at which time he could request to have his record expunged.</p> <p>&#8211;-Andrew, <a href="https://twitter.com/LawSelfDefense" type="external">@LawSelfDefense</a></p> <p>Andrew F. Branca is an MA lawyer and the author of the seminal book &#8220;The Law of Self Defense, 2nd Edition,&#8221; available at the <a href="http://www.lawofselfdefense.com" type="external">Law of Self Defense blog</a>&amp;#160;(autographed copies available) and Amazon.com ( <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0988867702/ref=as_li_tf_tlie=UTF8&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=9325&amp;amp;creativeASIN=0988867702&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;tag=lawofselfdefe-20" type="external">paperback</a>&amp;#160;and <a href="http://is.gd/J0QM1e" type="external">Kindle</a>). He holds many state-specific <a href="http://lawofselfdefense.com/seminars/" type="external">Law of Self Defense Seminars</a> around the country, and produces free online self-defense law educational&amp;#160;video- and podcasts at the <a href="http://lawofselfdefense.com/university/" type="external">Law of Self Defense University</a>.</p>

well weekend learned160theres guy named ray rice whos got pretty mean left hook least hes punching wife face elevator seems also plays something called football least used surveillance video160of punch released kind news organization called tmz caught attention story course mr rice football tmz know pretty much nothing raging series debates see twitter today matter typical debates argued 140 character jabs twitterverse theres great deal mis crosscommunication undoubtedly much deliberate update note topic also viewed law self defense university video lecture listened law self defense podcast httpisgd1hosat key issues leading angry pitchforks torches appear addressing first question legal dare say pragmatic perspective answer course latter 160if one meets necessary conditions lawful selfdefense one may use necessary force aggressor regardless gender course one conditions element proportionality element would appear undermine claim rices punch could characterized lawful selfdefense aftermath ferguson shooting ive done several posts issue proportionality context deadly force particular noting weapon gun used even nominally unarmed aggressor aggressor nevertheless represents threat death grave bodily harm legally use gun unarmed person caught video vicious group attack thugs young couple caught video another blackonwhite racially motivated gang attack legal issue cases perspective selfdefense one proportionalitywas gun weapon capable causing death grave bodily harm used counter threat also capable causing death grave bodily harm 160if answer yes demands proportionality met 160if proportionality fails use gun excessive force claim gun used lawful selfdefense collapses threshold deadly force achieved law sees little variance degree terms force deadly force deadly force important keep mind say deadly force context selfdefense law always mean force capable likely causing death grave bodily harm eg maiming broken bones unconsciousness rape etc broken bone may threaten loss life deadly force purposes self defense law whether deadly160force presented gun knife bat bonecrushing blows face stomp head makes really difference law 160the law concerned possible likely mortal outcome whatever means might achieved issue proportionality context nondeadly force somewhat counterintuitively analysis proportionality actually difficult subtle context nondeadly force context deadly force mentioned deadly force deadly force period matter quite varied context nondeadly selfdefense however 160some gently places hand arm may well committing simple batter touching offensive unwanted 160but much lesser degree force poked160you painfully chest turn lesser degree force powerfully shoved chest 160yet fall umbrella nondeadly force fall umbrella nondeadly force defended nondeadly force returnand required element proportionality degree nondeadly force proportional aggressive force certainly angry person grabs arm absence intent cause death grave bodily harm requirements proportionality would clearly prohibit responding say gun would prohibit responding force would predictably result grave bodily harm anybody foolish enough grab appropriately trained defender arm putting position arms elbow vigorously brokenbut grave bodily harm counter nondeadly offense would almost certainly deemed disproportionate therefore lawful selfdefense responding arm grab multiple blows aggressors160face blows causing contusions abrasions broken bones 160this far proportional snapped elbow still leaves room jury conclude lasting injuries disproportionate given armgrab likely cause lasting injury contrast jointlock millimeters short elbow bending ways geometry intend would almost certainly qualify grave bodily harm cause lasting injury thus proportional unwanted arm grab 160similarly simpler perhaps less satisfying expedient simply knocking arm away note dynamics naturally vary aggressor much larger stronger possesses exceptional fighting ability relative defenderunder circumstances defender would permitted use much greater degree force necessary avoid disparity force prevented effectively defending purposes discussion im going assume rices punch constituted merely nondeadly force 160were prosecutor case however would argue vigorously punch fact deadly force victim lost consciousness result remember context selfdefense deadly force includes force causing grave bodily injury 160unconsciousness qualifies grave bodily injury 160were defense id counter unconsciousness resulted wifes head striking handrail elevator prosecutor would argue event occurred predictable consequence punch sheesh lawyers let us also assume purposes discussion rays wife aggressor conflict launching unjustified physical attack upon elevator responded punch face 160under circumstances rice would clearly legal right use necessary nondeadly force defend attack note however video embedded 025 second mark knockdown punch wifes face turns abruptly right frame slapped hard 160immediately afterwards comes advance rice clearly rice actually initial aggressor conflict claim selfdefense later punchat 027regardless whether proportional wifes force even assumptions question remains rices punch160proportional threat faced form 160his wife law requires take consideration degree threat likely presented nondeadly force wife could bring bear degree of160nondeadly force rices disposal purposes selfdefense know nothing rices wife except appears modestsized healthy female weight stature less husband im unaware possessing special capabilities would endow exceptional fighting ability person size gender rice hand regardless one might think moral perspective premiere professional athlete 160i understand second round draft pick nfl 2008 presumably indicator exceptional physical strength abilities among already highly elite pool athletes 160and based twitter screams football fantasy fans twitter word expulsion nfl take physical abilities remained potent current day disparities alone would mean physical act riceseven mere shove smackcould well several times powerful similar act wife 160 thus wife shoving smacking 160powerful left hook face would clearly disproportionate response indeed disproportionality would exist even struck left hook face especially know rices left hook face dropped wife instantly ground along way struck head either punch head strike sufficient render unconscious actions rices part might proportional wifes supposed attack simply extending arms holding arms length would prudent choice even hed grip firmly keep distance 160alternatively could simply wrapped arms around immobilize armsa less prudent choice perhaps angry enough make use teeth knees punch face hard enough instantly drop ground however going difficult sell jury issue proportionality absent proportionality rices punch could lawful selfdefense would make use force minimum simple battery typically good long 5 years prison 160indeed blow could characterized deadly force basis caused grave bodily harm form unconsciousness punch could characterized aggravated battery typically good long 15 years prison unhelpful defense charges way would rices patently callous treatment victimwife immediate aftermath blow dragging unconscious body along floor even nudging foot thats topic another day update see rice fact charged aggravated assault time grand jury indicted charge initially pled guilty charges prosecutors course possession elevator footage released public would course guided grand jury decisions160prior trial however rice pleaded guilty aggravated assault third degree exchange for160acceptance pretrial diversionary program named pti usually program offered violent offenders almost never cases physical domestic abuse 160under program criminal justice actions could taken avoided future legal difficulties one year time could request record expunged andrew lawselfdefense andrew f branca lawyer author seminal book law self defense 2nd edition available law self defense blog160autographed copies available amazoncom paperback160and kindle holds many statespecific law self defense seminars around country produces free online selfdefense law educational160video podcasts law self defense university

<p /> <p>Writer, actor, director AND comedian Louis C.K. is riding high.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>His latest HBO special &#8220;Oh My God&#8221; has drawn critical raves and excellent ratings.&amp;#160; His weekly show Louie on FX is also loved by critics and audiences, as well as the Emmys (it won two awards in 2011 and three in 2012). The artistry of his stand-up material is revered by his peers, and has earned him legions of devoted ticket-buying, album purchasing and download fee-paying fans across the country.</p> <p>Louis&#8217;s triumphs have been made possible by a powerful combination of incredible talent and a series of very wise business decisions.&amp;#160; Here are five of the success lessons that can be learned from Louis&#8217;s moves, which could be leveraged by professionals in any industry who seek to attain superior results in their endeavors:</p> <p>No. 1: Deliver excellence.</p> <p>In his work as a television writer during the 90s for &#8220;The Chris Rock Show&#8221; (HBO), &#8220;The Dana Carvey Show&#8221; (ABC), and other high profile vehicles, Louis&#8217;s work served up big laughs and helped to build big careers (including Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert on Carvey&#8217;s show).&amp;#160; He was hired by TV networks and movie studios because he had developed a reliable brand as purveyor of consistently funny material.</p> <p>His work as a stand-up also achieves high standards, and he&#8217;s uncompromising in his pursuit of a pure, imaginative, and hilarious voice.&amp;#160; No easy roads or short cuts are taken, and no cheap laughs are embraced.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>For Louis, there has never been any other choice than to offer a premium entertainment experience to his fans/customers.&amp;#160; Like Google, Louis makes sure his offerings are always superb, and the marketplace rewards him for it.</p> <p>No. 2: Innovate and experiment.</p> <p>Louis was a regular on the New York stand-up circuit in the 90s, and I was fortunate enough to catch his act a number of times at Luna Lounge, an alt-comedy spot on the Lower East Side.&amp;#160; His routines were fun, quirky and zany.</p> <p>I lost touch with the comedy scene for a few years, and the next time I saw Louis&#8217;s stand-up act, it was on his 2007 HBO special &#8220;Shameless&#8221;.&amp;#160; The results were stunning:&amp;#160; Louis had completely redone his routine, and much of his material was based on his family life (with special attention paid to his daughters, one of whom he felt was a &#8220;total a**hole&#8221;).&amp;#160; His observations were shocking, honest and side-splitting.&amp;#160; His voice, which was completely different than the one I heard in the 90s, had hints of Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin, but it was completely new.&amp;#160; It became the basis of his presentation that&#8217;s so popular today.</p> <p>I don&#8217;t know when the essence of Louis&#8217;s act began to shift, but I&#8217;m figuring that family life gave him an endless source of ideas and material to draw upon.&amp;#160; His desire to follow that muse and evolve the core of his humor to a dynamic and very effective place was based on an innate need to be inventive, fresh and bold.</p> <p>Louis&#8217;s stand-up work, like the offerings of constantly-evolving (and improving) brands such as Starbucks, will continue to thrill his current fans/customers and attract new ones so long as he embraces the originality and innovation that currently define him.</p> <p>No. 3: Don&#8217;t coast.</p> <p>It could have been very easy for Louis to take the triumphant routine that he had created with &#8220;Shameless&#8221; and turn it into a recurring formula.</p> <p>Thankfully, Louis became an advocate of George Carlin&#8217;s approach to creating stand-up material:&amp;#160; each year, Carlin would toss out the routine that he had performed during the previous 12 months and create a completely new act to share with audiences.&amp;#160; Louis adapted Carlin&#8217;s idea to his own pursuits, and found that in order to harvest the best new content, he had to continually dig deep to access his most intimate fears, thoughts and desires.</p> <p>Louis aims to never repeat the mistake of recycling the same stand-up material:&amp;#160; he did it for 15 years (prior to &#8220;Shameless&#8221;), and &#8211; while easy and safe &#8211; he found that it held him back creatively, spiritually and professionally.&amp;#160; In the same way that a top brand like Apple refuses to settle for &#8220;good enough&#8221;, Louis is brave enough &#8211; and confident enough in his abilities &#8211; to annually start from scratch and reinvent his &#8220;product.&#8221;</p> <p>No. 4: Be resilient.</p> <p>The 2006 HBO sitcom &#8220;Lucky Louie&#8221; was a chance for Louis to share his writing and acting talents with a wide audience, but the show unfortunately lasted for only 13 episodes.</p> <p>While a period of understandable bummage may have ensued when he received the bad news, Louis eventually shook it off, got back to work on his stand-up routine, and in the process, set the wheels in motion for his hit albums &#8220;Chewed Up&#8221; and &#8220;WORD &#8211; Live at Carnegie Hall&#8221;, his concert videos &#8220;Hilarious&#8221; and &#8220;Live at the Beacon Theater&#8221;, his current HBO special &#8220;Oh My God&#8221;, and his hit award-winning FX series &#8220;Louie&#8221;.</p> <p>When challenged with the demise of &#8220;Lucky Louie&#8221;, Louis returned to the core business where his success began:&amp;#160; stand-up comedy.&amp;#160; By creating a consistent flow of superb material, which led to the production and release of a string of successful multimedia entertainment projects, Louis invigorated his brand, reached new audiences and surpassed whatever success and rewards &#8220;Lucky Louie&#8221; could have possibly delivered to him.</p> <p>No. 5: Rewrite the rules.</p> <p>When planning a national tour in 2012, Louis decided to bypass working with Ticketmaster, the entertainment industry&#8217;s ticket sales and distribution behemoth.&amp;#160; Instead, Louis took a calculated and confident risk:&amp;#160; he would cut out the Ticketmaster middleman &#8211; which increases event ticket prices by adding a variety of fees &#8211; and instead sell lower-priced tickets to his shows exclusively through his website.</p> <p>The gambit worked:&amp;#160; 45 hours after making them available, Louis had sold 100,000 tickets at $45 apiece, resulting in a box office gross of $4.5 million.</p> <p>Louis took a similar revolutionary approach to the sale of his &#8220;Live at the Beacon Theater&#8221; video.&amp;#160; Rather than produce a DVD of the show for distribution through conventional retail channels, Louis made the concert available through his site for $5 per digital download.&amp;#160; Over 12 days, &#8220;Live at the Beacon Theater&#8221; racked up $1 million in sales.&amp;#160; According to The Hollywood Reporter, Louis&#8217; innovative direct-to-consumer download distribution model &#8220;could shape the way entertainers produce and distribute their own starring vehicles&#8221;.</p> <p>In the same way the sale success of the Kindle Fire changed the tablet game, Louis had the fan base, the courage, and the leverage to change the ticket sales and content distribution games.&amp;#160; The marketplace was ready for this shift, and Louis was the right guy to do the shifting.</p> <p>Louis&#8217;s multiple triumphs have been made possible by a smart strategy and the flawless execution of well-timed tactics.&amp;#160; The lessons that have driven his amazing accomplishments are universal, and goal-oriented professionals in the worlds of business, sports, government, education, and the non-profit sector would benefit by borrowing pages from his well-written scripts for success.</p> <p>Rafe Gomez is a principal at <a href="http://vcincmarketing.com/" type="external">VC Inc. Marketing</a>, a provider of SEO lead generation content creation and content marketing services for businesses.&amp;#160; Follow him @vcincmarketing.</p>

writer actor director comedian louis ck riding high continue reading latest hbo special oh god drawn critical raves excellent ratings160 weekly show louie fx also loved critics audiences well emmys two awards 2011 three 2012 artistry standup material revered peers earned legions devoted ticketbuying album purchasing download feepaying fans across country louiss triumphs made possible powerful combination incredible talent series wise business decisions160 five success lessons learned louiss moves could leveraged professionals industry seek attain superior results endeavors 1 deliver excellence work television writer 90s chris rock show hbo dana carvey show abc high profile vehicles louiss work served big laughs helped build big careers including steve carell stephen colbert carveys show160 hired tv networks movie studios developed reliable brand purveyor consistently funny material work standup also achieves high standards hes uncompromising pursuit pure imaginative hilarious voice160 easy roads short cuts taken cheap laughs embraced advertisement louis never choice offer premium entertainment experience fanscustomers160 like google louis makes sure offerings always superb marketplace rewards 2 innovate experiment louis regular new york standup circuit 90s fortunate enough catch act number times luna lounge altcomedy spot lower east side160 routines fun quirky zany lost touch comedy scene years next time saw louiss standup act 2007 hbo special shameless160 results stunning160 louis completely redone routine much material based family life special attention paid daughters one felt total ahole160 observations shocking honest sidesplitting160 voice completely different one heard 90s hints bill cosby richard pryor george carlin completely new160 became basis presentation thats popular today dont know essence louiss act began shift im figuring family life gave endless source ideas material draw upon160 desire follow muse evolve core humor dynamic effective place based innate need inventive fresh bold louiss standup work like offerings constantlyevolving improving brands starbucks continue thrill current fanscustomers attract new ones long embraces originality innovation currently define 3 dont coast could easy louis take triumphant routine created shameless turn recurring formula thankfully louis became advocate george carlins approach creating standup material160 year carlin would toss routine performed previous 12 months create completely new act share audiences160 louis adapted carlins idea pursuits found order harvest best new content continually dig deep access intimate fears thoughts desires louis aims never repeat mistake recycling standup material160 15 years prior shameless easy safe found held back creatively spiritually professionally160 way top brand like apple refuses settle good enough louis brave enough confident enough abilities annually start scratch reinvent product 4 resilient 2006 hbo sitcom lucky louie chance louis share writing acting talents wide audience show unfortunately lasted 13 episodes period understandable bummage may ensued received bad news louis eventually shook got back work standup routine process set wheels motion hit albums chewed word live carnegie hall concert videos hilarious live beacon theater current hbo special oh god hit awardwinning fx series louie challenged demise lucky louie louis returned core business success began160 standup comedy160 creating consistent flow superb material led production release string successful multimedia entertainment projects louis invigorated brand reached new audiences surpassed whatever success rewards lucky louie could possibly delivered 5 rewrite rules planning national tour 2012 louis decided bypass working ticketmaster entertainment industrys ticket sales distribution behemoth160 instead louis took calculated confident risk160 would cut ticketmaster middleman increases event ticket prices adding variety fees instead sell lowerpriced tickets shows exclusively website gambit worked160 45 hours making available louis sold 100000 tickets 45 apiece resulting box office gross 45 million louis took similar revolutionary approach sale live beacon theater video160 rather produce dvd show distribution conventional retail channels louis made concert available site 5 per digital download160 12 days live beacon theater racked 1 million sales160 according hollywood reporter louis innovative directtoconsumer download distribution model could shape way entertainers produce distribute starring vehicles way sale success kindle fire changed tablet game louis fan base courage leverage change ticket sales content distribution games160 marketplace ready shift louis right guy shifting louiss multiple triumphs made possible smart strategy flawless execution welltimed tactics160 lessons driven amazing accomplishments universal goaloriented professionals worlds business sports government education nonprofit sector would benefit borrowing pages wellwritten scripts success rafe gomez principal vc inc marketing provider seo lead generation content creation content marketing services businesses160 follow vcincmarketing

<p>It's been a wild ride for early Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) investors, with its recent initial public offering (IPO) followed in short order by its first earnings report and even a surprise acquisition. Despite the optimism and excitement, the company's mission is no small task: It hopes to change the way people buy cars by removing traditional dealership infrastructure and replacing it with a unique vending machine or online purchase with a fully transactional website and delivery option.&amp;#160;So far, it's impressed investors with early results; let's dig into the second-quarter data and see what to expect from Carvana's recently announced acquisition of Carlypso.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>As expected with young growth companies, Carvana's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/09/used-cars-in-vending-machines-carvanas-revenue-jum.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8d284318-8125-11e7-8294-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">revenue continues to soar Opens a New Window.</a>. The company reported record revenue of $209 million during the second quarter, which was a staggering 142% increase over the prior year. Retail units drove revenue higher, with Carvana recording a 145% increase in units sold to 10,682. Total gross profit checked in at $16 million, a sizable increase of 166%, and even better yet, its total gross profit per unit jumped to $1,501, a $332 increase over the first quarter of 2017. But with rapid growth comes rising costs, and the company's ambitious expansion into seven new markets increased its net loss by 115% to $38.9 million, or $0.28 per share.</p> <p>After expanding to 33 markets and boasting five incredibly unique car vending machines, Carvana management decided it was time to jump on a new acquisition opportunity: Carlypso. Carlypso started as a peer-to-peer car selling service -- with the goal of helping customers avoid getting ripped off selling vehicles to dealerships and making the sale process to other peers simpler -- and has slowly evolved into an online depository of a wealth of vehicle information and pricing data.</p> <p>"You can't learn anything without data, that's the core ingredient," Carvana co-founder and CEO Ernie Garcia III told Fortune. "Then you have to have great analysis. So Carlypso was great at acquiring data using all these different tools, and they were great at analysis to figure what options were on these cars and what these options were worth."</p> <p>Eventually, Carlypso's reach expanded and it was analyzing over 200,000 cars daily, essentially turning the company into a vehicle-oriented big data and analytics business. For Carvana, this offers a perfect opportunity to acquire Carlypso's tools and insights to better price vehicles locally, at a time when Carvana is expanding into new markets, which should help the company improve gross margins and inventory turnover.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>You might not think this acquisition brings much to the table for Carvana, but efficient pricing information is critical to its core business. Consider that used-car retailer CarMax&amp;#160;has built a competitive advantage by collecting pricing data for decades, historic data that's not easily acquired by newly formed companies.&amp;#160;That pricing information enables CarMax to sell 97% of the vehicles it takes to auction compared to the 60% sold by other dealership groups or entities,&amp;#160;per Morningstar.com. That example serves only to show the impact on inventory turnover&amp;#160;that pricing information can have between companies that have valuable pricing data and those that do not. Carvana will need to walk a fine line of keeping high enough prices to generate solid margins and efficient enough prices to increase its inventory turnover, and its Carlypso acquisition could be the key to finding that critical equilibrium.</p> <p>"We've admired what Carlypso has been doing from a distance, and when they walked us through the technology, we realized how unique their solutions were," said Garcia in the press release announcing the acquisition. "Seeing Carlypso's ability to scour disparate data sources to better understand each vehicle, to leverage that data to understand the relative value of vehicles and to turn that into actionable intelligence in real time with local market context to efficiently acquire vehicles on behalf of customers, made it clear to us that we would be a great team."</p> <p>Carvana is an intriguing investment opportunity as the U.S. new-vehicle market plateaus. Currently, with a wave of <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/31/the-auto-industrys-ticking-time-bomb.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8d284318-8125-11e7-8294-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">off-lease vehicles set to hit the markets Opens a New Window.</a>,&amp;#160;it could set Carvana up nicely to bulk up its inventory and expansion plans -- because the excess supply should drive used-car prices lower -- and utilize its recent acquisition to generate better margins than its competition, even with lower prices. Right now, though, investors' focus should certainly be on the company's top line in hopes that it can continue to drive revenue significantly higher. And if the second quarter is any indication of Carvana's future, it's certainly on the right path.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Carvana Co.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=37601493-4287-4116-8189-dee36b45cc4c&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8d284318-8125-11e7-8294-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Carvana Co. 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=37601493-4287-4116-8189-dee36b45cc4c&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8d284318-8125-11e7-8294-0050569d32b9&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 August 1, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=8d284318-8125-11e7-8294-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Daniel Miller Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends CarMax. 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=8d284318-8125-11e7-8294-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

wild ride early carvana nyse cvna investors recent initial public offering ipo followed short order first earnings report even surprise acquisition despite optimism excitement companys mission small task hopes change way people buy cars removing traditional dealership infrastructure replacing unique vending machine online purchase fully transactional website delivery option160so far impressed investors early results lets dig secondquarter data see expect carvanas recently announced acquisition carlypso continue reading expected young growth companies carvanas revenue continues soar opens new window company reported record revenue 209 million second quarter staggering 142 increase prior year retail units drove revenue higher carvana recording 145 increase units sold 10682 total gross profit checked 16 million sizable increase 166 even better yet total gross profit per unit jumped 1501 332 increase first quarter 2017 rapid growth comes rising costs companys ambitious expansion seven new markets increased net loss 115 389 million 028 per share expanding 33 markets boasting five incredibly unique car vending machines carvana management decided time jump new acquisition opportunity carlypso carlypso started peertopeer car selling service goal helping customers avoid getting ripped selling vehicles dealerships making sale process peers simpler slowly evolved online depository wealth vehicle information pricing data cant learn anything without data thats core ingredient carvana cofounder ceo ernie garcia iii told fortune great analysis carlypso great acquiring data using different tools great analysis figure options cars options worth eventually carlypsos reach expanded analyzing 200000 cars daily essentially turning company vehicleoriented big data analytics business carvana offers perfect opportunity acquire carlypsos tools insights better price vehicles locally time carvana expanding new markets help company improve gross margins inventory turnover advertisement might think acquisition brings much table carvana efficient pricing information critical core business consider usedcar retailer carmax160has built competitive advantage collecting pricing data decades historic data thats easily acquired newly formed companies160that pricing information enables carmax sell 97 vehicles takes auction compared 60 sold dealership groups entities160per morningstarcom example serves show impact inventory turnover160that pricing information companies valuable pricing data carvana need walk fine line keeping high enough prices generate solid margins efficient enough prices increase inventory turnover carlypso acquisition could key finding critical equilibrium weve admired carlypso distance walked us technology realized unique solutions said garcia press release announcing acquisition seeing carlypsos ability scour disparate data sources better understand vehicle leverage data understand relative value vehicles turn actionable intelligence real time local market context efficiently acquire vehicles behalf customers made clear us would great team carvana intriguing investment opportunity us newvehicle market plateaus currently wave offlease vehicles set hit markets opens new window160it could set carvana nicely bulk inventory expansion plans excess supply drive usedcar prices lower utilize recent acquisition generate better margins competition even lower prices right though investors focus certainly companys top line hopes continue drive revenue significantly higher second quarter indication carvanas future certainly right path 10 stocks like better carvana cowhen 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 carvana co wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 daniel miller opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends carmax motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Despite all the buzz surrounding recent polls and research, don't expect drones to be issuing you a speeding ticket any time soon.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Last year, President Obama signed legislation requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to draw up regulations for the licensing and testing of commercial drones by 2015.</p> <p>As of October, the FAA had received more than 80 applications from entities seeking to use drones, including law enforcement agencies.</p> <p>But it's important to scale back your perceptions of law enforcement drones. These aren't the kind of aircraft that fly missions over Afghanistan for hours on end. These resemble toys equipped with a camera, and they can stay aloft for no more than an hour or so.</p> <p>These drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles or unmanned aircraft systems, as law enforcement prefers to call them, are already beginning to help officers investigate crime scenes, for instance, by taking aerial photos of major auto accidents.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In Grand Junction, Colo., the Mesa County Sheriff's Office has been using drones for about four years. One is a small helicopter, which can stay airborne for about 15 minutes; the other is a fixed-wing aircraft, which can remain aloft for about an hour, says Ben Miller, the program's director.</p> <p>They're deployed about twice a month. The fixed-wing aircraft has been used for search-and-rescue missions, while the helicopter has been used to take aerial photos at crime and accident scenes. "Otherwise they live in a box in the back of a van," Miller says.</p> <p>The University of North Dakota and the Grand Forks Sheriff's Department launched a research project on drone usage in 2010, says Alan Frazier, an assistant professor with the university and part-time sheriff's deputy who previously worked as a law enforcement officer in California, including running air support in the Glendale Police Department.</p> <p>In its test phase, the drones have been used to look for a drowning victim washed away in floodwaters and to take fatal traffic accident photos, Frazier says. That bird's-eye view helps law enforcement officers determine what occurred by photographing things such as the debris field and skid marks.</p> <p>While the aircraft are used to help investigate major accidents, they aren't deployed for every fender bender. "It wouldn't be a fiscally responsible way of using this resource," he says. Drones cost between $25,000 and $175,000, which is still a fraction of the $1.8 million to $2 million cost for a police helicopter.</p> <p>In Mesa County, operating the drones costs about $25 an hour, compared with the $600 to $1,500 it would cost to operate a full-size helicopter, Miller says.</p> <p>But law enforcement's use of drones has created privacy concerns with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which fear the drones can be used for unauthorized surveillance, and worries about how the data they collect will be used and retained.</p> <p>Although Parker Higgins of the EFF says he's unaware of any "horror stories" about the misuse of the aircraft, "this is early days for drone use by law enforcement."</p> <p>Because drones are so cheap compared with a manned helicopter, "the built-in disincentives aren't there" to limit their usage, Higgins says.</p> <p>The public also has concerns. A poll last year by Monmouth University in New Jersey found of the more than 1,700 Americans surveyed, 80 percent support drones being used for search-and-rescue missions, and about two-thirds back their usage to track escaped criminals and patrol U.S. borders for illegal immigrants. But less than one-quarter believe drones should be used for issuing speeding tickets, which may not be surprising given the fees you pay and the impact tickets have on car insurance rates.</p> <p>If drones cost cops less money to use than helicopters and other aircraft, is it inevitable they'll eventually be used to bust speeders? Not any time soon, Frazier says.</p> <p>In locations where aircraft are involved in catching speeders, marks are painted one-quarter mile apart on the side of the road. Officers in the air start a timer when the vehicle reaches the first mark and stop it when it passes the second mark. Then they consult a chart to determine the driver's speed. If the driver has been speeding, they'll radio a unit on the ground, which stops the vehicle and writes a ticket. Drones can't get up high enough to see the start and stop marks.</p> <p>Two-thirds of respondents also were very concerned or somewhat concerned about their own privacy because of drone usage.</p> <p>According to the ACLU, a handful of states already have enacted legislation requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant in most cases before using drones in an investigation, and more than two dozen other states are considering limitations.</p> <p>But Frazier says drones aren't being used "to peek in windows as they fly."</p> <p>Law enforcement has been using aircraft for decades, and there's plenty of case law dictating proper usage. Law enforcement has strict guidelines in place regarding privacy, he says. "There's not that kind of oversight with the guy who works for the National Enquirer and wants to fly over Britney Spears' birthday party and take photos."</p> <p>They also aren't useful for surveillance because the battery life curtails their flight times, he says.</p> <p>But for things such as search-and-rescue missions and auto accident reconstruction, "they're just another tool in the mechanic's tool box."</p> <p>The original article can be found at Insurance.com: <a href="http://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/safety/can-a-drone-bust-you-for-speeding.html?WT.qs_osrc=fxb-173958910" type="external">Can a drone bust you for speeding? Opens a New Window.</a></p>

despite buzz surrounding recent polls research dont expect drones issuing speeding ticket time soon continue reading last year president obama signed legislation requiring federal aviation administration faa draw regulations licensing testing commercial drones 2015 october faa received 80 applications entities seeking use drones including law enforcement agencies important scale back perceptions law enforcement drones arent kind aircraft fly missions afghanistan hours end resemble toys equipped camera stay aloft hour drones unmanned aerial vehicles unmanned aircraft systems law enforcement prefers call already beginning help officers investigate crime scenes instance taking aerial photos major auto accidents advertisement grand junction colo mesa county sheriffs office using drones four years one small helicopter stay airborne 15 minutes fixedwing aircraft remain aloft hour says ben miller programs director theyre deployed twice month fixedwing aircraft used searchandrescue missions helicopter used take aerial photos crime accident scenes otherwise live box back van miller says university north dakota grand forks sheriffs department launched research project drone usage 2010 says alan frazier assistant professor university parttime sheriffs deputy previously worked law enforcement officer california including running air support glendale police department test phase drones used look drowning victim washed away floodwaters take fatal traffic accident photos frazier says birdseye view helps law enforcement officers determine occurred photographing things debris field skid marks aircraft used help investigate major accidents arent deployed every fender bender wouldnt fiscally responsible way using resource says drones cost 25000 175000 still fraction 18 million 2 million cost police helicopter mesa county operating drones costs 25 hour compared 600 1500 would cost operate fullsize helicopter miller says law enforcements use drones created privacy concerns organizations american civil liberties union aclu electronic frontier foundation eff fear drones used unauthorized surveillance worries data collect used retained although parker higgins eff says hes unaware horror stories misuse aircraft early days drone use law enforcement drones cheap compared manned helicopter builtin disincentives arent limit usage higgins says public also concerns poll last year monmouth university new jersey found 1700 americans surveyed 80 percent support drones used searchandrescue missions twothirds back usage track escaped criminals patrol us borders illegal immigrants less onequarter believe drones used issuing speeding tickets may surprising given fees pay impact tickets car insurance rates drones cost cops less money use helicopters aircraft inevitable theyll eventually used bust speeders time soon frazier says locations aircraft involved catching speeders marks painted onequarter mile apart side road officers air start timer vehicle reaches first mark stop passes second mark consult chart determine drivers speed driver speeding theyll radio unit ground stops vehicle writes ticket drones cant get high enough see start stop marks twothirds respondents also concerned somewhat concerned privacy drone usage according aclu handful states already enacted legislation requiring law enforcement obtain warrant cases using drones investigation two dozen states considering limitations frazier says drones arent used peek windows fly law enforcement using aircraft decades theres plenty case law dictating proper usage law enforcement strict guidelines place regarding privacy says theres kind oversight guy works national enquirer wants fly britney spears birthday party take photos also arent useful surveillance battery life curtails flight times says things searchandrescue missions auto accident reconstruction theyre another tool mechanics tool box original article found insurancecom drone bust speeding opens new window

<p /> <p>What is a perfect credit score? Using the popular FICO scoring method, the magic number is 850, which is difficult, but not impossible to achieve. By learning how the FICO formula works, we can get some insight on how to get an 850 credit score, or close to it.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Unfortunately, the specific formula by which FICO determines your credit score is a closely guarded secret. However, we do know the general composition of the formula, which gives us some insight on how to maximize our credit score.</p> <p>Here are the five categories of information that make up your FICO score, their respective weights, and some specifics on what each category emphasizes:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>90% of lenders use some variation of the FICO score when making lending decisions, so it's safe to say FICO is the credit score to keep track of.</p> <p>However, keep in mind that there's not just one version of the FICO score. For starters, each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) all have their own FICO scores, and your lenders might look at just one or all three. For smaller credit accounts like credit cards, the lender tends to look at just one, while mortgage lenders generally look at all three.</p> <p>Additionally, there are several editions of the FICO score. The most recent one, "FICO Score 9" made several changes from previous versions in the way it considers medical debt and paid collections, but many lenders still use version eight or earlier. There are also purpose-specific FICO scores designed for mortgage lenders, auto lenders, and others.</p> <p>The point is that even if you check and have a perfect FICO score, that doesn't mean all of your scores are perfect. It's extremely difficult to have across-the-board perfect scores.</p> <p>To be clear, a perfect score is extremely difficult to achieve. Even if your credit behavior is seemingly "perfect," you can still be short of the magic 850.</p> <p>Since we don't know FICO's exact formula, the best way to figure out how a perfect score can be achieved is to look at the credit behavior of someone who's done it. In 2014, I wrote an <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/11/30/a-perfect-credit-score-is-possible-but-is-it-worth.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">in-depth article Opens a New Window.</a> about David Howe, president of SubscriberWise, who achieved simultaneous 850 FICO scores from all three bureaus.</p> <p>According to Howe, a perfect credit score requires a "perfect storm" of credit strategy and life situations. In other words, it's not as easy as simply paying your bills and keeping your balances low.</p> <p>At the time he achieved the perfect scores, Howe hadn't opened a credit card in about 10 years, no credit inquiries on his report, and small balances on two accounts -- a credit card and a mortgage. He also knew the exact data when his credit card statements closed and report their balances, and when each bureau would update his accounts.</p> <p>Howe also pointed out that having no credit card debt can hurt your chances at a perfect score. He shared two of his personal credit reports with me. One showed a score of 849 (a point shy of perfect) and a small credit card and mortgage balance. By simply paying the credit card off, with no other changes, his score dropped to an 824 as soon as the report was updated.</p> <p>To be perfectly honest, it's not really necessary (or practical) to strive for the perfect score. Having an 850 may impress whoever checks your credit, but it won't get you a better interest rate or more opportunities for credit than someone with an 800. In fact, a score of 760 or higher should put you in the top-tier for pretty much any loan you apply for.</p> <p>However, it can be a good idea to maximize your credit score, which means to consciously make decisions that will boost your score (but not to obsess over every point) and avoid behaviors that will lower it. After all, simply the act of applying for new credit or taking out a new loan can drop your score by a considerable amount. So, the highest practical goal should be a score than can absorb something like this while remaining in the top (760+) tier.</p> <p>For example, if you call your credit card issuer and ask to raise your limit, it could improve your "amounts owed" category relative to your available credit. <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/11/16/5-ways-to-boost-your-credit-score-in-2016.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Here Opens a New Window.</a> are some other suggestions to boost your score, if you're interested.</p> <p>The bottom line is that perfect credit scores do exist, but you shouldn't obsess over perfection. A score that's in the upper 700s or lower 800s will qualify you for the best interest rates and will provide enough of a cushion that you can still use your credit without fear of it dropping, so that's the range most people should aim for.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/05/how-to-get-a-perfect-credit-score.aspx" type="external">How to Get a Perfect Credit Score Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/KWMatt82/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Matthew Frankel 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>

perfect credit score using popular fico scoring method magic number 850 difficult impossible achieve learning fico formula works get insight get 850 credit score close continue reading unfortunately specific formula fico determines credit score closely guarded secret however know general composition formula gives us insight maximize credit score five categories information make fico score respective weights specifics category emphasizes advertisement 90 lenders use variation fico score making lending decisions safe say fico credit score keep track however keep mind theres one version fico score starters three major credit bureaus equifax experian transunion fico scores lenders might look one three smaller credit accounts like credit cards lender tends look one mortgage lenders generally look three additionally several editions fico score recent one fico score 9 made several changes previous versions way considers medical debt paid collections many lenders still use version eight earlier also purposespecific fico scores designed mortgage lenders auto lenders others point even check perfect fico score doesnt mean scores perfect extremely difficult acrosstheboard perfect scores clear perfect score extremely difficult achieve even credit behavior seemingly perfect still short magic 850 since dont know ficos exact formula best way figure perfect score achieved look credit behavior someone whos done 2014 wrote indepth article opens new window david howe president subscriberwise achieved simultaneous 850 fico scores three bureaus according howe perfect credit score requires perfect storm credit strategy life situations words easy simply paying bills keeping balances low time achieved perfect scores howe hadnt opened credit card 10 years credit inquiries report small balances two accounts credit card mortgage also knew exact data credit card statements closed report balances bureau would update accounts howe also pointed credit card debt hurt chances perfect score shared two personal credit reports one showed score 849 point shy perfect small credit card mortgage balance simply paying credit card changes score dropped 824 soon report updated perfectly honest really necessary practical strive perfect score 850 may impress whoever checks credit wont get better interest rate opportunities credit someone 800 fact score 760 higher put toptier pretty much loan apply however good idea maximize credit score means consciously make decisions boost score obsess every point avoid behaviors lower simply act applying new credit taking new loan drop score considerable amount highest practical goal score absorb something like remaining top 760 tier example call credit card issuer ask raise limit could improve amounts owed category relative available credit opens new window suggestions boost score youre interested bottom line perfect credit scores exist shouldnt obsess perfection score thats upper 700s lower 800s qualify best interest rates provide enough cushion still use credit without fear dropping thats range people aim article get perfect credit score opens new window originally appeared foolcom matthew frankel 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 /> <p>Image Source: Getty.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It's not every day that a brick-and-mortar retailer announces a drop in both earnings and revenues, gives questionable guidance, and details a large wave of store closures, only to be rewarded with a share price pop of over 17%. Yet that is exactly what we have been privy to as department store operator Macy's (NYSE: M) reported its second-quarter results on August 11, 2016.</p> <p>Image source: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati-macys-twilight.jpg" type="external">Derek Jensen via Wikimedia Commons Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Make no mistake: This was no ordinary scheduled earnings release. Not only did management host its usual conference call and file an 8-K, but investors were provided with a second press release titled: "Macy's, Inc. Outlines Moves to Drive Profitable Growth and Enhance Shareholder Value."</p> <p>Those who have been around the "investing block" more than once know that anytime management speaks of plans to "enhance shareholder value" while plotting to shutter some 16% of the company's full-line locations, it's highly likely there's trouble brewing behind the scenes.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Fortunately for Macy's shareholders, that's not the case here. As I've <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/12/20/why-macys-inc-is-a-screaming-buy-after-its-40-sell.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">detailed in the past Opens a New Window.</a>, Macy's is uniquely positioned to profitably adapt to a world where e-commerce and physical store locations work hand in hand.Make no mistake, this is no ordinary situation, this is no ordinary retailer, and its announcement to close some 100 locations (no matter how painful for the many lives that will be affected) is absolutely the right decision.</p> <p>Here's why.</p> <p>Macy's <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&amp;amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;amp;cat=news&amp;amp;id=2194924" type="external">second-quarter earnings Opens a New Window.</a> were, in the eyes of anyone but Wall Street analysts and Macy's management, nothing to brag about. The bottom line may have beaten analyst estimates, and management may very well have been "encouraged by the distinct improvement in our sales and earnings trend in the second quarter," but both of these views ignore the simple truth that both sales and profits fell year over year.</p> <p>Total sales slipped to $5.866 billion, a modest 3.8% from Q2 of FY 2016, and non-GAAP earnings per share fell 16.3% year over year to $0.54. Including the costs associated with the soon-to-be-implemented store closures, EPS came in at $0.03.</p> <p>Management is putting on a good face in spite of strong headwinds -- not entirely unexpected in corporate America. What's far more interesting, and unique, is that they have a plan to set Macy's up for future success.</p> <p>This leads us to Macy's <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&amp;amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;amp;cat=news&amp;amp;id=2194923" type="external">second press release Opens a New Window.</a> of the day. In it, management broadcasted two classes of information. Its plans for the future, and the thinking that led to these decisions.</p> <p>In order to succeed in an increasingly competitive retail landscape, one plagued with competition everywhere, Macy's intends to:</p> <p>To see a retailer that is arguably the envy of its peers and still solidly profitable making bold moves like this is not an everyday occurrence. All the more interesting is the managerial thinking that led to these store closures.</p> <p>Current Chairman and CEO Jeff Gennette stated:</p> <p>Jeff Gennette, the current president of Macy's and decided heir to CEO Terry J. Lundgren noted <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&amp;amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;amp;cat=news&amp;amp;id=2194923" type="external">in the release Opens a New Window.</a> that:</p> <p>That's right folks, not only are the stores likely to be shuttered currently cash-flow positive, but management is going all-in on offering shoppers a comprehensive, 21st-century experience. You have to give them credit; as one surveys the current status of peers likeSears HoldingsandJ.C. Penney, one can't help but think this is exactly what a retailer should be doing in 2016 (or perhaps 10 years ago, for the more far-sighted). One also realizes Sears probably wishes it had the luxury of being able to shutter cash-flow positive locations.</p> <p>Cautionary tales aside, Macy's has seen a noticeable shift in its business over the last five years. These trends, coupled with the rise of its online success as well as meteoric rise of websites like Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), which cater to consumers' every whim, made bold action all the more necessary.</p> <p>Data source: Macy's FY <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/794367/000079436714000071/m-02012014x10k.htm" type="external">2013 Opens a New Window.</a> and <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/794367/000079436716000221/m-0130201610k.htm" type="external">2015 Opens a New Window.</a> Annual Reports. *Includes non-full line stores.</p> <p>The truth of the matter is that this major step put into action by Macy's has been in the works for years. The buzzword "omni-channel" has rolled off of management's tongues in conference calls and in SEC filings in every year of recent memory. Macy's has built massive, <a href="http://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/owasso/macys-opens-distribution-center-in-owasso-bringing-more-than-1500-jobs-to-oklahoma" type="external">state-of-the-art distribution facilities Opens a New Window.</a> in order to more effectively compete with Amazon.com's inroads into selling clothing. Macy's even described itself as "an omnichannel retail organization operating stores, websites and mobile applications under three brands (Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury)..." in its <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/794367/000079436716000221/m-0130201610k.htm" type="external">latest annual report Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Current shareholders should be thanking their lucky stars they own a company whose management is adapting to the world as it is rather than what they would like it to be. To those on the sidelines right now, in addition to all that has been said in this article, it should also be noted that Macy's currently trades for just 12.6 times the low end of reiterated, normalized earnings for this year, and it is obviously making a strong go of adapting to a world where shoppers don't need to go to the mall to get what they want.</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/TMFBuckeye/info.aspx" type="external">Sean O'Reilly Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com. 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 continue reading every day brickandmortar retailer announces drop earnings revenues gives questionable guidance details large wave store closures rewarded share price pop 17 yet exactly privy department store operator macys nyse reported secondquarter results august 11 2016 image source derek jensen via wikimedia commons opens new window make mistake ordinary scheduled earnings release management host usual conference call file 8k investors provided second press release titled macys inc outlines moves drive profitable growth enhance shareholder value around investing block know anytime management speaks plans enhance shareholder value plotting shutter 16 companys fullline locations highly likely theres trouble brewing behind scenes advertisement fortunately macys shareholders thats case ive detailed past opens new window macys uniquely positioned profitably adapt world ecommerce physical store locations work hand handmake mistake ordinary situation ordinary retailer announcement close 100 locations matter painful many lives affected absolutely right decision heres macys secondquarter earnings opens new window eyes anyone wall street analysts macys management nothing brag bottom line may beaten analyst estimates management may well encouraged distinct improvement sales earnings trend second quarter views ignore simple truth sales profits fell year year total sales slipped 5866 billion modest 38 q2 fy 2016 nongaap earnings per share fell 163 year year 054 including costs associated soontobeimplemented store closures eps came 003 management putting good face spite strong headwinds entirely unexpected corporate america whats far interesting unique plan set macys future success leads us macys second press release opens new window day management broadcasted two classes information plans future thinking led decisions order succeed increasingly competitive retail landscape one plagued competition everywhere macys intends see retailer arguably envy peers still solidly profitable making bold moves like everyday occurrence interesting managerial thinking led store closures current chairman ceo jeff gennette stated jeff gennette current president macys decided heir ceo terry j lundgren noted release opens new window thats right folks stores likely shuttered currently cashflow positive management going allin offering shoppers comprehensive 21stcentury experience give credit one surveys current status peers likesears holdingsandjc penney one cant help think exactly retailer 2016 perhaps 10 years ago farsighted one also realizes sears probably wishes luxury able shutter cashflow positive locations cautionary tales aside macys seen noticeable shift business last five years trends coupled rise online success well meteoric rise websites like amazoncom nasdaq amzn cater consumers every whim made bold action necessary data source macys fy 2013 opens new window 2015 opens new window annual reports includes nonfull line stores truth matter major step put action macys works years buzzword omnichannel rolled managements tongues conference calls sec filings every year recent memory macys built massive stateoftheart distribution facilities opens new window order effectively compete amazoncoms inroads selling clothing macys even described omnichannel retail organization operating stores websites mobile applications three brands macys bloomingdales bluemercury latest annual report opens new window current shareholders thanking lucky stars company whose management adapting world rather would like sidelines right addition said article also noted macys currently trades 126 times low end reiterated normalized earnings year obviously making strong go adapting world shoppers dont need go mall get want 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 sean oreilly opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Shares of Palo Alto Networks (NYSE: PANW) fell 7% on Aug. 31 after the cybersecurity firm followed up a decent fourth quarter report with weak guidance for the first quarter. Revenue rose 41% annually to $400.8 million, beating estimates by $11.1 million. However, that represented a slowdown from 48% growth in the previous quarter and 59% growth in the prior year quarter. Its non-GAAP net income rose 85% to $46.2 million, or $0.50 per share, which merely matched analyst expectations.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>But for the first quarter, Palo Alto sees revenues rising 33%-35% annually, which would represent its slowest growth rate since its public debut four years ago. Non-GAAP earnings are expected to rise 46%-51% annually, which also represents a dramatic slowdown in bottom line growth. These numbers indicate that Palo Alto is still growing, but perhaps not rapidly enough to justify its pricey P/S ratio of 8.6.</p> <p>As a consolation prize to investors who endured the stock's 25% year-to-date decline, Palo Alto authorized a $500 million buyback plan which will last through Aug. 31, 2018. However, those buybacks are likely aimed at offsetting the company's massive stock dilution problem instead of helping out investors. Here's why investors should be upset with this strategy.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Palo Alto's stock-based compensation (SBC) expenses rose 64% annually to $112.7 million last quarter, gobbling up 28% of the company's revenues. After factoring in those costs and other expenses, the company's GAAP net loss actually widened from $46 million a year ago to $54.5 million.</p> <p>Palo Alto claims that its SBC is comparable to that of its industry peers, but that's simply not the case. Here's a comparison between Palo Alto's SBC and compensation at Check Point Software, Fortinet, FireEye (NASDAQ: FEYE), and CyberArk in their most recent quarters.</p> <p>Stock-based compensation (SBC) expenses. YOY = year-over-year. Source: Quarterly reports.</p> <p>The only company with a comparable SBC ratio as Palo Alto's is FireEye, which <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/08/7-signs-you-should-sell-fireeye-inc-stock.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">recently announced Opens a New Window.</a> that it would lay off staff to reduce its annual operating expenses.</p> <p>As I mentioned in a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/28/palo-alto-networks-incs-biggest-mistake-in-2016-so.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">previous article Opens a New Window.</a>, Palo Alto has done very little to narrow its GAAP losses. Instead, it asks investors and analysts to focus on the non-GAAP results, and CEO Mark McLaughlin notes that its liberal useof stock bonuses is necessary to retain talent in the "very, very competitive talent environment" of Silicon Valley. But that also means issuing a lot of new shares to pay employees.</p> <p>Source: <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p> <p>As a result, Palo Alto must buy back stock to offset dilution. In previous years, Palo Alto's cash position wasn't strong enough to launch a major buyback program. It also didn't seem eager to take on more debt to finance buybacks, even with interest rates near historic lows.</p> <p>But the company finished fiscal 2016 with $734.4 million in cash and equivalents -- a 95% increase from the previous year. Its full-year free cash flow also rose 85% to $585.6 million. That cash growth apparently gave Palo Alto the confidence to approve a $500 million buyback, which would be good for buying back nearly 4 million shares at current prices.</p> <p>Instead of spending half a billion dollars on its own shares, it makes more sense for Palo Alto to gradually spend more cash than stock on employee salaries. This would narrow the widening gap between its non-GAAP and GAAP earnings, show that it's serious about eventually turning a profit, and throttle its soaring share count. Instead, Palo Alto's buyback will simply reduce its free cash flow, continue allowing it to rely heavily on big stock bonuses, and let it potentially overpay for its own shares.</p> <p>Since Palo Alto faces tough competition in the firewall market from Check Point, Fortinet, and even Cisco, it seems wiser to set that cash aside for acquisitions to widen its competitive moat. Buying other companies is probably the only way Palo Alto can keep posting 30%-40% sales growth every quarter.</p> <p>Therefore, investors shouldn't celebrate Palo Alto's big buyback. Instead, it indicates that the company isn't worried about narrowing its GAAP losses, and is more concerned with offsetting dilution from SBC than boosting shareholder value.</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 Cisco Systems and CyberArk Software. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Check Point Software Technologies and FireEye. The Motley Fool recommends Cisco Systems, CyberArk Software, and Palo Alto Networks. 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>. 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shares palo alto networks nyse panw fell 7 aug 31 cybersecurity firm followed decent fourth quarter report weak guidance first quarter revenue rose 41 annually 4008 million beating estimates 111 million however represented slowdown 48 growth previous quarter 59 growth prior year quarter nongaap net income rose 85 462 million 050 per share merely matched analyst expectations continue reading image source getty images first quarter palo alto sees revenues rising 3335 annually would represent slowest growth rate since public debut four years ago nongaap earnings expected rise 4651 annually also represents dramatic slowdown bottom line growth numbers indicate palo alto still growing perhaps rapidly enough justify pricey ps ratio 86 consolation prize investors endured stocks 25 yeartodate decline palo alto authorized 500 million buyback plan last aug 31 2018 however buybacks likely aimed offsetting companys massive stock dilution problem instead helping investors heres investors upset strategy advertisement palo altos stockbased compensation sbc expenses rose 64 annually 1127 million last quarter gobbling 28 companys revenues factoring costs expenses companys gaap net loss actually widened 46 million year ago 545 million palo alto claims sbc comparable industry peers thats simply case heres comparison palo altos sbc compensation check point software fortinet fireeye nasdaq feye cyberark recent quarters stockbased compensation sbc expenses yoy yearoveryear source quarterly reports company comparable sbc ratio palo altos fireeye recently announced opens new window would lay staff reduce annual operating expenses mentioned previous article opens new window palo alto done little narrow gaap losses instead asks investors analysts focus nongaap results ceo mark mclaughlin notes liberal useof stock bonuses necessary retain talent competitive talent environment silicon valley also means issuing lot new shares pay employees source ycharts result palo alto must buy back stock offset dilution previous years palo altos cash position wasnt strong enough launch major buyback program also didnt seem eager take debt finance buybacks even interest rates near historic lows company finished fiscal 2016 7344 million cash equivalents 95 increase previous year fullyear free cash flow also rose 85 5856 million cash growth apparently gave palo alto confidence approve 500 million buyback would good buying back nearly 4 million shares current prices instead spending half billion dollars shares makes sense palo alto gradually spend cash stock employee salaries would narrow widening gap nongaap gaap earnings show serious eventually turning profit throttle soaring share count instead palo altos buyback simply reduce free cash flow continue allowing rely heavily big stock bonuses let potentially overpay shares since palo alto faces tough competition firewall market check point fortinet even cisco seems wiser set cash aside acquisitions widen competitive moat buying companies probably way palo alto keep posting 3040 sales growth every quarter therefore investors shouldnt celebrate palo altos big buyback instead indicates company isnt worried narrowing gaap losses concerned offsetting dilution sbc boosting shareholder value 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 cisco systems cyberark software motley fool owns shares recommends check point software technologies fireeye motley fool recommends cisco systems cyberark software palo alto networks 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: Disney.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The last 13 months haven't been kind to investors in WaltDisney (NYSE: DIS). The stock's total return (which includes dividends) of about negative 23% since hitting an all-time high in early Aug. 2015 significantly lags the S&amp;amp;P 500's nearly 5% return over this period.</p> <p>The stock's struggles are due to concerns about cable "cord cutting," as will be discussed below.</p> <p>This begs the question: Just how risky is Disney's stock?</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Disney's primary external risk -- risks largely outside of its control -- stems from the changing way people are consuming TV and other media. The availability of subscription video streaming services has led to consumers increasingly dropping or slimming their large cable packages, resulting in a steady decline over the last few years in the number of subscribers to the company's cable channels. This decline is most concerning with respect to ESPN because the dominant sports cable network is a cash cow.</p> <p>This risk is considerable because Disney's media networks segment is its largest and most profitable business unit. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, it accounted forabout 42% of total revenue and 48% of segment operating income. Positively, the risk level has slowly been coming down because strong growth in the company's other segments means that the slower-growing media networks' relative size as a percentage of the whole is declining.</p> <p>Disney is aggressively pursuing opportunities that will allow it to thrive in a changing market. It's been successful getting ESPN included in various distributors' over-the-top "skinny bundles." Its boldest move came in August when it bought a 33% stake in BAMTech, a leading video streaming provider, for $1 billion. This stake will allow Disney todeliver its content directly to consumers and to profit as streaming becomes even more popular.</p> <p>Disney arguably has the most valuable media intellectual property in the world and it's setting itself up to be able to offer this content directly to consumers. With that in mind, investors need to ask themselves if they believe Disney will be successful in its efforts to thrive in the new TV-viewing world.</p> <p>Of course, like all companies, Disney has many external risks. The second most notable one which investors should monitor is the potential for the Zika virus to become morewidespreadin Florida and keep tourists away from Disney World.</p> <p>Internal risks include things within a company's control, such as setting a solid strategy, executing on that strategy, and successfully innovating. All these things require having the right top management team in place.</p> <p>The primary internal risk is a CEO successorrisk. Bob Iger, who will be a hard act to follow, is set to retire as chairman and CEO at the end of June 2018, and there is no clear successor. This issue came into glaring light last April, after COO Tom Scaggs' surprise resignation. While never officially designated as heir apparent, Scaggs was widely believed to be in line for the top spot. Iger's already postponed his retirement twice at the request of the board, so whether he might postpone it again in order to spend more time grooming a successor once one is identified is anyone's guess.</p> <p>Disney, like all public companies, has financial risks related to its business and to its stock. Its business financial risk -- the risk of a company not having enough resources to grow or even maintain its business -- is low and controlled. Disney has a solid balance sheet.</p> <p>A company's stock-related risk stems largely from its valuation. This risk has come down over the last year due to the combination of the company's strong financial performance and its declining stock price. Valuation metrics based on earnings and cash flow have become more attractive over the year.</p> <p>Here's a look at the price-to-earnings (PE) and price-to-free-cash flow ratios for the trailing-12-month period.</p> <p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>PEG (PE/growth) ratios are more valuable in my view than the more commonly used ratios in the above chart because they take growth into account -- trailing growth for trailing PEGs and projected growth for forward PEGs.</p> <p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>A stock sporting a PEG of about 1.0 is generally considered to be fairly valued, but higher-quality stocks and dividend payers will often sport premium valuations. So, Disney -- which pays a dividend currently yielding 1.5% -- can be considered to be somewhat attractively priced. It's certainly not dirt cheap -- but the chances of Disney or another such quality stock ever being dirt cheap are slim, in my view.</p> <p>In short, much of Disney's stock-price risk has been wrung out over the last year. So the stock looks somewhat attractively priced if one is a long-term investor who believes that the company will be able to successfully navigate the changing consumer media market and that Iger's successor will be able to keep the show running successfully along.</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/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 Walt Disney. 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 disney continue reading last 13 months havent kind investors waltdisney nyse dis stocks total return includes dividends negative 23 since hitting alltime high early aug 2015 significantly lags sampp 500s nearly 5 return period stocks struggles due concerns cable cord cutting discussed begs question risky disneys stock image source getty images advertisement disneys primary external risk risks largely outside control stems changing way people consuming tv media availability subscription video streaming services led consumers increasingly dropping slimming large cable packages resulting steady decline last years number subscribers companys cable channels decline concerning respect espn dominant sports cable network cash cow risk considerable disneys media networks segment largest profitable business unit first nine months fiscal 2016 accounted forabout 42 total revenue 48 segment operating income positively risk level slowly coming strong growth companys segments means slowergrowing media networks relative size percentage whole declining disney aggressively pursuing opportunities allow thrive changing market successful getting espn included various distributors overthetop skinny bundles boldest move came august bought 33 stake bamtech leading video streaming provider 1 billion stake allow disney todeliver content directly consumers profit streaming becomes even popular disney arguably valuable media intellectual property world setting able offer content directly consumers mind investors need ask believe disney successful efforts thrive new tvviewing world course like companies disney many external risks second notable one investors monitor potential zika virus become morewidespreadin florida keep tourists away disney world internal risks include things within companys control setting solid strategy executing strategy successfully innovating things require right top management team place primary internal risk ceo successorrisk bob iger hard act follow set retire chairman ceo end june 2018 clear successor issue came glaring light last april coo tom scaggs surprise resignation never officially designated heir apparent scaggs widely believed line top spot igers already postponed retirement twice request board whether might postpone order spend time grooming successor one identified anyones guess disney like public companies financial risks related business stock business financial risk risk company enough resources grow even maintain business low controlled disney solid balance sheet companys stockrelated risk stems largely valuation risk come last year due combination companys strong financial performance declining stock price valuation metrics based earnings cash flow become attractive year heres look pricetoearnings pe pricetofreecash flow ratios trailing12month period data ycharts peg pegrowth ratios valuable view commonly used ratios chart take growth account trailing growth trailing pegs projected growth forward pegs data ycharts stock sporting peg 10 generally considered fairly valued higherquality stocks dividend payers often sport premium valuations disney pays dividend currently yielding 15 considered somewhat attractively priced certainly dirt cheap chances disney another quality stock ever dirt cheap slim view short much disneys stockprice risk wrung last year stock looks somewhat attractively priced one longterm investor believes company able successfully navigate changing consumer media market igers successor able keep show running successfully along secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window beth mckenna opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends walt disney try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Sit back and let the money roll in.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>That's what stocks that pay great dividends allow investors to do. Three big pharma stocks boast especially attractive dividends: AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO).These drugmakers should reward investors with solid share appreciation over the long run as well.</p> <p>Here's why AbbVie, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk rank among the top dividend stocks -- and how they can pay you to wait while earnings grow.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>AbbVie claims an exceptionally strong dividend yield of 4.12%. The company's dividend has grown a whopping 60% since AbbVie was spun off from parent Abbott Laboratoriesin 2013. If you count the period when AbbVie was still under Abbott's wing, the company has hiked its dividend for 44 consecutive years.</p> <p>There shouldn't be any problems for AbbVie in keeping the streak going. The company currently uses less than 63% of its earnings to fund its dividend payments. Those earnings are also expected to grow by more than 14% annually on average over the next several years.</p> <p>AbbVie's current products will generate much of that anticipated earnings growth. Top-selling autoimmune disease drug Humira continues to chug along, generating more than $16 billion in 2016 -- a year-over-year increase of nearly 15%. Cancer drug Imbruvica made $1.8 billion last year. AbbVie projects peak annual sales for Imbruvica to reach $5 billion by 2020.</p> <p>Several candidates from AbbVie's pipeline could also help fund future dividend payments. Cancer drug Rova-T, autoimmune disease drug risankizumab, andleukemia drug Venclexta all have the potential to generate billions of dollars in annual revenue.</p> <p>Pfizer isn't too far behind AbbVie. The big drugmaker's dividend yield currently stands at 3.74%. Pfizer's management has clearly expressed a commitment to paying dividends, with CFO Frank D'Amelio recently stating that the "dividend is an important part to our investing thesis."</p> <p>At first glance, you might think Pfizer's dividend could be in trouble. The company currently spends more on dividend payments than it's making in earnings. Don't worry, though. Pfizer's cash flow is strong enough to easily continue funding its dividend. The company's earnings are also poised to grow at a solid pace.</p> <p>Ibrance will be key to driving earnings higher. The cancer drug generated $2.1 billion in revenue last year. Analysts think that Ibrance could reach peak annual sales between $3 billion and $5 billion.</p> <p>Pfizer's acquisition strategy should also pay off. The two big buyouts last year of Medivation and Anacor allowed Pfizer to pick up prostate cancer drug Xtandi and eczema drug Eucrisa. Each of these acquired drugs could bring in annual revenue of $2 billion or more.</p> <p>Novo Nordisk's dividend yield of 3.14% also looks quite attractive. The Denmark-based drugmaker uses only 63% of its earnings to fund its dividend program, so future dividend hikes seem likely.</p> <p>Like AbbVie and Pfizer, Novo Nordisk can expect earnings to increase solidly in the coming years. The company already has a leadership role with its diabetes franchise, with a market share of 27% in the overall diabetes care market. That position should be in good shape with products such asTresiba and Xultophy. Both insulin products could reach peak annual sales of $3 billion.</p> <p>Novo Nordisk is also looking to become a leader in new therapeutic categories. The company awaits regulatory approval for hemophilia drug N9-GP. Another pipeline candidate for treating hemophilia, N8-GP, is currently in late-stage clinical testing. In addition, Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Saxenda won FDA approval in late 2014. The drugmaker also is evaluating semaglutide in weight management for obese patients in a mid-stage clinical study.</p> <p>Another target area for growth is with growth -- growth disorders, that is. Novo Nordisk's Norditropin growth hormone treatment has been on the market for several years.And the company has a late-stage study in progress for experimental long-acting human growth hormone somapacitan.</p> <p>Which of these top big pharma dividend stocks is the best? My pick is AbbVie.</p> <p>As long as AbbVie can avoid significant competition for Humira, everything should go well for its stock and its dividend. The company thinks it can hold off biosimilar rivals for a few more years using the legal system. In the meantime, AbbVie will pay investors nicely to wait for its newer products to lessen dependence on Humira. 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sit back let money roll continue reading thats stocks pay great dividends allow investors three big pharma stocks boast especially attractive dividends abbvie nyse abbv pfizer nyse pfe novo nordisk nyse nvothese drugmakers reward investors solid share appreciation long run well heres abbvie pfizer novo nordisk rank among top dividend stocks pay wait earnings grow image source getty images advertisement abbvie claims exceptionally strong dividend yield 412 companys dividend grown whopping 60 since abbvie spun parent abbott laboratoriesin 2013 count period abbvie still abbotts wing company hiked dividend 44 consecutive years shouldnt problems abbvie keeping streak going company currently uses less 63 earnings fund dividend payments earnings also expected grow 14 annually average next several years abbvies current products generate much anticipated earnings growth topselling autoimmune disease drug humira continues chug along generating 16 billion 2016 yearoveryear increase nearly 15 cancer drug imbruvica made 18 billion last year abbvie projects peak annual sales imbruvica reach 5 billion 2020 several candidates abbvies pipeline could also help fund future dividend payments cancer drug rovat autoimmune disease drug risankizumab andleukemia drug venclexta potential generate billions dollars annual revenue pfizer isnt far behind abbvie big drugmakers dividend yield currently stands 374 pfizers management clearly expressed commitment paying dividends cfo frank damelio recently stating dividend important part investing thesis first glance might think pfizers dividend could trouble company currently spends dividend payments making earnings dont worry though pfizers cash flow strong enough easily continue funding dividend companys earnings also poised grow solid pace ibrance key driving earnings higher cancer drug generated 21 billion revenue last year analysts think ibrance could reach peak annual sales 3 billion 5 billion pfizers acquisition strategy also pay two big buyouts last year medivation anacor allowed pfizer pick prostate cancer drug xtandi eczema drug eucrisa acquired drugs could bring annual revenue 2 billion novo nordisks dividend yield 314 also looks quite attractive denmarkbased drugmaker uses 63 earnings fund dividend program future dividend hikes seem likely like abbvie pfizer novo nordisk expect earnings increase solidly coming years company already leadership role diabetes franchise market share 27 overall diabetes care market position good shape products astresiba xultophy insulin products could reach peak annual sales 3 billion novo nordisk also looking become leader new therapeutic categories company awaits regulatory approval hemophilia drug n9gp another pipeline candidate treating hemophilia n8gp currently latestage clinical testing addition novo nordisks obesity drug saxenda fda approval late 2014 drugmaker also evaluating semaglutide weight management obese patients midstage clinical study another target area growth growth growth disorders novo nordisks norditropin growth hormone treatment market several yearsand company latestage study progress experimental longacting human growth hormone somapacitan top big pharma dividend stocks best pick abbvie long abbvie avoid significant competition humira everything go well stock dividend company thinks hold biosimilar rivals years using legal system meantime abbvie pay investors nicely wait newer products lessen dependence humira sit back let dividends roll 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 keith speights opens new window owns shares abbvie pfizer motley fool recommends novo nordisk motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>A fresh sense of dealmaking excitement should permeate Idaho's mountain air next week when media and technology moguls descend on remote Sun Valley for their annual conference, which in recent years has been as sleepy as the town for which it is named.</p> <p>The latest moves made by News Corp, Vivendi and Liberty Media signal a shifting landscape of opportunities for snatching up assets as media companies navigate new entertainment platforms, a soft economy, turmoil in Europe, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The 30-year-old conference, hosted by boutique investment firm Allen &amp;amp; Co has consistently attracted heavy hitters and spawned blockbuster deals including Disney's $19 billion acquisition of Cap Cities/ABC in 1995. However, with the exception of Comcast Corp's 2009 purchase of NBC Universal, few major tie-ups have come out of Sun Valley in recent years.</p> <p>That may change at this years event, which runs from July 10 to July 14 at the Sun Valley Resort. Developments in just the past few weeks have industry watchers predicting media companies will peel away more assets while they jockey to grab consumers' attention as entertainment options swell.</p> <p>Most notably, News Corp's board approved a plan to split the $60 billion conglomerate into two publicly traded companies, one focusing on entertainment and the other on publishing, with the Murdoch family controlling both. News Corp (NYSE:NWS) Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch and his children - James, Lachlan and Elisabeth - are expected at Sun Valley amid speculation over their roles in the new companies.</p> <p>"I think it'll be more provocative this year. There will be more discussion about whether these bigger conglomerates start breaking up. It'll be the topic du jour considering what happened with News Corp," said Todd Davison, Morgan Stanley's co-head of media investment banking for North America.</p> <p>Between whitewater rafting and hikes in the scenic Pioneer mountains, executives attending the so-called "summer camp for moguls" have the chance for high-level talks about possible sales or collaborations.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Close attention will be paid to who lunches together, chats over cocktails, or huddles with the venture capitalists and private equity chiefs expected to attend, including Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz LLC and Henry Kravis of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts &amp;amp; Co.</p> <p>Other media titans whose private jets are expected to clog the small airport's runway include Disney (NYSE:DIS) Chief Executive Bob Iger, talk show queen turned network executive Oprah Winfrey, and Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, according to a list of attendees obtained by Reuters.</p> <p>On the tech side, guests include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) Chief Jeff Bezos, Google Inc's Sergey Brin, Eric Schmidt and Larry Page, and Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) CEO Reed Hastings.</p> <p>Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), one of the most closely watched and highly anticipated companies to go public, fell flat with its IPO in May after technical glitches on the Nasdaq and questions about its ability to increase advertising revenue. The fallout from Facebook's public debut and how that will affect other tech companies' plans of going public will certainly be a topic of conversation among the moguls.</p> <p>So will the fate of Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO), an Internet icon that is struggling to regain its leadership status after being usurped by Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), Facebook, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), and others. Yahoo's interim CEO Ross Levinsohn is currently on the guest list, but he may not make the event due to the annual meeting of Yahoo shareholders next week while former Yahoo CEOs Jerry Yang and Terry Semel are also expected to attend the conference.</p> <p>Apple CEO Tim Cook appears on the guest list, but the iPhone maker has not confirmed whether he will attend. His predecessor, the late Steve Jobs, shunned the event, though his widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, is listed among this year's guests.</p> <p>Even if Cook does not attend, the next version of Apple TV will be on the minds of media executives.</p> <p>"I'm sure there will be lots of speculation with the full version of Apple TV. If and when that happens, that will have a major impact on how Internet video is consumed in the living room," said Ken Allen, director in Blackstone's technology advisory practice.</p> <p>OTHER DEALS</p> <p>Vivendi, the French media conglomerate, could be looking to unload some assets now that longtime CEO Jean-Bernard Levy has stepped down.</p> <p>One Vivendi asset widely considered to be ripe for disposal is its 60 percent, or $8 billion stake, in U.S. video game publisher Activision Blizzard, whose CEO Bobby Kotick, a Sun Valley conference regular, is registered for this year's edition as well.</p> <p>The company could also spin off Moroccan telecom company Maroc Telecom or mull a Murdoch-style split of its business into a telecom and media arm, analysts and bankers have said.</p> <p>Lucian Grainge, the head of Universal Music Group, another Vivendi asset, will also be in attendance as his company continues its battle for regulatory approval of EMI Group.</p> <p>John Malone, the CEO of Liberty Media is expected, as his media holding company tries to seize control of Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI), the satellite radio provider it floated a $530 million loan to in 2009 to help it avoid bankruptcy.</p> <p>THEMES</p> <p>Television and film producers also may be looking for new avenues to sell their content as online players try to bolster their offerings.</p> <p>"The content companies are in the best position. They just need to continue to figure out the best way to monetize their content through new mediums," said Jonathan Boyar, managing director of Boyar Value Fund, which owns shares of Cablevision Systems (NYSE:CVC), CBS Corp (NYSE:CBS), Time Warner (NYSE:TWX) and Comcast (Cablevision Systems).</p> <p>The November presidential election is "another source of uncertainty in terms of what sort of regulation we'll have, what the tax outlook will look like, what the healthcare will look like," said Blackstone's Allen.</p> <p>(Reporting By Liana B. Baker in New York and Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Lauria and Alden Bentley)</p>

