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<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>You've probably heard that it's a good idea to check your <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/01/19/9-credit-report-myths-you-need-to-know.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06da2858-a21d-11e7-bdc5-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">credit report</a> regularly for errors or signs of fraud. If your report contains late payments that you're sure you made on time, unwarranted collections accounts, or even fraudulent credit accounts, then your credit score could take a serious hit. But do you know what to do once you've spotted such problems?</p> <p>Here's a simple how-to for spotting and resolving errors in your credit report.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>At a bare minimum, you'll want to check your credit report at least once a year. You can get a free credit report as often as every four months; each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union) will issue you a free credit report once every 12 months. Because the three different credit reports will sometimes have different information on them, you might also choose to order all three reports at the same time once every year. You're also entitled to an extra free report if you're unemployed and looking for a job or if you're on welfare. To get your free credit report(s), visit <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action" type="external">annualcreditreport.com</a> or go directly to the individual credit bureaus' websites.</p> <p>Once you have one or more credit reports in front of you, look for any signs of trouble -- accounts that you don't recognize, new and unfamiliar collections actions, or even errors in your personal information, such as an incorrect mailing address. Because the information on your credit report is used by lenders, employers, and many others, you'll want to correct even small <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/08/5-credit-report-errors-that-will-cost-you.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06da2858-a21d-11e7-bdc5-0050569d4be0&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">errors</a> immediately.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>If you spot an error or fraudulent account in your name, you'll need to file your dispute in writing with the credit bureau that issued the report. The Federal Trade Commission has a <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0384-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report" type="external">sample dispute letter</a> on its website that you can use as a template. Your letter should include your full name and mailing address, a clear and complete listing of each item you're disputing, and an explanation of how the item was incorrect. If you have any documentation that supports your claim, send copies (not originals) of those documents along with your dispute letter. Send your dispute letter by certified mail, including the "return receipt requested" option. That will give you proof that the credit bureau received your letter, along with the exact date they received it. You can also submit disputes online using the credit bureau's website; in fact, Experian now only accepts disputes submitted through its website.</p> <p>The credit bureau is required to investigate your dispute unless it's obviously frivolous, and it will usually do so within 30 days. The bureau is also required to forward your dispute to the company that initially reported the disputed item. For example, if you see a credit card on your report that you don't recognize and you dispute it, the bureau will forward your dispute information to that credit card company. The credit card company in turn will be required to investigate your claim and report back to the credit bureau with its findings. If the credit card company finds that your claim is correct, it must inform all three bureaus and ask them to fix your credit reports.</p> <p>While the credit bureau should pass your dispute along to the company that provided the original information, you should also send a copy of your dispute letter (and copies of any backup documentation) directly to that company. Send the letter by certified mail and with return receipt requested to the company's address as it appears on your credit report; if there is no address, call the company and ask them what address you should use for your dispute letter. The company is then required to contact the credit bureau and either tell them about your dispute or (if they agree with you) have them remove the offending item from your credit report. Contacting both the originating company and the credit bureau helps to ensure that someone will do something about your dispute.</p> <p>After the investigation is complete, the credit bureau is required to send the results to you in writing. If your credit report changed as a result of your dispute, you'll receive an extra free copy of your newly revised report. You can also ask the credit bureau to send the updated version of your credit report to anyone who got a copy of the report within the last six months (or the last two years, for reports that were pulled for employment purposes).</p> <p>If the originating company refuses to remove the offending information, you can ask the credit bureau to include a statement of your dispute in your file for future credit reports. For a fee, you can also have the credit bureau send a copy of your dispute statement to everyone who recently requested your credit report.</p> <p>If your dispute doesn't work out as you'd hoped, don't despair -- with time, the item will drop off your credit report on its own. Most negative information will disappear from your credit report after seven years. That's a long time to wait, but at least the item won't be hanging around your neck forever.</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! 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youve probably heard good idea check credit report regularly errors signs fraud report contains late payments youre sure made time unwarranted collections accounts even fraudulent credit accounts credit score could take serious hit know youve spotted problems heres simple howto spotting resolving errors credit report continue reading bare minimum youll want check credit report least year get free credit report often every four months three credit bureaus experian equifax trans union issue free credit report every 12 months three different credit reports sometimes different information might also choose order three reports time every year youre also entitled extra free report youre unemployed looking job youre welfare get free credit reports visit annualcreditreportcom go directly individual credit bureaus websites one credit reports front look signs trouble accounts dont recognize new unfamiliar collections actions even errors personal information incorrect mailing address information credit report used lenders employers many others youll want correct even small errors immediately advertisement spot error fraudulent account name youll need file dispute writing credit bureau issued report federal trade commission sample dispute letter website use template letter include full name mailing address clear complete listing item youre disputing explanation item incorrect documentation supports claim send copies originals documents along dispute letter send dispute letter certified mail including return receipt requested option give proof credit bureau received letter along exact date received also submit disputes online using credit bureaus website fact experian accepts disputes submitted website credit bureau required investigate dispute unless obviously frivolous usually within 30 days bureau also required forward dispute company initially reported disputed item example see credit card report dont recognize dispute bureau forward dispute information credit card company credit card company turn required investigate claim report back credit bureau findings credit card company finds claim correct must inform three bureaus ask fix credit reports credit bureau pass dispute along company provided original information also send copy dispute letter copies backup documentation directly company send letter certified mail return receipt requested companys address appears credit report address call company ask address use dispute letter company required contact credit bureau either tell dispute agree remove offending item credit report contacting originating company credit bureau helps ensure someone something dispute investigation complete credit bureau required send results writing credit report changed result dispute youll receive extra free copy newly revised report also ask credit bureau send updated version credit report anyone got copy report within last six months last two years reports pulled employment purposes originating company refuses remove offending information ask credit bureau include statement dispute file future credit reports fee also credit bureau send copy dispute statement everyone recently requested credit report dispute doesnt work youd hoped dont despair time item drop credit report negative information disappear credit report seven years thats long time wait least item wont hanging around neck forever 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 motley fool disclosure policy

<p>You'd be excused for thinking that Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) is on the verge of losing customers, as the nation's third biggest bank by assets was caught opening up to 2 million fraudulent customer accounts in order to boost its fee-based revenue. Despite the egregious nature of its behavior, however, there are reasons to think that few Wells Fargo customers will actually leave.</p> <p>The Motley Fool's Gaby Lapera and John Maxfield discuss this in this clip from <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Financials Opens a New Window.</a>. Listen in below to learn the details of how Wells Fargo ran astray of consumer protection laws but may still be insulated from abandonment by its customers.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</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=2759&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>This podcast was recorded on Sept. 12, 2016.</p> <p>Gaby Lapera: I have to disclose I feel like, I closed down my Wells Fargo account in 2014, I want to say it was. As soon as I left Lincoln, Nebraska, because that was the only big banking option in Nebraska. As soon as I left, I closed my Wells Fargo account and moved toBank of Americaand have had a much better experience. I think I was telling you earlier that I think that's the only time in history that anyone's like, "Wow. Bank of America is so great!" I feel like I should let listeners know that I am a little bit biased when it comes to Wells Fargo on a personal basis, but I'm going to try and keep that out of it.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Going back to what you were saying, I don't know. I don't know what consumers should do. If it were me, I would probably leave, but that doesn't mean that you necessarily should. I think you should go over your bank statements to make sure that you only have products that you actually signed up for. What do you think? What would you do if you were a Wells Fargo customer? Are you a Wells Fargo customer?</p> <p>John Maxfield: I am not a Wells Fargo customer. I am a Bank of America customer as well. Here's the thing to keep in mind in terms of whether customers should leave. It's not necessarily whether they should leave, but it's whether they will leave.</p> <p>Lapera: That's true.</p> <p>Maxfield: Should you leave if your bank is doing this to you? Uh, yeah, right? I mean like or else what is going to cause you to leave your bank? The market should be sending signals to the banks through customers coming and going that either affirms what they're doing or goes against it or denies it. Right? This type of behavior should not be permitted in the market. The problem is that there are inefficiencies in the relationship between the consumer and the bank that makes it difficult for the consumer to just leave their bank even if the bank is doing something egregious toward them.</p> <p>Let me talk specifically about that. There are these things called switching costs. Let's say, in your situation, you left Lincoln, Nebraska, you want to open a new bank account. Right? The problem is that let's say you already have an established job, so you have direct deposit going into that account. Let's say you pay all your bills out of that account automatically. You have all of these strings that go out from that bank that make it really difficult and inconvenient at the very least to go from one bank to another bank.</p> <p>It's for this reason that studies have shown, in the past, that the switching costs of switching from one bank to another is really high which insulates banks from the downside of bad behavior of customers leaving. Whether you should or should not, you probably should. Whether you actually will, that's totally dependent upon whether you're willing to go through the time and inconvenience, which most people aren't, of switching your accounts.</p> <p>Lapera: I was. That's a story for another time. That actually does bring up something that I want to talk about. Obviously, you said that banks are insulated from customers leaving. Do you think that partially explains what we've been seeing in Wells Fargo stock price? I don't know if anyone has looked at it recently, but month to date, Wells Fargo is only down 4%. The KBW, the bank index, it's down 0.72%. You would think that after this kind of shocking news that Wells Fargo would be way farther down, but it's not.</p> <p>Maxfield: Yeah. I think kind of to the point that we've made. All the other banks have engaged in similar types of behaviors. Basically, they're all the same. It's not like... I don't think investors are going to go out and punish Wells Fargo much more than they're punishing other stocks. I think it's pretty much been presumed almost over the last decade that unfortunately, this type of stuff goes on. Even beyond this, let's not lose sight of the fact that... I mean, this is egregious what Wells Fargo did. It's horrible, but it's still an incredibly well run bank.</p> <p>Lapera: To that point, I just want to point out I have a table in front of me that has the fines paid by banks over the last eight years. Bank of America is around $58 billion.JPMorganis around $31 billion.Citigroupis around $13 billion and Wells Fargo is the winner at only $10 billion.</p> <p>Maxfield: That's a lot of money.</p> <p>Lapera: Yeah. That's a lot of money, but it's a lot less than $58 billion.</p> <p>Maxfield: Yeah, that's a lot of money. So, Wells Fargo did something bad, but on a relative basis, it doesn't seem to be as bad as many of its peers. Then when you look at the fundamentals of its actual business, they're good at managing credit risk. They run an extremely efficient operation and as a result they have one of the highest profitability figures in the industry, other thanU.S. Bancorp. When you counterbalance this one instance, which earlier in the show you said it cost $185 million for Wells Fargo, that's a big fine for you and me, but for Wells Fargo, that is a fraction of the $5.5 billion or so that it's earned.</p> <p>Lapera: That's basically an accounting error at that point.</p> <p>Maxfield: Yeah. It's like a slap on the wrists. When you factor in and you look at the other terms... the consent order between Wells Fargo and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which was the regulatory bureau that headed the action up against Wells Fargo, they're just not very stringent requirements. When you counterbalance all the good that Wells Fargo brings to the table, I still think that heavily outweighs the bad of this instance.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCaffeine/info.aspx" type="external">Gaby Lapera Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/JohnMaxfield37/info.aspx" type="external">John Maxfield Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Bank of America, US Bancorp, and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2016 $50 calls on Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=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>

youd excused thinking wells fargo nyse wfc verge losing customers nations third biggest bank assets caught opening 2 million fraudulent customer accounts order boost feebased revenue despite egregious nature behavior however reasons think wells fargo customers actually leave motley fools gaby lapera john maxfield discuss clip industry focus financials opens new window listen learn details wells fargo ran astray consumer protection laws may still insulated abandonment customers continue reading full transcript follows video secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window podcast recorded sept 12 2016 gaby lapera disclose feel like closed wells fargo account 2014 want say soon left lincoln nebraska big banking option nebraska soon left closed wells fargo account moved tobank americaand much better experience think telling earlier think thats time history anyones like wow bank america great feel like let listeners know little bit biased comes wells fargo personal basis im going try keep advertisement going back saying dont know dont know consumers would probably leave doesnt mean necessarily think go bank statements make sure products actually signed think would wells fargo customer wells fargo customer john maxfield wells fargo customer bank america customer well heres thing keep mind terms whether customers leave necessarily whether leave whether leave lapera thats true maxfield leave bank uh yeah right mean like else going cause leave bank market sending signals banks customers coming going either affirms theyre goes denies right type behavior permitted market problem inefficiencies relationship consumer bank makes difficult consumer leave bank even bank something egregious toward let talk specifically things called switching costs lets say situation left lincoln nebraska want open new bank account right problem lets say already established job direct deposit going account lets say pay bills account automatically strings go bank make really difficult inconvenient least go one bank another bank reason studies shown past switching costs switching one bank another really high insulates banks downside bad behavior customers leaving whether probably whether actually thats totally dependent upon whether youre willing go time inconvenience people arent switching accounts lapera thats story another time actually bring something want talk obviously said banks insulated customers leaving think partially explains weve seeing wells fargo stock price dont know anyone looked recently month date wells fargo 4 kbw bank index 072 would think kind shocking news wells fargo would way farther maxfield yeah think kind point weve made banks engaged similar types behaviors basically theyre like dont think investors going go punish wells fargo much theyre punishing stocks think pretty much presumed almost last decade unfortunately type stuff goes even beyond lets lose sight fact mean egregious wells fargo horrible still incredibly well run bank lapera point want point table front fines paid banks last eight years bank america around 58 billionjpmorganis around 31 billioncitigroupis around 13 billion wells fargo winner 10 billion maxfield thats lot money lapera yeah thats lot money lot less 58 billion maxfield yeah thats lot money wells fargo something bad relative basis doesnt seem bad many peers look fundamentals actual business theyre good managing credit risk run extremely efficient operation result one highest profitability figures industry thanus bancorp counterbalance one instance earlier show said cost 185 million wells fargo thats big fine wells fargo fraction 55 billion earned lapera thats basically accounting error point maxfield yeah like slap wrists factor look terms consent order wells fargo consumer financial protection bureau regulatory bureau headed action wells fargo theyre stringent requirements counterbalance good wells fargo brings table still think heavily outweighs bad instance gaby lapera opens new window position stocks mentioned john maxfield opens new window owns shares bank america us bancorp wells fargo motley fool owns shares recommends wells fargo motley fool following options short october 2016 50 calls wells fargo motley fool recommends bank america try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>There was a time HP (NYSE: HPQ) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) were not only two of the largest tech companies on the planet with long, storied histories, but head-to-head competitors in the desktop and enterprise hardware markets. But those days have since passed</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Today IBM is more likely to run into HP spinoff HP Enterpriseout in the field introducing its cloud, data analytics, cognitive computing, security, and mobile solutions. IBM's push into new, cutting-edge markets would seemingly earn it the nod considering the PC market -- HP's key revenue driver -- is dying, right? Not so fast.</p> <p>Image source: <a href="http://www.hp.com/" type="external">HP Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>CEO Dion Weisler's plan to build devices specific to niche markets -- consumers in particular -- offers a load of upside because it accomplishes HP's strategy of filling specific voids in the marketplace. One of HP's recent unveilings -- its OMEN desktop and laptop PC -- is an ideal example of how it was able to deliver flat year-over-year revenue in its fiscal third quarter despite global sales declines.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>HP's personal systems division's revenue was flat last quarter, and actually increased 2% after factoring in currency. Not bad, considering the overall PC market declined 4.5% in calendar Q2. The saving grace for HP was its 8% jump in consumer net revenue, led by a whopping 12% increase in notebook earnings in fiscal Q3. Those results more than offset the 3% drop in commercial sales.</p> <p>The OMEN devices are designed for the world's gamers and include top-shelf displays and performance, and a virtual-reality-ready experience. For the fast-growing video-streaming market, HP just unveiled its new Pavilion Wave featuring surround sound and a 4K display, all for $550. The HP Elite Slice, another new offering, "is the first modular commercial desktop with cable-less connectivityand enables customers to build the desktop of their choice."</p> <p>Printers remain HP's biggest challenge, as evidenced by the company's 14% drop in net revenue last quarter. That said, HP is actively working to bring 3D printing to the masses, not just commercial enterprises. And Weisler's plan to focus on high-end printers to drive ancillary sales and service revenue will also give its struggling unit a boost -- eventually.</p> <p>Image source: <a href="http://www.ibm.com/us-en/" type="external">IBM Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>For CEO Ginni Rometty, transforming IBM was -- and remains -- a challenge. IBM has reinvented itself from the ground up, which is no easy task given its size and onetime reliance on "traditional" markets, including enterprise hardware. That said, IBM began its transition a few years ago, and patient shareholders are reaping the rewards.</p> <p>IBM's new-ish revenue drivers -- Rometty's strategic imperatives -- include data security, cognitive analytics, the Internet of Things, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Most are delivered via the cloud. At an annual runrate of $11.6 billion in sales, IBM is sitting near the top of the cloud provider heap. Better still, IBM's $6.7 billion in cloud SaaS sales the past 12 months positions it to capture the fastest-growing piece of a seemingly limitless opportunity.</p> <p>One conservative estimate suggests the cloud market will more than double in four years, to over $141 billion, nearly 70% of which will be spent on SaaS solutions. As a group, IBM's strategic imperatives climbed 12% last quarter, generating $8.3 billion in revenue -- equal to 38% of total sales.</p> <p>Rometty is investing heavily in IBM's new direction, writing over $5 billion in checks for acquisitions already this year and forging alliances with some of the cloud and data analytics sectors biggest players.</p> <p>So which is the better buy? In addition to both HP's and IBM's success in their respective transitions, both offer ridiculously good value for growth and income investors.</p> <p>HP is trading at a dirt cheap multiple of just nine times forward earnings, and boasts one of the tech industry's best dividend yields -- 3.5%. IBM is trading at only 11 times future earnings, and also pays a 3.5% dividend. The reason IBM warrants a slight nod over HP as the better buy is the upside its strategic imperative markets offer. But don't feel sorry for HP shareholders. They won't be disappointed either.</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/timbrugger/info.aspx" type="external">Tim Brugger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;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>

time hp nyse hpq ibm nyse ibm two largest tech companies planet long storied histories headtohead competitors desktop enterprise hardware markets days since passed continue reading today ibm likely run hp spinoff hp enterpriseout field introducing cloud data analytics cognitive computing security mobile solutions ibms push new cuttingedge markets would seemingly earn nod considering pc market hps key revenue driver dying right fast image source hp opens new window ceo dion weislers plan build devices specific niche markets consumers particular offers load upside accomplishes hps strategy filling specific voids marketplace one hps recent unveilings omen desktop laptop pc ideal example able deliver flat yearoveryear revenue fiscal third quarter despite global sales declines advertisement hps personal systems divisions revenue flat last quarter actually increased 2 factoring currency bad considering overall pc market declined 45 calendar q2 saving grace hp 8 jump consumer net revenue led whopping 12 increase notebook earnings fiscal q3 results offset 3 drop commercial sales omen devices designed worlds gamers include topshelf displays performance virtualrealityready experience fastgrowing videostreaming market hp unveiled new pavilion wave featuring surround sound 4k display 550 hp elite slice another new offering first modular commercial desktop cableless connectivityand enables customers build desktop choice printers remain hps biggest challenge evidenced companys 14 drop net revenue last quarter said hp actively working bring 3d printing masses commercial enterprises weislers plan focus highend printers drive ancillary sales service revenue also give struggling unit boost eventually image source ibm opens new window ceo ginni rometty transforming ibm remains challenge ibm reinvented ground easy task given size onetime reliance traditional markets including enterprise hardware said ibm began transition years ago patient shareholders reaping rewards ibms newish revenue drivers romettys strategic imperatives include data security cognitive analytics internet things softwareasaservice saas delivered via cloud annual runrate 116 billion sales ibm sitting near top cloud provider heap better still ibms 67 billion cloud saas sales past 12 months positions capture fastestgrowing piece seemingly limitless opportunity one conservative estimate suggests cloud market double four years 141 billion nearly 70 spent saas solutions group ibms strategic imperatives climbed 12 last quarter generating 83 billion revenue equal 38 total sales rometty investing heavily ibms new direction writing 5 billion checks acquisitions already year forging alliances cloud data analytics sectors biggest players better buy addition hps ibms success respective transitions offer ridiculously good value growth income investors hp trading dirt cheap multiple nine times forward earnings boasts one tech industrys best dividend yields 35 ibm trading 11 times future earnings also pays 35 dividend reason ibm warrants slight nod hp better buy upside strategic imperative markets offer dont feel sorry hp shareholders wont disappointed either secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window tim brugger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Surprises are seemingly always around the corner when investing in the stock market, but this year has brought some exceptional volatility. After investors suffered through the worst two-week start to a new year in history, the broad-based S&amp;amp;P 500 mounted the most vigorous intra-quarter rally to wipe out those losses that Wall Street has seen in 83 years. Compound this volatility with slowing U.S. GDP growth -- just 0.5% in Q1 -- and we have a recipe that could very easily make investors leery of putting their money to work in the stock market.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Yet for long-term investors, a number of safer investment opportunities abound. One of the easiest ways to spot these high-quality stocks is to pay attention to their free cash flow, or FCF. Companies that can generate high levels of positive FCF have a lot of flexibility in both good and bad economic environments, be it to make acquisitions, invest in new innovation, hire more workers, or even reward their shareholders via share buybacks or dividends. Companies that can consistently generate high levels of FCF would be expected to hold up better in a volatile market since they have a very profitable business model to fall back onto.</p> <p>After perusing some of the safest value stocks out there I came across these four, which collectively have generated $114 billion in free cash flow over the trailing 12-month period. If you're looking for a place to park your money that'll allow you to sleep better at night, then here are a few great ideas.</p> <p>Image source: Gilead Sciences.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Biotech blue chip Gilead Sciences has taken a lot of heat following first-quarter results that simply didn't live up to Wall Street's expectations. The drugmaker, which is best known for its hepatitis C pills Harvoni and Sovaldi, as well as broad array of HIV medications, posted a 14% decline in sales of best-selling drug Harvoni to $3.01 billion in Q1. Skeptics took this as a sign that Gilead was yesterday's news and sold the stock.</p> <p>But look at this another way: what company out there is going to dethrone Gilead's Harvoni in HCV? Merck'srecently launched oral HCV therapy Zepatier only managed $50 million in the first quarter, while sales of AbbVie's Viekira Pak declined by 9% in the United States year-over-year. Harvoni is still the clear convenience and efficacy leader in this space, and there's a bounty of HCV patients still waiting to be treated within the U.S. and globally. Within its pipeline, new tenofovir-based HIV medications, as well as a pan-genotypic HCV therapy, could fuel near-term growth.</p> <p>After producing $17.7 billion in FCF over the trailing 12-month period, Gilead's board has authorized the repurchase of up to $12 billion worth of stock, which follows the completion of $15 billion worth of buybacks. Gilead also raised its dividend by 9% in February and is currently yielding a healthy 2.3%.</p> <p>Image source: Microsoft.</p> <p>Technology giant Microsoft may not have Gilead's touch when it comes to acquisitions (Gilead acquired its backbone HCV therapy through the buyout of Pharmasset in 2011), but it does have a legacy product, Windows OS, and a host of key next-generation innovations that just keep bringing in FCF hand over fist.</p> <p>Although PC revenue declined in Q1, Microsoft delivered 14% constant currency growth in cloud computing and 4% constant currency growth in enterprise business solutions. Because of its large cash position and the $23.7 billion in FCF it generated over the trailing 12-month period, Microsoft is able to invest quite a bit in next-generation cloud and enterprise solutions, which is boosting its subscriber numbers where it counts most. In legacy PCs, Windows is, and will likely continue to be, dominant.</p> <p>With a $40 billion share repurchase program in place since 2013, as well as another 16% dividend increase announced during Q1 that boosted its yield to 2.8%, Microsoft is returning billions to its shareholders annually.</p> <p>Historically, one of the easiest ways to make money is to follow investing icon Warren Buffett who has turned less than $10,000 into a fortune worth nearly $70 billion in a little more than six decades. At the heart of Buffett's wealth is his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway .</p> <p>The beauty of Berkshire Hathaway is the company's diversity. There are around five dozen subsidiaries that comprise Berkshire's business, many of them in varied sectors and industries. What this means is Berkshire is highly diversified and capable of withstanding even the steepest market downturns with relative ease.</p> <p>Buffett also has a habit of picking out relatively "boring" businesses with which to invest in, namely because boring businesses often sell or cater to basic needs. For example, Kraft Heinzisn't the splashiest of investments, but it delivers predictable annual cash flow and pricing power, which speaks to Buffett's interest in acquiring or investing in businesses with healthy business models and long-term outlooks.</p> <p>Although Berkshire Hathaway doesn't pay a dividend, it does use its FCF, which has totaled $17.5 billion over the trailing 12-month period, to make acquisitions with some regularity to drive growth.</p> <p>Image source: Apple.</p> <p>Lastly, as you probably guessed, we have technology giant Apple , which was creamed following its less-than-stellar second-quarter results that featured its first year-over-year revenue decline in 51 quarters, and its first year-over-year iPhone revenue decline, ever! Despite this hiccup, Apple is far from broken.</p> <p>Buzz is already building around the upcoming release of the iPhone 7 and consumer loyalty to Apple remains arguably higher than any other brand in existence. It also has opportunities to expand into China and other emerging markets that are still getting their wireless networks up to speed.</p> <p>But the biggest allure for Apple investors is its transition to being a platforms company. Apple Pay, Apple Music, the Apple Watch, and the iCar, which is expected toward the end of the decade, are all examples of how Apple is creating multiple revenue channels and attempting to create an "Apple umbrella" with which its loyal customers can live under.</p> <p>Having generated $55.2 billion in FCF over the trailing 12-month period, Apple recently boosted its shareholder return program to $250 billion by 2018, and it raised its dividend another 10% to $0.57 per quarter, which works out to a juicy 2.5% yield.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/20/these-4-value-stocks-are-collectively-generating-1.aspx" type="external">These 4 Value Stocks Are Collectively Generating $114 Billion in Free Cash Flow a Year Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFUltraLong/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Sean Williams Opens a New Window.</a>has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name <a href="http://caps.fool.com/player/tmfultralong.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TMFUltraLong" type="external">@TMFUltraLong Opens a New Window.</a>.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, and Gilead Sciences. It also owns shares of Microsoft and has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=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>

surprises seemingly always around corner investing stock market year brought exceptional volatility investors suffered worst twoweek start new year history broadbased sampp 500 mounted vigorous intraquarter rally wipe losses wall street seen 83 years compound volatility slowing us gdp growth 05 q1 recipe could easily make investors leery putting money work stock market continue reading yet longterm investors number safer investment opportunities abound one easiest ways spot highquality stocks pay attention free cash flow fcf companies generate high levels positive fcf lot flexibility good bad economic environments make acquisitions invest new innovation hire workers even reward shareholders via share buybacks dividends companies consistently generate high levels fcf would expected hold better volatile market since profitable business model fall back onto perusing safest value stocks came across four collectively generated 114 billion free cash flow trailing 12month period youre looking place park money thatll allow sleep better night great ideas image source gilead sciences advertisement biotech blue chip gilead sciences taken lot heat following firstquarter results simply didnt live wall streets expectations drugmaker best known hepatitis c pills harvoni sovaldi well broad array hiv medications posted 14 decline sales bestselling drug harvoni 301 billion q1 skeptics took sign gilead yesterdays news sold stock look another way company going dethrone gileads harvoni hcv mercksrecently launched oral hcv therapy zepatier managed 50 million first quarter sales abbvies viekira pak declined 9 united states yearoveryear harvoni still clear convenience efficacy leader space theres bounty hcv patients still waiting treated within us globally within pipeline new tenofovirbased hiv medications well pangenotypic hcv therapy could fuel nearterm growth producing 177 billion fcf trailing 12month period gileads board authorized repurchase 12 billion worth stock follows completion 15 billion worth buybacks gilead also raised dividend 9 february currently yielding healthy 23 image source microsoft technology giant microsoft may gileads touch comes acquisitions gilead acquired backbone hcv therapy buyout pharmasset 2011 legacy product windows os host key nextgeneration innovations keep bringing fcf hand fist although pc revenue declined q1 microsoft delivered 14 constant currency growth cloud computing 4 constant currency growth enterprise business solutions large cash position 237 billion fcf generated trailing 12month period microsoft able invest quite bit nextgeneration cloud enterprise solutions boosting subscriber numbers counts legacy pcs windows likely continue dominant 40 billion share repurchase program place since 2013 well another 16 dividend increase announced q1 boosted yield 28 microsoft returning billions shareholders annually historically one easiest ways make money follow investing icon warren buffett turned less 10000 fortune worth nearly 70 billion little six decades heart buffetts wealth conglomerate berkshire hathaway beauty berkshire hathaway companys diversity around five dozen subsidiaries comprise berkshires business many varied sectors industries means berkshire highly diversified capable withstanding even steepest market downturns relative ease buffett also habit picking relatively boring businesses invest namely boring businesses often sell cater basic needs example kraft heinzisnt splashiest investments delivers predictable annual cash flow pricing power speaks buffetts interest acquiring investing businesses healthy business models longterm outlooks although berkshire hathaway doesnt pay dividend use fcf totaled 175 billion trailing 12month period make acquisitions regularity drive growth image source apple lastly probably guessed technology giant apple creamed following lessthanstellar secondquarter results featured first yearoveryear revenue decline 51 quarters first yearoveryear iphone revenue decline ever despite hiccup apple far broken buzz already building around upcoming release iphone 7 consumer loyalty apple remains arguably higher brand existence also opportunities expand china emerging markets still getting wireless networks speed biggest allure apple investors transition platforms company apple pay apple music apple watch icar expected toward end decade examples apple creating multiple revenue channels attempting create apple umbrella loyal customers live generated 552 billion fcf trailing 12month period apple recently boosted shareholder return program 250 billion 2018 raised dividend another 10 057 per quarter works juicy 25 yield article 4 value stocks collectively generating 114 billion free cash flow year opens new window originally appeared foolcom sean williams opens new windowhas material interest companies mentioned article follow caps screen name tmfultralong opens new window check twitter goes handle tmfultralong opens new windowthe motley fool owns shares recommends apple berkshire hathaway gilead sciences also owns shares microsoft following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Let's rewind for a second back to March 2009. The markets were tanking, folks were worried about liquidity at banks, and it seemed like just about everyone was asking for a bailout. There was blood in the streets.</p> <p>If someone would have said back then that the market would rally 350% -- including dividends -- over the next eight-plus years, they would have been laughed out of the room. And yet, that's exactly what happened.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>We've been waiting for years for the first dramatic pullback in the stock market, and it really hasn't come. While things can't stay that way forever, it's worth pointing out that some stocks fare notably better in bull markets than others. Read below to find out why our Foolish investors believe&amp;#160;Amazon&amp;#160;(NASDAQ: AMZN),&amp;#160;Shopify&amp;#160;(NYSE: SHOP), and&amp;#160;Wynn Resorts&amp;#160;(NASDAQ: WYNN)&amp;#160;are three such stocks.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;(Amazon):&amp;#160;As a stock that's priced for growth, Amazon naturally tends to fare better when market sentiment is optimistic. The company's focus on investing in itself to deliver long-term growth means that metrics like the price-to-earnings ratio have never been particularly useful measures for weighing the value of its stock, but trading at over 270 times forward earnings is still a characteristic that's more palatable in a bull market.</p> <p>Amazon's businesses also benefit from the <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/video/play/wealth-effect/" type="external">wealth effect Opens a New Window.</a> that accompanies strong market performance. When economic conditions are favorable, consumers are likely to do more shopping through Amazon's digital storefront. The wealth effect also extends to the company's cloud business. Bull market conditions typically give businesses additional confidence to expand and invest in the future, and new businesses are also more likely to pop up and become part of the addressable market for Amazon Web Services.</p> <p>In the growth stock category, I think Jeff Bezos' company is one of the most compelling long-term investments out there and worth holding onto even when the market turns bear. Amazon is a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/16/great-quotes-volume-6-how-jeff-bezos-thinks-about.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">well-managed business Opens a New Window.</a> with a history of innovation, and has already survived and thrived through periods of macroeconomic downturn. For investors with a long time horizon, buying during a bear market could present an even bigger opportunity, but Amazon's business model means it's primed to post its best performance when the market is on a bull run.&amp;#160;</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a> (Wynn Resorts): The performance of gaming stocks in the U.S. and Asia is really a reflection of the economy and wealth of high-end gamblers. When the economy is doing well, casinos make more money from freewheeling spenders -- and when the economy slows down and stocks fall they make less. In a bull market, Wynn Resorts is <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/18/wynn-resorts-share-price-where-do-investors-go-fro.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">set to profit from its existing properties and growth Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The core of Wynn's operations today are Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau, and the year-old Wynn Palace in the Cotai region of Macau. Over the past year, they've generated $1.5 billion of adjusted property EBITDA, a measure of cash flow from resorts. That cash can then be used to build new properties, pay down debt, or pay a dividend, which Wynn pays in a modest 1.4% yield.</p> <p>What makes Wynn, and other gaming stocks, particularly good investments in a bull market is their operating leverage. Most of the money spent in the gaming industry is spent building resorts. Once construction is finished the operations are very high margin, so each percentage point of revenue growth will lead to more than one percent of EBITDA or net income growth. A bull market generally happens at a time when the economy is getting better, so bottom line growth should be strong.</p> <p>Wynn is especially levered to a strong economy right now because it just opened Wynn Palace in Macau, is constructing Wynn Boston Harbor, and will soon begin construction on a convention and entertainment expansion in Las Vegas that could cost more than $500 million. If the bull market continues, these bets on gaming and entertainment spending growth will pay off, making Wynn Resorts a great stock for investors.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCheesehead/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Brian Stoffel Opens a New Window.</a> (Shopify):&amp;#160;I'm a firm believer that our nation's slow-and-steady transition to e-commerce will continue no matter the economic climate. That being said, when we have the wealth effect that Keith referenced, it can be a catalyst for booming growth.</p> <p>Shopify, which provides a platform for any business to create its own presence on the Internet, stands to be a huge winner -- if it can keep the competition at bay. And that's only more evident during boom times. Consider that in 2014, the company brought in $105 million in sales. Just two-and-a-half years later, that number is all the way up to $510 -- a scorching growth rate of 88% per year.</p> <p>Regarding the competition, it's worth remembering that once a company has integrated all of its Internet presence on one platform, switching costs can be sky-high. While noted short-seller Andrew Left of Citron Research rightly called out the company for not providing some sort of retention metric, there's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/09/why-youre-smart-to-buy-shopify-inc-us-despite-citr.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">little to worry about Opens a New Window.</a> for long-term shareholders: the company's top tier customers grew by 126% last year, and show no signs of slowing down.</p> <p>While it's near-impossible to value the company at the current time -- it <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/29/why-i-hope-shopify-inc-isnt-profitablefor-a-while.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">purposely Opens a New Window.</a> spends a little more than it brings in every year to remain "unprofitable" -- one thing is certain: it is a huge winner during bull markets.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than ShopifyWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=1fc91ac6-07f2-45b8-be31-8ae5f4f482a6&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Shopify wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=1fc91ac6-07f2-45b8-be31-8ae5f4f482a6&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of October 9, 2017</p> <p>John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCheesehead/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Brian Stoffel Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Amazon and Shopify. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNoons/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Wynn Resorts. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon and Shopify. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=06015bfe-b4fb-11e7-ae15-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

lets rewind second back march 2009 markets tanking folks worried liquidity banks seemed like everyone asking bailout blood streets someone would said back market would rally 350 including dividends next eightplus years would laughed room yet thats exactly happened continue reading weve waiting years first dramatic pullback stock market really hasnt come things cant stay way forever worth pointing stocks fare notably better bull markets others read find foolish investors believe160amazon160nasdaq amzn160shopify160nyse shop and160wynn resorts160nasdaq wynn160are three stocks keith noonan opens new window160amazon160as stock thats priced growth amazon naturally tends fare better market sentiment optimistic companys focus investing deliver longterm growth means metrics like pricetoearnings ratio never particularly useful measures weighing value stock trading 270 times forward earnings still characteristic thats palatable bull market amazons businesses also benefit wealth effect opens new window accompanies strong market performance economic conditions favorable consumers likely shopping amazons digital storefront wealth effect also extends companys cloud business bull market conditions typically give businesses additional confidence expand invest future new businesses also likely pop become part addressable market amazon web services growth stock category think jeff bezos company one compelling longterm investments worth holding onto even market turns bear amazon wellmanaged business opens new window history innovation already survived thrived periods macroeconomic downturn investors long time horizon buying bear market could present even bigger opportunity amazons business model means primed post best performance market bull run160 advertisement travis hoium opens new window wynn resorts performance gaming stocks us asia really reflection economy wealth highend gamblers economy well casinos make money freewheeling spenders economy slows stocks fall make less bull market wynn resorts set profit existing properties growth opens new window core wynns operations today wynn las vegas wynn macau yearold wynn palace cotai region macau past year theyve generated 15 billion adjusted property ebitda measure cash flow resorts cash used build new properties pay debt pay dividend wynn pays modest 14 yield makes wynn gaming stocks particularly good investments bull market operating leverage money spent gaming industry spent building resorts construction finished operations high margin percentage point revenue growth lead one percent ebitda net income growth bull market generally happens time economy getting better bottom line growth strong wynn especially levered strong economy right opened wynn palace macau constructing wynn boston harbor soon begin construction convention entertainment expansion las vegas could cost 500 million bull market continues bets gaming entertainment spending growth pay making wynn resorts great stock investors brian stoffel opens new window shopify160im firm believer nations slowandsteady transition ecommerce continue matter economic climate said wealth effect keith referenced catalyst booming growth shopify provides platform business create presence internet stands huge winner keep competition bay thats evident boom times consider 2014 company brought 105 million sales twoandahalf years later number way 510 scorching growth rate 88 per year regarding competition worth remembering company integrated internet presence one platform switching costs skyhigh noted shortseller andrew left citron research rightly called company providing sort retention metric theres little worry opens new window longterm shareholders companys top tier customers grew 126 last year show signs slowing nearimpossible value company current time purposely opens new window spends little brings every year remain unprofitable one thing certain huge winner bull markets 10 stocks like better shopifywhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right shopify wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns october 9 2017 john mackey ceo whole foods market amazon subsidiary member motley fools board directors brian stoffel opens new window owns shares amazon shopify keith noonan opens new window position stocks mentioned travis hoium opens new window owns shares wynn resorts motley fool owns shares recommends amazon shopify motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>For several years, microprocessor giant Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) has made it clear that it aims to build a real business out of playing contract chip manufacturer for chipmakers that don't own chip manufacturing plants, also known as fabless semiconductor companies.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Intel engineers inside of a development factory. Image source: Intel.</p> <p>Intel's revenue from this business today is essentially zero, but the company is putting in significant effort to change that situation. At a recent investor conference, Intel executive Stacy Smith shared some insights into its fledgling foundry business. Let's take a closer look.</p> <p>Analyst John Pitzer asked Smith the following <a href="http://seekingalpha.com/article/4027109-intel-intc-presents-credit-suisse-20th-annual-tmt-conference-transcript?part=single" type="external">question Opens a New Window.</a>: "There [are] a lot of, I think, [views] out there in the investment community that ... you [have] stringent design rules, your higher cost of manufacturing just can't compete with the flexibility and lower cost you need for a boarder based foundry. How do you address this?"</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Smith began by admitting that Intel's capabilities in terms of contract chip manufacturing "over the last three or four years" weren't anywhere near what more established foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM) and Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) have been offering.</p> <p>"It's a stretch to call it [a] foundry. You call it semi-custom," Smith said.</p> <p>Smith pointed out that for a while, it lacked a lot of the key tools and technologies required to support smaller customers. That situation, the executive argued, has changed. He said the company has built the capabilities "to be much more what the rest of the industry needs to be able to work with us as a foundry partner."</p> <p>In addition to addressing the challenges that Intel has faced in simply building up the capability to handle being a contract chip manufacturer, remember that Pitzer's also raised a concern that Intel's chip manufacturing technologies could be more expensive than those of competing manufacturers.</p> <p>Smith argued that Intel can "deliver a die cost that actually is better than the cost through the third parties," but he was careful to distinguish between per-chip cost (a.k.a. die cost) and silicon wafer cost.</p> <p>"It's not wafer cost; it's die cost. And that's because of the fact that we have higher density, we have better scaling, we have the ability to, frankly, have better yields," Smith explained.</p> <p>To understand what Smith is talking about, let's work through an example. Let's suppose it costs $10,000 to buy a silicon wafer from chip manufacturer A, and just $8,000 to buy a silicon wafer from chip manufacturer B. Additionally, suppose that a chip that measures in at 100 square millimeters in area on B's technology can be implemented in an area of just 70 square millimeters in A's technology.</p> <p>Under these assumptions, and under the additional assumption of 100% manufacturing yields for both -- unrealistic in the real world, but useful for this discussion -- the raw die cost of a chip manufactured in B's technology would be about $13.33. That same chip in A's technology would be $11.57.</p> <p>In other words, assuming constant yields, A's technology would enable a cheaper-to-build chip than B's, despite its higher wafer cost. If A's technology also delivered superior manufacturing yields, then that would further tilt the cost-per-chip advantage to A's favor.</p> <p>The major general-purpose contract chip manufacturers, such as TSMC, usually offer customers a wide variety of chip manufacturing technologies. These technologies range from recently introduced processes (i.e., 20-nanometer, 16-nanometer) to technologies that have been around for many years (i.e., 55-nanometer, 40-nanometer).</p> <p>TSMC's revenue on those extremely mature technologies is significant. Last quarter, 45% of the company's sales came from technologies older than the 28-nanometer process that TSMC introduced in 2011, and 69% of sales came from the 28-nanometer and older technologies.</p> <p>Smith indicated that Intel's advantages apply to "leading-edge" technologies, rather than to significantly older technologies.</p> <p>"So we can be very competitive on a cost basis, but it has to be at the leading edge," Smith explained. "When you're talking about n-2 [generation manufacturing technologies], and fully depreciated factories and things like that, that really isn't our business model."</p> <p>Smith paints an optimistic picture for Intel's contract chip manufacturing efforts, but investors need to wait and see if the company is ultimately able to land significant contract chip manufacturing deals. The ones Intel has announced to date are unlikely to move the needle for the chipmaker, but perhaps this situation will change in the future.</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=irbeditxt0000138&amp;amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable&amp;amp;ftm_pit=6450&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> owns shares of Intel. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;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>

several years microprocessor giant intel nasdaq intc made clear aims build real business playing contract chip manufacturer chipmakers dont chip manufacturing plants also known fabless semiconductor companies continue reading intel engineers inside development factory image source intel intels revenue business today essentially zero company putting significant effort change situation recent investor conference intel executive stacy smith shared insights fledgling foundry business lets take closer look analyst john pitzer asked smith following question opens new window lot think views investment community stringent design rules higher cost manufacturing cant compete flexibility lower cost need boarder based foundry address advertisement smith began admitting intels capabilities terms contract chip manufacturing last three four years werent anywhere near established foundries taiwan semiconductor nyse tsm samsung nasdaqoth ssnlf offering stretch call foundry call semicustom smith said smith pointed lacked lot key tools technologies required support smaller customers situation executive argued changed said company built capabilities much rest industry needs able work us foundry partner addition addressing challenges intel faced simply building capability handle contract chip manufacturer remember pitzers also raised concern intels chip manufacturing technologies could expensive competing manufacturers smith argued intel deliver die cost actually better cost third parties careful distinguish perchip cost aka die cost silicon wafer cost wafer cost die cost thats fact higher density better scaling ability frankly better yields smith explained understand smith talking lets work example lets suppose costs 10000 buy silicon wafer chip manufacturer 8000 buy silicon wafer chip manufacturer b additionally suppose chip measures 100 square millimeters area bs technology implemented area 70 square millimeters technology assumptions additional assumption 100 manufacturing yields unrealistic real world useful discussion raw die cost chip manufactured bs technology would 1333 chip technology would 1157 words assuming constant yields technology would enable cheapertobuild chip bs despite higher wafer cost technology also delivered superior manufacturing yields would tilt costperchip advantage favor major generalpurpose contract chip manufacturers tsmc usually offer customers wide variety chip manufacturing technologies technologies range recently introduced processes ie 20nanometer 16nanometer technologies around many years ie 55nanometer 40nanometer tsmcs revenue extremely mature technologies significant last quarter 45 companys sales came technologies older 28nanometer process tsmc introduced 2011 69 sales came 28nanometer older technologies smith indicated intels advantages apply leadingedge technologies rather significantly older technologies competitive cost basis leading edge smith explained youre talking n2 generation manufacturing technologies fully depreciated factories things like really isnt business model smith paints optimistic picture intels contract chip manufacturing efforts investors need wait see company ultimately able land significant contract chip manufacturing deals ones intel announced date unlikely move needle chipmaker perhaps situation change future secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run earlyintheknow investors one click opens new window ashraf eassa opens new window owns shares intel motley fool recommends intel try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>While hospitals perform life-saving work every day, patients are far more likely to be receiving treated for unexciting conditions like heart disease than they are to present with something as dramatic as the bubonic plague.</p> <p>The hospital business itselfisn't quite what we'd expect from seeing it on TV, either. Hospitals are costly to run, and administrators are constantly managing expenses andnegotiatingreimbursement dealswith insurers so that they can deliver the profitmargins necessary to invest in next-generation equipment, such asroboticassisted surgical systems, and to build new facilities.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In this episode of The Motley Fool's <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Healthcare Opens a New Window.</a>, analyst Kristine Harjes is joined by Gaby Lapera and Todd Campbell to chat about how the hospital industry is portrayed in pop culture, and what investors should really know about hospital companies like HCA(NYSE: HCA) andTenet Healthcare(NYSE: THC) before investing. The trio also update investorson how onebig challenge for charity last year has paid off with a new advance in ALS treatment, and offer up insight into some companies working on this challenging disease.</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</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>{%video%}</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>This podcast was recorded on Aug. 3, 2016.</p> <p>Kristine Harjes: Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. I'm your host, Kristine Harjes, and it's Aug. 3. As per usual, Todd Campbell is calling into Fool HQ here in Alexandria, Virginia, and in keeping with this week's Industry Focus theme of pop culture, Todd, I want to ask: What is your all-time favorite TV show?</p> <p>Todd Campbell: If we're going to be talking about healthcare, which I think we are, there are a few that I really loved. I loved M*A*S*H. M*A*S*H was awesome. I loved Scrubs. I love House.</p> <p>Harjes: You guys might recognize the giggling in the background. We actually have another guest on the show today. This is our Industry Focus Financials host, Gaby Lapera.</p> <p>Gaby Lapera: Hey, guys!</p> <p>Harjes: Welcome to the show. Gaby, what's your favorite TV show?</p> <p>Lapera: Favorite TV show of?</p> <p>Harjes: Of all time.</p> <p>Lapera: All time, I'm going to have to go with Star Trek, all of them, which is a little bit cheating. But then, my favorite medical drama is definitely Scrubs. Drama-comedy.</p> <p>Harjes: So as you guys picked up on, we are going to be talking about healthcare, because it's Wednesday, and that's what Industry Focus does on Wednesdays. We thought it would be kind of interesting to talk about healthcare TV shows -- specifically, medical and hospital shows. These shows, they are a staple of prime-time television. You've got medical dramas, you've got cop dramas ... these are just really classic TV shows. Gaby already called me out on the Monday episode for not actually knowing that much about TV.</p> <p>Lapera: I'm so sorry.</p> <p>Harjes: But it's true, I really don't, so I'm very glad to have not one, but two guests on the show that do know a little bit about these shows. I've heard of them. I know there's Scrubs, you guys mentioned that one. House, Grey's Anatomy ... what else?</p> <p>Lapera: What was the one with George Clooney?</p> <p>Campbell: That was ER. That was around for a long time. I think they did 15 seasons of that.</p> <p>Lapera: It was on for forever.</p> <p>Harjes: So that means 15 years?</p> <p>Lapera: Yeah.</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah, that's a lot.</p> <p>Lapera: 15 years. There's also General Hospital, which is more of a soap opera of the style of "evil twin appears, takes over normal twin's life, then goes into a coma and wakes up seven years later," dramatic type.</p> <p>Harjes: That's the thing. These shows are very dramatic, so the question that gets raised is: How does that influence people's perception of reality? There are these studies that look into frequent viewers of these types of shows, and they found that the vast majority of them report that they actually learn something about a new health condition, or they took an action after seeing something about a health issue on TV. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or if I should be concerned about that.</p> <p>Lapera: I think it's a little bit of both. It's a little column A, a little column B. It's great that people are more concerned about their health, and they're like, "Maybe I should get out and walk and lower my cholesterol a little bit," or like, "Oh my god, that guy's symptoms for that super-rare disease are exactly like my regular life. Maybe I should go to a doctor," and maybe that helped save their life. On the flip side of that, you have a lot more people, I think, freaking out about rare diseases, that are actually rare, that they probably just don't have.</p> <p>Campbell: Gaby, if you were watching House as often as I was back when it was on, you would have thought that these rare diseases were as common as cancer and heart disease and diabetes.</p> <p>Harjes: Because the things that actually contribute to people's deaths more frequently, that doesn't make good TV.</p> <p>Lapera: No.</p> <p>Harjes: You also get a lot of really super-life-threatening conditions that end up being not actually being all that life-threatening, if you were to keep count of how many people end up surviving these conditions due to some miraculous intervention on the doctor's behalf.</p> <p>Campbell: You wouldn't expect to get a lot of viewers if you were having people with diabetes sitting down across from you and you were saying, "You should probably eat better and you should go for more walks."</p> <p>Lapera: On the flip side of that, I do want to point out that people think that stuff like CPR or getting electric shocks after getting a heart attack is way more effective than it actually is.</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah, that's a huge problem. There are these false depictions of CPR. That's not the only thing. There's also seizure care. There was a study about seizure care in Grey's Anatomy, House, Private Practice, and ER, and it found that in 46% of seizure cases, the treatment that was happening on the show was completely inappropriate. Either they were trying to hold the person down, or stop their involuntary movements, or put something in their mouth, which, all of these things are a bad idea. For the record, proper seizure care is make sure they don't hurt themselves, clear the area of dangerous objects, maybe put something soft under their head, rotate them on their side. But 46% of the time, they were doing not that. They were doing things that are actually detrimental. If you're watching this show, there's no disclaimer that comes on at the end of it. Actually, I don't know this for sure. I'm pretty sure there's no disclaimer at the end that says, "Hey, kids, don't try this at home." Maybe.</p> <p>Lapera: No, there's not. You're right.</p> <p>Harjes: Another really interesting thing to look at here is cardiac arrest. There's another study of ER and a couple of other shows that found 75% of patients survived cardiac arrest immediately, which just is not the case. In reality, long-term survival is between 2% and 30% for cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. The question that this raises for me is: Are these shows helpful in bringing awareness to the realities of how hospitals and E.R.s work?</p> <p>Campbell: I would argue that they're kind of not. You typically end up with a situation where you've got this flawed, brilliant, great, talented doctor, and he's pitted up against the mean, rules-following, penny-pincher administrator. The reality is that if you had someone like House providing care -- and he was, in the show, opiate-dependent -- you probably wouldn't want that person caring for you in real life. It certainly does diminish the nuts-and-bolts business behind hospitals. It talks about great doctor vs. penny pinching, but if you're not doing the penny pinching too, then hospitals can't afford to make the investments that they need to, to provide better care later on.</p> <p>Lapera: Not only that, but it speaks to this thing that I think exists in most cultures where people kind of view doctors as god-like figures who can just, diagnose what's wrong with them, and immediately know what it is, and they know everything. That's not 100% the case. Diagnoses often take a long time. It's sometimes just guesswork. The other thing is, sometimes patients really have to advocate for themselves, as opposed to doctors just seeing them, and knowing what's wrong right away, and being like, "Yeah I can fix this, no problem." Sometimes patients really have to ask questions for themselves and double-check that whatever medicine they're been given is actually the medicine they were prescribed. It kind of sucks, but that's the way it is in real life.</p> <p>Campbell: In real life, hospitals aren't very sexy, either. They're not this hotbed of -- or maybe they are -- romanticism, but the business of being a hospital operator... it's a single-digit growing industry. It's a boring kind of industry. You've got care, you give care, you charge payers for that care. It's not nearly as exciting, maybe, as some of these shows make it out to be.</p> <p>Harjes: But, as investors, this is a way that you can invest directly in these hospitals. Todd, really quick, can you give us a rundown of some of the major players in the space?</p> <p>Campbell: Yeah. The two that maybe investors would be most interested would be HCA and Tenet Health Care, symbols HCA and THC. I already said this, I alluded to it earlier, these are slow-growing businesses, but they do have the wonderful benefit of having an aging population providing a lot of tailwinds for demand. Most of these companies are growing their businesses 1% to 3% per year. Their margins aren't great, but they're not horrible. They're certainly not as profitable as a drugmaker. They spend about 80% of the money they haul in in revenue on operating costs. So they're profitable, they make money, but building hospitals is expensive. They're maybe not the most exciting stocks to own within the healthcare space.</p> <p>Harjes: Next time you're binge-watching hospital shows, you're welcome for making you think about investing while you're trying to relax.</p> <p>Lapera: I'm going to throw out a couple companies technically in the financial sphere, which are healthcare REITs. A REIT is a real estate investment trust. HCP (NYSE: HCP),Welltower Healthcare (NYSE: HCN) and Ventas (NYSE: VTR).</p> <p>Harjes: How do they make money?</p> <p>Lapera: What they do is they lease out space to operators. A lot of them make pretty good money because, one, there's a lot of demand for healthcare, because of the aging population, like Todd mentioned earlier. But since they're just leasing out the space, they don't really have to worry about making MRIs profitable or anything. They just get to benefit from having these people pay them. Because healthcare is not like Amazon -- you can't just get your healthcare over the internet for the most part. You actually have to go to a hospital or a doctor's office to get treatment. They are, as far as healthcare businesses go, fairly stable.</p> <p>Harjes: That's a good point.</p> <p>Campbell: They pay out a nice dividend, too.</p> <p>Lapera: Oh, that's true.</p> <p>Campbell: Income investors can pay attention to that as well.</p> <p>Harjes: That's a good point, Todd, too. We have another topic that we want to cover on today's show, and this is one that I can personally speak to way more than TV. This is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which you guys might remember. Two years ago, there was this huge trend where people were dumping buckets of ice over their head. If you didn't pay too much attention that probably is all you took from it, but what was going on behind the scenes here is, there was this huge wave of challenges going on where you were given the option, if you were challenged, to either dump this bucket of ice over your head or donate money to ALS. Most people didn't really know what ALS was, but it went viral. Celebrities were doing it, you had professional athletes doing it. I did it. Did either of you do it?</p> <p>Campbell: I did it.</p> <p>Lapera: I did not. But Kristine ...</p> <p>Campbell: It was a lot of fun. We did it right by the beach.</p> <p>Lapera: But Kristine, what is ALS?</p> <p>Harjes: Exactly. This is the most important question that you can ask when you talk about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, because it raised a lot of awareness for a disease that not a lot of people know about. ALS stands for, and I apologize if I butcher how you pronounce this, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I love language, so I'm actually going to get really nerdy about the language here.</p> <p>Lapera: Break it down!</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah! It comes from Greek. The first word, anyway, the "amyotrophic." "A" means "no," "myo" is "muscle," and the "trophic" means "nourishment," so you get there, "a lack of muscle nourishment." "Lateral" refers to the spine, particularly where the brain tells muscles what to do. Then "sclerosis" means "a hardening," so a scardening ... scarring of the region as it degenerates.</p> <p>Lapera: "Scardening" is a good word.</p> <p>Harjes: "Scardening." It's close enough.</p> <p>Lapera: Portmanteau.</p> <p>Harjes: I did say I'm sorry for butchering the language here, as I'm trying to explain language. But you take it all together and ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It attacks these nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, and as these motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control your muscle movement is lost. Eventually, three to five years after your diagnosis, the patient dies. This is not an extremely prevalent disease. Many people may know it as Lou Gherig's Disease. There are approximately 6,000 new cases in the U.S. annually, and there's only one FDA-approved drug that exists for it. And even then it just moderately slows the progression of ALS in some people for about three months. That's not great. There is a need here, an unmet need, and you find this with a lot of rare diseases, where it can be kind of hard to get funding to research them.</p> <p>ALS and the Ice Bucket Challenge remade the news again recently. The challenge, and the money that it had raised, ended up discovering a new gene related to the disease, which is kind of cool, but it also raises a lot of questions. Was this money put to use in the best way, and what does this new discovery of the gene mean? What do you guys think?</p> <p>Campbell: ALS is a disease a lot like Alzheimer's: very hard to understand. Unfortunately, most of the treatments that have made their way into the human clinical trials haven't borne fruit, if you will. There are a couple companies out there that are doing research that investors will want to know about -- we'll talk about those in a second. There's this whole big question of, "Where should I give my dollars, charity-wise," that people have to wrestle with all the time. Certainly doing things like the muscular dystrophy telethons of when I was growing up, and doing things like the ALS challenge, those kind of things raise awareness. I think that's important. Whether or not that's actually going to translate into an effective cure or treatment, we're in too early stages to say at this point.</p> <p>Lapera: I think that one of the major things that people objected to with ALS challenge is that, if you look at a pie chart of diseases that kill Americans, ALS is not even in the top five, maybe not even in the top 10. Heart disease is the biggest killer by far of Americans, and so people were like, "Why don't you just send that money towards heart disease?"</p> <p>Campbell: That's that whole of "funding cannibalism," right?</p> <p>Harjes: Todd, can you explain that phrase a little bit?</p> <p>Campbell: Essentially, there's this movement in the charity world toward effective altruism, or EA, and the idea is that you can quantitatively look at where your donation can have the biggest bang for its buck, if you will, and therefore theoretically, quantitatively speaking, that's where you should be making your donation. Which would speak to what Gaby was saying, which is that ALS is an important disease, and certainly there's a need for a cure, but you've got millions of people dying of malaria still, and maybe that's where the focus should be heading instead. It's a very touchy, sensitive subject, though.</p> <p>Harjes: It is. It's really hard to criticize altruism at all. Another layer to add to this story is that maybe some of these people weren't planning on donating any money at all to disease prevention, and now all of a sudden, they're like, "Hey, I don't want to dump a bucket of ice on my head. I'm going to give a hundred dollars where I might not otherwise have."</p> <p>Lapera: I think the other thing to think about is that drug companies -- I think this is a point that we talked about a couple days ago -- drug companies have an incentive to do research for diseases that kill a lot of people, because they'll make way more money, because a lot of people get them.</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah, they're for-profit companies.</p> <p>Lapera: Exactly, but nonprofit research organizations don't get a lot of money to do studies on people who, frankly, die fairly quickly of diseases that are fairly rare. It's one of those things where maybe raising awareness for something like this is really good. It is an actual altruistic thing. I don't know.</p> <p>Harjes: I can see both sides. One thing that I think is worth mentioning that we haven't quite touched on yet is, this new gene discovery that the media has been touting lately. This is only the very, very first step into actually doing something with it.</p> <p>There is a huge gulf between discovering a gene and getting a drug actually out on the market. This gene is only present in about 3% of ALS cases, anyway, although it's still among the most common genes that contribute to the disease. So this is something that there's still a lot of work to be done, and it'll probably take a lot more money than has already been raised.</p> <p>Campbell: The advances in treatment will probably come still in the form of addressing the symptoms, rather than the root cause. You've got a couple companies out there that are doing some good work in that regard. You've got a company called Cytokinetics(NASDAQ: CYTK), the symbol there is CYTK. They're working on a phase III trial for a drug they call Tirasemtiv. That's worth keeping an eye on. I think results are expected next year. Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) and Ionis (NASDAQ: IONS)are also teamed up with some early-stage work on ALS as well.</p> <p>Harjes: To add another investing takeaway here, it kind of reminds me of the hype over the Zika virus. We've all seen the news about Zika. There's a lot of fear out there. Some of the stocks associated with developing cures for this diseases, or vaccines, have been really inflated recently. We did an entire show about this a while ago, but I would just warn investors to be cautious about following the big news stories and trying to find specific investing takeaways there. For example, if you're going to invest in Biogen, it probably shouldn't be for their ALS research.</p> <p>Lapera: I think one of the things that you're getting at is that science reporting is very different for different audiences. If you're just looking at an article that appears on your Facebook that's US News and World Report -- which is not a bad news source, but they tend to say things like, "They found a gene! That's great! This is a huge advancement!" It is, but that needs to be tempered, like Kristine said. If you're going to try to use news sources to inform your investing decision, you're going to want to try and find more technical, academic sources that are like, "We found a gene, and now this is probably the progression for the next 10 years of research."</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah, research is a marathon, for sure, and so while this is a really good step in the right direction, it's still something that, as you mentioned, does need to be tempered. Meanwhile, I'll also add that giving to charity is its own form of investing, and so I would say that we can talk about that as an investing takeaway for this show. My takeaway, personally, as far as charity goes, would be a site called Givewell. These guys do MBA-level analysis of charities so that you know exactly how effective these charities are, and how much bang for the buck, so to speak, you'll get from donating to them. It doesn't rate every charity, but it focuses on a couple that stand out the most to them, to produce a list of what they consider to be the best of the best.</p> <p>Lapera: If you need a selfish reason to give charitably -- tax deductions.</p> <p>Harjes: Spoken like our Financials host right there. Todd and Gaby, thank you guys so much for coming on the show today to talk pop culture and healthcare and the intersection thereof. Listeners, stayed tuned for the rest of the pop culture week here on Industry Focus. Avid Fool podcast listeners will be particularly interested in Friday's tech show, when there's going to be a very familiar voice from another Fool podcast. If you're scratching your head saying, "Wait, there are more Fool podcasts," head on over to <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">podcasts.fool.com Opens a New Window.</a> and check out the whole suite of them.</p> <p>As always, people on the program may have interest in the stocks that they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell stocks based solely on what you hear. For Todd Campbell and Gaby Lapera, I am Kristine Harjes, thanks for listening, and Fool on!</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCaffeine/info.aspx" type="external">Gaby Lapera Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAnchor/info.aspx" type="external">Kristine Harjes Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Amazon.com. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com, Biogen, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends Welltower. 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>

hospitals perform lifesaving work every day patients far likely receiving treated unexciting conditions like heart disease present something dramatic bubonic plague hospital business itselfisnt quite wed expect seeing tv either hospitals costly run administrators constantly managing expenses andnegotiatingreimbursement dealswith insurers deliver profitmargins necessary invest nextgeneration equipment asroboticassisted surgical systems build new facilities continue reading episode motley fools industry focus healthcare opens new window analyst kristine harjes joined gaby lapera todd campbell chat hospital industry portrayed pop culture investors really know hospital companies like hcanyse hca andtenet healthcarenyse thc investing trio also update investorson onebig challenge charity last year paid new advance als treatment offer insight companies working challenging disease full transcript follows video secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window video advertisement podcast recorded aug 3 2016 kristine harjes welcome industry focus podcast dives different sector stock market every day im host kristine harjes aug 3 per usual todd campbell calling fool hq alexandria virginia keeping weeks industry focus theme pop culture todd want ask alltime favorite tv show todd campbell going talking healthcare think really loved loved mash mash awesome loved scrubs love house harjes guys might recognize giggling background actually another guest show today industry focus financials host gaby lapera gaby lapera hey guys harjes welcome show gaby whats favorite tv show lapera favorite tv show harjes time lapera time im going go star trek little bit cheating favorite medical drama definitely scrubs dramacomedy harjes guys picked going talking healthcare wednesday thats industry focus wednesdays thought would kind interesting talk healthcare tv shows specifically medical hospital shows shows staple primetime television youve got medical dramas youve got cop dramas really classic tv shows gaby already called monday episode actually knowing much tv lapera im sorry harjes true really dont im glad one two guests show know little bit shows ive heard know theres scrubs guys mentioned one house greys anatomy else lapera one george clooney campbell er around long time think 15 seasons lapera forever harjes means 15 years lapera yeah harjes yeah thats lot lapera 15 years theres also general hospital soap opera style evil twin appears takes normal twins life goes coma wakes seven years later dramatic type harjes thats thing shows dramatic question gets raised influence peoples perception reality studies look frequent viewers types shows found vast majority report actually learn something new health condition took action seeing something health issue tv im sure thats good thing concerned lapera think little bit little column little column b great people concerned health theyre like maybe get walk lower cholesterol little bit like oh god guys symptoms superrare disease exactly like regular life maybe go doctor maybe helped save life flip side lot people think freaking rare diseases actually rare probably dont campbell gaby watching house often back would thought rare diseases common cancer heart disease diabetes harjes things actually contribute peoples deaths frequently doesnt make good tv lapera harjes also get lot really superlifethreatening conditions end actually lifethreatening keep count many people end surviving conditions due miraculous intervention doctors behalf campbell wouldnt expect get lot viewers people diabetes sitting across saying probably eat better go walks lapera flip side want point people think stuff like cpr getting electric shocks getting heart attack way effective actually harjes yeah thats huge problem false depictions cpr thats thing theres also seizure care study seizure care greys anatomy house private practice er found 46 seizure cases treatment happening show completely inappropriate either trying hold person stop involuntary movements put something mouth things bad idea record proper seizure care make sure dont hurt clear area dangerous objects maybe put something soft head rotate side 46 time things actually detrimental youre watching show theres disclaimer comes end actually dont know sure im pretty sure theres disclaimer end says hey kids dont try home maybe lapera theres youre right harjes another really interesting thing look cardiac arrest theres another study er couple shows found 75 patients survived cardiac arrest immediately case reality longterm survival 2 30 cardiac arrest outside hospital question raises shows helpful bringing awareness realities hospitals ers work campbell would argue theyre kind typically end situation youve got flawed brilliant great talented doctor hes pitted mean rulesfollowing pennypincher administrator reality someone like house providing care show opiatedependent probably wouldnt want person caring real life certainly diminish nutsandbolts business behind hospitals talks great doctor vs penny pinching youre penny pinching hospitals cant afford make investments need provide better care later lapera speaks thing think exists cultures people kind view doctors godlike figures diagnose whats wrong immediately know know everything thats 100 case diagnoses often take long time sometimes guesswork thing sometimes patients really advocate opposed doctors seeing knowing whats wrong right away like yeah fix problem sometimes patients really ask questions doublecheck whatever medicine theyre given actually medicine prescribed kind sucks thats way real life campbell real life hospitals arent sexy either theyre hotbed maybe romanticism business hospital operator singledigit growing industry boring kind industry youve got care give care charge payers care nearly exciting maybe shows make harjes investors way invest directly hospitals todd really quick give us rundown major players space campbell yeah two maybe investors would interested would hca tenet health care symbols hca thc already said alluded earlier slowgrowing businesses wonderful benefit aging population providing lot tailwinds demand companies growing businesses 1 3 per year margins arent great theyre horrible theyre certainly profitable drugmaker spend 80 money haul revenue operating costs theyre profitable make money building hospitals expensive theyre maybe exciting stocks within healthcare space harjes next time youre bingewatching hospital shows youre welcome making think investing youre trying relax lapera im going throw couple companies technically financial sphere healthcare reits reit real estate investment trust hcp nyse hcpwelltower healthcare nyse hcn ventas nyse vtr harjes make money lapera lease space operators lot make pretty good money one theres lot demand healthcare aging population like todd mentioned earlier since theyre leasing space dont really worry making mris profitable anything get benefit people pay healthcare like amazon cant get healthcare internet part actually go hospital doctors office get treatment far healthcare businesses go fairly stable harjes thats good point campbell pay nice dividend lapera oh thats true campbell income investors pay attention well harjes thats good point todd another topic want cover todays show one personally speak way tv als ice bucket challenge guys might remember two years ago huge trend people dumping buckets ice head didnt pay much attention probably took going behind scenes huge wave challenges going given option challenged either dump bucket ice head donate money als people didnt really know als went viral celebrities professional athletes either campbell lapera kristine campbell lot fun right beach lapera kristine als harjes exactly important question ask talk als ice bucket challenge raised lot awareness disease lot people know als stands apologize butcher pronounce amyotrophic lateral sclerosis love language im actually going get really nerdy language lapera break harjes yeah comes greek first word anyway amyotrophic means myo muscle trophic means nourishment get lack muscle nourishment lateral refers spine particularly brain tells muscles sclerosis means hardening scardening scarring region degenerates lapera scardening good word harjes scardening close enough lapera portmanteau harjes say im sorry butchering language im trying explain language take together als progressive neurodegenerative disease attacks nerve cells brain spinal cord motor neurons die ability brain initiate control muscle movement lost eventually three five years diagnosis patient dies extremely prevalent disease many people may know lou gherigs disease approximately 6000 new cases us annually theres one fdaapproved drug exists even moderately slows progression als people three months thats great need unmet need find lot rare diseases kind hard get funding research als ice bucket challenge remade news recently challenge money raised ended discovering new gene related disease kind cool also raises lot questions money put use best way new discovery gene mean guys think campbell als disease lot like alzheimers hard understand unfortunately treatments made way human clinical trials havent borne fruit couple companies research investors want know well talk second theres whole big question give dollars charitywise people wrestle time certainly things like muscular dystrophy telethons growing things like als challenge kind things raise awareness think thats important whether thats actually going translate effective cure treatment early stages say point lapera think one major things people objected als challenge look pie chart diseases kill americans als even top five maybe even top 10 heart disease biggest killer far americans people like dont send money towards heart disease campbell thats whole funding cannibalism right harjes todd explain phrase little bit campbell essentially theres movement charity world toward effective altruism ea idea quantitatively look donation biggest bang buck therefore theoretically quantitatively speaking thats making donation would speak gaby saying als important disease certainly theres need cure youve got millions people dying malaria still maybe thats focus heading instead touchy sensitive subject though harjes really hard criticize altruism another layer add story maybe people werent planning donating money disease prevention sudden theyre like hey dont want dump bucket ice head im going give hundred dollars might otherwise lapera think thing think drug companies think point talked couple days ago drug companies incentive research diseases kill lot people theyll make way money lot people get harjes yeah theyre forprofit companies lapera exactly nonprofit research organizations dont get lot money studies people frankly die fairly quickly diseases fairly rare one things maybe raising awareness something like really good actual altruistic thing dont know harjes see sides one thing think worth mentioning havent quite touched yet new gene discovery media touting lately first step actually something huge gulf discovering gene getting drug actually market gene present 3 als cases anyway although still among common genes contribute disease something theres still lot work done itll probably take lot money already raised campbell advances treatment probably come still form addressing symptoms rather root cause youve got couple companies good work regard youve got company called cytokineticsnasdaq cytk symbol cytk theyre working phase iii trial drug call tirasemtiv thats worth keeping eye think results expected next year biogen nasdaq biib ionis nasdaq ionsare also teamed earlystage work als well harjes add another investing takeaway kind reminds hype zika virus weve seen news zika theres lot fear stocks associated developing cures diseases vaccines really inflated recently entire show ago would warn investors cautious following big news stories trying find specific investing takeaways example youre going invest biogen probably shouldnt als research lapera think one things youre getting science reporting different different audiences youre looking article appears facebook thats us news world report bad news source tend say things like found gene thats great huge advancement needs tempered like kristine said youre going try use news sources inform investing decision youre going want try find technical academic sources like found gene probably progression next 10 years research harjes yeah research marathon sure really good step right direction still something mentioned need tempered meanwhile ill also add giving charity form investing would say talk investing takeaway show takeaway personally far charity goes would site called givewell guys mbalevel analysis charities know exactly effective charities much bang buck speak youll get donating doesnt rate every charity focuses couple stand produce list consider best best lapera need selfish reason give charitably tax deductions harjes spoken like financials host right todd gaby thank guys much coming show today talk pop culture healthcare intersection thereof listeners stayed tuned rest pop culture week industry focus avid fool podcast listeners particularly interested fridays tech show theres going familiar voice another fool podcast youre scratching head saying wait fool podcasts head podcastsfoolcom opens new window check whole suite always people program may interest stocks talk motley fool may formal recommendations dont buy sell stocks based solely hear todd campbell gaby lapera kristine harjes thanks listening fool gaby lapera opens new window position stocks mentioned kristine harjes opens new window position stocks mentioned todd campbell opens new window owns shares amazoncom motley fool owns shares recommends amazoncom biogen ionis pharmaceuticals motley fool recommends welltower 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><a href="http://freepatriot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/obama-investigation.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>At the first of the week, a question was asked what if your nightmares concerning FEMA were true? We know a nuclear bomb has been missing in transit from a Military base to the East Coast and was put out by Glenn Beck, Fox News, and other media outlets. We know that the president had attempted to circumvent the US Congress prior to the G20 summit in bombing Syria and even went as far as waiving a US law to provide arms to the Free Syrian Army that was treason in itself. We know the government is trying hard to circumvent the constitution. So what if the Navy shooting was to cover up that a Supreme Court Justice and the United States Military were plotting to arrest the President for Treason?</p> <p>I know, it sounds like I ate some bad shrimp and had a nightmare after watching &#8220;Clear and Present Danger&#8221;, but I started looking at the chain of events and could not put my finger on it. We have a credible evidence of UN troops on American soil, a missing nuke, a President arming our enemies, a UN small arms treaty that is un-Constitutional, and a big event planned for Region III that nobody seems to know why DHS needs that much ammo, water rations, or food supplies that they are buying. Nothing makes sense from a logical stand point, until an article was &amp;#160;found in a Canadian news paper that referenced everything and tied to rt.com and EU Times articles that set everything in its proper place.</p> <p>From the Press Core:&amp;#160;&#8220;In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.&#8221; &#8211; Franklin D. Roosevelt.&amp;#160; U.S. military police were targeted and killed by Obama in the Washington DC Navy Yard shooting.&amp;#160; Why?&amp;#160; Agents from the U.S. military&#8217;s criminal investigation units had uncovered a plot to detonate a nuclear device in the heart of the nation&#8217;s capitol as part of an Obama government false flag.&amp;#160; Officials from NCIS ( <a href="http://www.ncis.navy.mil/Pages/publicdefault.aspx" type="external">United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service</a>) and the U.S.&amp;#160;Office&amp;#160;of the&amp;#160;Provost&amp;#160;(both with field offices inside the Washington DC Navy Yard) had threatened to arrest Obama for planning to attacked Syria without Congressional approval following a planned nuclear detonation false flag in Washington DC.&amp;#160; The&amp;#160;Office&amp;#160;of the&amp;#160;Provost&amp;#160;is on the second floor of Building 34, One First Avenue, Charlestown&amp;#160;Navy Yard and NCIS is located at 716 SICARD STREET SE, SUITE 2000, WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC.</p> <p>The&amp;#160;United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service&amp;#160;(NCIS) is the primary law enforcement agency of the United States Department of the Navy. It investigates activities concerning crimes against or by United States Navy and United States Marine Corps personnel, along with&amp;#160;national security, counter-intelligence, and&amp;#160;counter-terrorism&amp;#160;cases.&amp;#160; A false flag is the crime of treason &#8211; levying war against the United States.&amp;#160; If United States Navy or United States Marine Corps personnel are involved in planning for and preparing a false flag event in Washington DC or anywhere else in the United States, NCIS and its agents are duty bound to investigate and take action to counter those terrorist acts against the United States.</p> <p>Prior to the Washington DC Navy Yard shooting the Joint Chief of Staff and Provost Marshals were planning and preparing to arrest Obama for treason.&amp;#160; For levying war against the United States with a planned false flag in Washington DC on the anniversary of 9/11 &#8211; a nuclear detonation.</p> <p>In the United States the Office of the Provost has the authority to arrest the President if he or she violates the terms of his/her employment, or commits an act that is detrimental to the United States. He/she can be held liable, arrested, imprisoned etc., depending on the depth of the violation, by the Provost Marshal.</p> <p>If it has been determined that the president of the United States has committed treason in a manner unmistakable to all, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff convenes a covert meeting (in this case the Washington DC Navy Yard) to get a vote of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.&amp;#160; The Provost Marshall General of the Army and/or Marines will usually be in attendance.&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Remember that a military officer takes an oath of office to do one thing and one thing only &#8211; &#8220;&#8230;&#8230;.&amp;#160;to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against ALL enemies, foreign OR DOMESTIC.&#8221; They must determine above a reasonable doubt that the enemy domestic is the treasonous president before they can attempt to arrest him or her.</p> <p>Once the Joint Chiefs of Staff have determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the president has committed treason a convoy of 10 to 12 HIGH ranking officers (13 killed at the Navy Yard) depart the Pentagon, accompanied by a large contingency of Military Police (Provost Marshals, NCIS agents) and all necessary armament and provisions to enter the grounds of the White House, by FORCE if necessary, and proceed to the location of the president and put him under arrest.&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Then, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would advise the Speaker of The House, The President of the Senate, The Attorney General and the Secretary of State of their actions.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;Obama&#8217;s response to the threat of arrest was a coordinated assault against NCIS agents who uncovered the false flag plot against the United States and Provost Marshals who threatened to arrest Obama at the Washington DC Navy Yard.</p> <p><a href="http://freepatriot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/rt_washington_navy_yard_shooting_2_ll_130916_16x9_9921.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Have you wondered why not all of the names and the rank of those who were killed in the assault have been released?&amp;#160; The White House (Obama) ordered their names and rank classified as it would raise alarm bells in Washington DC should the public know Joint Chiefs of Staff members, Provost Marshals and NCIS agents were targeted and killed for threatening to arrest Obama for treason.&amp;#160; The White House is claiming that the&amp;#160;names&amp;#160;of those killed are being withheld pending next of kin notification.</p> <p>On September 28,&amp;#160; 2009 the History Channel released a movie titled &#8220; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bHdlaOtqBs" type="external">Day After Disaster</a>&#8220;.&amp;#160; The entire movie is about Washington DC being the target and victim of a nuclear detonation. &amp;#160; The movie also features Obama talking about nuclear detonations in the U.S. Movie 0.50 time stamp &#8211; &#8220;One terrorist, one nuclear weapon could unleash massive destruction&#8221; ~ Obama says.&amp;#160; Last year PRESS Core wrote an article titled &#8220; <a href="http://presscore.ca/2012/history-tv-reveals-obamas-nuclear-detonation-false-flag-event-and-date-930.html" type="external">COG planning for and preparing Washington DC nuclear detonation false flag event.</a>&#8221; after receiving information that September 30, 2012 was the day &#8220;Day after Disaster&#8221; was to executed in real-time.&amp;#160; Obama&#8217;s planned false flag attack for September 30, 2012 was averted after the public was made aware of the false flag beginning August 18th, 2012.</p> <p>Obama&#8217;s 9/11 anniversary false flag was thwarted when the Joint Chief of Staff and the Provost Marshals from the Washington DC Navy Yard confronted Obama and threatened to arrest him for treason for planning to detonate one or more nukes in the nation&#8217;s capitol &#8211; Washington DC.</p> <p><a href="http://freepatriot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bilde.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ABC News Aug 27, 2013:&amp;#160; &#8220;A massive and &#8220;serious&#8221; cyber attack on the U.S. homeland is coming, and a natural disaster &#8212; the likes of which the nation has never seen &#8212; is also likely on its way.&#8220;</p> <p>The only way anyone could know that there is &#8220;a natural disaster &#8212; the likes of which the nation has never seen &#8212; is also likely on its way&#8221;&amp;#160;is if you are the one planning and preparing it.</p> <p>&#8220;You also will have to prepare for the increasing likelihood of more weather-related events of a more severe nature as a result of climate change, and continue to build the capacity to respond to potential disasters in far-flung regions of the country occurring at the same time.</p> <p>&#8220;You will need a large bottle of Advil,&#8221; Napolitano joked.</p> <p><a href="http://freepatriot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Fema-regions.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Don&#8217;t think the U.S. government is planning to detonate a nuke in Washington DC?&amp;#160; They&#8217;ve already planned for it.&amp;#160; DHS (illegal posse&amp;#160;posse comitatus force) / FEMA Washington DC nuclear detonation scenario report &#8211; <a href="http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/dhs/fema/ncr.pdf" type="external">http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/dhs/fema/ncr.pdf</a>&amp;#160; complete with nuclear detonation maps, charts and fatality estimates.&amp;#160; NCR stands for National Capital Region.</p> <p>Why else would Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano suddenly resign her post (announced her resignation July 12, 2013) and leave Washington DC for California?&amp;#160; Because while she was Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano planned for and prepared for a major Washington DC event.&amp;#160; She got out of dodge before the &#8220;attack on the U.S. homeland is coming&#8220;.</p> <p>Janet Napolitano&#8217;s resignation as Department of Homeland Security Secretary was effective&amp;#160;&#8230;&amp;#160;September 7, 2013 &#8211; just 4 days before the planned 9/11 anniversary nuclear device detonation false flag.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;Just before leaving her post Dyess Air Force base reportedly moved nuclear warheads to the East Coast of the United States in a secret transfer that had no paper trail.&amp;#160; The&amp;#160;Dyess Air Force Commander allegedly authorized unknown parties to transfer nuclear warheads to an unknown location on the U.S. East Coast, where the warheads would then be picked up and potentially utilized.&amp;#160; Conspiracy?</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

first week question asked nightmares concerning fema true know nuclear bomb missing transit military base east coast put glenn beck fox news media outlets know president attempted circumvent us congress prior g20 summit bombing syria even went far waiving us law provide arms free syrian army treason know government trying hard circumvent constitution navy shooting cover supreme court justice united states military plotting arrest president treason know sounds like ate bad shrimp nightmare watching clear present danger started looking chain events could put finger credible evidence un troops american soil missing nuke president arming enemies un small arms treaty unconstitutional big event planned region iii nobody seems know dhs needs much ammo water rations food supplies buying nothing makes sense logical stand point article 160found canadian news paper referenced everything tied rtcom eu times articles set everything proper place press core160in politics nothing happens accident happens bet planned way franklin roosevelt160 us military police targeted killed obama washington dc navy yard shooting160 why160 agents us militarys criminal investigation units uncovered plot detonate nuclear device heart nations capitol part obama government false flag160 officials ncis united states naval criminal investigative service us160office160of the160provost160both field offices inside washington dc navy yard threatened arrest obama planning attacked syria without congressional approval following planned nuclear detonation false flag washington dc160 the160office160of the160provost160is second floor building 34 one first avenue charlestown160navy yard ncis located 716 sicard street se suite 2000 washington navy yard dc the160united states naval criminal investigative service160ncis primary law enforcement agency united states department navy investigates activities concerning crimes united states navy united states marine corps personnel along with160national security counterintelligence and160counterterrorism160cases160 false flag crime treason levying war united states160 united states navy united states marine corps personnel involved planning preparing false flag event washington dc anywhere else united states ncis agents duty bound investigate take action counter terrorist acts united states prior washington dc navy yard shooting joint chief staff provost marshals planning preparing arrest obama treason160 levying war united states planned false flag washington dc anniversary 911 nuclear detonation united states office provost authority arrest president violates terms hisher employment commits act detrimental united states heshe held liable arrested imprisoned etc depending depth violation provost marshal determined president united states committed treason manner unmistakable chairman joint chiefs staff convenes covert meeting case washington dc navy yard get vote joint chiefs staff160 provost marshall general army andor marines usually attendance160160 remember military officer takes oath office one thing one thing 160to support defend constitution united states enemies foreign domestic must determine reasonable doubt enemy domestic treasonous president attempt arrest joint chiefs staff determined beyond reasonable doubt president committed treason convoy 10 12 high ranking officers 13 killed navy yard depart pentagon accompanied large contingency military police provost marshals ncis agents necessary armament provisions enter grounds white house force necessary proceed location president put arrest160160 chairman joint chiefs staff would advise speaker house president senate attorney general secretary state actions160160obamas response threat arrest coordinated assault ncis agents uncovered false flag plot united states provost marshals threatened arrest obama washington dc navy yard wondered names rank killed assault released160 white house obama ordered names rank classified would raise alarm bells washington dc public know joint chiefs staff members provost marshals ncis agents targeted killed threatening arrest obama treason160 white house claiming the160names160of killed withheld pending next kin notification september 28160 2009 history channel released movie titled day disaster160 entire movie washington dc target victim nuclear detonation 160 movie also features obama talking nuclear detonations us movie 050 time stamp one terrorist one nuclear weapon could unleash massive destruction obama says160 last year press core wrote article titled cog planning preparing washington dc nuclear detonation false flag event receiving information september 30 2012 day day disaster executed realtime160 obamas planned false flag attack september 30 2012 averted public made aware false flag beginning august 18th 2012 obamas 911 anniversary false flag thwarted joint chief staff provost marshals washington dc navy yard confronted obama threatened arrest treason planning detonate one nukes nations capitol washington dc former department homeland security secretary janet napolitano abc news aug 27 2013160 massive serious cyber attack us homeland coming natural disaster likes nation never seen also likely way way anyone could know natural disaster likes nation never seen also likely way160is one planning preparing also prepare increasing likelihood weatherrelated events severe nature result climate change continue build capacity respond potential disasters farflung regions country occurring time need large bottle advil napolitano joked dont think us government planning detonate nuke washington dc160 theyve already planned it160 dhs illegal posse160posse comitatus force fema washington dc nuclear detonation scenario report httpwwwfasorgirpagencydhsfemancrpdf160 complete nuclear detonation maps charts fatality estimates160 ncr stands national capital region else would department homeland security secretary janet napolitano suddenly resign post announced resignation july 12 2013 leave washington dc california160 department homeland security secretary janet napolitano planned prepared major washington dc event160 got dodge attack us homeland coming janet napolitanos resignation department homeland security secretary effective160160september 7 2013 4 days planned 911 anniversary nuclear device detonation false flag160160just leaving post dyess air force base reportedly moved nuclear warheads east coast united states secret transfer paper trail160 the160dyess air force commander allegedly authorized unknown parties transfer nuclear warheads unknown location us east coast warheads would picked potentially utilized160 conspiracy 160

<p><a href="//videos/37/67842" type="external" /></p> <p>RUSH: And greetings to you, music lovers, thrill-seekers, conversationalists, debate aficionados all across the fruited plain, you are tuned where every American is. You&#8217;ve heard what everybody thinks about the debate last night, but you don&#8217;t know what to think yet because you haven&#8217;t heard what I think. Right? Come on, admit it. You know that&#8217;s true. Telephone number, 800-282-2882, and the e-mail address, <a href="mailto:elrushbo@eibnet.com" type="external">ElRushbo@eibnet.com</a>.</p> <p>You know, I thought about teasing you. I thought about saying, &#8220;You know what, I&#8217;m gonna reserve my thoughts until I hear from you because, once I say something, there&#8217;s nothing left to be said.&#8221; I thought that would be a dastardly trick. By the way, folks, I&#8217;m in a relatively good mood. I don&#8217;t know what would spoil it, maybe something could, but I love the kind of day we are having here. It&#8217;s like nighttime out there. It is cloudy. It is rainy. It is so bad the DirecTV signal&#8217;s in and out. And I don&#8217;t have a window. That&#8217;s for security reasons, and distraction reasons. But, man, I love these kinds of days. Cozy. The only problem is it&#8217;s like 110 degrees out there. He-he-he-he. You want a day like this to be in the forties or fifties.</p> <p>Anyway, okay. I&#8217;ll tell you here just stream of consciousness thoughts. Overall &#8212; and I&#8217;m gonna back all this up with detail in a moment &#8212; the overall view of the night is that not a whole lot is gonna change because of what happened last night. Not a whole lot. Meaning Trump is still gonna be in the lead when it&#8217;s all said and done. CNN is gonna have had a huge audience. I&#8217;m now beginning to question this. I&#8217;m not sure it&#8217;s just Trump driving these audiences for these Republican debates. More on that as the program unfolds.</p> <p>Let me qualify that. If you&#8217;re a Trump supporter, last night was no harm, no foul. Nothing happened last night to damage Trump significantly, and I don&#8217;t think anything is going to. If Trump is to eventually fade away, it&#8217;s not gonna happen overnight anyway. It&#8217;s not gonna happen because of one thing. We know that now. There&#8217;s no such thing as Trump stepping in it. If there&#8217;s anything to cause Trump supporters to leave &#8212; and I know that sounds like blasphemy to you Trump supporters &#8212; if anything is gonna cause that to happen, I don&#8217;t know what it is, but it&#8217;s gonna slow and gradual. There isn&#8217;t gonna be this earthquake moment. And I say that because the Regime and the Republican Party is looking for that to happen.</p> <p>I mean, the RNC, the Republican establishment, they want a singular event to happen that takes Trump out and be done with it, and I don&#8217;t think that&#8217;s gonna happen. If there is to be &#8212; and I&#8217;m not predicting it, so hold on to your cookies. I&#8217;m just saying &#8220;if.&#8221; If it happens, it&#8217;s going to be gradual. Watching that debate last night, I thought at times I was actually watching 11 of me. These people were fabulous last night on that stage! I mean, not everybody, some exceptions here and there, but, man, that was something to be proud of last night. You know that CNN went in there, I don&#8217;t care that they may want to take Trump out, but there&#8217;s no way CNN wants our people to look good. I got so fed up I almost turned it off in the first hour.</p> <p>Every question was, &#8220;All right, Ms. Fiorina, Mr. Trump said you look like a horse. What&#8217;s your reaction?&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Mr. Trump, Ms. Fiorina says you don&#8217;t know what you&#8217;re talking about. What&#8217;s your reaction?&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Mr. Walker, Governor Walker, Rand Paul says you don&#8217;t know what you&#8217;re talking about. What&#8217;s your reaction?&#8221;</p> <p>I hate that. When I&#8217;m interviewed by the media and they throw critics comments in, I say, &#8220;Screw this. Why do I have to respond to what these &#8212; why don&#8217;t you ask me a question that you actually want the answer to. Why throw these other comments in about these people I don&#8217;t even care about.&#8221; It&#8217;s another reason, one of the many, I stopped doing interviews with people, it&#8217;s all it was. And this debate last night started out that way. But these people rose above it. Chris Christie came out of the grave and once again sounded like a conservative last night.</p> <p>Carly Fiorina is a RINO in many ways in her past. She was in the McCain campaign. Two years ago she criticized Ted Cruz for government shutdown activity and so forth. I&#8217;ve been touting Carly ever since this whole process began. She is obviously very smart and committed and energetic and so forth, and she&#8217;s right on so much of what she says, and I remember touting her. She went back to it last night talking about the character of this country and how we&#8217;re losing that when she brilliantly combined the answer to Planned Parenthood and Iran. I thought it was well done. It was very conservative. But Carly, you go back to 2008, and she was right in there with Meg Whitman and McCain and so forth, part of RINO caucus.</p> <p>There was a lot of conservatism on that stage last night. I thought Marco Rubio was great. I thought Cruz was good, but&#8230; I don&#8217;t know. I feel uncomfortable here passing out advice. It&#8217;s not my business. You know, why do they care what I think? So don&#8217;t ask me about individuals. I mean, that&#8217;s not where I want to go right now. We&#8217;ll get to that. I am not the titular head of the party anymore. In no world am I the titular head of this Republican Party. I&#8217;m not the phony head. I&#8217;m not the real head. (interruption) All right, maybe that, maybe the titular head of the conservative movement.</p> <p>But I just want to make some general observations here. I really thought that there was a lot of conservatism. There was a time I thought that I was watching 11 Rush Limbaughs last night. Trump, whatever else you want to say, has clearly moved many of the other candidates to the right, and not just on the subject of illegal aliens. You know, you see how feathers got ruffled last night. Trump: &#8220;If it weren&#8217;t for me, nobody&#8217;d be talking about it.&#8221; &#8220;Mr. Trump, we&#8217;ve been talking about this for 25 years, Mr. Trump. And, Mr. Trump, you haven&#8217;t been leading anybody on anything. We&#8217;ve been out here, we&#8217;ve been sweating and toiling away. You&#8217;re not leading anybody.&#8221;</p> <p>But all that means is that there&#8217;s now a genuine competition to move where? To the right. They might not be touting the word &#8220;conservative.&#8221; I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of people that tried to link themselves to Ronaldus Magnus last night, which makes sense &#8217;cause they were at the Reagan library. I&#8217;m not complaining about this, by the way. I think it&#8217;s great for the American public to hear conservatism being espoused, even if for some people it&#8217;s just a matter of political expedience. I&#8217;m not saying all of those people on the stage are genuine conservatives. Don&#8217;t misunderstand. But I&#8217;m saying they were talking it and it&#8217;s great for the American people to see that, compared to what exists on the other side.</p> <p>That&#8217;s why I say I&#8217;m not sure Trump is the only driver of ratings for these debates. Clearly a factor. Don&#8217;t misunderstand. But I&#8217;m wondering, with as much as we&#8217;re learning of the dissatisfaction so many Americans have with the status quo, no matter what you say about low-information voters, they still know that the Republican Party&#8217;s the opposition party. What they think of it may be something we&#8217;d rather not deal with, but they know that it is.</p> <p>In other words, they know that if you want to go to find out what other people think about what&#8217;s happening, the Republican Party&#8217;s where to go. So you have a debate on CNN last night of Republican candidates, it could well be &#8212; and I&#8217;m looking at this as a positive, folks, not trying to take anything away from Trump here &#8212; there could be just a general wide and varied interest in anything other than what&#8217;s going on now because there&#8217;s so much dissatisfaction with it, and that could be a factor.</p> <p>Now, of course as I predicted, CNN did their best to get the other candidates to attack Trump. And we knew this going in. We knew this was going to happen. In fact, we&#8217;d heard rumblings and even mention that it was Carly Fiorina&#8217;s assignment last night to take out Trump. I don&#8217;t think there needed to be an assignment. Once you call her a horse face, that kind of takes care of Carly being set up to take out Trump. What&#8217;d you think of that, Snerdley, what&#8217;d you think of the way she did that? You know what it illustrated? Brevity is the soul of wit. That answer, what, was 27 words, 12 words, not a big, long dissertation. And how do you think Trump looked when he said, &#8220;By the way, she&#8217;s beautiful.&#8221;</p> <p>I tell you what, we got sound bite. Gloria Borger was so offended by that. It was the ultimate pander for Trump to look at Carly after all this and call her beautiful. Borger was just livid over that, proving you can&#8217;t win, you just can&#8217;t win. Stick with the original claim and then take whatever you get from that. You&#8217;d think more men would have learned this by now. According to the people who track these things, 44% of the questions in the second debate were about Trump. Do you believe that? Does that surprise you, when I give you that stat? (interruption) It doesn&#8217;t surprise you? Forty-four percent of the questions were about Trump.</p> <p>And how about Christie? Christie getting all, you know, &#8220;Hey, Carly! Hey, Donald! You&#8217;re great people. We don&#8217;t care about your careers! We care about their careers!&#8221; And that is the only time Fiorina got flustered, that and HP. When Hewlett-Packard was brought up, and next they&#8217;re gonna bring up Lucent. They didn&#8217;t get to Lucent much. (interruption) Yeah, but they didn&#8217;t get to it. That&#8217;s the next thing.</p> <p>Fortune magazine does a whole profile on Lucent that&#8217;s not pretty. They did a hit&#8230; (interruption) Not now. It&#8217;s an old hit piece. (interruption) Yeah, Fortune did a piece on Carly at Lucent. I&#8217;m just telling you, this stuff&#8217;s all coming. But that&#8217;s the only time she got flustered. She blinked. She&#8217;s very proud of her time at Hewlett-Packard. It&#8217;s one of those things that has a life of its own, the fact she bombed out and failed, and it&#8217;s tough to say, &#8220;No, I didn&#8217;t bomb out and fail! Let me try to tell you.</p> <p>&#8220;You know, Steve Jobs even called it&#8230;&#8221; It&#8217;s like trying to discredit somebody with hypocrisy. It just doesn&#8217;t work anymore. You can point out all the hypocrisy in the world. Doesn&#8217;t work. Well, okay, for example, it&#8217;d be like back in the eighties, people trying to discredit Reagan &#8217;cause he was once a Democrat. It wouldn&#8217;t work. It didn&#8217;t matter. It&#8217;s like if you try to discredit Dr. Krauthammer by saying he once voted for Mondale. It&#8217;s not gonna matter, because that&#8217;s then; this is now. (interruption)</p> <p>Yeah. I think Dr. Krauthammer worked on the Mondale campaign back in 1984. I&#8217;m not sure if he voted or not, but, yeah. The point is that pointing that out now is not gonna discredit Dr. Krauthammer or anybody else. My only point is hypocrisy is not a way of getting people to change their minds. It just never does work &#8212; on our side anyway. Trying to point out the hypocrisy of the left never works. It&#8217;s frustrating to a lot of people, but it never does. (interruption)</p> <p>Well, see, Snerdley&#8217;s asking me what did I think about the other questions, the non-Trump questions, the climate change question. You know, I&#8217;ve blown a gasket during this. I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;re thinking as you&#8217;re watching, &#8220;Rush is blowing a gasket!&#8221; &#8216;Cause they all accepted the premise. I think Rubio&#8217;s answer was right on the money. &#8220;Okay, fine, fine. But the Democrat solution? Why would we want to destroy our economy?&#8221; Maybe that&#8217;s the way to do this. I mean, there&#8217;s no way&#8230;</p> <p>Here&#8217;s a great example. I don&#8217;t care what ammunition you have, you are not gonna convince Jacob Tapper that global warming is a manufactured political issue by the American and worldwide left. You&#8217;re not gonna convince &#8216;im. He believes it&#8217;s real. And so, too every other&#8230; Like my little tech bloggers. They all think it&#8217;s real. There is no fact, there is no amount of data that is gonna persuade them that they&#8217;re wrong about it. I mean, there&#8217;s mountains of it, and it doesn&#8217;t matter.</p> <p>Eighteen-and-a-half years, no temperature increase? Now Jerry Brown&#8217;s out there saying this drought is global warming and it&#8217;s only gonna get worse, and he wants new taxes for it. So the way Rubio went about it last night was very smart. Rather than get into an argument, which I would have done&#8230; You know, I wouldn&#8217;t have accepted the premise. &#8220;This global warming thing&#8217;s a scam.&#8221; But the way Rubio did it was to attack their solution as making it worse, and why do we want to punish people?</p> <p>Why do we want to punish our economy, when we&#8217;re the only ones who are gonna be doing it? Other polluters&#8230; Blah, blah. The ChiComs and the Indians are not gonna change anything. But that question, you know, was also understandable. Remember CNN is asking these questions. And CNN, as an entity, believes in climate change. I mean, you have to. Climate change/global warming is one of these issues you have to believe in you are going to be a Democrat, or a liberal.</p> <p>You can&#8217;t not believe in and it be a liberal Democrat. And then of course some people are calling it Trump&#8217;s flip-flop on Carly&#8217;s appearance, now that he thinks she&#8217;s beautiful. CNN got that on record, by the way. That&#8217;s now on videotape that Donald Trump thinks Carly Fiorina is beautiful. You know, when they were going through the end of the debate, choose your Secret Service code name? (interruption) You thought that was lame? Yeah. Those are tough questions.</p> <p>It&#8217;s like, &#8220;Name your top 10 favorite movies.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Oh, my gosh, I&#8217;m freezing! I can&#8217;t even think of one.&#8221;</p> <p>But did you hear what hers was? You don&#8217;t remember what hers&#8230;? (interruption) Yeah, it was a one-worder. Carly Fiorina&#8217;s Secret Service code name&#8230; (singing Jeopardy theme) &#8220;Secretariat.&#8221; That&#8217;s right. I think she was baiting Trump into making another untoward joke. Secretariat&#8217;s a champion horse, a Triple Crown winner. You know, with my hearing, when I first heard her, I thought she said, &#8220;Secretary.&#8221; I thought, &#8220;What &#8212; what &#8212; what &#8212; what?&#8221; And then I figured out Secretariat and put it all together. She&#8217;s baiting Trump to make another face comment.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: Again, if you missed the first hour, the overview of the debate, as far as I was concerned &#8212; and I put this basically as the overall, everything thrown in, everything tabulated &#8212; there was nothing earth-shattering last night that is going to upset the standings as they are in a dramatic way. And everybody was hoping for that last night on the establishment side.</p> <p>The establishment side was hoping, and they have been hoping. They&#8217;re hoping for one thing to happen that&#8217;ll get rid of Donald Trump. And that didn&#8217;t happen. An assessment that I shared in the previous hour I will repeat: For those of you in the establishment waiting for that one moment, I don&#8217;t think that one moment is going to happen. IF&#8230; Capital I, capital F. IF Trump is to lose in his number one position here, it isn&#8217;t gonna be an overnight thing. It&#8217;s going to be something that attrition, something that happens over time.</p> <p>When is the next debate? It&#8217;s not any time soon. It&#8217;s like six weeks from now, right? So what&#8217;s gonna happen between now and the next debate that is going to cause a major shift? Now, this is not to say that individual candidates did not maybe gain ground or lose ground last night. But in terms of the overall makeup of the race, not much changed. You might have Carly Fiorina moving into second place now ahead of Ben Carson. And Christie might have moved up a notch or two.</p> <p>You might have Jeb Bush move up a point or two. Depends. Nobody knows yet until the polling data comes out on this. And then you have to decide whether or not that you want to believe that. Now, Carly Fiorina did well no matter what. No matter what the circumstances, no matter what the pre-publicity was, just within that universe of three hours, it&#8217;s undeniable she was on her game. She was ready to roll, she was competent, she was smart, she was well spoken.</p> <p>There was only one moment when she appeared to be flustered at all, and that&#8217;s the moment in the debate where her CEO period of time at Hewlett-Packard came up. That&#8217;s something obviously that is important to her, and I wouldn&#8217;t say unnerves her, but it&#8217;s the only point in the debate where I think she got a little bit self-conscious. I really think the key to performing in things like this is being able to rid yourself of the self-consciousness that everybody has. It&#8217;s a tough, tough thing to do.</p> <p>And the success that one has in dropping the self-con&#8230; You&#8217;ve heard people say they&#8217;re &#8220;in the zone.&#8221; Athletes and other performers say, &#8220;Yeah, I was just in the zone. I can&#8217;t tell you what it was like! I can&#8217;t describe it. I was just in the zone. I mean, every pitch looked like a grapefruit; I couldn&#8217;t miss it. Yeah, I&#8217;m running the football, and there&#8217;s nobody near me! No way I&#8217;m not catching that football. No way I&#8217;m not scoring.&#8221;</p> <p>Golfers, the same thing. &#8220;The shot&#8217;s gonna end up two feet from the pin. I just know it. I&#8217;m in the zone.&#8221; Well, speech-makers and stage performers have the same types of nights. They have the zone. And my contention is when you&#8217;re in the zone is when you&#8217;re totally devoid of any self-consciousness. I think that is the great characteristic or talent or quality that really great actors have. If you are going to really convince people you are somebody else, you have to be able to totally abandon yourself, in your own consciousness.</p> <p>Such things as worrying about how you look. You worry is your tie straight. You worry about how do I sound, not being distracted by somebody in the audience. That&#8217;s a biggie. When you&#8217;re up there making a speech, you&#8217;re auto-answering a question at the debate, and somebody frowns in the audience? It can take you off your game, if you have not shed your self-consciousness. Self-consciousness also includes being concerned about what other people think about what you&#8217;re doing, what you look like, how you look compared to everybody else.</p> <p>Because it ends up generally the more self-conscious you are, the more hard on yourself you are, the more negative you are about yourself. Now, you may find that strange. Egomaniacs only love themselves. That&#8217;s a different thing. Egomania, egoism is a different thing here than self-consciousness. That&#8217;s its own psychological state, and that state really is one in which you&#8217;re totally devoid of reality. Abandoning self-consciousness puts you right smack-dab in the middle of reality.</p> <p>You are in the midst of it, and I think that&#8217;s where she was last night. And what was amazing to me about it was that&#8217;s exactly where she wanted to be. She had to have a pre-debate strategy, and I guarantee you in her camp they hit a grand slam. You know how you can tell? She didn&#8217;t hang around for the spin zone. She had no representatives in the spin zone. There wasn&#8217;t anything else left to say. She just got out of there. Everybody else did.</p> <p>Some of the candidates, in fact, stayed or their representatives were in the spin zone telling the media what they didn&#8217;t hear. (interruption) No, you didn&#8217;t see any candidate fluff anything. No. You didn&#8217;t see my candidate botch that. Let me tell you what you missed. Here&#8217;s what happened. She had nobody in the spin zone. They just got out of there. In the inside baseball, ladies and gentlemen, it&#8217;s called &#8220;drop the mike.&#8221; I used to do it after every Rush to Excellence event.</p> <p>You drop the mike; get out of there. There&#8217;s nothing left to do. Hit a home run! Drop the mike, turn the mike off, take it off, throw it on the floor, get out of there. That&#8217;s what she did. Dropped the mike. So she had to be feeling great today because she pulled off what she wanted to pull off. She had to&#8230; And you recall if you&#8217;ve been listening to this program with any regularity here for the past three to four months, today is not the first time I&#8217;ve touted Carly Fiorina.</p> <p>I touted her after the first pregame meal debate, you know, where she didn&#8217;t make the main stage. I thought she had some brilliant answers in that debate, particularly when she was talking about, again, the character of the United States and how we&#8217;re losing that. She&#8230; I forget the exact quote. She said the Democrat Party is destroying the character of United States of America. So it was a great answer. She went back to that, when she linked Iran and Planned Parenthood in one answer.</p> <p>She was versed on foreign affairs. She was versed on foreign policy. She was versed on domestic policy. She had a clear answer on what she would do the first day, first hour, what have you. I mean, it was impressive. (interruption) Yeah, she was versed on military stuff. But so are a lot of the others. You know, she wasn&#8217;t alone last night.</p> <p>BREAK TRANSCRIPT</p> <p>RUSH: No, no, no, no. There&#8217;s no question last night Carly Fiorina&#8217;s star shown brighter than anybody. There&#8217;s no question about it. But we&#8217;re nowhere near the end of this. There&#8217;s still much to happen here, and none of it predictable. So all in all, it was a good night for conservatism, provided those articulating it mean it, which is always what&#8217;s up for grabs.</p>

rush greetings music lovers thrillseekers conversationalists debate aficionados across fruited plain tuned every american youve heard everybody thinks debate last night dont know think yet havent heard think right come admit know thats true telephone number 8002822882 email address elrushboeibnetcom know thought teasing thought saying know im gon na reserve thoughts hear say something theres nothing left said thought would dastardly trick way folks im relatively good mood dont know would spoil maybe something could love kind day like nighttime cloudy rainy bad directv signals dont window thats security reasons distraction reasons man love kinds days cozy problem like 110 degrees hehehehe want day like forties fifties anyway okay ill tell stream consciousness thoughts overall im gon na back detail moment overall view night whole lot gon na change happened last night whole lot meaning trump still gon na lead said done cnn gon na huge audience im beginning question im sure trump driving audiences republican debates program unfolds let qualify youre trump supporter last night harm foul nothing happened last night damage trump significantly dont think anything going trump eventually fade away gon na happen overnight anyway gon na happen one thing know theres thing trump stepping theres anything cause trump supporters leave know sounds like blasphemy trump supporters anything gon na cause happen dont know gon na slow gradual isnt gon na earthquake moment say regime republican party looking happen mean rnc republican establishment want singular event happen takes trump done dont think thats gon na happen im predicting hold cookies im saying happens going gradual watching debate last night thought times actually watching 11 people fabulous last night stage mean everybody exceptions man something proud last night know cnn went dont care may want take trump theres way cnn wants people look good got fed almost turned first hour every question right ms fiorina mr trump said look like horse whats reaction mr trump ms fiorina says dont know youre talking whats reaction mr walker governor walker rand paul says dont know youre talking whats reaction hate im interviewed media throw critics comments say screw respond dont ask question actually want answer throw comments people dont even care another reason one many stopped interviews people debate last night started way people rose chris christie came grave sounded like conservative last night carly fiorina rino many ways past mccain campaign two years ago criticized ted cruz government shutdown activity forth ive touting carly ever since whole process began obviously smart committed energetic forth shes right much says remember touting went back last night talking character country losing brilliantly combined answer planned parenthood iran thought well done conservative carly go back 2008 right meg whitman mccain forth part rino caucus lot conservatism stage last night thought marco rubio great thought cruz good dont know feel uncomfortable passing advice business know care think dont ask individuals mean thats want go right well get titular head party anymore world titular head republican party im phony head im real head interruption right maybe maybe titular head conservative movement want make general observations really thought lot conservatism time thought watching 11 rush limbaughs last night trump whatever else want say clearly moved many candidates right subject illegal aliens know see feathers got ruffled last night trump werent nobodyd talking mr trump weve talking 25 years mr trump mr trump havent leading anybody anything weve weve sweating toiling away youre leading anybody means theres genuine competition move right might touting word conservative also pleasantly surprised number people tried link ronaldus magnus last night makes sense cause reagan library im complaining way think great american public hear conservatism espoused even people matter political expedience im saying people stage genuine conservatives dont misunderstand im saying talking great american people see compared exists side thats say im sure trump driver ratings debates clearly factor dont misunderstand im wondering much learning dissatisfaction many americans status quo matter say lowinformation voters still know republican partys opposition party think may something wed rather deal know words know want go find people think whats happening republican partys go debate cnn last night republican candidates could well im looking positive folks trying take anything away trump could general wide varied interest anything whats going theres much dissatisfaction could factor course predicted cnn best get candidates attack trump knew going knew going happen fact wed heard rumblings even mention carly fiorinas assignment last night take trump dont think needed assignment call horse face kind takes care carly set take trump whatd think snerdley whatd think way know illustrated brevity soul wit answer 27 words 12 words big long dissertation think trump looked said way shes beautiful tell got sound bite gloria borger offended ultimate pander trump look carly call beautiful borger livid proving cant win cant win stick original claim take whatever get youd think men would learned according people track things 44 questions second debate trump believe surprise give stat interruption doesnt surprise fortyfour percent questions trump christie christie getting know hey carly hey donald youre great people dont care careers care careers time fiorina got flustered hp hewlettpackard brought next theyre gon na bring lucent didnt get lucent much interruption yeah didnt get thats next thing fortune magazine whole profile lucent thats pretty hit interruption old hit piece interruption yeah fortune piece carly lucent im telling stuffs coming thats time got flustered blinked shes proud time hewlettpackard one things life fact bombed failed tough say didnt bomb fail let try tell know steve jobs even called like trying discredit somebody hypocrisy doesnt work anymore point hypocrisy world doesnt work well okay example itd like back eighties people trying discredit reagan cause democrat wouldnt work didnt matter like try discredit dr krauthammer saying voted mondale gon na matter thats interruption yeah think dr krauthammer worked mondale campaign back 1984 im sure voted yeah point pointing gon na discredit dr krauthammer anybody else point hypocrisy way getting people change minds never work side anyway trying point hypocrisy left never works frustrating lot people never interruption well see snerdleys asking think questions nontrump questions climate change question know ive blown gasket im sure youre thinking youre watching rush blowing gasket cause accepted premise think rubios answer right money okay fine fine democrat solution would want destroy economy maybe thats way mean theres way heres great example dont care ammunition gon na convince jacob tapper global warming manufactured political issue american worldwide left youre gon na convince im believes real every like little tech bloggers think real fact amount data gon na persuade theyre wrong mean theres mountains doesnt matter eighteenandahalf years temperature increase jerry browns saying drought global warming gon na get worse wants new taxes way rubio went last night smart rather get argument would done know wouldnt accepted premise global warming things scam way rubio attack solution making worse want punish people want punish economy ones gon na polluters blah blah chicoms indians gon na change anything question know also understandable remember cnn asking questions cnn entity believes climate change mean climate changeglobal warming one issues believe going democrat liberal cant believe liberal democrat course people calling trumps flipflop carlys appearance thinks shes beautiful cnn got record way thats videotape donald trump thinks carly fiorina beautiful know going end debate choose secret service code name interruption thought lame yeah tough questions like name top 10 favorite movies oh gosh im freezing cant even think one hear dont remember interruption yeah oneworder carly fiorinas secret service code name singing jeopardy theme secretariat thats right think baiting trump making another untoward joke secretariats champion horse triple crown winner know hearing first heard thought said secretary thought figured secretariat put together shes baiting trump make another face comment break transcript rush missed first hour overview debate far concerned put basically overall everything thrown everything tabulated nothing earthshattering last night going upset standings dramatic way everybody hoping last night establishment side establishment side hoping hoping theyre hoping one thing happen thatll get rid donald trump didnt happen assessment shared previous hour repeat establishment waiting one moment dont think one moment going happen capital capital f trump lose number one position isnt gon na overnight thing going something attrition something happens time next debate time soon like six weeks right whats gon na happen next debate going cause major shift say individual candidates maybe gain ground lose ground last night terms overall makeup race much changed might carly fiorina moving second place ahead ben carson christie might moved notch two might jeb bush move point two depends nobody knows yet polling data comes decide whether want believe carly fiorina well matter matter circumstances matter prepublicity within universe three hours undeniable game ready roll competent smart well spoken one moment appeared flustered thats moment debate ceo period time hewlettpackard came thats something obviously important wouldnt say unnerves point debate think got little bit selfconscious really think key performing things like able rid selfconsciousness everybody tough tough thing success one dropping selfcon youve heard people say theyre zone athletes performers say yeah zone cant tell like cant describe zone mean every pitch looked like grapefruit couldnt miss yeah im running football theres nobody near way im catching football way im scoring golfers thing shots gon na end two feet pin know im zone well speechmakers stage performers types nights zone contention youre zone youre totally devoid selfconsciousness think great characteristic talent quality really great actors going really convince people somebody else able totally abandon consciousness things worrying look worry tie straight worry sound distracted somebody audience thats biggie youre making speech youre autoanswering question debate somebody frowns audience take game shed selfconsciousness selfconsciousness also includes concerned people think youre look like look compared everybody else ends generally selfconscious hard negative may find strange egomaniacs love thats different thing egomania egoism different thing selfconsciousness thats psychological state state really one youre totally devoid reality abandoning selfconsciousness puts right smackdab middle reality midst think thats last night amazing thats exactly wanted predebate strategy guarantee camp hit grand slam know tell didnt hang around spin zone representatives spin zone wasnt anything else left say got everybody else candidates fact stayed representatives spin zone telling media didnt hear interruption didnt see candidate fluff anything didnt see candidate botch let tell missed heres happened nobody spin zone got inside baseball ladies gentlemen called drop mike used every rush excellence event drop mike get theres nothing left hit home run drop mike turn mike take throw floor get thats dropped mike feeling great today pulled wanted pull recall youve listening program regularity past three four months today first time ive touted carly fiorina touted first pregame meal debate know didnt make main stage thought brilliant answers debate particularly talking character united states losing forget exact quote said democrat party destroying character united states america great answer went back linked iran planned parenthood one answer versed foreign affairs versed foreign policy versed domestic policy clear answer would first day first hour mean impressive interruption yeah versed military stuff lot others know wasnt alone last night break transcript rush theres question last night carly fiorinas star shown brighter anybody theres question nowhere near end theres still much happen none predictable good night conservatism provided articulating mean always whats grabs