fresh sense dealmaking excitement permeate idahos mountain air next week media technology moguls descend remote sun valley annual conference recent years sleepy town named latest moves made news corp vivendi liberty media signal shifting landscape opportunities snatching assets media companies navigate new entertainment platforms soft economy turmoil europe upcoming us presidential election continue reading 30yearold conference hosted boutique investment firm allen amp co consistently attracted heavy hitters spawned blockbuster deals including disneys 19 billion acquisition cap citiesabc 1995 however exception comcast corps 2009 purchase nbc universal major tieups come sun valley recent years may change years event runs july 10 july 14 sun valley resort developments past weeks industry watchers predicting media companies peel away assets jockey grab consumers attention entertainment options swell notably news corps board approved plan split 60 billion conglomerate two publicly traded companies one focusing entertainment publishing murdoch family controlling news corp nysenws chief executive rupert murdoch children james lachlan elisabeth expected sun valley amid speculation roles new companies think itll provocative year discussion whether bigger conglomerates start breaking itll topic du jour considering happened news corp said todd davison morgan stanleys cohead media investment banking north america whitewater rafting hikes scenic pioneer mountains executives attending socalled summer camp moguls chance highlevel talks possible sales collaborations advertisement close attention paid lunches together chats cocktails huddles venture capitalists private equity chiefs expected attend including marc andreessen andreessen horowitz llc henry kravis kohlberg kravis roberts amp co media titans whose private jets expected clog small airports runway include disney nysedis chief executive bob iger talk show queen turned network executive oprah winfrey time warner ceo jeff bewkes according list attendees obtained reuters tech side guests include facebook founder mark zuckerberg amazoncom nasdaqamzn chief jeff bezos google incs sergey brin eric schmidt larry page netflix nasdaqnflx ceo reed hastings facebook nasdaqfb one closely watched highly anticipated companies go public fell flat ipo may technical glitches nasdaq questions ability increase advertising revenue fallout facebooks public debut affect tech companies plans going public certainly topic conversation among moguls fate yahoo nasdaqyhoo internet icon struggling regain leadership status usurped google nasdaqgoog facebook apple nasdaqaapl others yahoos interim ceo ross levinsohn currently guest list may make event due annual meeting yahoo shareholders next week former yahoo ceos jerry yang terry semel also expected attend conference apple ceo tim cook appears guest list iphone maker confirmed whether attend predecessor late steve jobs shunned event though widow laurene powell jobs listed among years guests even cook attend next version apple tv minds media executives im sure lots speculation full version apple tv happens major impact internet video consumed living room said ken allen director blackstones technology advisory practice deals vivendi french media conglomerate could looking unload assets longtime ceo jeanbernard levy stepped one vivendi asset widely considered ripe disposal 60 percent 8 billion stake us video game publisher activision blizzard whose ceo bobby kotick sun valley conference regular registered years edition well company could also spin moroccan telecom company maroc telecom mull murdochstyle split business telecom media arm analysts bankers said lucian grainge head universal music group another vivendi asset also attendance company continues battle regulatory approval emi group john malone ceo liberty media expected media holding company tries seize control sirius xm radio nasdaqsiri satellite radio provider floated 530 million loan 2009 help avoid bankruptcy themes television film producers also may looking new avenues sell content online players try bolster offerings content companies best position need continue figure best way monetize content new mediums said jonathan boyar managing director boyar value fund owns shares cablevision systems nysecvc cbs corp nysecbs time warner nysetwx comcast cablevision systems november presidential election another source uncertainty terms sort regulation well tax outlook look like healthcare look like said blackstones allen reporting liana b baker new york lisa richwine los angeles editing peter lauria alden bentley

<p /> <p>Poor Mickey Kaus. He&#8217;s the liberal intellectual (not an oxymoron &#8212; he&#8217;s the last known living &#8220;liberal intellectual&#8221;) lefties on TV are usually stealing from, but now that this welfare reform maven has concluded that Romney&#8217;s welfare ad is basically correct, liberals refuse to acknowledge his existence.</p> <p>The non-Fox media have formed a solid front in denouncing Romney&#8217;s welfare ad for daring to point out that Obama has gutted the work requirements of the 1996 welfare reform bill.</p> <p>The New York Times claims that Romney&#8217;s ad &#8220;falsely&#8221; charges Obama with eliminating work requirements. CNN rates the ad &#8220;false.&#8221; Underemployed hack Howard Fineman says Romney&#8217;s ad &#8220;is just flat out wrong on the facts&#8221; and &#8220;that every fair analyst, every fact checker&#8221; has said it&#8217;s &#8220;just factually wrong.&#8221;</p> <p>When a campaign ad induces this much hysteria, you know Romney has struck gold. On closer examination, it turns out that by &#8220;every fair analyst,&#8221; Fineman means a bunch of liberals quoting one another.</p> <p>This is how the media&#8217;s &#8220;fact checkers&#8221; operate when it comes to a Republican campaign ad. One not very well-informed person (or a heavily biased person) announces that Romney&#8217;s welfare ad is false, and the rest of the herd quote him, without anyone ever bothering to examine the facts, much less citing anyone who knows what he&#8217;s talking about.</p> <p>It is striking that everyone who actually knows something about the 1996 welfare reform law says that Romney&#8217;s ad is accurate.</p> <p>One of the principal authors of the 1996 welfare reform, Robert Rector of the Heritage Foundation, and Douglas Besharov, who advised Hillary Clinton on the 1996 welfare reform law, say Romney&#8217;s ad is accurate.</p> <p>Andrew Grossman, also of Heritage, produced something the MSM &#8220;fact checkers&#8221; avoid: a specific and detailed explanation of how the new waivers will allow states to evade the work requirements.</p> <p>Even Ron Haskins, one of the reform bill&#8217;s authors now at the liberal Brookings Institution &#8212; cited far and wide for &#8220;blasting&#8221; Romney&#8217;s ad &#8212; doesn&#8217;t deny the Obama administration plans to waive the work requirements. He just says he supports waivers for &#8220;job training.&#8221; That&#8217;s not disputing the accuracy of Romney&#8217;s ads.</p> <p>A lot of Americans don&#8217;t support waiving the work requirements, even for &#8220;job training.&#8221; Mitt Romney thinks they should know that that&#8217;s what Obama is doing.</p> <p>And liberal Kaus &#8212; whom liberal hacks are usually plagiarizing from &#8212; has written a series of blog posts explaining in detail why the Times is wrong and Romney&#8217;s ad is not incorrect. True, he says the ad is &#8220;oversimplified,&#8221; but I think most people grasp that a 30-second ad will not provide the lush analytical detail of a Kausfiles blog posting.</p> <p>We know liberals are reading Kausfiles; why aren&#8217;t they stealing from him this time?</p> <p>John Hawkins's book 101 Things All Young Adults Should Know is filled with lessons that newly minted adults need in order to get the most out of life. Gleaned from a lifetime of trial, error, and writing it down, Hawkins provides advice everyone can benefit from in short, digestible chapters.</p> <p>As Kaus explains, HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius has interpreted the welfare law to allow her to waive work requirements &#8220;subject only to her opinion&#8221; as to what will serve the purposes of the law.</p> <p>By viewing the work requirements as optional, subject to her waiver, Kaus says, the law has been &#8220;altered dramatically&#8221;: &#8220;Old system: Congress writes the requirements, which are &#8230; requirements. New system: Sebelius does what she wants &#8212; but, hey, you can trust her!&#8221;</p> <p>Sebelius is not a laid-back, third-way neoliberal who can be expected to interpret her waiver authority honestly. She&#8217;s the doctrinaire feminist loon who &#8220;interpreted&#8221; Obamacare to require every insurance policy in the country to provide full coverage for birth control.</p> <p>Kaus points out that the HHS memo announcing that Sebelius could allow waivers from work for &#8220;job training,&#8221; &#8220;job search&#8221; or &#8220;pursuing a credential&#8221; unquestionably constitutes &#8220;a weakening of the work requirement.&#8221; He adds that it&#8217;s also &#8220;unfair to the poor suckers who just go to work without ever going on welfare &#8212; they don&#8217;t get subsidized while they&#8217;re &#8216;pursuing a credential.'&#8221;</p> <p>In a follow-up post, Kaus pointed out that the Times&#8217; own editorial denouncing the Romney ad inadvertently revealed that Sebelius was proposing a lot more than &#8220;job search&#8221; exemptions from the work requirement.</p> <p>Both the Times and an HHS memo cheerfully propose allowing hard-to-employ &#8220;families&#8221; &#8212; which are never actual families, by the way &#8212; to be &#8220;exempted from the work requirements for six months.&#8221; Or more than six months. It&#8217;s up to Sebelius: &#8220;Exempted.&#8221;</p> <p>The work requirements were one of two central features of the 1996 welfare reform law, along with time limits. They were heatedly opposed by the Democrats&#8217; left-wing base at the time, and have been met with massive resistance in some of our more Greece-like states ever since.</p> <p>A 2005 report by the Government Accountability Office found that some states were accepting such non-work substitutes from welfare recipients as &#8220;bed rest,&#8221; &#8220;personal journaling,&#8221; &#8220;motivational reading,&#8221; &#8220;exercise at home,&#8221; &#8220;smoking cessation,&#8221; &#8220;weight loss,&#8221; and &#8220;helping a friend or relative with household tasks and errands.&#8221;</p> <p>(Under Sebelius, the work requirement will also be satisfied with &#8220;playing Xbox and eating Doritos.&#8221;)</p> <p>Many liberals, such as those who write for The New York Times, agree that &#8220;bed rest&#8221; and &#8220;personal journaling&#8221; should count as a work substitute for welfare recipients. But that&#8217;s not what the law says. And it&#8217;s certainly not what liberals tell us when they proclaim Romney&#8217;s ad &#8220;false.&#8221;</p> <p>What &#8220;every fair analyst&#8221; and &#8220;every fact checker&#8221; means when they call Romney&#8217;s ad &#8220;false&#8221; is: We, the media, don&#8217;t consider exempting welfare recipients from the requirement of having to work &#8220;gutting&#8221; the work requirements.</p> <p>&#8220;Thoroughly debunked&#8221; is the new liberal code for &#8220;blindingly accurate.&#8221;</p>

poor mickey kaus hes liberal intellectual oxymoron hes last known living liberal intellectual lefties tv usually stealing welfare reform maven concluded romneys welfare ad basically correct liberals refuse acknowledge existence nonfox media formed solid front denouncing romneys welfare ad daring point obama gutted work requirements 1996 welfare reform bill new york times claims romneys ad falsely charges obama eliminating work requirements cnn rates ad false underemployed hack howard fineman says romneys ad flat wrong facts every fair analyst every fact checker said factually wrong campaign ad induces much hysteria know romney struck gold closer examination turns every fair analyst fineman means bunch liberals quoting one another medias fact checkers operate comes republican campaign ad one wellinformed person heavily biased person announces romneys welfare ad false rest herd quote without anyone ever bothering examine facts much less citing anyone knows hes talking striking everyone actually knows something 1996 welfare reform law says romneys ad accurate one principal authors 1996 welfare reform robert rector heritage foundation douglas besharov advised hillary clinton 1996 welfare reform law say romneys ad accurate andrew grossman also heritage produced something msm fact checkers avoid specific detailed explanation new waivers allow states evade work requirements even ron haskins one reform bills authors liberal brookings institution cited far wide blasting romneys ad doesnt deny obama administration plans waive work requirements says supports waivers job training thats disputing accuracy romneys ads lot americans dont support waiving work requirements even job training mitt romney thinks know thats obama liberal kaus liberal hacks usually plagiarizing written series blog posts explaining detail times wrong romneys ad incorrect true says ad oversimplified think people grasp 30second ad provide lush analytical detail kausfiles blog posting know liberals reading kausfiles arent stealing time john hawkinss book 101 things young adults know filled lessons newly minted adults need order get life gleaned lifetime trial error writing hawkins provides advice everyone benefit short digestible chapters kaus explains hhs secretary kathleen sebelius interpreted welfare law allow waive work requirements subject opinion serve purposes law viewing work requirements optional subject waiver kaus says law altered dramatically old system congress writes requirements requirements new system sebelius wants hey trust sebelius laidback thirdway neoliberal expected interpret waiver authority honestly shes doctrinaire feminist loon interpreted obamacare require every insurance policy country provide full coverage birth control kaus points hhs memo announcing sebelius could allow waivers work job training job search pursuing credential unquestionably constitutes weakening work requirement adds also unfair poor suckers go work without ever going welfare dont get subsidized theyre pursuing credential followup post kaus pointed times editorial denouncing romney ad inadvertently revealed sebelius proposing lot job search exemptions work requirement times hhs memo cheerfully propose allowing hardtoemploy families never actual families way exempted work requirements six months six months sebelius exempted work requirements one two central features 1996 welfare reform law along time limits heatedly opposed democrats leftwing base time met massive resistance greecelike states ever since 2005 report government accountability office found states accepting nonwork substitutes welfare recipients bed rest personal journaling motivational reading exercise home smoking cessation weight loss helping friend relative household tasks errands sebelius work requirement also satisfied playing xbox eating doritos many liberals write new york times agree bed rest personal journaling count work substitute welfare recipients thats law says certainly liberals tell us proclaim romneys ad false every fair analyst every fact checker means call romneys ad false media dont consider exempting welfare recipients requirement work gutting work requirements thoroughly debunked new liberal code blindingly accurate

<p /> <p>If you're looking for unusually high returns on your capital, biotechnology remains a fairly safe bet, even despite its monstrous run-up over the past five years. The growing and aging global population, after all, is expected to drive an ever-increasing demand for the biologically based medicines that are at the very heart of the industry.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>With this in mind, Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) and Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) have both proven to be particularly outstanding vehicles to gain exposure to this high-flying industry. As such, let's consider which of these top dogs in biotech is the more attractive buy right now.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Since 2014, Amgen has been slowly and steadily working to bring its next generation of products online to soften the blow from its patent-expired medicines such as theanemia drug Epogen. And so far, the company's efforts are bearing fruit.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Last year, for example, Amgen rolled out 94 country/product approvals,generated a record $23 billion in annual revenue, and worked diligently toward developing the market for its ground-breaking cardiovascular disease drug, Repatha. As a result, the company was able to plow a hefty $6 billion into shareholder rewards, and increase its dividend by a healthy 27% compared to 2015 levels.</p> <p>Going forward, Amgen's continued success is going to depend mainly on the commercial uptake of both Repatha and the biotech's multiple myeloma drug, Kyprolis. Repatha, for instance, is forecast to generate peak sales in excess of $7 billion following the positive readout of its cardiovascular outcomes studyFOURIER earlier this year. AndKyprolis' sales are expected to absolutely skyrocket over the next two years to eventually reach $1.5 billion. To put these peak sales estimates into context, these two drugs generated a grand total of $141 million (Repatha) and $692 million (Kyprolis) in sales last year, respectively.</p> <p>That said, the two drugs do face some serious challenges in order to meet these lofty expectations. Repatha, after all, has run into trouble with payers since its launch, although this headwind may start to resolve soon with the positiveFOURIER readout that shows this drug does indeed improve cardiovascular outcomes.</p> <p>Kyprolis, for its part, is in a head-to-head battle with Celgene's (NASDAQ: CELG) Pomalyst for a share of the rather crowdedmultiple myeloma market. That's a tough road to travel, especially since multiplemyeloma is essentially Celgene's home turf, so to speak.</p> <p>On the financial side of the equation, Amgen is in rock-solid shape. The biotech exited 2016 with over $38 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and free cash cash flows exceeding $9.5 billion. So this is a company that can weather some unexpected setbacks without being forced to cut back on value-creating activities like pipeline investments or shareholder rewards.</p> <p>When it comes to blue-chip biotechs, Biogen stands out as somewhat of an oddball because of its heavy reliance on growing its top line by stately price increases, or pricing some medicines at max levels right out out of the gate. In 2016, for example, the biotech used price hikes for its top-selling multiple sclerosis (MS) drugTecfidera to drive the bulk of its growth, and the company kicked off this year with yet another round of price increases for its core MS medicines.</p> <p>Moreover, Biogen and its partner Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) priced their newly approvedspinal muscular atrophy medicine, Spinraza, at a stunning $125,000 per treatment -- causing a number of payers to immediately limit access to the drug to only the absolute sickest patients (Type 1 or infantile onset).</p> <p>While this eye-popping price tag is expected to help boost Spinraza's peak sales into the $2 billion stratosphere, the public outcry has been substantial, to say the least. And payers may eventually demand sizable rebates and discounts before offering broad coverage. So, to be blunt, Biogen's current growth strategy that's steeped in regular price increases may not be sustainable for the long haul.</p> <p>Besides having a dicey growth strategy in place, Biogen also lacks a compelling late-stage pipeline. After all, the biotech's most exciting product candidate is arguably the Alzheimer's disease medicine aducanumab, which belongs to a class of drugs chock-full of pivotal stage failures. So the company definitely has some work to do to flesh out its pipeline moving forward.</p> <p>Amgen is easily the winner in this matchup because of its superior research and development engine, more diverse product mix, and less reliance on controversial price increases to drive growth. Additionally, Amgen offers a decent dividend yield of 2.84%, while Biogen has yet to institute a dividend program.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than AmgenWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=68311e8b-f9ae-411d-baac-f1d52891b9ff&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 Amgen wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=68311e8b-f9ae-411d-baac-f1d52891b9ff&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 April 3, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/gbudwell/info.aspx" type="external">George Budwell Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Biogen, Celgene, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. 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>

youre looking unusually high returns capital biotechnology remains fairly safe bet even despite monstrous runup past five years growing aging global population expected drive everincreasing demand biologically based medicines heart industry continue reading mind amgen nasdaq amgn biogen nasdaq biib proven particularly outstanding vehicles gain exposure highflying industry lets consider top dogs biotech attractive buy right image source getty images since 2014 amgen slowly steadily working bring next generation products online soften blow patentexpired medicines theanemia drug epogen far companys efforts bearing fruit advertisement last year example amgen rolled 94 countryproduct approvalsgenerated record 23 billion annual revenue worked diligently toward developing market groundbreaking cardiovascular disease drug repatha result company able plow hefty 6 billion shareholder rewards increase dividend healthy 27 compared 2015 levels going forward amgens continued success going depend mainly commercial uptake repatha biotechs multiple myeloma drug kyprolis repatha instance forecast generate peak sales excess 7 billion following positive readout cardiovascular outcomes studyfourier earlier year andkyprolis sales expected absolutely skyrocket next two years eventually reach 15 billion put peak sales estimates context two drugs generated grand total 141 million repatha 692 million kyprolis sales last year respectively said two drugs face serious challenges order meet lofty expectations repatha run trouble payers since launch although headwind may start resolve soon positivefourier readout shows drug indeed improve cardiovascular outcomes kyprolis part headtohead battle celgenes nasdaq celg pomalyst share rather crowdedmultiple myeloma market thats tough road travel especially since multiplemyeloma essentially celgenes home turf speak financial side equation amgen rocksolid shape biotech exited 2016 38 billion cash cash equivalents free cash cash flows exceeding 95 billion company weather unexpected setbacks without forced cut back valuecreating activities like pipeline investments shareholder rewards comes bluechip biotechs biogen stands somewhat oddball heavy reliance growing top line stately price increases pricing medicines max levels right gate 2016 example biotech used price hikes topselling multiple sclerosis ms drugtecfidera drive bulk growth company kicked year yet another round price increases core ms medicines moreover biogen partner ionis pharmaceuticals nasdaq ions priced newly approvedspinal muscular atrophy medicine spinraza stunning 125000 per treatment causing number payers immediately limit access drug absolute sickest patients type 1 infantile onset eyepopping price tag expected help boost spinrazas peak sales 2 billion stratosphere public outcry substantial say least payers may eventually demand sizable rebates discounts offering broad coverage blunt biogens current growth strategy thats steeped regular price increases may sustainable long haul besides dicey growth strategy place biogen also lacks compelling latestage pipeline biotechs exciting product candidate arguably alzheimers disease medicine aducanumab belongs class drugs chockfull pivotal stage failures company definitely work flesh pipeline moving forward amgen easily winner matchup superior research development engine diverse product mix less reliance controversial price increases drive growth additionally amgen offers decent dividend yield 284 biogen yet institute dividend program 10 stocks like better amgenwhen 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 amgen wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 george budwell opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends biogen celgene ionis pharmaceuticals motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: NVIDIA.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Each month, Valve Corporation publishes what it refers to as the Steam Hardware Survey. Steam is one of the most popular computer game distribution platforms, if not the most overall. The survey collects a lot of information about the computer hardware that gamers who employ the Steam platform actually use, which means it's a reasonably good tool to try to figure out the pace at which gamers are adopting certain computer hardware and technology.</p> <p>After looking at the Steam Hardware Survey results for September, it's clear that graphics specialist NVIDIA's (NASDAQ: NVDA) latest Pascal-architecture graphics processors are being adopted at an extremely rapid rate.</p> <p>Let's take a closer look at the findings.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>According to the survey, the Pascal-based GeForce GTX 1060, GTX 1070, and GTX 1080 now comprise a full 3.2% of all the DirectX 12-capable graphics cards in use by Steam gamers. Here's the breakdown by individual processor:</p> <p>Source: September Steam Hardware Survey.</p> <p>Perhaps more interesting, though, is the rate at which Steam gamers are adopting these graphics processors. Between August and September, here was the growth in penetration rate of each of these graphics processors among the same Steam gamers:</p> <p>Source: September Steam Hardware Survey.</p> <p>Clearly, growth in penetration rate of the GTX 1060 outpaced its more expensive siblings. It's worth noting, though, that the GTX 1060 cards that launched back in July initially sported fully enabled graphics processors and six gigabytes of video memory. As a result, the pricing for cards based on these processors began at $249 and even extended beyond the $299 mark.</p> <p>In mid-August, NVIDIA and its partners rolled out a cheaper variant of the 1060 with a partially disabled processor and just 3 gigabytes of memory, which may have helped to accelerate the adoption rate of the 1060 relative to the 1070 and 1080.</p> <p>It also doesn't come as a surprise that the more expensive a particular graphics processor is, the slower its relative rate of adoption is.</p> <p>The GTX 980, which first hit the market at a $549 price point, didn't quite enjoy the success of the cheaper GTX 970, nor even the success of the pricier GTX 980 Ti that launched nine months later.</p> <p>The GTX 1080 seems to be performing better than the prior GTX 980. The GTX 980 launched in September 2014, and its penetration rate among DirectX 12-capable systems appears to have peaked at around 1.45%. Just four months into retail availability, the 1080 hasalready already reached 0.88%.The 1080 is also faring well compared with the 980 Ti. This part launched in June 2015 and held the fort as NVIDIA's top non-Titan GeForce offering until May 2016. Its adoption rate peaked at around 1.39%.</p> <p>From a pricing perspective, it probably makes more sense to compare the GTX 1080 with the 980 Ti rather than the GTX 980. The 980 Ti made its debut at $649, while the GTX 1080 can be had for as low as $620 on Newegg.com. On that basis, the 1080 looks as though it's enjoying greater adoption than its older counterpart.</p> <p>In the previous generation, the GeForce GTX 970 was the most widely adopted of its graphics processors, with the 960 coming in second. So far, GTX 1060 adoption trails GeForce GTX 1070 adoption, but the month-to-month growth rate of the GTX 1060 in September was much faster.</p> <p>The GTX 1060 starts at the same price point as the prior-generation GTX 960, though the range is wider thanks to the separate models with 3GB and 6GB of memory, respectively. The GTX 1070, meanwhile, starts at a higher price point ($379 versus $329).</p> <p>Although I suspect both products will continue to do very well in the marketplace, it might be too soon to call which of these products will ultimately wind up being the No. 1 option for gamers.</p> <p>NVIDIA's mid-range and high-end Pascal-based graphics processors appear to be enjoying fairly fast adoption in the marketplace. I expect that this should translate into solid growth for the company's gaming-oriented graphics processor business over the course of the company's current fiscal year.</p> <p>Additionally, later this month, the company is expected to release two more graphics products targeted at more value-oriented gamers -- the GeForce GTX 1050 and the GTX 1050 Ti. Though the average selling prices on these products are lower than the Pascal products that the company is currently fielding in the marketplace, the unit and revenue opportunities in these segments are <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/08/nvidia-corporation-geforce-gtx-1050-specs-leak.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">still significant Opens a New Window.</a>.</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/aeassa/info.aspx" type="external">Ashraf Eassa Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends NVIDIA. 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 nvidia continue reading month valve corporation publishes refers steam hardware survey steam one popular computer game distribution platforms overall survey collects lot information computer hardware gamers employ steam platform actually use means reasonably good tool try figure pace gamers adopting certain computer hardware technology looking steam hardware survey results september clear graphics specialist nvidias nasdaq nvda latest pascalarchitecture graphics processors adopted extremely rapid rate lets take closer look findings advertisement according survey pascalbased geforce gtx 1060 gtx 1070 gtx 1080 comprise full 32 directx 12capable graphics cards use steam gamers heres breakdown individual processor source september steam hardware survey perhaps interesting though rate steam gamers adopting graphics processors august september growth penetration rate graphics processors among steam gamers source september steam hardware survey clearly growth penetration rate gtx 1060 outpaced expensive siblings worth noting though gtx 1060 cards launched back july initially sported fully enabled graphics processors six gigabytes video memory result pricing cards based processors began 249 even extended beyond 299 mark midaugust nvidia partners rolled cheaper variant 1060 partially disabled processor 3 gigabytes memory may helped accelerate adoption rate 1060 relative 1070 1080 also doesnt come surprise expensive particular graphics processor slower relative rate adoption gtx 980 first hit market 549 price point didnt quite enjoy success cheaper gtx 970 even success pricier gtx 980 ti launched nine months later gtx 1080 seems performing better prior gtx 980 gtx 980 launched september 2014 penetration rate among directx 12capable systems appears peaked around 145 four months retail availability 1080 hasalready already reached 088the 1080 also faring well compared 980 ti part launched june 2015 held fort nvidias top nontitan geforce offering may 2016 adoption rate peaked around 139 pricing perspective probably makes sense compare gtx 1080 980 ti rather gtx 980 980 ti made debut 649 gtx 1080 low 620 neweggcom basis 1080 looks though enjoying greater adoption older counterpart previous generation geforce gtx 970 widely adopted graphics processors 960 coming second far gtx 1060 adoption trails geforce gtx 1070 adoption monthtomonth growth rate gtx 1060 september much faster gtx 1060 starts price point priorgeneration gtx 960 though range wider thanks separate models 3gb 6gb memory respectively gtx 1070 meanwhile starts higher price point 379 versus 329 although suspect products continue well marketplace might soon call products ultimately wind 1 option gamers nvidias midrange highend pascalbased graphics processors appear enjoying fairly fast adoption marketplace expect translate solid growth companys gamingoriented graphics processor business course companys current fiscal year additionally later month company expected release two graphics products targeted valueoriented gamers geforce gtx 1050 gtx 1050 ti though average selling prices products lower pascal products company currently fielding marketplace unit revenue opportunities segments still significant opens new window 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 ashraf eassa opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends nvidia try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>There's a frequently cited PwC report that says that 38% of U.S. jobs are at risk of being overtaken by artificially intelligent automation by 2030.&amp;#160;Similarly, a Scientific American <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/will-democracy-survive-big-data-and-artificial-intelligence/" type="external">article Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;warned earlier this year that 40% of the top 500 companies will vanish within a decade as they fall victim to artificial intelligence (AI).</p> <p>Let's be honest here, those predictions are pretty <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/22/artificial-intelligence-stock-gains-arent-just-a-p.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">easy to dismiss Opens a New Window.</a> right now. The average person can take a look around and ask, "Where is all of this scary AI?" After all, the world's leading AI companies --&amp;#160;Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google, chipmaker NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) -- aren't showing TV ads about buying new AI bots just yet. So why worry?</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>But AI is already starting to take over in very subtle ways, and there's plenty of evidence that as AI becomes a bigger part of what these companies do it'll eventually become a bigger part of how our world functions.</p> <p>I don't want to creep you out, but if you own a smartphone then you've likely talked to artificial intelligence. More specifically, if you've asked Siri a question, talked to Google Assistant, searched for a photo in Google Photos, or uploaded a photo to Facebook and let it automatically tag your friends, then you've used a form of AI.</p> <p>Google is probably one of the most well-known AI companies right now because its AI company, DeepMind, has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/04/google-artificial-intelligence-finally-beats-the-b.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">bested the world's top players Opens a New Window.</a> in the ancient game of Go. But Google is also using AI in less public ways as well. The company has added <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/19/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-and-dee-2.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">machine learning Opens a New Window.</a> algorithms to its core apps -- like Search and Photos -- and has made its machine learning tool, TensorFlow, available for free so developers can create their own AI-driven apps.</p> <p>Of course Amazon has been using AI in plain sight as well, with its popular Echo devices. The company's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/03/amazons-takes-aim-at-apple-and-alphabet-with-its-b.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">lineup for smart speakers Opens a New Window.</a> and in-home devices have the company's artificially intelligent assistant, Alexa, in them, but Amazon is also using machine learning algorithms to serve up the most relevant content when you're <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/25/jeff-bezos-encouraged-amazon-investors-to-watch-th.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">searching for items Opens a New Window.</a> on its e-commerce platform.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Additionally, the company's Amazon Web Services (AWS) -- which is Amazon's biggest business by operating income -- has AI tools for developers that help them create AI apps, just like Google.</p> <p>Those are examples of some AI software and tools that are working in the background of commonly used tech already, but hardware that's designed specifically for AI use is pervasive as well.</p> <p>Google said just last year that it's creating its own Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) specifically for running AI and NVIDIA has been tweaking its own graphics processing units (GPUs), and creating new processors, to be used for some of the most advanced AI servers run by Microsoft, Amazon, and others.</p> <p>NVIDIA's GPUs are an integral part in the company's own AI-powered autonomous driving systems, the latest of which is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/10/nvidias-automotive-supercomputer-can-now-handle-fu.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Drive PX Pegasus Opens a New Window.</a>, as well as in the company's powerful DGX-1 server, which is used for deep learning research and analytics.</p> <p>NVIDIA's lead in the AI hardware space has helped the company carve out its own artificial intelligence niche and could give the company a total addressable market in AI of more than $30 billion over the next eight years.</p> <p>Ok, so there are plenty of examples of AI all around us, but how exactly will this tech go from answering basic questions to stealing away our jobs? The answer is that AI is becoming faster and smarter at an exponential rate.</p> <p>For example, NVIDIA released its second-generation Drive PX 2 semi-autonmous driving computer in 2016, but the new Pegasus version which debuted just last month is already 13 times faster, less than two years later.</p> <p>Of course, this rate of acceleration doesn't just apply to autonomous vehicle technology. A recent Mother Jones <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/10/you-will-lose-your-job-to-a-robot-and-sooner-than-you-think/" type="external">article Opens a New Window.</a> says that AI will have one-tenth of human brain capabilities just before 2035 -- but that artificial intelligence will then surpass human intelligence by 2060.</p> <p>"[S]urgeons, novelists, construction workers, police officers, and so forth. These jobs could all be fully automated during the 2040s. By 2060, AI will be capable of performing any task currently done by humans," the author writes.</p> <p>If this timetable proves true, then it means that other predictions, like the ones below from research firm Gartner, become more likely as well.</p> <p>These are all just predictions, of course, and no one has a crystal ball that can predict when all these transitions will occur. But what is clear is that tech companies are already investing heavily in AI, the tech is commonly used by average technology users, and that AI uses are accelerating quickly.</p> <p>Investors would be mistaken to think that we're too far out from this technology trend to start buying into it now. Google, NVIDIA, Amazon, and plenty of others are <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/06/01/5-reasons-why-you-should-own-at-least-1-artificial.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">already betting on AI Opens a New Window.</a> and the more time that passes the more artificial intelligence is likely to start upending industries.</p> <p>Kai-Fu Lee, the&amp;#160;founder of venture capital firm Sinovation Ventures and a tech leader in China said recently that AI,&amp;#160;"[W]ill be larger than all of human tech revolutions added together, including electricity, industrial revolution, internet, mobile internet -- because AI is pervasive."</p> <p>Essentially, investors should ignore what these companies are doing with artificial intelligence at their -- and their portfolio's -- own risk.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than NvidiaWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=6cbb1e20-866e-4022-afec-01597bfbe2b3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Nvidia wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=6cbb1e20-866e-4022-afec-01597bfbe2b3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-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>John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewsie/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Chris Neiger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Facebook, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Gartner. 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=4d7875aa-bf0d-11e7-a63e-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

theres frequently cited pwc report says 38 us jobs risk overtaken artificially intelligent automation 2030160similarly scientific american article opens new window160warned earlier year 40 top 500 companies vanish within decade fall victim artificial intelligence ai lets honest predictions pretty easy dismiss opens new window right average person take look around ask scary ai worlds leading ai companies 160alphabets nasdaq goog nasdaq googl google chipmaker nvidia corporation nasdaq nvda amazoncom nasdaq amzn arent showing tv ads buying new ai bots yet worry continue reading ai already starting take subtle ways theres plenty evidence ai becomes bigger part companies itll eventually become bigger part world functions dont want creep smartphone youve likely talked artificial intelligence specifically youve asked siri question talked google assistant searched photo google photos uploaded photo facebook let automatically tag friends youve used form ai google probably one wellknown ai companies right ai company deepmind bested worlds top players opens new window ancient game go google also using ai less public ways well company added machine learning opens new window algorithms core apps like search photos made machine learning tool tensorflow available free developers create aidriven apps course amazon using ai plain sight well popular echo devices companys lineup smart speakers opens new window inhome devices companys artificially intelligent assistant alexa amazon also using machine learning algorithms serve relevant content youre searching items opens new window ecommerce platform advertisement additionally companys amazon web services aws amazons biggest business operating income ai tools developers help create ai apps like google examples ai software tools working background commonly used tech already hardware thats designed specifically ai use pervasive well google said last year creating tensor processing unit tpu specifically running ai nvidia tweaking graphics processing units gpus creating new processors used advanced ai servers run microsoft amazon others nvidias gpus integral part companys aipowered autonomous driving systems latest drive px pegasus opens new window well companys powerful dgx1 server used deep learning research analytics nvidias lead ai hardware space helped company carve artificial intelligence niche could give company total addressable market ai 30 billion next eight years ok plenty examples ai around us exactly tech go answering basic questions stealing away jobs answer ai becoming faster smarter exponential rate example nvidia released secondgeneration drive px 2 semiautonmous driving computer 2016 new pegasus version debuted last month already 13 times faster less two years later course rate acceleration doesnt apply autonomous vehicle technology recent mother jones article opens new window says ai onetenth human brain capabilities 2035 artificial intelligence surpass human intelligence 2060 surgeons novelists construction workers police officers forth jobs could fully automated 2040s 2060 ai capable performing task currently done humans author writes timetable proves true means predictions like ones research firm gartner become likely well predictions course one crystal ball predict transitions occur clear tech companies already investing heavily ai tech commonly used average technology users ai uses accelerating quickly investors would mistaken think far technology trend start buying google nvidia amazon plenty others already betting ai opens new window time passes artificial intelligence likely start upending industries kaifu lee the160founder venture capital firm sinovation ventures tech leader china said recently ai160will larger human tech revolutions added together including electricity industrial revolution internet mobile internet ai pervasive essentially investors ignore companies artificial intelligence portfolios risk 10 stocks like better nvidiawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nvidia wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 john mackey ceo whole foods market amazon subsidiary member motley fools board directors suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft chris neiger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet shares alphabet c shares amazon facebook nvidia motley fool recommends gartner motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p><a href="//videos/37/53301" type="external" /></p> <p>RUSH: Ladies and gentlemen, I had an idea yesterday. That press conference that Obama did, it was juvenile. It was something that a spoiled rotten kid would do. It was petulant. It certainly was not presidential. He called that press conference for one reason: to use the words &#8220;hostage,&#8221; &#8220;bomb thrower,&#8221; and &#8220;extremist&#8221; for an hour. That&#8217;s why he did the presser. So I told Cookie, I said, &#8220;Will you put together a montage? I want excerpts of Obama at the Gabby Giffords event, where he criticized this kind of behavior and where he urged everybody to stop this kind of talk, juxtaposed with what he himself said yesterday.&#8221; I want you to listen to it. This is Barack Obama and our montage, Obama at the tribute for the shooting victims, January 8th, 2011, in Tucson, and yesterday.</p> <p /> <p>OBAMA: (January 12, 2011 ) At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized. (Yesterday) Extortion, insane, catastrophic, chaos. (January 12, 2011 ) We are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently. (Yesterday) You have some ideological extremist, extreme Republicans. (January 12, 2011 ) It&#194;&#8217;s important for us to pause for a moment. (Yesterday) We&#8217;re not going to pay a ransom, you don&#8217;t pay a ransom, demand a ransom. (January 12, 2011 ) And make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals. (Yesterday) You do not hold people hostage. (January 12, 2011 ) Not in a way that wounds. (Yesterday) Ransom-taking or hostage-taking. (January 12, 2011 ) Usher in more civility in our public discourse. (Yesterday) Burn down the plant or your office. (January 12, 2011 ) Only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face the challenges of our nation. (Yesterday) I&#8217;m going to burn down your house. (January 12, 2011 ) Not on the usual plane of politics and point scoring and pettiness. (Yesterday) Tea Party Republicans flirted with the idea of default, a nuclear bomb. (January 12, 2011 ) We should do everything we can do to make sure this country lives up to our children&#194;&#8217;s expectations. (Yesterday) You&#8217;re just a deadbeat.</p> <p>RUSH: So you tell me, folks, who is this guy? Is he the guy in Tucson or is he the guy from yesterday? He may be both. But who he was yesterday is who he really is. He showed up yesterday mad. He showed up yesterday ticked off, and he let everybody know at who he was mad, and why. But it was in no way intended to promote agreement, negotiation, or compromise. That&#8217;s the last thing that Obama was attempting to do yesterday. All of that talk in Tucson was just a bunch of empty words. If you go to the foreign press, you will find accurate reports of what this press conference was and how embarrassing it was and how churlish and childish and how infantile it was.</p> <p>Seth Mandel, Commentary magazine: &#8220;Obama Stumbles Despite Friendly Press.&#8221; As I say, not one question, folks, not one question about the rollout of Obamacare and the absolute disaster that it is. Not one question. Now, in fairness, the media today, as I say, the Washington Post, CBS are all talking about what a disaster it is, but there wasn&#8217;t one question yesterday, because the media is there to protect Obama.</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/nilegardiner/100240239/barack-obamas-sinking-leadership-half-of-americans-believe-founding-fathers-would-see-us-today-as-a-failure/" type="external">Nile Gardiner, UK Telegraph</a>: &#8220;Barack Obama&#8217;s Sinking Leadership: Half of Americans Believe the Founding Fathers Would See the US Today as a Failure.&#8221; The other half just want their free birth control and their food stamps and their phones. They just want Santa Claus. And there&#8217;s another Nile Gardiner piece: &#8220;President Obama Throws a Tantrum at Press Conference &#8212; Compares His Opponents to Hostage-Takers and Deadbeats.&#8221; It was &#8220;an embarrassing set of hand-picked questions from a largely subservient liberal-dominated media. &#8230; The United States is facing the prospect of a default overwhelmingly because of Obama&#194;&#8217;s big spending.&#8221;</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" /></p> <p>And that&#8217;s the point. Folks, this man has added $6 trillion to the national debt in five years, not even five years, $6 trillion, and he dares go to the microphones of that press conference yesterday and complain and assert that raising the debt limit does not raise the debt. The reason we have to raise the debt limit is him and his party and the irresponsible spending that has taken place, which is burying this country and the future for many young people. The shutdown has been prompted by the imposition of a hugely unpopular health care reform. The American people don&#8217;t want Obamacare. It has been forced on the American people, despite the fact that Democrats no longer control the House.</p> <p>This is a president who is incapable of taking responsibility for his own actions; who refuses to listen to any criticism of his policies and is more willing to negotiate with a state sponsor of terrorism in Tehran than to sit down with Republicans in Congress. We are where we are because of Barack Obama and the Democrat Party. And with a 37% approval rating, don&#8217;t kid yourself. More Americans than you would believe understand that. I&#8217;m gonna tell you, folks, those of you Republican and conservative media types inside the Beltway, you do not understand. You do not understand the reaction out here when we see the National Mall shut down to World War II vets and American citizens and opened up in a shutdown to advocates for amnesty. You do not understand the reaction outside where you live.</p> <p>You do not understand what is happening with people as they learn what is happening to them as they enroll, or try to, in Obamacare. You do not understand what is happening and what people are finding out and how they&#8217;re reacting when they learn about the mistreatment of uniformed military personnel killed in action and their families, who are being denied benefits and proper respect, trips home, proper burials, all of this being denied purposely by the regime because of the shutdown, when it need not happen at all, and everybody out here knows it&#8217;s happening because of cheap, childish, immature partisan politics of the president of the United States and his party.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: I want to play our summary of Obama&#8217;s press conference yesterday. It took an hour. He didn&#8217;t get one question from the media about the rollout of Obamacare, not one, which is another disaster. I&#8217;m gonna tell you something. It is so bad, they are so worried in the Drive-By Media that it isn&#8217;t working. And, by the way, why isn&#8217;t it? Have you heard how much money they spent on this website? Six-hundred million. Let me double-check the actual number here. Okay, $634 million to develop a website. Do you think that&#8217;s what developing a website costs most people? $634 million, and it still isn&#8217;t working. It is in such bad shape, the Drive-Bys are worried about the optics. They&#8217;re worried about all the testimonials of people that can&#8217;t get in.</p> <p>And, by the way, those who can&#8217;t get in, some of them can&#8217;t get out. Some of them, the website won&#8217;t release &#8217;em. I kid you not. So the Drive-Bys are out suggesting, well, you know what the fix for this is? Let&#8217;s just go single payer. I think that this is all by design, and I&#8217;ve said so from the beginning. The purpose here is to wipe out the private sector insurance market. It is to make getting health insurance so difficult and so complicated, so complex, that people finally, in frustration, throw up their hands and say, &#8220;Single payer. Why don&#8217;t you guys just handle it all.&#8221; It&#8217;s what Obama ultimately wants the US health care system to be anyway.</p> <p>If you know you&#8217;ve got three years to design a website, you got three years to get it right, and you don&#8217;t? Nobody&#8217;s that incompetent. I realize that they don&#8217;t have the best talent at government. The private sector does. But three years? And now we&#8217;ve learned today that Obama was told it wasn&#8217;t ready. He didn&#8217;t care. He said launch it anyway. Chaos is what we want. He&#8217;s not quoted as saying that. This is the mind-set. But this press conference yesterday, for all of you people who think the Republicans are losing on this shutdown business, hell, they may be being blamed for the shutdown, I don&#8217;t know. But at the same time the people do not think the shutdown&#8217;s the end of the world. That&#8217;s a holdover from the nineties. That&#8217;s a dream by the media that the American people think that the worst thing that could ever happen is a government shutdown, &#8220;Oh, my God, oh, my God.&#8221;</p> <p>Now, to people like Andrea Mitchell or anybody else the Drive-By Media, the government shutdown is the end of the world. I mean, that&#8217;s the end all to them, government this, government that, oh, my God, oh, my God. For most people it&#8217;s not that way. So Obama goes out and does this press conference yesterday, and it&#8217;s mean, juvenile, it&#8217;s petulant, spoiled little kid type thing. We put together, for those of you didn&#8217;t see, a short little what day minute and a half summary and version of the Obama press conference yesterday.</p> <p>(playing of spoof)</p> <p>RUSH: So that&#8217;s our summary. That&#8217;s a condensed version of the press conference yesterday. Now, I asked Cookie last night to put together a montage, &#8217;cause I remembered Obama back on January 12th of 2011 in Tucson, the tribute to the Tucson shooting victims, including Democrat member of Congress, Gabby Giffords. You remember Obama went out to Tucson, made a speech, and he implored people to stop all this partisan bickering. That we had to do it for Gabby, and we had to raise our standards.</p> <p>We had to lift up our language. We had to start getting along. We had to start talking in ways that eliminated the sharp polarization that was in our country. And remember what he was playing off of. What he was playing off of were laying reports in the media that Sarah Palin&#8217;s website was responsible for that shooting. The media had that story out, so he goes out to build off of that, &#8220;We&#8217;ve got to stop this kind of mean-spirited talk.&#8221; Well, that&#8217;s exactly what he engaged in yesterday, so we put together a montage, and the title is, &#8220;What happened to Mr. Civility? What happened to the guy who wants us to all get along?&#8221;</p> <p>OBAMA: (January 12, 2011 ) At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized. (Yesterday) Extortion, insane, catastrophic, chaos. (January 12, 2011 ) We are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently. (Yesterday) You have some ideological extremist, extreme Republicans. (January 12, 2011 ) It&#194;&#8217;s important for us to pause for a moment. (Yesterday) We&#8217;re not going to pay a ransom, you don&#8217;t pay a ransom, demand a ransom. (January 12, 2011 ) And make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals. (Yesterday) You do not hold people hostage. (January 12, 2011 ) Not in a way that wounds. (Yesterday) Ransom-taking or hostage-taking. (January 12, 2011 ) Usher in more civility in our public discourse. (Yesterday) Burn down the plant or your office. (January 12, 2011 ) Only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face the challenges of our nation. (Yesterday) I&#8217;m going to burn down your house. (January 12, 2011 ) Not on the usual plane of politics and point scoring and pettiness. (Yesterday) Tea Party Republicans flirted with the idea of default, a nuclear bomb. (January 12, 2011 ) We should do everything we can do to make sure this country lives up to our children&#194;&#8217;s expectations. (Yesterday) You&#8217;re just a deadbeat.</p> <p>RUSH: So which is the real Obama? Mr. Civility of 2011, January 8th, or this embarrassing, childlike temper tantrum that we got yesterday that was filled with amazing untruths, such as defaulting on the debt if we don&#8217;t raise the debt limit. By the way, I&#8217;m not saying don&#8217;t raise the debt limit. That&#8217;s not my argument. But we&#8217;re not gonna default if we don&#8217;t. We have plenty of revenue coming in to pay the interest on the debt if the debt limit isn&#8217;t raised. It&#8217;s not the catastrophe that he&#8217;s trying to play it out to be, make it out to be.</p>

rush ladies gentlemen idea yesterday press conference obama juvenile something spoiled rotten kid would petulant certainly presidential called press conference one reason use words hostage bomb thrower extremist hour thats presser told cookie said put together montage want excerpts obama gabby giffords event criticized kind behavior urged everybody stop kind talk juxtaposed said yesterday want listen barack obama montage obama tribute shooting victims january 8th 2011 tucson yesterday obama january 12 2011 time discourse become sharply polarized yesterday extortion insane catastrophic chaos january 12 2011 far eager lay blame ails world feet think differently yesterday ideological extremist extreme republicans january 12 2011 itÂs important us pause moment yesterday going pay ransom dont pay ransom demand ransom january 12 2011 make sure talking way heals yesterday hold people hostage january 12 2011 way wounds yesterday ransomtaking hostagetaking january 12 2011 usher civility public discourse yesterday burn plant office january 12 2011 civil honest public discourse help us face challenges nation yesterday im going burn house january 12 2011 usual plane politics point scoring pettiness yesterday tea party republicans flirted idea default nuclear bomb january 12 2011 everything make sure country lives childrenÂs expectations yesterday youre deadbeat rush tell folks guy guy tucson guy yesterday may yesterday really showed yesterday mad showed yesterday ticked let everybody know mad way intended promote agreement negotiation compromise thats last thing obama attempting yesterday talk tucson bunch empty words go foreign press find accurate reports press conference embarrassing churlish childish infantile seth mandel commentary magazine obama stumbles despite friendly press say one question folks one question rollout obamacare absolute disaster one question fairness media today say washington post cbs talking disaster wasnt one question yesterday media protect obama nile gardiner uk telegraph barack obamas sinking leadership half americans believe founding fathers would see us today failure half want free birth control food stamps phones want santa claus theres another nile gardiner piece president obama throws tantrum press conference compares opponents hostagetakers deadbeats embarrassing set handpicked questions largely subservient liberaldominated media united states facing prospect default overwhelmingly obamaÂs big spending thats point folks man added 6 trillion national debt five years even five years 6 trillion dares go microphones press conference yesterday complain assert raising debt limit raise debt reason raise debt limit party irresponsible spending taken place burying country future many young people shutdown prompted imposition hugely unpopular health care reform american people dont want obamacare forced american people despite fact democrats longer control house president incapable taking responsibility actions refuses listen criticism policies willing negotiate state sponsor terrorism tehran sit republicans congress barack obama democrat party 37 approval rating dont kid americans would believe understand im gon na tell folks republican conservative media types inside beltway understand understand reaction see national mall shut world war ii vets american citizens opened shutdown advocates amnesty understand reaction outside live understand happening people learn happening enroll try obamacare understand happening people finding theyre reacting learn mistreatment uniformed military personnel killed action families denied benefits proper respect trips home proper burials denied purposely regime shutdown need happen everybody knows happening cheap childish immature partisan politics president united states party break transcript rush want play summary obamas press conference yesterday took hour didnt get one question media rollout obamacare one another disaster im gon na tell something bad worried driveby media isnt working way isnt heard much money spent website sixhundred million let doublecheck actual number okay 634 million develop website think thats developing website costs people 634 million still isnt working bad shape drivebys worried optics theyre worried testimonials people cant get way cant get cant get website wont release em kid drivebys suggesting well know fix lets go single payer think design ive said beginning purpose wipe private sector insurance market make getting health insurance difficult complicated complex people finally frustration throw hands say single payer dont guys handle obama ultimately wants us health care system anyway know youve got three years design website got three years get right dont nobodys incompetent realize dont best talent government private sector three years weve learned today obama told wasnt ready didnt care said launch anyway chaos want hes quoted saying mindset press conference yesterday people think republicans losing shutdown business hell may blamed shutdown dont know time people think shutdowns end world thats holdover nineties thats dream media american people think worst thing could ever happen government shutdown oh god oh god people like andrea mitchell anybody else driveby media government shutdown end world mean thats end government government oh god oh god people way obama goes press conference yesterday mean juvenile petulant spoiled little kid type thing put together didnt see short little day minute half summary version obama press conference yesterday playing spoof rush thats summary thats condensed version press conference yesterday asked cookie last night put together montage cause remembered obama back january 12th 2011 tucson tribute tucson shooting victims including democrat member congress gabby giffords remember obama went tucson made speech implored people stop partisan bickering gabby raise standards lift language start getting along start talking ways eliminated sharp polarization country remember playing playing laying reports media sarah palins website responsible shooting media story goes build weve got stop kind meanspirited talk well thats exactly engaged yesterday put together montage title happened mr civility happened guy wants us get along obama january 12 2011 time discourse become sharply polarized yesterday extortion insane catastrophic chaos january 12 2011 far eager lay blame ails world feet think differently yesterday ideological extremist extreme republicans january 12 2011 itÂs important us pause moment yesterday going pay ransom dont pay ransom demand ransom january 12 2011 make sure talking way heals yesterday hold people hostage january 12 2011 way wounds yesterday ransomtaking hostagetaking january 12 2011 usher civility public discourse yesterday burn plant office january 12 2011 civil honest public discourse help us face challenges nation yesterday im going burn house january 12 2011 usual plane politics point scoring pettiness yesterday tea party republicans flirted idea default nuclear bomb january 12 2011 everything make sure country lives childrenÂs expectations yesterday youre deadbeat rush real obama mr civility 2011 january 8th embarrassing childlike temper tantrum got yesterday filled amazing untruths defaulting debt dont raise debt limit way im saying dont raise debt limit thats argument gon na default dont plenty revenue coming pay interest debt debt limit isnt raised catastrophe hes trying play make

<p /> <p>Growing up is tough enough without the worries of your financial future, so <a href="" type="internal">Money101 Opens a New Window.</a> &amp;#160;is here for you. <a href="http://mailto:FoxBusinessMoney101@gmail.com" type="external">E-mail us Opens a New Window.</a> your questions and let us take off some of the pressure.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Colleges and universities struggling with dwindling budgets and smaller endowments are increasingly turning to outsourcing faculty in order to cut costs.</p> <p>&#8220;Colleges and universities have effectively been outsourcing instruction for decades now by utilizing part-time and adjunct faculty members,&#8221; says Craig Smith, deputy director of the <a href="http://www.aft.org/" type="external">American Federation of Teachers Opens a New Window.</a> (AFT) <a href="" type="internal">Higher Education</a> Division.&amp;#160; &#8220;However, as college costs continue to rise and as a result student debt after college becomes unmanageable, more and more students and their families are beginning to ask why increased cost is occurring at the same time as investment in direct instruction has decreased.&#8221;</p> <p>With high unemployment and an average state budget shortfall estimate of &#8211;16.9%, most state public universities faced significant budget cuts for the 2011 school year, according to a study conducted by <a href="http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/07/12/most-public-colleges-face-budget-cut-threats-in-2011" type="external">US News and World Reports Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Both <a href="http://www.fau.edu/" type="external">Florida Atlantic University Opens a New Window.</a> and <a href="http://www.missouristate.edu/" type="external">Missouri State University Opens a New Window.</a> recently partnered with the <a href="http://www.poynter.org/" type="external">Poynter Institute Opens a New Window.</a>, a non-profit journalism training group, to outsource their online journalism classes.</p> <p>&#8220;FAU's decision to participate in the pilot program was based on the forward-looking vision of its journalism program, with its focus on multimedia journalism in a convergent digital media landscape,&#8221; says Eric Freedman, assistant dean of the <a href="http://www.fau.edu/artsandletters/" type="external">Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Although colleges argue that outsourcing professors and academic programs are beneficial to both the students and the school, some worry this cost-saving measure can&amp;#160; taint a school&#8217;s reputation and take away from the students&#8217; learning experience.</p> <p>What this means for schools</p> <p>While Missouri State University decided not to continue its relationship with Poynter because students weren&#8217;t writing as much as it wanted, the school isn&#8217;t giving up on outsourcing staff.</p> <p>Mark Biggs, head of the <a href="http://mjf.missouristate.edu/" type="external">Media, Journalism and Film Department at Missouri State University Opens a New Window.</a>, argues outsourcing faculty can add more resources for less money&#8212;good for both the school and students.</p> <p>&#8220;It is not always easy to find good teachers to supply additional sections of multi-section classes,&#8221; he says. &#8220;Who doesn&#8217;t like learning from highly skilled, intelligent people even if they are located thousands of miles away.&#8221;</p> <p>Smith says that despite good intentions to create more course accessibility for students, finances should not be the main driver of staffing decisions.</p> <p>&#8220;We see what happens in that scenario by looking to the for-profit sector where students are enrolled, under-supported and leave in large numbers with unbearably large student debt,&#8221; he says. &#8220;The schools are taking in large profits so you could say the model they use is beneficial for the school or its stockholders, but it is devastating for students.&#8221;</p> <p>But just because a class is being outsourced&#8212;doesn&#8217;t mean it is cheaper than those taught by permanent professors. According to Biggs, at Missouri State, the partnership was considerably more expensive for the delivery of one online class than for a seated per course section.</p> <p>&#8220;The point here was not cost reduction--it was to explore ways we might be able to increase quality, incorporate a new learning approach and form a connection with a leader in journalism education,&#8221; he says.</p> <p>According to Smith, over half of undergraduate courses at public colleges and universities are currently taught by contingent faculty and instructors, with many earning a very low wages with little to no benefits or professional support for their effort.</p> <p>&#8220;Staffing our college classrooms in this manner may be beneficial to an institution&#8217;s bottom line, but it does a disservice to professional educators and the students they serve,&#8221; he says.</p> <p>What this means for students</p> <p>Matthew Greene, educational director at educational consulting and counseling firm <a href="http://www.greenesguides.com/" type="external">Howard Greene and Associates Opens a New Window.</a>, explains that while larger schools are more likely to outsource their faculty, the best of small-to-medium-sized liberal arts universities encourage close interaction with the students. "This can bring students directly into the faculty research and writing experience, or foster small seminar-style learning environments and dialogue that is hard to replicate with faculty who commute on and off campus, or who teach one class here and there."</p> <p>To the contrary, Biggs explains that while communication is a critical skill, it is not the only way to learn.</p> <p>&#8220;Have I learned less because I read a book instead of learning about the content of that book from a professor?&#8221; he says. &#8220;Great professors can inspire and help their students make connections, consider new ways of seeing the world&#8230;but this relationship doesn&#8217;t depend on physical proximity.&#8221;</p> <p>However, outsourced learning may make it difficult for students to build personal, longer-term relationships with faculty, something that is important to many high school seniors and their parents, says Smith.</p> <p>&#8220;A growing body of <a href="http://www.aftface.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;amp;task=blogcategory&amp;amp;id=71&amp;amp;Itemid=53" type="external">research Opens a New Window.</a> has demonstrated that greater reliance on contingent faculty can lead to diminished student performance as measured by graduation, transfer and time to degree,&#8221; says Smith.</p>

growing tough enough without worries financial future money101 opens new window 160is email us opens new window questions let us take pressure continue reading colleges universities struggling dwindling budgets smaller endowments increasingly turning outsourcing faculty order cut costs colleges universities effectively outsourcing instruction decades utilizing parttime adjunct faculty members says craig smith deputy director american federation teachers opens new window aft higher education division160 however college costs continue rise result student debt college becomes unmanageable students families beginning ask increased cost occurring time investment direct instruction decreased high unemployment average state budget shortfall estimate 169 state public universities faced significant budget cuts 2011 school year according study conducted us news world reports opens new window florida atlantic university opens new window missouri state university opens new window recently partnered poynter institute opens new window nonprofit journalism training group outsource online journalism classes faus decision participate pilot program based forwardlooking vision journalism program focus multimedia journalism convergent digital media landscape says eric freedman assistant dean dorothy f schmidt college arts letters florida atlantic university opens new window advertisement although colleges argue outsourcing professors academic programs beneficial students school worry costsaving measure can160 taint schools reputation take away students learning experience means schools missouri state university decided continue relationship poynter students werent writing much wanted school isnt giving outsourcing staff mark biggs head media journalism film department missouri state university opens new window argues outsourcing faculty add resources less moneygood school students always easy find good teachers supply additional sections multisection classes says doesnt like learning highly skilled intelligent people even located thousands miles away smith says despite good intentions create course accessibility students finances main driver staffing decisions see happens scenario looking forprofit sector students enrolled undersupported leave large numbers unbearably large student debt says schools taking large profits could say model use beneficial school stockholders devastating students class outsourceddoesnt mean cheaper taught permanent professors according biggs missouri state partnership considerably expensive delivery one online class seated per course section point cost reductionit explore ways might able increase quality incorporate new learning approach form connection leader journalism education says according smith half undergraduate courses public colleges universities currently taught contingent faculty instructors many earning low wages little benefits professional support effort staffing college classrooms manner may beneficial institutions bottom line disservice professional educators students serve says means students matthew greene educational director educational consulting counseling firm howard greene associates opens new window explains larger schools likely outsource faculty best smalltomediumsized liberal arts universities encourage close interaction students bring students directly faculty research writing experience foster small seminarstyle learning environments dialogue hard replicate faculty commute campus teach one class contrary biggs explains communication critical skill way learn learned less read book instead learning content book professor says great professors inspire help students make connections consider new ways seeing worldbut relationship doesnt depend physical proximity however outsourced learning may make difficult students build personal longerterm relationships faculty something important many high school seniors parents says smith growing body research opens new window demonstrated greater reliance contingent faculty lead diminished student performance measured graduation transfer time degree says smith

<p /> <p>Image source: Visa.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>When it comes to the credit cards you use, it's likely that either Visa or American Express has a place in your wallet. Both American Express and Visa have played a vital role in the evolution of the payment-processing industry, taking the global economy away from cash-based transactions and working toward an increasingly electronic payment system. American Express has gone through some struggles lately that have led its stock to lag Visa, but investors want to know if that means that AmEx is now a bargain or if Visa is still a smarter play on the space. Let's take a look at Visa and American Express using some common metrics to see which looks like the better buy.</p> <p>Stock performance and valuation Looking at their recent stock returns, Visa has crushed American Express. The stock behind the card that's everywhere you want to be has risen 23% over the past year. That compares to a 22% loss for shareholders in American Express.</p> <p>Looking at simple valuation metrics, the differences in the fundamental performance of the two businesses don't seem nearly as wide as the share-price performance. Investors have rewarded Visa shares with a rich earnings multiple of 28 based on trailing earnings. American Express only manages to trade at about 12 times its trailing earnings, reflecting more than just the recent discontent among investors.</p> <p>A small portion of the gap fades when you look at forward projections for earnings over the next year. Yet Visa's forward earnings multiple is still more than double that of American Express, weighing in at almost 25 for Visa compared to 11 for AmEx. Looking at valuation, American Express looks more attractive right now, especially for value-based investors who like earnings-based valuation methods.</p> <p>DividendsAnother area where American Express looks better than Visa is in its dividend policy. American Express' dividend yield approaches 2%, having been helped by the recent decline in the stock price. By contrast, Visa pays a dividend yield of only 0.7%.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Dividend policy doesn't really explain the disparity in yields. The earnings payout ratios for both Visa and American Express are around 20%, and so most of the difference stems again from the wide gap in valuation. Visa has the more recent dividend increase, having boosted its payout to its current quarterly level of $0.14 per share last fall. American Express has made a practice recently of increasing its dividend around mid-year, making it likely that its current payment of $0.29 per share each quarter will rise in the near future. American Express is the more attractive of the two card stocks for dividend investors.</p> <p>GrowthThe reason why investors are willing to pay up for Visa shares is that they see immense growth prospects for the global card giant. Visa itself is optimistic about its future, projecting full-year 2016 revenue growth in the high-single-digit to low-double-digit percentage range in constant currency terms. The strength of the U.S. dollar has held back Visa's results on a GAAP basis, but the local-currency numbers show the inherent strength of its business model and the fairly fast adoption rates within faster-growing emerging economies outside the U.S. and the other major countries that make up the bulk of world economic activity. Double-digit percentage growth in earnings should keep Visa shareholders satisfied as well.</p> <p>By contrast, American Express has a much more uncertain future. The high-profile loss of business from big-box retailer Costco has hurt American Express' reputation, even though it now appears to have been a smart financial decision for the card giant. Nevertheless, AmEx will struggle to try to make up lost revenue and profits, and most investors expect to see flat to lower revenue in both 2016 and 2017 that will put a ceiling on the company's ability to produce substantial earnings growth. American Express has a valuable brand, but adverse trends at the luxury end of the retail spectrum could put pressure on AmEx's traditional command of the high-end space.</p> <p>Different investors will find both of these stocks compelling, and which you pick depends on what you value most in a stock. Visa's growth prospects make it a natural pick for risk-taking investors despite its higher valuation and lower dividend. Value investors will see plenty to like about American Express' shares right now, given the general lack of short-term confidence that has the stock out of favor. Overall, American Express carries a slight edge, but either would make a good pick.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/15/better-buy-visa-inc-vs-american-express.aspx" type="external">Better Buy: Visa Inc. vs. American Express Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Costco Wholesale and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends American Express. 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 visa continue reading comes credit cards use likely either visa american express place wallet american express visa played vital role evolution paymentprocessing industry taking global economy away cashbased transactions working toward increasingly electronic payment system american express gone struggles lately led stock lag visa investors want know means amex bargain visa still smarter play space lets take look visa american express using common metrics see looks like better buy stock performance valuation looking recent stock returns visa crushed american express stock behind card thats everywhere want risen 23 past year compares 22 loss shareholders american express looking simple valuation metrics differences fundamental performance two businesses dont seem nearly wide shareprice performance investors rewarded visa shares rich earnings multiple 28 based trailing earnings american express manages trade 12 times trailing earnings reflecting recent discontent among investors small portion gap fades look forward projections earnings next year yet visas forward earnings multiple still double american express weighing almost 25 visa compared 11 amex looking valuation american express looks attractive right especially valuebased investors like earningsbased valuation methods dividendsanother area american express looks better visa dividend policy american express dividend yield approaches 2 helped recent decline stock price contrast visa pays dividend yield 07 advertisement dividend policy doesnt really explain disparity yields earnings payout ratios visa american express around 20 difference stems wide gap valuation visa recent dividend increase boosted payout current quarterly level 014 per share last fall american express made practice recently increasing dividend around midyear making likely current payment 029 per share quarter rise near future american express attractive two card stocks dividend investors growththe reason investors willing pay visa shares see immense growth prospects global card giant visa optimistic future projecting fullyear 2016 revenue growth highsingledigit lowdoubledigit percentage range constant currency terms strength us dollar held back visas results gaap basis localcurrency numbers show inherent strength business model fairly fast adoption rates within fastergrowing emerging economies outside us major countries make bulk world economic activity doubledigit percentage growth earnings keep visa shareholders satisfied well contrast american express much uncertain future highprofile loss business bigbox retailer costco hurt american express reputation even though appears smart financial decision card giant nevertheless amex struggle try make lost revenue profits investors expect see flat lower revenue 2016 2017 put ceiling companys ability produce substantial earnings growth american express valuable brand adverse trends luxury end retail spectrum could put pressure amexs traditional command highend space different investors find stocks compelling pick depends value stock visas growth prospects make natural pick risktaking investors despite higher valuation lower dividend value investors see plenty like american express shares right given general lack shortterm confidence stock favor overall american express carries slight edge either would make good pick article better buy visa inc vs american express opens new window originally appeared foolcom dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends costco wholesale visa motley fool recommends american express 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 pickup in China's growth has fortified confidence the world's second-biggest economy will avoid a precipitous slowdown as the past decade's explosive growth decelerates to the 7 percent range.</p> <p>China's economic transformation since the 1980s has relied heavily on industrial investment and exports but those engines have run out of momentum. Chinese export manufacturers are surrendering some of their low-cost advantage as workers demand higher wages. Industrial growth has been so intense that many industries now have too many factories and suffer diminishing returns on every dollar of new investment. The cost to the environment and public health has been high.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Now, the government wants Chinese to save less and spend more to make the country's own consumers a more important driver of growth.</p> <p>China's economy expanded 7.5 percent in the April-June quarter after growing 7.4 percent in the first quarter. Some 7.4 million new jobs were created in China in the first half of the year, a boost for country's authoritarian rulers who fear politically destabilizing job losses.</p> <p>The second quarter figure is positive but isn't a game changer for Asia or the global economy. China has overtaken Europe and the U.S. to become the biggest market for numerous Asian nations so they must also adjust to its slower growth rates while dealing with sluggish recoveries in the West. Some of the challenges in Asia are outlined here.</p> <p>&#8212; JAPAN</p> <p>Long a manufacturing and technological powerhouse, Japanese pride was injured when China leaped ahead to become the world's second-biggest economy. Japan remains far more affluent than China but its political and business elites are plagued by a sense of insecurity as population decline generates a powerful backdraft against efforts to inject vigor into the economy.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Cue Shinzo Abe, Japan's energetic prime minister, who has pushed through a lavish expansion of the money supply to counter the deflation, or falling prices, that has had a dissipating effect on the economy for two decades.</p> <p>In the very short-term, Japan's economy is weathering the impact of an increase in sales tax that was needed to help repair tattered government finances. The economy likely contracted in April-June after surging at a 6.7 percent annualized pace in the first quarter when spending, to beat the tax increase, rose sharply.</p> <p>The longer-term outlook turns on an economic policy overhaul needed to boost Japan's waning competitiveness and cope with its declining and aging population. "We are looking for ways to change the Japanese economy," says economy minister Akira Amari.</p> <p>&#8212; INDIA</p> <p>A new government is boldly promising to lift India's economic game and if it delivers, India could quickly outshine China as the region's fastest-growing economy. Right now, though, the Indian economy is close to bedridden.</p> <p>A tough global economic climate was part of India's problem. But erratic government policymaking that chilled new investment by foreign and local businesses was also a significant culprit and added to the drag on growth from India's Soviet-like bureaucracy.</p> <p>Just three years ago, officials were brash enough to insist India would grow at rates above 10 percent. They had some justification because growth rates were already approaching those levels but then they plunged to settle below 5 percent.</p> <p>While developed nations would be thrilled with growth of even 3 percent, poverty-ridden India needs very rapid growth to provide jobs and improve living standards for the estimated two-thirds of its 1.2 billion people who live on under $2 per day. The IMF forecasts growth of 5.4 percent this year and 6.4 percent next year.</p> <p>One catch for the rest of Asia is that India's heavy reliance on imported oil means many of the benefits of faster growth would flow to the Middle East and other oil producers. Stronger Indian demand for crude could also jack up prices, troubling neighbors also reliant on imported energy.</p> <p>Partly for cultural reasons, Indians are prodigious importers of gold so economic recovery might boost gold imports but at the expense of a greater lift in imports of manufactured goods from its Asian neighbors.</p> <p>&#8212; SOUTH KOREA</p> <p>South Korea ranks behind China, Japan and India in overall GDP but its rapid industrialization following the Korean War has made it wealthy and a powerful global player in industries including autos, consumer electronics, nuclear power, shipbuilding and entertainment.</p> <p>Despite all that success, South Koreans are habitually looking over their shoulders and comparing their progress to the rest of the world. Part of the insecurity might stem from having bellicose and unpredictable North Korea and Asia's two powerhouses, China and Japan, as neighbors.</p> <p>Like other wealthy nations, South Korea is also constantly noodling whether its progress has come at too high a price. Those fears were realized earlier this year when hundreds of teenagers died in a ferry sinking that South Koreans blamed on a culture of profit first, safety last.</p> <p>The central bank earlier this month said growth would be reduced to 3.8 percent this year from the expected 4.0 percent as consumer spending wilted after the disaster.</p> <p>That would still be the fastest growth since 6.5 percent in 2010 but disappointing given how much stimulus the government has added to the economy.</p> <p>The near- and medium-term prospects for South Korea's export-reliant economy hinge on recoveries in China, Europe and the U.S. Longer term, policymakers want to make domestic consumption and entrepreneurship bigger factors in growth. That will be a difficult shift because of the immense power wielded by the country's industrial conglomerates.</p> <p>&#8212; SOUTHEAST ASIA</p> <p>As individual countries, the 10 nations of Southeast Asia often fall off the international radar unless a big news event such as a natural disaster, coup or plane crash draws attention to the region. But clubbed together under a grouping known as ASEAN, the region boasts 625 million people, GDP of $3.8 trillion and annual trade with the rest of the world of $2.4 trillion.</p> <p>Growth in Southeast Asia, which spans countries as different as the wealthy city-state of Singapore and poor landlocked Laos, is likely to be driven in the next decade by rising numbers of middle income households, trade within its fledging customs area, and massive expansion of infrastructure.</p> <p>After a 5.2 percent expansion in 2013, the Asian Development Bank expects growth in the five largest economies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to be steady in 2014 and accelerate to 5.6 percent in 2015.</p> <p>Yet the outlook could be derailed because the region's two biggest economies, Indonesia and Thailand, face political ruptures.</p> <p>Indonesia's recent presidential election failed to produce a clear winner, sparking fears of instability. The official results will be out by July 22. A coup earlier this year in Thailand followed months of destabilizing street protests. Military rule has ended the protests but the political divisions may remerge once new elections are called.</p> <p>___</p> <p>AP Business Writers Joe McDonald in Beijing, Elaine Kurtenbach in Tokyo, Kay Johnson in Mumbai, Youkyung Lee in Seoul and AP writer Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur contributed.</p>

pickup chinas growth fortified confidence worlds secondbiggest economy avoid precipitous slowdown past decades explosive growth decelerates 7 percent range chinas economic transformation since 1980s relied heavily industrial investment exports engines run momentum chinese export manufacturers surrendering lowcost advantage workers demand higher wages industrial growth intense many industries many factories suffer diminishing returns every dollar new investment cost environment public health high continue reading government wants chinese save less spend make countrys consumers important driver growth chinas economy expanded 75 percent apriljune quarter growing 74 percent first quarter 74 million new jobs created china first half year boost countrys authoritarian rulers fear politically destabilizing job losses second quarter figure positive isnt game changer asia global economy china overtaken europe us become biggest market numerous asian nations must also adjust slower growth rates dealing sluggish recoveries west challenges asia outlined japan long manufacturing technological powerhouse japanese pride injured china leaped ahead become worlds secondbiggest economy japan remains far affluent china political business elites plagued sense insecurity population decline generates powerful backdraft efforts inject vigor economy advertisement cue shinzo abe japans energetic prime minister pushed lavish expansion money supply counter deflation falling prices dissipating effect economy two decades shortterm japans economy weathering impact increase sales tax needed help repair tattered government finances economy likely contracted apriljune surging 67 percent annualized pace first quarter spending beat tax increase rose sharply longerterm outlook turns economic policy overhaul needed boost japans waning competitiveness cope declining aging population looking ways change japanese economy says economy minister akira amari india new government boldly promising lift indias economic game delivers india could quickly outshine china regions fastestgrowing economy right though indian economy close bedridden tough global economic climate part indias problem erratic government policymaking chilled new investment foreign local businesses also significant culprit added drag growth indias sovietlike bureaucracy three years ago officials brash enough insist india would grow rates 10 percent justification growth rates already approaching levels plunged settle 5 percent developed nations would thrilled growth even 3 percent povertyridden india needs rapid growth provide jobs improve living standards estimated twothirds 12 billion people live 2 per day imf forecasts growth 54 percent year 64 percent next year one catch rest asia indias heavy reliance imported oil means many benefits faster growth would flow middle east oil producers stronger indian demand crude could also jack prices troubling neighbors also reliant imported energy partly cultural reasons indians prodigious importers gold economic recovery might boost gold imports expense greater lift imports manufactured goods asian neighbors south korea south korea ranks behind china japan india overall gdp rapid industrialization following korean war made wealthy powerful global player industries including autos consumer electronics nuclear power shipbuilding entertainment despite success south koreans habitually looking shoulders comparing progress rest world part insecurity might stem bellicose unpredictable north korea asias two powerhouses china japan neighbors like wealthy nations south korea also constantly noodling whether progress come high price fears realized earlier year hundreds teenagers died ferry sinking south koreans blamed culture profit first safety last central bank earlier month said growth would reduced 38 percent year expected 40 percent consumer spending wilted disaster would still fastest growth since 65 percent 2010 disappointing given much stimulus government added economy near mediumterm prospects south koreas exportreliant economy hinge recoveries china europe us longer term policymakers want make domestic consumption entrepreneurship bigger factors growth difficult shift immense power wielded countrys industrial conglomerates southeast asia individual countries 10 nations southeast asia often fall international radar unless big news event natural disaster coup plane crash draws attention region clubbed together grouping known asean region boasts 625 million people gdp 38 trillion annual trade rest world 24 trillion growth southeast asia spans countries different wealthy citystate singapore poor landlocked laos likely driven next decade rising numbers middle income households trade within fledging customs area massive expansion infrastructure 52 percent expansion 2013 asian development bank expects growth five largest economies indonesia malaysia philippines thailand vietnam steady 2014 accelerate 56 percent 2015 yet outlook could derailed regions two biggest economies indonesia thailand face political ruptures indonesias recent presidential election failed produce clear winner sparking fears instability official results july 22 coup earlier year thailand followed months destabilizing street protests military rule ended protests political divisions may remerge new elections called ___ ap business writers joe mcdonald beijing elaine kurtenbach tokyo kay johnson mumbai youkyung lee seoul ap writer eileen ng kuala lumpur contributed

<p /> <p>The whirling hum of a dialysis machine could have been the soundtrack to the rest of Zahra Hajikarimi's life but for an unusual program in Iran that allows people to buy a kidney from a living donor.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Iran's kidney program stands apart from other organ donation systems around the world by openly allowing payments, typically of several thousand dollars. It has helped effectively eliminate the country's kidney transplant waiting list since 1999, the government says, in contrast to Western nations like the United States, where tens of thousands hope for an organ and thousands die waiting each year.</p> <p>Critics warn the system can prey on the poor in Iran's long-sanctioned economy, with ads promising cash for kidneys. The World Health Organization and other groups oppose "commercializing" organ transplants. Some argue such a paid system in the U.S. or elsewhere could put those who cannot afford to pay at a disadvantage in securing a kidney if they need one.</p> <p>But as black-market organ sales continue in countries like India, the Philippines and Pakistan and many die each year waiting for kidneys, some doctors and other experts have urged America and other nations to consider adopting aspects of Iran's system to save lives.</p> <p>"Some donors have financial motivations. We can't say they don't. If (those donors) didn't have financial motives, they wouldn't ... donate a kidney," Hashem Ghasemi, the head of the patient-run Dialysis and Transplant Patients Association of Iran, told The Associated Press. "And some people just have charitable motivations."</p> <p>The AP gained rare access to Iran's program, visiting patients on dialysis waiting for an organ, speaking to a man preparing to sell one of his kidneys and watching surgeons in Tehran perform a transplant. All of those interviewed stressed the altruistic nature of the program &#8212; even as graffiti scrawled on walls and trees near hospitals in Iran's capital advertised people offering to sell a kidney for cash.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>As far as organ donations go, kidneys are unique. While people are born with two, most can live a full, healthy life with just one filtering waste from their blood. And although a donor and recipient must have a compatible blood type, transplants from unrelated donors are as successful as those from a close relative. In addition, kidneys from a living donor have a significantly better long-term survival rate than those from a deceased donor.</p> <p>Iran started kidney transplants in 1967 but surgeries slowed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, in part due to sanctions. Iran allowed patients to travel abroad through much of the 1980s for transplants &#8212; including to America. But high costs, an ever-growing waiting list of patients and Iran's grinding eight-year war with Iraq forced the country to abandon the travel-abroad program.</p> <p>In 1988, Iran created the program it has today. A person needing a kidney is referred to the Dialysis and Transplant Patients Association, which matches those needing a kidney with a potential healthy adult donor. The government pays for the surgeries, while the donor gets health coverage for at least a year and reduced rates on health insurance for years after that from government hospitals.</p> <p>Those who broker the connection receive no payment. They help negotiate whatever financial compensation the donor receives, usually the equivalent of $4,500. They also help determine when Iranian charities or wealthy individuals cover the costs for those who cannot afford to pay for a kidney.</p> <p>Today, more than 1,480 people receive a kidney transplant from a living donor in Iran each year, about 55 percent of the total of 2,700 transplants annually, according to government figures. Some 25,000 people undergo dialysis each year, but most don't seek transplants because they suffer other major health problems or are too old.</p> <p>Some 8 to 10 percent of those who do apply are rejected due to poor health and other concerns. The average survival rate of those receiving a new kidney is between seven to 10 years, though some live longer, according to Iranian reports.</p> <p>In the United States, about a third of kidney donations come from living donors. The average kidney from a deceased donor lasts 10 years, while one from a living donor averages about 15 years, according to Dr. David Klassen of the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS, which oversees the U.S. transplant system. Recipients of living-donor kidneys in the U.S. fare better in part because they haven't been on dialysis as long before their transplant.</p> <p>For Hajikarimi, a 52-year-old Iranian mother of two, a transplant can't come soon enough. Her kidneys failed, with doctors finding higher-than-normal protein levels in her urine, and she has been on dialysis for four months.</p> <p>In that time, physicians determined Hajikarimi can undergo a transplant and the nonprofit group managing her case began looking for a donor, a process that typically takes up to six months. Then the recipient and the donor meet to agree to the financial arrangements before the surgery.</p> <p>Iran says its system safeguards against black-market organ sales by having the nonprofit groups handle all arrangements and hold money in escrow until after the surgery. The government's Health Department also must approve the surgeries, which take place in licensed and monitored hospitals. Foreigners are now largely banned from taking part, squelching the possibility of medical tourism.</p> <p>However, it's clear that some donors are motivated by the cash payout. Inflation and unemployment remain high in Iran even after last year's nuclear deal with world powers that saw some sanctions lifted.</p> <p>One man said he applied to sell one of his kidneys to pay off his debts. Debtors can be imprisoned in Iran.</p> <p>"I am here because if I don't get the money my entire life will be ruined," said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of ruining his professional image. "My life and my public face are in danger. This has driven me to do this."</p> <p>Poverty around the world drives black market kidney sales, a lucrative business the World Health Organization estimated represented at least 5 percent of all transplants in 2005, though it acknowledges that figure is only a guess. The U.N. health agency's guiding principles on organ transplantation call for banning organ sales, though it allows for "reimbursing reasonable and verifiable expenses," including the loss of income by a living donor.</p> <p>Iran's system offers a different way to address the lack of kidneys for transplant around the world, said Sigrid Fry-Revere, an expert on the program whose book, "The Kidney Sellers: A Journey of Discovery in Iran," examines it in depth.</p> <p>"You cannot put a price on an organ," said Fry-Revere, who is president and co-founder of the American Living Organ Donor Network. "This is rewarded goodwill. This is two people getting together to help make each other's lives better."</p> <p>In the U.S., there are more than 99,000 patients currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Last year, there were 17,878 transplants, while 4,481 died waiting, according to UNOS. A 1984 U.S. law makes organ sales illegal.</p> <p>A series of academic papers and opinion pieces in recent years by doctors and prominent economists like Nobel Prize winner Alvin Roth have explored the idea of allowing paid kidney donations in the U.S. An article in October's edition of the American Journal of Transplantation written by three physicians and an economist proposed a system in which the U.S. government would pay $45,000 to a living kidney donor and $10,000 to the family of a deceased donor.</p> <p>"Such compensation would be considered an expression of appreciation by society for someone who has given the gift of life to another," the paper said.</p> <p>Some ethicists and doctors argue that compensating donors in the U.S. would put the poor at a disadvantage of getting a transplant while also pressuring them to offer their organs for sale when they face financial trouble.</p> <p>"We still think profiteering or someone making a profit from a sale and making this a commercial enterprise is a slippery slope," said Kevin Longino, the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation in the U.S. "It's still an easy way to exploit poor people and underprivileged people."</p> <p>Longino, who received a kidney transplant himself in 2004, said his organization does support so-called "profit-neutral" transplants, which would allow donors to receive support for medical care, lost wages and other aid so long as they don't make a profit from the operation.</p> <p>However, Longino acknowledged confusion lingers about what is and what isn't allowed under American law, leading to trouble for even "profit-neutral" aid.</p> <p>For now, Hajikarimi spends more than two hours riding on three subway lines three times a week to get to the hospital where she is hooked up to a dialysis machine. For her, a living donor is a chance at a new lease on life she otherwise wouldn't have.</p> <p>"It would be very difficult to imagine a life without the possibility of a kidney donation," she said. "There is no way to recover. ... It would have been a total mess and agonizing."</p> <p>___</p> <p>Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press medical writer Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report.</p> <p>____</p> <p>Follow Nasser Karimi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncarrimi . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/nasser-karimi .</p> <p>___</p> <p>Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/jon-gambrell .</p>

whirling hum dialysis machine could soundtrack rest zahra hajikarimis life unusual program iran allows people buy kidney living donor continue reading irans kidney program stands apart organ donation systems around world openly allowing payments typically several thousand dollars helped effectively eliminate countrys kidney transplant waiting list since 1999 government says contrast western nations like united states tens thousands hope organ thousands die waiting year critics warn system prey poor irans longsanctioned economy ads promising cash kidneys world health organization groups oppose commercializing organ transplants argue paid system us elsewhere could put afford pay disadvantage securing kidney need one blackmarket organ sales continue countries like india philippines pakistan many die year waiting kidneys doctors experts urged america nations consider adopting aspects irans system save lives donors financial motivations cant say dont donors didnt financial motives wouldnt donate kidney hashem ghasemi head patientrun dialysis transplant patients association iran told associated press people charitable motivations ap gained rare access irans program visiting patients dialysis waiting organ speaking man preparing sell one kidneys watching surgeons tehran perform transplant interviewed stressed altruistic nature program even graffiti scrawled walls trees near hospitals irans capital advertised people offering sell kidney cash advertisement far organ donations go kidneys unique people born two live full healthy life one filtering waste blood although donor recipient must compatible blood type transplants unrelated donors successful close relative addition kidneys living donor significantly better longterm survival rate deceased donor iran started kidney transplants 1967 surgeries slowed 1979 islamic revolution storming us embassy tehran part due sanctions iran allowed patients travel abroad much 1980s transplants including america high costs evergrowing waiting list patients irans grinding eightyear war iraq forced country abandon travelabroad program 1988 iran created program today person needing kidney referred dialysis transplant patients association matches needing kidney potential healthy adult donor government pays surgeries donor gets health coverage least year reduced rates health insurance years government hospitals broker connection receive payment help negotiate whatever financial compensation donor receives usually equivalent 4500 also help determine iranian charities wealthy individuals cover costs afford pay kidney today 1480 people receive kidney transplant living donor iran year 55 percent total 2700 transplants annually according government figures 25000 people undergo dialysis year dont seek transplants suffer major health problems old 8 10 percent apply rejected due poor health concerns average survival rate receiving new kidney seven 10 years though live longer according iranian reports united states third kidney donations come living donors average kidney deceased donor lasts 10 years one living donor averages 15 years according dr david klassen united network organ sharing unos oversees us transplant system recipients livingdonor kidneys us fare better part havent dialysis long transplant hajikarimi 52yearold iranian mother two transplant cant come soon enough kidneys failed doctors finding higherthannormal protein levels urine dialysis four months time physicians determined hajikarimi undergo transplant nonprofit group managing case began looking donor process typically takes six months recipient donor meet agree financial arrangements surgery iran says system safeguards blackmarket organ sales nonprofit groups handle arrangements hold money escrow surgery governments health department also must approve surgeries take place licensed monitored hospitals foreigners largely banned taking part squelching possibility medical tourism however clear donors motivated cash payout inflation unemployment remain high iran even last years nuclear deal world powers saw sanctions lifted one man said applied sell one kidneys pay debts debtors imprisoned iran dont get money entire life ruined said man spoke condition anonymity fear ruining professional image life public face danger driven poverty around world drives black market kidney sales lucrative business world health organization estimated represented least 5 percent transplants 2005 though acknowledges figure guess un health agencys guiding principles organ transplantation call banning organ sales though allows reimbursing reasonable verifiable expenses including loss income living donor irans system offers different way address lack kidneys transplant around world said sigrid fryrevere expert program whose book kidney sellers journey discovery iran examines depth put price organ said fryrevere president cofounder american living organ donor network rewarded goodwill two people getting together help make others lives better us 99000 patients currently waiting list kidney transplant last year 17878 transplants 4481 died waiting according unos 1984 us law makes organ sales illegal series academic papers opinion pieces recent years doctors prominent economists like nobel prize winner alvin roth explored idea allowing paid kidney donations us article octobers edition american journal transplantation written three physicians economist proposed system us government would pay 45000 living kidney donor 10000 family deceased donor compensation would considered expression appreciation society someone given gift life another paper said ethicists doctors argue compensating donors us would put poor disadvantage getting transplant also pressuring offer organs sale face financial trouble still think profiteering someone making profit sale making commercial enterprise slippery slope said kevin longino ceo national kidney foundation us still easy way exploit poor people underprivileged people longino received kidney transplant 2004 said organization support socalled profitneutral transplants would allow donors receive support medical care lost wages aid long dont make profit operation however longino acknowledged confusion lingers isnt allowed american law leading trouble even profitneutral aid hajikarimi spends two hours riding three subway lines three times week get hospital hooked dialysis machine living donor chance new lease life otherwise wouldnt would difficult imagine life without possibility kidney donation said way recover would total mess agonizing ___ gambrell reported dubai united arab emirates associated press medical writer lauran neergaard washington contributed report ____ follow nasser karimi twitter wwwtwittercomncarrimi work found httpbigstoryaporgcontentnasserkarimi ___ follow jon gambrell twitter wwwtwittercomjongambrellap work found httpbigstoryaporgcontentjongambrell