<p /> <p>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) CEO John Milligan made the audience laugh at the Barclays healthcare conference on Tuesday. Barclays analyst Geoff Meacham referenced a letter he had sent to Gilead's management team urging the company to take steps to increase its valuation, including making transformational acquisitions. Milligan's response was perfectly timed: "There was a letter?"</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Anyone hoping that Milligan might provide a clue as to whether rumors that Gilead plans to acquire Incyte (NASDAQ: INCY) walked away disappointed. However, it's entirely possible that such a deal is in the works. Here are three reasons why Gilead Sciences could buy Incyte -- and one reason why it might not.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Gilead Sciences didn't need Geoff Meacham or anyone else to tell it that there's a major problem. The company's executives know fully well that Gilead has two big gaps. One of those gaps stems fromdeclining hepatitis C virus (HCV) franchise sales. Fewer HCV patients are seeking treatment.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The other gap is the biotech's pipeline. Milligan stated at the Barclays conference that Gilead's top two pipeline candidates outside of HIV were still a few years away from potentially reaching the market.He acknowledged that "the best way have a change of opinion on the stock is to change the pipeline."</p> <p>It's clear that management realizes an acquisition is needed. There aren't too many biotechs large enough to help fill Gilead's big gaps. Incyte is one of the few. That by itself could make Gilead more likely to pursue Incyte than to buy out another smaller biotech.</p> <p>In November, Milligansaid that Gilead is focused on "augmenting [its] portfolio withexternal opportunities, particularly in the field of oncology." The big biotech hiredAlessandro Riva away from Novartisin January to head up its oncology program. This move appeared to confirm that Milligan's statement that Gilead is seriously considering boosting its oncology portfolio.</p> <p>There are quite a few biotechs with promising cancer drugs that Gilead could go after. However, Incyte could be in a league of its own.</p> <p>Incyte already has a successful cancer drug on the market with Jakafi. (Perhaps not coincidentally, Alessandro Riva should be quite familiar with the drug, since Novartis markets the JAK inhibitor outside of the U.S.) Incyte also claims one of the most promising immunotherapies in late-stage development with epacadostat. In addition, the biotech's pipeline includes 11 other experimental cancer drugs in development.</p> <p>I have thought for a while that Kite Pharma (NASDAQ: KITE) could be a good buyout target for Gilead Sciences. But there are some potential hints from Gilead's executives that they're looking for a bigger deal than a Kite acquisition would be.</p> <p>Kite's market cap is a little over $4 billion. Gilead could write a check for that amount plus a nice premium and barely miss the money. Incyte, on the other hand, has a market cap of around $28 billion. Even though Gilead's cash stockpile is larger than that, the company would need to borrow to fund an acquisition of the biotech.</p> <p>During Gilead's fourth-quarter earnings call, CFO Robin Washington mentioned that the company had been in discussions with ratings agencies about increasing its debt levels. That seems to indicate that Gilead is preparing for a large acquisition rather than a small one.</p> <p>Again, there aren't too many biotechs out there that are large enough to significantly impact Gilead's leverage ratios. Several of those specialize in rare diseases, an area for which Gilead hasn't expressed much interest in the past. If Gilead really wants a game-changing acquisition to beef up its presence in oncology that's big enough to require taking on a notable amount of debt, Incyte appears to be the best fit.</p> <p>In my view, there's one compelling reason why Gilead Sciences might not buy Incyte. Milligan made a few comments at the Piper Jaffray healthcare conference in November that could be construed in a way that may make an Incyte acquisition less likely.</p> <p>Milligan said then that some wanted Gilead to make an acquisition "prices be damned," but he disagreed with that approach. He also added that somedeals "might look good on spreadsheets," but would be difficult to manage. Those comments were made when Incyte stock traded roughly 50% below current levels.</p> <p>It could be that Gilead simply doesn't want to pay the amount needed to acquire Incyte. Perhaps the company is instead planning to spend a lot of money on a "string of pearls" strategy, buying multiple smaller companies like maybe Kite Pharma and others.</p> <p>Milligan said on Tuesday that Gilead "thinks 10 years out." Will Incyte's Jakafi and epacadostat be part of that future? I think there's a pretty good chance they will be. For now, though, the answer remains "maybe."</p> <p>Find out why Gilead Sciences is one of the 10 best stocks to buy now</p> <p>Motley Fool co-founders Tom and David Gardner have spent more than a decade beating the market. (In fact, the newsletter they run, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market!*)</p> <p>Tom and David just revealed their ten top stock picks for investors to buy right now. Gilead Sciences <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;amp;impression=81503562-57cb-442d-bbc2-35f8e77c88a3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">is on the list Opens a New Window.</a> -- but there are nine others you may be overlooking.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;amp;impression=81503562-57cb-442d-bbc2-35f8e77c88a3&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here to get access to the full list! Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of 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 Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;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 ceo john milligan made audience laugh barclays healthcare conference tuesday barclays analyst geoff meacham referenced letter sent gileads management team urging company take steps increase valuation including making transformational acquisitions milligans response perfectly timed letter continue reading anyone hoping milligan might provide clue whether rumors gilead plans acquire incyte nasdaq incy walked away disappointed however entirely possible deal works three reasons gilead sciences could buy incyte one reason might image source getty images gilead sciences didnt need geoff meacham anyone else tell theres major problem companys executives know fully well gilead two big gaps one gaps stems fromdeclining hepatitis c virus hcv franchise sales fewer hcv patients seeking treatment advertisement gap biotechs pipeline milligan stated barclays conference gileads top two pipeline candidates outside hiv still years away potentially reaching markethe acknowledged best way change opinion stock change pipeline clear management realizes acquisition needed arent many biotechs large enough help fill gileads big gaps incyte one could make gilead likely pursue incyte buy another smaller biotech november milligansaid gilead focused augmenting portfolio withexternal opportunities particularly field oncology big biotech hiredalessandro riva away novartisin january head oncology program move appeared confirm milligans statement gilead seriously considering boosting oncology portfolio quite biotechs promising cancer drugs gilead could go however incyte could league incyte already successful cancer drug market jakafi perhaps coincidentally alessandro riva quite familiar drug since novartis markets jak inhibitor outside us incyte also claims one promising immunotherapies latestage development epacadostat addition biotechs pipeline includes 11 experimental cancer drugs development thought kite pharma nasdaq kite could good buyout target gilead sciences potential hints gileads executives theyre looking bigger deal kite acquisition would kites market cap little 4 billion gilead could write check amount plus nice premium barely miss money incyte hand market cap around 28 billion even though gileads cash stockpile larger company would need borrow fund acquisition biotech gileads fourthquarter earnings call cfo robin washington mentioned company discussions ratings agencies increasing debt levels seems indicate gilead preparing large acquisition rather small one arent many biotechs large enough significantly impact gileads leverage ratios several specialize rare diseases area gilead hasnt expressed much interest past gilead really wants gamechanging acquisition beef presence oncology thats big enough require taking notable amount debt incyte appears best fit view theres one compelling reason gilead sciences might buy incyte milligan made comments piper jaffray healthcare conference november could construed way may make incyte acquisition less likely milligan said wanted gilead make acquisition prices damned disagreed approach also added somedeals might look good spreadsheets would difficult manage comments made incyte stock traded roughly 50 current levels could gilead simply doesnt want pay amount needed acquire incyte perhaps company instead planning spend lot money string pearls strategy buying multiple smaller companies like maybe kite pharma others milligan said tuesday gilead thinks 10 years incytes jakafi epacadostat part future think theres pretty good chance though answer remains maybe find gilead sciences one 10 best stocks buy motley fool cofounders tom david gardner spent decade beating market fact newsletter run motley fool stock advisor tripled market tom david revealed ten top stock picks investors buy right gilead sciences list opens new window nine others may overlooking click get access full list opens new window stock advisor returns february 6 2017 keith speights opens new window owns shares gilead sciences motley fool owns shares recommends gilead sciences motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Another month in which commodity markets were caught in a blundering haste of the well-established yet narrow theology of talking heads, technician charts, and textual variants.&amp;#160; Investors spent the month fretfully drawn to ambiguous pseudo-pictures including the breathless commentary of cheap gasoline, negative rates, Brexit, recession, and a flattening yield curve.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In February investors were preoccupied by those exercising great delight in pushing the limits of quantitative finance, mixing varied esoteric mathematical models, and producing &amp;#160;a vortex of &#8220;doom and gloom&#8221; as an apotheosis for the masses.&amp;#160; Sentiment itself had become a convincing market fundamental in February - possessing an evocative draw while leaving little space for imagination or interpretation.</p> <p>By mid-month, sentiment was solidified - possessing the proper, indeed reverent, carefulness of a surgeon and yet, peering through the curtains on February 11, shone something true and pleasing and fulfilling: The February rally in crude prices! That event alone was one of the biggest upside risks for the market, though it&#8217;s not yet clear whether prices have reliably bottomed out or whether they will bounce back or simply stabilize.</p> <p>Participants knew that a market returning home to its fundamentals is paramount and will require even a fractional steadiness in prices.&amp;#160; Amazing what can transpire in one month.</p> <p>Energy</p> <p>The market entered February balancing the tailwinds including the acceleration in non-OPEC production declines, strong demand growth, and key grade spreads strengthening versus the blatant headwinds of &amp;#160;the stunningly high OPEC production loadings, Latin America&#8217;s lackluster demand, and the ever worry of the strong U.S. dollar.</p> <p>Early in the month crude&#8217;s price action revolved around the International Energy Agency&#8217;s warning of slumping prices due to higher Iranian output, and that an OPEC/non-OPEC deal was very unlikely.&amp;#160; The market drew some comfort in the U.S. Energy Information Administration&#8217;s report that U.S. shale output was projected to fall to pre-September 2014 levels.</p> <p>Mid-month gave the market more hope as the &#8220;atmosphere&#8221; inside OPEC was shifting with a consensus forming around the need for action to address the supply/demand balance.&amp;#160; Markets seemed &#8220;giddy&#8221; with the mere acknowledgement of the massive structural overhang and the hint of inching toward an output accommodation.</p> <p>By month&#8217;s end, the world&#8217;s major producing countries appeared to begin making rabble-rousing remarks about production to help keep a bid beneath prices even though actual definite action isn&#8217;t really happening yet &#8211; or, anytime soon. &amp;#160;&amp;#160;Additionally, US shale producers were &#8211; all the while - aggressively curbing capital spending and production via a slew of fresh announcements from small to mid-cap shale companies.</p> <p>West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, finishes the month at $33.50 -4.76% on the month but well above its February 11 low price of $28.74.&amp;#160; Meanwhile, Brent, the international benchmark, ekes out a +0.31% gain in February.</p> <p>Metals</p> <p>Gold investors have enjoyed another strong month (+10.58%) as a muted U.S. dollar rally and a sustained reversal in U.S. short-term interest rates have kept gold bears in hibernation.</p> <p>Chinese import data continues to defy logic as does the inflows to both gold physical and exchange-traded products.&amp;#160; Gold is now up +16.37% year-to-date &#8211; its strongest start since 1980.&amp;#160; An abrupt drop in Shanghai inventory was enough to fuel a 2.61% gain in copper prices &#8211; erasing all but 0.61% of its losses in 2016.</p> <p>Traders continue to be skeptical of this rally given the reality of the secreted inventories in China along with the lack of deference to much needed production cuts.&amp;#160; For the month of February, the market witnessed a few convincing short-covering rallies lifting silver +4.10%, platinum +5.83%, steel + 6.2%, and iron ore +13.0%.</p> <p>Agriculture/Livestock/Softs</p> <p>February proved disastrous for both row crops and grains.</p> <p>Corn prices were crushed, falling 4.10% as the USDA upwardly revised farmers 2016 spring plantings. &amp;#160;Wheat prices ground down 6.83% as U.S. wheat stocks are projected to hit a level not seen in almost three decades.</p> <p>Stiff competition from Argentina and Brazil, along with the third biggest crop in history withered soybeans by 3.05% for the month. A mild rally in box prices and news of reduced northern weights pervaded the live cattle market pushing prices up 2.46%.</p> <p>An International Sugar Organization upgrade was enough to send sugar prices up 7.46%.&amp;#160; Brisk sales of framing lumber combined with warm conditions stoked lumber prices +7.45%.</p> <p>Anticipation of a strong flowering season has outweighed fears of dryness in northern growing areas causing coffee prices to drop 3.52%.&amp;#160; Cocoa finishes February +1.87% as traders come to terms with the dry &#8220;Harmattan&#8221; winds and its effect on key West African supplies.</p> <p>Foreign Exchange</p> <p>Despite their economic stagnation, the Japanese yen managed to rally 7.27% as traders await further monetary policy action by the Bank of Japan in March.&amp;#160; The data run in February remained Canadian-dollar positive, propelling the currency up 3.52% versus the U.S. dollar.</p> <p>Talks of crude production cuts along with the latest up move have been a tailwind for the Russian Ruble which rallied 1.53%.&amp;#160; After being up 6.5% in the early parts of the month, the South African rand managed to close 0.88% higher as political uncertainty in the country takes center stage.&amp;#160; It was a solid month for the New Zealand dollar up 2.04% and the Australian dollar gained 1.28% both of whom took solace in the most recent commodity stabilization.</p> <p>The announcement of the &#8220;Brexit&#8221; referendum shook the British pound down 2.20% for the month as traders weigh the potential consequences if the UK indeed votes to leave the European Union.</p> <p>Advertisement</p>

another month commodity markets caught blundering haste wellestablished yet narrow theology talking heads technician charts textual variants160 investors spent month fretfully drawn ambiguous pseudopictures including breathless commentary cheap gasoline negative rates brexit recession flattening yield curve continue reading february investors preoccupied exercising great delight pushing limits quantitative finance mixing varied esoteric mathematical models producing 160a vortex doom gloom apotheosis masses160 sentiment become convincing market fundamental february possessing evocative draw leaving little space imagination interpretation midmonth sentiment solidified possessing proper indeed reverent carefulness surgeon yet peering curtains february 11 shone something true pleasing fulfilling february rally crude prices event alone one biggest upside risks market though yet clear whether prices reliably bottomed whether bounce back simply stabilize participants knew market returning home fundamentals paramount require even fractional steadiness prices160 amazing transpire one month energy market entered february balancing tailwinds including acceleration nonopec production declines strong demand growth key grade spreads strengthening versus blatant headwinds 160the stunningly high opec production loadings latin americas lackluster demand ever worry strong us dollar early month crudes price action revolved around international energy agencys warning slumping prices due higher iranian output opecnonopec deal unlikely160 market drew comfort us energy information administrations report us shale output projected fall preseptember 2014 levels midmonth gave market hope atmosphere inside opec shifting consensus forming around need action address supplydemand balance160 markets seemed giddy mere acknowledgement massive structural overhang hint inching toward output accommodation months end worlds major producing countries appeared begin making rabblerousing remarks production help keep bid beneath prices even though actual definite action isnt really happening yet anytime soon 160160additionally us shale producers aggressively curbing capital spending production via slew fresh announcements small midcap shale companies west texas intermediate crude us benchmark finishes month 3350 476 month well february 11 low price 2874160 meanwhile brent international benchmark ekes 031 gain february metals gold investors enjoyed another strong month 1058 muted us dollar rally sustained reversal us shortterm interest rates kept gold bears hibernation chinese import data continues defy logic inflows gold physical exchangetraded products160 gold 1637 yeartodate strongest start since 1980160 abrupt drop shanghai inventory enough fuel 261 gain copper prices erasing 061 losses 2016 traders continue skeptical rally given reality secreted inventories china along lack deference much needed production cuts160 month february market witnessed convincing shortcovering rallies lifting silver 410 platinum 583 steel 62 iron ore 130 agriculturelivestocksofts february proved disastrous row crops grains corn prices crushed falling 410 usda upwardly revised farmers 2016 spring plantings 160wheat prices ground 683 us wheat stocks projected hit level seen almost three decades stiff competition argentina brazil along third biggest crop history withered soybeans 305 month mild rally box prices news reduced northern weights pervaded live cattle market pushing prices 246 international sugar organization upgrade enough send sugar prices 746160 brisk sales framing lumber combined warm conditions stoked lumber prices 745 anticipation strong flowering season outweighed fears dryness northern growing areas causing coffee prices drop 352160 cocoa finishes february 187 traders come terms dry harmattan winds effect key west african supplies foreign exchange despite economic stagnation japanese yen managed rally 727 traders await monetary policy action bank japan march160 data run february remained canadiandollar positive propelling currency 352 versus us dollar talks crude production cuts along latest move tailwind russian ruble rallied 153160 65 early parts month south african rand managed close 088 higher political uncertainty country takes center stage160 solid month new zealand dollar 204 australian dollar gained 128 took solace recent commodity stabilization announcement brexit referendum shook british pound 220 month traders weigh potential consequences uk indeed votes leave european union advertisement

<p>NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER/FLICKR</p> <p>( <a href="http://intellihub.com/rumor-has-it-massive-ele-coming-in-sept-asteroid-strike/" type="external">INTELLIHUB</a>) &#8212; Any truth to the rumors? You decide.</p> <p>In Earth&#8217;s last 540 million years over fifty percent of the animal species on the planet have been wiped out at least 5 different times from a mass extinction event, according to research posted on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction_event" type="external">Wikipedia</a>.</p> <p>If true, it just goes to show one how frail life on this planet really is.</p> <p>After all, as it sits in 2015 there are <a href="http://www.endangeredearth.com/" type="external">16,306 endangered species</a> threatened with extinction and more species facing extinction each year as man has literally destroyed the planet in a certain sense.</p> <p>And, as you may know, it&#8217;s no secret that we are long overdue for an <a href="" type="internal">extinction level event</a> (ELE). Whether it&#8217;s from a <a href="" type="internal">nuclear war</a>, a <a href="" type="internal">supervolcano eruption</a>, or an asteroid impact, technically speaking, our days are numbered.</p> <p>For the last 9 months or so I have heard chatter and rumors from people amongst the YouTube community who say that there is an impending asteroid strike off the coast of Venezuela this coming September.</p> <p>I guess you could say that religious people would view such an event as the opening of the sixth seal in biblical translation.</p> <p>And let me say here and now that I am not saying this, I am merely reporting on a few people who are. I am simply informing you on what is going on in sects of the YouTube community as well as in the media.</p> <p>Apparently, according to WAPTek2 on YouTube, Pastor Lindsay Williams was the initial source of the information regarding the doomsday asteroid and based his claims solely on bible scripture.</p> <p>&#8220;Here is where it gets crazy. The person doing this has no experience whatsoever in determining any of this and didn&#8217;t predict anything else going on.&#8221;, WAPTek2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAm-QSKLZo8" type="external">said in a video</a> posted Jan. 17, 2015.</p> <p>However, I myself have not yet been able to verify this claim and so far have not determined Lindsay Williams to be the original source.</p> <p>The Russian Space Agency recently discovered a planet killer asteroid known as 2014 UR116 that, &#8220;is not yet on a collision course with earth,&#8221; according to a video report from RT.</p> <p>&#8220;The danger is as it passes near planets and the sun gravity could alter its path, pushing it directly at us,&#8221; said the RT host.</p> <p>If such <a href="" type="internal">an asteroid</a>, a planet killer, were to make its way directly toward the planet NASA and the U.S. Government actually have plans to deflect it and in fact have already drilled on such an event <a href="http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/pdc15/tour.html" type="external">April 13-17, 2015,</a> using fictitious scenario data.</p> <p>The scenario went as follows:</p> <p>Several months after the discovery of 2015 PDC, the probability of impact in 2022 will have risen to a concerning level. Even if the asteroid is more likely to miss our planet than to hit, mission designers will be asked to study the possibility of deflecting the asteroid, just in case it really is necessary. Arguably the fastest and simplest way to deflect an asteroid is to use a Kinetic Impactor (KI) to hit the asteroid and deflect it off course. Although this app was not designed to be an operational tool for developing such a mission design, it could be used to answer some of the basic questions about deflecting this asteroid.</p> <p>How much velocity change would be needed? Which deflection direction works best? Could a single KI spacecraft do the job? When would it have to be launched? How much do the physical properties of the asteroid affect the deflection?</p> <p>NASA.gov</p> <p>All of this was done in conjunction with the <a href="http://iaaweb.org/content/view/599/785/" type="external">Planetary Defense Conference</a> which also took place April 13-17, 2015.</p> <p>Moreover it has already been pointed out by a Russian higher-up, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcmpn-lmQ1I&amp;amp;list=PLcNwFhsgligLgyu7Tya12-JuPqpB8hVvR" type="external">Vladimir Zhirinovsky</a>, head of the Russian Liberal-Democratic Party, that the U.S. tested such a deflection campaign on the Chelyabinsk meteor on Feb. 15, 2013 when they fired &#8220;a new weapon&#8221;.</p> <p>After hearing about the rumors on the Internet of a possible impending asteroid strike allegedly set to take place sometime on or around Sept. 23, 2015, Youtuber Montagraph made a few shocking discoveries which had to do with the 1998 film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120647/" type="external">Deep Impact</a>.</p> <p>Upon closer review of the film, which by the way depicted the President of the United States (POTUS) as a black man, Montagraph uncovered a new can of worms for conspiracy theorists to chew on to say the least.</p> <p>&#8220;If you look in that movie there is a scene where the reporter that is going to break this ELE story and such, to the public, she looks over her shoulder upon cases and cases of a drink called Ensure. Look up the definition of Ensure, please do. Yeah and on those boxes of Ensure is a number 00701. If you run that into a zip code search oddly enough 00701 comes up for [&#8230;] Puerto Rico.&#8221;</p> <p>Additionally Montagraph also discovered that &#8220;coordinates&#8221; from the potential asteroid impact site on Deep Impact brings you &#8220;right off the coast of Venezuela&#8221;, near Puerto Rico.</p> <p>Montagraph also talks about the alleged asteroid that is supposed to impact off the coast of Puerto Rico which would likely cause a massive tsunami devastating the coastlines as NASA previously warned their personnel about.</p> <p>[&#8230;] is that all a coincidence? I don&#8217;t believe it is, said Montagraph, going on to mention how the &#8220;New York Fed moved from New York to Chicago,&#8221; away from the coastline, raising red flags.</p> <p>To boot the highly suspicious military exercise dubbed <a href="http://intellihub.com/just-training-exercise-army-special-ops-shoot-jade-helm-conspiracy-theories/" type="external">JADE HELM 15</a>, starting in June, ends Sept. 15, making some wonder if the rumors have any validity as the exercise would allow foreign and domestic military units to preposition themselves throughout large swaths of the U.S. for a potential impending disaster in which <a href="http://intellihub.com/exclusive-secret-underground-base-beneath-denver-international-airport-now-revealed-whistle-blower/" type="external">COG</a>&amp;#160;( <a href="" type="internal">Continuity of Government</a>) would then be activated.</p> <p>So I ask again: is it possible to avoid the unavoidable?</p> <p>Is it worth looking into an asteroid bugout plan?</p> <p>Please comment.</p> <p>About the author:</p> <p><a href="http://intellihub.com/bio-shepard-ambellas/" type="external">Shepard&amp;#160;Ambellas</a>&amp;#160;is the founder, editor-in-chief of&amp;#160;Intellihub&amp;#160;News&amp;#160;and the maker of&amp;#160; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4VFYRaltcc" type="external">SHADE the Motion Picture</a>.&amp;#160;You can also find him on&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.twitter.com/shepardambellas" type="external">Twitter</a>&amp;#160;and&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.facebook.com/shepardambellas" type="external">Facebook</a>. Shepard also appears on the Travel Channel series&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/video/denver-airport-underground" type="external">America Declassified</a>. You can also listen to him on&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.coasttocoastam.com/guest/ambellas-shepard/64680" type="external">Coast To Coast AM</a> with hosts, both, George Noory on &#8220; <a href="http://www.coasttocoastam.com/show/2014/12/15" type="external">Chemtrails</a>&#8221; and John B. Wells on the &#8220; <a href="http://www.coasttocoastam.com/show/2013/09/27" type="external">Alternative Media Special</a>&#8220;. Shepard Ambellas has also been featured on the <a href="http://www.drudgereport.com/" type="external">Drudge Report</a>, the largest news website in the entire world, for his provocative coverage of the Bilderberg Group. Shepard is an exclusive weapon of <a href="http://intellihub.com/" type="external">Intellihub</a>.</p> <p>For media inquires, interviews, questions or suggestions for this author, email:&amp;#160; <a href="mailto:shepard@intellihub.com" type="external">shepard@intellihub.com</a>.</p> <p /> <p />

nasa goddard space flight centerflickr intellihub truth rumors decide earths last 540 million years fifty percent animal species planet wiped least 5 different times mass extinction event according research posted wikipedia true goes show one frail life planet really sits 2015 16306 endangered species threatened extinction species facing extinction year man literally destroyed planet certain sense may know secret long overdue extinction level event ele whether nuclear war supervolcano eruption asteroid impact technically speaking days numbered last 9 months heard chatter rumors people amongst youtube community say impending asteroid strike coast venezuela coming september guess could say religious people would view event opening sixth seal biblical translation let say saying merely reporting people simply informing going sects youtube community well media apparently according waptek2 youtube pastor lindsay williams initial source information regarding doomsday asteroid based claims solely bible scripture gets crazy person experience whatsoever determining didnt predict anything else going waptek2 said video posted jan 17 2015 however yet able verify claim far determined lindsay williams original source russian space agency recently discovered planet killer asteroid known 2014 ur116 yet collision course earth according video report rt danger passes near planets sun gravity could alter path pushing directly us said rt host asteroid planet killer make way directly toward planet nasa us government actually plans deflect fact already drilled event april 1317 2015 using fictitious scenario data scenario went follows several months discovery 2015 pdc probability impact 2022 risen concerning level even asteroid likely miss planet hit mission designers asked study possibility deflecting asteroid case really necessary arguably fastest simplest way deflect asteroid use kinetic impactor ki hit asteroid deflect course although app designed operational tool developing mission design could used answer basic questions deflecting asteroid much velocity change would needed deflection direction works best could single ki spacecraft job would launched much physical properties asteroid affect deflection nasagov done conjunction planetary defense conference also took place april 1317 2015 moreover already pointed russian higherup vladimir zhirinovsky head russian liberaldemocratic party us tested deflection campaign chelyabinsk meteor feb 15 2013 fired new weapon hearing rumors internet possible impending asteroid strike allegedly set take place sometime around sept 23 2015 youtuber montagraph made shocking discoveries 1998 film deep impact upon closer review film way depicted president united states potus black man montagraph uncovered new worms conspiracy theorists chew say least look movie scene reporter going break ele story public looks shoulder upon cases cases drink called ensure look definition ensure please yeah boxes ensure number 00701 run zip code search oddly enough 00701 comes puerto rico additionally montagraph also discovered coordinates potential asteroid impact site deep impact brings right coast venezuela near puerto rico montagraph also talks alleged asteroid supposed impact coast puerto rico would likely cause massive tsunami devastating coastlines nasa previously warned personnel coincidence dont believe said montagraph going mention new york fed moved new york chicago away coastline raising red flags boot highly suspicious military exercise dubbed jade helm 15 starting june ends sept 15 making wonder rumors validity exercise would allow foreign domestic military units preposition throughout large swaths us potential impending disaster cog160 continuity government would activated ask possible avoid unavoidable worth looking asteroid bugout plan please comment author shepard160ambellas160is founder editorinchief of160intellihub160news160and maker of160 shade motion picture160you also find on160 twitter160and160 facebook shepard also appears travel channel series160 america declassified also listen on160 coast coast hosts george noory chemtrails john b wells alternative media special shepard ambellas also featured drudge report largest news website entire world provocative coverage bilderberg group shepard exclusive weapon intellihub media inquires interviews questions suggestions author email160 shepardintellihubcom

<p>As Russia flexes its muscles in the Middle East by <a href="" type="internal">bombing rebels</a> opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, here is a list of of every Republican candidate's views on the issue.</p> <p>Donald Trump:</p> <p>"If Russia wants to go in and if Russia want to fight -- in particular ISIS, and they do and one of the reasons they do is because they don't want ISIS coming into their country and that's going to be the next step. So that's why they're there," Trump <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/30/politics/donald-trump-syria-don-lemon/" type="external">said.</a> "I think they will be fighting ISIS."</p> <p>He called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "bad guy" who has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and that Russia is "probably trying to prop up Assad and help him out."</p> <p>"We always give weapons, we give billions of dollars in weapons and then they turn them against us. We have no control. So we don't know the other people that we're supposed to be backing," Trump said of U.S. involvement in the region. "We don't even know who we are backing."</p> <p>Dr. Ben Carson:</p> <p><a href="https://www.bencarson.com/issues/russia" type="external">Vladimir Putin&#8217;s</a> Russia has become dangerously belligerent. It is actively destabilizing Ukraine, endangering Europe in the process and continuing to fuel destabilization in the Middle East. This newfound aggressiveness is a rising threat to the peace and security of the American people.</p> <p>The United States must be resolute in the face of these Russian transgressions. We must lead our allies, both NATO and non-NATO alike, from a position of strength.</p> <p>History has painfully taught us that letting dictators run amok and hoping for the best fails.</p> <p>President Putin must come to learn that there will be grave and serious consequences when Russia engages in naked aggression against other sovereign nations and free peoples. All options should remain on the table when dealing with international bullies such as President Putin.</p> <p>Carly Fiorina:</p> <p><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/video/2015/09/30/fiorina-us-should-secure-no-fly-zone-around-us-backed-anti-assad-rebels-be-prepared-to-use-force/" type="external">Well, first,</a> we know what&#8217;s going on. Syria and Russia, who have had a longstanding relationship, Iran, and Iraq, are forming an unholy alliance. Russia&#8217;s intentions are to shore up, and stabilize the Assad regime. ISIS is sort of a camouflage. There is no doubt, that Russia will be conducting airstrikes against anti-Assad rebels, whether or not they happen to strike a few ISIS folks as well is, I don&#8217;t know, to be determined. Here&#8217;s what we need to do immediately, I believe. First, not only can we not withdraw our air support, but I believe we must tell the Russians that we will conduct &#8212; we will secure a no-fly zone around anti-Assad rebel forces that we&#8217;re supporting. This is a tricky maneuver, it&#8217;s a dangerous maneuver, but it&#8217;s a maneuver that we must undertake, because we must make it crystal clear to Russia that they do not get to move into the Middle East, and become the dominant outside power, which is clearly their intention.</p> <p>...</p> <p>You know, if you permit bad behavior, you get more bad behavior. So, hen we did not push back in any way on Russia&#8217;s aggression into Ukraine, we get more bad behavior. What I would do, as president of the United States, is immediately call together the Turks. I would start arming the Kurds. My goodness, the Kurds have been asking us to arm them for three years, we haven&#8217;t done it. We need now to engage the Turks, who have been asking us to work with them to secure a no-fly zone between the Turkish and Syrian border. We haven&#8217;t really done that, we need to. We need to arm the Kurds, and we need to pull together our Sunni Arab allies, who view all of these developments with great alarm, and provide them with the leadership, the support, the materiel that they need, to not only defeat ISIS, but also to stand up against Iranian, Syrian, and Russian aggression.</p> <p>Sen. Marco Rubio (Fl.):</p> <p><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/rubio-i-will-stand-up-to-putin/2248045" type="external">Over the last five years,</a> I have consistently spoken out on the need to contain Russian aggression, even when it wasn&#8217;t popular. I have highlighted the dangers of the Obama/Clinton &#8220;reset&#8221; with Russia. And in 2014, I urged a rapid and forceful response to Putin&#8217;s annexation of Crimea.</p> <p>As soon as I take office, I will move quickly to increase pressure on Moscow. I will impose a new round of sanctions on The Kremlin&#8217;s senior leadership and other Russian entities, including Gazprom, and will work with Europe to exclude Russia from the SWIFT interbank payment system.</p> <p>I will immediately provide Ukraine with lethal military assistance and increased intelligence sharing to ensure that Putin&#8217;s violation of Ukraine&#8217;s sovereignty comes at a price.</p> <p>I will impose visa bans and asset freezes against high-level Russian officials, and move to isolate Russia diplomatically by ceasing efforts to engage Moscow on issues not essential to resolving the crisis in Ukraine.</p> <p>Under my administration, there will be no pleading for meetings with Vladimir Putin. He will be treated as the gangster and thug that he is. And yes, I stand by that phrasing.</p> <p>&#8230;</p> <p>The significance of Russia&#8217;s recent military activity in Syria cannot be downplayed. It is no less noteworthy as a power play than the invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p>He is using military power to prop up Bashar al-Assad, a vicious dictator who is intentionally slaughtering the Syrian people and helping prolong ISIL&#8217;s terror in an attempt to retain power.</p> <p>And let&#8217;s be clear about something: No matter what Putin says, he is not involved in Syria out of an altruistic desire to defeat ISIL. The first airstrikes Russia conducted were in areas where ISIL is not present. They are targeting other moderate opponents of the Assad regime.</p> <p>Putin is involved for the purpose of keeping Assad, or someone like Assad, in power; keeping Syria as a client-state for Russia; and distracting from his actions in Ukraine.</p> <p>&#8230;</p> <p>Even as we must confront Russia in Europe and the Middle East, we need to increase our support to the Russian people. It is important to note that our concerns with Russia are not with them &#8211; for it is they who suffer most from Putin&#8217;s lies, thievery and repression. Unlike this President, I will speak frankly about who Vladimir Putin is and what his regime represents.</p> <p>I will increase our efforts to counter Russian propaganda so that the Russian people have access to accurate information. And I will use all the tools at my disposal to sanction those Russian officials involved in human rights abuses, including those who target members of the Russian opposition and kill true Russian patriots like Boris Nemtsov.</p> <p>As the Obama/Clinton record has shown, the longer we wait to stand strong against Putin&#8217;s Russia, the higher the price of our inaction will be.</p> <p>Sen. Ted Cruz (Tx.):</p> <p>"America has retreated from the world," Cruz <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2015/10/02/ted_cruz_on_mark_levin_show_obama_administration_doesnt_prosecute_gun_criminals.html" type="external">says</a>. "Every bad actor on earth has taken the measure of President Obama and determined that he is no credible threat whatsoever. For the next sixteen months, we are in a Hobbesian state of nature, it is like Lord of the Flies, where the only limit on misconduct and aggression of bad actors is the limit of their own strength."</p> <p>Gov. Jeb Bush (Fl.):</p> <p>Bush <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/politics/donald-trump-and-jeb-bush-trade-insults-over-151134478.html" type="external">ca</a> <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/politics/donald-trump-and-jeb-bush-trade-insults-over-151134478.html" type="external">lled</a>Russian President Vladimir Putin&#8217;s authorization of airstrikes &#8220;outrageous.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;He&#8217;s attacking the Syrian Free Army, the remnants of an army that we [supported] during the time when it actually had strength,&#8221; Bush said. &#8220;And now instead of us creating a no-fly zone, he&#8217;s in fact saying there&#8217;s a no-fly zone including American Air Force.&#8221;</p> <p>The former governor said sanctions against Russia should &#8220;be on the table.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;I think we ought to engage with our European allies,&#8221; Bush said. &#8220;France and Germany both have said they&#8217;re prepared to engage militarily as it relates to ISIS and this was an effort to try to stop all that. And I just think it&#8217;s wrong. And then on our side, we have Donald Trump saying that refugees need to be sent back. If he&#8217;s elected president, he&#8217;ll just round them all up and send them back. This is not an America that I believe is the one that will create peace and security.&#8221;</p> <p>Gov. John Kasich (Oh.):</p> <p><a href="https://johnkasich.com/blog-posts/kasich-calls-for-no-fly-zone-in-syria-to-protect-civilians-and-refugees/" type="external">&#8220;Russia&#8217;s recent</a> military build-up and intervention in Syria are neither intended to defeat ISIS nor to relieve the suffering of Syrian refugees. Mr. Putin&#8217;s real goals are quite different: to take military action to rescue Assad&#8217;s criminal government from its death and to strengthen Russia&#8217;s strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean. This is unacceptable and must stop.</p> <p>&#8220;The Syrian opposition and three of Syria&#8217;s regional neighbors, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, insist that the violent actions of Bashar al-Assad&#8217;s government against its own people, described by the UN as crimes against humanity, disqualify Assad from any further legitimate claim to rule the country. All that Mr. Putin&#8217;s attempts to keep the Assad government alive will therefore achieve is to extend the Syrian people&#8217;s suffering. Saudi Arabia has stated that Mr. Putin&#8217;s actions in Syria may cause it to intervene militarily in Syria. To prevent further escalation and suffering by civilians and refugees, the U.S. and its regional and West European allies need to establish sanctuary areas in Syria that are protected by &#8216;no fly zones.&#8217;</p> <p>&#8220;With hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from clandestine oil exports and other illegal activity, increasingly sophisticated arms and equipment and an international network of supporters far superior to any enjoyed by al-Qaeda on 9/11, ISIS poses a serious threat to the U.S. and its allies. This leaves little choice but to act against ISIS immediately, or potentially pay a much higher price later.</p> <p>&#8220;The United States, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and the Arab League should deploy a regional coalition of ground troops to defeat al-Qaeda and ISIS in Syria and Iraq. The coalition should be regionally led. It should remain deployed until a transitional council can achieve a regional commitment to a sustainable political solution that will restore peace and security to Syria and Iraq.</p> <p>&#8220;No one should be deluded into thinking that Russian military intervention is a solution to Syria&#8217;s problems. Putin seeks to advance Russian interests in the region. Nor should we allow Mr. Putin to use the Syrian crisis to distract attention from his ongoing aggression in Ukraine.</p> <p>&#8220;Now is the time for the United States to provide the moral leadership that it has so far failed to provide. We must act decisively, rally our allies and contribute troops to a regional military coalition in order to put an end to the years of suffering caused by this conflict.&#8221;</p> <p>Sen. Rick Santorum (Pa.):</p> <p>"I have no problem with the Russians protecting their security," Santorum <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/30/politics/rick-santorum-vladimir-putin-syria/" type="external">told</a> CNN's Brooke Baldwin. "Vladimir Putin is acting very rationally."</p> <p>The Republican presidential candidate says that as president, he would choose take his focus away from Syria to the fight against ISIS in Iraq, since "we have no good options in Syria."</p> <p>"Our fight is in Iraq, not in Syria," Santorum said. The former Pennsylvania senator advocated for putting boots on the ground in Iraq, leaving Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to handle ISIS in Syria.</p> <p>Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.):</p> <p><a href="http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/10/01/lindsey-graham-beware-the-russian-alliance-with-iran-in-syria/" type="external">&#8220;The Iranian-Russian</a> alliance is bad news for us because he wants to prop up Assad, who is a proxy of Russia and a puppet of Iran. Why is that bad for us? It means that Syria never heals itself and the war continues to go on. The Sunni radical Islamists like ISIL and Al Nusra now have a recruiting tool. Assad&#8217;s their biggest enemy. He&#8217;s an Alawite sponsored by Iran, so keeping Assad in power is bad news for us.&#8221;</p> <p>...</p> <p>&#8220;This is a complete shift of power. If you&#8217;re an Arab, this is a bad day for you because the war in Syria involves two things that you don&#8217;t like, ISIL, which is coming after you and your kingdom and your government, and Assad, which is a proxy of your mortal enemy, the Iranians. So now, they have more influence in your back yard than ever. From an American point of view, it means the war continues. The Syrians will not accept Assad as their leader, so they&#8217;ll keep fighting and that means ISIL actually gets stronger, not weaker, more likely to attack our homeland. So this relationship between Iran, Syria, Iraq, and Russia is just a very bad deal for the region and eventually, our homeland.&#8221;</p> <p>...</p> <p>&#8220;If Putin and Iran, together, run Syria it means the war in Syria never ends. It means the refugees continue to flow. It means that our allies, the King of Jordan and our friends in Lebanon are at risk. It means ISIL gets stronger, but they also have a recruiting tool for the ages. It means the Syrian people never reconcile themselves. The war goes on and Syria begins to spread and take down the entire mid-east.&#8221;</p> <p>Gov. Chris Christie (N.J.):</p> <p>"For 40 years, we've kept Russia out of the Middle East," Christie <a href="https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Chris-Christie-Russia-Airstrikes-Syria/2015/09/30/id/694022/" type="external">said</a> during an appearance on "Fox &amp;amp; Friends." "And now this president has let them back in. They're teaming with Iran &#8212; our 'good friends,' Iran. We're in the honeymoon period of this (nuclear) agreement with Iran, suppossedly and now they're teaming with Russia to try to dominate the Middle East. ... This is the beginning of Russia trying to replace America as the dominant power in the Middle East."</p> <p>Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.):</p> <p>" <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2015/10/01/rand_paul_we_need_to_talk_to_putin_avoid_an_accident_there_are_no_good_guys_in_this_war.html" type="external">There may</a> be no good guys in this war. You have ISIS on one side and Assad on the other. Really, part of the problem is ourselves, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar poured millions of tons of weapons into that civil war. That pushed Assad back and allowed ISIS to grow. "Remember, only a year or two ago, President Obama, Hillary Clinton and many Republicans wanted to bomb Assad. "I think had we done that, ISIS may well now be in control of all Syria. We need to think before we act and understand that intervention doesn't always acheive the intended consequences."</p> <p>Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore:</p> <p>Putin has a clear goal in Syria. He knows Obama, Kerry and Ash Carter don't. Leading from behind means you get kicked in your derriere.</p> <p>There have not been any publicly available statements from Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Lousiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and New York Gov. George Pataki.</p>

russia flexes muscles middle east bombing rebels opposed syrian president bashar alassad list every republican candidates views issue donald trump russia wants go russia want fight particular isis one reasons dont want isis coming country thats going next step thats theyre trump said think fighting isis called syrian president bashar alassad bad guy killed hundreds thousands people russia probably trying prop assad help always give weapons give billions dollars weapons turn us control dont know people supposed backing trump said us involvement region dont even know backing dr ben carson vladimir putins russia become dangerously belligerent actively destabilizing ukraine endangering europe process continuing fuel destabilization middle east newfound aggressiveness rising threat peace security american people united states must resolute face russian transgressions must lead allies nato nonnato alike position strength history painfully taught us letting dictators run amok hoping best fails president putin must come learn grave serious consequences russia engages naked aggression sovereign nations free peoples options remain table dealing international bullies president putin carly fiorina well first know whats going syria russia longstanding relationship iran iraq forming unholy alliance russias intentions shore stabilize assad regime isis sort camouflage doubt russia conducting airstrikes antiassad rebels whether happen strike isis folks well dont know determined heres need immediately believe first withdraw air support believe must tell russians conduct secure nofly zone around antiassad rebel forces supporting tricky maneuver dangerous maneuver maneuver must undertake must make crystal clear russia get move middle east become dominant outside power clearly intention know permit bad behavior get bad behavior hen push back way russias aggression ukraine get bad behavior would president united states immediately call together turks would start arming kurds goodness kurds asking us arm three years havent done need engage turks asking us work secure nofly zone turkish syrian border havent really done need need arm kurds need pull together sunni arab allies view developments great alarm provide leadership support materiel need defeat isis also stand iranian syrian russian aggression sen marco rubio fl last five years consistently spoken need contain russian aggression even wasnt popular highlighted dangers obamaclinton reset russia 2014 urged rapid forceful response putins annexation crimea soon take office move quickly increase pressure moscow impose new round sanctions kremlins senior leadership russian entities including gazprom work europe exclude russia swift interbank payment system immediately provide ukraine lethal military assistance increased intelligence sharing ensure putins violation ukraines sovereignty comes price impose visa bans asset freezes highlevel russian officials move isolate russia diplomatically ceasing efforts engage moscow issues essential resolving crisis ukraine administration pleading meetings vladimir putin treated gangster thug yes stand phrasing significance russias recent military activity syria downplayed less noteworthy power play invasion ukraine using military power prop bashar alassad vicious dictator intentionally slaughtering syrian people helping prolong isils terror attempt retain power lets clear something matter putin says involved syria altruistic desire defeat isil first airstrikes russia conducted areas isil present targeting moderate opponents assad regime putin involved purpose keeping assad someone like assad power keeping syria clientstate russia distracting actions ukraine even must confront russia europe middle east need increase support russian people important note concerns russia suffer putins lies thievery repression unlike president speak frankly vladimir putin regime represents increase efforts counter russian propaganda russian people access accurate information use tools disposal sanction russian officials involved human rights abuses including target members russian opposition kill true russian patriots like boris nemtsov obamaclinton record shown longer wait stand strong putins russia higher price inaction sen ted cruz tx america retreated world cruz says every bad actor earth taken measure president obama determined credible threat whatsoever next sixteen months hobbesian state nature like lord flies limit misconduct aggression bad actors limit strength gov jeb bush fl bush ca lledrussian president vladimir putins authorization airstrikes outrageous hes attacking syrian free army remnants army supported time actually strength bush said instead us creating nofly zone hes fact saying theres nofly zone including american air force former governor said sanctions russia table think ought engage european allies bush said france germany said theyre prepared engage militarily relates isis effort try stop think wrong side donald trump saying refugees need sent back hes elected president hell round send back america believe one create peace security gov john kasich oh russias recent military buildup intervention syria neither intended defeat isis relieve suffering syrian refugees mr putins real goals quite different take military action rescue assads criminal government death strengthen russias strategic position eastern mediterranean unacceptable must stop syrian opposition three syrias regional neighbors turkey saudi arabia jordan insist violent actions bashar alassads government people described un crimes humanity disqualify assad legitimate claim rule country mr putins attempts keep assad government alive therefore achieve extend syrian peoples suffering saudi arabia stated mr putins actions syria may cause intervene militarily syria prevent escalation suffering civilians refugees us regional west european allies need establish sanctuary areas syria protected fly zones hundreds millions dollars revenue clandestine oil exports illegal activity increasingly sophisticated arms equipment international network supporters far superior enjoyed alqaeda 911 isis poses serious threat us allies leaves little choice act isis immediately potentially pay much higher price later united states iraq saudi arabia turkey jordan arab league deploy regional coalition ground troops defeat alqaeda isis syria iraq coalition regionally led remain deployed transitional council achieve regional commitment sustainable political solution restore peace security syria iraq one deluded thinking russian military intervention solution syrias problems putin seeks advance russian interests region allow mr putin use syrian crisis distract attention ongoing aggression ukraine time united states provide moral leadership far failed provide must act decisively rally allies contribute troops regional military coalition order put end years suffering caused conflict sen rick santorum pa problem russians protecting security santorum told cnns brooke baldwin vladimir putin acting rationally republican presidential candidate says president would choose take focus away syria fight isis iraq since good options syria fight iraq syria santorum said former pennsylvania senator advocated putting boots ground iraq leaving putin syrian president bashar alassad handle isis syria sen lindsey graham sc iranianrussian alliance bad news us wants prop assad proxy russia puppet iran bad us means syria never heals war continues go sunni radical islamists like isil al nusra recruiting tool assads biggest enemy hes alawite sponsored iran keeping assad power bad news us complete shift power youre arab bad day war syria involves two things dont like isil coming kingdom government assad proxy mortal enemy iranians influence back yard ever american point view means war continues syrians accept assad leader theyll keep fighting means isil actually gets stronger weaker likely attack homeland relationship iran syria iraq russia bad deal region eventually homeland putin iran together run syria means war syria never ends means refugees continue flow means allies king jordan friends lebanon risk means isil gets stronger also recruiting tool ages means syrian people never reconcile war goes syria begins spread take entire mideast gov chris christie nj 40 years weve kept russia middle east christie said appearance fox amp friends president let back theyre teaming iran good friends iran honeymoon period nuclear agreement iran suppossedly theyre teaming russia try dominate middle east beginning russia trying replace america dominant power middle east sen rand paul ky may good guys war isis one side assad really part problem saudi arabia qatar poured millions tons weapons civil war pushed assad back allowed isis grow remember year two ago president obama hillary clinton many republicans wanted bomb assad think done isis may well control syria need think act understand intervention doesnt always acheive intended consequences virginia gov jim gilmore putin clear goal syria knows obama kerry ash carter dont leading behind means get kicked derriere publicly available statements arkansas gov mike huckabee lousiana gov bobby jindal new york gov george pataki

<p>TIDMEMG 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: Man Group Plc</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions N/A</p> <p>disclosed, if different from 1(a):</p> <p>(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant Tesco plc</p> <p>securities this form relates:</p> <p>(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, N/A</p> <p>state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:</p> <p>(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: 15(th) November 2017</p> <p>(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the YES / NO / N/A</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>2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE</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</p> <p>Interests Short positions</p> <p>Number % Number %</p> <p>(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 26,922,109 0.3287 0 0</p> <p>(2) Cash-settled derivatives: 35,425,793 0.4325 23,970,008 0.2926</p> <p>(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options)</p> <p>and agreements to purchase/sell: 25,484,000 0.3111 10,030,000 0.1225</p> <p>TOTAL: 87,831,902 1.0723 34,000,008 0.4151</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>(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions</p> <p>Class of Nature of dealing Number of</p> <p>relevant Product description e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing reference Price per unit</p> <p>security e.g. CFD a long/short position securities (GBP)</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 5,200 1.84850</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 59,302 1.84850</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 596 1.84910</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 336 1.84950</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 26,927 1.84910</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 36,745 1.84910</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 314 1.84850</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 5,216 1.84850</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 7,410 1.84910</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 701 1.84950</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,279 1.85130</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 34,823 1.88560</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 41,276 1.87830</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 42,309 1.86760</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 45,277 1.85460</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 61,035 1.85190</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 49,057 1.85200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,888 1.84950</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 16,394 1.84600</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 8,863 1.84040</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 83,735 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 171,159 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 15,721 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 78,044 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 131,294 1.85240</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 131,295 1.85180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 2,205 1.84060</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 9,560 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 842 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 16,167 1.84070</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 17,847 1.84090</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 11,175 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 41,086 1.84180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 202,377 1.84410</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 92,621 1.83650</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 227,857 1.85240</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 227,856 1.85180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,828 1.84060</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 16,590 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 1,462 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 28,056 1.84070</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 30,972 1.84090</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 19,394 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 71,304 1.84180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 351,216 1.84410</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 160,741 1.83650</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 27,209 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 135,070 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 294,996 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,389 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 16,828 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 11,973 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 19,974 1.83650</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 28,311 1.85240</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 28,311 1.85180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 475 1.84060</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 2,061 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 181 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,486 1.84070</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,848 1.84090</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 2,409 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 8,860 1.84180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 43,642 1.84410</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 10,736 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 53,304 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 4,910 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 24,378 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 41,020 1.85240</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 41,020 1.85180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 688 1.84060</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 2,986 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 262 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 5,050 1.84070</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 5,576 1.84090</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,491 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 12,837 1.84180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 63,232 1.84410</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 28,941 1.83650</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 53,130 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 18,432 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 1,451 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 7,205 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 11,269 1.85240</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 11,269 1.85180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 189 1.84060</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 820 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 72 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 1,387 1.84070</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 1,531 1.84090</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 959 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,527 1.84180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 17,372 1.84410</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 7,952 1.83650</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 45,745 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 4,223 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 20,969 1.84380</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 35,724 1.85240</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 35,724 1.85180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 599 1.84060</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 2,601 1.84200</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 228 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 4,398 1.84070</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 4,856 1.84090</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 3,040 1.84050</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 11,180 1.84180</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 55,069 1.84410</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 25,205 1.83650</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 18,191 1.85030</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Opening a short position 10,300 1.84930</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 23,700 1.85280</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 11,600 1.85280</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Opening a short position 5,900 1.84930</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 7,800 1.85280</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 35,100 1.85280</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>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>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>None</p> <p>(c) Attachments</p> <p>Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? YES/NO</p> <p>Date of disclosure: 16(th) November 2017</p> <p>Contact name: Matthew Irwin</p> <p>Telephone number: 02071447255</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>SUPPLEMENTAL FORM 8 (OPEN POSITIONS)</p> <p>DETAILS OF OPEN STOCK-SETTLED DERIVATIVE (INCLUDING OPTION) POSITIONS,</p> <p>AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE OR SELL ETC.</p> <p>Note 5(i) on Rule 8 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")</p> <p>1. KEY INFORMATION</p> <p>Full name of person making disclosure: Man Group Plc</p> <p>Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant Tesco plc</p> <p>securities the disclosure relates:</p> <p>2. STOCK-SETTLED DERIVATIVES (INCLUDING OPTIONS)</p> <p>Product Exercise</p> <p>Class of description price</p> <p>relevant e.g. call Written or Number of securities to which option or derivative per Type Expiry</p> <p>security option purchased relates unit e.g. American, European etc. date</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 347 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 1,654 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 806 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 402 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 689 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 1,290 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 2,215 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 2,237 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 3,847 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 278 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 476 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 371 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 600 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 115 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Call Option Purchased 197 1.95 American 19/01/2018</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Purchased 2,747 1.7 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Purchased 4,769 1.7 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Purchased 592 1.7 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Purchased 858 1.7 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Purchased 247 1.7 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Purchased 747 1.7 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Written 2,767 1.8 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Written 4,804 1.8 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Written 596 1.8 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Written 863 1.8 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Written 248 1.8 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>5p</p> <p>ordinary Put Option Written 752 1.8 American 17/11/2017</p> <p>3. AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE OR SELL ETC.</p> <p>Full details should be given so that the nature of</p> <p>the interest or position can be fully understood:</p> <p>It is not necessary to provide details on a Supplemental Form (Open</p> <p>Positions) with regard to cash-settled derivatives.</p> <p>The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.</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: Man Group PLC via Globenewswire</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 16, 2017 08:12 ET (13:12 GMT)</p>

tidmemg 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 man group plc advertisement b owner controller interests short positions na disclosed different 1a c name offerorofferee relation whose relevant tesco plc securities form relates exempt fund manager connected offerorofferee na state specify identity offerorofferee e date position helddealing undertaken 15th november 2017 f addition company 1c yes na discloser making disclosures respect yes specify party offer booker group plc 2 positions person making disclosure interests short positions relevant securities offeror offeree disclosure relates following dealing class relevant security 5p ordinary interests short positions number number 1 relevant securities owned andor controlled 26922109 03287 0 0 2 cashsettled derivatives 35425793 04325 23970008 02926 3 stocksettled derivatives including options agreements purchasesell 25484000 03111 10030000 01225 total 87831902 10723 34000008 04151 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 b cashsettled derivative transactions class nature dealing number relevant product description eg openingclosing longshort position increasingreducing reference price per unit security eg cfd longshort position securities gbp 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 5200 184850 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 59302 184850 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 596 184910 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 336 184950 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 26927 184910 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 36745 184910 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 314 184850 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 5216 184850 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 7410 184910 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 701 184950 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3279 185130 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 34823 188560 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 41276 187830 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 42309 186760 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 45277 185460 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 61035 185190 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 49057 185200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3888 184950 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 16394 184600 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 8863 184040 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 83735 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 171159 185030 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 15721 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 78044 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 131294 185240 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 131295 185180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 2205 184060 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 9560 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 842 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 16167 184070 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 17847 184090 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 11175 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 41086 184180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 202377 184410 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 92621 183650 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 227857 185240 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 227856 185180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3828 184060 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 16590 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 1462 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 28056 184070 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 30972 184090 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 19394 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 71304 184180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 351216 184410 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 160741 183650 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 27209 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 135070 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 294996 185030 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3389 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 16828 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 11973 185030 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 19974 183650 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 28311 185240 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 28311 185180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 475 184060 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 2061 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 181 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3486 184070 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3848 184090 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 2409 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 8860 184180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 43642 184410 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 10736 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 53304 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 4910 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 24378 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 41020 185240 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 41020 185180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 688 184060 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 2986 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 262 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 5050 184070 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 5576 184090 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3491 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 12837 184180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 63232 184410 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 28941 183650 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 53130 185030 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 18432 185030 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 1451 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 7205 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 11269 185240 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 11269 185180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 189 184060 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 820 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 72 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 1387 184070 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 1531 184090 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 959 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3527 184180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 17372 184410 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 7952 183650 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 45745 185030 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 4223 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 20969 184380 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 35724 185240 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 35724 185180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 599 184060 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 2601 184200 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 228 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 4398 184070 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 4856 184090 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 3040 184050 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 11180 184180 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 55069 184410 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 25205 183650 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 18191 185030 5p ordinary cfd opening short position 10300 184930 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 23700 185280 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 11600 185280 5p ordinary cfd opening short position 5900 184930 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 7800 185280 5p ordinary cfd increasing long position 35100 185280 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 person 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 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 none c attachments supplemental form 8 open positions attached yesno date disclosure 16th november 2017 contact name matthew irwin telephone number 02071447255 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 supplemental form 8 open positions details open stocksettled derivative including option positions agreements purchase sell etc note 5i rule 8 takeover code code 1 key information full name person making disclosure man group plc name offerorofferee relation whose relevant tesco plc securities disclosure relates 2 stocksettled derivatives including options product exercise class description price relevant eg call written number securities option derivative per type expiry security option purchased relates unit eg american european etc date 5p ordinary call option purchased 347 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 1654 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 806 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 402 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 689 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 1290 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 2215 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 2237 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 3847 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 278 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 476 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 371 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 600 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 115 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary call option purchased 197 195 american 19012018 5p ordinary put option purchased 2747 17 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option purchased 4769 17 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option purchased 592 17 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option purchased 858 17 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option purchased 247 17 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option purchased 747 17 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option written 2767 18 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option written 4804 18 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option written 596 18 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option written 863 18 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option written 248 18 american 17112017 5p ordinary put option written 752 18 american 17112017 3 agreements purchase sell etc full details given nature interest position fully understood necessary provide details supplemental form open positions regard cashsettled derivatives currency prices monetary amounts stated 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 man group plc via globenewswire end dow jones newswires november 16 2017 0812 et 1312 gmt

<p /> <p>Despite being in the "wrong" industry, and analysts relatively blas attitude, HP (NYSE: HPQ) stock has quietly gone about delivering a 35% return in 2016. Combined with its stellar 3.3% dividend yield, HP has been a growth and income investors dream. So, why aren't analysts in HP's corner?</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The waning PC market and HP's poor printing division results are the reasons for its consensus pricetarget of a mere $16.27 a share. But there are actually several good reasons HP has delivered so well in 2016, and is likely to continue doing so well into the future.</p> <p>Image source: <a href="http://www.hp.com/" type="external">HP Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The current HP could be the poster child for the old adage, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." Unlike many companies in the tech sector, HP doesn't sacrifice its bottom line to buy its way into quarterly revenue growth.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>HP delivered significant earnings-per-share (EPS) growth compared to the year-ago third quarter despite a 4% drop in revenue to $11.9 billion. The company accomplished that by shaving nearly $600 million in expenses, and a whopping $3.24 billion year to date. And with its workforce reduction under way, CEO Dion Weisler intends to make HP even leaner and more focused on its core competencies.</p> <p>The benefits of HP's strict expense management have improved margins -- a full two percentage points higher than 2015's 7.4% after removing one-time items -- which in turn boosted its operating earnings 28% this year to $800 million. The result was a 37% year-over-year improvement in EPS to $0.48. Not bad considering its quarterly revenue decline.</p> <p>The biggest piece of the HP revenue pie is its PC division, which is performing well above expectations. However, HP's printing unit is another matter, dropping 14% year over year to $4.4 billion. Of HP's highest revenue divisions, supply sales really took a hit last quarter, dropping 18% to $2.84 billion. But help is on the way.</p> <p>Weisler made it clear with the $1.05 billion deal for Samsung's (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) printing operations that HP wasn't going to sit idly by as print sales faltered. In addition to one of the industry's top line-up's of multifunction printing (MFP) technology and "more than 6,500 printing patents and a world-class workforce," the deal also includes Samsung's print supplies segment. Samsung doesn't break out print sales, but one pundit's estimate suggests it generated about $1 billion to $1.6 billion last year.</p> <p>As noted in a recent <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/09/why-hp-inc-needs-to-win-the-3d-printing-market.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">article Opens a New Window.</a>, there's also the not-so-small matter of HP's 3D printing opportunity. There are billions of dollars at stake in 3D printing, primarily in the manufacturing sector, which accounted for over $5 billion in sales a year ago. HP's new Fusion 3D printers are just hitting the streets, and according to one analyst some customers have been waiting for the new alternatives before investing in a competitor's device.</p> <p>Contrary to the headlines, the PC market isn't quite dead: at least not for HP. Overall, global PC shipments dropped 5.7% in the calendar third quarter. However, HP's strategy of targeting niche markets such as its virtual reality (VR) ready OMEN notebook helped it drive a 2.3% increase year over year to 14 million units and increase its market share to 20.4%. That's just a whisker behind industry leader Lenovo's 20.9% share.</p> <p>Mobile PC shipments, which includes HP's notebook line-up, actually increased worldwide last quarter in the "low single-digit" range. But HP's notebook sales climbed 8% in the third quarter to $4.3 billion, making it HP's largest and fastest growing division. In other words, Weisler's efforts to target niche opportunities like gaming have helped HP handily outpace the market, and many investor's expectations.</p> <p>HP is lean and getting leaner, the Samsung deal and 3D printing should kick-start print sales, and PCs are a surprisingly strong revenue driver. Add it all up and, if growth and income are on your watch list, HP still warrants a good look -- even with its stellar performance in 2016.</p> <p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than HP 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. 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<p>Just when Theresa May thought she was finally making progress in the Brexit negotiations, she finds herself facing the gravest crisis since she triggered Article 50.</p> <p>For months, the U.K. prime minister has been grappling with how to choreograph a climbdown over the so-called Brexit bill. She has to navigate the diplomatic failure of her Florence speech, which failed to deliver the expected breakthrough when the other 27 EU member states rejected her financial offer as too vague to warrant the start of trade talks.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Since then, U.K. officials have been working on an elaborately stage-managed sequence of events designed to break the logjam at the EU summit in December. The goal is a deal where the U.K. would agree to honor its share of the EU's existing financial obligations in return for the EU's vow to start trade talks and commit to a two-year transition deal.</p> <p>This choreography already was fiendishly complicated. But the Irish government now threatens to derail the whole process with its declaration that insufficient progress has been made on finding ways to avoid a hard border with Northern Ireland -- one of the three priorities for the first phase.</p> <p>Dublin, with full EU backing, is insisting that the U.K. needs to commit to avoiding any future regulatory divergence between Northern Ireland the EU, so goods can continue to move freely across the Ireland-Northern Ireland border.</p> <p>The U.K. government is adamant that it cannot possibly give such a guarantee since this would effectively undermine the economic and constitutional integrity of the U.K. itself. As things stand, it is hard to see how these positions can be reconciled. Yet without agreement on this issue in the next 10 days, the choreography won't work: the negotiations can't move to the second stage, regardless of what money Mrs. May puts on the table.</p> <p>Dublin's hard-line stance appears to have caught London completely unaware. But it is hard to see why it should have.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The Irish position has always been clear. The rejection of a hard border in Ireland was in the EU's negotiating guidelines. Dublin has consistently stated that it won't accept technological solutions to the border problem such as those contained in a U.K. white paper published this summer. And EU's view that negotiations over the border had not made sufficient progress were clearly stated in the conclusions of the European Council's October summit and repeated by Irish and EU officials since.</p> <p>Meanwhile the U.K. has been engaged with the EU's Brexit task force in an extensive mapping exercise since July which has so far identified over 140 different areas in which Brexit threatens the Good Friday Agreement. The U.K. could hardly expect to conclude this process with Ireland without identifying solutions, says a senior EU official.</p> <p>The British misjudgment was to assume that Dublin would never stick to its guns -- whether because the other 26 EU countries would refuse to allow it to hold up the process or because Ireland itself has as much to lose from a disorderly Brexit.</p> <p>Certainly British officials believe Dublin has made a serious mistake by asking for something that is utterly impossible for any British government to accept. They argue that the Conservative party would be just as opposed to any deal that committed Northern Ireland to no regulatory divergence with the EU as its allies in the Democratic Unionist Party.</p> <p>The U.K. government continues to insist that it is impossible to find a solution to the Northern Irish border until you know the shape of the problem, which won't be known until there is clarity about the future economic relationship between the U.K. and EU. By adopting such a granular approach, the U.K. thinks it will be possible to iron away most of the border problems.</p> <p>Yet the U.K. government underestimates the extent to which this is an existential issue for Ireland: it is less than 100 years since the Republic of Ireland fought a bitter civil war following the partition of the island. No Irish Prime Minister wants to go down in history for signing a second treaty leading to the re-imposition of a hard border.</p> <p>Besides, Irish and EU officials reject the idea that carving out a special status for Northern Ireland would undermine the U.K. constitution: they note that the U.K. already accepts regulatory divergence from U.K. standards in Northern Ireland, such as the arrangements underpinning the all-island electricity market. It also argues that there are many examples of separate regulatory arrangements within sovereign states. The U.K. was instrumental in establishing exactly such an arrangement in Hong Kong in 1984.</p> <p>Can this deadlock be broken? That's not clear.</p> <p>But the pressure is clearly on Mrs. May. She needs to make sufficient progress in December, both to shore up her political position and to avoid an exodus of business as companies activate their contingency plans in the New Year.</p> <p>But to make progress, Mrs. May will need to acknowledge that her current policy on Northern Ireland is based on three incompatible red lines: no membership of the EU customs union or single market; no hard border in Ireland; and no border in the Irish Sea. Dublin and Brussels are determined to that the UK government should spell out how these red lines will be redrawn; the fate of Brexit may hinge on the outcome of this harsh confrontation with reality.</p> <p>Write to Simon Nixon at simon.nixon@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 22, 2017 17:57 ET (22:57 GMT)</p>

theresa may thought finally making progress brexit negotiations finds facing gravest crisis since triggered article 50 months uk prime minister grappling choreograph climbdown socalled brexit bill navigate diplomatic failure florence speech failed deliver expected breakthrough 27 eu member states rejected financial offer vague warrant start trade talks continue reading since uk officials working elaborately stagemanaged sequence events designed break logjam eu summit december goal deal uk would agree honor share eus existing financial obligations return eus vow start trade talks commit twoyear transition deal choreography already fiendishly complicated irish government threatens derail whole process declaration insufficient progress made finding ways avoid hard border northern ireland one three priorities first phase dublin full eu backing insisting uk needs commit avoiding future regulatory divergence northern ireland eu goods continue move freely across irelandnorthern ireland border uk government adamant possibly give guarantee since would effectively undermine economic constitutional integrity uk things stand hard see positions reconciled yet without agreement issue next 10 days choreography wont work negotiations cant move second stage regardless money mrs may puts table dublins hardline stance appears caught london completely unaware hard see advertisement irish position always clear rejection hard border ireland eus negotiating guidelines dublin consistently stated wont accept technological solutions border problem contained uk white paper published summer eus view negotiations border made sufficient progress clearly stated conclusions european councils october summit repeated irish eu officials since meanwhile uk engaged eus brexit task force extensive mapping exercise since july far identified 140 different areas brexit threatens good friday agreement uk could hardly expect conclude process ireland without identifying solutions says senior eu official british misjudgment assume dublin would never stick guns whether 26 eu countries would refuse allow hold process ireland much lose disorderly brexit certainly british officials believe dublin made serious mistake asking something utterly impossible british government accept argue conservative party would opposed deal committed northern ireland regulatory divergence eu allies democratic unionist party uk government continues insist impossible find solution northern irish border know shape problem wont known clarity future economic relationship uk eu adopting granular approach uk thinks possible iron away border problems yet uk government underestimates extent existential issue ireland less 100 years since republic ireland fought bitter civil war following partition island irish prime minister wants go history signing second treaty leading reimposition hard border besides irish eu officials reject idea carving special status northern ireland would undermine uk constitution note uk already accepts regulatory divergence uk standards northern ireland arrangements underpinning allisland electricity market also argues many examples separate regulatory arrangements within sovereign states uk instrumental establishing exactly arrangement hong kong 1984 deadlock broken thats clear pressure clearly mrs may needs make sufficient progress december shore political position avoid exodus business companies activate contingency plans new year make progress mrs may need acknowledge current policy northern ireland based three incompatible red lines membership eu customs union single market hard border ireland border irish sea dublin brussels determined uk government spell red lines redrawn fate brexit may hinge outcome harsh confrontation reality write simon nixon simonnixonwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 22 2017 1757 et 2257 gmt

<p>Rejects complaint accusing school of allowing &#8216;putrid example&#8217; of Christianity</p> <p>(Washington Times) &#8211; Score one for the Air Force Academy football players who take a Tim Tebow-style knee in a brief pregame prayer on the field.</p> <p>An inquiry conducted by Air Force Academy officials concluded this week that cadets may continue their informal tradition in reaction to a complaint that plunged this military community into a heated debate over free speech and church-state separation.</p> <p>&#8220;Recently the United States Air Force Academy received a complaint about its football players kneeling in prayer. An inquiry was initiated, which found the football players&#8217; actions to be consistent with Air Force Instruction 1-1 and its guidance on the free exercise of religion and religious accommodation,&#8221; academy officials said in a statement provided Wednesday to The Washington Times.</p> <p>&#8220;The United States Air Force Academy will continue to reaffirm to cadets that all Airmen are free to practice the religion of their choice or subscribe to no religious belief at all,&#8221; the statement said. &#8220;The players may confidently practice their own beliefs without pressure to participate in the practices of others.&#8221;</p> <p><a href="" type="internal" /></p> <p>Michael L. &#8220;Mikey&#8221; Weinstein, head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said Wednesday that his group is considering filing for a temporary injunction in federal court to stop the prayer tradition before the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday when the Falcons square off against the California Golden Bears.</p> <p>&#8220;This outrageous internal administrative decision to allow its football team to engage in massive orchestrated sectarian Christian prayers right before kick-off for the world to see on television is a monstrous travesty and brutal breach of federal constitutional law and Department of Defense/Air Force regulations,&#8221; Mr. Weinstein said in an email.</p> <p>Mr. Weinstein, who said he represents 144 Air Force Academy faculty, staff and cadets, including five football players, expressed frustration that academy officials notified him of their decision after providing statements to the Air Force Times and The Washington Times.</p> <p>The statement to The Washington Times was provided Wednesday in response to a reporter&#8217;s telephone inquiry.</p> <p>Mr. Weinstein&#8217;s group filed a complaint two weeks ago to stop what he described as the &#8220;wholly illicit, illegal and unconstitutional pattern of exhibitionist pregame Christian prayer stunts displayed by players with the U.S. Air Force Academy&#8217;s football team, the Falcons.&#8221;</p> <p>Although praying players are commonplace in college football, the Air Force Academy needs to be held to a different standard because its players represent the military and are performing a required function of their service when they take the field, he said.</p> <p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a disgrace. It&#8217;s a putrid example of fundamentalist Christian supremacy, triumphalism and exceptionalism, and it has to stop,&#8221; Mr. Weinstein told NBC 7 in San Diego shortly after filing the complaint.</p> <p>Video posted on the station&#8217;s website shows several dozen players jogging at various times to the end zone, taking a knee and bowing their heads, then jogging back to the bench before the Dec. 5 game against San Diego State.</p> <p>&#8220;Those individuals that are dressed in the Air Force uniform, that&#8217;s their uniform of the day. They&#8217;re members of the military, and they are under different rules than the civilian counterparts they&#8217;re playing on the field,&#8221; he said.</p> <p>The complaint touched off rebuttals from religious freedom advocates, who argued that the cadets have a First Amendment right to engage in voluntary prayer.</p> <p>&#8220;We applaud the Air Force Academy in recognizing that these cadets do not lose their religious freedom by virtue of their service to our country,&#8221; said lawyer Daniel Briggs, the Alliance Defending Freedom&#8217;s director of military affairs.</p> <p>Mr. Weinstein cited the U.S. Supreme Court&#8217;s decision in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, which concluded that a high school&#8217;s mass prayer at football games violated the Constitution&#8217;s establishment clause, but Mr. Briggs said the Air Force Academy case is different.</p> <p>&#8220;That case involved prayer before the football game over the loudspeaker. This is a completely different situation &#8212; totally voluntary and student-led,&#8221; Mr. Briggs said in a letter to Air Force Academy officials defending the pregame prayer tradition.</p> <p>&#8220;Military members do not forfeit their constitutional freedoms by virtue of their service to our country,&#8221; Mr. Briggs said. &#8220;Even at the Academy, cadets still enjoy the right to free speech and the free exercise of religion. &#8230; Cadet-led prayer does not violate any purported &#8216;separation of church and state.'&#8221;</p> <p>He added, &#8220;Courts have long recognized that this term is a misrepresented and tiresome platitude found nowhere within the Constitution. The First Amendment does not demand that all things religious be purged from the military.&#8221;</p> <p>Mr. Weinstein said his clients include five football players &#8212; four Christians and one who is &#8220;pretending to be a Christian&#8221; &#8212; who are &#8220;terrified&#8221; to file an official complaint for fear of facing &#8220;reprisal or retribution.&#8221;</p> <p>In a Dec. 13 editorial, the Colorado Springs Gazette spoke out in favor of the end-zone prayer tradition, saying Mr. Weinstein&#8217;s complaint &#8220;should be seen as a dangerous assault on fundamental freedom, whether one is religious or not.&#8221;</p> <p>Mr. Weinstein, a 1977 Air Force Academy graduate, told the Air Force Times that the prayer &#8220;stands in a long line of conservative Christian acts,&#8221; prompting the Gazette to ask how he knows the &#8220;religious preferences and political affiliations of each player.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;But never mind the facts; &#8216;conservative&#8217; and &#8216;Christian&#8217; are intended as pejoratives that might generate support and financial contributions from those who fear &#8216;the Christian right,'&#8221; said the editorial. &#8220;It is no less shameful than exploiting fear of Islam for personal or political gain.&#8221;</p> <p>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/dec/23/air-force-rejects-complaint-prayers-football-games/</p>

rejects complaint accusing school allowing putrid example christianity washington times score one air force academy football players take tim tebowstyle knee brief pregame prayer field inquiry conducted air force academy officials concluded week cadets may continue informal tradition reaction complaint plunged military community heated debate free speech churchstate separation recently united states air force academy received complaint football players kneeling prayer inquiry initiated found football players actions consistent air force instruction 11 guidance free exercise religion religious accommodation academy officials said statement provided wednesday washington times united states air force academy continue reaffirm cadets airmen free practice religion choice subscribe religious belief statement said players may confidently practice beliefs without pressure participate practices others michael l mikey weinstein head military religious freedom foundation said wednesday group considering filing temporary injunction federal court stop prayer tradition armed forces bowl fort worth texas tuesday falcons square california golden bears outrageous internal administrative decision allow football team engage massive orchestrated sectarian christian prayers right kickoff world see television monstrous travesty brutal breach federal constitutional law department defenseair force regulations mr weinstein said email mr weinstein said represents 144 air force academy faculty staff cadets including five football players expressed frustration academy officials notified decision providing statements air force times washington times statement washington times provided wednesday response reporters telephone inquiry mr weinsteins group filed complaint two weeks ago stop described wholly illicit illegal unconstitutional pattern exhibitionist pregame christian prayer stunts displayed players us air force academys football team falcons although praying players commonplace college football air force academy needs held different standard players represent military performing required function service take field said disgrace putrid example fundamentalist christian supremacy triumphalism exceptionalism stop mr weinstein told nbc 7 san diego shortly filing complaint video posted stations website shows several dozen players jogging various times end zone taking knee bowing heads jogging back bench dec 5 game san diego state individuals dressed air force uniform thats uniform day theyre members military different rules civilian counterparts theyre playing field said complaint touched rebuttals religious freedom advocates argued cadets first amendment right engage voluntary prayer applaud air force academy recognizing cadets lose religious freedom virtue service country said lawyer daniel briggs alliance defending freedoms director military affairs mr weinstein cited us supreme courts decision santa fe independent school district v doe concluded high schools mass prayer football games violated constitutions establishment clause mr briggs said air force academy case different case involved prayer football game loudspeaker completely different situation totally voluntary studentled mr briggs said letter air force academy officials defending pregame prayer tradition military members forfeit constitutional freedoms virtue service country mr briggs said even academy cadets still enjoy right free speech free exercise religion cadetled prayer violate purported separation church state added courts long recognized term misrepresented tiresome platitude found nowhere within constitution first amendment demand things religious purged military mr weinstein said clients include five football players four christians one pretending christian terrified file official complaint fear facing reprisal retribution dec 13 editorial colorado springs gazette spoke favor endzone prayer tradition saying mr weinsteins complaint seen dangerous assault fundamental freedom whether one religious mr weinstein 1977 air force academy graduate told air force times prayer stands long line conservative christian acts prompting gazette ask knows religious preferences political affiliations player never mind facts conservative christian intended pejoratives might generate support financial contributions fear christian right said editorial less shameful exploiting fear islam personal political gain httpwwwwashingtontimescomnews2015dec23airforcerejectscomplaintprayersfootballgames

<p /> <p>RUSH: Well! I have just stumbled across something that&#8217;s a little interesting to me here. That combines a couple of issues. That otherwise would not be related. Happy to have you here, my friends. It&#8217;s Rush Limbaugh and the most listened to radio talk show in America, the EIB Network, Limbaugh Institute for Advanced Conservative Studies, Anti-Leftist Studies, and Anti-Media Studies. No graduates, no degrees. The learning never ends. It&#8217;s 800-282-2882 if you want to be on the program.</p> <p>Okay. I wasn&#8217;t gonna mention this until we had finished or completed our discussion of <a href="" type="internal">the event in Las Vegas</a>. However, I&#8217;m going to mention it. There is an NFL game tonight, the Washington Redskins and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are the undefeated team, and the Redskins are playing much better than anybody forecast. ESPN had announced that they were not going to televise the national anthem.</p> <p>You should also know this, that John King, CNN, yesterday said that he knows for a fact that the owners and the NFL know full well <a href="" type="internal">ratings and attendance are down because of Kaepernick.</a> They know it. They are denying it in public but they know it. There was an incident in Baltimore. The Steelers and Baltimore that I can&#8217;t wait to get into, but it&#8217;s not time yet. But in light of what happened in Las Vegas, ESPN has changed its mind and has announced that they are going to televise the anthem.</p> <p>They weren&#8217;t gonna televise the anthem tonight, why do you think that is? I&#8217;ll tell you why that is. The partnernship that exists between the networks that televise NFL games and the league, I mean, there&#8217;s a lot of money that goes back and forth &#8212; sorry &#8212; a lot of money that goes one way, networks to the NFL. But the NFL and the networks both have a vested interest in the audience increasing, attendance going up, TV viewership going up.</p> <p>They know, they know, they know why attendance is down and shrinking, and they know why ratings are down. They will not admit it in public, but they know, these anthem protests and the whole Kaepernick thing and disrespecting the country are the reason. It&#8217;s not the election. It&#8217;s not any of the other things that they&#8217;ve said. They know it. They just won&#8217;t admit it publicly.</p> <p>So since they can&#8217;t get the players to cooperate &#8212; they would love it if the players would shelve this and just stand. Just stand for whatever it takes, a couple minutes, stand up for the anthem. Just do it. Find some other way to express your disgust and your angst and your anger at whatever social injustice you think there is. But the players are insisting &#8217;cause they are &#8212; I don&#8217;t know who&#8217;s running the players, but it&#8217;s some leftist malcontent group. It has to be. And players that otherwise nobody would know are acquiring fame. We used to never even televise the anthem. That was a standard commercial break, up until Kaepernick, up until year. The anthem was never televised except the Super Bowl.</p> <p>So they were not gonna televise the anthem tonight. That was going to be a way of denying the malcontents their stage. The malcontents would still kneel, protest, or whatever, but it wouldn&#8217;t be on live TV. There&#8217;d still be still shots of it and there would be video of later, but it wouldn&#8217;t be part of the live broadcast.</p> <p>Now ESPN has come along: &#8220;Because of the horrific news of the shooting at a Las Vegas concert, ESPN has reversed course and will broadcast the national anthem that precedes Monday night&#8217;s game between the Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs as well as the moment of silence that will take place in Arrowhead Stadium.</p> <p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a reversal of course, one that reflects the network&#8217;s decision to remain nimble as far as showing the anthem during this season of Monday Night Football. It had intended to return to its new, normal practice of not showing the anthem until at least 50 people were shot to death and more than 400 injured in the shooting in Las Vegas.&#8221;</p> <p>Okay, I, ladies and gentlemen, have a question. Why has ESPN changed its mind? They weren&#8217;t going to televise the anthem, but now 58 people and counting are dead, over 500 wounded, and ESPN said, &#8220;You know what? Change of course. We are going to televise the anthem.&#8221; Why? Why are they gonna do this? Hmm? Well, no. Stop and think about this.</p> <p>Why does the media support the displays of protest? The media loves this. You have to understand. Sports media, news media, they love the players who kneel, who sit, who do not stand for the anthem. That&#8217;s news. Ah, we have some people protesting America. That&#8217;s news to the news media. They love it. They eat that up. Because in their world everybody has these grievances. In their little bubble of a world, they don&#8217;t think the players are outliers. They think the players represent a majority &#8217;cause that&#8217;s how the media themselves think.</p> <p>So if &#8212; stick with me on this &#8212; if your point of view is that America is flawed, is deeply flawed, if America is rife with injustice, social injustice, economic injustice, all kinds of injustice, wouldn&#8217;t an event like this prove it, that America is flawed? That somebody would engage in a mass shooting? Why are they gonna turn around and play the anthem? Now, you may think the answer is obvious to you.</p> <p>&#8220;Rush, come on. There&#8217;s gonna be a moment of silence, first responders, honoring the dead.&#8221; Yeah, but all of that is part and parcel of what is being protested. All of a sudden now it&#8217;s gonna be honored? Why? What&#8217;s different here? No, no, no, no, no. No big deal. I&#8217;m just pointing out what I think is a little hypocrisy. I am glad they&#8217;re gonna televise the anthem; don&#8217;t misunderstand. We&#8217;ll see what happens now. We&#8217;ll see how many people kneel. We&#8217;ll see how many people take a knee, sit on the bench.</p> <p>Marshawn Lynch, the Oakland Raiders &#8212; who&#8217;d they play? They played the Broncos yesterday. And when the Raiders arrived, Marshawn Lynch had some T-shirt, some anti-Trump T-shirt on. And a bunch of people tried to cover him while he was walking to the locker room so nobody would see it. Raiders officials, somebody tried to shield Marshawn Lynch and his T-shirt from the cameras. Thought it wouldn&#8217;t look good.</p> <p>Okay, the guy is showing it&#8217;s us versus Trump, I forget what the T-shirt said, I&#8217;ve got it here in the Stack. Yeah, yeah, that&#8217;s what it was, &#8220;Everybody vs. Trump.&#8221; But whoever it was thought, &#8220;That&#8217;s not gonna be helpful here for our guy to be seen wearing that shirt,&#8221; so they tried to cover it up. &#8216;Cause everybody knows this is hurting the NFL, which is the objective.</p>

rush well stumbled across something thats little interesting combines couple issues otherwise would related happy friends rush limbaugh listened radio talk show america eib network limbaugh institute advanced conservative studies antileftist studies antimedia studies graduates degrees learning never ends 8002822882 want program okay wasnt gon na mention finished completed discussion event las vegas however im going mention nfl game tonight washington redskins kansas city chiefs chiefs undefeated team redskins playing much better anybody forecast espn announced going televise national anthem also know john king cnn yesterday said knows fact owners nfl know full well ratings attendance kaepernick know denying public know incident baltimore steelers baltimore cant wait get time yet light happened las vegas espn changed mind announced going televise anthem werent gon na televise anthem tonight think ill tell partnernship exists networks televise nfl games league mean theres lot money goes back forth sorry lot money goes one way networks nfl nfl networks vested interest audience increasing attendance going tv viewership going know know know attendance shrinking know ratings admit public know anthem protests whole kaepernick thing disrespecting country reason election things theyve said know wont admit publicly since cant get players cooperate would love players would shelve stand stand whatever takes couple minutes stand anthem find way express disgust angst anger whatever social injustice think players insisting cause dont know whos running players leftist malcontent group players otherwise nobody would know acquiring fame used never even televise anthem standard commercial break kaepernick year anthem never televised except super bowl gon na televise anthem tonight going way denying malcontents stage malcontents would still kneel protest whatever wouldnt live tv thered still still shots would video later wouldnt part live broadcast espn come along horrific news shooting las vegas concert espn reversed course broadcast national anthem precedes monday nights game washington redskins kansas city chiefs well moment silence take place arrowhead stadium reversal course one reflects networks decision remain nimble far showing anthem season monday night football intended return new normal practice showing anthem least 50 people shot death 400 injured shooting las vegas okay ladies gentlemen question espn changed mind werent going televise anthem 58 people counting dead 500 wounded espn said know change course going televise anthem gon na hmm well stop think media support displays protest media loves understand sports media news media love players kneel sit stand anthem thats news ah people protesting america thats news news media love eat world everybody grievances little bubble world dont think players outliers think players represent majority cause thats media think stick point view america flawed deeply flawed america rife injustice social injustice economic injustice kinds injustice wouldnt event like prove america flawed somebody would engage mass shooting gon na turn around play anthem may think answer obvious rush come theres gon na moment silence first responders honoring dead yeah part parcel protested sudden gon na honored whats different big deal im pointing think little hypocrisy glad theyre gon na televise anthem dont misunderstand well see happens well see many people kneel well see many people take knee sit bench marshawn lynch oakland raiders whod play played broncos yesterday raiders arrived marshawn lynch tshirt antitrump tshirt bunch people tried cover walking locker room nobody would see raiders officials somebody tried shield marshawn lynch tshirt cameras thought wouldnt look good okay guy showing us versus trump forget tshirt said ive got stack yeah yeah thats everybody vs trump whoever thought thats gon na helpful guy seen wearing shirt tried cover cause everybody knows hurting nfl objective

<p /> <p>With all the &#8220;shit-n-shinola&#8221; liberals in Congress have been pulling off over the years, and especially now after November 8, 2016, I thought tax payers would like to know something about U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s travel plans the U.S. tax payers paid for. Just like most Democrats, everything for nothing; isn&#8217;t it due them?</p> <p>According to a Judicial Watch press release dated July 21, 2011, we find just how luxuriously then-House Speaker Pelosi, family and friends traveled on tax payers&#8217; dime, until the U.S. Air Force took away her use of their aircraft. The records were obtained via Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).</p> <p>Overall, according to documents uncovered by Judicial Watch in January 2011, Pelosi used the Air Force aircraft for a total of 43 trips, covering 90,155 miles, from January 1 through October 1, 2010. Judicial Watch, through FOIA, continues to pursue other records related to Pelosi&#8217;s use of Air Force aircraft.Previous documents obtained by Judicial Watch show the former Speaker&#8217;s military travel cost the USAF $2,100,744.59 over one two-year period &#8212; $101,429.14 of which was for in-flight expenses, including food and alcohol. For example, purchases for one Pelosi-led congressional delegation traveling from Washington, DC, through Tel Aviv, Israel to Baghdad, Iraq May 15-20, 2008 included: Johnny Walker Red scotch, Grey Goose vodka, E&amp;amp;J brandy, Bailey&#8217;s Irish Cr&#232;me, Maker&#8217;s Mark whiskey, Courvoisier cognac, Bacardi Light rum, Jim Beam whiskey, Beefeater gin, Dewars scotch, Bombay Sapphire gin, Jack Daniels whiskey, Corona beer and several bottles of wine.</p> <p>Judicial Watch also previously uncovered internal Department of Defense (DOD) documents email correspondence detailing attempts by DOD staff to accommodate Pelosi&#8217;s numerous requests for military escorts and military aircraft as well as the speaker&#8217;s last minute cancellations and changes. For example, in response to a series of requests for military aircraft, one DOD official wrote, &#8220;Any chance of politely querying [Pelosi&#8217;s team] if they really intend to do all of these or are they just picking every weekend?&#8230;[T]here&#8217;s no need to block every weekend &#8216;just in case&#8217;&#8230;&#8221; The email also notes that Pelosi&#8217;s office had, &#8220;a history of canceling many of their past requests.&#8221;</p> <p>Judicial Watch also <a href="https://www.judicialwatch.org/files/documents/2010/10-F-0546-1.pdf" type="external">uncovered emails from the DOD</a> that show the Pentagon worked hand-in-hand with congressional offices prior to releasing documents regarding congressional military travel under the FOIA. These &#8220;heads up&#8221; emails involved FOIA requests filed by Judicial Watch, The Wall Street Journal, Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call, among other organizations, related to the use of military aircraft by a number of congressional members, including Pelosi.</p> <p>Following numerous press reports documenting Pelosi&#8217;s misuse of military air craft, current House Speaker John Boehner announced that he would fly commercial between his home district and Washington, DC. Nevertheless, Judicial Watch has initiated a separate investigation into travel since Republicans took control of the House.&#8220; These documents further detail former Speaker Pelosi&#8217;s shameless abuse of military air craft during her tenure as House Speaker. Providing sweetheart travel deals for her adult children are an abuse of her high public office,&#8221; said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. &#8220;But this scandal is much larger than Speaker Pelosi, as the massive Detroit Auto Show junket shows. Members of the House are able to obtain permission from the Office of the Speaker for the use of military luxury and military-supported travel for congressional delegation trips. These trips, known as CODELs, have exploded in number and cost.</p> <p>Speaker Boehner needs to reform this abuse of our military&#8217;s assets. For all the recent talk about corporate luxury jets here in Washington, the American people might be surprised to learn the Air Force has an entire wing of luxury jets (in addition to President Obama&#8217;s Air Force One planes) for the use of congressmen and top administration officials.&#8221; [1]</p> <p>That, apparently, is the liberal left&#8217;s agenda: Keep the real news from tax payers and others; gush the fake news. Does President Trump have that one correct, too? Control the media! Remember Pelosi&#8217;s infamous, &#8220;But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it away from the fog of the controversy,&#8221; regarding the Obama Administration signature healthcare bill, aka ObamaCare, that has driven the price of healthcare premiums up by an average of 24 percent for 2017, while some in Phoenix [2016] faced a premium increase of 145 percent!Remember, that was a few years back when Obama was president. However, current remarks President Trump makes about Washington, DC&#8217;s &#8216;swamp critters&#8217; aren&#8217;t being taken very kindly or in proper context by Democrats and the newly-formed &#8220;Purple Revolution&#8221; fashioned by the Clintons and George Soros&#8217; MoveOn.org to precipitate a color revolution in the USA against the Trump Administration, as Soros and his Open Foundation Society successfully carried out in other countries, e.g., Arab Spring and other color &#8216;revolutions&#8217; around the globe [2-5]. Are you aware of that? A &#8220;Purple Revolution&#8221; in the USA! Purple no longer is my favorite color.</p> <p /> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/hV-05TLiiLU?" type="external">https://youtu.be/hV-05TLiiLU?</a></p> <p>Personally, I will never fathom how Congress critters bought into Pelosi&#8217;s &#8220;we have to pass the bill&#8221; BS without reading it, in the first place. Doesn&#8217;t that say something about President Trump&#8217;s assessment of the Washington, DC critters? Where is any sense of their legal ethics? &#8220;Pass the bill without reading it;&#8221; abuse of U.S. military assets! When will this left-wing political-party agenda come to, or be brought to, some sense of proportional reality, e.g., accountability from and by all who were involved in both terms of the Obama Administration, as there is much to be uncovered there, and to be marched about, and even to be greatly protested in Obama&#8217;s numerous Presidential Executive Orders [ <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/obama.html" type="external">PEO Nos. 13489&#8212;13764</a>], if only those who care so very much about their rights now that Trump is president would take the time to read what rights Obama took away from we the people, many of whom live off the federal government&#8217;s largess.</p> <p>References:</p> <p>[1] <a href="http://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-uncovers-new-documents-detailing-pelosis-use-of-air-force-aircraft-for-her-family-in-2010/" type="external">http://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-uncovers-new-documents-detailing-pelosis-use-of-air-force-aircraft-for-her-family-in-2010/</a> [2] <a href="https://www.sott.net/article/295896-George-Soros-The-hidden-hand-behind-color-revolutions" type="external">https://www.sott.net/article/295896-George-Soros-The-hidden-hand-behind-color-revolutions</a> [3] <a href="http://www.activistpost.com/2015/04/baltimore-riots-product-of-soros-machine.html" type="external">http://www.activistpost.com/2015/04/baltimore-riots-product-of-soros-machine.html</a> [4] <a href="http://www.thedailybell.com/news-analysis/anti-trump-us-color-revolution-includes-soros-and-clinton-purple-takeover/" type="external">http://www.thedailybell.com/news-analysis/anti-trump-us-color-revolution-includes-soros-and-clinton-purple-takeover/</a> [5] <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-11-11/clintons-and-soros-launch-americas-purple-revolution" type="external">http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-11-11/clintons-and-soros-launch-americas-purple-revolution</a></p> <p>Catherine J Frompovich ( <a href="http://www.catherinejfrompovich.com/" type="external">website</a>) is a retired natural nutritionist who earned advanced degrees in Nutrition and Holistic Health Sciences, Certification in Orthomolecular Theory and Practice plus Paralegal Studies. Her work has been published in national and airline magazines since the early 1980s. Catherine authored numerous books on health issues along with co-authoring papers and monographs with physicians, nurses, and holistic healthcare professionals. She has been a consumer healthcare researcher 35 years and counting.</p> <p>Catherine&#8217;s latest book, published October 4, 2013, is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vaccination-Voodoo-What-About-Vaccines/dp/1484923820/ref=as_li_tf_sw?&amp;amp;linkCode=wsw&amp;amp;tag=permacultucom-20" type="external">Vaccination Voodoo, What YOU Don&#8217;t Know About Vaccines</a>, available on Amazon.com.</p> <p>Her 2012 book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Answer-Management-Effective-Treatments/dp/1477490175/ref=as_li_tf_sw?&amp;amp;linkCode=wsw&amp;amp;tag=permacultucom-20" type="external">A Cancer Answer, Holistic BREAST Cancer Management, A Guide to Effective &amp;amp; Non-Toxic Treatments</a>, is available on Amazon.com and as a Kindle eBook.</p> <p>Two of Catherine&#8217;s more recent books on Amazon.com are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-Chemical-Lives-And-Hijacking/dp/1439255369/ref=as_li_tf_sw?&amp;amp;linkCode=wsw&amp;amp;tag=permacultucom-20" type="external">Our Chemical Lives And The Hijacking Of Our DNA, A Probe Into What&#8217;s Probably Making Us Sick</a> (2009) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Make-Through-Grieving-Loss/dp/1434363880/ref=as_li_tf_sw?&amp;amp;linkCode=wsw&amp;amp;tag=permacultucom-20" type="external">Lord, How Can I Make It Through Grieving My Loss, An Inspirational Guide Through the Grieving Process</a> (2008)</p> <p>Catherine&#8217;s NEW book: <a href="http://www.activistpost.com/product/1532840705/US/permacultucom-20/?cart=y" type="external">Eat To Beat Disease, Foods Medicinal Qualities</a> &#169;2016 Catherine J Frompovich is now available</p> <p>Image Credit: Paleo / <a href="https://nedgrace.wordpress.com/2009/02/21/cbs-covers-pelosi-jet-controversy-skipped-by-other-networks/" type="external">Image Source</a></p> <p>Courtesy of <a href="http://www.activistpost.com/2017/02/nancy-pelosi-commute-california-air-force-takes-plane.html" type="external">Activist Post</a></p> <p /> <p />

shitnshinola liberals congress pulling years especially november 8 2016 thought tax payers would like know something us congresswoman nancy pelosis travel plans us tax payers paid like democrats everything nothing isnt due according judicial watch press release dated july 21 2011 find luxuriously thenhouse speaker pelosi family friends traveled tax payers dime us air force took away use aircraft records obtained via freedom information act foia overall according documents uncovered judicial watch january 2011 pelosi used air force aircraft total 43 trips covering 90155 miles january 1 october 1 2010 judicial watch foia continues pursue records related pelosis use air force aircraftprevious documents obtained judicial watch show former speakers military travel cost usaf 210074459 one twoyear period 10142914 inflight expenses including food alcohol example purchases one pelosiled congressional delegation traveling washington dc tel aviv israel baghdad iraq may 1520 2008 included johnny walker red scotch grey goose vodka eampj brandy baileys irish crème makers mark whiskey courvoisier cognac bacardi light rum jim beam whiskey beefeater gin dewars scotch bombay sapphire gin jack daniels whiskey corona beer several bottles wine judicial watch also previously uncovered internal department defense dod documents email correspondence detailing attempts dod staff accommodate pelosis numerous requests military escorts military aircraft well speakers last minute cancellations changes example response series requests military aircraft one dod official wrote chance politely querying pelosis team really intend picking every weekendtheres need block every weekend case email also notes pelosis office history canceling many past requests judicial watch also uncovered emails dod show pentagon worked handinhand congressional offices prior releasing documents regarding congressional military travel foia heads emails involved foia requests filed judicial watch wall street journal congressional quarterly roll call among organizations related use military aircraft number congressional members including pelosi following numerous press reports documenting pelosis misuse military air craft current house speaker john boehner announced would fly commercial home district washington dc nevertheless judicial watch initiated separate investigation travel since republicans took control house documents detail former speaker pelosis shameless abuse military air craft tenure house speaker providing sweetheart travel deals adult children abuse high public office said judicial watch president tom fitton scandal much larger speaker pelosi massive detroit auto show junket shows members house able obtain permission office speaker use military luxury militarysupported travel congressional delegation trips trips known codels exploded number cost speaker boehner needs reform abuse militarys assets recent talk corporate luxury jets washington american people might surprised learn air force entire wing luxury jets addition president obamas air force one planes use congressmen top administration officials 1 apparently liberal lefts agenda keep real news tax payers others gush fake news president trump one correct control media remember pelosis infamous pass bill find away fog controversy regarding obama administration signature healthcare bill aka obamacare driven price healthcare premiums average 24 percent 2017 phoenix 2016 faced premium increase 145 percentremember years back obama president however current remarks president trump makes washington dcs swamp critters arent taken kindly proper context democrats newlyformed purple revolution fashioned clintons george soros moveonorg precipitate color revolution usa trump administration soros open foundation society successfully carried countries eg arab spring color revolutions around globe 25 aware purple revolution usa purple longer favorite color httpsyoutubehv05tliilu personally never fathom congress critters bought pelosis pass bill bs without reading first place doesnt say something president trumps assessment washington dc critters sense legal ethics pass bill without reading abuse us military assets leftwing politicalparty agenda come brought sense proportional reality eg accountability involved terms obama administration much uncovered marched even greatly protested obamas numerous presidential executive orders peo nos 1348913764 care much rights trump president would take time read rights obama took away people many live federal governments largess references 1 httpwwwjudicialwatchorgpressroompressreleasesjudicialwatchuncoversnewdocumentsdetailingpelosisuseofairforceaircraftforherfamilyin2010 2 httpswwwsottnetarticle295896georgesorosthehiddenhandbehindcolorrevolutions 3 httpwwwactivistpostcom201504baltimoreriotsproductofsorosmachinehtml 4 httpwwwthedailybellcomnewsanalysisantitrumpuscolorrevolutionincludessorosandclintonpurpletakeover 5 httpwwwzerohedgecomnews20161111clintonsandsoroslaunchamericaspurplerevolution catherine j frompovich website retired natural nutritionist earned advanced degrees nutrition holistic health sciences certification orthomolecular theory practice plus paralegal studies work published national airline magazines since early 1980s catherine authored numerous books health issues along coauthoring papers monographs physicians nurses holistic healthcare professionals consumer healthcare researcher 35 years counting catherines latest book published october 4 2013 vaccination voodoo dont know vaccines available amazoncom 2012 book cancer answer holistic breast cancer management guide effective amp nontoxic treatments available amazoncom kindle ebook two catherines recent books amazoncom chemical lives hijacking dna probe whats probably making us sick 2009 lord make grieving loss inspirational guide grieving process 2008 catherines new book eat beat disease foods medicinal qualities 2016 catherine j frompovich available image credit paleo image source courtesy activist post

<p>&#8220;[T]he names and &#8216;contextually identifying information of involved children&#8217; were withheld, including descriptions of the children, their clothing and their belongings&#8221;&#8211;Reuben F. Bradford, Commissioner, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection</p> <p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Everyone-must-check-in.jpg" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/28/nyregion/with-release-of-final-sandy-hook-shooting-report-investigation-is-said-to-be-over.html" type="external">The New York Times</a>, our nation&#8217;s newspaper of record (which records the &#8220;official history&#8221; of the United States), has reported that, with its &#8220;final report,&#8221; the criminal investigation of Sandy Hook by the State of Connecticut is over.&amp;#160;</p> <p>Remarkably, the report does not even include the names, the ages or the sex of the alleged victims of the shooting. There is no actual identification of any of the dead. Even the&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Final-Sandy-Hook-report-still-leaves-questions-5106788.php" type="external">Danbury, CT, Newstimes</a>&amp;#160;found it unsatisfying.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=051GuneTb38&amp;amp;feature=youtube_gdata_player" type="external">And the 52 &#8220;autopsy photos&#8221; that accompany the report are redacted</a>. The New York Times itself now appears to be responsible for a stunning display of journalistic incompetence on a matter of enormous public concern.&amp;#160;</p> <p>Anyone with the inclination can comb through hundreds of years of American crime reports and surely would not find another instance in the which the names, the ages or the sex of the victims is not given&#8211;with the exception of victims of sex crimes.&amp;#160; Withholding this information is part of a pattern of deception and deceit that extends to the Clerk of Newtown making secret arrangements with the state legislature to avoid releasing death certificates to the public, attempts to withhold the 911 calls and gag orders that were imposed upon those responsible for tearing down the building itself:</p> <p>In a letter accompanying the report, Reuben F. Bradford, the commissioner of the state&#8217;s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said the names and &#8220;contextually identifying information of involved children&#8221; were withheld, including descriptions of the children, their clothing and their belongings. &#8220;All visual images depicting the deceased have been withheld,&#8221; he added, &#8220;as well as written descriptions whose disclosure would be highly offensive to a reasonable person and would violate the constitutional rights of the families.&#8221;</p> <p>The commissioner said that balancing the &#8220;often competing interests of government transparency and individual privacy has been difficult,&#8221; but the situation is completely absurd.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;This appears to be only the latest in a series of obscene measures being adopted to conceal from the public that the Sandy Hook &#8220;massacre&#8221; was in fact an elaborately staged hoax, which no one who takes a serious look at the evidence can reasonably deny because, in view of what we have now proven about the event, no alternative explanation is reasonable.</p> <p>The basic principle that applies here is&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.d.umn.edu/~jfetzer/fetzerexpandedx.pdf" type="external">inference to the best explanation.</a>&amp;#160;Consider the totality of the evidence in this case. &amp;#160;Is the evidence more probable on the hypothesis that Sandy Hook was a real event or that it was instead an exercise (or a &#8220;drill&#8221;), which was presented as though it had been a real event?&amp;#160;&amp;#160;The hypothesis that confers the highest probability on the evidence is the preferable, which, when the evidence has &#8220;settled down,&#8221; is acceptable as true in the tentative and fallible fashion of science. Here&amp;#160;are the &#8220;top ten&#8221; reasons that support the conclusion that Sandy Hook was staged and not real, where no children or adults appear to have died there.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Untitled.jpg" type="external" />Twenty-eight people allegedly died: 27 children and adults, including Adam Lanza, at the school, and his mother, Nancy Lanza, in her home at 36 Yogananda Street, Newtown.&amp;#160;However, there is no direct proof of their death: no photographic evidence or video footage was released to confirm the official story that these 28 persons actually died. In fact, no video surveillance footage shows anything&#8212;not even Adam shooting out the front plate-glass window or walking through the halls like Rambo, even though this is a school that had updated its security system at the start of the 2012-13 academic year.</p> <p>The best the authorities could come up with was&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.courant.com/news/breaking/hc-security-letter-newtown-shootings-20121214,0,105866.story" type="external">a heavily redacted report</a>&amp;#160;that includes numerous photos of the inside of the school, with a few dings that look like bullet holes, several bullets on the floor, and many black images with white numbers, which we are supposed to associate with dead people. One photo (left) shows the blown-out glass window through which Adam Lanza presumably entered the premises. But how did he get past the furniture, with all his weaponry, without moving anything out of position?</p> <p>Compounding the situation, the parents were not even allowed to view their children&#8217;s bodies to identify them. Instead, they were reportedly shown photographs of the deceased. This was done, according to the Medical Examiner, Wayne Carver, in order to &#8220;control the situation.&#8221; But what was there about the situation that required &#8220;control&#8221;? No parent of our acquaintance would have agreed to accept the death of a child without viewing the body. James Tracy has published&amp;#160; <a href="http://memoryholeblog.com/2012/12/24/the-sandy-hook-massacre-unanswered-questions-and-missing-information/" type="external">a discussion of the medical examiner&#8217;s performance</a>. &amp;#160;According to Carver:</p> <p>Uh, we did not bring the bodies and the families into contact. We took pictures of them, uhm, of their facial features. We have, uh, uh&#8212;it&#8217;s easier on the families when you do that. Un, there is, uh, a time and place for the up close and personal in the grieving process, but to accomplish this we thought it would be best to do it this way and, uh, you can sort of, uh &#8230; You can control a situation depending on the photographer, and I have&amp;#160;very good&amp;#160;photographers. Uh, but uh&#8212;</p> <p>Remarkably, the state has done its best to avoid releasing the death certificates and even recordings of the 911 calls. Death certificates were eventually &#8220;released&#8221; but not to the public or those who might want to investigate the case further, where only a short, general summary was available. According to&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/nyregion/judge-orders-release-of-sandy-hook-911-recordings.html" type="external">The New York Times</a>, in relation to the 911 calls, &#8220;no children are identified by name, no callers indicate that they can see a child being shot, and the only injury described is that of an educator&#8217;s being shot in the foot.&#8221;</p> <p>Moreover, the funerals were all &#8220;closed casket,&#8221; with one exception&#8212;that of Noah Pozner, which supposedly included a private viewing before the public ceremony. As recounted in interviews with the families, the circumstances of their last encounters with their children (or with their caskets) are strange to say the least. The &#8220;love fest&#8221; at the white coffin of Grace McDonnell was detailed on CNN for Anderson Cooper:</p> <p /> <p>Veronique Pozner gave her account of her last look at her son Noah to the&amp;#160; <a href="http://forward.com/articles/168277/noah-pozners-family-remembers-and-mourns/?p=all" type="external">Jewish Daily Forward</a> <a href="http://forward.com/articles/168277/noah-pozners-family-remembers-and-mourns/?p=all" type="external">&amp;#160;on 26 December 2013</a>.</p> <p>Veronique asked the medical examiners not to autopsy her son; she felt that his body had suffered too many indignities. At his funeral, Noah was dressed in a suit and tie. A Jewish friend of Veronique&#8217;s at work enjoined Rabbi Praver to allow him to be wrapped in a blue tallis, even though he had not yet had a bar mitzvah.The family placed stuffed animals, a blanket and letters to Noah into the casket. Lastly, Veronique put a clear plastic rock with a white angel inside &#8212; an &#8220;angel stone&#8221; &#8212; in his right hand. She asked the funeral director to place an identical one in his left, which was badly mangled.</p> <p>Just before the ceremony, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy came to the funeral home to pay his respects. Veronique took him by the arm and brought him to the casket. Noah&#8217;s famously long eyelashes &#8212; which she spoke about in her eulogy &#8212; rested lightly on his cheeks and a cloth covered the place where the lower half of his face had been. &#8220;I just needed it to be real for [the governor],&#8221; she says. &#8220;This was a live, warm, energetic little boy whose life was snuffed out in a fraction of a second because our schools are so defenseless.&#8221;</p> <p>There is no evidence of any frantic effort to save lives or to remove bodies to hospitals; instead the scene outside the school looked calm and largely bloodless&#8212;with police and other personnel milling around casually and a severe shortage of dead or injured victims. One Sandy Hook researcher decided to call Lt. Paul Vance to ask who cleaned up the blood, which would have been considered to be a bio-hazard, and got the reply, &#8220;What blood?&#8221; Here is Jim Fetzer&#8217;s&amp;#160;interview with Kelley from Tulsa on &#8220;The Real Deal&#8221; where she discusses this, which also includes several of the 911 calls:</p> <p /> <p>Editor&#8217;s Note: I was unable to embed the proper audio. This is a different interview with Kelly from Tulsa. The audiofile mentioned can be found at <a href="http://www.veteranstoday.com/2014/01/07/top-ten-reasons-sandy-hook-was-an-elaborate-hoax/" type="external">Veterans Today</a>.</p> <p /> <p>Kelley was onto a real issue. Under&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/industrial/medical/tracking.htm" type="external">the CT Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988,&amp;#160;</a>a paper trail must kept by all parties involved in the clean up and must be tracked all the way to the incinerator with names and dates.</p> <p>In a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) like Sandy Hook, the proper protocol is START triage (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) using tarps of different colors with the aim being to save lives and get the injured to the hospital for treatment. &amp;#160;Not even the black tarps for the dead were used, much less the red ones for those who needed immediate treatment. &amp;#160;As Sofia Smallstorm has documented, nothing at all like this occurred at Sandy Hook: the appropriate protocols were not followed:</p> <p /> <p>Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead was ready to help the victims but could recall only two wounded people. A few survivors were reportedly taken to the hospital, but, oddly, these people were never interviewed. There were no first-hand accounts that proved anyone was killed or injured.&amp;#160;Nonetheless, according to Lt. Vance, 18 children were pronounced dead at the scene, two children were removed to &#8220;an area hospital&#8221; and were pronounced dead at the hospital, and seven adults were pronounced dead at the scene, including the shooter (NBC).</p> <p>No emergency vehicles were present at the school or even lined up in the fire lane for a rescue attempt&#8212;the parking lot was filled with parked cars, police cars and possibly media vehicles. Such rescue activity as occurred was centered, not on the school premises, but at the nearby Firehouse. Emergency vehicles at the Firehouse were jammed together impeding access to the school, in case anyone might have thought about attempting a rescue. The scene at the Firehouse was quite peculiar, with people milling around and circling through the building, walking out one door and into another, to give the impression of lots of people and lots of action. But it was all in accordance with FEMA manuals for drills.</p> <p>We are now living in a security state, and the school system is among its beneficiaries. While we used to have &#8220;fire drills&#8221; from time to time, we now have&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.globalresearch.ca/nationwide-post-sandy-hook-terror-drills/5346612" type="external">&#8220;lockdown drills&#8221; implemented by school districts</a>, with some states requiring a set number of drills by law. Private security firms, which operate for profit, now conduct &#8220;crisis preparedness assessments&#8221; at the tax-payer&#8217;s expense.</p> <p>Larger scenarios are also developed as active-shooter drills, in which local law enforcement can take part in storming a school in pursuit of an active-actor-shooter. One such plan available on the web is&amp;#160; <a href="http://static.infowars.com/2011/03/i/general/ExPlan_03222011.pdf" type="external">&#8220;Operation Closed Campus&#8221;</a>&amp;#160;developed in Iowa following guidance set forth by the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) of the US Department of Homeland Security.</p> <p>According to protocol, everyone at the drill must check in, identification badges are issued to personnel and observers, and drinking water and restrooms are available. Personnel include the director, staff, controllers, evaluators, actors, media personnel and &#8220;players&#8221; (agency employees) both in uniforms and civilian clothes. This protocol appears to have been followed at Sandy Hook, where many participants wore ID/identification badges on lanyards, a huge check-in sign is visible and even Porta Potties are at the ready.</p> <p /> <p>An emergency preparedness drill took place on 14 December 2012,&amp;#160;9 AM to 4 PM/ET, in Bridgeport, CT, which is a 20 minute drive from Sandy Hook. The course was run by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection/Emergency Management and Homeland Security, entitled&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.ct.gov/demhs/ical/eventDetail_page.asp?date_ID=CAC9C6C9CD83CDC9C7" type="external">&#8220;Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters.&#8221;</a></p> <p>The Sandy Hook &#8220;shooting&#8221; appears to have been an Integrated Capstone Event (ICE), an exercise run by FEMA to coordinate federal, state and local emergency response teams in the case of a mass-casualty event. As such, it would have utilized actors and media partners to simulate a tragedy in order to train participants, and also in order to observe the reaction of the citizenry.</p> <p><a href="http://www.veteranstoday.com/2013/01/30/the-nexus-of-tyranny-the-strategy-behind-tucson-aurora-and-sandy-hook/" type="external">The Connecticut state emergency system was taken over long before the &#8220;massacre&#8221; occurred</a>, with a frequency change implemented five hours in advance of the &#8220;shooting.&#8221; Normal police and EMS dispatch protocol, using the Alpha Phonetic System for communications between officers and dispatchers, was replaced with staged transmissions by non-trained personnel.</p> <p>In addition,&amp;#160; <a href="http://jenniferlake.wordpress.com/?s=sandy+hook+tweets" type="external">tweets about the shooting began before it occurred,</a>&amp;#160;a tribute was apparently uploaded one month before the event, and web pages honoring the victims, including a Facebook page R.I.P. Victoria Soto, were established before they had &#8220;officially&#8221; died.</p> <p /> <p>A Sandy Hook timeline has been reconstructed at&amp;#160; <a href="http://memoryholeblog.com/" type="external">memoryholeblog.com</a>, detailing major developments and highlighting the numerous inconsistencies in reports by the media.</p> <p>According to initial reports in the media, weapons used in the shooting included four handguns recovered at the scene, the only guns taken into the school (NBC). Then an AR-15 was said to have been found in the trunk of Lanza&#8217;s car (NBC). Then it was reported that Lanza may have carried only two handguns and that a rifle was also found in the school (NBC).</p> <p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Dr.-Carvers-bizarre-presss-conference.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Wayne Carver, the Medical Examiner, said that all the victims were shot with the &#8220;long weapon.&#8221; Lt. Paul Vance then said that a Bushmaster AR-15 assault weapon with high capacity magazines was used &#8220;most of the time&#8221; and that Lanza was carrying &#8220;many high-capacity clips&#8221; for the weapon (Huffington Post).</p> <p>In January 2013, Connecticut state police released a statement indicating that they had found three guns inside the school: a Bushmaster .223 caliber XM 15-E2S semi-automatic rifle with high capacity 30 round clips, a Glock 10-mm handgun and a Sig-Sauer P226 9mm handgun. They said they also found an Izhmash Canta-12 12-gauge shotgun in Lanza&#8217;s car (NBC).</p> <p>This shotgun is also shown in a video aired on the night of 14 December 2013 &amp;#160;by NBC. An evidence collection team and a policeman find the gun in the trunk of Lanza&#8217;s Honda Civic&#8212;the policeman handles the gun without gloves and ejects the ammunition on the spot. Some have seen two long guns in the trunk in the NBC video: the 12-gauge shotgun and the Bushmaster rifle.</p> <p /> <p>Lt. Vance then asserted that Lanza had killed all his victims with the .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle ( <a href="http://ctpost.com/" type="external">ctpost.com</a>). Regarding the confusion, Vance told reporters, &#8220;It&#8217;s all these conspiracy theorists that are trying to mucky up the waters.&#8221;&amp;#160;Perhaps &#8220;The Top Prize for Fantastical Reporting&#8221; goes to Fox News, however, which announced that a 12-gauge shotgun along with two magazines containing 70 rounds of Winchester 12-gauge shotgun rounds had been found&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/28/warrants-to-be-released-in-newtown-investigation/?test=latestnews" type="external">in the glove compartment of Adam Lanza&#8217;s Honda Civic</a>&#8212;that&#8217;s right,&amp;#160;in the glove compartment.</p> <p>Adam Lanza, reportedly a frail young man weighing 120 pounds with Asperger&#8217;s Syndrome, is said to have carried massive weaponry on his person when he shot his way into the Sandy Hook school and proceeded to kill 26 people and then himself. This after he supposedly killed his mother before driving to the school.</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Adam-Lanza.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>According to State&#8217;s Attorney Stephen Sedensky, Lanza killed his 26 victims with the Bushmaster .223-caliber rifle and then killed himself with his Glock 10-mm handgun. Lanza was also supposedly carrying three 30-round magazines for the Bushmaster as well as a Sig-Sauer 9 mm handgun (see above). The victims were shot multiple times each in a fusillade of bullets from these military-style weapons. In order to wreak this havoc, he fired more than 150 rounds, and he must have carried more rounds in addition. Lanza was reportedly found dead wearing a bulletproof vest and military-style clothing (AP).</p> <p>As Mike Powers, a professional military investigator and ballistics expert, has observed, this young man of slight build could not have carried all these heavy, bulky weapons and ammunition on his person. Furthermore, since first responders were supposedly inside the school within seven minutes, there was not enough time for Lanza to have carried out the shooting as reported. In an interview with Joyce Riley, Powers states that Lanza could not have fired so many times continuously without destabilizing himself from the intense noise from the Bushmaster. As a novice, he could not have shot an AR-15 with such speed and accuracy, supposedly changing magazines 4-5 times without a stoppage.</p> <p>According to Lt. Vance on the night of the shooting, one victim survived. So in less than seven minutes&#8212;or less than five minutes according to the media&#8212;Lanza killed 26 people and then himself, producing only one injured victim. This is a 96% kill ratio, which is unheard-of accuracy among the most experienced marksmen. Powers thinks the whole scenario is a physical impossibility. He is not even convinced that Adam Lanza was a real person. The story of the shooting should not be taken seriously.</p> <p /> <p>The final travesty involves&amp;#160; <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/28/17501802-guns-knives-ammo-and-gear-adam-lanzas-arsenal-item-by-item?lite" type="external">the weapons and other paraphernalia that were allegedly found in the Lanza house</a>. The &#8220;arsenal&#8221; supposedly included guns, Samurai swords, knives, a bayonet and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to search warrants released. Other items of interest were ear and eye protection, binoculars, holsters, manuals, paper targets, a military-style uniform and Lanza&#8217;s NRA certificate (Fox). Lanza had reportedly compiled a spreadsheet 7 feet long and 4 feet wide in 9-point type detailing 500 victims of other mass murders (CBS).&amp;#160;We are supposed to believe this, and, at the same time, that Adam Lanza was a shy, quiet kid who didn&#8217;t like noise and chaos, as promoted by the PBS Frontline Special, <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/raising-adam-lanza/" type="external">&amp;#160;&#8220;Raising Adam Lanza.&#8221;</a></p> <p>There are many bizarre media reports and interviews of those associated with the &#8220;shooting.&#8221; Some examples:</p> <p>Wayne Carver&#8212;Medical Examiner Wayne Carver&#8217;s surreal press conference is one of the most startling of all the media offerings. Widely available on youtube, this event shows H. Wayne Carver II, a public official of some standing, clowning and acting outlandish&#8212;grinning strangely, making irrelevant comments, and basically appearing unknowledgeable and unprofessional.</p> <p /> <p>Robbie Parker&#8212;Perhaps the most famous press conference is that of Robbie Parker, the alleged father of victim Emilie Parker, speaking on a CNN report of December 15, 2012. He chuckles as he walks up to the camera, then gets into character by hyperventilating, and finally feigns distress as he talks about his daughter&#8212;and about the fund set up to help raise money &#8220;for Emilie.&#8221;</p> <p /> <p>The families&#8212;In addition to Robbie and Alissa Parker, other parents and family members take their turn in the spotlight, including (but not limited to) Mark and Jackie Barden, Jimmy Greene and Nelba Marquez-Greene, Ian and Nicole Hockley, Neil Heslin (alleged father of Jesse Lewis), Chris and Lynn McDonnell, Veronique Pozner, Carlee Soto, and David and Francine Wheeler. Anderson Cooper is the interviewer in two notable instances: his conversation with the McDonnells mentioned above, and an interview with Veronique Pozner, remarkable for its green-screen effects such as Anderson&#8217;s disappearing nose.</p> <p /> <p>The school nurse&#8212;Numerous reports offer detailed and totally fictitious information, some of which was later abandoned in favor of more tenable versions. On the evening of December 14, a USA Today reporter said she had spoken with the school nurse, whom she had met on the street. The nurse told her that the gunman had come into her office, &#8220;they met eyes, she jumped under her desk,&#8221; and he walked out.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;The nurse said that the gunman was the son of the kindergarten teacher, who was known to her and &#8220;an absolutely loving person.&#8221; It later developed that Nancy Lanza had not been a kindergarten teacher at all, and that neither Nancy nor Adam had any connection to Sandy Hook school whatsoever.</p> <p /> <p>Dawn Hochsprung&#8212;In an embarrassing fiction,&amp;#160;The Newtown Bee&amp;#160;reported on 14 December 2013 &amp;#160;that Dawn Hochsprung, the Sandy Hook school principal, told the paper that a masked man had entered the school with a rifle and started shooting multiple shots &#8211; more than she could count &#8211; that went &#8220;on and on.&#8221; Of course, Dawn Hochsprung was allegedly killed by Adam Lanza and so could not easily have provided this statement. In fact, Dawn was said to have acted heroically, dying while lunging at the gunman&#8212;although one wonders who witnessed and reported this act of heroism. On 17 December 2013,&amp;#160;The Bee&amp;#160;retracted the report and apologized:</p> <p>An early online report from the scene at the December 14 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School quoted a woman who identified herself to our reporter as the principal of the school. The woman was not the school&#8217;s principal, Dawn Hochsprung, who was killed in the Friday morning attack. The quote was removed from subsequent online versions of the story, but the original story did remain in our online archive for three days before being deleted. We apologize for whatever confusion this may have caused our readers and for any pain or anguish it may have caused the Hochsprung family.</p> <p>Gene Rosen&#8212;Gene Rosen is one of the most prolific of the Sandy Hook media stars, giving animated and conflicting statements to a series of reporters (in English and Spanish). Considered a &#8220;good Samaritan&#8221; by the mainstream media, Gene supposedly harbored six children who ran away from the school, rode to his house on a school bus, sat down on his lawn and proceeded to cry and tell him that their teacher, Miss Soto, was dead. Strangely, Rosen took the children inside and gave them some toys to play with, instead of calling 911 like any normal person.</p> <p /> <p>The Gene Rosen videos are important for the official narrative, in that they corroborate many of its details: the staccato gunfire (and thus a semi-automatic weapon) and heresay evidence from the children (Lanza had a big gun and a little gun, Vicki Soto was killed, etc.).These incriminating videos are some of the best evidence that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax.</p> <p>The only photo we have seen of any children being evacuated from the school was apparently taken earlier in the fall during a drill (no coats, smiling faces). Shannon Hicks, a photographer for&amp;#160;The Newtown Bee, took the photo and claims to have taken many others of the event&#8212;which have not been released.</p> <p><a href="https://i2.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Shannon-Hicks.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Hicks reportedly took this photo &#8220;as an associate editor&#8221; and then, when another editor arrived, &#8220;changed into her firefighting gear and tried to help.&#8221;&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/16/167395779/the-story-behind-a-striking-image-of-the-scene-at-sandy-hook" type="external">The account was promoted by NPR</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Parker-family.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Perhaps more insidious are the photographs of the children who allegedly died at Sandy Hook, many of which are concoctions prepared on Photoshop. Some of the most problematic involve the Parker family, with Emilie&#8217;s red-and-black dress supposedly worn by her younger sister for the visit with Obama.</p> <p /> <p>The photograph of Victoria Soto&#8217;s class of students has been shown to be an elaborate composite:</p> <p /> <p>And many of the individual images of the children released to the media are peculiar&#8212;some look outdated and may be old photos. &amp;#160;In a very sloppy slip-up, a photo of a real child, Lily Gaubert (right, below), who is alive and well, was promoted in the media as an image of Allison Wyatt (left, below), an alleged victim. Lily&#8217;s mother discovered the error and made it public.</p> <p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Allison-Wyatt-vs.-Lily-Gaubert2.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>And the ridiculously fraudulent photographs of Adam Lanza clearly do not depict a real person:</p> <p /> <p>As with Ground Zero after 9/11, Sandy Hook Elementary and all the evidence have been completely obliterated;&amp;#160;$50 million in CT state funds&amp;#160;were allocated for the demolition and rebuilding of Sandy Hook school. This would never have been tolerated if an actual crime had been committed&#8212;at least one that was meant to be investigated. The demolition of the school has now been declared complete. <a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Sandy-Hook-demolition.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Employees who worked on the project were required to sign&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-sandy-hook-masssacre-school-demolition-crew-sworn-to-silence/5354593" type="external">non-disclosure agreements</a>. They were not only prohibited from removing anything from the site, but they were forbidden from discussing publicly anything they may have observed or not observed during the demolition, such as an absence of bullet marks on the walls or blood on the floor of the classrooms.</p> <p>Recent research has resulted in a &#8220;Sandy Hoax Surprise,&#8221; a convincing youtube video identifying eight alleged Sandy Hook victims and six of their brothers singing in the Newtown children&#8217;s choir at the 2013 Super Bowl.</p> <p /> <p>One more victim has been identified since the original video, making a total of 15 out of the 21 children in the choir who were from the Sandy Hook &#8220;families.&#8221; The newly recognized &#8220;victims&#8221; are all older than they appear in their photos, giving credence to the theory that the children&#8217;s photographs were outdated images.</p> <p /> <p>The Newtown children, whoever they are, seem quite happy to be singing at the Super Bowl, smiling and running across the field after the event&#8212;giving no sign of the trauma they had been through less than two months prior. So are these children actually alive? One can only hope.&amp;#160;</p> <p>The evidence demonstrates (1) that proof of death has been suppressed, (2) that emergency protocols were not followed, (3) that drill protocols were followed, (4) that there was foreknowledge of the event, (5) that there was confusion over what weapons were used, (6) that the suspect cannot possibly have carried out the shooting as claimed, (7) that strange behavior was displayed by officials, witnesses and relatives, (8) that there are many odd photos of participants, (9) that the crime scene was destroyed under conditions of secrecy and (10) that some of the children appeared at the Super Bowl.</p> <p>With the possible exception of (5) and (9), all of these features would have low probabilities had Sandy Hook been a massacre but high probabilities were it merely a drill. &amp;#160;Some of them are decisive by themselves, such as (1), (2), (3), (4) and (6)&#8211;not to mention (10). &amp;#160;EMTs cannot make determinations of whether a victim is dead or alive, so there should have been a surge of EMTs into the building to rush those little bodies off to hospitals where doctors could determine their condition. &amp;#160;But that was not done&#8211;and nothing else about this event supports the conclusion that it was real.&amp;#160;On the contrary, virtually everything indicates that this was a drill.</p> <p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Going-in-circles.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>The probability of the evidence on the hypothesis that this was a drill is overwhelmingly greater than on the hypothesis that it was an actual massacre. And the evidence appears to have &#8220;settled down&#8221; and point in the same direction. No alternative is reasonable, which means it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.&amp;#160;So who did it and why?&amp;#160;This is the final question. If the perpetrator had been Adam Lanza, then he had no apparent motive, as even &#8220;the final report&#8221; acknowledged.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;When considering&amp;#160;cui bono&amp;#160;(who benefits), a large amount of money is at stake&#8211;and much of it has already been distributed.</p> <p>Follow the Money</p> <p>First of all, the construction industry got a boost, with the&amp;#160;$50 million&amp;#160;in Connecticut state funds allocated for the destruction of Sandy Hook School and to rebuild a new school on the premises. And this from a state with&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.wfsb.com/story/23986662/estimates-show-future-budget-deficits-for-state" type="external">a projected budget deficit of $1.1 billion for the coming year</a>.</p> <p>The Sandy Hook School Support Fund has raised approximately&amp;#160;$12 million&amp;#160;and distributed it to the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, overseen by Ken Feinberg, &#8220;a victim compensation master with a national reputation,&#8221; according to United Way Western Connecticut.&amp;#160;And the Support Fund posted its condolences on 11 December 2013, which was three days before the actual event.</p> <p><a href="https://i1.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Premature-announcements.jpg" type="external" /> <a href="http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/ct-state-emergency-system-hijacked-dec-14-2012/" type="external" /></p> <p>The estimated payout was&amp;#160;$281,000&amp;#160;paid to each of the victims&#8217; families, who have raised additional funds from their own websites&#8212;some of which were apparently advertised on the web in advance of the shooting. At present, all of the victims, both children and adults, have memorial funds that are currently collecting money.</p> <p>&#8220;Sandy Hook Promise,&#8221; which actively solicits money for family members and others &#8220;impacted by this tragedy,&#8221; as well as for lobbying for &#8220;mental wellness and gun safety,&#8221; currently boasts over 300,000 people who have made&amp;#160; <a href="http://www2.sandyhookpromise.org/" type="external">the &#8220;Sandy Hook Promise&#8221;</a>&amp;#160;to turn the &#8220;tragedy into a moment of transformation.&#8221;</p> <p>The federal government has also forked over&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2013/dojpr082813.pdf" type="external">a lot of taxpayer money</a>, including a&amp;#160;$150,000 federal grant&amp;#160;to Newtown to pay for two &#8220;school resource officers&#8221; (aka police), and&amp;#160;$2.5 million in federal funds&amp;#160;from the Department of Justice to compensate the local entities for their trouble: $663,444 to the Connecticut State Police, $602,293 to the town of Newtown, $882,812 to the town of Monroe and $296,838 to other partner agencies.</p> <p>In addition, the Department of Education has awarded a total of&amp;#160;$3.2 million&amp;#160;to the Newtown Public School District under Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) to help with ongoing recovery efforts following the shooting. See these reports:&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-education-department-awards-13-million-grant-newtown-conn-further-support-rec" type="external">US Department of Education awards 1.3 million grant</a>;&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-awards-additional-19-million-grant-newtown-connecticut-f" type="external">US Department of Education awards 1.9 million grant</a>. This hush money is sure to keep the lid on things for now.</p> <p>Gun Control</p> <p>The families have been out in force, appearing on television and in print, lobbying for gun control in the states and the US capitol. By now, their stories are known to everyone in America. This has created an impression that the Sandy Hook hoax was about gun control. Meanwhile, however, the gun industry has benefited immensely.</p> <p>Efforts to increase security in schools&#8212;and even arm teachers&#8212;are underway.&amp;#160;The New York Times&amp;#160;reports that around 1,500 state gun bills have been introduced since the time of the shooting, and 109 have become law. However,&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/12/10/us/state-gun-laws-enacted-in-the-year-since-newtown.html?_r=0" type="external">nearly two-thirds of these laws ease legal restrictions and support the rights of gun owners.</a></p> <p>This may well have been an unintentional consequence of an intentional plan. Nonetheless, it is not clear that the Sandy Hook event was carried out solely with the aim of disarming the American public. Perhaps we are seeing a kind of Homeland-Gladio&#8212;implementing&amp;#160; <a href="http://memoryholeblog.com/2013/07/02/mass-traumatization-and-the-body-politic/" type="external">a strategy of tension with real and simulated events</a>. Remarkably,&amp;#160; <a href="http://articles.courant.com/2013-01-13/news/hc-newtown-pozner-family-gun-recommendations-20130113_1_gun-violence-gun-owner-law-enforcement" type="external">one of the earliest school safety/gun control proposals came from the family of Noah Pozner</a>:</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/New-Proposal-from-Noah-Pozner-family.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Both the gun industry and the already immense and rapidly growing &#8220;security industry&#8221; have also benefitted from the Sandy Hook &#8220;shooting,&#8221; as we, the citizens of the United States, lose more of our Constitutional rights. A more subtle but nonetheless insidious effect relates to the promotion of mental health screening and the consequent medication of the &#8220;mentally unstable&#8221; in our society, based upon an event that did not take place, where President Obama has signed an on-going series of executive orders to implement a political agenda. For the latest,&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.dailypaul.com/309560/obama-proposes-massive-gun-ban-by-regulation-fiat" type="external">check this one out</a>.</p> <p>The emergence of the Department of Homeland Security as a major threat to democracy cannot go without comment. Even though a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Intelligence released a report on 3 October 2012 establishing&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.veteranstoday.com/2012/10/04/fusion-and-fear-in-america-the-non-existent-terrorist-threat/" type="external">the virtual non-existence of domestic terrorist threats,</a>&amp;#160;DHS has acquired more than 2 billion rounds of .40 calibre hollow-point ammunition. Sandy Hook appears to be part of a complex and evolving scenario, beginning with 9/11, to establish an enhanced Police State. Whether or not it succeeds depends on public awareness and political action.</p> <p>Vivian Lee, Ph.D., is a Sandy Hook researcher and professor at an East Coast University.&amp;#160;Sofia Smallstorm&amp;#160;is an independent researcher, who produced and directed&amp;#160; <a href="http://www.veteranstoday.com/2014/01/07/top-ten-reasons-sandy-hook-was-an-elaborate-hoax/www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1yfJDCMU64" type="external">&#8220;Unraveling Sandy Hook.&#8221;</a>&amp;#160;James Tracy, Ph.D., maintains a web site at&amp;#160; <a href="http://memoryholeblog.com/" type="external">memoryholeblog.com</a>. And&amp;#160;Jim Fetzer, Ph.D., a former Marine Corps officer, is McKnight Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota Duluth.</p> <p>Reprinted with permission from <a href="http://www.veteranstoday.com/2014/01/07/top-ten-reasons-sandy-hook-was-an-elaborate-hoax/" type="external">Veterans Today</a>.</p> <p /> <p />