<p>FBN&#8217;s Liz MacDonald on growing scrutiny over how unions are spending union dues.</p> <p>Check in to the luxury $187 million Westin Diplomat Hotel on the beach outside Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and you&#8217;ll be impressed by sumptuous, art deco features, hotel suites overlooking the ocean, flowing fountains, waterfalls in its infinity swimming pool, the plush green golf course and the top-notch restaurants.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It&#8217;s a place even Donald Trump might envy.</p> <p>You might also be impressed that this opulent hotel is owned by a labor union, and is frequently used for union junkets, government documents show. As is the $15.4 million Hillcrest Golf Club in Saint Paul, Minn. As is the $33 million lakeside resort and golf club in Onaway, Mich., owned by the United Auto Workers Union, a resort now hemorrhaging millions of dollars at a time of auto bailouts and auto job losses.</p> <p>Labor officials routinely blast U.S. companies for not paying their &#8220;fair share&#8221; in taxes, and criticize fat-cat pay for executives, especially bankers in a time of bailouts.</p> <p>&#8220;Corporations already pay too low an effective tax rate,&#8220; AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka has said, decrying &#8220;astronomical CEO pay.&#8221;</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>James Hoffa, Teamsters president, also has chimed in: &#8220;We`re the ones that are fighting the big corporations&#8220; so as &#8220;to make sure [they] give their fair share back to the American worker.&#8221;</p> <p>But while labor bosses are quick to pull out the tape measure on companies, they&#8217;re not so quick to reveal how they spend more than their &#8220;fair share,&#8221; tens of millions of dollars, in tax-free union funds on junkets to luxury resorts to even outright buying luxury resorts, country clubs, golf courses and Learjets, at a time when thousands of union members across the country have lost their jobs, when the labor movement is struggling, and when union pension funds are in crisis.</p> <p>And the IRS tells FOX Business that, thanks to more extensive tax returns it launched in 2008, it has more information on nonprofits, including unions, and is now initiating a preliminary inquiry to see whether nonprofits are breaking tax laws by not paying what they owe.</p> <p>That includes big unions that run big businesses.</p> <p>Labor unions are nonprofits, and they rake in millions of dollars a year tax-free in member dues. Unions don&#8217;t have to pay federal or state income taxes on member dues or donations, nor property taxes on much of their real estate. Those items are exempt from the very same taxes unions lobby to raise on everyone else.</p> <p>And government documents show union governance of union funds might not be so state of the art &#8212; a problem given added piquancy, since thousands of union workers are now out of work.</p> <p>Specifically, the government documents show unions enjoy their junkets just like any worker at the General Services Administration.</p> <p>Because there is little government oversight, federal documents don&#8217;t disclose whether union dues were spent, say, on champagne and caviar. But they do show a union predilection to party hard.</p> <p>The question is, do teachers, firemen and cops really know how their big labor bosses are living it up at their expense?</p> <p>For example, whooping it up is the country&#8217;s biggest government worker union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).</p> <p>It spent more than $2 million on 10 conferences at resorts in Las Vegas, Palm Harbor, Fla. or the Tropicana in Atlantic City in 2010 and 2011.</p> <p>That includes at least $208,400 in tax-free member dues at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. for a 2011 conference, government documents show (rooms go for an average $189 a night).</p> <p>Trumka&#8217;s AFL-CIO unions also spent at least $2.6 million in tax-free union funds from 2010 to 2011 on junkets to nine conferences at places like the Flamingo Hotel or Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, and to resorts in upstate New York and Oregon. That includes spending more than $1.7 million at the swanky union-owned Westin Diplomat resort in Florida, the Grand Central of union junkets, government documents show.</p> <p>The plumbers and pipefitters union eventually used $800 million in union pension funds to buy and renovate the Diplomat hotel, a fifth of pension assets. But it was plagued with cost overruns and delays, and later faced a government lawsuit over imprudent use of union pension funds, leading to the ouster of union officials in 2004, government documents show.</p> <p>&#8220;It&#8217;s Florida. Nobody is going to stay there if it looks bad. You&#8217;ve got to compete,&#8221; an AFL-CIO spokeswoman has reportedly said.</p> <p>The AFL-CIO also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in member dues on things like golf outings, golf carts or on trips to Detroit&#8217;s Greektown Casino.</p> <p>Unions even own their own Learjets, like the one owned by the International Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.</p> <p>Flight records show union officials used this Learjet to fly into Florida earlier this year, where its top boss gave a keynote address at a labor and management conference at the union-owned Westin Diplomat.</p> <p>(For the full rundown of union excess, be sure to read tomorrow&#8217;s part two of this series.)</p> <p>The unions declined repeated phone and email requests for comment.</p> <p>FOX News analysts Michael Daniels, John Gallagher, Brian Murphy, Steve Carlson, Andy Ryan and Chris Yablonski dug out information about union-owned bling and junkets submarined in federal documents at the Department of Labor, as well as in IRS tax documents, property records and annual reports. And FOX Business reporter Kathryn Tuggle also added to the reporting of union luxury travel.</p> <p>Stretching the Law</p> <p>Union ownership of real estate is legit under the law; they pay taxes on this &#8220;non-union business activity,&#8220; and, of course, unions are entitled to have their own conferences. Unions have argued they should keep their tax-free, nonprofit status because their luxury real estate is part of their &#8220;self-preservation&#8220; or &#8220;expansion&#8220; plans, and junkets are for &#8220;member education,&#8220; and &#8220;executive council meetings,&#8221; government records show.</p> <p>But the union spending calls into question whether unions are stretching already lax federal laws, as well as whom exactly is having fun at union members&#8217; expense.</p> <p>What the documents don&#8217;t show is whether union members like teachers, firemen and cops get invited to these junkets &#8212; or even approve of or know about the use of their dues to outright buy and run resorts, or spend on junkets, among other things. Not to mention whether owning luxury real estate should in turn lower their union dues.</p> <p>The junket controversy runs up against a 1959 labor law that says union officers must hold or use union funds &#8220;solely for the benefit of the union and its members,&#8221; like collective bargaining for better working conditions or pay.</p> <p>Any use of funds beyond the 1959 labor law &#8220;is a breach of the union officers&#8217; fiduciary duties and subjects them to civil suits by the union&#8217;s board or members&#8220; because &#8220;tax-free union funds must not be used for officials&#8217; private benefit,&#8221; says Nathan Paul Mehrens, general counsel for Americans for Limited Government, a free-market think tank.</p> <p>The controversy is also fueled by the fact that labor unions are nonprofits. Officials spend their unions&#8217; tax-free funds on union junkets and bling, as well as campaign activities, government documents show.</p> <p>&#8220;Taxpayers may wonder why union officials are allowed to blow tax-free union funds on these things when unions continually yell about corporations not paying taxes,&#8221; says Mehrens.</p> <p>White House Officials Visit</p> <p>The Westin Diplomat, owned by a plumbers and pipefitters union, is where President Barack Obama held a fundraiser last April touting his rescue of the auto industry.</p> <p>It&#8217;s also where Labor Secretary Hilda Solis spoke at a union conference in November 2010 about the White House&#8217;s efforts to help organized labor win federal construction contracts (even if those same contracts overcharge taxpayers, and when an estimated 25% of non-union construction workers are out of work.)</p> <p>There is little government oversight of the country&#8217;s estimated 20,000 unions, most of which are nonprofits. Nonprofit oversight historically has been subjective, often done on an ad hoc basis via, say, court cases.</p> <p>&#8220;There&#8217;s little oversight as to whether unions are getting, say, the lowest cost facilities for their junkets,&#8221; delivering the biggest bang for their tax-free bucks, says Mehrens.</p> <p>And like many other nonprofits, any union can call itself a nonprofit, and can merely &#8220;declare themselves tax-exempt,&#8221; the IRS says. Meaning, they can simply hang out a shingle and file their taxes on nonprofit tax returns without prior approval from the IRS.</p> <p>The only way unions and other nonprofits lose their tax-exempt status is if the IRS audits them and discovers they have broken the law. (There is no indication the IRS plans to audit unions.) Because there is little government oversight, the spending data here is likely a fraction of the funds unions actually spent.</p> <p>Government Overwhelmed?</p> <p>Government oversight of unions is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Labor, with roughly 17,800 workers and an annual budget of $12.8 billion. Unions file annual financial reports, among other documents, Labor said.</p> <p>The IRS is given the daunting task of overseeing an estimated 1.6 million nonprofits in the U.S., including unions.</p> <p>All nonprofits own an estimated $2.9 trillion in assets and pull in an estimated $1.7 trillion in annual revenues, about 11% of the U.S. economy.</p> <p>Labor unions&#8217; tax-free status dates back to 1909, when the U.S. Congress first exempted unions from the corporate tax levied by the Tariff Act of 1909. In 1913, the U.S. then enacted the federal income tax and excluded unions from income tax liability. The thinking then was, unions step in to benefit society where the government cannot, by, say, fighting for better pay or working conditions.</p> <p>Back then, the government let unions own and run real estate like dispatch halls, where union workers could meet to get work assignments. Unions later literally called these halls &#8220;labor temples,&#8221; like the union-owned Redstone Labor Temple in San Francisco, the Austin Labor Temple in Texas or the Portland Labor Temple in Oregon.</p> <p>But later, after decades of labor corruption (such as Teamster officials stealing from union pensions), the federal government enacted the &#8220;Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959,&#8220; which says union officers must hold or use union funds &#8220;solely for the benefit of the union and its members.&#8221;</p> <p>And now those union &#8220;labor temples&#8221; somehow have morphed into luxury hotels and country clubs.</p> <p>Plumbing Union Owns Resort &amp;amp; Spa</p> <p>Government documents show the Plumbing &amp;amp; Pipe Fitters Union of the U.S. and Canada initially spent $44 million of union retirement money to buy the dilapidated Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Fla., in the late-&#8217;90s from a union-owned life insurer embroiled in an insider-trading scandal.</p> <p>Over ensuing years the union spent $800 million in pension funds to demolish and replace the old hotel with a 39-story resort, complete with 60 luxury guest rooms, dining facilities, a spa, 10 clay tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and pro shops. The hotel was renamed the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.</p> <p>Federal law does restrict unions from investing large slugs of pension assets in a single investment or in a property with ties to pension trustees. But the Clinton Administration reportedly gave this union an exemption in 1999. The union declined repeated requests for comment.</p> <p>However, the $800 million in renovation costs were more than $200 million above the hotel&#8217;s appraised value of $587 million, a fifth of the pension fund&#8217;s assets at the time.</p> <p>Plus, the union spent this union money without a feasibility study or market analysis, government documents show.</p> <p>The Department of Labor later sued union officials in September 2002 for imprudent use of the $800 million in union pension funds without getting a feasibility study or market analysis, government documents show.</p> <p>The government settled the suit in 2004, when union officials resigned and $10.9 million was paid in restitution.</p> <p>Hotel costs continued to rise, hurting union finances, documents indicate.</p> <p>But in 2006, the union tried to invest more union money into buying a second hotel across the street, dubbed then the Diplomat West, documents show, so as to shore up sagging finances and attract more customers.</p> <p>By 2010, the union expanded the proposal, with plans to add more rooms and a golf course.</p> <p>But the city council nixed the idea. The union does pay taxes on its Westin Diplomat Hotel because it is an &#8220;unrelated business activity,&#8221; government documents show.</p> <p>Steamfitters Union Owns Hillcrest Golf Club</p> <p>Last year, this union bought the Hillcrest Golf Club in St. Paul, Minn., paying $4.3 million in cash for the private club and vowing to keep it private for at least two years, government documents show.</p> <p>The 112-acre site in St. Paul has an estimated market value of $15.4 million and includes an 18-hole course, a rebuilt clubhouse, banquet hall and a swimming pool.</p> <p>The union&#8217;s members, including retirees, unanimously approved the purchase, using money from a special building fund established in the 1980s and financed by contributions from member paychecks.</p> <p>The purchase of the course accounted for 64% of the local&#8217;s expenses in 2011 (the union pays taxes on the club).</p> <p>The local may need to increase membership to cover operating costs, which could run as high as $1 million a year, plus build reserves for future maintenance and improvements.</p> <p>The union has shifted its annual golf tournament to Hillcrest and hopes to work its connections to persuade other unions to do the same, in order to make money at the club, reports indicate.</p> <p>An official at the Hillcrest Golf Club said the club would &#8220;decline the opportunity&#8220; to comment, as &#8220;they choose not to highlight themselves in that way.&#8221; The official also told FOX Business the union &#8220;chooses not to participate in discussing the ownership or running of the club.&#8221;;</p> <p>UAW Owns Black Lake Golf Club</p> <p>Nestled on Michigan&#8217;s Black Lake is the UAW&#8217;s $33 million resort in Onaway, Mich. The resort was renovated in the 1990s, and along with hotel rooms, it has a gym with two full-size basketball courts, an Olympic-size indoor pool, exercise facilities, table tennis and pool tables, a sauna, beaches, hiking and biking trails, and a boat launch ramp.</p> <p>Yet the resort has become the target of critics who argue that the UAW should not own this luxury property while thousands of members have lost their jobs or taken buyouts, when the UAW&#8217;s pension fund is in crisis, and when General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Chrysler got $79.7 billion in bailout funds, helping the UAW. The UAW declined repeated requests for comment.</p> <p>Despite a slight uptick in membership in 2010 and 2011, UAW membership is down 46% since 2001, government documents show.</p> <p>In 2000, a $6.7 million golf course was added to the UAW resort. Golf Digest that year ranked it as North America&#8217;s second-best &#8220;New Upscale Public Course.&#8220; It now ranks 34th on Golf Digest&#8217;s list of &#8220;America&#8217;s 100 Greatest Public Courses.&#8221;</p> <p>From 2005 to 2010, the resort lost an estimated $23 million and the UAW has been forced to borrow to keep it afloat, government documents show.</p> <p>In 2011, UAW wrote down the value of the property by $1.7 million-$5.8 million, government documents show (disclosures only show ranges). The UAW had considered selling the property, but in 2010, it was taken off the market, government documents note.</p> <p>In 2011, government documents show $540,000 in unpaid bills.</p> <p>The UAW pays federal and state income taxes as well as property taxes on its resort. But it doesn&#8217;t have to pay state or local property taxes on a big section of the resort, because it qualifies as a school.</p> <p>This &#8220;school&#8220; is the &#8220;Walter and May Reuther Education Center,&#8221; named after the now deceased auto labor leader and his wife.</p> <p>The UAW says it sends workers there to &#8220;learn, experience unionism (and) commit to labor&#8217;s cause,&#8221; according to disclosures.</p> <p>Tax documents show the UAW covers costs for the Reuther Center from the interest it earns on its strike fund.</p> <p>As the mounting UAW losses here show, golf courses &#8220;have not been good investments for the unions and one could easily question whether union officers buy golf courses to further the organization, or whether it is merely a play thing for union officers,&#8221; says Mehrens.</p> <p>Mehrens adds: &#8220;One should also consider whether a tax-exempt entity should be allowed to engage in activities outside the scope of their nonprofit purpose, especially when doing so puts it in competition with other&#8221; private-sector golf courses, hotels and resorts.</p> <p>Learjet Owned by International Machinists and Aerospace Union</p> <p>Union officials have been pretty active using their union&#8217;s Learjet-60, purchased for an unknown sum in 1998 (Learjets today cost $13 million new, or around $5 million for used planes).</p> <p>Government flight records show from February through June 9, union officials flew on the plane 54 times, so on average they were on the plane for about 14 days out of every month.</p> <p>Union officials used the Learjet to wing around the country to Orlando, Fla., Chicago, Niagara Falls, and to Toronto, Canada, flight records show.</p> <p>And flight records for the plane also show it was used to wing into Hollywood, Fla., last February, where the Machinist&#8217;s union&#8217;s international president, R. Thomas Buffenbarger, gave the keynote address, &#8220;The State of Our Unions, &#8221; at a union conference at the union-owned Westin Diplomat.</p> <p>The union declined repeated requests for comment.</p> <p>In 2011 alone, the union spent more than $1.25 million to operate the plane, government documents show, on items including:</p> <p>Maintenance: $651,364</p> <p>Pilot Salaries: $368,992 (for three pilots)</p> <p>Hangar Rental: $73,430</p> <p>Fuel: $39,489</p> <p>Insurance: $25,917</p> <p>Hangar Maintenance: $7,736</p> <p>Other: $83,250</p> <p>&#8220;One has to ask whether, when spending millions of dollars on a private jet, union officers are acting &#8216;solely for the benefit of the organization and its members,&#8217; as the law stipulates,&#8220; notes Mehrens, &#8220;or whether this is just a very expensive perk they give themselves simply because they think they can.&#8221;</p>

fbns liz macdonald growing scrutiny unions spending union dues check luxury 187 million westin diplomat hotel beach outside fort lauderdale fla youll impressed sumptuous art deco features hotel suites overlooking ocean flowing fountains waterfalls infinity swimming pool plush green golf course topnotch restaurants continue reading place even donald trump might envy might also impressed opulent hotel owned labor union frequently used union junkets government documents show 154 million hillcrest golf club saint paul minn 33 million lakeside resort golf club onaway mich owned united auto workers union resort hemorrhaging millions dollars time auto bailouts auto job losses labor officials routinely blast us companies paying fair share taxes criticize fatcat pay executives especially bankers time bailouts corporations already pay low effective tax rate aflcio president richard trumka said decrying astronomical ceo pay advertisement james hoffa teamsters president also chimed ones fighting big corporations make sure give fair share back american worker labor bosses quick pull tape measure companies theyre quick reveal spend fair share tens millions dollars taxfree union funds junkets luxury resorts even outright buying luxury resorts country clubs golf courses learjets time thousands union members across country lost jobs labor movement struggling union pension funds crisis irs tells fox business thanks extensive tax returns launched 2008 information nonprofits including unions initiating preliminary inquiry see whether nonprofits breaking tax laws paying owe includes big unions run big businesses labor unions nonprofits rake millions dollars year taxfree member dues unions dont pay federal state income taxes member dues donations property taxes much real estate items exempt taxes unions lobby raise everyone else government documents show union governance union funds might state art problem given added piquancy since thousands union workers work specifically government documents show unions enjoy junkets like worker general services administration little government oversight federal documents dont disclose whether union dues spent say champagne caviar show union predilection party hard question teachers firemen cops really know big labor bosses living expense example whooping countrys biggest government worker union american federation state county municipal employees afscme spent 2 million 10 conferences resorts las vegas palm harbor fla tropicana atlantic city 2010 2011 includes least 208400 taxfree member dues planet hollywood resort las vegas nev 2011 conference government documents show rooms go average 189 night trumkas aflcio unions also spent least 26 million taxfree union funds 2010 2011 junkets nine conferences places like flamingo hotel golden nugget las vegas resorts upstate new york oregon includes spending 17 million swanky unionowned westin diplomat resort florida grand central union junkets government documents show plumbers pipefitters union eventually used 800 million union pension funds buy renovate diplomat hotel fifth pension assets plagued cost overruns delays later faced government lawsuit imprudent use union pension funds leading ouster union officials 2004 government documents show florida nobody going stay looks bad youve got compete aflcio spokeswoman reportedly said aflcio also spent hundreds thousands dollars member dues things like golf outings golf carts trips detroits greektown casino unions even learjets like one owned international machinists aerospace workers union flight records show union officials used learjet fly florida earlier year top boss gave keynote address labor management conference unionowned westin diplomat full rundown union excess sure read tomorrows part two series unions declined repeated phone email requests comment fox news analysts michael daniels john gallagher brian murphy steve carlson andy ryan chris yablonski dug information unionowned bling junkets submarined federal documents department labor well irs tax documents property records annual reports fox business reporter kathryn tuggle also added reporting union luxury travel stretching law union ownership real estate legit law pay taxes nonunion business activity course unions entitled conferences unions argued keep taxfree nonprofit status luxury real estate part selfpreservation expansion plans junkets member education executive council meetings government records show union spending calls question whether unions stretching already lax federal laws well exactly fun union members expense documents dont show whether union members like teachers firemen cops get invited junkets even approve know use dues outright buy run resorts spend junkets among things mention whether owning luxury real estate turn lower union dues junket controversy runs 1959 labor law says union officers must hold use union funds solely benefit union members like collective bargaining better working conditions pay use funds beyond 1959 labor law breach union officers fiduciary duties subjects civil suits unions board members taxfree union funds must used officials private benefit says nathan paul mehrens general counsel americans limited government freemarket think tank controversy also fueled fact labor unions nonprofits officials spend unions taxfree funds union junkets bling well campaign activities government documents show taxpayers may wonder union officials allowed blow taxfree union funds things unions continually yell corporations paying taxes says mehrens white house officials visit westin diplomat owned plumbers pipefitters union president barack obama held fundraiser last april touting rescue auto industry also labor secretary hilda solis spoke union conference november 2010 white houses efforts help organized labor win federal construction contracts even contracts overcharge taxpayers estimated 25 nonunion construction workers work little government oversight countrys estimated 20000 unions nonprofits nonprofit oversight historically subjective often done ad hoc basis via say court cases theres little oversight whether unions getting say lowest cost facilities junkets delivering biggest bang taxfree bucks says mehrens like many nonprofits union call nonprofit merely declare taxexempt irs says meaning simply hang shingle file taxes nonprofit tax returns without prior approval irs way unions nonprofits lose taxexempt status irs audits discovers broken law indication irs plans audit unions little government oversight spending data likely fraction funds unions actually spent government overwhelmed government oversight unions primarily responsibility department labor roughly 17800 workers annual budget 128 billion unions file annual financial reports among documents labor said irs given daunting task overseeing estimated 16 million nonprofits us including unions nonprofits estimated 29 trillion assets pull estimated 17 trillion annual revenues 11 us economy labor unions taxfree status dates back 1909 us congress first exempted unions corporate tax levied tariff act 1909 1913 us enacted federal income tax excluded unions income tax liability thinking unions step benefit society government say fighting better pay working conditions back government let unions run real estate like dispatch halls union workers could meet get work assignments unions later literally called halls labor temples like unionowned redstone labor temple san francisco austin labor temple texas portland labor temple oregon later decades labor corruption teamster officials stealing union pensions federal government enacted labormanagement reporting disclosure act 1959 says union officers must hold use union funds solely benefit union members union labor temples somehow morphed luxury hotels country clubs plumbing union owns resort amp spa government documents show plumbing amp pipe fitters union us canada initially spent 44 million union retirement money buy dilapidated diplomat hotel hollywood fla late90s unionowned life insurer embroiled insidertrading scandal ensuing years union spent 800 million pension funds demolish replace old hotel 39story resort complete 60 luxury guest rooms dining facilities spa 10 clay tennis courts 18hole golf course pro shops hotel renamed westin diplomat resort spa federal law restrict unions investing large slugs pension assets single investment property ties pension trustees clinton administration reportedly gave union exemption 1999 union declined repeated requests comment however 800 million renovation costs 200 million hotels appraised value 587 million fifth pension funds assets time plus union spent union money without feasibility study market analysis government documents show department labor later sued union officials september 2002 imprudent use 800 million union pension funds without getting feasibility study market analysis government documents show government settled suit 2004 union officials resigned 109 million paid restitution hotel costs continued rise hurting union finances documents indicate 2006 union tried invest union money buying second hotel across street dubbed diplomat west documents show shore sagging finances attract customers 2010 union expanded proposal plans add rooms golf course city council nixed idea union pay taxes westin diplomat hotel unrelated business activity government documents show steamfitters union owns hillcrest golf club last year union bought hillcrest golf club st paul minn paying 43 million cash private club vowing keep private least two years government documents show 112acre site st paul estimated market value 154 million includes 18hole course rebuilt clubhouse banquet hall swimming pool unions members including retirees unanimously approved purchase using money special building fund established 1980s financed contributions member paychecks purchase course accounted 64 locals expenses 2011 union pays taxes club local may need increase membership cover operating costs could run high 1 million year plus build reserves future maintenance improvements union shifted annual golf tournament hillcrest hopes work connections persuade unions order make money club reports indicate official hillcrest golf club said club would decline opportunity comment choose highlight way official also told fox business union chooses participate discussing ownership running club uaw owns black lake golf club nestled michigans black lake uaws 33 million resort onaway mich resort renovated 1990s along hotel rooms gym two fullsize basketball courts olympicsize indoor pool exercise facilities table tennis pool tables sauna beaches hiking biking trails boat launch ramp yet resort become target critics argue uaw luxury property thousands members lost jobs taken buyouts uaws pension fund crisis general motors nysegm chrysler got 797 billion bailout funds helping uaw uaw declined repeated requests comment despite slight uptick membership 2010 2011 uaw membership 46 since 2001 government documents show 2000 67 million golf course added uaw resort golf digest year ranked north americas secondbest new upscale public course ranks 34th golf digests list americas 100 greatest public courses 2005 2010 resort lost estimated 23 million uaw forced borrow keep afloat government documents show 2011 uaw wrote value property 17 million58 million government documents show disclosures show ranges uaw considered selling property 2010 taken market government documents note 2011 government documents show 540000 unpaid bills uaw pays federal state income taxes well property taxes resort doesnt pay state local property taxes big section resort qualifies school school walter may reuther education center named deceased auto labor leader wife uaw says sends workers learn experience unionism commit labors cause according disclosures tax documents show uaw covers costs reuther center interest earns strike fund mounting uaw losses show golf courses good investments unions one could easily question whether union officers buy golf courses organization whether merely play thing union officers says mehrens mehrens adds one also consider whether taxexempt entity allowed engage activities outside scope nonprofit purpose especially puts competition privatesector golf courses hotels resorts learjet owned international machinists aerospace union union officials pretty active using unions learjet60 purchased unknown sum 1998 learjets today cost 13 million new around 5 million used planes government flight records show february june 9 union officials flew plane 54 times average plane 14 days every month union officials used learjet wing around country orlando fla chicago niagara falls toronto canada flight records show flight records plane also show used wing hollywood fla last february machinists unions international president r thomas buffenbarger gave keynote address state unions union conference unionowned westin diplomat union declined repeated requests comment 2011 alone union spent 125 million operate plane government documents show items including maintenance 651364 pilot salaries 368992 three pilots hangar rental 73430 fuel 39489 insurance 25917 hangar maintenance 7736 83250 one ask whether spending millions dollars private jet union officers acting solely benefit organization members law stipulates notes mehrens whether expensive perk give simply think

<p /> <p>Two big pharma stocks posted nearly identical gains over the last 12 months. Eli Lilly's (NYSE: LLY) share price is up slightly under 15% during the period. The same is true for Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) stock.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>But which of these two drug stocks is the better choice for long-term investors? Here's how Eli Lilly and Pfizer stack up against each other.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Let's first address the challenges that Lilly faces. Sales of three of the company's top six drugs declined in 2016. Humalog's sales slipped 3% year over year, while sales for Alimta and Cymbalta fell 8% and 9%, respectively. Lilly also loses patent exclusivity for its second-highest moneymaker, Cialis, later this year.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>That's the bad news. But there's plenty of good news for Lilly as well. Diabetes drug Trulicity is on track to top $1 billion in sales in 2017. Sales are soaring for cancer drugs Erbitux and Cyramza. Lilly is also seeing solid growth for diabetes drug Trajenta.</p> <p>The company's newer drugs provide the best news of all. In 2016, Lilly launched Taltz in the U.S. and Europe for treatment of psoriasis. Late-stage studies are underway for a couple of other autoimmune diseases -- psoriatic arthritis and axial spondylo-arthritis. Taltz could reach peak annual sales of up to $5 billion if approved for all indications.</p> <p>Lilly recently won European approval for rheumatoid arthritis drugOlumiant. A decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected by mid-April. Although the rheumatoid arthritis market is pretty crowded, Lilly could have another blockbuster on its hands.</p> <p>The drugmaker is collaborating with Pfizer on experimental pain drug tanezumab, which is being evaluated in several late-stage clinical studies. Two late-stage studies are underway for galcanezumab in treating cluster headaches and preventing migraines. In addition, Lilly recently completed its acquisition of CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, picking up another late-stage pain candidate,lasmidtan.</p> <p>Perhaps the biggest wild card with Lilly's pipeline is its experimental Alzheimer's disease drugs. Solanezumab flopped in late-stage studies targeting mild and early-stage forms of the disease. However, Lilly and partner AstraZeneca are evaluating a BACE inhibitor in a late-stage study for early and mild Alzheimer's disease.</p> <p>Wall Street thinks that Lilly's new drugs and pipeline will drive earnings higher by an average of 12% annually over the next few years. In the meantime, investors can enjoy Lilly's dividend, which currently claims a yield of 2.5%.</p> <p>Pfizer also faces some headwinds. Sales for its top-selling Prevnar 13 vaccine fell 8% in 2016. Its other blockbuster drugs also struggled. Viagra sales dropped 9% last year, while sales for cancer drug Sutent slipped 2%.</p> <p>The company's products that have either lost patent exclusivity in the past or are close to losing patent exclusivity aren't faring well, either. Lipitor, Lyrica, and Celebrex are especially weighing down Pfizer's overall sales results.</p> <p>Still, Pfizer continues to post solid revenue and earnings gains. Sales for cancer drug Ibrance are skyrocketing. Rheumatoid arthritis drug Xeljanz is picking up nice momentum. Perhaps most important, Pfizer's recent acquisitions should fuel additional growth.</p> <p>The big drugmaker made two big deals last year, acquiring Anacor and Medivation. The Anacor acquisition brought Eucrisa into Pfizer's lineup. The drug recently won regulatory approval for treating eczema. Pfizer's purchase of Medivation allowed the company to pick up prostate cancer drug Xtandi. Both Eucrisa and Xtandi should generate several billions of dollars each in annual revenue for Pfizer at their peaks.</p> <p>Pfizer awaits regulatory approval for seven programs. Probably the most eagerly anticipated in this group is anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody avelumab. The experimental drug could provide a nice boost to Pfizer's already successful oncology portfolio.</p> <p>The company's pipeline also includes 34 late-stage programs. Additional indications for Ibrance, Xeljanz, Xtandi, and avelumab could be on the way if some of these late-stage studies go well. Pfizer also has several promising new candidates in late-stage development, includingtanezumab andinotuzumab ozogamicin (try saying that one three times in a row).</p> <p>Wall Street thinks Pfizer will grow earnings by an average of more than 6% over the next few years. The company's dividend yield of 3.77% adds even more return for investors.</p> <p>Valuation is important. Lilly stock trades at 19 times expected earnings. Pfizer's current share price is only 12 times expected earnings. Pfizer looks very attractively valued right now.</p> <p>I also tend to agree with the old adage that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Pfizer's dividend is better -- and I don't think there's much risk that it will be reduced. Lilly's success seems much more dependent on things going well for its pipeline than is the case for Pfizer, in my view.</p> <p>Eli Lilly isn't a bad pick. But I think Pfizer's the better buy.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than PfizerWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=17feb32a-6a36-405d-a31b-d5a5a0471364&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 Pfizer wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=17feb32a-6a36-405d-a31b-d5a5a0471364&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/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Pfizer. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

two big pharma stocks posted nearly identical gains last 12 months eli lillys nyse lly share price slightly 15 period true pfizer nyse pfe stock continue reading two drug stocks better choice longterm investors heres eli lilly pfizer stack image source getty images lets first address challenges lilly faces sales three companys top six drugs declined 2016 humalogs sales slipped 3 year year sales alimta cymbalta fell 8 9 respectively lilly also loses patent exclusivity secondhighest moneymaker cialis later year advertisement thats bad news theres plenty good news lilly well diabetes drug trulicity track top 1 billion sales 2017 sales soaring cancer drugs erbitux cyramza lilly also seeing solid growth diabetes drug trajenta companys newer drugs provide best news 2016 lilly launched taltz us europe treatment psoriasis latestage studies underway couple autoimmune diseases psoriatic arthritis axial spondyloarthritis taltz could reach peak annual sales 5 billion approved indications lilly recently european approval rheumatoid arthritis drugolumiant decision us food drug administration fda expected midapril although rheumatoid arthritis market pretty crowded lilly could another blockbuster hands drugmaker collaborating pfizer experimental pain drug tanezumab evaluated several latestage clinical studies two latestage studies underway galcanezumab treating cluster headaches preventing migraines addition lilly recently completed acquisition colucid pharmaceuticals picking another latestage pain candidatelasmidtan perhaps biggest wild card lillys pipeline experimental alzheimers disease drugs solanezumab flopped latestage studies targeting mild earlystage forms disease however lilly partner astrazeneca evaluating bace inhibitor latestage study early mild alzheimers disease wall street thinks lillys new drugs pipeline drive earnings higher average 12 annually next years meantime investors enjoy lillys dividend currently claims yield 25 pfizer also faces headwinds sales topselling prevnar 13 vaccine fell 8 2016 blockbuster drugs also struggled viagra sales dropped 9 last year sales cancer drug sutent slipped 2 companys products either lost patent exclusivity past close losing patent exclusivity arent faring well either lipitor lyrica celebrex especially weighing pfizers overall sales results still pfizer continues post solid revenue earnings gains sales cancer drug ibrance skyrocketing rheumatoid arthritis drug xeljanz picking nice momentum perhaps important pfizers recent acquisitions fuel additional growth big drugmaker made two big deals last year acquiring anacor medivation anacor acquisition brought eucrisa pfizers lineup drug recently regulatory approval treating eczema pfizers purchase medivation allowed company pick prostate cancer drug xtandi eucrisa xtandi generate several billions dollars annual revenue pfizer peaks pfizer awaits regulatory approval seven programs probably eagerly anticipated group antipdl1 monoclonal antibody avelumab experimental drug could provide nice boost pfizers already successful oncology portfolio companys pipeline also includes 34 latestage programs additional indications ibrance xeljanz xtandi avelumab could way latestage studies go well pfizer also several promising new candidates latestage development includingtanezumab andinotuzumab ozogamicin try saying one three times row wall street thinks pfizer grow earnings average 6 next years companys dividend yield 377 adds even return investors valuation important lilly stock trades 19 times expected earnings pfizers current share price 12 times expected earnings pfizer looks attractively valued right also tend agree old adage bird hand worth two bush pfizers dividend better dont think theres much risk reduced lillys success seems much dependent things going well pipeline case pfizer view eli lilly isnt bad pick think pfizers better buy 10 stocks like better pfizerwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right pfizer wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares pfizer motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>I bought Apple the year before the iPhone debuted (July 2006 at a pre-split price of $60.83) and I bought Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) about 18 months before the Model S.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It was November 2010, less than five months after Tesla's initial public offering priced at $17 per share, raising approximately $225 million to help fund development of the Model S. While the $29.23 that I paid was a bit higher than that offering price, it's worked out quite well in the nearly seven years since, as I still maintain the position to this day. Just yesterday, Tesla tapped a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/03/tesla-shares-surge-to-record-highs-on-strong-deliv.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">fresh all-time high Opens a New Window.</a>, surpassing the prior high of around $291 set in September 2014 and exceeding the $292.30 price that technically represents my threshold for 10-bagger territory. Shares continued running today.</p> <p>My original Tesla trade confirmation. Image source: Author.</p> <p>Don't get me wrong. Like most investors, my investing career is littered with as many mistakes as successes, if not more. But in today's climate of active trading and years of debate around the "death" of buy-and-hold investing, a little celebration is in order: Long-term investing can still pay off.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>I won't purport to have had some insightful epiphany in 2010 regarding the future of electric cars; I was just a naive stockbroker at the beginning of my career in finance. As environmentalists, my wife and I simply thought Tesla was worth supporting. In other words, we got lucky to some extent, at least initially. It's notably harder to have the discipline to maintain such a position, particularly considering Tesla stock's volatility and polarizing nature.</p> <p>Image source: Tesla.</p> <p>What's most important, though, is what comes next. There's an endless debate about Tesla's valuation, as the company's market cap has just surpassed Ford's and is now approaching GM's. Ford sold 6.7 million vehicles last year, while GM sold 10 million; both are solidly profitable.</p> <p>Tesla delivered 76,000 vehicles in 2016, losing $773 million in the process. These facts often and justifiably confound analysts, investors, and industry pundits alike. Hardly a day goes by without someone arguing that Tesla is overvalued, which is hard to dispute using traditional valuation metrics. As CEO Elon Musk pointed out today on social media, valuation is more about the future than it is the past.</p> <p>So much of valuing stocks is fundamentally predicated on comparable analysis. Tesla makes cars, so the tendency is to compare it to automakers. However, Tesla's similarities to the auto industry end there. Tesla is as much an energy company as it is an auto company. It has been working on battery technology for years through its partnership with Panasonic, and is stepping directly into the solar industry with 2016's acquisition of sister company SolarCity. It is more vertically integrated than traditional automakers, particularly when it comes to the integration of hardware and software. It uses a direct model for both sales and support, eschewing the antiquated dealer model. It goes without saying that Tesla utilizes an entirely different propulsion technology to power its vehicles. These are but a few differences, but they easily outnumber the similarities.</p> <p>This says nothing as to whether or not these differences will ultimately prove advantageous or not. Only time will answer those questions. The point is that Tesla is an amalgam of auto, tech, and energy companies, and there is a dearth of comparable peers. The closest company that comes to mind is China's BYD, which stands for "Build Your Dreams." Warren Buffett famously invested in BYD years ago. BYD is the only other notable company that produces electric cars, battery storage, and solar panels.</p> <p>But even then, the comparison falls short. Beyond EVs, BYD also offers products like buses, forklifts, and commercial trucks, all of which are electric. Even in the passenger car market, BYD targets the more affordable midrange segment instead of luxury vehicles. Additionally, BYD operates in an entirely different geopolitical environment halfway across the world.</p> <p>BYD is also much larger in terms of revenue ($14.5 billion in 2016) but also profitable ($733 million in 2016). For reference, BYD trades at about 1.2 times sales, significantly lower than Tesla's 6.9 P/S multiple.</p> <p>To be clear, I'm the first to admit that it's incredibly difficult to justify new positions in Tesla at current levels, because so much of the value is baked into the future. The valuation magnifies the execution risks that Tesla faces in the years ahead, and there will be many. I just happen to be fortunate enough to have such a low cost basis, and I fell victim to the "house money effect" long ago, so I'm content to let it ride, despite the risks.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than TeslaWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=b4045743-b005-4476-a5ea-6944eaf0a6e0&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 Tesla wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=b4045743-b005-4476-a5ea-6944eaf0a6e0&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 April 3, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewCow/info.aspx" type="external">Evan Niu, CFA Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of AAPL and Tesla. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends AAPL, F, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on AAPL and short January 2018 $95 calls on AAPL. 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>

bought apple year iphone debuted july 2006 presplit price 6083 bought tesla nasdaq tsla 18 months model continue reading november 2010 less five months teslas initial public offering priced 17 per share raising approximately 225 million help fund development model 2923 paid bit higher offering price worked quite well nearly seven years since still maintain position day yesterday tesla tapped fresh alltime high opens new window surpassing prior high around 291 set september 2014 exceeding 29230 price technically represents threshold 10bagger territory shares continued running today original tesla trade confirmation image source author dont get wrong like investors investing career littered many mistakes successes todays climate active trading years debate around death buyandhold investing little celebration order longterm investing still pay advertisement wont purport insightful epiphany 2010 regarding future electric cars naive stockbroker beginning career finance environmentalists wife simply thought tesla worth supporting words got lucky extent least initially notably harder discipline maintain position particularly considering tesla stocks volatility polarizing nature image source tesla whats important though comes next theres endless debate teslas valuation companys market cap surpassed fords approaching gms ford sold 67 million vehicles last year gm sold 10 million solidly profitable tesla delivered 76000 vehicles 2016 losing 773 million process facts often justifiably confound analysts investors industry pundits alike hardly day goes without someone arguing tesla overvalued hard dispute using traditional valuation metrics ceo elon musk pointed today social media valuation future past much valuing stocks fundamentally predicated comparable analysis tesla makes cars tendency compare automakers however teslas similarities auto industry end tesla much energy company auto company working battery technology years partnership panasonic stepping directly solar industry 2016s acquisition sister company solarcity vertically integrated traditional automakers particularly comes integration hardware software uses direct model sales support eschewing antiquated dealer model goes without saying tesla utilizes entirely different propulsion technology power vehicles differences easily outnumber similarities says nothing whether differences ultimately prove advantageous time answer questions point tesla amalgam auto tech energy companies dearth comparable peers closest company comes mind chinas byd stands build dreams warren buffett famously invested byd years ago byd notable company produces electric cars battery storage solar panels even comparison falls short beyond evs byd also offers products like buses forklifts commercial trucks electric even passenger car market byd targets affordable midrange segment instead luxury vehicles additionally byd operates entirely different geopolitical environment halfway across world byd also much larger terms revenue 145 billion 2016 also profitable 733 million 2016 reference byd trades 12 times sales significantly lower teslas 69 ps multiple clear im first admit incredibly difficult justify new positions tesla current levels much value baked future valuation magnifies execution risks tesla faces years ahead many happen fortunate enough low cost basis fell victim house money effect long ago im content let ride despite risks 10 stocks like better teslawhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right tesla wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 evan niu cfa opens new window owns shares aapl tesla motley fool owns shares recommends aapl f tesla motley fool following options long january 2018 90 calls aapl short january 2018 95 calls aapl motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p><a href="" type="internal" />On Tuesday Night&amp;#160;Charles Krauthammer dropped another Benghazi bombshell on The O&#8217;Reilly Factor. He claims that the President&#8217;s phone call to Hillary Clinton was made so that they could develop their &#8220;cover story&#8221; shortly before she released <a href="http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/09/197628.htm" type="external">this statement</a>&amp;#160;at approximately 10 PM:</p> <p>I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our mission in Benghazi today. As we work to secure our personnel and facilities, we have confirmed that one of our State Department officers was killed. We are heartbroken by this terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who have suffered in this attack.</p> <p>This evening, I called Libyan President Magariaf to coordinate additional support to protect Americans in Libya. President Magariaf expressed his condemnation and condolences and pledged his government&#8217;s full cooperation.</p> <p>Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet. The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind.</p> <p>In light of the events of today, the United States government is working with partner countries around the world to protect our personnel, our missions, and American citizens worldwide.</p> <p>The first confirmed death would have been Sean Smith whose body was found some six hours before this statement was issued. It is Charles Krauthammer&#8217;s contention that at least two of the victims were still alive when Clinton&#8217;s statement was released and also during the President&#8217;s call to Clinton.</p> <p>I think there is a bigger story here that will in time come out.&amp;#160;The biggest scandal of all, the biggest question is what was the president doing in those eight hours. He had a routine meeting at five o&#8217;clock. He never after during the eight hours when our guys have their lives in danger, he never called the Secretary of Defense, he never calls the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he never called the CIA Director, Who does he call?&amp;#160;But five hours in he calls the Secretary of State. And after the phone call she releases a statement essentially about the video and how we denounce any intolerance. It looks as if the only phone call is to construct a cover story at a time when the last two Americans who died were still alive and fighting for their lives.&amp;#160;There&#8217;s the scandal and that has to be uncovered.</p> <p>It should also be noted that roughly four hours before Clinton issued her statement there was an email sent to the White House. <a href="http://www.factcheck.org/2012/10/benghazi-timeline/" type="external">Factcheck.org</a> reports:</p> <p>6:07 p.m.: The State Department&#8217;s Operations Center sends an email to the White House, Pentagon, FBI and other government agencies that said Ansar al-Sharia has claimed credit for the attack on its Facebook and Twitter accounts. (The existence of the email was not disclosed until Reuters reported it on Oct. 24.)</p> <p>Krauthammer&#8217;s reasoning is solid. Government officials were already aware at this point that Al Qaeda linked terrorists were claiming credit for the attack. Obama and Clinton likely had to get their story straight before Clinton released her statement.</p> <p>Krauthammer is not the only one questioning this phone call. <a href="http://www.aim.org/guest-column/the-10-p-m-phone-call-clinton-and-obama-discussed-benghazi-what-did-they-say/" type="external">AIM&#8217;s Andrew McCarthy</a> reported on May 22nd:</p> <p>&#8220;What would you be focusing on in the Benghazi investigation?&#8221; I spent many years in the investigation biz, so it&#8217;s only natural that I&#8217;ve been asked that question a lot lately.</p> <p>I had the good fortune to be trained in Rudy Giuliani&#8217;s U.S. attorney&#8217;s office in Manhattan. Rudy famously made his mark by making law enforcement reflect what common sense knew: Enterprises take their cues from the top. Criminal enterprises are no different: The capos do not carry out the policy of the button-men &#8211; it&#8217;s the other way around.</p> <p>So if I were investigating Benghazi, I&#8217;d be homing in on that 10 p.m. phone call. That&#8217;s the one between President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton &#8211; the one that&#8217;s gotten close to zero attention.</p> <p>Benghazi is not a scandal because of Ambassador Susan Rice, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland, and &#8220;talking points.&#8221; The scandal is about Rice and Nuland&#8217;s principals, and about what the talking points were intended to accomplish. Benghazi is about derelictions of duty by President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton before and during the massacre of our ambassador and three other American officials, as well as Obama and Clinton&#8217;s fraud on the public afterward.</p> <p>In another stunning turn of events,&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.wnd.com/2013/05/how-obama-hillary-wrecked-libya/" type="external">WND&#8217;s Aaron Klein</a>&amp;#160;broke a huge story on Wednesday that uncovered a non-reported Library of Congress document from August 2012:</p> <p>A Library of Congress report that received almost no media attention detailed &#8211; one month before the deadly Sept. 11 attack in Benghazi &#8211; how al-Qaida established a major base of operations in Libya in the aftermath of the U.S.-NATO campaign that deposed Muammar Gadhafi and his secular regime.</p> <p>The report documented&amp;#160;al-Qaida and affiliated organizations were establishing terrorist training camps and pushing Taliban-style Islamic law in Libya while the new, Western-backed Libyan government incorporated jihadists into its militias.</p> <p>The document named Benghazi as a new central headquarters for al-Qaida activities.</p> <p>Amazing. The Library of Congress reports that Benghazi, Libya is the new central hub for Al Qaeda activities in the region and Clinton and Obama insisted on trying to spin this incident. The report is 54 pages but if you would like to see it, you can find it <a href="http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/aq-libya-loc.pdf" type="external">here</a>.</p> <p>The question remains the same.</p> <p>What did Obama know and when did he know it?</p> <p>As more and more people are forced to perjure themselves in order to cover for the president, we get closer and closer to the truth.</p> <p /> <p />

tuesday night160charles krauthammer dropped another benghazi bombshell oreilly factor claims presidents phone call hillary clinton made could develop cover story shortly released statement160at approximately 10 pm condemn strongest terms attack mission benghazi today work secure personnel facilities confirmed one state department officers killed heartbroken terrible loss thoughts prayers family suffered attack evening called libyan president magariaf coordinate additional support protect americans libya president magariaf expressed condemnation condolences pledged governments full cooperation sought justify vicious behavior response inflammatory material posted internet united states deplores intentional effort denigrate religious beliefs others commitment religious tolerance goes back beginning nation let clear never justification violent acts kind light events today united states government working partner countries around world protect personnel missions american citizens worldwide first confirmed death would sean smith whose body found six hours statement issued charles krauthammers contention least two victims still alive clintons statement released also presidents call clinton think bigger story time come out160the biggest scandal biggest question president eight hours routine meeting five oclock never eight hours guys lives danger never called secretary defense never calls chairman joint chiefs never called cia director call160but five hours calls secretary state phone call releases statement essentially video denounce intolerance looks phone call construct cover story time last two americans died still alive fighting lives160theres scandal uncovered also noted roughly four hours clinton issued statement email sent white house factcheckorg reports 607 pm state departments operations center sends email white house pentagon fbi government agencies said ansar alsharia claimed credit attack facebook twitter accounts existence email disclosed reuters reported oct 24 krauthammers reasoning solid government officials already aware point al qaeda linked terrorists claiming credit attack obama clinton likely get story straight clinton released statement krauthammer one questioning phone call aims andrew mccarthy reported may 22nd would focusing benghazi investigation spent many years investigation biz natural ive asked question lot lately good fortune trained rudy giulianis us attorneys office manhattan rudy famously made mark making law enforcement reflect common sense knew enterprises take cues top criminal enterprises different capos carry policy buttonmen way around investigating benghazi id homing 10 pm phone call thats one president obama secretary state hillary clinton one thats gotten close zero attention benghazi scandal ambassador susan rice state department spokesperson victoria nuland talking points scandal rice nulands principals talking points intended accomplish benghazi derelictions duty president obama secretary state clinton massacre ambassador three american officials well obama clintons fraud public afterward another stunning turn events160 wnds aaron klein160broke huge story wednesday uncovered nonreported library congress document august 2012 library congress report received almost media attention detailed one month deadly sept 11 attack benghazi alqaida established major base operations libya aftermath usnato campaign deposed muammar gadhafi secular regime report documented160alqaida affiliated organizations establishing terrorist training camps pushing talibanstyle islamic law libya new westernbacked libyan government incorporated jihadists militias document named benghazi new central headquarters alqaida activities amazing library congress reports benghazi libya new central hub al qaeda activities region clinton obama insisted trying spin incident report 54 pages would like see find question remains obama know know people forced perjure order cover president get closer closer truth

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Buying stocks that pay market-beating dividend yields can give your annual performance some extra pop, but not every company with a high dividend yield deserves to be in your income portfolio. The dividend yield of some companies are high because their businesses are struggling. Rather than risking owning a high-yield/high-risk stock, income investors might be better off buying industry titans with solid balance sheets that are trading at reasonable valuations. For example, these three companies could be the perfect addition to income portfolios right now.</p> <p>A forward P/E ratio of 11.3 and a 3.5% dividend yield makes International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) too alluring for dividend investors to ignore, especially since it'sknee-deep in transforming itself from a stodgy PC and networking company into a cloud, analytics, engagement, and security giant.</p> <p>IBM's shares have rallied 18% this year because sales associated with its "strategic imperatives" are running at an annualized $30.7 billion pace. IBM's cloud business revenue is clocking in at an annualized $11.6 billion exiting Q2, and given that the globalpublic cloud servicesmarket could reach $204 billion this year, up 16.5% year over year, there's plenty of market share left to conquer.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>If IBM continues to capture share in this massive market, then it should be able to keep building on what is truly an impressive dividend track record.The company has paid investors a dividend for 100 years and it has increased its dividend payout in each of the past 21 years, including a 7.7% hike in April.</p> <p>Admittedly, IBM's transformation isn't complete and slowing sales in its legacy businesses is creating profit headwinds. After reportingearnings per share of $14.92 last year, industry watchers think IBM's EPS will fall to $13.51 this year. Nevertheless, IBM is still a handsomely profitable company that's kicking off plenty of cash flow, so picking up shares now while they're trading at a low double-digit multiple to next year's earnings makes a lot of sense to me.</p> <p>Image source: Microsoft Corp.</p> <p>IBM's not the only technology giant undergoing big changes that dividend investors ought to consider buying. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT)is also transitioning itself into a cloud giant and its 2.5% dividend yield and forward P/E of less than 18 makes it a compelling buy, too.</p> <p>In its recently reported fiscal fourth quarter, Microsoft's productivity and business processes segment sales increased 8% in constant currency to $7 billion and intelligent cloud segment sales increased 10% in constant currency to $6.7 billion. That growth more than offset headwinds from slowing PC business, resulting in overall year-over-year companywide constant currency revenue growth of 5%.</p> <p>Microsoft thinks it can generate $20 billion in commercial cloud revenue in 2018, and if so, that would mean some pretty nice upside from here for that business. Commercial cloud sales were running at an annualized $12.1 billion clip last quarter.</p> <p>Fueling that growth will beOffice 365, the company's online productivity software suite, and Azure, its app building and management solution. Last quarter, commercial Office 365 sales grew 54% and Azure sales more than doubled from a year ago.</p> <p>The company should also enjoy sales and profit tailwinds due togrowth for its Surface laptops, Xbox Live, and Internet search businesses. Surface sales increased 9%, Xbox Live membership grew 33%, and search revenue rose 16% year over year last quarter.</p> <p>Overall, Microsoft is generating $5.5 billion in quarterly free cash flow, and since Microsoft boasts $100 billion in cash on its balance sheet, there's little reason for me to doubt that it will remain one of the most dividend-friendly companies in technology.</p> <p>Image source: Stockmonkeys.com via Flickr.</p> <p>After suffering through years of slowing sales due to patent expiration on its multibillion-dollar cholesterol drug Lipitor, Pfizer, Inc.'s (NYSE: PFE) top and bottom lines are poised to head higher again. If so, then buying shares at 13 times next year's earnings estimate and pocketing a healthy 3.4% could be savvy.</p> <p>Pfizer's research and development has led to the launch of fast-growing cancer drugs and its deep pockets are fuelingacquisitions that are further entrenching it as a global biopharma powerhouse. The company's cancer drug sales jumped 54% to $1.1 billion last quarter, and in the past year, Pfizer has acquired Hospira, a leader in specialty biologics; Anacor, a developer of a new topical eczema therapy; and Medivation, the maker of the multibillion-dollar prostate cancer drug Xtandi.</p> <p>Pfizer's growing oncology franchise has already led tosix consecutive quarters of operational growth and the combination of organic growth and mergers and acquisitions has management guiding for sales of $51 billion this year, up from $49 billion last year (and that doesn't include Medivation's contribution because that deal hasn't closed yet). Importantly, Pfizer's thinks EPS will reach $2.38 this year, up from $2.20 last year, and if management delivers on that outlook, then I think more dividend increases are on the horizon. Pfizer increased its dividend payout by 50% since 2012 and that was when sales were sliding.</p> <p>Overall, ongoing R&amp;amp;D wins and additional M&amp;amp;A should continue to fuel dividend-friendly cash flow and that makes this stock one of my favorites dividend stocks to buy in healthcare.</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/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Medivation and Microsoft.Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may have positions in the companies mentioned.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle <a href="https://twitter.com/ebcapital" type="external">@ebcapital Opens a New Window.</a>to see more articles like this.The Motley Fool owns shares of 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>. 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 buying stocks pay marketbeating dividend yields give annual performance extra pop every company high dividend yield deserves income portfolio dividend yield companies high businesses struggling rather risking owning highyieldhighrisk stock income investors might better buying industry titans solid balance sheets trading reasonable valuations example three companies could perfect addition income portfolios right forward pe ratio 113 35 dividend yield makes international business machines corporation nyse ibm alluring dividend investors ignore especially since itskneedeep transforming stodgy pc networking company cloud analytics engagement security giant ibms shares rallied 18 year sales associated strategic imperatives running annualized 307 billion pace ibms cloud business revenue clocking annualized 116 billion exiting q2 given globalpublic cloud servicesmarket could reach 204 billion year 165 year year theres plenty market share left conquer advertisement ibm continues capture share massive market able keep building truly impressive dividend track recordthe company paid investors dividend 100 years increased dividend payout past 21 years including 77 hike april admittedly ibms transformation isnt complete slowing sales legacy businesses creating profit headwinds reportingearnings per share 1492 last year industry watchers think ibms eps fall 1351 year nevertheless ibm still handsomely profitable company thats kicking plenty cash flow picking shares theyre trading low doubledigit multiple next years earnings makes lot sense image source microsoft corp ibms technology giant undergoing big changes dividend investors ought consider buying microsoft corp nasdaq msftis also transitioning cloud giant 25 dividend yield forward pe less 18 makes compelling buy recently reported fiscal fourth quarter microsofts productivity business processes segment sales increased 8 constant currency 7 billion intelligent cloud segment sales increased 10 constant currency 67 billion growth offset headwinds slowing pc business resulting overall yearoveryear companywide constant currency revenue growth 5 microsoft thinks generate 20 billion commercial cloud revenue 2018 would mean pretty nice upside business commercial cloud sales running annualized 121 billion clip last quarter fueling growth beoffice 365 companys online productivity software suite azure app building management solution last quarter commercial office 365 sales grew 54 azure sales doubled year ago company also enjoy sales profit tailwinds due togrowth surface laptops xbox live internet search businesses surface sales increased 9 xbox live membership grew 33 search revenue rose 16 year year last quarter overall microsoft generating 55 billion quarterly free cash flow since microsoft boasts 100 billion cash balance sheet theres little reason doubt remain one dividendfriendly companies technology image source stockmonkeyscom via flickr suffering years slowing sales due patent expiration multibilliondollar cholesterol drug lipitor pfizer incs nyse pfe top bottom lines poised head higher buying shares 13 times next years earnings estimate pocketing healthy 34 could savvy pfizers research development led launch fastgrowing cancer drugs deep pockets fuelingacquisitions entrenching global biopharma powerhouse companys cancer drug sales jumped 54 11 billion last quarter past year pfizer acquired hospira leader specialty biologics anacor developer new topical eczema therapy medivation maker multibilliondollar prostate cancer drug xtandi pfizers growing oncology franchise already led tosix consecutive quarters operational growth combination organic growth mergers acquisitions management guiding sales 51 billion year 49 billion last year doesnt include medivations contribution deal hasnt closed yet importantly pfizers thinks eps reach 238 year 220 last year management delivers outlook think dividend increases horizon pfizer increased dividend payout 50 since 2012 sales sliding overall ongoing rampd wins additional mampa continue fuel dividendfriendly cash flow makes stock one favorites dividend stocks buy healthcare secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window todd campbell opens new window owns shares medivation microsofttodd owns eb capital markets llc eb capitals clients may positions companies mentionedlike article follow ontwitter goes handle ebcapital opens new windowto see articles like thisthe motley fool owns shares 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>2017 was a year to forget for Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), which saw its stock rise just 3% as the S&amp;amp;P 500 advanced 16%. Yet Comcast seems cheap at 15 times next year's earnings, and analysts expect its revenue and earnings to respectively rise 5% and 18% this year.</p> <p>Will Comcast fare better next year? To decide, let's examine the three major headwinds that weighed down the ISP and media giant this year and whether they will fade in 2018.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Comcast is heavily exposed to <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/11/03/why-comcast-investors-should-be-wary-of-cord-cutti.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7b2b7c40-d3f8-11e7-a014-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">cord-cutting Opens a New Window.</a>, which causes customers to replace their traditional cable subscriptions with over-the-top (OTT) streaming solutions like Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). Comcast is trying to counter this trend by bundling together cable, home internet, and streaming services, but it still shed&amp;#160;125,000 video subscribers last quarter -- compared to a loss of 34,000 subscribers in the previous quarter.</p> <p>That drop looks alarming, but Comcast is offsetting it with pricier bundles, which boosted its Cable Communications revenue by 5.1% last quarter. Comcast's home internet business is still growing, with the addition of 214,000 customers, since cord-cutters still need high-speed connections to stream OTT content.</p> <p>Comcast's "answer" to Netflix is Xfinity X1, which blends together streaming content, live TV, apps (including Netflix), a DVR, and on-demand programs on a single platform. Last quarter, Comcast stated that 57% of its residential video customers (12.2 million households) used X1, up from 55% in&amp;#160;the previous quarter and 45% in the prior-year quarter.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>That growth seems solid, but Netflix's paid subscribers in&amp;#160;the U.S. rose 10% annually to 51.4 million last quarter. Moreover, Comcast is still losing video subscribers, so the adoption rate of X1 is actually weaker than the rising percentages suggest. Therefore, X1 helps Comcast squeeze out extra revenue from existing customers with $10 monthly fees, but it's hardly a long-term defense against cord-cutters and OTT platforms.</p> <p>NFL games are traditionally a major source of advertising revenue for NBC, but NFL ratings have been slipping. Total NFL ratings for&amp;#160;the first seven weeks of the season fell 5% year over year, and were down 15% from 2015. That decrease persisted through the Thanksgiving holiday,&amp;#160;as NBC's NFL ratings dropped 10% annually.</p> <p>Analysts attribute those declines to the oversaturation of NFL games across multiple TV networks and internet platforms, as well as unappealing matchups and the divisive national anthem protests. The NFL's softness on NBC is a major problem, since it reveals that live sports broadcasts aren't a viable defense against cord-cutters.</p> <p>All three of those issues will likely weigh down Comcast's ISP and NBCUniversal businesses next year. But investors also shouldn't overlook Comcast's strengths.</p> <p>First, Comcast's Theme Parks business (Universal Studios) is still <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/09/a-foolish-take-disneys-theme-park-attendance-dips.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7b2b7c40-d3f8-11e7-a014-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">growing rapidly Opens a New Window.</a>, with its recent openings of Minion Park in Japan and Volcano Bay in Orlando. It also plans to open new parks in Russia and China. Revenue from that unit rose 7.7% annually last quarter and accounted for nearly a fifth of NBCUniversal's top line.</p> <p>Second, NBC remains the&amp;#160;highest-rated network in America, thanks to hit shows like This is Us. That strength boosted its adjusted Broadcast TV revenue (which exclude the impact of the Rio Olympics last year) by 12.3% annually last quarter.</p> <p>Last, Universal's theatrical slate remains strong, with new films for its Jurassic World, Fast and Furious, Minions, and Insidious franchises. The growth of these successful franchises could also cast a halo effect on its theme parks with new attractions.</p> <p>Comcast might seem like a risky play as customers cut their cords, but its diversified business gives it more room to maneuver than stand-alone ISPs or media companies. Comcast can use internet and cable bundles to lock in customers or pivot toward theme parks and movies if those declines accelerate.</p> <p>I think Comcast's upside potential will remain limited next year due cord-cutting concerns, but its long-term growth potential remains bright. Meanwhile, the stock pays out a decent 1.8% forward yield for investors who are willing to wait.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than ComcastWhen 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=421389dc-a213-4ed2-950e-c8da76fc56e6&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7b2b7c40-d3f8-11e7-a014-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Comcast 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=421389dc-a213-4ed2-950e-c8da76fc56e6&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7b2b7c40-d3f8-11e7-a014-0050569d32b9&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/TMFSunLion/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=7b2b7c40-d3f8-11e7-a014-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Netflix. The Motley Fool recommends Comcast. 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=7b2b7c40-d3f8-11e7-a014-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