names contextually identifying information involved children withheld including descriptions children clothing belongingsreuben f bradford commissioner department emergency services public protection new york times nations newspaper record records official history united states reported final report criminal investigation sandy hook state connecticut over160 remarkably report even include names ages sex alleged victims shooting actual identification dead even the160 danbury ct newstimes160found unsatisfying 52 autopsy photos accompany report redacted new york times appears responsible stunning display journalistic incompetence matter enormous public concern160 anyone inclination comb hundreds years american crime reports surely would find another instance names ages sex victims givenwith exception victims sex crimes160 withholding information part pattern deception deceit extends clerk newtown making secret arrangements state legislature avoid releasing death certificates public attempts withhold 911 calls gag orders imposed upon responsible tearing building letter accompanying report reuben f bradford commissioner states department emergency services public protection said names contextually identifying information involved children withheld including descriptions children clothing belongings visual images depicting deceased withheld added well written descriptions whose disclosure would highly offensive reasonable person would violate constitutional rights families commissioner said balancing often competing interests government transparency individual privacy difficult situation completely absurd160160this appears latest series obscene measures adopted conceal public sandy hook massacre fact elaborately staged hoax one takes serious look evidence reasonably deny view proven event alternative explanation reasonable basic principle applies is160 inference best explanation160consider totality evidence case 160is evidence probable hypothesis sandy hook real event instead exercise drill presented though real event160160the hypothesis confers highest probability evidence preferable evidence settled acceptable true tentative fallible fashion science here160are top ten reasons support conclusion sandy hook staged real children adults appear died twentyeight people allegedly died 27 children adults including adam lanza school mother nancy lanza home 36 yogananda street newtown160however direct proof death photographic evidence video footage released confirm official story 28 persons actually died fact video surveillance footage shows anythingnot even adam shooting front plateglass window walking halls like rambo even though school updated security system start 201213 academic year best authorities could come was160 heavily redacted report160that includes numerous photos inside school dings look like bullet holes several bullets floor many black images white numbers supposed associate dead people one photo left shows blownout glass window adam lanza presumably entered premises get past furniture weaponry without moving anything position compounding situation parents even allowed view childrens bodies identify instead reportedly shown photographs deceased done according medical examiner wayne carver order control situation situation required control parent acquaintance would agreed accept death child without viewing body james tracy published160 discussion medical examiners performance 160according carver uh bring bodies families contact took pictures uhm facial features uh uhits easier families un uh time place close personal grieving process accomplish thought would best way uh sort uh control situation depending photographer have160very good160photographers uh uh remarkably state done best avoid releasing death certificates even recordings 911 calls death certificates eventually released public might want investigate case short general summary available according to160 new york times relation 911 calls children identified name callers indicate see child shot injury described educators shot foot moreover funerals closed casket one exceptionthat noah pozner supposedly included private viewing public ceremony recounted interviews families circumstances last encounters children caskets strange say least love fest white coffin grace mcdonnell detailed cnn anderson cooper veronique pozner gave account last look son noah the160 jewish daily forward 160on 26 december 2013 veronique asked medical examiners autopsy son felt body suffered many indignities funeral noah dressed suit tie jewish friend veroniques work enjoined rabbi praver allow wrapped blue tallis even though yet bar mitzvahthe family placed stuffed animals blanket letters noah casket lastly veronique put clear plastic rock white angel inside angel stone right hand asked funeral director place identical one left badly mangled ceremony connecticut governor dannel malloy came funeral home pay respects veronique took arm brought casket noahs famously long eyelashes spoke eulogy rested lightly cheeks cloth covered place lower half face needed real governor says live warm energetic little boy whose life snuffed fraction second schools defenseless evidence frantic effort save lives remove bodies hospitals instead scene outside school looked calm largely bloodlesswith police personnel milling around casually severe shortage dead injured victims one sandy hook researcher decided call lt paul vance ask cleaned blood would considered biohazard got reply blood jim fetzers160interview kelley tulsa real deal discusses also includes several 911 calls editors note unable embed proper audio different interview kelly tulsa audiofile mentioned found veterans today kelley onto real issue under160 ct medical waste tracking act 1988160a paper trail must kept parties involved clean must tracked way incinerator names dates mass casualty incident mci like sandy hook proper protocol start triage simple triage rapid treatment using tarps different colors aim save lives get injured hospital treatment 160not even black tarps dead used much less red ones needed immediate treatment 160as sofia smallstorm documented nothing like occurred sandy hook appropriate protocols followed sandy hook fire chief bill halstead ready help victims could recall two wounded people survivors reportedly taken hospital oddly people never interviewed firsthand accounts proved anyone killed injured160nonetheless according lt vance 18 children pronounced dead scene two children removed area hospital pronounced dead hospital seven adults pronounced dead scene including shooter nbc emergency vehicles present school even lined fire lane rescue attemptthe parking lot filled parked cars police cars possibly media vehicles rescue activity occurred centered school premises nearby firehouse emergency vehicles firehouse jammed together impeding access school case anyone might thought attempting rescue scene firehouse quite peculiar people milling around circling building walking one door another give impression lots people lots action accordance fema manuals drills living security state school system among beneficiaries used fire drills time time have160 lockdown drills implemented school districts states requiring set number drills law private security firms operate profit conduct crisis preparedness assessments taxpayers expense larger scenarios also developed activeshooter drills local law enforcement take part storming school pursuit activeactorshooter one plan available web is160 operation closed campus160developed iowa following guidance set forth homeland security exercise evaluation program hseep us department homeland security according protocol everyone drill must check identification badges issued personnel observers drinking water restrooms available personnel include director staff controllers evaluators actors media personnel players agency employees uniforms civilian clothes protocol appears followed sandy hook many participants wore ididentification badges lanyards huge checkin sign visible even porta potties ready emergency preparedness drill took place 14 december 20121609 4 pmet bridgeport ct 20 minute drive sandy hook course run connecticut department emergency services public protectionemergency management homeland security entitled160 planning needs children disasters sandy hook shooting appears integrated capstone event ice exercise run fema coordinate federal state local emergency response teams case masscasualty event would utilized actors media partners simulate tragedy order train participants also order observe reaction citizenry connecticut state emergency system taken long massacre occurred frequency change implemented five hours advance shooting normal police ems dispatch protocol using alpha phonetic system communications officers dispatchers replaced staged transmissions nontrained personnel addition160 tweets shooting began occurred160a tribute apparently uploaded one month event web pages honoring victims including facebook page rip victoria soto established officially died sandy hook timeline reconstructed at160 memoryholeblogcom detailing major developments highlighting numerous inconsistencies reports media according initial reports media weapons used shooting included four handguns recovered scene guns taken school nbc ar15 said found trunk lanzas car nbc reported lanza may carried two handguns rifle also found school nbc wayne carver medical examiner said victims shot long weapon lt paul vance said bushmaster ar15 assault weapon high capacity magazines used time lanza carrying many highcapacity clips weapon huffington post january 2013 connecticut state police released statement indicating found three guns inside school bushmaster 223 caliber xm 15e2s semiautomatic rifle high capacity 30 round clips glock 10mm handgun sigsauer p226 9mm handgun said also found izhmash canta12 12gauge shotgun lanzas car nbc shotgun also shown video aired night 14 december 2013 160by nbc evidence collection team policeman find gun trunk lanzas honda civicthe policeman handles gun without gloves ejects ammunition spot seen two long guns trunk nbc video 12gauge shotgun bushmaster rifle lt vance asserted lanza killed victims 223caliber semiautomatic rifle ctpostcom regarding confusion vance told reporters conspiracy theorists trying mucky waters160perhaps top prize fantastical reporting goes fox news however announced 12gauge shotgun along two magazines containing 70 rounds winchester 12gauge shotgun rounds found160 glove compartment adam lanzas honda civicthats right160in glove compartment adam lanza reportedly frail young man weighing 120 pounds aspergers syndrome said carried massive weaponry person shot way sandy hook school proceeded kill 26 people supposedly killed mother driving school according states attorney stephen sedensky lanza killed 26 victims bushmaster 223caliber rifle killed glock 10mm handgun lanza also supposedly carrying three 30round magazines bushmaster well sigsauer 9 mm handgun see victims shot multiple times fusillade bullets militarystyle weapons order wreak havoc fired 150 rounds must carried rounds addition lanza reportedly found dead wearing bulletproof vest militarystyle clothing ap mike powers professional military investigator ballistics expert observed young man slight build could carried heavy bulky weapons ammunition person furthermore since first responders supposedly inside school within seven minutes enough time lanza carried shooting reported interview joyce riley powers states lanza could fired many times continuously without destabilizing intense noise bushmaster novice could shot ar15 speed accuracy supposedly changing magazines 45 times without stoppage according lt vance night shooting one victim survived less seven minutesor less five minutes according medialanza killed 26 people producing one injured victim 96 kill ratio unheardof accuracy among experienced marksmen powers thinks whole scenario physical impossibility even convinced adam lanza real person story shooting taken seriously final travesty involves160 weapons paraphernalia allegedly found lanza house arsenal supposedly included guns samurai swords knives bayonet 1000 rounds ammunition according search warrants released items interest ear eye protection binoculars holsters manuals paper targets militarystyle uniform lanzas nra certificate fox lanza reportedly compiled spreadsheet 7 feet long 4 feet wide 9point type detailing 500 victims mass murders cbs160we supposed believe time adam lanza shy quiet kid didnt like noise chaos promoted pbs frontline special 160raising adam lanza many bizarre media reports interviews associated shooting examples wayne carvermedical examiner wayne carvers surreal press conference one startling media offerings widely available youtube event shows h wayne carver ii public official standing clowning acting outlandishgrinning strangely making irrelevant comments basically appearing unknowledgeable unprofessional robbie parkerperhaps famous press conference robbie parker alleged father victim emilie parker speaking cnn report december 15 2012 chuckles walks camera gets character hyperventilating finally feigns distress talks daughterand fund set help raise money emilie familiesin addition robbie alissa parker parents family members take turn spotlight including limited mark jackie barden jimmy greene nelba marquezgreene ian nicole hockley neil heslin alleged father jesse lewis chris lynn mcdonnell veronique pozner carlee soto david francine wheeler anderson cooper interviewer two notable instances conversation mcdonnells mentioned interview veronique pozner remarkable greenscreen effects andersons disappearing nose school nursenumerous reports offer detailed totally fictitious information later abandoned favor tenable versions evening december 14 usa today reporter said spoken school nurse met street nurse told gunman come office met eyes jumped desk walked out160160the nurse said gunman son kindergarten teacher known absolutely loving person later developed nancy lanza kindergarten teacher neither nancy adam connection sandy hook school whatsoever dawn hochsprungin embarrassing fiction160the newtown bee160reported 14 december 2013 160that dawn hochsprung sandy hook school principal told paper masked man entered school rifle started shooting multiple shots could count went course dawn hochsprung allegedly killed adam lanza could easily provided statement fact dawn said acted heroically dying lunging gunmanalthough one wonders witnessed reported act heroism 17 december 2013160the bee160retracted report apologized early online report scene december 14 shootings sandy hook elementary school quoted woman identified reporter principal school woman schools principal dawn hochsprung killed friday morning attack quote removed subsequent online versions story original story remain online archive three days deleted apologize whatever confusion may caused readers pain anguish may caused hochsprung family gene rosengene rosen one prolific sandy hook media stars giving animated conflicting statements series reporters english spanish considered good samaritan mainstream media gene supposedly harbored six children ran away school rode house school bus sat lawn proceeded cry tell teacher miss soto dead strangely rosen took children inside gave toys play instead calling 911 like normal person gene rosen videos important official narrative corroborate many details staccato gunfire thus semiautomatic weapon heresay evidence children lanza big gun little gun vicki soto killed etcthese incriminating videos best evidence sandy hook shooting hoax photo seen children evacuated school apparently taken earlier fall drill coats smiling faces shannon hicks photographer for160the newtown bee took photo claims taken many others eventwhich released hicks reportedly took photo associate editor another editor arrived changed firefighting gear tried help160 account promoted npr perhaps insidious photographs children allegedly died sandy hook many concoctions prepared photoshop problematic involve parker family emilies redandblack dress supposedly worn younger sister visit obama photograph victoria sotos class students shown elaborate composite many individual images children released media peculiarsome look outdated may old photos 160in sloppy slipup photo real child lily gaubert right alive well promoted media image allison wyatt left alleged victim lilys mother discovered error made public ridiculously fraudulent photographs adam lanza clearly depict real person ground zero 911 sandy hook elementary evidence completely obliterated16050 million ct state funds160were allocated demolition rebuilding sandy hook school would never tolerated actual crime committedat least one meant investigated demolition school declared complete employees worked project required sign160 nondisclosure agreements prohibited removing anything site forbidden discussing publicly anything may observed observed demolition absence bullet marks walls blood floor classrooms recent research resulted sandy hoax surprise convincing youtube video identifying eight alleged sandy hook victims six brothers singing newtown childrens choir 2013 super bowl one victim identified since original video making total 15 21 children choir sandy hook families newly recognized victims older appear photos giving credence theory childrens photographs outdated images newtown children whoever seem quite happy singing super bowl smiling running across field eventgiving sign trauma less two months prior children actually alive one hope160 evidence demonstrates 1 proof death suppressed 2 emergency protocols followed 3 drill protocols followed 4 foreknowledge event 5 confusion weapons used 6 suspect possibly carried shooting claimed 7 strange behavior displayed officials witnesses relatives 8 many odd photos participants 9 crime scene destroyed conditions secrecy 10 children appeared super bowl possible exception 5 9 features would low probabilities sandy hook massacre high probabilities merely drill 160some decisive 1 2 3 4 6not mention 10 160emts make determinations whether victim dead alive surge emts building rush little bodies hospitals doctors could determine condition 160but doneand nothing else event supports conclusion real160on contrary virtually everything indicates drill probability evidence hypothesis drill overwhelmingly greater hypothesis actual massacre evidence appears settled point direction alternative reasonable means proven beyond reasonable doubt160so why160this final question perpetrator adam lanza apparent motive even final report acknowledged160160when considering160cui bono160who benefits large amount money stakeand much already distributed follow money first construction industry got boost the16050 million160in connecticut state funds allocated destruction sandy hook school rebuild new school premises state with160 projected budget deficit 11 billion coming year sandy hook school support fund raised approximately16012 million160and distributed newtownsandy hook community foundation overseen ken feinberg victim compensation master national reputation according united way western connecticut160and support fund posted condolences 11 december 2013 three days actual event estimated payout was160281000160paid victims families raised additional funds websitessome apparently advertised web advance shooting present victims children adults memorial funds currently collecting money sandy hook promise actively solicits money family members others impacted tragedy well lobbying mental wellness gun safety currently boasts 300000 people made160 sandy hook promise160to turn tragedy moment transformation federal government also forked over160 lot taxpayer money including a160150000 federal grant160to newtown pay two school resource officers aka police and16025 million federal funds160from department justice compensate local entities trouble 663444 connecticut state police 602293 town newtown 882812 town monroe 296838 partner agencies addition department education awarded total of16032 million160to newtown public school district project serv school emergency response violence help ongoing recovery efforts following shooting see reports160 us department education awards 13 million grant160 us department education awards 19 million grant hush money sure keep lid things gun control families force appearing television print lobbying gun control states us capitol stories known everyone america created impression sandy hook hoax gun control meanwhile however gun industry benefited immensely efforts increase security schoolsand even arm teachersare underway160the new york times160reports around 1500 state gun bills introduced since time shooting 109 become law however160 nearly twothirds laws ease legal restrictions support rights gun owners may well unintentional consequence intentional plan nonetheless clear sandy hook event carried solely aim disarming american public perhaps seeing kind homelandgladioimplementing160 strategy tension real simulated events remarkably160 one earliest school safetygun control proposals came family noah pozner gun industry already immense rapidly growing security industry also benefitted sandy hook shooting citizens united states lose constitutional rights subtle nonetheless insidious effect relates promotion mental health screening consequent medication mentally unstable society based upon event take place president obama signed ongoing series executive orders implement political agenda latest160 check one emergence department homeland security major threat democracy go without comment even though subcommittee senate committee homeland security intelligence released report 3 october 2012 establishing160 virtual nonexistence domestic terrorist threats160dhs acquired 2 billion rounds 40 calibre hollowpoint ammunition sandy hook appears part complex evolving scenario beginning 911 establish enhanced police state whether succeeds depends public awareness political action vivian lee phd sandy hook researcher professor east coast university160sofia smallstorm160is independent researcher produced directed160 unraveling sandy hook160james tracy phd maintains web site at160 memoryholeblogcom and160jim fetzer phd former marine corps officer mcknight professor emeritus university minnesota duluth reprinted permission veterans today

<p>Activist investor Nelson Peltz has narrowly won a seat on the board of Procter &amp;amp; Gamble Co., according to Mr. Peltz's Trian Fund Management.</p> <p>A weekslong count of the shareholder vote found Mr. Peltz was elected by a 43,000-vote margin out of more than 2 billion shares that were cast in the high-profile contest, Trian said. That is a margin of victory of 0.002% of shares outstanding.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A month ago, P&amp;amp;G said its own preliminary vote count showed the company's 11 board nominees were elected by 6.15 million votes.</p> <p>P&amp;amp;G had no immediate comment. The company is expected to formally announce the results of an independent proxy-counting firm's tally.</p> <p>Write to David Benoit at david.benoit@wsj.com and Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com</p> <p>Nelson Peltz narrowly won a seat on the board of Procter &amp;amp; Gamble Co., an official tally showed, an embarrassing turn of events for a company that weeks earlier had claimed to have defeated the activist investor.</p> <p>After the most expensive proxy fight in history, an independent firm's count of the 2 billion votes that were cast found Mr. Peltz had 42,780 more votes than a P&amp;amp;G director, the company said. That is a margin of 0.0016% of the shares outstanding.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Mr. Peltz quickly claimed a victory Wednesday and called on P&amp;amp;G to concede the contest and let him into its boardroom. But the Cincinnati company didn't admit defeat, saying Mr. Peltz "is leading" but that the tally was still preliminary and subject to review and a challenge period.</p> <p>"Both parties will have the opportunity to review the results for any discrepancies," P&amp;amp;G said.</p> <p>Shares of P&amp;amp;G rose about 3% in after-hours trading following the news.</p> <p>"Trian strongly urges P&amp;amp;G to accept the Inspector's tabulation and not waste further time and shareholder money contesting the outcome of the Annual Meeting," Mr. Peltz's Trian Fund Management said in a news release. "Shareholders have voted, and they have indicated that they want Nelson Peltz to join the Board."</p> <p>A month ago, P&amp;amp;G announced that its preliminary vote count showed the company's 11 board nominees were elected by 6.15 million votes. The activist had claimed the vote was too close to call.</p> <p>P&amp;amp;G was the biggest U.S. company by market value to face a proxy contest. The two sides spent at least $60 million and crisscrossed the country for weeks to win shareholder support.</p> <p>If the result holds up, Mr. Peltz is likely to push the company to simplify its structure and rethink how it positions its brands to recapture market share.</p> <p>The two sides now head to what is known in activist circles as "the snake pit," where P&amp;amp;G and Trian can investigate each contested vote. It is part of a certification process that checks whether shareholders had the authority to vote, signed and marked ballots correctly and to verify that no one voted more than once.</p> <p>The activist camp had maintained the vote was too close to call because P&amp;amp;G's initial tally required the company to estimate votes by individuals who supported Mr. Peltz and cast their ballots directly to his fund. P&amp;amp;G had said it was confident the initial count would hold up.</p> <p>P&amp;amp;G is still deciding whether to contest the results, a person familiar with the matter said.</p> <p>The tally has been handled by IVS Associates Inc., an independent proxy counting firm, whose employees have reviewed ballots collected by both P&amp;amp;G and Trian. While many votes are cast electronically, IVS also has to check paper ballots by hand.</p> <p>Typically, IVS's preliminary count is quickly tallied in the week after a vote, but the long delay for the P&amp;amp;G count was viewed as a sign the firm was being extra thorough and careful with the count. That could reduce the chance of a big swing in the recount.</p> <p>The uncertainty of the P&amp;amp;G vote was magnified by the large portion of shares held by small investors, leaving both sides scrambling for support from some 2.5 million shareholders instead of just a few dozen who typically control such votes. About 40% of P&amp;amp;G stock is owned by retail investors, compared with an average of about 12% in the S&amp;amp;P 500, according to S&amp;amp;P Global Market Intelligence.</p> <p>On top of that, a significant chunk of the shares were also owned in the actual name of the investors, instead of just brokerage names, which is far more typical. The votes from those shares are only sent to the side who they are voting for, meaning both P&amp;amp;G and Trian had blind spots as they tried to determine the outcome.</p> <p>Write to David Benoit at david.benoit@wsj.com and Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com</p> <p>Nelson Peltz narrowly won a seat on the board of Procter &amp;amp; Gamble Co., an official tally showed, an embarrassing turn of events for a company that weeks earlier had claimed to have defeated the activist investor.</p> <p>After the most expensive proxy fight in history, an independent firm's count of the 2 billion votes that were cast found Mr. Peltz had 42,780 more votes than a P&amp;amp;G director, the company said. That is a margin of 0.0016% of the shares outstanding.</p> <p>Mr. Peltz quickly claimed a victory Wednesday and called on P&amp;amp;G to concede the contest and let him into its boardroom. But the Cincinnati company didn't admit defeat, saying Mr. Peltz "is leading" but that the tally was still preliminary and subject to review and a challenge period.</p> <p>"Both parties will have the opportunity to review the results for any discrepancies," P&amp;amp;G said.</p> <p>Shares of P&amp;amp;G rose about 3% in after-hours trading following the news.</p> <p>"Trian strongly urges P&amp;amp;G to accept the Inspector's tabulation and not waste further time and shareholder money contesting the outcome of the Annual Meeting," Mr. Peltz's Trian Fund Management said in a news release. "Shareholders have voted, and they have indicated that they want Nelson Peltz to join the Board."</p> <p>A month ago, P&amp;amp;G announced that its preliminary vote count showed the company's 11 board nominees were elected by 6.15 million votes. The activist had claimed the vote was too close to call.</p> <p>P&amp;amp;G was the biggest U.S. company by market value to face a proxy contest. The two sides spent at least $60 million and crisscrossed the country for weeks to win shareholder support.</p> <p>If the result holds up, Mr. Peltz is likely to push the company to simplify its structure and rethink how it positions its brands to recapture market share.</p> <p>The two sides now head to what is known in activist circles as "the snake pit," where P&amp;amp;G and Trian can investigate each contested vote. It is part of a certification process that checks whether shareholders had the authority to vote, signed and marked ballots correctly and to verify that no one voted more than once.</p> <p>The activist camp had maintained the vote was too close to call because P&amp;amp;G's initial tally required the company to estimate votes by individuals who supported Mr. Peltz and cast their ballots directly to his fund. P&amp;amp;G had said it was confident the initial count would hold up.</p> <p>P&amp;amp;G is still deciding whether to contest the results, a person familiar with the matter said.</p> <p>The tally has been handled by IVS Associates Inc., an independent proxy counting firm, whose employees have reviewed ballots collected by both P&amp;amp;G and Trian. While many votes are cast electronically, IVS also has to check paper ballots by hand.</p> <p>Typically, IVS's preliminary count is quickly tallied in the week after a vote, but the long delay for the P&amp;amp;G count was viewed as a sign the firm was being extra thorough and careful with the count. That could reduce the chance of a big swing in the recount.</p> <p>The uncertainty of the P&amp;amp;G vote was magnified by the large portion of shares held by small investors, leaving both sides scrambling for support from some 2.5 million shareholders instead of just a few dozen who typically control such votes. About 40% of P&amp;amp;G stock is owned by retail investors, compared with an average of about 12% in the S&amp;amp;P 500, according to S&amp;amp;P Global Market Intelligence.</p> <p>On top of that, a significant chunk of the shares were also owned in the actual name of the investors, instead of just brokerage names, which is far more typical. The votes from those shares are only sent to the side who they are voting for, meaning both P&amp;amp;G and Trian had blind spots as they tried to determine the outcome.</p> <p>Mr. Peltz received 971,953,651 votes, while the P&amp;amp;G director with the least number of votes, Ernesto Zedillo, a former president of Mexico, received 971,910,871 votes, according to the tally by IVS.</p> <p>Write to David Benoit at david.benoit@wsj.com and Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 15, 2017 17:57 ET (22:57 GMT)</p>

activist investor nelson peltz narrowly seat board procter amp gamble co according mr peltzs trian fund management weekslong count shareholder vote found mr peltz elected 43000vote margin 2 billion shares cast highprofile contest trian said margin victory 0002 shares outstanding continue reading month ago pampg said preliminary vote count showed companys 11 board nominees elected 615 million votes pampg immediate comment company expected formally announce results independent proxycounting firms tally write david benoit davidbenoitwsjcom sharon terlep sharonterlepwsjcom nelson peltz narrowly seat board procter amp gamble co official tally showed embarrassing turn events company weeks earlier claimed defeated activist investor expensive proxy fight history independent firms count 2 billion votes cast found mr peltz 42780 votes pampg director company said margin 00016 shares outstanding advertisement mr peltz quickly claimed victory wednesday called pampg concede contest let boardroom cincinnati company didnt admit defeat saying mr peltz leading tally still preliminary subject review challenge period parties opportunity review results discrepancies pampg said shares pampg rose 3 afterhours trading following news trian strongly urges pampg accept inspectors tabulation waste time shareholder money contesting outcome annual meeting mr peltzs trian fund management said news release shareholders voted indicated want nelson peltz join board month ago pampg announced preliminary vote count showed companys 11 board nominees elected 615 million votes activist claimed vote close call pampg biggest us company market value face proxy contest two sides spent least 60 million crisscrossed country weeks win shareholder support result holds mr peltz likely push company simplify structure rethink positions brands recapture market share two sides head known activist circles snake pit pampg trian investigate contested vote part certification process checks whether shareholders authority vote signed marked ballots correctly verify one voted activist camp maintained vote close call pampgs initial tally required company estimate votes individuals supported mr peltz cast ballots directly fund pampg said confident initial count would hold pampg still deciding whether contest results person familiar matter said tally handled ivs associates inc independent proxy counting firm whose employees reviewed ballots collected pampg trian many votes cast electronically ivs also check paper ballots hand typically ivss preliminary count quickly tallied week vote long delay pampg count viewed sign firm extra thorough careful count could reduce chance big swing recount uncertainty pampg vote magnified large portion shares held small investors leaving sides scrambling support 25 million shareholders instead dozen typically control votes 40 pampg stock owned retail investors compared average 12 sampp 500 according sampp global market intelligence top significant chunk shares also owned actual name investors instead brokerage names far typical votes shares sent side voting meaning pampg trian blind spots tried determine outcome write david benoit davidbenoitwsjcom sharon terlep sharonterlepwsjcom nelson peltz narrowly seat board procter amp gamble co official tally showed embarrassing turn events company weeks earlier claimed defeated activist investor expensive proxy fight history independent firms count 2 billion votes cast found mr peltz 42780 votes pampg director company said margin 00016 shares outstanding mr peltz quickly claimed victory wednesday called pampg concede contest let boardroom cincinnati company didnt admit defeat saying mr peltz leading tally still preliminary subject review challenge period parties opportunity review results discrepancies pampg said shares pampg rose 3 afterhours trading following news trian strongly urges pampg accept inspectors tabulation waste time shareholder money contesting outcome annual meeting mr peltzs trian fund management said news release shareholders voted indicated want nelson peltz join board month ago pampg announced preliminary vote count showed companys 11 board nominees elected 615 million votes activist claimed vote close call pampg biggest us company market value face proxy contest two sides spent least 60 million crisscrossed country weeks win shareholder support result holds mr peltz likely push company simplify structure rethink positions brands recapture market share two sides head known activist circles snake pit pampg trian investigate contested vote part certification process checks whether shareholders authority vote signed marked ballots correctly verify one voted activist camp maintained vote close call pampgs initial tally required company estimate votes individuals supported mr peltz cast ballots directly fund pampg said confident initial count would hold pampg still deciding whether contest results person familiar matter said tally handled ivs associates inc independent proxy counting firm whose employees reviewed ballots collected pampg trian many votes cast electronically ivs also check paper ballots hand typically ivss preliminary count quickly tallied week vote long delay pampg count viewed sign firm extra thorough careful count could reduce chance big swing recount uncertainty pampg vote magnified large portion shares held small investors leaving sides scrambling support 25 million shareholders instead dozen typically control votes 40 pampg stock owned retail investors compared average 12 sampp 500 according sampp global market intelligence top significant chunk shares also owned actual name investors instead brokerage names far typical votes shares sent side voting meaning pampg trian blind spots tried determine outcome mr peltz received 971953651 votes pampg director least number votes ernesto zedillo former president mexico received 971910871 votes according tally ivs write david benoit davidbenoitwsjcom sharon terlep sharonterlepwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 15 2017 1757 et 2257 gmt

<p>ANALYSIS/OPINION:</p> <p>Should House Speaker <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Paul Ryan</a> and <a href="/topics/senate/" type="external">Senate</a> Majority Leader Mitch <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a> be repealed and replaced? The argument for their ouster, repeated ad nauseam, is that Republicans now control both houses of Congress, so how come the leaders won&#8217;t deliver for their Republican president? But are these attacks reasonable?</p> <p>Why has <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Mr. Ryan</a>, for instance, come in for such sustained assaults by many on the right when the chamber he controls has delivered on significant fronts for both President <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a> and conservatives generally, including &#8212; but not limited to &#8212; defense, health care, financial regulation and immigration? Such news, of course, might have eluded those absorbing only the negative noise emanating from the president and many of the major stars on talk radio. But here&#8217;s <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Mr. Ryan</a>&#8217;s record on just three significant issues.</p> <p>The House voted to repeal and replace Obamacare on May 4, with The Wall Street Journal running a front-page picture of a beaming <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Donald Trump</a> celebrating the victory with the House speaker. The lead Journal story reported that House Republicans &#8220;repealed most of President Obama&#8217;s signature health-insurance law Thursday in a tight vote [217 to 213], handing President <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Donald Trump</a> his first legislative victory and vindicating GOP leaders who failed twice before to pass a bill.&#8221;</p> <p>True, the bill failed in the <a href="/topics/senate/" type="external">Senate</a>, but how does that &#8220;taint&#8221; the House leadership, as Fox News&#8217; Sean Hannity has intimated? Or even Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a>, who, with a minuscule majority of Republican senators, managed to lose by just a single vote, even though the Republican senatorial ranks are filled with turncoats like John McCain, Susan Collins and Rand Paul?</p> <p>Consider another of the president&#8217;s priorities: dismantling the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory bill, which <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a> bluntly labeled &#8220;a disaster&#8221; for business. With <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Ryan</a> &amp;amp; Co. in charge, the House passed the Financial Choice Act on June 8 to emasculate Dodd-Frank by a 233 to 186 margin. &#8220;We see [this act] as the crown jewel of this effort,&#8221; <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Mr. Ryan</a> boasted at a press conference.</p> <p>Has <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Mr. Ryan</a> been soft on the Trump wall, the president&#8217;s most memorable campaign pledge dealing with border security? Fake news. He&#8217;s certainly been more reliable on the issue than our chief executive, especially since that famous &#8220;Chuck and Nancy&#8221; get-together. The July 27 online Washington Times carried this headline: &#8220;House approves spending bill with $1.6 billion to start <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Trump</a>&#8217;s border wall.&#8221; All the money that the president &#8220;requested to start building a wall on our southern border, he&#8217;s going to get,&#8221; stressed House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.</p> <p>Rep. Andrew Biggs, Arizona Republican, told this reporter that he favored the wall because the verdict of those he surveyed who patrol his state&#8217;s boundaries &#8220;was unanimous. They want a wall.&#8221; Still, the whip count showed the wall might lose in a straight up-and-down vote.</p> <p>So the House speaker managed to deftly insert the wall&#8217;s funding in a broader $827 billion national security package without a direct vote on the wall itself. The bill passed 235 to 192, with <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Ryan</a> &amp;amp; Co. losing just five of their Republican colleagues. Is this tepid or inept leadership?</p> <p>But if <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Mr. Ryan</a>&#8217;s record is better than publicly portrayed, Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a>, it is said, can&#8217;t deliver, with the demise of Graham-Cassidy just his latest failure. But could any other Republican senator do as well? Doubtful. The majority leader&#8217;s narrow Republican margin in the <a href="/topics/senate/" type="external">Senate</a> is close to crippling, since he can&#8217;t afford to lose more than two Republican senators out of a total of just 52 on any issue. Nor would the math change with a new leader.</p> <p>Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a> could win if he&#8217;d just shut down the filibuster, we are told. But Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a> has shut down the filibuster on several occasions, including two critical repeal and replace votes, where he still was unable to collect a simple majority because of a tiny clutch of Republican holdouts. He&#8217;s working to shelve the filibuster on the president&#8217;s new tax proposal as well, but, as the health reform battle reveals, closing off the filibuster is hardly a magic path to victory. Maybe the surest key to winning is ousting incumbent <a href="/topics/senate/" type="external">Senate</a> Democrats in 2018, but that&#8217;s hardly the focus of Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a>&#8217;s critics.</p> <p>Despite all the attacks, Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a> has still gained the most important victory for the Trump administration and conservatives so far: the reshaping of the Obama-packed courts in Antonin Scalia&#8217;s image. Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a>, as noted in the Aug. 22 Commentary section, proved instrumental in placing Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, handing the conservatives a 5-to-4 majority, with the court&#8217;s new term just opening.</p> <p>Largely because of Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a> and Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, <a href="/topics/donald-trump/" type="external">Mr. Trump</a>&#8217;s other conservative judicial picks will soon be heading toward the appellate and lower courts in record numbers, as the president has named &#8220;more than double the number of federal judges&#8221; of any president in his first year, according to Ron Klain, a devoted court watcher for Barack Obama.</p> <p>The talk radio folks have done a splendid job in exposing the defects of liberals, loony leftists and Democratic politicians. But why should anyone take their sweeping assaults against both <a href="/topics/paul-ryan/" type="external">Mr. Ryan</a> and Mr. <a href="/topics/mcconnell/" type="external">McConnell</a> seriously when they refuse to celebrate their successes? How, pray tell, does this virtual blackout of good news advance the conservative cause?</p> <p>&#8226;&amp;#160;Allan H. Ryskind is a former editor and owner of Human Events and the author of &#8220;Hollywood Traitors&#8221; (Regnery History, 2015).</p> <p>Copyright &#169; 2018 The Washington Times, LLC. <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/xGjXcUKYsKxMeCUl1" type="external">Click here for reprint permission</a>.</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

analysisopinion house speaker paul ryan senate majority leader mitch mcconnell repealed replaced argument ouster repeated ad nauseam republicans control houses congress come leaders wont deliver republican president attacks reasonable mr ryan instance come sustained assaults many right chamber controls delivered significant fronts president trump conservatives generally including limited defense health care financial regulation immigration news course might eluded absorbing negative noise emanating president many major stars talk radio heres mr ryans record three significant issues house voted repeal replace obamacare may 4 wall street journal running frontpage picture beaming donald trump celebrating victory house speaker lead journal story reported house republicans repealed president obamas signature healthinsurance law thursday tight vote 217 213 handing president donald trump first legislative victory vindicating gop leaders failed twice pass bill true bill failed senate taint house leadership fox news sean hannity intimated even mr mcconnell minuscule majority republican senators managed lose single vote even though republican senatorial ranks filled turncoats like john mccain susan collins rand paul consider another presidents priorities dismantling doddfrank financial regulatory bill mr trump bluntly labeled disaster business ryan amp co charge house passed financial choice act june 8 emasculate doddfrank 233 186 margin see act crown jewel effort mr ryan boasted press conference mr ryan soft trump wall presidents memorable campaign pledge dealing border security fake news hes certainly reliable issue chief executive especially since famous chuck nancy gettogether july 27 online washington times carried headline house approves spending bill 16 billion start trumps border wall money president requested start building wall southern border hes going get stressed house majority leader kevin mccarthy rep andrew biggs arizona republican told reporter favored wall verdict surveyed patrol states boundaries unanimous want wall still whip count showed wall might lose straight upanddown vote house speaker managed deftly insert walls funding broader 827 billion national security package without direct vote wall bill passed 235 192 ryan amp co losing five republican colleagues tepid inept leadership mr ryans record better publicly portrayed mr mcconnell said cant deliver demise grahamcassidy latest failure could republican senator well doubtful majority leaders narrow republican margin senate close crippling since cant afford lose two republican senators total 52 issue would math change new leader mr mcconnell could win hed shut filibuster told mr mcconnell shut filibuster several occasions including two critical repeal replace votes still unable collect simple majority tiny clutch republican holdouts hes working shelve filibuster presidents new tax proposal well health reform battle reveals closing filibuster hardly magic path victory maybe surest key winning ousting incumbent senate democrats 2018 thats hardly focus mr mcconnells critics despite attacks mr mcconnell still gained important victory trump administration conservatives far reshaping obamapacked courts antonin scalias image mr mcconnell noted aug 22 commentary section proved instrumental placing neil gorsuch supreme court handing conservatives 5to4 majority courts new term opening largely mr mcconnell judiciary committee chairman charles grassley mr trumps conservative judicial picks soon heading toward appellate lower courts record numbers president named double number federal judges president first year according ron klain devoted court watcher barack obama talk radio folks done splendid job exposing defects liberals loony leftists democratic politicians anyone take sweeping assaults mr ryan mr mcconnell seriously refuse celebrate successes pray tell virtual blackout good news advance conservative cause 160allan h ryskind former editor owner human events author hollywood traitors regnery history 2015 copyright 2018 washington times llc click reprint permission 160

<p>The explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas that claimed 14 lives is still unexplained; investigators have not yet figured out the cause. But that hasn&#8217;t stopped the Democrats from trying to make political hay out of the tragedy. First we have this disgusting cartoon in the Sacramento Bee, which is predicated on the idea that the explosion was caused by lax regulation on the part of the State of Texas:</p> <p><a href="https://i0.wp.com/powerline.wpengine.com/ed-assets/2013/04/article-2315751-1981B3C1000005DC-728_634x450.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p>Governor Rick Perry <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2315751/Texas-explosion-I-wont-stand-mocking-tragic-deaths-fellow-Texans-Gov-Rick-Perry-outraged-cartoon-poking-fun-fatal-small-town-explosion-killed-14.html" type="external">protested vigorously</a>, saying:</p> <p>While I will always welcome healthy policy debate, I won&#8217;t stand for someone mocking the tragic deaths of my fellow Texans and our fellow Americans.</p> <p>The cartoonist, Jack Ohman, doubled down in an <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/25/5372555/rick-perry-explosion-cartoon-published.html" type="external">internet post</a>:</p> <p>The Texas chemical plant had not been inspected by the state of Texas since 2006. That&#8217;s seven years ago.</p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-didnt-regulators-prevent-the-texas-fertilizer-explosion" type="external">Scientific American</a>, at least seven different state and federal agencies have regulatory authority over the West plant: OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service. In time the facts will come out as to which of these agencies inspected the plant, and when.</p> <p>You may have read in the news that Gov. Perry, during his business recruiting trips to California and Illinois, generally described his state as free from high taxes and burdensome regulation. One of the burdensome regulations he neglected to mention was the fact that his state hadn&#8217;t really gotten around to checking out that fertilizer plant.</p> <p>Has Governor Perry ever touted a lack of safety regulation as a benefit of doing business in Texas? Not that I know of. But note how Mr. Ohman assumes that the explosion was caused by an absence of safety regulations, or a failure to enforce an existing regulation by a state agency, as opposed to a federal agency. That could possibly be the case, but it is pure speculation since at this point, investigators have no idea what caused the explosion. Liberals have a childlike faith in regulation: if only we had more regulations, nothing bad would happen! If only that were true. But liberals like Jack Ohman don&#8217;t wait to learn the facts before taking advantage of 14 fatalities to smear a red state and a Republican governor.</p> <p>For what it&#8217;s worth, there is no reason to think that Texas is a dangerous place because of lax workplace safety regulation. OSHA cautions against comparing statistics from state to state, since each state has a different mix of facilities that have entirely different hazards. It is inherently safer to work in an office than a mine. Nevertheless, subject to all appropriate caveats, the rate of fatal accidents in manufacturing in Texas&#8211;apparently the category into which the fertilizer plant would fall&#8211;in 2011, the last year for which OSHA has published statistics, was 2.6 per 100,000 FTE workers. That is exactly the same rate as Indiana and Iowa, virtually indistinguishable from Michigan (2.4), and not much different from California, where Ohman launched his sanctimonious attack (2.1).</p> <p><a href="https://i2.wp.com/powerline.wpengine.com/ed-assets/2013/04/t01_0RTXYQ9S.jpg" type="external" /></p> <p><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/04/how-chemical-lobby&#8217;s-friends-congress-fought-keep-regulators-its-back" type="external">Mother Jones magazine</a> made an even nuttier effort to gain political advantage from the West, Texas explosion by implying that the Koch brothers, those all-purpose villains of the Left, were somehow responsible for it. Their axe-grinding article is titled, &#8220;Will the &#8216;Koch Brothers Bill&#8217; Make Industrial Accidents More Likely?&#8221;:</p> <p>In February, 11 congressmen&#8212;10 Republicans and one Democrat&#8212;joined some two dozen industry groups, including the Fertilizer Institute, the American Chemistry Council, and the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, to back the General Duty Clarification Act. The bill is designed to sap the Environmental Protection Agency of its powers to regulate safety and security at major chemical sites, as prescribed by the Clean Air Act.</p> <p>&#8220;We call that the Koch brothers bill,&#8221; Greenpeace legislative director Rick Hind says, because the bill&#8217;s sponsor, GOP Rep. Mike Pompeo, represents the conservative megadonors&#8217; home city of Wichita, Kansas. &#8230;</p> <p>Later that year, they introduced a bill to formally prohibit the EPA from using the Clean Air Act to regulate security and safety at chemical production and storage sites, by mandating that any such inspections be carried out by the Department of Homeland Security instead. Their bill also left it up to manufacturers to determine whether or not to make improvements to the safety of their workplace. In February, Pompeo introduced the General Duty Clarification Act of 2013, a repeat of the 2012 bill, with 10 Republican cosponsors&#8212;and one Democrat, Rep. Jim Matheson of Utah. The bill was backed by some of the nation&#8217;s most powerful lobbying groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce.</p> <p>It was not, however, backed by the Koch brothers or by Koch Industries. Leave aside for the moment the question why the EPA should be regulating workplace safety rather than OSHA, the agency that is explicitly charged with creating and enforcing safety regulations, and has the expertise to do so. The <a href="http://pompeo.house.gov/uploadedfiles/pompeogdcbackgroundinfo.pdf" type="external">General Duty Clarification Act</a> is a perfectly reasonable piece of legislation, as you will see if you read it. But, in any event, it has nothing to do with Koch Industries, as the company explains on <a href="http://www.kochfacts.com/kf/mojogetsitwrong/" type="external">Kochfacts</a>:</p> <p>The partisan writers at Mother Jones have consistently gone out of their way, even in the face of facts, to disparage Koch. Call it conspiracy-by-free-association, where the writer seizes on an unrelated tragedy in the news and then tries to blame Koch, no matter how far-fetched or dishonest. We have documented this irresponsible method many times before on this site.</p> <p>Writer Tim Murphy has another such piece published in Mother Jones on April 22 in which he tries to fault Koch for the circumstances that caused the tragic explosion at a fertilizer facility in West, Texas. The facts of that terrible event are still unknown and are under investigation. But even as memorial services are underway for those who lost their lives, Murphy expresses no empathy for lives lost. Instead, he uses the tragedy as a platform to promote his and his magazine&#8217;s partisan views.</p> <p>Because Murphy&#8217;s piece was devoid of facts, we offer them here:</p> <p>* Koch has no connection to the fertilizer facility in West, Texas.</p> <p>* Koch Fertilizer Company produces and markets nitrogen-based fertilizer. Like all Koch companies, Koch Fertilizer is committed to a safe work environment and full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We strive to manage operations in a manner that protects the health and safety of employees, customers, contractors, the public and the environment. This commitment is evident in how we operate facilities and manufacture products.</p> <p>* Koch Fertilizer has been recognized as an environmental, health and safety leader. The company has received numerous awards for its performance including those documented <a href="http://www.kochfertilizer.com/safety.asp" type="external">here</a>. Altogether, from January 2009 to present, Koch companies around the globe have earned 574 awards for safety, environmental excellence, community stewardship, innovation, and customer service. &#8230;</p> <p>* Koch companies have positive relationships with EPA and other regulators. <a href="http://www.kochind.com/files/KochEHSFacts.pdf" type="external">This document</a> includes a sampling of what others say about our EH&amp;amp;S performance.</p> <p>* Murphy&#8217;s assertion that fertilizer production is &#8220;unregulated&#8221; is completely wrong. Koch Fertilizer&#8217;s facilities are regulated by EPA, state environmental agencies, OSHA and even state Agriculture departments, among others.</p> <p>* The specific bill cited in Murphy&#8217;s story is not one on which Koch has lobbied.</p> <p>Mother Jones, like many other left-wing mouthpieces, can be counted on to spin the truth and be consistently wrong about Koch. Since the magazine&#8217;s editors can&#8217;t seem to get the facts straight, we will continue to fact check them for our readers.</p> <p>Of course, liberals like those at Mother Jones don&#8217;t try to get the facts straight. They just try to use every dishonest tactic to advance their political agenda.</p>

explosion fertilizer plant west texas claimed 14 lives still unexplained investigators yet figured cause hasnt stopped democrats trying make political hay tragedy first disgusting cartoon sacramento bee predicated idea explosion caused lax regulation part state texas governor rick perry protested vigorously saying always welcome healthy policy debate wont stand someone mocking tragic deaths fellow texans fellow americans cartoonist jack ohman doubled internet post texas chemical plant inspected state texas since 2006 thats seven years ago according scientific american least seven different state federal agencies regulatory authority west plant osha environmental protection agency department homeland security us pipeline hazardous materials safety administration texas department state health services texas commission environmental quality texas feed fertilizer control service time facts come agencies inspected plant may read news gov perry business recruiting trips california illinois generally described state free high taxes burdensome regulation one burdensome regulations neglected mention fact state hadnt really gotten around checking fertilizer plant governor perry ever touted lack safety regulation benefit business texas know note mr ohman assumes explosion caused absence safety regulations failure enforce existing regulation state agency opposed federal agency could possibly case pure speculation since point investigators idea caused explosion liberals childlike faith regulation regulations nothing bad would happen true liberals like jack ohman dont wait learn facts taking advantage 14 fatalities smear red state republican governor worth reason think texas dangerous place lax workplace safety regulation osha cautions comparing statistics state state since state different mix facilities entirely different hazards inherently safer work office mine nevertheless subject appropriate caveats rate fatal accidents manufacturing texasapparently category fertilizer plant would fallin 2011 last year osha published statistics 26 per 100000 fte workers exactly rate indiana iowa virtually indistinguishable michigan 24 much different california ohman launched sanctimonious attack 21 mother jones magazine made even nuttier effort gain political advantage west texas explosion implying koch brothers allpurpose villains left somehow responsible axegrinding article titled koch brothers bill make industrial accidents likely february 11 congressmen10 republicans one democratjoined two dozen industry groups including fertilizer institute american chemistry council international institute ammonia refrigeration back general duty clarification act bill designed sap environmental protection agency powers regulate safety security major chemical sites prescribed clean air act call koch brothers bill greenpeace legislative director rick hind says bills sponsor gop rep mike pompeo represents conservative megadonors home city wichita kansas later year introduced bill formally prohibit epa using clean air act regulate security safety chemical production storage sites mandating inspections carried department homeland security instead bill also left manufacturers determine whether make improvements safety workplace february pompeo introduced general duty clarification act 2013 repeat 2012 bill 10 republican cosponsorsand one democrat rep jim matheson utah bill backed nations powerful lobbying groups including us chamber commerce however backed koch brothers koch industries leave aside moment question epa regulating workplace safety rather osha agency explicitly charged creating enforcing safety regulations expertise general duty clarification act perfectly reasonable piece legislation see read event nothing koch industries company explains kochfacts partisan writers mother jones consistently gone way even face facts disparage koch call conspiracybyfreeassociation writer seizes unrelated tragedy news tries blame koch matter farfetched dishonest documented irresponsible method many times site writer tim murphy another piece published mother jones april 22 tries fault koch circumstances caused tragic explosion fertilizer facility west texas facts terrible event still unknown investigation even memorial services underway lost lives murphy expresses empathy lives lost instead uses tragedy platform promote magazines partisan views murphys piece devoid facts offer koch connection fertilizer facility west texas koch fertilizer company produces markets nitrogenbased fertilizer like koch companies koch fertilizer committed safe work environment full compliance applicable laws regulations strive manage operations manner protects health safety employees customers contractors public environment commitment evident operate facilities manufacture products koch fertilizer recognized environmental health safety leader company received numerous awards performance including documented altogether january 2009 present koch companies around globe earned 574 awards safety environmental excellence community stewardship innovation customer service koch companies positive relationships epa regulators document includes sampling others say ehamps performance murphys assertion fertilizer production unregulated completely wrong koch fertilizers facilities regulated epa state environmental agencies osha even state agriculture departments among others specific bill cited murphys story one koch lobbied mother jones like many leftwing mouthpieces counted spin truth consistently wrong koch since magazines editors cant seem get facts straight continue fact check readers course liberals like mother jones dont try get facts straight try use every dishonest tactic advance political agenda

<p /> <p>As theMcDonald's (NYSE: MCD) comeback stalls, the fast-food chain just overhauled its management team, ousting three executives in a shakeup that suggests CEO Steve Easterbrook's initiatives to transform the chain into a "modern, progressive burger company" aren't moving as fast or as well as expected.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>As new faces come in to oversee marketing, menu, and digital technology, investors should worry that McDonald's will see the gains it's already made evaporate.</p> <p>Image source: McDonald's.</p> <p>Last week, McDonald's booted its chief marketing officer. She had been critical in promoting the rollout of all-day breakfast last year, which was credited with launching the turnaround that saw the restaurant chain post higher comparable sales in 2015 for the first time in three years. But last quarter, comps fell again, suggesting there were limits to how enduring the all-day breakfast menu could reallybe in luring customers back.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The CMO will be replaced by an executive at Pepsico (NYSE: PEP), though Coca-Cola has been the burger joint's exclusive drinks partner for decades. Also gone are the vice presidents of the U.S. menu and digital technology.</p> <p>All three areas have been cited by McDonald's as key components of its transformation as itpledgedto update and upgrade all 14,000 or so U.S. restaurants with new self-service kiosks, mobile ordering and payments, "smart" menu boards to recommend food choices based on the weather, home delivery, and even table service. It also recently announced it would use <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/04/instant-analysis-mcdonalds-upgrades-to-fresh-beef.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">fresh beef Opens a New Window.</a> to prepare its signature Quarter Pounder sandwich in most restaurants.</p> <p>The strategy hasn't borne fruit yet. After comparable sales finally turned positive in the third quarter of 2015, they proceeded to stay in the black for five straight quarters, suggesting the turnaround was real. But they turned negative again in the fourth quarter, and it was fully evident McDonald's efforts to lure customers back were failing. It has been <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/07/the-story-behind-the-mcdonalds-dip-and-the-key-to.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">unable to achieve Opens a New Window.</a> greater customer traffic for four consecutive years, and it says it's lost some 500 million transactions since 2012 as a result.</p> <p>Data source: McDonald's quarterly SEC filings. Chart by author.</p> <p>And that's despite Burger King and Wendy's (NASDAQ: WEN) posting <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/23/why-is-mcdonalds-suddenly-losing-and-burger-king-w.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">higher quarterly comps Opens a New Window.</a> for years. The restaurant industry itself may be experiencing a slowdown, and fast food is falling with it after having been one of the few areas notching consistent gains, but it means McDonald's growth was merely an aberration.</p> <p>Although comps are usually used as an indicator of organic growth because they tend to strip out revenue gains achieved simply from opening new stores, same-store sales are also determined by pricing and product mix. A company can record higher comps even though it has fewer customers, so long as those customers are paying higher prices or buying more expensive products. That's what's happened at McDonald's, and it's not an indication of success if you're still losing customers.</p> <p>Still, investors should be worried about the shakeup because it suggests deeper troubles brewing beneath the surface. The executive positions are key to overhauling McDonald's operations as it seeks to win back customers, and if the restaurant feels the need to make wholesale personnel changes now, it means the efforts thus far aren't having the desired impact.</p> <p>Image source: McDonald's.</p> <p>The moves also come as McDonald's saw its chief field officer and senior VP in charge of customer experience retire last year, along with a new U.S. president taking over on January 1. And just two weeks ago, it created a new position of global VP for media and customer relationship management.</p> <p>While all-day breakfast has become the symbol of McDonald's turnaround, it's not really in line with Easterbrook's new message of better-for-you food, and as noted, breakfast at 4:00 p.m. only goes so far in bringing in customers. The mobile ordering app has also been slow to launch, and while the measured rollout helps ensure it avoids the problems other chains have experienced when launching mobile order and pay, it still means McDonald's is way late to the game. It will likely be the end of the year before it unveils it nationally at all its stores.</p> <p>Between the self-order kiosks and the mobile order and pay options, McDonald's is slowly trying to eliminate the upward spiral in labor costs it inflicted on itself by hiking the minimum wage it pays its employees, increases that narrowed its profit margin gains.</p> <p>Easterbrook and McDonald's have finally begun paying attention to the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/23/why-is-mcdonalds-suddenly-losing-and-burger-king-w.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">value end of their menu Opens a New Window.</a>, and that represents hope for real change since it's the sweet spot of its customer profile. Whether the executive changes will also mean a change in direction again remains to be seen, but so much executive shuffling should serve a cautionary note to McDonald's investors who have thus far ignored any signs of trouble at the fast-food leader.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than McDonald'sWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. 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themcdonalds nyse mcd comeback stalls fastfood chain overhauled management team ousting three executives shakeup suggests ceo steve easterbrooks initiatives transform chain modern progressive burger company arent moving fast well expected continue reading new faces come oversee marketing menu digital technology investors worry mcdonalds see gains already made evaporate image source mcdonalds last week mcdonalds booted chief marketing officer critical promoting rollout allday breakfast last year credited launching turnaround saw restaurant chain post higher comparable sales 2015 first time three years last quarter comps fell suggesting limits enduring allday breakfast menu could reallybe luring customers back advertisement cmo replaced executive pepsico nyse pep though cocacola burger joints exclusive drinks partner decades also gone vice presidents us menu digital technology three areas cited mcdonalds key components transformation itpledgedto update upgrade 14000 us restaurants new selfservice kiosks mobile ordering payments smart menu boards recommend food choices based weather home delivery even table service also recently announced would use fresh beef opens new window prepare signature quarter pounder sandwich restaurants strategy hasnt borne fruit yet comparable sales finally turned positive third quarter 2015 proceeded stay black five straight quarters suggesting turnaround real turned negative fourth quarter fully evident mcdonalds efforts lure customers back failing unable achieve opens new window greater customer traffic four consecutive years says lost 500 million transactions since 2012 result data source mcdonalds quarterly sec filings chart author thats despite burger king wendys nasdaq wen posting higher quarterly comps opens new window years restaurant industry may experiencing slowdown fast food falling one areas notching consistent gains means mcdonalds growth merely aberration although comps usually used indicator organic growth tend strip revenue gains achieved simply opening new stores samestore sales also determined pricing product mix company record higher comps even though fewer customers long customers paying higher prices buying expensive products thats whats happened mcdonalds indication success youre still losing customers still investors worried shakeup suggests deeper troubles brewing beneath surface executive positions key overhauling mcdonalds operations seeks win back customers restaurant feels need make wholesale personnel changes means efforts thus far arent desired impact image source mcdonalds moves also come mcdonalds saw chief field officer senior vp charge customer experience retire last year along new us president taking january 1 two weeks ago created new position global vp media customer relationship management allday breakfast become symbol mcdonalds turnaround really line easterbrooks new message betterforyou food noted breakfast 400 pm goes far bringing customers mobile ordering app also slow launch measured rollout helps ensure avoids problems chains experienced launching mobile order pay still means mcdonalds way late game likely end year unveils nationally stores selforder kiosks mobile order pay options mcdonalds slowly trying eliminate upward spiral labor costs inflicted hiking minimum wage pays employees increases narrowed profit margin gains easterbrook mcdonalds finally begun paying attention value end menu opens new window represents hope real change since sweet spot customer profile whether executive changes also mean change direction remains seen much executive shuffling serve cautionary note mcdonalds investors thus far ignored signs trouble fastfood leader 10 stocks like better mcdonaldswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand mcdonalds wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends pepsico motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is cutting its workforce by 20%, moving its headquarters to Boston and closing offices and manufacturing sites as it works to cut its overhead and move on from a sales-practices controversy.</p> <p>The rare-disease drugmaker has seen a slew of management changes over the past year, including hiring a new chief executive, after an internal investigation showed senior management pressured staff to get customers to order its flagship drug earlier than needed to meet financial targets.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The company said Tuesday it will incur between $340 million and $440 million of restructuring-related charges. However, the company added the moves are expected to create $250 million in annual cost savings by 2019.</p> <p>At the end of last year, the company had 3,121 employees across seven locations around the world.</p> <p>Alexion also plans to relocate its headquarters from New Haven, Conn. to Boston, joining General Electric Co. and Aetna Inc. announcing plans to move its headquarters out of the state in recent years.</p> <p>Alexion said it would have 400 positions in Boston. About 450 positions will remain in New Haven and those employees will work in roles including research, clinical supply and quality and nurse case management, the company said.</p> <p>Shares of Alexion rose 1.5% in premarket trading.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Write to Austen Hufford at austen.hufford@wsj.com</p> <p>Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is cutting its workforce by 20%, moving its headquarters to Boston and closing offices and manufacturing sites as it works to cut its overhead and move on from a sales-practices controversy.</p> <p>The rare-disease drugmaker has seen a slew of management changes over the past year, including hiring a new chief executive, after an internal investigation showed senior management pressured staff to get customers to order its flagship drug earlier than needed to meet financial targets.</p> <p>The reorganization is the first major move by new Chief Executive Ludwig Hantson.</p> <p>The company said Tuesday it will incur between $340 million and $440 million of restructuring-related charges. However, the company added the moves are expected to create $250 million in annual cost savings by 2019.</p> <p>Alexion pledged to spend $100 million of the annual savings on researching new drugs and business development.</p> <p>"These changes were necessary to enable the company to deliver sustainable long-term performance to support our ability to continue to develop and deliver life-changing therapies for patients," Mr. Hantson said in a statement.</p> <p>The downsizing will eliminate about 600 jobs. At the end of last year, the company had 3,121 employees across seven locations around the world.</p> <p>Alexion also plans to relocate its headquarters from New Haven, Conn. to Boston, joining General Electric Co. and Aetna Inc. announcing plans to move its headquarters out of the state in recent years.</p> <p>The drug company has signed a lease at 121 Seaport, a building that is under construction but which is expected to be ready in June, an Alexion spokeswoman said.</p> <p>Alexion said it would have 400 positions in Boston. About 450 positions will remain in New Haven and those employees will work in roles including research, clinical supply and quality and nurse case management, the company said.</p> <p>Shares of Alexion fell 1.7% in early trading.</p> <p>Write to Austen Hufford at austen.hufford@wsj.com and Jonathan D. Rockoff at Jonathan.Rockoff@wsj.com</p> <p>Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is cutting its workforce by 20%, moving its headquarters to Boston and closing offices and manufacturing sites as it works to cut its overhead and move on from a sales-practices controversy.</p> <p>The rare-disease drugmaker has seen a slew of management changes over the past year, including hiring a new chief executive, after an internal investigation showed senior management pressured staff to get customers to order its flagship drug earlier than needed to meet financial targets.</p> <p>The reorganization is the first major move by new Chief Executive Ludwig Hantson.</p> <p>The New Haven, Conn., company said Tuesday it will incur between $340 million and $440 million of restructuring-related charges. However, the company added the moves are expected to create $250 million in annual cost savings by 2019.</p> <p>Alexion pledged to spend $100 million of the annual savings on researching new drugs and business development. On a call with analysts, Mr. Hantson said while Alexion will remain in the orphan-disease treatment space, it will focus more on "rare" diseases than "ultra rare" ones.</p> <p>"These changes were necessary to enable the company to deliver sustainable long-term performance to support our ability to continue to develop and deliver life-changing therapies for patients," Mr. Hantson said in a statement.</p> <p>Shares of Alexion fell 0.6% to $142.03 in Tuesday trading.</p> <p>The downsizing will eliminate about 600 jobs. At the end of last year, the company had 3,121 employees across seven locations around the world.</p> <p>Alexion plans to close one of its main manufacturing facilities, located in Rhode Island, for rare blood-disease treatment Soliris, which generated nearly 90% of annual revenue last year. The company is in the process of expanding two manufacturing sites in Ireland.</p> <p>Alexion joins General Electric Co. and Aetna Inc. as the latest companies to announce plans to move their headquarters out of Connecticut in recent years. Other companies have also moved their headquarters into America's largest cities in a bid to attract and keep talent. The state of Connecticut is also facing its own fiscal challenges including the potential bankruptcy of its capital, Hartford.</p> <p>The drug company has signed a lease at 121 Seaport, a building that is under construction but which is expected to be ready in June, an Alexion spokeswoman said. Alexion said it would have 400 positions in Boston.</p> <p>About 450 positions will remain in New Haven and those employees will work in roles including research, clinical supply and quality and nurse case management, the company said.</p> <p>Catherine Smith, commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development, called Alexion's decision "disappointing." "Setbacks like this, though unfortunate, do not deter the department from pursuing smart policies and ventures with growing companies in our state," she said.</p> <p>Alexion, founded in 1992 in a science park in New Haven, now operates in about 50 countries. The state of Connecticut provided Alexion with a forgivable $20 million loan and $6 million grant in 2012 when the company said it would move its then headquarters from Cheshire, Conn., back to New Haven and add 200 to 300 full-time jobs to that site.</p> <p>Since 2012, the company has grown to about 840 employees, exceeding the 200 to 300 figure required to meet its obligations for the $20 million forgivable loan, an Alexion spokeswoman said.</p> <p>"We are in discussions with the state of Connecticut, and we will meet our obligation to the state of Connecticut," the spokeswoman said.</p> <p>Financial incentives also weren't enough to keep Aetna in the state. Gov. Dannel Malloy previously said it would match any package from other states. Aetna ultimately chose New York City where the city and state promised it $24 million in performance-based tax credits and $9.6 million in other tax benefits.</p> <p>An Alexion spokeswoman said it wasn't awarded incentives from the state of Massachusetts as part of its planned move, but the company may qualify for incentives at a later date.</p> <p>Write to Austen Hufford at austen.hufford@wsj.com, Jonathan D. Rockoff at Jonathan.Rockoff@wsj.com and Joseph De Avila at joseph.deavila@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 12, 2017 13:20 ET (17:20 GMT)</p>

alexion pharmaceuticals inc cutting workforce 20 moving headquarters boston closing offices manufacturing sites works cut overhead move salespractices controversy raredisease drugmaker seen slew management changes past year including hiring new chief executive internal investigation showed senior management pressured staff get customers order flagship drug earlier needed meet financial targets continue reading company said tuesday incur 340 million 440 million restructuringrelated charges however company added moves expected create 250 million annual cost savings 2019 end last year company 3121 employees across seven locations around world alexion also plans relocate headquarters new conn boston joining general electric co aetna inc announcing plans move headquarters state recent years alexion said would 400 positions boston 450 positions remain new employees work roles including research clinical supply quality nurse case management company said shares alexion rose 15 premarket trading advertisement write austen hufford austenhuffordwsjcom alexion pharmaceuticals inc cutting workforce 20 moving headquarters boston closing offices manufacturing sites works cut overhead move salespractices controversy raredisease drugmaker seen slew management changes past year including hiring new chief executive internal investigation showed senior management pressured staff get customers order flagship drug earlier needed meet financial targets reorganization first major move new chief executive ludwig hantson company said tuesday incur 340 million 440 million restructuringrelated charges however company added moves expected create 250 million annual cost savings 2019 alexion pledged spend 100 million annual savings researching new drugs business development changes necessary enable company deliver sustainable longterm performance support ability continue develop deliver lifechanging therapies patients mr hantson said statement downsizing eliminate 600 jobs end last year company 3121 employees across seven locations around world alexion also plans relocate headquarters new conn boston joining general electric co aetna inc announcing plans move headquarters state recent years drug company signed lease 121 seaport building construction expected ready june alexion spokeswoman said alexion said would 400 positions boston 450 positions remain new employees work roles including research clinical supply quality nurse case management company said shares alexion fell 17 early trading write austen hufford austenhuffordwsjcom jonathan rockoff jonathanrockoffwsjcom alexion pharmaceuticals inc cutting workforce 20 moving headquarters boston closing offices manufacturing sites works cut overhead move salespractices controversy raredisease drugmaker seen slew management changes past year including hiring new chief executive internal investigation showed senior management pressured staff get customers order flagship drug earlier needed meet financial targets reorganization first major move new chief executive ludwig hantson new conn company said tuesday incur 340 million 440 million restructuringrelated charges however company added moves expected create 250 million annual cost savings 2019 alexion pledged spend 100 million annual savings researching new drugs business development call analysts mr hantson said alexion remain orphandisease treatment space focus rare diseases ultra rare ones changes necessary enable company deliver sustainable longterm performance support ability continue develop deliver lifechanging therapies patients mr hantson said statement shares alexion fell 06 14203 tuesday trading downsizing eliminate 600 jobs end last year company 3121 employees across seven locations around world alexion plans close one main manufacturing facilities located rhode island rare blooddisease treatment soliris generated nearly 90 annual revenue last year company process expanding two manufacturing sites ireland alexion joins general electric co aetna inc latest companies announce plans move headquarters connecticut recent years companies also moved headquarters americas largest cities bid attract keep talent state connecticut also facing fiscal challenges including potential bankruptcy capital hartford drug company signed lease 121 seaport building construction expected ready june alexion spokeswoman said alexion said would 400 positions boston 450 positions remain new employees work roles including research clinical supply quality nurse case management company said catherine smith commissioner connecticuts department economic community development called alexions decision disappointing setbacks like though unfortunate deter department pursuing smart policies ventures growing companies state said alexion founded 1992 science park new operates 50 countries state connecticut provided alexion forgivable 20 million loan 6 million grant 2012 company said would move headquarters cheshire conn back new add 200 300 fulltime jobs site since 2012 company grown 840 employees exceeding 200 300 figure required meet obligations 20 million forgivable loan alexion spokeswoman said discussions state connecticut meet obligation state connecticut spokeswoman said financial incentives also werent enough keep aetna state gov dannel malloy previously said would match package states aetna ultimately chose new york city city state promised 24 million performancebased tax credits 96 million tax benefits alexion spokeswoman said wasnt awarded incentives state massachusetts part planned move company may qualify incentives later date write austen hufford austenhuffordwsjcom jonathan rockoff jonathanrockoffwsjcom joseph de avila josephdeavilawsjcom end dow jones newswires september 12 2017 1320 et 1720 gmt

<p /> <p>Seventy-five percent of small-business owners have no real succession plan &#8212; a potential recipe for disaster. This entrepreneur&#8217;s accidental fate tells a cautionary tale.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>&#8220;We had a perfect storm,&#8221; says John Nida, remembering the night of December 31, 2008.</p> <p>As general manager of W&#246;lffer Estate, a boutique vineyard and riding stable business set on 175 picturesque acres in the elite Hamptons on Long Island, New York, Nida was already feeling the effects of that fall&#8217;s financial panic. Then, on New Year&#8217;s Eve, he got the news that the visionary founder, 70-year-old Christian W&#246;lffer, had suffered a fatal accident while vacationing in Brazil. &#8220;It was a shock,&#8221; says Nida, now 45. &#8220;Christian lived larger than life. He was amazing and talented.&#8221;</p> <p>W&#246;lffer, a German-born venture capitalist and real estate investor, had the foresight in 1979 to snap up 14 acres of potato fields in the sleepy village of Sagaponack. Nowadays, Sagaponack, which is often called &#8220;the most expensive ZIP code in the country,&#8221; welcomes multimillionaires like <a href="" type="internal">Goldman Sachs</a> CEO <a href="" type="internal">Lloyd Blankfein</a>, TV personality Jimmy Fallon and piano man Billy Joel.</p> <p>Over the decades, W&#246;lffer expanded the farm into a 55-acre award-winning winery and 100-acre equestrian facility. Yet he had to consistently pump in money to keep the enterprises afloat. By 2006, he decided W&#246;lffer Estate had to become self-sustaining.</p> <p>It was a financial decision divorced from any real exit plan. But it ended up saving the business when he suddenly died two years later. Ironically, as the new year dawned, W&#246;lffer Estate was already on track toward a brighter future.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Running a business vs. supporting a hobby</p> <p>John Nida joined W&#246;lffer Estate with scant knowledge of wine or thoroughbreds. An Arizona native, schooled at Shorter University outside Atlanta, his resume emphasized corporate finances. In 2006, as an independent asset manager, he took on a two-month review of W&#246;lffer&#8217;s far-flung global investments. The two connected. To Nida&#8217;s astonishment, W&#246;lffer asked him to stay on as general manager. &#8220;I love a challenge,&#8221; says Nida, and took the plunge.</p> <p>&#8220;It was a very different business when I came into it,&#8221; he says. &#8220;It came out of Christian&#8217;s passion for horses and wine, so it was very intimately run, really as a hobby. He knew it wasn&#8217;t working properly, but he traveled a lot. He wanted someone with business aptitude to run it, someone he could trust.&#8221;</p> <p>After three months of &#8220;digesting the business, its assets, market drivers, key people, product, customers,&#8221; Nida drafted plans for short- and long-term strategies. He got W&#246;lffer&#8217;s buy-in and began making changes. The kicker was that W&#246;lffer wouldn&#8217;t invest one more dime. All changes had to be self-funding.</p> <p>&#8220;The biggest thing to shore up was human resources,&#8221; says Nida. &#8220;Self-admittedly, Christian wasn&#8217;t a people person and didn&#8217;t like day-to-day operations.&#8221; Nida made key hires for professional sales and marketing. To elevate the brand, he boldly pared the product line, focusing on high-quality wines and redesigning the labels.</p> <p>He also embraced the Hamptons. &#8220;Our tag line for years has been, &#8216;Be part of the experience,&#8217;&#8221; says Nida. The winery offers year-round tastings, music and charity events, a wine club for top-tier customers, and its Tuscany-style tasting room to rent for private parties and weddings. Nowadays, the winery and a lucrative summer roadside stand are destinations for tourists and residents alike.</p> <p>&#8220;It was fortunate that I stepped into the role before the crisis hit,&#8221; says Nida, referring to W&#246;lffers sudden death. By then, the strategic plan and development team were established. Facing the double shock of losing the founder and dealing with a recession, Nida says, &#8220;We didn&#8217;t overreact and we didn&#8217;t get overwhelmed. We&#8217;d been steadily moving forward. We were confident that we had the right products and people in place.&#8221;</p> <p>The proof is in the impressive bouquet: Since 2006, Nida has more than doubled sales, from 12,000 to 25,000 wine cases. Since 2008, revenue has jumped 49 percent, fueling an increase in profits of 52 percent. &#8220;We&#8217;re just about beyond 100 percent capacity,&#8221; says Nida. W&#246;lffer&#8217;s grown children inherited the business and Nida continues as general manager. Looking ahead, he envisions growth by acquisition to expand production and burnish the brand.</p> <p>Planning your exit strategy</p> <p>Of course you&#8217;re irreplaceable. But sticking your head in the sand about an exit plan could be ruinous. A recent LegalZoom survey, conducted by Zoomerang, found that a staggering 75 percent of small-business owners have no formal succession plan. To start shaping a strategy, consider the W&#246;lffer Estate lessons and this advice:</p> <p>- Start your exit engine. Boomer owners will be hitting their 70s over the next decade and starting to retire, points out Gary Curtis at accounting firm Haskell &amp;amp; White in Irvine, California. An estimated 8 million boomer-owned businesses could go on the block within a short window of time, pulling down prices. So begin planning now, whether the exit will be through acquisition, a merger, a new partnership, an asset sale, liquidation, an IPO or handing off to a successor.</p> <p>- Consider emotional issues before financial ones. You&#8217;re in denial if you think this is only about money. Separate personal and business goals, and be clear about what you want. Plus, says Don Troy at accounting firm DiCicco, Gulman and Company, based in Woburn, Massachusetts, some &#8220;business owners try to force the next generation into the business even when there is no interest or when the children do not have the required level of competence to succeed.&#8221;</p> <p>- Call the pros. You need a professional appraiser to put a price on the company. &#8220;It&#8217;s a tricky business because there are many ways of determining the value of your business,&#8221; says Ross Kimbarovsky, co-founder of crowdSPRING and an intellectual-property lawyer. If your exit strategy is to sell your business before your die, a business broker or investment banker will negotiate better than you can. Tax lawyers, accountants and estate planners can identify waste, maximize cash flow and minimize tax liabilities to ready the company for sale or valuation.</p> <p>- Stop thinking it&#8217;s 2007. &#8220;Multiples and returns are definitely lower and buyers are not willing to pay,&#8221; says Curtis. &#8220;Financing is tight.&#8221; Calibrate your expectations to the &#8220;new normal.&#8221;</p>

seventyfive percent smallbusiness owners real succession plan potential recipe disaster entrepreneurs accidental fate tells cautionary tale continue reading perfect storm says john nida remembering night december 31 2008 general manager wölffer estate boutique vineyard riding stable business set 175 picturesque acres elite hamptons long island new york nida already feeling effects falls financial panic new years eve got news visionary founder 70yearold christian wölffer suffered fatal accident vacationing brazil shock says nida 45 christian lived larger life amazing talented wölffer germanborn venture capitalist real estate investor foresight 1979 snap 14 acres potato fields sleepy village sagaponack nowadays sagaponack often called expensive zip code country welcomes multimillionaires like goldman sachs ceo lloyd blankfein tv personality jimmy fallon piano man billy joel decades wölffer expanded farm 55acre awardwinning winery 100acre equestrian facility yet consistently pump money keep enterprises afloat 2006 decided wölffer estate become selfsustaining financial decision divorced real exit plan ended saving business suddenly died two years later ironically new year dawned wölffer estate already track toward brighter future advertisement running business vs supporting hobby john nida joined wölffer estate scant knowledge wine thoroughbreds arizona native schooled shorter university outside atlanta resume emphasized corporate finances 2006 independent asset manager took twomonth review wölffers farflung global investments two connected nidas astonishment wölffer asked stay general manager love challenge says nida took plunge different business came says came christians passion horses wine intimately run really hobby knew wasnt working properly traveled lot wanted someone business aptitude run someone could trust three months digesting business assets market drivers key people product customers nida drafted plans short longterm strategies got wölffers buyin began making changes kicker wölffer wouldnt invest one dime changes selffunding biggest thing shore human resources says nida selfadmittedly christian wasnt people person didnt like daytoday operations nida made key hires professional sales marketing elevate brand boldly pared product line focusing highquality wines redesigning labels also embraced hamptons tag line years part experience says nida winery offers yearround tastings music charity events wine club toptier customers tuscanystyle tasting room rent private parties weddings nowadays winery lucrative summer roadside stand destinations tourists residents alike fortunate stepped role crisis hit says nida referring wölffers sudden death strategic plan development team established facing double shock losing founder dealing recession nida says didnt overreact didnt get overwhelmed wed steadily moving forward confident right products people place proof impressive bouquet since 2006 nida doubled sales 12000 25000 wine cases since 2008 revenue jumped 49 percent fueling increase profits 52 percent beyond 100 percent capacity says nida wölffers grown children inherited business nida continues general manager looking ahead envisions growth acquisition expand production burnish brand planning exit strategy course youre irreplaceable sticking head sand exit plan could ruinous recent legalzoom survey conducted zoomerang found staggering 75 percent smallbusiness owners formal succession plan start shaping strategy consider wölffer estate lessons advice start exit engine boomer owners hitting 70s next decade starting retire points gary curtis accounting firm haskell amp white irvine california estimated 8 million boomerowned businesses could go block within short window time pulling prices begin planning whether exit acquisition merger new partnership asset sale liquidation ipo handing successor consider emotional issues financial ones youre denial think money separate personal business goals clear want plus says troy accounting firm dicicco gulman company based woburn massachusetts business owners try force next generation business even interest children required level competence succeed call pros need professional appraiser put price company tricky business many ways determining value business says ross kimbarovsky cofounder crowdspring intellectualproperty lawyer exit strategy sell business die business broker investment banker negotiate better tax lawyers accountants estate planners identify waste maximize cash flow minimize tax liabilities ready company sale valuation stop thinking 2007 multiples returns definitely lower buyers willing pay says curtis financing tight calibrate expectations new normal

<p>7:45 PM PDT</p> <p>Wallace asks about entitlements. Good for him. How this was saved for the last question of the last debate is beyond me. Wallace asks about a grand bargain on entitlements including tax increases. Trump says we must lower taxes and repeal and replace Obamacare.</p> <p>Hillary says we need to put more money into Social Security, that's part of raising taxes. She says Trump will try to get out of it. Trump: "Such a nasty woman." She says she wants to expand entitlement.</p> <p>Wallace asks for closing statements. Hillary says she's reaching out to all Americans. She says she knows the awesome responsibility of protecting the country and trying to make life better. She says children and families have been her life's work.</p> <p>Trump: She's raising her money from the people she wants to control. Trump says he wants to Make American Great Again. He says our military is depleted. He says we need to take care of our veterans. Trump says he's helped black people and Latinos more than she has in ten lifetimes. He says we can't take four more years of Barack Obama, and that's what you get when you get Hillary Clinton.</p> <p>7:30 PM PDT</p> <p>Hillary asked about using American soldiers in Iraq. She says we won't do it as an occupying force. She then blabs about "no-fly, no-buy" or something. She then says she wants a no-fly zone in Syria.</p> <p>Trump is asked if we're able to push ISIS out of Mosul, should we put American troops in? Trump says we had Mosul, but when we left, we lost Mosul, now we're fighting again for it. Trump says they wanted to get the leaders of ISIS in Mosul, and they're going to attack Mosul. He again does his "element of surprise" routine. Trump says the leaders have all left. He cites Patton and MacArthur again.</p> <p>Trump says Obama made lots of mistakes, but they want to look good for the election, so they're going in. Trump says Mosul is going to be much tougher than they thought. Mosul will be a wonderful thing and Iran should write us a letter of thank you, just like the stupidest deal of all time, a deal that gives Iran nuclear weapons. Trump says we're going to take Mosul, and Iran will be the beneficiary. Trump says Hillary was there when they withdrew. You shouldn't have been in Iraq, but you should never have left the way you did.</p> <p>Hillary smiles awkwardly. She says Trump keeps denying he supported the invasion. Trump interjects, "wrong." She's still trying to trigger him. She then name checks Bin Laden, whose body has been used more than Bernie's in Weekend At Bernie's.</p> <p>Hillary calls Trump unfit. Trump says Hillary's unfit. Trump says John Podesta said some terrible things about Hillary; so did Bernie Sanders. If you think going into Mosul is a good idea, you have terrible instincts and judgment.</p> <p>Hillary says Sanders says Trump is the most dangerous person ever to run for president.</p> <p>Wallace asks Trump about Aleppo, and says it hasn't fallen as Trump claimed. Trump argues with the questioner. Wallace says Trump said Syria and Russia are fighting ISIS, but they've been shelling Aleppo. Trump says Aleppo is a humanitarian disaster, but it has fallen. Trump says this is because of Hillary Clinton. By fighting Assad -- "and now she's going to say he loves Assad" -- he's "much tougher and smarter" than Obama and Hillary. Trump says we don't know who the rebels are. This is utterly incoherent. But so is she. He finishes "lotsa luck, Hillary, great job." It's like watching two giraffes trying to eat the same leaf, tangling their necks, and strangling to death.</p> <p>Trump concludes by saying that we can't let unsafe refugees in.</p> <p>Hillary says she wants a no-fly zone. Wallace says this may start a war. What does she say? She says she wants safe zones on the ground. She says millions of people inside Syria are being dislocated. She doesn't answer the question about a no-fly zone. Hillary says she won't slam the door on women and children from Syria, but we'll do careful vetting. That doesn't solve our internal challenges with ISIS. She says we have to be smarter here at home.</p> <p>Trump says she'll defeat ISIS? We never should have let them happen in the first place. They had a cease-fire in Syria, and during the cease-fire, Russia took over vast swatches of land. We are so outplayed.</p> <p>Wallace asks about the national debt, 77% of our GDP. He says that Clinton would raise debt to 86% of GDP; under Trump it would rise to 105% of GDP. Why are they both ignoring this problem? Trump says they're wrong because we're going to grow GDP. Trump predicts recession if Hillary's elected. He says we can go higher than 4%. He says if we grow the economy, we have a tremendous machine. He neglects to mention he opposes entitlement reform. He's back to trade deals.</p> <p>Hillary asks when Trump thought America was great when he says "Make America Great Again," and before he rushes and says "Before you," Hillary says he's been criticizing our government for decades. He took out an ad in 1987 during the time Reagan was president and said that we were the laughing stock of the world. He was criticizing Reagan. She says Trump portrays himself as "I alone can fix it." She says if you look at the debt, she pays for everything she's proposing. She says tax increases won't diminish growth.</p> <p>Trump says Reagan was wrong on trade. Nobody does it right.</p> <p>7:15 PM PDT</p> <p>Wallace asks Trump about whether the election is rigged. Pence pledged to "absolutely accept the results of this election." Ivanka said the same thing. So, will he make the same commitment to accept the results? Trump says he will look at it at the time. Trump says what he's seen is so bad: the media is so dishonest and so corrupt and the pile-on is so amazing. Trump says there are millions of dead people registered to vote. Trump says Hillary shouldn't be allowed to run. She's guilty of a serious crime. It's rigged. Trump says he'll keep us in suspense.</p> <p>Hillary says that's horrifying. Every time Trump thinks things aren't going in his direction, he calls it rigged. Hillary says the FBI concluded there was no case; Trump said it was rigged. Trump lost some primaries, everything was rigged. Trump U was sued, he claimed the court system was rigged. There was a time he didn't get an Emmy three years in a row and he said the Emmys were rigged. Trump says he should have gotten it. Hillary says it's funny but also really troubling. That's not the way the democracy works. We've had free and fair elections, we have accepted outcomes, we must accept that. Hillary says when you're whining before you're even done, you're not up to doing the job.</p> <p>Trump says that the investigation was rigged. That's true. But saying the election is rigged is both stupid and bad politics.</p> <p>7:00 PM PDT</p> <p>Wallace asks Trump about nine women saying that he groped or kissed them without their consent. He asks why so many different women would all make up these stories? Trump blames Hillary for dropping this information. Trump says Hillary and Obama hired people to be violent at his rallies -- that's the James O'Keefe story. Trump says he didn't apologize to his wife because he didn't do anything. He says these women, they want either fame or her campaign did it. Trump says they're after ten minutes of fame. It was all fiction, all lies. This is not particularly smart.</p> <p>Hillary says at the last debate, Trump talked about what he did to women. After that, a number of women came forward. Hillary says Trump gave rallies where he said he couldn't have done those things because the women weren't attractive enough to be assaulted. Trump says he didn't say that (he kinda did). Hillary gets indignant about Trump's sexist response to the women: "Donald thinks belittling women makes him bigger." Hillary's got this big speech planned, and the music swells...</p> <p>Trump says he has respect for women. He says he wants to talk about something slightly different. He again blames Hillary's "sleazy campaign." He says what isn't fictionalized is her 33,000 destroyed emails after getting a subpoena. What happened to the FBI? Trump says he doesn't know.</p> <p>Hillary says every time Trump is pushed on something uncomfortable, he swivels to denying responsibility, and it's not just about women. He never says he's sorry. He went after a disabled reporter, mocked and mimicked him; went after Mr. and Mrs. Khan, the parents of a soldier KIA; he went after McCain; he went after a judge with Mexican parents. She goes through the litany. Amazing that Trump is getting hammered into the ground over this. "This is a pattern of divisiveness, a dark and dangerous vision of our country, where he incites violence, applauds people who are pushing and pulling and punching...that is not who America is," Hillary says.</p> <p>Wallace asks Hillary about giving away special access, and why isn't what she did "pay to play"? She says she furthered our country's interests and our values. She says she's thrilled to talk about the amazing Clinton Foundation (except for all the corrupt crap). Wallace pushes her again -- she says Clinton Foundation is great. Trump calls it a criminal enterprise. Trump says Hillary took money from countries that push gays off buildings and mistreat women -- so why won't she give back the money from those countries? Trump says the Clinton Foundation was a disgrace in Haiti.</p> <p>Hillary says the Clinton Foundation spends 90 percent on programs. She says she has the highest rating. She says the Trump Foundation is a scam, bought a six-foot portrait of Trump. She says Haiti is super poor. She neglects that the Foundation scammed Haitian citizens, as per Peter Schweizer.</p> <p>Wallace asks if Trump used the cash on legal issues. Trump says no. Hillary says we can't check any of this thanks to tax return non-transparency. Trump says he obeyed the law on paying taxes, but Hillary could have changed the law and never did.</p> <p>6:45 PM PDT</p> <p>Trump says we have a country of laws, you can leave and come back in and become a citizen (that's touchback amnesty, for those counting).</p> <p>Hillary calls "open borders" a "rank mischaracterization." She says this used to be a bipartisan issue, talks over Wallace.</p> <p>Wallace hits her on her speech in Brazil for which she was paid $225,000. Is her dream "open borders"? Hillary says she was talking about energy. Hillary then swivels to hit Wikileaks for espionage in order to avoid the question.</p> <p>Trump says that was a great pivot off of the "open borders" question. The crowd laughs. Trump says Hillary wants "open borders." He doesn't know about Putin. He'd be happy if everyone got along well. He was doing so well until he started defending Putin.</p> <p>Hillary calls Trump a Putin puppet, says that Putin's helping out Trump because Trump's his favorite. Hillary says that the attacks came from the Kremlin and they're designed to push this election. Trump says she has no idea who hacked. Hillary cites 17 intelligence agencies. Hillary says he'd rather believe Putin than the military and civilian intelligence professionals sworn to protect us. Trump says she doesn't like Putin because Putin has outsmarted her every step of the way. Wow. Blew up over Putin.</p> <p>Wallace asks if Trump will condemn Russian interference. Trump says he condemns -- Putin isn't his best friend. He reiterates Putin has outsmarted Hillary every step of the way.</p> <p>Hillary says Trump has been casual about nuclear weapons. He said if we had them, why not use them? Hillary says when the president gives the order on nuclear weapons, the order must be followed. There are four minutes between the order and the button being pushed. She cites 10 people who have held that position against Trump.</p> <p>Trump says he has 200 generals and admirals, 21 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients endorsing him. He says we're being ripped off by other countries.</p> <p>Hillary says the United States has kept the peace through our alliances; Trump wants to defend our alliances. She says she'd work with our allies in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere.</p> <p>Wallace moves on to economics. He says Hillary wants more government involvement; Trump wants to get government out. She talks about spending tons of your taxpayer dollars on climate change and infrastructure. This is command and control economics. She says we'll have the wealthy pay their fair share. She says Trump's plan will cost us jobs.</p> <p>Trump says Hillary's plan will raise taxes dramatically. Trump says we'll do a lot of things for college tuition, but we'll have a massive increase under Hillary Clinton's plan. Trump says Japan, Germany, South Korea, Saudi Arabia should be paying us more money. Trump says we're going to have a lot of free trade, but right now we have a lot of horrible deals.</p> <p>Hillary says she wants to translate Trump -- he says "you can't." She says Trump will advocate for the largest tax cuts you've ever seen. She says she will not raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000. That's nonsense. She says she won't add to the debt. That's also nonsense. She accuses Trump of adding $20 million to the debt.</p> <p>Wallace asks Hillary about Obama's plan -- his infrastructure plan sucked, and led to the lowest GDP growth since 1949. Hillary says that her plan is a "combination." She blabs about Bush.</p> <p>Wallace says Trump's plans for the economy are unrealistic, that they don't add up with regard to the debt, that the oil industry won't grow us because prices are too low. Trump smacks the Obama economy. Trump says that he's made friends over the last year, and they cry when they see what's happening -- and he blames free trade again. Trump randomly says TPP was the "gold standard" for Hillary.</p> <p>Hillary says that TPP isn't good enough. She says there's only one person onstage who has shipped jobs to Mexico -- to 12 countries including Mexico. Hillary says China's illegally dumping steel and aluminum into our markets. She says Trump buys Chinese steel and aluminum. He goes around with "crocodile tears" but he's "given jobs to Chinese steelworkers, not American steelworkers."</p> <p>Hillary starts to talk -- Trump shuts her down. "My turn." He says Hillary only has bad experience. He says for thirty years she's been in a position to help. Trump says she talks but has never gotten anything done. He says at State Department, $6 billion was missing. Trump says, "If you become president, this country is going to be in some mess."</p> <p>Hillary says that what he said about the State Department is untrue. She goes into her stump speech about what wonderful experience she has. This time she contrasts herself with Trump -- he was discriminating in real estate, he was insulting a former Miss Universe, he was hosting "The Celebrity Apprentice." She's happy to compare experience.</p> <p>Trump says look at her real record: Syria, Iraq, Libya. She created ISIS. She grins awkwardly.</p> <p>6:25 PM PDT</p> <p>Trump says he's pro-life, and Wallace asks him about Roe v. Wade. Trump says if it's overturned, it will go back to the states. He struggles to say he'd overturn it, says his justices would be pro-life.</p> <p>She babbles about difficult decisions and why Roe is deeply important, then blabs about how Planned Parenthood is wonderful. Wallace asks her about partial birth abortion; she says this is really tough and we need it.</p> <p>Trump says it's ridiculous to say you can rip a baby out of the womb of the mother in the ninth month, on the final day. Hillary says that's not what happens, calls it scare rhetoric. She then cites some of the women she's met with. She says it's one of the worst possible choices, and the government shouldn't make those choices. She tries to equate China and Romania with the United States.</p> <p>Trump says nobody has business doing that four days prior to birth.</p> <p>It would sure be nice to have an eloquent pro-life spokesperson on stage to tear Hillary apart over this nonsense.</p> <p>Wallace asks about immigration. Trump's excited because he knows something about the issue. He talks about strong borders, touts the ICE union rep endorsement. He talks about the heroin problem, attributes it to illegal immigration and an open border, which is at least partially true. Trump says that "we have some bad hombres and we're gonna get 'em out."</p> <p>Hillary talks about a young girl she's met, Carla, who was worried about her parents being deported. Hillary decries the notion of a massive law enforcement presence to round up "undocumented" people. She says we'd have to put them on "trains" -- using deliberately evocative language. Gross. She rips Trump's meeting with the president of Mexico. She says we are a nation of laws and immigrants and she'll push comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.</p> <p>Trump rips NAFTA again, says it's one of the worst deals ever. He says Hillary Clinton fought for the wall in 2006. She never gets anything done, so the wall wasn't built.</p> <p>Hillary says she was for border security. She rips Trump for criticizing criminal illegal immigrants. She says bringing illegal immigrants out of the shadows will stop exploitation. She says Trump underpaid undocumented workers, and that Trump threatened to deport them.</p> <p>6:15 PM PDT</p> <p>I'm livetweeting this thing with a yelling six month old next to me. Shockingly, he's not one of the nominees.</p> <p>The two competitors enter; Hillary's wearing her Christian Bale outfit from Equilibrium. Wallace asks about the Supreme Court. Hillary says that the Supreme Court raises the central issue: what kind of country do we want to be? Then she launches into her sillytalks about how the Supreme Court must be filled with magical godkings who do nice things for the leprechauns. She rips Citizens United, a decision about an organization that made a documentary Hillary didn't like.</p> <p>Trump says the Supreme Court is what it's all about. As opposed to the hokey pokey. He says that Justice Ginsburg said mean things about him. He continues by saying Hillary Clinton will shrink the Second Amendment into a small replica, like Mike TV from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Trump says he wants the Constitution interpreted the way the founders want. He says it's all about the Constitution the way it was meant to be, and those are the people he would appoint.</p> <p>Hillary says she supported the Second Amendment, but she doesn't want people to be threatened or killed with guns. Which has nothing to do with the Second Amendment. She then says 33,000 people per year die from guns. She neglects to mention half of those are suicides.</p> <p>Wallace asks Trump if Hillary will defend the Second Amendment. Trump says Hillary was very angry about Heller. Trump says Scalia was involved and it was well-crafted. He says people who agree with the Second Amendment were upset with her. Hillary says that dozens of toddlers kill people with guns, because not everyone who has a loaded gun in the home takes appropriate precautions. This is horse crap. No law about storing guns will prevent idiot parents from being idiots.</p> <p>ORIGINAL:</p> <p>So, we've finally reached the third debate. This is the one where Anakin Skywalker loses all his limbs and becomes Darth Vader, Natalie Portman dies in childbirth, and Yoda goes into exile. Or something.</p> <p>This is going to be the uncut, unedited presidential debate if George Lucas finally got to produce a debate the way he wanted to, with all the CGI, all the Senatorial deliberations about trade treaties, and nearly as much jabber about midichlorians.</p> <p>For my thoughts on what's going to happen tonight, <a href="" type="internal">click here</a>. It basically comes down to Donald Trump throwing red meat to the Breitbart commenters in an effort to shore up his subscription base for Trump TV, and Hillary Clinton attempting to sidestep the fact that she is the most corrupt human being ever to run for the presidency.</p> <p>And you thought Obama outlawed waterboarding.</p> <p>Soon it begins.</p> <p>It can't end too soon.</p> <p>WARNING: If this liveblog begins to lose coherence as we progress, it's because of heavy drunkenness, which is a hazard of this particular job.</p>

745 pm pdt wallace asks entitlements good saved last question last debate beyond wallace asks grand bargain entitlements including tax increases trump says must lower taxes repeal replace obamacare hillary says need put money social security thats part raising taxes says trump try get trump nasty woman says wants expand entitlement wallace asks closing statements hillary says shes reaching americans says knows awesome responsibility protecting country trying make life better says children families lifes work trump shes raising money people wants control trump says wants make american great says military depleted says need take care veterans trump says hes helped black people latinos ten lifetimes says cant take four years barack obama thats get get hillary clinton 730 pm pdt hillary asked using american soldiers iraq says wont occupying force blabs nofly nobuy something says wants nofly zone syria trump asked able push isis mosul put american troops trump says mosul left lost mosul fighting trump says wanted get leaders isis mosul theyre going attack mosul element surprise routine trump says leaders left cites patton macarthur trump says obama made lots mistakes want look good election theyre going trump says mosul going much tougher thought mosul wonderful thing iran write us letter thank like stupidest deal time deal gives iran nuclear weapons trump says going take mosul iran beneficiary trump says hillary withdrew shouldnt iraq never left way hillary smiles awkwardly says trump keeps denying supported invasion trump interjects wrong shes still trying trigger name checks bin laden whose body used bernies weekend bernies hillary calls trump unfit trump says hillarys unfit trump says john podesta said terrible things hillary bernie sanders think going mosul good idea terrible instincts judgment hillary says sanders says trump dangerous person ever run president wallace asks trump aleppo says hasnt fallen trump claimed trump argues questioner wallace says trump said syria russia fighting isis theyve shelling aleppo trump says aleppo humanitarian disaster fallen trump says hillary clinton fighting assad shes going say loves assad hes much tougher smarter obama hillary trump says dont know rebels utterly incoherent finishes lotsa luck hillary great job like watching two giraffes trying eat leaf tangling necks strangling death trump concludes saying cant let unsafe refugees hillary says wants nofly zone wallace says may start war say says wants safe zones ground says millions people inside syria dislocated doesnt answer question nofly zone hillary says wont slam door women children syria well careful vetting doesnt solve internal challenges isis says smarter home trump says shell defeat isis never let happen first place ceasefire syria ceasefire russia took vast swatches land outplayed wallace asks national debt 77 gdp says clinton would raise debt 86 gdp trump would rise 105 gdp ignoring problem trump says theyre wrong going grow gdp trump predicts recession hillarys elected says go higher 4 says grow economy tremendous machine neglects mention opposes entitlement reform hes back trade deals hillary asks trump thought america great says make america great rushes says hillary says hes criticizing government decades took ad 1987 time reagan president said laughing stock world criticizing reagan says trump portrays alone fix says look debt pays everything shes proposing says tax increases wont diminish growth trump says reagan wrong trade nobody right 715 pm pdt wallace asks trump whether election rigged pence pledged absolutely accept results election ivanka said thing make commitment accept results trump says look time trump says hes seen bad media dishonest corrupt pileon amazing trump says millions dead people registered vote trump says hillary shouldnt allowed run shes guilty serious crime rigged trump says hell keep us suspense hillary says thats horrifying every time trump thinks things arent going direction calls rigged hillary says fbi concluded case trump said rigged trump lost primaries everything rigged trump u sued claimed court system rigged time didnt get emmy three years row said emmys rigged trump says gotten hillary says funny also really troubling thats way democracy works weve free fair elections accepted outcomes must accept hillary says youre whining youre even done youre job trump says investigation rigged thats true saying election rigged stupid bad politics 700 pm pdt wallace asks trump nine women saying groped kissed without consent asks many different women would make stories trump blames hillary dropping information trump says hillary obama hired people violent rallies thats james okeefe story trump says didnt apologize wife didnt anything says women want either fame campaign trump says theyre ten minutes fame fiction lies particularly smart hillary says last debate trump talked women number women came forward hillary says trump gave rallies said couldnt done things women werent attractive enough assaulted trump says didnt say kinda hillary gets indignant trumps sexist response women donald thinks belittling women makes bigger hillarys got big speech planned music swells trump says respect women says wants talk something slightly different blames hillarys sleazy campaign says isnt fictionalized 33000 destroyed emails getting subpoena happened fbi trump says doesnt know hillary says every time trump pushed something uncomfortable swivels denying responsibility women never says hes sorry went disabled reporter mocked mimicked went mr mrs khan parents soldier kia went mccain went judge mexican parents goes litany amazing trump getting hammered ground pattern divisiveness dark dangerous vision country incites violence applauds people pushing pulling punchingthat america hillary says wallace asks hillary giving away special access isnt pay play says furthered countrys interests values says shes thrilled talk amazing clinton foundation except corrupt crap wallace pushes says clinton foundation great trump calls criminal enterprise trump says hillary took money countries push gays buildings mistreat women wont give back money countries trump says clinton foundation disgrace haiti hillary says clinton foundation spends 90 percent programs says highest rating says trump foundation scam bought sixfoot portrait trump says haiti super poor neglects foundation scammed haitian citizens per peter schweizer wallace asks trump used cash legal issues trump says hillary says cant check thanks tax return nontransparency trump says obeyed law paying taxes hillary could changed law never 645 pm pdt trump says country laws leave come back become citizen thats touchback amnesty counting hillary calls open borders rank mischaracterization says used bipartisan issue talks wallace wallace hits speech brazil paid 225000 dream open borders hillary says talking energy hillary swivels hit wikileaks espionage order avoid question trump says great pivot open borders question crowd laughs trump says hillary wants open borders doesnt know putin hed happy everyone got along well well started defending putin hillary calls trump putin puppet says putins helping trump trumps favorite hillary says attacks came kremlin theyre designed push election trump says idea hacked hillary cites 17 intelligence agencies hillary says hed rather believe putin military civilian intelligence professionals sworn protect us trump says doesnt like putin putin outsmarted every step way wow blew putin wallace asks trump condemn russian interference trump says condemns putin isnt best friend reiterates putin outsmarted hillary every step way hillary says trump casual nuclear weapons said use hillary says president gives order nuclear weapons order must followed four minutes order button pushed cites 10 people held position trump trump says 200 generals admirals 21 congressional medal honor recipients endorsing says ripped countries hillary says united states kept peace alliances trump wants defend alliances says shed work allies europe asia elsewhere wallace moves economics says hillary wants government involvement trump wants get government talks spending tons taxpayer dollars climate change infrastructure command control economics says well wealthy pay fair share says trumps plan cost us jobs trump says hillarys plan raise taxes dramatically trump says well lot things college tuition well massive increase hillary clintons plan trump says japan germany south korea saudi arabia paying us money trump says going lot free trade right lot horrible deals hillary says wants translate trump says cant says trump advocate largest tax cuts youve ever seen says raise taxes anyone making less 250000 thats nonsense says wont add debt thats also nonsense accuses trump adding 20 million debt wallace asks hillary obamas plan infrastructure plan sucked led lowest gdp growth since 1949 hillary says plan combination blabs bush wallace says trumps plans economy unrealistic dont add regard debt oil industry wont grow us prices low trump smacks obama economy trump says hes made friends last year cry see whats happening blames free trade trump randomly says tpp gold standard hillary hillary says tpp isnt good enough says theres one person onstage shipped jobs mexico 12 countries including mexico hillary says chinas illegally dumping steel aluminum markets says trump buys chinese steel aluminum goes around crocodile tears hes given jobs chinese steelworkers american steelworkers hillary starts talk trump shuts turn says hillary bad experience says thirty years shes position help trump says talks never gotten anything done says state department 6 billion missing trump says become president country going mess hillary says said state department untrue goes stump speech wonderful experience time contrasts trump discriminating real estate insulting former miss universe hosting celebrity apprentice shes happy compare experience trump says look real record syria iraq libya created isis grins awkwardly 625 pm pdt trump says hes prolife wallace asks roe v wade trump says overturned go back states struggles say hed overturn says justices would prolife babbles difficult decisions roe deeply important blabs planned parenthood wonderful wallace asks partial birth abortion says really tough need trump says ridiculous say rip baby womb mother ninth month final day hillary says thats happens calls scare rhetoric cites women shes met says one worst possible choices government shouldnt make choices tries equate china romania united states trump says nobody business four days prior birth would sure nice eloquent prolife spokesperson stage tear hillary apart nonsense wallace asks immigration trumps excited knows something issue talks strong borders touts ice union rep endorsement talks heroin problem attributes illegal immigration open border least partially true trump says bad hombres gon na get em hillary talks young girl shes met carla worried parents deported hillary decries notion massive law enforcement presence round undocumented people says wed put trains using deliberately evocative language gross rips trumps meeting president mexico says nation laws immigrants shell push comprehensive immigration reform pathway citizenship trump rips nafta says one worst deals ever says hillary clinton fought wall 2006 never gets anything done wall wasnt built hillary says border security rips trump criticizing criminal illegal immigrants says bringing illegal immigrants shadows stop exploitation says trump underpaid undocumented workers trump threatened deport 615 pm pdt im livetweeting thing yelling six month old next shockingly hes one nominees two competitors enter hillarys wearing christian bale outfit equilibrium wallace asks supreme court hillary says supreme court raises central issue kind country want launches sillytalks supreme court must filled magical godkings nice things leprechauns rips citizens united decision organization made documentary hillary didnt like trump says supreme court opposed hokey pokey says justice ginsburg said mean things continues saying hillary clinton shrink second amendment small replica like mike tv willie wonka chocolate factory trump says wants constitution interpreted way founders want says constitution way meant people would appoint hillary says supported second amendment doesnt want people threatened killed guns nothing second amendment says 33000 people per year die guns neglects mention half suicides wallace asks trump hillary defend second amendment trump says hillary angry heller trump says scalia involved wellcrafted says people agree second amendment upset hillary says dozens toddlers kill people guns everyone loaded gun home takes appropriate precautions horse crap law storing guns prevent idiot parents idiots original weve finally reached third debate one anakin skywalker loses limbs becomes darth vader natalie portman dies childbirth yoda goes exile something going uncut unedited presidential debate george lucas finally got produce debate way wanted cgi senatorial deliberations trade treaties nearly much jabber midichlorians thoughts whats going happen tonight click basically comes donald trump throwing red meat breitbart commenters effort shore subscription base trump tv hillary clinton attempting sidestep fact corrupt human ever run presidency thought obama outlawed waterboarding soon begins cant end soon warning liveblog begins lose coherence progress heavy drunkenness hazard particular job