2017 year forget comcast nasdaq cmcsa saw stock rise 3 sampp 500 advanced 16 yet comcast seems cheap 15 times next years earnings analysts expect revenue earnings respectively rise 5 18 year comcast fare better next year decide lets examine three major headwinds weighed isp media giant year whether fade 2018 continue reading comcast heavily exposed cordcutting opens new window causes customers replace traditional cable subscriptions overthetop ott streaming solutions like netflix nasdaq nflx comcast trying counter trend bundling together cable home internet streaming services still shed160125000 video subscribers last quarter compared loss 34000 subscribers previous quarter drop looks alarming comcast offsetting pricier bundles boosted cable communications revenue 51 last quarter comcasts home internet business still growing addition 214000 customers since cordcutters still need highspeed connections stream ott content comcasts answer netflix xfinity x1 blends together streaming content live tv apps including netflix dvr ondemand programs single platform last quarter comcast stated 57 residential video customers 122 million households used x1 55 in160the previous quarter 45 prioryear quarter advertisement growth seems solid netflixs paid subscribers in160the us rose 10 annually 514 million last quarter moreover comcast still losing video subscribers adoption rate x1 actually weaker rising percentages suggest therefore x1 helps comcast squeeze extra revenue existing customers 10 monthly fees hardly longterm defense cordcutters ott platforms nfl games traditionally major source advertising revenue nbc nfl ratings slipping total nfl ratings for160the first seven weeks season fell 5 year year 15 2015 decrease persisted thanksgiving holiday160as nbcs nfl ratings dropped 10 annually analysts attribute declines oversaturation nfl games across multiple tv networks internet platforms well unappealing matchups divisive national anthem protests nfls softness nbc major problem since reveals live sports broadcasts arent viable defense cordcutters three issues likely weigh comcasts isp nbcuniversal businesses next year investors also shouldnt overlook comcasts strengths first comcasts theme parks business universal studios still growing rapidly opens new window recent openings minion park japan volcano bay orlando also plans open new parks russia china revenue unit rose 77 annually last quarter accounted nearly fifth nbcuniversals top line second nbc remains the160highestrated network america thanks hit shows like us strength boosted adjusted broadcast tv revenue exclude impact rio olympics last year 123 annually last quarter last universals theatrical slate remains strong new films jurassic world fast furious minions insidious franchises growth successful franchises could also cast halo effect theme parks new attractions comcast might seem like risky play customers cut cords diversified business gives room maneuver standalone isps media companies comcast use internet cable bundles lock customers pivot toward theme parks movies declines accelerate think comcasts upside potential remain limited next year due cordcutting concerns longterm growth potential remains bright meanwhile stock pays decent 18 forward yield investors willing wait 10 stocks like better comcastwhen 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 comcast wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 6 2017 leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends netflix motley fool recommends comcast motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Royal Dutch Shell Plc (NYSE: RDS-B) is one of the highest yielding integrated energy giants, offering investors a dividend yield around 6.7%. That's toward the high end of the industry. A big reason for that is the acquisition Shell made during the oil downturn when competitors were mostly focusing on cutting costs. How safe is Shell today, and, perhaps more important, how safe is its dividend?</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>When oil prices started falling in mid-2014, every oil company got hit. Shell, for example, saw its top line fall roughly 45% between 2014 and 2016. The bottom line declined an even more painful 70%. That, however, was hardly a unique experience. Chevron (NYSE: CVX), for example, saw its earnings dip into the red for three consecutive quarters.</p> <p>Image source: Royal Dutch Shell Plc.</p> <p>In response, energy companies throughout the oil and gas industry started to cut spending. Shell trimmed its capital spending roughly 30% over that span. The goal was to find a balance between what oil and gas companies were earning and what they were paying out in dividends and capital spending. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), for example, trimmed CAPEX by nearly 50% over the same period. In other words, every company was feeling the pinch of an oil downturn.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>What Shell did that was different than many of its peers, however, was spend roughly $50 billion on an acquisition. That added natural gas-focused BG Group to Shell's business, increasing its focus on a fuel that many believe will be a vital bridge between carbon fuels and clean energy. Shell is already one of the biggest players in natural gas, this redoubled its efforts. If the company's forecast for natural gas is even close to right, Shell is positioning itself to be a leader.</p> <p>The problem with all of this is that buying BG Group meant adding a lot of debt. To be fair, as a group, the oil majors have been adding debt to protect their dividends and continue to invest for the future. But Shell's long-term debt increased around 50% over 2015's final figure, standing at $83 billion by the end of 2016. That's still a reasonable 30% of the capital structure, and it has $19 billion in cash on hand, so there's really little risk of Shell going under because of the deal. But it does put Shell toward the high end of the industry debt wise.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/RDS.B/debt_equity_ratio" type="external">RDS.B Debt to Equity Ratio (Quarterly)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Which is why investors are concerned that the dividend may get sacrificed for the company's long-term goals. After all, Shell hasn't upped the annual payment in roughly three years and it's offering a scrip dividend to those who want it (scrip dividends are paid in stock instead of cash, lessening the cash flow burden of dividends). So, based on the evidence, a dividend cut wouldn't be an outlandish expectation... but it's getting increasingly less likely.</p> <p>For starters, oil prices have rebounded off of their lows. That's solidifying Shell's top- and bottom-lines. For example, revenue and net income bottomed in the first quarter and then increased each quarter through the end of the year. Looking at cash flow, Shell burned around $850 million in cash in the fourth quarter. That number, however, was just 4% of its cash hoard and the span included paying down over $3 billion in long-term debt and minimal new borrowings. At the end of the day, Shell is getting pretty close to covering its dividend and capital spending with cash flow.</p> <p>So if oil prices hold up, Shell's dividend is likely to remain intact. But what about that debt? Interest expense more than doubled in the fourth quarter... Shell is well aware of the debt overhang, which is why it's already paid down $3 billion worth of debt. To make that happen it sold around $2.7 billion worth of assets in the fourth quarter, with plans for more divestitures. In fact, it recently inked a deal to sell North Sea assets for $4.7 billion. And that won't be the last asset sale since Shell plans on shedding as much as $30 billion worth of assets to get its financial house back in order.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/RDS.B/revenues" type="external">RDS.B Revenue (Quarterly)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>Shell's financials may get a little hard to read while it's selling businesses to pare debt, but at this point its dividend looks secure and every asset sale will make it even more secure.</p> <p>Shell made an expensive acquisition at a time when you'd expect it to be circling the waggons. This move added a lot of debt right when the energy giant's top- and bottom-lines were coming under pressure from falling oil prices. However, Shell believes this is the right long-term move to position it more strongly in natural gas, a fuel that many believe will be an important bridge to a lower carbon future.</p> <p>Strategically that was a solid decision. However, after taking on so much debt, investors are justifiably concerned that the dividend may get sacrificed. No doubt that's possible, but now that Shell has switched into debt reduction mode and oil prices have stabilized off their lows, it looks increasingly likely that the dividend will survive. And that makes now a good time to do a deep dive into Royal Dutch Shell and its impressive 6.7% yield.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Royal Dutch Shell (B Shares)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=5c09f82e-ac03-4c1d-b8ef-3c3133ccae95&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 Royal Dutch Shell (B Shares) 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=5c09f82e-ac03-4c1d-b8ef-3c3133ccae95&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/ReubenGBrewer/info.aspx" type="external">Reuben Brewer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool recommends Chevron. 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>

royal dutch shell plc nyse rdsb one highest yielding integrated energy giants offering investors dividend yield around 67 thats toward high end industry big reason acquisition shell made oil downturn competitors mostly focusing cutting costs safe shell today perhaps important safe dividend continue reading oil prices started falling mid2014 every oil company got hit shell example saw top line fall roughly 45 2014 2016 bottom line declined even painful 70 however hardly unique experience chevron nyse cvx example saw earnings dip red three consecutive quarters image source royal dutch shell plc response energy companies throughout oil gas industry started cut spending shell trimmed capital spending roughly 30 span goal find balance oil gas companies earning paying dividends capital spending exxonmobil nyse xom example trimmed capex nearly 50 period words every company feeling pinch oil downturn advertisement shell different many peers however spend roughly 50 billion acquisition added natural gasfocused bg group shells business increasing focus fuel many believe vital bridge carbon fuels clean energy shell already one biggest players natural gas redoubled efforts companys forecast natural gas even close right shell positioning leader problem buying bg group meant adding lot debt fair group oil majors adding debt protect dividends continue invest future shells longterm debt increased around 50 2015s final figure standing 83 billion end 2016 thats still reasonable 30 capital structure 19 billion cash hand theres really little risk shell going deal put shell toward high end industry debt wise rdsb debt equity ratio quarterly data ycharts opens new window investors concerned dividend may get sacrificed companys longterm goals shell hasnt upped annual payment roughly three years offering scrip dividend want scrip dividends paid stock instead cash lessening cash flow burden dividends based evidence dividend cut wouldnt outlandish expectation getting increasingly less likely starters oil prices rebounded lows thats solidifying shells top bottomlines example revenue net income bottomed first quarter increased quarter end year looking cash flow shell burned around 850 million cash fourth quarter number however 4 cash hoard span included paying 3 billion longterm debt minimal new borrowings end day shell getting pretty close covering dividend capital spending cash flow oil prices hold shells dividend likely remain intact debt interest expense doubled fourth quarter shell well aware debt overhang already paid 3 billion worth debt make happen sold around 27 billion worth assets fourth quarter plans divestitures fact recently inked deal sell north sea assets 47 billion wont last asset sale since shell plans shedding much 30 billion worth assets get financial house back order rdsb revenue quarterly data ycharts shells financials may get little hard read selling businesses pare debt point dividend looks secure every asset sale make even secure shell made expensive acquisition time youd expect circling waggons move added lot debt right energy giants top bottomlines coming pressure falling oil prices however shell believes right longterm move position strongly natural gas fuel many believe important bridge lower carbon future strategically solid decision however taking much debt investors justifiably concerned dividend may get sacrificed doubt thats possible shell switched debt reduction mode oil prices stabilized lows looks increasingly likely dividend survive makes good time deep dive royal dutch shell impressive 67 yield 10 stocks like better royal dutch shell b shareswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right royal dutch shell b shares wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 reuben brewer opens new window owns shares exxonmobil motley fool owns shares exxonmobil motley fool recommends chevron motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>If you recently landed your first job with a 401(k), welcome to the club! Your new retirement savings program may seem confusing at first, but it doesn't need to be. Here's a primer on what you need to know about your new 401(k) plan and how to set yourself up to build your retirement nest egg.</p> <p>A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows employees to choose to defer a portion of their compensation to save and invest for retirement. Money saved in a 401(k) is not taxable until it's withdrawn, which allows employees to maximize the compounding effects of investing. There are several advantages to a 401(k), and we'll go over some of the biggest ones in the next section.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Here are a few of the best reasons to put money into your company's 401(k) plan:</p> <p>Most employer-matching programs are designed the same way. Your employer will match your 401(k) contributions, either dollar-for-dollar or at a set percentage rate, up to a certain percentage of your salary.</p> <p>For example, let's say your employer's matching program is as follows:</p> <p>This means if you choose to defer 6% of your salary into your 401(k), your employer will contribute an amount equal to 3% of your salary, for a total of 9% of your salary flowing into your account. If you choose to defer 4% of your salary, your employer will contribute 2%. On the other hand, if you choose to contribute 10% of your salary, your employer will only contribute 3% since the matching program is capped at half of 6%, or 3%, of your salary.</p> <p>There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but at a bare minimum, you should contribute enough to take full advantage of your employer's matching program. Not doing so is literally turning down free money.</p> <p>In general, I suggest 401(k) participants aim to save 10% of their salary, not including employer matches. This may seem like a lot at first, and you don't need to get there right away. Try increasing your contribution rate by 1% per year (many plans will let you do this automatically) or every time you get a raise. Keep in mind that the sooner you increase your contribution rate, the more of a long-term impact it will have.</p> <p>As an example, let's say that your salary is $50,000 per year, and ignoring the effects of inflation, we'll say your salary increases by about 2% per year from now until retirement. If your employer matches your contributions dollar for dollar up to 5% of your pay, you could expect a nest egg of about $580,000 in 30 years, assuming 7% average annual returns.</p> <p>This may sound like a lot, but according to the frequently used " <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/23/is-the-4-rule-of-retirement-still-good-advice.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">4% rule Opens a New Window.</a>" of retirement, it would only produce about $23,200 in annual retirement income. Even when factoring in Social Security, will this be enough?</p> <p>However, check out the effect of increasing your contributions by a percentage point or two.</p> <p>You are allowed to contribute up to $18,000 to your 401(k) in 2016, not including employer contributions, and an additional $6,000 if you're 50 or older. While it may not be practical or necessary to contribute this much, the point is that the limits are high, so take advantage.</p> <p>More and more plans are adding a Roth, or after-tax, option to their 401(k) plans. The biggest difference is how the tax benefits work. Unlike most 401(k) contributions, Roth contributions are not tax-deductible, rather, your eventual withdrawals will be tax-free.</p> <p>The decision basically comes down to a choice of when you want your tax benefits, now or later. Here's a <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/401k/2015/01/04/the-roth-401k-a-good-thing-has-gotten-better.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">thorough discussion Opens a New Window.</a> about Roth 401(k)s by my colleague Selena Maranjian that can give you all of the information you'll need about these, if you're interested.</p> <p>You can choose to invest the money contributed to your 401(k) in a selection of mutual funds, which depend on your particular plan. Some of these funds invest in the stock market (equity funds), some invest in bonds (fixed-income funds), and some just keep your money in cash and money market accounts.</p> <p>In general, 100% of your 401(k) should be invested in either stocks or bonds. Younger investors should allocate a greater percentage of their account to stocks, as they tend to be more volatile but have the best growth potential over time. On the other hand, older workers and retirees should have more bond investments, as these don't typically grow your money as well as stocks, but they tend to do a better job of preserving your nest egg.</p> <p>As a rule of thumb, take your age and subtract it from 110 to determine how much of your account should be invested in stock funds. For example, I'm 35, so I should have about 75% of my retirement assets in stock funds with the rest in bonds. Feel free to adjust this up or down a little to match your personal risk preference -- in full disclosure, about 85% of my 401(k) is in stocks.</p> <p>Stock funds come in many varieties, and you'll see them labeled as large-cap, mid-cap, or small cap, as well as by growth and value. You may also see some funds labeled as foreign or international stock funds. The allocation I just discussed is far more important than the individual funds you select, as the options within a 401(k) plan tend to come with similar <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/11/14/mutual-fund-and-etf-fees-know-the-true-cost-of-inv.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">expense ratios Opens a New Window.</a>.Here's a more <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/a-quick-guide-to-asset-allocation-stocks-vs-bonds.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">thorough discussion Opens a New Window.</a> on asset allocation.</p> <p>For reference, here's how I have my own 401(k) allocated:</p> <p>Yet another investment option is target-date retirement funds. These are the funds in your plan that have years in the title, such as "Target Retirement 2050." Essentially, these are designed to be an all-in-one retirement portfolio, gradually adjusting your allocation from stocks to bonds as you get closer to retirement.</p> <p>If you prefer to take a hands-off approach to your retirement investing, and the target-date funds in your plan have comparable expense ratios to the other funds you could select, there's nothing wrong with choosing this option for all or some of your money. <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/07/22/target-retirement-funds-a-good-option-for-your-ret.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Here's a thorough discussion Opens a New Window.</a> of target-date funds if you're interested.</p> <p>Generally, you can use the money in your 401(k) after you turn 59-1/2 years old. If you withdraw the money in your account early, you could face a 10% early withdrawal penalty from the IRS on top of any income tax you owe.</p> <p>There are a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/09/27/the-401k-withdrawal-penalty-and-10-ways-to-get-aro.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">few exceptions Opens a New Window.</a> to the rule. To name some of the most common, if any of the following criteria apply, you can use your money early:</p> <p>You should enroll and start contributing to your new 401(k) as soon as possible, as your investment dollars will never have more long-term compounding power than they do right now. With a little bit of knowledge, you'll be armed to make smart decisions about your 401(k) and to build the retirement nest egg of your dreams.</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>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>. 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image source getty images continue reading recently landed first job 401k welcome club new retirement savings program may seem confusing first doesnt need heres primer need know new 401k plan set build retirement nest egg 401k employersponsored retirement plan allows employees choose defer portion compensation save invest retirement money saved 401k taxable withdrawn allows employees maximize compounding effects investing several advantages 401k well go biggest ones next section advertisement best reasons put money companys 401k plan employermatching programs designed way employer match 401k contributions either dollarfordollar set percentage rate certain percentage salary example lets say employers matching program follows means choose defer 6 salary 401k employer contribute amount equal 3 salary total 9 salary flowing account choose defer 4 salary employer contribute 2 hand choose contribute 10 salary employer contribute 3 since matching program capped half 6 3 salary theres onesizefitsall answer question bare minimum contribute enough take full advantage employers matching program literally turning free money general suggest 401k participants aim save 10 salary including employer matches may seem like lot first dont need get right away try increasing contribution rate 1 per year many plans let automatically every time get raise keep mind sooner increase contribution rate longterm impact example lets say salary 50000 per year ignoring effects inflation well say salary increases 2 per year retirement employer matches contributions dollar dollar 5 pay could expect nest egg 580000 30 years assuming 7 average annual returns may sound like lot according frequently used 4 rule opens new window retirement would produce 23200 annual retirement income even factoring social security enough however check effect increasing contributions percentage point two allowed contribute 18000 401k 2016 including employer contributions additional 6000 youre 50 older may practical necessary contribute much point limits high take advantage plans adding roth aftertax option 401k plans biggest difference tax benefits work unlike 401k contributions roth contributions taxdeductible rather eventual withdrawals taxfree decision basically comes choice want tax benefits later heres thorough discussion opens new window roth 401ks colleague selena maranjian give information youll need youre interested choose invest money contributed 401k selection mutual funds depend particular plan funds invest stock market equity funds invest bonds fixedincome funds keep money cash money market accounts general 100 401k invested either stocks bonds younger investors allocate greater percentage account stocks tend volatile best growth potential time hand older workers retirees bond investments dont typically grow money well stocks tend better job preserving nest egg rule thumb take age subtract 110 determine much account invested stock funds example im 35 75 retirement assets stock funds rest bonds feel free adjust little match personal risk preference full disclosure 85 401k stocks stock funds come many varieties youll see labeled largecap midcap small cap well growth value may also see funds labeled foreign international stock funds allocation discussed far important individual funds select options within 401k plan tend come similar expense ratios opens new windowheres thorough discussion opens new window asset allocation reference heres 401k allocated yet another investment option targetdate retirement funds funds plan years title target retirement 2050 essentially designed allinone retirement portfolio gradually adjusting allocation stocks bonds get closer retirement prefer take handsoff approach retirement investing targetdate funds plan comparable expense ratios funds could select theres nothing wrong choosing option money heres thorough discussion opens new window targetdate funds youre interested generally use money 401k turn 5912 years old withdraw money account early could face 10 early withdrawal penalty irs top income tax owe exceptions opens new window rule name common following criteria apply use money early enroll start contributing new 401k soon possible investment dollars never longterm compounding power right little bit knowledge youll armed make smart decisions 401k build retirement nest egg dreams 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 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>Recently, &amp;#160;Mark challenged Spartans to write an article about how to deport the 11 million illegals in the US. Since the challenge has not been taken up, it is time once again for me to step in and to explain the challenges associated with deporting 11 million illegals.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>Before considering whether it is feasible to deport every illegal in the US, we must consider the scope of the problem.</p> <p>First, no one really knows how many illegals are really in the US. Some believe there are 11 million, others say 20 million, and some suggest 40 million illegals.</p> <p>Illegals exist in every ethnic group of persons living all across the US (except American Indians) and are fully integrated into US life and society. Over 50% have been in the US for at least 13 years, and 66% at least 10 years. Only 15% have been present under 2 years.</p> <p>One third of the illegals today are homeowners. Most &#8220;illegal&#8221; families have &#8220;mixed status&#8221; where legals and illegals exist in the same &#8220;nuclear family&#8221;. The wife may be legal and husband not&#8230;.two kids legal, and two kids not, etc.&amp;#160; Illegals may even be your neighbor, and you would not know it.</p> <p>Illegals work in different fields across the country. They run their own businesses or they are employed by businesses. It is estimated that 8 million illegals work in the US. (Contrary to popular perception, large corporations do not hire the most illegals. It is small businesses that hire the most, 62% by some estimates.)</p> <p>Illegals may have either entered the country illegally (the vast majority) or are the product of visa overstays. This imposes significant issues for tracking them.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>There are two ways that illegals enter the US.</p> <p>Illegal Border Entry &#8211; Illegal border entry means that people cross the border through other than border entry control points. This is the method typically employed, people just cross where they can, and then &#8220;disappear&#8221; into the populace, with no record of their arrival. Often, they are never &#8220;seen&#8221; again and do not show up in existing government immigration databases.</p> <p>Many do eventually &#8220;show up&#8221; in government records at some point, usually through some type of employment, admission to school, through the criminal justice system or state or federal aid programs.</p> <p>The US has literally no idea how many illegals have entered the country this way, nor where or who they are.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal">SPARTA REPORT ICE DEPORTATION CHALLENGE</a></p> <p>Visa Overstays &#8211; Overstays are a significant percentage of the illegals in the US.&amp;#160; About 40 percent of illegal immigrants in the United States have overstayed their tourist, education, or work visas, according to The Wall Street Journal.</p> <p>The government estimates that there are around four-to-five million so-called over stayers out of the more than 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. today. (This is easier to track because all come through government entry points.)</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>Now that we have a general idea of the scope of the problem, it is appropriate to look at tracking and finding of illegal immigrants.</p> <p>It is not just a manner of waiving a magic wand or looking at a government database and finding all illegals in the country. Illegals take active steps to avoid being found, or else they simply ignore activities where they could be discovered.</p> <p>Overstay Tracking &#8211; When a person enters the US by Visa, he must provide details of reasons for entering the country, job position and company, residence where he will stay, etc. (Same applies for other entries like for school.) This allows for ICE and DHS to keep track of the person for future contact.</p> <p>Those who decide to overstay their Visa&#8217;s, or else decide that they do not want to return to their home country are easily able to get around this restriction&#8230;&#8230;.they change jobs and move, so ICE can no longer keep track of them. Now they are &#8220;lost&#8221; and untrackable, until a workforce or school reentry occurs, or some other action brings them back into government accountability.</p> <p>Illegal Border Entry &#8211; Illegal Border Entries cause a similar but distinctly different problem for ICE. This problem is even more insurmountable than Overstay tracking.</p> <p>These people do not enter through valid entry control ports. Instead, they sneak across the border where security is lax, often through the assistance of &#8220;mules&#8221;. Once across the border, they are transported to their source destination, or else to transportation hubs where they can scatter across the country.</p> <p>The government has no idea how many people have flooded across the border, nor their identities, unlike those who enter through the Visa process. They have no ability to track these people at all, until they &#8220;surface&#8221; into the &#8220;system&#8221;. Hence, no one knows how many illegals have entered the country, nor where they are.</p> <p>The problem that arises from a lack of tracking ability is how to find the illegal within the US if they do not surface into government databases.</p> <p>There are numerous methods that might be employed to track down illegals, but none are fool proof, or even able to identify more than a portion. Some methods include:</p> <p>E-Verify is not fool proof. There is an industry built up for supplying names, social security numbers and id&#8217;s to illegals. Illegals apply for the job using the purchased names and numbers, and when the website states that it is a valid matching name and number, all is good. Only months or years later, it may be discovered that the person is not who they say they are. When confronted, the illegal leaves and drops back into the underground economy, until the next time.</p> <p>There are other ways to identify illegals in country, but these are the most common ways.</p> <p>The methods above all offer different ways to identify illegal aliens in the US. But the methods all have their drawbacks that restrict effectiveness.</p> <p>First, and foremost, none of these systems individually or combined will &#8220;catch&#8221; all illegals. They will only capture a portion in their data bases.</p> <p>Second, in many cases, use of one system may require the use of another system to flag the individual. For example, E-Verify would be run through the IRS, who would then have to notify ICE of any illegal attempting to obtain employment.</p> <p>Third, many of the ways to identify illegals are state systems. States like California are refusing to cooperate with ICE and the federal government, so these people go &#8220;undetected&#8221; and allowed to remain in the US.</p> <p>Fourth, the information in the databases is often incorrect. So even if reported to ICE, it means nothing because ICE will not be able to find them.</p> <p>Fifth, large numbers are not in the databases, so they remain unknown to the government. That is why no one knows how many illegals are in the US.</p> <p>Sixth, without effective border controls, many more are coming into the US daily. So you deport some, and more find their way in or return.</p> <p>Finally, since we do not know how many are actually in country, how do we know when all have been deported?</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>Now that we have have an idea of the scope of the problem, in Part 2, we will look at the resources necessary to finding and deporting illegals in the US.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

recently 160mark challenged spartans write article deport 11 million illegals us since challenge taken time step explain challenges associated deporting 11 million illegals 160 160 considering whether feasible deport every illegal us must consider scope problem first one really knows many illegals really us believe 11 million others say 20 million suggest 40 million illegals illegals exist every ethnic group persons living across us except american indians fully integrated us life society 50 us least 13 years 66 least 10 years 15 present 2 years one third illegals today homeowners illegal families mixed status legals illegals exist nuclear family wife may legal husband nottwo kids legal two kids etc160 illegals may even neighbor would know illegals work different fields across country run businesses employed businesses estimated 8 million illegals work us contrary popular perception large corporations hire illegals small businesses hire 62 estimates illegals may either entered country illegally vast majority product visa overstays imposes significant issues tracking 160 two ways illegals enter us illegal border entry illegal border entry means people cross border border entry control points method typically employed people cross disappear populace record arrival often never seen show existing government immigration databases many eventually show government records point usually type employment admission school criminal justice system state federal aid programs us literally idea many illegals entered country way sparta report ice deportation challenge visa overstays overstays significant percentage illegals us160 40 percent illegal immigrants united states overstayed tourist education work visas according wall street journal government estimates around fourtofive million socalled stayers 11 million illegal immigrants us today easier track come government entry points 160 general idea scope problem appropriate look tracking finding illegal immigrants manner waiving magic wand looking government database finding illegals country illegals take active steps avoid found else simply ignore activities could discovered overstay tracking person enters us visa must provide details reasons entering country job position company residence stay etc applies entries like school allows ice dhs keep track person future contact decide overstay visas else decide want return home country easily able get around restrictionthey change jobs move ice longer keep track lost untrackable workforce school reentry occurs action brings back government accountability illegal border entry illegal border entries cause similar distinctly different problem ice problem even insurmountable overstay tracking people enter valid entry control ports instead sneak across border security lax often assistance mules across border transported source destination else transportation hubs scatter across country government idea many people flooded across border identities unlike enter visa process ability track people surface system hence one knows many illegals entered country problem arises lack tracking ability find illegal within us surface government databases numerous methods might employed track illegals none fool proof even able identify portion methods include everify fool proof industry built supplying names social security numbers ids illegals illegals apply job using purchased names numbers website states valid matching name number good months years later may discovered person say confronted illegal leaves drops back underground economy next time ways identify illegals country common ways methods offer different ways identify illegal aliens us methods drawbacks restrict effectiveness first foremost none systems individually combined catch illegals capture portion data bases second many cases use one system may require use another system flag individual example everify would run irs would notify ice illegal attempting obtain employment third many ways identify illegals state systems states like california refusing cooperate ice federal government people go undetected allowed remain us fourth information databases often incorrect even reported ice means nothing ice able find fifth large numbers databases remain unknown government one knows many illegals us sixth without effective border controls many coming us daily deport find way return finally since know many actually country know deported 160 idea scope problem part 2 look resources necessary finding deporting illegals us 160

<p /> <p>Dividend investing isn't as simple as buying dividend-paying stocks and holding them for the long haul. Price matters, and overpaying for dividend stocks can prove to be disastrous. Those dividend checks won't mean much if they're accompanied by permanent capital losses.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Opinions vary on which stocks are overvalued, but I think Costco (NASDAQ: COST), Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU), and Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ) are three dividend stocks that are far too expensive.</p> <p>Warehouse club Costco has been nothing if not consistent over the past decade, steadily growing revenue and profit as it expanded its store base. With tens of millions of paying members, and with high rates of member retention driven by unbeatable prices and quality customer service, Costco is simply one of the best retailers around.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/COST" type="external">COST Opens a New Window.</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>But none of that guarantees that it's a good investment. Costco's stock price has soared 85% since early 2012, pushing up the valuation and pushing down the dividend yield. Based on trailing-12-month earnings, Costco stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 31, a lofty figure for a company growing earnings at a relatively slow pace. Per-share earnings have compounded at a rate of just 8% annually since 2012, and earnings decreased in fiscal 2016 due to sluggish revenue growth and higher costs.</p> <p>Costco stock yields just 1.1%, a pittance compared with other large retailers. Only 34% of earnings went toward the dividend last year, so there is plenty of room to grow. But the only way for the yield to rise to a level comparable to Costco's peers is for the price of the stock to fall. High-quality companies deserve to trade at a premium, but I think investors are getting a little carried away when it comes to Costco.</p> <p>Tax preparation and accounting software provider Intuit has also seen its stock rise over the past five years, notching a gain of more than 100%. Intuit is known for TurboTax and QuickBooks Online, the first of which is a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/21/why-intuit-investors-should-be-terrified.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">cash cow for the company Opens a New Window.</a>. During fiscal 2016, the consumer tax segment generated nearly $2 billion of revenue, along with an operating margin of 65%. Intuit has done a masterful job of convincing tax filers to pay up for its services, despite plenty of lower-cost competition.</p> <p>Image source: Intuit.</p> <p>There are two problems with Intuit as a dividend stock. First, the valuation is optimistic, to say the least. Intuit stock trades for 33.5 times earnings, despite net income only rising 14% since fiscal 2013. Share buybacks have helped boost the per-share numbers, but Intuit's growth hasn't been all that impressive. This high valuation has led to a dividend yield of just 1.1%.</p> <p>Second, Intuit faces new challenges to its lucrative tax prep business. Credit Karma, a start-up that gained recognition for offering free credit scores through its website and app, launched a completely free online tax service in January. Credit Karma Tax isn't yet as fully featured as TurboTax, but as the service improves, I expect Intuit will begin to have trouble getting customers to pay as much as $115 to do their taxes.</p> <p>Intuit has made a killing in the tax prep business, but the potential for a steep earnings decline if customers flock to free services like Credit Karma Tax over the next few years, along with a high valuation and low dividend yield, makes the stock a risky bet.</p> <p>Domino's has staged quite the turnaround since 2010, when it revamped its recipes and ran commercials admitting that its pizza wasn't very good. The stock has been on a tear, soaring 360% over the past five years, and both revenue and earnings have been growing at a healthy pace. Same-store sales growth has consistently been in the double digits, an incredible feat for a pizza chain that was once viewed as low-quality fast food.</p> <p>Image source: Domino's Pizza.</p> <p>This strong performance has pushed the valuation up to nosebleed levels. Domino's stock trades for about 43 times earnings, with investors betting that the company's impressive growth will continue. But the kind of growth that Domino's has experienced in recent years is unsustainable. The question is not if growth will slow, but when.</p> <p>With a dividend yield of just 1%, Domino's is the quintessential example of an overpriced dividend stock. It won't take a disaster to send the stock tumbling -- only a slowing of growth to a level that other restaurant chains would kill for. Domino's stock, much like pizza, will burn you if you're not careful.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than IntuitWhen 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=8518b743-5d51-450c-9d7b-ff4d8eb56e80&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 Intuit 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=8518b743-5d51-450c-9d7b-ff4d8eb56e80&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/TMFBargainBin/info.aspx" type="external">Timothy Green Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Costco Wholesale and Intuit. The Motley Fool is short Domino's Pizza and has the following options: short June 2017 $140 puts on Domino's Pizza. 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>

dividend investing isnt simple buying dividendpaying stocks holding long haul price matters overpaying dividend stocks prove disastrous dividend checks wont mean much theyre accompanied permanent capital losses continue reading opinions vary stocks overvalued think costco nasdaq cost intuit nasdaq intu dominos pizza nyse dpz three dividend stocks far expensive warehouse club costco nothing consistent past decade steadily growing revenue profit expanded store base tens millions paying members high rates member retention driven unbeatable prices quality customer service costco simply one best retailers around cost opens new window data ycharts opens new window advertisement none guarantees good investment costcos stock price soared 85 since early 2012 pushing valuation pushing dividend yield based trailing12month earnings costco stock trades pricetoearnings ratio 31 lofty figure company growing earnings relatively slow pace pershare earnings compounded rate 8 annually since 2012 earnings decreased fiscal 2016 due sluggish revenue growth higher costs costco stock yields 11 pittance compared large retailers 34 earnings went toward dividend last year plenty room grow way yield rise level comparable costcos peers price stock fall highquality companies deserve trade premium think investors getting little carried away comes costco tax preparation accounting software provider intuit also seen stock rise past five years notching gain 100 intuit known turbotax quickbooks online first cash cow company opens new window fiscal 2016 consumer tax segment generated nearly 2 billion revenue along operating margin 65 intuit done masterful job convincing tax filers pay services despite plenty lowercost competition image source intuit two problems intuit dividend stock first valuation optimistic say least intuit stock trades 335 times earnings despite net income rising 14 since fiscal 2013 share buybacks helped boost pershare numbers intuits growth hasnt impressive high valuation led dividend yield 11 second intuit faces new challenges lucrative tax prep business credit karma startup gained recognition offering free credit scores website app launched completely free online tax service january credit karma tax isnt yet fully featured turbotax service improves expect intuit begin trouble getting customers pay much 115 taxes intuit made killing tax prep business potential steep earnings decline customers flock free services like credit karma tax next years along high valuation low dividend yield makes stock risky bet dominos staged quite turnaround since 2010 revamped recipes ran commercials admitting pizza wasnt good stock tear soaring 360 past five years revenue earnings growing healthy pace samestore sales growth consistently double digits incredible feat pizza chain viewed lowquality fast food image source dominos pizza strong performance pushed valuation nosebleed levels dominos stock trades 43 times earnings investors betting companys impressive growth continue kind growth dominos experienced recent years unsustainable question growth slow dividend yield 1 dominos quintessential example overpriced dividend stock wont take disaster send stock tumbling slowing growth level restaurant chains would kill dominos stock much like pizza burn youre careful 10 stocks like better intuitwhen 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 intuit wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 timothy green opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends costco wholesale intuit motley fool short dominos pizza following options short june 2017 140 puts dominos pizza motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) sales (and its share price!) are nose-diving because of stiff competition for its top-selling hepatitis C drugs, and that's got everyone wondering if management will uncork its cash flow and make some acquisitions to rekindle growth.It's anyone's guess what management might do with its financial firepower, but I think it ought to be kicking tires at NewLink Genetics (NASDAQ: NLNK).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It wasn't that long ago when Gilead Sciences could do no wrong.</p> <p>IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.</p> <p>The company launched Sovaldi in December 2013 and Harvoni in October 2014 -- two of the most remarkable drugs ever developed. Those two drugs reshaped hepatitis C treatment by delivering 90%-plus functional cure rates with fewer side effects and shorter treatment duration than prior therapies.The drugs were so effective and safe that doctors rushed to prescribe them, sending Gilead Sciences' sales and profit skyrocketing between 2014 and 2016.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/GILD/revenues_ttm" type="external">GILD Revenue (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Since then, however, Gilead Sciences has become a victim of its own success. Sovaldi and Harvoni were the only game in town when they launched, and they were priced accordingly. Now, however, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and Merck &amp;amp; Co. (NYSE: MRK) market competing drugs offering similar cure rates and lower prices, and that's forced Gilead Sciences to cut its own prices to maintain its market share. Because of the pricing pressure, thecompany's worldwide sales and net earnings declined 7% and 18%, respectively, in 2016.</p> <p>A few years ago, Gilead Sciences boasted an intriguing cancer drug pipeline that included Zydelig, a promising drug for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.</p> <p>Management hoped Zydelig could serve as a foundation for a robust cancer drug franchise, but unfortunately, it hasn't panned out that way. Zydelig won FDA approval in 2014, but safety concerns made it less attractive than Imbruvica, a competing drug that launched around the same time.</p> <p>Eventually, Zydelig's safety concerns led management to shutter development of it in other indications, and Zydelig's become a niche drug with only $168 million in sales last year.</p> <p>Gilead Sciences says it hasn't given up on its ambition to become a top player in cancer treatment, but in my view, there's little in its internal pipeline that could be considered a needle mover.</p> <p>Assuming Gilead Sciences' remains committed to cancer, I think they ought to focus on acquiring companies working on next-generation cancer fighting drugs, such as IDO inhibitors.</p> <p>Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a natural protein that suppresses the immune system, and sometimes cancer cells hijack it to survive. IDO-inhibitors disable the protein, thereby removing cancer cells' ability to evade detection. So far, trial results suggest that inhibiting IDO could be a very important weapon in the fight against different types of cancer.</p> <p>Currently, the most advanced IDO-inhibitor in development isIncyte's (NASDAQ: INCY) epacadostat. However, NewLink Geneticsis developing two IDO-inhibitors: indoximod and GDC-0919; andits valuation is a fraction of Incyte's.</p> <p>NewLink Genetics recently <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/13/the-ido-inhibitor-race-is-on-to-improve-cancer-tre.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">reported results Opens a New Window.</a> from a study evaluating indoximod alongside Merck &amp;amp; Co.'s Keytruda, a checkpoint inhibitor, and that data showed that 73% of patients with advanced melanoma responded to the one-two combination. The result was impressive considering that Keytruda won approval as a monotherapy in this indication after delivering a 33% response rate.</p> <p>Despite the solid showing, many industry watchers believe that epacadostat delivers a better blend of efficacy and safety because it targets IDO directly. Unlike epacadostat, indoximod disables IDO via cell signaling.</p> <p>While it's true that indoximod might not be as robust of an IDO-inhibitor as epacadostat (no head-to-head studies are planned, nor are they likely to happen), NewLink's GDC-0919 does work similarly to epacadostat, and results are expected later this year from an early stage trial that's being conducted with collaboration partner Roche Holdings(NASDAQOTH: RHHBY) in patients with solid tumors.</p> <p>Admittedly, epacadostat is further along in development, but Incyte's market cap is $24 billion, and historically, Gilead Sciences' has avoided paying premium valuations for acquisitions. Since NewLink Genetics market cap is only $537 million, and it has two IDO-inhibitors in the works, I feel like it's a bigger bargain.</p> <p>If Gilead Sciences were to make this deal, it would take on the risk of trial failures. It would also have to share GDC-0919's success with Roche. Nevertheless, at this price, I'd be willing to accept those trade-offs.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than NewLink GeneticsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=0d47c3e4-1187-4d44-9a64-400e09003b1e&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 NewLink Genetics wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=0d47c3e4-1187-4d44-9a64-400e09003b1e&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 April 3, 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 Gilead Sciences.His clients may have positions in the companies mentioned.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool has the following options: short June 2017 $70 calls on Gilead Sciences. 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>

gilead sciences nasdaq gild sales share price nosediving stiff competition topselling hepatitis c drugs thats got everyone wondering management uncork cash flow make acquisitions rekindle growthits anyones guess management might financial firepower think ought kicking tires newlink genetics nasdaq nlnk continue reading wasnt long ago gilead sciences could wrong image source getty images company launched sovaldi december 2013 harvoni october 2014 two remarkable drugs ever developed two drugs reshaped hepatitis c treatment delivering 90plus functional cure rates fewer side effects shorter treatment duration prior therapiesthe drugs effective safe doctors rushed prescribe sending gilead sciences sales profit skyrocketing 2014 2016 advertisement gild revenue ttm data ycharts opens new window since however gilead sciences become victim success sovaldi harvoni game town launched priced accordingly however abbvie nyse abbv merck amp co nyse mrk market competing drugs offering similar cure rates lower prices thats forced gilead sciences cut prices maintain market share pricing pressure thecompanys worldwide sales net earnings declined 7 18 respectively 2016 years ago gilead sciences boasted intriguing cancer drug pipeline included zydelig promising drug treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia management hoped zydelig could serve foundation robust cancer drug franchise unfortunately hasnt panned way zydelig fda approval 2014 safety concerns made less attractive imbruvica competing drug launched around time eventually zydeligs safety concerns led management shutter development indications zydeligs become niche drug 168 million sales last year gilead sciences says hasnt given ambition become top player cancer treatment view theres little internal pipeline could considered needle mover assuming gilead sciences remains committed cancer think ought focus acquiring companies working nextgeneration cancer fighting drugs ido inhibitors indoleamine 23dioxygenase ido natural protein suppresses immune system sometimes cancer cells hijack survive idoinhibitors disable protein thereby removing cancer cells ability evade detection far trial results suggest inhibiting ido could important weapon fight different types cancer currently advanced idoinhibitor development isincytes nasdaq incy epacadostat however newlink geneticsis developing two idoinhibitors indoximod gdc0919 andits valuation fraction incytes newlink genetics recently reported results opens new window study evaluating indoximod alongside merck amp cos keytruda checkpoint inhibitor data showed 73 patients advanced melanoma responded onetwo combination result impressive considering keytruda approval monotherapy indication delivering 33 response rate despite solid showing many industry watchers believe epacadostat delivers better blend efficacy safety targets ido directly unlike epacadostat indoximod disables ido via cell signaling true indoximod might robust idoinhibitor epacadostat headtohead studies planned likely happen newlinks gdc0919 work similarly epacadostat results expected later year early stage trial thats conducted collaboration partner roche holdingsnasdaqoth rhhby patients solid tumors admittedly epacadostat along development incytes market cap 24 billion historically gilead sciences avoided paying premium valuations acquisitions since newlink genetics market cap 537 million two idoinhibitors works feel like bigger bargain gilead sciences make deal would take risk trial failures would also share gdc0919s success roche nevertheless price id willing accept tradeoffs 10 stocks like better newlink geneticswhen 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 newlink genetics wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 todd campbell opens new window owns shares gilead scienceshis clients may positions companies mentionedthe motley fool owns shares recommends gilead sciences motley fool following options short june 2017 70 calls gilead sciences motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Vice Chairman Fischer set to step down from Fed</p> <p>Treasury prices fell Wednesday, pushing up long-term yields after President Donald Trump and lawmakers agreed to extend the debt limit for three months to mid-December, giving relief to investors who left the perceived safety of longer-term government paper.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield climbed 3.6 basis points to 2.108%, from 2.072% in the previous session. The two-year Treasury note yield ended at 1.306%, versus 1.292% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the 30-year bond yield added 3.5 basis points to 2.724%. Bond prices move inversely to yields.</p> <p>Long-dated Treasury yields rose after the White House and lawmakers reached a deal (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-agrees-to-extending-debt-limit-government-funding-to-december-democrats-say-2017-09-06) that would extend both the debt limit and government funding to Dec. 15, as well as provide aid to states devastated by Hurricane Harvey. That came after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced they would back such a deal earlier in the day. Investors could take hope from how Trump and Democrats reached across the aisle, after legislative gridlock had checked his pro-growth agenda.</p> <p>Government paper due to mature on early October enjoyed a relief rally, with the yield for the four-week bill plummeting close to 20 basis points to 1.027%, only a day after an auction for the same bills had suffered a "ghastly" result, in the words of one market participant (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/debt-ceiling-concerns-contribute-to-ghastly-4-week-t-bill-auction-result-2017-09-05).</p> <p>The yield moves come only a day after heavy bond-buying pushed long-dated Treasury yields to fresh 10-month lows on Tuesday (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/treasury-yields-slip-as-north-korea-triggers-demand-for-havens-2017-09-05). Amid a streak of unsettling developments on the North Korean regime's nuclear capabilities and concerns about Hurricane Irma as Texas wrestles with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, investors snapped up assets perceived as havens.</p> <p>See: 'Potentially catastrophic' Hurricane Irma makes landfall in the Caribbean (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/potentially-catastrophic-hurricane-irma-makes-landfall-in-the-caribbean-2017-09-06)</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The natural disasters refuse to relent, with Hurricane Irma making landfall in the Caribbean. Bond investors have speculated that the damages from Hurricane Harvey and, subsequently, Irma, would leave the U.S. economy with sizable bruises, tamping down on inflation pressures. Federal Reserve Gov. Lael Brainard said in speech on Tuesday (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-may-have-to-slow-interest-rate-hikes-given-subdued-inflation-brainard-2017-09-05)that Harvey would "raise uncertainties about the economic outlook for the remainder of the year."</p> <p>Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer on Wednesday announced plans to resign (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-vice-chairman-fischer-announces-resignation-citing-personal-reasons-2017-09-06), months before his term as the central bank's No. 2 official was due to expire in June. His expected departure, as early as October, comes as the market frets about who will take the No. 1 role at the Fed, with Chairwoman Janet Yellen's term ending in February.</p> <p>It is unclear if Trump will renominate Yellen or if she would accept an extension of her tenure, raising doubts about the complexion of the central bank in coming months as it struggles to normalize interest rates and unwind a $4.5 trillion crisis-era portfolio of government securities.</p> <p>Also read: Trump's ability to control Fed sped up by Fischer resignation (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-ability-to-control-fed-sped-up-by-fischer-resignation-2017-09-06)</p> <p>The combination of concerns helped to overshadow a raft of economic data released in the morning. The U.S. economy logged a smaller trade deficit of $43.7 billion (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-trade-deficit-shows-no-sign-of-shrinking-2017-09-06), falling below the $44.8 billion from economists surveyed by MarketWatch, after both imports and exports showed a slight decline. The ISM nonmanufacturing index, a gauge of the service industry's health, rebounded to 55.3 in August from 53.9 in July (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/most-us-companies-post-faster-growth-in-august-ism-services-survey-finds-2017-09-06), but below the median consensus forecast of 56.</p> <p>The Fed's Beige Book (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-beige-book-finds-worry-about-health-of-us-auto-industry-2017-09-06), a collection of anecdotes on economic conditions, followed previous iterations by flagging tight labor markets but also tepid wage growth, a conundrum for central bankers who need to see higher paychecks in the workforce to justify an exit away from accommodative monetary policy.</p> <p>Elsewhere, investors eyed key monetary policy meetings after the Bank of Canada raised interest rates and awaited the European Central Bank's policy meeting on Thursday.</p> <p>The Bank of Canada passed a quarter-percentage-point hike for a second time in its current tightening cycle, leaving the benchmark interest rate at 1%. A surge in economic growth, which ran at 4.5% annualized rate (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/canada-is-fastest-growing-g-7-member-after-45-gdp-surge-2017-08-31) in the second quarter of this year, has put pressure on the central bank to normalize monetary policy.</p> <p>Deutsche Bank's CEO John Cryan advised the European Central Bank (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/deutsche-bank-ceo-urges-ecb-to-end-cheap-money-era-2017-09-06-74851710)to begin cutting down its asset purchases, citing concerns that an era of cheap money had stoked asset bubbles "in more parts of the capital market, where we wouldn't have expected them." But analysts feel ECB President Mario Draghi would try to prevent the euro from surging higher in Thursday's meeting by highlighting the importance of keeping quantitative easing in place.</p> <p>"The rally in the euro since April will make this week's ECB meeting pretty dull. The anticipated announcement that the central bank will start tapering its asset purchase program won't happen," said Patrick O'Donnell, senior investment manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments.</p> <p>The Canadian 10-year government bond was up 9.6 basis points to 1.956%. Meanwhile, the German 10-year government bond was close to flat at 0.344%.</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 06, 2017 16:35 ET (20:35 GMT)</p>

vice chairman fischer set step fed treasury prices fell wednesday pushing longterm yields president donald trump lawmakers agreed extend debt limit three months middecember giving relief investors left perceived safety longerterm government paper continue reading benchmark 10year treasury note yield climbed 36 basis points 2108 2072 previous session twoyear treasury note yield ended 1306 versus 1292 tuesday meanwhile 30year bond yield added 35 basis points 2724 bond prices move inversely yields longdated treasury yields rose white house lawmakers reached deal httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorytrumpagreestoextendingdebtlimitgovernmentfundingtodecemberdemocratssay20170906 would extend debt limit government funding dec 15 well provide aid states devastated hurricane harvey came senate minority leader chuck schumer dny house democratic leader nancy pelosi dcalif announced would back deal earlier day investors could take hope trump democrats reached across aisle legislative gridlock checked progrowth agenda government paper due mature early october enjoyed relief rally yield fourweek bill plummeting close 20 basis points 1027 day auction bills suffered ghastly result words one market participant httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydebtceilingconcernscontributetoghastly4weektbillauctionresult20170905 yield moves come day heavy bondbuying pushed longdated treasury yields fresh 10month lows tuesday httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorytreasuryyieldsslipasnorthkoreatriggersdemandforhavens20170905 amid streak unsettling developments north korean regimes nuclear capabilities concerns hurricane irma texas wrestles devastating aftermath hurricane harvey investors snapped assets perceived havens see potentially catastrophic hurricane irma makes landfall caribbean httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorypotentiallycatastrophichurricaneirmamakeslandfallinthecaribbean20170906 advertisement natural disasters refuse relent hurricane irma making landfall caribbean bond investors speculated damages hurricane harvey subsequently irma would leave us economy sizable bruises tamping inflation pressures federal reserve gov lael brainard said speech tuesday httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedmayhavetoslowinterestratehikesgivensubduedinflationbrainard20170905that harvey would raise uncertainties economic outlook remainder year meanwhile federal reserve vice chairman stanley fischer wednesday announced plans resign httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedvicechairmanfischerannouncesresignationcitingpersonalreasons20170906 months term central banks 2 official due expire june expected departure early october comes market frets take 1 role fed chairwoman janet yellens term ending february unclear trump renominate yellen would accept extension tenure raising doubts complexion central bank coming months struggles normalize interest rates unwind 45 trillion crisisera portfolio government securities also read trumps ability control fed sped fischer resignation httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorytrumpabilitytocontrolfedspedupbyfischerresignation20170906 combination concerns helped overshadow raft economic data released morning us economy logged smaller trade deficit 437 billion httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryustradedeficitshowsnosignofshrinking20170906 falling 448 billion economists surveyed marketwatch imports exports showed slight decline ism nonmanufacturing index gauge service industrys health rebounded 553 august 539 july httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorymostuscompaniespostfastergrowthinaugustismservicessurveyfinds20170906 median consensus forecast 56 feds beige book httpwwwmarketwatchcomstoryfedsbeigebookfindsworryabouthealthofusautoindustry20170906 collection anecdotes economic conditions followed previous iterations flagging tight labor markets also tepid wage growth conundrum central bankers need see higher paychecks workforce justify exit away accommodative monetary policy elsewhere investors eyed key monetary policy meetings bank canada raised interest rates awaited european central banks policy meeting thursday bank canada passed quarterpercentagepoint hike second time current tightening cycle leaving benchmark interest rate 1 surge economic growth ran 45 annualized rate httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorycanadaisfastestgrowingg7memberafter45gdpsurge20170831 second quarter year put pressure central bank normalize monetary policy deutsche banks ceo john cryan advised european central bank httpwwwmarketwatchcomstorydeutschebankceourgesecbtoendcheapmoneyera2017090674851710to begin cutting asset purchases citing concerns era cheap money stoked asset bubbles parts capital market wouldnt expected analysts feel ecb president mario draghi would try prevent euro surging higher thursdays meeting highlighting importance keeping quantitative easing place rally euro since april make weeks ecb meeting pretty dull anticipated announcement central bank start tapering asset purchase program wont happen said patrick odonnell senior investment manager aberdeen standard investments canadian 10year government bond 96 basis points 1956 meanwhile german 10year government bond close flat 0344 end dow jones newswires september 06 2017 1635 et 2035 gmt