<p /> <p>Like most of its peers in the energy industry, South African oil and gas and chemicals company Sasol (NYSE: SSL) has felt the pain from falling prices that haven't managed to bounce back very far from their worst levels of the past couple of years. The oil market's recent push above $50 per barrel proved short-lived, and coming into its quarterly release of production and sales metrics for the third quarter, Sasol hadn't seen much in its stock's movements to indicate that investors were particularly optimistic about its near-term prospects. Indeed, much of Sasol's report showed continued slow conditions in the industry.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Let's look more closely at the latest data from Sasol and what investors should expect from the company in the near future.</p> <p>Image source: Sasol.</p> <p>Sasol's sales and production data showed many of the same trends that we've seen in past quarters. Although various divisions saw different conditions and therefore reported disparate results, the overall mood of the company still reflects the difficult industry environment that Sasol is operating in right now.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>As we saw last quarter in the company's full-year results, Sasol's exploration and production unit continued to see poor results in the North American market. The company reported Canadian natural gas sales of 4.2 billion cubic feet, down more than 10% from last year's first quarter and accelerating from the pace of declines Sasol had experienced in the recent past. Sales of condensates got cut nearly in half to 21,100 barrels. That's consistent with the conditions that Sasol has cited in earlier reports, with particular weakness in North America spurring production decisions that are consistent with the unfavorable price environment.</p> <p>In Africa, things look a bit different. The company's 70% share of production projects in Mozambique produced better results than a year ago, including a 5% rise in natural gas and a gain of more than a fifth in condensate production. However, crude oil production from Sasol's Gabon project fell sharply, with declines of almost 20% to 328,000 barrels.</p> <p>The rest of Sasol's energy and mining business also produced mixed results. Coal production was down more than a million tons to 8.2 million tons, and refined synfuel production fell by about 4% to 7.7 million barrels. Sales of liquid fuels were up about 2% from year-ago levels, but sales of both traditional natural gas and methane-rich gas were down incrementally compared to the third quarter of 2015. Production levels at the company's Natref, Oryx, and Escravos facilities were all done from year-ago levels, with production at Escravos disappearing entirely.</p> <p>The state of Sasol's chemical businesses was somewhat more favorable than the energy side of the company. Base chemical sales volumes were up from year-ago levels, climbing more than 8%. The largest gains were in sales of polymers and solvents, which managed to outweigh declines in fertilizer sales. The problem for Sasol, however, is that pricing for its base chemicals products was once again poor, with the company's standard basket price for base chemicals falling by 7% to $800 per ton. Even so, the resulting rise of roughly 1% in dollar revenue from the unit was an encouraging turnaround from past declines.</p> <p>Sasol's performance chemicals unit also produced positive results. In local currency terms, overall revenue was up more than 3% to 17.5 billion South African rand, led by rising sales of organics. Poor performance in the waxes market held back Sasol's growth, but the company managed to get most of its growth from more favorable pricing overall. Sales volume climbed 1%, again with organics leading the way.</p> <p>Looking forward, Sasol is still suffering from the fact that its key energy markets aren't performing the way that it would like to see. In order to recover fully, Sasol really needs to see more clarity in global natural gas markets, especially in North America. Moreover, with higher competition coming in the chemicals business, Sasol will have to find strategic initiatives to sustain and improve its position in the industry going forward.</p> <p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Sasol 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=26b157de-9861-4468-bd32-879cd6d31912&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 Sasol 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=26b157de-9861-4468-bd32-879cd6d31912&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/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Sasol. 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>

like peers energy industry south african oil gas chemicals company sasol nyse ssl felt pain falling prices havent managed bounce back far worst levels past couple years oil markets recent push 50 per barrel proved shortlived coming quarterly release production sales metrics third quarter sasol hadnt seen much stocks movements indicate investors particularly optimistic nearterm prospects indeed much sasols report showed continued slow conditions industry continue reading lets look closely latest data sasol investors expect company near future image source sasol sasols sales production data showed many trends weve seen past quarters although various divisions saw different conditions therefore reported disparate results overall mood company still reflects difficult industry environment sasol operating right advertisement saw last quarter companys fullyear results sasols exploration production unit continued see poor results north american market company reported canadian natural gas sales 42 billion cubic feet 10 last years first quarter accelerating pace declines sasol experienced recent past sales condensates got cut nearly half 21100 barrels thats consistent conditions sasol cited earlier reports particular weakness north america spurring production decisions consistent unfavorable price environment africa things look bit different companys 70 share production projects mozambique produced better results year ago including 5 rise natural gas gain fifth condensate production however crude oil production sasols gabon project fell sharply declines almost 20 328000 barrels rest sasols energy mining business also produced mixed results coal production million tons 82 million tons refined synfuel production fell 4 77 million barrels sales liquid fuels 2 yearago levels sales traditional natural gas methanerich gas incrementally compared third quarter 2015 production levels companys natref oryx escravos facilities done yearago levels production escravos disappearing entirely state sasols chemical businesses somewhat favorable energy side company base chemical sales volumes yearago levels climbing 8 largest gains sales polymers solvents managed outweigh declines fertilizer sales problem sasol however pricing base chemicals products poor companys standard basket price base chemicals falling 7 800 per ton even resulting rise roughly 1 dollar revenue unit encouraging turnaround past declines sasols performance chemicals unit also produced positive results local currency terms overall revenue 3 175 billion south african rand led rising sales organics poor performance waxes market held back sasols growth company managed get growth favorable pricing overall sales volume climbed 1 organics leading way looking forward sasol still suffering fact key energy markets arent performing way would like see order recover fully sasol really needs see clarity global natural gas markets especially north america moreover higher competition coming chemicals business sasol find strategic initiatives sustain improve position industry going forward forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better sasol 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 sasol wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool recommends sasol 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>After years of hard work, Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) finally won approval to move forward with its controversial Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project last fall. However, getting the green light from the government of Canada was just one of the many steps needed before the company starts construction on that project. One of the crucial remaining steps was to complete a cost estimate review to ensure that the project was still economically viable.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The company announced the completion of that critical step this week. While the price tag of the project did move higher, which caused some shippers to back away from supporting it due to an associated increase in tolls, an overwhelming majority of shippers remain committed to the project. Because of that, the pipeline expansion still looks excellent from an economic standpoint for the company.</p> <p>Image source: Kinder Morgan Inc.</p> <p>One result of the lengthy regulatory process was that the company would need to make changes to the scope of the project. Overall, the National Energy Board added 157 conditions and plan changes such as a thicker pipe wall, additional drilled crossings in environmentally sensitive areas, and the Burnaby Mountain tunnel. Those extra costs pushed the project's final cost estimate to 7.4 billion Canadian dollars ($5.5 billion), up from its most recent estimate of CA$6.8 billion.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>To offset the added costs, the company increased the tolls on the project to ensure that it will earn a high enough economic return on that investment. Because of that increase, shippers had the option to keep their volume commitments or turn them back in and pay for their share of the development costs thus far. Shippers, however, turned back only 22,000 barrels per day of the 708,000 barrels per day of capacity they committed to in 2012. This means 97% of the available volumes remain fully committed. The company is now openly marketing that last 3%, which it shouldn't have any problem filling.</p> <p>Given the updated price tag and tolls, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets believes that the project will earn a return of 6.5 times enterprise value to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), which is higher than expectations. In fact, that multiple is slightly better than the average of the company's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/08/heres-why-the-best-is-yet-to-come-for-kinder-morga.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">high-graded backlog Opens a New Window.</a>, which stood at 6.7 times EV/EBITDA earlier this year, an improvement from 7.4 times at the beginning of 2016 after the company jettisoned low-return projects to improve returns.</p> <p>Image source: Kinder Morgan Inc.</p> <p>With the final costs nailed down, Kinder Morgan has the economic incentive and shipper commitments to move forward with the project, which it hopes to start constructing later this year. The company's next step is to find the right financing for the project, which is a process that's already well underway. The company is running a dual-track process for funding, including exploring an IPO, as well as looking for joint venture partners to finance a portion of the project.</p> <p>According to a report by Reuters last month, the company is looking at a variety of alternatives as it seeks the best option for all stakeholders. If it goes the IPO route, the company would probably look to raise 20% to 40% of the targeted budget, which could be as much as CA$3 billion given the recently increased cost estimate. That would make it one of the biggest IPOs in Canadian history. Kinder Morgan also has a number of options in how to structure that company, including spinning off just its Trans Mountain Pipeline or forming an entity around its entire Canadian asset base, which also includes terminal assets in Alberta.</p> <p>Meanwhile, if the company went the joint venture route, it could seek to sell up to 50% of the project to pension or sovereign wealth funds. This strategy is one the company has <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/29/kinder-morgan-incs-new-funding-plan-starts-to-take.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">used Opens a New Window.</a> in the <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/01/kinder-morgan-inc-takes-another-strategic-step-clo.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">past Opens a New Window.</a>, with it recently securing private equity joint venture partners for two large infrastructure projects. What the company likes about these ventures is that the partners paid it an up-front fee to both reimburse a portion of capital expenditures spent to date, as well as an additional amountto recognize the value Kinder Morgan created on the project. That's in addition to agreeing to finance a portion of the project's capex through completion.</p> <p>Kinder Morgan could also look for a funding partner among other Canadian energy infrastructure companies like Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) or TransCanada (NYSE: TRP). While both companies currently have no shortage of projects to finance, both have been aggressively adding to their backlog over the past year via acquisitions. Enbridge would make the most sense of the two. While it won approval to move forward with the Line 3 Replacement, the company's Northern Gateway project was rejected by the Canadian government. That pipeline would have competed with the Trans Mountain Pipelineto move oil to the West Coast. Because of that, the company might be interested in joining Kinder Morgan's project. Meanwhile, TransCanada currently has two export pipelines in limbo, Keystone XL and Energy East. However, the company did recently resubmit for approval to build Keystone XL, which makes it less likely that it would be interested in joining Kinder Morgan.</p> <p>Once financing is in place, Kinder Morgan will be able to make a final investment decision on the project. If all goes according to plan, the company should be able to begin construction this September and complete it by December of 2019. The project's lucrative economics suggest the company's cash flow should move meaningfully higher starting in 2020.</p> <p>Find out why Kinder Morgan is one of the 10 best stocks to buy now</p> <p>Motley Fool co-founders Tom and David Gardner have spent more than a decade beating the market. (In fact, the newsletter they run, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market!*)</p> <p>Tom and David just revealed their ten top stock picks for investors to buy right now. Kinder Morgan <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;amp;impression=2bc419ca-0b14-43f6-be2f-386bce80880a&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">is on the list Opens a New Window.</a> -- but there are nine others you may be overlooking.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0000450%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6313%26ftm_veh%3Darticle_pitch&amp;amp;impression=2bc419ca-0b14-43f6-be2f-386bce80880a&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here to get access to the full list! Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Kinder Morgan and has the following options: short January 2018 $30 puts on Kinder Morgan and long January 2018 $30 calls on Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Enbridge and Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

years hard work kinder morgan nyse kmi finally approval move forward controversial trans mountain pipeline expansion project last fall however getting green light government canada one many steps needed company starts construction project one crucial remaining steps complete cost estimate review ensure project still economically viable continue reading company announced completion critical step week price tag project move higher caused shippers back away supporting due associated increase tolls overwhelming majority shippers remain committed project pipeline expansion still looks excellent economic standpoint company image source kinder morgan inc one result lengthy regulatory process company would need make changes scope project overall national energy board added 157 conditions plan changes thicker pipe wall additional drilled crossings environmentally sensitive areas burnaby mountain tunnel extra costs pushed projects final cost estimate 74 billion canadian dollars 55 billion recent estimate ca68 billion advertisement offset added costs company increased tolls project ensure earn high enough economic return investment increase shippers option keep volume commitments turn back pay share development costs thus far shippers however turned back 22000 barrels per day 708000 barrels per day capacity committed 2012 means 97 available volumes remain fully committed company openly marketing last 3 shouldnt problem filling given updated price tag tolls analyst rbc capital markets believes project earn return 65 times enterprise value ebitda earnings interest taxes depreciation amortization higher expectations fact multiple slightly better average companys highgraded backlog opens new window stood 67 times evebitda earlier year improvement 74 times beginning 2016 company jettisoned lowreturn projects improve returns image source kinder morgan inc final costs nailed kinder morgan economic incentive shipper commitments move forward project hopes start constructing later year companys next step find right financing project process thats already well underway company running dualtrack process funding including exploring ipo well looking joint venture partners finance portion project according report reuters last month company looking variety alternatives seeks best option stakeholders goes ipo route company would probably look raise 20 40 targeted budget could much ca3 billion given recently increased cost estimate would make one biggest ipos canadian history kinder morgan also number options structure company including spinning trans mountain pipeline forming entity around entire canadian asset base also includes terminal assets alberta meanwhile company went joint venture route could seek sell 50 project pension sovereign wealth funds strategy one company used opens new window past opens new window recently securing private equity joint venture partners two large infrastructure projects company likes ventures partners paid upfront fee reimburse portion capital expenditures spent date well additional amountto recognize value kinder morgan created project thats addition agreeing finance portion projects capex completion kinder morgan could also look funding partner among canadian energy infrastructure companies like enbridge nyse enb transcanada nyse trp companies currently shortage projects finance aggressively adding backlog past year via acquisitions enbridge would make sense two approval move forward line 3 replacement companys northern gateway project rejected canadian government pipeline would competed trans mountain pipelineto move oil west coast company might interested joining kinder morgans project meanwhile transcanada currently two export pipelines limbo keystone xl energy east however company recently resubmit approval build keystone xl makes less likely would interested joining kinder morgan financing place kinder morgan able make final investment decision project goes according plan company able begin construction september complete december 2019 projects lucrative economics suggest companys cash flow move meaningfully higher starting 2020 find kinder morgan one 10 best stocks buy motley fool cofounders tom david gardner spent decade beating market fact newsletter run motley fool stock advisor tripled market tom david revealed ten top stock picks investors buy right kinder morgan list opens new window nine others may overlooking click get access full list opens new window stock advisor returns february 6 2017 matt dilallo opens new window owns shares kinder morgan following options short january 2018 30 puts kinder morgan long january 2018 30 calls kinder morgan motley fool owns shares recommends enbridge kinder morgan motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<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>, the teamserves up the latest news fromDardenRestaurants(NYSE: DRI), including a better-than-expected quarter when the restaurant industry in general has taken a beating. The company also announced the $780 million acquisition of regional chain Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Darden RestaurantsWhen 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=e41986e1-c0c3-4da7-941e-aa46d7c1af6a&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 Darden Restaurants 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=e41986e1-c0c3-4da7-941e-aa46d7c1af6a&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>Advertisement</p> <p>This video was recorded on March 28, 2017.</p> <p>Mac Greer: It was a good day for Darden Restaurants.Shares up big on Tuesday on better than expected earnings and news that Darden's would buyCheddar's Scratch Kitchen.</p> <p>Ron Gross:That'sa good name.</p> <p>Greer:Ron,that's a great name, it's such a great name. We should also mention that Darden's owns Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, among others.</p> <p>Gross:Capital Grille, my favorite. That's a good one.</p> <p>Greer:Capital Grille. What do you think?</p> <p>Gross:Thecompany is doing good, and a lot of restaurants are not. The results were pretty impressive, just shy of a 1% same store sales across the board. The highlight was Eddie V's, their seafood concept, at a 4.7%same-store sales increase. That's pretty impressive. Olive Garden, where most of their profits come from, and Steve Broido's favorite, of course,for listeners of the radio show, up 1.4%. So, not too shabby either, especially when you look out across the competition and see there's a lot of folks that are struggling right now. Profits were up strong. They increased guidance. Then, as you said, a $780 million acquisition of Cheddar Scratch, 165 locations across 28 states. It's a value chain. Let me hit you with some menu items. PerhapsI could interest you in some baby back ribsor some chicken fingers. Maybe J-Mo would like aMonte Cristo sandwich.</p> <p>Greer:Chicken-fried steak.</p> <p>Gross:Nothing wrong with that.</p> <p>Greer:Chicken-fried steak, Ron.</p> <p>Gross:Well,there's a lot wrong with that.</p> <p>Greer:[laughs] Bite your tongue!</p> <p>Gross:[laughs] But,this is nice. They'readding a casual dining chainto their portfolio. I like that move. It'shard to say whether or not the $780 million is a good price,because I don't have a lot of financials on this company. We know that they've grown revenue 12% to 15% over the last 10 years. Not too shabby. That sounds good to me. Darden does say it will be accretive to their earnings pretty quickly. That's nice to see as well. Darden doing well.</p> <p>Jason Moser:I continue to be amazed by the performance of Olive Garden's to-go side of the business. It's not a top of mind whenI'm looking for something to go. Butthey have clearly hit on something here.The performance there, it's continued double-digit growth in the to-go segment of the business that's just, I'm astounded.</p> <p>Gross:I've never used it personally.I wonder if Steve has.</p> <p>Moser:I don't remember the last time I went to an Olive Garden, but obviously, a lot of people are going. I think a big catalyst forDarden was when they spun offa lot of the real estate that they owned intoFour Corners Property Trust. They hada lot of restaurants in there wherethey owned the real estate. Basically,they were trying to whittle down theircost structure and just be a really good operator of restaurants. So, theyspun off a lot of that propertyto this property trust.I think it helps shore up the balance sheet. I think it helped themfocus on doing one thing and doing really well, and that is bringing a number of good,middle of the road brand names into their universe, andbeing able to grow those footprints. Again,kind of like that Facebook strategy. Whether you're going to one of theserestaurants, you're still going to a Darden restaurant at theend of the day. And that's very good for them.</p> <p>Greer:AndI want to go back to the name. I think Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen --</p> <p>Gross:It'spretty good.</p> <p>Greer:I think that's the greatest name.I think the worst name isCarl's Jr.Westill don't know how Carl came into possession of Jr. Because it's Carl's Jr.</p> <p>Gross:It's likeRuth's Chris.</p> <p>Greer:Oh,that's terrible!</p> <p>Gross:Yeah,it's hard to say.</p> <p>Greer:That was some mash up of someone who was married, and then they're not, but, Carl's Jr.?</p> <p>Gross:Cheddar's Scratch does it.</p> <p>Greer:It's confusing.I don't want to be confused. I just want food.</p> <p>Gross:I just want baby back ribs. Youjust want chicken-fried steak?</p> <p>Greer:You don't like chicken-fried steak?</p> <p>Gross:No,I do, but it's not the healthiestpiece of food.</p> <p>Greer:Oh,and all the other items were, I'm sorry. Ron Gross,picture of health.</p> <p>Gross:Smothered in that white gravy, thatunidentifiable white gravy.</p> <p>Greer:That's why it's good.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJMo/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Moser Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFMac/info.aspx" type="external">Mac Greer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGreedandFear/info.aspx" type="external">Ron Gross Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

segment market foolery opens new window teamserves latest news fromdardenrestaurantsnyse dri including betterthanexpected quarter restaurant industry general taken beating company also announced 780 million acquisition regional chain cheddars scratch kitchen full transcript follows video continue reading 10 stocks like better darden restaurantswhen 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 darden restaurants wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 advertisement video recorded march 28 2017 mac greer good day darden restaurantsshares big tuesday better expected earnings news dardens would buycheddars scratch kitchen ron grossthatsa good name greerronthats great name great name also mention dardens owns olive garden longhorn steakhouse among others grosscapital grille favorite thats good one greercapital grille think grossthecompany good lot restaurants results pretty impressive shy 1 store sales across board highlight eddie vs seafood concept 47samestore sales increase thats pretty impressive olive garden profits come steve broidos favorite coursefor listeners radio show 14 shabby either especially look across competition see theres lot folks struggling right profits strong increased guidance said 780 million acquisition cheddar scratch 165 locations across 28 states value chain let hit menu items perhapsi could interest baby back ribsor chicken fingers maybe jmo would like amonte cristo sandwich greerchickenfried steak grossnothing wrong greerchickenfried steak ron grosswelltheres lot wrong greerlaughs bite tongue grosslaughs butthis nice theyreadding casual dining chainto portfolio like move itshard say whether 780 million good pricebecause dont lot financials company know theyve grown revenue 12 15 last 10 years shabby sounds good darden say accretive earnings pretty quickly thats nice see well darden well jason moseri continue amazed performance olive gardens togo side business top mind whenim looking something go butthey clearly hit something herethe performance continued doubledigit growth togo segment business thats im astounded grossive never used personallyi wonder steve moseri dont remember last time went olive garden obviously lot people going think big catalyst fordarden spun offa lot real estate owned intofour corners property trust hada lot restaurants wherethey owned real estate basicallythey trying whittle theircost structure really good operator restaurants theyspun lot propertyto property trusti think helps shore balance sheet think helped themfocus one thing really well bringing number goodmiddle road brand names universe andbeing able grow footprints againkind like facebook strategy whether youre going one theserestaurants youre still going darden restaurant theend day thats good greerandi want go back name think cheddars scratch kitchen grossitspretty good greeri think thats greatest namei think worst name iscarls jrwestill dont know carl came possession jr carls jr grossits likeruths chris greerohthats terrible grossyeahits hard say greerthat mash someone married theyre carls jr grosscheddars scratch greerits confusingi dont want confused want food grossi want baby back ribs youjust want chickenfried steak greeryou dont like chickenfried steak grossnoi healthiestpiece food greerohand items im sorry ron grosspicture health grosssmothered white gravy thatunidentifiable white gravy greerthats good jason moser opens new window position stocks mentioned mac greer opens new window position stocks mentioned ron gross opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>After an <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/28/politics/benghazi-report-hillary-clinton/index.html?adkey=bn" type="external">extensive two-year investigation</a> that included reviews of all available official correspondence, at least 100 interviews with government officials, 15 hearings, and 64 briefings, the House Benghazi Committee has released an 800-page report detailing the deadly incompetence and blatant deceptiveness of the administration that resulted in four Americans murdered and the pushing of a false narrative to the American people to cover for the failures of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama.</p> <p>Despite the Democrats' preemptive attempts to dismiss the report as a partisan hit-job on Clinton, even left-leaning outlets are being forced to <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/benghazi-report-obama-clinton-224854" type="external">acknowledge</a> the scrupulousness of the investigation, helmed by Republican Trey Gowdy, and the damning evidence that the Obama administration "failed across multiple agencies and levels to protect American diplomats in the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack."</p> <p>Worse, the report shows that the Benghazi attack was not only an avoidable tragedy, but the administration's response to it involved "intentional and coordinated" deception.</p> <p>Here are eight damning facts detailed in the report.</p> <p>1. The Clinton State Department knew full well that the Benghazi compound was undermanned.</p> <p>The report demonstrates that Clinton's State Department had clearly assessed the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/28/politics/benghazi-report-hillary-clinton/index.html?adkey=bn" type="external">high risk</a> of Benghazi in 2011 and 2012, acknowledging that the fall of Moammar Gaddafi had resulted in a high risk of militia violence and increased crime and weapons ownership in the area. Despite the dramatically worsening situation on the ground, the compound was left increasingly more exposed due to lack of security, faulty equipment, and the reliance on "undisciplined and unskilled" local militia for protection. From late 2011 until the attack in 2012, there were at least two attacks on the Benghazi outpost, as well as attacks on other U.S. international facilities and diplomats. Yet, the compound was left dangerously vulnerable.</p> <p>2. Requests for increased security at Benghazi were either ignored or outright refused by the department.</p> <p>Despite repeated requests in late 2011 and early 2012 for new agents to help improve the security of the compound, "no additional resources" or "personnel" were sent by the administration. "Washington D.C. dismissed Stevens' multiple requests for additional security personnel while also asking for help in messaging the very violence he was seeking security from," then-State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told the committee.</p> <p>The report shows that rather than fortifying the compound amid increased risk, the administration all but abandoned it in the months ahead of the attack. A security staff of 34 in early August was slashed to just six by the end of the month.</p> <p>"It is not clear what additional intelligence would have satisfied either Kennedy or the Secretary in understanding the Benghazi mission compound was at risk &#8212; short of an attack," concludes the report.</p> <p>3. The administration put the lives of Americans in the hands of incompetent and untrustworthy militia.</p> <p>The report highlights the increased reliance on local militia to protect American personnel, groups one official described as "undisciplined and unskilled." Clinton's State Department thus put the lives of Americans in the hands incompetent and untrustworthy "security" groups. 4. The administration failed to respond in time, in part because of political concerns.</p> <p>Then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ordered U.S. forces to be deployed to rescue our personnel in Benghazi. Though they were mobilized to a staging area in Italy and were ready to take action, not a single asset he ordered deployed ever left the ground. The damning reasons for this failure include political concerns about how the Libyan government wanted our military personnel dressed.</p> <p>During a two-hour " <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/gop-benghazi-report-charges-obama-clinton-did-nothing-to-save-lives/article/2595058" type="external">deputies meeting</a>" which Clinton attended that took place while the 13-hour attack was underway, the State Department ate up valuable time "by insisting that certain elements of the U.S. military respond to Libya in civilian clothes and that it not use vehicles with United States markings. Both restrictions appear to have been concessions to the Libyan government that did not want an identifiable U.S. military presence on the streets of Libya."</p> <p><a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2016/06/28/benghazi-report-details-obamaclinton-failures-before-during-and-after-deadly-attacks/" type="external">Larry O'Connor</a> notes that another "even more troubling" revelation is that "nearly half of the action items that came out of this critical meeting involved the YouTube video, Innocence of Muslims, which the Obama Administration falsely claimed to be the impetuous for the deadly terror attack."</p> <p>5. Clinton et al overrode the order to send a rescue team because they mistakenly thought the attack was over.</p> <p>The report, as <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/house-republicans-report-sheds-new-light-benghazi-attack-n600121" type="external">NBC News</a> highlights, also cites several witnesses who explained that the administration failed to act in time in part because they incorrectly thought the attack was over and that it would thus be more prudent to send reinforcements to Tripoli.</p> <p>"Their understanding was that the assets needed to be sent to Tripoli to augment security at the Embassy, and that the State Department was working to move the State Department personnel from Benghazi to Tripoli," reads the report.</p> <p>6. The administration's claim that the attack was a result of the YouTube video was a complete fiction.</p> <p>The most damning of all the sections of the report is on the administration's attempt to spin the attack for political purposes. The committee underscores that the administration's initial public talking points alleging that the attack was the spontaneous result of a protest over a YouTube video that insulted Mohammad rather than a coordinated attack was invented by officials as a means of providing the administration political cover a few weeks away from an election. All of the reports from the ground clearly proved that this was a planned attack.</p> <p>"The report quotes an agent at the Benghazi compound as hearing chanting before a full-on attack begins, including explosions and gunfire and '70 people rushing into the compound with an assortment of "AK-47s, grenades, RPG's ... a couple of different assault rifles,'" explains <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/28/politics/benghazi-report-hillary-clinton/index.html?adkey=bn" type="external">CNN</a>. "Another security officer described the assault as 'a full on attack against our compound.' Asked if he had seen a protest before the attacks, the officer said: 'zip, nothing, nada.'"</p> <p>Clinton immediately <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-benghazi-lie-in-black-and-white/article/2003058" type="external">acknowledged</a> in email correspondence that the attack was by a terrorist group, but then began to feed the public (and the families of victims) the fabrication that the attack was part of a broader protest against an obscure video.</p> <p>7. The administration engaged in a "shameful" stonewalling attempt during the investigation.</p> <p>In the last section of the report, the committee highlights the administration&#8217;s &#8220;shameful&#8221; stonewalling of the investigation, particularly in regard to Clinton's private email server.</p> <p>"What may appear at first blush to be a lack of competence on behalf of the State Department now appears fully intentional and coordinated," <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/benghazi-report-obama-clinton-224854" type="external">concludes</a> the report. "Delaying the production of documents sought by letter, informal request or subpoena has decided political advantages for those opposing the investigation."</p> <p>8. The administration blocked all attempts to investigate the alleged secret transfer of weapons to Libyan rebels.</p> <p>The Benghazi committee report notes that the Obama administration blocked their attempts to investigate an alleged transfer of weapons to Libyan rebels, which has been rumored to be connected to the attack.</p> <p>"Multiple news reports in the past year have cited unnamed State or intelligence officials saying the president approved a covert operation to ship weapons to Libyans to arm rebels trying to oust Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi &#8212; a proposal Clinton herself supported but that the administration has never acknowledged," reports <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/benghazi-report-obama-clinton-224854#ixzz4Csn8qLN5" type="external">Politico</a>. However, the committee was unable to either confirm or deny those reports due to what they said was a block by the National Security Council on interviews with the CIA or other officials about the reported covert operation.</p> <p>"Over the course of nearly a dozen interviews with the State Department, the Defense Department and CIA personnel, witnesses consistently refused to answer questions related to certain allegations with respect to U.S. activity in Libya even though the House specifically gave the committee access to materials relating to intelligence sources and methods,&#8221; the report reads. &#8220;Most of these questions related in some way to allegations regarding weapons.&#8221;</p>

extensive twoyear investigation included reviews available official correspondence least 100 interviews government officials 15 hearings 64 briefings house benghazi committee released 800page report detailing deadly incompetence blatant deceptiveness administration resulted four americans murdered pushing false narrative american people cover failures thensecretary state hillary clinton president obama despite democrats preemptive attempts dismiss report partisan hitjob clinton even leftleaning outlets forced acknowledge scrupulousness investigation helmed republican trey gowdy damning evidence obama administration failed across multiple agencies levels protect american diplomats 2012 benghazi terrorist attack worse report shows benghazi attack avoidable tragedy administrations response involved intentional coordinated deception eight damning facts detailed report 1 clinton state department knew full well benghazi compound undermanned report demonstrates clintons state department clearly assessed high risk benghazi 2011 2012 acknowledging fall moammar gaddafi resulted high risk militia violence increased crime weapons ownership area despite dramatically worsening situation ground compound left increasingly exposed due lack security faulty equipment reliance undisciplined unskilled local militia protection late 2011 attack 2012 least two attacks benghazi outpost well attacks us international facilities diplomats yet compound left dangerously vulnerable 2 requests increased security benghazi either ignored outright refused department despite repeated requests late 2011 early 2012 new agents help improve security compound additional resources personnel sent administration washington dc dismissed stevens multiple requests additional security personnel also asking help messaging violence seeking security thenstate department spokeswoman victoria nuland told committee report shows rather fortifying compound amid increased risk administration abandoned months ahead attack security staff 34 early august slashed six end month clear additional intelligence would satisfied either kennedy secretary understanding benghazi mission compound risk short attack concludes report 3 administration put lives americans hands incompetent untrustworthy militia report highlights increased reliance local militia protect american personnel groups one official described undisciplined unskilled clintons state department thus put lives americans hands incompetent untrustworthy security groups 4 administration failed respond time part political concerns thendefense secretary leon panetta ordered us forces deployed rescue personnel benghazi though mobilized staging area italy ready take action single asset ordered deployed ever left ground damning reasons failure include political concerns libyan government wanted military personnel dressed twohour deputies meeting clinton attended took place 13hour attack underway state department ate valuable time insisting certain elements us military respond libya civilian clothes use vehicles united states markings restrictions appear concessions libyan government want identifiable us military presence streets libya larry oconnor notes another even troubling revelation nearly half action items came critical meeting involved youtube video innocence muslims obama administration falsely claimed impetuous deadly terror attack 5 clinton et al overrode order send rescue team mistakenly thought attack report nbc news highlights also cites several witnesses explained administration failed act time part incorrectly thought attack would thus prudent send reinforcements tripoli understanding assets needed sent tripoli augment security embassy state department working move state department personnel benghazi tripoli reads report 6 administrations claim attack result youtube video complete fiction damning sections report administrations attempt spin attack political purposes committee underscores administrations initial public talking points alleging attack spontaneous result protest youtube video insulted mohammad rather coordinated attack invented officials means providing administration political cover weeks away election reports ground clearly proved planned attack report quotes agent benghazi compound hearing chanting fullon attack begins including explosions gunfire 70 people rushing compound assortment ak47s grenades rpgs couple different assault rifles explains cnn another security officer described assault full attack compound asked seen protest attacks officer said zip nothing nada clinton immediately acknowledged email correspondence attack terrorist group began feed public families victims fabrication attack part broader protest obscure video 7 administration engaged shameful stonewalling attempt investigation last section report committee highlights administrations shameful stonewalling investigation particularly regard clintons private email server may appear first blush lack competence behalf state department appears fully intentional coordinated concludes report delaying production documents sought letter informal request subpoena decided political advantages opposing investigation 8 administration blocked attempts investigate alleged secret transfer weapons libyan rebels benghazi committee report notes obama administration blocked attempts investigate alleged transfer weapons libyan rebels rumored connected attack multiple news reports past year cited unnamed state intelligence officials saying president approved covert operation ship weapons libyans arm rebels trying oust libyan dictator muammar qadhafi proposal clinton supported administration never acknowledged reports politico however committee unable either confirm deny reports due said block national security council interviews cia officials reported covert operation course nearly dozen interviews state department defense department cia personnel witnesses consistently refused answer questions related certain allegations respect us activity libya even though house specifically gave committee access materials relating intelligence sources methods report reads questions related way allegations regarding weapons

<p /> <p>In 2013, Motley Fool co-founder and CEO Tom Gardner made a bold bet: He publicly predicted that at some point in 2014, the stock market would drop 10% from a recent high (which, believe it or not, could be a good thing for investors). If the market didn't take that kind of significant hit, Tom vowed to walk on his treadmill desk for 26.2 miles per day for five days while he runs the business here at Fool HQ.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In a turn that Tom himself describes as comical, he was only a few points short of winning his bet. Now he's making good on his vow in a way that's fun, challenging, and supporting a great cause -- you can donate to one of Tom's favorite organizations, public charter school DC Prep.</p> <p>Check out our DC Prep campaign page at <a href="http://131.fool.com/?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">131.fool.com Opens a New Window.</a>, where you can either make a per-mile pledge or contribute a flat fee of your choice. We've got a $25,000 fundraising goal we'd love to achieve or even exceed, so we hope you'll contribute!</p> <p>Also, you can check for updates on our <a href="http://culture.fool.com/?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Culture Blog Opens a New Window.</a>and follow along on Twitter at @FoolCulture and the hashtag #foolswalk131, or check out our the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themotleyfool" type="external">Motley Fool Opens a New Window.</a> Facebook page. You can also check out <a href="http://www.dcprep.org" type="external">DC Prep's website Opens a New Window.</a>and follow them on Twitter at @DCPrep.</p> <p>Image source: DC Prep.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Read on for more on the compelling reasons to support Tom as he walks off this wager.</p> <p>First, let's ponder the big investor education takeaway inherent in Tom's bet. Here's the upshot in his own words:</p> <p>A fresh example of withstanding market volatility occurred very recently after the U.K.'s shocking Brexit vote. Our own Morgan Housel gave counsel on how to keep calm and carry on as the rest of the market panicked.</p> <p>In <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/24/brexit-what-we-are-and-arent-doing.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Morgan's article Opens a New Window.</a>, he laid out the performance of the S&amp;amp;P 500 from 1871 to 2012 and pointed out that it fell 10% from recent highs 97 times, yet ultimately still increased 10,000-fold over that time frame.</p> <p>While clearly we here at The Motley Fool work to foster the kind of calm temperaments that allow us to welcome such market weakness -- even what feels like severe weakness -- to pick up great stocks at even better prices, we also try not to obsess about the short-term madness of the day-to-day marketplace.</p> <p>Tom's prediction may not have come to pass (although it was such a squeaker!), but it's all part of the journey to being a great investor and achieving financial freedom.</p> <p>This learning and educational moment has a second tier, though: Tom devoting his walking for a cause near and dear to his heart.</p> <p>In 2003, DC Prep launched with a single school and 100 students. Today, the charter school network can boast a total five schools with over 1,500 preschool through 8thgrade students (or "Preppies") in Wards 5, 7, and 8, which are Washington's historically most underserved neighborhoods.</p> <p>Here's why DC Prep makes the grade with Tom: "DC Prep is a remarkable charter school. It educates more than 1,500 students in the DC area, who previously would not have had access to such a truly solid education. It makes me very optimistic about the long-term future of education in America, even with so many systemic problems to be solved."</p> <p>Among the many interesting things about DC Prep and its approach is that the tuition-free public charter school network has an open admissions process, so students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.</p> <p>Obviously, we're a big fan of performance here at The Motley Fool, financial and otherwise, and DC Prep is most certainly focused on that. For four years running, DC Prep has been the No. 1-performing public charter school network in Washington based on results from the 2015 PARCC exam and past DC CAS exams. In addition, 100% of its eighth-grade graduates since class of 2007 have been accepted by college-prep high schools.</p> <p>There are plenty of ways that DC Prep helps its Preppies succeed while fostering a nurturing, warm, and loving approach in the classroom. Not surprisingly, its schools concentrate on rigorous academics, especially reading and math, both of which are clearly fundamental in a solid education.</p> <p>However, DC Prep also teaches the "soft skills" of character education. It encourages its students to do the RIGHT thing utilizing skills that will prepare them for high school, college, and the rest of their careers. In the school's lingo, "RIGHT" stands for Respectful, Intelligent, Genuine, Hardworking, and Team-Oriented, which represent a variety of skills that are tracked on daily "Prep Notes," where teachers track and write notes on kids' behaviors and achievements that parents review every evening.</p> <p>DC Prep's incentives are also very interesting, as it has set up a "token economy" strategy tracked by Prep Notes. Kids are assigned "responsible dollars" and "irresponsible dollars" based on their classroom behavior tracked throughout each day on the Prep Notes. Responsible dollars go toward schoolwide incentives like class parties and field trips, giving students a little extra reason to go those extra miles.</p> <p>Speaking of parental reviews, DC Prep fosters a "virtuous cycle" of communication between parents, teachers, and students. Not only do parents get the Prep Notes, but they also receive regular "Bank Statements" to track their kids' academic and behavioral progress as well.</p> <p>Students and parents are definitely very engaged, given DC Prep's innovations and processes, but it has super-engaged teachers, too. In just one example, teachers are available until 8:00 every school night so parents and students may call them with questions. Instructors also receive more than 300 hours of professional development per year, and DC Prep sets up data days on which faculties can share learnings across campuses. DC Prep has a very data-driven approach to sharing information, emphasizing transparency and "no surprises."</p> <p>Ultimately, DC Prep aspires to serve 3,500 students across 10 campuses. That's where we can all come in, by contributing to DC Prep while supporting Tom's educational treadmill endeavor.</p> <p>Tom's taking on an aspirational challenge to walk a whopping 131 miles in five days. If he were taking to the actual roads instead of a treadmill desk, he could walk from D.C. to Philadelphia, where he could ponder sitting down for an authentic (and after all that exercise, likely guilt-free) Philly cheesesteak upon completion of the challenge.</p> <p>Meanwhile, DC Prep believes learning has no limits. Preppies aspire to the great things they can do with their lives and careers after they soak in a foundational, multifaceted education from their early years on -- one that prepares them with the right foundation to keep walking toward the future.</p> <p>Indeed, we also believe learning has no limits here at The Motley Fool, and our aim, as always, is to educate, amuse, and enrich. Help us cheer Tom on -- and support DC Prep's efforts to reach more and more kids.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/12/tom-gardners-settling-his-losing-bet-right-now-her.aspx" type="external">Tom Gardner's Settling His Losing Bet Right Now -- Here's How You Can Help Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFLomax/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Alyce Lomax Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Facebook. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Facebook and Twitter. 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>

2013 motley fool cofounder ceo tom gardner made bold bet publicly predicted point 2014 stock market would drop 10 recent high believe could good thing investors market didnt take kind significant hit tom vowed walk treadmill desk 262 miles per day five days runs business fool hq continue reading turn tom describes comical points short winning bet hes making good vow way thats fun challenging supporting great cause donate one toms favorite organizations public charter school dc prep check dc prep campaign page 131foolcom opens new window either make permile pledge contribute flat fee choice weve got 25000 fundraising goal wed love achieve even exceed hope youll contribute also check updates culture blog opens new windowand follow along twitter foolculture hashtag foolswalk131 check motley fool opens new window facebook page also check dc preps website opens new windowand follow twitter dcprep image source dc prep advertisement read compelling reasons support tom walks wager first lets ponder big investor education takeaway inherent toms bet heres upshot words fresh example withstanding market volatility occurred recently uks shocking brexit vote morgan housel gave counsel keep calm carry rest market panicked morgans article opens new window laid performance sampp 500 1871 2012 pointed fell 10 recent highs 97 times yet ultimately still increased 10000fold time frame clearly motley fool work foster kind calm temperaments allow us welcome market weakness even feels like severe weakness pick great stocks even better prices also try obsess shortterm madness daytoday marketplace toms prediction may come pass although squeaker part journey great investor achieving financial freedom learning educational moment second tier though tom devoting walking cause near dear heart 2003 dc prep launched single school 100 students today charter school network boast total five schools 1500 preschool 8thgrade students preppies wards 5 7 8 washingtons historically underserved neighborhoods heres dc prep makes grade tom dc prep remarkable charter school educates 1500 students dc area previously would access truly solid education makes optimistic longterm future education america even many systemic problems solved among many interesting things dc prep approach tuitionfree public charter school network open admissions process students admitted firstcome firstserved basis obviously big fan performance motley fool financial otherwise dc prep certainly focused four years running dc prep 1performing public charter school network washington based results 2015 parcc exam past dc cas exams addition 100 eighthgrade graduates since class 2007 accepted collegeprep high schools plenty ways dc prep helps preppies succeed fostering nurturing warm loving approach classroom surprisingly schools concentrate rigorous academics especially reading math clearly fundamental solid education however dc prep also teaches soft skills character education encourages students right thing utilizing skills prepare high school college rest careers schools lingo right stands respectful intelligent genuine hardworking teamoriented represent variety skills tracked daily prep notes teachers track write notes kids behaviors achievements parents review every evening dc preps incentives also interesting set token economy strategy tracked prep notes kids assigned responsible dollars irresponsible dollars based classroom behavior tracked throughout day prep notes responsible dollars go toward schoolwide incentives like class parties field trips giving students little extra reason go extra miles speaking parental reviews dc prep fosters virtuous cycle communication parents teachers students parents get prep notes also receive regular bank statements track kids academic behavioral progress well students parents definitely engaged given dc preps innovations processes superengaged teachers one example teachers available 800 every school night parents students may call questions instructors also receive 300 hours professional development per year dc prep sets data days faculties share learnings across campuses dc prep datadriven approach sharing information emphasizing transparency surprises ultimately dc prep aspires serve 3500 students across 10 campuses thats come contributing dc prep supporting toms educational treadmill endeavor toms taking aspirational challenge walk whopping 131 miles five days taking actual roads instead treadmill desk could walk dc philadelphia could ponder sitting authentic exercise likely guiltfree philly cheesesteak upon completion challenge meanwhile dc prep believes learning limits preppies aspire great things lives careers soak foundational multifaceted education early years one prepares right foundation keep walking toward future indeed also believe learning limits motley fool aim always educate amuse enrich help us cheer tom support dc preps efforts reach kids article tom gardners settling losing bet right heres help opens new window originally appeared foolcom alyce lomax opens new window owns shares facebook motley fool owns shares recommends facebook twitter 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>More unconstitutional spending coming out of Congress and the Trump administration, just like it has been during previous administrations.</p> <p>The latest discovery of unconstitutional, wasteful spending is a nearly $600,000 grant to finance a study that will look into designating &#8220;safe zones&#8221; for LGBTQ community members.</p> <p><a href="https://www.onenewsnow.com/education/2017/09/19/taxpayers-fund-600k-lgbtq-safe-zone-study" type="external">One News Now</a> reports:</p> <p>The federal government is awarding more than half a million dollars in taxpayer money in the form of grants to fund a study examining &#8220;safe zones&#8221; designated for engineering students who identify as members of the LGBTQ community.</p> <p>A grand total of $587,441 is being spent by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to finance a joint study titled &#8220;A Virtual Community of Practice to Promote LGBTQ Inclusion in Engineering&#8221; &#8211; a research project that includes the creation of an online Safe Zone course devised to offer inclusion training for engineering students, as well as for engineering professionals nationwide.</p> <p>According to NSF, the possibility of some gender-confused students feeling a bit uneasy about the acceptance of their sexuality while taking engineering courses warrants an investment of nearly $600,000 in taxpayers&#8217; money.</p> <p>Seriously, over half a million dollars to study a &#8220;possible problem&#8221;?</p> <p>It sounds to me like we have a much bigger problem than this. We have people in DC who take an oath to uphold the Constitution and abide by it and yet, they turn right around and appropriate this money to things the Constitution never gives them the authority to appropriate it to.</p> <p>&#8220;Recent research on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in engineering has shown that the climate can be unfriendly (or &#8216;chilly&#8217;) for both students and professionals,&#8221; <a href="https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1748499&amp;amp;HistoricalAwards=false%20" type="external">NSF&#8217;s award abstract reads</a>. &#8220;This project aims to increase the inclusion of LGBTQ students and professionals in engineering.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;It will provide support for new approaches to foster inclusion and research on how to enable faculty and staff to become change agents,&#8221; the abstract continues. &#8220;The project will identify issues faced by LGBTQ students and professionals in engineering, identify and implement strategies to create more welcoming engineering environments, and disseminate those strategies so that they can be expanded to a national level.&#8221;</p> <p>In other words, it&#8217;s to indoctrinate your kids to receive the behavior of the LGBTQ community as normal and perhaps, to even engage in that behavior.</p> <p>In fact, <a href="http://freebeacon.com/politics/feds-spend-587441-make-engineering-safe-zone-lgbtq-students/" type="external">The Washington Free Beacon</a> reports, &#8220;The study aims to &#8216;foster inclusion&#8217; and allow college faculty and professors to &#8216;become change agents.'&#8221;</p> <p>Over $100,000 of the money will be spent by the National Science Foundation to create &#8220;safe zone&#8221; inclusion training.</p> <p>The money is being given in two separate grants: the American Society for Engineering Education was awarded <a href="https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1748499&amp;amp;HistoricalAwards=false" type="external">$473,325</a> while the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was given <a href="https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1748473&amp;amp;HistoricalAwards=false" type="external">$114,116.</a></p> <p>&#8220;In addition, the research will be the basis of systematic development and formative refinement of an online SafeZone course to provide inclusion training to engineering students and professionals nationwide,&#8221; the grant states.</p> <p>&#8220;A chilly climate for LGBTQ individual [sic] can be found in every sector of STEM professions, where cultural norms and professional ideologies make it difficult to recognize and rectify exclusionary practices,&#8221; the grant continues. &#8220;One negative consequence of this chilly environment is difficulty in recruiting and retaining talented LGBTQ individuals into the engineering profession.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;This project uses qualitative research to generate new knowledge about the processes of developing a community of practice to promote LGBTQ inclusion in engineering, how the members of the community develop into change agents, and what strategies are effective in reshaping norms and increasing LGBTQ inclusion in engineering departments,&#8221; the grant added.</p> <p>In the past, we have seen how <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/the-most-egregious-ways-taxpayers-money-is-being-squandered/" type="external">money is spent unconstitutionally and wastefully in DC.</a> Here are some examples.</p> <p>Still, we have <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/balanced-budget-compact-still-peddling-wares-will-nothing-stop-unconstitutional-spending/" type="external">organizations promoting a Balanced Budget Amendment</a>, thinking that if they write more words, it will cause Congress to automatically obey them, even though they are not obeying the scope of their spending authority now.</p> <p>It&#8217;s way past time that the DC beast got out of education altogether, including higher education. It&#8217;s also high time that they stopped being given a pass to engage in unconstitutional spending.</p> <p>First, we should be electing representatives who understand what the Constitution says about what they can spend money on. I&#8217;ve recently come up with a simple thing that people could do at political rallies for candidates and that is to teach their children the first ten amendments and then ask the candidate to state those amendments to those he is seeking to represent. If he can&#8217;t, have your child cite them and then communicate loud and clear that your child is better suited to uphold the Constitution than they are.</p> <p>However, for those running for Congress, perhaps they could simply refer to their enumerated powers. These encompass their authority to spend.</p> <p>Second, when it comes to education, we should be teaching our children ourselves, not sending them to the public indoctrination centers. <a href="https://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com/public/3346.cfm?affID=Alive2god" type="external">To get started with that for free, click here.</a></p> <p>Finally, we need a return to states ignoring the Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling on sodomy laws and begin to deal with this epidemic of mental illness, as well as Christians must be bold in confronting those engaging in the practice, as well as those seeking to support and protect it with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</p> <p>Courtesy of <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/feds-unconstitutionally-funding-600000-lgbt-safe-zone-money/" type="external">Freedom Outpost</a></p> <p>Tim Brown is an author and Editor at <a href="http://freedomoutpost.com/" type="external">FreedomOutpost.com</a>, <a href="http://sonsoflibertymedia.com" type="external">SonsOfLibertyMedia.com</a>, <a href="http://gunsinthenews.com" type="external">GunsInTheNews.com</a> and <a href="http://thewashingtonstandard.com" type="external">TheWashingtonStandard.com</a>. He is husband to his &#8220;more precious than rubies&#8221; wife, father of 10 &#8220;mighty arrows&#8221;, jack of all trades, Christian and lover of liberty. He resides in the U.S. occupied Great State of South Carolina. Tim is also an affiliate for the <a href="joshuamark5.com" type="external">Joshua Mark 5 AR/AK hybrid semi-automatic rifle</a>. Follow Tim on <a href="https://twitter.com/FPPTim" type="external">Twitter</a>.</p> <p /> <p />

unconstitutional spending coming congress trump administration like previous administrations latest discovery unconstitutional wasteful spending nearly 600000 grant finance study look designating safe zones lgbtq community members one news reports federal government awarding half million dollars taxpayer money form grants fund study examining safe zones designated engineering students identify members lgbtq community grand total 587441 spent national science foundation nsf finance joint study titled virtual community practice promote lgbtq inclusion engineering research project includes creation online safe zone course devised offer inclusion training engineering students well engineering professionals nationwide according nsf possibility genderconfused students feeling bit uneasy acceptance sexuality taking engineering courses warrants investment nearly 600000 taxpayers money seriously half million dollars study possible problem sounds like much bigger problem people dc take oath uphold constitution abide yet turn right around appropriate money things constitution never gives authority appropriate recent research experiences lesbian gay bisexual transgender queer lgbtq individuals engineering shown climate unfriendly chilly students professionals nsfs award abstract reads project aims increase inclusion lgbtq students professionals engineering provide support new approaches foster inclusion research enable faculty staff become change agents abstract continues project identify issues faced lgbtq students professionals engineering identify implement strategies create welcoming engineering environments disseminate strategies expanded national level words indoctrinate kids receive behavior lgbtq community normal perhaps even engage behavior fact washington free beacon reports study aims foster inclusion allow college faculty professors become change agents 100000 money spent national science foundation create safe zone inclusion training money given two separate grants american society engineering education awarded 473325 university illinois urbanachampaign given 114116 addition research basis systematic development formative refinement online safezone course provide inclusion training engineering students professionals nationwide grant states chilly climate lgbtq individual sic found every sector stem professions cultural norms professional ideologies make difficult recognize rectify exclusionary practices grant continues one negative consequence chilly environment difficulty recruiting retaining talented lgbtq individuals engineering profession project uses qualitative research generate new knowledge processes developing community practice promote lgbtq inclusion engineering members community develop change agents strategies effective reshaping norms increasing lgbtq inclusion engineering departments grant added past seen money spent unconstitutionally wastefully dc examples still organizations promoting balanced budget amendment thinking write words cause congress automatically obey even though obeying scope spending authority way past time dc beast got education altogether including higher education also high time stopped given pass engage unconstitutional spending first electing representatives understand constitution says spend money ive recently come simple thing people could political rallies candidates teach children first ten amendments ask candidate state amendments seeking represent cant child cite communicate loud clear child better suited uphold constitution however running congress perhaps could simply refer enumerated powers encompass authority spend second comes education teaching children sending public indoctrination centers get started free click finally need return states ignoring supreme courts ruling sodomy laws begin deal epidemic mental illness well christians must bold confronting engaging practice well seeking support protect gospel jesus christ courtesy freedom outpost tim brown author editor freedomoutpostcom sonsoflibertymediacom gunsinthenewscom thewashingtonstandardcom husband precious rubies wife father 10 mighty arrows jack trades christian lover liberty resides us occupied great state south carolina tim also affiliate joshua mark 5 arak hybrid semiautomatic rifle follow tim twitter

<p /> <p>Image source: Microsoft.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Software giant Microsoft recently announced that it will be launching a next generation game console, codenamed Project Scorpio, in the 2017 holiday season. Project Scorpio promises to deliver a substantial boost in performance relative to the current generation Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles. This is expected to enable a dramatic improvement in the visual quality of games on the platform.</p> <p>Although the new console should serve to stimulate hardware revenue for Microsoft and should allow game studios to rake in some easy cash by selling remastered versions of older games, there's another potential beneficiary here: NVIDIA .</p> <p>NVIDIA isn't going to supply the processing components into the next generation Xbox. As far as gaming goes, NVIDIA's primary exposure to the market is through the sales of high performance graphics processors for personal computers.</p> <p>Most visually rich personal computer games are produced in tandem with the variants that land on the two major game consoles: Xbox and PlayStation. These games are incredibly expensive to produce, which means that game publishers want to reach as broad an audience as possible to increase the odds of getting a good return on investment (the game industry is quite brutal).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Many of these games still come with additional visual features for owners of high end gaming PCs so there's still clear incentive to play these cross-platform games on high end PCs rather than consoles.</p> <p>That being said, given that the game consoles are the development targets for these games, the more powerful the mainstream consoles are, the more developers will invest in higher quality visuals. This should raise the bar for the hardware that a gaming-capable PC will have.</p> <p>Microsoft says that Project Scorpio will feature more than six teraflops (a teraflop is a trillion floating point operations per second) of graphics compute capability. This means that in terms of raw horsepower, the new Xbox should be faster than NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 980 -- the company's flagship graphics card released in late 2014.</p> <p>In fact, it should be right up there with NVIDIA's recently released GeForce GTX 1070, at least in this metric.</p> <p>A point that NVIDIA's Jeff Fisher made in an investor presentation back in April is that game console class performance essentially represents the "new baseline" of what PC gamers should have in order to have a good experience (NVIDIA seems to define it as being able to play games using 1920x1080 resolution at 60 frames per second).</p> <p>Image source: NVIDIA.</p> <p>Fisher's presentation showed that, at least at the time, roughly 80% of the GeForce installed base had graphics cards slower than the graphics processor inside of the PlayStation 4. Once Project Scorpio launches, that bar should go up substantially.</p> <p>A higher bar should mean that current GeForce users that have been holding on to older cards may finally feel compelled to upgrade to new, higher performance cards. The downside to this, though, is that some PC gamers might feel that the consoles have become "good enough" and, depending on the pricing of the consoles relative to a new graphics card/new PC, could "defect" from PC gaming to console gaming (which would be negative for NVIDIA).</p> <p>That said, the growth NVIDIA has enjoyed in PC gaming since the last new console introductions suggests that the net effect is more likely to be positive than negative.</p> <p>By the time the new consoles roll out, NVIDIA is going to need to have a product portfolio that looks much different than it does today. In place of the current $199 GeForce GTX 960, the company will need to deliver something close to today's GeForce GTX 1070 for approximately that price. The 1070 is expected to hit prices as low as $379.</p> <p>The company will also need to offer graphics processors at higher price points that deliver substantially better performance than Project Scorpio. The GeForce GTX 1080, NVIDIA's current flagship graphics processor, can deliver around 9 teraflops of compute performance so it's already there. However, the larger the gap, the more likely it is that PC gamers will find value in shelling out for high end cards.</p> <p>The good news is that NVIDIA's upcoming <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/23/heres-why-nvidia-is-building-gp102.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">GP102 Opens a New Window.</a> is likely to be significantly faster than the GTX 1080, which is based on the GP104 chip. Further, I expect NVIDIA to transition its gaming products to its next generation Volta architecture sometime in the first half of 2018, which should allow NVIDIA to further widen the performance gap between the consoles and its PC-oriented graphics processors.</p> <p>In other words, NVIDIA can't let up on the performance increases that it delivers across its product stack.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/27/microsoft-corporations-project-scorpio-could-be-a.aspx" type="external">Microsoft Corporation's Project Scorpio Could Be a Positive for NVIDIA Corporation Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/aeassa/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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. 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=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 microsoft continue reading software giant microsoft recently announced launching next generation game console codenamed project scorpio 2017 holiday season project scorpio promises deliver substantial boost performance relative current generation xbox one xbox one consoles expected enable dramatic improvement visual quality games platform although new console serve stimulate hardware revenue microsoft allow game studios rake easy cash selling remastered versions older games theres another potential beneficiary nvidia nvidia isnt going supply processing components next generation xbox far gaming goes nvidias primary exposure market sales high performance graphics processors personal computers visually rich personal computer games produced tandem variants land two major game consoles xbox playstation games incredibly expensive produce means game publishers want reach broad audience possible increase odds getting good return investment game industry quite brutal advertisement many games still come additional visual features owners high end gaming pcs theres still clear incentive play crossplatform games high end pcs rather consoles said given game consoles development targets games powerful mainstream consoles developers invest higher quality visuals raise bar hardware gamingcapable pc microsoft says project scorpio feature six teraflops teraflop trillion floating point operations per second graphics compute capability means terms raw horsepower new xbox faster nvidias geforce gtx 980 companys flagship graphics card released late 2014 fact right nvidias recently released geforce gtx 1070 least metric point nvidias jeff fisher made investor presentation back april game console class performance essentially represents new baseline pc gamers order good experience nvidia seems define able play games using 1920x1080 resolution 60 frames per second image source nvidia fishers presentation showed least time roughly 80 geforce installed base graphics cards slower graphics processor inside playstation 4 project scorpio launches bar go substantially higher bar mean current geforce users holding older cards may finally feel compelled upgrade new higher performance cards downside though pc gamers might feel consoles become good enough depending pricing consoles relative new graphics cardnew pc could defect pc gaming console gaming would negative nvidia said growth nvidia enjoyed pc gaming since last new console introductions suggests net effect likely positive negative time new consoles roll nvidia going need product portfolio looks much different today place current 199 geforce gtx 960 company need deliver something close todays geforce gtx 1070 approximately price 1070 expected hit prices low 379 company also need offer graphics processors higher price points deliver substantially better performance project scorpio geforce gtx 1080 nvidias current flagship graphics processor deliver around 9 teraflops compute performance already however larger gap likely pc gamers find value shelling high end cards good news nvidias upcoming gp102 opens new window likely significantly faster gtx 1080 based gp104 chip expect nvidia transition gaming products next generation volta architecture sometime first half 2018 allow nvidia widen performance gap consoles pcoriented graphics processors words nvidia cant let performance increases delivers across product stack article microsoft corporations project scorpio could positive nvidia corporation opens new window originally appeared foolcom ashraf eassa opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends nvidia 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 copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Who's got time to sit and fret over our portfolios? Sure, we all like to check in from time to time to see how the companies we've chosen are doing, but when push comes to shove, if a stock is so high-maintenance that it needs to be constantly looked after, it's probably not a good one to own.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Investors should have a long-term outlook with the stocks they buy. Below are five big brand names investors can comfortably add to their portfolios without having to worry about babysitting them.</p> <p>Image source: Colgate-Palmolive.</p> <p>Known best for its toothpaste and dish detergent, Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) probably occupies more space in your linen closet, medicine cabinet, kitchen cupboard, and laundry room than you realize. With brands ranging from Speed Stick, Murphy Oil Soap, and Irish Spring to Ajax, Tom's of Maine, and Hill's pet food, Colgate is one of the top consumer products companies in the world. Approximately three-quarters of its total net sales come from markets outside of the U.S., and fully half of them are from emerging markets, limiting its risk from a downturn in any one region. Over the past decade, its stock has doubled in value, a fairly steady climb for a $60 billion company that also pays a dividend yielding 2.3%.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Like Colgate, bleach maker Clorox (NYSE: CLX) does a lot more than what it's usually recognized for, owning cleaners like Pine-Sol, 409, and Tilex, as well as Kingsford charcoal, Liquid-Plumr, and Fresh Step kitty litter. It's also a top consumer products maker, with more than 80% of sales coming from brands that hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their respective categories. Sales of its bleach, charcoal, and garbage bags (under the Glad brand) each account for more than 10% of Clorox's revenues. It also pays a dividend that yields a health 2.5%, and its stock has nearly doubled over the last 10 years.</p> <p>Image source: Harley-Davidson.</p> <p>There are few companies that inspire the kind of loyaltyHarley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) motorcycles do. It's become legend how hardcore riders would get tattoos of Harley's bar and shield logo, something you can't imagine someone doing for Colgate or Clorox (OK, maybe someone who really, really likes their toothpaste). The king of big bikes owns half of the heavyweight market for motorcycles 601 ccs and over, and despite changing rider demographics that have caused Harley to begin marketing its iron horses beyond the middle-aged male that traditionally made up its core customer, there's no one even close to supplanting its premier place in the motorcycle market. The financial crash hit Harley-Davidson hard, but its shares have more than quintupled in value since then.</p> <p>Hershey (NYSE: HSY) is synonymous with chocolate and is the largest producer in North America, where it generates more than 85% of its revenues. It also owns almost a third of the market share in the U.S., but it's also a global leader in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery. In all, it sells some $7.4 billion worth of product globally each year, and although changing consumer tastes and concerns about health have recently trimmed sales growth, it sees global market opportunities as a chance to expand its share. That could lead to further growth in its stock, which over the last 10 years, has more than doubled in value.</p> <p>Image source: Rubbermaid.</p> <p>Another brand conglomerate, Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) also has a portfolio of well-known brands including Sharpie, Elmer's, and X-Acto, but specifically thanks to its acquisition of Jarden last year, it now also owns sports equipment maker Rawlings, camping gear specialist Coleman, consumer electrics brands like Oster, Sunbeam, Foodsaver, and Mr. Coffee, as well as the Yankee Candle brand. Let's not forget Rubbermaid, either. And there's much more! Newell has made quite a number of acquisitions over the years, and it anticipates making more in the future as it executes what it calls its Growth Game Plan, which essentially rolls up a market under its umbrella. Growth by acquisition isn't always an easy strategy to deploy, but Newell Brands has made a successful go at it, and its stock has improved 57% over the preceding decade.</p> <p>Because these brand names provide a measure of confidence in the strength, quality, and consistency of their product, consumers keep coming back for more time after time. It's also why a portfolio of big brand companies is one you don't have to babysit.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than The Clorox CompanyWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=1e1984e1-7941-4118-aa50-9fc18d659335&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now...and The Clorox Company wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=1e1984e1-7941-4118-aa50-9fc18d659335&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/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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>

whos got time sit fret portfolios sure like check time time see companies weve chosen push comes shove stock highmaintenance needs constantly looked probably good one continue reading investors longterm outlook stocks buy five big brand names investors comfortably add portfolios without worry babysitting image source colgatepalmolive known best toothpaste dish detergent colgatepalmolive nyse cl probably occupies space linen closet medicine cabinet kitchen cupboard laundry room realize brands ranging speed stick murphy oil soap irish spring ajax toms maine hills pet food colgate one top consumer products companies world approximately threequarters total net sales come markets outside us fully half emerging markets limiting risk downturn one region past decade stock doubled value fairly steady climb 60 billion company also pays dividend yielding 23 advertisement like colgate bleach maker clorox nyse clx lot usually recognized owning cleaners like pinesol 409 tilex well kingsford charcoal liquidplumr fresh step kitty litter also top consumer products maker 80 sales coming brands hold 1 2 market share positions respective categories sales bleach charcoal garbage bags glad brand account 10 cloroxs revenues also pays dividend yields health 25 stock nearly doubled last 10 years image source harleydavidson companies inspire kind loyaltyharleydavidson nyse hog motorcycles become legend hardcore riders would get tattoos harleys bar shield logo something cant imagine someone colgate clorox ok maybe someone really really likes toothpaste king big bikes owns half heavyweight market motorcycles 601 ccs despite changing rider demographics caused harley begin marketing iron horses beyond middleaged male traditionally made core customer theres one even close supplanting premier place motorcycle market financial crash hit harleydavidson hard shares quintupled value since hershey nyse hsy synonymous chocolate largest producer north america generates 85 revenues also owns almost third market share us also global leader chocolate nonchocolate confectionery sells 74 billion worth product globally year although changing consumer tastes concerns health recently trimmed sales growth sees global market opportunities chance expand share could lead growth stock last 10 years doubled value image source rubbermaid another brand conglomerate newell brands nyse nwl also portfolio wellknown brands including sharpie elmers xacto specifically thanks acquisition jarden last year also owns sports equipment maker rawlings camping gear specialist coleman consumer electrics brands like oster sunbeam foodsaver mr coffee well yankee candle brand lets forget rubbermaid either theres much newell made quite number acquisitions years anticipates making future executes calls growth game plan essentially rolls market umbrella growth acquisition isnt always easy strategy deploy newell brands made successful go stock improved 57 preceding decade brand names provide measure confidence strength quality consistency product consumers keep coming back time time also portfolio big brand companies one dont babysit 10 stocks like better clorox companywhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand clorox company wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 rich duprey opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>For investors, it's usually a good idea to greet pitches about the "next big thing" with a hefty dose of skepticism. After all, these hyped-up technologies rarely deliver the transformative shift that they promised. And even if the next Segway scooter or Kindle e-reader does somehow change the rules, that's no guarantee that it will produce good returns for the shareholders of the companies involved.</p> <p>Yet that's no reason to ignore the major trends that threaten to reshape entire industries. One particularly powerful emerging technology is drones, those tiny flying vehicles that you're probably noticing zip through the skies around you with more frequency lately.</p> <p>According to a recent <a href="http://www.pwc.pl/pl/pdf/clarity-from-above-pwc.pdf" type="external">report from PwC Opens a New Window.</a> (link opens PDF), drones have the potential to replace $130 billion of business across key areas of the economy, including transportation, security, and agriculture. The media and entertainment sector is right in the crosshairs of this shift, with nearly $9 billion of possible impact.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Start with the most obvious application: aerial photography and filming. After all, one of the key benefits of a drone is that it can capture images and video with more flexibility and at a tiny fraction of the cost of a helicopter.</p> <p>That's what makes the segment so attractive to GoPro (NASDAQ: GPRO), whose cameras already find themselves attached to drones that are produced by other companies. With its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/09/16/gopro-stock-has-a-lot-to-prove-on-monday.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Karma release this week Opens a New Window.</a>, the sport-camera specialist aims to tackle this space and begin to capitalize on the fact that consumers already see it as a drone company even though it hasn't sold one under its own brand.</p> <p>Teaser video from the Karma drone. Source: GoPro.</p> <p>"We're uniquely positioned to be successful out of the gates with Karma, given the strength of GoPro's brand in the drone category," the company's chief financial officer told investors early this year, adding, "even though GoPro has not had a drone product." That optimistic reading will be put to a serious test this holiday season.</p> <p>Ambarella (NASDAQ: AMBA), which produces the tech that powers tiny portable cameras, is another important company to watch in this space. GoPro is one of its biggest customers, and a successful launch of Karma might help it recover its lost growth momentum.</p> <p>However, Ambarella's <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/05/ambarella-incs-biggest-win-in-2016-so-far.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">high-end product focus Opens a New Window.</a>, which includes features like 4K resolution and electronic image stabilization, also position it for growth in applications outside of the consumer world -- in places like the professional filming of commercials, movies, and sporting events. Investors are hoping that this quality focus is the right strategy to defend against low-cost competitors that are flooding the market.</p> <p>Rather than just filming the entertainment, however, drones can also turn into the main draw themselves. Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) last year put on a light show that featured 100 drones moving in concert to orchestra music. "We have visions of going from 100 to 1,000, over time," CEO Brian Krzanich said, in a nod to how easily the technology could scale.</p> <p>Source: Intel.</p> <p>The applications of Intel's hardware and software solutions include sporting events where drones would entertain onlookers during breaks, as well as use in populated areas where they might project or carry advertisements. In any case, these devices will play a key role in its Internet of Things division.</p> <p>Disney (NYSE: DIS) is also looking to be an early adopter of this technology for entertainment purposes. The House of Mouse plans to use drones around its theme parks for creating lighting effects and potentially replacing those loud nightly firework shows. The devices could eventually do much more, though, including animating dozens of small, or a handful of giant, flying puppet characters in the skies above its resorts. In a few years, the drone shows might just become a staple at Disney parks and help keep those ticket sales churn higher.</p> <p>It's impossible to predict which companies, if any, will capture persistent returns from the emerging popularity of drones in the entertainment and media world. The good news is that investors have a wide range of risk-return matchups to consider -- everything from highly dependent companies like GoPro and Ambarella to more diversified options like Intel and Disney.</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/TMFSigma/info.aspx" type="external">Demitrios Kalogeropoulos Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ambarella, GoPro, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;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 investors usually good idea greet pitches next big thing hefty dose skepticism hypedup technologies rarely deliver transformative shift promised even next segway scooter kindle ereader somehow change rules thats guarantee produce good returns shareholders companies involved yet thats reason ignore major trends threaten reshape entire industries one particularly powerful emerging technology drones tiny flying vehicles youre probably noticing zip skies around frequency lately according recent report pwc opens new window link opens pdf drones potential replace 130 billion business across key areas economy including transportation security agriculture media entertainment sector right crosshairs shift nearly 9 billion possible impact advertisement start obvious application aerial photography filming one key benefits drone capture images video flexibility tiny fraction cost helicopter thats makes segment attractive gopro nasdaq gpro whose cameras already find attached drones produced companies karma release week opens new window sportcamera specialist aims tackle space begin capitalize fact consumers already see drone company even though hasnt sold one brand teaser video karma drone source gopro uniquely positioned successful gates karma given strength gopros brand drone category companys chief financial officer told investors early year adding even though gopro drone product optimistic reading put serious test holiday season ambarella nasdaq amba produces tech powers tiny portable cameras another important company watch space gopro one biggest customers successful launch karma might help recover lost growth momentum however ambarellas highend product focus opens new window includes features like 4k resolution electronic image stabilization also position growth applications outside consumer world places like professional filming commercials movies sporting events investors hoping quality focus right strategy defend lowcost competitors flooding market rather filming entertainment however drones also turn main draw intel nasdaq intc last year put light show featured 100 drones moving concert orchestra music visions going 100 1000 time ceo brian krzanich said nod easily technology could scale source intel applications intels hardware software solutions include sporting events drones would entertain onlookers breaks well use populated areas might project carry advertisements case devices play key role internet things division disney nyse dis also looking early adopter technology entertainment purposes house mouse plans use drones around theme parks creating lighting effects potentially replacing loud nightly firework shows devices could eventually much though including animating dozens small handful giant flying puppet characters skies resorts years drone shows might become staple disney parks help keep ticket sales churn higher impossible predict companies capture persistent returns emerging popularity drones entertainment media world good news investors wide range riskreturn matchups consider everything highly dependent companies like gopro ambarella diversified options like intel disney secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run earlyintheknow investors one click opens new window demitrios kalogeropoulos opens new window owns shares walt disney motley fool owns shares recommends ambarella gopro walt disney motley fool recommends intel try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>For many Americans, Social Security provides the foundational income upon which their retirement is built. A lifetime of poor savings habits has, according to the Social Security Administration, led more than 60% of currently retired workers to rely on their benefits to comprise at least half of their monthly income. Without this income, it's pretty safe to assume that many more seniors would be living below the poverty rate.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Things aren't much different for the future generation of retirees, either. According to a 2016 report from the Insured Retirement Institute, 59% of baby boomers who weren't yet retired intimated that they would be counting on Social Security as a "major" source of income during their retirement.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Unfortunately, this vital source of income for seniors is facing an imminent funding shortfall. According to the Social Security Board of Trustees report from last year, the program is expected to exhaust its more than $2.8 trillion in excess cash by the year 2034. This is as a result of baby boomers retiring and weighing down the worker-to-beneficiary ratio, as well as life expectancies steadily lengthening over the past five decades. The Trustees report has suggested that a 21% across-the-board cut in benefits may be needed to sustain payouts through 2090.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The end result is that newly retired seniors, along with pre-retirees and today's working Americans, may be forced to do with less when they retire. Thankfully, they won't have to worry about insolvency, since Social Security derives nearly all of its revenue from the payroll tax on working Americans. As long as people keep working, Social Security will continue to collect revenue that it can disburse to its more than 61 million recipients (two-thirds of whom are retired workers).</p> <p>A benefits cut, however, isn't the only concern that retirees have to face. Most of them may also be surprised to find out that they'll likely owe some federal income tax on their Social Security benefits.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>In 1983, Congress passed a smorgasbord of amendments to Social Security. It was the last time such a series of major amendments was made to the program. One of those amendments included the introduction of federal income taxation over a certain threshold of income. Individuals with more than $25,000 and joint filers with more than $32,000 in earned income could have 50% of their Social Security benefits exposed to federal ordinary income taxes.</p> <p>Another tier of taxation was added in 1993. Any individual with more than $34,000 and couples with more than $44,000 in earned income could have 85% of their Social Security benefits taxed at the federal ordinary income rate.</p> <p>When it was first introduced in 1983, the taxation of benefits was only expected to impact about one in 10 households. By 1993, it was fewer than one in five households. As of 2015, according to The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), it was <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/05/08/this-33-year-old-social-security-rule-is-wreaking.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">affecting well over half of all seniors Opens a New Window.</a>. The problem, as told by TSCL, is that lawmakers haven't adjusted the taxation thresholds for inflation in 34 years. This means that more than half of all Social Security recipients are parting with cash they may need for retirement.</p> <p>As if that weren't bad enough, there are a handful of states that tax Social Security benefits as well.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Here are the 13 states that currently tax Social Security income:</p> <p>Of course, not all states that tax Social Security are inherently bad places to retire in. Both Rhode Island and Missouri have pretty high adjusted gross income exemptions for individuals and couples. On the other hand, Minnesota, North Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia have no such exemptions, and have chosen to follow the federal taxation schedule. If you live in any of these states, you may have to fork over even more in taxes.</p> <p>However, one state that Kiplinger has dubbed among the least tax-friendly in the U.S. could be on the precipice of giving Social Security beneficiaries a much-deserved break.</p> <p>According to the financial publication,Minnesota has an average combined state and local tax rate of 7.27% (based on the Tax Foundation's data), an income tax range of 5.35% on the low end to 9.85% on the high end, and its Social Security taxation mirrors that of the federal government. This means individuals earning more than $25,000 and couples with more than $32,000 annuallyare going to pay tax on a portion of their Social Security benefits.</p> <p>Minneapolis, Minn. skyline. Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Last week, Minnesota House Republicans introduced legislation that would cut $1.35 billion in taxes from state's budget, which is doable since it is expected to run a $1.65 billion surplus. A significant component of this $1.35 billion tax reduction ($270 million) comes in the form of Social Security tax reforms.</p> <p>Though the precise figures are still being debated, MPR News <a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/03/22/republican-tax-cut-plan-social-security" type="external">has reported Opens a New Window.</a> that Republican House tax chair Greg Davids wants to double the Social Security income thresholds for married couples from $32,000 to $64,000. No mention is made of the individual tax thresholds, but one can only assume they would double to $50,000 as well. According to Davids:</p> <p>It's unclear just how much of a Social Security tax break seniors in Minnesota could be in line for, but it's pretty clear that something positive appears headed their way.</p> <p>And this isn't the first instance of a Social Security-taxing state looking to change the perception that it is unfriendly to retirees. Just a month ago, various news sources reported that lawmakers in Connecticut were <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/03/13/wow-this-state-may-stop-taxing-social-security-ben.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">tinkering with the idea Opens a New Window.</a> of doing away with the state-level taxation of Social Security benefits. Admittedly, it could be a bit tougher to eliminate state-level Social Security taxes in Connecticut given that it is expecting an estimated budget shortfall of $1.7 billion, which is a far cry from Minnesota's surplus of $1.65 billion.</p> <p>Nonetheless, that's two of 13 states in a matter of a month. This could represent a new and promising trend for seniors. It's important not to count your chickens before they're hatched, but it's possible that both Minnesota and Connecticut could prove considerably friendlier to senior citizens in the months and years to come.</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 americans social security provides foundational income upon retirement built lifetime poor savings habits according social security administration led 60 currently retired workers rely benefits comprise least half monthly income without income pretty safe assume many seniors would living poverty rate continue reading things arent much different future generation retirees either according 2016 report insured retirement institute 59 baby boomers werent yet retired intimated would counting social security major source income retirement image source getty images unfortunately vital source income seniors facing imminent funding shortfall according social security board trustees report last year program expected exhaust 28 trillion excess cash year 2034 result baby boomers retiring weighing workertobeneficiary ratio well life expectancies steadily lengthening past five decades trustees report suggested 21 acrosstheboard cut benefits may needed sustain payouts 2090 advertisement end result newly retired seniors along preretirees todays working americans may forced less retire thankfully wont worry insolvency since social security derives nearly revenue payroll tax working americans long people keep working social security continue collect revenue disburse 61 million recipients twothirds retired workers benefits cut however isnt concern retirees face may also surprised find theyll likely owe federal income tax social security benefits image source getty images 1983 congress passed smorgasbord amendments social security last time series major amendments made program one amendments included introduction federal income taxation certain threshold income individuals 25000 joint filers 32000 earned income could 50 social security benefits exposed federal ordinary income taxes another tier taxation added 1993 individual 34000 couples 44000 earned income could 85 social security benefits taxed federal ordinary income rate first introduced 1983 taxation benefits expected impact one 10 households 1993 fewer one five households 2015 according senior citizens league tscl affecting well half seniors opens new window problem told tscl lawmakers havent adjusted taxation thresholds inflation 34 years means half social security recipients parting cash may need retirement werent bad enough handful states tax social security benefits well image source getty images 13 states currently tax social security income course states tax social security inherently bad places retire rhode island missouri pretty high adjusted gross income exemptions individuals couples hand minnesota north dakota vermont west virginia exemptions chosen follow federal taxation schedule live states may fork even taxes however one state kiplinger dubbed among least taxfriendly us could precipice giving social security beneficiaries muchdeserved break according financial publicationminnesota average combined state local tax rate 727 based tax foundations data income tax range 535 low end 985 high end social security taxation mirrors federal government means individuals earning 25000 couples 32000 annuallyare going pay tax portion social security benefits minneapolis minn skyline image source pixabay last week minnesota house republicans introduced legislation would cut 135 billion taxes states budget doable since expected run 165 billion surplus significant component 135 billion tax reduction 270 million comes form social security tax reforms though precise figures still debated mpr news reported opens new window republican house tax chair greg davids wants double social security income thresholds married couples 32000 64000 mention made individual tax thresholds one assume would double 50000 well according davids unclear much social security tax break seniors minnesota could line pretty clear something positive appears headed way isnt first instance social securitytaxing state looking change perception unfriendly retirees month ago various news sources reported lawmakers connecticut tinkering idea opens new window away statelevel taxation social security benefits admittedly could bit tougher eliminate statelevel social security taxes connecticut given expecting estimated budget shortfall 17 billion far cry minnesotas surplus 165 billion nonetheless thats two 13 states matter month could represent new promising trend seniors important count chickens theyre hatched possible minnesota connecticut could prove considerably friendlier senior citizens months years come 16122 social security bonus retirees completely overlook youre like americans youre years behind retirement savings handful littleknown social security secrets could help ensure boost retirement income example one easy trick could pay much 16122 year learn maximize social security benefits think could retire confidently peace mind simply click discover learn strategies opens new window motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Source: Dynagas LNG Partners.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The stock market can be volatile at times, especially with high-yield LNG tanker stocks such as GasLog (NYSE: GLOG) and Golar LNG (NASDAQ: GLNG); their respective MLPs, GasLog Partners (NYSE: GLOP), Golar LNG Partners (NASDAQ: GMLP); and two other LNG MLPs, Dynagas LNG Partners (NYSE: DLNG) and Teekay LNG Partners (NYSE: TGP).</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/GLOG/chart/" type="external">Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/GLOG/total_return_price" type="external">GLOG Total Return Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Naturally, it can be difficult for dividend investors to determine whether any or all of these recent price fluctuations are justified. Even harder is determining which of these LNG tanker stocks, if any, are likely to make good long-term investments. However, such a task is not impossible. As we shall soon see, there are several reasons why half of these six are currently worth owning.</p> <p>The business model doesn't really justify the recent share rally ...At first glance, the recent rally in LNG tanker stocks makes little sense. After all, other than Golar LNG, which has65% of its fleet operating in the short-term spot market, all of these stocks derive their cash flows from long-term, fixed-fee contracts that have to do with the transportation of natural gas. Thus, a rally in oil prices wouldn't seem to benefit them much, if at all. However, this isn't necessarily true.</p> <p>For one thing, low oil prices have had oil companies slashing expenses, and LNG export projects are immensely costly and take many years to bring online. Thus, it's possible that cash flow-desperate oil companies may end up cancelling LNG export projects out of necessity, potentially reducing demand for LNG tankers.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Source: Rystad Energy</p> <p>In addition, many LNG contractsinmajor LNG import markets--Asia andEurope -- are linked to oil prices. Ascrude prices have collapsed, the price advantage of importing U.S. natural gas has plummeted as well.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/indicators/us_natural_gas_imports_price" type="external">US Natural Gas Imports Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a></p> <p>... but here's whythat doesn't necessarily matterOne of the main reasons to invest in LNG tanker stocksis sustainable, generous, dividend income today with strong payout growth potential in the future.By those measures, half of thesestocks could prove to be excellent dividend growthinvestments over the coming decade:</p> <p>Sources: Yahoo! Finance, Fastgraphs, Morningstar,company 10-Ks, management guidance.</p> <p>Note that Golar LNG generated negative free cash flow, as well as a large GAAP loss inits latest quarter. It also slashed its dividend 89% this quarter. It's suffering from heavy exposure to short-term tanker pricing, which has been depressed over the past few years because of vessel oversupply.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Teekay LNG Partners recently cut its distribution 80%, which explains the sky-high distribution coverage ratio. The cut was necessarybecause ofits heavy debt load andthe large amount of contracted expenses it has coming due over the next few years, mostly new tanker construction.</p> <p>Finally, remember to be skeptical of payout growth projections, since they're only estimates, whether coming from management or analysts. Dividend investors should prioritize long-term sustainability of a payout -- which requiresa solid distribution coverage ratio.</p> <p>GasLog, GasLog Partners, Golar LNG Partners, and Dynagas LNG Partners all seem to have reasonably secure payouts for the time being. While this situation makes short-term distribution cuts less likely, it doesn't necessarily guarantee their current dividend payemtns. That's because payout sustainability can be wrecked by an over-leveragedbalance sheet.</p> <p>Risks to consider</p> <p>Sources: Morningstar, company 10-Ks.</p> <p>The LNG Tanker business is a capital intensive one, so a great deal of debt is to be expected. However, GasLog has an enormous leverage ratio, as well as nearly $1.5 billion in obligations coming due relatively soon. This makes me skeptical of the long-term sustainability of its dividend, despite its recent move to refinance all debt maturing between now and FY2017.</p> <p>Teekay LNG Partners has a similar problem -- high debt and huge obligations on its distributable cash flow.</p> <p>Meanwhile, GasLog Partners and Dynagas LNG Partners also have relatively high leverage ratios -- rating agencies usually like to see no higher than 4.5 -- but their ratios are still probably small enough to prove manageable. In addition,their small short-term capital obligationsmean that, shouldenergyprices not recover by2018, neither would, most likely, have totake on additional debt.</p> <p>Bottom lineIt seems increasingly likely that we are on the cusp of increased <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/14/3-ways-to-take-advantage-of-the-coming-lng-shippin.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">LNG trade growth Opens a New Window.</a> over the coming decades. However, dividend investors wanting to cash in on this trend need to be careful thattheirLNG tanker stocks allhave long-term contracts, well-covered payouts, and manageable debt and short-term capital obligations.</p> <p>Possessingall three characteristics,Golar LNG Partners, GasLog Partners, and Dynagas LNG Partners, represent the best long-term income opportunities in this industry.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/14/6-high-yield-dividend-stocks-and-why-only-3-are-wo.aspx" type="external">6 High-Yield Dividend Stocks, and Why Only 3 Are Worth Owning Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/AdamGalas/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Adam Galas Opens a New Window.</a> owns units of Dynagas LNG Partners. 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>

source dynagas lng partners continue reading stock market volatile times especially highyield lng tanker stocks gaslog nyse glog golar lng nasdaq glng respective mlps gaslog partners nyse glop golar lng partners nasdaq gmlp two lng mlps dynagas lng partners nyse dlng teekay lng partners nyse tgp opens new window glog total return price data ycharts opens new window naturally difficult dividend investors determine whether recent price fluctuations justified even harder determining lng tanker stocks likely make good longterm investments however task impossible shall soon see several reasons half six currently worth owning business model doesnt really justify recent share rally first glance recent rally lng tanker stocks makes little sense golar lng has65 fleet operating shortterm spot market stocks derive cash flows longterm fixedfee contracts transportation natural gas thus rally oil prices wouldnt seem benefit much however isnt necessarily true one thing low oil prices oil companies slashing expenses lng export projects immensely costly take many years bring online thus possible cash flowdesperate oil companies may end cancelling lng export projects necessity potentially reducing demand lng tankers advertisement source rystad energy addition many lng contractsinmajor lng import marketsasia andeurope linked oil prices ascrude prices collapsed price advantage importing us natural gas plummeted well us natural gas imports price data ycharts heres whythat doesnt necessarily matterone main reasons invest lng tanker stocksis sustainable generous dividend income today strong payout growth potential futureby measures half thesestocks could prove excellent dividend growthinvestments coming decade sources yahoo finance fastgraphs morningstarcompany 10ks management guidance note golar lng generated negative free cash flow well large gaap loss inits latest quarter also slashed dividend 89 quarter suffering heavy exposure shortterm tanker pricing depressed past years vessel oversupply meanwhile teekay lng partners recently cut distribution 80 explains skyhigh distribution coverage ratio cut necessarybecause ofits heavy debt load andthe large amount contracted expenses coming due next years mostly new tanker construction finally remember skeptical payout growth projections since theyre estimates whether coming management analysts dividend investors prioritize longterm sustainability payout requiresa solid distribution coverage ratio gaslog gaslog partners golar lng partners dynagas lng partners seem reasonably secure payouts time situation makes shortterm distribution cuts less likely doesnt necessarily guarantee current dividend payemtns thats payout sustainability wrecked overleveragedbalance sheet risks consider sources morningstar company 10ks lng tanker business capital intensive one great deal debt expected however gaslog enormous leverage ratio well nearly 15 billion obligations coming due relatively soon makes skeptical longterm sustainability dividend despite recent move refinance debt maturing fy2017 teekay lng partners similar problem high debt huge obligations distributable cash flow meanwhile gaslog partners dynagas lng partners also relatively high leverage ratios rating agencies usually like see higher 45 ratios still probably small enough prove manageable additiontheir small shortterm capital obligationsmean shouldenergyprices recover by2018 neither would likely totake additional debt bottom lineit seems increasingly likely cusp increased lng trade growth opens new window coming decades however dividend investors wanting cash trend need careful thattheirlng tanker stocks allhave longterm contracts wellcovered payouts manageable debt shortterm capital obligations possessingall three characteristicsgolar lng partners gaslog partners dynagas lng partners represent best longterm income opportunities industry article 6 highyield dividend stocks 3 worth owning opens new window originally appeared foolcom adam galas opens new window owns units dynagas lng partners 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>Fox News contributor Karl Rove was criticized in the media for objecting to the channel calling Ohio for Barack Obama on election night. The state of Ohio did in fact go for Obama and the channel was correct in making that prediction. Like many other Fox News commentators, Rove had mistakenly forecast a Romney victory. He was only alone in thinking this was still possible as election night wore on and the results from Ohio came in.</p> <p>A more important controversy, however, is what Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, did with the $300 million that he raised from conservative donors for the purpose of defeating Barack Obama and electing a Republican Senate.</p> <p>On Fox News, <a href="http://thehill.com/video/campaign/266941-rove-in-retrospect-romney-didnt-respond-aggressively-enough-to-attacks" type="external">Rove blamed Mitt Romney&#8217;s campaign</a> for not responding aggressively to attacks on the Republican presidential nominee. But his close friend and associate, Ed Gillespie, was a top Romney adviser.</p> <p>Rove&#8217;s status as a Fox News contributor and a Wall Street Journal columnist makes it unlikely that these media properties will address this sensitive topic in detail. But Erick Erickson of Red State is tackling what he calls &#8220; <a href="http://www.redstate.com/2012/11/28/the-incestuous-bleeding-of-the-republican-party/" type="external">The Incestuous Bleeding of the Republican Party</a>&#8221; through questionable financial ties and arrangements. Focusing on a location where many of these groups are based, Erickson says, &#8220;The fifth floor of 66 Canal Center Plaza reveals a tangled web of incestuous relationships among Republican consultants who have made millions all while the GOP went down the tubes.&#8221;</p> <p>The New York Times had previously published an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/us/politics/loose-border-of-super-pac-and-romney-campaign.html?pagewanted=all" type="external">article</a> and a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/02/26/us/politics/66-canal-center-plaza-suite-555.html" type="external">graphic</a> about many of these entities showing the interlocking relationship between Rove, Republican Super PACs, and consultants hired by the Romney campaign.</p> <p>The influence of &#8220;Boss Rove,&#8221; as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1451694938" type="external">a controversial new book</a> by Craig Unger calls him, certainly cries out for scrutiny.</p> <p>Unger&#8217;s book notes that the Rove organizations, American Crossroads and Crossroads GPS, were pitched to conservative donors as &#8220;the answer to outside groups such as George Soros&#8217;s Democracy Alliance or labor unions that had historically supported Democrats.&#8221;</p> <p>But it didn&#8217;t work out that way. &#8220;You beat Karl Rove at his own game,&#8221; boasts Bradley Beychok of American Bridge, in a message to his &#8220;progressive&#8221; supporters. American Bridge is the Democratic Super PAC started by David Brock, founder of the George Soros-funded Media Matters. Beychok said Rove &#8220;armed his Super PACs with hundreds of millions of dollars, and went on an old-fashioned spending spree using a strategy that just didn&#8217;t work.&#8221;</p> <p>In a challenge to Rove&#8217;s status as a political power broker in the Republican Party, conservative political consultants Larry Ward and Carter Clews have written an article charging that Rove indeed did have a failed strategy. He did not run &#8220;one hard-hitting ad&#8221; against Obama on scandals like Fast and Furious, the gun-running operation to Mexico that resulted in the murder of a Border Patrol agent, and Benghazigate, the Administration&#8217;s cover-up of terrorist involvement in the murders of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11.</p> <p>Larry Ward is the President of Political Media, Inc. and Carter Clews is President of CLC Consulting, a political consulting firm. Their article, &#8220;How Karl Rove, Inc. wasted conservative donors&#8217; $300 million,&#8221; is <a href="http://www.worldtribune.com/2012/11/16/how-karl-rove-inc-wasted-conservative-donors-300-million/" type="external">posted</a> at World Tribune.</p> <p>Ward and Clews call Rove &#8220;the political world&#8217;s pre-eminent empty-suit analyst&#8221; who wasted $300 million that could have been used to defeat Obama, elect real conservatives to Congress, and underwrite the activities of authentic conservative groups. They say Rove&#8217;s strategy of moving to the center and the left, in order to appeal to Obama voters, &#8220;drove away millions of hardcore conservative activists who form the base of the Republican Party.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;The bottom line is that the Republican Party cannot afford any more Rove Tuesdays,&#8221; Ward and Clews argue. &#8220;The further he leads the party away from its core values, the more distant its chances of regaining either its dignity, or its dominance. And the more money he siphons away from worthy conservative organizations that reflect and project the party&#8217;s principles, the less chance the GOP has of reactivating its critical base.&#8221;</p> <p>There are reports that some of Rove&#8217;s donors have had enough and may be prepared to put their money to use in other ways that benefit the conservative movement.</p> <p>&#8220;I heard complaints from Rove&#8217;s conservative donors four weeks in advance of the election,&#8221; filmmaker Joel Gilbert told Accuracy in Media. &#8220;They kept asking, &#8216;where is the money being spent?&#8217;&#8221; The questions intensified after Obama&#8217;s victory and the Democrats achieved a larger 55-45 majority in the Senate.</p> <p>Gilbert, who directed the documentary &#8220; <a href="http://www.obamasrealfather.com/" type="external">Dreams from My Real Father</a>,&#8221; about Obama&#8217;s Marxist roots, notes that Rove had argued to conservative donors that the winning strategy for Republicans was to place ads focusing on the poor economy.</p> <p>Gilbert&#8217;s film, which was distributed to millions of voters and argued that Obama&#8217;s real biological and ideological father was Communist Party USA propagandist Frank Marshall Davis, attempted to expose Obama&#8217;s character and background. But Rove, Romney and Republican leaders did not want to raise these issues. In fact, Rove had argued that calling Obama a socialist or left-winger would backfire.</p> <p>Gilbert argued that Obama was a pop-culture phenomenon with a high &#8220;likability&#8221; factor and that &#8220;Voters perceived Obama as a nice man with an inspiring family story.&#8221; The right strategy, he says, was to expose Obama&#8217;s Marxist views, the role of Frank Marshall Davis in molding Obama&#8217;s political philosophy, and Obama&#8217;s questionable statements about his own upbringing.</p> <p>Gilbert says, &#8220;If Republicans had made Obama&#8217;s Marxist agenda and personal background the main issues of the campaign, Americans would have had a much clearer understanding of the choice between American values and Marxism.&#8221;</p>

fox news contributor karl rove criticized media objecting channel calling ohio barack obama election night state ohio fact go obama channel correct making prediction like many fox news commentators rove mistakenly forecast romney victory alone thinking still possible election night wore results ohio came important controversy however rove former deputy chief staff senior advisor president george w bush 300 million raised conservative donors purpose defeating barack obama electing republican senate fox news rove blamed mitt romneys campaign responding aggressively attacks republican presidential nominee close friend associate ed gillespie top romney adviser roves status fox news contributor wall street journal columnist makes unlikely media properties address sensitive topic detail erick erickson red state tackling calls incestuous bleeding republican party questionable financial ties arrangements focusing location many groups based erickson says fifth floor 66 canal center plaza reveals tangled web incestuous relationships among republican consultants made millions gop went tubes new york times previously published article graphic many entities showing interlocking relationship rove republican super pacs consultants hired romney campaign influence boss rove controversial new book craig unger calls certainly cries scrutiny ungers book notes rove organizations american crossroads crossroads gps pitched conservative donors answer outside groups george soross democracy alliance labor unions historically supported democrats didnt work way beat karl rove game boasts bradley beychok american bridge message progressive supporters american bridge democratic super pac started david brock founder george sorosfunded media matters beychok said rove armed super pacs hundreds millions dollars went oldfashioned spending spree using strategy didnt work challenge roves status political power broker republican party conservative political consultants larry ward carter clews written article charging rove indeed failed strategy run one hardhitting ad obama scandals like fast furious gunrunning operation mexico resulted murder border patrol agent benghazigate administrations coverup terrorist involvement murders four americans benghazi libya september 11 larry ward president political media inc carter clews president clc consulting political consulting firm article karl rove inc wasted conservative donors 300 million posted world tribune ward clews call rove political worlds preeminent emptysuit analyst wasted 300 million could used defeat obama elect real conservatives congress underwrite activities authentic conservative groups say roves strategy moving center left order appeal obama voters drove away millions hardcore conservative activists form base republican party bottom line republican party afford rove tuesdays ward clews argue leads party away core values distant chances regaining either dignity dominance money siphons away worthy conservative organizations reflect project partys principles less chance gop reactivating critical base reports roves donors enough may prepared put money use ways benefit conservative movement heard complaints roves conservative donors four weeks advance election filmmaker joel gilbert told accuracy media kept asking money spent questions intensified obamas victory democrats achieved larger 5545 majority senate gilbert directed documentary dreams real father obamas marxist roots notes rove argued conservative donors winning strategy republicans place ads focusing poor economy gilberts film distributed millions voters argued obamas real biological ideological father communist party usa propagandist frank marshall davis attempted expose obamas character background rove romney republican leaders want raise issues fact rove argued calling obama socialist leftwinger would backfire gilbert argued obama popculture phenomenon high likability factor voters perceived obama nice man inspiring family story right strategy says expose obamas marxist views role frank marshall davis molding obamas political philosophy obamas questionable statements upbringing gilbert says republicans made obamas marxist agenda personal background main issues campaign americans would much clearer understanding choice american values marxism

<p /> <p>Oil supertankers. Source: Pixabay</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Picking between Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) is like picking between two thoroughbreds. Both companies have long track records of delivering solid returns. Both lead the industry in certain metrics, and each has its own distinct advantages. Given the current energy environment, which company is the better buy?</p> <p>ExxonMobil is safer in challenging timesIn terms of performance, ExxonMobil has retained more of its value in bad times. In 2008, ExxonMobil fell just 14.8%versus Chevron's drop of 20.7%. For the current energy period beginning in late 2014, ExxonMobil declined around 30% from peak to trough, outperforming Chevron's decline of 45%.</p> <p>One reason for the better performance in bad times is that ExxonMobil is the stronger company financially. ExxonMobil has an "AA+" credit rating, versus Chevron's "AA" credit rating. The company has a better debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23 versus Chevron's 0.25. ExxonMobil is free cash flow positive, with the company reporting free cash flow of $6.5 billion in 2015and management cutting the capital expenditures budget for 2016. Chevron reported negative free cash flow of around $10 billion in 2015, and analysts expect Chevron to burn $15 billion in 2016.</p> <p>Another reason for the better performanceis ExxonMobil has a larger downstream and chemicals division, which offers more stability when crude prices decline. In 2015, ExxonMobil's downstream and chemicals unit reported a profit of almost $11 billion, versus Chevron's downstream and chemicals operation that made $7.6 billion for the company last year. For the first quarter of 2016, ExxonMobil's downstream and chemicals division earned a cumulative $2.3 billion, versus Chevron's comparable unit which only earned $735 million.</p> <p>ExxonMobil also has lower upstream costs. Although Brent averaged just $34 per barrel for the first quarter of 2016, ExxonMobil's upstream unit barely lost any money, losing just $76 million for the time period. Chevron's upstream unit, lost on the other hand, reported a loss of $1.46 billion.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>ExxonMobil's production and reserves are largerExxonMobil is without question a larger company than Chevron. At the end of 2015,ExxonMobil had proved reserves of 24.7 billion barrelsand a resource base of 91 billion oil-equivalent barrels, compared with Chevron's proved reserves of 11.17 billion BOE and resource base of 68 billion oil-equivalent barrels. ExxonMobil's production is also larger, with the company producing 4.1 million BOE per day in 2015, compared with Chevron's 2.622 million BOE per day.</p> <p>Chevron has more growth aheadFortunately for Chevron shareholders, the company's current results aren't necessarily indicative of its future performance. One reason for Chevron's larger losses in its upstream segment for the first quarter is that it has more pre-productive projects that consume a lot of capital but haven't yielded any oil or gas yet. Because many of those pre-productive projects will come online or ramp up by 2017, however, Chevron's production is expected to grow to between 2.9 million and 3 million BOE per day in 2017 (excluding any potential asset sales), from its 2015 average of 2.622 million BOE per day. ExxonMobil, meanwhile, expects production to stay flat, with management guiding for production of 4 million to 4.2 million BOE per day in 2020,from 2015's 4.1 million BOE per day. Chevron's added production will meaningfully increase its upstream margins and cash flow to a point where the company can break-even in terms of cash flow if Brent averages $52 per barrel for 2017.</p> <p>Investor takeawayInvestors can't go wrong with either stock. Both companies have a low cost of production because of their scale and efficiency, with ExxonMobil earning $16.1 billion in profits and Chevron reporting $4.9 billion in net incomewhen Brent averaged $52 per barrel last year.Both are run by excellent management teams who know how to allocate capital across the commodity cycle to deliver value. Both companies are also dividend aristocrats, meaning they have raised their annual payout for at least 25 consecutive years. ExxonMobil has raised its dividend for 34 consecutive years, while Chevron has raised it for 28 straight years.</p> <p>ExxonMobil is the safer company, with greater free cash flow and a stronger balance sheet, but Chevron has more growth, and a higher dividend yield. If the long-term price of crude averages $50 per barrel or less, ExxonMobil's stronger finances make it the better buy. If long-term crude prices average higher, Chevron's dividend will be safe, and its higher dividend yield and more growth make it the better investment. Given the improving fundamentals in the sector and the direction crude prices are trending toward, Chevron is the better purchase at the moment.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/08/better-buy-now-chevron-or-exxonmobil.aspx" type="external">Better Buy Now: Chevron or ExxonMobil? Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJay22/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">TMFJay22 Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Chevron. 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>

oil supertankers source pixabay continue reading picking chevron nyse cvx exxonmobil nyse xom like picking two thoroughbreds companies long track records delivering solid returns lead industry certain metrics distinct advantages given current energy environment company better buy exxonmobil safer challenging timesin terms performance exxonmobil retained value bad times 2008 exxonmobil fell 148versus chevrons drop 207 current energy period beginning late 2014 exxonmobil declined around 30 peak trough outperforming chevrons decline 45 one reason better performance bad times exxonmobil stronger company financially exxonmobil aa credit rating versus chevrons aa credit rating company better debttoequity ratio 023 versus chevrons 025 exxonmobil free cash flow positive company reporting free cash flow 65 billion 2015and management cutting capital expenditures budget 2016 chevron reported negative free cash flow around 10 billion 2015 analysts expect chevron burn 15 billion 2016 another reason better performanceis exxonmobil larger downstream chemicals division offers stability crude prices decline 2015 exxonmobils downstream chemicals unit reported profit almost 11 billion versus chevrons downstream chemicals operation made 76 billion company last year first quarter 2016 exxonmobils downstream chemicals division earned cumulative 23 billion versus chevrons comparable unit earned 735 million exxonmobil also lower upstream costs although brent averaged 34 per barrel first quarter 2016 exxonmobils upstream unit barely lost money losing 76 million time period chevrons upstream unit lost hand reported loss 146 billion advertisement exxonmobils production reserves largerexxonmobil without question larger company chevron end 2015exxonmobil proved reserves 247 billion barrelsand resource base 91 billion oilequivalent barrels compared chevrons proved reserves 1117 billion boe resource base 68 billion oilequivalent barrels exxonmobils production also larger company producing 41 million boe per day 2015 compared chevrons 2622 million boe per day chevron growth aheadfortunately chevron shareholders companys current results arent necessarily indicative future performance one reason chevrons larger losses upstream segment first quarter preproductive projects consume lot capital havent yielded oil gas yet many preproductive projects come online ramp 2017 however chevrons production expected grow 29 million 3 million boe per day 2017 excluding potential asset sales 2015 average 2622 million boe per day exxonmobil meanwhile expects production stay flat management guiding production 4 million 42 million boe per day 2020from 2015s 41 million boe per day chevrons added production meaningfully increase upstream margins cash flow point company breakeven terms cash flow brent averages 52 per barrel 2017 investor takeawayinvestors cant go wrong either stock companies low cost production scale efficiency exxonmobil earning 161 billion profits chevron reporting 49 billion net incomewhen brent averaged 52 per barrel last yearboth run excellent management teams know allocate capital across commodity cycle deliver value companies also dividend aristocrats meaning raised annual payout least 25 consecutive years exxonmobil raised dividend 34 consecutive years chevron raised 28 straight years exxonmobil safer company greater free cash flow stronger balance sheet chevron growth higher dividend yield longterm price crude averages 50 per barrel less exxonmobils stronger finances make better buy longterm crude prices average higher chevrons dividend safe higher dividend yield growth make better investment given improving fundamentals sector direction crude prices trending toward chevron better purchase moment article better buy chevron exxonmobil opens new window originally appeared foolcom tmfjay22 opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends chevron 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>Every day, Wall Street analysts upgrade some stocks, downgrade others, and "initiate coverage" on a few more. But do these analysts even know what they're talking about? Today, we're taking one high-profile Wall Street pick and putting it under the microscope...</p> <p>A funny thing happened to Sealed Air (NYSE: SEE) stock investors last month&amp;#160;-- and by "funny," I mean "horrible."</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>On Aug. 8, the maker of Bubble Wrap box filler and Cryovac food packaging released Q2 earnings numbers that (barely) missed Wall Street's target for profits, but beat targets for sales (also barely). Adding clarity to where the company is heading, Sealed Air then proceeded to raise its guidance for the rest of 2017. Problem was, it didn't raise guidance enough; the midpoint of company's new range for expected adjusted earnings -- $1.75 to $1.80 per share -- fell a bit short of Wall Street's expectations of $1.79 per share, and Sealed Air's sales target likewise fell short of expectations.</p> <p>Result: Sealed Air stock plunged, and was recently sighted more than 7% below pre-earnings highs.</p> <p>But that's just the bad news. Now here's the good news.</p> <p>Sealed Air sprung a leak last month, there's no doubt about that. But according to one Wall Street banker, it's also delivering investors an opportunity to buy the stock at a good price. This morning, <a href="https://www.streetinsider.com/Analyst+Comments/UPDATE%3A+BofAMerrill+Lynch+Upgrades+Sealed+Air+%28SEE%29+to+Buy/13316020.html" type="external">StreetInsider.com Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;(requires subscription) spotted Bank of America's Merrill Lynch brokerage unit releasing an upgrade for Sealed Air stock.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Announcing a new buy rating and a $48 price target, Merrill muses that Sealed Air shares are now "down [by a] double digit percent relative to the&amp;#160;S&amp;amp;P&amp;#160;500 since mid-August," writes StreetInsider. (The stock has also lost 10% of its value over the past year, versus a 15% gain on the S&amp;amp;P 500 -- a 25% divergence in fortunes.) That all sounds bad, but in Merrill's view, it gives investors "a better entry point" into the stock than they've had in some time.</p> <p>That Sealed Air stock is cheaper now than then is obvious, but before clicking "buy," it behooves investors to ask, "Why?" Last quarter, Sealed Air reported&amp;#160;a modest 3% growth rate in its overall sales, but with resin prices rising, the company admitted that its cost of sales grew nearly twice as fast -- 5.4%. This higher costs of goods sold depressed margins and reduced Sealed Air's operating profits for the quarter.</p> <p>As Merrill Lynch explains in a note covered by <a href="http://thefly.com/news.php?symbol=SEE" type="external">TheFly.com Opens a New Window.</a>, however, things may soon turn around for Sealed Air. Profit margins and profits should bounce back nicely as resin prices moderate. Plus, the company just finished&amp;#160;selling its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/01/3-top-dividend-stocks-in-packaging.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=fe82e43e-9ee2-11e7-855a-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Diversey Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;institutional cleaning and hygiene products&amp;#160;division to Bain Capital in a deal that yielded $3.2 billion -- money that can be applied to paying down Sealed Air's debt and buying back shares.</p> <p>In fact, Sealed Air plans to do exactly that with its $3.2 billion. In announcing the deal to sell Diversey to Bain back in March, Sealed Air committed&amp;#160;to using "the proceeds" of the sale "to repay debt ... repurchase shares to minimize earnings dilution, and fund core growth initiatives, including potential complementary acquisitions to its Food Care and Product Care divisions." Roughly half the company's&amp;#160;take from the now-completed sale will be used to "increase of the share repurchase program by an additional $1.5 billion of Sealed Air common stock," with the balance going to paying down debt and complementary acquisitions.</p> <p>And now Merrill Lynch is endorsing Sealed Air's approach, and advising investors to follow suit. Is that the right call?</p> <p>Let's crunch the numbers.</p> <p>With an $8.1 billion market capitalization and $4.2 billion in net debt, Sealed Air as a whole carries an <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-enterprise-value-and-why-is-it-important.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=fe82e43e-9ee2-11e7-855a-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">enterprise value Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;of $12.3 billion. Against that number, the company reported earnings of $379 million over the past year, and free cash flow of $606 million (according to data from <a href="http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/" type="external">S&amp;amp;P Global Market Intelligence Opens a New Window.</a>).</p> <p>That values all of Sealed Air stock at roughly 32.5 times earnings and 20.3 times free cash flow. At first glance these numbers look pretty expensive, given that most analysts who follow the stock expect Sealed Air to grow earnings at less than 14% annually over the next five years. But what about at second glance?</p> <p>Now that Sealed Air has sold Diversey to Bain, the numbers are going to shift a bit. Enterprise value will come down as debt gets paid down. Earnings growth (per share, at least) will spike as shares get bought back, concentrating profits among fewer shares outstanding. On the other hand, though, with Diversey no longer in the mix, overall profits will probably shrink. Indeed, in its Q2 earnings report, Sealed Air warned that free cash flow at the company will probably fall by more than a third this year, from 2016's $631 million to "approximately $400 million" in 2017.</p> <p>So what's the upshot? If Sealed Air's enterprise value post-divestiture were to decline by the entire value of the Diversey transaction (hint: it won't), the new enterprise value would be $9.1 billion. But that would still leave the company valued at about 22.8 times free cash flow based on the latest 2017 projections -- more expensive than the stock was before it sold its second-biggest business division. Given this, I have to take issue with Merrill Lynch's decision to upgrade the stock today.</p> <p>Post-divestiture, I think Sealed Air looks like a worse investment than before -- not a better one.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Sealed AirWhen 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=44398d2d-7ad9-429a-9e8e-e58d6751e3a0&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=fe82e43e-9ee2-11e7-855a-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Sealed Air 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=44398d2d-7ad9-429a-9e8e-e58d6751e3a0&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=fe82e43e-9ee2-11e7-855a-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/TMFDitty/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=fe82e43e-9ee2-11e7-855a-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=fe82e43e-9ee2-11e7-855a-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

every day wall street analysts upgrade stocks downgrade others initiate coverage analysts even know theyre talking today taking one highprofile wall street pick putting microscope funny thing happened sealed air nyse see stock investors last month160 funny mean horrible continue reading aug 8 maker bubble wrap box filler cryovac food packaging released q2 earnings numbers barely missed wall streets target profits beat targets sales also barely adding clarity company heading sealed air proceeded raise guidance rest 2017 problem didnt raise guidance enough midpoint companys new range expected adjusted earnings 175 180 per share fell bit short wall streets expectations 179 per share sealed airs sales target likewise fell short expectations result sealed air stock plunged recently sighted 7 preearnings highs thats bad news heres good news sealed air sprung leak last month theres doubt according one wall street banker also delivering investors opportunity buy stock good price morning streetinsidercom opens new window160requires subscription spotted bank americas merrill lynch brokerage unit releasing upgrade sealed air stock advertisement announcing new buy rating 48 price target merrill muses sealed air shares double digit percent relative the160sampp160500 since midaugust writes streetinsider stock also lost 10 value past year versus 15 gain sampp 500 25 divergence fortunes sounds bad merrills view gives investors better entry point stock theyve time sealed air stock cheaper obvious clicking buy behooves investors ask last quarter sealed air reported160a modest 3 growth rate overall sales resin prices rising company admitted cost sales grew nearly twice fast 54 higher costs goods sold depressed margins reduced sealed airs operating profits quarter merrill lynch explains note covered theflycom opens new window however things may soon turn around sealed air profit margins profits bounce back nicely resin prices moderate plus company finished160selling diversey opens new window160institutional cleaning hygiene products160division bain capital deal yielded 32 billion money applied paying sealed airs debt buying back shares fact sealed air plans exactly 32 billion announcing deal sell diversey bain back march sealed air committed160to using proceeds sale repay debt repurchase shares minimize earnings dilution fund core growth initiatives including potential complementary acquisitions food care product care divisions roughly half companys160take nowcompleted sale used increase share repurchase program additional 15 billion sealed air common stock balance going paying debt complementary acquisitions merrill lynch endorsing sealed airs approach advising investors follow suit right call lets crunch numbers 81 billion market capitalization 42 billion net debt sealed air whole carries enterprise value opens new window160of 123 billion number company reported earnings 379 million past year free cash flow 606 million according data sampp global market intelligence opens new window values sealed air stock roughly 325 times earnings 203 times free cash flow first glance numbers look pretty expensive given analysts follow stock expect sealed air grow earnings less 14 annually next five years second glance sealed air sold diversey bain numbers going shift bit enterprise value come debt gets paid earnings growth per share least spike shares get bought back concentrating profits among fewer shares outstanding hand though diversey longer mix overall profits probably shrink indeed q2 earnings report sealed air warned free cash flow company probably fall third year 2016s 631 million approximately 400 million 2017 whats upshot sealed airs enterprise value postdivestiture decline entire value diversey transaction hint wont new enterprise value would 91 billion would still leave company valued 228 times free cash flow based latest 2017 projections expensive stock sold secondbiggest business division given take issue merrill lynchs decision upgrade stock today postdivestiture think sealed air looks like worse investment better one 10 stocks like better sealed airwhen 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 sealed air wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns september 5 2017 rich smith opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>One group of potential candidates for president probably won't be shuffling off to Iowa, New Hampshire or other early campaign spots in the new year. They'll be hunkered down in statehouses across the Midwest, pushing bills through their legislatures.</p> <p>Few outside their home states will notice, but these governors and their policies could wind up in the national campaign picture.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Mike Pence of Indiana, Rick Snyder of Michigan and John Kasich of Ohio were all elected after Republicans began taking political control of the middle of the country back in 2010. Since then, they have offered a glimpse of what some conservative policies would look like if put into wider effect.</p> <p>Should any of these governors join the race for the White House, their state records would become their chief qualification for higher office and might provide some distance from partisan battles in Washington. The governors could also benefit from being in a region rich with swing states.</p> <p>"All those governors have stories of success to tell and stories about crisis management," said veteran Republican presidential strategist Charlie Black.</p> <p>Here's a look at what the four Midwestern governors are planning in 2015, and how they would be positioned to seek the presidency.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>MIKE PENCE, INDIANA</p> <p>Pence, a former congressman and a popular figure among social conservatives, is working to reshape the state's public education system. The goal is to allow virtually any child to attend any school, public or private, with public money.</p> <p>Indiana's school-choice initiative - the nation's most extensive - was begun by Pence's Republican predecessor, Mitch Daniels. Pence is pushing to expand it this year by lifting income caps for families seeking state money to send their children to a private school.</p> <p>Pence also wants to allow more parents in five pilot counties to choose their children's preschool. And he wants the Legislature to increase money for charter schools, which are publicly funded but operate outside the normal public education system.</p> <p>Since Indiana's school choice system went into effect in 2011, almost 5 percent of Indiana students are using vouchers to attend private schools or charter schools.</p> <p>Critics argue that the effort is siphoning off needed money from public schools. But conservatives insist the competition is good for families and spurs education improvement overall.</p> <p>If he runs, Pence's education record would be a popular talking point, especially in Iowa, site of the first presidential caucuses, which is a hotbed of home schooling.</p> <p>And Pence, 58, has other credentials. He is highly regarded by the Christian right, having been an outspoken evangelical on a radio show he hosted during his time in the U.S. House.</p> <p>___</p> <p>RICK SNYDER, MICHIGAN</p> <p>Snyder may already have the flashiest record of any Midwestern governor, but his achievements are also the trickiest to tout in a Republican presidential primary.</p> <p>Snyder pushed his state's financially wrecked metropolis, Detroit, into federal bankruptcy court, a task that some people thought would take years, if it could be done at all. A year and a half later, the city emerged with a lighter debt burden, though still facing many difficulties.</p> <p>That feat alone would give Snyder, a former computer company executive, unrivaled credibility as a turnaround artist. But to seal the Detroit deal, he had to commit $195 million in state money, making him a target for anti-spending conservatives in a national campaign.</p> <p>Otherwise, he's been shaking up taxes, eliminating the state's corporate tax and proposing to raise others, like the fuel tax, to fix the state's crumbling roads. In the coming session, he'll try to expand technical education to help fill more than 70,000 openings for skilled jobs.</p> <p>Snyder's willingness to stray from conservative orthodoxy - he expanded Medicaid despite his party's stand against President Barack Obama's health care overhaul - would make him suspect to the GOP's right wing. But bottom-line Republicans could be impressed by the 300,000 private-sector jobs created on Snyder's watch, an unemployment rate that dropped from 11.3 percent to 6.7 percent and a right-to-work law that made union membership optional.</p> <p>Should he run, Snyder might join the "practical" candidates in the GOP field, such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.</p> <p>"He's got a phenomenal record in a very difficult state," said fellow Republican Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa.</p> <p>___</p> <p>SCOTT WALKER, WISCONSIN</p> <p>Already renowned by conservatives for his willingness to challenge organized labor, Walker is setting out to beef up his conservative record on both fiscal and social policy.</p> <p>Walker is calling on his GOP-controlled Legislature to reduce income and property taxes. He's also condemned Wisconsin's adoption of Common Core school standards. Though once popular on the right, the standards are now shunned as government overreach.</p> <p>Walker's legislative agenda for 2015 includes another conservative favorite: requiring recipients of food stamps and unemployment benefits to pass a drug test.</p> <p>So far, he has resisted a more ambitious plan by leading Republican lawmakers to pass right-to-work legislation, which could trigger a fierce union backlash and possibly add weeks to the legislative session.</p> <p>His coolness toward this pro-business priority is unlikely to cost him in a national campaign, though, because of his success in stripping his state's public-employee unions of most of their bargaining powers soon after taking office.</p> <p>___</p> <p>JOHN KASICH, OHIO</p> <p>Kasich made his mark in the U.S. House as a fiscal hawk while serving as chairman of the House Budget Committee. And while he has also confronted organized labor, he is known more as a social moderate and a spending-control crusader.</p> <p>The former Ohio congressman has said he will keep trying to reduce the state's income tax toward its elimination and enact job training. He plans to test a national message advocating a federal balanced budget amendment before making a decision on whether to run in 2016.</p> <p>Among conservatives, he'll also get credit for trying to strip public employee unions' bargaining rights to reduce pressure on the budget, but voters later repealed his legislation through a referendum.</p> <p>Should he run, Kasich could join Bush in the center of the GOP field.</p> <p>"I don't think you'll see him jetting off to Iowa or New Hampshire very soon," said Kasich confidant Doug Preisse. "But some will say the balanced budget amendment is a different way of seizing the national spotlight."</p>

one group potential candidates president probably wont shuffling iowa new hampshire early campaign spots new year theyll hunkered statehouses across midwest pushing bills legislatures outside home states notice governors policies could wind national campaign picture continue reading scott walker wisconsin mike pence indiana rick snyder michigan john kasich ohio elected republicans began taking political control middle country back 2010 since offered glimpse conservative policies would look like put wider effect governors join race white house state records would become chief qualification higher office might provide distance partisan battles washington governors could also benefit region rich swing states governors stories success tell stories crisis management said veteran republican presidential strategist charlie black heres look four midwestern governors planning 2015 would positioned seek presidency ___ advertisement mike pence indiana pence former congressman popular figure among social conservatives working reshape states public education system goal allow virtually child attend school public private public money indianas schoolchoice initiative nations extensive begun pences republican predecessor mitch daniels pence pushing expand year lifting income caps families seeking state money send children private school pence also wants allow parents five pilot counties choose childrens preschool wants legislature increase money charter schools publicly funded operate outside normal public education system since indianas school choice system went effect 2011 almost 5 percent indiana students using vouchers attend private schools charter schools critics argue effort siphoning needed money public schools conservatives insist competition good families spurs education improvement overall runs pences education record would popular talking point especially iowa site first presidential caucuses hotbed home schooling pence 58 credentials highly regarded christian right outspoken evangelical radio show hosted time us house ___ rick snyder michigan snyder may already flashiest record midwestern governor achievements also trickiest tout republican presidential primary snyder pushed states financially wrecked metropolis detroit federal bankruptcy court task people thought would take years could done year half later city emerged lighter debt burden though still facing many difficulties feat alone would give snyder former computer company executive unrivaled credibility turnaround artist seal detroit deal commit 195 million state money making target antispending conservatives national campaign otherwise hes shaking taxes eliminating states corporate tax proposing raise others like fuel tax fix states crumbling roads coming session hell try expand technical education help fill 70000 openings skilled jobs snyders willingness stray conservative orthodoxy expanded medicaid despite partys stand president barack obamas health care overhaul would make suspect gops right wing bottomline republicans could impressed 300000 privatesector jobs created snyders watch unemployment rate dropped 113 percent 67 percent righttowork law made union membership optional run snyder might join practical candidates gop field new jersey gov chris christie former florida gov jeb bush hes got phenomenal record difficult state said fellow republican gov terry branstad iowa ___ scott walker wisconsin already renowned conservatives willingness challenge organized labor walker setting beef conservative record fiscal social policy walker calling gopcontrolled legislature reduce income property taxes hes also condemned wisconsins adoption common core school standards though popular right standards shunned government overreach walkers legislative agenda 2015 includes another conservative favorite requiring recipients food stamps unemployment benefits pass drug test far resisted ambitious plan leading republican lawmakers pass righttowork legislation could trigger fierce union backlash possibly add weeks legislative session coolness toward probusiness priority unlikely cost national campaign though success stripping states publicemployee unions bargaining powers soon taking office ___ john kasich ohio kasich made mark us house fiscal hawk serving chairman house budget committee also confronted organized labor known social moderate spendingcontrol crusader former ohio congressman said keep trying reduce states income tax toward elimination enact job training plans test national message advocating federal balanced budget amendment making decision whether run 2016 among conservatives hell also get credit trying strip public employee unions bargaining rights reduce pressure budget voters later repealed legislation referendum run kasich could join bush center gop field dont think youll see jetting iowa new hampshire soon said kasich confidant doug preisse say balanced budget amendment different way seizing national spotlight

<p /> <p>The social media revolution has come fast and furious, and the industry has brought together billions of people across the world. Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) has been one of the most-followed social media companies in the industry, with its 140-character microblogging service spurring a whole new way to communicate and capturing the imagination of the world. Investors had hoped that Twitter stock would bring them the same kind of investing success that some of its social media peers have given their shareholders, but so far, that hasn't come to pass.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Below, we'll look at how Twitter's stock has performed and whether the future might look brighter for the company.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/TWTR" type="external">TWTR</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>One thing to remember about Twitter is that its stock history began before its shares went public. Because of the publicity that the social media space got early in its history, investors paid close attention to the prices that Twitter shares fetched in various rounds of private funding before its 2013 IPO. Somewhat predictably, excitement built in anticipation of an initial public offering, and Twitter's share price looked poised to launch higher as its IPO date approached.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>By many measures, <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/11/08/was-twitters-ipo-really-a-success.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Twitter's IPO was a huge success Opens a New Window.</a>. After selling 70 million shares, or about 10% of the company, at $26 per share in the initial public offering, demand for the stock in the open market was extremely strong. The stock closed on its first day of trading at about $45 per share. That sort of IPO-day jump isn't unheard of, but it did signal the appetite that investors had for social media stocks with promising futures ahead of them.</p> <p>Twitter stock flared out fairly quickly after its initial IPO-led push higher. After climbing above $65 per share, the stock started falling, losing half its value by the end of 2014. Investors were nervous about Twitter's growth trajectory, which seemed to slow precipitously in the quarters following its going public. Rather than following the path of its larger social media rival and pushing toward the 1 billion user mark, Twitter saw user counts start to stagnate. After having doubled in just a year and a half between mid-2011 and early 2013, user counts rose by just 25% in the following year, and in two and a half years since then, Twitter's metrics have climbed by only another quarter to 317 million in its most recent report.</p> <p>Image source: Twitter.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Twitter also went through some upheavals in its leadership. In mid-2015, then-CEO Dick Costolo stepped down from his role as chief executive amid criticism from investors about his strategic vision for the microblogging site. Co-founder Jack Dorsey decided to retake the reins as Twitter CEO later that year, but some were nervous about the fact that he chose to stay CEO of electronic payments upstart Square (NYSE: SQ) as well. Dorsey continues to serve in both roles, which draws mixed reactions from those following the stock. By the end of 2015, Twitter had fallen below its initial public offering price, and shares dropped briefly below the $15 per share mark before recovering slightly.</p> <p>Over the past year, much of the attention Twitter has gotten has come from value investors thinking that the social media company might be ripe for a takeover. Indeed, throughout much of the late summer and early fall months, Twitter seemed to be putting itself up for sale. Speculation about possible buyers swirled around Twitter, attracting buying interest from short-term traders hoping to make quick money from a possible acquisition premium.</p> <p>After a while, though, it became clear that Twitter wasn't going to get any quick buyout offers. Some pointed to the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/08/why-twitter-stock-dropped-22-in-october.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">service's reputation for enabling hate speech Opens a New Window.</a> as a reason for reluctance among possible buyers, while others simply noted that even after the stock's big plunge, Twitter's valuation was still fairly rich by some measures. Whatever the reason, shares haven't recovered, and Twitter's future remains in doubt.</p> <p>Perhaps the <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/26/donald-trump-proves-twitter-has-a-fighting-chance.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">best news for Twitter Opens a New Window.</a> came from the presidential election, where President-elect Donald Trump has already adopted the microblogging service as a primary way to disseminate news. If Twitter can somehow capture that energy and harness it for its own gain, then it might be able to bounce back from its recent malaise.</p> <p>For now, though, investors remain skeptical about Twitter. With the company having <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/15/twitters-executive-exodus-continues.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">trouble retaining its executive team Opens a New Window.</a> and many <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/30/this-warren-buffett-quote-describes-twitter-perfec.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">questioning its underlying fundamental business model Opens a New Window.</a>, Twitter faces a critical situation right now. If it can't reignite user count growth and become more profitable, then Twitter stock might never rise again after its rise and fall over the past three years.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Twitter 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=f934b39b-234a-4e45-99b3-116757a637f2&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 Twitter 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=f934b39b-234a-4e45-99b3-116757a637f2&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Twitter. 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>

social media revolution come fast furious industry brought together billions people across world twitter nyse twtr one mostfollowed social media companies industry 140character microblogging service spurring whole new way communicate capturing imagination world investors hoped twitter stock would bring kind investing success social media peers given shareholders far hasnt come pass continue reading well look twitters stock performed whether future might look brighter company twtr data ycharts opens new window one thing remember twitter stock history began shares went public publicity social media space got early history investors paid close attention prices twitter shares fetched various rounds private funding 2013 ipo somewhat predictably excitement built anticipation initial public offering twitters share price looked poised launch higher ipo date approached advertisement many measures twitters ipo huge success opens new window selling 70 million shares 10 company 26 per share initial public offering demand stock open market extremely strong stock closed first day trading 45 per share sort ipoday jump isnt unheard signal appetite investors social media stocks promising futures ahead twitter stock flared fairly quickly initial ipoled push higher climbing 65 per share stock started falling losing half value end 2014 investors nervous twitters growth trajectory seemed slow precipitously quarters following going public rather following path larger social media rival pushing toward 1 billion user mark twitter saw user counts start stagnate doubled year half mid2011 early 2013 user counts rose 25 following year two half years since twitters metrics climbed another quarter 317 million recent report image source twitter meanwhile twitter also went upheavals leadership mid2015 thenceo dick costolo stepped role chief executive amid criticism investors strategic vision microblogging site cofounder jack dorsey decided retake reins twitter ceo later year nervous fact chose stay ceo electronic payments upstart square nyse sq well dorsey continues serve roles draws mixed reactions following stock end 2015 twitter fallen initial public offering price shares dropped briefly 15 per share mark recovering slightly past year much attention twitter gotten come value investors thinking social media company might ripe takeover indeed throughout much late summer early fall months twitter seemed putting sale speculation possible buyers swirled around twitter attracting buying interest shortterm traders hoping make quick money possible acquisition premium though became clear twitter wasnt going get quick buyout offers pointed services reputation enabling hate speech opens new window reason reluctance among possible buyers others simply noted even stocks big plunge twitters valuation still fairly rich measures whatever reason shares havent recovered twitters future remains doubt perhaps best news twitter opens new window came presidential election presidentelect donald trump already adopted microblogging service primary way disseminate news twitter somehow capture energy harness gain might able bounce back recent malaise though investors remain skeptical twitter company trouble retaining executive team opens new window many questioning underlying fundamental business model opens new window twitter faces critical situation right cant reignite user count growth become profitable twitter stock might never rise rise fall past three years 10 stocks like better twitter 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 twitter wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 dan caplinger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends twitter 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>Disney's $4 billion deal for Lucasfilm and "Star Wars" just keeps getting better for the House of Mouse.</p> <p>The company is banking on the latest installments, "The Last Jedi" in December and a Han Solo movie in May, to drive people to theaters. But that's far from the end of money-making opportunities from Han Solo, R2-D2, Kylo Ren and Rey. In fact, CEO Bob Iger said Thursday that the company is now planning a brand-new "Star Wars" trilogy, which will be the fourth in the franchise.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Disney has drawn big profits from the strengths of its TV channels &#8212; namely ESPN &#8212; but that growth is challenged as more people dump cable subscriptions. As people turn to online replacements such as Netflix, Disney is hoping to lure them with a streaming service planned for 2019. "Star Wars" movies will be a big part of that; so will a new "Star Wars" series Iger also announced Thursday.</p> <p>Disney also wants to squeeze cash from "Star Wars" fans in the forms of toys and, theme park visits and hotel stays.</p> <p>___</p> <p>MOVIE MONEY</p> <p>"Star Wars: The Force Awakens," released in December 2015, pulled in more than $2 billion in worldwide ticket sales, trailing only "Avatar" and "Titanic" as the best-selling theatrical release ever (without adjusting for inflation). It also bumped up home entertainment revenue from DVD sales. "Rogue One," last year's installment, made over $1 billion in global box-office revenue.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"The Last Jedi" will continue from where "Force" left off. Michael Nathanson of MoffettNathanson has a "somewhat conservative" estimate of $1.9 billion in box-office haul for the film. He also expects the latest "Avengers" installment to bring in $1.3 billion.</p> <p>Big-budget, sequel-generating movies deliver big wins for studios. In fiscal 2016, when Disney released "The Force Awakens," the studio's profit was $2.7 billion. That's expected to fall this year and jump back up to $2.84 billion in 2018, thanks to "The Last Jedi" and several Marvel movies.</p> <p>In the July-September quarter, however, the studio's revenue fell 21 percent to $1.43 billion. "Cars 3" wasn't as big a hit as "Finding Dory" in 2016.</p> <p>Overall, The Walt Disney Co.'s net income slipped 1 percent to $1.75 billion. Revenue dropped 3 percent to $12.78 billion.</p> <p>___</p> <p>DISNEY EMPIRE</p> <p>Disney is funneling its movie hits to other parts of its sprawling empire to help it make money repeatedly from its intellectual property.</p> <p>For example, "Star Wars"-themed areas at Disneyland in California and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida will open in 2019.</p> <p>"They're huge and I think very exciting in terms of how we're using technology to create really interesting attractions and experiences," Iger said at a September investment conference.</p> <p>The company is also planning a "Star Wars"-themed hotel at Walt Disney World in Florida. Disney touts it as an "immersive" experience; guests will be able to dress up as their favorite characters.</p> <p>Disney is making other big investments in its parks, too, as it races to catch up with Universal's enormously popular Harry Potter-themed areas. In the latest quarter, revenue rose 6 percent to $4.67 billion, helped by the international parks. In the U.S., Hurricane Irma shut down Walt Disney World for two days, hurting domestic results.</p> <p>Analysts expect merchandise revenues to get a bump in fiscal 2018; Nathanson cites the "Star Wars" and Marvel movies, as well as "Frozen" coming to Broadway, as drivers.</p> <p>___</p> <p>GEARING UP AGAINST NETFLIX</p> <p>The movies will also serve as a lure for Disney's streaming service, which will contain hundreds of movies and thousands of TV episodes and shorts. Pixar, "Star Wars" and Marvel films will be included along with Disney-brand video. Disney's deal with Netflix is expiring and won't be renewed, making the new service the exclusive online home for much of Disney's prime content.</p> <p>Morgan Stanley estimates that the service can, after a decade, become a nearly $5 billion-a-year business, with roughly 30 million subscribers. (Netflix's streaming revenues for just the last nine months were $8.1 billion, with 109 million subscribers.) Disney will lose out on hundreds of millions from Netflix when it pulls its movies, and UBS estimates that it needs 32 million subscribers for the app just to break even.</p> <p>Iger said Thursday that the streaming service will cost less than Netflix at launch. Netflix's streaming plans start at $8 a month.</p> <p>Disney also plans an ESPN streaming service, which it announced Thursday will be called ESPN Plus, that will launch in spring 2018. It won't air the same sports as its channel &#8212; but one day might. ESPN, long its cash cow, has been losing subscribers as attention shifts online.</p> <p>In the fiscal fourth quarter, the media networks' revenue fell 3 percent to $5.47 billion; profit slid 12 percent, to $1.48 billion. At ESPN, content costs rose and ad revenue fell, but Disney wrangled higher payments from cable companies.</p> <p>Shares rose 1.4 percent to $104.09 in after-hours trading Thursday.</p> <p>___</p> <p>Editor's note: This story been corrected to note that the new trilogy will be the fourth in the "Star Wars" franchise. An earlier version stated it would be the fifth.</p>

disneys 4 billion deal lucasfilm star wars keeps getting better house mouse company banking latest installments last jedi december han solo movie may drive people theaters thats far end moneymaking opportunities han solo r2d2 kylo ren rey fact ceo bob iger said thursday company planning brandnew star wars trilogy fourth franchise continue reading disney drawn big profits strengths tv channels namely espn growth challenged people dump cable subscriptions people turn online replacements netflix disney hoping lure streaming service planned 2019 star wars movies big part new star wars series iger also announced thursday disney also wants squeeze cash star wars fans forms toys theme park visits hotel stays ___ movie money star wars force awakens released december 2015 pulled 2 billion worldwide ticket sales trailing avatar titanic bestselling theatrical release ever without adjusting inflation also bumped home entertainment revenue dvd sales rogue one last years installment made 1 billion global boxoffice revenue advertisement last jedi continue force left michael nathanson moffettnathanson somewhat conservative estimate 19 billion boxoffice haul film also expects latest avengers installment bring 13 billion bigbudget sequelgenerating movies deliver big wins studios fiscal 2016 disney released force awakens studios profit 27 billion thats expected fall year jump back 284 billion 2018 thanks last jedi several marvel movies julyseptember quarter however studios revenue fell 21 percent 143 billion cars 3 wasnt big hit finding dory 2016 overall walt disney cos net income slipped 1 percent 175 billion revenue dropped 3 percent 1278 billion ___ disney empire disney funneling movie hits parts sprawling empire help make money repeatedly intellectual property example star warsthemed areas disneyland california disneys hollywood studios florida open 2019 theyre huge think exciting terms using technology create really interesting attractions experiences iger said september investment conference company also planning star warsthemed hotel walt disney world florida disney touts immersive experience guests able dress favorite characters disney making big investments parks races catch universals enormously popular harry potterthemed areas latest quarter revenue rose 6 percent 467 billion helped international parks us hurricane irma shut walt disney world two days hurting domestic results analysts expect merchandise revenues get bump fiscal 2018 nathanson cites star wars marvel movies well frozen coming broadway drivers ___ gearing netflix movies also serve lure disneys streaming service contain hundreds movies thousands tv episodes shorts pixar star wars marvel films included along disneybrand video disneys deal netflix expiring wont renewed making new service exclusive online home much disneys prime content morgan stanley estimates service decade become nearly 5 billionayear business roughly 30 million subscribers netflixs streaming revenues last nine months 81 billion 109 million subscribers disney lose hundreds millions netflix pulls movies ubs estimates needs 32 million subscribers app break even iger said thursday streaming service cost less netflix launch netflixs streaming plans start 8 month disney also plans espn streaming service announced thursday called espn plus launch spring 2018 wont air sports channel one day might espn long cash cow losing subscribers attention shifts online fiscal fourth quarter media networks revenue fell 3 percent 547 billion profit slid 12 percent 148 billion espn content costs rose ad revenue fell disney wrangled higher payments cable companies shares rose 14 percent 10409 afterhours trading thursday ___ editors note story corrected note new trilogy fourth star wars franchise earlier version stated would fifth

<p>CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) Q3 2017 Earnings Conference CallNov. 3, 2017 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>Good morning, and welcome to CenterPoint Energy's Q3 2017 earnings conference call with senior management. During the company's prepared remarks all participants will be on a listen-only mode. There will be a question and answer session after management's remarks. To ask a question, press star 1 on your telephone keypad. To withdraw enjoy your question, press the pound key. I'll now turn the call over to David Mordy, Director of Investor Relations. Mr. Mordy, you may begin, sir.</p> <p>David Mordy -- Director, Investor Relations</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Thank you, and good morning everyone. Welcome to our Q3 2017 earnings conference call. Scott Prochazka, President and CEO and Bill Rogers, Executive Vice President and CFO will discuss our Q3 2017 results and provide highlights on other key areas. Also with us, this morning are Tracy Bridge, Executive Vice President and President of our Electric Division, Scott Doyle, Senior Vice President of Natural Gas Distribution and Joe Vortherms, Senior Vice President of Energy Services.</p> <p>Tracy, Scott, and Joe will be available during the Q&amp;amp;A portion of our call.</p> <p>In conjunction with our call, we will be using slides which can be found under the 'Investors' section of our website CenterPointEnergy.com. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures used in providing earnings guidance in today's call, please refer to our earnings news release and our slides. They've been posted on our website as our Form 10Q.</p> <p>Please note that we may announce material information using SEC filings, news releases, public conference calls, webcasts and posts to the 'Investor' section of our website. In the future, we will continue to use these channels to communicate important information and encourage you to review the information on our website.</p> <p>Today, management will discuss certain topics containing projections and forward-looking information that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions and information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks or uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially based upon factors including weather variations, regulatory actions, economic conditions and growth, commodity prices, changes in our service territories and other risk factors noted in our SEC filings.</p> <p>We will also discuss our guidance for 2017. The guidance range considers utility operations performance to date and certain significant variables that may impact earnings such as weather, regulatory and judicial proceedings, throughput, commodity prices, effective tax rate and financing activities. In providing this guidance the company uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted diluted earnings per share that does not include other potential impacts such as changes in accounting standards or unusual items, earnings or losses from change in the value of the zero-premium exchangeable subordinated notes or Zen securities and the related stocks or the timing effects of mark to market accounting in the company's energy services business. The guidance range also considers such factors that have Enable most recent public forecast and effective tax rates.</p> <p>Before Scott begins, I would like to mention that this call is being recorded. Information on how to access the replay can be found on our website.</p> <p>I'd now like to turn the call over to Scott.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Thank you, David, and good morning, ladies and gentleman. Thank you for joining us today and thank you for your interest in CenterPoint Energy. We mentioned earlier in the year we were thrilled to be hosting the Super Bowl in Houston this year and Minneapolis next year. Little did we know the Astros would chime in with the World Series win between the two.</p> <p>We're proud of the team and the city and proud to serve Houston.</p> <p>I will begin on slide 4. This morning we reported Q3 2017 net income of 169 million dollars or 39 cents per diluted share compared with net income of a 179 million dollars or 41 cents per diluted share in the same quarter of last year. On a guidance basis, Q3 2017 adjusted earnings were a 167 million dollars or 38 cents per diluted share compared with adjusted earnings of 177 million dollars or 41 cents per diluted share in the same quarter of last year. Increases resulted from rate relief and customer growth.</p> <p>These benefits were more than offset by a return to more normal weather, lower equity return, higher depreciation and amortization expense and lower right of way revenue.</p> <p>While these offsets translated into a lower Q3 earnings versus 2016, they are in line with our plan and we are on track to achieve at or near the high end of our guidance range for 2017. Our businesses have performed well so far this year and we anticipate a strong finish in the Q4.</p> <p>Turning to slide 5, as you all know, on Friday, August 25, hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas. In the Houston region, Harvey brought nearly a year's worth of rainfall over a four-day period, over 50 inches of rain in some areas. I would like to thank our employees, many of whom experienced flooding in their homes and/or lost vehicles to high water but remain focused on the needs of our customers in the days and weeks that followed. Their preparation and dedication were crucial to our ability to respond so quickly to our impacted natural gas and electric customers.</p> <p>CenterPoint natural gas technicians from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and adjacent Texas offices assisted their fellow colleagues along the Texas coast. I'd like to thank more than 1500 electric contractors and mutual assistance crews from seven states who helped in our electric recovery efforts. We are also proud to offer assistance. After restoring power here, some of our CenterPoint Electric crews traveled to Florida and for nearly two weeks assisted two utilities in their recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma.</p> <p>Grid investments made over the last decade produced significant benefits during and after the storm. Distribution automation including devices such as intelligent grid switches allowed us to quickly isolate problems, enabling faster restoration. Smart meters efficiently executed remote orders as well as provided outage information to keep customers informed with specific relevant information. Drones helped us assess damage, efficiently direct crews to accessible work locations and accelerate restoration.</p> <p>These benefits were realized through years of planning, designing, implementing and ultimately utilizing these grid modernization investments. I would also like to thank the first responders, the cities we serve, community partners and the thousands of volunteers who continue to support the affected communities.</p> <p>Next, I will cover business highlights starting with Houston Electric on slide 6. Electric transmission and distribution core operating income in the Q3 of 2017 was 229 million dollars compared to 234 million dollars in the same quarter last year. We are down slightly due in large part to weather and reduced equity return in this quarter compared to the Q3 of last year. We continue to see strong growth in our electric service territory.</p> <p>We added more than 46,000 metered customers since the Q3 of 2016, reflecting 2% customer growth. We believe this level of growth will continue throughout this year and a five-year period.</p> <p>I'm also pleased to announce that we are ahead of schedule on the construction of the Brazos Valley connection project which includes a 60-mile transmission line. We expect to complete and energize the project in the Q1 of 2018. Rate relief reflecting 42 million dollars of annual increase from the distribution cost recovery factor or DCRF settlement for investments made during 2016 went into effect in September. Additionally, we recently filed for 39 million dollars in transmission cost of service or T-Cost rate recovery.</p> <p>We anticipate Houston Electric will make another DCRF filing reflecting 2017 investments and April of next year as well as an additional T-Cost filing after the completion of the Brazos Valley Connection Project. For a complete overview of Houston Electric's year-to-date regulatory developments, please see slide 22.</p> <p>Turning now to slide 7. We continue to believe capital requirements to support this business will remain robust. Capital needs for growth, reliability and [Inaudible] investment are likely to create an upward shift to our current five-year capital plan. Earlier this year we proposed a Freeport Texas Transmission Project totaling 250 million dollars in capital.</p> <p>This project is incremental to our current planned capital expenditures. It is also indicative of continued growth occurring throughout the industrial sector.</p> <p>The greater Houston partnership is forecasting that Houston's gross metro product will outpace the national GDP over the next 20 years by 4 percentage points. In addition to industrial growth, residential customer growth is expected to continue at 2%. We are in the process of refining our capital requirements and will provide an updated capital plan in our 2017 Form 10K.</p> <p>Turning to slide eight. Natural gas distribution reported operating income of 19 million dollars compared to 22 million dollars in the same quarter last year. The slight decline was primarily due to timing associated with rate stabilization. We experienced solid customer growth of approximately 1% in this business with the addition of nearly 38,000 customers since the Q3 of 2016 to benefit from annual recovery mechanisms across most of our service territories.</p> <p>In Minnesota, interim rates went into effect on October 1st following a rate filing made in that jurisdiction in August. In Arkansas, our first formula rate plan or FRP filing was approved and new rates went into affect there on October 2nd. For a complete listing of regulatory filings in our gas distribution business, please see slides 23 and 24.</p> <p>Similar to our electric business, we anticipate an upward shift in capital investment for gas distribution for our upcoming five-year plan. These investments will help keep pace with industry norms and regulatory requirements. Safety and system integrity will continue to drive capital spending. Similar to our electric business, an updated gas distribution five-year capital plan will be provided in our 2017 Form 10K.</p> <p>Turning to slide 9. Energy services operating income was 5 million dollars in the Q3 of 2017 compared to 7 million dollars in the same quarter of last year, excluding a mark to market gain of 2 million dollars and a loss of 2 million dollars respectively. Operating income for the quarter included 2 million dollars of expenses related to the acquisition and integration of Atmos Energy Marketing or AEM. As anticipated, the AEM acquisition has been modestly accretive year to date and we see volume growth opportunities in this segment.</p> <p>Turning to midstream investments, Enable performed well this quarter. Slide 10 shows some of the highlights from their Q3 earnings call on November 1st. Midstream Investments contributed 10 cents per diluted share in the Q3 of 2017 compared to 10 cents per diluted share in the same period last year. Q3 marked the partnership's highest quarter for natural gas gathering volumes, crude oil gathering volumes, and interstate transportation average deliveries.</p> <p>Enabled continues to see a strong level of activity on their system with 40 rigs drilling wells dedicated to their gathering and processing systems. We continue to believe Enable is well positioned for success.</p> <p>Turning to slide 11. Given our performance to date and our views for the balance of the year, we anticipate achieving at or near the high end of our guidance range for 2017. We also continue to expect year-over-year earnings growth for 2018 to be at the upper end of our 4% to 6% range. The status of our midstream investment ownership review is covered on slide 12.</p> <p>We are at late stage discussions regarding our interest in Enable. We will not comment on the status of those activities, nor can we represent that we will reach an agreement. Should our discussions not come to fruition, then we will look for opportunities to constructively sell units in the public market as conditions allow. Proceeds from unit sales will serve as a source of capital for growing core energy delivery business.</p> <p>Let me conclude by reiterating that we remain focused on meeting the energy delivery needs of our growing customer base through prudent investment and timely recovery. We are performing well year to date and expect a strong finish to the year. I will now turn the call over to Bill.</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Thank you, Scott. I will start with a review of the financial impact of Hurricane Harvey on slide 14. As noted, Harvey was a balance sheet event, not an income statement event for our company. Our current estimate that the restoration effort for Houston Electric will cost between 110 and 120 million dollars.</p> <p>We expect a third of that amount will likely be covered through claims under our property insurance programs. Remaining costs will be recovered either through capital mechanisms or through regulatory assets and our next general rate case proceeding. We're estimating we will have 25 to 30 million dollars of restoration cost for gas distribution. We anticipate that the majority of those costs will be recovered by claims under our property insurance programs.</p> <p>Next, I will provide a quarter to quarter operating income walk for our Electric EMB and natural gas distribution segments followed by EPS drivers for utility operations and then our consolidated business on a guidance basis. I will begin with Houston Electric on slide 15. Rate relief and continued 2% customer growth translated into a 12-million-dollar and 9-million-dollar favorable variance respectively for the quarter. This revenue growth was more than offset by return to more normal weather, lower equity return and lower right of way revenue.</p> <p>Usage declined on a quarter to quarter basis resulting in a 12-million-dollar negative variance. Equity return was lower by 9 million and miscellaneous revenue, primarily right of way, was lower by 7 million dollars. Core operating income is shown on the chart to provide a better view of the growth excluding the change in equity return. On that basis, Houston Electric's core operating income increased from 212 to 216 million dollars, a 4-million-dollar improvement on a period-to-period basis despite reductions due to weather.</p> <p>Turning to slide 16. Natural gas distribution operating income for Q3 was 19 million dollars compared to 22 million dollars for the same period last year. The business benefited from 5 million dollars of rate relief and 2 million dollars from customer growth. Usage was down 4 million dollars due primarily to the timing of revenue recognition associated with the use of decoupling normalization adjustments.</p> <p>The net increase in revenues in gas distribution were more than offset by 6-million-dollar increases in depreciation, amortization and other taxes.</p> <p>Excluding mark to market adjustments, operating income for our energy services business declined from 7 million dollars in Q3 of 2016 to 5 million dollars for Q3 of 2017. Higher operating costs were primarily result of 2 million dollars of expenses related to the acquisition and integration of Atmos Energy Marketing.</p> <p>Our quarter-to-quarter utility operations guidance basis, EPS walk, begins on slide 17. The decline in the EPS and utility operations from 31 cents in 2016 to 28 cents in 2017 is a result of previously discussed lower operating income, a decrease in equity return and a collection of other items which include income taxes and other income. Our consolidated guidance EPS comparison is on slide 18. Earnings declined from 41 cents in Q3 2016 to 38 cents in Q3 2017 as a result of the decrease in EPS contributions from utility operations.</p> <p>We anticipate strong performance for the remainder of 2017 with customer growth, rate relief, energy services and our midstream segment all contributing to year-on-year growth.</p> <p>Turning to slide 19. We continue to expect 1.5 billion in capital investment in 2017. Our financial strength is evidenced by recent positive rating agency action. In September Fitch upgraded [Inaudible] secured notes to a rating of A+.</p> <p>In addition, both Fitch and Standard &amp;amp; Poor's revised their outlook to positive for CNP and CERC. We value a strong balance sheet and we're pleased to see the upgrade.</p> <p>As previously discussed, we are not forecasting a need for equity in either 2017 or 2018. With respect to our effective income tax rate, although the Q3 increased to 37%, we continue to anticipate a full year 2017 tax rate of 36%. On slide 20 we summarize year to date performance. In short, we have 7 cents of improvement from utility operations and 7 cents of improvement from midstream investments versus this time last year.</p> <p>This strong year to date performance sets us up well to achieve our full year 2017 financial objectives. As Scott commented earlier, we anticipate we will be at or near the high end of our $1.25 to $1.33 guidance range for 2017.</p> <p>Finally, we recognize that our federal legislators are hard at work at tax reform and yesterday provided their reconciliation bill under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Although, it's premature to take a view on eventual tax reform if at all, we have provided a review of CenterPoint's tax position in the appendix materials in the 'Investor' slides that accompany this call.</p> <p>I will now turn the call back over to David.</p> <p>David Mordy -- Director, Investor Relations</p> <p>Thank you, Bill. We will now open the call to questions. In the interest of time, I will ask you to limit yourself to one question and a follow-up.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>At this time we will begin taking questions. If you wish to ask a question, please press star 1 on your Touchtone keypad now. to withdraw your question, press the pound key. The company requests that when asking their question, callers pick up their telephone handsets. Thank you. The first question will come from Julien Dumoulin-Smith with Bank of America. Please go ahead.</p> <p>Josephine Wilson -- Bank of America -- Analyst</p> <p>Hi, this is Josephine taking your question today. I was wondering if ... I know that you guys are a cash taxpayer. If you could maybe talk a little bit about how you're thinking about absorbing some of this tax appetite. Are there any strategies that you guys are considering?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Bill, can you take this?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Certainly. You are correct in that we are a cash taxpayer at CenterPoint and like other companies, we do look for opportunities to accelerated deductions and defer revenue recognition.</p> <p>Josephine Wilson -- Bank of America -- Analyst</p> <p>Are there any strategies that you've thought about beyond of course the tax reform, maybe like looking at tax equity?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>I don't think we would comment on this time with respect to strategies that we have and we will certainly continue to take a look at proposals as a tax reform in Congress.</p> <p>Josephine Wilson -- Bank of America -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, of course. Thank you, Bill.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>The next question will come from Greg Gordon with Evercore ISI. Please go ahead.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Thanks. Good morning, guys.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Good morning, Greg.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>So, just a follow-up on that question then I've got one follow-up. I understand you have a negative basis on Enable such that if you were to sell it, you'd have a large tax hit to manage but from an ongoing basis, my understanding is, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that your actual effective cash tax rate now on an ongoing basis is quite low. Isn't it around 5%? And if so, how do you see that trending through the rest of the decade?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Bill, take this as well.</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Sure. Greg, you're correct in that last year, 2016, our cash tax was mid-single digits at 5%. This year it's approaching closer to 20%.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Gotcha. And can you give us any sense of our weather you'd be willing to forecast what that would look like prospectively or no?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>I think over the longer course of time it will approach our accrual rate which today is 36%.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Great, thanks. Follow-up question. When it comes to the earnings growth targets that you lay out, the guidance range, what is the convention you use for the underlying assumption with regard to enable contribution? Are you still assuming that for purposes of articulating that range that enables a flat contributor prospectively?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Greg, if you're asking about the 2017, the answer to that is yes. We just take their contributions or their projections and roll that into our numbers.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Right, but when you give a wealthier longer-term earnings guidance aspiration...</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>So, what we've done is we've given a view as to what we believe 2018 would look like and we incorporate what Enable has articulated in terms of their views of 2018 relative to 2017 which they provided a couple of days ago.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. So, they're public pronouncements.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yeah, they've given some indication of income for a net income range for 2018.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. No, I just wanted to be clear that it wasn't internal forecast that was the public forecast.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yeah, we'll use their forecast for 2018.</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Thank you very much. have a great day.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yup.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>The next question will come from Neel Mitra with Tudor Pickering</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>Hi, good morning.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Good morning, Neel.</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>First question was in regards to what you project your earned ROE and at Houston Electric is it going to be this year? Just with the moving parts with maybe moving some of the O&amp;amp;M to regulatory asset given Hurricane Harvey and whether you'd be eligible to file the DCRF this year.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Neel, since, as Bill indicated, the financial effects of the storm are primarily balance sheet driven, we anticipate that we will be able to file the DCRF or said another way that our yearend return will be below our allowed return of 10.</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, great. And then second question. Now that you have Atmos and you have a lot more throughput through the competitive businesses, how do you see that kind of going forward relative to the qualitative commentary that you've given around your growth rate going forward?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>So, we see this as a great complement to our utility business. We see this business growing as our other core businesses are growing. Today, it's kind of mid-single digits in terms of percent earnings contribution to our overall mix. We saw that staying in about the same place.</p> <p>In other words, we see this business growing as our utilities are growing.</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, and how do you view incremental acquisitions going forward? Is it a business that you want to have as a higher portion of your overall mix or is it a business [Inaudible]28:50] that's want to grow organically at this point with the segments that you've already acquired or have under your hood.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>We're very pleased with the additions we made. It certainly created for some nice critical mass for this business. We've got some work to do to fully absorb and integrate this but we don't comment on M&amp;amp;A but we look for opportunities that are value creating to grow each of our businesses.</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>Great. Can I ask just one last quick question? Would it be fair to say that you won't comment on the Enable process unless there's something definitive going forward or is there going to be another kind of deadline or milestone we should look for to get a progress report?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>No, this has been admittedly a long process. So, we think, as we come to the end of this, we will communicate the outcome irrespective of what it is.</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, great. Thank you.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yup.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>The next question will come from Abe Azar with Deutsche Bank.</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>Thank you. Good morning.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Good morning, Abe.</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>If you do a transaction on Enable, you continue to believe it will be for another stock that you'll sell over time and not cash?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Well, think the best way to answer that is for a cash transaction to work, it would have to be at a price that will allow us to accomplish all of our objectives. So, I think we said on an earlier call, the most likely outcome would be something that is not a cash transaction, a cash sale transaction.</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. So, no change to that.</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>No.</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>And then if you did not reach a transaction we noticed a slight change in your language on the slide from you're going to pursue opportunities to sell Enable in the public market on the Q2 slides and now a little bit more [Inaudible] evaluate the sale of the units. Is there anything to read into that or is that just some ...</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>No, there's nothing to read into that. We're trying to communicate the same messages we did last quarter.</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. And then for the Minnesota rate case, do you book revenues as you receive them for the internal rate increase or is there a reserve against that?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>We do book revenues as we receive them starting when the [Inaudible] effect on October 1st.</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yup.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>The next question is from Ali Agha with SunTrust.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Thank you. Good morning.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Good morning, Ali.</p> <p>Ali Agha -- SunTrust -- Analyst</p> <p>Good morning. Scott and Bill, I wanted to just be clear, the 2018 sort of in negative range, the high end of the 406. Does that assume that Enable stays [Inaudible] like no transaction, just looking at the business as it is right now?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yes, that is correct.</p> <p>Ali Agha -- SunTrust -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. Just to be clear on that because a few weeks ago you guys had put some slides out that had basically indicated that based on known and measurable [Inaudible] already out there, utility earnings would be up by 10 cents year over year. So, mathematically that would imply that you could likely exceed the 4% to 6%. Is that still the case assuming that there's no change to Enable?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Ali, good morning. It's Bill. I think you're referring to some slides we put out in September at an investor conference where, as you put it, we had some [Inaudible][3236] measurable events which included growth in our electric business, rate relief in our electric business as approved and as filed, flat for the gas business and then increases in energy services as well as equity return. And I think you're right to say that that did not include any additional rate relief.</p> <p>Nor did it incorporate the earnings forecast that Enable's put out Wednesday of this week, all of which to say is those are the items that give us comfort to saying we will be at the higher end of that 4% to 6% percent guidance.</p> <p>Ali Agha -- SunTrust -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. And also just to clarify, so if there is a transaction for Enable either sale of stock or you start to sell down the units on your own. In the very sort of near-term as that happens, how should we think about the earnings impact from that because the earnings would go away from Enable but the proceeds coming in will take awhile to be reinvested. So, from a timing perspective at least it should be assumed that if there is a transaction, there is some at least short-term downward impact to the earnings power?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Ali, I'll start with this. Bill may want to add a little color to it. I think the way I would think about this is our objective, as we said early on, was if we did anything, it would be in the context of keeping our investors whole or achieving our financial objectives. So, our objective would be through whatever we do, we would still continue to target our growth objectives as we laid them out for you.</p> <p>Ali Agha -- SunTrust -- Analyst</p> <p>And also the dividend as well.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>That is the target, yes.</p> <p>Ali Agha -- SunTrust -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, thank you.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Yup.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>The next question will come from Shahriar Pourreza with the Guggenheim Partners.</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Good morning, guys.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Morning, Shahriar.</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Most of my questions were answered at this point but just on the capital program that you discussed today and appreciate we have to wait for the K to come out in order to get it but on the electric side, the higher capex potential, is that predominantly the Freeport project or do you envision sort of the reliability and resiliency stuff you discussed this morning to be incremental to that?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>So, Freeport is clearly a large component of that. We hope to get support from [Inaudible] by the end of the year and assuming that happens, then we will enter the process of the PUC early next year but in addition to that, we are thinking about other opportunities associated with growth needs in the area and reliability and hardening investments as well in the area.</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Got it. You guys had never had trouble growing, right? So, when you sort of think about the higher capital program on the [Inaudible] side, do you envision sort of maintaining that top end of that 4% to 6% beyond 2018 with what you know now?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>We haven't given any indications beyond 2018 at this point but we are preparing to share more of our views in the outer years at our yearend call. So, we're developing that thinking. Certainly, the need for capital spending help support a good growth rate but we will be better prepared to communicate what we think that looks like out into the future at our yearend call.</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Got it. And just lastly on Enable, obviously, OG&amp;amp;E still has their proposal out there. They responded on, I think, August 14th. So, whatever outcome in this process, just remind us the offer that you accept has to exceed what OG&amp;amp;E is sort of out there with and what's the deadline for you to respond?</p> <p>David Mordy -- Director, Investor Relations</p> <p>Right. Shahriar, it's Bill. You're right. OG&amp;amp;E has a right of first offer opportunity and they exercised that right in August, as you said. If we accept another offer, that has to be completed within 180 days and that offer does have to be higher by 105% or greater than OG&amp;amp;E's offer.</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, got it. 180 days puts you somewhere around January 11th?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>I think that's fair.</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, good. Have a good morning, guys. Thanks again.</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>Please remember if you wish to ask a question to press star 1 on your telephone keypad now. Thank you for corporation. The next question will come from Charles Fishman with Morningstar.</p> <p>Charles Fishman -- Morningstar -- Analyst</p> <p>Good morning. Just two quick ones. In addition to the capex, you'll provide your projection of rate base for electric [Inaudible] as well as natural gas with the Q4 call?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Charles, we've done some of that in the past. We haven't put together our projections yet but we'll contemplate providing disclosure on that as well as what we think our capital spending is.</p> <p>Charles Fishman -- Morningstar -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. And then second real quick question. You had 7 million less right away revenue. Bill, do you have a year to date total on it, what we're down to, as that goes lower?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>I think where we're looking here real quick to see if we have that number available for you.</p> <p>Charles Fishman -- Morningstar -- Analyst</p> <p>If not, I'll get the DEI from you.</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>We owe you an answer.</p> <p>Charles Fishman -- Morningstar -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, that'll work. We'll see you next week.</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Okay.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>The next question will come from Steve Fleishman with Wolfe Research.</p> <p>Steve Fleishman -- Wolfe Research -- Analyst</p> <p>Hi. Good morning.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Good morning, Steve.</p> <p>Steve Fleishman -- Wolfe Research -- Analyst</p> <p>So, just on Enable, in the scenario where you do not have a transaction port, is there any consideration to not kind of looking to monetize it in the market because, I'm sure you're aware, it's kind of bit of an overwhelming overhang on Enable stock to have that out there. So, I'm just kind of curious is there still some openness to thinking about that.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Steve, I'll back to what our initial objective was and that was to reduce our exposure to commodity variability by our investment in midstream. So, we would still continue to look for opportunities to reduce our exposure in that space. That said, I mean, you bring up very valid points about the market conditions and, as we've said, in the past as we considered the sale of units, we had to be extremely mindful of what is actually going on in respect to the markets.</p> <p>Steve Fleishman -- Wolfe Research -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay. And then my other question, I guess, in terms of the capital plan updates that you're going to give early next year, is there any way that you could maybe give some sense of how much higher they might go? Is this like 50% higher, is this just a little higher or any sense of scale?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Well, it's not going to go 50% higher, I can tell you that. It's not that kind of adjustment but I'd say it's not insignificant. I mean, we've mentioned this because the opportunities we're looking at are significant enough to disclose and mention but we just don't have the plan yet finalized. So, I'd characterize it as meaningful but not a doubling of our current capital plan.</p> <p>Steve Fleishman -- Wolfe Research -- Analyst</p> <p>Okay, thank you very much.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>Our final question will come from Michael Lapides with Goldman Sachs.</p> <p>Michael Lapides -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst</p> <p>Yeah. Hey, guys. Actually, couple of questions. First a follow-up on the capital plan following up to Steve.</p> <p>Do you see the change being on a percentage basis higher on the electric side or the gas side?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Michael, we're actually looking at changes to both of the businesses. So, I don't know what the percentage numbers would be like but I would say they're meaningful for both segments.</p> <p>Michael Lapides -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst</p> <p>And because you gave out a multiyear capex plan, is it more ratable throughout or is it more backend loaded when you're thinking about it, meaning kind of lumpier and more in the last two years than maybe in the first couple of years?</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Michael, I would say that both gas and electric are biased to go higher by similar amount. Admittedly, gas is smaller percentage of the total capital program. The gas business are more programs as we think about pipe replacement. So, that's a more localized capital investment.</p> <p>The electric business and our visibility of that tends to be frontend loaded and to the extent that we have large transmission projects such as Brazos Valley or Freeport, we have visibility in that. So, they get biased on the frontend of the electric business because we can see the growth in the Houston Metropolitan area.</p> <p>Michael Lapides -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst</p> <p>And do you worry about like in Houston you all have been very good about earning, authorized earning close to authorized, if needed the DCRF but are you worried that incremental capital and staying out of rate cases will eventually push on to returns to a level that's kind of beneath what you've been able to generate for the large couple of years there?</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Well, certainly our mechanisms help us minimize regulatory lag but you're correct to say with higher capital on the margin, that regulatory lag increases. It's not something that we worry about at this point in time. I think it's very manageable.</p> <p>Michael Lapides -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst</p> <p>Got it. Okay, guys, thank you very much. Much appreciated.</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and President</p> <p>Thank you, Mike.</p> <p>David Mordy -- Director, Investor Relations</p> <p>I believe Michael's is the final question. Thank you, everyone, for your interest in CenterPoint Energy. We will now conclude our Q3 2017 earnings call. Have a great day.</p> <p>Operator</p> <p>This concludes CenterPoint Energy's Q3 2017 earnings conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.</p> <p>Duration: 49 minutes</p> <p>David Mordy -- Director, Investor Relations</p> <p>Scott Prochazka -- Chief Executive Officer and Chairman</p> <p>Bill Rogers -- Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President</p> <p>Josephine Wilson -- Bank of America -- Analyst</p> <p>Greg Gordon -- Evercore ISI -- Analyst</p> <p>Neel Mitra -- Tudor Pickering -- Analyst</p> <p>Abe Azar -- Deutsche Bank -- Analyst</p> <p>Ali Agha -- SunTrust -- Analyst</p> <p>Shahriar Pourreza -- Guggenheim -- Analyst</p> <p>Charles Fishman -- Morningstar -- Analyst</p> <p>Steve Fleishman -- Wolfe Research -- Analyst</p> <p>Michael Lapides -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst</p> <p><a href="https://www.fool.com/quote/cnp?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=647c7794-c109-11e7-947e-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">More CNP analysis Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our <a href="https://www.fool.com/legal/terms-and-conditions/fool-rules?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;referring_guid=647c7794-c109-11e7-947e-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Terms and Conditions Opens a New Window.</a> for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than CenterPoint EnergyWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. 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centerpoint energy nyse cnp q3 2017 earnings conference callnov 3 2017 1100 et continue reading operator good morning welcome centerpoint energys q3 2017 earnings conference call senior management companys prepared remarks participants listenonly mode question answer session managements remarks ask question press star 1 telephone keypad withdraw enjoy question press pound key ill turn call david mordy director investor relations mr mordy may begin sir david mordy director investor relations advertisement thank good morning everyone welcome q3 2017 earnings conference call scott prochazka president ceo bill rogers executive vice president cfo discuss q3 2017 results provide highlights key areas also us morning tracy bridge executive vice president president electric division scott doyle senior vice president natural gas distribution joe vortherms senior vice president energy services tracy scott joe available qampa portion call conjunction call using slides found investors section website centerpointenergycom reconciliation nongaap measures used providing earnings guidance todays call please refer earnings news release slides theyve posted website form 10q please note may announce material information using sec filings news releases public conference calls webcasts posts investor section website future continue use channels communicate important information encourage review information website today management discuss certain topics containing projections forwardlooking information based managements beliefs assumptions information currently available management forwardlooking statements subject risks uncertainties actual results could differ materially based upon factors including weather variations regulatory actions economic conditions growth commodity prices changes service territories risk factors noted sec filings also discuss guidance 2017 guidance range considers utility operations performance date certain significant variables may impact earnings weather regulatory judicial proceedings throughput commodity prices effective tax rate financing activities providing guidance company uses nongaap measure adjusted diluted earnings per share include potential impacts changes accounting standards unusual items earnings losses change value zeropremium exchangeable subordinated notes zen securities related stocks timing effects mark market accounting companys energy services business guidance range also considers factors enable recent public forecast effective tax rates scott begins would like mention call recorded information access replay found website id like turn call scott scott prochazka chief executive officer president thank david good morning ladies gentleman thank joining us today thank interest centerpoint energy mentioned earlier year thrilled hosting super bowl houston year minneapolis next year little know astros would chime world series win two proud team city proud serve houston begin slide 4 morning reported q3 2017 net income 169 million dollars 39 cents per diluted share compared net income 179 million dollars 41 cents per diluted share quarter last year guidance basis q3 2017 adjusted earnings 167 million dollars 38 cents per diluted share compared adjusted earnings 177 million dollars 41 cents per diluted share quarter last year increases resulted rate relief customer growth benefits offset return normal weather lower equity return higher depreciation amortization expense lower right way revenue offsets translated lower q3 earnings versus 2016 line plan track achieve near high end guidance range 2017 businesses performed well far year anticipate strong finish q4 turning slide 5 know friday august 25 hurricane harvey made landfall texas houston region harvey brought nearly years worth rainfall fourday period 50 inches rain areas would like thank employees many experienced flooding homes andor lost vehicles high water remain focused needs customers days weeks followed preparation dedication crucial ability respond quickly impacted natural gas electric customers centerpoint natural gas technicians arkansas louisiana oklahoma adjacent texas offices assisted fellow colleagues along texas coast id like thank 1500 electric contractors mutual assistance crews seven states helped electric recovery efforts also proud offer assistance restoring power centerpoint electric crews traveled florida nearly two weeks assisted two utilities recovery efforts following hurricane irma grid investments made last decade produced significant benefits storm distribution automation including devices intelligent grid switches allowed us quickly isolate problems enabling faster restoration smart meters efficiently executed remote orders well provided outage information keep customers informed specific relevant information drones helped us assess damage efficiently direct crews accessible work locations accelerate restoration benefits realized years planning designing implementing ultimately utilizing grid modernization investments would also like thank first responders cities serve community partners thousands volunteers continue support affected communities next cover business highlights starting houston electric slide 6 electric transmission distribution core operating income q3 2017 229 million dollars compared 234 million dollars quarter last year slightly due large part weather reduced equity return quarter compared q3 last year continue see strong growth electric service territory added 46000 metered customers since q3 2016 reflecting 2 customer growth believe level growth continue throughout year fiveyear period im also pleased announce ahead schedule construction brazos valley connection project includes 60mile transmission line expect complete energize project q1 2018 rate relief reflecting 42 million dollars annual increase distribution cost recovery factor dcrf settlement investments made 2016 went effect september additionally recently filed 39 million dollars transmission cost service tcost rate recovery anticipate houston electric make another dcrf filing reflecting 2017 investments april next year well additional tcost filing completion brazos valley connection project complete overview houston electrics yeartodate regulatory developments please see slide 22 turning slide 7 continue believe capital requirements support business remain robust capital needs growth reliability inaudible investment likely create upward shift current fiveyear capital plan earlier year proposed freeport texas transmission project totaling 250 million dollars capital project incremental current planned capital expenditures also indicative continued growth occurring throughout industrial sector greater houston partnership forecasting houstons gross metro product outpace national gdp next 20 years 4 percentage points addition industrial growth residential customer growth expected continue 2 process refining capital requirements provide updated capital plan 2017 form 10k turning slide eight natural gas distribution reported operating income 19 million dollars compared 22 million dollars quarter last year slight decline primarily due timing associated rate stabilization experienced solid customer growth approximately 1 business addition nearly 38000 customers since q3 2016 benefit annual recovery mechanisms across service territories minnesota interim rates went effect october 1st following rate filing made jurisdiction august arkansas first formula rate plan frp filing approved new rates went affect october 2nd complete listing regulatory filings gas distribution business please see slides 23 24 similar electric business anticipate upward shift capital investment gas distribution upcoming fiveyear plan investments help keep pace industry norms regulatory requirements safety system integrity continue drive capital spending similar electric business updated gas distribution fiveyear capital plan provided 2017 form 10k turning slide 9 energy services operating income 5 million dollars q3 2017 compared 7 million dollars quarter last year excluding mark market gain 2 million dollars loss 2 million dollars respectively operating income quarter included 2 million dollars expenses related acquisition integration atmos energy marketing aem anticipated aem acquisition modestly accretive year date see volume growth opportunities segment turning midstream investments enable performed well quarter slide 10 shows highlights q3 earnings call november 1st midstream investments contributed 10 cents per diluted share q3 2017 compared 10 cents per diluted share period last year q3 marked partnerships highest quarter natural gas gathering volumes crude oil gathering volumes interstate transportation average deliveries enabled continues see strong level activity system 40 rigs drilling wells dedicated gathering processing systems continue believe enable well positioned success turning slide 11 given performance date views balance year anticipate achieving near high end guidance range 2017 also continue expect yearoveryear earnings growth 2018 upper end 4 6 range status midstream investment ownership review covered slide 12 late stage discussions regarding interest enable comment status activities represent reach agreement discussions come fruition look opportunities constructively sell units public market conditions allow proceeds unit sales serve source capital growing core energy delivery business let conclude reiterating remain focused meeting energy delivery needs growing customer base prudent investment timely recovery performing well year date expect strong finish year turn call bill bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president thank scott start review financial impact hurricane harvey slide 14 noted harvey balance sheet event income statement event company current estimate restoration effort houston electric cost 110 120 million dollars expect third amount likely covered claims property insurance programs remaining costs recovered either capital mechanisms regulatory assets next general rate case proceeding estimating 25 30 million dollars restoration cost gas distribution anticipate majority costs recovered claims property insurance programs next provide quarter quarter operating income walk electric emb natural gas distribution segments followed eps drivers utility operations consolidated business guidance basis begin houston electric slide 15 rate relief continued 2 customer growth translated 12milliondollar 9milliondollar favorable variance respectively quarter revenue growth offset return normal weather lower equity return lower right way revenue usage declined quarter quarter basis resulting 12milliondollar negative variance equity return lower 9 million miscellaneous revenue primarily right way lower 7 million dollars core operating income shown chart provide better view growth excluding change equity return basis houston electrics core operating income increased 212 216 million dollars 4milliondollar improvement periodtoperiod basis despite reductions due weather turning slide 16 natural gas distribution operating income q3 19 million dollars compared 22 million dollars period last year business benefited 5 million dollars rate relief 2 million dollars customer growth usage 4 million dollars due primarily timing revenue recognition associated use decoupling normalization adjustments net increase revenues gas distribution offset 6milliondollar increases depreciation amortization taxes excluding mark market adjustments operating income energy services business declined 7 million dollars q3 2016 5 million dollars q3 2017 higher operating costs primarily result 2 million dollars expenses related acquisition integration atmos energy marketing quartertoquarter utility operations guidance basis eps walk begins slide 17 decline eps utility operations 31 cents 2016 28 cents 2017 result previously discussed lower operating income decrease equity return collection items include income taxes income consolidated guidance eps comparison slide 18 earnings declined 41 cents q3 2016 38 cents q3 2017 result decrease eps contributions utility operations anticipate strong performance remainder 2017 customer growth rate relief energy services midstream segment contributing yearonyear growth turning slide 19 continue expect 15 billion capital investment 2017 financial strength evidenced recent positive rating agency action september fitch upgraded inaudible secured notes rating addition fitch standard amp poors revised outlook positive cnp cerc value strong balance sheet pleased see upgrade previously discussed forecasting need equity either 2017 2018 respect effective income tax rate although q3 increased 37 continue anticipate full year 2017 tax rate 36 slide 20 summarize year date performance short 7 cents improvement utility operations 7 cents improvement midstream investments versus time last year strong year date performance sets us well achieve full year 2017 financial objectives scott commented earlier anticipate near high end 125 133 guidance range 2017 finally recognize federal legislators hard work tax reform yesterday provided reconciliation bill tax cuts jobs act although premature take view eventual tax reform provided review centerpoints tax position appendix materials investor slides accompany call turn call back david david mordy director investor relations thank bill open call questions interest time ask limit one question followup operator time begin taking questions wish ask question please press star 1 touchtone keypad withdraw question press pound key company requests asking question callers pick telephone handsets thank first question come julien dumoulinsmith bank america please go ahead josephine wilson bank america analyst hi josephine taking question today wondering know guys cash taxpayer could maybe talk little bit youre thinking absorbing tax appetite strategies guys considering scott prochazka chief executive officer president bill take bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president certainly correct cash taxpayer centerpoint like companies look opportunities accelerated deductions defer revenue recognition josephine wilson bank america analyst strategies youve thought beyond course tax reform maybe like looking tax equity bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president dont think would comment time respect strategies certainly continue take look proposals tax reform congress josephine wilson bank america analyst okay course thank bill operator next question come greg gordon evercore isi please go ahead greg gordon evercore isi analyst thanks good morning guys scott prochazka chief executive officer president good morning greg greg gordon evercore isi analyst followup question ive got one followup understand negative basis enable sell youd large tax hit manage ongoing basis understanding please correct im wrong actual effective cash tax rate ongoing basis quite low isnt around 5 see trending rest decade scott prochazka chief executive officer president bill take well bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president sure greg youre correct last year 2016 cash tax midsingle digits 5 year approaching closer 20 greg gordon evercore isi analyst gotcha give us sense weather youd willing forecast would look like prospectively scott prochazka chief executive officer president think longer course time approach accrual rate today 36 greg gordon evercore isi analyst great thanks followup question comes earnings growth targets lay guidance range convention use underlying assumption regard enable contribution still assuming purposes articulating range enables flat contributor prospectively bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president greg youre asking 2017 answer yes take contributions projections roll numbers greg gordon evercore isi analyst right give wealthier longerterm earnings guidance aspiration scott prochazka chief executive officer president weve done weve given view believe 2018 would look like incorporate enable articulated terms views 2018 relative 2017 provided couple days ago greg gordon evercore isi analyst okay theyre public pronouncements scott prochazka chief executive officer president yeah theyve given indication income net income range 2018 greg gordon evercore isi analyst okay wanted clear wasnt internal forecast public forecast scott prochazka chief executive officer president yeah well use forecast 2018 greg gordon evercore isi analyst thank much great day scott prochazka chief executive officer president yup operator next question come neel mitra tudor pickering neel mitra tudor pickering analyst hi good morning scott prochazka chief executive officer president good morning neel neel mitra tudor pickering analyst first question regards project earned roe houston electric going year moving parts maybe moving oampm regulatory asset given hurricane harvey whether youd eligible file dcrf year scott prochazka chief executive officer president neel since bill indicated financial effects storm primarily balance sheet driven anticipate able file dcrf said another way yearend return allowed return 10 neel mitra tudor pickering analyst okay great second question atmos lot throughput competitive businesses see kind going forward relative qualitative commentary youve given around growth rate going forward scott prochazka chief executive officer president see great complement utility business see business growing core businesses growing today kind midsingle digits terms percent earnings contribution overall mix saw staying place words see business growing utilities growing neel mitra tudor pickering analyst okay view incremental acquisitions going forward business want higher portion overall mix business inaudible2850 thats want grow organically point segments youve already acquired hood scott prochazka chief executive officer president pleased additions made certainly created nice critical mass business weve got work fully absorb integrate dont comment mampa look opportunities value creating grow businesses neel mitra tudor pickering analyst great ask one last quick question would fair say wont comment enable process unless theres something definitive going forward going another kind deadline milestone look get progress report scott prochazka chief executive officer president admittedly long process think come end communicate outcome irrespective neel mitra tudor pickering analyst okay great thank scott prochazka chief executive officer president yup operator next question come abe azar deutsche bank abe azar deutsche bank analyst thank good morning scott prochazka chief executive officer president good morning abe abe azar deutsche bank analyst transaction enable continue believe another stock youll sell time cash bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president well think best way answer cash transaction work would price allow us accomplish objectives think said earlier call likely outcome would something cash transaction cash sale transaction abe azar deutsche bank analyst okay change bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president abe azar deutsche bank analyst reach transaction noticed slight change language slide youre going pursue opportunities sell enable public market q2 slides little bit inaudible evaluate sale units anything read scott prochazka chief executive officer president theres nothing read trying communicate messages last quarter abe azar deutsche bank analyst okay minnesota rate case book revenues receive internal rate increase reserve scott prochazka chief executive officer president book revenues receive starting inaudible effect october 1st abe azar deutsche bank analyst thank scott prochazka chief executive officer president yup operator next question ali agha suntrust scott prochazka chief executive officer president thank good morning scott prochazka chief executive officer president good morning ali ali agha suntrust analyst good morning scott bill wanted clear 2018 sort negative range high end 406 assume enable stays inaudible like transaction looking business right scott prochazka chief executive officer president yes correct ali agha suntrust analyst okay clear weeks ago guys put slides basically indicated based known measurable inaudible already utility earnings would 10 cents year year mathematically would imply could likely exceed 4 6 still case assuming theres change enable bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president ali good morning bill think youre referring slides put september investor conference put inaudible3236 measurable events included growth electric business rate relief electric business approved filed flat gas business increases energy services well equity return think youre right say include additional rate relief incorporate earnings forecast enables put wednesday week say items give us comfort saying higher end 4 6 percent guidance ali agha suntrust analyst okay also clarify transaction enable either sale stock start sell units sort nearterm happens think earnings impact earnings would go away enable proceeds coming take awhile reinvested timing perspective least assumed transaction least shortterm downward impact earnings power scott prochazka chief executive officer president ali ill start bill may want add little color think way would think objective said early anything would context keeping investors whole achieving financial objectives objective would whatever would still continue target growth objectives laid ali agha suntrust analyst also dividend well scott prochazka chief executive officer president target yes ali agha suntrust analyst okay thank scott prochazka chief executive officer president yup operator next question come shahriar pourreza guggenheim partners shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst good morning guys scott prochazka chief executive officer president morning shahriar shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst questions answered point capital program discussed today appreciate wait k come order get electric side higher capex potential predominantly freeport project envision sort reliability resiliency stuff discussed morning incremental bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president freeport clearly large component hope get support inaudible end year assuming happens enter process puc early next year addition thinking opportunities associated growth needs area reliability hardening investments well area shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst got guys never trouble growing right sort think higher capital program inaudible side envision sort maintaining top end 4 6 beyond 2018 know scott prochazka chief executive officer president havent given indications beyond 2018 point preparing share views outer years yearend call developing thinking certainly need capital spending help support good growth rate better prepared communicate think looks like future yearend call shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst got lastly enable obviously ogampe still proposal responded think august 14th whatever outcome process remind us offer accept exceed ogampe sort whats deadline respond david mordy director investor relations right shahriar bill youre right ogampe right first offer opportunity exercised right august said accept another offer completed within 180 days offer higher 105 greater ogampes offer shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst okay got 180 days puts somewhere around january 11th bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president think thats fair shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst okay good good morning guys thanks bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president thank scott prochazka chief executive officer president thank operator please remember wish ask question press star 1 telephone keypad thank corporation next question come charles fishman morningstar charles fishman morningstar analyst good morning two quick ones addition capex youll provide projection rate base electric inaudible well natural gas q4 call scott prochazka chief executive officer president charles weve done past havent put together projections yet well contemplate providing disclosure well think capital spending charles fishman morningstar analyst okay second real quick question 7 million less right away revenue bill year date total goes lower bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president think looking real quick see number available charles fishman morningstar analyst ill get dei bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president owe answer charles fishman morningstar analyst okay thatll work well see next week bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president okay operator next question come steve fleishman wolfe research steve fleishman wolfe research analyst hi good morning scott prochazka chief executive officer president good morning steve steve fleishman wolfe research analyst enable scenario transaction port consideration kind looking monetize market im sure youre aware kind bit overwhelming overhang enable stock im kind curious still openness thinking scott prochazka chief executive officer president steve ill back initial objective reduce exposure commodity variability investment midstream would still continue look opportunities reduce exposure space said mean bring valid points market conditions weve said past considered sale units extremely mindful actually going respect markets steve fleishman wolfe research analyst okay question guess terms capital plan updates youre going give early next year way could maybe give sense much higher might go like 50 higher little higher sense scale scott prochazka chief executive officer president well going go 50 higher tell kind adjustment id say insignificant mean weve mentioned opportunities looking significant enough disclose mention dont plan yet finalized id characterize meaningful doubling current capital plan steve fleishman wolfe research analyst okay thank much operator final question come michael lapides goldman sachs michael lapides goldman sachs analyst yeah hey guys actually couple questions first followup capital plan following steve see change percentage basis higher electric side gas side scott prochazka chief executive officer president michael actually looking changes businesses dont know percentage numbers would like would say theyre meaningful segments michael lapides goldman sachs analyst gave multiyear capex plan ratable throughout backend loaded youre thinking meaning kind lumpier last two years maybe first couple years bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president michael would say gas electric biased go higher similar amount admittedly gas smaller percentage total capital program gas business programs think pipe replacement thats localized capital investment electric business visibility tends frontend loaded extent large transmission projects brazos valley freeport visibility get biased frontend electric business see growth houston metropolitan area michael lapides goldman sachs analyst worry like houston good earning authorized earning close authorized needed dcrf worried incremental capital staying rate cases eventually push returns level thats kind beneath youve able generate large couple years scott prochazka chief executive officer president well certainly mechanisms help us minimize regulatory lag youre correct say higher capital margin regulatory lag increases something worry point time think manageable michael lapides goldman sachs analyst got okay guys thank much much appreciated scott prochazka chief executive officer president thank mike david mordy director investor relations believe michaels final question thank everyone interest centerpoint energy conclude q3 2017 earnings call great day operator concludes centerpoint energys q3 2017 earnings conference call thank participation may disconnect duration 49 minutes david mordy director investor relations scott prochazka chief executive officer chairman bill rogers chief financial officer executive vice president josephine wilson bank america analyst greg gordon evercore isi analyst neel mitra tudor pickering analyst abe azar deutsche bank analyst ali agha suntrust analyst shahriar pourreza guggenheim analyst charles fishman morningstar analyst steve fleishman wolfe research analyst michael lapides goldman sachs analyst cnp analysis opens new window article transcript conference call produced motley fool strive foolish best may errors omissions inaccuracies transcript articles motley fool assume responsibility use content strongly encourage research including listening call reading companys sec filings please see terms conditions opens new window additional details including obligatory capitalized disclaimers liability 10 stocks like better centerpoint energywhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay 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<p>The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Friday outlined a long list of objections to the Trump administration's proposals for rewriting the North American Free Trade Agreement and said it was launching an effort to try to keep the ideas from advancing in talks with Mexico and Canada.</p> <p>"We see these proposals as highly dangerous," John Murphy, the top trade official at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told reporters Friday morning at a press briefing.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>"We're at a crossroads here," Mr. Murphy added. "It's very worrying."</p> <p>Mr. Murphy cited as objectionable a number of proposals that the administration has either already submitted or told business groups and members of Congress that it plans to submit during the continuing talks. 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He didn't elaborate.</p> <p>A spokeswoman for U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer -- who is leading the negotiations for the Trump administration, and has crafted many of the contentious proposals -- didn't respond immediately to a request for comment. A White House spokesman declined to comment.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The chamber and other groups have worked closely with the administration on policies like deregulation and the effort to implement big tax cuts. And, as Mr. Trump regularly notes in speeches and on Twitter, business confidence gauges, and stock market indexes, have hit new highs during his administration.</p> <p>However, there have been tensions in other areas. Prominent executives have tangled with Mr. Trump on a number of fronts. Business leaders in August disbanded two CEO councils created by the White House, protesting what they said was the president's failure to sufficiently condemn racism after the violent Charlottesville, Va., protests.</p> <p>The chamber openly attacked Mr. Trump over his pledges during the campaign to rip up Nafta and other trade agreements. Mr. Trump threatened to withdraw from Nafta in April but the tensions eased after the administration agreed instead to renegotiate, and, in the early rounds, put forth modest proposals that business supported.</p> <p>Mr. Trump has long said he disagreed with the trade policies fixed over the past half-century, in cooperation with big business, and was prepared to listen more to ideas embraced by labor unions and other free-trade critics.</p> <p>Mr. Murphy said that the chamber and other business groups have repeatedly voiced their objections to emerging Trump Nafta proposals and "the expert analysis and the views of industry have too often been brushed aside."</p> <p>The chamber and others are "urging the administration to recalibrate its approach," he said. "They should stop and listen to the business community."</p> <p>Write to Jacob M. Schlesinger at jacob.schlesinger@wsj.com</p> <p>WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Friday outlined a long list of objections to the Trump administration's proposals for rewriting the North American Free Trade Agreement and said it was launching an effort to try to keep the ideas from advancing in talks with Mexico and Canada.</p> <p>"We see these proposals as highly dangerous," John Murphy, the top trade official at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told reporters Friday morning at a press briefing.</p> <p>"We're at a crossroads here," Mr. Murphy added. "It's very worrying."</p> <p>Mr. Murphy cited as objectionable a number of proposals that the administration has either already submitted or told business groups and members of Congress that it plans to submit during the continuing talks. These include proposals to impose new requirements for U.S. content in all cars qualifying for Nafta's special treatment; weaken or scrap provisions for arbitrating disputes among governments and companies in the three countries; create new limits on Canadian and Mexican access to U.S. government procurement; create a new "sunset" clause in the pact that would make it expire unless the countries regularly agree to renew it.</p> <p>"Even one of them could be sufficient to move the business and agriculture communities to oppose an agreement that included them," Mr. Murphy said.</p> <p>The chamber's senior vice president for international policy said that the business lobby would ramp up coordination with other trade groups in the coming days to amplify their concerns to administration officials, lawmakers, and the general public, particularly in states that Donald Trump carried in the 2016 election and depend heavily on exports to Nafta countries. He didn't elaborate.</p> <p>A spokeswoman for U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who is leading the negotiations for the Trump administration and has crafted many of the proposals, said the president's objectives in the Nafta talks are aimed at creating jobs and reducing the trade deficit.</p> <p>"The president has been clear that Nafta has been a disaster for many Americans, and achieving his objectives requires substantial change," said USTR spokeswoman Emily Davis. "These changes, of course, will be opposed by entrenched Washington lobbyists and trade associations. We have always understood that draining the swamp would be controversial in Washington."</p> <p>The chamber and other groups have worked closely with the administration on policies like deregulation and the effort to implement big tax cuts. And, as Mr. Trump regularly notes in speeches and on Twitter, business confidence gauges, and stock market indexes, have hit new highs during his administration.</p> <p>However, there have been tensions in other areas. Prominent executives have tangled with Mr. Trump on a number of fronts. Business leaders in August disbanded two CEO councils created by the White House, protesting what they said was the president's failure to sufficiently condemn racism after the violent Charlottesville, Va., protests.</p> <p>The chamber openly attacked Mr. Trump over his pledges during the campaign to rip up Nafta and other trade agreements. Mr. Trump threatened to withdraw from Nafta in April but the tensions eased after the administration agreed instead to renegotiate, and, in the early rounds, put forth modest proposals that business supported.</p> <p>Mr. Trump has long said he disagreed with the trade policies fixed over the past half-century, in cooperation with big business, and was prepared to listen more to ideas embraced by labor unions and other free-trade critics.</p> <p>Mr. Murphy said that the chamber and other business groups have repeatedly voiced their objections to emerging Trump Nafta proposals and "the expert analysis and the views of industry have too often been brushed aside."</p> <p>The chamber and others are "urging the administration to recalibrate its approach," he said. "They should stop and listen to the business community."</p> <p>Write to Jacob M. Schlesinger at jacob.schlesinger@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>October 06, 2017 13:03 ET (17:03 GMT)</p>

us chamber commerce friday outlined long list objections trump administrations proposals rewriting north american free trade agreement said launching effort try keep ideas advancing talks mexico canada see proposals highly dangerous john murphy top trade official us chamber commerce told reporters friday morning press briefing continue reading crossroads mr murphy added worrying mr murphy cited objectionable number proposals administration either already submitted told business groups members congress plans submit continuing talks include proposals impose new requirements us content cars qualifying naftas special treatment weaken scrap provisions arbitrating disputes among governments companies three countries create new limits canadian mexican access us government procurement create new sunset clause pact would make expire unless countries regularly agree renew even one could sufficient move business agriculture communities oppose agreement included mr murphy said chambers senior vice president international policy said business lobby would ramp coordination trade groups coming days amplify concerns administration officials lawmakers general public particularly states donald trump carried 2016 election depend heavily exports nafta countries didnt elaborate spokeswoman us trade representative robert lighthizer leading negotiations trump administration crafted many contentious proposals didnt respond immediately request comment white house spokesman declined comment advertisement chamber groups worked closely administration policies like deregulation effort implement big tax cuts mr trump regularly notes speeches twitter business confidence gauges stock market indexes hit new highs administration however tensions areas prominent executives tangled mr trump number fronts business leaders august disbanded two ceo councils created white house protesting said presidents failure sufficiently condemn racism violent charlottesville va protests chamber openly attacked mr trump pledges campaign rip nafta trade agreements mr trump threatened withdraw nafta april tensions eased administration agreed instead renegotiate early rounds put forth modest proposals business supported mr trump long said disagreed trade policies fixed past halfcentury cooperation big business prepared listen ideas embraced labor unions freetrade critics mr murphy said chamber business groups repeatedly voiced objections emerging trump nafta proposals expert analysis views industry often brushed aside chamber others urging administration recalibrate approach said stop listen business community write jacob schlesinger jacobschlesingerwsjcom washington us chamber commerce friday outlined long list objections trump administrations proposals rewriting north american free trade agreement said launching effort try keep ideas advancing talks mexico canada see proposals highly dangerous john murphy top trade official us chamber commerce told reporters friday morning press briefing crossroads mr murphy added worrying mr murphy cited objectionable number proposals administration either already submitted told business groups members congress plans submit continuing talks include proposals impose new requirements us content cars qualifying naftas special treatment weaken scrap provisions arbitrating disputes among governments companies three countries create new limits canadian mexican access us government procurement create new sunset clause pact would make expire unless countries regularly agree renew even one could sufficient move business agriculture communities oppose agreement included mr murphy said chambers senior vice president international policy said business lobby would ramp coordination trade groups coming days amplify concerns administration officials lawmakers general public particularly states donald trump carried 2016 election depend heavily exports nafta countries didnt elaborate spokeswoman us trade representative robert lighthizer leading negotiations trump administration crafted many proposals said presidents objectives nafta talks aimed creating jobs reducing trade deficit president clear nafta disaster many americans achieving objectives requires substantial change said ustr spokeswoman emily davis changes course opposed entrenched washington lobbyists trade associations always understood draining swamp would controversial washington chamber groups worked closely administration policies like deregulation effort implement big tax cuts mr trump regularly notes speeches twitter business confidence gauges stock market indexes hit new highs administration however tensions areas prominent executives tangled mr trump number fronts business leaders august disbanded two ceo councils created white house protesting said presidents failure sufficiently condemn racism violent charlottesville va protests chamber openly attacked mr trump pledges campaign rip nafta trade agreements mr trump threatened withdraw nafta april tensions eased administration agreed instead renegotiate early rounds put forth modest proposals business supported mr trump long said disagreed trade policies fixed past halfcentury cooperation big business prepared listen ideas embraced labor unions freetrade critics mr murphy said chamber business groups repeatedly voiced objections emerging trump nafta proposals expert analysis views industry often brushed aside chamber others urging administration recalibrate approach said stop listen business community write jacob schlesinger jacobschlesingerwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 06 2017 1303 et 1703 gmt

<p>A good investment can be a lot like a good relationship: The wise among us pick their partners carefully, and they're looking ahead to the long haul. And asMotley Fool fans well know, one key to Foolish investing is the buy and hold philosophy -- no high-frequency day trading going on here!</p> <p>On this episode of <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/answers?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Motley Fool Answers Opens a New Window.</a>, Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp are joined by Jason Moser, who breaks down what he looks for in a "never-sell" stock. First attribute on the agenda: the company's culture.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</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=2759&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>{%video%}</p> <p>This video was recorded on August 2, 2016.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Alison Southwick: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here, together, today, to join this investor and this stock forever in investing matrimony.</p> <p>Robert Brokamp: Da, da ... da, da, da, da, da Is that the wedding theme?</p> <p>Southwick: There's a lot of different wedding themes.</p> <p>Brokamp: That is a wedding theme.</p> <p>Southwick: You could have gone Pachelbel's Canon. The point is that here at The Motley Fool we are long-term investors, and so the idea of investing in a stock for three, five, or 10 years ... that ain't no thing ... but investing in a stock forever! A stock that you'll have and hold forever!</p> <p>Jason Moser: It sounds like such a long time.</p> <p>Southwick: It does sound like such a long time. So Moser Moser joins us here, today. He is an analyst with Motley Fool's Million Dollar Portfolio service.</p> <p>Moser: Si.</p> <p>Southwick: He also is a frequent guest on MarketFoolery. In fact, anyone who's out there who listens to the Howard Stern Show would have heard Moser Moser on there.</p> <p>Moser: That was a nice nugget from the week. We owe that to one of our MarketFoolery listeners who actually pinged them over at the Stern show from something on Monday. Just kind of funny how that all worked out.</p> <p>Southwick: Yeah, that is funny. So kind of a big deal that Jason Moser joins us today. He goes from Howard Stern to our show!</p> <p>Moser: How about that?</p> <p>Southwick: Thanks! Thanks for joining us. So never sell stocks. Let's talk about that first, because in general I feel like we invest in stocks so that someday we can cash them out for a ton of moola. So why would we have stocks that we want to hold essentially forever? Are we really talking about forever?</p> <p>Moser: I'm glad that you asked that because I've had many people ask me that very question. It's one thing to consider yourself a buy-to-hold investor. We want to look at the long run versus the short run. That's our edge as investors. But yes, you're right. At some point you want to actually realize the fruits of your labor and cash in those gains.</p> <p>It all basically depends on why you're investing in the first place. Many of us are investing in order to insure our financial independence in our later years. Perhaps some people are investing because they want to leave their kids something after they pass on, and that's fine, too. It's all a matter of understanding, ultimately, what your goals are. Then once you can identify your goals, then you can identify if you really need to plan on holding this stock forever, or if forever really is like a 10 to 20 year time horizon because, honestly, that can make a big difference.</p> <p>Southwick: And honestly, how many people get married and they're like, "I'm going to love you forever," and then they get divorced. So, whatever. There's wiggle room.</p> <p>Moser: But I think it's also worth noting that we three, here, are all married (not to each other, of course) but I think we're all still on our firsts...</p> <p>Brokamp: You'd be so lucky, Jason.</p> <p>Moser: ...for quite some time, and it seems to be working out for some people in this world.</p> <p>Southwick: We're all on our firsts. Yes, that's true.</p> <p>Moser: I do think that's an important thing to note, and so when we say "never sell stocks" I think that's a little bit of hyperbole in that we really do focus on longer-term investing than most do.</p> <p>Southwick: So maybe we're talking more about a time horizon of 10 to 20 years.</p> <p>Moser: Sure. I think 10 to 20 years is a pretty neat way to look at things. I'm 43 years old today. There are companies in my personal portfolio that I would love to still own when I'm 63.</p> <p>Southwick: Well, let's get into it. We've got a few different categories that we're going to look at when it comes to determining whether that stock is a "never-sell stock," and the first aspect we're going to look at is company culture.</p> <p>Moser: Sure, culture.</p> <p>Southwick: Culture.</p> <p>Moser: Culture's a big deal. We talk a lot about culture here at The Motley Fool because we're very proud of our culture, and speaking as someone who's worked at a number of companies, before, where the culture maybe wasn't as strong (or definitely wasn't as strong), culture can make a big difference.</p> <p>It doesn't make or break an investment, but whenever we find a company that has a strong culture, that is a quality that we want to dig further into. Learn more about the company -- what it does, and why it may be a good investment -- understanding that when the business wins, it's not just the business at hand. It's all stakeholders involved (customers, employees, the world).</p> <p>There are a lot of different companies out there that probably fit in this realm. You look at Under Armour(NYSE: UA), for example, from a perspective of an ownership structure that's vested and aligned with the interests of shareholders. Kevin Plank, the founder and CEO of the company, owns the majority voting rights of that company, and they recently undertook a stock split to insure that he would keep that power for many years to come.</p> <p>Now I know some people are a little bit critical of moves like that. We've seen other companies like Google, for example, who have done the same thing, or I guess Alphabet is what it's called today. The flip side of that coin is he's got a pretty good track record. The company's now 20 years old and it is doing quite well. Investors in Under Armour have won all along the way.</p> <p>Southwick: So when we're looking at company culture, we're looking at happy, engaged employees. We're also looking at upper-level ownership stakes in the company, it sounds like.</p> <p>Moser: And very driven leadership. Kevin Plank is known for having mottos all over their headquarters. Humble and hungry. They continually want to get better, but also not get too big of a head in the process. I think that Under Armour, generally speaking, has a pretty strong culture that we've noted for years at the Fool, and it's worked out to be a wonderful investment, thus far.</p> <p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (C shares) andUnder Armour (A Shares). The Motley Fool owns shares of Under Armour (C Shares). <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAlison/info.aspx" type="external">Alison Southwick Opens a New Window.</a>and <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBro/info.aspx" type="external">Robert Brokamp, CFP Opens a New Window.</a>have no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFJMo/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Moser</a> owns shares of Under Armour (A Shares) and Under Armour (C Shares). Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;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>

good investment lot like good relationship wise among us pick partners carefully theyre looking ahead long haul asmotley fool fans well know one key foolish investing buy hold philosophy highfrequency day trading going episode motley fool answers opens new window alison southwick robert brokamp joined jason moser breaks looks neversell stock first attribute agenda companys culture continue reading full transcript follows video secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window video video recorded august 2 2016 advertisement alison southwick dearly beloved gathered together today join investor stock forever investing matrimony robert brokamp da da da da da da da wedding theme southwick theres lot different wedding themes brokamp wedding theme southwick could gone pachelbels canon point motley fool longterm investors idea investing stock three five 10 years aint thing investing stock forever stock youll hold forever jason moser sounds like long time southwick sound like long time moser moser joins us today analyst motley fools million dollar portfolio service moser si southwick also frequent guest marketfoolery fact anyone whos listens howard stern show would heard moser moser moser nice nugget week owe one marketfoolery listeners actually pinged stern show something monday kind funny worked southwick yeah funny kind big deal jason moser joins us today goes howard stern show moser southwick thanks thanks joining us never sell stocks lets talk first general feel like invest stocks someday cash ton moola would stocks want hold essentially forever really talking forever moser im glad asked ive many people ask question one thing consider buytohold investor want look long run versus short run thats edge investors yes youre right point want actually realize fruits labor cash gains basically depends youre investing first place many us investing order insure financial independence later years perhaps people investing want leave kids something pass thats fine matter understanding ultimately goals identify goals identify really need plan holding stock forever forever really like 10 20 year time horizon honestly make big difference southwick honestly many people get married theyre like im going love forever get divorced whatever theres wiggle room moser think also worth noting three married course think still firsts brokamp youd lucky jason moser quite time seems working people world southwick firsts yes thats true moser think thats important thing note say never sell stocks think thats little bit hyperbole really focus longerterm investing southwick maybe talking time horizon 10 20 years moser sure think 10 20 years pretty neat way look things im 43 years old today companies personal portfolio would love still im 63 southwick well lets get weve got different categories going look comes determining whether stock neversell stock first aspect going look company culture moser sure culture southwick culture moser cultures big deal talk lot culture motley fool proud culture speaking someone whos worked number companies culture maybe wasnt strong definitely wasnt strong culture make big difference doesnt make break investment whenever find company strong culture quality want dig learn company may good investment understanding business wins business hand stakeholders involved customers employees world lot different companies probably fit realm look armournyse ua example perspective ownership structure thats vested aligned interests shareholders kevin plank founder ceo company owns majority voting rights company recently undertook stock split insure would keep power many years come know people little bit critical moves like weve seen companies like google example done thing guess alphabet called today flip side coin hes got pretty good track record companys 20 years old quite well investors armour along way southwick looking company culture looking happy engaged employees also looking upperlevel ownership stakes company sounds like moser driven leadership kevin plank known mottos headquarters humble hungry continually want get better also get big head process think armour generally speaking pretty strong culture weve noted years fool worked wonderful investment thus far suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors motley fool owns shares recommends alphabet c shares andunder armour shares motley fool owns shares armour c shares alison southwick opens new windowand robert brokamp cfp opens new windowhave position stocks mentioned jason moser owns shares armour shares armour c shares try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>The negative PC and print market sentiment has been bandied about for a couple of years. Unfortunately for manufacturers including HP (NYSE: HPQ) and sometimes-rival, sometimes strategic partner Canon (NYSE: CAJ), investors can't seem to shake the underlying angst related to all things PC. That's the bad news.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The good news is that in HP's case, with every drop in share price -- its stock is down 6% since announcingits fiscal 2016 Q4 and annual earnings on Nov. 22 -- it becomes an even better value. The valuation disparity as measured by trailing earnings among HP's peers is a head-scratcher given the strong end to its fiscal year and the positive momentum heading into 2017. And that's exactly why value investors looking for a sound, yet cheap, stock should move HP to the top of their "buy" list.</p> <p>Image source: <a href="http://www.hp.com/" type="external">HP Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>HP and Canon have partnered in the development of new print technologies for over 30 years, and the former's acquisition of Samsung's (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF) printing-copier business for $1.05 billion will be a boon for both. HP and Canon are targeting the global laser-printing market, and Samsung's suite of more than 6,500 printing patents and strength in multifunction printing (MFP) is ideal for the strategic partnership.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The two differ in several ways, too, including HP's strong, and still growing, PC unit. But from a valuation perspective, the difference between HP and Canon is even more glaring. Today Canon stock is trading at 20 times trailing earnings, which is hardly unreasonable. HP? The recent sell-off has left its price-earnings (P/E) ratio at a meager 10.</p> <p>Looking ahead, the disparity is even larger. HP is valuedat just nine times future earnings, while Canon is trading at 25 times. If HP were coming off successive quarters of dire sales and earnings per share (EPS), the bearishness would make sense. However, as HP demonstrated last quarter, not only is it hitting on all cylinders in the "dying" PC market, it's also making headway in printing.</p> <p>Thanks to strong PC sales, HP's $12.5 billion in total revenue in its fourth quarter was a 2% improvement over a year ago. After accounting for one-time items, a realistic metric given the costs associated with its split from HP Enterprise, EPS soared 20% to $0.36.</p> <p>ThoughHP's total revenue was a surprise to industry pundits after nearly two years of declines, the 20% jump in EPS was a bit below estimates, which was likely the cause of HP's recent drop in share price. The thing is, there was nothing surprising about HP's stellar quarter, including its printing unit gaining traction.</p> <p>Naysayers often point to HP's printing results for why it warrants so much negativity. But like its PC unit, the writing is on the wall: CEO Dion Weisler's strategic efforts to kick-start printing sales by targeting niche markets and boosting supply sales are paying dividends. Last quarter was a perfect example.</p> <p>Combined print revenue of $4.56 billion was an 8% drop from last year, led by a 12% decline in revenue to $2.82 billion from supply sales, HP's largest printing division segment. But before HP bears start celebrating, there's more to its printing story. Commercial print hardwarerevenue climbed 2% to $1.4 billion, and even though consumer hardware sales sunk 9% to $328 million -- that equates to just 7% of print revenue. And there's more.</p> <p>Just a quarter ago, HP's printing division as whole generated $4.42 billion, supply sales nosedived 18%, and both commercial as well as consumer hardware results declined, 3% and 22%, respectively, and worse across the board sequentially. HP took a giant step forward, and its positive momentum shows no signs of slowing.</p> <p>With the Samsung deal in the works -- which also includes supplies -- commercial 3D printing offerings ready for market, and a growingPC unit that could become the world's largest by year-end, HP is on a roll. Toss in a 3.5% dividend yield and a dirt-cheap valuation, and HP is one of, if not the cheapest stock in tech.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than HP 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=84756fbd-1ddc-48fe-bc7b-f818579bb561&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 HP 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=84756fbd-1ddc-48fe-bc7b-f818579bb561&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/timbrugger/info.aspx" type="external">Tim Brugger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;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>

negative pc print market sentiment bandied couple years unfortunately manufacturers including hp nyse hpq sometimesrival sometimes strategic partner canon nyse caj investors cant seem shake underlying angst related things pc thats bad news continue reading good news hps case every drop share price stock 6 since announcingits fiscal 2016 q4 annual earnings nov 22 becomes even better value valuation disparity measured trailing earnings among hps peers headscratcher given strong end fiscal year positive momentum heading 2017 thats exactly value investors looking sound yet cheap stock move hp top buy list image source hp opens new window hp canon partnered development new print technologies 30 years formers acquisition samsungs nasdaqoth ssnlf printingcopier business 105 billion boon hp canon targeting global laserprinting market samsungs suite 6500 printing patents strength multifunction printing mfp ideal strategic partnership advertisement two differ several ways including hps strong still growing pc unit valuation perspective difference hp canon even glaring today canon stock trading 20 times trailing earnings hardly unreasonable hp recent selloff left priceearnings pe ratio meager 10 looking ahead disparity even larger hp valuedat nine times future earnings canon trading 25 times hp coming successive quarters dire sales earnings per share eps bearishness would make sense however hp demonstrated last quarter hitting cylinders dying pc market also making headway printing thanks strong pc sales hps 125 billion total revenue fourth quarter 2 improvement year ago accounting onetime items realistic metric given costs associated split hp enterprise eps soared 20 036 thoughhps total revenue surprise industry pundits nearly two years declines 20 jump eps bit estimates likely cause hps recent drop share price thing nothing surprising hps stellar quarter including printing unit gaining traction naysayers often point hps printing results warrants much negativity like pc unit writing wall ceo dion weislers strategic efforts kickstart printing sales targeting niche markets boosting supply sales paying dividends last quarter perfect example combined print revenue 456 billion 8 drop last year led 12 decline revenue 282 billion supply sales hps largest printing division segment hp bears start celebrating theres printing story commercial print hardwarerevenue climbed 2 14 billion even though consumer hardware sales sunk 9 328 million equates 7 print revenue theres quarter ago hps printing division whole generated 442 billion supply sales nosedived 18 commercial well consumer hardware results declined 3 22 respectively worse across board sequentially hp took giant step forward positive momentum shows signs slowing samsung deal works also includes supplies commercial 3d printing offerings ready market growingpc unit could become worlds largest yearend hp roll toss 35 dividend yield dirtcheap valuation hp one cheapest stock tech 10 stocks like better hp investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand hp wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 tim brugger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>German industrial giant Siemens AG on Tuesday agreed to merge its rail operations with French train-maker Alstom SA, aiming to create a European giant with the scale to fight growing competitive threats from state-backed Chinese rivals.</p> <p>Under the deal, Siemens will be issued 50% of the shares in the new company. Alstom shareholders will receive two special dividends totaling EUR8 per share, or EUR1.8 billion, the companies said.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The proposed merger marks a major test of Europe's ability to overcome national economic rivalries and establish a European champion, akin to Airbus SE in aviation. The deal faces the risk of political backlash in France, where Alstom's factories have been a symbol of national industry for more than a century.</p> <p>Yet the merger has strong backing from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has argued that Europe needs to cooperate across borders to compete better against economic powers in China, the U.S. and elsewhere. The deal echoes the political overtures Mr. Macron is making to German Chancellor Angela Merkel to bolster the eurozone economy by establishing a shared budget for the currency bloc.</p> <p>"We put the European idea to work and together with our friends at Alstom, we are creating a new European champion in the rail industry for the long term, " said Siemens Chief Executive Joe Kaeser.</p> <p>The deal would dilute French control over Alstom, which shrank dramatically in 2015 when the company sold its electric turbine division to U.S. industrial conglomerate General Electric Co. That deal handed a key piece of France's nuclear power business to G.E., outraging members of France's socialist government at the time. The labor minister called it a "breach of national ethics."</p> <p>To ease French concerns, the current chief executive of Alstom, Frenchman Henri Poupart-Lafarge, will lead the new business. Its headquarters will remain in France, as will its research and development centers.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>A combination would create a European transportation business with about $18 billion in annual sales. Alstom had sales of EUR7.3 billion ($8.7 billion) in the financial year ended March 31. Siemens's mobility unit had EUR7.8 billion in revenue last year.</p> <p>The Siemens partnership with Alstom followed months of discussions with Canada's Bombardier Inc. The talks with Bombardier slowed down midsummer when Siemens turned to Alstom for an alternative alliance, one person familiar with the discussions said.</p> <p>Bombardier resumed talks with Siemens in recent weeks, and the two sides were continuing to talk Thursday night, the person said.</p> <p>Tuesday's deal is intended to help Europe's rail industry confront an increasingly serious threat: CRRC Corp., the world's biggest rail supplier, and other companies in China's government-run train industry. Backed by government financing, CRRC and other Chinese rail suppliers have been making deep inroads into markets around the world formerly dominated by Siemens and Alstom.</p> <p>Alstom has faltered in recent years, forcing the French state to prop it up repeatedly. In 2003, the government announced an aid package worth more than EUR3 billion that saved the company from bankruptcy. Last year, the government said it would buy high-speed trains made at Alstom's Belfort factory to prevent it from closing after more than a century.</p> <p>--Jacquie McNish contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to Matthew Dalton at Matthew.Dalton@wsj.com</p> <p>PARIS -- German industrial company Siemens AG on Tuesday agreed to merge its rail operations with French train-maker Alstom SA, aiming to create a European giant with the scale to fight growing competitive threats from state-backed Chinese rivals.</p> <p>Under the deal, Siemens will have majority control of the new company, receiving slightly more than 50% of its shares, officials from Alstom and Siemens said. Alstom shareholders will receive two special dividends totaling EUR1.8 billion: EUR4 per share for surrendering control of the company and EUR4 per share as an "extraordinary dividend," the companies said.</p> <p>The proposed merger marks a major test of Europe's ability to overcome national economic rivalries and establish a European champion, akin to Airbus SE in aviation. The deal faces the risk of political backlash in France, where Alstom's factories have been a symbol of national industry for more than a century.</p> <p>Yet the merger has strong backing from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has argued that Europe needs to cooperate across borders to compete better against economic powers in China, the U.S. and elsewhere. The deal echoes the political overtures Mr. Macron is making to German Chancellor Angela Merkel to bolster the eurozone economy by establishing a shared budget for the currency bloc.</p> <p>"We put the European idea to work and together with our friends at Alstom, we are creating a new European champion in the rail industry for the long term, " said Siemens Chief Executive Joe Kaeser.</p> <p>The deal would dilute French control over Alstom, which shrank dramatically in 2015 when the company sold its electric turbine division to U.S. industrial conglomerate General Electric Co.</p> <p>That deal handed a key piece of France's nuclear power business to G.E., outraging members of France's socialist government at the time. The labor minister called it a "breach of national ethics."</p> <p>To ease French concerns, the current chief executive of Alstom, Frenchman Henri Poupart-Lafarge, will lead the new business. Its headquarters will remain in France, as will its research and development centers. Siemens will be prohibited from owning more than 50.5% of the new company for four years, but after that can boost its stake as much as it likes.</p> <p>A combination would create a European transportation business with about $18 billion in annual sales. Alstom had sales of EUR7.3 billion ($8.7 billion) in the financial year ended March 31. Siemens's mobility unit had EUR7.8 billion in revenue last year.</p> <p>The Siemens partnership with Alstom followed months of discussions with Canada's Bombardier Inc. The talks with Bombardier slowed down midsummer when Siemens turned to Alstom for an alternative alliance, one person familiar with the discussions said.</p> <p>Bombardier resumed talks with Siemens in recent weeks, and the two sides were continuing to talk Thursday night, the person said.</p> <p>Tuesday's deal is intended to help Europe's rail industry confront an increasingly serious threat: CRRC Corp., the world's biggest rail supplier, and other companies in China's government-run train industry. Backed by government financing, CRRC and other Chinese rail suppliers have been making deep inroads into markets around the world formerly dominated by Siemens and Alstom.</p> <p>Alstom has faltered in recent years, forcing the French state to prop it up repeatedly. In 2003, the government announced an aid package worth more than EUR3 billion that saved the company from bankruptcy. Last year, the government said it would buy high-speed trains made at Alstom's Belfort factory to prevent it from closing after more than a century.</p> <p>--Jacquie McNish contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to Matthew Dalton at Matthew.Dalton@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 26, 2017 17:37 ET (21:37 GMT)</p>

german industrial giant siemens ag tuesday agreed merge rail operations french trainmaker alstom sa aiming create european giant scale fight growing competitive threats statebacked chinese rivals deal siemens issued 50 shares new company alstom shareholders receive two special dividends totaling eur8 per share eur18 billion companies said continue reading proposed merger marks major test europes ability overcome national economic rivalries establish european champion akin airbus se aviation deal faces risk political backlash france alstoms factories symbol national industry century yet merger strong backing french president emmanuel macron argued europe needs cooperate across borders compete better economic powers china us elsewhere deal echoes political overtures mr macron making german chancellor angela merkel bolster eurozone economy establishing shared budget currency bloc put european idea work together friends alstom creating new european champion rail industry long term said siemens chief executive joe kaeser deal would dilute french control alstom shrank dramatically 2015 company sold electric turbine division us industrial conglomerate general electric co deal handed key piece frances nuclear power business ge outraging members frances socialist government time labor minister called breach national ethics ease french concerns current chief executive alstom frenchman henri poupartlafarge lead new business headquarters remain france research development centers advertisement combination would create european transportation business 18 billion annual sales alstom sales eur73 billion 87 billion financial year ended march 31 siemenss mobility unit eur78 billion revenue last year siemens partnership alstom followed months discussions canadas bombardier inc talks bombardier slowed midsummer siemens turned alstom alternative alliance one person familiar discussions said bombardier resumed talks siemens recent weeks two sides continuing talk thursday night person said tuesdays deal intended help europes rail industry confront increasingly serious threat crrc corp worlds biggest rail supplier companies chinas governmentrun train industry backed government financing crrc chinese rail suppliers making deep inroads markets around world formerly dominated siemens alstom alstom faltered recent years forcing french state prop repeatedly 2003 government announced aid package worth eur3 billion saved company bankruptcy last year government said would buy highspeed trains made alstoms belfort factory prevent closing century jacquie mcnish contributed article write matthew dalton matthewdaltonwsjcom paris german industrial company siemens ag tuesday agreed merge rail operations french trainmaker alstom sa aiming create european giant scale fight growing competitive threats statebacked chinese rivals deal siemens majority control new company receiving slightly 50 shares officials alstom siemens said alstom shareholders receive two special dividends totaling eur18 billion eur4 per share surrendering control company eur4 per share extraordinary dividend companies said proposed merger marks major test europes ability overcome national economic rivalries establish european champion akin airbus se aviation deal faces risk political backlash france alstoms factories symbol national industry century yet merger strong backing french president emmanuel macron argued europe needs cooperate across borders compete better economic powers china us elsewhere deal echoes political overtures mr macron making german chancellor angela merkel bolster eurozone economy establishing shared budget currency bloc put european idea work together friends alstom creating new european champion rail industry long term said siemens chief executive joe kaeser deal would dilute french control alstom shrank dramatically 2015 company sold electric turbine division us industrial conglomerate general electric co deal handed key piece frances nuclear power business ge outraging members frances socialist government time labor minister called breach national ethics ease french concerns current chief executive alstom frenchman henri poupartlafarge lead new business headquarters remain france research development centers siemens prohibited owning 505 new company four years boost stake much likes combination would create european transportation business 18 billion annual sales alstom sales eur73 billion 87 billion financial year ended march 31 siemenss mobility unit eur78 billion revenue last year siemens partnership alstom followed months discussions canadas bombardier inc talks bombardier slowed midsummer siemens turned alstom alternative alliance one person familiar discussions said bombardier resumed talks siemens recent weeks two sides continuing talk thursday night person said tuesdays deal intended help europes rail industry confront increasingly serious threat crrc corp worlds biggest rail supplier companies chinas governmentrun train industry backed government financing crrc chinese rail suppliers making deep inroads markets around world formerly dominated siemens alstom alstom faltered recent years forcing french state prop repeatedly 2003 government announced aid package worth eur3 billion saved company bankruptcy last year government said would buy highspeed trains made alstoms belfort factory prevent closing century jacquie mcnish contributed article write matthew dalton matthewdaltonwsjcom end dow jones newswires september 26 2017 1737 et 2137 gmt

<p /> <p>This column is an example of why, in this age of tweets, Facebook posts, and 20-second sound bites, it&#8217;s precarious to accept the superficial. I appreciate that we&#8217;re all busy with really important things to do, but there are still issues that deserve more attention and thought in order to reach an informed decision; this is particularly important to keep in mind as the allegations and rhetoric of this highly-charged election year heat up.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In my early years as a journalist, I was a consumer/investigative reporter at a network television affiliate. So, I&#8217;m all for digging up the truth, exposing the bad guys (or gals) and putting them behind bars. I&#8217;m proud to say I actually did that once. But eventually you come to realize that most issues are not clearly black-or-white, but instead, are more nuanced. Complex. Sometimes, both sides have the same goal--they just disagree on how to best accomplish it.</p> <p>Take the recent news that the Institute for Justice is suing the <a href="" type="internal">Internal Revenue Service</a> for its <a href="" type="internal">mandate that all tax preparers must be licensed</a>. Starting in 2014, anyone who wants to get paid to prepare taxes will have to pass a government exam, complete 15 hours of continuing education credits per year and pay a fee to the U.S. Treasury Department. Only then will they be considered a &#8220;registered tax return preparer.&#8221;</p> <p>On the surface, these requirements sound reasonable. After all, don&#8217;t we all want some assurance that the individual we are entrusting with the task of preparing our tax return is ethical and competent?</p> <p>&#8220;If a preparer cannot pass a basic competency test and does not take courses to remain up-to-date on tax law changes and understand his or her ethical responsibilities both to clients and to the tax system, that individual should not be preparing tax returns for compensation,&#8221; said National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson in a statement.</p> <p>To bolster her position, Olsen cites the results of two separate undercover investigations by the <a href="" type="internal">Government Accountability Office</a> (GAO) and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) which &#8220;found that there are pervasive problems in terms of return accuracy and ethics that registration, testing, and continuing education will help address.&#8221; In the case of the GAO, 100% of the tax returns contained errors; 61% of the returns completed for TIGTA&#8217;s researchers were incorrect.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>I&#8217;m sold! Throw the bums out.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the part that didn&#8217;t make it on the evening news or fit in less than 140 characters is the fact that that these investigations were far from pervasive. In fact, any freshman doing research for a college paper would surely be aware that the sample is far too small to draw any valid conclusions. The GAO undercover &#8220;operation&#8221; involved having just 19 returns; the TIGTA investigation examined 28 returns.</p> <p>Thus, the government&#8217;s justification for imposing new and expensive licensing requirements for tax preparers is based partly on the fact that there were errors on 36 dummy tax returns. (1)</p> <p>But wait. There&#8217;s more!</p> <p>These undercover investigations were not conducted at any mom-and-pop storefronts staffed by retired accountants. The mistakes were all made by employees working for &#8220;national tax preparation chains&#8221; located in &#8220;large metropolitan&#8221; areas.</p> <p>Perhaps a more interesting point is that the two largest &#8220;national tax preparation chains&#8221;- <a href="" type="internal">Jackson Hewitt</a> and H&amp;amp;R Block support the new mandates.</p> <p>Dan Alban, one of the attorneys who filed the suit against the IRS on behalf of the Institute for Justice, suggests that the new requirements of both time and expense will put small, independent tax preparers out of business. Moreover, he points out that &#8220;these big tax prep firms can much more easily absorb the regulatory compliance costs.&#8221; That&#8217;s why several Wall Street analysts have predicted that the stock price of H&amp;amp;R Block (which prepared nearly 16% of all tax&amp;#160;returns last year) is likely to go up in value.</p> <p>Furthermore, certain professionals (who happen to have large, expensive lobbying machines working <a href="" type="internal">Capitol Hill</a> year-round) are completely exempt from the licensing requirements. In particular, attorneys and certified public accountants. As well as any anyone &#8220;supervised&#8221; by such an individual. (2)</p> <p>What&#8217;s wrong with this? Well, for example: Why would Fred the patent attorney be more qualified than Joan the retired tax accountant? And, frankly, I know several CPAs who only have corporate or business clients. Yet, thanks to the three initials after their names, the IRS says they are automatically considered competent to prepare my personal tax return. That&#8217;s like saying a brain surgeon is as capable of treating my asthma as my allergist. &amp;#160;After all, they both have &#8220;MD&#8221; following their names.</p> <p>&#8220;It certainly struck me as unusual that big tax preparation firms escape all obligations under these new regulations but [350,000] small preparers feel the full brunt of it,&#8221; wrote Joseph Henchman at the Tax Foundation in an <a href="http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/" type="external">online post Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>The Institute for Justice, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of three independent tax preparers, labels the IRS licensing requirement as an &#8220;unlawful power grab&#8221; and &#8220;crony capitalism.&#8221;</p> <p>The group claims the new mandates are unlawful because Congress has considered, but never passed any legislation specifically giving this IRS authority. The IRS is relying on something called &#8220;Circular 230,&#8221; which the Institute for Justice describes as: &#8220;a relic of the 19th century; it was passed by Congress in early July of 1884, nearly 30 years before the modern income tax&#8230;and had nothing to do with preparing income tax returns. Instead, its purpose was to prevent unscrupulous attorneys or claims agents from taking advantage of military pensioners and others who had monetary claims against the U.S. government, particularly claims for lost horses.&#8221; (3)</p> <p>The Institute for Justice equates &#8220;crony capitalism&#8221; with &#8220;economic protectionism,&#8221; calling the new requirements another example &#8220;where big business benefits from the anti-competitive action of big government.&#8221;</p> <p>According to Alban, the Institute for Justice isn&#8217;t against the idea of having a &#8220;certification&#8221; for tax preparers who find this desirable. Instead, it and other critics object to: 1) making this mandatory, and 2) appointing the IRS the licensing body. Both CPAs and attorneys are governed by state entities- not the federal government.</p> <p>&#8220;There&#8217;s no reason the IRS couldn&#8217;t change the regulations to make it a voluntary certification,&#8221; says Alban, adding that for the sake of credibility, &#8220;someone trying to get new clients might want to get these certifications.&#8221; It would be similar to getting a &#8220;certified financial planner&#8220; designation--the difference is that you&#8217;d be certified by an independent board as opposed to the federal government. (4)</p> <p>The law of supply and demand tells you that if there are fewer individuals preparing tax returns, prices are going to increase. That could mean that those who can&#8217;t afford to pay more will probably decide to do their own tax returns. (Then watch what happens to the error rate.)</p> <p>But the more fundamental question is: Why do more than 60% of American taxpayers- 87 million of us- have their returns prepared by someone else each year?</p> <p>By the way, this includes IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman who admitted in an interview in 2010 that he finds tax code complex and uses a preparer. And who can forget the embarrassing revelation a few years back that Treasury Secretary <a href="" type="internal">Timothy Geithner</a> made several errors when computing his own tax return?</p> <p>Why do individuals and businesses have to waste millions of dollars each year just to comply with the tax code? In her 2011 report to Congress, Olsen lists &#8220;the complexity of the tax code as the most serious problem facing taxpayers and the IRS alike.&#8221; By the close of 2012 the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) had grown to nearly four million words. On top of this, over the preceding 10 years, &#8220;there had been 4,428 changes to the code&#8230;more than one a day. I don&#8217;t care how many hours of continuing education you take, there&#8217;s no human way you can keep up with this.</p> <p>Even the IRS doesn&#8217;t get it right. According to the Institute for Justice, a recent TIGTA study on the accuracy of answers provided by IRS employees to consumers &#8220;found varying error rates depending on how taxpayers contacted the IRS.&#8221; 86% of the consumers who called the IRS Helpline got the right answer, but questions that were emailed were answered correctly just 64% of the time. A previous study of the responses given to 500,000 taxpayers who stopped by IRS tax help centers found that &#8220;only 45% of questions were correctly and completely answered.&#8221;</p> <p>So here&#8217;s my radical solution: simplify the tax code!</p> <p>Oh, I forgot. Those powerful lobbyists for attorneys and CPAs will never let this happen.</p> <p>1. 17 of the returns prepared for TIGTA undercover &#8220;consumers&#8221; contained errors. &amp;#160;11 (39%) were correct.</p> <p>2. &#8220;Enrolled agents,&#8221; who argue cases before the Tax Court on behalf of taxpayers, are also exempt from the licensing requirement.</p> <p>3. <a href="http://www.ij.org/about/4343" type="external">http://www.ij.org/about/4343 Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>4. I hold CPF&#174;, AIF&#169; designation CRPS designations. None is required to call yourself a &#8220;financial advisor.&#8221; In fact, I don&#8217;t even practice. I am required to fulfill a certain number of hours of continuing education and pay a fee to keep my designations current.</p> <p>Ms. Buckner is a Retirement and Financial Planning Specialist and an instructor in Franklin Templeton Investments' global Academy. The views expressed in this article are only those of Ms. Buckner or the individual commentator identified therein, and are not necessarily the views of Franklin Templeton Investments, which has not reviewed, and is not responsible for, the content.&amp;#160;</p> <p>If you have a question for Gail Buckner and the Your $ Matters column, send them to: yourmoneymatters@gmail.com, along with your name and phone number.</p>

column example age tweets facebook posts 20second sound bites precarious accept superficial appreciate busy really important things still issues deserve attention thought order reach informed decision particularly important keep mind allegations rhetoric highlycharged election year heat continue reading early years journalist consumerinvestigative reporter network television affiliate im digging truth exposing bad guys gals putting behind bars im proud say actually eventually come realize issues clearly blackorwhite instead nuanced complex sometimes sides goalthey disagree best accomplish take recent news institute justice suing internal revenue service mandate tax preparers must licensed starting 2014 anyone wants get paid prepare taxes pass government exam complete 15 hours continuing education credits per year pay fee us treasury department considered registered tax return preparer surface requirements sound reasonable dont want assurance individual entrusting task preparing tax return ethical competent preparer pass basic competency test take courses remain uptodate tax law changes understand ethical responsibilities clients tax system individual preparing tax returns compensation said national taxpayer advocate nina e olson statement bolster position olsen cites results two separate undercover investigations government accountability office gao treasury inspector general tax administration tigta found pervasive problems terms return accuracy ethics registration testing continuing education help address case gao 100 tax returns contained errors 61 returns completed tigtas researchers incorrect advertisement im sold throw bums unfortunately part didnt make evening news fit less 140 characters fact investigations far pervasive fact freshman research college paper would surely aware sample far small draw valid conclusions gao undercover operation involved 19 returns tigta investigation examined 28 returns thus governments justification imposing new expensive licensing requirements tax preparers based partly fact errors 36 dummy tax returns 1 wait theres undercover investigations conducted momandpop storefronts staffed retired accountants mistakes made employees working national tax preparation chains located large metropolitan areas perhaps interesting point two largest national tax preparation chains jackson hewitt hampr block support new mandates dan alban one attorneys filed suit irs behalf institute justice suggests new requirements time expense put small independent tax preparers business moreover points big tax prep firms much easily absorb regulatory compliance costs thats several wall street analysts predicted stock price hampr block prepared nearly 16 tax160returns last year likely go value furthermore certain professionals happen large expensive lobbying machines working capitol hill yearround completely exempt licensing requirements particular attorneys certified public accountants well anyone supervised individual 2 whats wrong well example would fred patent attorney qualified joan retired tax accountant frankly know several cpas corporate business clients yet thanks three initials names irs says automatically considered competent prepare personal tax return thats like saying brain surgeon capable treating asthma allergist 160after md following names certainly struck unusual big tax preparation firms escape obligations new regulations 350000 small preparers feel full brunt wrote joseph henchman tax foundation online post opens new window institute justice filed lawsuit behalf three independent tax preparers labels irs licensing requirement unlawful power grab crony capitalism group claims new mandates unlawful congress considered never passed legislation specifically giving irs authority irs relying something called circular 230 institute justice describes relic 19th century passed congress early july 1884 nearly 30 years modern income taxand nothing preparing income tax returns instead purpose prevent unscrupulous attorneys claims agents taking advantage military pensioners others monetary claims us government particularly claims lost horses 3 institute justice equates crony capitalism economic protectionism calling new requirements another example big business benefits anticompetitive action big government according alban institute justice isnt idea certification tax preparers find desirable instead critics object 1 making mandatory 2 appointing irs licensing body cpas attorneys governed state entities federal government theres reason irs couldnt change regulations make voluntary certification says alban adding sake credibility someone trying get new clients might want get certifications would similar getting certified financial planner designationthe difference youd certified independent board opposed federal government 4 law supply demand tells fewer individuals preparing tax returns prices going increase could mean cant afford pay probably decide tax returns watch happens error rate fundamental question 60 american taxpayers 87 million us returns prepared someone else year way includes irs commissioner douglas shulman admitted interview 2010 finds tax code complex uses preparer forget embarrassing revelation years back treasury secretary timothy geithner made several errors computing tax return individuals businesses waste millions dollars year comply tax code 2011 report congress olsen lists complexity tax code serious problem facing taxpayers irs alike close 2012 internal revenue code irc grown nearly four million words top preceding 10 years 4428 changes codemore one day dont care many hours continuing education take theres human way keep even irs doesnt get right according institute justice recent tigta study accuracy answers provided irs employees consumers found varying error rates depending taxpayers contacted irs 86 consumers called irs helpline got right answer questions emailed answered correctly 64 time previous study responses given 500000 taxpayers stopped irs tax help centers found 45 questions correctly completely answered heres radical solution simplify tax code oh forgot powerful lobbyists attorneys cpas never let happen 1 17 returns prepared tigta undercover consumers contained errors 16011 39 correct 2 enrolled agents argue cases tax court behalf taxpayers also exempt licensing requirement 3 httpwwwijorgabout4343 opens new window 4 hold cpf aif designation crps designations none required call financial advisor fact dont even practice required fulfill certain number hours continuing education pay fee keep designations current ms buckner retirement financial planning specialist instructor franklin templeton investments global academy views expressed article ms buckner individual commentator identified therein necessarily views franklin templeton investments reviewed responsible content160 question gail buckner matters column send yourmoneymattersgmailcom along name phone number

<p /> <p>A great place to look for investing ideas is in the quarterly 13F SEC filings of some of the biggest, most successful investors. But just because a big name has invested in a company doesn't mean it's necessarily a stock you would want to buy.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>As a matter of fact, our contributors think these three stocks,Herbalife Ltd.(NYSE: HLF),J.C. Penney Company Inc(NYSE: JCP), andEP Energy Corp(NYSE: EPE), are probably best to be avoided, despite the huge success of the billionaire investors who currently own shares in them.</p> <p>Our contributors don't think these stocks would love you back. Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Keep reading to learn why our contributors think, despite the love from billionaire investors, these stocks may not be deserving of your love.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi Opens a New Window.</a>(Herbalife): I have a lot of respect for Carl Icahn, but I must admit that I'm scratching my head as to what he sees in Herbalife. Icahn has been engaged in a multiyear battle with fellow billionaire Bill Ackman over the future of this company, with Icahn taking the bull side. Ackman famously accused Herbalife of being a pyramid scheme a few years ago and shorted more than $1 billion worth of stock. Icahn eagerly refuted that claim and has been rapidly accumulating shares. In fact, Icahn recently received permission from the Federal Trade Commission to buy as much as 50% of the entire company!</p> <p>Despite Icahn's clear bullishness, Bill Ackman has done a lot of digging on Herbalife and has uncovered a number of egregious business practices. Ackman has even produced a series of videos that claim that 99% of Herbalife's distributors earn less than minimum wage and 86% of distributors earn nothing at all. Those figures are why he believes Herbalife is nothing more than a pyramid scheme -- and why he continues to short the company's shares.</p> <p>I don't have any special insight into who is right or wrong here, but what I do know is that more than 52% of Herbalife's shares have been sold short. Meanwhile,Icahn's penchant for gobbling up shares is likely a big reason the stock has held up so well over the last few years. That suggests that this company isn't really trading based on its business fundamentals, but is instead being propped up by this dispute. That's why I think retail investors are probably best served by watching this drama unfold from the sidelines.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a> (J.C. Penney): One billionaire investor I like to watch is David Tepper, who runs Appaloosa Management, a hedge fund with some $17 billion in assets, according to Forbes. The one buy by Tepper that caught my eye in Appaloosa's latest filing was J.C. Penney. Appaloosa began building a position in the fourth quarter, adding 5.08 million shares and making it one of its biggest buys in the quarter.</p> <p>J.C. Penney is a strange pick because it's in a highly competitive retail market that's being disrupted by the internet, and it's one of the weakest competitors in the space. Presumably, this is a bet on a recovery for the retailer, but even that's a little hard to see happening. You can see in the chart below that while net income and cash burn are off their 2013-2014 lows, they're far from positive for the company.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/JCP/net_income_ttm" type="external">JCP Net Income (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com%22" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Tepper comes from a background in fixed income, and he often makes bets on investments with mispriced assets or cash flows, but this is a recovery play. Given the struggles in retail and the decline of J.C. Penney's sales and brand, this is a recovery I don't see happening. Tepper is a billionaire with a history of success, but this is a stock I don't think investors should love as much as he does right now.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a>(EP Energy Corp): At last count, Billionaire Leon Black's Apollo Global Management LLC(NYSE: APO) owned just under 45% of EP Energy, having retained that stake in the company after taking it public in early 2014, only a couple of years after acquiring it for more than $7 billion.Since then, EP Energy has seen its market value plummet sharply, falling 80% from its post-IPO high. On paper, this has cost Black and Apollo billions in investment losses.</p> <p>Over the same time, the company has faced many of the same cash-flow and debt challenges many other independent oil producers have dealt with, adding to the company's struggles.</p> <p>Does having a major backer like Apollo and Leon Black make EP Energy the rare oil producer stock to like? After all, Apollo has already demonstrated a willingness to help support the company's efforts, having reached an agreement with EP Energy to finance 60% of the drilling costs to develop up to 150 wells in the Permian Basin in exchange for a 50% interest in those wells.</p> <p>But even that may be more about Apollo using its leverage to get a sweet deal than simply supporting a company it's heavily invested in. Compared to what other companies are paying for similar assets, Apollo could be getting a steal of a deal, while EP Energy is giving up maybe too much for what it will get.Apollo is able to factor the value of these side deals in its ownership of EP Energy, while you and I never will.</p> <p>For that reason, I think it's probably best to consider other producers first. Sure, Apollo's major stake in the company should mean some alignment of interests with other common shareholders, but pushing up the stock price is not theonlyway Apollo can make money from EP Energy, as its recent deal shows. That's a very different situation from the one in which the rest of us find ourself.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than J.C. PenneyWhen 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=81fffff1-80de-4d53-9d30-fbf2a756280d&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 J.C. Penney 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=81fffff1-80de-4d53-9d30-fbf2a756280d&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/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx" type="external">Travis Hoium</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

great place look investing ideas quarterly 13f sec filings biggest successful investors big name invested company doesnt mean necessarily stock would want buy continue reading matter fact contributors think three stocksherbalife ltdnyse hlfjc penney company incnyse jcp andep energy corpnyse epe probably best avoided despite huge success billionaire investors currently shares contributors dont think stocks would love back image source getty images keep reading learn contributors think despite love billionaire investors stocks may deserving love advertisement brian feroldi opens new windowherbalife lot respect carl icahn must admit im scratching head sees herbalife icahn engaged multiyear battle fellow billionaire bill ackman future company icahn taking bull side ackman famously accused herbalife pyramid scheme years ago shorted 1 billion worth stock icahn eagerly refuted claim rapidly accumulating shares fact icahn recently received permission federal trade commission buy much 50 entire company despite icahns clear bullishness bill ackman done lot digging herbalife uncovered number egregious business practices ackman even produced series videos claim 99 herbalifes distributors earn less minimum wage 86 distributors earn nothing figures believes herbalife nothing pyramid scheme continues short companys shares dont special insight right wrong know 52 herbalifes shares sold short meanwhileicahns penchant gobbling shares likely big reason stock held well last years suggests company isnt really trading based business fundamentals instead propped dispute thats think retail investors probably best served watching drama unfold sidelines travis hoium opens new window jc penney one billionaire investor like watch david tepper runs appaloosa management hedge fund 17 billion assets according forbes one buy tepper caught eye appaloosas latest filing jc penney appaloosa began building position fourth quarter adding 508 million shares making one biggest buys quarter jc penney strange pick highly competitive retail market thats disrupted internet one weakest competitors space presumably bet recovery retailer even thats little hard see happening see chart net income cash burn 20132014 lows theyre far positive company jcp net income ttm data ycharts opens new window tepper comes background fixed income often makes bets investments mispriced assets cash flows recovery play given struggles retail decline jc penneys sales brand recovery dont see happening tepper billionaire history success stock dont think investors love much right jason hall opens new windowep energy corp last count billionaire leon blacks apollo global management llcnyse apo owned 45 ep energy retained stake company taking public early 2014 couple years acquiring 7 billionsince ep energy seen market value plummet sharply falling 80 postipo high paper cost black apollo billions investment losses time company faced many cashflow debt challenges many independent oil producers dealt adding companys struggles major backer like apollo leon black make ep energy rare oil producer stock like apollo already demonstrated willingness help support companys efforts reached agreement ep energy finance 60 drilling costs develop 150 wells permian basin exchange 50 interest wells even may apollo using leverage get sweet deal simply supporting company heavily invested compared companies paying similar assets apollo could getting steal deal ep energy giving maybe much getapollo able factor value side deals ownership ep energy never reason think probably best consider producers first sure apollos major stake company mean alignment interests common shareholders pushing stock price theonlyway apollo make money ep energy recent deal shows thats different situation one rest us find ourself 10 stocks like better jc penneywhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand jc penney wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 brian feroldi position stocks mentioned jason hall opens new window position stocks mentioned travis hoium position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>This article is being republished as part of our daily reproduction of WSJ.com articles that also appeared in the U.S. print edition of The Wall Street Journal (October 17, 2017).</p> <p>TORONTO -- Plane maker Airbus SE announced plans to partner with Bombardier Inc. in what could be the biggest shake-up of the commercial jetliner business in 30 years, challenging a crippling tariff ruling pushed by Boeing Co. and the U.S. despite sluggish sales of a Canadian-made aircraft.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Bombardier and Airbus said Monday that in August they rekindled failed talks dating several back years and that the European company planned to take a majority stake in a joint venture to market Bombardier's CSeries jets. The pact included assembly of the plane in the Mobile, Ala., but wouldn't affect employment in Bombardier's main Montreal plant.</p> <p>Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders said the company wasn't investing upfront for its majority stake in the venture, which he said would allow sales to U.S. airlines without the 300% tariff proposed for CSeries imports by American trade authorities.</p> <p>Delta Air Lines Inc, which has ordered 75 of the planes, last week said it would take them but didn't expect to pay any tariffs. Delta said it may have to delay some deliveries.</p> <p>Mr. Enders said on a media call that the "stars aligned" compared with earlier unsuccessful talks as the CSeries was now approved to fly and other Airbus programs were on track.</p> <p>The proposed deal would intensify competition between Airbus and Boeing and potentially inflame a trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada over alleged state subsidies to Bombardier by having some Canadian-developed jets assembled on American soil.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>"This looks like a questionable deal between two heavily state-subsidized competitors to skirt the recent findings of the U.S. government," Boeing said in a statement.</p> <p>The U.S. Commerce Department's preliminary decision to hit Bombardier with tariffs that would quadruple the price of a CSeries aircraft in the U.S. came after Boeing complained of predatory pricing. A final decision is expected next year.</p> <p>The Airbus-Bombardier deal was also a topic of conversation in a phone call Monday between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to a summary of the conversation provided by the Canadian leader's office. The readout said the two leaders discussed the transaction but provided no further details. During his trip to the White House last week, Mr. Trudeau said he told Mr. Trump that he "vehemently" disagreed with the Commerce Department's tariff decision against Bombardier.</p> <p>The terms would see Bombardier hold a 31% stake in the CSeries, a major concession following the company's billions of dollars of investment and decadelong development of an aircraft line, meant to strengthen its position in the global aerospace sector.</p> <p>It would also mark the biggest shake-up in the commercial jet market since Boeing bought rival McDonnell Douglas in 1997, marrying two rivals even as new challengers emerge from China and Russia.</p> <p>Canadian Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said the Airbus-Bombardier pact would be subject to a review under the country's foreign-investment laws. Under Canadian law, the government reserves the right to reject a foreign takeover or investment if officials deem the transaction wouldn't bring a substantial benefit to the economy.</p> <p>However, Mr. Bains said that "on the surface" the Airbus deal for Bombardier's CSeries "would help position the CSeries for success by combining excellence in innovation with increased market access and an unrivaled global sales force."</p> <p>Canada has been a crucial backer of the CSeries. It provided financial assistance earlier this year to Bombardier, in terms of a C$372.5 million loan ($297.6 million), to help the company develop the CSeries and Global 7000 aircraft. However, the federal financing was short of the initial demand from Bombardier for a $1 billion lifeline.</p> <p>If the new CSeries partnership experiences a cash shortfall, Bombardier has agreed to inject up to $350 million of cash in the first year of operation. If the shortfall continues during the second and third year, Bombardier has agreed to supply additional funds. In exchange for the cash Bombardier, will receive additional, but nonvoting shares, in the partnership.</p> <p>Bombardier CEO Alain Bellemare said the partnership would allow the company to sidestep heavy tariffs imposed by the U.S. government in recent weeks over allegations that it selling CSeries planes at below market prices. Airbus plans to expand its jet production facilities in Alabama to build CSeries jets for U.S. buyers.</p> <p>"This is exactly the right thing for the CSeries," said Mr. Bellemare to reporters Monday night. "We will be producing more CSeries to deliver to customers around the world."</p> <p>Although many people familiar with the deal said the Boeing action spurred the talks, Mr. Bellemare denied it was the primary motivation.</p> <p>"We're doing this deal because it is the right strategic deal for Bombardier," he said. But he added that having access to Airbus's Alabama plant allows the company to skirt the tariffs, because any planes assembled there will be deemed a domestic product in the U.S.</p> <p>Mr. Enders said Airbus's investment brings certainty to the future of a jet series that hasn't been able to land a new order since last December. Bombardier's share price has fallen steadily in the past year over concerns about the company's heavy debts and continued losses.</p> <p>Customers would "love to buy the CSeries but have so far held back because they were not entirely sure of the program," he said.</p> <p>Airbus and Bombardier discussed a CSeries alliance more than two years ago, but Mr. Enders said talks broke off because the new jets had not yet been certified. "This was the right time," he said.</p> <p>The loss of control to Airbus is a blow to Bombardier's controlling families, which over a decade ago bet the future of the company on a new line of fuel-efficient narrow body jets. Frequent product delays and equipment problems allowed Bombardier competitors such as Airbus and Boeing to beat the company to the market with similar aircraft.</p> <p>--Vipal Monga contributed to this article</p> <p>Corrections &amp;amp; Amplifications Canada provided Bombardier with financial assistance to help the company develop the CSeries and Global 7000 aircraft. An earlier version of the story incorrectly identified the Global 7000 as the Global 700. (Oct. 16, 2017)</p> <p>Write to Jacquie McNish at Jacquie.McNish@wsj.com, Doug Cameron at doug.cameron@wsj.com and Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>October 17, 2017 02:47 ET (06:47 GMT)</p>

article republished part daily reproduction wsjcom articles also appeared us print edition wall street journal october 17 2017 toronto plane maker airbus se announced plans partner bombardier inc could biggest shakeup commercial jetliner business 30 years challenging crippling tariff ruling pushed boeing co us despite sluggish sales canadianmade aircraft continue reading bombardier airbus said monday august rekindled failed talks dating several back years european company planned take majority stake joint venture market bombardiers cseries jets pact included assembly plane mobile ala wouldnt affect employment bombardiers main montreal plant airbus chief executive tom enders said company wasnt investing upfront majority stake venture said would allow sales us airlines without 300 tariff proposed cseries imports american trade authorities delta air lines inc ordered 75 planes last week said would take didnt expect pay tariffs delta said may delay deliveries mr enders said media call stars aligned compared earlier unsuccessful talks cseries approved fly airbus programs track proposed deal would intensify competition airbus boeing potentially inflame trade dispute us canada alleged state subsidies bombardier canadiandeveloped jets assembled american soil advertisement looks like questionable deal two heavily statesubsidized competitors skirt recent findings us government boeing said statement us commerce departments preliminary decision hit bombardier tariffs would quadruple price cseries aircraft us came boeing complained predatory pricing final decision expected next year airbusbombardier deal also topic conversation phone call monday president donald trump canadian prime minister justin trudeau according summary conversation provided canadian leaders office readout said two leaders discussed transaction provided details trip white house last week mr trudeau said told mr trump vehemently disagreed commerce departments tariff decision bombardier terms would see bombardier hold 31 stake cseries major concession following companys billions dollars investment decadelong development aircraft line meant strengthen position global aerospace sector would also mark biggest shakeup commercial jet market since boeing bought rival mcdonnell douglas 1997 marrying two rivals even new challengers emerge china russia canadian innovation minister navdeep bains said airbusbombardier pact would subject review countrys foreigninvestment laws canadian law government reserves right reject foreign takeover investment officials deem transaction wouldnt bring substantial benefit economy however mr bains said surface airbus deal bombardiers cseries would help position cseries success combining excellence innovation increased market access unrivaled global sales force canada crucial backer cseries provided financial assistance earlier year bombardier terms c3725 million loan 2976 million help company develop cseries global 7000 aircraft however federal financing short initial demand bombardier 1 billion lifeline new cseries partnership experiences cash shortfall bombardier agreed inject 350 million cash first year operation shortfall continues second third year bombardier agreed supply additional funds exchange cash bombardier receive additional nonvoting shares partnership bombardier ceo alain bellemare said partnership would allow company sidestep heavy tariffs imposed us government recent weeks allegations selling cseries planes market prices airbus plans expand jet production facilities alabama build cseries jets us buyers exactly right thing cseries said mr bellemare reporters monday night producing cseries deliver customers around world although many people familiar deal said boeing action spurred talks mr bellemare denied primary motivation deal right strategic deal bombardier said added access airbuss alabama plant allows company skirt tariffs planes assembled deemed domestic product us mr enders said airbuss investment brings certainty future jet series hasnt able land new order since last december bombardiers share price fallen steadily past year concerns companys heavy debts continued losses customers would love buy cseries far held back entirely sure program said airbus bombardier discussed cseries alliance two years ago mr enders said talks broke new jets yet certified right time said loss control airbus blow bombardiers controlling families decade ago bet future company new line fuelefficient narrow body jets frequent product delays equipment problems allowed bombardier competitors airbus boeing beat company market similar aircraft vipal monga contributed article corrections amp amplifications canada provided bombardier financial assistance help company develop cseries global 7000 aircraft earlier version story incorrectly identified global 7000 global 700 oct 16 2017 write jacquie mcnish jacquiemcnishwsjcom doug cameron dougcameronwsjcom paul vieira paulvieirawsjcom end dow jones newswires october 17 2017 0247 et 0647 gmt