<p>Major tech companies plan to tell Congress Tuesday that they have found additional evidence of Russian activity on their services related to the 2016 U.S. election.</p> <p>Facebook, for instance, says a Russian group posted more than 80,000 times on its service during and after the election, potentially reaching as many as 126 million users. The company plans to disclose these numbers to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the testimony. The person declined to be named because the committee has not officially released the testimony.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Twitter plans to tell the same committee that it has uncovered and shut down 2,752 accounts linked to the same group, Russia's Internet Research Agency, which is known for promoting pro-Moscow messages.</p> <p>That number is nearly 14 times larger than the number of accounts Twitter handed over to congressional committees three weeks ago, according to a person familiar with the matter. This person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the new findings ahead of the hearing on Tuesday.</p> <p>And Google announced in a blog post that it found evidence of "limited" misuse of its services by the Russian group, as well as some YouTube channels that were likely backed by Russian agents.</p> <p>THREE HEARINGS IN TWO DAYS</p> <p>The companies are set to testify at three hearings Tuesday and Wednesday as part of congressional probes of Russian election interference.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Colin Stretch, Facebook's general counsel, plans to tell the Judiciary panel that 120 pages set up by the Russian agency posted repeatedly between January 2015 and August 2017. The company estimates that roughly 29 million people were directly "served" posts in their news feeds from the agency over that time. Those posts then spread widely on Facebook, although Stretch's prepared testimony makes clear that many of the 126 million people reached this way may not have seen the posts.</p> <p>These "organic" posts that appeared in users' news feeds are distinct from more than 3,000 advertisements linked to the agency that Facebook has already turned over to congressional committees. The ads &#8212; many of which focused on divisive social issues &#8212; pointed people to the agency's pages, where they could then like or share its material.</p> <p>On Twitter, the Russia-linked accounts put out 1.4 million election-related tweets from September through Nov. 15 last year &#8212; nearly half of them automated. The company also found nine Russian accounts that bought ads, most of which came from the state-backed news service Russia Today, or RT.</p> <p>Twitter said last week it would no longer accept ads from RT and Sputnik, another state-sponsored news outlet. It will donate the $1.9 million it has earned from RT since 2011 to support external research into political uses of Twitter.</p> <p>Google said that two accounts linked to the Russian group spent $4,700 on ads its platforms during the 2016 election. The company also found 18 YouTube channels likely backed by Russian agents. Those channels hosted 1,108 videos with 43 hours of material, although they racked up just 309,000 views in the U.S. between June 2015 and November 2016, Google said.</p> <p>PREEMPTING REGULATION</p> <p>A bill unveiled earlier this month would require social media companies to keep public files of election ads and require companies to "make reasonable efforts" to make sure that foreign individuals or entities are not purchasing political advertisements in order to influence Americans.</p> <p>The companies haven't commented on the proposed legislation, but say they're at work on the problem. Last week Facebook said it will verify political ad buyers in federal elections and build transparency tools to link ads to the Facebook pages of their sponsors. Twitter has also said it will require election-related ads for candidates to disclose who is paying for them and how they are targeted.</p> <p>Google announced on Monday that it will also verify the identity of election-related ad buyers and identify these advertisers publicly via an ad icon. It will provide a public database of election ads detailing who purchased each one, and will publish a transparency report on election ads as well.</p> <p>The companies have been under constant pressure from Congress since it was first revealed earlier this year that Russians had infiltrated some of their platforms. Facebook has already spent more than $8.4 million lobbying the government this year, according to federal disclosure forms.</p> <p>All three firms are expected to face questions about what evidence of Russian interference they found on their services, as well as why they didn't find it earlier. They will almost certainly do what they can to convince lawmakers that they can fix the problem on their own, without the need for regulation.</p> <p>BEYOND ADS</p> <p>The issue goes far beyond ads. Fake news, fake events, propaganda and other misinformation spread far and wide on social media services in 2016 without the need for paid advertisements. But regulating online speech would be more difficult for U.S. lawmakers.</p> <p>In addition, analysts and online speech advocates have warned that policing internet election ads is not the same thing as doing so in print newspapers or on TV. Automated advertising platforms allow basically anyone with an internet account and a credit card to place an ad with little or no oversight from the companies.</p> <p>Facebook has said it is building machine learning tools to address this issue, but didn't provide details.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Ortutay reported from New York. Ryan Nakashima in Menlo Park, California, contributed to this story.</p>

major tech companies plan tell congress tuesday found additional evidence russian activity services related 2016 us election facebook instance says russian group posted 80000 times service election potentially reaching many 126 million users company plans disclose numbers senate judiciary committee tuesday according person familiar testimony person declined named committee officially released testimony continue reading twitter plans tell committee uncovered shut 2752 accounts linked group russias internet research agency known promoting promoscow messages number nearly 14 times larger number accounts twitter handed congressional committees three weeks ago according person familiar matter person requested anonymity authorized speak publicly new findings ahead hearing tuesday google announced blog post found evidence limited misuse services russian group well youtube channels likely backed russian agents three hearings two days companies set testify three hearings tuesday wednesday part congressional probes russian election interference advertisement colin stretch facebooks general counsel plans tell judiciary panel 120 pages set russian agency posted repeatedly january 2015 august 2017 company estimates roughly 29 million people directly served posts news feeds agency time posts spread widely facebook although stretchs prepared testimony makes clear many 126 million people reached way may seen posts organic posts appeared users news feeds distinct 3000 advertisements linked agency facebook already turned congressional committees ads many focused divisive social issues pointed people agencys pages could like share material twitter russialinked accounts put 14 million electionrelated tweets september nov 15 last year nearly half automated company also found nine russian accounts bought ads came statebacked news service russia today rt twitter said last week would longer accept ads rt sputnik another statesponsored news outlet donate 19 million earned rt since 2011 support external research political uses twitter google said two accounts linked russian group spent 4700 ads platforms 2016 election company also found 18 youtube channels likely backed russian agents channels hosted 1108 videos 43 hours material although racked 309000 views us june 2015 november 2016 google said preempting regulation bill unveiled earlier month would require social media companies keep public files election ads require companies make reasonable efforts make sure foreign individuals entities purchasing political advertisements order influence americans companies havent commented proposed legislation say theyre work problem last week facebook said verify political ad buyers federal elections build transparency tools link ads facebook pages sponsors twitter also said require electionrelated ads candidates disclose paying targeted google announced monday also verify identity electionrelated ad buyers identify advertisers publicly via ad icon provide public database election ads detailing purchased one publish transparency report election ads well companies constant pressure congress since first revealed earlier year russians infiltrated platforms facebook already spent 84 million lobbying government year according federal disclosure forms three firms expected face questions evidence russian interference found services well didnt find earlier almost certainly convince lawmakers fix problem without need regulation beyond ads issue goes far beyond ads fake news fake events propaganda misinformation spread far wide social media services 2016 without need paid advertisements regulating online speech would difficult us lawmakers addition analysts online speech advocates warned policing internet election ads thing print newspapers tv automated advertising platforms allow basically anyone internet account credit card place ad little oversight companies facebook said building machine learning tools address issue didnt provide details ___ ortutay reported new york ryan nakashima menlo park california contributed story

<p /> <p>Years ago there was a bill that you couldn't or wouldn't pay. Now your finances have turned the corner or you have forgotten about your beef with the creditor.&amp;#160; You could ignore it, but ...</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>There are solid reasons to pay old debts -- even ones that are too old for court -- in order to improve your credit, end collection hassles or even boost your career.&amp;#160; But move carefully, or you could wind up with a fresh headache.</p> <p>"On paying old debts, there are actually a lot of things to think about," says Becky House, communications and education director at American Financial Solutions.</p> <p>The main reason to pay is to bolster your credit profile. A delinquent debt can appear on your credit report long after it is <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/glossary/term-timebarred-debt.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">time-barred</a>&amp;#160;under the statute of limitations, meaning you don't have to worry about being sued over it.</p> <p>In some states, debts are too old to be brought into court as soon as three years after the delinquency, and most states' <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-card-state-statute-limitations-1282.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">statute of limitations</a> run for six years or fewer.&amp;#160; But the black mark remains on your credit report for seven years, regardless of the debt's legal status.&amp;#160; (The one exception to the seven-year rule is for New York State residents, whose demerits disappear just five years after the delinquency, if they pay the charge-off amount or satisfy a court judgment.)</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"Getting rid of those debts on your report is definitely in your best interest," says Natalie Lohrenz, director of counseling at the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange County (Calif.) "When (a debt) gets to a collection agency, the original creditor has given up, which is a danger sign to lenders."</p> <p>Repaying the old debt will not erase the original delinquency from your credit report, but it should improve your creditworthiness in the eyes of lenders -- assuming you can afford to pay it without getting behind on other bills. Paying can be particularly important if you are getting ready to buy a car, refinance a loan or apply for a home mortgage.</p> <p>"When you're applying for a loan that is rate sensitive, for example, it might make a few points difference in your interest rate if you pay off your time-barred debts," says Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education at Experian, one of the three major credit reporting bureaus.</p> <p>Unpaid debt weighs on your credit score most heavily when it is freshest and makes less of a dent as time goes on. Paying off a debt in collections won't provide a big, immediate boost to your FICO score. However, other scoring formulas view you more favorably for paying the delinquent debt. And lenders who review your entire credit file, not just the score, may take a dim view of someone who has neglected to clear up old debts before applying for new credit.</p> <p>"Scores aren't everything in the lending decision," says Rod Griffin, director of public education at Experian.</p> <p>Even if you're not thinking about applying for a loan, a black mark on your credit record can hurt you in other ways. Unpaid debt can flash warning signals at potential employers, some of whom <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/employer-job-credit-report-check-1270.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">look at credit reports</a> during the screening process for new hires.</p> <p>"If you're applying for a position where you would handle money, make over a certain amount of income or have to pass a security clearance -- these are times when you might consider paying a time-barred debt," says House. Even people applying for temporary retail jobs have run into snags because of demerits on their report, she said.</p> <p>Perhaps as important as your credit record -- if not more so -- is your peace of mind. Collectors can continue to make calls, even for a debt that is beyond the statute of limitations, using the argument that your moral obligation to pay has not expired just because your legal obligation has. As long as the calls are not harassing or otherwise violate <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/help/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-6000.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">debt collection laws</a>, they can continue indefinitely.</p> <p>"They can call you 20 years later," said Lohrenz. "If that would cause you enough grief to make it worth paying it off, then it's worth paying it."</p> <p>Payoff strategy</p> <p>If you do decide to pay off a time-barred debt, it just makes sense to protect yourself from pitfalls that could create new problems.</p> <p>If you are paying in order to improve your credit profile, be aware that settling the debt for less than the full amount will be recorded differently on your credit report than payment in full. Just how negatively a particular lender will view that is difficult to know. But if your goal is to show that you have tried to fully live up to your obligations, paying less than the initial charge-off amount won't do it.</p> <p>After paying, follow up by checking your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies to see that the new status of the account is reflected accurately. After making the payment, wait 30 to 45 days before requesting copies of your credit reports to ensure that the collector and the credit bureau have had time to update their records, Griffin says.</p> <p>Checking to make sure the figures are correct is another important step.</p> <p>"If someone contacts you saying you owe money, don't ignore the letter and don't pay the money until you get the documentation that proves you owe it," says Lauren Willis, a professor at Loyola Law School.</p> <p>Regulatory reports have found <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/ftc-debt-buying-report-1282.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">significant paperwork problems</a> with debts that have been sold on the debt market -- which describes most older debts that are in collections. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are entitled to <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/help/debt-collection-sample-letters-6000.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">verification of the debt in writing.</a></p> <p>If you are paying just to end collection calls, consider negotiating a settlement for less than the charge-off amount. If your sense of honor allows you to erase the debt at a discount, your wallet will thank you. Older debt is typically sold for pennies on the dollar -- the average price was only about 4 cents for each dollar in debt, the Federal Trade Commission found in a study. That means&amp;#160; the company behind the collection calls probably bought the right to collect your account for a small fraction of the balance that was charged off years earlier. If the debt is beyond the statute of limitations, you have a strong bargaining position to push for a deep discount.</p> <p>Before agreeing to pay, ask for a copy of the contract that covers the sale of your debt to the collector, as well as a written payoff agreement. That documentation, along with your canceled check or credit card statement showing that you paid, will be important to have on hand if demands for payment surface again, possibly from a different collector.</p> <p>"Part of the problem with these (time-barred) accounts is that you pay it off," says Willis, "and then they sell it to another debt collector who will then come after you."</p> <p>See related: <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/sally-herigstad-bogus-debt-collectors-old-debt-1294.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">Don't pay dubious debt without proof</a></p>

years ago bill couldnt wouldnt pay finances turned corner forgotten beef creditor160 could ignore continue reading solid reasons pay old debts even ones old court order improve credit end collection hassles even boost career160 move carefully could wind fresh headache paying old debts actually lot things think says becky house communications education director american financial solutions main reason pay bolster credit profile delinquent debt appear credit report long timebarred160under statute limitations meaning dont worry sued states debts old brought court soon three years delinquency states statute limitations run six years fewer160 black mark remains credit report seven years regardless debts legal status160 one exception sevenyear rule new york state residents whose demerits disappear five years delinquency pay chargeoff amount satisfy court judgment advertisement getting rid debts report definitely best interest says natalie lohrenz director counseling consumer credit counseling service orange county calif debt gets collection agency original creditor given danger sign lenders repaying old debt erase original delinquency credit report improve creditworthiness eyes lenders assuming afford pay without getting behind bills paying particularly important getting ready buy car refinance loan apply home mortgage youre applying loan rate sensitive example might make points difference interest rate pay timebarred debts says maxine sweet vice president public education experian one three major credit reporting bureaus unpaid debt weighs credit score heavily freshest makes less dent time goes paying debt collections wont provide big immediate boost fico score however scoring formulas view favorably paying delinquent debt lenders review entire credit file score may take dim view someone neglected clear old debts applying new credit scores arent everything lending decision says rod griffin director public education experian even youre thinking applying loan black mark credit record hurt ways unpaid debt flash warning signals potential employers look credit reports screening process new hires youre applying position would handle money make certain amount income pass security clearance times might consider paying timebarred debt says house even people applying temporary retail jobs run snags demerits report said perhaps important credit record peace mind collectors continue make calls even debt beyond statute limitations using argument moral obligation pay expired legal obligation long calls harassing otherwise violate debt collection laws continue indefinitely call 20 years later said lohrenz would cause enough grief make worth paying worth paying payoff strategy decide pay timebarred debt makes sense protect pitfalls could create new problems paying order improve credit profile aware settling debt less full amount recorded differently credit report payment full negatively particular lender view difficult know goal show tried fully live obligations paying less initial chargeoff amount wont paying follow checking credit report three major credit reporting agencies see new status account reflected accurately making payment wait 30 45 days requesting copies credit reports ensure collector credit bureau time update records griffin says checking make sure figures correct another important step someone contacts saying owe money dont ignore letter dont pay money get documentation proves owe says lauren willis professor loyola law school regulatory reports found significant paperwork problems debts sold debt market describes older debts collections federal fair debt collection practices act entitled verification debt writing paying end collection calls consider negotiating settlement less chargeoff amount sense honor allows erase debt discount wallet thank older debt typically sold pennies dollar average price 4 cents dollar debt federal trade commission found study means160 company behind collection calls probably bought right collect account small fraction balance charged years earlier debt beyond statute limitations strong bargaining position push deep discount agreeing pay ask copy contract covers sale debt collector well written payoff agreement documentation along canceled check credit card statement showing paid important hand demands payment surface possibly different collector part problem timebarred accounts pay says willis sell another debt collector come see related dont pay dubious debt without proof

<p /> <p>Buying a primary home? The 20% down rule is yesterday's news.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>More down payment options exist now, including both government and private sector alternatives, allowing more flexible choices for homebuyers.</p> <p>Don't be fooled however, as most of the programs that allow for less than 20% down include private mortgage insurance (PMI) -- which is an added premium built into the mortgage payment. PMI is meant to protect the lender if you have less than 20% equity in the home and default on your mortgage.</p> <p>Your PMI is a percentage of the loan amount added to the monthly payment. For example, with conventional mortgages, a loan of $400,000 may carry $166 or so per month in PMI, so that's $166 added to the principal, interest, homeowners insurance and property taxes. And a typical FHA mortgage with a loan amount of $400,000 will carry $450 per month in PMI. (The PMI is higher on FHA loans because they tend to carry lower interest rates, more flexible credit requirements, and lower down payments than conventional loans.)</p> <p>Either way, that&#8217;s quite a bit of money each month. So what should you do if you don't have 20% down to buy a home, and you want to avoid PMI? You have some options.</p> <p>1. The Old-School 80/10/10 Method</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Popularized in the lending heyday from 2004-2007, the 80/10/10 program allows a buyer to put down just 10% of the purchase price of the home. In most cases, a 10% <a href="http://www.sonomacountymortgages.com/2012/01/buy-a-house-without-20-down/" type="external">down payment Opens a New Window.</a> would require monthly PMI.</p> <p>Using the 80/10/10 approach, your lender would provide 80% first mortgage, that same lender and/or a subsequent lender would provide a 10% second mortgage in lieu of the monthly PMI, while you contribute the 10% down payment, sealing the deal.</p> <p>Most lenders will allow for secondary financing up to 90% combined loan-to-value (combined loan-to-value meaning first and second mortgage combined loans) up to the maximum conforming loan limit for the county in which the property is located. While the majority of mortgage lenders typically do not offer second mortgages, smaller pocket-size lenders are entering the marketplace aggressively with the 80/10/10 solution.</p> <p>You'll likely have to meet at least a 700 credit score requirement and 10% down of your own funds to close escrow. Also, some lenders may even still allow 10% to be gift funds, so check with a qualified mortgage professional.</p> <p>2. Prepaid Private Mortgage Insurance</p> <p>Alternatively, rather than electing for the monthly payment option, a buyer with as little as 5% down can chose to prepay the mortgage insurance upfront in a one-time premium called single-pay mortgage insurance.</p> <p>Not all lenders offer it, so buyers should shop around. The program works by simply pre-paying a chunk of the future PMI payments upfront as a fee at the closing table. This can be anywhere from 1.75% to 3% of the loan amount. Like the 80/10/10 program, a 700 credit score would be required and the single pay mortgage insurance amount can be gifted.</p> <p>3. Gift of Equity</p> <p>Do you live in a family-owned property? Or do you have the ability to purchase the property you rent from your landlord? In either instance, the owner of the property -- whether a family member or a landlord -- can provide a gift of equity for at least 5% of the purchase price, as well as for closing costs and single-pay mortgage insurance. A gift of equity is simply the seller of the property providing funds for the benefit of the buyer and accepting less net proceeds at closing. The lender will require a letter of motivation on why the family member or the landlord is selling their property to a buyer with whom they have a personal relationship. There could be a variety of reasons, so it's crucial to make sure the deal is properly reviewed by a qualified mortgage professional. This letter of motivation will address what's called a non-arm's length transaction, when there is a relationship between the buyer and seller. In these situations, the lender places more scrutiny on the transaction due to the potential for fraud .</p> <p>4. Military Veteran Perks&amp;#160;</p> <p>Do you have previous military experience with a general or honorable discharge? The Department of Veterans Affairs allows eligible veterans with a certificate of eligibility from the VA (which shows their loan eligibility) to purchase a home with no money down as well as no monthly PMI, with loan sizes even as high as $1,050,000 in some high-cost areas.</p> <p>Eligible veterans will typically pay a 2.15% guarantee fee of the loan amount to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is added to the loan amount and then re-amortized over the term of the loan. For example, on a loan of $500,000, that's $10,750 added to the loan amount, making the financed loan amount $510,750. That&#8217;s still the most attractive option, compared to a PMI premium on another program. If you plan to buy a house in the near future, these possibilities represent a tangible alternative to simply putting down funds and taking PMI on a monthly basis.</p> <p>While you might elect to do that anyway, PMI -- depending on the loan program -- may be removed in the future. Check with your lender on PMI removal, and how it may apply to your initial down payment and mortgage loan program.</p> <p>Finally, because credit scores are also an important factor in some of these approaches, it can help to know where you stand and whether you&#8217;ll qualify for these programs. Checking your credit in advance of buying a home can help you determine whether you need to take some time to build your credit before applying for a mortgage. You can <a href="http://www.credit.com/credit-reports/free-annual-credit-report/?utm_source=Fox&amp;amp;utm_medium=content&amp;amp;utm_content=IB_1&amp;amp;utm_campaign=mortgage_payment_PMI" type="external">pull your credit reports for free once a year Opens a New Window.</a> through AnnualCreditReport.com &#8211; and you should check for any errors or problems that are dragging your credit score down. You can also <a href="https://www.credit.com/free-credit-score/?utm_source=Fox&amp;amp;utm_medium=content&amp;amp;utm_content=IB_2&amp;amp;utm_campaign=mortgage_payment_PMI" type="external">check your credit scores for free through Credit.com Opens a New Window.</a>, as well as get an overview of what&#8217;s affecting your scores and a plan to improve them.</p> <p>Read More from Credit.com</p> <p><a href="http://www.credit.com/loans/mortgage-questions/how-to-determine-your-monthly-housing-budget/?utm_source=Fox&amp;amp;utm_medium=content&amp;amp;utm_content=BO_1&amp;amp;utm_campaign=mortgage_payment_PMI" type="external">How to Determine Your Monthly Housing Budget&amp;#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.credit.com/loans/mortgage-questions/check-your-credit-score-report-before-buying-home/?utm_source=Fox&amp;amp;utm_medium=content&amp;amp;utm_content=BO_2&amp;amp;utm_campaign=mortgage_payment_PMI" type="external">Why You Should Check Your Credit Before Buying a Home&amp;#160; Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.credit.com/loans/mortgage-questions/how-to-get-pre-approved-for-mortgage-home-loan/?utm_source=Fox&amp;amp;utm_medium=content&amp;amp;utm_content=BO_3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=mortgage_payment_PMI" type="external">How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Opens a New Window.</a></p>

buying primary home 20 rule yesterdays news continue reading payment options exist including government private sector alternatives allowing flexible choices homebuyers dont fooled however programs allow less 20 include private mortgage insurance pmi added premium built mortgage payment pmi meant protect lender less 20 equity home default mortgage pmi percentage loan amount added monthly payment example conventional mortgages loan 400000 may carry 166 per month pmi thats 166 added principal interest homeowners insurance property taxes typical fha mortgage loan amount 400000 carry 450 per month pmi pmi higher fha loans tend carry lower interest rates flexible credit requirements lower payments conventional loans either way thats quite bit money month dont 20 buy home want avoid pmi options 1 oldschool 801010 method advertisement popularized lending heyday 20042007 801010 program allows buyer put 10 purchase price home cases 10 payment opens new window would require monthly pmi using 801010 approach lender would provide 80 first mortgage lender andor subsequent lender would provide 10 second mortgage lieu monthly pmi contribute 10 payment sealing deal lenders allow secondary financing 90 combined loantovalue combined loantovalue meaning first second mortgage combined loans maximum conforming loan limit county property located majority mortgage lenders typically offer second mortgages smaller pocketsize lenders entering marketplace aggressively 801010 solution youll likely meet least 700 credit score requirement 10 funds close escrow also lenders may even still allow 10 gift funds check qualified mortgage professional 2 prepaid private mortgage insurance alternatively rather electing monthly payment option buyer little 5 chose prepay mortgage insurance upfront onetime premium called singlepay mortgage insurance lenders offer buyers shop around program works simply prepaying chunk future pmi payments upfront fee closing table anywhere 175 3 loan amount like 801010 program 700 credit score would required single pay mortgage insurance amount gifted 3 gift equity live familyowned property ability purchase property rent landlord either instance owner property whether family member landlord provide gift equity least 5 purchase price well closing costs singlepay mortgage insurance gift equity simply seller property providing funds benefit buyer accepting less net proceeds closing lender require letter motivation family member landlord selling property buyer personal relationship could variety reasons crucial make sure deal properly reviewed qualified mortgage professional letter motivation address whats called nonarms length transaction relationship buyer seller situations lender places scrutiny transaction due potential fraud 4 military veteran perks160 previous military experience general honorable discharge department veterans affairs allows eligible veterans certificate eligibility va shows loan eligibility purchase home money well monthly pmi loan sizes even high 1050000 highcost areas eligible veterans typically pay 215 guarantee fee loan amount department veterans affairs added loan amount reamortized term loan example loan 500000 thats 10750 added loan amount making financed loan amount 510750 thats still attractive option compared pmi premium another program plan buy house near future possibilities represent tangible alternative simply putting funds taking pmi monthly basis might elect anyway pmi depending loan program may removed future check lender pmi removal may apply initial payment mortgage loan program finally credit scores also important factor approaches help know stand whether youll qualify programs checking credit advance buying home help determine whether need take time build credit applying mortgage pull credit reports free year opens new window annualcreditreportcom check errors problems dragging credit score also check credit scores free creditcom opens new window well get overview whats affecting scores plan improve read creditcom determine monthly housing budget160 opens new window check credit buying home160 opens new window get preapproved mortgage opens new window

<p>Americans hunting for a bargain on a new Beemer, bottle of Chateau Margaux or Hermes handbag thanks to the sliding euro should put away their gold cards. European luxury goods sold in the U.S. still carry luxurious price tags.</p> <p>The European currency has fallen 10 percent against the dollar this year. In theory, car dealerships, department stores and other companies that sell goods from Europe could pass on the savings to their American customers, said Ira Kalish, chief global economist at Deloitte, the consulting and accounting firm.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>"But what would be the point of doing that?" Kalish asked. Demand for anything made in Europe is so strong that they have little trouble moving merchandise. "From their perspective, it's better to leave the price unchanged and pocket the profit."</p> <p>The euro has been in a long tailspin. Last April, it was trading just shy of $1.40. Since then, it sank as low as $1.04 in March before bouncing back to $1.10 on Monday.</p> <p>In other words, you used to have to pay $1.40 to buy a single euro; today, you pay just $1.10.</p> <p>So where are the bargains? There's no reason to think that prices for Italian shoes and French red wines will fall along with the euro, analysts said. Part of the reason is that most European consumer products sold in the U.S. aren't aimed at most consumers. Armani, Hermes, and Prada cater to the affluent, selling well-made products as well as the perception of prestige and status. They have an image to maintain and slashing prices isn't part of it, Kalish said. Loyal customers might consider it, well, gauche.</p> <p>"If a luxury product becomes really cheap, they might think, 'Why am I buying it, then?'" Kalish said. "The high price makes it attractive for some people."</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>WINE</p> <p>Bill Earle, president of the National Association of Beverage Importers, said customers shouldn't expect to see cheaper prices for French and Italian wines anytime soon.</p> <p>Part of the explanation, Earle said, is that U.S. importers pay well in advance for wines that often take years to age. With Brunello di Montalcino from Italy, for instance, the wine sits in an oak barrel for about four years before it's ready.</p> <p>"One way to look at it is, the earliest you're going to see cheaper Brunello is in 2019," Earle said.</p> <p>But even then, there's no guarantee that businesses will pass on savings to customers. Earle said a bottle of wine has to pass through layers of businesses before it shows up on the shelves &#8212; importers, distributors and retailers &#8212; and each business has its own costs. Because currency markets can be volatile, businesses are slow to cut prices because any savings could quickly vanish with a sudden swing in currency trading.</p> <p>Doug Bell, a wine buyer for Whole Foods Market, also said he doesn't think people will see a significant fall in prices for European wines. Any drop would start showing up with the 2015 vintage, and even then, he said, other factors, such as bad weather, could easily offset a currency move.</p> <p>The only way people might benefit from cheaper European wine, Earle said, is if they're "bringing it over on an airplane."</p> <p>WATCHES, HANDBAGS</p> <p>Similarly, anyone looking to score a Chanel handbag on the cheap is in for a letdown. Chanel's classic handbag carried a $4,900 price tag last year, according to Robert Burke and Associates, a luxury consulting firm. That's up from $2,250 in 2007.</p> <p>Chanel is reportedly tweaking prices in other parts of the globe while leaving them alone at its U.S. stores. Robert Burke said he expects other luxury retailers to follow Chanel's cue. Demand remains so solid for these products in the U.S. that high-end retailers have no reason to pare prices. It would only tarnish their elite image.</p> <p>Nate Herman, vice president of international trade for the American Apparel &amp;amp; Footwear Association, said higher manufacturing costs give these companies another reason to keep prices high. Over the past decade, luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Prada shifted some of their production to Asia, as manufacturers in the region improved their ability to craft high-end goods. As a result, the euro's fall against Asian currencies has driven up their costs.</p> <p>CARS</p> <p>It's the same story with German luxury cars. Americans with a taste for fancy rides are already able to afford them, so there's no need for Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi to pass along the benefit of a falling euro to customers by slashing prices.</p> <p>Demand for these German cars remains solid. Audi's U.S. sales climbed 15 percent last year, while Mercedes's sales rose nearly 10 percent and BMW's 6.5 percent. Each company is likely to pocket the extra money from exchanging dollars to euros, no matter whether the cars are made overseas or in the U.S.</p> <p>The exception might be Volkswagen, whose U.S. sales sank 3 percent last year. The company behind the Beetle, Golf and Touareg could use the weak euro to cut prices and lure more buyers.</p> <p>__</p> <p>AP Business Writers Anne D'Innocenzio in New York and Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report.</p>

americans hunting bargain new beemer bottle chateau margaux hermes handbag thanks sliding euro put away gold cards european luxury goods sold us still carry luxurious price tags european currency fallen 10 percent dollar year theory car dealerships department stores companies sell goods europe could pass savings american customers said ira kalish chief global economist deloitte consulting accounting firm continue reading would point kalish asked demand anything made europe strong little trouble moving merchandise perspective better leave price unchanged pocket profit euro long tailspin last april trading shy 140 since sank low 104 march bouncing back 110 monday words used pay 140 buy single euro today pay 110 bargains theres reason think prices italian shoes french red wines fall along euro analysts said part reason european consumer products sold us arent aimed consumers armani hermes prada cater affluent selling wellmade products well perception prestige status image maintain slashing prices isnt part kalish said loyal customers might consider well gauche luxury product becomes really cheap might think buying kalish said high price makes attractive people advertisement wine bill earle president national association beverage importers said customers shouldnt expect see cheaper prices french italian wines anytime soon part explanation earle said us importers pay well advance wines often take years age brunello di montalcino italy instance wine sits oak barrel four years ready one way look earliest youre going see cheaper brunello 2019 earle said even theres guarantee businesses pass savings customers earle said bottle wine pass layers businesses shows shelves importers distributors retailers business costs currency markets volatile businesses slow cut prices savings could quickly vanish sudden swing currency trading doug bell wine buyer whole foods market also said doesnt think people see significant fall prices european wines drop would start showing 2015 vintage even said factors bad weather could easily offset currency move way people might benefit cheaper european wine earle said theyre bringing airplane watches handbags similarly anyone looking score chanel handbag cheap letdown chanels classic handbag carried 4900 price tag last year according robert burke associates luxury consulting firm thats 2250 2007 chanel reportedly tweaking prices parts globe leaving alone us stores robert burke said expects luxury retailers follow chanels cue demand remains solid products us highend retailers reason pare prices would tarnish elite image nate herman vice president international trade american apparel amp footwear association said higher manufacturing costs give companies another reason keep prices high past decade luxury brands louis vuitton prada shifted production asia manufacturers region improved ability craft highend goods result euros fall asian currencies driven costs cars story german luxury cars americans taste fancy rides already able afford theres need mercedesbenz bmw audi pass along benefit falling euro customers slashing prices demand german cars remains solid audis us sales climbed 15 percent last year mercedess sales rose nearly 10 percent bmws 65 percent company likely pocket extra money exchanging dollars euros matter whether cars made overseas us exception might volkswagen whose us sales sank 3 percent last year company behind beetle golf touareg could use weak euro cut prices lure buyers __ ap business writers anne dinnocenzio new york tom krisher detroit contributed report

<p /> <p>I rarely think the world has gone mad but, once in a while, I am certain of it. For sanity&#8217;s sake, I have no choice but to risk being burned on a third rail issue and tell you that broad accusations of institutional bias and sexism in Silicon Valley are way, way overblown. There, I said it.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Don&#8217;t get me wrong. Gender discrimination and sexual harassment do still exist, but not in the way being portrayed by diversity activists and the click-hungry media.</p> <p>In a Bloomberg interview last week, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-03/michael-moritz-amends-remarks-about-lack-of-female-investors-at-sequoia" type="external">Silicon Valley venture capitalist Mike Moritz Opens a New Window.</a> responded to a question about the lack of women partners at his firm, Sequoia Capital, by saying their job is to hire the very best team, regardless of race and gender, and they will not lower their standards.</p> <p>That set off a media firestorm of criticism. Vanity Fair wrote &#8220; <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/12/michael-moritz-sequoia-women-partners-tech" type="external">Silicon Valley V.C. Firm Can&#8217;t Find Any Women Opens a New Window.</a>: The problem is you, not him.&#8221; <a href="http://recode.net/2015/12/03/venerated-vc-michael-moritz-opens-mouth-inserts-foot-on-question-about-hiring-women/" type="external">Re/code said Moritz Opens a New Window.</a> &#8220;delivered an astoundingly out-of-touch and dismissive answer to questions about hiring women.&#8221; And CNET wrote &#8220; <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/silicon-valley-vcs-are-still-clueless-when-it-comes-to-women-mike-moritz-shows/" type="external">Silicon Valley VCs still clueless when it comes to women Opens a New Window.</a>.&#8221;</p> <p>To top it all off, an article in Medium entitled &#8220; <a href="https://medium.com/@jessnordell/it-s-not-foot-in-mouth-disease-6fdc3e2b08bc#.n4q5yd81x" type="external">It&#8217;s Not Foot in Mouth Disease Opens a New Window.</a>&#8221; suggests that Moritz did not misspeak, but rather revealed a &#8220;deeply hidden synaptic pathway&#8221; equating &#8220;women&#8221; to &#8220;lower standards.&#8221;</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Look, I realize this is a highly-charged issue and I&#8217;m probably going to regret this, but having spent decades working in the tech industry with hundreds of startups, public companies, executives, entrepreneurs and VCs, I&#8217;m probably as qualified as anyone to take an objective look at what&#8217;s really happening here.</p> <p>And while I&#8217;m sure the cynics will say that my anatomy precludes me from being impartial on the subject, I trust that fair-minded folks will at least hear me out. And for those with an axe to grind on this issue, try not to snap to judgment or quote me out of context with sensational headlines &#8230; the way you did to Moritz.</p> <p>Let me start by saying that I agree with Medium on one point: I don&#8217;t think Moritz misspoke or that his responses were the result of foot in mouth disease. On the contrary, I wouldn&#8217;t have answered the question differently than he did. Nor could I have said it better.</p> <p>From a moral, logical and experiential standpoint, it&#8217;s clear to me that Silicon Valley&#8217;s breakout success is to a great extent due to a colorblind, gender-blind, everything-blind culture of meritocracy that covets capability and values performance above all else.</p> <p>And the tech industry&#8217;s leaders &#8211; at least the good ones &#8211; will not compromise their principals or standards in the face of increasing militant attacks intended to neuter that critical competitive advantage by the politically correct diversity crowd.</p> <p>Contrary to the Medium article, Moritz was in no way, consciously or subconsciously, equating hiring women to lowering Sequoia&#8217;s standards. Not to put words in his mouth, but I&#8217;m sure he meant that kowtowing to artificial diversity quotas would compromise its performance standards, or something to that effect.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Vanity Fair points to all sorts of data as evidence that &#8220;Silicon Valley&#8217;s gender-diversity problem&#8221; is a result of &#8220;institutional bias, sexism and culture,&#8221; namely that &#8220; <a href="https://www.google.com/diversity/" type="external">82 percent Opens a New Window.</a> of Google&#8217;s tech employees, <a href="https://blog.twitter.com/2015/we-re-committing-to-a-more-diverse-twitter" type="external">87 percent Opens a New Window.</a> of Twitter&#8217;s (NYSE:TWTR), <a href="http://newsroom.fb.com/news/2015/06/driving-diversity-at-facebook/" type="external">84 percent Opens a New Window.</a> of Facebook's (NASDAQ:FB), and <a href="http://www.apple.com/diversity/" type="external">79 percent Opens a New Window.</a> of Apple&#8217;s (NASDAQ:AAPL) tech employees are men.&#8221;</p> <p>Let&#8217;s try to look at that logically, if just for a moment.</p> <p>Does it make any sense whatsoever to think that Apple&#8217;s Tim Cook, who is openly gay, Facebook&#8217;s Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, who wrote &#8220;Lean In,&#8221; and Google&#8217;s Larry Page, who hired and promoted Susan Wojcicki (CEO of YouTube) and Marissa Mayer (former Google VP and now CEO of Yahoo), are running institutionally biased and sexist company cultures? Don&#8217;t be silly.</p> <p>Does it make any sense to suggest that the entire tech sector and the venture capitalists that fund them are all biased and sexist? If so, that would have to be the irony to top all ironies. In case anyone&#8217;s a little foggy on the geography of the region, Silicon Valley is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, perhaps the most liberal metropolis in America.</p> <p>If <a href="" type="internal">Silicon Valley leaned any further to the left</a>, it would plunge into the Pacific Ocean.</p> <p>Or maybe, just maybe, this overwhelmingly consistent data really is the result of a supply or pipeline problem &#8211; that the hiring pool is very small because there are far fewer women than men in STEM &amp;#160;(Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) fields &#8211; as Moritz suggested. Nah, that would be too logical, too obvious &#8230; and not nearly as controversial.</p> <p>Besides, antidiscrimination laws have been on the books for six decades, now &#8211; longer than most of us have been alive. Does it really make any sense to believe that Apple, Google, Facebook, and venture capital firms like Sequoia and Kleiner Perkins risk negative press, public backlash, and litigation by discriminating? Of course not. That&#8217;s ludicrous on its face.</p> <p>Truth is, this is not about discrimination, bias, sexism, or micro-aggressions. It&#8217;s about the tech industry being bullied and extorted by minority activists and diversity consultants to violate the tenets of meritocracy that made Silicon Valley great and America the world leader in technology. And the click-bated driven media just eats it up. That&#8217;s what this is really about.</p>

rarely think world gone mad certain sanitys sake choice risk burned third rail issue tell broad accusations institutional bias sexism silicon valley way way overblown said continue reading dont get wrong gender discrimination sexual harassment still exist way portrayed diversity activists clickhungry media bloomberg interview last week silicon valley venture capitalist mike moritz opens new window responded question lack women partners firm sequoia capital saying job hire best team regardless race gender lower standards set media firestorm criticism vanity fair wrote silicon valley vc firm cant find women opens new window problem recode said moritz opens new window delivered astoundingly outoftouch dismissive answer questions hiring women cnet wrote silicon valley vcs still clueless comes women opens new window top article medium entitled foot mouth disease opens new window suggests moritz misspeak rather revealed deeply hidden synaptic pathway equating women lower standards advertisement look realize highlycharged issue im probably going regret spent decades working tech industry hundreds startups public companies executives entrepreneurs vcs im probably qualified anyone take objective look whats really happening im sure cynics say anatomy precludes impartial subject trust fairminded folks least hear axe grind issue try snap judgment quote context sensational headlines way moritz let start saying agree medium one point dont think moritz misspoke responses result foot mouth disease contrary wouldnt answered question differently could said better moral logical experiential standpoint clear silicon valleys breakout success great extent due colorblind genderblind everythingblind culture meritocracy covets capability values performance else tech industrys leaders least good ones compromise principals standards face increasing militant attacks intended neuter critical competitive advantage politically correct diversity crowd contrary medium article moritz way consciously subconsciously equating hiring women lowering sequoias standards put words mouth im sure meant kowtowing artificial diversity quotas would compromise performance standards something effect meanwhile vanity fair points sorts data evidence silicon valleys genderdiversity problem result institutional bias sexism culture namely 82 percent opens new window googles tech employees 87 percent opens new window twitters nysetwtr 84 percent opens new window facebooks nasdaqfb 79 percent opens new window apples nasdaqaapl tech employees men lets try look logically moment make sense whatsoever think apples tim cook openly gay facebooks mark zuckerberg sheryl sandberg wrote lean googles larry page hired promoted susan wojcicki ceo youtube marissa mayer former google vp ceo yahoo running institutionally biased sexist company cultures dont silly make sense suggest entire tech sector venture capitalists fund biased sexist would irony top ironies case anyones little foggy geography region silicon valley part san francisco bay area perhaps liberal metropolis america silicon valley leaned left would plunge pacific ocean maybe maybe overwhelmingly consistent data really result supply pipeline problem hiring pool small far fewer women men stem 160science technology engineering math fields moritz suggested nah would logical obvious nearly controversial besides antidiscrimination laws books six decades longer us alive really make sense believe apple google facebook venture capital firms like sequoia kleiner perkins risk negative press public backlash litigation discriminating course thats ludicrous face truth discrimination bias sexism microaggressions tech industry bullied extorted minority activists diversity consultants violate tenets meritocracy made silicon valley great america world leader technology clickbated driven media eats thats really

<p>Against a backdrop of strengthening growth but chronically low inflation, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and other central bankers are taking their measure of the global economy at their annual conference in the shadow of Wyoming's Grand Teton Mountains.</p> <p>With the prospect of new leadership at the Fed within months, investors will be listening for any hint of shifting interest rate plans from the policymakers. The most watched events will come Friday, when Yellen and Mario Draghi, head of the European Central Bank, will each address the conference.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Though a surprise announcement can't be ruled out, most analysts expect no major policy changes to be announced by either leader. Still, central bankers going back to Alan Greenspan's appearances in the 1980's have sometimes used the annual conference to send messages to the financial markets.</p> <p>Yellen's predecessor, Ben Bernanke, signaled a new round of Fed bond purchases in 2010 to try to invigorate a weak U.S. recovery. And last year, Yellen let markets know that more rate hikes were coming. The Jackson Hole conference, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, is in its 41st year.</p> <p>The conference occurs as the Fed is in the midst of gradually and modestly raising its benchmark rate to reflect a strengthened U.S. economy. By contrast, the ECB is still buying bonds to keep keeping rates at ultra-low levels but may be preparing to slowly taper its purchases next year.</p> <p>The official theme of this year's conference &#8212; "Fostering a Dynamic Global Economy" &#8212; is certainly timely. Though the global economy appears more stable than at any other point in the past decade, growth since the 2008-2009 recession has remained sluggish in the United States and most other industrial countries. One consequence is that discontent has grown among groups that feel left behind, having helped fuel Donald Trump's election victory and Britain's vote to exit the European Union.</p> <p>The stated topic of Yellen's speech Friday will be financial stability, which may provide a platform to address concerns that the Fed's ultra-low rates have fueled asset bubbles in the stock market. Many Fed officials, including Yellen, have said in the past that they do not think asset prices have reached dangerous heights.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The Fed has raised its key policy rate twice this year, in March and June. It's still signaling that it plans to raise rates a third time before year's end and to begin paring its bond portfolio &#8212; a move that could increase rates on mortgages and some other loans.</p> <p>Many analysts say they think the Fed will keep raising rates at only a very gradual pace until it's confident that a recent puzzling slowdown in inflation reflects temporary factors and will reverse course as low unemployment starts boosting wages and spending. Inflation has been running below the Fed's 2 percent target for five years. Chronically low inflation can depress economic growth because consumers typically delay purchases when they think prices will stay the same or even decline.</p> <p>On Friday, Yellen could offer guidance on what the Fed might announce at its next meeting, Sept. 19-20, about its key short-term rate or about the expected start of its parings of its bond portfolio.</p> <p>Investors will also be listening to what message Draghi &#8212; the head of the central bank for the 19 nations that use the euro currency &#8212; may send. Three years ago, Draghi signaled in a speech at Jackson Hole that the ECB was preparing to begin buying bonds to keep borrowing rates low and support an anemic European recovery. If not now, then sometime soon, Draghi is expected to signal that the ECB is preparing to start reducing those purchases.</p> <p>Draghi might choose to wait until the ECB meets next month to communicate any policy shift, in part out of concern that the euro's value has already risen in anticipation of an ECB move and thereby made European exports costlier. The euro's drop has also lowered import prices, further depressing inflation and complicating the ECB's mission. In the 12 months ending in July, annual inflation in the eurozone was 1.3 percent, well below the ECB's target of just below 2 percent.</p> <p>Such subpar inflation, along with lackluster growth, has hampered policymakers in the United States, Europe and Japan throughout the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis.</p> <p>"It is a problem in the United Kingdom, in Germany, in Japan," said Diane Swonk, chief economist at DS Economics. "Nobody knows where inflation is going."</p> <p>Besides assessing possible asset bubbles and undesirably low inflation, another discussion point will likely emerge at this year's conference &#8212; at least on the sidelines: Whether Yellen, the first woman to lead the U.S. central bank, will be attending her last Jackson Hole conference as Fed chair.</p> <p>Yellen's four-year term as chair will end in February, and Trump has made clear he is considering replacing her, though he hasn't ruled out asking her to remain. One candidate the president has mentioned is Gary Cohn, a former Goldman Sachs senior executive who leads Trump's National Economic Council.</p> <p>In a survey released this week of 184 economists who belong to the National Association of Business Economists, only 17 percent said they expected Yellen to be re-nominated. Nearly half said they thought Trump would tap Cohn.</p> <p>Not everyone is convinced that Cohn &#8212; who, unlike the three most recent Fed chairs, isn't a Ph.D. economist &#8212; even wants the job.</p> <p>"Cohn is a very smart and competent businessman," said Sung Won Sohn, an economics professor at California State University-Channel Islands. "But does he really want to go into the cultural environment that is the Federal Reserve?"</p> <p>Fed Up, a group representing community activists, labor unions and liberal policy groups, plans to demonstrate here in favor of having Yellen stay as chair. The group argues that Yellen's low-rate policies have helped the job market recover and provided job opportunities for all groups, including minorities. Fed Up says it's wary of critics who have said Yellen should have been more aggressive in raising rates to ensure that future inflation doesn't accelerate to worrisome levels.</p> <p>"Those of us who can't afford another crash are coming to Jackson Hole to shape the direction of the Fed," said Shawn Sebastian, co-chair of the Fed Up campaign. "The economy is in real danger, and low-income workers, particularly people of color, are the ones who will face the consequences."</p>

backdrop strengthening growth chronically low inflation federal reserve chair janet yellen central bankers taking measure global economy annual conference shadow wyomings grand teton mountains prospect new leadership fed within months investors listening hint shifting interest rate plans policymakers watched events come friday yellen mario draghi head european central bank address conference continue reading though surprise announcement cant ruled analysts expect major policy changes announced either leader still central bankers going back alan greenspans appearances 1980s sometimes used annual conference send messages financial markets yellens predecessor ben bernanke signaled new round fed bond purchases 2010 try invigorate weak us recovery last year yellen let markets know rate hikes coming jackson hole conference sponsored federal reserve bank kansas city 41st year conference occurs fed midst gradually modestly raising benchmark rate reflect strengthened us economy contrast ecb still buying bonds keep keeping rates ultralow levels may preparing slowly taper purchases next year official theme years conference fostering dynamic global economy certainly timely though global economy appears stable point past decade growth since 20082009 recession remained sluggish united states industrial countries one consequence discontent grown among groups feel left behind helped fuel donald trumps election victory britains vote exit european union stated topic yellens speech friday financial stability may provide platform address concerns feds ultralow rates fueled asset bubbles stock market many fed officials including yellen said past think asset prices reached dangerous heights advertisement fed raised key policy rate twice year march june still signaling plans raise rates third time years end begin paring bond portfolio move could increase rates mortgages loans many analysts say think fed keep raising rates gradual pace confident recent puzzling slowdown inflation reflects temporary factors reverse course low unemployment starts boosting wages spending inflation running feds 2 percent target five years chronically low inflation depress economic growth consumers typically delay purchases think prices stay even decline friday yellen could offer guidance fed might announce next meeting sept 1920 key shortterm rate expected start parings bond portfolio investors also listening message draghi head central bank 19 nations use euro currency may send three years ago draghi signaled speech jackson hole ecb preparing begin buying bonds keep borrowing rates low support anemic european recovery sometime soon draghi expected signal ecb preparing start reducing purchases draghi might choose wait ecb meets next month communicate policy shift part concern euros value already risen anticipation ecb move thereby made european exports costlier euros drop also lowered import prices depressing inflation complicating ecbs mission 12 months ending july annual inflation eurozone 13 percent well ecbs target 2 percent subpar inflation along lackluster growth hampered policymakers united states europe japan throughout recovery 2008 financial crisis problem united kingdom germany japan said diane swonk chief economist ds economics nobody knows inflation going besides assessing possible asset bubbles undesirably low inflation another discussion point likely emerge years conference least sidelines whether yellen first woman lead us central bank attending last jackson hole conference fed chair yellens fouryear term chair end february trump made clear considering replacing though hasnt ruled asking remain one candidate president mentioned gary cohn former goldman sachs senior executive leads trumps national economic council survey released week 184 economists belong national association business economists 17 percent said expected yellen renominated nearly half said thought trump would tap cohn everyone convinced cohn unlike three recent fed chairs isnt phd economist even wants job cohn smart competent businessman said sung sohn economics professor california state universitychannel islands really want go cultural environment federal reserve fed group representing community activists labor unions liberal policy groups plans demonstrate favor yellen stay chair group argues yellens lowrate policies helped job market recover provided job opportunities groups including minorities fed says wary critics said yellen aggressive raising rates ensure future inflation doesnt accelerate worrisome levels us cant afford another crash coming jackson hole shape direction fed said shawn sebastian cochair fed campaign economy real danger lowincome workers particularly people color ones face consequences