<p>"On a radio interview this morning I was asked if the perpetrator of the stabbings at UC Merced was influenced by ISIS and Muslim extremism,&#8221; <a href="http://ucsa.org/" type="external">University of California Student Association</a> (UCSA) president <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hmsabo/posts/10153354361669296?pnref=story" type="external">Kevin Sabo said</a> after an 18-year-old Muslim student at the University of California (UC), Merced viciously stabbed 5 students and university workers with an 8-inch hunting knife. &#8220;I couldn't help but wonder why no one asked the UCSA President after the UC Santa Barbara shooting if he was influenced by the far right and meninism or another perpetrator influenced by white supremacy or the NRA.&#8221;</p> <p>Sabo, like the Merced Police Department, the media, and the University itself, chose to ignore the most relevant factor to the investigation of the late stabbing suspect Faisal Mohammad: Mohammad was a Muslim extremist and he was, in fact, influenced by Islamic State.</p> <p>University officials, as well as the Merced County Sheriff&#8217;s department and the FBI, had decided together that they would not release details of the investigation until a press release Thursday afternoon (the day after the stabbing had occurred), an employee at the Merced County Sheriff&#8217;s department <a href="" type="internal">told The Daily Wire.</a> Students at UC Merced were told to stay at home until details of the investigation were released, and the public was advised that Mohammad&#8217;s motives were yet &#8220; <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/11/06/merced-attack-not-seen-terrorism" type="external">unknown</a>,&#8221; lest any assumptions be made that they were tied to a religious background.</p> <p>Despite evidence collected by FBI investigators from Mohammad&#8217;s backpack, &#8220;which contained flex cuffs, zip ties, duct tape, a safety hammer and two clear plastic bags containing petroleum jelly&#8221; confirmed by the bomb squad as a potential &#8220;ingredient in the production of improvised weapons,&#8221; &#8220;a night vision nocular, in addition to a hand written note in his door room&#8221; suggesting that Mohammad &#8220;had intentions beyond that of the initial confrontation of causing utter destruction to lives,&#8221; Sheriff Vern Warnke refused to suggest in any way whatsoever that Mohammad had motives tied to radical Islam or ISIS.</p> <p>&#8220;Mohammad&#8217;s personal effects by FBI officials, indicate that the motive, while unknown, does not appear to include a religious, political, or terrorism component,&#8221; Warnke said in the awaited press statement that afternoon. &#8220;Investigators believe that Mohammad&#8217;s actions were strictly a criminal act whose motives may never be entirely clear or understood.&#8221;</p> <p>But even after a handwritten &#8220;two-page manifesto&#8221; found in Mohammad&#8217;s pocket after the attack indicated an <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3308254/Teenager-went-stabbing-rampage-school-planned-behead-one-victims.html" type="external">elaborate layout</a> with a list of intended victims, step-by-step "how to" murder plans, and timing of each step, details were kept from the public and the media ran with the phony story that Mohammad had simply suffered from &#8220;mental illness&#8221; and planned the attack simply &#8220; <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-uc-merced-attack-20151105-story.html" type="external">because he was angry about getting kicked out of a study group.</a>&#8221;</p> <p>Even after more details were released of Mohammad&#8217;s plan to make a &#8220;kind of a slip-and-slide&#8221; by poking holes in the bags and letting the substance spill, trapping intended victims, tie intended victims to their desks using plastic tape, &#8220;cut someone&#8217;s head off&#8221; with an 8-inch knife, fake-call the police and wait for them to arrive, ambush them when they arrive and take their guns, use the guns to &#8220;kill two people with one bullet,&#8221; and then to repeatedly &#8220;sit down and praise Allah;&#8221; UC Merced <a href="http://chancellor.ucmerced.edu/" type="external">Chancellor Dorothy Leland</a>announced that the attacks had nothing to do with Mohammad&#8217;s religious or political background, and that it would be &#8220;irresponsible&#8221; to assume so.</p> <p>&#8220;At this point, it would be irresponsible to draw such conclusions based solely on the ethnicity of the suspect,&#8221; Leland said. &#8220;The preliminary evidence suggests that freshman computer science and engineering student Faisal Mohammad of Santa Clara appears to have been motivated by personal animosities, not a political agenda.&#8221;</p> <p>Moreover, even after several law enforcement officials were quoted in separate instances revealing details of the attack on condition of anonymity, indicating that <a href="http://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/local/crime/article43916628.html" type="external">an ISIS flag was found</a>among Mohammad&#8217;s possessions, that school officials had already been warned that an attack might occur, and that Mohammad was previously placed on a federal terror watch-list, school administrators and professors dismissed the claims.</p> <p>In a phone interview, UC Merced political science professor Dipak Gupta said the goals of groups like ISIS is to inspire students like Mohammad to act out in &#8220;lone wolf&#8221; attacks and that whether or not Mohammad was a terrorist would depend on whether he believed he was &#8220;sending or making a political statement.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Neither Chancellor (Dorothy) Leland nor UC Merced campus police participated in any such briefing with the FBI or were warned by the FBI about the potential for a terrorist attack on campus,&#8221; UC Merced spokesman James Leonard said yesterday.</p> <p>Warnke even went so far as to say that &#8220;there was zero radar on this fellow,&#8221; and nothing to indicate that &#8220;he was doing anything other than being a student at UC Merced.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;There is nothing to indicate this was anything other than a teenage boy who got upset with fellow classmates,&#8221; he told a crowd of reporters last week.</p> <p>The Muslim Student Association at UC Merced told The Daily Wire that Mohammad &#8220;was not a member of the MSA and did not attend any meetings.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;There is nothing to indicate this was anything other than a teenage boy who got upset with fellow classmates."</p> <p>Sheriff Vern Warnke</p> <p>Despite claims from leftist school officials denying Mohammad&#8217;s &#8220;lone wolf&#8221; attacks were in any way due to an affiliation to ISIS, Mohammad&#8217;s attacks still managed to <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/07/campus-stabber-manifesto-included-praise-for-allah-plan-for-beheading/?intcmp=hpbt1" type="external">draw praise from an ISIS-linked Twitter account</a>, which read, &#8220;May Allah accept him.&#8221;</p> <p>Based on the overwhelming amount of evidence pointing to radical Islam and the Islamic State in this ongoing investigation, it would be foolish and rather dangerous to allege, as Sabo, Warnke, and many other leftist UC members have, that Mohammad&#8217;s motives were anything but political and part of a larger global issue. But leftists would rather avoid labels of Islamic terrorism and put their own friends in grave danger rather than risk political incorrectness.</p> <p>Gupta went so far as to blame the severity of the incident on social media, saying that the attacks are often publicized widely &#8220;but that doesn&#8217;t mean we&#8217;re all in danger. Shocking acts of violence tend to bring a fear of a general lack of security, which is not the case.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;More people die every year from drowning in their bathtubs [than from terrorist attacks],&#8221; Gupta said.</p>

radio interview morning asked perpetrator stabbings uc merced influenced isis muslim extremism university california student association ucsa president kevin sabo said 18yearold muslim student university california uc merced viciously stabbed 5 students university workers 8inch hunting knife couldnt help wonder one asked ucsa president uc santa barbara shooting influenced far right meninism another perpetrator influenced white supremacy nra sabo like merced police department media university chose ignore relevant factor investigation late stabbing suspect faisal mohammad mohammad muslim extremist fact influenced islamic state university officials well merced county sheriffs department fbi decided together would release details investigation press release thursday afternoon day stabbing occurred employee merced county sheriffs department told daily wire students uc merced told stay home details investigation released public advised mohammads motives yet unknown lest assumptions made tied religious background despite evidence collected fbi investigators mohammads backpack contained flex cuffs zip ties duct tape safety hammer two clear plastic bags containing petroleum jelly confirmed bomb squad potential ingredient production improvised weapons night vision nocular addition hand written note door room suggesting mohammad intentions beyond initial confrontation causing utter destruction lives sheriff vern warnke refused suggest way whatsoever mohammad motives tied radical islam isis mohammads personal effects fbi officials indicate motive unknown appear include religious political terrorism component warnke said awaited press statement afternoon investigators believe mohammads actions strictly criminal act whose motives may never entirely clear understood even handwritten twopage manifesto found mohammads pocket attack indicated elaborate layout list intended victims stepbystep murder plans timing step details kept public media ran phony story mohammad simply suffered mental illness planned attack simply angry getting kicked study group even details released mohammads plan make kind slipandslide poking holes bags letting substance spill trapping intended victims tie intended victims desks using plastic tape cut someones head 8inch knife fakecall police wait arrive ambush arrive take guns use guns kill two people one bullet repeatedly sit praise allah uc merced chancellor dorothy lelandannounced attacks nothing mohammads religious political background would irresponsible assume point would irresponsible draw conclusions based solely ethnicity suspect leland said preliminary evidence suggests freshman computer science engineering student faisal mohammad santa clara appears motivated personal animosities political agenda moreover even several law enforcement officials quoted separate instances revealing details attack condition anonymity indicating isis flag foundamong mohammads possessions school officials already warned attack might occur mohammad previously placed federal terror watchlist school administrators professors dismissed claims phone interview uc merced political science professor dipak gupta said goals groups like isis inspire students like mohammad act lone wolf attacks whether mohammad terrorist would depend whether believed sending making political statement neither chancellor dorothy leland uc merced campus police participated briefing fbi warned fbi potential terrorist attack campus uc merced spokesman james leonard said yesterday warnke even went far say zero radar fellow nothing indicate anything student uc merced nothing indicate anything teenage boy got upset fellow classmates told crowd reporters last week muslim student association uc merced told daily wire mohammad member msa attend meetings nothing indicate anything teenage boy got upset fellow classmates sheriff vern warnke despite claims leftist school officials denying mohammads lone wolf attacks way due affiliation isis mohammads attacks still managed draw praise isislinked twitter account read may allah accept based overwhelming amount evidence pointing radical islam islamic state ongoing investigation would foolish rather dangerous allege sabo warnke many leftist uc members mohammads motives anything political part larger global issue leftists would rather avoid labels islamic terrorism put friends grave danger rather risk political incorrectness gupta went far blame severity incident social media saying attacks often publicized widely doesnt mean danger shocking acts violence tend bring fear general lack security case people die every year drowning bathtubs terrorist attacks gupta said

<p /> <p>The biotechnology industry is typically characterized by companies with huge potential, but little to no revenue. This situation often leads to some gut-wrenching volatility that keeps even the most cavalier investors constantly logging into their brokerage accounts.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>But biotech investing doesn't need to be an exercise in anxiety management. Three of my favorite stocks in the space --Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD), Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG), and Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN)-- are far safer than your average biotech. Let's take a closer look at each to see if any deserve a spot in your long-term portfolio.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Some of the best ways to avoid shareholder anxiety include paying a knock-down price for highly profitable companies that boast strong balance sheets. When looking for stocks that will be easy to hold for the long haul, it helps to pick ones that return their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks. Gilead Sciences has all these bases covered.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>At an ultra-low price of just seven times last year's earnings, Gilead stock is a hard bargain topass up. Falling sales from its leading hepatitis C drugs, following an enormous spike in recent years, explains the beaten-down price. Although the company predicts a 40% reduction in its hepatitis C revenue this year over last, it's important to remember its treatments are far and away the most popular option for an estimated 130 million people still infected with the virus.</p> <p>While hepatitis C can generally be cured in a matter of weeks, HIV remains a lifelong fight, a reality that has led to years of steady growth that investors can reasonably expect to continue for many years to come. Gilead Sciences has been a leader in this space for years, and the biotech's safer, next-generation HIV antivirals are cementing its position.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Years of enormous cash flows from HIV and hepatitis drug sales have helped Gilead build a fortress-like balance sheet that includes $32.4 billion in cash. Its cash pile is all the more impressive in light of the fact it returned $11.0 billion to shareholders in the form of share repurchases, plus $2.5 billion as dividend payments last year.</p> <p>This rapidly growing biotech isn't paying a dividend yet, but multiple paths to rapid growth and a relatively low price at the moment make it a nervous investor's dream come true. The company's older products and more recently launched drugs are setting a mind-boggling pace. Last year, sales of Celgene's flagship multiple myeloma therapy, Revlimid, grew 20% over 2015 to $6.97 billion, and sales of its follow-on drug, Pomalyst, rose 33% to $1.31 billion.</p> <p>Although it's nice to see Celgene's biggest franchise expanding fast, weary investors will appreciate its successful foray into the anti-inflammatory space with Otezla. Despite earning its first FDA approval less than two years ago, 2016 sales of the oral psoriasis drug came in at $1.02 billion.</p> <p>Celgene also appears poised to charge into another arena with an experimental, oral multiple sclerosis therapy called ozanimod. In February, the company announced success in a late-stage clinical trial designed to support a new drug application. We know it outperformed a standard treatment, but we'll have to wait until Celgene shares more details at a scientific conference later this year. Given thesuccess of other oral therapies in this space, Ozanimod could generate more than $5 billion in annual sales at its peak.</p> <p>Recently, Celgene shares are trading at just 16.6 times this year's earnings estimates, which is abit below the average forward P/E ratio for the benchmark S&amp;amp;P 500 as a whole. When you consider that the average analyst following Celgene expects its bottom line to climb at an astounding 22.3% annual growth rate over the next five years, this looks like one of the best deals in biotech.</p> <p>Anyone who plunked down $10,000 on Amgen stock 30 years ago and simply held on is now sitting on about $2.5 million, and that figure doesn't include dividend payments. While it's hard to imagine another three decades of growth at this pace, this founding father of biotechnology still looks like an easy stock to tuck away into a long-term portfolio.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>A 2.6% dividend yield should pique income investors' interest. You'll also be glad to know Amgen increased its quarterly payment each year since initiating the distribution in 2011, and a payout ratio of about 39% suggests further increases won't be an issue. It also returned $3.0 billion to investors in the form of share buybacks in 2016and intends to return a similar amount this year.</p> <p>While the company is generating strong cash flows, the next year or two could be somewhat nerve-wracking, as older drugs face <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-biosimilar.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">biosimilar Opens a New Window.</a>competition. Luckily, the company could offset the losses by launch several biosimilars that reference some of the world's best-selling drugs. The company also announced recent success in a 27,500-patient long-term outcome trial showing that its next-generation cholesterol-lowering drug, Repatha, significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Armed with these results, Repatha could generate about $5 billion in annual sales at its peak.</p> <p>Although the stock might jump around more than usual over the next couple of years, a $38.1 billion cash pile on Amgen's balance sheet at the end of 2016, plus generous dividends and buybacks, ought to make it a stock you don't need to constantly fret over.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Gilead SciencesWhen 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=d82c3c1c-dab3-4846-b483-901228392670&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 Gilead Sciences 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=d82c3c1c-dab3-4846-b483-901228392670&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/crenauer/info.aspx" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene and 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>

biotechnology industry typically characterized companies huge potential little revenue situation often leads gutwrenching volatility keeps even cavalier investors constantly logging brokerage accounts continue reading biotech investing doesnt need exercise anxiety management three favorite stocks space gilead sciences inc nasdaq gild celgene corporation nasdaq celg amgen inc nasdaq amgn far safer average biotech lets take closer look see deserve spot longterm portfolio image source getty images best ways avoid shareholder anxiety include paying knockdown price highly profitable companies boast strong balance sheets looking stocks easy hold long haul helps pick ones return profits shareholders form dividends share buybacks gilead sciences bases covered advertisement ultralow price seven times last years earnings gilead stock hard bargain topass falling sales leading hepatitis c drugs following enormous spike recent years explains beatendown price although company predicts 40 reduction hepatitis c revenue year last important remember treatments far away popular option estimated 130 million people still infected virus hepatitis c generally cured matter weeks hiv remains lifelong fight reality led years steady growth investors reasonably expect continue many years come gilead sciences leader space years biotechs safer nextgeneration hiv antivirals cementing position image source getty images years enormous cash flows hiv hepatitis drug sales helped gilead build fortresslike balance sheet includes 324 billion cash cash pile impressive light fact returned 110 billion shareholders form share repurchases plus 25 billion dividend payments last year rapidly growing biotech isnt paying dividend yet multiple paths rapid growth relatively low price moment make nervous investors dream come true companys older products recently launched drugs setting mindboggling pace last year sales celgenes flagship multiple myeloma therapy revlimid grew 20 2015 697 billion sales followon drug pomalyst rose 33 131 billion although nice see celgenes biggest franchise expanding fast weary investors appreciate successful foray antiinflammatory space otezla despite earning first fda approval less two years ago 2016 sales oral psoriasis drug came 102 billion celgene also appears poised charge another arena experimental oral multiple sclerosis therapy called ozanimod february company announced success latestage clinical trial designed support new drug application know outperformed standard treatment well wait celgene shares details scientific conference later year given thesuccess oral therapies space ozanimod could generate 5 billion annual sales peak recently celgene shares trading 166 times years earnings estimates abit average forward pe ratio benchmark sampp 500 whole consider average analyst following celgene expects bottom line climb astounding 223 annual growth rate next five years looks like one best deals biotech anyone plunked 10000 amgen stock 30 years ago simply held sitting 25 million figure doesnt include dividend payments hard imagine another three decades growth pace founding father biotechnology still looks like easy stock tuck away longterm portfolio image source getty images 26 dividend yield pique income investors interest youll also glad know amgen increased quarterly payment year since initiating distribution 2011 payout ratio 39 suggests increases wont issue also returned 30 billion investors form share buybacks 2016and intends return similar amount year company generating strong cash flows next year two could somewhat nervewracking older drugs face biosimilar opens new windowcompetition luckily company could offset losses launch several biosimilars reference worlds bestselling drugs company also announced recent success 27500patient longterm outcome trial showing nextgeneration cholesterollowering drug repatha significantly reduces risk heart attack stroke armed results repatha could generate 5 billion annual sales peak although stock might jump around usual next couple years 381 billion cash pile amgens balance sheet end 2016 plus generous dividends buybacks ought make stock dont need constantly fret 10 stocks like better gilead scienceswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right gilead sciences wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 cory renauer opens new window owns shares gilead sciences motley fool owns shares recommends celgene gilead sciences motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Rallying energy shares pushed U.S. stock indexes toward fresh highs Monday.</p> <p>A recovery in commodity prices, pickup in growth across economies around the world and a weaker dollar have helped major indexes climb this year, investors and analysts say.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The S&amp;amp;P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted records together Friday and were on track to repeat the feat Monday.</p> <p>"The question is whether valuations are already reflecting all of the good news -- whether it's economic growth or tax reform -- and then trying to determine where that leaves us with stocks," said Dan Miller, director of equities at GW&amp;amp;K Investment Management.</p> <p>The Dow industrials rose 8 points, or less than 0.1%, to 23548. The S&amp;amp;P 500 added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite was up 0.2%.</p> <p>Energy shares in the S&amp;amp;P 500 jumped, on track for their biggest one-day gain since July, as oil prices rallied.</p> <p>Chesapeake Energy climbed 8.8%, while Apache rose 5.8%. U.S. crude added 2.6% to $57.07 a barrel, with several analysts attributing the move to a wave of arrests in Saudi Arabia that raised concerns of a possible disruption to oil flows.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Meanwhile, corporate news drove swings in other sectors.</p> <p>Qualcomm shares rose 0.9% after Broadcom launched a takeover bid for the chip maker in a deal valued at $100 billion. Broadcom shares edged down 0.3%.</p> <p>Sprint shed 10% and T-Mobile fell 5.6% after the two companies officially called off their merger Saturday, putting an end to a deal that would have combined the No. 3 and No. 4 wireless carriers in the U.S.</p> <p>Government bonds ticked up Monday, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note recently at 2.322%, according to Tradeweb, compared with 2.334% on Friday. Yields fall as bond prices rise.</p> <p>Policy changes in Washington could help push stocks and bond yields higher, some analysts said. The Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to turn its attention to tax overhaul this week, with the aim of passing a proposed bill before Christmas.</p> <p>"In terms of the impact on equity markets, we think it might put something like another 5% on earnings, but you'd expect interest rates to rise maybe a little bit faster," said Mike Bell, global market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.</p> <p>Elsewhere, the Stoxx Europe 600 index edged up 0.1%, buoyed by gains in shares of basic resources companies.</p> <p>In Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell by as much as 1.6% earlier in the session, before reversing losses to close down less than 0.1%.</p> <p>Japan's Nikkei Stock Average reversed early gains as traders returned after a three-day weekend. The index closed up less than 0.1%.</p> <p>The yen pared early sharp declines against the U.S. dollar, when Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda said the central bank would be patient about easing. The yen was last up 0.2% against the dollar.</p> <p>Ese Erheriene contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to Akane Otani at akane.otani@wsj.com and Mike Bird at Mike.Bird@wsj.com</p> <p>Rallying energy shares pushed U.S. stock indexes to another set of records.</p> <p>The S&amp;amp;P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted fresh highs together Monday for the 26th time this year.</p> <p>A recovery in commodity prices, a pickup in growth across economies around the world and a weaker dollar have helped major indexes climb double-digit percentages this year, investors and analysts say. Some also said they would be watching for signs of progress on a Republican tax bill, which was unveiled last week.</p> <p>"The question is whether valuations are already reflecting all of the good news -- whether it's economic growth or tax reform -- and then trying to determine where that leaves us with stocks," said Dan Miller, director of equities at GW&amp;amp;K Investment Management.</p> <p>The Dow industrials rose 9.23 points, or less than 0.1%, to 23548.42. The S&amp;amp;P 500 added 3.29 points, or 0.1%, to 2591.13 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 22 points, or 0.3%, to 6786.44.</p> <p>Energy shares in the S&amp;amp;P 500 jumped 2.2%, posting their second-biggest one-day percentage gain of the year. Chesapeake Energy climbed 44 cents, or 12%, to $4.18, leading gains in the sector.</p> <p>U.S. crude for December delivery added 3.1% to $57.35 a barrel Monday -- its highest settlement since June 2015 -- with several analysts attributing the move to a wave of arrests in Saudi Arabia that raised concerns of a possible disruption to oil flows.</p> <p>Despite the recent rebound in oil prices, energy shares in the S&amp;amp;P 500 are still lagging behind. The sector is down 6.3% so far this year, making it the second-biggest decliner in the S&amp;amp;P 500 after telecom.</p> <p>Meanwhile, corporate news drove swings in other areas of the stock market.</p> <p>Qualcomm shares rose 71 cents, or 1.1%, to 62.52 after Broadcom launched a $105 billion takeover bid for the chip maker. Broadcom shares jumped 3.89, or 1.4%, to 277.52.</p> <p>Intel rose 63 cents, or 1.4%, to 46.70 and Advanced Micro Devices jumped 81 cents, or 7.3%, to 11.93 after The Wall Street Journal reported the two companies were teaming up to battle a common competitor, Nvidia.</p> <p>Sprint shed 77 cents, or 12%, to 5.90 and T-Mobile US fell 3.37, or 5.7%, to 55.54 after the two companies officially called off their merger Saturday, putting an end to a deal that would have combined the No. 3 and No. 4 wireless carriers in the U.S.</p> <p>Elsewhere, the Stoxx Europe 600 index edged up 0.1%, buoyed by gains in shares of basic resources and technology companies.</p> <p>Japan's Nikkei Stock Average moved off early gains as traders returned after a three-day weekend. The index closed up less than 0.1%.</p> <p>Write to Akane Otani at akane.otani@wsj.com and Mike Bird at Mike.Bird@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 06, 2017 17:46 ET (22:46 GMT)</p>

rallying energy shares pushed us stock indexes toward fresh highs monday recovery commodity prices pickup growth across economies around world weaker dollar helped major indexes climb year investors analysts say continue reading sampp 500 dow jones industrial average nasdaq composite posted records together friday track repeat feat monday question whether valuations already reflecting good news whether economic growth tax reform trying determine leaves us stocks said dan miller director equities gwampk investment management dow industrials rose 8 points less 01 23548 sampp 500 added 01 nasdaq composite 02 energy shares sampp 500 jumped track biggest oneday gain since july oil prices rallied chesapeake energy climbed 88 apache rose 58 us crude added 26 5707 barrel several analysts attributing move wave arrests saudi arabia raised concerns possible disruption oil flows advertisement meanwhile corporate news drove swings sectors qualcomm shares rose 09 broadcom launched takeover bid chip maker deal valued 100 billion broadcom shares edged 03 sprint shed 10 tmobile fell 56 two companies officially called merger saturday putting end deal would combined 3 4 wireless carriers us government bonds ticked monday yield benchmark 10year us treasury note recently 2322 according tradeweb compared 2334 friday yields fall bond prices rise policy changes washington could help push stocks bond yields higher analysts said ways means committee us house representatives expected turn attention tax overhaul week aim passing proposed bill christmas terms impact equity markets think might put something like another 5 earnings youd expect interest rates rise maybe little bit faster said mike bell global market strategist jp morgan asset management elsewhere stoxx europe 600 index edged 01 buoyed gains shares basic resources companies asia hong kongs hang seng index fell much 16 earlier session reversing losses close less 01 japans nikkei stock average reversed early gains traders returned threeday weekend index closed less 01 yen pared early sharp declines us dollar bank japan gov haruhiko kuroda said central bank would patient easing yen last 02 dollar ese erheriene contributed article write akane otani akaneotaniwsjcom mike bird mikebirdwsjcom rallying energy shares pushed us stock indexes another set records sampp 500 dow jones industrial average nasdaq composite posted fresh highs together monday 26th time year recovery commodity prices pickup growth across economies around world weaker dollar helped major indexes climb doubledigit percentages year investors analysts say also said would watching signs progress republican tax bill unveiled last week question whether valuations already reflecting good news whether economic growth tax reform trying determine leaves us stocks said dan miller director equities gwampk investment management dow industrials rose 923 points less 01 2354842 sampp 500 added 329 points 01 259113 nasdaq composite gained 22 points 03 678644 energy shares sampp 500 jumped 22 posting secondbiggest oneday percentage gain year chesapeake energy climbed 44 cents 12 418 leading gains sector us crude december delivery added 31 5735 barrel monday highest settlement since june 2015 several analysts attributing move wave arrests saudi arabia raised concerns possible disruption oil flows despite recent rebound oil prices energy shares sampp 500 still lagging behind sector 63 far year making secondbiggest decliner sampp 500 telecom meanwhile corporate news drove swings areas stock market qualcomm shares rose 71 cents 11 6252 broadcom launched 105 billion takeover bid chip maker broadcom shares jumped 389 14 27752 intel rose 63 cents 14 4670 advanced micro devices jumped 81 cents 73 1193 wall street journal reported two companies teaming battle common competitor nvidia sprint shed 77 cents 12 590 tmobile us fell 337 57 5554 two companies officially called merger saturday putting end deal would combined 3 4 wireless carriers us elsewhere stoxx europe 600 index edged 01 buoyed gains shares basic resources technology companies japans nikkei stock average moved early gains traders returned threeday weekend index closed less 01 write akane otani akaneotaniwsjcom mike bird mikebirdwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 06 2017 1746 et 2246 gmt

<p /> <p>Image source: Fitbit.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Fitbit leads the wearable market, accounting for 27% of sales in 2015 according to a report from IDC. But whether the company can maintain a forefront position while facing resource-rich competitors such as Apple and Samsung is a question that surrounds the company and its stock performance.</p> <p>With this in mind, we asked three of our contributing writers to give their take on how the market might shape up and where Fitbit will be 10 years from now.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fool.com/author/11900/index.aspx?source=iapsitlnk0000003" type="external">Daniel B. Kline Opens a New Window.</a>: Fitbit has its business moving in the right direction, but ultimately, what makes it work now dooms it going forward.</p> <p>The company offers relatively simple fitness trackers at lower price points than some of the all-in-one devices offered by competitors. The focused feature set, along with the attractive pricing, has made Fitbit enticing to consumers, driving <a href="https://investor.fitbit.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2016/Fitbit-Reports-505M-Q116-Revenue-and-Raises-Revenue-and-Profit-Guidance-for-FY16/default.aspx" type="external">Q1 2016 Opens a New Window.</a> sales to $505 million, up from $337 million during the same period in the previous year. The company also increased its device sales to 4.8 million from 3.9 million in Q1 2015.</p> <p>Those are great numbers, but it's hard to see the company continuing to deliver growth like this going forward. The problem is that Fitbit's greatest strengths -- its laser focus on fitness -- ultimately dooms it to irrelevance.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>While higher-end wearables both cost too much and don't meet the needs of fitness users, that won't be the case forever. Eventually, core Fitbit features like heart rate monitoring and step-tracking will simply be absorbed into devices people already own. That will come partly from phones adding more health-related features, and from the higher-end wearable makers eventually getting it right.</p> <p>No one is going to wear a full-service wearable watch and a Fitbit. Right now, the watches are too limited and expensive, which makes the fitness-focused devices more attractive. But that will change, and Fitbit's market will shrink to hardcore athletes. It's not a sustainable business, and the company doesn't have the resources to compete in the broader wearable market.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a>: I agree with Dan thatFitbit doesn't look so hot over the long term, though I do think the significance of wearable tech being a category of accessories worn on the body might provide the company with the avenues it needs to avoid being eclipsed by larger competitors.</p> <p>There's a personal element to selecting clothing that extends to smartwatches and fitness trackers; people care what brands they wear and what those brands say on an identity level. So, if Fitbit can maintain its cool factor, there's no reason it can't be a healthy company 10 years down the road. Unfortunately for Fitbit, staying synonymous with wearable fitness tracking and maintaining pricing strength and special attraction points for its products will be more of a challenge as new alternatives enter the market.</p> <p>From an aesthetic standpoint, most fitness bands already have a good deal in common with each other, and an emphasis on being small and unobtrusive means there's not a lot of room to show off design or visual flair. Whether fitness trackers are mostly absorbed into smartwatches or not, the form factors for devices that track activity and wellness will probably see considerable variation and innovation over the next decade. If Fitbit leads in this area and delivers form innovation that resonates with consumers, that will help the company's staying power, but again, it's up against competitors with great design histories.</p> <p>Software innovation is even more important to Fitbit's survival than staying at the head of the pack in terms of hardware designs. It's here that the company's larger competitors could enjoy an advantage that will prove to be the difference over the long term. Fitbit products currently have a strong social component, with people sharing exercise results in social media posts and around the proverbial water cooler, but that could shift. The fitness tracking platform that delivers the best software and social media integration has a good chance of winning market share, and my guess is that someone will come along with a take on the concept that displaces Fitbit in the next decade.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFHobo/activity.aspx?source=iaasitlnk0000002" type="external">Jeremy Bowman Opens a New Window.</a>:I'll take the contrarian view and argue that Fitbit will still be alive and kicking 10 years from now.</p> <p>It's already clear that reports of its demise have been exaggerated. TheAppleWatch was supposed to send it into oblivion, but more than a year after Cupertino's first launch since the iPad,demand for Fitbit products has actually outpaced the Apple Watch. In fact, it didn't even affect sales of fitness trackers, a category Fitbit dominates with 80% share.</p> <p>It turns out, there's a real demand for fitness trackers, and it's easy to see why. While a techie or a high-spender might prefer an Apple Watch for $349, a person just interested in health monitoring is going to go with a Fitbit for $70. Imagine a baby boomer who wants to track his own step count and heart rate without other needless, high-tech functions.</p> <p>It's easy to see how this market expands, especially considering our increasingly health-conscious society. Oral Roberts University may have been showing us the future when it mandated that all incoming freshmen wear a Fitbit earlier this year. It's easy to see such a policy spreading to other institutions, or to insurers or employers who may encourage or subsidize use of a fitness tracker. Working mostly through the consumer channel, the company has not even tapped the potential to sell through insurers or other corners of the healthcare market.</p> <p>International also presents an opportunity, as 70% of sales still come from the U.S., and revenue more than doubled in Europe and Asia in its most recent quarter.</p> <p>Like any device maker, Fitbit will have to innovate to survive and thrive, but it's a mistake to underestimate its market leadership. One potential model for the company could be Garmin. A decade ago, it was a GPS-maker about to be walloped by the smartphone revolution, but the company adapted and today it makes specialized watches and other products for activities like golfing and running as well as navigation tools for flying and boating. The stock has not been an overwhelming winner, but the company remains profitable with a dividend yield of 5%.</p> <p>If fitness trackers get disrupted, there's no reason Fitbit can't do the same, and the market seems to be underestimating the opportunity, with a forward P/E under 10.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/29/where-will-fitbit-be-in-10-years.aspx" type="external">Where Will Fitbit Be in 10 Years? Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/Dankline/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Daniel Kline Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Apple. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFHobo/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Jeremy Bowman Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Apple. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/keithnoonan/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Keith Noonan Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. 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 fitbit continue reading fitbit leads wearable market accounting 27 sales 2015 according report idc whether company maintain forefront position facing resourcerich competitors apple samsung question surrounds company stock performance mind asked three contributing writers give take market might shape fitbit 10 years daniel b kline opens new window fitbit business moving right direction ultimately makes work dooms going forward company offers relatively simple fitness trackers lower price points allinone devices offered competitors focused feature set along attractive pricing made fitbit enticing consumers driving q1 2016 opens new window sales 505 million 337 million period previous year company also increased device sales 48 million 39 million q1 2015 great numbers hard see company continuing deliver growth like going forward problem fitbits greatest strengths laser focus fitness ultimately dooms irrelevance advertisement higherend wearables cost much dont meet needs fitness users wont case forever eventually core fitbit features like heart rate monitoring steptracking simply absorbed devices people already come partly phones adding healthrelated features higherend wearable makers eventually getting right one going wear fullservice wearable watch fitbit right watches limited expensive makes fitnessfocused devices attractive change fitbits market shrink hardcore athletes sustainable business company doesnt resources compete broader wearable market keith noonan opens new window agree dan thatfitbit doesnt look hot long term though think significance wearable tech category accessories worn body might provide company avenues needs avoid eclipsed larger competitors theres personal element selecting clothing extends smartwatches fitness trackers people care brands wear brands say identity level fitbit maintain cool factor theres reason cant healthy company 10 years road unfortunately fitbit staying synonymous wearable fitness tracking maintaining pricing strength special attraction points products challenge new alternatives enter market aesthetic standpoint fitness bands already good deal common emphasis small unobtrusive means theres lot room show design visual flair whether fitness trackers mostly absorbed smartwatches form factors devices track activity wellness probably see considerable variation innovation next decade fitbit leads area delivers form innovation resonates consumers help companys staying power competitors great design histories software innovation even important fitbits survival staying head pack terms hardware designs companys larger competitors could enjoy advantage prove difference long term fitbit products currently strong social component people sharing exercise results social media posts around proverbial water cooler could shift fitness tracking platform delivers best software social media integration good chance winning market share guess someone come along take concept displaces fitbit next decade jeremy bowman opens new windowill take contrarian view argue fitbit still alive kicking 10 years already clear reports demise exaggerated theapplewatch supposed send oblivion year cupertinos first launch since ipaddemand fitbit products actually outpaced apple watch fact didnt even affect sales fitness trackers category fitbit dominates 80 share turns theres real demand fitness trackers easy see techie highspender might prefer apple watch 349 person interested health monitoring going go fitbit 70 imagine baby boomer wants track step count heart rate without needless hightech functions easy see market expands especially considering increasingly healthconscious society oral roberts university may showing us future mandated incoming freshmen wear fitbit earlier year easy see policy spreading institutions insurers employers may encourage subsidize use fitness tracker working mostly consumer channel company even tapped potential sell insurers corners healthcare market international also presents opportunity 70 sales still come us revenue doubled europe asia recent quarter like device maker fitbit innovate survive thrive mistake underestimate market leadership one potential model company could garmin decade ago gpsmaker walloped smartphone revolution company adapted today makes specialized watches products activities like golfing running well navigation tools flying boating stock overwhelming winner company remains profitable dividend yield 5 fitness trackers get disrupted theres reason fitbit cant market seems underestimating opportunity forward pe 10 article fitbit 10 years opens new window originally appeared foolcom daniel kline opens new window owns shares apple jeremy bowman opens new window owns shares apple keith noonan opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends apple motley fool following options long january 2018 90 calls apple short january 2018 95 calls apple try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>After a big quarter from First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/28/first-solars-second-quarter-shows-its-future-is-ge.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=b2216312-7788-11e7-8b71-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">last week Opens a New Window.</a>, expectations for solar's high-efficiency manufacturer SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR) have gone up in the market. Depending on how you look at it, SunPower either met those higher expectations or fell short, but the uncertainty is not exactly what the market was expecting.</p> <p>As usual, SunPower's results are complicated, so I'll go through the big picture for each part of the business.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>First, let's look at the important financial numbers for the quarter and compare them to guidance.</p> <p>You can see that results <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/07/22/why-solar-manufacturer-earnings-will-crush-expecta.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=b2216312-7788-11e7-8b71-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">beat guidance across the board Opens a New Window.</a>. But some investors are looking at full-year guidance and seeing a little bleaker picture. Non-GAAP revenue guidance was tightened from a range of $2.1 billion to $2.6 billion to a new range of $2.1 billion to $2.3 billion. And deployments were also tightened from 1.3 GW to 1.6 GW to a new range of 1.3 GW to 1.45 GW. That seems like a reduction in expectations, but I'll explain below why they're more about timing than anything else.</p> <p>The biggest driver of First Solar's earnings beat was the fact that projects it is selling are being sold for more than the company expected. And most of the assets being sold were already under contract with a buyer, so management could feel confident raising guidance for the year.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In SunPower's case, the projects it is selling will likely be available to the market in the fourth quarter of 2017 or early 2018. And there aren't many that will result in a windfall profit as First Solar saw. So, First Solar's upbeat guidance didn't trickle over to SunPower.</p> <p>Weaker than expected guidance was bad short-term, but with both companies transitioning to a component sales business long-term, it doesn't really fundamentally change their plans.</p> <p>Another factor in First Solar's earnings beat was the fact that it delayed shutting down some module production to take advantage of strong solar demand and high module prices. SunPower didn't have the same flexibility, in large part because it tries to sell out production months in advance. For example, essentially all of the company's module production for 2017 is allocated already, so if module prices rise in the back half of the year SunPower wouldn't be able to take advantage. But if prices fall it has reduced downside risk. In effect, First Solar got a short-term boost, which wasn't really available to SunPower right now.</p> <p>The point of strength for SunPower continues to be distributed solar, or residential and commercial projects. Residential deployments were 74 MW for $155.8 million in revenue and gross margin of 20.3% on a non-GAAP basis. Commercial installations were 66 MW and revenue of $105.8 million, although gross margin was just 7.1%. These compare to power plant deployments of 86 MW, $79.9 million in revenue, and 3.2% gross margin, which was negatively impacted by the lack of system sales in the quarter.</p> <p>SunPower's strength going forward should be the distributed solar business, so look for there to be steadily rising deployments and improving margins over the next year as well.</p> <p>SunPower is building a little over 500 MW of solar projects in Mexico that hit some road bumps last quarter. A permitting delay from local input on the projects has put them behind schedule, meaning SunPower won't recognize revenue for the projects in 2017. The delay doesn't impact the 2018 start date of the projects or the long-term sale of either project, but it'll push revenue and deployments into 2018 rather than being recognized in 2017. When you see the disappointing guidance numbers above, this is the main driver, so take the "disappointment" with a grain of salt because there's no fundamental change in demand.</p> <p>I think the most notable announcement from SunPower on Tuesday was that it is pursuing a sale of its entire stake in 8point3 Energy Partners (NASDAQ: CAFD), whether both SunPower and First Solar's positions are acquired or the whole company is bought. This indicates that there's strong demand for the yieldco and both companies are expecting a nice premium to where shares are trading. Otherwise, SunPower would consider holding its stake.</p> <p>SunPower owns 28.883 million shares of 8point3 Energy Partners and a buyout could infuse $450 million in cash, or more, onto the company's balance sheet. If completed, management has already said it will use the money to pay off its 2018 convertible notes, reducing financial risk. If the 2018 notes are paid off, SunPower would only have non-recourse project debt and convertible notes due in 2021 ($400 million) and 2023 ($425 million).</p> <p>It has also looked at monetizing residential assets currently on the balance sheet. There are currently 400 MW of residential assets on the balance sheet that could be financed with contracted payments, potentially adding hundreds of millions more in cash.</p> <p>SunPower already says it's going to have $300 million in cash on the balance sheet due to expected project sales and operations at the end of 2017. That's without residential solar financing or the sale of 8point3 Energy Partners. By the end of the year, the company could be sitting on nearly $1 billion in cash with a plethora of growth opportunities to invest in for future growth.</p> <p>The high-efficiency X-Series module SunPower makes is currently the star of the business and management said they'll be launching a next generation solar module in 2018, which means we should expect an announcement of a new manufacturing plant later this year. The new module is supposed to be slightly more efficient than the 25% efficient cells coming off the Fab 4 X-Series lines today but will be much lower cost.</p> <p>If true, residential and commercial margins should expand significantly for SunPower and sales in both markets will rise as well. I view residential and commercial solar as the rocks SunPower is building on, so a new production line could be big news long-term.</p> <p>First Solar was able to benefit in the second quarter from the rising module and project demand in the solar industry, something SunPower didn't benefit from in the same way. But long-term SunPower is slowly executing on its plan and building out a strong position in distributed solar and an intriguing position in utility scale solar.</p> <p>If momentum for the company's distributed product continues, including expanding margins as sale prices rise and costs come down, the company will be on a much more solid footing. And if the solutions business that's selling modules and racking systems in for utility projects in dozens of countries around the world works out as planned there could be a new phase of growth for SunPower starting in 2018. Remember, this is a company with its sights set on growing module production from 1.3 GW to 1.45 GW in 2017 to over 6 GW, and maybe more, by 2021. The fact that SunPower didn't benefit from the same short-term windfalls as First Solar shouldn't be mistaken for a sign of long-term weakness. SunPower is performing about as well as can be expected right now, and there's upside if production increases and demand starts to improve in the near future. Expect to hear a lot from this company later in 2017.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than SunPowerWhen 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=eb5eb883-5123-491c-9862-be4264a2bac1&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=b2216312-7788-11e7-8b71-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and SunPower wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=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=eb5eb883-5123-491c-9862-be4264a2bac1&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=b2216312-7788-11e7-8b71-0050569d32b9&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/TMFFlushDraw/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=b2216312-7788-11e7-8b71-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Travis Hoium Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of 8point3 Energy Partners, First Solar, and SunPower. The Motley Fool recommends First Solar. 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=b2216312-7788-11e7-8b71-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

big quarter first solar nasdaq fslr last week opens new window expectations solars highefficiency manufacturer sunpower corporation nasdaq spwr gone market depending look sunpower either met higher expectations fell short uncertainty exactly market expecting usual sunpowers results complicated ill go big picture part business continue reading first lets look important financial numbers quarter compare guidance see results beat guidance across board opens new window investors looking fullyear guidance seeing little bleaker picture nongaap revenue guidance tightened range 21 billion 26 billion new range 21 billion 23 billion deployments also tightened 13 gw 16 gw new range 13 gw 145 gw seems like reduction expectations ill explain theyre timing anything else biggest driver first solars earnings beat fact projects selling sold company expected assets sold already contract buyer management could feel confident raising guidance year advertisement sunpowers case projects selling likely available market fourth quarter 2017 early 2018 arent many result windfall profit first solar saw first solars upbeat guidance didnt trickle sunpower weaker expected guidance bad shortterm companies transitioning component sales business longterm doesnt really fundamentally change plans another factor first solars earnings beat fact delayed shutting module production take advantage strong solar demand high module prices sunpower didnt flexibility large part tries sell production months advance example essentially companys module production 2017 allocated already module prices rise back half year sunpower wouldnt able take advantage prices fall reduced downside risk effect first solar got shortterm boost wasnt really available sunpower right point strength sunpower continues distributed solar residential commercial projects residential deployments 74 mw 1558 million revenue gross margin 203 nongaap basis commercial installations 66 mw revenue 1058 million although gross margin 71 compare power plant deployments 86 mw 799 million revenue 32 gross margin negatively impacted lack system sales quarter sunpowers strength going forward distributed solar business look steadily rising deployments improving margins next year well sunpower building little 500 mw solar projects mexico hit road bumps last quarter permitting delay local input projects put behind schedule meaning sunpower wont recognize revenue projects 2017 delay doesnt impact 2018 start date projects longterm sale either project itll push revenue deployments 2018 rather recognized 2017 see disappointing guidance numbers main driver take disappointment grain salt theres fundamental change demand think notable announcement sunpower tuesday pursuing sale entire stake 8point3 energy partners nasdaq cafd whether sunpower first solars positions acquired whole company bought indicates theres strong demand yieldco companies expecting nice premium shares trading otherwise sunpower would consider holding stake sunpower owns 28883 million shares 8point3 energy partners buyout could infuse 450 million cash onto companys balance sheet completed management already said use money pay 2018 convertible notes reducing financial risk 2018 notes paid sunpower would nonrecourse project debt convertible notes due 2021 400 million 2023 425 million also looked monetizing residential assets currently balance sheet currently 400 mw residential assets balance sheet could financed contracted payments potentially adding hundreds millions cash sunpower already says going 300 million cash balance sheet due expected project sales operations end 2017 thats without residential solar financing sale 8point3 energy partners end year company could sitting nearly 1 billion cash plethora growth opportunities invest future growth highefficiency xseries module sunpower makes currently star business management said theyll launching next generation solar module 2018 means expect announcement new manufacturing plant later year new module supposed slightly efficient 25 efficient cells coming fab 4 xseries lines today much lower cost true residential commercial margins expand significantly sunpower sales markets rise well view residential commercial solar rocks sunpower building new production line could big news longterm first solar able benefit second quarter rising module project demand solar industry something sunpower didnt benefit way longterm sunpower slowly executing plan building strong position distributed solar intriguing position utility scale solar momentum companys distributed product continues including expanding margins sale prices rise costs come company much solid footing solutions business thats selling modules racking systems utility projects dozens countries around world works planned could new phase growth sunpower starting 2018 remember company sights set growing module production 13 gw 145 gw 2017 6 gw maybe 2021 fact sunpower didnt benefit shortterm windfalls first solar shouldnt mistaken sign longterm weakness sunpower performing well expected right theres upside production increases demand starts improve near future expect hear lot company later 2017 10 stocks like better sunpowerwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right sunpower wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns august 1 2017 travis hoium opens new window owns shares 8point3 energy partners first solar sunpower motley fool recommends first solar motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Should Christians Be Celebrating Halloween? Looking At Halloween From The Bible's Perspective</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p> <p>"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Ephesians 5: 11,12</a> <a href="https://withoneaccord.3dcartstores.com/" type="external">Click here</a> to visit William Schnoebelen's website...</p> <p>Ancient Druids. Many Christians celebrate holidays, such as Halloween, without thinking about their origins or true meaning. It is impossible to separate Halloween from the Druids because they originated the "holiday." For several hundred years before Christ, the Celts inhabited what is now France, Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland. Celtic priests were called Druids. These people were eventually conquered by the Romans. Information about the Celts and Druids comes from Caesar and the Roman historians, Greek writings from about 200 B.C., and very early records found in Ireland. Greek and Roman writings about the Druids dwell heavily on their frequent and barbaric human sacrifices. The ancient Irish texts say little about human sacrifices, but detail the Druids' use of magic to raise storms, lay curses on places, kill by the use of spells, and create magical obstacles. Druids worshipping the Devil at Stonehenge Human Sacrifices. Davies, however, a 16th century writer who traced his family lineage directly back to Druid priests who fought against Caesar, clearly describes the human sacrifices of his ancestors and the secret sacrifices still performed regularly by the Druids of his time. By 47 A.D., Rome finally defeated the Druids in Britain and outlawed human sacrifices. The few remaining Druids went underground. Today a growing group of people claiming to be of direct Druid descent, still practice their religion, including human sacrifice. Those in England still perform ceremonies at Stonehenge. Druids starting bonfires to give homage and worship to their pagan gods. This included the burning of animals and crops to appease thier deities. November 1st was the Celtic new year. October 31st was celebrated by the Druids with many human sacrifices and a festival honoring their sun god and Samhain, the lord of the dead. They believed that the sinful souls of those who died during the year were in a place of torment, and would be released only if Samhain was pleased with their sacrifices.</p> <p>Monks Fascinated By Druids. rish records tell of the fascination the Catholic monks had with the powerful Druids, and Druids soon became important members of their monasteries. Pope Gregory the Great decided to incorporate the Druids' holiday into the church. He made the proclamation, "They are no longer to sacrifice beasts to the devil, but they may kill them for food to the praise of God, and give thanks to the giver of all gifts for His bounty." Pope Gregory III moved the church festival of October 31st to November 1st and called it All Hallows or All Saints' Day. Pope Gregory IV decreed that the day was to be a universal church observance. The term Halloween comes from All Hallows Eve.</p> <p>The founding fathers of America refused to permit the holiday to be observed because they knew it was a pagan holiday. Halloween was not widely celebrated in the U.S. until about 1900. In the 1840's there was a terrible potato famine in Ireland which sent thousands of Catholic Irish to America. They brought Halloween with them. The modern custom of going from door to door asking for food and candy goes back to the time of the Druids. They believed that sinful, lost souls were released upon the earth by Samhain for one night on October 31st while they awaited their judgment. They were thought to throng about the houses of the living and were greeted with banquet-laden tables. People greatly feared these spirits and thought that the spirits would harm and even kill them if the sacrifices they gave did not appease Samhain. They carved demonic faces into pumpkins or large turnips, placing a candle in them to keep the evil spirits away from their homes. The modern custom of going from door to door asking for food and candy goes back to the time of the Druids. They believed that sinful, lost souls were released upon the earth by Samhain for one night on October 31st while they awaited their judgment. They were thought to throng about the houses of the living and were greeted with banquet-laden tables. People greatly feared these spirits and thought that the spirits would harm and even kill them if the sacrifices they gave did not appease Samhain. They carved demonic faces into pumpkins or large turnips, placing a candle in them to keep the evil spirits away from their homes. The tradition of bobbing for apples and giving out nuts came from a Roman addition to the Druidic New Year's eve. The Romans worshiped Pomona who was the goddess of the harvest. They combined their harvest festival to Pomona with Halloween. Very little archeological evidence of the Druids has been found, but there is excellent agreement between the Roman and Irish documents. Both clearly state that the knowledge of the Druids was never committed to writing but passed from generation to generation by oral teaching. This was to protect their secrets. In his writings, Davies indicates that he came under much persecution by his family for putting in writing his information about Druids. The same is true today. Nothing is put into writing. The Druids continue on secretly with much the same traditions. The widespread problem of harmful substances such as razor blades, drugs, poisons, needles, etc. being placed in the Halloween treats here in America is no accident. Testimonies of several ex-Satanists show that these children killed and injured by the "treats" are sacrifices to Satan (or Samhain). Satanists throughout the world continue to perform human sacrifices on Halloween. Is this something you want YOUR child to participate in?" <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Chick Publications</a></p> Ancient Druids. November 1st was the Celtic new year. Monks Fascinated By Druids.

christians celebrating halloween looking halloween bibles perspective 160 fellowship unfruitful works darkness rather reprove shame even speak things done secret ephesians 5 1112 click visit william schnoebelens website ancient druids many christians celebrate holidays halloween without thinking origins true meaning impossible separate halloween druids originated holiday several hundred years christ celts inhabited france germany england scotland ireland celtic priests called druids people eventually conquered romans information celts druids comes caesar roman historians greek writings 200 bc early records found ireland greek roman writings druids dwell heavily frequent barbaric human sacrifices ancient irish texts say little human sacrifices detail druids use magic raise storms lay curses places kill use spells create magical obstacles druids worshipping devil stonehenge human sacrifices davies however 16th century writer traced family lineage directly back druid priests fought caesar clearly describes human sacrifices ancestors secret sacrifices still performed regularly druids time 47 ad rome finally defeated druids britain outlawed human sacrifices remaining druids went underground today growing group people claiming direct druid descent still practice religion including human sacrifice england still perform ceremonies stonehenge druids starting bonfires give homage worship pagan gods included burning animals crops appease thier deities november 1st celtic new year october 31st celebrated druids many human sacrifices festival honoring sun god samhain lord dead believed sinful souls died year place torment would released samhain pleased sacrifices monks fascinated druids rish records tell fascination catholic monks powerful druids druids soon became important members monasteries pope gregory great decided incorporate druids holiday church made proclamation longer sacrifice beasts devil may kill food praise god give thanks giver gifts bounty pope gregory iii moved church festival october 31st november 1st called hallows saints day pope gregory iv decreed day universal church observance term halloween comes hallows eve founding fathers america refused permit holiday observed knew pagan holiday halloween widely celebrated us 1900 1840s terrible potato famine ireland sent thousands catholic irish america brought halloween modern custom going door door asking food candy goes back time druids believed sinful lost souls released upon earth samhain one night october 31st awaited judgment thought throng houses living greeted banquetladen tables people greatly feared spirits thought spirits would harm even kill sacrifices gave appease samhain carved demonic faces pumpkins large turnips placing candle keep evil spirits away homes modern custom going door door asking food candy goes back time druids believed sinful lost souls released upon earth samhain one night october 31st awaited judgment thought throng houses living greeted banquetladen tables people greatly feared spirits thought spirits would harm even kill sacrifices gave appease samhain carved demonic faces pumpkins large turnips placing candle keep evil spirits away homes tradition bobbing apples giving nuts came roman addition druidic new years eve romans worshiped pomona goddess harvest combined harvest festival pomona halloween little archeological evidence druids found excellent agreement roman irish documents clearly state knowledge druids never committed writing passed generation generation oral teaching protect secrets writings davies indicates came much persecution family putting writing information druids true today nothing put writing druids continue secretly much traditions widespread problem harmful substances razor blades drugs poisons needles etc placed halloween treats america accident testimonies several exsatanists show children killed injured treats sacrifices satan samhain satanists throughout world continue perform human sacrifices halloween something want child participate source chick publications ancient druids november 1st celtic new year monks fascinated druids

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

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

<p>The Difference Between the Rapture and the Revelation Things That Are Different Are Not The Same</p> <p>As we have been showing you all through this series, the Rapture and the Revelation are not the same, because they, in fact, are two seperate events seperated by a division of at least 7 years. The Bible never meant for them to be the same, and takes great pains to show how they are different. A casual reading of these passages will blur the lines and make them appear to be one, but we will show in this lesson that they are not. Listen to Paul's advice to Timothy: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">2 Timothy</a> The Rapture is of, and for, the Church only Many people, including Christians, come to wrong conclusions about this event because their starting point was wrong. The Rapture of the Chuch is wholly and completely seperate from God's Plan for Israel and the Jews. People try to make the Church fit as the 'replacement' for the Jews (because of their rejection of Jesus) and that doesn't work because there is no replacement for the Jews or Israel. God has declared the Jews to be His chosen people, and that will never, ever change. Neither will the day ever come where Israel is no longer the 'apple of God's eye', for He has declared it to be forever so. God's covenant with Israel and the Jews is unbreakable, unchangable, and everlasting. "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. "I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. "And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. "Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." And God said to Abraham: "As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Genesis 17: 4-9</a> These are just some of the dozens and dozens of places where God mentions, affirms and re-affirms His covenant with the Jews and with the nation of Israel. This relationship will continue through the Tribulation, the Millenium, and throughout all of Eternity as well. So the quicker you get this idea in your head from the beginning, the easier it will be to understand that God has one path outlined for the Chruch, and another path for the Jews. The Rapture, as the Bible teaches is of, and for the Church, which is composed of both Jew and Gentile believers in Jesus as the Promised Messiah of Israel. Clarence Larkin had this to say about the Rapture of the Church: "The Rapture is described in <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/1Thes.%204.15-17" type="external">1Thes. 4:15-17</a>. "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel (Michael) and with the trump of God; and the DEAD IN CHRIST shall rise first; then we which are ALIVE AND REMAIN (saints only) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord IN THE AIR, and so shall we ever be with the Lord." From this we see that "The Rapture" will be twofold.</p> <p>1. The Resurrection of the "DEAD IN CHRIST." 2. The Translation of the "LIVING SAINTS."</p> <p>This twofold character of "The Rapture" Jesus revealed to Martha when He was about to raise her brother Lazarus. He said to her: "I am the 'Resurrection and the Life, ' he that believeth in Me, though he were dead yet shall he LIVE (First Resurrection Saints); and whosoever LIVETH (is alive when I come back) and believeth in me shall NEVER DIE" <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/John%2011.25-26" type="external">John 11:25-26</a>. This twofold character of the Rapture, Paul emphasizes in his immortal chapter on the resurrection. "Behold, I show you a Mystery, we shall not all Sleep, but we shall All Be Changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised, and we shall be changed. For this Corruptible (the dead in Christ) must put on incorruption, and this mortal (the living saints) must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that. is written, DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY. O DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING? O GRAVE, WHERE IS THY VICTORY? " <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/1Cor.%2015.51-53" type="external">1Cor. 15:51-53</a>. The Rapture won't be a secret, but it will be a 'surprise' We see from this that when Christ comes back it will be when we are not expecting Him. He will come as a thief comes. A thief does not announce his coming. He comes for a certain purpose. He does not take everything there is in the house. He takes only the precious things. The jewels, the gold, the silver and fine wearing apparel. He does not come to stay. As soon as he secures what he is after he departs. So Jesus at the Rapture will come and take away the saints only. The thief leaves much more than he takes. He leaves the house and the furniture and the household utensils. So the Lord at the Rapture will leave the wicked and the great mass of the heathen behind, for those who will be taken will be comparatively few. <a href="javasript:;" type="external">source - Dispensational Truth, by Clarence Larkin</a> The Revelation, or Stage 2 Again, we turn to that excellent, old-school Bible scholar Clarence Larkin for insight on 'Stage 2', the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and this time it's for the entire world to see. At the "Second Stage" of Christ's Second Coming, the "Revelation, " we shall behold His "Glory." When Jesus came the first time He was disguised in the flesh. The "Incarnation" was the hiding of His Power, the veiling of His Deity. Now and then gleams of glory shot forth as on the Mt. of transfiguration; but when He comes the Second Time we shall behold Him clothed with the glory He had with the Father before the world was. The "Revelation" will be as sudden and as unexpected as was the "Rapture." The sun will rise on that day strong and clear. Gentle breezes will waft themselves over the earth. There will be no signs of a storm or of the coming judgment. The people will be buying and selling, building and planting, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. The statesmen will be revolving in their minds new plans for the world's betterment. The philanthropic will be devising new ways to help the people. The pleasure-loving will be seeking new sources of pleasure. The wicked will be plotting dark deeds; and the unbelieving will be proving to their own satisfaction that there is no God, no heaven, no hell, no coming judgment, when suddenly there will be a change. In the distant heaven there will appear a</p> <p>"POINT OF LIGHT, "</p> <p>outshining the sun. It will be seen descending toward the earth. As it descends it will assume the form of a bright cloud, out of which shall stream dazzling beams of light, and flashes of lightning. It will descend apace as if on wings of the whirlwind, and when it reaches its destination over the brow of the Mt. of Olives it will stop and unfold itself to the terrified and awestricken beholders, and there will be revealed to them Jesus seated on a "White Horse" ( <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Rev.%2019.16" type="external">Rev. 19:16</a>) and accompanied with His Saints and the armies of Heaven. Then shall be fulfilled what Jesus foretold in His Olivet Discourse-"Then shall appear the sign (a cloud) of the Son of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY." <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Matt.%2024.30" type="external">Matt. 24:30</a>.</p> <p>The Imminency Of The Second Coming</p> <p>One of the objections to the Doctrine of the "Second Coming of Christ" is the claim that He may come backat any time. Post-millennialists tell us that the writers of the New Testament looked forHim to come back in their day, and that He did not do so, is proof that they were mistaken, and that Paul in his later writings modified his statements as to the imminency of Christ's return. It is a fact that while Jesus said: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come...Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" ( <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Matt.%2024.42-44" type="external">Matt. 24:42-44</a>), He did not in these passages teach that He would return during the lifetime of those who listened to Him. In fact, in His Parables He intimated that His return would be delayed, as in the Parable of The Talents, where it is said: "After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh. <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Matt.%2025.19" type="external">Matt. 25:19</a>. What Jesus wanted to teach was the sudden and unexpected character of His return. As to the Apostles, while they exhorted their followers to be ready, for the "night is far spent, the day is at hand, " and the "coming of the Lord draweth nigh, " their language simply implied "imminency, " but not necessarily "IMMEDIATENESS." And the use of the word "WE" in <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/1Cor.%2015.5" type="external">1Cor. 15:5</a> <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/1Cor.%2015.1" type="external">1Cor. 15:1</a>, "WE" shall not all sleep, but WE shall all be changed, " is not a declaration that the Lord would return in Paul's day and some would not die but be translated, for the Apostle is talking about the Rapture and he means by "WE" a certain class of persons, the saints that shall be alive when that event occurs, whether in his day or at some later time.</p> <p>It was clearly known to our Lord that certain events must come to pass before His Return, but to have disclosed that fact would have nullified the command to "Watch, " therefore He in "mystery form, ' as in the seven parables of Matt. 13, hid the fact that His Return would be delayed. It would take time for the "Sowing of the Seed, " the growth of the "Wheat" and "Tares, " the growth of the "Mustard Tree, " and the "Leavening of the Meal." So rapid was the spread of the Gospel in the first century that the followers of Christ were warranted in looking for the speedy Return of the Lord, but it was true then, as in every century since, that we do not know what the extent of the "Harvest' is to be, and when it will be ripe, so the Lord can return. <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Matt.%2013.30" type="external">Matt. 13:30</a>. Uncertainty then as to the "time" of the Lord's return is necessary to promote the "watchful" spirit. If the early Church had known that the Lord's Return would have been delayed for 20 centuries, the incentive to watchfulness would have been wanting.</p> <p>By "Imminency" we mean "may happen at any time." For illustration, you hurry to the railroad station to catch a train. You find the train has not arrived, though it is past the hour. Though it is late it is on the way, and it would not be safe for you to leave the station, for it may arrive any minute, but as a matter of fact, it does not come for half an hour. Now if you had known that it would not arrive for half an hour you would have used the time in some other way than "waiting" and "watching." So we see that "Imminency" does not necessarily imply "IMMEDIATENESS, " but does demand "Watchfulness."</p> <p>It is the firm conviction of the writer that there has been unnecessary delay in the Return of the Lord, caused by the failure of the Church to obey the "Divine Commission" to evangelize the world ( <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Matt.%2028.19-20" type="external">Matt. 28:19-20</a>), and it is past the time when He should have returned. Of course, this was foreseen by God, and His foreknowledge has held back the development of the forces of evil, etc., until the "Fulness of the Gentiles" should be gathered in, and the "Harvest" is ripe for the gathering. <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Rev.%2014.14-16" type="external">Rev. 14:14-16</a>. At no time in the history of the Christian Church have the conditions necessary to the Lord's Return been so completely fulfilled as at the present time; therefore, His Coming is IMMINENT, and will not probably be long delayed. Let us be ready and watching." <a href="javasript:;" type="external">source - Dispensational Truth, by Clarence Larkin</a></p> <p>The Blessed Hope Of The Believer</p> <p>The Second Coming of Christ is "The Blessed Hope." Writing to Titus Paul said-"Looking for that 'Blessed Hope, ' and the 'Glorious Appearing' of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Titus%202.13" type="external">Titus 2:13</a>. Most Christians when speaking of their "Hope" mean their "Hope of Salvation, " but we cannot "hope" for a thing we have and salvation is a present possession if we are trusting in Christ as our Saviour. The Christian's "Hope" then is the "Return of His Lord." Man is a three-fold being, he has a body, a soul, and a spirit; for him to die is to lose his "body." Now he knows that he cannot get his body back until the Resurrection and he also knows that there can be no Resurrection until Christ comes back. Therefore to him Christ's return is "The Blessed Hope, " not only that if he dies he will then be raised, but it is to him the "Hope" that Christ will come back before he dies and he shall be "caught up" to meet Him in the air without dying. <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/1Thes.%204.13-15" type="external">1Thes. 4:13-15</a>.</p> <p>"The Blessed Hope" is also a "Purifying Hope." "And every man that hath this hope in him PURIFIETH HIMSELF.' <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/1John%203.1-3" type="external">1John 3:1-3</a>. That is, every one who is looking for the Lord's return will try to keep himself pure. It will make us "Patient." "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the Coming of the Lord. . . . Be ye also patient; establish your hearts; for the Coming of the Lord draweth nigh." <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/James%205.7-8" type="external">James 5:7-8</a>. It will make us "Watchful." "Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all WATCH." <a href="http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Mark%2013.35-37" type="external">Mark 13:35-37</a>. <a href="javasript:;" type="external">source - Dispensational Truth, by Clarence Larkin</a></p> <p>So there has to be FIRST the Rapture of the Church. This event kicks-off the time of Jacob's trouble, the Tribulation period of 7 years that Daniel saw. At the end of this 7-year Tribulation period, Jesus will return to the earth, with all the saints that have been raptured out earlier, and will land at the Mount of Olives in Israel, note the following: "And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You. [fn] It shall come to pass in that day That there will be no light; The lights will diminish. It shall be one day Which is known to the LORD-- Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light. And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be- "The LORD is one," And His name one." <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Zechariah 14: 4-9</a> See how it says that on "that day" the Lord Jesus Himself will make a physical return to the earth to setup His Kingdom, (which will last for 1,000 literal, actual years,) and who does He come with? - "Thus the LORD my God will come, And all the saints with You" Those 'saints' that He returns with will be those who were raptured out 7 years earlier in the Rapture.</p> <p>"See, I have told you beforehand." Jesus in <a href="javascript:;" type="external">Matthew 24:25</a></p> The Rapture is of, and for, the Church only The Revelation, or Stage 2 Click here

difference rapture revelation things different showing series rapture revelation fact two seperate events seperated division least 7 years bible never meant takes great pains show different casual reading passages blur lines make appear one show lesson listen pauls advice timothy study shew thyself approved unto god workman needeth ashamed rightly dividing word truth preach word instant season season reprove rebuke exhort longsuffering doctrine 2 timothy rapture church many people including christians come wrong conclusions event starting point wrong rapture chuch wholly completely seperate gods plan israel jews people try make church fit replacement jews rejection jesus doesnt work replacement jews israel god declared jews chosen people never ever change neither day ever come israel longer apple gods eye declared forever gods covenant israel jews unbreakable unchangable everlasting behold covenant shall father many nations longer shall name called abram name shall abraham made father many nations make exceedingly fruitful make nations kings shall come establish covenant descendants generations everlasting covenant god descendants also give descendants land stranger land canaan everlasting possession god god said abraham shall keep covenant descendants throughout generations genesis 17 49 dozens dozens places god mentions affirms reaffirms covenant jews nation israel relationship continue tribulation millenium throughout eternity well quicker get idea head beginning easier understand god one path outlined chruch another path jews rapture bible teaches church composed jew gentile believers jesus promised messiah israel clarence larkin say rapture church rapture described 1thes 41517 say unto word lord alive remain unto coming lord shall prevent asleep lord shall descend heaven shout voice archangel michael trump god dead christ shall rise first alive remain saints shall caught together clouds meet lord air shall ever lord see rapture twofold 1 resurrection dead christ 2 translation living saints twofold character rapture jesus revealed martha raise brother lazarus said resurrection life believeth though dead yet shall live first resurrection saints whosoever liveth alive come back believeth shall never die john 112526 twofold character rapture paul emphasizes immortal chapter resurrection behold show mystery shall sleep shall changed moment twinkling eye last trump trumpet shall sound dead shall raised shall changed corruptible dead christ must put incorruption mortal living saints must put immortality corruptible shall put incorruption mortal shall put immortality shall brought pass saying written death swallowed victory death thy sting grave thy victory 1cor 155153 rapture wont secret surprise see christ comes back expecting come thief comes thief announce coming comes certain purpose take everything house takes precious things jewels gold silver fine wearing apparel come stay soon secures departs jesus rapture come take away saints thief leaves much takes leaves house furniture household utensils lord rapture leave wicked great mass heathen behind taken comparatively source dispensational truth clarence larkin revelation stage 2 turn excellent oldschool bible scholar clarence larkin insight stage 2 revelation jesus christ time entire world see second stage christs second coming revelation shall behold glory jesus came first time disguised flesh incarnation hiding power veiling deity gleams glory shot forth mt transfiguration comes second time shall behold clothed glory father world revelation sudden unexpected rapture sun rise day strong clear gentle breezes waft earth signs storm coming judgment people buying selling building planting eating drinking marrying giving marriage statesmen revolving minds new plans worlds betterment philanthropic devising new ways help people pleasureloving seeking new sources pleasure wicked plotting dark deeds unbelieving proving satisfaction god heaven hell coming judgment suddenly change distant heaven appear point light outshining sun seen descending toward earth descends assume form bright cloud shall stream dazzling beams light flashes lightning descend apace wings whirlwind reaches destination brow mt olives stop unfold terrified awestricken beholders revealed jesus seated white horse rev 1916 accompanied saints armies heaven shall fulfilled jesus foretold olivet discoursethen shall appear sign cloud son man heaven shall tribes earth mourn shall see son man coming clouds heaven power great glory matt 2430 imminency second coming one objections doctrine second coming christ claim may come backat time postmillennialists tell us writers new testament looked forhim come back day proof mistaken paul later writings modified statements imminency christs return fact jesus said watch therefore ye know hour lord doth cometherefore ye also ready hour ye think son man cometh matt 244244 passages teach would return lifetime listened fact parables intimated return would delayed parable talents said long time lord servants cometh matt 2519 jesus wanted teach sudden unexpected character return apostles exhorted followers ready night far spent day hand coming lord draweth nigh language simply implied imminency necessarily immediateness use word 1cor 155 1cor 151 shall sleep shall changed declaration lord would return pauls day would die translated apostle talking rapture means certain class persons saints shall alive event occurs whether day later time clearly known lord certain events must come pass return disclosed fact would nullified command watch therefore mystery form seven parables matt 13 hid fact return would delayed would take time sowing seed growth wheat tares growth mustard tree leavening meal rapid spread gospel first century followers christ warranted looking speedy return lord true every century since know extent harvest ripe lord return matt 1330 uncertainty time lords return necessary promote watchful spirit early church known lords return would delayed 20 centuries incentive watchfulness would wanting imminency mean may happen time illustration hurry railroad station catch train find train arrived though past hour though late way would safe leave station may arrive minute matter fact come half hour known would arrive half hour would used time way waiting watching see imminency necessarily imply immediateness demand watchfulness firm conviction writer unnecessary delay return lord caused failure church obey divine commission evangelize world matt 281920 past time returned course foreseen god foreknowledge held back development forces evil etc fulness gentiles gathered harvest ripe gathering rev 141416 time history christian church conditions necessary lords return completely fulfilled present time therefore coming imminent probably long delayed let us ready watching source dispensational truth clarence larkin blessed hope believer second coming christ blessed hope writing titus paul saidlooking blessed hope glorious appearing great god saviour jesus christ titus 213 christians speaking hope mean hope salvation hope thing salvation present possession trusting christ saviour christians hope return lord man threefold body soul spirit die lose body knows get body back resurrection also knows resurrection christ comes back therefore christs return blessed hope dies raised hope christ come back dies shall caught meet air without dying 1thes 41315 blessed hope also purifying hope every man hath hope purifieth 1john 313 every one looking lords return try keep pure make us patient patient therefore brethren unto coming lord ye also patient establish hearts coming lord draweth nigh james 578 make us watchful watch ye therefore ye know master house cometh even midnight cockcrowing morning lest coming suddenly find sleeping say unto say unto watch mark 133537 source dispensational truth clarence larkin first rapture church event kicksoff time jacobs trouble tribulation period 7 years daniel saw end 7year tribulation period jesus return earth saints raptured earlier land mount olives israel note following day feet stand mount olives faces jerusalem east mount olives shall split two east west making large valley half mountain shall move toward north half toward south shall flee mountain valley mountain valley shall reach azal yes shall flee fled earthquake days uzziah king judah thus lord god come saints fn shall come pass day light lights diminish shall one day known lord neither day night evening time shall happen light day shall living waters shall flow jerusalem half toward eastern sea half toward western sea summer winter shall occur lord shall king earth day shall lord one name one source zechariah 14 49 see says day lord jesus make physical return earth setup kingdom last 1000 literal actual years come thus lord god come saints saints returns raptured 7 years earlier rapture see told beforehand jesus matthew 2425 rapture church revelation stage 2 click

<p>KKR &amp;amp; Co. put two executives in line Monday to take over one day for Henry Kravis and George Roberts, the private-equity pioneers atop one of the biggest brands in finance.</p> <p>The New York asset manager elevated Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall to the roles of co-president and co-chief operating officer and added them to its board, according to a statement Monday. In their new roles, they will run KKR's day-to-day operations.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The appointments solidify the men's candidacies to one day run KKR. There's no guarantee that either or both the men will end up atop the firm.</p> <p>KKR, founded in 1976, helped popularize debt-fueled corporate takeovers known as leveraged buyouts. It earned a place in Wall Street lore with deals such as the 1988 purchase of RJR Nabisco, chronicled in the book "Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco."</p> <p>But like its rivals, KKR has faced nagging questions over its ability to endure a generational change. The top private-equity firms rely on the track records, influence and mystique of their founders to raise money and land deals, and many of the industry's leaders have been reluctant to hand over the reins.</p> <p>KKR has expanded dramatically in recent decades, though it has lagged behind some rivals such as Blackstone Group LP and Apollo Global Management LLC since the financial crisis in a race to accumulate fee-generating assets. While KKR's stock has roughly doubled since the company listed its shares in 2010, it has lagged behind Blackstone's and the S&amp;amp;P 500.</p> <p>Mr. Bae, a 45-year-old Korean-American deal maker, is well-known in private-equity circles. A Harvard grad and Goldman Sachs alum, he built an Asian investing operation that proved a bright spot for KKR as the firm struggled with souring U.S. buyouts struck in the run-up to the financial crisis. Its wins included the $1.8 billion buyout and subsequent sale of Oriental Brewery to Anheuser-Busch InBev NV in 2014, earning the firm five times its investment, according to a person familiar with the matter. KKR last month closed a $9.3 billion fund dedicated to buyouts in the Asia-Pacific region, the largest such investment product focused on the area.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Mr. Nuttall, 44, helps manage some of the activity KKR sees as key to differentiating itself from an increasingly crowded field. More than its peers, the firm has expanded into the lucrative business of advising companies on raising debt and equity capital, and put its own money into deals, a twist on the private-equity model KKR's founders had a hand in creating.</p> <p>A soft-spoken executive who previously worked at Blackstone after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Nuttall joined KKR as a private-equity investor. As time passed, his focus shifted to building the firm's own business, helping it create in-house debt-trading and hedge-fund units as KKR sought to diversify beyond its private-equity roots.</p> <p>He rose through the ranks while taking part in challenging deals such as KKR's 2007 buyout of First Data. KKR has struggled to unload its investment in the payment processor, whose business had stumbled after it was saddled with debt that at one point totaled more than $20 billion. Mr. Nuttall routinely speaks for the firm on quarterly earnings conference calls and investor events.</p> <p>In their new roles, Mr. Bae will lead KKR's efforts in private-equity, infrastructure, real estate and energy investments, while Mr. Nuttall will primarily oversee its businesses in corporate debt, hedge funds and capital markets, and manage the firm's own corporate development. Both men joined the firm in 1996, and in recent years have been perceived as among the potential front-runners to one day lead it.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Alexander Navab, head of KKR's private-equity business in the Americas, plans to depart the firm, according the company's statement, which didn't provide further details.</p> <p>Succession at KKR has been a subject of mounting interest inside and outside the firm as its founders age. In recent years, Messrs. Kravis and Roberts, 73-year-old cousins, had largely dismissed questions about when they'll retire. They and some of their peers have played active roles as their firms have grown from modest investment partnerships to major asset managers. Many of the largest such firms are still run by the men who started them.</p> <p>Messrs. Kravis and Roberts will retain their roles as co-chief executives and co-chairmen at KKR.</p> <p>The pair formed KKR with Jerome Kohlberg, their colleague in the corporate-finance division of Bear Stearns. In the following decades, the company's fortunes traced the rise of private equity and other so-called alternative investments, growing to manage $138 billion as of March 31.</p> <p>Private-equity firms' growth has made the companies major players on Wall Street and in the mainstream economy. The portfolio companies of KKR's private-equity unit alone employed 995,000 people at year-end, according to the firm's website. Along the way, KKR and Blackstone morphed into public companies themselves, as did Apollo and Carlyle Group LP.</p> <p>The industry's success also has bred competition. Blackstone, the largest so-called alternative asset manager, has outpaced KKR in building large businesses in real estate, corporate debt and hedge funds. It had $368 billion in assets under management as of March 31.</p> <p>KKR and its rivals also face competition from scores of newer entrants, some of which seek an edge by specializing in a particular industry or region.</p> <p>Private-equity firms have amassed growing sums of capital to invest from pensions, sovereign-wealth funds and other major investors seeking better returns. The firms have sometimes struggled to put all the cash to work, a task made more difficult as valuations in the stock market and elsewhere rise.</p> <p>The industry's assets under management increased to a record $2.49 trillion last year, and private-equity managers recently sat on a record $820 billion in unspent capital, known as "dry powder."</p> <p>What also sets KKR apart from its rivals is the dozens of capital-markets executives the company has hired to arrange debt and equity financing for companies -- both those that it owns as well as third parties. The group competes for fees with the investment banks that also serve the firm, prompting occasional grumbling from Wall Street bankers.</p> <p>But KKR executives argue the division gives the firm's bottom line a boost and helps it keep a finger on the pulse of the market. KKR's capital-markets revenue rose to $121 million in the first quarter, far exceeding the unit's previous quarterly high of $87.5 million.</p> <p>The firm also uses its $13 billion balance sheet, the biggest among its peers, to seed new businesses and strike unusually structured deals that might otherwise be difficult for a private-equity firm to complete. This year, for example, it used its own money to team up with Canadian pension Caisse de d&#233;p&#244;t et placement du Qu&#233;bec for a roughly $2 billion purchase of insurance broker USI Insurance Services.</p> <p>Write to Matt Jarzemsky at matthew.jarzemsky@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>July 17, 2017 18:08 ET (22:08 GMT)</p>

kkr amp co put two executives line monday take one day henry kravis george roberts privateequity pioneers atop one biggest brands finance new york asset manager elevated joe bae scott nuttall roles copresident cochief operating officer added board according statement monday new roles run kkrs daytoday operations continue reading appointments solidify mens candidacies one day run kkr theres guarantee either men end atop firm kkr founded 1976 helped popularize debtfueled corporate takeovers known leveraged buyouts earned place wall street lore deals 1988 purchase rjr nabisco chronicled book barbarians gate fall rjr nabisco like rivals kkr faced nagging questions ability endure generational change top privateequity firms rely track records influence mystique founders raise money land deals many industrys leaders reluctant hand reins kkr expanded dramatically recent decades though lagged behind rivals blackstone group lp apollo global management llc since financial crisis race accumulate feegenerating assets kkrs stock roughly doubled since company listed shares 2010 lagged behind blackstones sampp 500 mr bae 45yearold koreanamerican deal maker wellknown privateequity circles harvard grad goldman sachs alum built asian investing operation proved bright spot kkr firm struggled souring us buyouts struck runup financial crisis wins included 18 billion buyout subsequent sale oriental brewery anheuserbusch inbev nv 2014 earning firm five times investment according person familiar matter kkr last month closed 93 billion fund dedicated buyouts asiapacific region largest investment product focused area advertisement mr nuttall 44 helps manage activity kkr sees key differentiating increasingly crowded field peers firm expanded lucrative business advising companies raising debt equity capital put money deals twist privateequity model kkrs founders hand creating softspoken executive previously worked blackstone graduating university pennsylvania mr nuttall joined kkr privateequity investor time passed focus shifted building firms business helping create inhouse debttrading hedgefund units kkr sought diversify beyond privateequity roots rose ranks taking part challenging deals kkrs 2007 buyout first data kkr struggled unload investment payment processor whose business stumbled saddled debt one point totaled 20 billion mr nuttall routinely speaks firm quarterly earnings conference calls investor events new roles mr bae lead kkrs efforts privateequity infrastructure real estate energy investments mr nuttall primarily oversee businesses corporate debt hedge funds capital markets manage firms corporate development men joined firm 1996 recent years perceived among potential frontrunners one day lead meanwhile alexander navab head kkrs privateequity business americas plans depart firm according companys statement didnt provide details succession kkr subject mounting interest inside outside firm founders age recent years messrs kravis roberts 73yearold cousins largely dismissed questions theyll retire peers played active roles firms grown modest investment partnerships major asset managers many largest firms still run men started messrs kravis roberts retain roles cochief executives cochairmen kkr pair formed kkr jerome kohlberg colleague corporatefinance division bear stearns following decades companys fortunes traced rise private equity socalled alternative investments growing manage 138 billion march 31 privateequity firms growth made companies major players wall street mainstream economy portfolio companies kkrs privateequity unit alone employed 995000 people yearend according firms website along way kkr blackstone morphed public companies apollo carlyle group lp industrys success also bred competition blackstone largest socalled alternative asset manager outpaced kkr building large businesses real estate corporate debt hedge funds 368 billion assets management march 31 kkr rivals also face competition scores newer entrants seek edge specializing particular industry region privateequity firms amassed growing sums capital invest pensions sovereignwealth funds major investors seeking better returns firms sometimes struggled put cash work task made difficult valuations stock market elsewhere rise industrys assets management increased record 249 trillion last year privateequity managers recently sat record 820 billion unspent capital known dry powder also sets kkr apart rivals dozens capitalmarkets executives company hired arrange debt equity financing companies owns well third parties group competes fees investment banks also serve firm prompting occasional grumbling wall street bankers kkr executives argue division gives firms bottom line boost helps keep finger pulse market kkrs capitalmarkets revenue rose 121 million first quarter far exceeding units previous quarterly high 875 million firm also uses 13 billion balance sheet biggest among peers seed new businesses strike unusually structured deals might otherwise difficult privateequity firm complete year example used money team canadian pension caisse de dépôt et placement du québec roughly 2 billion purchase insurance broker usi insurance services write matt jarzemsky matthewjarzemskywsjcom end dow jones newswires july 17 2017 1808 et 2208 gmt

<p /> <p>In March, President Donald Trump proposed <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/02/trump-wants-to-spend-more-on-defense-citigroup-dow.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">increasing the U.S. defense budget by $54 billion Opens a New Window.</a>. Trump wants America to build more aircraft carriers, more nuclear submarines, more nuclear missiles, and... more of Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) famed F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, a weapon that he now calls " <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/12/4-things-president-trump-said-about-defense.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter Opens a New Window.</a>."</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>But here's a bit of shocking news for America's populist president: In <a href="http://vop.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Defense_Budget_Report.pdf" type="external">a poll Opens a New Window.</a>conducted last year by Voice of the People (VOP), a majority of Americans opted to send the fantastic new F-35 fighter jet to the junkyard.</p> <p>Lockheed Martin's F-35 could be preparing to bomb -- and not in the way it's supposed to. Image source: Lockheed Martin.</p> <p>VOP conducted its poll online between Dec.20,2015, and Feb.1,2016. Surveying 7,126registeredvoters who belong to its "Citizen Cabinet" advisory panel, in eight states scattered across the nation, VOP posed a series of questions concerning the U.S. defense budget.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Among other revelations, VOP's poll showed that Americans generally favor cutting defense spending on the Air Force (by $2 billion annually), the Army ($4 billion), Navy ($2 billion), nuclear weapons ($3 billion), and missile defense ($1 billion). Perhaps the most surprising revelation from the poll, though, was the sentimentamong votersfor what is now President Trump's new favorite military jet.</p> <p>Of those polled, 54% wanted to end production of the F-35.</p> <p>That's right. By a vote of 54% in favor to 43% opposed, a majority of those polled "endorsed cancelling the F35JointStrikeFighterProgramand insteadupgradingcurrentfighters" such as Boeing'sF-15 and (luckily for Lockheed) Lockheed Martin's own F-16. When told that upgrading old planes versus buying newer F-35s would save as much as $97 billion in defense dollars over the next 20 years, voters overwhelmingly voted with their wallets -- to kill the F-35.</p> <p>Anti-F-35 sentiment was widespread, too. Voters in eight states were surveyed, and in all eight states, majorities favored killing the F-35. Even in Texas, where the F-35 is built in Fort Worth, a 51% majority agreed that the F-35 should go away.</p> <p>Actually, maybe that's not so surprising, given the negative press Lockheed's F-35 program has endured. In querying voters regarding their feelings on the F-35, VOP pointed out, "Some say the F-35... has many design problems,andiswayoverbudgetalready, withmoreoverrunslikely."</p> <p>That's stating it kindly.</p> <p>As initially envisioned, Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet was supposed to achieve "initial operational capability" (IOC) and be ready for at least limited use in combat by 2010. In fact, by 2015, only one variant of the F-35 (the F-35B,destined for the Marine Corps) had reached IOC. The Air Force anointed its own F-35Avariant with IOC status in 2016. And the Navy's F-35C variant... still isn't there yet. Viewed most charitably, the F-35 program is at least five years behind schedule -- and arguably as much as seven years late.</p> <p>Price-wise, the F-35 produced was originally predicted to cost about $35 million per plane in 1994 dollars ($57.5 million today). But even after Lockheed's latest round of price reductions, the average F-35 still costs taxpayers <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/02/24/the-7-priciest-military-planes-made-in-the-usa.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">more than $113 million Opens a New Window.</a> -- 197% of its budgeted cost.</p> <p>And as for the "design problems," well, VOP's poll was conducted more than a full year ago. Since then, the Pentagon's Directorate of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&amp;amp;E) has released an updated reporton the airplane's progress. It details a list of 276 "critical" deficiencies with the F-35, concluding that by and large, the F-35 is "overall ineffective." Were the same VOP survey conducted today, it's possible that even more Americans would vote to kill the F-35.</p> <p>So what is the upshot of all the above? President Trump wants to spend a lot more money on defense this year (and in future years) than President Obama spent last year. Lockheed Martin shareholders were understandably enthused to learn of the new president's desire to spend more on defense in general, and of his kind words for the F-35 in particular. But don't count your warbirds before the eggs are hatched.</p> <p>Much of the extra money Trump wants to dump into defense is earmarked for an airplane that enjoys little support among voters -- and taxpayers. This could make the increase in defense spending a hard sell.</p> <p>And increased purchases of F-35 fighter jets are <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/12/03/more-bad-news-for-lockheed-martin-us-air-force-f35.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">still not a foregone conclusion. Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Lockheed MartinWhen 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=06fefcfa-dbf2-45db-8fa6-7d4377044d76&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 Lockheed Martin wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=06fefcfa-dbf2-45db-8fa6-7d4377044d76&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/TMFDitty/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Smith Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

march president donald trump proposed increasing us defense budget 54 billion opens new window trump wants america build aircraft carriers nuclear submarines nuclear missiles lockheed martins nyse lmt famed f35 lightning ii stealth fighter weapon calls fantastic new f35 jet fighter opens new window continue reading heres bit shocking news americas populist president poll opens new windowconducted last year voice people vop majority americans opted send fantastic new f35 fighter jet junkyard lockheed martins f35 could preparing bomb way supposed image source lockheed martin vop conducted poll online dec202015 feb12016 surveying 7126registeredvoters belong citizen cabinet advisory panel eight states scattered across nation vop posed series questions concerning us defense budget advertisement among revelations vops poll showed americans generally favor cutting defense spending air force 2 billion annually army 4 billion navy 2 billion nuclear weapons 3 billion missile defense 1 billion perhaps surprising revelation poll though sentimentamong votersfor president trumps new favorite military jet polled 54 wanted end production f35 thats right vote 54 favor 43 opposed majority polled endorsed cancelling f35jointstrikefighterprogramand insteadupgradingcurrentfighters boeingsf15 luckily lockheed lockheed martins f16 told upgrading old planes versus buying newer f35s would save much 97 billion defense dollars next 20 years voters overwhelmingly voted wallets kill f35 antif35 sentiment widespread voters eight states surveyed eight states majorities favored killing f35 even texas f35 built fort worth 51 majority agreed f35 go away actually maybe thats surprising given negative press lockheeds f35 program endured querying voters regarding feelings f35 vop pointed say f35 many design problemsandiswayoverbudgetalready withmoreoverrunslikely thats stating kindly initially envisioned lockheed martins f35 fighter jet supposed achieve initial operational capability ioc ready least limited use combat 2010 fact 2015 one variant f35 f35bdestined marine corps reached ioc air force anointed f35avariant ioc status 2016 navys f35c variant still isnt yet viewed charitably f35 program least five years behind schedule arguably much seven years late pricewise f35 produced originally predicted cost 35 million per plane 1994 dollars 575 million today even lockheeds latest round price reductions average f35 still costs taxpayers 113 million opens new window 197 budgeted cost design problems well vops poll conducted full year ago since pentagons directorate operational test evaluation dotampe released updated reporton airplanes progress details list 276 critical deficiencies f35 concluding large f35 overall ineffective vop survey conducted today possible even americans would vote kill f35 upshot president trump wants spend lot money defense year future years president obama spent last year lockheed martin shareholders understandably enthused learn new presidents desire spend defense general kind words f35 particular dont count warbirds eggs hatched much extra money trump wants dump defense earmarked airplane enjoys little support among voters taxpayers could make increase defense spending hard sell increased purchases f35 fighter jets still foregone conclusion opens new window 10 stocks like better lockheed martinwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right lockheed martin wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 rich smith opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>A company whose name stands for Danish Oil and Natural Gas is getting out of both businesses.</p> <p>Dong Energy AS, Denmark's majority state-owned energy company, is selling off its last oil and natural-gas fields in a deal expected to close this month or next. The billion-dollar-plus sale is part of a broader plan to significantly reduce its exposure to fossil fuels and produce energy primarily from renewable sources.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>With the help of a sizable infusion of cash from Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Dong Energy over the past few years has transformed itself from one of Europe's most coal-intensive utilities and a small regional oil player into the world's biggest producer of offshore wind power.</p> <p>Dong's wind turbines off the coasts of Europe have almost triple the windpower-generating capacity of Sweden's Vattenfal, the company's nearest competitor. Now Dong has set its sights on helping to establish the U.S. offshore wind industry, looking at three new projects off the East Coast.</p> <p>On the outskirts of Denmark's capital, the company's largest power plant is now burning wood pellets -- a renewable energy source despite some concerns over their environmental credentials. By 2023 the company intends to go completely coal free, though some of its power plants will continue to burn natural gas.</p> <p>Dong's transformation comes as global oil-and-gas giants wrestle with the prospect of oil demand plateauing amid a push to tackle climate change. Companies like Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Norway's Statoil ASA and France's Total SA are also building their renewable businesses and betting billions on an energy future where oil plays a diminished role.</p> <p>"The world needs to change the way it produces energy," Dong Chief Executive Henrik Poulsen said.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Shell and other bigger oil companies say they have no plans to abandon their core oil and gas business, despite pressure from some shareholders.</p> <p>"Tying the company's hands down to a renewables-only mandate, I think, would be strategically and commercially unwise," Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden told investors at the company's annual meeting last year.</p> <p>Dong began forming a strategy shift its focus from fossil fuels around 2008, as the conventional-power industry in Europe flailed and the European Union set new targets for renewable energy in the bloc's power mix.</p> <p>At the time, 85% of the company's power production was based on fossil fuels. Offshore wind was one of the most expensive energy sources in the world and only a handful of ocean-bound wind farms had been built.</p> <p>Goldman saw an opportunity when the company was seeking money to help it through a financial rocky patch. In 2014, the bank paid 8 billion kroner ($1.29 billion) for an 18% stake in the company, which remains 50% owned by the Danish government.</p> <p>It is the biggest investment Goldman has made to date in renewable energy, and one of its largest investments in a single company outside the U.S.</p> <p>"We did a lot of analysis and concluded offshore wind would be one of the prevailing technologies in the long term," said Michael Bruun, a Goldman partner who helped run the deal.</p> <p>There are risks. Most offshore wind projects rely on government support to compete with coal and gas, but for the technology to become widely used it will need to be commercially viable without subsidies. Offshore wind still represents a fraction of the energy market, and biomass -- which includes wood pellets -- is only able to compete with coal thanks to combinations of subsidies and taxes.</p> <p>Dong has bet billions that its business model can succeed. Since 2011, it has spent 61.5 billion kroner on wind farms and has so far spent around 4 billion kroner on converting its power plants for biomass use.</p> <p>But so far, the investment has paid off. Dong's IPO last year was one of the biggest in Europe. The company's shares have risen another 31% since it went public. The company said its annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization more than doubled from 2011 to 2016 to $19.1 billion kroner.</p> <p>The cost of offshore wind projects has come down much faster than the industry expected. Earlier this year, Dong said it would build two wind projects in the German North Sea with no government subsidies -- a milestone few expected to come so soon.</p> <p>Dong's plan to abandon investment in fossil fuels has accelerated. Over the next six years it intends to finish converting its remaining coal-fired power plants to biomass, completely phasing coal out of its operations by 2023.</p> <p>At the Aved&#248;re power plant just outside Copenhagen, the expansive open-air coal yard sits mostly empty. The boilers inside the futuristic building are now primarily fed from silos housing piles of wooden pellets.</p> <p>Biomass power -- generated mainly by burning wood and other plant debris -- isn't without its critics. Environmentalists say it is still polluting and the demand for wood fuel poses a threat to forests, but Dong believes it can be burned sustainably. The company reduced its annual emissions by around 70% between 2006 and 2016.</p> <p>The ultracompetitive U.S. market presents an important test for Dong's future. The company wants to build wind farms off the coasts of New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts.</p> <p>"They live in a country where people will literally pay more for electricity if it's sourced green, "said Joseph Bower, a Harvard Business School professor who has written a case study on Dong. "And they're coming to a country where the only thing that counts is price."</p> <p>--Erin Ailworth in Houston contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to Sarah Kent at sarah.kent@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>August 31, 2017 05:44 ET (09:44 GMT)</p>

company whose name stands danish oil natural gas getting businesses dong energy denmarks majority stateowned energy company selling last oil naturalgas fields deal expected close month next billiondollarplus sale part broader plan significantly reduce exposure fossil fuels produce energy primarily renewable sources continue reading help sizable infusion cash goldman sachs group inc dong energy past years transformed one europes coalintensive utilities small regional oil player worlds biggest producer offshore wind power dongs wind turbines coasts europe almost triple windpowergenerating capacity swedens vattenfal companys nearest competitor dong set sights helping establish us offshore wind industry looking three new projects east coast outskirts denmarks capital companys largest power plant burning wood pellets renewable energy source despite concerns environmental credentials 2023 company intends go completely coal free though power plants continue burn natural gas dongs transformation comes global oilandgas giants wrestle prospect oil demand plateauing amid push tackle climate change companies like royal dutch shell plc norways statoil asa frances total sa also building renewable businesses betting billions energy future oil plays diminished role world needs change way produces energy dong chief executive henrik poulsen said advertisement shell bigger oil companies say plans abandon core oil gas business despite pressure shareholders tying companys hands renewablesonly mandate think would strategically commercially unwise shell chief executive ben van beurden told investors companys annual meeting last year dong began forming strategy shift focus fossil fuels around 2008 conventionalpower industry europe flailed european union set new targets renewable energy blocs power mix time 85 companys power production based fossil fuels offshore wind one expensive energy sources world handful oceanbound wind farms built goldman saw opportunity company seeking money help financial rocky patch 2014 bank paid 8 billion kroner 129 billion 18 stake company remains 50 owned danish government biggest investment goldman made date renewable energy one largest investments single company outside us lot analysis concluded offshore wind would one prevailing technologies long term said michael bruun goldman partner helped run deal risks offshore wind projects rely government support compete coal gas technology become widely used need commercially viable without subsidies offshore wind still represents fraction energy market biomass includes wood pellets able compete coal thanks combinations subsidies taxes dong bet billions business model succeed since 2011 spent 615 billion kroner wind farms far spent around 4 billion kroner converting power plants biomass use far investment paid dongs ipo last year one biggest europe companys shares risen another 31 since went public company said annual earnings interest tax depreciation amortization doubled 2011 2016 191 billion kroner cost offshore wind projects come much faster industry expected earlier year dong said would build two wind projects german north sea government subsidies milestone expected come soon dongs plan abandon investment fossil fuels accelerated next six years intends finish converting remaining coalfired power plants biomass completely phasing coal operations 2023 avedøre power plant outside copenhagen expansive openair coal yard sits mostly empty boilers inside futuristic building primarily fed silos housing piles wooden pellets biomass power generated mainly burning wood plant debris isnt without critics environmentalists say still polluting demand wood fuel poses threat forests dong believes burned sustainably company reduced annual emissions around 70 2006 2016 ultracompetitive us market presents important test dongs future company wants build wind farms coasts new jersey virginia massachusetts live country people literally pay electricity sourced green said joseph bower harvard business school professor written case study dong theyre coming country thing counts price erin ailworth houston contributed article write sarah kent sarahkentwsjcom end dow jones newswires august 31 2017 0544 et 0944 gmt

<p /> <p>Image source: Pixabay.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Just about everyone knows how important it is to save and invest for retirement. After all, pensions are increasingly a thing of the past for most of us, and few of us are independently wealthy. Thus, more than ever, our future financial health is largely in our own hands. A critical question lingers in many people's minds, though: just how much money to save every year. Here are three responses to that question.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Feroldi</a>:I'm a passionate believer in pushing yourself hard to get your savings rate as high as possible, but I realize everyone is in a different financial situation. Despite that, with the exception of the most dire financial positions, I think everybody should at least contribute enough to their 401(k) or 403(b) account to maximize any available employer matching funds. Otherwise, you're voluntarily saying "no" to free money.</p> <p>Many employers that offer a 401(k) plan have a matching program in place. While the rules vary from company to company, one common setup is that the employer matches half of the first 6% of an employee's contribution. That means if an employee elects to contribute 6% of her salary to the plan, then the company will add in another 3%.</p> <p>You might think 3% is kind of puny, but since the typical American family earned $53,657 in 2014, a bump like that adds an extra $1,609 to the employee's nest egg each year. That's certainly not chump change!</p> <p>Thankfully, a recently published report by Vanguard showed that the majority of Americans are not forgoing this free money. The total plan participation rate was 77% in 2014, and the average employee's elected deferral rate was 6.9%. However, when you add in the "free" money employers were kicking in, the average jumped to 10.4% -- a solid 3.5% bump!</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>That's great to see, but if you're in the 23% that chose not to contribute at all, I'd suggest you march on down to your company's HR department and sign up as soon as possible.</p> <p>You may need to save more aggressively to achieve a better retirement. Image source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug50/4545981601/" type="external">Pug50 Opens a New Window.</a>, Flickr.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSelena/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Selena Maranjian Opens a New Window.</a>: How much should you save every year? My best answer to that is "more than you think."</p> <p>Many people have the old "save 10% of your income" rule in mind as they save for retirement, but that's very often not enough. If your income is on the low side, for example, 10% of it may not be a hefty enough annual sum to be socking away if you want to be financially secure in your golden days. And if you received your I'd-better-start-saving-for-retirement! wake-up call a bit late in life, such as in your 40s, then you'll very likely need to sock away more than 10% in order to catch up to where you should be.</p> <p>Regardless, it's best not to use the 10% rule blindly, as everyone's situation is different. Instead, take some time to estimate how much income you'll need in retirement. It will depend on your expectations for your life span, your health, your hobbies and plans, your local cost of living, and so on. Then, figure out how you'll achieve that income come retirement. Social Security will play a part, but its average annual benefit is only about $16,000.</p> <p>An online calculator can help you estimate how big your nest egg can grow in different scenarios. I like to use <a href="http://www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm" type="external">this especially simple one Opens a New Window.</a>. It's meant to calculate interest, but you can swap in your expected investment growth rate for the interest rate, and then try out different savings levels. For example, if you start with $0, sock away $6,000 per year, and expecting it to grow by 8% annually on average, over 25 years, you'll end up with nearly $475,000. If that doesn't seem like it will be enough, you'll need to save more aggressively.</p> <p>One way or another, get started saving. Imag source: <a href="http://taxcredits.net/" type="external">TaxCredits.net Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFGalagan/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Dan Caplinger Opens a New Window.</a>: The key to saving is getting started. Whatever you start out saving, it's far easier to add to it later than it is if you just procrastinate and never start saving in the first place.</p> <p>One great strategy to build savings over time is to start small but to make regular boosts to the amount you save. Many people take advantage of pay increases at the beginning of the year to channel more money to savings. If you save every penny of your higher pay, you won't notice the difference in your standard of living, because you'll still have the exact same amount of take-home pay in your paycheck. Yet by diverting money toward a 401(k), IRA, or other savings vehicle, the higher amount will accelerate the pace at which your retirement nest egg grows.</p> <p>Another benefit of this strategy is that if an unexpected personal financial crisis hits, you'll be in a better position to weather the storm. Getting used to living below your means makes it far easier when your means suddenly get cut.</p> <p>As Selena points out, even modest savings over time can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Get started with whatever amount you can afford, but commit to increasing that in the future as your finances allow. That'll get you started on the right foot to savings success.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/retirement/general/2016/03/27/how-much-money-should-you-save-every-year-our-reti.aspx" type="external">How Much Money Should You Save Every Year? Our Retirement Experts Give Their Perspectives Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p>Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source pixabay continue reading everyone knows important save invest retirement pensions increasingly thing past us us independently wealthy thus ever future financial health largely hands critical question lingers many peoples minds though much money save every year three responses question brian opens new window feroldiim passionate believer pushing hard get savings rate high possible realize everyone different financial situation despite exception dire financial positions think everybody least contribute enough 401k 403b account maximize available employer matching funds otherwise youre voluntarily saying free money many employers offer 401k plan matching program place rules vary company company one common setup employer matches half first 6 employees contribution means employee elects contribute 6 salary plan company add another 3 might think 3 kind puny since typical american family earned 53657 2014 bump like adds extra 1609 employees nest egg year thats certainly chump change thankfully recently published report vanguard showed majority americans forgoing free money total plan participation rate 77 2014 average employees elected deferral rate 69 however add free money employers kicking average jumped 104 solid 35 bump advertisement thats great see youre 23 chose contribute id suggest march companys hr department sign soon possible may need save aggressively achieve better retirement image source pug50 opens new window flickr selena maranjian opens new window much save every year best answer think many people old save 10 income rule mind save retirement thats often enough income low side example 10 may hefty enough annual sum socking away want financially secure golden days received idbetterstartsavingforretirement wakeup call bit late life 40s youll likely need sock away 10 order catch regardless best use 10 rule blindly everyones situation different instead take time estimate much income youll need retirement depend expectations life span health hobbies plans local cost living figure youll achieve income come retirement social security play part average annual benefit 16000 online calculator help estimate big nest egg grow different scenarios like use especially simple one opens new window meant calculate interest swap expected investment growth rate interest rate try different savings levels example start 0 sock away 6000 per year expecting grow 8 annually average 25 years youll end nearly 475000 doesnt seem like enough youll need save aggressively one way another get started saving imag source taxcreditsnet opens new window dan caplinger opens new window key saving getting started whatever start saving far easier add later procrastinate never start saving first place one great strategy build savings time start small make regular boosts amount save many people take advantage pay increases beginning year channel money savings save every penny higher pay wont notice difference standard living youll still exact amount takehome pay paycheck yet diverting money toward 401k ira savings vehicle higher amount accelerate pace retirement nest egg grows another benefit strategy unexpected personal financial crisis hits youll better position weather storm getting used living means makes far easier means suddenly get cut selena points even modest savings time add hundreds thousands dollars get started whatever amount afford commit increasing future finances allow thatll get started right foot savings success article much money save every year retirement experts give perspectives opens new window originally appeared foolcom try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Now that the Senate and House have both passed their own 2018 budgets, the sprint to write a major tax bill is on.</p> <p>Republicans hope to finish a bill by year-end. The budget's passage in both houses allows Republicans to pass a tax bill with just 50 votes in the Senate, but they still have a lot of work to do. Here is a look at what happens now:</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Budget Deal</p> <p>The Senate and House must first agree on the same document. Two big differences stand in the way.</p> <p>First, the Senate budget allows for tax cuts that reduce revenues and increase deficits by $1.5 trillion over a decade; the House version calls for a revenue-neutral tax bill that doesn't increase deficits.</p> <p>Second, the House budget ties $203 billion in spending cuts and other deficit-reducing ideas to make room for tax cuts. The Senate budget has just one such offset, which generates federal revenue by allowing the opening of Alaskan land to oil production.</p> <p>At first, it looked like negotiations to reconcile those conflicting positions would take a week or two. But senators and House members were working on a deal under which the House could vote next week without the need for a formal House-Senate conference committee. That would expedite the process of moving a tax bill.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The budget, which President Donald Trump doesn't need to sign, allows Congress to use fast-track reconciliation procedures. Those allow the Senate to pass a bill with a simple majority and not with a 60-vote threshold that would require Democratic votes.</p> <p>House Tax Bill</p> <p>Rep. Kevin Brady (R., Texas), the top House legislator, says that once the budget deal is delivered, his panel will release its tax bill. That proposal will fill in many of the blank spaces in a framework Republicans released in September.</p> <p>It will spell out exactly what House Republicans plan to do with state and local tax deductions, child tax credits and other points of contention. It will also show income cutoffs for various tax brackets, giving Americans a chance to calculate their tax bill under the new plan.</p> <p>For businesses, it will show which companies qualify for a special 25% rate for "pass-through" businesses such as partnerships and S-corporations and will spell out which tax breaks go away.</p> <p>Those details will stir disagreement among interest groups and House members. The Ways and Means Committee, where Republicans have a 24-16 edge, will consider amendments and vote on the bill. Then it heads to the House floor, where Republicans can lose 22 members at most. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) has said a tax bill could pass the House by early November.</p> <p>Senate Tax Bill</p> <p>The Senate Finance Committee will release its own tax plan. Lawmakers expect it to be different from the House version, though it isn't clear how far apart they will be.</p> <p>In the committee, Republicans have a 14-12 edge, meaning the GOP will have to find a way to keep all its members on board. For now, votes from Democrats aren't likely.</p> <p>Democrats on the committee say Mr. Trump supports some of their principles -- for example, a focus on the middle class instead of tax cuts for high-income households -- but that the plans so far haven't backed that up that specific objective.</p> <p>Republicans have slightly more room to maneuver on the Senate floor, where they can lose two members and still pass a bill. But that may be a challenge: Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) has called for significant tax cuts even if they increase budget deficits, Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) has pledged not to increase the budget deficit, and Sens. Mike Lee (R., Utah) and Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) are seeking bigger child tax credits that aren't in the Republican plan so far.</p> <p>Democrats can offer unlimited amendments on the Senate floor, putting them in a position to drag out voting and write proposals that could peel off Republicans, such as increasing child tax credits in exchange for higher taxes on millionaires. It was on the Senate floor that Republicans' health-care plans fell apart this year, when they couldn't get 50 senators to agree on any particular plan.</p> <p>Conference and President</p> <p>Once the House and Senate have each passed their tax bills, they will have to bridge any differences, presumably in a House-Senate conference. Then the Senate and House will vote again and send the measure to President Trump for his signature.</p> <p>Write to Richard Rubin at richard.rubin@wsj.com</p> <p>WASHINGTON -- The sprint toward an enormous tax bill has reached the starting line.</p> <p>Republicans, eager to have something significant to show for full control of the Congress and White House, are attempting to do in as little as 10 weeks what took lawmakers 13 months in the mid-1980s: Release, amend, debate and pass a rewrite of the U.S. tax system.</p> <p>In the frenzied days ahead, the GOP will seesaw between the political necessity of obtaining a legislative win to tout in the 2018 elections and the immense difficulty of the task they've set for themselves.</p> <p>Republicans are optimistic about their prospects, and they have been talking about "tax reform" for more than six years, kicking around ideas, holding hearings and offering blueprints and frameworks. But they have delayed the moment that's arriving now -- unveiling and voting on a bill that limits or removes popular tax breaks -- and it's bound to be much tougher than any previous stage.</p> <p>The Senate's 51-49 vote late Thursday for a budget marked an important step toward a tax bill that can become law by year's end without a single Democratic vote. The House is expected to back the same budget and set a schedule for the tax bill's release as soon as next week.</p> <p>Diane Black (R., Tenn.), who chairs the House Budget Committee, made clear Friday morning that was the plan.</p> <p>"I am pleased that the final version included some changes that reflect many ideas offered in our plan," Mrs. Black said of the Senate budget. "In the House, I look forward to swift passage and to working with the president on tax reform."</p> <p>Members of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of roughly three dozen conservatives, largely backed the idea of the House quickly taking up the Senate budget, said Rep. Dave Brat (R., Va.), who participated in the group's conference call on Friday.</p> <p>"Most of the folks were pretty much in favor of keeping the momentum going," Mr. Brat said. The Freedom Caucus took no official position, the group's spokesman said.</p> <p>Here is the likely path for the tax bill through both houses of Congress:</p> <p>Budget Deal</p> <p>The Senate and House must first agree on the same budget document. The Senate budget and the one the House passed earlier this month have some major differences, but that is no longer expected to be much of an obstacle.</p> <p>First, the Senate budget allows for tax cuts that reduce revenue and increase deficits by $1.5 trillion over a decade; the House version calls for a revenue-neutral tax bill that doesn't increase deficits.</p> <p>Second, the House budget ties $203 billion in spending cuts and other deficit-reducing ideas to make room for tax cuts. The Senate budget has just one such offset, which generates federal revenue by potentially allowing the opening of Alaskan land to oil production.</p> <p>At first, it looked like negotiations to reconcile those conflicting positions would take a week or two. But senators and House members worked out a deal Thursday night under which the House could vote next week without the need for a formal House-Senate conference committee. That would expedite the process of moving a tax bill.</p> <p>The budget, which President Donald Trump doesn't need to sign, allows Congress to use fast-track reconciliation procedures. Those allow the Senate to pass a bill with a simple majority and not with a 60-vote threshold that would require Democratic votes.</p> <p>House Tax Bill</p> <p>Rep. Kevin Brady (R., Texas), the top House legislator, says that after the budget deal is delivered, his panel will release its tax bill. That proposal will fill in many of the blank spaces in a framework Republicans released in September.</p> <p>It will spell out exactly what House Republicans plan to do with tax incentives for retirement savings, child tax credits and other points of contention. It will also show income cutoffs for various tax brackets, giving Americans a chance to calculate their tax bill under the new plan.</p> <p>For businesses, it will show which companies qualify for a special 25% rate for "pass-through" businesses such as partnerships and S-corporations and will spell out which tax breaks go away.</p> <p>Those details will stir disagreement among interest groups and House members. The Ways and Means Committee, where Republicans have a 24-16 edge and seven members who aren't returning in the next Congress, will consider amendments and vote on the bill. Then it heads to the House floor, where Republicans can lose 22 members at most. Republicans will likely have to make some accommodation for GOP members from New York and New Jersey, who oppose the repeal of the state and local tax deduction that has been a pillar of the party's plans.</p> <p>House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) has said a tax bill could pass the House by early November.</p> <p>Senate Tax Bill</p> <p>The Senate Finance Committee will release its own tax plan. Lawmakers expect it to be different from the House version, though it isn't clear how far apart they will be.</p> <p>In the committee, the GOP has a 14-12 edge, meaning it will have to keep all its members on board. For now, votes from Democrats aren't likely.</p> <p>Democrats on the committee say Mr. Trump supports some of their principles -- for example, a focus on the middle class instead of tax cuts for high-income households -- but the plans so far haven't backed up that specific objective.</p> <p>The Senate bill will face some constraints because of the fast-track procedures. It can't add more than $1.5 trillion to deficits over a decade and it can't increase deficits at all after a decade. Those rules mean Republicans may schedule some of their tax cuts to expire.</p> <p>On the Senate floor, Republicans can lose two members and still pass a bill. That may be a challenge: Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) has called for significant tax cuts even if they increase budget deficits, Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) has pledged not to increase the budget deficit, and Sens. Mike Lee (R., Utah) and Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) are seeking bigger child tax credits that aren't in the GOP plan so far.</p> <p>Democrats can offer unlimited amendments on the Senate floor, putting them in a position to drag out voting and write proposals that could peel off Republicans, such as increasing child tax credits in exchange for higher taxes on millionaires. It was on the Senate floor that Republicans' health-care plans fell apart this year, when they couldn't get 50 senators to agree on any particular plan.</p> <p>Conference and President</p> <p>Once the House and Senate have each passed their tax bills, they will have to bridge any differences, presumably in a House-Senate conference. Then the Senate and House will vote again and send the measure to Mr. Trump for his signature.</p> <p>Kristina Peterson contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to Richard Rubin at richard.rubin@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>October 20, 2017 18:41 ET (22:41 GMT)</p>

senate house passed 2018 budgets sprint write major tax bill republicans hope finish bill yearend budgets passage houses allows republicans pass tax bill 50 votes senate still lot work look happens continue reading budget deal senate house must first agree document two big differences stand way first senate budget allows tax cuts reduce revenues increase deficits 15 trillion decade house version calls revenueneutral tax bill doesnt increase deficits second house budget ties 203 billion spending cuts deficitreducing ideas make room tax cuts senate budget one offset generates federal revenue allowing opening alaskan land oil production first looked like negotiations reconcile conflicting positions would take week two senators house members working deal house could vote next week without need formal housesenate conference committee would expedite process moving tax bill advertisement budget president donald trump doesnt need sign allows congress use fasttrack reconciliation procedures allow senate pass bill simple majority 60vote threshold would require democratic votes house tax bill rep kevin brady r texas top house legislator says budget deal delivered panel release tax bill proposal fill many blank spaces framework republicans released september spell exactly house republicans plan state local tax deductions child tax credits points contention also show income cutoffs various tax brackets giving americans chance calculate tax bill new plan businesses show companies qualify special 25 rate passthrough businesses partnerships scorporations spell tax breaks go away details stir disagreement among interest groups house members ways means committee republicans 2416 edge consider amendments vote bill heads house floor republicans lose 22 members house speaker paul ryan r wis said tax bill could pass house early november senate tax bill senate finance committee release tax plan lawmakers expect different house version though isnt clear far apart committee republicans 1412 edge meaning gop find way keep members board votes democrats arent likely democrats committee say mr trump supports principles example focus middle class instead tax cuts highincome households plans far havent backed specific objective republicans slightly room maneuver senate floor lose two members still pass bill may challenge sen rand paul r ky called significant tax cuts even increase budget deficits sen bob corker r tenn pledged increase budget deficit sens mike lee r utah marco rubio r fla seeking bigger child tax credits arent republican plan far democrats offer unlimited amendments senate floor putting position drag voting write proposals could peel republicans increasing child tax credits exchange higher taxes millionaires senate floor republicans healthcare plans fell apart year couldnt get 50 senators agree particular plan conference president house senate passed tax bills bridge differences presumably housesenate conference senate house vote send measure president trump signature write richard rubin richardrubinwsjcom washington sprint toward enormous tax bill reached starting line republicans eager something significant show full control congress white house attempting little 10 weeks took lawmakers 13 months mid1980s release amend debate pass rewrite us tax system frenzied days ahead gop seesaw political necessity obtaining legislative win tout 2018 elections immense difficulty task theyve set republicans optimistic prospects talking tax reform six years kicking around ideas holding hearings offering blueprints frameworks delayed moment thats arriving unveiling voting bill limits removes popular tax breaks bound much tougher previous stage senates 5149 vote late thursday budget marked important step toward tax bill become law years end without single democratic vote house expected back budget set schedule tax bills release soon next week diane black r tenn chairs house budget committee made clear friday morning plan pleased final version included changes reflect many ideas offered plan mrs black said senate budget house look forward swift passage working president tax reform members house freedom caucus group roughly three dozen conservatives largely backed idea house quickly taking senate budget said rep dave brat r va participated groups conference call friday folks pretty much favor keeping momentum going mr brat said freedom caucus took official position groups spokesman said likely path tax bill houses congress budget deal senate house must first agree budget document senate budget one house passed earlier month major differences longer expected much obstacle first senate budget allows tax cuts reduce revenue increase deficits 15 trillion decade house version calls revenueneutral tax bill doesnt increase deficits second house budget ties 203 billion spending cuts deficitreducing ideas make room tax cuts senate budget one offset generates federal revenue potentially allowing opening alaskan land oil production first looked like negotiations reconcile conflicting positions would take week two senators house members worked deal thursday night house could vote next week without need formal housesenate conference committee would expedite process moving tax bill budget president donald trump doesnt need sign allows congress use fasttrack reconciliation procedures allow senate pass bill simple majority 60vote threshold would require democratic votes house tax bill rep kevin brady r texas top house legislator says budget deal delivered panel release tax bill proposal fill many blank spaces framework republicans released september spell exactly house republicans plan tax incentives retirement savings child tax credits points contention also show income cutoffs various tax brackets giving americans chance calculate tax bill new plan businesses show companies qualify special 25 rate passthrough businesses partnerships scorporations spell tax breaks go away details stir disagreement among interest groups house members ways means committee republicans 2416 edge seven members arent returning next congress consider amendments vote bill heads house floor republicans lose 22 members republicans likely make accommodation gop members new york new jersey oppose repeal state local tax deduction pillar partys plans house speaker paul ryan r wis said tax bill could pass house early november senate tax bill senate finance committee release tax plan lawmakers expect different house version though isnt clear far apart committee gop 1412 edge meaning keep members board votes democrats arent likely democrats committee say mr trump supports principles example focus middle class instead tax cuts highincome households plans far havent backed specific objective senate bill face constraints fasttrack procedures cant add 15 trillion deficits decade cant increase deficits decade rules mean republicans may schedule tax cuts expire senate floor republicans lose two members still pass bill may challenge sen rand paul r ky called significant tax cuts even increase budget deficits sen bob corker r tenn pledged increase budget deficit sens mike lee r utah marco rubio r fla seeking bigger child tax credits arent gop plan far democrats offer unlimited amendments senate floor putting position drag voting write proposals could peel republicans increasing child tax credits exchange higher taxes millionaires senate floor republicans healthcare plans fell apart year couldnt get 50 senators agree particular plan conference president house senate passed tax bills bridge differences presumably housesenate conference senate house vote send measure mr trump signature kristina peterson contributed article write richard rubin richardrubinwsjcom end dow jones newswires october 20 2017 1841 et 2241 gmt

<p /> <p>Biotech finance specialist PDL Biopharma (NASDAQ: PDLI)has been suffering a prolonged market thrashing that's driven its stock price down about 75% over the past three years. Over the same period,Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)stock has kept pace with the buoyant broad-market S&amp;amp;P 500 index.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>If PDL Biopharma selling has gone too far, a turnaround could lead to market-beating gains. Should investors ignore J&amp;amp;J's relative safety in favor of the riskier value play?</p> <p>Let's have a closer look at these unique healthcare stocks to see which comes out ahead right now.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>This company has had an extremely tough year. Until recently, it was able to pay investors a juicy dividend with profit derived from patents covering some of the world's best-selling drugs. However, the Queen et al. patent family expired at the end of 2014, and revenue derived from the patent family plunged to just $15.0 million in the third quarter last year, from $119.2 during the same period a year earlier.</p> <p>PDL Biopharma has made some progress reducing its dependence on the once-lucrative royalty stream from the Queen patents, but nowhere enough to offset the loss. Third-quarter revenue came in at just $53.6 million for a 57% year-on-year decline for the period.</p> <p>Last July, PDL Biopharma committed $107 million to an equity stake in Noden Pharma and exclusive worldwide rights to a hypertension medication branded Tekturna in the U.S. and Rasilez everywhere else. In 2015, the drug generated $154 million in sales while marketed by Novartis, although during the three months ended in September, PDL recorded just $14.1 million in total product revenue.</p> <p>Investors will want to keep their eyes open for the first full quarter of Tekturna sales. Achieving or surpassing the high-water mark set by the drug's previous owner could help the stock bounce back somewhat. Further ahead, reinstatement of the dividend it scrapped last year could provide another boost.</p> <p>In many ways, the world's largest healthcare company is the polar opposite of PDL Biopharma. Remicade is its best-selling product by a mile, but the $6.97 billion in sales it generated last year comprised just 9.7% of the company's enormous top line.</p> <p>In the quarters ahead, investors will want to keep an eye on Remicade sales. Late last year, Pfizer launched Inflectra, the first domestically-available <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-biosimilar.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">biosimilar Opens a New Window.</a> version of the megablockbuster. Biosimilars have been digging into international sales of the drug for years, but Remicade generates the majority of its sales in the U.S.</p> <p>At a 15% discount to Remicade's U.S. list price, Inflectra will almost certainly pressure its sales. The behemoth has a good chance of more than offsetting the losses with new products emerging from its late-stage pipeline. The company boasts three of the world's 15 most highly valued drugs expected to reach pharmacy shelves this year. The FDA is reviewing applications for guselkumab as a potential new psoriasis treatmentand the rheumatoid arthritis candidate sirukumab. If approved, the pair is expected to generate a $2.3 billion in combined annual sales by 2022.</p> <p>A bit further out, apalutamide is an interesting prostate cancer candidate that could add another $1.5 billion to J&amp;amp;J's top line by 2022. The company intends to submit applications for treatment of early-stage prostate cancer later this year.</p> <p>At its beaten-down price of around 2.1 times trailing earnings, PDL Biopharma looks insanely cheap. If successful commercialization of Tekturna restores some confidence in the company's otherwise dismal-looking future, there could be some gains ahead.</p> <p>Before you jump at PDL's stock, though, you should consider the $150 million in convertible notes it issued late last year to refinance an existing debt. In a nutshell, those notes could be <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/02/heres-why-pdl-biopharma-inc-imploded-and-fell-32-i.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">converted Opens a New Window.</a> into shares that would heavily dilute your share of any future profits, driving the stock much lower.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson shares offer a nice 2.7% dividend yield at recent prices that you can reasonably expect to continue marching upwards well into your retirement. It's been 54 years since the company went more than a year without raising its dividend payment, and it's managed to increase adjusted earnings for an outstanding 33 consecutive years.</p> <p>At 20.2 times trailing earnings, shares of Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson aren't exactly cheap, but they're far less likely to lead to losses over the long run. That's makes it a much better buy than PDL Biopharma right now.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Johnson and JohnsonWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=f6e55e99-0a32-48ed-810e-27e84662fb5d&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now...and Johnson and Johnson wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p> <p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=f6e55e99-0a32-48ed-810e-27e84662fb5d&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/crenauer/info.aspx" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

biotech finance specialist pdl biopharma nasdaq pdlihas suffering prolonged market thrashing thats driven stock price 75 past three years periodjohnson amp johnson nyse jnjstock kept pace buoyant broadmarket sampp 500 index continue reading pdl biopharma selling gone far turnaround could lead marketbeating gains investors ignore jampjs relative safety favor riskier value play lets closer look unique healthcare stocks see comes ahead right image source getty images advertisement company extremely tough year recently able pay investors juicy dividend profit derived patents covering worlds bestselling drugs however queen et al patent family expired end 2014 revenue derived patent family plunged 150 million third quarter last year 1192 period year earlier pdl biopharma made progress reducing dependence oncelucrative royalty stream queen patents nowhere enough offset loss thirdquarter revenue came 536 million 57 yearonyear decline period last july pdl biopharma committed 107 million equity stake noden pharma exclusive worldwide rights hypertension medication branded tekturna us rasilez everywhere else 2015 drug generated 154 million sales marketed novartis although three months ended september pdl recorded 141 million total product revenue investors want keep eyes open first full quarter tekturna sales achieving surpassing highwater mark set drugs previous owner could help stock bounce back somewhat ahead reinstatement dividend scrapped last year could provide another boost many ways worlds largest healthcare company polar opposite pdl biopharma remicade bestselling product mile 697 billion sales generated last year comprised 97 companys enormous top line quarters ahead investors want keep eye remicade sales late last year pfizer launched inflectra first domesticallyavailable biosimilar opens new window version megablockbuster biosimilars digging international sales drug years remicade generates majority sales us 15 discount remicades us list price inflectra almost certainly pressure sales behemoth good chance offsetting losses new products emerging latestage pipeline company boasts three worlds 15 highly valued drugs expected reach pharmacy shelves year fda reviewing applications guselkumab potential new psoriasis treatmentand rheumatoid arthritis candidate sirukumab approved pair expected generate 23 billion combined annual sales 2022 bit apalutamide interesting prostate cancer candidate could add another 15 billion jampjs top line 2022 company intends submit applications treatment earlystage prostate cancer later year beatendown price around 21 times trailing earnings pdl biopharma looks insanely cheap successful commercialization tekturna restores confidence companys otherwise dismallooking future could gains ahead jump pdls stock though consider 150 million convertible notes issued late last year refinance existing debt nutshell notes could converted opens new window shares would heavily dilute share future profits driving stock much lower image source getty images johnson amp johnson shares offer nice 27 dividend yield recent prices reasonably expect continue marching upwards well retirement 54 years since company went year without raising dividend payment managed increase adjusted earnings outstanding 33 consecutive years 202 times trailing earnings shares johnson amp johnson arent exactly cheap theyre far less likely lead losses long run thats makes much better buy pdl biopharma right 10 stocks like better johnson johnsonwhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right nowand johnson johnson wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns february 6 2017 cory renauer opens new window owns shares johnson johnson motley fool recommends johnson johnson motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Ansar al Shariah supporters protest the U.S. capture of one of the terror group's leaders. / AP</p> <p>BY: <a href="" type="internal">Bill Gertz</a> October 8, 2013 5:00 am</p> <p>The Obama administration failed to act against Libyan Islamists who attacked the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi last year during the capture last weekend of a senior al Qaeda terrorist in Tripoli according to U.S. officials.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Somali terrorist group al Shabaab is "gripped with fear" following the unsuccessful covert U.S. military strike against one of its leaders.</p> <p>The U.S. official said the locations of several attackers behind the Sept. 11 armed assault on the diplomatic compound in Benghazi and a nearby CIA facility are known. The group Ansar al Sharia, which has links to al Qaeda, has been identified as behind the attack that killed U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.</p> <p>By conducting the high-profile raid that captured senior al Qaeda terrorist Abu Anas al Libi in Tripoli, the administration is likely alerting the Benghazi terrorists and possibly driving them into hiding.</p> <p>Asked about the lack of action against the Benghazi attackers, a senior administration official told the Free Beacon: "A lot of people are focused heavily on delivering justice to the Benghazi attackers, and no other recent action takes away from that laser focus."</p> <p>Al Libi, who was linked by U.S. officials to the 1998 bombing of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, was captured Saturday during a special operations raid, Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement.</p> <p>Little disclosed in a Monday statement that the target of the Somali raid late Friday was Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir, known as "Ikrima," a Somali-born Kenyan.</p> <p>Although the raid was not successful, Little warned that the U.S. military "has unmatched capabilities and could rely on any of them to disrupt terrorist networks and plots."</p> <p>U.S. officials said the second commando raid was aborted after a firefight in a southern coastal town.</p> <p>According to U.S. officials familiar with reports from Africa, al Shabaab fighters currently are "gripped with fear" after the commando raid.</p> <p>The strike in Somalia was carried out by a covert commando team against a senior al Qaeda leader in the town of Baraawe.</p> <p>One new report stated that the militants were "gripped by fear" after the attack and the group has moved militias to the area as reinforcements.</p> <p>Al Shabaab fighters were observed by residents patrolling the town in large numbers, the report in the news website Akhbar on Sunday stated.</p> <p>Residents in the town were warned by al Shabaab fighters to stay indoors and to reduce travel at night.</p> <p>A second report said al Shabaab has imposed a curfew on the coastal town, located about 120 miles south of Mogadishu.</p> <p>The Somali website Bulshoweyn.com report that a search operation also was underway for possible collaborators with the commandos and that an undisclosed number of people had been "rounded up" and detained by al Shabaab.</p> <p>"Whatever the case may be, the situation in Baraawe was calmer this morning than yesterday," the website reported Monday. "Business activities have returned to normal, although the town remains tense."</p> <p>The Somali cable television outlet Horn Cable TV reported Sunday that al Shabaab had mobilized groups of fighters after one of the group&#8217;s fighters was reported killed in the raid.</p> <p>Al Shabaab&#8217;s operations commander, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, said the attack was repulsed despite the death of the fighter.</p> <p>The target of the attack, al Shabaab leader Ahmad Abdi Godane, was not injured, according to reports from Somalia.</p> <p>Alleged military supplies from the raid were put on display by the militants. Photos posted online included plastic water bottles, a military canister, assault rifle ammunition, plastic material and a flexible ladder. Additionally, fighting was reported at other locations inside the town.</p> <p>According to local press reports, the raid took place early Saturday and lasted less than an hour. Attackers targeted a house along the coast that was defended by guards. Mortar rounds were heard exploding followed by gunfire. The raiders were transported by helicopter.</p> <p>Baraawe was the location of an incident in June when two al Shabaab leaders, Ibrahim Haji Jama Miad "Ibrahim Afghani" and Moalim Burhan, were killed, reportedly by Godane, apparently as a result of a split within the group.</p> <p>Al Shabaab militants conducted the deadly attack on Nairobi&#8217;s Westgate Mall last month, killing 67 people. The group said on its Twitter feed that the attack was retaliation for Kenyan arms attacks against al Shabaab in neighboring Somalia.</p> <p>On the Somali target, Little said: "Ikrima is a top commander in the terrorist group al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate."</p> <p>"Ikrima is closely associated with now-deceased al Qaeda operatives Harun Fazul and Saleh Nabhan, who played roles in the 1998 bombing of the United States embassy in Nairobi, Kenya and in the 2002 attacks on a hotel and airline in Mombasa, Kenya that resulted in the deaths of Kenyan and Israeli citizens, including children," he said.</p> <p>Commandos sought to capture Ikrima under Pentagon authority to use military force against al Qaeda and its associates, he said.</p> <p>"While the operation did not result in Ikrima's capture, U.S. military personnel conducted the operation with unparalleled precision and demonstrated that the United States can put direct pressure on al Shabaab leadership at any time of our choosing," Little said.</p> <p>News reports Monday stated that al Libi is being held aboard a Navy ship in the Mediterranean and will be transported to New York for criminal prosecution.</p> <p>"Wherever possible, our first priority is and always has been to apprehend terrorist suspects, and to preserve the opportunity to elicit valuable intelligence that can help us protect the American people," Little said.</p> <p>The capture of al Libi is the first high-profile detention of a senior al Qaeda leader under the Obama administration. The administration shut down nearly all interrogations of terrorists based on policymakers&#8217; opposition to the harsh terrorist interrogation policies of the George W. Bush administration.</p> <p>Former CIA operations officer Jose Rodriguez, who has criticized the Obama administration's policy of limiting interrogations of terrorists, praised the capture of al Libi.</p> <p>Rodriguez said in an email that he is "pleased to see the Obama administration conducted a successful rendition operation&#8211;as several administrations before it had done."</p> <p>Al Libi was indicted in 2000 for his role in the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 247 people, including 12 Americans. He also has been linked by U.S. officials to other al Qaeda terror attacks.</p> <p>Little said no U.S. personnel were injured in the operation. "These actions are a clear sign that the United States is committed to using all the tools at our disposal to bring to justice those who commit terrorist acts against Americans," he said.</p> <p>Meanwhile, an information campaign against al Shabaab is continuing on the Internet. U.S. officials said the group&#8217;s seventh Twitter account has been suspended.</p> <p>The Twitter account sent social media messages during the deadly mall attack in Nairobi and was suspended for violating Twitter&#8217;s terms of service that prohibit support of violence.</p> <p>Al Qaeda&#8217;s first official Twitter account, @shomokhalislam, was shut down after five days of operation. Creation of the account, the first by the terrorist group behind the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, was first reported by the Free Beacon Sept. 27.</p> <p>The Shumukh al Islam website, an official al Qaeda members-only website, also has been offline for the past several day, according to counterterrorism analysts.</p>

ansar al shariah supporters protest us capture one terror groups leaders ap bill gertz october 8 2013 500 obama administration failed act libyan islamists attacked us diplomatic compound benghazi last year capture last weekend senior al qaeda terrorist tripoli according us officials meanwhile somali terrorist group al shabaab gripped fear following unsuccessful covert us military strike one leaders us official said locations several attackers behind sept 11 armed assault diplomatic compound benghazi nearby cia facility known group ansar al sharia links al qaeda identified behind attack killed us ambassador libya christopher stevens three americans conducting highprofile raid captured senior al qaeda terrorist abu anas al libi tripoli administration likely alerting benghazi terrorists possibly driving hiding asked lack action benghazi attackers senior administration official told free beacon lot people focused heavily delivering justice benghazi attackers recent action takes away laser focus al libi linked us officials 1998 bombing us embassies kenya tanzania captured saturday special operations raid pentagon spokesman george little said statement little disclosed monday statement target somali raid late friday abdikadir mohamed abdikadir known ikrima somaliborn kenyan although raid successful little warned us military unmatched capabilities could rely disrupt terrorist networks plots us officials said second commando raid aborted firefight southern coastal town according us officials familiar reports africa al shabaab fighters currently gripped fear commando raid strike somalia carried covert commando team senior al qaeda leader town baraawe one new report stated militants gripped fear attack group moved militias area reinforcements al shabaab fighters observed residents patrolling town large numbers report news website akhbar sunday stated residents town warned al shabaab fighters stay indoors reduce travel night second report said al shabaab imposed curfew coastal town located 120 miles south mogadishu somali website bulshoweyncom report search operation also underway possible collaborators commandos undisclosed number people rounded detained al shabaab whatever case may situation baraawe calmer morning yesterday website reported monday business activities returned normal although town remains tense somali cable television outlet horn cable tv reported sunday al shabaab mobilized groups fighters one groups fighters reported killed raid al shabaabs operations commander sheikh abdiasis abu musab said attack repulsed despite death fighter target attack al shabaab leader ahmad abdi godane injured according reports somalia alleged military supplies raid put display militants photos posted online included plastic water bottles military canister assault rifle ammunition plastic material flexible ladder additionally fighting reported locations inside town according local press reports raid took place early saturday lasted less hour attackers targeted house along coast defended guards mortar rounds heard exploding followed gunfire raiders transported helicopter baraawe location incident june two al shabaab leaders ibrahim haji jama miad ibrahim afghani moalim burhan killed reportedly godane apparently result split within group al shabaab militants conducted deadly attack nairobis westgate mall last month killing 67 people group said twitter feed attack retaliation kenyan arms attacks al shabaab neighboring somalia somali target little said ikrima top commander terrorist group al shabaab al qaeda affiliate ikrima closely associated nowdeceased al qaeda operatives harun fazul saleh nabhan played roles 1998 bombing united states embassy nairobi kenya 2002 attacks hotel airline mombasa kenya resulted deaths kenyan israeli citizens including children said commandos sought capture ikrima pentagon authority use military force al qaeda associates said operation result ikrimas capture us military personnel conducted operation unparalleled precision demonstrated united states put direct pressure al shabaab leadership time choosing little said news reports monday stated al libi held aboard navy ship mediterranean transported new york criminal prosecution wherever possible first priority always apprehend terrorist suspects preserve opportunity elicit valuable intelligence help us protect american people little said capture al libi first highprofile detention senior al qaeda leader obama administration administration shut nearly interrogations terrorists based policymakers opposition harsh terrorist interrogation policies george w bush administration former cia operations officer jose rodriguez criticized obama administrations policy limiting interrogations terrorists praised capture al libi rodriguez said email pleased see obama administration conducted successful rendition operationas several administrations done al libi indicted 2000 role 1998 bombings us embassies kenya tanzania killed 247 people including 12 americans also linked us officials al qaeda terror attacks little said us personnel injured operation actions clear sign united states committed using tools disposal bring justice commit terrorist acts americans said meanwhile information campaign al shabaab continuing internet us officials said groups seventh twitter account suspended twitter account sent social media messages deadly mall attack nairobi suspended violating twitters terms service prohibit support violence al qaedas first official twitter account shomokhalislam shut five days operation creation account first terrorist group behind sept 11 2001 attacks first reported free beacon sept 27 shumukh al islam website official al qaeda membersonly website also offline past several day according counterterrorism analysts

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/14/heres-how-much-gasoline-the-average-american-consu.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">average American uses 656 gallons of gas every year Opens a New Window.</a>, according to the most recent data. Given that the average price of gasoline last year was $2.15 per gallon, that works out to about $1,400 per person. However, some Americans paid well above average because they live in a state with higher gas prices. For example, residents of the tropical paradise of Hawaii currently pay the highest price in the country at $3.07 per gallon, which is well above the recent national average price of $2.28 per gallon. Meanwhile, residents of the great state of South Carolina, where I live, are paying a mere $2.05 per gallon. That dollar-a-gallon difference really adds up, with us lucky South Carolinians paying roughly $650 less per year than our Hawaiian counterparts.</p> <p>Here's a look at the five states that currently have the lowest and highest gas prices in the nation:</p> <p>Data source: AAA.</p> <p>There are several reasons residents in some states pay more while others have access to relatively cheap gas.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>As the graphic at the right shows, there are four components in the price of gas:</p> <p>Source: Energy Information Administration.</p> <p>While every gallon of gas has these costs embedded in its price, not everyone pays the same amount on a per-gallon basis. That's why residents in states such as Hawaii pay much more than those living in South Carolina. Let's break it down even further to see why these costs differ by location.</p> <p>One reason residents in some states pay more for their gasoline is the type of oil used to make that gas, because oil sells for different prices depending on extraction location and how easy it is to refine. The two most common types of oil are West Texas intermediate (WTI), which is a benchmark for domestically produced oil, and the global oil benchmark, Brent, which often trades at a premium to WTI:</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/indicators/crude_oil_spot_price" type="external">WTI Crude Oil Spot Price</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a></p> <p>Therefore, states that use more imported oil, such as Hawaii, pay higher prices than those consuming lower-priced oil. It's one reason both Valero and Phillips 66 are investing heavily to increase their access to domestically priced oil.</p> <p>Another factor driving up the cost of gas in some states is the expenses associated with refining gas to meet their standards. California, for example, has higher standards for gasoline than the federal government, as it mandates the use of gas that produces fewer emissions. The state requires refiners to use a special oxygenated blend that not only costs more to make but that few refiners also have the capability to make. That became a big problem last year, when an explosion damaged an ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) refinery in the state, causing a shortfall of gasand higher prices. These environmental laws are the driving cause of California's high gas prices.</p> <p>Hawaii's high gas costs also have a lot to do with higher refining costs, but not for the same reason. The state has much higher electricity costs, running 200% to 300% more than states on the mainland, which increases refining costs.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>One more cost associated with the price of gasoline is its transportation from refineries to gas stations, with shipping costs increasing the farther the gas needs to travel. For example, while Alaska is a major oil-producing state, it just has one smaller, less-efficient refiner, so it needs to import gas from refineries along the West Coast. Those transportation costs make its gas among the most expensive in the nation. Meanwhile, states along the Gulf Coast, such as Texas and Louisiana, have some of the lowest gas prices in the country, because they have plenty of refineries in their own backyard.</p> <p>Another reason Hawaii's gas is so costly is the overall higher cost of living in that state, which includes more expensive land and building costs. For perspective, in late 2014 Sunoco LP acquired Aloha Petroleum, which is the state's largest gasoline marketer and one of the biggest convenience-store operators.In that deal, Sunoco paid $240 million to acquire 100 gas stations and six fuel storage terminals. Contrast this deal with one Sunoco completed about a year later, when it bought 120 convenience stores in eastern Texas and Louisiana for $53 million. While not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, it does imply that physical gas stations cost more in Hawaii when compared with states with lower gas prices.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Taxes can also have a significant impact on what drivers pay at the pump. Drivers in South Carolina, for example, pay slightly less than $0.17 per gallon in state gas taxes. While drivers in both Alaska and New Jersey pay less in state gas taxes, theypay more for their gas than those in the Palmetto State because Alaska has higher transportation costs and New Jersey has a statewide ban on self-service gas stations. Meanwhile, residents of both Oklahoma and Arizona pay less than $0.20 per gallon in state gas taxes, which is why they're also among the cheapest states to fill up.</p> <p>On the other side of the spectrum is Pennsylvania, where drivers pay a whopping $0.505 per gallon in gasoline taxes. Meanwhile, Connecticut, California, and New York all pay above $0.45 per gallon. Unsurprisingly, the average gas price inthese five states is well above the national average.</p> <p>Just as with real estate, what you pay for a gallon of gas comes down to location, location, and location. Some states pay less because of proximity to refineries or lower taxes. Meanwhile, living in a state with higher taxes, higher standards, or greater distance from a refinery can cause more pain at the pump.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than ExxonMobil 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=8554f464-d28d-4d96-a399-9f2543ba3e30&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 ExxonMobil 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=8554f464-d28d-4d96-a399-9f2543ba3e30&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/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Phillips 66. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. 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 average american uses 656 gallons gas every year opens new window according recent data given average price gasoline last year 215 per gallon works 1400 per person however americans paid well average live state higher gas prices example residents tropical paradise hawaii currently pay highest price country 307 per gallon well recent national average price 228 per gallon meanwhile residents great state south carolina live paying mere 205 per gallon dollaragallon difference really adds us lucky south carolinians paying roughly 650 less per year hawaiian counterparts heres look five states currently lowest highest gas prices nation data source aaa several reasons residents states pay others access relatively cheap gas advertisement graphic right shows four components price gas source energy information administration every gallon gas costs embedded price everyone pays amount pergallon basis thats residents states hawaii pay much living south carolina lets break even see costs differ location one reason residents states pay gasoline type oil used make gas oil sells different prices depending extraction location easy refine two common types oil west texas intermediate wti benchmark domestically produced oil global oil benchmark brent often trades premium wti wti crude oil spot price data ycharts opens new window therefore states use imported oil hawaii pay higher prices consuming lowerpriced oil one reason valero phillips 66 investing heavily increase access domestically priced oil another factor driving cost gas states expenses associated refining gas meet standards california example higher standards gasoline federal government mandates use gas produces fewer emissions state requires refiners use special oxygenated blend costs make refiners also capability make became big problem last year explosion damaged exxonmobil nyse xom refinery state causing shortfall gasand higher prices environmental laws driving cause californias high gas prices hawaiis high gas costs also lot higher refining costs reason state much higher electricity costs running 200 300 states mainland increases refining costs image source getty images one cost associated price gasoline transportation refineries gas stations shipping costs increasing farther gas needs travel example alaska major oilproducing state one smaller lessefficient refiner needs import gas refineries along west coast transportation costs make gas among expensive nation meanwhile states along gulf coast texas louisiana lowest gas prices country plenty refineries backyard another reason hawaiis gas costly overall higher cost living state includes expensive land building costs perspective late 2014 sunoco lp acquired aloha petroleum states largest gasoline marketer one biggest conveniencestore operatorsin deal sunoco paid 240 million acquire 100 gas stations six fuel storage terminals contrast deal one sunoco completed year later bought 120 convenience stores eastern texas louisiana 53 million exactly applestoapples comparison imply physical gas stations cost hawaii compared states lower gas prices image source getty images taxes also significant impact drivers pay pump drivers south carolina example pay slightly less 017 per gallon state gas taxes drivers alaska new jersey pay less state gas taxes theypay gas palmetto state alaska higher transportation costs new jersey statewide ban selfservice gas stations meanwhile residents oklahoma arizona pay less 020 per gallon state gas taxes theyre also among cheapest states fill side spectrum pennsylvania drivers pay whopping 0505 per gallon gasoline taxes meanwhile connecticut california new york pay 045 per gallon unsurprisingly average gas price inthese five states well national average real estate pay gallon gas comes location location location states pay less proximity refineries lower taxes meanwhile living state higher taxes higher standards greater distance refinery cause pain pump 10 stocks like better exxonmobil 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 exxonmobil wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 matt dilallo opens new window owns shares phillips 66 motley fool owns shares exxonmobil motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Want to annoy Apple fanatics? Remind them how many magical iPhone capabilities arrived first on Android. Big screens? Fingerprint scanners? Mobile payments? Water resistance? None of it invented in Cupertino.</p> <p>Ahead of Apple's wildly hyped 10th-anniversary iPhone launch next week, three more Android phones have been pushing the boundaries of what smartphones look like and how we use them: Samsung's Galaxy Note 8, the Essential Phone and the OnePlus 5.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Screens are taking over. By nipping and tucking around the glass, designers have made screens longer, with more usable area. And the best screens make images look more lifelike and colorful with a tech called OLED.</p> <p>Using the Note 8, which arrives Sept. 15, is the closest I've come to manipulating a sci-fi movie communicator-gizmo -- 6.3 inches of screen, nearly without edges. It's a big part of what makes the Note 8 the best big-screen phone money can buy, especially now that Samsung appears to have put battery fire woes behind it. At $950, the Note is also expensive overkill.</p> <p>For a more pocket-friendly take on the all-screen design, the $700 Essential phone, from a startup founded by Android's creator, wraps a 5.7-inch screen in a slim belt of titanium. It's the handsomest phone I've seen in years, though it disappoints in other areas.</p> <p>These designs are changing how we operate the phone. With no space on the front for a home button and fingerprint reader, unlocking has to happen elsewhere. Essential moved the fingerprint sensor to the back. Samsung did, too, but you can also unlock the Note 8 with facial recognition or an iris scan -- when they work.</p> <p>Cameras are the other big news. Now the best phones have two lenses on the back, using the extra eye for closer-in zoom shots and even depth perception. Dual cameras are no longer a bank-breaking feature: The $480 OnePlus 5 boasts the highest-resolution pair on the market. In coming weeks, we're also expecting a new Pixel phone from Google, whose first model impressed us last year, especially in the camera department.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Of course, it isn't about getting features first: What matters is who does it best. And while there's plenty to like about each of these phones, there's room for Apple to improve on things like pro-level photography, biometrics and augmented reality. Maybe it has cracked the code on 3-D facial scanning? Or here's an idea: Apple could address deeper smartphone problems such as battery life, privacy protection and nonstop distraction.</p> <p>If you're looking for an Android phone to buy now, or you're just keeping score, here's what I like -- and don't -- about the leading contenders.</p> <p>Samsung Galaxy Note 8</p> <p>This giant phone can chew gum and hula hoop at the same time.</p> <p>Likes: If you're abandoning your laptop for a smartphone, stop here first. The Note 8's screen, about as big as an XL Hershey bar, is a no-longer-crazy way for road warriors to rock Gmail and spreadsheets simultaneously. With the included stylus, which tucks inside the screen, scribbling notes is almost as easy as using paper.</p> <p>The Note 8 stuffs in pretty much every feature somebody might want from a phone in 2017: virtual-reality capability, widely accepted mobile payments, wireless charging, an animated GIF maker -- it can even become a desktop computer with a $150 dock. And like other recent Samsung phones, it's water-resistant and allows you to add your own memory card for storage.</p> <p>The Note 8 camera not only joins the multi-lens trend but jumps to its forefront. In my tests, the Note 8 often outperformed the iPhone 7 Plus at focusing quickly and snapping low-light situations, though I still prefer many shots from Google's Pixel. Zoomed-in shots from the 2X telephoto lens were clear thanks to optical image stabilization. The "live focus" mode that uses depth data to artfully blur portraits had some hiccups, but no more than the iPhone 7 Plus's similar "portrait mode."</p> <p>Dislikes: All that screen gobbles up battery, which lasted a ho-hum eight hours in my stress test. The fingerprint reader is poorly placed, while the facial recognition isn't fast or reliable enough. Bixby, Samsung's Siri competitor, still feels underdeveloped, though Google's Assistant is also available.</p> <p>I find the Note 8 too much phone to carry comfortably. A more slender alternative is Samsung's Galaxy S8, though photo buffs would miss the dual cameras.</p> <p>Essential Phone</p> <p>This attractive new model is better off in front of the camera than behind it.</p> <p>Likes: The Essential has the first phone design in a while that can actually turn heads. The screen comes so close to the edge, there's a notch cut out for the front-facing camera. The ceramic back cover feels luxe and promises to last longer than other phones' scratch-prone finishes. The software is just as clean: basic Android, no bloatware. And the battery lasted a decent nine hours in my stress test.</p> <p>Essential has an interesting approach to accessories: They can snap on and draw power from the phone. But so far, there's only one, a 360-degree camera -- and modular-phone efforts by LG and Motorola haven't caught on.</p> <p>Dislikes: The Essential phone doesn't actually cover the essentials. There's no headphone jack (it includes an adapter, but no headphones) and it isn't water-resistant.</p> <p>The biggest problem is the camera: It's slow and struggles in low-light settings. Another disappointment: The second lens on the back is for black-and-white shots, not zoom.</p> <p>OnePlus 5</p> <p>It's a remarkable value, but it looks like last year's phone.</p> <p>Likes: The OnePlus 5 is slim and lightweight yet packs in performance: smooth-running software, bright OLED screen and a battery that lasted a solid 9.5 hours in my tests. The dual camera also wowed, though Samsung and Apple beat it with their fancy-blur portrait mode.</p> <p>What's most incredible, though, is the price: $480, sold through the OnePlus website without the typical carrier hoopla, contracts and bloatware. In a year when premium phones aim to break the $1,000 ceiling, the OnePlus 5 is a welcome option.</p> <p>Dislikes: The thick-bordered screen looks like phones we've seen before. (Upside: There's still space for a fingerprint reader on the front.) The screen also isn't as high-resolution as the Note 8's, nor does the phone have tricks like face unlocking or wireless charging. If you want to double the default 64GB storage, the price rises to $539.</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>September 10, 2017 07:14 ET (11:14 GMT)</p>

want annoy apple fanatics remind many magical iphone capabilities arrived first android big screens fingerprint scanners mobile payments water resistance none invented cupertino ahead apples wildly hyped 10thanniversary iphone launch next week three android phones pushing boundaries smartphones look like use samsungs galaxy note 8 essential phone oneplus 5 continue reading screens taking nipping tucking around glass designers made screens longer usable area best screens make images look lifelike colorful tech called oled using note 8 arrives sept 15 closest ive come manipulating scifi movie communicatorgizmo 63 inches screen nearly without edges big part makes note 8 best bigscreen phone money buy especially samsung appears put battery fire woes behind 950 note also expensive overkill pocketfriendly take allscreen design 700 essential phone startup founded androids creator wraps 57inch screen slim belt titanium handsomest phone ive seen years though disappoints areas designs changing operate phone space front home button fingerprint reader unlocking happen elsewhere essential moved fingerprint sensor back samsung also unlock note 8 facial recognition iris scan work cameras big news best phones two lenses back using extra eye closerin zoom shots even depth perception dual cameras longer bankbreaking feature 480 oneplus 5 boasts highestresolution pair market coming weeks also expecting new pixel phone google whose first model impressed us last year especially camera department advertisement course isnt getting features first matters best theres plenty like phones theres room apple improve things like prolevel photography biometrics augmented reality maybe cracked code 3d facial scanning heres idea apple could address deeper smartphone problems battery life privacy protection nonstop distraction youre looking android phone buy youre keeping score heres like dont leading contenders samsung galaxy note 8 giant phone chew gum hula hoop time likes youre abandoning laptop smartphone stop first note 8s screen big xl hershey bar nolongercrazy way road warriors rock gmail spreadsheets simultaneously included stylus tucks inside screen scribbling notes almost easy using paper note 8 stuffs pretty much every feature somebody might want phone 2017 virtualreality capability widely accepted mobile payments wireless charging animated gif maker even become desktop computer 150 dock like recent samsung phones waterresistant allows add memory card storage note 8 camera joins multilens trend jumps forefront tests note 8 often outperformed iphone 7 plus focusing quickly snapping lowlight situations though still prefer many shots googles pixel zoomedin shots 2x telephoto lens clear thanks optical image stabilization live focus mode uses depth data artfully blur portraits hiccups iphone 7 pluss similar portrait mode dislikes screen gobbles battery lasted hohum eight hours stress test fingerprint reader poorly placed facial recognition isnt fast reliable enough bixby samsungs siri competitor still feels underdeveloped though googles assistant also available find note 8 much phone carry comfortably slender alternative samsungs galaxy s8 though photo buffs would miss dual cameras essential phone attractive new model better front camera behind likes essential first phone design actually turn heads screen comes close edge theres notch cut frontfacing camera ceramic back cover feels luxe promises last longer phones scratchprone finishes software clean basic android bloatware battery lasted decent nine hours stress test essential interesting approach accessories snap draw power phone far theres one 360degree camera modularphone efforts lg motorola havent caught dislikes essential phone doesnt actually cover essentials theres headphone jack includes adapter headphones isnt waterresistant biggest problem camera slow struggles lowlight settings another disappointment second lens back blackandwhite shots zoom oneplus 5 remarkable value looks like last years phone likes oneplus 5 slim lightweight yet packs performance smoothrunning software bright oled screen battery lasted solid 95 hours tests dual camera also wowed though samsung apple beat fancyblur portrait mode whats incredible though price 480 sold oneplus website without typical carrier hoopla contracts bloatware year premium phones aim break 1000 ceiling oneplus 5 welcome option dislikes thickbordered screen looks like phones weve seen upside theres still space fingerprint reader front screen also isnt highresolution note 8s phone tricks like face unlocking wireless charging want double default 64gb storage price rises 539 end dow jones newswires september 10 2017 0714 et 1114 gmt

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

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

<p>The fact that there was a bidding war to buyMedivation(NASDAQ: MDVN) isn't surprising, but the $14 billion price tag thatPfizer Inc.(NYSE: PFE) agreed to pay is a bit shocking. It's a massive premium to Medivation's share price earlier this year, and it's more than 14 times Medivation's revenue guidance for 2016. Is Pfizer overpaying for Medivation?</p> <p>In this clip from The Motley Fool's <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Healthcare Opens a New Window.</a>podcast,analyst Kristine Harjes is joined by contributor Todd Campbell to discuss why Pfizer was willing to pay up to buy the fast-growing cancer company.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>A full transcript follows the video.</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>This podcast was recorded on Aug. 24, 2016.</p> <p>Kristine Harjes: Let's hear your thoughts on Pfizer and the $14 billion Medivation acquisition, which was announced on Monday.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Todd Campbell:This was probably the most-forecast acquisition in biotech history. You hadSanoficome out and make two different very public offers for the company. You had Medivation's board reject those very publicly, and then say, "We'll accept bids, start your bidding." We've written about it, I've written about it. This is definitely something that was very well-known, that the company was shopping itself around.</p> <p>However, the price tag that Pfizer's paying, I will admit, that shocked me.</p> <p>Harjes:Exactly. Sanofi had previously bid $58 per share for Medivation. Pfizer is paying $81.50 in cash per share.</p> <p>Campbell:Yeah! Nice to have an extra $14 billion kicking around, right?</p> <p>Harjes:Yeah, I'd like that in my pocket.</p> <p>Campbell:I mean, it's a huge premium. About a month ago, I wrote an article on the Fool where I said that a relatively aggressive price might get you to a value of $12.5 billion. Pfizer paid $14 billion for a company that this year thinks it's going to generate a little bit less than $1 billion in revenue.</p> <p>Harjes:At least it's profitable! That's good!</p> <p>Campbell:Oh, yeah! And the benefit of being able to do this deal in cash, and one of the reasons Pfizer was able to win this bidding war, was its ability to pay for it in cash, is that there's no financing drag. They were able to do this deal and still say within the first year, "This is going to add $0.05 to investors' earnings per share."</p> <p>Harjes:Right. And the main catalyst behind why Pfizer is even interested is for this drug called Xtandi, which is a prostate cancer drug that is co-marketed by Medivation and also a company calledAstellas. It started of in just post-chemo in 2012, but in 2014, when it was approved for pre-chemo usage, sales took off.</p> <p>Campbell:Yeah. This is a huge, mammoth indication. Pfizer isn't buying it because of the trailing-12-month sales that Medivation posted. Pfizer is buying it because Xtandi already has 51% of the market in its two approved prostate cancer indications. The addressable market, in earlier treatment for prostate cancer, is absolutely massive. I've seen numbers tossed around for peak sales forecasts for this drug that go anywhere from $6 billion to $9 billion per year. Obviously, in order to get that, you're going to need to be able to expand its use to earlier stages of cancer. But, we've seen, the company is already conducting tasks and trials. We've already seen some of that data come out, and so far, so good. In October, they're expecting the FDA to make a decision on whether or not to include in the labeling trials that showed that it did just as well as Casodex, a very well-used drug among urologists in treating prostate cancer, with 500,000 scripts written every year. The opportunity in prostate cancer is even bigger than it is now, which is pretty amazing, considering that you're talking about a $2-billion-plus-per-year drug already.</p> <p>Harjes:Right. And it's important to remember, Pfizer doesn't get 100% of this revenue. Medivation splits their U.S. profits on Xtandi in the U.S., and they get double-digit royalties on Xtandi sales overseas. So, they still do have to send a good chunk of that profit back to Astellas.</p> <p>Campbell:Right, which is why we have trailing-12-month sales, forecasts for this year like $950 [million] to $960 million in revenue for Medivation. The royalty rate -- because people probably want to know that -- I think it's about 15% on ex-U.S. sales that Pfizer will now get.</p> <p>Harjes:Right. So, Xtandi, clearly a big deal, could be poised to have its label expanded considerably. Definitely a big catalyst in this acquisition. But, also probably important to point out that Medivation does have two other drugs that are in development, one of which is Talazoparib...</p> <p>Campbell:Sure. (laughs)</p> <p>Harjes:That's being studied in breast, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancers, could get its first approval, maybe, in 2018. I've seen one estimate for a little under $1 billion in peak sales. Medivation also has another early stage drug in development for brain tumors and lymphoma. There is a little bit more to this pipeline than just Xtandi.</p> <p>Campbell:Right. You could argue that the purchase price is based not only on expecting a doubling-plus in Xtandi's peak sales over the course of the next coming years, but also an approval of Talazoparib. That drug was formally owned byBioMarin, Medivation bought it. There's a trial ongoing with data expected next year. If those results are solid, yeah, like you said, they could have another $1 billion drug on the market by 2018. So, there's a lot of different reasons to like this deal for what it does to Pfizer as far as reenergizing or fueling its future growth. And Pfizer has not been shy about doing acquisitions, and it's not been shy about saying, "Listen, we're back to picking up year-over-year sales growth."</p> <p>Harjes:I would also argue that Pfizer hasn't been terrible successful with its acquisitions, at least not lately. They need a good acquisition now, especially with their post-Allerganfailure. We talked about that on the show, initially, when the breakup fell through for this merger between Pfizer and Allergan. And I would also argue that their recent acquisition ofAnacorfor $5.2 billion for this one drug, Crisaborole, I think that was probably too much money that they paid for it. Some say the drug could hit $1 billion in peak sales, but there is a ton of competition in the space that it's working in, including some fromCelgene. Honestly, when I look at this, I don't quite like the deal. What do you think? Do you?</p> <p>Campbell:I like it because it's immediately accretive. I think if they weren't able to say that it was immediately accretive to the bottom line, then I would agree with you. But as long as we're able to have it boost profitability based on its current sales pace, not including any other future approvals, then I think it's fine.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAnchor/info.aspx" type="external">Kristine Harjes Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/EBCapitalMarkets/info.aspx" type="external">Todd Campbell Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Celgene and Medivation. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2016 $95 puts on Celgene. The Motley Fool recommends BioMarin Pharmaceutical. 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>

fact bidding war buymedivationnasdaq mdvn isnt surprising 14 billion price tag thatpfizer incnyse pfe agreed pay bit shocking massive premium medivations share price earlier year 14 times medivations revenue guidance 2016 pfizer overpaying medivation clip motley fools industry focus healthcare opens new windowpodcastanalyst kristine harjes joined contributor todd campbell discuss pfizer willing pay buy fastgrowing cancer company continue reading full transcript follows video secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window podcast recorded aug 24 2016 kristine harjes lets hear thoughts pfizer 14 billion medivation acquisition announced monday advertisement todd campbellthis probably mostforecast acquisition biotech history hadsanoficome make two different public offers company medivations board reject publicly say well accept bids start bidding weve written ive written definitely something wellknown company shopping around however price tag pfizers paying admit shocked harjesexactly sanofi previously bid 58 per share medivation pfizer paying 8150 cash per share campbellyeah nice extra 14 billion kicking around right harjesyeah id like pocket campbelli mean huge premium month ago wrote article fool said relatively aggressive price might get value 125 billion pfizer paid 14 billion company year thinks going generate little bit less 1 billion revenue harjesat least profitable thats good campbelloh yeah benefit able deal cash one reasons pfizer able win bidding war ability pay cash theres financing drag able deal still say within first year going add 005 investors earnings per share harjesright main catalyst behind pfizer even interested drug called xtandi prostate cancer drug comarketed medivation also company calledastellas started postchemo 2012 2014 approved prechemo usage sales took campbellyeah huge mammoth indication pfizer isnt buying trailing12month sales medivation posted pfizer buying xtandi already 51 market two approved prostate cancer indications addressable market earlier treatment prostate cancer absolutely massive ive seen numbers tossed around peak sales forecasts drug go anywhere 6 billion 9 billion per year obviously order get youre going need able expand use earlier stages cancer weve seen company already conducting tasks trials weve already seen data come far good october theyre expecting fda make decision whether include labeling trials showed well casodex wellused drug among urologists treating prostate cancer 500000 scripts written every year opportunity prostate cancer even bigger pretty amazing considering youre talking 2billionplusperyear drug already harjesright important remember pfizer doesnt get 100 revenue medivation splits us profits xtandi us get doubledigit royalties xtandi sales overseas still send good chunk profit back astellas campbellright trailing12month sales forecasts year like 950 million 960 million revenue medivation royalty rate people probably want know think 15 exus sales pfizer get harjesright xtandi clearly big deal could poised label expanded considerably definitely big catalyst acquisition also probably important point medivation two drugs development one talazoparib campbellsure laughs harjesthats studied breast prostate lung ovarian cancers could get first approval maybe 2018 ive seen one estimate little 1 billion peak sales medivation also another early stage drug development brain tumors lymphoma little bit pipeline xtandi campbellright could argue purchase price based expecting doublingplus xtandis peak sales course next coming years also approval talazoparib drug formally owned bybiomarin medivation bought theres trial ongoing data expected next year results solid yeah like said could another 1 billion drug market 2018 theres lot different reasons like deal pfizer far reenergizing fueling future growth pfizer shy acquisitions shy saying listen back picking yearoveryear sales growth harjesi would also argue pfizer hasnt terrible successful acquisitions least lately need good acquisition especially postallerganfailure talked show initially breakup fell merger pfizer allergan would also argue recent acquisition ofanacorfor 52 billion one drug crisaborole think probably much money paid say drug could hit 1 billion peak sales ton competition space working including fromcelgene honestly look dont quite like deal think campbelli like immediately accretive think werent able say immediately accretive bottom line would agree long able boost profitability based current sales pace including future approvals think fine kristine harjes opens new window position stocks mentioned todd campbell opens new window owns shares celgene medivation motley fool owns shares recommends celgene motley fool following options short october 2016 95 puts celgene motley fool recommends biomarin pharmaceutical try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The markets managed to hold onto weekly gains on Friday despite a weaker-than-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) figure. The U.S. economy slowed a bit during the fourth quarter with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.9%, the Commerce Department reported Friday. That result was lower than the 2.2% consensus estimates of economists polled by The Wall Street Journal, and well below last year's fourth-quarter result of 3.5%.</p> <p>While President Donald Trump has touted his goal of 4% GDP growth, the Congressional Budget Office's projection of 2.3% growth in 2017 and 1.9% in 2018 seem more in line with reality. Oh, and you might have heard that the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 20,000 for the first time in history this week.</p> <p>With that news aside, here are some companies making big headlines or big moves in the markets this week.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Shares of Arctic Cat (NASDAQ: ACAT) soared more than 46% this week after announcing it had signed a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT). The transaction is valued at roughly $247 million, plus the assumption of existing debt. Textron will purchase all outstanding shares of Arctic Cat at $18.50 per share, which was a 40% premium to the closing price of Arctic Cat on January 20, 2017.</p> <p>"Arctic Cat's board believes that Textron's offer delivers compelling and immediate value to our shareholders," said Christopher Metz, Arctic Cat's president and chief executive officer, in a press release. "This transaction presents increased opportunities for the business to leverage our combined scale, accelerate growth and enhance product innovation in ways that will benefit our customers, dealers and employees."</p> <p>Arctic Cat, which primarily designs and manufactures snowmobiles, will be an interesting addition for Textron. The latter makes a wide range of products, including anything from business jets and military helicopters to recreational golf vehicles, to name a few. But increased scale and cost synergies could definitely help Arctic Cat's business return to profitability.</p> <p>During the second quarter, Arctic Cat reported a net loss of $12.8 million, but noted that it should post stronger financial results during the second half of its fiscal year. But after a 46% jump in the company's stock price, don't be surprised if some investors take the quick gains and get out.</p> <p>While Arctic Cat had a great week, Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) had a less-than-stellar few days after reporting fourth-quarter results and pulling back 2017 full-year guidance. Sales and revenues during the fourth-quarter hit $9.57 billion, down from last year's $11.03 billion. For the full-year, Caterpillar's top line was 18% lower compared to the prior year. As you can see in the graph below, declining top-line revenue has been a consistent trend for Caterpillar.</p> <p>Information source: Caterpillar quarterly presentations. Chart by author.</p> <p>In terms of the bottom line, Caterpillar turned in a $2.00 per-share loss. However, when adjusted for one-time items, its adjusted profit per share managed to hit $0.83 during the fourth quarter, which was well ahead of analyst estimates calling for $0.66 per share.</p> <p>The bad news is that management had to dial back guidance, yet again. It's now guiding for about $500 million less on its top-line for the full year, and for adjusted profit per share to check in around $2.90 per share, down from prior guidance of $3.25 per share.</p> <p>It seems like Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD) has been on its death bed for some time now, and it tumbled another 20% this week setting new lows since Sears and Kmart merged roughly a decade ago. The issue facing investors this week appeared to be Sears' liquidity. Credit-rating agency Fitch Ratings kept its speculative CC rating on the company, which suggests that a debt default is increasingly likely.</p> <p>At the end of its most recent quarter, Sears had roughly $4.5 billion in debt and is expected to burn through $1.6 billion in cash during fiscal 2016. Sadly for investors, Sears is expected to burn through an even more brutal $1.8 billion in cash during 2017</p> <p>It's difficult to imagine what investors see in Sears. The growth story imploded years ago and revenues continue to plummet. During the third quarter, its revenue declined $721 million, to $5 billion.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Caterpillar 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=bcc5aa69-fd27-447d-9877-3335c3f8a6bf&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 Caterpillar 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=bcc5aa69-fd27-447d-9877-3335c3f8a6bf&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/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx" type="external">Daniel Miller Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

image source getty images continue reading markets managed hold onto weekly gains friday despite weakerthananticipated gross domestic product gdp figure us economy slowed bit fourth quarter seasonally adjusted annual rate 19 commerce department reported friday result lower 22 consensus estimates economists polled wall street journal well last years fourthquarter result 35 president donald trump touted goal 4 gdp growth congressional budget offices projection 23 growth 2017 19 2018 seem line reality oh might heard dow jones industrial average closed 20000 first time history week news aside companies making big headlines big moves markets week advertisement shares arctic cat nasdaq acat soared 46 week announcing signed definitive merger agreement acquired textron inc nyse txt transaction valued roughly 247 million plus assumption existing debt textron purchase outstanding shares arctic cat 1850 per share 40 premium closing price arctic cat january 20 2017 arctic cats board believes textrons offer delivers compelling immediate value shareholders said christopher metz arctic cats president chief executive officer press release transaction presents increased opportunities business leverage combined scale accelerate growth enhance product innovation ways benefit customers dealers employees arctic cat primarily designs manufactures snowmobiles interesting addition textron latter makes wide range products including anything business jets military helicopters recreational golf vehicles name increased scale cost synergies could definitely help arctic cats business return profitability second quarter arctic cat reported net loss 128 million noted post stronger financial results second half fiscal year 46 jump companys stock price dont surprised investors take quick gains get arctic cat great week caterpillar nyse cat lessthanstellar days reporting fourthquarter results pulling back 2017 fullyear guidance sales revenues fourthquarter hit 957 billion last years 1103 billion fullyear caterpillars top line 18 lower compared prior year see graph declining topline revenue consistent trend caterpillar information source caterpillar quarterly presentations chart author terms bottom line caterpillar turned 200 pershare loss however adjusted onetime items adjusted profit per share managed hit 083 fourth quarter well ahead analyst estimates calling 066 per share bad news management dial back guidance yet guiding 500 million less topline full year adjusted profit per share check around 290 per share prior guidance 325 per share seems like sears holdings nasdaq shld death bed time tumbled another 20 week setting new lows since sears kmart merged roughly decade ago issue facing investors week appeared sears liquidity creditrating agency fitch ratings kept speculative cc rating company suggests debt default increasingly likely end recent quarter sears roughly 45 billion debt expected burn 16 billion cash fiscal 2016 sadly investors sears expected burn even brutal 18 billion cash 2017 difficult imagine investors see sears growth story imploded years ago revenues continue plummet third quarter revenue declined 721 million 5 billion 10 stocks like better caterpillar 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 caterpillar wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 daniel miller opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Central to the charge that <a href="" type="internal">Israel&#8217;s conduct warrants an investigation by an &#8220;independent&#8221; commission</a> to investigate whether it committed war crimes is the premise that Israel, in defending itself against rockets launched by Hamas into its territory, <a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48330#.VAS4yPldU1Y" type="external">caused a disproportionate number of civilian deaths</a>.</p> <p>Since a commission appointed by the anti-Israel United Nations Human Rights Council is looking to convict, a fair investigation into the violence is in order. Unfortunately, in an article from last week entitled <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/the-un-says-7-in-10-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-were-civilians-israel-disagrees/2014/08/29/44edc598-2faa-11e4-9b98-848790384093_story.html" type="external">&#8220;The U.N. says 7 in 10 Palestinians killed in Gaza were civilians. Israel disagrees,&#8221;</a> The Washington Post failed to provide the necessary context to allow a proper understanding of Operation Protective Edge.</p> <p>The war in Gaza will now continue in a battle between databases to determine who was killed and why.</p> <p>The most contested number, the one that attracts the most stubborn insistence and ferocious rebuttal, is not the total fatalities on the Palestinian side, the more than 2,100 dead in the Gaza hostilities.</p> <p>The controversy centers instead on the ratio of civilians to combatants, or as the Israelis call them &#8220;terrorist operatives.&#8221;</p> <p>In the second sentence the reporter, William Booth, mentions the &#8220;stubborn insistence and ferocious rebuttal,&#8221; but doesn&#8217;t acknowledge his own role in supporting the &#8220;stubborn insistence.&#8221;</p> <p>Booth&#8217;s articles on Operation Protective Edge have often contained similar language describing &#8220;mounting Palestinian&amp;#160;civilian&amp;#160;casualties.&#8221; Furthermore, in other instances articles on which Booth was bylined listed casualty totals with no judgment as to their veracity.&amp;#160;For example on July 19 a dispatch on which he had a byline <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israeli-clashes-with-hamas-militants-intensify-in-gaza/2014/07/19/f2e14608-0f0b-11e4-b8e5-d0de80767fc2_story.html" type="external">reported</a>:</p> <p>The Palestinian death toll from the conflict rose Saturday to more than 330, including about 60 children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. An additional 2,200 have been injured. The United Nations estimates that about 80 percent of the casualties are civilians, many of them children.</p> <p /> <p>On July 28 <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/un-calls-for-immediate-cease-fire-in-gaza-as-lull-in-fighting-prevails/2014/07/28/01dea116-9195-424b-85b1-da93899d8250_story.html" type="external">another article which included Booth in the byline</a> reported:</p> <p>The conflict has killed more than 1,060 people in Gaza, more than 70 percent of them civilians, according to the United Nations. Israel has lost 53 soldiers, the largest toll since its 2006 war with Lebanon. Hamas mortar and rocket attacks from Gaza have killed two Israeli civilians and a Thai worker in Israel.</p> <p>Each article includes an estimate from the United Nations with no indication of the methodology, and those numbers are in turn reported with no qualifications or challenges. The death toll in one case was explicitly attributed to the Gaza Health Ministry, even though the Ministry is a part of Hamas and therefore unreliable.</p> <p>Last week&#8217;s report deals with some of these objections, but in superficial fashion.</p> <p>The Israel Defense Forces&#173; warns on its Web site that &#8220;media outlets have relied on Hamas&#8217; statistics when reporting casualties in Gaza, but the terrorist group routinely exaggerates civilian deaths for propaganda purposes.&#8221;</p> <p>But neither the prime minister&#8217;s office nor the Israeli military have provided any detailed, verifiable tally of their own to account for their contention that the conflict killed some 1,000 terrorists.</p> <p>Booth demands proof from Israel but accepts numbers and estimates from Hamas and the UN without question! It isn&#8217;t just an Israeli claim that Hamas &#8220;exaggerates civilian deaths;&#8221; exaggeration <a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-warns-residents-against-revealing-downtown-gaza-launches/#ixzz3C4db52DQ" type="external">was part of Hamas&#8217; media strategy</a> to use the term &#8220;innocent civilian&#8221; to describe any casualty of the war. This is important, not only because it confirms Israel&#8217;s charge, but also because later Booth quotes a Hamas official claiming responsibility for providing the body count:</p> <p>But on Facebook and Twitter, one Hamas official, himself a physician, provided a minute-by-minute tally of the dead. From his post at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al Kidra was in the early days of the war the public face of casualty figures, often appearing on camera in hospital scrubs.</p> <p>&#8220;All the world uses our numbers. We are the only source,&#8221; Kidra boasted in an interview during the height of the fighting.</p> <p>This is the real news. An official of Hamas acknowledges that he was the ultimate source of casualty figures. He works for a terrorist&amp;#160;organization whose announced intent is to mislead the media and yet Booth makes no mention of any reason to doubt Kidra&#8217;s numbers.</p> <p>Aside from Hamas&#8217; deceptions there&#8217;s another reason to trust Israel&#8217;s figures: recent history. After Operation Cast Lead in late 2008 and early 2009, Israel claimed that roughly half of those killed were combatants. Nearly two years later Israel&#8217;s numbers were confirmed &#8230; <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-admits-600-700-of-its-men-were-killed-in-cast-lead-1.323776" type="external">by Hamas</a>. Initially Hamas&#8217; intent is to demonize Israel so it exaggerates the number of civilian deaths, but eventually Hamas wants to give its martyrs their due.</p> <p>There are two other points worth mentioning. Booth cited <a href="" type="external">the first report</a> of the Meir Amit&amp;#160; Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC) which reviewed the first 150 casualties and was published at the end of July. But ITIC has done three more studies of the Gaza casualty figures. <a href="http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/article/20708" type="external">The fourth one was released last week</a> and all four have shown a pretty consistent percentage of 46% combatants to 54% civilian fatalities. Historically, <a href="http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/A-salute-to-the-IDF" type="external">a civilian/combatant fatality ratio of 1 to 1 is almost unheard of</a>.</p> <p>Booth cites a Palestinian organization called al Mezan as a source for the casualty figures. Booth cites the organization&#8217;s work, and to show its independence observes, &#8220;Its communications director scrolled through a year&#8217;s worth of press releases from Mezan criticizing Hamas for extrajudicial executions, torture of prisoners and dubious arrests.&#8221; But as <a href="http://www.ngo-monitor.org/article/analysis_of_ngo_agendas_and_distortions_on_the_gaza_conflict#al_mezan" type="external">NGO Monitor showed</a>, al Mezan may not have any specific loyalties in Palestinian politics, but it is anti-Israel. Statements from the group refer to the Israeli army as IOF (Israel Occupation Forces) as opposed to IDF (Israel Defense Forces).</p> <p>Booth is not alone; many reporters rely on the dubious figures from the Gaza Health Ministry. But when he&amp;#160;writes about how each side is trying to spin the numbers, he should give a complete picture of the spinning, including his own role in promoting Hamas&#8217; propaganda.</p> <p>[Photo: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydudY572LVA" type="external">Middle East Eye / YouTube</a> ]</p> <p>&amp;#160;</p>

central charge israels conduct warrants investigation independent commission investigate whether committed war crimes premise israel defending rockets launched hamas territory caused disproportionate number civilian deaths since commission appointed antiisrael united nations human rights council looking convict fair investigation violence order unfortunately article last week entitled un says 7 10 palestinians killed gaza civilians israel disagrees washington post failed provide necessary context allow proper understanding operation protective edge war gaza continue battle databases determine killed contested number one attracts stubborn insistence ferocious rebuttal total fatalities palestinian side 2100 dead gaza hostilities controversy centers instead ratio civilians combatants israelis call terrorist operatives second sentence reporter william booth mentions stubborn insistence ferocious rebuttal doesnt acknowledge role supporting stubborn insistence booths articles operation protective edge often contained similar language describing mounting palestinian160civilian160casualties furthermore instances articles booth bylined listed casualty totals judgment veracity160for example july 19 dispatch byline reported palestinian death toll conflict rose saturday 330 including 60 children according gaza health ministry additional 2200 injured united nations estimates 80 percent casualties civilians many children july 28 another article included booth byline reported conflict killed 1060 people gaza 70 percent civilians according united nations israel lost 53 soldiers largest toll since 2006 war lebanon hamas mortar rocket attacks gaza killed two israeli civilians thai worker israel article includes estimate united nations indication methodology numbers turn reported qualifications challenges death toll one case explicitly attributed gaza health ministry even though ministry part hamas therefore unreliable last weeks report deals objections superficial fashion israel defense forces warns web site media outlets relied hamas statistics reporting casualties gaza terrorist group routinely exaggerates civilian deaths propaganda purposes neither prime ministers office israeli military provided detailed verifiable tally account contention conflict killed 1000 terrorists booth demands proof israel accepts numbers estimates hamas un without question isnt israeli claim hamas exaggerates civilian deaths exaggeration part hamas media strategy use term innocent civilian describe casualty war important confirms israels charge also later booth quotes hamas official claiming responsibility providing body count facebook twitter one hamas official physician provided minutebyminute tally dead post shifa hospital gaza city health ministry spokesman ashraf al kidra early days war public face casualty figures often appearing camera hospital scrubs world uses numbers source kidra boasted interview height fighting real news official hamas acknowledges ultimate source casualty figures works terrorist160organization whose announced intent mislead media yet booth makes mention reason doubt kidras numbers aside hamas deceptions theres another reason trust israels figures recent history operation cast lead late 2008 early 2009 israel claimed roughly half killed combatants nearly two years later israels numbers confirmed hamas initially hamas intent demonize israel exaggerates number civilian deaths eventually hamas wants give martyrs due two points worth mentioning booth cited first report meir amit160 intelligence terrorism information center itic reviewed first 150 casualties published end july itic done three studies gaza casualty figures fourth one released last week four shown pretty consistent percentage 46 combatants 54 civilian fatalities historically civiliancombatant fatality ratio 1 1 almost unheard booth cites palestinian organization called al mezan source casualty figures booth cites organizations work show independence observes communications director scrolled years worth press releases mezan criticizing hamas extrajudicial executions torture prisoners dubious arrests ngo monitor showed al mezan may specific loyalties palestinian politics antiisrael statements group refer israeli army iof israel occupation forces opposed idf israel defense forces booth alone many reporters rely dubious figures gaza health ministry he160writes side trying spin numbers give complete picture spinning including role promoting hamas propaganda photo middle east eye youtube 160

<p /> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Getting started in investing can be a bit intimidating. That's why The Motley Fool has put together a few how-to articles about opening up online brokerage accounts to help you with the process. Below are the step-by-step instructions for opening up a new individual TD Ameritrade (NASDAQ: AMTD) brokerage account. If you're shopping around for a brokerage to use, be sure to take a look at our <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">broker comparison page Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>TD Ameritrade's website says that setting up a new account with them will only take a few minutes and that you'll need just a couple things to get started:</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The company charges a flat $9.99 fee per trade, no matter how many times you buy or sell within the account. 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Opens a New Window.</a>)</p> <p>Like other online brokers, TD Ameritrade provides a customer service number you can call for assistance, and there's also a chat box that will periodically pop up on the screen offering you the chance to ask questions as you fill out the application.</p> <p>Image source: Author screenshot from <a href="https://invest.tdameritrade.com/grid/p/accountApplication" type="external">TD Ameritrade site Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Start by navigating to TD Ameritrade's <a href="https://invest.tdameritrade.com/grid/p/accountApplication" type="external">account application page Opens a New Window.</a>. You'll fill out some basic information about yourself (name, email, etc.) in this section, and you'll also select which type of account you want to open. The instructions for this how-to deal with a TD Ameritrade individual brokerage account.</p> <p>The website will also ask you questions about whether you plan to use the account for buy-and-hold investing (as you should!) or for more active trading.Other than that, just read through the company's privacy statement at the bottom of page and click the continue button to head on to the next section.</p> <p>Image source:Author screenshot fromTD Ameritrade site.</p> <p>In this section you'll enter more personal information like your Social Security number, mailing address, date of birth, and employment information.</p> <p>You'll also be asked whether or not you or someone in your household works for any stock exchange, or if an immediate family member is a director or10% shareholder of a publicly held company. You'll probably answer "no" to these questions.</p> <p>Image source: TD Ameritrade.</p> <p>This section is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is go through the information that you've already entered for the account and make sure everything is correct. Once you've done that, just click on the continue button and move on to the the next step.</p> <p>Image source: TD Ameritrade.</p> <p>This section has a bit of technical information for you to agree to. There are PDFs of the client agreement, account handbook, a business continuity plan statement, and an IRA account agreement disclosure. If any of these apply to you, then be sure to read through them carefully before you agree to open up the account.</p> <p>Image source: TD Ameritrade.</p> <p>You'll also have the option in this section to select what will happen to the cash in your account when it's not invested in an asset. The company says that if you don't specify where you want your money to be held, then it will be put in an FDIC-insured deposit account. You can also opt to have the money put into a TD Ameritrade account, which will earn some interest and is protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). You can read more about the different accounts <a href="https://www.tdameritrade.com/retail-en_us/resources/pdf/TDA7002.pdf" type="external">here Opens a New Window.</a>(link opens a PDF).</p> <p>In this section you'llalso see a few questions from the IRS. This is simply an online version of a W-9 form that will ask you if your Social Security/Tax Identification Number is correct, whether you're subject to backup withholding on your taxes, and whether you're a U.S. citizen. Simply answer the questions, review them, and click the continue button.</p> <p>Image source: TD Ameritrade.</p> <p>This is where you'll set your username, password, and security questions. The company says the account will then be opened, at which point you can fund it, choose trading features, and edit your account preferences.You'll also be able to see your official account number on the final page.</p> <p>And that's it: You've set up your TD Ameritrade brokerage account! If you want to compare TD Ameritrade to other brokers you can always <a href="http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/broker/2015/06/24/buying-on-margin-the-pros-and-cons.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">viewspecial offers here Opens a New Window.</a>. And if you need some tips on how to get started investing, check out these articles:</p> <p>Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than TD Ameritrade 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=208ac348-1930-4313-8a89-4260dd238131&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 TD Ameritrade 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=208ac348-1930-4313-8a89-4260dd238131&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/TMFNewsie/info.aspx" type="external">Chris Neiger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends TD Ameritrade. 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 getting started investing bit intimidating thats motley fool put together howto articles opening online brokerage accounts help process stepbystep instructions opening new individual td ameritrade nasdaq amtd brokerage account youre shopping around brokerage use sure take look broker comparison page opens new window td ameritrades website says setting new account take minutes youll need couple things get started advertisement company charges flat 999 fee per trade matter many times buy sell within account td ameritrade doesnt require minimum cash deposit get started want options margin trading youll need least 2000 account read two types trading opens new window opens new window like online brokers td ameritrade provides customer service number call assistance theres also chat box periodically pop screen offering chance ask questions fill application image source author screenshot td ameritrade site opens new window start navigating td ameritrades account application page opens new window youll fill basic information name email etc section youll also select type account want open instructions howto deal td ameritrade individual brokerage account website also ask questions whether plan use account buyandhold investing active tradingother read companys privacy statement bottom page click continue button head next section image sourceauthor screenshot fromtd ameritrade site section youll enter personal information like social security number mailing address date birth employment information youll also asked whether someone household works stock exchange immediate family member director or10 shareholder publicly held company youll probably answer questions image source td ameritrade section pretty straightforward need go information youve already entered account make sure everything correct youve done click continue button move next step image source td ameritrade section bit technical information agree pdfs client agreement account handbook business continuity plan statement ira account agreement disclosure apply sure read carefully agree open account image source td ameritrade youll also option section select happen cash account invested asset company says dont specify want money held put fdicinsured deposit account also opt money put td ameritrade account earn interest protected securities investor protection corporation sipc read different accounts opens new windowlink opens pdf section youllalso see questions irs simply online version w9 form ask social securitytax identification number correct whether youre subject backup withholding taxes whether youre us citizen simply answer questions review click continue button image source td ameritrade youll set username password security questions company says account opened point fund choose trading features edit account preferencesyoull also able see official account number final page thats youve set td ameritrade brokerage account want compare td ameritrade brokers always viewspecial offers opens new window need tips get started investing check articles forget 2016 election 10 stocks like better td ameritrade 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 td ameritrade wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns november 7 2016 chris neiger opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends td ameritrade 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>Investors in Bank of America&amp;#160;(NYSE:BAC) are in for a wild ride over the next few days and weeks as the market absorbs the news from the United Kingdom that it will separate from the European Union, prompting Prime Minister David Cameron to resign this morning. Shares of the nation's second-biggest bank by assets are currently down more than 5%.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Before we get into the three reasons that the Brexit vote is weighing on Bank of America's shares, let me first say that I intend to use this as an opportunity to add to my position in the North Carolina-based bank. I don't intend to buy (and definitely not to sell) anything today, but if bank stocks get cheaper over the next few weeks, bank valuations will become incredibly attractive.</p> <p>Bank of America's shares were already cheap before last night's Brexit vote. Even after gaining more than 3% yesterday after B of A's <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/23/how-do-you-like-me-now-bank-of-america-passes-the.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">laudable performance</a> on this year's stress test, they still traded for a 15% discount to tangible book value. That's low, particularly when you consider that Bank of America lords over the most valuable deposit franchise in the United States.</p> <p>This isn't to say that Bank of America won't be hurt by the Brexit vote, because it will be in at least three ways.</p> <p>First, elevated volatility in the debt and equity markets will cause Bank of America's trading clients to stay out of the market. Its Global Markets segment caters to institutional investors -- hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, university endowments, etc. It does so by making markets, which consists of buying securities from one and selling them to another, earning a commission each time it does. But when the market is especially volatile, these clients tend to clam up, reducing trading volumes and thus Bank of America's commissions.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>We saw this during the first quarter of the year, when a wave of bad news sent the bank's trading income down 16% on a year-over-year basis. Brexit was one of the issues at the time, as the scheduled referendum was announced at the beginning of the year. Investors were also spooked by news that China's economic growth is moderating and by concerns over loan losses at banks that had lent to the energy sector, which is buckling under low oil and gas prices.</p> <p>Bank of America also has an investment bank that takes companies public, issues bonds and other types of fixed-income securities for clients, and advises companies on mergers and acquisitions. Its clients in this corner of its business will also be more inclined to sit on the sidelines until the markets settle down, which will weigh on the fees that Bank of America earns from lining up these deals.</p> <p>It's for these reasons that KBW believes <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/08/the-5-different-types-of-banks-you-can-invest-in.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">universal banks</a> will be hit especially hard by the Brexit vote. As it explained in a <a href="https://kbw3.bluematrix.com/sellside/EmailDocViewer?encrypt=064fd0a6-de9c-4484-87a1-30afd14bfd81&amp;amp;mime=PDF&amp;amp;co=KBW3&amp;amp;id=nshapiro@intermarket.com&amp;amp;source=libraryView&amp;amp;htmlToPdf=true" type="external">report</a> issued before today's news:</p> <p>The second way Brexit will impact Bank of America is by encouraging the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates lower for longer. Over the past year it has seemed as if the central bank was on the verge of raising interest rates. To this end, the Fed noted at its April meeting that "it likely would be appropriate" to raise rates in June if the economy continued to rebound.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/21/janet-yellen-has-bad-news-for-bank-stocks.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">These plans were abandoned</a>, however, after the May jobs report revealed the slowest pace of hiring in more than five years. Fed chairwoman Janet Yellen took note of this in congressional testimony earlier this week, saying that "the pace of improvement in the labor market appears to have slowed more recently." She then went on to list a number of additional concerns, including uneven economic growth, vulnerabilities in the global economy, slowing growth in China, "surprisingly weak" business investment, and an inflation rate that's still only half of the Fed's 2% target. The net result, said Yellen, is that "the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below the levels that are expected to prevail in the longer run."</p> <p>While this is bad for all banks, which earn more money from their loan portfolios when interest rates are higher, it's particularly bad for Bank of America, which has much more to gain from higher rates than the other national banks. In its <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000007085816000166/bac-331201610xq.htm" type="external">latest 10-Q</a>, it estimates that a 100-basis-point (1%) increase in short- and long-term rates will generate $6 billion in additional net interest income. That compares to only $3.1 billion at JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM)&amp;#160;and presumably even less at Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), which began to reposition its balance sheet last year in anticipation of rates staying lower for longer.</p> <p>The Brexit vote will play into the Fed's calculus by way of the currency market. In times like these, the U.S. dollar gains in value relative to other currencies. This pushes down corporate profits in the United States because it makes our exports more expensive to buy abroad. It also has a negative impact on U.S. companies that earn money from operations in other countries, as they must then convert currency earned elsewhere into a dearer dollar.</p> <p>The final reason that the pending Brexit will hit Bank of America is that the bank will likely have to move some of its London-based investment banking units to the continent -- most likely to France or Germany. As KBW explains in its report:</p> <p>KBW believes that Bank of America will have to relocate 1,386 of its 5,545 U.K.-based employees as a result. This will increase expenses, though the impact will be temporary.</p> <p>It's hard to say what the net effect of these three things will be on Bank of America's bottom line, other than to say that it won't be positive. KBW predicts that they'll reduce the bank's earnings per share by 3.1% this year and 6.1% next year. I have a lot of respect for KBW's analyses, and particularly for its global director of research, Fred Cannon, but at this point all we can do is sit back and wait to see the true impact of Brexit.</p> <p>Let me reiterate, though, that savvy investors perceive times like these as opportunities to buy, not to flee. It was at Bank of America's low point in 2011, after all, when Warren Buffett bet $5 billion of Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE:BRK.B) money on the bank's stock. I recommend keeping this in mind over the next few weeks.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/24/why-brexit-is-battering-bank-of-america-and-other.aspx" type="external">Why Brexit Is Battering Bank of America (and Other Bank Stocks)</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/JohnMaxfield37/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">John Maxfield</a> owns shares of Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">free for 30 days</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights</a> makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p> <p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy</a>.</p>

investors bank america160nysebac wild ride next days weeks market absorbs news united kingdom separate european union prompting prime minister david cameron resign morning shares nations secondbiggest bank assets currently 5 continue reading get three reasons brexit vote weighing bank americas shares let first say intend use opportunity add position north carolinabased bank dont intend buy definitely sell anything today bank stocks get cheaper next weeks bank valuations become incredibly attractive bank americas shares already cheap last nights brexit vote even gaining 3 yesterday b laudable performance years stress test still traded 15 discount tangible book value thats low particularly consider bank america lords valuable deposit franchise united states isnt say bank america wont hurt brexit vote least three ways first elevated volatility debt equity markets cause bank americas trading clients stay market global markets segment caters institutional investors hedge funds sovereign wealth funds insurance companies university endowments etc making markets consists buying securities one selling another earning commission time market especially volatile clients tend clam reducing trading volumes thus bank americas commissions advertisement saw first quarter year wave bad news sent banks trading income 16 yearoveryear basis brexit one issues time scheduled referendum announced beginning year investors also spooked news chinas economic growth moderating concerns loan losses banks lent energy sector buckling low oil gas prices bank america also investment bank takes companies public issues bonds types fixedincome securities clients advises companies mergers acquisitions clients corner business also inclined sit sidelines markets settle weigh fees bank america earns lining deals reasons kbw believes universal banks hit especially hard brexit vote explained report issued todays news second way brexit impact bank america encouraging federal reserve keep interest rates lower longer past year seemed central bank verge raising interest rates end fed noted april meeting likely would appropriate raise rates june economy continued rebound plans abandoned however may jobs report revealed slowest pace hiring five years fed chairwoman janet yellen took note congressional testimony earlier week saying pace improvement labor market appears slowed recently went list number additional concerns including uneven economic growth vulnerabilities global economy slowing growth china surprisingly weak business investment inflation rate thats still half feds 2 target net result said yellen federal funds rate likely remain time levels expected prevail longer run bad banks earn money loan portfolios interest rates higher particularly bad bank america much gain higher rates national banks latest 10q estimates 100basispoint 1 increase short longterm rates generate 6 billion additional net interest income compares 31 billion jpmorgan chase nysejpm160and presumably even less wells fargo nysewfc began reposition balance sheet last year anticipation rates staying lower longer brexit vote play feds calculus way currency market times like us dollar gains value relative currencies pushes corporate profits united states makes exports expensive buy abroad also negative impact us companies earn money operations countries must convert currency earned elsewhere dearer dollar final reason pending brexit hit bank america bank likely move londonbased investment banking units continent likely france germany kbw explains report kbw believes bank america relocate 1386 5545 ukbased employees result increase expenses though impact temporary hard say net effect three things bank americas bottom line say wont positive kbw predicts theyll reduce banks earnings per share 31 year 61 next year lot respect kbws analyses particularly global director research fred cannon point sit back wait see true impact brexit let reiterate though savvy investors perceive times like opportunities buy flee bank americas low point 2011 warren buffett bet 5 billion berkshire hathaways nysebrkb money banks stock recommend keeping mind next weeks article brexit battering bank america bank stocks originally appeared foolcom john maxfield owns shares bank america wells fargo motley fool owns shares recommends wells fargo motley fool recommends bank america try foolish newsletter services free 30 days fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy copyright 1995 2016 motley fool llc rights reserved motley fool disclosure policy

<p /> <p>If you're looking for exposure in precious metals, you can either invest in mining stocks or go for streaming companies like Franco-Nevada Corp.(NYSE: FNV) and Silver Wheaton Corp. (NYSE: SLW) that run an offbeat business of financing miners and buying metal streams from them in return. Given how these streaming stocks have historically outperformed their mining counterparts like Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) and Goldcorp Inc. (NYSE: GG), there's never a bad time to invest in them.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>In fact, investors could easily consider initiating a position in Silver Wheaton or Franco-Nevada now as there appears to be a lot of steam left in both. One stock is still down about 10% and the other up only about 3% in the past six months even after their strong recent run-ups. Of the two, one stock looks particularly compelling right now based on three key aspects.</p> <p>Franco-Nevada and Silver Wheaton have just come off a solid financial year, with both companies reporting record production and revenues for 2016. As you may already know, these companies don't own and operate mines but depend on miners to secure precious-metal streams.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Franco-Nevada's growth in 2016 can largely be attributed to its newly acquired streams, especially the South Arturo mine, operated jointly by Barrick and Premier Gold Mines; Antapaccay mine, operated by Glencore; and Antamina mine, partly owned operated by Teck Resources.</p> <p>Silver Wheaton's story is slightly different and interesting: It's gold, and not silver, that's fueling the company's growth. In fact, its silver production declined in 2016, and if not for the surge in gold deliveries from Vale's Salobo mine, Silver Wheaton might've ended the year on a disappointing note. Silver Wheaton had extended its agreement with Vale to buy an additional 25% of the gold produced from Salobo for the mine for life in August last year.</p> <p>When it comes to operating margins, though, Silver Wheaton not only leads the streaming pack -- which also includes Royal Gold (NASDAQ: RGLD) -- but also handily beats some of the largest mining companies. Much of it has to do with Silver Wheaton's incredibly low purchase costs, which have averaged $4 per ounce of silver and $400 per ounce of gold.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/SLW/operating_margin_ttm" type="external">SLW Operating Margin (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>But wait.</p> <p>The picture looks different when you pull up the growth trends in the streamers' profits and cash flows in recent years: There's no denying Franco-Nevada's solid growth. After all, cash flows matter more to a shareholder than margins.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/FNV/net_income_ttm" type="external">FNV Net Income (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>Two things might be working for Franco-Nevada here: larger exposure to gold, which accounted for 70% of its total revenues last year, and a more diversified portfolio -- it derived 5% revenue from oil and gas, and 6% from platinum group metals last year.</p> <p>Winner: Franco-Nevada.</p> <p>Both Franco-Nevada and Silver Wheaton have given out long-term production estimates, and this is where things get really interesting.</p> <p>Franco-Nevada expects to generate 515,000 to 540,000 gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) by 2021. That's roughly 14% growth at the midpoint from 2016, which was a record production year for the company.</p> <p>Silver Wheaton estimates its silver production to average 29 million ounces and gold to average 340,000 ounces between 2017 and 2021. Franco-Nevada's gold and silver price assumptions through 2021 give us a silver-to-gold ratio of 68.57. Extrapolating that into Silver Wheaton's average production estimates for the next five years gives us GEOs worth about 763,000 ounces. That's about a percentage point lower than 2016 levels.</p> <p>In other words, while Franco-Nevada's production is expected to rise, Silver Wheaton might barely be able to offset declining silver production with its oncoming gold streams.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images</p> <p>So far, I haven't even considered the growth potential in Franco-Nevada's oil projects. It is acquiring $110 million worth of oil and gas royalty rights in the Midland Permian Basin after acquiring $100 million worth rights in the emerging STACK play in Oklahoma last December. These two transactions leverage Franco-Nevada to growth opportunities in eight out of the top 20 active oil counties in the U.S., and as a resultthe streamer's oil and gas revenues could grow more than threefold in the next decade.</p> <p>Winner: Franco-Nevada.</p> <p>Franco-Nevada and Silver Wheaton both yield 1.3% in dividends currently. But one chart reveals which is a better dividend stock.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/SLW/dividend" type="external">SLW Dividend</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>Clearly, Franco-Nevada's dividends have not only been more stable than Silver Wheaton's but have also grown at a stronger clip in recent years.</p> <p>Winner: Franco-Nevada.</p> <p>I don't think you need any more reasons to consider Franco-Nevada over Silver Wheaton today. Silver Wheaton is more reasonably priced at 16 times cash flow versus Franco-Nevada's P/CF of 25, but I wouldn't mind paying a premium for a company that is sitting on such solid growth opportunities.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Franco NevWhen 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=872a823b-350b-467d-9b77-e4abf0542f37&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 Franco Nev 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=872a823b-350b-467d-9b77-e4abf0542f37&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/Nehams/info.aspx" type="external">Neha Chamaria Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Silver Wheaton and Vale S.A. 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>

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<p>Bristol-Myers Squibb's(NYSE: BMY) Opdivo is approved to treat some patients who see their lung cancer return following chemotherapy, but a key trial evaluating Opdivo's use in previously untreated patients recently came up short. The news caused Bristol Myers shares to tumble and competitorMerck &amp;amp; Co.'s (NYSE: MRK) shares to jump. Does Opdivo'sfailure mean Merck's Keytruda isthe better cancer immunotherapy? Maybe not.</p> <p>In this episode ofThe Motley Fool's <a href="http://www.fool.com/podcasts/industry-focus?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Industry Focus: Healthcare Opens a New Window.</a>podcast, analyst Kristine Harjes and contributor Todd Campbell discuss a key difference in how these two drugs were studied in lung cancer patients. Harjes and Campbell also weigh in on a unique, new"money-back-guarantee" that's beingoffered by GlaxoSmithKline(NYSE: GSK) on adrug used to treat an ultra-rare disease. A full transcript follows the video.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</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>{%video%}</p> <p>This podcast was recorded on Aug. 10, 2016.</p> <p>Kristine Harjes: This episode of Industry Focus is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage byQuicken Loans. Rocket Mortgage brings the mortgage process into the 21st century with a fast, easy, and completely online process. Check out Rocket Mortgage today at <a href="http://www.quickenloans.com/fool" type="external">quickenloans.com/fool Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. We're talking healthcare today, August 9th. My name is Kristine Harjes, and I'm happy to welcome Motley Fool healthcare contributor Todd Campbell to the show viaSkype. What's new, Todd?</p> <p>Todd Campbell: Hi, Kristine! How are you today?</p> <p>Harjes: I'm doing great!</p> <p>Campbell: Are you excited to talk about some of the interesting trial results last week?</p> <p>Harjes: Yes, absolutely. We have a really cool show coming up. But before we dive into it, I have something also very exciting to announce. That is that the lovely Alison Southwick of The Motley Fool Answers podcast set up a voice mail box, where you, our listeners, can call in and leave us a message. While, of course, we're always looking for feedback on how we can make the show better, I want to use it to offer you guys the chance to be on Industry Focus.</p> <p>Here's how it'll work: Todd and I are looking to do a show on pet healthcare. This was a suggestion that came through our Motley Fool podcastFacebook page, which you should definitely join if you're not already a part of it. Whatwe need from you is your best tale -- no pun intended -- of thecraziest thing that you've had to take your pet to the vet or hospital for. Tell us, what did Fido eat,or whatever your best story is. Or, alternatively, tell us a tip you have forsaving money on pet care. I know there have got to bea lot of good money-saving tips out there. Shoot for about 60 seconds or less. Hopefully we'll get somegreat messages that we can play on air. The number to call in to is 866-677-3665, which, oddly enough, spells 866-MRS-FOOL. I'm not really sure why. Many thanksin advance. I can't wait to hear what you guys have to say.</p> <p>Withthat out of the way, Todd, as you alluded to,we have some really interesting stuff to cover today.GlaxoSmithKline has announced a money-backguarantee payment structure for a gene-therapy drug, which isthe first time that we're seeing something like this happen. But first, wewanted to talk about a type of cancer drug called PD- 1,particularly in light of some disappointing recent newsout ofBristol-Myers Squibb.</p> <p>Campbell: Yeah, Kristine, thissurprised everybody. Bristol-Myersis one of a few different companies that aredeveloping or have developeddrugs that can inhibit PD-1. Basically, what we're talking about here is,anything that we can do to help the immune system better find and destroy cancer is a good thing.</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah, one of cancer's worst tricks is that it can just hide from the immune system. They have areally elaborate way of doing this. PD-1 isone of the ways that researchers have foundto work around that and expose these cellsin order to have the immune systembe able to attack them.</p> <p>Campbell: Exactly. If you take drugs like Bristol-Myers' Opdivo, it willbasically stop cancer frombeing able to use that pathway to hide from the immune system. What we've foundso far in trials up to this point is that Opdivo is very successful in helping the body get rid of cancer -- in kidney cancer, in various other cancers. It's even been shown to be helpful in treating recurrent non-small cell lung cancer. That's important because there's a trial that unfortunately just failed that Bristol-Myers was running, and that trial was for first-line use in treatment naive lung cancer patients. Unfortunately, Opdivo did not deliver the goods in this trial.</p> <p>Harjes: It'simportant to note that this was a trial for front-line treatments, so the very first therapy that you would get. Andone of the reasons that it was so shockingis because a competitor,Merck, which hasa very similar PD-1 drug called Keytruda, met its primary and secondary endpoints in a trial for Keytruda as a monotherapy foradvanced non small-cell lung cancer less than two months ago. With Bristol failing in its own trial, that's the first time these two have generated completely different clinical outcomes in the same indication.</p> <p>Campbell: Right,and you could see the market reaction to that news -- it was to knock Bristol-Myers down by about 20%, and forinvestors to flock instead to Merck. What's interesting about this is that,since both of them have the same target, PD-1, why is it that Keytruda worked where Opdivo didn't? As investors, we have to remember thatsometimes the devil is in the details. It's important to dig a little bit deeper. When you do that, you start to see why Keytruda won while Opdivo didn't.</p> <p>Harjes: Andthat had everything to do with trial design.</p> <p>Campbell: Yeah. Basically, people who are looking at this story now have to understand,when Bristol-Myers set up their trial,they did it to studythe efficacy of this drug inpatients that were expressing greater than 5% PD-1. Keytruda's trial was designed to evaluate patients expressing 50%, not 5%.</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah. That's a huge difference.</p> <p>Campbell: Very high-expressing PD-1 patients.</p> <p>Harjes: Yeah. It almostdoesn't come as much of a shock when you lookat that particular detail.</p> <p>Campbell: WhatI would be really interested to see, they didn't releasethe full data setfrom the Bristol-Myers trial yet. That'sgoing to come out later on this year. ButI'll be very interested to see if they break out the response rates and the efficacy by PD-1 expression.</p> <p>Harjes: They would have to, I would think.</p> <p>Campbell: Yeah. It would not shock me at all if they showed similar response rates to Keytruda in the high-expressing patients. That being said, the trial wasn't powered,it wasn't designed to look at these high-expressing patients. So, it's kind ofirrelevant. I don't think they would be able to file for a label expansion in the high-expressing patients based on this trial. I guess we'll have to see how that all fleshes out.</p> <p>Harjes: Youalways want to be wary of post-hoc analysis. Really, what you're seeing here is just a case of Bristol being alittle bit too ambitious. It wasprobably an easier target to hit just those with greater than 50% expression, but they wanted to go for a broader indication, and they missed the mark.</p> <p>Campbell: Absolutely. That,of course, raises the big question, Kristine --what should investors do now? Should theycontinue to walk away from Bristol-Myers? Should they embrace Merck? Where do we go from here?</p> <p>Harjes: So, Opdivo has, thus far, been the winner between these two drugs. Opdivo brought in about $840 million in salesin the second quarter of 2016. That wasup almost 600% year over year,compared to $314 million for Keytruda. However, Keytruda also did get some really positive press that the drug was able to ridformer President Jimmy Carterof detectable tumors from his melanoma that has spread to his brain. This makes headlines as amiraculous cure, and there was a lot of really positive press for Merck.</p> <p>Campbell: Yeah, Opdivo has someadvantages as far astesting advantages over Keytruda in some cases. A lot of people think that maybe is whypeople have embraced that drug as opposed to Keytruda. Investors probably should realize that this is going to be a short-term hit to Bristol-Myers' earnings next year. Analysts have already cut $0.20 off their forecasts for next year. They've added $0.08 to Merck'sestimate for next year. Butboth of these companies -- this is not a deal-breaker or deal-maker for either one of these companies. Keytruda isprobably going to be able to benefit from capturing, maybe, $1 billion extra in sales. That's certainly not chump change. But we have to recognize, too, that this was just one trial that's going on in this patient population. There are other trials that are occurring right now thatcould basically make this a non-event a year from now.</p> <p>Harjes: Right. There are dozens ofclinical trials going on for Opdivo. This was,as you mentioned, just one of them. Something else I'll point out is there are other PD-1s beingdeveloped.AstraZenecahas one. I think the broaderquestion that is raised here has to do with class-wideperceptions of a therapy. This is the PD-1 class. I thinkit's pretty easy to think, a little bit misguidedly, thatany drug in this class is going to have the same type of clinical resultsand the same type of real life efficacy. That might not exactly be true. This isimportant to remember because this is not the only drug class that has multiple drugs. You also have your PCSK9 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors. We've talked about a lot of different targets that fall under this class category. Andpeople often assume that the effects that one shows are class-wide. They're not always. It'sa good reminder for investors looking at the healthcare space, to takethe drugs individually and actually lookat the different results that they post.</p> <p>Campbell: Right. And toconsider the trial design. You're right,two months ago, Keytruda'spositive result in their trial,a lot of people probably didn't dig in to see if there might be differences in the Opdivo's trial with design. Yes,investors shouldn't just assume that because there's one drug that works that has the same target, that another one will as well.</p> <p>Harjes: Right. We arehalfway through our show, and that meansit's time to turn our attention tothe other topic du jour, which is gene therapy,specifically a GlaxoSmithKline gene therapythat promises your money back if it doesn't work.</p> <p>But first, a quickmessage from today sponsor. This episode of Industry Focus is brought to you by Rocket Mortgage byQuicken Loans. If you've ever bought a home, thenyou know how frustrating and time-consuming getting a mortgage can be. Rocket Mortgagebring some mortgage approval processinto the 21st century by taking all the complicated, time-consuming parts of applying for a mortgage out of the equation. With Rocket Mortgage,you can easily share your bank statements and pay stubs at the touch of a button, helping you get approved in minutes for a custom mortgage solution that's been tailored to your own financial situation. And, you can do it all on your phoneor your tablet. So, if you're looking to refinance your mortgage or buy a home, check out Rocket Mortgage today at <a href="http://www.quickenloans.com/fool" type="external">quickenloans.com/fool Opens a New Window.</a>. Equal housing lender,licensed in all 50 states, NMLS consumeraccess.org #3030.</p> <p>Let'sturn our attention back to gene therapy now. Todd,what do we need to know?</p> <p>Campbell: This is just a really interesting story,especially given how much everybodyhas talked about cancer drug pricing over the course of the last couple years. I thinkit's probably not brand-new news to our listeners thatmost cancer drugs that are getting approved today are hitting the market with six-figure price tags. When we talk about that, we have to also then talk about the expensive drugs that are being developed for other diseases as well, including rare diseases. What I found really fascinating about this story is thatGlaxoSmithKline just won approval for a drug called Strimvelis over in Europe. It'sgoing to be sold in Italy. As part of thenegotiation with Italyto provide this drug to patients, theyagreed that if the drug doesn't work, they'll refund the cost. That is pretty interesting,especially when we start thinking abouthow that could be used in other disease classes or indications like cancer.</p> <p>Harjes: Absolutely. Strimvelis is $665,000. That's the list price for one-time treatment. That is over $0.5 million. But, Glaxo says, but, this issomething that you only need to do once. When you look at what it treats,it's a rare disease called ADA-SCID, also known as "The Bubble Boy disease," because theimmune system doesn't properly defend the body against infections, so patients are essentially forced to live in a sterile environment, hence the Bubble Boy name. Glaxo tested this in 18 children, and they found that with 15 of them, a single therapy of Strimvelis wasenough to cure them. But then, you have the three children that it didn't work for.</p> <p>Campbell: Right. And what Italy said is, "Listen, this is avery expensive drug,and it's not going to work every time. If you want us to pay $665,000 for this treatment, you have to be willing to give the money back if it doesn't work in those three patients." I think they're estimating that one out of every six patients that's treated will end up getting a refund. That's pretty fascinating. Butthe other thing that jumps out to me, Kristine, from the story, is, wow, it was really only tested in 18 children? And that just shows you how rare this disease is. I think theyestimate that there's only about a dozen people in Europe -- all throughout Europe -- that are born with this condition every year.</p> <p>Harjes:Andif you run the numbers using that, if you have 12 children a year that are born with this disease in the EU, treating all of them would result in about $8 million of revenue. Then, if you refund one in six, which is based on your three out of 18 that didn't have a result, that's only $6.65 million in revenue, whichis just not going to move the needle for Glaxo. Really,when I look at this story,I think it's painting Glaxo in a pretty positive light that they are researching a disease that's reallynot going to make them much money, and they're saying that they're so confident in it that they're going to give the money back if their therapy doesn't work.</p> <p>Campbell: It's a fascinating step in what could be a very new model that gets rolled out globally forpaying for drugs -- especially as these drugs get more and more expensive. Italy has been a pioneer in these types of arrangements. This isthe first arrangement they've made. They've actually been working on pay-for-performance deals since 2007. They did a bunch of these deals with cancer drug makers back in 2010. Not exactly the same thing, not full100% refunds, but getting back price discountsfor when the drugs don't work as well as maybe "advertised."</p> <p>What I think this does say about Glaxo, and maybethe broader research into the use of gene replacement or gene-type therapies, is that companies are willing to investigate novel payment structures or reimbursement structures if it means being able to get a larger price for their product down the road. Glaxo is probably thinking the long game here. They're working on some cancer drug therapies with a small company namedAdaptimmune. These are early-stage trials for gene-based TCR therapies, total receptor therapies, that, who knows. Maybe those would come out targeting small patient populations and have similar pricing arrangements in the future, as well. It's a very interesting story. We're going to have to keep an eye on it. It could make a big shift in how this industry operates.</p> <p>Harjes: I think this is Glaxosimply getting their hands a little bit dirtyin this new pricing model,and also in gene therapy, which should bepoised to become a lot more broadly used than justthis one drug in Italy. There's drugscoming soon for hemophilia, brain diseases, eye diseases. Definitely something to watchgoing forward.</p> <p>That's going to do it for your Healthcare edition of Industry Focus. I'm reallylooking forward to hearing all of your pet health voice mails.As always, people on the program may have interests in the stocks they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell stocks based solely on what you hear. For Todd Campbell, I'm Kristine Harjes. Thanks for listening, and Fool on!</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAnchor/info.aspx" type="external">Kristine Harjes Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. <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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Motley" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. 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bristolmyers squibbsnyse bmy opdivo approved treat patients see lung cancer return following chemotherapy key trial evaluating opdivos use previously untreated patients recently came short news caused bristol myers shares tumble competitormerck amp cos nyse mrk shares jump opdivosfailure mean mercks keytruda isthe better cancer immunotherapy maybe episode ofthe motley fools industry focus healthcare opens new windowpodcast analyst kristine harjes contributor todd campbell discuss key difference two drugs studied lung cancer patients harjes campbell also weigh unique newmoneybackguarantee thats beingoffered glaxosmithklinenyse gsk adrug used treat ultrarare disease full transcript follows video continue reading 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 video podcast recorded aug 10 2016 kristine harjes episode industry focus brought rocket mortgage byquicken loans rocket mortgage brings mortgage process 21st century fast easy completely online process check rocket mortgage today quickenloanscomfool opens new window advertisement welcome industry focus podcast dives different sector stock market every day talking healthcare today august 9th name kristine harjes im happy welcome motley fool healthcare contributor todd campbell show viaskype whats new todd todd campbell hi kristine today harjes im great campbell excited talk interesting trial results last week harjes yes absolutely really cool show coming dive something also exciting announce lovely alison southwick motley fool answers podcast set voice mail box listeners call leave us message course always looking feedback make show better want use offer guys chance industry focus heres itll work todd looking show pet healthcare suggestion came motley fool podcastfacebook page definitely join youre already part whatwe need best tale pun intended thecraziest thing youve take pet vet hospital tell us fido eator whatever best story alternatively tell us tip forsaving money pet care know got bea lot good moneysaving tips shoot 60 seconds less hopefully well get somegreat messages play air number call 8666773665 oddly enough spells 866mrsfool im really sure many thanksin advance cant wait hear guys say withthat way todd alluded towe really interesting stuff cover todayglaxosmithkline announced moneybackguarantee payment structure genetherapy drug isthe first time seeing something like happen first wewanted talk type cancer drug called pd 1particularly light disappointing recent newsout ofbristolmyers squibb campbell yeah kristine thissurprised everybody bristolmyersis one different companies aredeveloping developeddrugs inhibit pd1 basically talking isanything help immune system better find destroy cancer good thing harjes yeah one cancers worst tricks hide immune system areally elaborate way pd1 isone ways researchers foundto work around expose cellsin order immune systembe able attack campbell exactly take drugs like bristolmyers opdivo willbasically stop cancer frombeing able use pathway hide immune system weve foundso far trials point opdivo successful helping body get rid cancer kidney cancer various cancers even shown helpful treating recurrent nonsmall cell lung cancer thats important theres trial unfortunately failed bristolmyers running trial firstline use treatment naive lung cancer patients unfortunately opdivo deliver goods trial harjes itsimportant note trial frontline treatments first therapy would get andone reasons shockingis competitormerck hasa similar pd1 drug called keytruda met primary secondary endpoints trial keytruda monotherapy foradvanced non smallcell lung cancer less two months ago bristol failing trial thats first time two generated completely different clinical outcomes indication campbell rightand could see market reaction news knock bristolmyers 20 forinvestors flock instead merck whats interesting thatsince target pd1 keytruda worked opdivo didnt investors remember thatsometimes devil details important dig little bit deeper start see keytruda opdivo didnt harjes andthat everything trial design campbell yeah basically people looking story understandwhen bristolmyers set trialthey studythe efficacy drug inpatients expressing greater 5 pd1 keytrudas trial designed evaluate patients expressing 50 5 harjes yeah thats huge difference campbell highexpressing pd1 patients harjes yeah almostdoesnt come much shock lookat particular detail campbell whati would really interested see didnt releasethe full data setfrom bristolmyers trial yet thatsgoing come later year butill interested see break response rates efficacy pd1 expression harjes would would think campbell yeah would shock showed similar response rates keytruda highexpressing patients said trial wasnt poweredit wasnt designed look highexpressing patients kind ofirrelevant dont think would able file label expansion highexpressing patients based trial guess well see fleshes harjes youalways want wary posthoc analysis really youre seeing case bristol alittle bit ambitious wasprobably easier target hit greater 50 expression wanted go broader indication missed mark campbell absolutely thatof course raises big question kristine investors theycontinue walk away bristolmyers embrace merck go harjes opdivo thus far winner two drugs opdivo brought 840 million salesin second quarter 2016 wasup almost 600 year yearcompared 314 million keytruda however keytruda also get really positive press drug able ridformer president jimmy carterof detectable tumors melanoma spread brain makes headlines amiraculous cure lot really positive press merck campbell yeah opdivo someadvantages far astesting advantages keytruda cases lot people think maybe whypeople embraced drug opposed keytruda investors probably realize going shortterm hit bristolmyers earnings next year analysts already cut 020 forecasts next year theyve added 008 mercksestimate next year butboth companies dealbreaker dealmaker either one companies keytruda isprobably going able benefit capturing maybe 1 billion extra sales thats certainly chump change recognize one trial thats going patient population trials occurring right thatcould basically make nonevent year harjes right dozens ofclinical trials going opdivo wasas mentioned one something else ill point pd1s beingdevelopedastrazenecahas one think broaderquestion raised classwideperceptions therapy pd1 class thinkits pretty easy think little bit misguidedly thatany drug class going type clinical resultsand type real life efficacy might exactly true isimportant remember drug class multiple drugs also pcsk9 inhibitors sglt2 inhibitors weve talked lot different targets fall class category andpeople often assume effects one shows classwide theyre always itsa good reminder investors looking healthcare space takethe drugs individually actually lookat different results post campbell right toconsider trial design youre righttwo months ago keytrudaspositive result triala lot people probably didnt dig see might differences opdivos trial design yesinvestors shouldnt assume theres one drug works target another one well harjes right arehalfway show meansits time turn attention tothe topic du jour gene therapyspecifically glaxosmithkline gene therapythat promises money back doesnt work first quickmessage today sponsor episode industry focus brought rocket mortgage byquicken loans youve ever bought home thenyou know frustrating timeconsuming getting mortgage rocket mortgagebring mortgage approval processinto 21st century taking complicated timeconsuming parts applying mortgage equation rocket mortgageyou easily share bank statements pay stubs touch button helping get approved minutes custom mortgage solution thats tailored financial situation phoneor tablet youre looking refinance mortgage buy home check rocket mortgage today quickenloanscomfool opens new window equal housing lenderlicensed 50 states nmls consumeraccessorg 3030 letsturn attention back gene therapy toddwhat need know campbell really interesting storyespecially given much everybodyhas talked cancer drug pricing course last couple years thinkits probably brandnew news listeners thatmost cancer drugs getting approved today hitting market sixfigure price tags talk also talk expensive drugs developed diseases well including rare diseases found really fascinating story thatglaxosmithkline approval drug called strimvelis europe itsgoing sold italy part thenegotiation italyto provide drug patients theyagreed drug doesnt work theyll refund cost pretty interestingespecially start thinking abouthow could used disease classes indications like cancer harjes absolutely strimvelis 665000 thats list price onetime treatment 05 million glaxo says issomething need look treatsits rare disease called adascid also known bubble boy disease theimmune system doesnt properly defend body infections patients essentially forced live sterile environment hence bubble boy name glaxo tested 18 children found 15 single therapy strimvelis wasenough cure three children didnt work campbell right italy said listen avery expensive drugand going work every time want us pay 665000 treatment willing give money back doesnt work three patients think theyre estimating one every six patients thats treated end getting refund thats pretty fascinating butthe thing jumps kristine story wow really tested 18 children shows rare disease think theyestimate theres dozen people europe throughout europe born condition every year harjesandif run numbers using 12 children year born disease eu treating would result 8 million revenue refund one six based three 18 didnt result thats 665 million revenue whichis going move needle glaxo reallywhen look storyi think painting glaxo pretty positive light researching disease thats reallynot going make much money theyre saying theyre confident theyre going give money back therapy doesnt work campbell fascinating step could new model gets rolled globally forpaying drugs especially drugs get expensive italy pioneer types arrangements isthe first arrangement theyve made theyve actually working payforperformance deals since 2007 bunch deals cancer drug makers back 2010 exactly thing full100 refunds getting back price discountsfor drugs dont work well maybe advertised think say glaxo maybethe broader research use gene replacement genetype therapies companies willing investigate novel payment structures reimbursement structures means able get larger price product road glaxo probably thinking long game theyre working cancer drug therapies small company namedadaptimmune earlystage trials genebased tcr therapies total receptor therapies knows maybe would come targeting small patient populations similar pricing arrangements future well interesting story going keep eye could make big shift industry operates harjes think glaxosimply getting hands little bit dirtyin new pricing modeland also gene therapy bepoised become lot broadly used justthis one drug italy theres drugscoming soon hemophilia brain diseases eye diseases definitely something watchgoing forward thats going healthcare edition industry focus im reallylooking forward hearing pet health voice mailsas always people program may interests stocks talk motley fool may formal recommendations dont buy sell stocks based solely hear todd campbell im kristine harjes thanks listening fool kristine harjes opens new window position stocks mentioned todd campbell opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new window fools may hold opinions believe considering diverse range insights opens new window makes us better investors motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>Over the past year and five-year periods, asset manager T. Rowe Price Group has trailed the S&amp;amp;P 500 by 5.1% and 35.5%, respectively. Year-to-date in 2016, however, T. Rowe Price has charged ahead over 9%, crushing the S&amp;amp;P's 2.1% gain.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Has T. Rowe Price Group stock turned a meaningful corner thus far in 2016, or are this year's gains a short-term detour on an otherwise underperforming journey? There's only one way to know, and that's to dig right into the numbers.</p> <p>2016 came in hot T. Rowe Price has surged over 6.6% over just the past month, representing the majority of the stock's advance so far this year. That jump came in response to the company's first-quarter earnings, which beat Wall Street expectations. T. Rowe reported $1.15 in earnings per share, $0.13 better than expected.</p> <p>T. Rowe's quarter wasn't perfect, however. Most analysts considered the performance to simply be less bad than they had anticipated. Revenues came in at $994 million, shy of the $1.01 billion Wall Street projected. The quarter's earnings per share were 2 pennies higher than in 2015's first quarter, but they landed 2 pennies short of the fourth quarter.</p> <p>The root of the problems was the market volatility and sharp declines seen in the first few weeks of 2016. T. Rowe makes its money by charging fees on the assets it manages for its clients. Market volatility has the dual effect of lowering total assets under management as market values decline as well as spooking investors to the point that they withdrawal their capital and put it in alternative investments. These are major downward forces on the average assets under management at T. Rowe, which in turn lowers the fees the company can charge.</p> <p>The market shrugs off the tough quarter in favor of long-term positives T. Rowe Price is not alone in its struggles in the first quarter. BlackRock , for example, missed Wall Street expectations for earnings per share and revenue, coming in $0.04 per share and $100 million short, respectively. Worse yet, BlackRock's net income was down 20% from 2015's first quarter.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Again like T. Rowe, the market responded to BlackRock's "not as bad as we thought" earnings by sending the stock higher. The stock is up over 9% just since the company reported first-quarter numbers.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/TROW" type="external">TROW</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>To me, this implies the market sees the tough first quarter as a short-term hiccup and favors the stocks over a longer-term and less volatile market environment. This view is supported by strong long-term trends already in place in T. Rowe Price and BlackRock's financials reports. For example, both companies have produced steadily improving profit and operating margins since the financial crisis.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/TROW/profit_margin_ttm" type="external">TROW Profit Margin (TTM)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>The improved efficiency and profitability over the past five years has also coincided with a 60% and 23% increase in trailing-12-month revenue for T. Rowe and BlackRock, respectively. Net income over the same period, again on a trailing-12-month basis, is likewise up 61% and 33%.</p> <p>T. Rowe's strong long-term trends are punctuated with exceptional capital allocation policies The good news keeps coming when reviewing these companies from a capital allocation perspective.</p> <p>T. Rowe currently pays a dividend of $2.08 per share. The company has a history of paying out the occasional special dividends. The most recent example is just last year, when it paid a special dividend of $2 per share, effectively doubling the dividend for the year. On top of that big dividend, T. Rowe also bought back nearly 5% of the company's outstanding shares over the last year. The company reports no debt on its balance sheet, giving it the financial firepower to deliver such shareholder-friendly capital returns.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/TROW/shares_outstanding" type="external">TROW Shares Outstanding</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>BlackRock's capital policies are impressive in their own right as well. Since issuing new shares in 2009, the company has bought back 14% of shares outstanding while consistently paying out 40%-45% of earnings to shareholders as dividends over the past five years. BlackRock has increased its dividend every year since 2012.</p> <p>Will T. Rowe Price Group stock sink or swim? The best-case scenario for T. Rowe Price is for the market to continue the steady trend higher that began in mid-February. A calm, rising market will bring higher asset values, new investor capital, and ultimately, higher fees. History has shown that over the long term, this is a reasonable expectation for the broad stock market in general.</p> <p>In the short term, the market seems content with T. Rowe Price and other asset managers focusing on efficiency, investing in growth, and returning big chunks of capital to investors through dividends and share buybacks.</p> <p>Could the market take a turn for the worse, harming T. Rowe, BlackRock, and others? Absolutely. It's impossible to predict short-term market movements with any consistency. However, barring a disruptive change to today's market environment, I think T. Rowe will continue outperforming as it has so far this year.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/30/will-t-rowe-price-group-inc-sink-or-swim.aspx" type="external">Will T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Sink or Swim? Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/jayhjenkins/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Jay Jenkins 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>

past year fiveyear periods asset manager rowe price group trailed sampp 500 51 355 respectively yeartodate 2016 however rowe price charged ahead 9 crushing sampps 21 gain continue reading rowe price group stock turned meaningful corner thus far 2016 years gains shortterm detour otherwise underperforming journey theres one way know thats dig right numbers 2016 came hot rowe price surged 66 past month representing majority stocks advance far year jump came response companys firstquarter earnings beat wall street expectations rowe reported 115 earnings per share 013 better expected rowes quarter wasnt perfect however analysts considered performance simply less bad anticipated revenues came 994 million shy 101 billion wall street projected quarters earnings per share 2 pennies higher 2015s first quarter landed 2 pennies short fourth quarter root problems market volatility sharp declines seen first weeks 2016 rowe makes money charging fees assets manages clients market volatility dual effect lowering total assets management market values decline well spooking investors point withdrawal capital put alternative investments major downward forces average assets management rowe turn lowers fees company charge market shrugs tough quarter favor longterm positives rowe price alone struggles first quarter blackrock example missed wall street expectations earnings per share revenue coming 004 per share 100 million short respectively worse yet blackrocks net income 20 2015s first quarter advertisement like rowe market responded blackrocks bad thought earnings sending stock higher stock 9 since company reported firstquarter numbers trow data ycharts opens new window implies market sees tough first quarter shortterm hiccup favors stocks longerterm less volatile market environment view supported strong longterm trends already place rowe price blackrocks financials reports example companies produced steadily improving profit operating margins since financial crisis trow profit margin ttm data ycharts improved efficiency profitability past five years also coincided 60 23 increase trailing12month revenue rowe blackrock respectively net income period trailing12month basis likewise 61 33 rowes strong longterm trends punctuated exceptional capital allocation policies good news keeps coming reviewing companies capital allocation perspective rowe currently pays dividend 208 per share company history paying occasional special dividends recent example last year paid special dividend 2 per share effectively doubling dividend year top big dividend rowe also bought back nearly 5 companys outstanding shares last year company reports debt balance sheet giving financial firepower deliver shareholderfriendly capital returns trow shares outstanding data ycharts blackrocks capital policies impressive right well since issuing new shares 2009 company bought back 14 shares outstanding consistently paying 4045 earnings shareholders dividends past five years blackrock increased dividend every year since 2012 rowe price group stock sink swim bestcase scenario rowe price market continue steady trend higher began midfebruary calm rising market bring higher asset values new investor capital ultimately higher fees history shown long term reasonable expectation broad stock market general short term market seems content rowe price asset managers focusing efficiency investing growth returning big chunks capital investors dividends share buybacks could market take turn worse harming rowe blackrock others absolutely impossible predict shortterm market movements consistency however barring disruptive change todays market environment think rowe continue outperforming far year article rowe price group inc sink swim opens new window originally appeared foolcom jay jenkins 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 Images.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>On the whole, the pharmaceutical industry appears to be back in favor. The iShares US Pharmaceuticals ETF has gained about 12% over the past three months, after a nosedive in the beginning of the year. Recently, however, a few big pharma stocks --Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), Novo Nordisk A/S(NYSE: NVO), and Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO)-- have been on the receiving end of market beatdowns.</p> <p>Investors are wondering if overreactions to bad news have created some bargains in big pharma. Let's take a closer look at recent developments to see if the losses are justified by the news that prompted them.</p> <p>Earlier this month, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced its top growth driver, Opdivo, failed to meet its main goal in a trial intended to support an important label expansion. Currently, the checkpoint inhibitor is approved for treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has progressed after chemotherapy.If the CheckMate -026 trial had met its main goal of improved progression-free survival for its patients compared to patients receiving an investigator's choice of available chemotherapies, it could have helped Opdivo's addressable patient population expand to previously-untreated patients (often called the first-line setting).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>In the U.S., about 85% of the 224,000 lung cancer diagnoses expected this year will be of the non-small-cell variety.About $4 billion of Opdivo's enormous $15 billion peak annual sales estimate is based on a potential first-line NSCLC indication. Themarket reaction was swift, and the stock now sits about 19% lower than it did prior to the announcement.</p> <p>Image source: Bristol-Myers Squibb</p> <p>Although the recent failure won't help, Opdivo still has a chance of becoming a first treatment option for some NSCLC patients. Opdivo binds to a protein on the surface of tumor cells, called PD-L1, that otherwise shuts down immune system attack. The CheckMate -026 trial enrolled patients with tumors that express PD-L1 at just5% or higher,and aiming at this broader population might have been the source of its failure.</p> <p>Merck &amp;amp; Co.'sKeytruda acts in the same manner as Opdivo and succeeded in a trial that had a key difference: Merck enrolled patients with PD-L1 levels of 50% or higher.</p> <p>Bristol-Myers could take another shot at the higher PD-L1-expressing population. In the near term, though, the chances of the drug becoming a first-line option for NSCLC patients depend on an ongoing trial with Opdivo in combination with Bristol's first successful immunotherapy, Yervoy. CheckMate -227 is examiningOpdivo plus Yervoy in PD-L1-positive patients,and Opdivo plus Yervoy, or Opdivo plus chemotherapy, in PD-L1-negative patients.</p> <p>Opdivo's future in the first-line NSCLC setting is uncertain, but its growth trajectory is off the charts. Second-quarter sales of $804 million rose a stunning 19% over the previous quarter. At this pace, Opdivo sales would theoretically reach an annualized rate of $15 billion before the end of 2018.</p> <p>Despite the market thrashing, Bristol's stock is still trading at a high multiple of about 36 times trailing earnings. Still, investors might come out ahead, if a Yervoy and Opdivo combination makes it to the NSCLC front line.</p> <p>Unfortunately, hints of stronger competition from Merck's Keytruda orRoche's recently approved immunotherapy, Tecentriq, which acts on the immune-cell side of the same checkpoint, could knock Bristol's valuation down another peg. Playing wait-and-see might be the best course of action with Bristol-Myers Squibb stock at the moment.</p> <p>Diabetes leader Novo Nordisk has seen its top and bottom lines soar in recent years as its long-lasting insulin products and next-gen blood-sugar-busting GLP-1 agonist, Victoza, have taken flight. Its 46% share of the total insulin marketand Victoza's six-year rise to a $2.8 billion annual run rate have helped the stock soar about 175% over the past five years.</p> <p>The market recently hammered the Danish drugmaker's stock about 15% due to a less thrilling outlook than it's used to. Novo Nordisk lowered the top range of this year's estimated revenue growth by 2% while guiding the high end of its operating profit growth 1% lower. The company cited a challenging pricing environment in the U.S. as the cause.</p> <p>The slightly lowered guidance appears out of sync with the stock hammering, but things might be worse than Novo is willing to admit. Victoza landed on the exclusion list of America's largest <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-a-pharmacy-benefit-manager.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">pharmacy benefit manager Opens a New Window.</a>,Express Scripts.The preferred alternative,Eli Lilly's Trulicity, is blowing up. Second-quarter sales of the GLP-1 agonist hit $201.3 million -- a stunning 40% increase over the previous quarter.</p> <p>Over the past two years, Novo Nordisk's trailing free cash flow has grown about 19.1%, to $5.55 billion. Despite increasing profitability, the stock is trading at 22 times trailing earnings -- by no means a low multiple, but below the currentS&amp;amp;P 500benchmark average of 24.7 times trailing earnings. Pricing pressure might crimp the company's rapid growth in the U.S., but the diabetes epidemic affecting more than 422 million people worldwide is rising throughout developed and developing nations. You might not get another chance to scoop up Novo shares at such a (relatively) low price again.</p> <p>Earlier this month, consumer-focused generic-drug maker Perrigo sank about 10% overnight after lowering its adjusted earnings guidance, due to price erosion among prescription generics, again. In February, management predicted 2016 adjusted earnings between $9.50 and $9.80 per share,then adjusted its outlook to a range of $8.20 to $8.60 per share in May. The latest guidance revision, offered earlier this month, is predicting adjusted earnings to come in below last year's $7.59, at a range between$6.85 and $7.15 per share.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Perrigo shareholders are far too used to watching their stock sink. Since refusing a $26 billion offer fromMylan late last year,the stockhas fallen 41%, to a market cap of just $12.3 billion, and is one of several big pharma stocks <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/07/19/5-big-pharma-stocks-struggling-to-raise-their-divi.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">struggling Opens a New Window.</a> to raise its dividend.</p> <p>Mind you, those adjusted figures exclude some hefty non-cash charges related to impairment of acquired assets that revealed themselves shortly after Perrigo's former CEO, Joseph Papa, left the company to head ValeantPharmaceuticals. And an actual reported loss of $0.98per share in the first half is more disturbing than the latest adjusted estimates.</p> <p>With this earnings distortion, it's hard to put a price on Perrigo. That said, I wouldn't try to catch this falling knife until its new management team has a better handle on its future.</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/crenauer/info.aspx" type="external">Cory Renauer Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow Cory on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=TMFang4apples" type="external">@TMFang4apples Opens a New Window.</a> or connect with him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryrenauer" type="external">LinkedIn Opens a New Window.</a> for more healthcare industry insight. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Express Scripts and Valeant Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends Mylan and Novo Nordisk. 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 whole pharmaceutical industry appears back favor ishares us pharmaceuticals etf gained 12 past three months nosedive beginning year recently however big pharma stocks bristolmyers squibb nyse bmy novo nordisk asnyse nvo perrigo company plc nyse prgo receiving end market beatdowns investors wondering overreactions bad news created bargains big pharma lets take closer look recent developments see losses justified news prompted earlier month bristolmyers squibb announced top growth driver opdivo failed meet main goal trial intended support important label expansion currently checkpoint inhibitor approved treatment advanced nonsmallcell lung cancer nsclc progressed chemotherapyif checkmate 026 trial met main goal improved progressionfree survival patients compared patients receiving investigators choice available chemotherapies could helped opdivos addressable patient population expand previouslyuntreated patients often called firstline setting advertisement us 85 224000 lung cancer diagnoses expected year nonsmallcell varietyabout 4 billion opdivos enormous 15 billion peak annual sales estimate based potential firstline nsclc indication themarket reaction swift stock sits 19 lower prior announcement image source bristolmyers squibb although recent failure wont help opdivo still chance becoming first treatment option nsclc patients opdivo binds protein surface tumor cells called pdl1 otherwise shuts immune system attack checkmate 026 trial enrolled patients tumors express pdl1 just5 higherand aiming broader population might source failure merck amp coskeytruda acts manner opdivo succeeded trial key difference merck enrolled patients pdl1 levels 50 higher bristolmyers could take another shot higher pdl1expressing population near term though chances drug becoming firstline option nsclc patients depend ongoing trial opdivo combination bristols first successful immunotherapy yervoy checkmate 227 examiningopdivo plus yervoy pdl1positive patientsand opdivo plus yervoy opdivo plus chemotherapy pdl1negative patients opdivos future firstline nsclc setting uncertain growth trajectory charts secondquarter sales 804 million rose stunning 19 previous quarter pace opdivo sales would theoretically reach annualized rate 15 billion end 2018 despite market thrashing bristols stock still trading high multiple 36 times trailing earnings still investors might come ahead yervoy opdivo combination makes nsclc front line unfortunately hints stronger competition mercks keytruda orroches recently approved immunotherapy tecentriq acts immunecell side checkpoint could knock bristols valuation another peg playing waitandsee might best course action bristolmyers squibb stock moment diabetes leader novo nordisk seen top bottom lines soar recent years longlasting insulin products nextgen bloodsugarbusting glp1 agonist victoza taken flight 46 share total insulin marketand victozas sixyear rise 28 billion annual run rate helped stock soar 175 past five years market recently hammered danish drugmakers stock 15 due less thrilling outlook used novo nordisk lowered top range years estimated revenue growth 2 guiding high end operating profit growth 1 lower company cited challenging pricing environment us cause slightly lowered guidance appears sync stock hammering things might worse novo willing admit victoza landed exclusion list americas largest pharmacy benefit manager opens new windowexpress scriptsthe preferred alternativeeli lillys trulicity blowing secondquarter sales glp1 agonist hit 2013 million stunning 40 increase previous quarter past two years novo nordisks trailing free cash flow grown 191 555 billion despite increasing profitability stock trading 22 times trailing earnings means low multiple currentsampp 500benchmark average 247 times trailing earnings pricing pressure might crimp companys rapid growth us diabetes epidemic affecting 422 million people worldwide rising throughout developed developing nations might get another chance scoop novo shares relatively low price earlier month consumerfocused genericdrug maker perrigo sank 10 overnight lowering adjusted earnings guidance due price erosion among prescription generics february management predicted 2016 adjusted earnings 950 980 per sharethen adjusted outlook range 820 860 per share may latest guidance revision offered earlier month predicting adjusted earnings come last years 759 range between685 715 per share image source getty images perrigo shareholders far used watching stock sink since refusing 26 billion offer frommylan late last yearthe stockhas fallen 41 market cap 123 billion one several big pharma stocks struggling opens new window raise dividend mind adjusted figures exclude hefty noncash charges related impairment acquired assets revealed shortly perrigos former ceo joseph papa left company head valeantpharmaceuticals actual reported loss 098per share first half disturbing latest adjusted estimates earnings distortion hard put price perrigo said wouldnt try catch falling knife new management team better handle future secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window cory renauer opens new window position stocks mentioned follow cory twitter tmfang4apples opens new window connect linkedin opens new window healthcare industry insight motley fool owns shares recommends express scripts valeant pharmaceuticals motley fool recommends mylan novo nordisk 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>Retirees should generally buy solid, predictable dividend stocks that they won't lose much sleep over. Many stocks initially look like good retirement plays, but quickly fall apart upon closer inspection. Let's examine three such stocks retirees should avoid -- Barnes &amp;amp; Noble (NYSE: BKS), Vector Group (NYSE: VGR), and Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS).</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Barnes &amp;amp; Noble might initially look like a solid pick for retirees. The bookseller survived the industry decline, which crushed its rival Borders, and pays a hefty forward dividend yield of 5.6%. It also streamlined its business over the past three years by shuttering stores and spinning off its weaker Nook andeducation units. To offset waning book sales, it diversified it business with toys, collectibles, gifts, andeven a concept restaurant store.</p> <p>Yet Barnes &amp;amp; Noble's revenue still declined annually for 10 straight quarters. In addition, the company posted net losses during the last two, and its earnings-based payout ratio stands at a whopping 300%. However, the company spent only 49% of its free cash flow on dividends over the past 12 months, indicating that it probably won't slash its payout any time soon.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Analysts expect the bookseller's revenue tofall 6% this year, but earnings are expected to improve 51% on better cost controls and aggressive buybacks. That bottom-line growth is encouraging, but it doesn't justify the stock's lofty trailing P/E of 62 -- which is much higher than industry average P/E of 44. With interest rates set to rise this year, income stocks like Barnes &amp;amp; Noble -- which have high valuations and wobbly business models -- could be among the first to crumble.</p> <p>Vector Group initially looks like an ideal retirement stock. The hybrid tobacco and real estate company pays a forward cash dividend of 7.1%, and has paid a 5% annual stock dividend (additional shares based on an investor's total position) since 1999.</p> <p>But here's the catch -- Vector spent 263% of its earnings and 153% of its free cash flow on dividends over the past 12 months. Those ratios <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/17/can-vector-group-ltds-dividend-even-survive.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">look utterly unsustainable Opens a New Window.</a>, but Vector can keep paying those dividends because it partly funds its payments with debt. That strategy works in a low-interest-rate environment, but it won't work as well with higher interest rates. Furthermore, Vector's annual stock dividends have significantly increased the company's outstanding share count, diluting the value of existing shares.</p> <p>Data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts</a>.</p> <p>That's why Vector currently trades at 39 times earnings, which is much higher than the cigarette-industry average of 21. The single analyst who covers Vector expects itssales to rise 1% this year, and its earnings to rise 35% on higher demand for its Liggett cigarette brands and the strength of its real estate portfolio. That outlook sounds decent, but Vector's long-term plan for income generation looks unsustainable.</p> <p>Retirees might like visiting Las Vegas Sands' casinos, but the company generates most of its revenue from Macau, the only city in China with legalized gambling. Sands enjoyed tremendous growth in Macau after the financial crisis, but the sluggish Chinese economy and a government crackdown on corrupt politicians and businessmen with lavish spending habits caused its revenue growth to slow to a trickle.</p> <p>After eight straight quarters of year-over-year sales declines, Sands finally posted 3% top-line growth last quarter on improvements in Macau and the opening of its Parisian Macao casino. Analysts now expect Sands' revenue and earnings to rise 9% and13% respectively next year, compared with top- and bottom-line declines this year.</p> <p>That outlook sounds decent, but Sands still trades at 27 times earnings, significantly higher than the industry average of 9 for resorts and casinos. Its forward dividend yield of 5.2% looks tempting, but that payout gobbled up 137% of its earnings and 126% of its free cash flow over the past 12 months -- indicating that a dividend cut could be in the cards. Furthermore, Sands sits in a volatile and cyclical sector that could be abruptly gutted by a recession or regulatory interference -- so it won't offer retirees much peace of mind.</p> <p>Before buying a dividend stock, retirees should see if its valuations are too high, if its payout ratios are sustainable, and if the company's business model is wobbly. Barnes &amp;amp; Noble, Vector Group, and Las Vegas Sands fail those tests, so retirees shouldn't be fooled by their tempting dividend yields.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Barnes and Noble 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=23c252d7-206d-406e-b8be-f775cec53d15&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 Barnes and Noble 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=23c252d7-206d-406e-b8be-f775cec53d15&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p> <p>*Stock Advisor returns as of January 4, 2017</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

retirees generally buy solid predictable dividend stocks wont lose much sleep many stocks initially look like good retirement plays quickly fall apart upon closer inspection lets examine three stocks retirees avoid barnes amp noble nyse bks vector group nyse vgr las vegas sands nyse lvs continue reading image source getty images barnes amp noble might initially look like solid pick retirees bookseller survived industry decline crushed rival borders pays hefty forward dividend yield 56 also streamlined business past three years shuttering stores spinning weaker nook andeducation units offset waning book sales diversified business toys collectibles gifts andeven concept restaurant store yet barnes amp nobles revenue still declined annually 10 straight quarters addition company posted net losses last two earningsbased payout ratio stands whopping 300 however company spent 49 free cash flow dividends past 12 months indicating probably wont slash payout time soon advertisement analysts expect booksellers revenue tofall 6 year earnings expected improve 51 better cost controls aggressive buybacks bottomline growth encouraging doesnt justify stocks lofty trailing pe 62 much higher industry average pe 44 interest rates set rise year income stocks like barnes amp noble high valuations wobbly business models could among first crumble vector group initially looks like ideal retirement stock hybrid tobacco real estate company pays forward cash dividend 71 paid 5 annual stock dividend additional shares based investors total position since 1999 heres catch vector spent 263 earnings 153 free cash flow dividends past 12 months ratios look utterly unsustainable opens new window vector keep paying dividends partly funds payments debt strategy works lowinterestrate environment wont work well higher interest rates furthermore vectors annual stock dividends significantly increased companys outstanding share count diluting value existing shares data ycharts thats vector currently trades 39 times earnings much higher cigaretteindustry average 21 single analyst covers vector expects itssales rise 1 year earnings rise 35 higher demand liggett cigarette brands strength real estate portfolio outlook sounds decent vectors longterm plan income generation looks unsustainable retirees might like visiting las vegas sands casinos company generates revenue macau city china legalized gambling sands enjoyed tremendous growth macau financial crisis sluggish chinese economy government crackdown corrupt politicians businessmen lavish spending habits caused revenue growth slow trickle eight straight quarters yearoveryear sales declines sands finally posted 3 topline growth last quarter improvements macau opening parisian macao casino analysts expect sands revenue earnings rise 9 and13 respectively next year compared top bottomline declines year outlook sounds decent sands still trades 27 times earnings significantly higher industry average 9 resorts casinos forward dividend yield 52 looks tempting payout gobbled 137 earnings 126 free cash flow past 12 months indicating dividend cut could cards furthermore sands sits volatile cyclical sector could abruptly gutted recession regulatory interference wont offer retirees much peace mind buying dividend stock retirees see valuations high payout ratios sustainable companys business model wobbly barnes amp noble vector group las vegas sands fail tests retirees shouldnt fooled tempting dividend yields 10 stocks like better barnes noble 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 barnes noble wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns january 4 2017 leo sun opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool position stocks mentioned motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>You, too, can join the battle against misleading and other "fake" news online. But your options are somewhat limited unless you're already an academic or data scientist who's been studying the subject since way before Donald Trump started running for president.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Giovanni Luca Ciampaglia, a research scientist at Indiana University, fits that bill. He helped create a tool tracking how unsubstantiated claims spread online, a phenomenon that first caught his eye during the Ebola crisis in 2014.</p> <p>"We started seeing a lot of content that was spreading, completely fabricated claims about importations of Ebola, (such as) entire towns in Texas being under quarantine," he says. "What caught our attention was that these claims were created using names of publications that sounded like newspapers. And they were getting a lot of traction on social media."</p> <p>"Fake news," which has gotten a lot of attention for its potential role in swaying the 2016 presidential election, has fascinated researchers for some time. Their studies have yielded tools that help track how "alternative facts" spread, and others that let you identify fake stories or block them altogether.</p> <p>DECIPHERING TWITTER RUMORS</p> <p>Some of these are still baby steps in dealing with the phenomenon, but they're part of a larger effort that now involves Facebook , Google and big media companies actively trying to tamp down the spread of fake stories. And the researchers were there first.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Tanushree Mitra, a doctoral student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, began a project three years ago to see how misinformation and fake news spread through Twitter. At the time, she says, "companies like Facebook and Twitter were not paying much attention."</p> <p>What attracted her to the project was the prevalence of fake news that spread online following natural disasters such as Superstorm Sandy in 2012. When she saw that people were sharing a lot of incorrect or misleading information about the events, Mitra decided to track both big stories and smaller rumors with the goal of creating an app that could help ordinary people sort fact from fiction so they can make decisions that could be crucial to their wellbeing.</p> <p>Mitra and her fellow researchers scanned 66 million tweets linked to nearly 1,400 real-world events to identify words and phrases linked to perceived levels of credibility. Looking at tweets surrounding news events in 2014 and 2015 &#8212; including the Ebola crisis, the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris and the death of Eric Garner in a confrontation of police officers in New York City &#8212; they asked people to judge tweets based on how credible they thought the posts were.</p> <p>Words such as "eager," ''terrific" and "undeniable" were linked to more credible posts, while words such as "ha," ''grins" and "suspects" were the opposite. A computer matched the humans' opinions 68 percent of the time. The next step, an app, could help people rate the credibility of tweets and other social media posts.</p> <p>TRACKING HOAXES</p> <p>A group of researchers at Indiana University have created an online tool called Hoaxy that seeks to visualize "the spread of claims and related fact checking online." Although it's still a work in progress, Hoaxy can trace the origin of, for instance, the false claim that millions of votes in the 2015 presidential election were cast by "illegal aliens." Type in your search terms and Hoaxy will report back with stories that spread the claims, as well as fact-checking articles that debunked it.</p> <p>In this instance, the claim goes back to a November article from Infowars.com that was shared 17,961 times on Twitter and 52,200 times on Facebook, according to Hoaxy. The site only tracks actual links people shared, so it misses anything that's paraphrased or posted without a link.</p> <p>A data visualization tool shows the intertwined web of Twitter users who spread both the claims and the fact checks, and how they are connected to one another. The researchers focused on Twitter because the service makes more data available to the public, which makes it easier to use in data-tracking tools than Facebook.</p> <p>LEAD A HORSE TO WATER</p> <p>Tools like Hoaxy or rumor-identification apps are only helpful if people use them. The same goes for another approach &#8212; using a web browser plug-in to identify or block fake-news stories. For instance, the Chrome extension "Fake News Alert," created last year, says it will tell you when you are visiting a site "known for spreading fake news."</p> <p>But there are a few drawbacks. Many people aren't willing to go to the trouble of adding new extensions to their browser. And such extensions only work on the desktop version of Chrome, not its mobile counterpart.</p> <p>"Fake News Alert" also uses a widely circulated but oft-criticized list of fake and misleading news sites assembled by a Merrimack College professor. The list casts a very broad net and includes some established, but highly partisan sites such as the right-wing Breitbart News and the left-wing Occupy Democrats.</p> <p>A final obstacle: While fake news has been in the real news a lot, many people simply aren't that aware of it.</p> <p>"A lot of consumers are not savvy about it," says Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace University who follows the fake news phenomenon. "And of those that are &#8212; and it's a small number &#8212; not a lot of them add plug-ins to browsers."</p> <p>EDUCATE THE PEOPLE</p> <p>Chiagouris believes we are at the "beginning of the beginning" when it comes to defining just what fake news is and how to combat it. But he and other experts say technological solutions like apps and plug-ins are unlikely to get to the root of the problem.</p> <p>The real solution, he says, will start in school: "not college, grammar school."</p> <p>The better educated and informed the public is, the more likely they are going to be "asking questions and exploring alternative sources of information," says Mike Posner, co-founder and co-director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights. "What you really want is people saying they want to see different sides of an issue, looking at things by people who don't agree with me, so one (part of the solution) is public education."</p> <p>___</p> <p>Reach Barbara Ortutay on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BarbaraOrtutay</p>

join battle misleading fake news online options somewhat limited unless youre already academic data scientist whos studying subject since way donald trump started running president continue reading giovanni luca ciampaglia research scientist indiana university fits bill helped create tool tracking unsubstantiated claims spread online phenomenon first caught eye ebola crisis 2014 started seeing lot content spreading completely fabricated claims importations ebola entire towns texas quarantine says caught attention claims created using names publications sounded like newspapers getting lot traction social media fake news gotten lot attention potential role swaying 2016 presidential election fascinated researchers time studies yielded tools help track alternative facts spread others let identify fake stories block altogether deciphering twitter rumors still baby steps dealing phenomenon theyre part larger effort involves facebook google big media companies actively trying tamp spread fake stories researchers first advertisement tanushree mitra doctoral student georgia institute technology began project three years ago see misinformation fake news spread twitter time says companies like facebook twitter paying much attention attracted project prevalence fake news spread online following natural disasters superstorm sandy 2012 saw people sharing lot incorrect misleading information events mitra decided track big stories smaller rumors goal creating app could help ordinary people sort fact fiction make decisions could crucial wellbeing mitra fellow researchers scanned 66 million tweets linked nearly 1400 realworld events identify words phrases linked perceived levels credibility looking tweets surrounding news events 2014 2015 including ebola crisis charlie hebdo attack paris death eric garner confrontation police officers new york city asked people judge tweets based credible thought posts words eager terrific undeniable linked credible posts words ha grins suspects opposite computer matched humans opinions 68 percent time next step app could help people rate credibility tweets social media posts tracking hoaxes group researchers indiana university created online tool called hoaxy seeks visualize spread claims related fact checking online although still work progress hoaxy trace origin instance false claim millions votes 2015 presidential election cast illegal aliens type search terms hoaxy report back stories spread claims well factchecking articles debunked instance claim goes back november article infowarscom shared 17961 times twitter 52200 times facebook according hoaxy site tracks actual links people shared misses anything thats paraphrased posted without link data visualization tool shows intertwined web twitter users spread claims fact checks connected one another researchers focused twitter service makes data available public makes easier use datatracking tools facebook lead horse water tools like hoaxy rumoridentification apps helpful people use goes another approach using web browser plugin identify block fakenews stories instance chrome extension fake news alert created last year says tell visiting site known spreading fake news drawbacks many people arent willing go trouble adding new extensions browser extensions work desktop version chrome mobile counterpart fake news alert also uses widely circulated oftcriticized list fake misleading news sites assembled merrimack college professor list casts broad net includes established highly partisan sites rightwing breitbart news leftwing occupy democrats final obstacle fake news real news lot many people simply arent aware lot consumers savvy says larry chiagouris marketing professor pace university follows fake news phenomenon small number lot add plugins browsers educate people chiagouris believes beginning beginning comes defining fake news combat experts say technological solutions like apps plugins unlikely get root problem real solution says start school college grammar school better educated informed public likely going asking questions exploring alternative sources information says mike posner cofounder codirector nyu stern center business human rights really want people saying want see different sides issue looking things people dont agree one part solution public education ___ reach barbara ortutay twitter httpstwittercombarbaraortutay