<p /> <p>Not enough savings. Too much debt. Serious concerns about the security of their jobs.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Those were feelings expressed by surprisingly large numbers of Americans in a new national poll conducted for Bankrate.</p> <p>The survey found that, as 2010 comes to a close, many Americans have a troubling sense of unease about their financial well-being.</p> <p>Among the findings:* Roughly 1 of every 3 Americans feels their overall financial situation is worse than a year ago.* Over 1 in 4 Americans believes their net worth is down from a year ago.* Over 1 in 5 feels less secure about their job than they did in 2009.</p> <p>This survey, Bankrate's first Financial Security Index, was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. And the surprisingly grim sentiments expressed by many Americans run counter to a number of economic indicators that indicate improvement in the U.S. economy.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"The recession may be over, but the American public's pre recession sense of security remains badly bruised."</p> <p>There has been 12 consecutive months of growth in private-sector payrolls, for instance. Economists have concluded that the Great Recession actually ended in the first half of 2009. And recent rallies in the financial markets have begun to restore the wealth lost when <a href="" type="internal">Wall Street</a> crashed in 2008.</p> <p>But the Financial Security Index findings suggest that broad swaths of the public remain unconvinced of the economy is recovering, or are at least unimpressed by the pace of improvement.</p> <p>In that sense, the most important conclusion to be drawn from the survey might be this: The recession may be over, but the American public's pre-recession sense of security remains badly bruised.</p> <p>Here is a look at some of the survey's most important findings.</p> <p>Job security</p> <p>Roughly 1 million jobs have been added to private sector payrolls since December 2009. But many Americans remain unconvinced their jobs are safe.</p> <p>Nearly one-fourth of the working population, 23%, say they feel less secure about their jobs than they did one year ago. That compares unfavorably with the 17% who feel more secure.The uneasiness is understandable. As of the November, more than 15 million workers remained unemployed. Meanwhile, unemployment has been above 9% for 19 straight months, a post-World War II record.</p> <p>Nearly one-fifth, or 19%, of unemployed Americans are actively looking for work. Meanwhile, 6% of the unemployed said that they are not looking for work, perhaps a reflection of the "disenchanted" workers that economists often refer to.</p> <p>Savings</p> <p>In light of Americans' unease with their employment situations, savings are a priority for nearly everyone.</p> <p>Yet, only 14% of Americans say they feel more comfortable with their savings today compared to a year ago. A whopping 44% of people say they feel less comfortable than they did one year ago.</p> <p>39% of Americans say they feel about the same as they did last year.Young people reported the highest level of comfort with savings, with 23% of 18- to 29-year-olds reporting comfortable levels of savings.</p> <p>The coziness drops precipitously with age, however. More than half of Americans, 52%, between the ages of 50 and 64 say they are less comfortable with the amount they have saved. Only 9% of those over 65 are more comfortable.</p> <p>The prolonged yield drought afflicting savings vehicles, such as certificates of deposit, likely contributes to that feeling of unease. At today's interest rates, it could take a lifetime for compound interest to grow significantly. Similarly, older people who live on interest have seen that income stream shrivel.</p> <p>Debt</p> <p>If there is a silver lining to the Great Recession, it's that Americans have been reducing their debt loads. That trend was reflected in the survey's findings.</p> <p>In October, the most recent data available, revolving credit decreased at an annualized rate of 8.5%, according to the <a href="" type="internal">Federal Reserve</a>. So it's perhaps not surprising that 48% of respondents said they have about the same comfort level with their debt as a year ago. Another 24% said they were more comfortable than a year ago.</p> <p>But slightly more people -- 26% -- said they were less comfortable with their debt loads today.Not surprisingly, lower-income earners were more likely to feel uncomfortable about debt levels: 31% of earners making less than $50,000 reported being less comfortable, compared to 20% of people earning $75,000 or more.</p> <p>Net worth</p> <p>When questioned about their net worth, a predominant number -- 48% -- said it remained roughly the same over the last year.</p> <p>But over a quarter of the population, 28%, felt their net worth declined in the last 12 months, while 23% thought it had risen.Net worth for most households, of course, is highly dependent on home values, and they continue to fall at dizzying rates.</p> <p>According to Zillow, the real estate research organization, 23.2% of homes were underwater in the third quarter of 2010. In 2010, Zillow predicts, more than $1.7 trillion in home value will be lost.</p> <p>Financial security</p> <p>Finally, the survey's most important finding may be this: Many more Americans feel their overall financial situation is worse today compared to those who feel it's better -- 32% versus 21%. The remaining 46% feel their situation is about the same.</p> <p>Unfortunately, running in place is rarely anyone's financial goal.</p> <p>Results are based on telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,003 adults, ages 18 and older. The interviews were conducted from Dec. 2 to Dec. 5, 2010, by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Statistical results are weighted to correct known demographic discrepancies. The margin of sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is &#177; 3.6 percentage points.</p>

enough savings much debt serious concerns security jobs continue reading feelings expressed surprisingly large numbers americans new national poll conducted bankrate survey found 2010 comes close many americans troubling sense unease financial wellbeing among findings roughly 1 every 3 americans feels overall financial situation worse year ago 1 4 americans believes net worth year ago 1 5 feels less secure job 2009 survey bankrates first financial security index conducted princeton survey research associates international surprisingly grim sentiments expressed many americans run counter number economic indicators indicate improvement us economy advertisement recession may american publics pre recession sense security remains badly bruised 12 consecutive months growth privatesector payrolls instance economists concluded great recession actually ended first half 2009 recent rallies financial markets begun restore wealth lost wall street crashed 2008 financial security index findings suggest broad swaths public remain unconvinced economy recovering least unimpressed pace improvement sense important conclusion drawn survey might recession may american publics prerecession sense security remains badly bruised look surveys important findings job security roughly 1 million jobs added private sector payrolls since december 2009 many americans remain unconvinced jobs safe nearly onefourth working population 23 say feel less secure jobs one year ago compares unfavorably 17 feel securethe uneasiness understandable november 15 million workers remained unemployed meanwhile unemployment 9 19 straight months postworld war ii record nearly onefifth 19 unemployed americans actively looking work meanwhile 6 unemployed said looking work perhaps reflection disenchanted workers economists often refer savings light americans unease employment situations savings priority nearly everyone yet 14 americans say feel comfortable savings today compared year ago whopping 44 people say feel less comfortable one year ago 39 americans say feel last yearyoung people reported highest level comfort savings 23 18 29yearolds reporting comfortable levels savings coziness drops precipitously age however half americans 52 ages 50 64 say less comfortable amount saved 9 65 comfortable prolonged yield drought afflicting savings vehicles certificates deposit likely contributes feeling unease todays interest rates could take lifetime compound interest grow significantly similarly older people live interest seen income stream shrivel debt silver lining great recession americans reducing debt loads trend reflected surveys findings october recent data available revolving credit decreased annualized rate 85 according federal reserve perhaps surprising 48 respondents said comfort level debt year ago another 24 said comfortable year ago slightly people 26 said less comfortable debt loads todaynot surprisingly lowerincome earners likely feel uncomfortable debt levels 31 earners making less 50000 reported less comfortable compared 20 people earning 75000 net worth questioned net worth predominant number 48 said remained roughly last year quarter population 28 felt net worth declined last 12 months 23 thought risennet worth households course highly dependent home values continue fall dizzying rates according zillow real estate research organization 232 homes underwater third quarter 2010 2010 zillow predicts 17 trillion home value lost financial security finally surveys important finding may many americans feel overall financial situation worse today compared feel better 32 versus 21 remaining 46 feel situation unfortunately running place rarely anyones financial goal results based telephone interviews nationally representative sample 1003 adults ages 18 older interviews conducted dec 2 dec 5 2010 princeton survey research associates international statistical results weighted correct known demographic discrepancies margin sampling error complete set weighted data 36 percentage points

<p /> <p /> <p>We live in a world where knowledge is power, and with great power there will always be someone who can be a great asset to your mantra whether you're on the left or the right of the political spectrum.</p> <p>Where that information is considered as strength, it's also useful for those who have power to distort the information to help guide their narrative of deception, in order to smear their opponents with propaganda and lies to continue to wield that power.</p> <p>Some would say that in 2017 we're in an "information war", which is accurate in the sense that whomever can control the narrative is able to invoke rage against the person(s) depicted as the enemy in that propaganda push.</p> <p>This is where Media Matters, a la David Brock, come into the arena armed to the core. David Brock once ran a literal paid shilling campaign known as CTR, or Correct The Record.</p> <p>During the 2016 Presidential Campaign, that band of left wing employed shills controlled the narrative, or attempted to, on every pro-marxist left leaning parasitic social media platform on the internet.</p> <p>John Podesta, the despised former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, provided office space for Media Matters early in its formation at the Center for American Progress, a Democratic think tank which Podesta established in 2002.</p> <p>Hillary Clinton also personally advised Media Matters in its early stages out of a belief that progressives should follow conservatives in forming think tanks and advocacy groups to support their political goals.</p> <p>According to the New York Times, Media Matters "helped lay the groundwork" for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.</p> <p>They were able to accommodate such a heavy presence of paid shills, and master their art of deception so fantastically, that the average social media user likely couldn't tell that they were arguing with or reading posts from hired guns, that weren't firing bullets but firing deception in a war for your mind.</p> <p>It's seemingly brilliant, hire a few thousand people, place clean profile pictures onto each of them, and send them off to the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, YouTube, forums, and imageboards; to intentionally deceive the masses.</p> <p>Not only did this happen, but it happened daily in a firestorm Anti-Trump rhetoric hailing down like an apocalyptic meteor shower unto the right.</p> <p>If you viewed a pro-Trump post during the election season, or read Donald Trump's own posts or tweets on social media, his comments or replies to each of them; it was not surprising to see it flooded with trolls pushing negative propaganda, mostly lies.</p> <p>They would use the various platforms and their systems to continue their hateful push to demonize President Trump, and his supporters. Brigading their own posts with upvotes or likes with their thousands of paid accounts, to attempt to sway the undecided voters into believing the lies they saw at the top of the chain, were widely believed or the most popular opinion.</p> <p>You would see thousands of likes or votes and the most despicable of comments, which intentionally bumped those horrendous claims to the top of threads or chains; in a classic controlled opposition tactic.</p> <p>To be truthful, it was a brilliant strategy, in theory. The problem for those paid shills is that the fire was rising at an all time high, and when a volcano erupts, as it did on the right, you had better run for your life or the lava will flow and take you and everything else in it's path down with it.</p> <p>In what was first used by CTR to attack Bernie, to help Hillary Clinton reach the Democratic Nomination, the outfit led by David Brock learned a lot about how to manipulate the masses.</p> <p>Despite the total absence of facts and evidence, a hellish irony that surely could not be by chance, there was some undisputed proof that shills were indeed employed during the Democratic primary, but they weren't hired by just Hillary Clinton.</p> <p>In fact there were a multitude of globalist financiers behind the push for the information age takedown.</p> <p>David Brock's company, Media Matters for America, was founded with help from the Center for American Progress. Initial donors included Leo Hindery, Susie Tompkins Buell, and James Hormel.</p> <p>Media Matters began with just $2 Million in funding, but as it became stronger over the years of shilling against conservative news outlets, it became a major player in the information war.</p> <p>Surely enough this caught the attention of the likes of George Soros, who later via his own progressive business <a href="http://moveon.org" type="external">moveon.org</a>, reached into the pockets of David Brock, by adding him and Media Matters as an asset for deception.</p> <p>Soros had literal years of stirring controversy into the political arena all across the globe, with tried and true tactics that are confirmed to work, as well as a literal blank check to finance the shilling game all together.</p> <p>Through Democracy Alliance, another Soros connected group, David Brock and Media Matters were able to reach out to tech billionaires and the wealthy progressive elites to also donate to their cause.</p> <p>What was once a small shill network, had turned into a globalist caliphate of deception, with limitless resources.</p> <p>Using those very tech companies which the progressive elites ran, it would give David Brick the extra backing to help identify and eliminate right wing accounts which were growing in Nationalist power, and brigade them to the point their fans would either leave, or coax those accounts into breaking the social media sites' rules to get them banned.</p> <p>It was happening everywhere during the election, which is a major part of why the fire was rising so strongly in the right wing's direction; that so many were witnessing the bias and censorship they found it un-American and disturbing.</p> <p>In fact they even had a leaked memorandum on fighting against President Trump, via the name "Shareblue", which is what Correct The Record evolved into after Trump's astounding victory in November. Here's the leaked memorandum titled "Democracy Matters, Strategic Plan For Action 2017-2028":</p> <p><a href="https://www.scribd.com/mobile/document/337535680/Full-David-Brock-Confidential-Memo-On-Fighting-Trump#from_embed" type="external">scribd.com/mobile/document/337535680/Full-David-Brock-Confidential-Memo-On-Fighting-Trump#from_embed</a></p> <p>Where they've stood victorious is that they can constantly shift faces and names, thousands, if not millions, of literal paid shills on the attack.</p> <p>From brand new accounts on social media, to buying older accounts, to bribing popular former celebrities to add their face to the list of names pushing out the talking points they've predetermined.</p> <p>Again the checkbook has no boundaries, and they're not afraid to dig into the coffers to accomplish their endgame.</p> <p>Their guidelines state the following quote, "We are going to resist the normalization of Donald Trump. His every conflict of interest, his every bit of cronyism, his every move toward authoritarianism, his every subversion of our democratic systems and principles, his every radical departure from foreign and domestic policy norms."</p> <p>Which is exactly what they're trying to do.Disinformation warriors today don't exactly need advanced mental or technical capability to suppress your ideas and even control your livelihood.</p> <p>While Vault 7 has given the public a look into just how technically advanced the Deep State has become at spying on the public and suppressing dissent, some disinformation warriors get by without just sticks and stones.</p> <p>David Brock, founder of Media Matters, Correct the Record and owner of Shareblue is an example of just such an individual.</p> <p>Not only is David Brock the ex-boyfriend of Comet Ping Pong's James Achilles Alefantis, but his organizations have shut down political opponents and dissenting discussion through less technically advanced means such as overwhelming them on social media and getting them blackballed from the mainstream press.</p> <p>Shareblue is one of Brock's lesser known, but more nefariously-connected web-based groups. Shareblue and its owning corporation, True Blue Media LLC (also owned by Brock), run a website for producing videos and investigative reports in political opposition to President Donald J. Trump.</p> <p>Many then rightfully consider Shareblue to be an extension of Correct the Record, whose official mission would have ended with Hillary Clinton's loss of the 2016 Presidential election.</p> <p>Investigative reporters at Zero Hedge would find substantial evidence that Shareblue, and in particular True Blue CEO and ex-Clinton staffer Peter Daou, worked alongside the Chinese government, the City of London, Mexico, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the Clinton Foundation and other Middle Eastern Groups to subvert American politics and promote censorship.</p> <p>Chinese Tycoon Ke Xiping and the Chinese government bought influence in Shareblue and concealed the purchase as a mining deal. Employees of Shareblue also have strong ties to the PeaceWorks Foundation, which is run by Mexican billionaire Daniel Lubetzky.</p> <p>Independent researchers have also discovered a large number of Twitter and other social media accounts associated with Shareblue. The exact purpose of all these accounts is unknown, but it seems to be a personal social media brigade run by Shareblue.</p> <p>The finalized goal of these Soros and other globalist financed groups like Shareblue are simple, distort the truth at all costs.</p> <p>We, the truth seeking and freedom loving Americans, have to declare war against these people, and their financial backers, in order to reclaim the United States of America from their terrifying grasp.</p> <p>Source</p> <p>"Staged Crimes &amp;amp; Media Narratives" 8ch/pol/:</p> <p><a href="https://8ch.net/pol/res/9593493.html" type="external">8ch.net/pol/res/9593493.html</a></p>

live world knowledge power great power always someone great asset mantra whether youre left right political spectrum information considered strength also useful power distort information help guide narrative deception order smear opponents propaganda lies continue wield power would say 2017 information war accurate sense whomever control narrative able invoke rage persons depicted enemy propaganda push media matters la david brock come arena armed core david brock ran literal paid shilling campaign known ctr correct record 2016 presidential campaign band left wing employed shills controlled narrative attempted every promarxist left leaning parasitic social media platform internet john podesta despised former chief staff president bill clinton provided office space media matters early formation center american progress democratic think tank podesta established 2002 hillary clinton also personally advised media matters early stages belief progressives follow conservatives forming think tanks advocacy groups support political goals according new york times media matters helped lay groundwork hillary clintons 2016 presidential campaign able accommodate heavy presence paid shills master art deception fantastically average social media user likely couldnt tell arguing reading posts hired guns werent firing bullets firing deception war mind seemingly brilliant hire thousand people place clean profile pictures onto send likes facebook twitter reddit youtube forums imageboards intentionally deceive masses happen happened daily firestorm antitrump rhetoric hailing like apocalyptic meteor shower unto right viewed protrump post election season read donald trumps posts tweets social media comments replies surprising see flooded trolls pushing negative propaganda mostly lies would use various platforms systems continue hateful push demonize president trump supporters brigading posts upvotes likes thousands paid accounts attempt sway undecided voters believing lies saw top chain widely believed popular opinion would see thousands likes votes despicable comments intentionally bumped horrendous claims top threads chains classic controlled opposition tactic truthful brilliant strategy theory problem paid shills fire rising time high volcano erupts right better run life lava flow take everything else path first used ctr attack bernie help hillary clinton reach democratic nomination outfit led david brock learned lot manipulate masses despite total absence facts evidence hellish irony surely could chance undisputed proof shills indeed employed democratic primary werent hired hillary clinton fact multitude globalist financiers behind push information age takedown david brocks company media matters america founded help center american progress initial donors included leo hindery susie tompkins buell james hormel media matters began 2 million funding became stronger years shilling conservative news outlets became major player information war surely enough caught attention likes george soros later via progressive business moveonorg reached pockets david brock adding media matters asset deception soros literal years stirring controversy political arena across globe tried true tactics confirmed work well literal blank check finance shilling game together democracy alliance another soros connected group david brock media matters able reach tech billionaires wealthy progressive elites also donate cause small shill network turned globalist caliphate deception limitless resources using tech companies progressive elites ran would give david brick extra backing help identify eliminate right wing accounts growing nationalist power brigade point fans would either leave coax accounts breaking social media sites rules get banned happening everywhere election major part fire rising strongly right wings direction many witnessing bias censorship found unamerican disturbing fact even leaked memorandum fighting president trump via name shareblue correct record evolved trumps astounding victory november heres leaked memorandum titled democracy matters strategic plan action 20172028 scribdcommobiledocument337535680fulldavidbrockconfidentialmemoonfightingtrumpfrom_embed theyve stood victorious constantly shift faces names thousands millions literal paid shills attack brand new accounts social media buying older accounts bribing popular former celebrities add face list names pushing talking points theyve predetermined checkbook boundaries theyre afraid dig coffers accomplish endgame guidelines state following quote going resist normalization donald trump every conflict interest every bit cronyism every move toward authoritarianism every subversion democratic systems principles every radical departure foreign domestic policy norms exactly theyre trying dodisinformation warriors today dont exactly need advanced mental technical capability suppress ideas even control livelihood vault 7 given public look technically advanced deep state become spying public suppressing dissent disinformation warriors get without sticks stones david brock founder media matters correct record owner shareblue example individual david brock exboyfriend comet ping pongs james achilles alefantis organizations shut political opponents dissenting discussion less technically advanced means overwhelming social media getting blackballed mainstream press shareblue one brocks lesser known nefariouslyconnected webbased groups shareblue owning corporation true blue media llc also owned brock run website producing videos investigative reports political opposition president donald j trump many rightfully consider shareblue extension correct record whose official mission would ended hillary clintons loss 2016 presidential election investigative reporters zero hedge would find substantial evidence shareblue particular true blue ceo exclinton staffer peter daou worked alongside chinese government city london mexico israel saudi arabia clinton foundation middle eastern groups subvert american politics promote censorship chinese tycoon ke xiping chinese government bought influence shareblue concealed purchase mining deal employees shareblue also strong ties peaceworks foundation run mexican billionaire daniel lubetzky independent researchers also discovered large number twitter social media accounts associated shareblue exact purpose accounts unknown seems personal social media brigade run shareblue finalized goal soros globalist financed groups like shareblue simple distort truth costs truth seeking freedom loving americans declare war people financial backers order reclaim united states america terrifying grasp source staged crimes amp media narratives 8chpol 8chnetpolres9593493html

<p /> <p>Investors would be hard pressed to find a company that's endured more bad news in the past year than Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Revelations of triple-digit price increases on decades-old drugs led to Congressional hearings, the dismantling of its distribution partner Philidor, lawsuits, the exit of its longtime CEO, and dwindling sales in the past year.This seemingly endless barrage of bad news has caused Valeant shares to lose 80% of their value since last November, and unfortunately, investors got more bad news yesterday when two executives with close ties to Philidor werearrested for fraud.</p> <p>Although the investigation remains ongoing, and more arrests could be coming, investors shrugged off the report and sent Valeant's shares slightly higher Thursday. Could this mean that it's finally time for investors to buy Valeant's shares?</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Valeant Pharmaceuticals' breakneck pace of mergers and acquisitions quickly transformed it from a small Canadian drugmaker into a global pharmaceutical giant.</p> <p>Despite saddling the company with tens of billions of dollars in debt, rapidly growing sales prompted many of the world's biggest money managers to cheer the company. Last year, however,optimism for Valeant's business model quickly shifted to pessimism after reports surfaced that Valeant bought two decades-old heart disease drugs, only to increase their prices by hundreds of percent shortly thereafter.</p> <p>Scrutiny resulting from Valeant's runaway drug pricing eventually led to the discovery of what's turned out to be a far too-close-for-comfort relationship between Philidor and Valeant. Aninternal review of its relationship with Philidor resulted in Valeant's cutting ties with Philidor last year, but Philidor continues to cast a shadow over the company.</p> <p>Because Philidor was a key reason for the success of some of Valeant's best-selling dermatology drugs, the company has struggled to replace sales lost since its shuttering, and as a result, Valeant's third-quarter revenue fell 11% from a year ago.</p> <p>Philidor's overhang, however, extends beyond sliding sales. Investigations into Philidor's pricing and sales practices have been ongoing, and yesterday, those investigations resulted in the arrest of Philidor CEO Andrew Davenport and former Valeant executive Gary Tanner.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/911161/download" type="external">complaint Opens a New Window.</a> filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York, Davenport and Tanner are accused of willfully and knowingly combining, conspiring, confederating, and agreeing together to commit fraud.</p> <p>According to the claim, Tanner joined Valeant in 2012 when Valeant acquired the specialty distributor Medicis. Tanner was then tasked with managing Valeant's alternative fulfillment program to boost revenue from drugs that experienced low levels of insurance coverage because of their cost or the availability of generics.</p> <p>As part of his responsibility, Tanner was instrumental in establishing Philidor as Valeant's largest specialty pharmacy distributor, say prosecutors. Not only did Tanner encourage a deeper relationship with Philidor that drove Philidor's sales higher, but he also rebuffed requests by other Valeant executives to explore relationships with Philidor's competitors to diversify the company away from Philidor. According to the complaint, he took these actions even as he was lobbying on behalf of Davenport for Valeant to buy Philidor.</p> <p>Ultimately, Tanner successfully convinced Valeant to ink an option to buy Philidor that resulted in Valeant's paying Philidor investors $100 million up front, plus millions more in milestone payments. According to the Justice Department, Tanner's efforts were rewarded with a $10 million kickback paid by Davenport to Tanner via shell companies.</p> <p>Despite the news of these arrests being highly publicized, Valeant Pharmaceuticals' shares traded up slightly on Thursday.Perhaps Valeant's resiliency was due to this complaint painting Valeant as Davenport and Tanner's victim. Or perhaps investors are finally immune to Valeant's negative newsflow.</p> <p>If it's the former, it may be wishful thinking.The complaint names Davenport and Tanner, as well as "others known and unknown," as defendants. Depending on how this case shakes out, Valeant could find its exposure to lawsuits costly and distracting, and that's not a recipe for upside. Overall, the news may put this company a step closer to closure, but nevertheless, there's still too much uncertainty for me to want to buy Valeant's shares.</p> <p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Valeant Pharmaceuticals 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=ef3d5880-c0ed-481f-bf94-604ce50c3028&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 Valeant 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%2Fecap-foolcom-bbn-election%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000468%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6454%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=ef3d5880-c0ed-481f-bf94-604ce50c3028&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/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Valeant Pharmaceuticals. 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>

investors would hard pressed find company thats endured bad news past year valeant pharmaceuticals nyse vrx continue reading revelations tripledigit price increases decadesold drugs led congressional hearings dismantling distribution partner philidor lawsuits exit longtime ceo dwindling sales past yearthis seemingly endless barrage bad news caused valeant shares lose 80 value since last november unfortunately investors got bad news yesterday two executives close ties philidor werearrested fraud although investigation remains ongoing arrests could coming investors shrugged report sent valeants shares slightly higher thursday could mean finally time investors buy valeants shares image source getty images advertisement valeant pharmaceuticals breakneck pace mergers acquisitions quickly transformed small canadian drugmaker global pharmaceutical giant despite saddling company tens billions dollars debt rapidly growing sales prompted many worlds biggest money managers cheer company last year howeveroptimism valeants business model quickly shifted pessimism reports surfaced valeant bought two decadesold heart disease drugs increase prices hundreds percent shortly thereafter scrutiny resulting valeants runaway drug pricing eventually led discovery whats turned far toocloseforcomfort relationship philidor valeant aninternal review relationship philidor resulted valeants cutting ties philidor last year philidor continues cast shadow company philidor key reason success valeants bestselling dermatology drugs company struggled replace sales lost since shuttering result valeants thirdquarter revenue fell 11 year ago philidors overhang however extends beyond sliding sales investigations philidors pricing sales practices ongoing yesterday investigations resulted arrest philidor ceo andrew davenport former valeant executive gary tanner complaint opens new window filed us attorneys office southern district new york davenport tanner accused willfully knowingly combining conspiring confederating agreeing together commit fraud according claim tanner joined valeant 2012 valeant acquired specialty distributor medicis tanner tasked managing valeants alternative fulfillment program boost revenue drugs experienced low levels insurance coverage cost availability generics part responsibility tanner instrumental establishing philidor valeants largest specialty pharmacy distributor say prosecutors tanner encourage deeper relationship philidor drove philidors sales higher also rebuffed requests valeant executives explore relationships philidors competitors diversify company away philidor according complaint took actions even lobbying behalf davenport valeant buy philidor ultimately tanner successfully convinced valeant ink option buy philidor resulted valeants paying philidor investors 100 million front plus millions milestone payments according justice department tanners efforts rewarded 10 million kickback paid davenport tanner via shell companies despite news arrests highly publicized valeant pharmaceuticals shares traded slightly thursdayperhaps valeants resiliency due complaint painting valeant davenport tanners victim perhaps investors finally immune valeants negative newsflow former may wishful thinkingthe complaint names davenport tanner well others known unknown defendants depending case shakes valeant could find exposure lawsuits costly distracting thats recipe upside overall news may put company step closer closure nevertheless theres still much uncertainty want buy valeants shares forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better valeant pharmaceuticals 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 valeant pharmaceuticals wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 todd campbell opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends valeant pharmaceuticals try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>There are two things a company can do that are guaranteed to make investors happy. One is to make a lot of money. The other is to give a nice chunk of that money back to shareholders in the form of dividends. When a company does both of those things, its stock is likely to be quite popular.</p> <p>Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) check off both boxes. These aren't just solid dividend stocks; they're also practically minting money.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Apple claims the highest market cap of any company in the world. The technology giant generated free cash flow of $51.2 billion over the past 12 months. It's not surprising, therefore, that Apple sits on a cash stockpile (including cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities) of nearly $77 billion. The company also has long-term marketable securities worth almost $185 billion.</p> <p>After going 17 years without paying a quarterly dividend, Apple <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/29/apple-dividend-history-yup-the-tech-giant-is-offic.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">resumed its dividend program in 2012 Opens a New Window.</a> -- primarily because it had so much money it needed to do something constructive with it. Apple's dividend currently yields 1.62%. That's on the low end of where the company's yield has been in recent years, but for a good reason: Apple stock is up 35% so far in 2017.</p> <p>Since resumption of the dividend program nearly six years ago, Apple's dividend has increased by 66%. Expect the dividend to keep on going up. Apple uses less than 27% of earnings to pay dividends.</p> <p>But is Apple still a good stock to buy? Some would say it isn't, because of the maturity of the smartphone market and Apple's share price near all-time highs. My view, though, is that Apple will continue to put its enormous cash flow to good use, with the stock remaining a solid pick for long-term investors.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Microsoft's market cap of around $600 billion isn't quite as big as Apple's. Its free cash flow over the past 12 months of $31.4 billion also trails behind Apple. However, the huge software company has more cash on hand, with nearly $133 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.</p> <p>Another area where Microsoft holds the advantage over its longtime foe is with its dividend. Microsoft's dividend yield currently stands at 2.16%. Over the past five years, the company has boosted its dividend by more than 80%. The prospects of more dividend increases down the road seem pretty good: Microsoft's <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-the-payout-ratio.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">payout ratio Opens a New Window.</a> is around 56%.</p> <p>Although Microsoft stock hasn't performed quite as well as Apple stock has so far in 2017, the software company's share price is still up an impressive 27%. And over the past five years, Microsoft's performance has trounced Apple's.</p> <p>Microsoft continues to be a smart investing choice, in part because the company has successfully transformed itself into a software-as-a-service provider, which translates to dependable recurring revenue. Also, Microsoft has remained at the forefront of innovation in several key areas, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence.</p> <p>Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson is the world's largest healthcare company, with a market cap of around $385 billion. The company generated free cash flow of $17.6 billion over the past 12 months. J&amp;amp;J's cash position of $13.5 billion might not look overly impressive, but the healthcare giant's recently completed $30 billion acquisition of Swiss drugmaker Actelion depleted its coffers somewhat.</p> <p>Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson has long been a favorite for income investors. J&amp;amp;J's dividend currently yields 2.37%. The company is a member of the elite group of Dividend Aristocrats and has increased its dividend for 55 consecutive years. More dividend boosts are likely, with J&amp;amp;J using less than 55% of earnings to fund the dividend program.</p> <p>Despite lackluster results in its first two quarters of this year, J&amp;amp;J stock performed well. And concerns about the company's growth appear to have been thrown to the side, after Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson reported <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/17/johnson-johnson-jumps-on-pharma-strength.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">solid revenue and earnings growth in the third quarter Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>I like J&amp;amp;J's prospects over the long run. The company's biggest unit, its pharmaceutical segment, has a strong roster of pipeline candidates. Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson also continues to make acquisitions to fuel growth, including the purchase of Abbott Medical Optics to help its once-flailing medical devices business. Look for J&amp;amp;J, along with Apple and Microsoft, to continue minting money and returning much of it to shareholders in the form of dividends.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Johnson &amp;amp; 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=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=3f18f6c2-d460-4c5c-80c3-895bed628d54&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Johnson &amp;amp; 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=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=3f18f6c2-d460-4c5c-80c3-895bed628d54&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&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>Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple and Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2020 $150 calls on Apple and short January 2020 $155 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=5e5614da-b7f2-11e7-a255-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

two things company guaranteed make investors happy one make lot money give nice chunk money back shareholders form dividends company things stock likely quite popular apple nasdaq aapl microsoft nasdaq msft johnson amp johnson nyse jnj check boxes arent solid dividend stocks theyre also practically minting money continue reading apple claims highest market cap company world technology giant generated free cash flow 512 billion past 12 months surprising therefore apple sits cash stockpile including cash cash equivalents shortterm marketable securities nearly 77 billion company also longterm marketable securities worth almost 185 billion going 17 years without paying quarterly dividend apple resumed dividend program 2012 opens new window primarily much money needed something constructive apples dividend currently yields 162 thats low end companys yield recent years good reason apple stock 35 far 2017 since resumption dividend program nearly six years ago apples dividend increased 66 expect dividend keep going apple uses less 27 earnings pay dividends apple still good stock buy would say isnt maturity smartphone market apples share price near alltime highs view though apple continue put enormous cash flow good use stock remaining solid pick longterm investors advertisement microsofts market cap around 600 billion isnt quite big apples free cash flow past 12 months 314 billion also trails behind apple however huge software company cash hand nearly 133 billion cash cash equivalents shortterm investments another area microsoft holds advantage longtime foe dividend microsofts dividend yield currently stands 216 past five years company boosted dividend 80 prospects dividend increases road seem pretty good microsofts payout ratio opens new window around 56 although microsoft stock hasnt performed quite well apple stock far 2017 software companys share price still impressive 27 past five years microsofts performance trounced apples microsoft continues smart investing choice part company successfully transformed softwareasaservice provider translates dependable recurring revenue also microsoft remained forefront innovation several key areas including augmented reality artificial intelligence johnson amp johnson worlds largest healthcare company market cap around 385 billion company generated free cash flow 176 billion past 12 months jampjs cash position 135 billion might look overly impressive healthcare giants recently completed 30 billion acquisition swiss drugmaker actelion depleted coffers somewhat johnson amp johnson long favorite income investors jampjs dividend currently yields 237 company member elite group dividend aristocrats increased dividend 55 consecutive years dividend boosts likely jampj using less 55 earnings fund dividend program despite lackluster results first two quarters year jampj stock performed well concerns companys growth appear thrown side johnson amp johnson reported solid revenue earnings growth third quarter opens new window like jampjs prospects long run companys biggest unit pharmaceutical segment strong roster pipeline candidates johnson amp johnson also continues make acquisitions fuel growth including purchase abbott medical optics help onceflailing medical devices business look jampj along apple microsoft continue minting money returning much shareholders form dividends 10 stocks like better johnson amp 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 amp johnson wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 teresa kersten employee linkedin member motley fools board directors linkedin owned microsoft keith speights opens new window owns shares apple motley fool owns shares recommends apple johnson amp johnson motley fool following options long january 2020 150 calls apple short january 2020 155 calls apple motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>More than 140,000 night lights are being recalled because they can overheat and spark a fire. Other recalled consumer products this week include strollers with a foam piece that could be detrimental and dressers that need to be secured to a wall.</p> <p>Here's a more detailed look:</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>NIGHT LIGHTS</p> <p>DETAILS: Battery-operated Circo Night Lights sold at Target stores nationwide and Target.com from October 2014 through May 2015. The night light collection includes a pink hedgehog, a blue bird, a yellow rocket, an orange dino egg, a white soccer ball and a green shark. The model numbers are printed on the bottom side of the night lights. The hedgehog has model number 060-02-1397, the bird has model number 060-02-1398, the rocket has model number 060-02-1399, the dino egg has model number 060-02-1400, the soccer ball has model number 060-02-1401, and the shark has model number 060-02-1402.</p> <p>WHY: The battery can overheat and cause the night light to melt, posing a fire hazard.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Two reports of the night lights overheating, including one report of a fire that damaged a consumer's dresser, wall and plug-in. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 143,000.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Target at 800-440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday or visit www.target.com and on the bottom of the home page under the "Help" section, click on the "Product Recalls" link or the Recall Tab via the firm's Facebook page.</p> <p>STROLLERS</p> <p>DETAILS: UPPAbaby 2015 CRUZ, 2015 VISTA strollers and 2015 RumbleSeat. For CRUZ strollers, the UPPAbaby name and logo are printed on the side of the canopy and "CRUZ" is printed in white lettering on the handlebars of the stroller. For VISTA strollers "VISTA" is printed in white lettering on the handlebars of the stroller and UPPAbaby is printed across the bottom diagonal rail of the stroller frame next to a black, fabric basket. The RumbleSeat is a separate seat attachment that can be attached to the stroller frame. RumbleSeats have manufacture dates stamped on the bottom of the seat from September 2014 through May 2015. The RumbleSeat comes in various colors and allows the child to ride rear facing, forward facing or reclined. All of the strollers and RumbleSeats have a foam bumper bar across the middle of the product for the child to hold. The products were sold from December 2014 through July 2015.</p> <p>Details on models an serial numbers can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/UPPAbaby-Recalls-Strollers-and-RumbleSeats/</p> <p>WHY: The strollers' and RumbleSeats' bumper bar poses a choking hazard when a child bites the bumper bar and removes a piece of the foam covering.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: 22 reports of children biting off a piece of the bumper bar foam. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 71,000 in the U.S. and 8,000 in Canada.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call UPPAbaby customer service at 844-540-8694 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, send email to contact@uppababy.com or visit www.UPPAbaby.com and click on "Safety Notice" on the lower right hand corner of the page for more information.</p> <p>CHESTS AND DRESSERS</p> <p>DETAILS: IKEA MALM 3- and 4-drawer chests and two styles of MALM 6- drawer chests, and other chests and dressers. The items are part of a repair program that includes a free wall anchoring kit.</p> <p>WHY: Chests and dressers can tip over if not attached to the wall, posing an entrapment hazard.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Reports of two children who died after MALM chests tipped over and fell on them. Consumers should immediately stop using all IKEA children's chests and dressers taller than 23 &#189; inches and adult chests and dressers taller than 29 &#189; inches, unless they are securely anchored to the wall. The free wall anchoring kit should be used to secure MALM and other IKEA chests and dressers to the wall.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 7 million MALM chests and 20 million other IKEA chests and dressers are part of the nationwide repair program.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call IKEA toll-free at 888-966-4532 or visit www.IKEA-USA.com/saferhomestogether for more information on how to receive a free wall anchoring kit.</p> <p>STAIRLIFTS</p> <p>DETAILS: Acorn brand motorized stair lifts with the model name Acorn Superglide 120. The stair lifts are mechanical chairs that are installed on residential staircases to transport people with reduced mobility up and down stairs. The following versions of the Acorn Superglide 120 are being recalled: Acorn 120 Stairlift, Acorn 120 Outdoor Stairlift, Acorn 120 Superglide Stairlift, Acorn Outdoor Stairlift, and Acorn Slimline Stairlift. The recalled stair lifts were manufactured between March 2007 and March 2011 and have serial numbers between 110101209781 and 110202352678. For all of the recalled stair lifts, the name "Acorn Superglide 120" and the serial numbers are located on a silver label on the stair lift's carriage body cover and on the underside of the steel footrest. They were sold at Acorn Stairlifts and Acorn Stairlifts' authorized dealers nationwide from March 2007 to December 2011.</p> <p>WHY: The stair lift's seat post can separate from the main seat support, posing a fall hazard.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Two reports of incidents of the seat post separating from the main seat support and resulting in deaths in the United Kingdom. There have been no reports of incidents or injuries in the United States.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 34,500</p> <p>FOR MORE: Acorn Stairlifts at (800) 361-2836 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.acornstairlifts.com and click on "Recall Information" for more information.</p> <p>BLOWER-VACCUMS</p> <p>DETAILS: GreenWorks 12 amp electric blower/vacs. They have model number 24022 with a serial number between GWS0350001 through GWS2280500 or model number 24072 with a serial number between GWR1310001 through GWS2281100. The model number, serial number, "greenworks" and "ELECTRIC BLOWER/MULCHER WITH BAG" are printed on the side of the motor housing. They were sold from February 2012 through June 2015.</p> <p>WHY: The blower/vac's motor can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Three reports of the blower/vacs catching fire. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 14,000.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call GreenWorks at 888-909-6757 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Saturday and Sunday, or visit www.greenworkstools.com and click on "Important Safety Notice" for more information.</p> <p>CHAIRS</p> <p>DETAILS: Ronan Bistro chairs intended for outdoor use. SKU number 502281, 502282 or 502283 is printed on the UPC sticker attached to the sales tag at the time of purchase. They were sold at Cost Plus World Market and World Market stores nationwide and online at www.worldmarket.com from February 2015 through May 2015.</p> <p>WHY: The rear metal legs can bend unexpectedly and cause the chair to become unbalanced, posing a fall hazard to the user.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: Three reports of bent or fractured or torn rear chair legs. No injuries have been reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 9,200.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Cost Plus World Market at 877-967-5362 from 7 a.m. to midnight EST daily or visit www.worldmarket.com and click on "Product Recalls" for more information.</p> <p>GLASS PITCHERS</p> <p>DETAILS: 64-ounce Tristan glass pitchers for hot or cold tea. The Teavana logo is printed on the bottom. Style #30593000064 and SKU#11034874 are printed on the pitchers' box. They were sold at Teavana stores nationwide and online at www.Teavana.com from May 2012 through June 2015.</p> <p>WHY: The glass pitchers can break or leak, posing laceration and/or burn hazards to consumers if filled with hot tea.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: 50 reports of the glass pitchers breaking or leaking, including three reports of lacerations and two minor burns.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 52,400 in the U.S. and 4,400 in Canada.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Teavana at 888-665-0463 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or visit www.Teavana.com and click on "Tristan Glass Pitcher Recall" for more information.</p> <p>LAWN AND GARDEN TILLERS</p> <p>DETAILS: Ariens, Husqvarna, Jonsered and Poulan Pro brand rear tine tillers used for plowing, cultivation and ridging gardens and lawns. The brand name is printed on the side of the tiller. They were sold from October 2014 through May 2015. Details on brands and model numbers can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Husqvarna-Recalls-Tillers/</p> <p>WHY: The tiller's transmission shift rod and clip can come into contact with the control cable during shifting and cause the tiller to unintentionally move forward or backward, posing a risk of bodily injury and/or laceration.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: None reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 24,000.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Husqvarna at 877-257-6921 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, send email to recalls@husqvarna.com or visit www.husqvarna.com and click on "Latest Press" for more information.</p> <p>RIDING MOWERS</p> <p>DETAILS: Orange Simplicity brand zero turn riding mowers, mower deck attachments and garden tractors. The model and serial numbers are located on the frame near the front tires or on the frame rail below the seat. They were sold at Briggs &amp;amp; Stratton dealers nationwide from August 2014 through May 2015. Details on models and serial numbers can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Briggs--Stratton-Recalls-Simplicity-Riding-Mowers-and-Garden-Tractors/</p> <p>WHY: The chute deflector on the riding mowers and garden tractors can fail to prevent projectiles from being expelled. This poses a risk of injury to consumers from projectiles.</p> <p>INCIDENTS: None reported.</p> <p>HOW MANY: About 2,800.</p> <p>FOR MORE: Call Briggs &amp;amp; Stratton at 800-227-3798 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, or visit www.briggsandstratton.com and click on "Recalls and Notifications" for more information. Dealers can be found using the dealer locator at www.simplicitymfg.com .</p>

140000 night lights recalled overheat spark fire recalled consumer products week include strollers foam piece could detrimental dressers need secured wall heres detailed look continue reading night lights details batteryoperated circo night lights sold target stores nationwide targetcom october 2014 may 2015 night light collection includes pink hedgehog blue bird yellow rocket orange dino egg white soccer ball green shark model numbers printed bottom side night lights hedgehog model number 060021397 bird model number 060021398 rocket model number 060021399 dino egg model number 060021400 soccer ball model number 060021401 shark model number 060021402 battery overheat cause night light melt posing fire hazard incidents two reports night lights overheating including one report fire damaged consumers dresser wall plugin injuries reported many 143000 advertisement call target 8004400680 7 6 pm cst monday friday visit wwwtargetcom bottom home page help section click product recalls link recall tab via firms facebook page strollers details uppababy 2015 cruz 2015 vista strollers 2015 rumbleseat cruz strollers uppababy name logo printed side canopy cruz printed white lettering handlebars stroller vista strollers vista printed white lettering handlebars stroller uppababy printed across bottom diagonal rail stroller frame next black fabric basket rumbleseat separate seat attachment attached stroller frame rumbleseats manufacture dates stamped bottom seat september 2014 may 2015 rumbleseat comes various colors allows child ride rear facing forward facing reclined strollers rumbleseats foam bumper bar across middle product child hold products sold december 2014 july 2015 details models serial numbers found httpwwwcpscgovenrecalls2015uppababyrecallsstrollersandrumbleseats strollers rumbleseats bumper bar poses choking hazard child bites bumper bar removes piece foam covering incidents 22 reports children biting piece bumper bar foam injuries reported many 71000 us 8000 canada call uppababy customer service 8445408694 9 5 pm est monday friday send email contactuppababycom visit wwwuppababycom click safety notice lower right hand corner page information chests dressers details ikea malm 3 4drawer chests two styles malm 6 drawer chests chests dressers items part repair program includes free wall anchoring kit chests dressers tip attached wall posing entrapment hazard incidents reports two children died malm chests tipped fell consumers immediately stop using ikea childrens chests dressers taller 23 ½ inches adult chests dressers taller 29 ½ inches unless securely anchored wall free wall anchoring kit used secure malm ikea chests dressers wall many 7 million malm chests 20 million ikea chests dressers part nationwide repair program call ikea tollfree 8889664532 visit wwwikeausacomsaferhomestogether information receive free wall anchoring kit stairlifts details acorn brand motorized stair lifts model name acorn superglide 120 stair lifts mechanical chairs installed residential staircases transport people reduced mobility stairs following versions acorn superglide 120 recalled acorn 120 stairlift acorn 120 outdoor stairlift acorn 120 superglide stairlift acorn outdoor stairlift acorn slimline stairlift recalled stair lifts manufactured march 2007 march 2011 serial numbers 110101209781 110202352678 recalled stair lifts name acorn superglide 120 serial numbers located silver label stair lifts carriage body cover underside steel footrest sold acorn stairlifts acorn stairlifts authorized dealers nationwide march 2007 december 2011 stair lifts seat post separate main seat support posing fall hazard incidents two reports incidents seat post separating main seat support resulting deaths united kingdom reports incidents injuries united states many 34500 acorn stairlifts 800 3612836 8 6 pm et monday friday online wwwacornstairliftscom click recall information information blowervaccums details greenworks 12 amp electric blowervacs model number 24022 serial number gws0350001 gws2280500 model number 24072 serial number gwr1310001 gws2281100 model number serial number greenworks electric blowermulcher bag printed side motor housing sold february 2012 june 2015 blowervacs motor catch fire posing fire burn hazards incidents three reports blowervacs catching fire injuries reported many 14000 call greenworks 8889096757 9 8 pm est monday friday 9 5 pm est saturday sunday visit wwwgreenworkstoolscom click important safety notice information chairs details ronan bistro chairs intended outdoor use sku number 502281 502282 502283 printed upc sticker attached sales tag time purchase sold cost plus world market world market stores nationwide online wwwworldmarketcom february 2015 may 2015 rear metal legs bend unexpectedly cause chair become unbalanced posing fall hazard user incidents three reports bent fractured torn rear chair legs injuries reported many 9200 call cost plus world market 8779675362 7 midnight est daily visit wwwworldmarketcom click product recalls information glass pitchers details 64ounce tristan glass pitchers hot cold tea teavana logo printed bottom style 30593000064 sku11034874 printed pitchers box sold teavana stores nationwide online wwwteavanacom may 2012 june 2015 glass pitchers break leak posing laceration andor burn hazards consumers filled hot tea incidents 50 reports glass pitchers breaking leaking including three reports lacerations two minor burns many 52400 us 4400 canada call teavana 8886650463 8 5 pm est monday friday visit wwwteavanacom click tristan glass pitcher recall information lawn garden tillers details ariens husqvarna jonsered poulan pro brand rear tine tillers used plowing cultivation ridging gardens lawns brand name printed side tiller sold october 2014 may 2015 details brands model numbers found httpwwwcpscgovenrecalls2015husqvarnarecallstillers tillers transmission shift rod clip come contact control cable shifting cause tiller unintentionally move forward backward posing risk bodily injury andor laceration incidents none reported many 24000 call husqvarna 8772576921 8 6 pm est monday friday send email recallshusqvarnacom visit wwwhusqvarnacom click latest press information riding mowers details orange simplicity brand zero turn riding mowers mower deck attachments garden tractors model serial numbers located frame near front tires frame rail seat sold briggs amp stratton dealers nationwide august 2014 may 2015 details models serial numbers found httpwwwcpscgovenrecalls2015briggsstrattonrecallssimplicityridingmowersandgardentractors chute deflector riding mowers garden tractors fail prevent projectiles expelled poses risk injury consumers projectiles incidents none reported many 2800 call briggs amp stratton 8002273798 8 5 pm cst monday friday visit wwwbriggsandstrattoncom click recalls notifications information dealers found using dealer locator wwwsimplicitymfgcom

<p>As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 was approaching, a new report from the Soros-funded Center for American Progress (CAP) purported to examine a conservative network of people and groups described as &#8220;Fear Inc.&#8221; and said to be guilty of &#8220;Islamophobia&#8221; toward Muslims. The report seemed deliberately designed to take the attention away from events in the U.S. that were in progress to commemorate the deaths of almost 3,000 Americans killed by radical Muslims on 9/11.</p> <p>On cue, another Soros-funded group, Media Matters, <a href="http://mediamatters.org/blog/201108260020" type="external">ran with excerpts</a> from the report, emphasizing the &#8220;role played by right-wing media&#8221; such as Fox News in supposedly fanning the flames of &#8220;Islamophobia.&#8221;</p> <p>But CAP has its own propaganda network, which includes foreign propaganda channels Al-Jazeera and Iranian Press TV, an official government-funded propaganda channel.</p> <p>Press TV is an anti-Semitic channel that frequently blames Jews and/or Israel for what goes wrong in the world, such as the bombing of a Coptic Christian church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria earlier this year which left 21 people killed and another 80 Muslims and Christians wounded. Without any evidence, Press TV <a href="http://www.presstv.ir/detail/158351.html" type="external">blamed</a> the Israeli intelligence service and a &#8220;Zionist&#8221; plot. Most <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0101/Egypt-church-bombing-Why-some-point-to-Al-Qaeda-linked-group" type="external">experts</a> said al-Qaeda or an affiliate was responsible.</p> <p>CAP&#8217;s &#8220;Think Progress&#8221; affiliate <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/security/2011/09/01/310223/right-wing-response-islamophobia-report/" type="external">notes with pride</a> that the &#8220;Fear Inc.&#8221; report&#8217;s authors have appeared on CNN.com, Al Jazeera English, Current TV, Guardian.co.uk and have done radio interviews. It says that print media outlets such as The Jewish Daily Forward, The Atlantic, Salon.com, The Washington Post and The Nation ran articles on the report&#8217;s findings.</p> <p>That CAP would point with pride to one of the authors appearing on Al-Jazeera is significant. Al-Jazeera is the voice of al-Qaeda, which carried out 9/11, and now acts as a mouthpiece for terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Al-Jazeera reporter Samer Allawi is now in custody in Israel on suspicion of being an agent of Hamas.</p> <p>However, CAP failed to highlight how Iranian Press TV, which is completely funded by the government of Iran and has a Washington, D.C. bureau, has run several reports about the CAP study. The omission suggests that the authors of the report and the funders of CAP want to try to keep their distance from the Iranian regime that is behind the propaganda channel.</p> <p>The latest example of Press TV&#8217;s favorable coverage of CAP came when Mauri&#8217; Saalakhan, director of the Peace through Justice Foundation in Washington, D.C., <a href="http://www.presstv.ir/usdetail/196937.html" type="external">spoke to Press TV&#8217;s &#8220;U.S. Desk&#8221;</a> regarding &#8220;who benefits from the demonization of Islam and Muslims through propaganda campaigns that are well funded.&#8221; Saalakhyan called the CAP report &#8220;very revealing.&#8221;</p> <p>David J. Rusin, director of Islamist Watch, a project of the Middle East Forum, has <a href="" type="internal">noted</a> that Press TV frequently uses Muslim Americans, especially officials of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), to promote the notion that life in America is a nightmare for Muslims.</p> <p>Press TV also serves as an outlet for Iranian government officials, including <a href="http://edition.presstv.ir/detail/122887.html" type="external">Iranian Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi</a>, who justified the imprisonment of the American hikers Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd, by claiming they &#8220;had links with Western and Israeli intelligence services.&#8221;</p> <p>However, on the website <a href="http://freethehikers.org/" type="external">Freethehikers.org</a>, President Obama is quoted as saying, &#8220;I want to be perfectly clear: Sarah, Shane and Josh have never worked for the United States government. They are simply open-minded and adventurous young people who represent the best of America, and of the human spirit. They are teachers, artists, and advocates for social and environmental justice.&#8221; Shourd was released in September 2010 on $500,000 bail and returned to the U.S.</p> <p>The other two, sentenced to eight years in prison, are completely innocent, even according to leftist Noam Chomsky, who has also appeared on Press TV. Chomsky and others say, &#8220;We do not understand why two clearly innocent young people who have committed their lives to improving our world continue to languish in Evin Prison. The time for Shane and Josh&#8217;s freedom is overdue and we implore you to allow them to go free and return to their families.&#8221;</p> <p>Interestingly, an Al-Jazeera story about &#8220;Fear Inc.&#8221; was written by M.J. Rosenberg, described as a Senior Foreign Policy Fellow at Media Matters. His story was titled, &#8220; <a href="http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/08/201182713537929189.html" type="external">Who funds Muslim-baiting in the US?</a>&#8221;</p> <p>Wajahat Ali, lead researcher and writer for the Center for American Progress report on &#8220;Islamophobia,&#8221; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yym3DXy8NkE" type="external">went on Al-Jazeera</a> to discuss his &#8220;report&#8221; and denounce the &#8220;hate-mongers&#8221; and &#8220;fear-mongers&#8221; drawing attention to the violence directed by radical Islam toward the West.</p> <p>One of the Iranian Press TV stories about the report ran under the headline, &#8220; <a href="http://www.presstv.ir/detail/196918.html" type="external">US Empire foments Islamophobia</a>.&#8221;</p> <p>The CAP report made much of the claim that seven conservative-oriented foundations gave $42.6 million to &#8220;Islamophobia think tanks&#8221; between 2001 and 2009. But CAP&#8217;s income in one year alone, according to Guide Star, which monitors public policy groups, was $38,600,935. The latest annual income of the Center for American Progress Action Fund was reported as $8,966,943.</p> <p>So this means that CAP&#8217;s money surpassed the think tanks it attacks in the report by about $5 million in one year alone.</p> <p>The CAP report, based on &#8220;a grant from the Open Society Foundations,&#8221; which are funded by Soros, used information from one Jim Lobe, a frequent contributor to Al-Jazeera and Washington, D.C. correspondent and chief of the Washington bureau of Inter Press Service (IPS), described as &#8220;journalism and communication for global change.&#8221; IPS is supported by the United Nations, foreign governments, and the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, as well as the Soros-funded Open Society Institute. Lobe&#8217;s rhetoric was reflected in the CAP report and his work was cited therein.</p> <p>One of the authors of the CAP report is Eli Clifton, who previously worked with Lobe at Inter Press Service.</p> <p>It turns out that Jim Lobe&#8217;s <a href="http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=104908" type="external">story</a> about the CAP report that used him as a source ran under the headline, &#8220;New Report Identifies Organizational Nexus of Islamophobia,&#8221; the same headline over <a href="http://www.presstv.ir/detail/196981.html" type="external">another Press TV</a> story about the report. An official of the Muslim Public Affairs Council appeared on camera to promote the report, while the Iranian reporter, Marjan Asi, said the network under scrutiny was based on money from &#8220;several extreme right and Jewish family foundations.&#8221;</p> <p>Daniel Greenfield at FrontPagemag.com recognized <a href="http://frontpagemag.com/2011/08/31/the-center-for-american-progress%E2%80%99-jewish-conspiracy-theory/" type="external">the same theme</a>, saying that CAP was trying to peddle a &#8220;Jewish conspiracy theory.&#8221;</p> <p>Ed Lasky at AmericanThinker.com <a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/08/the_soros-supported_center_for_american_progress_blames_rich_jews_for_stoking_islamophobia.html" type="external">said</a> CAP was trying to blame &#8220;rich Jews&#8221; for stoking so-called Islamophobia.</p> <p>While CAP&#8217;s authors may try to deny that they intended to single out Jewish-American support for educational activities exposing radical Islam, that was one of the messages taken away not only by conservative writers but Iranian Press TV. It wanted its international audience to know that CAP was going after conservative Jews.</p> <p>With this report, the Soros-funded CAP played into the hands of international propaganda networks and regimes hostile to the U.S. It cannot be seen as accidental.</p>

tenth anniversary 911 approaching new report sorosfunded center american progress cap purported examine conservative network people groups described fear inc said guilty islamophobia toward muslims report seemed deliberately designed take attention away events us progress commemorate deaths almost 3000 americans killed radical muslims 911 cue another sorosfunded group media matters ran excerpts report emphasizing role played rightwing media fox news supposedly fanning flames islamophobia cap propaganda network includes foreign propaganda channels aljazeera iranian press tv official governmentfunded propaganda channel press tv antisemitic channel frequently blames jews andor israel goes wrong world bombing coptic christian church egyptian city alexandria earlier year left 21 people killed another 80 muslims christians wounded without evidence press tv blamed israeli intelligence service zionist plot experts said alqaeda affiliate responsible caps think progress affiliate notes pride fear inc reports authors appeared cnncom al jazeera english current tv guardiancouk done radio interviews says print media outlets jewish daily forward atlantic saloncom washington post nation ran articles reports findings cap would point pride one authors appearing aljazeera significant aljazeera voice alqaeda carried 911 acts mouthpiece terrorist groups hamas hezbollah aljazeera reporter samer allawi custody israel suspicion agent hamas however cap failed highlight iranian press tv completely funded government iran washington dc bureau run several reports cap study omission suggests authors report funders cap want try keep distance iranian regime behind propaganda channel latest example press tvs favorable coverage cap came mauri saalakhan director peace justice foundation washington dc spoke press tvs us desk regarding benefits demonization islam muslims propaganda campaigns well funded saalakhyan called cap report revealing david j rusin director islamist watch project middle east forum noted press tv frequently uses muslim americans especially officials council american islamic relations cair promote notion life america nightmare muslims press tv also serves outlet iranian government officials including iranian intelligence minister heydar moslehi justified imprisonment american hikers shane bauer josh fattal sarah shourd claiming links western israeli intelligence services however website freethehikersorg president obama quoted saying want perfectly clear sarah shane josh never worked united states government simply openminded adventurous young people represent best america human spirit teachers artists advocates social environmental justice shourd released september 2010 500000 bail returned us two sentenced eight years prison completely innocent even according leftist noam chomsky also appeared press tv chomsky others say understand two clearly innocent young people committed lives improving world continue languish evin prison time shane joshs freedom overdue implore allow go free return families interestingly aljazeera story fear inc written mj rosenberg described senior foreign policy fellow media matters story titled funds muslimbaiting us wajahat ali lead researcher writer center american progress report islamophobia went aljazeera discuss report denounce hatemongers fearmongers drawing attention violence directed radical islam toward west one iranian press tv stories report ran headline us empire foments islamophobia cap report made much claim seven conservativeoriented foundations gave 426 million islamophobia think tanks 2001 2009 caps income one year alone according guide star monitors public policy groups 38600935 latest annual income center american progress action fund reported 8966943 means caps money surpassed think tanks attacks report 5 million one year alone cap report based grant open society foundations funded soros used information one jim lobe frequent contributor aljazeera washington dc correspondent chief washington bureau inter press service ips described journalism communication global change ips supported united nations foreign governments ford rockefeller foundations well sorosfunded open society institute lobes rhetoric reflected cap report work cited therein one authors cap report eli clifton previously worked lobe inter press service turns jim lobes story cap report used source ran headline new report identifies organizational nexus islamophobia headline another press tv story report official muslim public affairs council appeared camera promote report iranian reporter marjan asi said network scrutiny based money several extreme right jewish family foundations daniel greenfield frontpagemagcom recognized theme saying cap trying peddle jewish conspiracy theory ed lasky americanthinkercom said cap trying blame rich jews stoking socalled islamophobia caps authors may try deny intended single jewishamerican support educational activities exposing radical islam one messages taken away conservative writers iranian press tv wanted international audience know cap going conservative jews report sorosfunded cap played hands international propaganda networks regimes hostile us seen accidental

<p /> <p>Studies show that Americans are living longer than ever. That's great news, but it also means that investors in their golden years will need to rely on their nest eggs to sustain them financially for a longer time period. For that reason, we Fools believe that these investors should keep at least a portion of their net worth in the stock market. Doing so will give them a better chance at producing higher returns, and is more likely to help them keep ahead of inflation.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Of course, that doesn't mean that these investors should go crazy and invest in high-risk growth stocks. Instead, their best bet is to invest in companies with strong competitive advantages that operate in markets with good growth prospects.</p> <p>To help investors find appropriate stocks, we asked a team of Motley Fool contributors to share a stock that they think is a good fit for any retiree. Read below to see which companies they selected.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Brian Feroldi: Opens a New Window.</a>One of my favorite companies for retirees to consider owning isMasterCard . The company is the second-largest electronic-payment processor in the world, and its operations span the globe. MasterCard's enormous network and global reach give it a wide and enduring moat that help to protect it from competitive threats.</p> <p>Since electronic-payment options have been around for decades, you may assume that the company's best days are behind it. I thought so, too, until I learned that Americans still use cash or checks for about half of their purchases, which is both slow and inefficient. The numbers are even more skewed when you zoom out to include the rest of the world, as an estimated 85% of global transactions still occur using cash or check. That represents a massive opportunity for payment processors like MasterCard to continue winning share, which is why I think the company is poised for decades of strong growth ahead.</p> <p>The company's recent results confirm that the shift away from cash is still underway. MasterCard's revenue grew 10% last quarter, to $2.45 billion, and its growth would have been even faster if currency movements had been removed from the picture. The company processed more than 12.6 billions transactions during the quarter, and it now has 2.3 billion cards in circulation.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>What's really great about MasterCard's business model is that it costs the company next to nothing to process additional volume. That's a big reason why its profits have been growing at a faster pace than revenue for years. When adding in the company's generous share repurchase program to the mix -- it bought back $1.4 billion worth of stock in the last quarter alone -- it's no wonder that the company's stock has been smashing the returns of theS&amp;amp;P 500 for years.</p> <p>MasterCard's stock offers investors reliable growth, a terrific business model, and a history of market-thumping returns. That's a powerful combination that I think is too good to pass up, which is why this company is one of my largest personal holdings, and such a a great choice for any retiree.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMathGuy/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Matt Frankel: Opens a New Window.</a> One of my favorite retirement stocks is Berkshire Hathaway , which just wrapped up its annual meeting. Now, I've <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/23/if-i-could-only-buy-1-stock-this-would-be-it.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">written Opens a New Window.</a> several times before about the reasons for investing in Berkshire -- specifically, its rock-solid portfolio of subsidiary companies and stocks, and its excellent financial condition.</p> <p>One of the recurring themes of this year's Q&amp;amp;A session was the future of Berkshire. Warren Buffett did a great job of addressing investors' concerns about several issues.</p> <p>For starters, the most obvious area of concern is "what happens when Buffett is gone?" While Buffett has said before that there is a succession plan in place, he emphasized that Berkshire's culture is deeper than who's at the helm of the company, and that steps have been taken to ensure that Berkshire is still Berkshire decades into the future.</p> <p>Another area of concern is the upcoming presidential election -- specifically what a Trump presidency would mean to Berkshire. Buffett clarified that it doesn't matter who's in charge -- America is in excellent shape, and Berkshire's businesses will continue to thrive no matter who gets elected.</p> <p>In short, when investing for retirement, it's important to look for businesses that work in good times and bad. It doesn't get much better than Berkshire.</p> <p>: Whether you're saving for a future retirement, or already retired and looking for a good stock to invest in,Nucor Corporation is worth a close look. Why is now a good time? Two reasons: attractive valuation, and strong macroeconomic factors.</p> <p>Let's take a look at the macro part first. You wouldn't know it by looking at steelmaker prices during the past year:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/NUE" type="external">NUE</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>But steel demand in North America is actually very high. Even with weakness in demand from the energy and industrial machinery sector, strong demand from the automotive industry and steadily growing demand from nonresidential construction and other key industries, has demand and consumption levels quite high. The recent struggles in the industry have been largely a product of illegal dumping from foreign state-owned steel companies.</p> <p>There's been good news on this front, as tariffs and other actions have forced the bad actors to stop propping up their domestic industries. Last quarter, import volumes declined for the first time in several years, and this is likely to continue, with even more pressure on steel-producing countries like China to cut excess production, because foreign markets are clamping down on illegal trade.</p> <p>Second, while the macro picture continues to improve, Nucor -- easily the best, most-profitable steelmaker -- is also trading at a pretty reasonable value. It may look pricey at a trailing price-to-earnings multiple above 40, but its forward P/E ratio is in the mid-teens, below theS&amp;amp;P 500average.</p> <p>Add in a dividend yielding 3%, and you've got an excellent company at a reasonable price, and on the right side of the demand cycle for its industry. Put Nucor on your list.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/17/3-retirement-stocks-to-buy-in-may.aspx" type="external">3 Retirement Stocks to Buy in May Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a> owns shares of MasterCard.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/follow?original_referer=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/26/can-skyworks-solutions-inc-overcome-the-smartphone.aspx?source=iaasitlnk0000003&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;amp;region=follow_link&amp;amp;screen_name=longtermmindset&amp;amp;tw_p=followbutton&amp;amp;source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">@Longtermmind-set Opens a New Window.</a>or connect with him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feroldi-46370a5" type="external">LinkedIn Opens a New Window.</a> to see more articles like this. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway and MasterCard. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/KWMatt82/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Matthew Frankel Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway and MasterCard. The Motley Fool recommends Nucor. 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>

studies show americans living longer ever thats great news also means investors golden years need rely nest eggs sustain financially longer time period reason fools believe investors keep least portion net worth stock market give better chance producing higher returns likely help keep ahead inflation continue reading course doesnt mean investors go crazy invest highrisk growth stocks instead best bet invest companies strong competitive advantages operate markets good growth prospects help investors find appropriate stocks asked team motley fool contributors share stock think good fit retiree read see companies selected brian feroldi opens new windowone favorite companies retirees consider owning ismastercard company secondlargest electronicpayment processor world operations span globe mastercards enormous network global reach give wide enduring moat help protect competitive threats since electronicpayment options around decades may assume companys best days behind thought learned americans still use cash checks half purchases slow inefficient numbers even skewed zoom include rest world estimated 85 global transactions still occur using cash check represents massive opportunity payment processors like mastercard continue winning share think company poised decades strong growth ahead companys recent results confirm shift away cash still underway mastercards revenue grew 10 last quarter 245 billion growth would even faster currency movements removed picture company processed 126 billions transactions quarter 23 billion cards circulation advertisement whats really great mastercards business model costs company next nothing process additional volume thats big reason profits growing faster pace revenue years adding companys generous share repurchase program mix bought back 14 billion worth stock last quarter alone wonder companys stock smashing returns thesampp 500 years mastercards stock offers investors reliable growth terrific business model history marketthumping returns thats powerful combination think good pass company one largest personal holdings great choice retiree matt frankel opens new window one favorite retirement stocks berkshire hathaway wrapped annual meeting ive written opens new window several times reasons investing berkshire specifically rocksolid portfolio subsidiary companies stocks excellent financial condition one recurring themes years qampa session future berkshire warren buffett great job addressing investors concerns several issues starters obvious area concern happens buffett gone buffett said succession plan place emphasized berkshires culture deeper whos helm company steps taken ensure berkshire still berkshire decades future another area concern upcoming presidential election specifically trump presidency would mean berkshire buffett clarified doesnt matter whos charge america excellent shape berkshires businesses continue thrive matter gets elected short investing retirement important look businesses work good times bad doesnt get much better berkshire whether youre saving future retirement already retired looking good stock invest innucor corporation worth close look good time two reasons attractive valuation strong macroeconomic factors lets take look macro part first wouldnt know looking steelmaker prices past year nue data ycharts opens new window steel demand north america actually high even weakness demand energy industrial machinery sector strong demand automotive industry steadily growing demand nonresidential construction key industries demand consumption levels quite high recent struggles industry largely product illegal dumping foreign stateowned steel companies theres good news front tariffs actions forced bad actors stop propping domestic industries last quarter import volumes declined first time several years likely continue even pressure steelproducing countries like china cut excess production foreign markets clamping illegal trade second macro picture continues improve nucor easily best mostprofitable steelmaker also trading pretty reasonable value may look pricey trailing pricetoearnings multiple 40 forward pe ratio midteens thesampp 500average add dividend yielding 3 youve got excellent company reasonable price right side demand cycle industry put nucor list article 3 retirement stocks buy may opens new window originally appeared foolcom brian feroldi owns shares mastercardlike article follow ontwitter goes handle longtermmindset opens new windowor connect linkedin opens new window see articles like jason hall opens new window owns shares berkshire hathaway mastercard matthew frankel opens new window owns shares berkshire hathaway motley fool owns shares recommends berkshire hathaway mastercard 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 copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Burberry Group (NASDAQOTH: BURBY), the 160-year-old high-end clothing brand, has been struggling to hold market share amid falling sales in its most important regions. While the company has made news by investing in new product categories and cleaner retail channels in the past few years, its most recent financial report shows why the struggles of this traditional luxury brand are proving hard to overcome.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Burberry Group.</p> <p>Shares of Burberry stock have continued to fall from their high of around $29 in early 2015, as the company has struggled with declining sales.The British-based company received a major boost from the declining British pound following Brexit in the summer of 2016, since international sales then translated much higher. Yet that hasn't been enough to offset the sharp declines elsewhere, such as in the U.S. and China, some of its most important markets. For the six months ended Sept. 30, Burberry reported wholesale revenue down 14% overall year over year, with a 10% drop in Hong Kong and whopping 25% decline in the United States.</p> <p>Burberry, along with others in its category, has faced increased issues with discounted products when its luxury-priced items are marked down in department stores because of competition from lower-cost alternatives. To try to combat the need for discounting, Burberry has started pulling its products out of some mid-tier department stores in the U.S. to focus only on the higher-end market. In Asia, an economic slowdown there is being blamed for sales drops, including less travel to Hong Kong, which has been one of the company's most lucrative regions.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>For Burberry to regain some ground and be a good investment going forward, there would certainly need to be some changes to its operations. Now it looks as if the company is making some changes -- here's what to watch.</p> <p>1. Potential Coach merger. In late October, rumors started circling that Burberry and Coach (NYSE: COH) were in talks for a potential $20 billion merger. This combined company would then be one of the biggest the industry, and with a wide reach globally. Both stocks reacted to the rumors right away, as investors seemed to like the idea of potential synergies and competitive advantages of the combined company.Analysts at Wells Fargo wrote in a note to investors following the rumor that regional advantages, as well as the portfolio of products, would benefit the two companies if they combined.</p> <p>2. Cost-cutting plan. Burberry announced in May that it was attempting to deal with sales pressure by instituting a strict cost-cutting plan to keep earnings rising. The company pledged to cut 100 million pounds (about $138 million as of this writing) annualized by 2019. That would be about 10% of Burberry's operating expenses, excluding fixed rent and depreciation. The group also announced a share buyback plan for up to of up to 150 million pounds (about $208 million)starting in fiscal 2017.</p> <p>Burberry CEO Christopher Bailey, who will step down in 2017. Image source: Burberry Group</p> <p>3. Top management reorganization. Burberry management has announced quite a few changes to top management, including CEO Christopher Bailey's plans to step down in 2017. Bailey was head of design before he moved to the role of CEO in 2014. He will be replaced by Marco Gobbetti, chief executive of the brandCeline, and will return to his previous post.</p> <p>Management and analysts both have said that Gobbetti is a great operations person, so the move will allow Bailey to focus full-time on making sure Burberry's design is as good as it should be, while Gobbetti will deal with the business.Other than his stepping down, CFO CarolFairweather will step down in January, followed by COOJohn Smith later in the year.</p> <p>These points look good for Burberry. The company is also looking to upgrade its online revenue with a revamped Burberry.com in September.Still, the company is competing in an increasingly full retail market against modern companies that are proving much better at solving the retail distribution puzzle.</p> <p>Burberry does hold a relatively high dividend yield of 2.7%, which, coupled with its relatively low P/E of 21, could make this an attractive buy while waiting for a turnaround to take hold. If the company can make good on its cost-cutting initiative, then it could keep earnings stable while new management and a potential merger could yield longer-term results. However, that's speculative -- it's probably worth waiting on the sidelines to see how some of these changes shake out.</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/BSMcNew/info.aspx" type="external">Seth McNew Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Coach. 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>

burberry group nasdaqoth burby 160yearold highend clothing brand struggling hold market share amid falling sales important regions company made news investing new product categories cleaner retail channels past years recent financial report shows struggles traditional luxury brand proving hard overcome continue reading image source burberry group shares burberry stock continued fall high around 29 early 2015 company struggled declining salesthe britishbased company received major boost declining british pound following brexit summer 2016 since international sales translated much higher yet hasnt enough offset sharp declines elsewhere us china important markets six months ended sept 30 burberry reported wholesale revenue 14 overall year year 10 drop hong kong whopping 25 decline united states burberry along others category faced increased issues discounted products luxurypriced items marked department stores competition lowercost alternatives try combat need discounting burberry started pulling products midtier department stores us focus higherend market asia economic slowdown blamed sales drops including less travel hong kong one companys lucrative regions advertisement burberry regain ground good investment going forward would certainly need changes operations looks company making changes heres watch 1 potential coach merger late october rumors started circling burberry coach nyse coh talks potential 20 billion merger combined company would one biggest industry wide reach globally stocks reacted rumors right away investors seemed like idea potential synergies competitive advantages combined companyanalysts wells fargo wrote note investors following rumor regional advantages well portfolio products would benefit two companies combined 2 costcutting plan burberry announced may attempting deal sales pressure instituting strict costcutting plan keep earnings rising company pledged cut 100 million pounds 138 million writing annualized 2019 would 10 burberrys operating expenses excluding fixed rent depreciation group also announced share buyback plan 150 million pounds 208 millionstarting fiscal 2017 burberry ceo christopher bailey step 2017 image source burberry group 3 top management reorganization burberry management announced quite changes top management including ceo christopher baileys plans step 2017 bailey head design moved role ceo 2014 replaced marco gobbetti chief executive brandceline return previous post management analysts said gobbetti great operations person move allow bailey focus fulltime making sure burberrys design good gobbetti deal businessother stepping cfo carolfairweather step january followed coojohn smith later year points look good burberry company also looking upgrade online revenue revamped burberrycom septemberstill company competing increasingly full retail market modern companies proving much better solving retail distribution puzzle burberry hold relatively high dividend yield 27 coupled relatively low pe 21 could make attractive buy waiting turnaround take hold company make good costcutting initiative could keep earnings stable new management potential merger could yield longerterm results however thats speculative probably worth waiting sidelines see changes shake secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window seth mcnew opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends coach 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>Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago leader Charles Evans expressed concern Wednesday that persistently weak inflation in the U.S. may be a more enduring force than central bankers now recognize.</p> <p>"Many economists subscribe to the view that this latest drop in core inflation simply reflects temporary factors and that by early next year inflation will be back close to target," Mr. Evans said in a speech in London.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>He said that he agreed that this possible, but that "with each low monthly reading, it gets harder and harder for me to feel comfortable with the idea that the step-down last spring was simply transitory."</p> <p>Mr. Evans, who has been supportive of rate rises this year even as he has signaled his anxiety over inflation that has stayed well short of the Fed's 2% price target, didn't offer a view on the near-term outlook for interest-rate policy. But he did say that it is possible the Fed has played a role in keeping inflation weak by following policies that suggest to the broader public that inflation won't ever be allowed to exceed its 2% target.</p> <p>Mr. Evans observed that while the Fed's target is supposed to be symmetric and the central bank can sometimes allow prices to go above it, the public's expectations suggest people outside the Fed aren't buying it. He pointed to weak inflation expectations as evidence for his view.</p> <p>"To dispel the view that 2% is a ceiling, I feel our communications should be much clearer about our willingness to deliver on a symmetric inflation outcome," Mr. Evans said. "This means our public commentary needs to acknowledge a much greater chance of inflation running at 2 1/2 % in the coming years than I believe we have communicated in the past."</p> <p>Mr. Evans also said he was worried that too much of the case to boost rates right now rests on fears that very low rates will generate financial instability by way of fueling excessive risk-taking on the back of cheap borrowing costs.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"Giving too much prominence to financial stability considerations in discussions of monetary policy could erode the public's confidence in our commitment to our 2% inflation objective," Mr. Evans said. "We should now be fortifying our efforts -- reinforcing our commitment to symmetry -- so that future policy actions have the best chance for success in a low equilibrium interest rate world."</p> <p>Looking beyond inflation, Mr. Evans said "the real economy in the U.S. is on solid footing, and I expect this momentum to carry forward into 2018."</p> <p>"With healthy labor markets and much improved household and business balance sheets, the fundamentals for continued solid growth in 2018 look pretty good," he said.</p> <p>Write to Michael S. Derby at michael.derby@wsj.com @wsj.com&amp;gt;</p> <p>Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago leader Charles Evans said Wednesday he has an open mind about whether to vote for another interest-rate increase in December, expressing concern that persistently weak inflation in the U.S. may be a more enduring force than central bankers now recognize.</p> <p>Speaking to reporters following a speech to a conference organized by UBS Group AG in London, Mr. Evans said ahead of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee's policy meeting next month he will be paying close attention to signals on inflation following persistent disappointments.</p> <p>"I will be looking for signs that inflation is going to pick up, that inflation expectations have been increasing," he said, adding his decision next month will depend on these and other economic data. Asked whether that meant he had an open mind about whether to vote for a rate rise, he said "yes."</p> <p>Mr. Evans has been supportive of rate rises this year even as he has signaled his anxiety over inflation that has stayed well short of the Fed's 2% inflation target.</p> <p>In his speech, he said it is possible the Fed has played a role in keeping inflation weak by following policies that suggest to the broader public that inflation won't ever be allowed to exceed its 2% target.</p> <p>"Many economists subscribe to the view that this latest drop in core inflation simply reflects temporary factors and that by early next year inflation will be back close to target," Mr. Evans said.</p> <p>He said that he agreed that this possible, but that "with each low monthly reading, it gets harder and harder for me to feel comfortable with the idea that the step-down last spring was simply transitory."</p> <p>Mr. Evans observed that while the Fed's 2% target is supposed to be</p> <p>symmetric and sometimes allow for inflation above the target, the public's expectations suggest people outside the Fed aren't buying it. He pointed to weak inflation expectations as evidence for his view.</p> <p>"To dispel the view that 2% is a ceiling, I feel our communications should be much clearer about our willingness to deliver on a symmetric inflation outcome," Mr. Evans said. "This means our public commentary needs to acknowledge a much greater chance of inflation running at 2 1/2 % in the coming years than I believe we have communicated in the past."</p> <p>Mr. Evans also said he was worried that too much of the case to boost rates right now rests on fears that very low rates will generate financial instability by way of fueling excessive risk-taking on the back of cheap borrowing costs.</p> <p>"Giving too much prominence to financial stability considerations in discussions of monetary policy could erode the public's confidence in our commitment to our 2% inflation objective," Mr. Evans said. "We should now be fortifying our efforts -- reinforcing our commitment to symmetry -- so that future policy actions have the best chance for success in a low equilibrium interest rate world."</p> <p>Looking beyond inflation, Mr. Evans said "the real economy in the U.S. is on solid footing, and I expect this momentum to carry forward into 2018."</p> <p>"With healthy labor markets and much improved household and business balance sheets, the fundamentals for continued solid growth in 2018 look pretty good," he said.</p> <p>He added he thought newly appointed Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell will do "a very good job" when he succeeds Janet Yellen in February.</p> <p>Write to Michael S. Derby at michael.derby@wsj.com and Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 15, 2017 12:44 ET (17:44 GMT)</p>

federal reserve bank chicago leader charles evans expressed concern wednesday persistently weak inflation us may enduring force central bankers recognize many economists subscribe view latest drop core inflation simply reflects temporary factors early next year inflation back close target mr evans said speech london continue reading said agreed possible low monthly reading gets harder harder feel comfortable idea stepdown last spring simply transitory mr evans supportive rate rises year even signaled anxiety inflation stayed well short feds 2 price target didnt offer view nearterm outlook interestrate policy say possible fed played role keeping inflation weak following policies suggest broader public inflation wont ever allowed exceed 2 target mr evans observed feds target supposed symmetric central bank sometimes allow prices go publics expectations suggest people outside fed arent buying pointed weak inflation expectations evidence view dispel view 2 ceiling feel communications much clearer willingness deliver symmetric inflation outcome mr evans said means public commentary needs acknowledge much greater chance inflation running 2 12 coming years believe communicated past mr evans also said worried much case boost rates right rests fears low rates generate financial instability way fueling excessive risktaking back cheap borrowing costs advertisement giving much prominence financial stability considerations discussions monetary policy could erode publics confidence commitment 2 inflation objective mr evans said fortifying efforts reinforcing commitment symmetry future policy actions best chance success low equilibrium interest rate world looking beyond inflation mr evans said real economy us solid footing expect momentum carry forward 2018 healthy labor markets much improved household business balance sheets fundamentals continued solid growth 2018 look pretty good said write michael derby michaelderbywsjcom wsjcomgt federal reserve bank chicago leader charles evans said wednesday open mind whether vote another interestrate increase december expressing concern persistently weak inflation us may enduring force central bankers recognize speaking reporters following speech conference organized ubs group ag london mr evans said ahead ratesetting federal open market committees policy meeting next month paying close attention signals inflation following persistent disappointments looking signs inflation going pick inflation expectations increasing said adding decision next month depend economic data asked whether meant open mind whether vote rate rise said yes mr evans supportive rate rises year even signaled anxiety inflation stayed well short feds 2 inflation target speech said possible fed played role keeping inflation weak following policies suggest broader public inflation wont ever allowed exceed 2 target many economists subscribe view latest drop core inflation simply reflects temporary factors early next year inflation back close target mr evans said said agreed possible low monthly reading gets harder harder feel comfortable idea stepdown last spring simply transitory mr evans observed feds 2 target supposed symmetric sometimes allow inflation target publics expectations suggest people outside fed arent buying pointed weak inflation expectations evidence view dispel view 2 ceiling feel communications much clearer willingness deliver symmetric inflation outcome mr evans said means public commentary needs acknowledge much greater chance inflation running 2 12 coming years believe communicated past mr evans also said worried much case boost rates right rests fears low rates generate financial instability way fueling excessive risktaking back cheap borrowing costs giving much prominence financial stability considerations discussions monetary policy could erode publics confidence commitment 2 inflation objective mr evans said fortifying efforts reinforcing commitment symmetry future policy actions best chance success low equilibrium interest rate world looking beyond inflation mr evans said real economy us solid footing expect momentum carry forward 2018 healthy labor markets much improved household business balance sheets fundamentals continued solid growth 2018 look pretty good said added thought newly appointed federal reserve chief jerome powell good job succeeds janet yellen february write michael derby michaelderbywsjcom jason douglas jasondouglaswsjcom end dow jones newswires november 15 2017 1244 et 1744 gmt

<p /> <p>Silicon Valley has long been accused of being a closed boys&#8217; club. But today, women entrepreneurs are cracking it open, creating initiatives and opportunities in their wake.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>It&#8217;s a common charge &#8212; Silicon Valley is &#8220;a boys&#8217; club.&#8221; However, it&#8217;s not just a spurious claim. A 2011 University of California, Davis, study, entitled &#8220; <a href="http://gsm.ucdavis.edu/digital-publication/2011-uc-davis-study-california-women-business-leaders" type="external">California Women Business Leaders</a>,&#8221; shows that &#8220;women hold 1 in 9 of the top corporate spots&#8221; in the state&#8217;s 400 largest companies. And according to a report at SFGate: &#8220; <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/openforum/article/Tech-sector-s-glass-ceiling-3721210.php" type="external">Silicon Valley is the most male-dominated of any region</a>. In last year's study, of the 113 firms in [the area], 42 had no women on the board of directors or in the top five highest-compensated positions.&#8221;</p> <p>Not only are a relative handful of women entrepreneurs getting funded, but nationwide, women make up 12 percent of all venture capitalists at best. This is nothing new, claims business legend Kay Koplovitz, founder of USA Network and chairwoman of <a href="https://www.springboardenterprises.org/" type="external">Springboard Enterprises</a>, a nonprofit organization that helps women accelerate their path to equity markets.</p> <p>Koplovitz remembers her epiphany &#8212; in the midst of the dot-com boom (when the number of women entrepreneurs surged), women-owned companies only got a mere 1.7 percent of the billions of funds invested in 1997. Curious, Koplovitz asked the VCs she knew, &#8220;Do you see women? Do you invest in them?&#8221; And she was frankly told, &#8220;No, we don&#8217;t see them.&#8221; She realized that women entrepreneurs weren&#8217;t being rejected, but rather weren&#8217;t visible in the first place. &#8220;There was a disconnect,&#8221; she recalls. &#8220;Women were just not in the game.&#8221;</p> <p>Realizing she &#8220;needed to create an ecosystem friendly to women entrepreneurs,&#8221; Koplovitz co-founded Springboard Enterprises in 1999. The organization is dedicated to building women-led businesses by offering education, networking and other forms of support.</p> <p>Like Koplovitz, Lauren Flanagan was an exception to the norm. Her WebWare company (one of the first software-as-a-service, or SaaS, firms) got funded in 2000. Inspired by that experience, Flanagan went on to start an angel fund, Phenomenelle. Today, her new early-stage angel fund, <a href="http://www.bellevc.com/index.html" type="external">Belle Capital</a>, &#8220;sees tons of deals [from women-owned businesses].&#8221; Flanagan adds, &#8220;but I can&#8217;t fund them all.&#8221;</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Both Koplovitz and Flanagan see a brighter future as more women go into science and engineering. They&#8217;ve recently noticed more women mixing with men on startup teams, and more women in the C-suite &#8212; and that gives them hope.</p> <p>A place of their own But it wasn&#8217;t always that way. That&#8217;s why Koplovitz started Springboard &#8212; since women weren&#8217;t allowed in the boys&#8217; club, they needed a place to go. &#8220;It&#8217;s all about the building out of networks,&#8221; she says, &#8220;specifically about the human capital.&#8221; You don&#8217;t get funded by &#8220;cold calling,&#8221; Koplovitz says. &#8220;Someone has to bring you to the dance.&#8221; She predicts women-owned enterprises will become so prominent, &#8220;the guys are going to want to be in our club.&#8221;</p> <p>And she notes that while Silicon Valley is slow to embrace women entrepreneurs, the current funding scene in top markets has seen a bit of an improvement. Koplovitz says women-owned businesses fare better in Boston and New York (the second- and third-ranking cities for VC funding overall) because the types of companies making deals &#8212; more biotech in Boston, and more digital media, fashion and consumer products in New York &#8212; are owned by women.</p> <p>Flanagan notes that women control more than 50 percent of the wealth in America, yet make up less than 10 percent of early-stage investors. But she believes this will change as more women (the baby boomers, in particular) approach what Flanagan calls &#8220;Chapter 2&#8221; in their lives and become more interested in investing. She predicts this will help more women-led businesses get funded &#8212; not because women VCs give preference to women, but because investing in these businesses simply makes sense. &#8220;The biggest growth is in the female market,&#8221; she adds.</p> <p>So far, Springboard has certainly made an impact. It has helped more than 500 women-led businesses get funded (to the tune of $5.5 billion), including 10 IPOs of household-name companies, like Zipcar, iRobot and Constant Contact. Eighty percent of those businesses are still in business today.</p> <p>The power of human capital Flanagan says she&#8217;s &#8220;hugely optimistic&#8221; and notes that help is coming from all quarters. Flanagan herself got funding help from the <a href="http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/d/secure/2012-06-07-dell-innovation-startup-financing" type="external">Dell Innovators Credit Fund</a>, a new $100 million financing initiative. She was able to expand her Current Motor Company (which makes <a href="http://www.currentmotor.com/" type="external">electric &#8220;super-scooters&#8221;</a>) because of connections she made while attending last year&#8217;s <a href="http://content.dell.com/us/en/business/women-powering-business" type="external">Dell Women&#8217;s Entrepreneur Network</a> (DWEN) conference in Brazil, which is the world&#8217;s third-largest market for scooters.</p> <p>Attending DWEN worked for Koplovitz as well. At the first DWEN conference in 2010 in Shanghai, she made a connection that led to last spring&#8217;s launch of Springboard Enterprises in Australia.</p> <p>Women need to &#8220;go out and aggressively build a network,&#8221; especially in their industry, Koplovitz advises. &#8220;You can&#8217;t underestimate the value of human capital,&#8221; she emphasizes. &#8220;The first time you meet [a potential investor] can&#8217;t be when you&#8217;re asking for funding.&#8221;</p> <p>Flanagan says more women are graduating from college, getting advanced science degrees, starting businesses and accumulating wealth. She adds, &#8220;We now have the chance to make tectonic changes.&#8221;</p> <p>Koplovitz is &#8220;wildly optimistic&#8221; about what she sees. &#8220;Entrepreneurs are undaunted by difficult conditions,&#8221; she says, &#8220;and millions are ready to take the risk. There&#8217;s an absolute feast of opportunities &#8212; more than has ever been [available] before.&#8221;</p> <p>&#169; <a href="http://businessonmain.msn.com/" type="external">Business on Main</a>. Sign up for our <a href="https://sprintsbsbey3.msn.com/registration.aspx" type="external">Main Street Authority newsletter</a> to get articles like this delivered monthly to your inbox.</p>

silicon valley long accused closed boys club today women entrepreneurs cracking open creating initiatives opportunities wake continue reading common charge silicon valley boys club however spurious claim 2011 university california davis study entitled california women business leaders shows women hold 1 9 top corporate spots states 400 largest companies according report sfgate silicon valley maledominated region last years study 113 firms area 42 women board directors top five highestcompensated positions relative handful women entrepreneurs getting funded nationwide women make 12 percent venture capitalists best nothing new claims business legend kay koplovitz founder usa network chairwoman springboard enterprises nonprofit organization helps women accelerate path equity markets koplovitz remembers epiphany midst dotcom boom number women entrepreneurs surged womenowned companies got mere 17 percent billions funds invested 1997 curious koplovitz asked vcs knew see women invest frankly told dont see realized women entrepreneurs werent rejected rather werent visible first place disconnect recalls women game realizing needed create ecosystem friendly women entrepreneurs koplovitz cofounded springboard enterprises 1999 organization dedicated building womenled businesses offering education networking forms support like koplovitz lauren flanagan exception norm webware company one first softwareasaservice saas firms got funded 2000 inspired experience flanagan went start angel fund phenomenelle today new earlystage angel fund belle capital sees tons deals womenowned businesses flanagan adds cant fund advertisement koplovitz flanagan see brighter future women go science engineering theyve recently noticed women mixing men startup teams women csuite gives hope place wasnt always way thats koplovitz started springboard since women werent allowed boys club needed place go building networks says specifically human capital dont get funded cold calling koplovitz says someone bring dance predicts womenowned enterprises become prominent guys going want club notes silicon valley slow embrace women entrepreneurs current funding scene top markets seen bit improvement koplovitz says womenowned businesses fare better boston new york second thirdranking cities vc funding overall types companies making deals biotech boston digital media fashion consumer products new york owned women flanagan notes women control 50 percent wealth america yet make less 10 percent earlystage investors believes change women baby boomers particular approach flanagan calls chapter 2 lives become interested investing predicts help womenled businesses get funded women vcs give preference women investing businesses simply makes sense biggest growth female market adds far springboard certainly made impact helped 500 womenled businesses get funded tune 55 billion including 10 ipos householdname companies like zipcar irobot constant contact eighty percent businesses still business today power human capital flanagan says shes hugely optimistic notes help coming quarters flanagan got funding help dell innovators credit fund new 100 million financing initiative able expand current motor company makes electric superscooters connections made attending last years dell womens entrepreneur network dwen conference brazil worlds thirdlargest market scooters attending dwen worked koplovitz well first dwen conference 2010 shanghai made connection led last springs launch springboard enterprises australia women need go aggressively build network especially industry koplovitz advises cant underestimate value human capital emphasizes first time meet potential investor cant youre asking funding flanagan says women graduating college getting advanced science degrees starting businesses accumulating wealth adds chance make tectonic changes koplovitz wildly optimistic sees entrepreneurs undaunted difficult conditions says millions ready take risk theres absolute feast opportunities ever available business main sign main street authority newsletter get articles like delivered monthly inbox

<p /> <p>For many retired workers, Social Security isn't just some ancillary income channel that pads their pockets during retirement. It's a vital source of income without which millions of seniors would likely be living in poverty.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>According to the latest data snapshot from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in January 2017, nearly 41.4 million retired workers were receiving an average of $1,362.64 per month. The data show that slightly more than 60% of these retired workers will rely on their Social Security benefits to comprise at least half of their monthly income.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Because Social Security is such a critical program for our nation's seniors, it pays for retirees (as well as future retirees) to keep a very watchful eye on what changes could be coming down the pipeline.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Obviously, political changes are a bit hard to predict. President Trump has suggested that he wouldn't be looking to directly alter the Social Security program, and would instead tackle things indirectly by focusing on economic growth. Since the payroll tax is the primary funding tool of Social Security, a faster growing economy could indeed lift Social Security's coffers and help stem an estimated $11 trillion budgetary shortfall in the program. Trump is hopeful that individual and corporate tax reforms, as well as a focus on new trade deals, domestic energy, and a long-term infrastructure plan, will add this desired growth and lift Social Security.</p> <p>In the much nearer term (i.e., by next year), we have a bit more visibility when it comes to direct aspects of Social Security that are likely ripe for change. Here are three Social Security changes that I believe can be practically locked in as a given in 2018.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Unless there's some serious cohesion in Congress and a new Social Security bill is passed, the full retirement age for new retirees born in 1956 will be rising by two months in 2018 to 66 years and four months.</p> <p>Your full retirement age, which is determined by your birth year, is the age at which the SSA deems you eligible to receive 100% of your monthly benefit payment. This benefit is determined by factoring in your 35 highest-earning years of work. For persons born in 1956, claiming Social Security at any point between age 62 and age 66 and four months will mean accepting a reduced payout for life. Likewise, waiting until age 66 years and five months all the way until age 70 could lead to an even larger payout than what you're due at your full retirement age.</p> <p>The 2018 increase in the full retirement age was actually signed into law all the way back in 1983 by Congress in order to account for lengthening life expectancies. Long story short, if you're born in 1956 (or later), you're going to have to wait even longer to receive 100% of your benefits, or you'll have to be willing to accept a steeper reduction in your lifetime payouts.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>There are still many months to go before Social Security's inflation calculation is made and 2018's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is announced, but as things stand now, it's looking quite favorable that seniors will net their largest COLA in years.</p> <p>Right now, Social Security's COLA is governed by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The average third-quarter reading from the previous year serves as the baseline, while the average third-quarter reading from the current year serves as the comparison point. If the CPI-W falls year-over-year, there is no COLA (i.e., beneficiaries receive the same benefit payment without a "raise"). If there is an increase, beneficiaries receive the difference rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent.</p> <p>Recently released data from January showed a healthy 0.3% rise in the core Consumer Price Index (a different measure than the CPI-W), lifting the year-over-year increase to 2.3%, which is ahead of the oft-targeted 2% inflation rate of the Federal Reserve. With inflation seemingly starting to pick up, seniors should expect a return to a normal COLA in 2018.</p> <p>However, it's still important to remember that the "raise" seniors are receiving is merely meant to match the inflation rate, not put seniors ahead of the curve. If anything, with COLAs falling short of the medical inflation rate in 33 of the past 35 years, COLAs are doing a pretty poor job of keeping seniors on par with the real inflation they're facing.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Also, with a growing economy, it's not uncommon to see a nominal increase in wages among the nation's labor force. The National Average Wage Index (AWI) is what's behind <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/01/28/81-years-of-social-securitys-maximum-taxable-earni.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Social Security's maximum taxable earnings Opens a New Window.</a>, meaning a steady increase in U.S. GDP probably means a healthy increase in maximum taxable earnings.</p> <p>As noted above, Social Security's payroll tax is what provides the bulk of revenue to the program (86.4% in 2015, according to the SSA). In 2017, earned income between $0.01 and $127,200 was subject to the 12.4% payroll tax to fund Social Security. It's worth noting that most workers don't pay the full 12.4%. Instead, the total is split down the middle between employers (6.2%) and employees (6.2%). For the wealthy, it means any earned income beyond $127,200 is free and clear of Social Security's payroll tax.</p> <p>While it's tough to gauge how much of an increase we're on track to see in the AWI, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a roughly 3% increase in maximum taxable earnings, pushing the upper boundary of the scale to north of $130,000. Long story short, expect the rich to pay more in 2018.</p> <p>There's still plenty of time for these scenarios to be altered, but these Social Security changes are looking very probable in 2018.</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;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>

many retired workers social security isnt ancillary income channel pads pockets retirement vital source income without millions seniors would likely living poverty continue reading according latest data snapshot social security administration ssa january 2017 nearly 414 million retired workers receiving average 136264 per month data show slightly 60 retired workers rely social security benefits comprise least half monthly income image source getty images social security critical program nations seniors pays retirees well future retirees keep watchful eye changes could coming pipeline advertisement obviously political changes bit hard predict president trump suggested wouldnt looking directly alter social security program would instead tackle things indirectly focusing economic growth since payroll tax primary funding tool social security faster growing economy could indeed lift social securitys coffers help stem estimated 11 trillion budgetary shortfall program trump hopeful individual corporate tax reforms well focus new trade deals domestic energy longterm infrastructure plan add desired growth lift social security much nearer term ie next year bit visibility comes direct aspects social security likely ripe change three social security changes believe practically locked given 2018 image source getty images unless theres serious cohesion congress new social security bill passed full retirement age new retirees born 1956 rising two months 2018 66 years four months full retirement age determined birth year age ssa deems eligible receive 100 monthly benefit payment benefit determined factoring 35 highestearning years work persons born 1956 claiming social security point age 62 age 66 four months mean accepting reduced payout life likewise waiting age 66 years five months way age 70 could lead even larger payout youre due full retirement age 2018 increase full retirement age actually signed law way back 1983 congress order account lengthening life expectancies long story short youre born 1956 later youre going wait even longer receive 100 benefits youll willing accept steeper reduction lifetime payouts image source getty images still many months go social securitys inflation calculation made 2018s costofliving adjustment cola announced things stand looking quite favorable seniors net largest cola years right social securitys cola governed consumer price index urban wage earners clerical workers cpiw average thirdquarter reading previous year serves baseline average thirdquarter reading current year serves comparison point cpiw falls yearoveryear cola ie beneficiaries receive benefit payment without raise increase beneficiaries receive difference rounded nearest tenth percent recently released data january showed healthy 03 rise core consumer price index different measure cpiw lifting yearoveryear increase 23 ahead ofttargeted 2 inflation rate federal reserve inflation seemingly starting pick seniors expect return normal cola 2018 however still important remember raise seniors receiving merely meant match inflation rate put seniors ahead curve anything colas falling short medical inflation rate 33 past 35 years colas pretty poor job keeping seniors par real inflation theyre facing image source getty images also growing economy uncommon see nominal increase wages among nations labor force national average wage index awi whats behind social securitys maximum taxable earnings opens new window meaning steady increase us gdp probably means healthy increase maximum taxable earnings noted social securitys payroll tax provides bulk revenue program 864 2015 according ssa 2017 earned income 001 127200 subject 124 payroll tax fund social security worth noting workers dont pay full 124 instead total split middle employers 62 employees 62 wealthy means earned income beyond 127200 free clear social securitys payroll tax tough gauge much increase track see awi wouldnt rule possibility roughly 3 increase maximum taxable earnings pushing upper boundary scale north 130000 long story short expect rich pay 2018 theres still plenty time scenarios altered social security changes looking probable 2018 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>FOX Business: The Power to Prosper</p> <p>Tech heavyweights weighed on sentiment, and commodities felt a deeper crunch as oil and gold continued their steep declines Wednesday.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The Dow Jones Industrial Average was 68 points lower, or 0.38% to 17851. The S&amp;amp;P 500 shed 5 points, or 0.24% to 2114, while the Nasdaq Composite shed 36 points, or 0.70 % to 5171.</p> <p>Today&#8217;s Markets</p> <p>Tech juggernauts Apple (NASDAQ:APPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) were among the main laggards on the Dow Wednesday after the companies revealed quarterly earnings that disappointed investors.</p> <p>After the bell Tuesday, <a href="" type="internal">Apple unveiled headline results that beat forecasts</a>, but it was the current-quarter outlook and a miss on some iPhone sales targets in the fiscal third quarter that had investors worried, and the stock plunging.</p> <p>Apple said it sold 47.5 million iPhones during the quarter, but analysts had hoped for sales around 49 million. The iPhone sales figure was a 35% increase from the year-ago period, but a 22% drop from the company&#8217;s fiscal second quarter. No details were given on the company&#8217;s watch sales. As for its upcoming fiscal fourth quarter, the tech behemoth said it expects revenue to come in below estimates.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Apple shares closed the session 3% lower.</p> <p>While investors shed their shares in the company, analysts at Cantor said despite the weak numbers they still considers <a href="" type="internal">Apple a buy</a>.</p> <p>&#8220;Apple is still in the midst of a transformational super cycle with the first new product category in five years with the Apple Watch, a multi-year iPhone cycle given the larger form factor, big momentum in China, potential new areas of innovation and a rapidly expanding digital matrix,&#8221; analysts wrote in a note.</p> <p>Meanwhile, like its rival, despite a beat on the headline numbers, <a href="" type="internal">Microsoft booked a $3.2 billion net loss</a>as it was hit with charges related to its Nokia phone business, job cuts and slowing demand for Windows. &amp;#160;The technology company&#8217;s shares ended down 3%.</p> <p>Elsewhere on the corporate earnings front, Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) were out with their latest results ahead of the bell Wednesday.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal">The aerospace giant handily beat Wall Street expectations</a>with earnings per share of $1.62 on sales of $24.5 billion topping forecasts for $1.37 cents a share on revenue of $24.22 billion.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal">Coca-Cola also revealed a beat on both lines</a> for the second quarter. Profits of 63 cents topped views by three cents, while revenue of $12.16 billion beat forecasts for $12.06 billion.</p> <p>Boeing and Coca-Cola shares also climbed higher in recent action.</p> <p>After the closing bell, investors were set for a peek at results from Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:TXN), and American Express (NYSE:AXP).</p> <p>Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI) and Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) shares came under pressure late in the session Wednesday as concerns mounted over whether the merger between the two oilfield services companies would be approved by regulators. Regulators are reportedly concerned about antitrust issues, and that the industry would become too concentrated after the merger, Bloomberg News reported citing people familiar with the situation.</p> <p>Both of the company&#8217;s shares tumbled during the session, but closed well off session lows.</p> <p>The economic calendar remained light on Wednesday with existing home sales data that showed robust improvement in the housing market. Sales of existing single-family homes rose to an 8-1/2 year high, up 3.2% in June to an annualized rate of 5.49 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors. The reading was higher than the increase to 5.40 million units for the month Wall Street expected.</p> <p>IHS U.S. economists Stephanie Karol and Kristin Reynolds called it a &#8220;solid report&#8221; in a note following the data&#8217;s release.</p> <p>&#8220;The share of first-time buyers ticked down, but the level of first-time purchasing advanced 17.4% year-on-year &#8211; nothing to sneeze at&#8230;we expect headline existing home sales to surpass 5.5 million by the end of the year,&#8221; they noted.</p> <p>In commodities, <a href="" type="internal">gold remained under pressure,</a> extending its longest losing streak in more than 15 years as investors worry about when the Fed will begin to raise short-term interest rates and the impact of a stronger dollar. Investors are also leaving the safe-haven after intense worries surrounding Greece and its debt have subsided as the nation&#8217;s future in the eurozone looks to be in tact for now.</p> <p>The precious metal continued to lose its luster, and settled at a new 52-week low. Gold fell 0.98% to $1,092 a troy ounce in recent action, on track for a tenth-consecutive day of declines.</p> <p><a href="" type="internal">U.S. crude oil prices, meanwhile, dropped 1.70%</a>&amp;#160;to $49.15 a barrel. Brent, the international benchmark, also fell by 1.03% to $56.01 a barrel.</p> <p>Larry Shover, chief investment officer at Solutions Funds Group, said volatility has tended to gravitate toward currencies and commodities as of late.</p> <p>&#8220;The contrast and influence of a stronger U.S. economy and a Fed that is on the cusp of hiking rates while many other central banks are biased to ease further has promoted the ongoing themes of a strong dollar and weak commodities,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>He added that the sharp move lower is also due to the darker side of mediocre economic growth, pointing to 2Q GDP expectations that have been revised lower in recent weeks and a global growth pace stuck near 2%.</p> <p>&#8220;Low growth has been a boost to asset prices for the past five years as it lowered volatility and kept money easy. The benefit is becoming exhausted. Instead, I am becoming worried about low productivity growth and remaining pockets of leverage,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>In currencies, the euro fell 0.27% against the U.S. dollar. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell 0.019 of a percentage point to 2.324%. Bond yields move in the opposite direction of prices.</p> <p>Elsewhere in the world, Asia markets were mixed. China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite index added 0.21%. Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng lost 0.99%. Japan&#8217;s Nikkei slumped 1.19%.</p> <p>The Euro Stoxx 50, which tracks large-cap companies in the eurozone fell 0.29%. Meanwhile, the German Dax declined 0.70%, the French CAC 40 was 0.46% lower, while the UK&#8217;s FTSE 100 shed 1.49%.</p>

fox business power prosper tech heavyweights weighed sentiment commodities felt deeper crunch oil gold continued steep declines wednesday continue reading dow jones industrial average 68 points lower 038 17851 sampp 500 shed 5 points 024 2114 nasdaq composite shed 36 points 070 5171 todays markets tech juggernauts apple nasdaqappl microsoft nasdaqmsft among main laggards dow wednesday companies revealed quarterly earnings disappointed investors bell tuesday apple unveiled headline results beat forecasts currentquarter outlook miss iphone sales targets fiscal third quarter investors worried stock plunging apple said sold 475 million iphones quarter analysts hoped sales around 49 million iphone sales figure 35 increase yearago period 22 drop companys fiscal second quarter details given companys watch sales upcoming fiscal fourth quarter tech behemoth said expects revenue come estimates advertisement apple shares closed session 3 lower investors shed shares company analysts cantor said despite weak numbers still considers apple buy apple still midst transformational super cycle first new product category five years apple watch multiyear iphone cycle given larger form factor big momentum china potential new areas innovation rapidly expanding digital matrix analysts wrote note meanwhile like rival despite beat headline numbers microsoft booked 32 billion net lossas hit charges related nokia phone business job cuts slowing demand windows 160the technology companys shares ended 3 elsewhere corporate earnings front boeing nyseba cocacola nyseko latest results ahead bell wednesday aerospace giant handily beat wall street expectationswith earnings per share 162 sales 245 billion topping forecasts 137 cents share revenue 2422 billion cocacola also revealed beat lines second quarter profits 63 cents topped views three cents revenue 1216 billion beat forecasts 1206 billion boeing cocacola shares also climbed higher recent action closing bell investors set peek results qualcomm nasdaqqcom texas instruments nasdaqtxn american express nyseaxp baker hughes nysebhi halliburton nysehal shares came pressure late session wednesday concerns mounted whether merger two oilfield services companies would approved regulators regulators reportedly concerned antitrust issues industry would become concentrated merger bloomberg news reported citing people familiar situation companys shares tumbled session closed well session lows economic calendar remained light wednesday existing home sales data showed robust improvement housing market sales existing singlefamily homes rose 812 year high 32 june annualized rate 549 million units according national association realtors reading higher increase 540 million units month wall street expected ihs us economists stephanie karol kristin reynolds called solid report note following datas release share firsttime buyers ticked level firsttime purchasing advanced 174 yearonyear nothing sneeze atwe expect headline existing home sales surpass 55 million end year noted commodities gold remained pressure extending longest losing streak 15 years investors worry fed begin raise shortterm interest rates impact stronger dollar investors also leaving safehaven intense worries surrounding greece debt subsided nations future eurozone looks tact precious metal continued lose luster settled new 52week low gold fell 098 1092 troy ounce recent action track tenthconsecutive day declines us crude oil prices meanwhile dropped 170160to 4915 barrel brent international benchmark also fell 103 5601 barrel larry shover chief investment officer solutions funds group said volatility tended gravitate toward currencies commodities late contrast influence stronger us economy fed cusp hiking rates many central banks biased ease promoted ongoing themes strong dollar weak commodities said added sharp move lower also due darker side mediocre economic growth pointing 2q gdp expectations revised lower recent weeks global growth pace stuck near 2 low growth boost asset prices past five years lowered volatility kept money easy benefit becoming exhausted instead becoming worried low productivity growth remaining pockets leverage said currencies euro fell 027 us dollar yield benchmark 10year us treasury note fell 0019 percentage point 2324 bond yields move opposite direction prices elsewhere world asia markets mixed chinas shanghai composite index added 021 hong kongs hang seng lost 099 japans nikkei slumped 119 euro stoxx 50 tracks largecap companies eurozone fell 029 meanwhile german dax declined 070 french cac 40 046 lower uks ftse 100 shed 149