<p>Google's firing of software engineer James Damore is fueling new debate inside the company over its diversity program and its openness to conservative viewpoints.</p> <p>Google employees are split over management's dismissal of Mr. Damore, who wrote and distributed a memo that argued biological differences between men and women help explain the gender gap in the technology industry, according to interviews and informal polls of employees.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Some employees say Google executives didn't go far enough to denounce Mr. Damore's stance. Others say it is difficult to openly discuss diversity issues at the company because of a liberal bias among managers and colleagues at Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc. And one employee said his managers' reaction to Mr. Damore's firing "has made it explicitly clear that any view not left (of) center is not welcome."</p> <p>The variety of responses reflect that there are many conservatives and libertarians among the employee ranks at tech firms, even though they are seen as predominantly liberal. At Alphabet, which has nearly 76,000 employees, Mr. Damore's firing has posed a test for how employees' views compare with their co-workers', inflaming feelings still raw from the divisive presidential election, employees said.</p> <p>Google employees across the globe were scheduled to tune in to a companywide town-hall meeting late Thursday in which executives plan to field employees' questions voted on by their peers. The questions with the most votes get asked.</p> <p>A sampling of some of the most popular questions as of Monday night, according to employees, reflects the spectrum of views on the memo and its fallout. One question asks how Google will protect female employees who have been harassed online for criticizing the memo. Another asks whether Google lowers the bar for diversity candidates. Some questions complain about how conservatives aren't welcome at Google. And one asks how Google plans to stop leaks to the press.</p> <p>A person familiar added that an additional top question likely to be asked is: "What can we do to clarify for the entire company that there is one hiring bar," regardless of race or gender?</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>There are "definite mixed feelings" inside the company, one employee said. "There are people of all political stripes, and there's outrage at the extreme of both ends of the spectrum and more sanity in the middle." Moderate liberals at the company don't believe the memo threatens the rights of women at the company, while moderate conservatives don't think his firing means they can't express themselves, this employee said. "But ultimately the loudest voices on the fringes drive the perception and reaction."</p> <p>In the mobile app Blind, where users must use their work email addresses to verify they are employees at a given company, a survey of Google employees reflected the divisions. Of 440 Google employees who responded to a Blind survey on Tuesday and Wednesday, 56% said they disagreed with Google's decision to fire Mr. Damore.</p> <p>Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in an email to employees Monday that Mr. Damore's memo violated company policies "by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace." But he added that "we strongly support the right of Googlers to express themselves, and much of what was in that memo is fair to debate, regardless of whether a vast majority of Googlers disagree with it."</p> <p>Google's diversity and inclusion program is a major priority at the company, employees say, with managers tasked with hiring more minorities and women, or at least showing efforts to do so. The program was in part sparked by poor happiness ratings among women and minorities at the company in annual surveys, one employee said. Google said in June that 69% of its staff were men, 56% were white and 35% were Asian.</p> <p>One employee said he disagreed with Mr. Damore's memo, which he called "academic harassment," and supported his firing, noting "people have been fired for a lot less." But the employee said the diversity program risks breeding dissent among the mostly white and Asian male staff, and he agreed with Mr. Damore that open discussion isn't possible at Google.</p> <p>"There are some topics that are off limits, including gender and racial diversity," he said.</p> <p>Another employee said she feels comfortable discussing the diversity program with colleagues "but I'm in the majority that thinks they're fair and necessary. I'd imagine if you weren't confident diversity outreach had value you would be concerned that voicing it would offend your other co-workers who joined through those programs."</p> <p>Google's liberalism was clear at an internal town-hall meeting after the presidential election, where top executives commiserated with employees over Donald Trump's victory, according to a recording of the meeting viewed by the Journal. Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat, who publicly supported Hillary Clinton, called the election results "a kick in the gut." Executives fielded a variety of questions over the hourlong meeting but none of the questions were in support of Mr. Trump's victory.</p> <p>Eileen Naughton, Google's human-resources chief, said at the meeting that she was pleased to see employees holding spontaneous support groups after the election. But she added she had heard from conservative employees who "haven't felt entirely comfortable revealing who they are ... So I believe we need to do better. We need to be tolerant and inclusive."</p> <p>--Greg Bensinger, Deepa Seetharaman and Georgia Wells contributed to this article.</p> <p>Write to Jack Nicas at jack.nicas@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>August 10, 2017 16:17 ET (20:17 GMT)</p>

googles firing software engineer james damore fueling new debate inside company diversity program openness conservative viewpoints google employees split managements dismissal mr damore wrote distributed memo argued biological differences men women help explain gender gap technology industry according interviews informal polls employees continue reading employees say google executives didnt go far enough denounce mr damores stance others say difficult openly discuss diversity issues company liberal bias among managers colleagues google unit alphabet inc one employee said managers reaction mr damores firing made explicitly clear view left center welcome variety responses reflect many conservatives libertarians among employee ranks tech firms even though seen predominantly liberal alphabet nearly 76000 employees mr damores firing posed test employees views compare coworkers inflaming feelings still raw divisive presidential election employees said google employees across globe scheduled tune companywide townhall meeting late thursday executives plan field employees questions voted peers questions votes get asked sampling popular questions monday night according employees reflects spectrum views memo fallout one question asks google protect female employees harassed online criticizing memo another asks whether google lowers bar diversity candidates questions complain conservatives arent welcome google one asks google plans stop leaks press person familiar added additional top question likely asked clarify entire company one hiring bar regardless race gender advertisement definite mixed feelings inside company one employee said people political stripes theres outrage extreme ends spectrum sanity middle moderate liberals company dont believe memo threatens rights women company moderate conservatives dont think firing means cant express employee said ultimately loudest voices fringes drive perception reaction mobile app blind users must use work email addresses verify employees given company survey google employees reflected divisions 440 google employees responded blind survey tuesday wednesday 56 said disagreed googles decision fire mr damore google chief executive sundar pichai said email employees monday mr damores memo violated company policies advancing harmful gender stereotypes workplace added strongly support right googlers express much memo fair debate regardless whether vast majority googlers disagree googles diversity inclusion program major priority company employees say managers tasked hiring minorities women least showing efforts program part sparked poor happiness ratings among women minorities company annual surveys one employee said google said june 69 staff men 56 white 35 asian one employee said disagreed mr damores memo called academic harassment supported firing noting people fired lot less employee said diversity program risks breeding dissent among mostly white asian male staff agreed mr damore open discussion isnt possible google topics limits including gender racial diversity said another employee said feels comfortable discussing diversity program colleagues im majority thinks theyre fair necessary id imagine werent confident diversity outreach value would concerned voicing would offend coworkers joined programs googles liberalism clear internal townhall meeting presidential election top executives commiserated employees donald trumps victory according recording meeting viewed journal alphabet chief financial officer ruth porat publicly supported hillary clinton called election results kick gut executives fielded variety questions hourlong meeting none questions support mr trumps victory eileen naughton googles humanresources chief said meeting pleased see employees holding spontaneous support groups election added heard conservative employees havent felt entirely comfortable revealing believe need better need tolerant inclusive greg bensinger deepa seetharaman georgia wells contributed article write jack nicas jacknicaswsjcom end dow jones newswires august 10 2017 1617 et 2017 gmt

<p>A stock that increases to 10 times the price you originally paid is often referred to as a 10-bagger, a phrase coined by highly successful mutual fund manager&amp;#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/small-cap/2007/04/11/finding-lynchs-10-baggers.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Peter Lynch Opens a New Window.</a>. Having a 10-bagger stock in your portfolio is certainly something to celebrate, holding a 48-bagger stock in your portfolio is even more special.</p> <p>Turns out, both of my kids have a 48-bagger investment in Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), which they bought June 8, 2007, as shown in the chart below, which was created before this week's earnings report. My kids were just 8 and 10 years old at the time, and Netflix was a subscription DVD-by-mail company that had just started to <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/01/16/netflix-finally-lives-up-to-its-name.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">stream movies online Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>You might be surprised to find out they achieved this impressive investing milestone by being lazy. Laziness caused them to invest in Netflix in the first place, then the additional effort of checking up on their stock portfolio performance and selling the stock was too much effort, so they just didn't do it. Let's see what we can learn from my kids and how to apply these lessons to our own investing habits.</p> <p>At a young age, my kids figured out how to add movies to the family Netflix queue. I first realized this when I opened a red envelope expecting the next season of The Sopranos and a Pokemon movie was inside instead. While I was disappointed, it was hard to be mad at my kids, who had made a classic consumer choice of convenience.</p> <p>Getting movies the non-Netflix way was not easy or fun. Since they weren't old enough to drive, they had to convince their parents to take them to the video store, which was hard enough in the first place. Once the trip to the video store was agreed to, it was likely to be paired with a visit to the grocery store or some other errand that would take them out of the house for much longer than desired.</p> <p>Once at the video store, there's a chance that the movie they wanted would be hard to find or maybe not even available. Once the video was rented, the trip home would seem to take forever. For my kids, the alternative was much easier: Take a few minutes to add the movie to the Netflix queue and go back to whatever they were doing.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>I had been putting aside money in the kids'&amp;#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/what-is-utma.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">UTMA Opens a New Window.</a> accounts to fund an annual purchase of stock for them and Netflix was one of the seven stocks the kids picked that year. Their reason for buying Netflix stock was simply that the service the company provided made their lives easier. That made sense to me. I also like to invest in companies that make things easier for me and save me time.</p> <p>In addition to Netflix, Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple immediately come to mind as companies focused on reducing the effort it takes me to get through my day. These companies have been great <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/01/28/multibaggers-defined.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">multibagger, Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;market-trouncing investments over the last 10 years.</p> <p>While the first step to getting a multibagger is buying a great company, the next step is holding for the long term. This is where my kids' laziness really paid off.</p> <p>How often do you look at your stock portfolio? Weekly? Daily? More than once per day? For me, it's multiple times in a day. I know I shouldn't, but I do it anyway. My kids are a whole different story. They hardly ever looked at their portfolio (and they still don't). Between schoolwork, sports, video games, and friends, it seems there was never time when they wanted to see how their stocks were doing.</p> <p>I "forced" my kids to look at their portfolio once a year in the summer, when it was time to pick new stocks to buy. I would print out their portfolio results, but they really didn't spend a lot of time analyzing, celebrating, or commiserating over individual stock performance. It just didn't interest them. Perhaps they were being lazy. Adults without the luxury of so much time ahead of them might be less blase about their stocks, but they can still learn a lesson from my kids.</p> <p>If you don't look at your portfolio very often, it helps you resist the urge to "do something" and that can boost your returns over the long term. <a href="https://www.fool.com/?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">The Motley Fool Opens a New Window.</a>'s Tim Hanson has written an excellent article on <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/04/just-dont-do-it.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">action bias Opens a New Window.</a> and how our actions can often lead to suboptimal outcomes. In the article, Tim noted a story that Fidelity concluded its best-performing accounts were ones where the owners had forgotten about the accounts or the owner had died. My kids essentially modeled that behavior. They weren't racking up trading fees or tax consequences; they weren't selling winners.</p> <p>If my kids ever wanted to sell a stock, I would ask them to spend time discussing with me why they wanted to sell and have them pick another stock that they thought would perform better over the long term. This discussion was enough to turn the kids off from ever selling.</p> <p>A best practice for us adults is to keep an <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/answers/2016-05-17-journal-your-way-to-investing?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">investing journal Opens a New Window.</a> where we write down why we are making stock sells or buys and document our feelings at the time. This might be enough to help us think through our investment and back away from an emotional reaction to sell based on a short-term market move.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/thirteen-steps/index.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Foolish Opens a New Window.</a> investor buys great companies with money they don't need for the next three to five years, and holds the stock for the long term. It's a simple recipe for investing success -- even my lazy kids can do it and in the case of Netflix, the result was a success!</p> <p>Find out why Netflix is one of the 10 best stocks to buy now</p> <p>Motley Fool co-founders Tom and David Gardner have spent more than a decade beating the market. (In fact, the newsletter they run, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market!*)</p> <p>Tom and David just revealed their ten top stock picks for investors to buy right now. 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Opens a New Window.</a></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/TMFBwithbike/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Brian Withers Opens a New Window.</a>&amp;#160;and his kids own shares of GOOG, GOOGL, AMZN, and NFLX. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends GOOG, GOOGL, AMZN, AAPL, and NFLX. 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=4248c096-62b4-11e7-bdfd-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

stock increases 10 times price originally paid often referred 10bagger phrase coined highly successful mutual fund manager160 peter lynch opens new window 10bagger stock portfolio certainly something celebrate holding 48bagger stock portfolio even special turns kids 48bagger investment netflix nasdaq nflx bought june 8 2007 shown chart created weeks earnings report kids 8 10 years old time netflix subscription dvdbymail company started stream movies online opens new window continue reading might surprised find achieved impressive investing milestone lazy laziness caused invest netflix first place additional effort checking stock portfolio performance selling stock much effort didnt lets see learn kids apply lessons investing habits young age kids figured add movies family netflix queue first realized opened red envelope expecting next season sopranos pokemon movie inside instead disappointed hard mad kids made classic consumer choice convenience getting movies nonnetflix way easy fun since werent old enough drive convince parents take video store hard enough first place trip video store agreed likely paired visit grocery store errand would take house much longer desired video store theres chance movie wanted would hard find maybe even available video rented trip home would seem take forever kids alternative much easier take minutes add movie netflix queue go back whatever advertisement putting aside money kids160 utma opens new window accounts fund annual purchase stock netflix one seven stocks kids picked year reason buying netflix stock simply service company provided made lives easier made sense also like invest companies make things easier save time addition netflix alphabet amazon apple immediately come mind companies focused reducing effort takes get day companies great multibagger opens new window160markettrouncing investments last 10 years first step getting multibagger buying great company next step holding long term kids laziness really paid often look stock portfolio weekly daily per day multiple times day know shouldnt anyway kids whole different story hardly ever looked portfolio still dont schoolwork sports video games friends seems never time wanted see stocks forced kids look portfolio year summer time pick new stocks buy would print portfolio results really didnt spend lot time analyzing celebrating commiserating individual stock performance didnt interest perhaps lazy adults without luxury much time ahead might less blase stocks still learn lesson kids dont look portfolio often helps resist urge something boost returns long term motley fool opens new windows tim hanson written excellent article action bias opens new window actions often lead suboptimal outcomes article tim noted story fidelity concluded bestperforming accounts ones owners forgotten accounts owner died kids essentially modeled behavior werent racking trading fees tax consequences werent selling winners kids ever wanted sell stock would ask spend time discussing wanted sell pick another stock thought would perform better long term discussion enough turn kids ever selling best practice us adults keep investing journal opens new window write making stock sells buys document feelings time might enough help us think investment back away emotional reaction sell based shortterm market move foolish opens new window investor buys great companies money dont need next three five years holds stock long term simple recipe investing success even lazy kids case netflix result success find netflix one 10 best stocks buy motley fool cofounders tom david gardner spent decade beating market fact newsletter run motley fool stock advisor tripled market tom david revealed ten top stock picks investors buy right netflix list opens new window nine others may overlooking click get access full list opens new window stock advisor returns july 6 2017 suzanne frey executive alphabet member motley fools board directors brian withers opens new window160and kids shares goog googl amzn nflx motley fool owns shares recommends goog googl amzn aapl nflx motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>A month before President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing, Chinese officials presented an offer they thought Washington couldn't refuse.</p> <p>China proposed that during the trip, Mr. Trump and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, unveil a plan to widen foreign firms' access to China's vast financial industry, according to people with knowledge of the matter. It was a move previous U.S. administrations had sought for years.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>To Beijing's consternation, according to the people, Washington wasn't interested. The offer was made a second time during one of Mr. Trump's meetings at the Great Hall of the People. Hours after Air Force One took off from Beijing, China announced the opening on its own.</p> <p>The cold shoulder from the White House reflects a fundamental shift in how the U.S. manages it relationship with China, one that suggests a bold gamble and a rocky road ahead despite the bonhomie of the presidential summit earlier this month in Beijing.</p> <p>The financial opening initially attracted wide attention from market participants, and Beijing called it evidence of its commitment to market liberalization. U.S. reaction has been tepid. A White House spokeswoman on Friday called it "welcome but long overdue" and said: "It is also only one of a plethora of problems China needs to address in order to provide fair and reciprocal access to its market."</p> <p>The Trump administration, which recently completed a comprehensive review of China policy, is rejecting the longstanding practice of eking out concessions from Beijing on trade and market access around high-level meetings.</p> <p>To Mr. Trump and his aides, that approach has yielded few substantive benefits but allowed China to continue policies that put American businesses at a disadvantage. One White House official refers to that pattern as Beijing's "rope-a-dope" strategy. The administration is now investigating trade sanctions or enforcement actions against China with the goal of fundamentally challenging Chinese trade practices.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The White House is also trying to invest in the personal relationship between Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi in order to absorb some of the shock of the coming trade measures.</p> <p>That helps explain Mr. Trump's unorthodox blend of tough talk on trade and effusive praise for Mr. Xi in Beijing. In China and around the globe, the White House is aiming to make an asset out of Mr. Trump's unpredictability, which has been criticized by foreign-policy experts as a destabilizing influence on international negotiations over trade and national security.</p> <p>"The U.S. now believes that only the threat of unilateral action will compel China to change," says Scott Kennedy, a deputy director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.</p> <p>The new China strategy carries considerable risk. Some policy experts fear it could set off a trade war. Others, especially advocates of harsh sanctions, worry Mr. Trump might not follow through if Beijing steps up its charm offensive with further attempts to flatter him or if his agenda becomes monopolized by domestic issues, especially the tax overhaul proposed by the Republicans in Congress.</p> <p>Still, in Beijing, the prospect of a much tougher U.S. stance is starting to sink in. China had hoped to show it is doing its part to improve the relationship by granting Mr. Trump a "state-visit-plus" -- including a private dinner with Mr. Xi in the Forbidden City -- and opening the financial sector.</p> <p>"China realizes that it can't continue to drive away foreign capital," says He Fan, a professor at Peking University HSBC School of Business. "It likely will take more measures to open up its economy."</p> <p>Beijing is likely to point to any opening measures, however symbolic, to argue against unilateral action by Washington.</p> <p>Under the new financial opening, Beijing pledged to let foreign securities firms own majority stakes in their Chinese ventures and to scrap foreign ownership limits on Chinese banks. Officials indicated the security-industry changes would be limited, at least initially.</p> <p>Western officials treat such pronouncements with skepticism, pointing to China's poor follow-up record and saying hurdles have grown despite similar pledges in the past.</p> <p>"This opening-up comes at a late stage in development," said the European Chamber of Commerce in a statement. "It is now difficult for foreign firms to capitalize on these changes as domestic Chinese firms have stronger positions in their respective industry."</p> <p>Such views are shared by U.S. officials. "The overall approach now is not to negotiate over crumbs, not celebrate small deals that will have limited impact," one official said.</p> <p>While attending meetings by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington in October, China's Vice Finance minister Zhu Guangyao told U.S. officials about the new financial-opening plan, according to the people familiar with the discussions. The Chinese side had expected U.S. officials would welcome the proposal and agree to roll it out as a breakthrough during Mr. Trump's visit to Beijing.</p> <p>Instead, U.S. officials called it too little too late.</p> <p>"We said, 'No, we're not going to take your gifts because you're just trying to sucker us,'" said a U.S. official familiar with the discussions. "The idea with China is no negotiation because it will just make us beholden to them and reluctant to slam them on other stuff."</p> <p>The Trump administration trade team is weighing a half-dozen trade enforcement actions that are aimed directly, or indirectly, at China, with decisions expected by early next year.</p> <p>The team is looking at invoking a Cold War-era law that was last used in the early 1980s to block steel and aluminum imports in the name of national security. It is also studying dusting off another law last used in 2002 to protect domestic producers claiming to have been damaged by a sudden surge of cheap imports; solar panels and washing machines are goods in focus.</p> <p>Shortly before Mr. Trump's trip to Beijing, the Commerce Department issued a lengthy study justifying the continuing branding of China as a "nonmarket economy," a status that allows the U.S. to impose extra high duties on Chinese imports found to have been illegally subsidized or "dumped" below production costs. Commerce has since imposed duties of up to 162% on Chinese aluminum foil and 194% for hardwood plywood. China has filed a complaint over that designation to the World Trade Organization.</p> <p>At the same time, Mr. Trump's trade agency is building a broad case to charge China with "unfair trade practices" by improperly pressuring American companies to turn over valuable intellectual property as the price for entering the Chinese market.</p> <p>Still, the question is when, or whether, the administration will actually take action on these fronts. So far, trade enforcement has taken a back seat to White House priorities such as winning passage of a tax cut and securing Chinese cooperation to curb North Korea's nuclear program.</p> <p>U.S. officials have struggled to find remedies that won't trigger a wide backlash from industries that consume Chinese products or free-trade Republicans in Congress. Excessively harsh sanctions could also provoke a full-blown trade war, some policy experts say.</p> <p>Although an open line to Mr. Xi could help in managing a trade crisis and allow for more meaningful deal-making, efforts to forge a personal rapport with previous Chinese leaders have rarely borne fruit.</p> <p>"The development of personal relations is a fact, not a strategy," the White House spokeswoman said. Messrs. Trump and Xi "seem to have established a good personal relationship, as the president has with many world leaders," she added.</p> <p>Already, some supporters of Mr. Trump's promised China trade crackdown have grown frustrated at the limited results. The Alliance for American Manufacturing, a group formed by the United Steelworkers union and U.S. steelmakers, praised Mr. Trump in April when he launched his study on national-security steel tariffs, and his aides had promised action by June.</p> <p>Now, they have launched a petition drive protesting the delays and demanding the administration follow through.</p> <p>The deadline "is long past -- and still no action," the petition reads. "President Trump pledged to stand up for America's working class -- and it's time for him to make good on his word."</p> <p>Write to Lingling Wei at lingling.wei@wsj.com, Jacob M. Schlesinger at jacob.schlesinger@wsj.com, Jeremy Page at jeremy.page@wsj.com and Michael C. Bender at Mike.Bender@wsj.com</p> <p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p> <p>November 19, 2017 18:37 ET (23:37 GMT)</p>

month president donald trumps visit beijing chinese officials presented offer thought washington couldnt refuse china proposed trip mr trump counterpart xi jinping unveil plan widen foreign firms access chinas vast financial industry according people knowledge matter move previous us administrations sought years continue reading beijings consternation according people washington wasnt interested offer made second time one mr trumps meetings great hall people hours air force one took beijing china announced opening cold shoulder white house reflects fundamental shift us manages relationship china one suggests bold gamble rocky road ahead despite bonhomie presidential summit earlier month beijing financial opening initially attracted wide attention market participants beijing called evidence commitment market liberalization us reaction tepid white house spokeswoman friday called welcome long overdue said also one plethora problems china needs address order provide fair reciprocal access market trump administration recently completed comprehensive review china policy rejecting longstanding practice eking concessions beijing trade market access around highlevel meetings mr trump aides approach yielded substantive benefits allowed china continue policies put american businesses disadvantage one white house official refers pattern beijings ropeadope strategy administration investigating trade sanctions enforcement actions china goal fundamentally challenging chinese trade practices advertisement white house also trying invest personal relationship mr trump mr xi order absorb shock coming trade measures helps explain mr trumps unorthodox blend tough talk trade effusive praise mr xi beijing china around globe white house aiming make asset mr trumps unpredictability criticized foreignpolicy experts destabilizing influence international negotiations trade national security us believes threat unilateral action compel china change says scott kennedy deputy director center strategic international studies washington think tank new china strategy carries considerable risk policy experts fear could set trade war others especially advocates harsh sanctions worry mr trump might follow beijing steps charm offensive attempts flatter agenda becomes monopolized domestic issues especially tax overhaul proposed republicans congress still beijing prospect much tougher us stance starting sink china hoped show part improve relationship granting mr trump statevisitplus including private dinner mr xi forbidden city opening financial sector china realizes cant continue drive away foreign capital says fan professor peking university hsbc school business likely take measures open economy beijing likely point opening measures however symbolic argue unilateral action washington new financial opening beijing pledged let foreign securities firms majority stakes chinese ventures scrap foreign ownership limits chinese banks officials indicated securityindustry changes would limited least initially western officials treat pronouncements skepticism pointing chinas poor followup record saying hurdles grown despite similar pledges past openingup comes late stage development said european chamber commerce statement difficult foreign firms capitalize changes domestic chinese firms stronger positions respective industry views shared us officials overall approach negotiate crumbs celebrate small deals limited impact one official said attending meetings international monetary fund world bank washington october chinas vice finance minister zhu guangyao told us officials new financialopening plan according people familiar discussions chinese side expected us officials would welcome proposal agree roll breakthrough mr trumps visit beijing instead us officials called little late said going take gifts youre trying sucker us said us official familiar discussions idea china negotiation make us beholden reluctant slam stuff trump administration trade team weighing halfdozen trade enforcement actions aimed directly indirectly china decisions expected early next year team looking invoking cold warera law last used early 1980s block steel aluminum imports name national security also studying dusting another law last used 2002 protect domestic producers claiming damaged sudden surge cheap imports solar panels washing machines goods focus shortly mr trumps trip beijing commerce department issued lengthy study justifying continuing branding china nonmarket economy status allows us impose extra high duties chinese imports found illegally subsidized dumped production costs commerce since imposed duties 162 chinese aluminum foil 194 hardwood plywood china filed complaint designation world trade organization time mr trumps trade agency building broad case charge china unfair trade practices improperly pressuring american companies turn valuable intellectual property price entering chinese market still question whether administration actually take action fronts far trade enforcement taken back seat white house priorities winning passage tax cut securing chinese cooperation curb north koreas nuclear program us officials struggled find remedies wont trigger wide backlash industries consume chinese products freetrade republicans congress excessively harsh sanctions could also provoke fullblown trade war policy experts say although open line mr xi could help managing trade crisis allow meaningful dealmaking efforts forge personal rapport previous chinese leaders rarely borne fruit development personal relations fact strategy white house spokeswoman said messrs trump xi seem established good personal relationship president many world leaders added already supporters mr trumps promised china trade crackdown grown frustrated limited results alliance american manufacturing group formed united steelworkers union us steelmakers praised mr trump april launched study nationalsecurity steel tariffs aides promised action june launched petition drive protesting delays demanding administration follow deadline long past still action petition reads president trump pledged stand americas working class time make good word write lingling wei linglingweiwsjcom jacob schlesinger jacobschlesingerwsjcom jeremy page jeremypagewsjcom michael c bender mikebenderwsjcom end dow jones newswires november 19 2017 1837 et 2337 gmt

<p /> <p>An employee at a Panera Cares Cafe, Image source: Panera Bread.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>When many people think of capitalism, they often equate it to things like greed, deceit, and even generating outsized profits at the expense of others. So the concept of "conscious capitalism" might seem like an oxymoron. But there's a sort of hidden genius underlying this novel approach to business.</p> <p>John Mackey,Whole Foods co-founder and CEO, once stated, "Conscious capitalism is a more complex form of Capitalism that reflects and leverages the interdependent nature of life and all of the stakeholders in a business."Incidentally, by encouraging businesses to serve the needs of all stakeholders involved -- from customers to employees, investors, communities, suppliers, and the environment -- conscious capitalism is even more effective at generating profits than its less socially responsible counterpart.</p> <p>For example, when Raj Sisodia, co-author with Mackey of Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business, singled out 28 companies he believed were the most conscious, he found that the 18 publicly traded companies among that group had outperformed the S&amp;amp;P 500 by a stunning factor of 10.5 from 1996 to 2011.</p> <p>But how can investors find the most promising conscious capitalists that today's market has to offer? To help get you started, we asked three Motley Fool contributors to each pick a stock they believe fits the bill. They chose Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA), Splunk (NASDAQ: SPLK), and Trex Company (NYSE: TREX). Read on to find out why.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi: Opens a New Window.</a> One shining example of a company that practices conscious capitalism isPanera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA). This quick-service restaurant has a long history of doing good in the communitieswithin which it operates, but it hasn't always led to gains in its bottom line.</p> <p>As an example, Panera Bread donates all of its leftover bread and baked goods to local food banks at the end of each day. In addition, the company has experimented with a handful of "Panera Cares" cafes, which are non-profits that operate on a pay-what-you-can model. These cafes provide customers with a suggested donation amount for its food items instead of charging a fixed price.</p> <p>That means that customers are under no obligation to pay for their food, so anyone who faces food insecurity can walk in and enjoy a warm meal free of charge. The company only operates a handful of Panera Cafes right now, but it has set a long-term goal of opening one in every city in the country.</p> <p>Moves like these show its customers that Panera cares more being a good member of its community than it does about maximizing short-term profits. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that customers reward Panera with their repeat business, which, in turn, has helped to grow Panera into a $5 billion restaurantconcept.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a>: Splunk (NASDAQ: SPLK) has long strived to use its expertise in processing big data for the greater good. The company has offered licenses and education of its industry-leading operational intelligence software platform to five million students through partner Internet2, and has also made them available to nonprofit organizations with the founding of its Splunk4Good initiative.</p> <p>Image source: Splunk.</p> <p>I was more than happy last week to see Splunk kick its <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/06/why-splunk-inc-just-dedicated-100-million-to-phila.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">dedication to philanthropy Opens a New Window.</a>up a notch with Splunk Pledge, under which it promised to donate a minimum of $100 million in software licenses, training, support, education, and volunteer work to nonprofit and educational organizationsover the next decade.</p> <p>In particular, I think it's impressive to see that Splunk is having its employees collectively donate up to 60,000 hours of paid volunteer work every year to "organizations, causes, and social issues they are passionate about." And though this aspect of Splunk Pledge is obviously in its earliest stages, I look forward to seeing which organizations, causes, and social issues this fast-growing, high-tech company chooses to tackle. This is something that should also serve Splunk well by giving its employees a greater sense of loyalty and purpose.</p> <p>In the end, I agree with Splunk's assertion that "big data can make a difference," to both the world and investors who want to own a piece of this socially responsible business.</p> <p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Opens a New Window.</a> <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFVelvetHammer/info.aspx" type="external">Hall Opens a New Window.</a>: The home improvement and construction industry can be very wasteful, generating huge amounts of material that ends up in landfills every year, and a slew of chemicals ranging from solvents to paints to sealers that can be difficult to dispose of. Trex Companyis making a positive impact on one area of home improvement with its wood alternative decking material.</p> <p>Image source: Trex.</p> <p>Trex is the market-share leader in wood alternative decking, making its product from a combination of recycled polyethylene plastic and wood, leading to an end product that's 95% recycled content. There's even more benefit, because Trex's decking is designed to last significantly longer than traditional wood decking, and it also doesn't need the annual waterproofing or staining that wood decks require in order to stand up to Mother Nature. Not only does this save the homeowner money and time, but it's a far more environmentally friendly way to improve your home.</p> <p>For investors, Trex's financial performance has been incredible. Since the beginning of 2013, revenue has increased 50%, earnings per share have gone up a whopping 3,150%, and the share price has more than doubled. And there's plenty of reason to see Trex continuing to make for a fantastic investment.</p> <p>The company may be the market share leader with over 40% of alternative wood decking sales, but it only accounts for about 6% of total decking sold in North America. In other words, there's huge room for the company to grow its market share for years.</p> <p>Put it all together, and Trex is a wonderful company to invest in, and it also is making a positive impact on the environment.</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>John Mackey, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTypeoh/info.aspx" type="external">Brian Feroldi</a> owns shares of Whole Foods Market. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/elihpaudio/info.aspx" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Trex and Whole Foods Market. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx" type="external">Steve Symington</a> owns shares of Whole Foods Market. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Panera Bread, Splunk, Trex, and Whole Foods Market. 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>

employee panera cares cafe image source panera bread continue reading many people think capitalism often equate things like greed deceit even generating outsized profits expense others concept conscious capitalism might seem like oxymoron theres sort hidden genius underlying novel approach business john mackeywhole foods cofounder ceo stated conscious capitalism complex form capitalism reflects leverages interdependent nature life stakeholders businessincidentally encouraging businesses serve needs stakeholders involved customers employees investors communities suppliers environment conscious capitalism even effective generating profits less socially responsible counterpart example raj sisodia coauthor mackey conscious capitalism liberating heroic spirit business singled 28 companies believed conscious found 18 publicly traded companies among group outperformed sampp 500 stunning factor 105 1996 2011 investors find promising conscious capitalists todays market offer help get started asked three motley fool contributors pick stock believe fits bill chose panera bread nasdaq pnra splunk nasdaq splk trex company nyse trex read find advertisement brian feroldi opens new window one shining example company practices conscious capitalism ispanera bread nasdaq pnra quickservice restaurant long history good communitieswithin operates hasnt always led gains bottom line example panera bread donates leftover bread baked goods local food banks end day addition company experimented handful panera cares cafes nonprofits operate paywhatyoucan model cafes provide customers suggested donation amount food items instead charging fixed price means customers obligation pay food anyone faces food insecurity walk enjoy warm meal free charge company operates handful panera cafes right set longterm goal opening one every city country moves like show customers panera cares good member community maximizing shortterm profits perhaps come surprise customers reward panera repeat business turn helped grow panera 5 billion restaurantconcept steve symington opens new window splunk nasdaq splk long strived use expertise processing big data greater good company offered licenses education industryleading operational intelligence software platform five million students partner internet2 also made available nonprofit organizations founding splunk4good initiative image source splunk happy last week see splunk kick dedication philanthropy opens new windowup notch splunk pledge promised donate minimum 100 million software licenses training support education volunteer work nonprofit educational organizationsover next decade particular think impressive see splunk employees collectively donate 60000 hours paid volunteer work every year organizations causes social issues passionate though aspect splunk pledge obviously earliest stages look forward seeing organizations causes social issues fastgrowing hightech company chooses tackle something also serve splunk well giving employees greater sense loyalty purpose end agree splunks assertion big data make difference world investors want piece socially responsible business jason opens new window hall opens new window home improvement construction industry wasteful generating huge amounts material ends landfills every year slew chemicals ranging solvents paints sealers difficult dispose trex companyis making positive impact one area home improvement wood alternative decking material image source trex trex marketshare leader wood alternative decking making product combination recycled polyethylene plastic wood leading end product thats 95 recycled content theres even benefit trexs decking designed last significantly longer traditional wood decking also doesnt need annual waterproofing staining wood decks require order stand mother nature save homeowner money time far environmentally friendly way improve home investors trexs financial performance incredible since beginning 2013 revenue increased 50 earnings per share gone whopping 3150 share price doubled theres plenty reason see trex continuing make fantastic investment company may market share leader 40 alternative wood decking sales accounts 6 total decking sold north america words theres huge room company grow market share years put together trex wonderful company invest also making positive impact environment secret billiondollar stock opportunity worlds biggest tech company forgot show something wall street analysts fool didnt miss beat theres small company thats powering brandnew gadgets coming revolution technology think stock price nearly unlimited room run early intheknow investors one click opens new window john mackey coceo whole foods market member motley fools board directors brian feroldi owns shares whole foods market jason hall opens new window owns shares trex whole foods market steve symington owns shares whole foods market motley fool owns shares recommends panera bread splunk trex whole foods market try foolish newsletter services 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<p /> <p>Memory chip manufacturer Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) ended its streak of revenue declines during its fiscal first quarter, reporting solid growth and optimistic guidance. Micron is selling more chips at higher prices with lower costs, a trifecta of positives that are driving its bottom line higher. Here are nine key metrics from Micron's earnings report that give investors a good idea of where the company stands.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Image source: Micron Technology.</p> <p>18.5%: After six consecutive quarters of reporting year-over-year revenue declines, Micron has finally turned things around. Revenue surged 18.5% in the first quarter compared to the prior-year period, with strong demand and recovering prices for memory chips driving Micron's results. Revenue of $3.97 billion was slightly above analyst estimates and in line with the company's <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/30/micron-boosts-guidance-amid-dram-strength.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">boosted guidance Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>18%: Volume was the main reason Micron was able to grow revenue during the first quarter. The company moved 18% more bits of DRAM during the first quarter than it did during the fourth quarter and 26% more NAND. This growth was spread across all of its major segments.</p> <p>10%: The other factor behind Micron's solid results was the spread between average per-bit sales price and per-bit costs. During periods when memory prices are tumbling, like much of the past year, Micron can struggle to knock down costs at the same rate. This leads to deteriorating profitability. During periods when prices are stable of rising, Micron's profitability can soar.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>DRAM average per-bit sales price jumped 5% for Micron during the first quarter, and DRAM per-bit costs dropped 5%. That spread of 10% helped Micron grow its gross margin compared to the fourth quarter. NAND prices were flat, but Micron managed to reduce per-bit costs by 8%. With Micron's guidance predicting major gross margin and earnings growth during the second quarter, these spreads may widen going forward.</p> <p>13.9%: The PC business finally turned the corner for Micron during the first quarter. The compute and networking segment, which includes products that go into PCs, servers, and game consoles, produced revenue of $1.47 billion, up 17.6% sequentially. Non-GAAP operating income increased by a factor of 20 to $204 million, good for an operating margin of 13.9%.</p> <p>Micron pointed to strong demand in general, with cloud computing and graphics producing solid growth. The launch of new GPUs earlier this year, as well as the continued success of the major game consoles, helped drive results.</p> <p>GDDR5X graphics memory. Image source: Micron Technology.</p> <p>Mid-20s%: Both DRAM and NAND chips are commodities, a fact that subjects Micron to vicious cycles. Oversupply can quickly turn record results into losses, and undersupply can do the opposite. This is especially true for the standardized chips that go into PCs and mobile devices.</p> <p>Specialty chips may represent a path to Micron shedding its image as a commodity producer. During the first quarter, specialty DRAM aimed at networking, graphics, automotive, and other embedded applications accounted for a mid-20s% of total DRAM revenue. Around 20% of NAND sold went to embedded applications, including automotive and industrial.</p> <p>Micron is still heavily dependent on the PC and smartphone markets, and that won't change anytime soon. But specialty products are becoming increasingly important for Micron.</p> <p>8.6%: Micron's mobile business picked up during the first quarter, although profitability wasn't quite as high as the compute and networking segment. Mobile revenue surged 53.5% compared to the fourth quarter, with Micron pointing to customer qualifications as the main driver. Strong sales of LPDRAM and mobile NAND were also highlighted.</p> <p>The segment produced non-GAAP operating income of $89 million, a swing of $124 million from the fourth quarter. Micron's 20nm ramp, as well as reduced high-cost early production inventory, drove the segment operating margin to 8.6%.</p> <p>15%-20%: Micron expects DRAM industry supply to grow between 15% and 20% in 2017, assuming suppliers don't add significant wafer capacity. A 20% to 25% annual rate is expected in the long run. NAND supply growth is expected to be around 40% in 2017, a bit lower than Micron's long-term outlook.</p> <p>Micron turns a profit when supply and demand are roughly balanced or when demand outpaces supply. Too much supply growth can wreak havoc on memory prices. SK Hynix, a competitor to Micron, announced on the same day that Micron reported its results that it plans to invest $2.7 billion to expand its memory chip production. High memory prices will eventually lead to increased production to take advantage of those prices. For the next few quarters, though, Micron should be able to generate a tidy profit.</p> <p>$4 billion: Just a few days after the end of Micron's first quarter, the company closed its acquisition of Inotera Memories. Net of cash and debt, Micron paid $4 billion to acquire the portion of Inotera it didn't already own.</p> <p>Beginning in the second quarter, Micron expects the acquisition to drive DRAM gross margins, EPS, and free cash flow higher. Unfortunately, the company's guidance doesn't break out the exact effects of the acquisition.</p> <p>$4.35 billion-$4.70 billion: Micron expects the momentum it saw during the first quarter to continue into the second quarter. The company expects to generate revenue between $4.35 billion and $4.70 billion, up from just $2.93 billion during the second quarter of last year.</p> <p>Profits are also expected to surge. Micron expects a non-GAAP gross margin between 31% and 34%, with a non-GAAP operating margin approaching 20% and non-GAAP EPS between $0.58 and $0.68. This guidance puts Micron's second-quarter margins right near typical levels during periods of strong profitability.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Micron Technology 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=ee979fd9-056e-428a-8a56-b78248e0a822&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 Micron Technology wasn't one of them! 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memory chip manufacturer micron technology nasdaq mu ended streak revenue declines fiscal first quarter reporting solid growth optimistic guidance micron selling chips higher prices lower costs trifecta positives driving bottom line higher nine key metrics microns earnings report give investors good idea company stands continue reading image source micron technology 185 six consecutive quarters reporting yearoveryear revenue declines micron finally turned things around revenue surged 185 first quarter compared prioryear period strong demand recovering prices memory chips driving microns results revenue 397 billion slightly analyst estimates line companys boosted guidance opens new window 18 volume main reason micron able grow revenue first quarter company moved 18 bits dram first quarter fourth quarter 26 nand growth spread across major segments 10 factor behind microns solid results spread average perbit sales price perbit costs periods memory prices tumbling like much past year micron struggle knock costs rate leads deteriorating profitability periods prices stable rising microns profitability soar advertisement dram average perbit sales price jumped 5 micron first quarter dram perbit costs dropped 5 spread 10 helped micron grow gross margin compared fourth quarter nand prices flat micron managed reduce perbit costs 8 microns guidance predicting major gross margin earnings growth second quarter spreads may widen going forward 139 pc business finally turned corner micron first quarter compute networking segment includes products go pcs servers game consoles produced revenue 147 billion 176 sequentially nongaap operating income increased factor 20 204 million good operating margin 139 micron pointed strong demand general cloud computing graphics producing solid growth launch new gpus earlier year well continued success major game consoles helped drive results gddr5x graphics memory image source micron technology mid20s dram nand chips commodities fact subjects micron vicious cycles oversupply quickly turn record results losses undersupply opposite especially true standardized chips go pcs mobile devices specialty chips may represent path micron shedding image commodity producer first quarter specialty dram aimed networking graphics automotive embedded applications accounted mid20s total dram revenue around 20 nand sold went embedded applications including automotive industrial micron still heavily dependent pc smartphone markets wont change anytime soon specialty products becoming increasingly important micron 86 microns mobile business picked first quarter although profitability wasnt quite high compute networking segment mobile revenue surged 535 compared fourth quarter micron pointing customer qualifications main driver strong sales lpdram mobile nand also highlighted segment produced nongaap operating income 89 million swing 124 million fourth quarter microns 20nm ramp well reduced highcost early production inventory drove segment operating margin 86 1520 micron expects dram industry supply grow 15 20 2017 assuming suppliers dont add significant wafer capacity 20 25 annual rate expected long run nand supply growth expected around 40 2017 bit lower microns longterm outlook micron turns profit supply demand roughly balanced demand outpaces supply much supply growth wreak havoc memory prices sk hynix competitor micron announced day micron reported results plans invest 27 billion expand memory chip production high memory prices eventually lead increased production take advantage prices next quarters though micron able generate tidy profit 4 billion days end microns first quarter company closed acquisition inotera memories net cash debt micron paid 4 billion acquire portion inotera didnt already beginning second quarter micron expects acquisition drive dram gross margins eps free cash flow higher unfortunately companys guidance doesnt break exact effects acquisition 435 billion470 billion micron expects momentum saw first quarter continue second quarter company expects generate revenue 435 billion 470 billion 293 billion second quarter last year profits also expected surge micron expects nongaap gross margin 31 34 nongaap operating margin approaching 20 nongaap eps 058 068 guidance puts microns secondquarter margins right near typical levels periods strong profitability 10 stocks like better micron technology 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 micron technology wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns nov 7 2016 timothy green 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 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<p>Donald Trump's stunning victory on Tuesday night is accompanied by some interesting data from the final exit polls that reveal the mood of the electorate and just how Trump was able to pull off one of the greatest political upsets in history.</p> <p>Here are nine important facts from the final exit polls.</p> <p>1. People hated both candidates. Only around 40 percent of respondents said they were excited about Trump or Hillary Clinton becoming president, while 25 percent of voters said their primary motivation was to defeat one of the candidates rather than genuinely liking them. The unfavorables were high for both candidates, as Clinton's favorables were at 44 percent favorable to 54 percent unfavorable and Trump's were at 38 percent to 60 percent, unfavorably.</p> <p>Polls routinely showed that both candidates were severely disliked by the populace and that remained the case on election day.</p> <p>2. Trump outperformed Mitt Romney among minority voters. Unsurprisingly, Trump lost to Clinton in the Latino and black votes by margins of 88 percent to 8 percent and 65 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Surprisingly, this was better than Romney fared among the aforementioned demographics in 2012, as he lost both groups by margins of 93 percent to 7 percent and 71 percent to 27 percent, respectively.</p> <p>"For amnesty fans, the fact that Republicans lost badly among Latinos again, if not as badly as in 2012, will be proof that they still have lots of work to do to get right with that group before it inevitably becomes a major electoral force," <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2016/11/09/election-wrap-up-interesting-odds-and-ends-from-the-data/" type="external">writes Allahpundit</a> at Hot Air. "For border hawks, the fact that Trump improved on Romney&#8217;s showing with Latinos is proof that immigration doesn&#8217;t matter much and that an effective working-class pitch will cross racial lines."</p> <p>3. Trump also surpassed Romney's lead on white voters. Trump won white voters by a margin of 58 percent to 37 percent, while Romney won them by a margin of 59 percent to 39 percent.</p> <p>The biggest difference for Trump appears to be among whites who weren't college-educated. According to <a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/11/09/501378673/how-trump-won-according-to-the-exit-polls" type="external">National Public Radio</a>, Trump won in that demographic by 39 points. Romney only won the demographic by 26 points in 2012.</p> <p>4. Trump's win was not due to "whitelash." Jones&#8211;who resigned from the Obama administration after <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/09/13/how_could_obama_have_hired_van_jones_98293.html" type="external">his race-baiting communist past</a> was exposed&#8211;went on a rant on CNN against Trump's election to the presidency that caused leftists to drool profusely.</p> <p>"This was a whitelash," Jones bloviated, per <a href="" type="internal">Robert Kraychik</a>. "This was a whitelash against a changing country. This was a whitelash against a black president, in part. And that&#8217;s the part where the pain comes."</p> <p>Even though Trump did very well among white voters, the exit polls do not point to a supposed "whitelash":</p> <p>Last night, Dems were calling the race a "Whitelash" -- wrong. Mitt won 59% of white vote, Trump won 58%. Minority voters didn't turn out.</p> <p>Dem turnout problems in a nutshell: At this point, Trump has fewer votes than Mitt or McCain. He may catch McCain but likely not Mitt.</p> <p>5. Trump made inroads into millennials. <a href="http://redalertpolitics.com/2016/11/09/trump-won-millennials-helped-close-gap-data-shows/#bHSSEmw7oW1Bpdyq.99" type="external">Red Alert Politics reports</a> that Clinton won millennials by a margin of 55 percent to 37 percent in CNN's exit poll and 51 percent to 34 percent in MSNBC's exit poll. In 2012, President Barack Obama walloped Romney among millennials by a margin of 67 percent to 30 percent, per <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2012/11/study-youth-vote-was-decisive-083510" type="external">Politico</a>.</p> <p>6. The gender gap was the largest in sixty years. According to NPR, the gender gap was 24 points, as Trump won men by 12 points and Clinton won women by 12 points. NPR declared the result as "the largest in at least six decades."</p> <p>7. Disrupting the status quo took precedent over experience in government. Exit polls from Virginia found that Trump dominated among those who were looking for change&#8211;79 percent to 15 percent&#8211;while Clinton cleaned up among those looking for "a candidate with the right experience," 89 percent to 8 percent. The results were similar in Georgia, as Trump won 77 percent to 17 percent among those "angry with the federal government," according to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/politics/first-exit-polls-2016/" type="external">CNN</a>. When extrapolated nationwide, this suggests that change was more important than experience, and the numbers from the <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/09/fox-news-general-election-exit-poll-summary.html" type="external">Fox News exit poll</a> substantiate this:</p> <p>Four-in-ten voters (39 percent) were looking for a candidate who could bring about needed change. These voters favored Trump, 83-14 percent.</p> <p>Clinton won those who wanted a candidate who cares about people like them by 23 points, by 40 among those who prioritized judgment, and by 82 among those who said experience was the most important quality to their vote.</p> <p>8. Obama still has high approval ratings. According to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/election-exit-polls.html" type="external">New York Times</a>, "A majority of voters said they approved of the job Mr. Obama was doing as president, and those voters backed Mrs. Clinton by huge margins." And yet Trump won in part due to voters who wanted change. Go figure.</p> <p>9. Trump's position on trade seems to have been key to his victory in the Rust Belt states. Per CNN:</p> <p>Half of Michigan's electorate feel trade takes away jobs, and these folks supported Trump by a 57% to 36% split. The 31% who think it creates jobs backed Clinton by a 65% to 31% margin.</p> <p>In Ohio, 47% of voters say trade hurts workers, and they lined up for Trump by a more than 2-to-1 margin. The 46% who say it creates jobs or has no effect strongly backed Clinton.</p> <p>And in Pennsylvania, 53% of the electorate agree that trade is bad for jobs. Some 62% supported Trump, while 34% backed Clinton. Among the 35% who feel trade is a job creator, Clinton was the favored candidate by more than a 2-to-1 margin.</p> <p>In other words, free traders have a lot of work to do in order to win over the Rust Belt.</p>

donald trumps stunning victory tuesday night accompanied interesting data final exit polls reveal mood electorate trump able pull one greatest political upsets history nine important facts final exit polls 1 people hated candidates around 40 percent respondents said excited trump hillary clinton becoming president 25 percent voters said primary motivation defeat one candidates rather genuinely liking unfavorables high candidates clintons favorables 44 percent favorable 54 percent unfavorable trumps 38 percent 60 percent unfavorably polls routinely showed candidates severely disliked populace remained case election day 2 trump outperformed mitt romney among minority voters unsurprisingly trump lost clinton latino black votes margins 88 percent 8 percent 65 percent 29 percent respectively surprisingly better romney fared among aforementioned demographics 2012 lost groups margins 93 percent 7 percent 71 percent 27 percent respectively amnesty fans fact republicans lost badly among latinos badly 2012 proof still lots work get right group inevitably becomes major electoral force writes allahpundit hot air border hawks fact trump improved romneys showing latinos proof immigration doesnt matter much effective workingclass pitch cross racial lines 3 trump also surpassed romneys lead white voters trump white voters margin 58 percent 37 percent romney margin 59 percent 39 percent biggest difference trump appears among whites werent collegeeducated according national public radio trump demographic 39 points romney demographic 26 points 2012 4 trumps win due whitelash joneswho resigned obama administration racebaiting communist past exposedwent rant cnn trumps election presidency caused leftists drool profusely whitelash jones bloviated per robert kraychik whitelash changing country whitelash black president part thats part pain comes even though trump well among white voters exit polls point supposed whitelash last night dems calling race whitelash wrong mitt 59 white vote trump 58 minority voters didnt turn dem turnout problems nutshell point trump fewer votes mitt mccain may catch mccain likely mitt 5 trump made inroads millennials red alert politics reports clinton millennials margin 55 percent 37 percent cnns exit poll 51 percent 34 percent msnbcs exit poll 2012 president barack obama walloped romney among millennials margin 67 percent 30 percent per politico 6 gender gap largest sixty years according npr gender gap 24 points trump men 12 points clinton women 12 points npr declared result largest least six decades 7 disrupting status quo took precedent experience government exit polls virginia found trump dominated among looking change79 percent 15 percentwhile clinton cleaned among looking candidate right experience 89 percent 8 percent results similar georgia trump 77 percent 17 percent among angry federal government according cnn extrapolated nationwide suggests change important experience numbers fox news exit poll substantiate fourinten voters 39 percent looking candidate could bring needed change voters favored trump 8314 percent clinton wanted candidate cares people like 23 points 40 among prioritized judgment 82 among said experience important quality vote 8 obama still high approval ratings according new york times majority voters said approved job mr obama president voters backed mrs clinton huge margins yet trump part due voters wanted change go figure 9 trumps position trade seems key victory rust belt states per cnn half michigans electorate feel trade takes away jobs folks supported trump 57 36 split 31 think creates jobs backed clinton 65 31 margin ohio 47 voters say trade hurts workers lined trump 2to1 margin 46 say creates jobs effect strongly backed clinton pennsylvania 53 electorate agree trade bad jobs 62 supported trump 34 backed clinton among 35 feel trade job creator clinton favored candidate 2to1 margin words free traders lot work order win rust belt

<p>Over the past several years, steel demand in the U.S. has been at some of the highest levels in a decade. But at the same time, imported steel -- which the U.S. steel industry has argued was largely illegally subsidized by the countries importing it to the U.S. -- has flooded the market, hurting prices, taking huge market share from domestic producers, and reducing output -- and profits -- from North American steel mills.</p> <p>Yet even in the face of this major challenge, Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) continued to invest in growth, expanding its capacity and the products it could make. Over the past several quarters, aided by a number of tariffs that have started to force illegally dumped steel out of the market, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/27/nucor-corporation-reports-biggest-profit-in-8-year.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Nucor's profits have surged Opens a New Window.</a>. So far this year, as we learned when Nucor reported second-quarter earnings on July 20, the company has had its most profitable six months since 2008, the company's earnings peak before the Great Recession.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Let's take a deeper look at Nucor's results, how management has been able bring profits back up, and what investors should expect.</p> <p>Here's a look at the key numbers for Nucor last quarter:</p> <p>And for the first half of the year:</p> <p>What can we learn from the data above? To start, Nucor's operating rate of 90% this year is one of the highest in the industry (and higher is better). Over the past few years, the industry has averaged closer to 70% in the U.S. and Nucor's rate has been closer to the mid- to low-80% range. This has been largely due to the flood of imports into the market in recent years, much of which, as was mentioned earlier, has been found to be illegally subsidized by foreign governments.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Over the past year, a wave of tariffs have had some impact on reducing imports, which has benefited Nucor and its domestic peers by reducing supply and driving steel prices higher. This is a key reason why Nucor's revenue is up 26% so far this year, even though total steel shipments are up less than 8%. At the same time, increased volume over the past several quarters has significantly improved Nucor's <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2011/03/30/operating-leverage-isnt-for-everyone.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">operating leverage Opens a New Window.</a>. This, along with higher prices, has helped drive Nucor's profits up sharply.</p> <p>Another major reason why Nucor has managed to increase its profits so much over the past several years, while many of its <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/26/why-united-states-steel-corporations-shares-plunge.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">competitors continue to struggle Opens a New Window.</a>, is how well CEO John Ferriola and his team have allocated capital, building a steelmaker with one of the best cost curves in the industry. On the call, Ferriola said, since the Financial Crisis, Nucor has "...invested more than $7 billion: Capital spending of $5 billion and more than $2 billion of acquisitions, continuing a long tradition of our company we have invested aggressively to increase our capabilities for delivering value..."</p> <p>Nucor's investments have generally added capability to the company, not just extra capacity. This is critically important for a steelmaker, as major shifts in the demand cycle can turn the expenses associated with additional capacity into an albatross when demand weakens. Nucor's capabilities are fairly broad across industry and product type, helping increase the company's prospects for growth, while also helping reduce some of the downside risk of overexposure to a single industry.</p> <p>At the same time, the company has funded much of its capital investments from cash flows. Nucor ended the quarter with over $1.5 billion in cash, and $4.4 billion in very low-cost debt and no major debt maturities in the next several years.</p> <p>While tariffs implemented under the Obama administration had started taking a bite out of illegal steel imports, there's growing evidence that this issue is far from over. On the earnings call, Ferriola said that finished steel imports were up 15% in the first half of the year, and market share reached 29%, matching the highest full-year level reached in 2015, and was at 27% year to date.</p> <p>The good news for Nucor and steel investors is that the Trump administration appears ready to continue fighting the battle against illegal dumping. President Donald Trump has spoken about this issue numerous times in recent weeks, and more trade cases that are likely to lead to more tariffs are working through the system. These trade actions take time to play out, but historically they have proven relatively effective at forcing foreign governments to end subsidies that create an unfair price advantage.</p> <p>While its peers have largely struggled, Nucor has been able to leverage up its operating rates and drive its profits higher even as illegal imports continue to pressure steel prices and take market share. This is largely due to management's focus on what they can control, namely keeping expenses low, the balance sheet strong, and allocating capital to projects that will deliver the long-term profits to continue driving that cycle.</p> <p>Even with the competitive pressures Nucor faces and the challenges ahead, the company is on track for its best year in nearly a decade on the back of high steel demand (even with all the pressure from imports) and the strength of its operations. While it's impossible to say just how long steel demand will be strong, Nucor has proven one of the few steelmakers that can adapt to changes in the market, while continuing to operate profitably and investing in the future of its business.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than NucorWhen 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=67a7a388-ec23-47f4-bb8e-7f1106e76884&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and Nucor 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=67a7a388-ec23-47f4-bb8e-7f1106e76884&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&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/elihpaudio/info.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;uuid=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jason Hall Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Nucor. The Motley Fool recommends Nucor. 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=0a0b8c1c-7098-11e7-be35-0050569d32b9&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>

past several years steel demand us highest levels decade time imported steel us steel industry argued largely illegally subsidized countries importing us flooded market hurting prices taking huge market share domestic producers reducing output profits north american steel mills yet even face major challenge nucor corporation nyse nue continued invest growth expanding capacity products could make past several quarters aided number tariffs started force illegally dumped steel market nucors profits surged opens new window far year learned nucor reported secondquarter earnings july 20 company profitable six months since 2008 companys earnings peak great recession continue reading lets take deeper look nucors results management able bring profits back investors expect heres look key numbers nucor last quarter first half year learn data start nucors operating rate 90 year one highest industry higher better past years industry averaged closer 70 us nucors rate closer mid low80 range largely due flood imports market recent years much mentioned earlier found illegally subsidized foreign governments advertisement past year wave tariffs impact reducing imports benefited nucor domestic peers reducing supply driving steel prices higher key reason nucors revenue 26 far year even though total steel shipments less 8 time increased volume past several quarters significantly improved nucors operating leverage opens new window along higher prices helped drive nucors profits sharply another major reason nucor managed increase profits much past several years many competitors continue struggle opens new window well ceo john ferriola team allocated capital building steelmaker one best cost curves industry call ferriola said since financial crisis nucor invested 7 billion capital spending 5 billion 2 billion acquisitions continuing long tradition company invested aggressively increase capabilities delivering value nucors investments generally added capability company extra capacity critically important steelmaker major shifts demand cycle turn expenses associated additional capacity albatross demand weakens nucors capabilities fairly broad across industry product type helping increase companys prospects growth also helping reduce downside risk overexposure single industry time company funded much capital investments cash flows nucor ended quarter 15 billion cash 44 billion lowcost debt major debt maturities next several years tariffs implemented obama administration started taking bite illegal steel imports theres growing evidence issue far earnings call ferriola said finished steel imports 15 first half year market share reached 29 matching highest fullyear level reached 2015 27 year date good news nucor steel investors trump administration appears ready continue fighting battle illegal dumping president donald trump spoken issue numerous times recent weeks trade cases likely lead tariffs working system trade actions take time play historically proven relatively effective forcing foreign governments end subsidies create unfair price advantage peers largely struggled nucor able leverage operating rates drive profits higher even illegal imports continue pressure steel prices take market share largely due managements focus control namely keeping expenses low balance sheet strong allocating capital projects deliver longterm profits continue driving cycle even competitive pressures nucor faces challenges ahead company track best year nearly decade back high steel demand even pressure imports strength operations impossible say long steel demand strong nucor proven one steelmakers adapt changes market continuing operate profitably investing future business 10 stocks like better nucorwhen 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 nucor wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns july 6 2017 jason hall opens new window owns shares nucor motley fool recommends nucor motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p>Enough is enough. It's epidemic. It's dangerous. And the time has come to demand its end.</p> <p>In the aftermath of the horrific massacre in Las Vegas, America needs fallacy control. Yes, we must declare war on fallaciousness. Now more than ever, the nation is suffering from an outbreak of illogical thinking. In response to senseless violence, clearheaded citizens deserve a safe space from the 24/7 barrage of rhetorical nonsense. Let's break down the collective cognitive breakdown.</p> <p>Argumentum ad celebritum.</p> <p>Empty talking points don't become persuasive arguments when uttered by Hollywood stars. But in the bizarre land of the celebrity cult, late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel has been suddenly anointed "America's conscience" and "voice of reason."</p> <p>Kimmel railed "intensely" on TV Monday night against politicians doing "nothing" to stop mass gun violence. Sobbing and emotional, he insisted, "there's a lot of things we can do about it." Yet, Kimmel acknowledged that Mandalay Bay gunman Stephen Paddock had passed multiple, mandated background checks and had no criminal history. Moreover, Paddock bought his guns legally from Nevada and Utah gun shops subject to a thicket of local, state and federal rules -- and reportedly carried 23 of his weapons into a casino/hotel that already operates as a gun-free zone.</p> <p>Federal studies show that a measly 1 to 3 percent of all guns are purchased at gun shows, but that didn't stop Kimmel from tossing around non sequiturs attacking the "gun show loophole." It's a mythical exemption in federal law for private weapons sales at gun shows or online intended to drum up hysteria about unregulated gun sales. In reality, firearms purchased through federally licensed firearms dealers at gun shops, shows, garage sales or anywhere else are subject to all the usual checks and restrictions. Only a narrow category of same-state transactions between private individuals not engaged in the commercial business of selling firearms (family members or collectors, for example) are unaffected by those regulations.</p> <p>There is zero empirical evidence that banning these types of transactions would do anything to prevent gun crimes or mass shootings. But who needs evidence when Jimmy Kimmel is bawling on stage "intensely"? The tears of a clown outweigh the sobriety of facts.</p> <p>Argumentum ad populum and argumentum ad hashtag.</p> <p>Actor Billy Baldwin unloaded a fallacy two-fer with his assertion that "the overwhelming majority of Dems, Reps &amp;amp; NRA members endorse #GunSafety," so "how can we let the #NRA hold us hostage like this? #NRATerrorists." Claiming that an "overwhelming majority" of people agree with you doesn't make your argument sound. Nor does citing polls showing support for "gun show loopholes" that those surveyed don't fully understand. Nor does attacking the character of your political opponents and hashtag-smearing them as "NRATerrorists" for holding political viewpoints different than your own.</p> <p>Straw men and red herrings.</p> <p>Grossly oversimplifying support of ineffective or superfluous gun control measures as "#GunSafety" allows celebrities, politicians and activists to prop up their favorite hollow debating tactic: asserting that gun owners, NRA members, and Republicans don't care about gun safety and want more innocent people to die.</p> <p>Democrat Rep. Ted Lieu illustrated a similar diversionary tactic by waving the red herring of a "gun silencer bill" and demanding that GOP "COWARDS" vote against deregulating such suppressors. Hillary Clinton also demagogued the issue, ghoulishly tweeting: "Imagine the deaths if the shooter had a silencer, which the NRA wants to make easier to get." Her running mate and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine parroted the propaganda, claiming that Paddock "was only stopped because he didn't have a silencer on his firearm, and the sound drew people to the place where he was ultimately stopped."</p> <p>Police, however, took 72 minutes to locate Paddock; it was the sound of hotel fire alarms set off by all the gun smoke that led them to the shooter. But let's not let pesky facts in the way.</p> <p>Think of the children.</p> <p>Invoking kids to support one's public policy preferences is not an argument. It's a timeworn appeal to emotion. Without it, however, gun control advocates are all out of ammunition.</p> <p>"We as a society owe it to our children" to pass "common sense" gun control, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton pleaded.</p> <p>"Thoughts &amp;amp; prayers are NOT enough. Not when more moms &amp;amp; dads will bury kids this week, &amp;amp; more sons &amp;amp; daughters will grow up without parents," Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., fumed on Twitter.</p> <p>And actor Boris Kodjoe tweeted: "My 10 year old asked me how the shooter was able to get his machine gun. I told him that pretty much anyone in the US can. 'But why daddy'?"</p> <p>Too bad Kodjoe's kid will never know that daddy didn't tell him the truth about fully automatic firearms (aka "machine guns"), which have been effectively banned from private civilian ownership in the U.S. as a result of federal gun legislation dating back to 1934. Nor will the children of the "Think about the children!" brigade be taught the truth about defensive gun use or Second Amendment history and jurisprudence.</p> <p>We owe our children critical thinking skills and evidence-based public policy, not knee-jerk slogans and tear-jerking treacle.</p> <p>Michelle Malkin is host of "Michelle Malkin Investigates" on CRTV.com. Her email address is writemalkin@gmail.com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.</p> <p>COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM</p>

enough enough epidemic dangerous time come demand end aftermath horrific massacre las vegas america needs fallacy control yes must declare war fallaciousness ever nation suffering outbreak illogical thinking response senseless violence clearheaded citizens deserve safe space 247 barrage rhetorical nonsense lets break collective cognitive breakdown argumentum ad celebritum empty talking points dont become persuasive arguments uttered hollywood stars bizarre land celebrity cult latenight comedian jimmy kimmel suddenly anointed americas conscience voice reason kimmel railed intensely tv monday night politicians nothing stop mass gun violence sobbing emotional insisted theres lot things yet kimmel acknowledged mandalay bay gunman stephen paddock passed multiple mandated background checks criminal history moreover paddock bought guns legally nevada utah gun shops subject thicket local state federal rules reportedly carried 23 weapons casinohotel already operates gunfree zone federal studies show measly 1 3 percent guns purchased gun shows didnt stop kimmel tossing around non sequiturs attacking gun show loophole mythical exemption federal law private weapons sales gun shows online intended drum hysteria unregulated gun sales reality firearms purchased federally licensed firearms dealers gun shops shows garage sales anywhere else subject usual checks restrictions narrow category samestate transactions private individuals engaged commercial business selling firearms family members collectors example unaffected regulations zero empirical evidence banning types transactions would anything prevent gun crimes mass shootings needs evidence jimmy kimmel bawling stage intensely tears clown outweigh sobriety facts argumentum ad populum argumentum ad hashtag actor billy baldwin unloaded fallacy twofer assertion overwhelming majority dems reps amp nra members endorse gunsafety let nra hold us hostage like nraterrorists claiming overwhelming majority people agree doesnt make argument sound citing polls showing support gun show loopholes surveyed dont fully understand attacking character political opponents hashtagsmearing nraterrorists holding political viewpoints different straw men red herrings grossly oversimplifying support ineffective superfluous gun control measures gunsafety allows celebrities politicians activists prop favorite hollow debating tactic asserting gun owners nra members republicans dont care gun safety want innocent people die democrat rep ted lieu illustrated similar diversionary tactic waving red herring gun silencer bill demanding gop cowards vote deregulating suppressors hillary clinton also demagogued issue ghoulishly tweeting imagine deaths shooter silencer nra wants make easier get running mate virginia sen tim kaine parroted propaganda claiming paddock stopped didnt silencer firearm sound drew people place ultimately stopped police however took 72 minutes locate paddock sound hotel fire alarms set gun smoke led shooter lets let pesky facts way think children invoking kids support ones public policy preferences argument timeworn appeal emotion without however gun control advocates ammunition society owe children pass common sense gun control new orleans saints coach sean payton pleaded thoughts amp prayers enough moms amp dads bury kids week amp sons amp daughters grow without parents senator elizabeth warren dmass fumed twitter actor boris kodjoe tweeted 10 year old asked shooter able get machine gun told pretty much anyone us daddy bad kodjoes kid never know daddy didnt tell truth fully automatic firearms aka machine guns effectively banned private civilian ownership us result federal gun legislation dating back 1934 children think children brigade taught truth defensive gun use second amendment history jurisprudence owe children critical thinking skills evidencebased public policy kneejerk slogans tearjerking treacle michelle malkin host michelle malkin investigates crtvcom email address writemalkingmailcom find michelle malkin read features creators syndicate writers cartoonists visit creators syndicate webpage wwwcreatorscom copyright 2017 creatorscom

<p>So, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has done precisely what everyone expected: he has unveiled a watered-down version of the already weak House Republican Trumpcare bill. The bill is actually so weak that even Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber is chortling that it doesn&#8217;t actually repeal Obamacare.</p> <p>That&#8217;s because it doesn&#8217;t.</p> <p>That doesn&#8217;t mean that every provision is bad. It does mean that the bill does little or nothing to lower premiums, undermines the solvency of insurance companies, and makes changes to Medicaid so far down the road that they may never materialize.</p> <p>But the bill does do three crucial things that Republicans want: it restructures an entitlement, which is Speaker of the House Paul Ryan&#8217;s raison d&#8217;etre; it provides the necessary government cutbacks to allow the Congressional Budget Office to score savings which will then be applied to tax reform; and it allows Republicans to brag emptily about having &#8220;repealed&#8221; Obamacare. In the short term, all of that may provide a bit of salve for a largely-useless Congressional term. But in the mid to long-term, it&#8217;s actually disastrous: by preserving Obamacare&#8217;s key provisions and calling it a &#8220;free market reform,&#8221; when premiums go up and insurance companies go out of business, Republicans and the free market will take ownership. The next step will be a swing into Bernie Sanders&#8217; Medicaid-for-all column from voters.</p> <p>Here&#8217;s what you need to know.</p> <p>1. The Bill Retains Obamacare&#8217;s Core Regulatory Scheme. Insurance companies will still be mandated to cover pre-existing conditions. The minute you force insurance companies to do this, they begin hemorrhaging money, since people will simply wait until they get sick to get insurance. The Obamacare scheme offers subsidies to insurance companies, raises taxes, and mandates purchase for the general public. As we&#8217;ll see, the Republican bill leans heavily on subsidies and does away with mandates and taxes, which carves a hole into the already-creaky hull of Obamacare. States would be allowed to alter the basic benefit package required within the states and the minimum contributions from insurance companies &#8212; but the result will likely be less comprehensive services, higher costs, or both. As Daniel Horowitz of Conservative Review puts it, "The bill merely loosens existing waiver authority up to the discretion of HHS for a few regulations, a provision that will not be strong enough to signal flexibility to insurers enough to reduce premiums."</p> <p>2. The Bill Re-Enshrines Subsidies to Insurance Companies. As Peter Suderman of Reason magazine states, the Republicans originally opposed Obamacare subsidies for insurance companies. They even sued to stop them. The new bill not only re-enshrines those payments, it allows back payments of such subsidies. This means:</p> <p>[T]hey are proposing to explicitly authorize and continue the very policy their House colleagues took the previous administration to court for pursuing. It amounts to an expansion of Obamacare, and while it may reduce uncertainty in some markets, it is unlikely to halt premium increases or fully stabilize the exchanges, which were degrading even before Trump threatened to withhold the payments. Moreover, it is an admission that Republicans do not believe they can meaningfully improve on the Obama administration's implementation of the law.</p> <p>3. The Bill Provides New Entitlements For Middle-Income Americans. Obamacare gives subsidies for insurance purchase to families of four making four times the federal poverty level ($98,000). The Senate Republican bill merely reduces the cap to $86,000. But as prices rise &#8212; which they will, given continuation of the Obamacare pre-existing condition requirement and the end of the Obamacare mandates and taxes &#8212; those subsidies will not be enough. This also creates a cliff in coverage for families who make just more than the prescribed amount. The Senate version ties subsidies to income rather than age, which means that it weakens incentives for young people to buy insurance.</p> <p>4. The Bill Dramatically Alters Medicaid &#8230; Down The Road. This was Paul Ryan&#8217;s great priority, and the Senate bill retains it. Originally, the House bill would begin rolling back federal funding on a need-based basis beginning in 2020 and end the open-ended funding of expansion of Medicaid enrollees. The Senate bill would now begin the rollback in 2021, after the next election cycle, and in 2025 would create a growth cap on Medicaid payments linked to inflation rather than health cost inflation. This provides savings down the road&#8230;but those will never materialize, since Congress can always dump those cuts by the side of the road. As <a href="https://reason.com/blog/2017/06/22/the-senate-gops-new-health-care-bill-is" type="external">Suderman</a> says, &#8220;The Medicaid provisions &#8230; may best be understood as budget gimmicks.&#8221;</p> <p>5. The Bill Defunds Planned Parenthood &#8230; For One Year. Medicaid would not be able to fund Planned Parenthood for a period of one year. There is no long-term plan to block Planned Parenthood funding; it&#8217;s hard to imagine that this provision is anything but a sugar cube to the Right in an attempt to sweeten a bitter drink.</p> <p>6. The Individual Mandate And Taxes Disappear. Like the House bill, the Senate bill does away with the individual mandate. That&#8217;s good, except that by retaining Obamacare&#8217;s regulations and getting rid of the mandate, the Trumpcare bill would exacerbate the Obamacare death spiral. Furthermore, because the Medicaid cuts take place only down the road, this means that Republicans are basically borrowing to pay their bills.</p> <p>As always, once Republicans accept the political premise of Democratic policy, they merely become Democrats in disguise. The biggest problem here is that by owning Democrat-lite policy, that disguise is ripped away, and Republicans will now be blamed for whatever comes next.</p> <p>Already, several conservative senators including Mike Lee (R-UT), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) have said they cannot support this bill. It remains to be seen whether Republicans will cave to public pressure the way so many House conservatives did, or whether they actually demand repeal.</p>

senate majority leader mitch mcconnell done precisely everyone expected unveiled watereddown version already weak house republican trumpcare bill bill actually weak even obamacare architect jonathan gruber chortling doesnt actually repeal obamacare thats doesnt doesnt mean every provision bad mean bill little nothing lower premiums undermines solvency insurance companies makes changes medicaid far road may never materialize bill three crucial things republicans want restructures entitlement speaker house paul ryans raison detre provides necessary government cutbacks allow congressional budget office score savings applied tax reform allows republicans brag emptily repealed obamacare short term may provide bit salve largelyuseless congressional term mid longterm actually disastrous preserving obamacares key provisions calling free market reform premiums go insurance companies go business republicans free market take ownership next step swing bernie sanders medicaidforall column voters heres need know 1 bill retains obamacares core regulatory scheme insurance companies still mandated cover preexisting conditions minute force insurance companies begin hemorrhaging money since people simply wait get sick get insurance obamacare scheme offers subsidies insurance companies raises taxes mandates purchase general public well see republican bill leans heavily subsidies away mandates taxes carves hole alreadycreaky hull obamacare states would allowed alter basic benefit package required within states minimum contributions insurance companies result likely less comprehensive services higher costs daniel horowitz conservative review puts bill merely loosens existing waiver authority discretion hhs regulations provision strong enough signal flexibility insurers enough reduce premiums 2 bill reenshrines subsidies insurance companies peter suderman reason magazine states republicans originally opposed obamacare subsidies insurance companies even sued stop new bill reenshrines payments allows back payments subsidies means proposing explicitly authorize continue policy house colleagues took previous administration court pursuing amounts expansion obamacare may reduce uncertainty markets unlikely halt premium increases fully stabilize exchanges degrading even trump threatened withhold payments moreover admission republicans believe meaningfully improve obama administrations implementation law 3 bill provides new entitlements middleincome americans obamacare gives subsidies insurance purchase families four making four times federal poverty level 98000 senate republican bill merely reduces cap 86000 prices rise given continuation obamacare preexisting condition requirement end obamacare mandates taxes subsidies enough also creates cliff coverage families make prescribed amount senate version ties subsidies income rather age means weakens incentives young people buy insurance 4 bill dramatically alters medicaid road paul ryans great priority senate bill retains originally house bill would begin rolling back federal funding needbased basis beginning 2020 end openended funding expansion medicaid enrollees senate bill would begin rollback 2021 next election cycle 2025 would create growth cap medicaid payments linked inflation rather health cost inflation provides savings roadbut never materialize since congress always dump cuts side road suderman says medicaid provisions may best understood budget gimmicks 5 bill defunds planned parenthood one year medicaid would able fund planned parenthood period one year longterm plan block planned parenthood funding hard imagine provision anything sugar cube right attempt sweeten bitter drink 6 individual mandate taxes disappear like house bill senate bill away individual mandate thats good except retaining obamacares regulations getting rid mandate trumpcare bill would exacerbate obamacare death spiral furthermore medicaid cuts take place road means republicans basically borrowing pay bills always republicans accept political premise democratic policy merely become democrats disguise biggest problem owning democratlite policy disguise ripped away republicans blamed whatever comes next already several conservative senators including mike lee rut rand paul rky ted cruz rtx ron johnson rwi said support bill remains seen whether republicans cave public pressure way many house conservatives whether actually demand repeal

<p /> <p>Image source: <a href="http://www.stockmonkeys.com/" type="external">StockMonkeys.com Opens a New Window.</a> via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/86530412@N02/8215661184" type="external">Flickr Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Our 20s can be a pretty transformational time in our lives. Chances are, if you're in your 20s now, you're just getting started in the world of investing. Taking that first step into an unfamiliar world might sound scary, but you have an advantage everyone else in the market envies: <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/06/18/your-last-remaining-edge-on-wall-street.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">time Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>To help you take that first step and make some of your first stock purchases, we asked three of our contributors to highlight one company they think young investors should consider. Here's what they had to say.</p> <p>Video gaming is particularly popular for people in their 20s, and the good news is, there are some good stocks among video game companies. That's despite the fact that it's a cutthroat industry where fortunes shift quickly. A common investing adage is to invest in a simple business that you understand and can illustrate on paper. Extra points if you can relate to it also. At the same time, the video game industry is maturing in a lot of ways, so you really want to find a company within it that knows what it's doing and that you don't need to babysit in your portfolio.</p> <p>Activision Blizzard is one of those companies. Once upon a time, World of Warcraft was its primary cash cow, but Activision has done a good job of diversifying its business, reducing the risk associated with the aging franchise as subscriber numbers continue to trend lower.</p> <p>Activision is also growing its digital and subscription revenues in a big way: They now comprise nearly half of the business (48% of revenue last year, up from 37% in 2014). Its <a href="http://wiki.fool.com/Operating_margin?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">operating margins Opens a New Window.</a> -- a measure of how efficient a business is -- also crush those of the rest of the industry. Activision enjoyed an operating margin of 28% last year, compared to the 9% the rest of the sector endures.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The company also just closed its acquisition of King Digital, maker of the addictive Candy Crush Saga, as Activision continues to expand into mobile. All the while, Activision even pays a dividend, albeit a modest one yielding just 0.8%.</p> <p>Investors with a decades-long time horizon should be focused on finding companies that are in high-growth mode with a massive addressable market ahead of them. One company that fits that description perfectly isTripAdvisor, the global leader in online travel reviews.</p> <p>TripAdvisor has become the first site that millions of consumers visit when they're looking to plan and book their next trip. The company owns thelargest library of travel review content in the world -- it currently has more than320 million reviews on 6.2 million unique businesses worldwide. That huge content base gives its site an advantage over rivals, as consumers are often interested in reading fellow travelers' opinions before they make a purchase. Millions of readers have come to trust the company to deliver unbiased reviews so they can make an informed decision.</p> <p>With so many eyeballs on its site, TripAdvisor is turning into a financial powerhouse. In 2015, the company generated nearly $1.5 billion in revenue, which it has grown at a 25% annualized rate over the past five years. That number should continue to push higher in the future as it continues to roll out out its "Instant Booking" feature, which allows visitors to book their vacation without leaving the TripAdvisor site. That should allow the company to capture even more revenue from visitors.</p> <p>However, my favorite reason to invest in TripAdvisor is that its market opportunity is just so massive. Total worldwide spending on travelis a $1.3trillionmarket, so thus far, TripAdvisor has only grabbed about 0.1% of the total pie. That gives the company a huge amount of room to grow over the coming years.</p> <p>And yet, despite the company's leadership position and massive untapped growth opportunity, Wall Street has been selling off TripAdvisor's stock recently. Shares are down about 25% year to date, and they're trading for about 31 times their full-year profit estimates. I think that's a bargain price for a high-quality growth company like TripAdvisor, so I think right now is a great time for investors with a long-term time horizon to stash a few shares in their portfolio.</p> <p>One thing "traditional" investment theories will tell you is that when you're young, you should shoot for the moon by investing in growth stocks. After all, if they don't pan out, you have plenty of time to correct any mistakes.</p> <p>Personally, I think that overlooks another way to really build wealth over that long time horizon: <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/10/17/dividend-investing-101-a-primer-on-everything-divi.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">reinvested dividends Opens a New Window.</a>. Companies that can continually churn out dividends year-in, year-out make amazing investments for younger investors because each quarter, you're buying more shares with that dividend. Just look at the difference in stock price growth and total return growth (share price plus reinvested dividends) over the past 40 years for Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson , Procter &amp;amp; Gamble , and ExxonMobil.</p> <p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/JNJ" type="external">JNJ</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson, Proctor &amp;amp; Gamble, and ExxonMobil are the investment equivalents of the tortoise in the "tortoise and the hare" story. Slowly and steadily, their consistent dividend payments have generated wealth for their investors over long time horizons. All it takes as an investor is to have the patience to buy and hold these kinds of companies through good times and bad.</p> <p>There's nothing wrong with following the traditional investment approach of buying high-flying growth stocks at a younger age. However, don't overlook the power of buying top-flight dividend stocks and holding them over the long term, since they can be just as effective at helping you reach your financial goals.</p> <p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/03/if-youre-in-your-20s-consider-buying-these-stocks.aspx" type="external">If You're in Your 20s, Consider Buying These Stocks 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 Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Activision Blizzard and TripAdvisor. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFNewCow/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Evan Niu, CFA Opens a New Window.</a>, has no position in any stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Activision Blizzard, Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson, and TripAdvisor. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool recommends Procter &amp;amp; Gamble. 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 stockmonkeyscom opens new window via flickr opens new window continue reading 20s pretty transformational time lives chances youre 20s youre getting started world investing taking first step unfamiliar world might sound scary advantage everyone else market envies time opens new window help take first step make first stock purchases asked three contributors highlight one company think young investors consider heres say video gaming particularly popular people 20s good news good stocks among video game companies thats despite fact cutthroat industry fortunes shift quickly common investing adage invest simple business understand illustrate paper extra points relate also time video game industry maturing lot ways really want find company within knows dont need babysit portfolio activision blizzard one companies upon time world warcraft primary cash cow activision done good job diversifying business reducing risk associated aging franchise subscriber numbers continue trend lower activision also growing digital subscription revenues big way comprise nearly half business 48 revenue last year 37 2014 operating margins opens new window measure efficient business also crush rest industry activision enjoyed operating margin 28 last year compared 9 rest sector endures advertisement company also closed acquisition king digital maker addictive candy crush saga activision continues expand mobile activision even pays dividend albeit modest one yielding 08 investors decadeslong time horizon focused finding companies highgrowth mode massive addressable market ahead one company fits description perfectly istripadvisor global leader online travel reviews tripadvisor become first site millions consumers visit theyre looking plan book next trip company owns thelargest library travel review content world currently than320 million reviews 62 million unique businesses worldwide huge content base gives site advantage rivals consumers often interested reading fellow travelers opinions make purchase millions readers come trust company deliver unbiased reviews make informed decision many eyeballs site tripadvisor turning financial powerhouse 2015 company generated nearly 15 billion revenue grown 25 annualized rate past five years number continue push higher future continues roll instant booking feature allows visitors book vacation without leaving tripadvisor site allow company capture even revenue visitors however favorite reason invest tripadvisor market opportunity massive total worldwide spending travelis 13trillionmarket thus far tripadvisor grabbed 01 total pie gives company huge amount room grow coming years yet despite companys leadership position massive untapped growth opportunity wall street selling tripadvisors stock recently shares 25 year date theyre trading 31 times fullyear profit estimates think thats bargain price highquality growth company like tripadvisor think right great time investors longterm time horizon stash shares portfolio one thing traditional investment theories tell youre young shoot moon investing growth stocks dont pan plenty time correct mistakes personally think overlooks another way really build wealth long time horizon reinvested dividends opens new window companies continually churn dividends yearin yearout make amazing investments younger investors quarter youre buying shares dividend look difference stock price growth total return growth share price plus reinvested dividends past 40 years johnson amp johnson procter amp gamble exxonmobil jnj data ycharts opens new window johnson amp johnson proctor amp gamble exxonmobil investment equivalents tortoise tortoise hare story slowly steadily consistent dividend payments generated wealth investors long time horizons takes investor patience buy hold kinds companies good times bad theres nothing wrong following traditional investment approach buying highflying growth stocks younger age however dont overlook power buying topflight dividend stocks holding long term since effective helping reach financial goals article youre 20s consider buying stocks opens new window originally appeared foolcom brian feroldi opens new window owns shares activision blizzard tripadvisor evan niu cfa opens new window position stocks mentioned tyler crowe opens new window owns shares exxonmobil motley fool owns shares recommends activision blizzard johnson amp johnson tripadvisor motley fool owns shares exxonmobil motley fool recommends procter amp gamble try foolish newsletter services free 30 days opens new windowwe 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>For many Americans, tax season is a bit of a double-edged sword.On one hand, Americans have to deal with the tax-preparation process, which, if you itemize your tax deductions, or if you're self-employed, can be quite cumbersome.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that taxpayers spent 8.9 billion cumulative hours complying with federal tax laws in 2016. Mind you, these tax laws now work out to more than 10 million words, with an average of 144,500 words being added per year since 1955, per the Tax Foundation!</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>But tax time is also like a second holiday season for nearly three in four taxpayers. Data from the IRS shows that 73% of taxpayers received a federal income tax refund in 2015, with the average refund amounting to more than $3,100. That tidy sum of cash could be a means to paying down credit card debt, bolstering up an emergency fund, or padding a retirement account. The fact that most taxpayers net a refund from the federal government is, perhaps, the main impetus for most Americans to do their taxes.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>However, an interesting trend has emerged in early 2017 that might be catching taxpayers off guard. According to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/filing-season-statistics-for-week-ending-february-3-2017" type="external">IRS data of tax-filing statistics Opens a New Window.</a>, for the 2016 calendar year through Feb. 3, 2017, the total number of tax refunds issued had fallen by 62%, while the net dollar amount in refunds issued crashed by 78%, to $13.15 billion from $58.63 billion in the previous year over the same time frame. The average refund is down, as well, by 41%, to $1,994 as compared to $3,385 last year.</p> <p>So what gives?</p> <p>A little bit of the blame could be targeted at a 24% decline in the number of returns received through Feb. 3 (just 20.18 million this year compared to 26.67 million last year). It's possible that taxpayers are (incorrectly) holding out hope that tax laws are changed by President Donald Trump before they file their taxes.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>But the bulk of the blame relates to a recently passed law, known as the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, or PATH. The PATH Act requires the federal government to withhold a taxpayer'sentire federal refund until at least mid-February if, as an individual or family, the taxpayer is eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Please take note of the added emphasis in the previous sentence because it means that, no matter how large or small your refund, if you qualify for the EITC or ACTC, your entire refund will be held up for a few weeks.</p> <p>The reason the PATH Act even exists is because the federal government is trying to crack down on fraud associated with the EITC and ACTC.Based on estimates from the IRS, between 21% and 26% of EITC claims are paid in error each year.</p> <p>In 2015, some $15.6 billion in erroneous EITC payments were paid out, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. While the IRS is realistic about its efforts to reduce fraudulent activity, the nonpartisan congressional Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that the delay, which allows the IRS extra time to match-up W-2s with tax filings, would increase federal revenue by $779 million over the next decade.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>The EITC, which is a credit given to hard-working low-income families, is a particularly big concern for the IRS because as many as 7 million people annually aren't aware that they qualify. The reason is that some taxpayers believe that if their tax liability has been reduced to $0, they no longer have a need to file a tax return.</p> <p>However, as my Foolish colleague Maurie Backman <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/01/28/7-million-people-will-miss-out-on-a-tax-credit-wor.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">recently pointed out Opens a New Window.</a>, the EITC is a fully refundable credit: Even if your tax liability is lowered below $0, you'll get a federal refund for the difference. Until there's a better understanding of who qualifies among low-income individuals and families, thieves will continue to exploit taxpayers' ignorance. It's the IRS's hope to stop as much of this fraud as possible.</p> <p>As a result, tax refunds that would normally be sent out in January and early February for lower-income folks who usually receive the EITC or ACTC are probably going to be pushed into late February and March. It's also possible this shift in tax refunds could impact the retail industry, which typically relies on a boost in after-tax discretionary spending beginning in January.</p> <p>If you're one of the tens of millions of taxpayers due the EITC or ACTC, there's not much you can do about the waiting process. However, there is a smart tax move you can implement in 2017 and beyond to potentially pad your pockets.</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Most of the taxpayers who are eligible for the EITC and ACTC are likely going to get most of what they pay in federal taxes back, with the exception of <a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/01/28/what-is-the-fica-tax-and-why-do-i-have-to-pay-it.aspx?&amp;amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">FICA taxes Opens a New Window.</a>. Yet most of the taxpayers receiving the EITC or ACTC probably aren't adjusting their tax withholding throughout the year to their benefit.</p> <p>In other words, instead of receiving a large refund in addition to the EITC or ACTC, taxpayers can lower, or eliminate, the amount taken out of each paycheck by the federal government by adjusting Form W-4, the tax withholding form. Over the course of the year, taxpayers will receive a larger weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly paycheck, which may help ease the burden of having to wait longer for their refunds.</p> <p>Plus, adjusting your tax withholding is just smart. The federal government doesn't allow taxpayers to earn interest on the money they owe you, so it's typically not a smart move to allow the government to keep your money and pay you a large refund check come April.</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 americans tax season bit doubleedged swordon one hand americans deal taxpreparation process itemize tax deductions youre selfemployed quite cumbersome continue reading internal revenue service irs estimates taxpayers spent 89 billion cumulative hours complying federal tax laws 2016 mind tax laws work 10 million words average 144500 words added per year since 1955 per tax foundation image source getty images tax time also like second holiday season nearly three four taxpayers data irs shows 73 taxpayers received federal income tax refund 2015 average refund amounting 3100 tidy sum cash could means paying credit card debt bolstering emergency fund padding retirement account fact taxpayers net refund federal government perhaps main impetus americans taxes advertisement however interesting trend emerged early 2017 might catching taxpayers guard according irs data taxfiling statistics opens new window 2016 calendar year feb 3 2017 total number tax refunds issued fallen 62 net dollar amount refunds issued crashed 78 1315 billion 5863 billion previous year time frame average refund well 41 1994 compared 3385 last year gives little bit blame could targeted 24 decline number returns received feb 3 2018 million year compared 2667 million last year possible taxpayers incorrectly holding hope tax laws changed president donald trump file taxes image source getty images bulk blame relates recently passed law known protecting americans tax hikes act path path act requires federal government withhold taxpayersentire federal refund least midfebruary individual family taxpayer eligible earned income tax credit eitc additional child tax credit actc please take note added emphasis previous sentence means matter large small refund qualify eitc actc entire refund held weeks reason path act even exists federal government trying crack fraud associated eitc actcbased estimates irs 21 26 eitc claims paid error year 2015 156 billion erroneous eitc payments paid according treasury inspector general tax administration irs realistic efforts reduce fraudulent activity nonpartisan congressional joint committee taxation estimated delay allows irs extra time matchup w2s tax filings would increase federal revenue 779 million next decade image source getty images eitc credit given hardworking lowincome families particularly big concern irs many 7 million people annually arent aware qualify reason taxpayers believe tax liability reduced 0 longer need file tax return however foolish colleague maurie backman recently pointed opens new window eitc fully refundable credit even tax liability lowered 0 youll get federal refund difference theres better understanding qualifies among lowincome individuals families thieves continue exploit taxpayers ignorance irss hope stop much fraud possible result tax refunds would normally sent january early february lowerincome folks usually receive eitc actc probably going pushed late february march also possible shift tax refunds could impact retail industry typically relies boost aftertax discretionary spending beginning january youre one tens millions taxpayers due eitc actc theres much waiting process however smart tax move implement 2017 beyond potentially pad pockets image source getty images taxpayers eligible eitc actc likely going get pay federal taxes back exception fica taxes opens new window yet taxpayers receiving eitc actc probably arent adjusting tax withholding throughout year benefit words instead receiving large refund addition eitc actc taxpayers lower eliminate amount taken paycheck federal government adjusting form w4 tax withholding form course year taxpayers receive larger weekly biweekly monthly paycheck may help ease burden wait longer refunds plus adjusting tax withholding smart federal government doesnt allow taxpayers earn interest money owe typically smart move allow government keep money pay large refund check come april 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>Paul Joseph Watson Infowars.com October 13, 2010</p> <p /> <p>Newly obtained 9/11 eyewitness footage that NIST fought tooth and nail to keep secret contains what appears to be the sound of explosions coming from the vicinity of WTC 7 after the collapse of the twin towers, offering yet more startling evidence that the building, which was not hit by a plane yet collapsed demolition style, was deliberately imploded.</p> <p>The clip was released by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) as part of a 3 terabyte package of video and photo data in response to a lawsuit brought by the <a href="http://www.ic911studies.org/" type="external">International Center for 9/11 Studies</a>. As we highlighted in our <a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/video-911-firefighters-reveal-huge-explosions-before-towers-collapsed.html" type="external">previous report,</a> almost every single video studied as part of the release thus far contains damning evidence of controlled demolition on both the twin towers and WTC 7.</p> <p>The fact that NIST dragged their feet for so long in an attempt to block the release of these highly incriminating videos clearly indicates that they were part of an attempted cover-up. In addition, the fact that <a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/did-nist-edit-wtc-7-footage-to-hide-evidence-of-implosion.html" type="external">some of the videos appear to have been edited in an effort to hide evidence of controlled demolition</a> is another smoking gun.</p> <p>The latest video is from eyewitness Richard Peskin, who filmed ground zero from a high rise building that appears to be about a dozen blocks down the street from Building 7. The first portion of the footage is filmed immediately after the collapse of the second tower of the World Trade Center. At about 10 seconds into the clip, two clear explosions can be heard.</p> <p>The clip then cuts to a later time and the cameraman states, &#8220;&#8230;explosion or something because there&#8217;s a lot of police activity and sirens and more smoke rising from the ground &#8211; new smoke &#8211; so there was some kind of additional explosion but I don&#8217;t know what it was&#8230;.maybe it was a federal building or something like that,&#8221; as the camera pans across a shot of WTC 7.</p> <p /> <p>At around 11am &#8211; around half an hour after the collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center and an hour after the collapse of the south tower, Peskin states, &#8220;I still hear continuing explosions, I don&#8217;t know what it is,&#8221; as small explosions can be heard in the background.</p> <p>At 1:49 in the clip, a louder rumbling explosion can clearly be heard coming from the direction of WTC 7 &#8211; &#8220;That&#8217;s another explosion,&#8221; says Peskin.</p> <p>The clip was contained in the NIST folder named &#8220;Richard Peskin&#8221; and is a combination of footage from the files Peskin 25.avi, Peskin 28.avi, Peskin 29.avi, and Peskin 30.avi.</p> <p>The fact that NIST tried to sit on the footage for months even after a FOIA request and that it took a lawsuit filed by the <a href="http://www.ic911studies.org/" type="external">International Center for 9/11 Studies</a> to obtain the clip clearly indicates that the organization wanted to keep the sound of explosions coming from the vicinity of WTC 7 out of the public record. The footage is filmed from a significant distance away from the scene and shows no detail of anything that could be considered sensitive. The only remarkable thing about the video is the fact that it contains the sound of secondary explosions, something NIST has continually denied was a contributory factor to the collapse of either the twin towers or WTC 7.</p> <p>In another clip released as part of the same lawsuit, a loud, low-frequency boom can be heard just before the east penthouse of WTC 7 falls. Once the support columns that held up the penthouse are taken out, the rest of the building falls almost within its own footprint.</p> <p /> <p>However, in subsequent clips released by NIST, where the camera is located nearer to the building, the collapse of the penthouse is clearly edited out of the footage.</p> <p>&#8220;Several clips from the Cumulus database show signs of editing. In the two video clips below, the collapse of the penthouse of World Trade Center 7 is cut out of the video. These videos happen to have been filmed from close to WTC 7, and have a high quality soundtrack that would have picked up explosion sounds from the charges that severed the columns supporting the penthouse, especially the explosion heard in the last video clip presented,&#8221; comments the International Center for 9/11 Studies.</p> <p /> <p /> <p>In another clip, the entire collapse of the building is edited out, the audio is removed and only restored after the building has fully collapsed.</p> <p /> <p>Why is NIST trying to deliberately cover-up evidence of explosions preceding the collapse of WTC 7?</p> <p>The 9/11 Commission completely ignored the hundreds of survivors, professionals, first responders, firefighters and police who reported numerous secondary explosions at all levels of the twin towers and WTC 7.</p> <p><a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/nist-wtc-7-report-shameful-embarrassing-and-completely-flawed.html" type="external">NIST&#8217;s final report on WTC 7 concluded</a>that the never before observed &#8220;new phenomenon&#8221; of &#8220;thermal expansion&#8221; was to blame for the destruction of the building, a completely ludicrous conclusion in a report that completely ignored eyewitness testimony and hard evidence that indicated deliberate demolition of the structure.</p> <p>As we documented for several years, the collapse of WTC 7 is the smoking gun confirming that the official story behind 9/11 is bogus. <a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/february2007/260207building7.htm" type="external">The collapse of Building 7 was reported before it happened by several news stations, including BBC and CNN.</a></p> <p>If the collapse of WTC 7 came as a result of a &#8220;new phenomenon&#8221; and an &#8220;extraordinary event&#8221; that had never happened before in the history of building collapses, then why did news stations and ground zero workers know it was about to happen an hour or more in advance?</p> <p>Explosions in Building 7 were also reported by eyewitnesses inside the building, including Barry Jennings, who described a &#8220;big explosion&#8221; that blew him back to the 8th floor.</p> <p /> <p><a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/february2007/100207heardbombs.htm" type="external">Former NYPD officer Craig Bartmer</a>was in the immediate vicinity of Building 7 before its collapse at approximately 5:20pm.</p> <p>&#8220;I walked around it (Building 7). I saw a hole. I didn&#8217;t see a hole bad enough to knock a building down, though,&#8221; said Bartmer. &#8220;Yeah there was definitely fire in the building, but I didn&#8217;t hear any&#8230; I didn&#8217;t hear any creaking, or&#8230; I didn&#8217;t hear any indication that it was going to come down. And all of a sudden the radios exploded and everyone started screaming &#8216;get away, get away, get away from it!&#8217;&#8230; It was at that moment&#8230; I looked up, and it was nothing I would ever imagine seeing in my life. The thing started pealing in on itself&#8230; Somebody grabbed my shoulder and I started running, and the shit&#8217;s hitting the ground behind me, and the whole time you&#8217;re hearing &#8220;boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.&#8221; I think I know an explosion when I hear it&#8230; Yeah it had some damage to it, but nothing like what they&#8217;re saying&#8230; Nothing to account for what we saw&#8230; I am shocked at the story we&#8217;ve heard about it to be quite honest.&#8221;</p> <p>Other EMTs and first responders were also told that Building 7 was to be deliberately demolished, <a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/february2007/090207broughtdown.htm" type="external">including Emergency Medical Technician Indira Singh &#8211;</a> another whistleblower.</p> <p>&#8220;After midday on 9/11 we had to evacuate that because they told us Building 7 was coming down. If you had been there, not being able to see very much just flames everywhere and smoke &#8211; it is entirely possible &#8211; I do believe that they brought Building 7 down because I heard that they were going to bring it down because it was unstable because of the collateral damage,&#8221; said Singh.</p> <p>Asked who told her that the building was to be &#8220;brought down,&#8221; Singh responded, &#8220;The fire department. And they did use the words &#8216;we&#8217;re gonna have to bring it down&#8217; and for us there observing the nature of the devastation it made total sense to us that this was indeed a possibility, given the subsequent controversy over it I don&#8217;t know.&#8221;</p> <p>Another EMT named Mike who wished to remain anonymous <a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/february2007/080207building7.htm" type="external">wrote in a letter</a>to the Loose Change film crew that emergency responders were told Building 7 was about to be &#8220;pulled&#8221; and that a 20 second radio countdown preceded its collapse.</p> <p>&#8220;There were bright flashes up and down the sides of Building 7, you could see them through the windows&#8230;and it collapsed. We all knew it was intentionally pulled&#8230; they told us,&#8221; he stated.</p> <p>Following news reports in the days after the attack that Building 7 had collapsed due to fire damage, Mike fully expected this mistake to be corrected after the chaos had subsided, but was astonished when it became part of the official story.</p> <p>Mike&#8217;s report of a countdown preceding the collapse of WTC 7 was backed up by Former Air Force Special Operations for Search and Rescue, Kevin McPadden, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgAJ4sKUp8g" type="external">who said that he heard the last few seconds of the countdown on a nearby police radio.</a></p> <p>In addition, the language used by firefighters and others at ground zero shortly before the building fell strongly indicates that the building was deliberately demolished with explosives, and not that it fell unaided.</p> <p /> <p>&#8220;It&#8217;s blowin&#8217; boy.&#8221; &#8230; &#8220;Keep your eye on that building, it&#8217;ll be coming down soon.&#8221; &#8230; &#8220;The building is about to blow up, move it back.&#8221; &#8230; &#8220;Here we are walking back. There&#8217;s a building, about to blow up&#8230;&#8221;</p> <p>The fact that WTC complex leaseholder Larry Silverstein was considering blowing up Building 7 is now admitted. Washington D.C. prosecutor Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, who was at ground zero on 9/11 working as a journalist, reported earlier this year that <a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/bombshell-silverstein-wanted-to-demolish-building-7-on-911.html" type="external">Silverstein was on the phone to his insurance carrier attempting to convince them that the building should be brought down via controlled demolition.</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/04/21/jeffrey-scott-shapiro-jesse-venture-book-lies-truthers-ground-zero-sept-shame/" type="external">Writing for Fox News</a>, Jeffrey Scott Shapiro states, &#8220;I was working as a journalist for Gannett News at Ground Zero that day, and I remember very clearly what I saw and heard.&#8221;</p> <p>&#8220;Shortly before the building collapsed, several NYPD officers and Con-Edison workers told me that Larry Silverstein, the property developer of One World Financial Center was on the phone with his insurance carrier to see if they would authorize the controlled demolition of the building &#8211; since its foundation was already unstable and expected to fall.&#8221;</p> <p>In February of 2002 <a href="http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2002/06/07/15925.htm" type="external">Silverstein Properties won $861 million from Industrial Risk Insurers</a> to rebuild on the site of WTC 7. Silverstein Properties&#8217; estimated investment in WTC 7 was $386 million. This building&#8217;s collapse alone resulted in a payout of nearly $500 million, based on the contention that it was an unforeseen accidental event.</p> <p>&#8220;A controlled demolition would have minimized the damage caused by the building&#8217;s imminent collapse and potentially save lives. Many law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other journalists were aware of this possible option. There was no secret. There was no conspiracy,&#8221; writes Shapiro.</p> <p>However, obviously aware of how it would impact his insurance claim, Larry Silverstein has consistently denied that there was ever a plan to intentionally demolish Building 7.</p> <p><a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/june2005/220605silversteinresponds.htm" type="external">In June 2005, Silverstein told New York Post journalist Sam Smith</a> that his infamous &#8220;pull it&#8221; comment, which has been cited as proof that Silverstein planned to take down the building with explosives, &#8220;meant something else&#8221;.</p> <p><a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/january2006/050106silversteinanswers.htm" type="external">In January 2006, Silverstein&#8217;s spokesperson Dara McQuillan told the U.S. State Department</a>that the &#8220;pull it&#8221; comment meant to withdraw firefighters from the building (despite the fact that there were no firefighters inside WTC 7). There was no mention whatsoever of any plan to demolish the building before it fell.</p> <p>Shapiro&#8217;s faux pas unwittingly let the cat out of the bag on the fact that Silverstein was aggressively pushing for the building to be intentionally demolished, a claim that he has always vociferously denied, presumably to safeguard against putting in doubt the massive insurance payout he received on the basis that the collapse was accidental.</p> <p>How much more evidence do we need to conclude that Building 7 &#8211; which was not hit by a plane and suffered limited fires across just a handful of floors &#8211; could not have simply crumbled into its own footprint within seven seconds without the aid of additional explosives?</p> <p><a href="http://www.efoodsdirect.com//index.html?aid=13&amp;amp;adid=43" type="external">Fresh food that lasts from eFoods Direct (Ad)</a></p> <p>Of course, if authorities were ever forced to admit that WTC 7 was deliberately demolished it would then tarnish the credibility of the entire 9/11 official story, which is why NIST has engaged in an obvious cover-up to firstly withhold and then edit some of the footage in an attempt to hide the self-evident fact that Building 7 was a controlled demolition.</p> <p>&#8212;</p> <p>Paul Joseph Watson is the editor and writer for <a href="http://prisonplanet.com/" type="external">Prison Planet.com</a>. He is the author of Order Out Of Chaos. Watson is also a fill-in host for The Alex Jones Show. Watson has been interviewed by many publications and radio shows, including Vanity Fair and Coast to Coast AM, America&#8217;s most listened to late night talk show.</p>

paul joseph watson infowarscom october 13 2010 newly obtained 911 eyewitness footage nist fought tooth nail keep secret contains appears sound explosions coming vicinity wtc 7 collapse twin towers offering yet startling evidence building hit plane yet collapsed demolition style deliberately imploded clip released nist national institute standards technology part 3 terabyte package video photo data response lawsuit brought international center 911 studies highlighted previous report almost every single video studied part release thus far contains damning evidence controlled demolition twin towers wtc 7 fact nist dragged feet long attempt block release highly incriminating videos clearly indicates part attempted coverup addition fact videos appear edited effort hide evidence controlled demolition another smoking gun latest video eyewitness richard peskin filmed ground zero high rise building appears dozen blocks street building 7 first portion footage filmed immediately collapse second tower world trade center 10 seconds clip two clear explosions heard clip cuts later time cameraman states explosion something theres lot police activity sirens smoke rising ground new smoke kind additional explosion dont know wasmaybe federal building something like camera pans across shot wtc 7 around 11am around half hour collapse north tower world trade center hour collapse south tower peskin states still hear continuing explosions dont know small explosions heard background 149 clip louder rumbling explosion clearly heard coming direction wtc 7 thats another explosion says peskin clip contained nist folder named richard peskin combination footage files peskin 25avi peskin 28avi peskin 29avi peskin 30avi fact nist tried sit footage months even foia request took lawsuit filed international center 911 studies obtain clip clearly indicates organization wanted keep sound explosions coming vicinity wtc 7 public record footage filmed significant distance away scene shows detail anything could considered sensitive remarkable thing video fact contains sound secondary explosions something nist continually denied contributory factor collapse either twin towers wtc 7 another clip released part lawsuit loud lowfrequency boom heard east penthouse wtc 7 falls support columns held penthouse taken rest building falls almost within footprint however subsequent clips released nist camera located nearer building collapse penthouse clearly edited footage several clips cumulus database show signs editing two video clips collapse penthouse world trade center 7 cut video videos happen filmed close wtc 7 high quality soundtrack would picked explosion sounds charges severed columns supporting penthouse especially explosion heard last video clip presented comments international center 911 studies another clip entire collapse building edited audio removed restored building fully collapsed nist trying deliberately coverup evidence explosions preceding collapse wtc 7 911 commission completely ignored hundreds survivors professionals first responders firefighters police reported numerous secondary explosions levels twin towers wtc 7 nists final report wtc 7 concludedthat never observed new phenomenon thermal expansion blame destruction building completely ludicrous conclusion report completely ignored eyewitness testimony hard evidence indicated deliberate demolition structure documented several years collapse wtc 7 smoking gun confirming official story behind 911 bogus collapse building 7 reported happened several news stations including bbc cnn collapse wtc 7 came result new phenomenon extraordinary event never happened history building collapses news stations ground zero workers know happen hour advance explosions building 7 also reported eyewitnesses inside building including barry jennings described big explosion blew back 8th floor former nypd officer craig bartmerwas immediate vicinity building 7 collapse approximately 520pm walked around building 7 saw hole didnt see hole bad enough knock building though said bartmer yeah definitely fire building didnt hear didnt hear creaking didnt hear indication going come sudden radios exploded everyone started screaming get away get away get away moment looked nothing would ever imagine seeing life thing started pealing somebody grabbed shoulder started running shits hitting ground behind whole time youre hearing boom boom boom boom boom think know explosion hear yeah damage nothing like theyre saying nothing account saw shocked story weve heard quite honest emts first responders also told building 7 deliberately demolished including emergency medical technician indira singh another whistleblower midday 911 evacuate told us building 7 coming able see much flames everywhere smoke entirely possible believe brought building 7 heard going bring unstable collateral damage said singh asked told building brought singh responded fire department use words gon na bring us observing nature devastation made total sense us indeed possibility given subsequent controversy dont know another emt named mike wished remain anonymous wrote letterto loose change film crew emergency responders told building 7 pulled 20 second radio countdown preceded collapse bright flashes sides building 7 could see windowsand collapsed knew intentionally pulled told us stated following news reports days attack building 7 collapsed due fire damage mike fully expected mistake corrected chaos subsided astonished became part official story mikes report countdown preceding collapse wtc 7 backed former air force special operations search rescue kevin mcpadden said heard last seconds countdown nearby police radio addition language used firefighters others ground zero shortly building fell strongly indicates building deliberately demolished explosives fell unaided blowin boy keep eye building itll coming soon building blow move back walking back theres building blow fact wtc complex leaseholder larry silverstein considering blowing building 7 admitted washington dc prosecutor jeffrey scott shapiro ground zero 911 working journalist reported earlier year silverstein phone insurance carrier attempting convince building brought via controlled demolition writing fox news jeffrey scott shapiro states working journalist gannett news ground zero day remember clearly saw heard shortly building collapsed several nypd officers conedison workers told larry silverstein property developer one world financial center phone insurance carrier see would authorize controlled demolition building since foundation already unstable expected fall february 2002 silverstein properties 861 million industrial risk insurers rebuild site wtc 7 silverstein properties estimated investment wtc 7 386 million buildings collapse alone resulted payout nearly 500 million based contention unforeseen accidental event controlled demolition would minimized damage caused buildings imminent collapse potentially save lives many law enforcement personnel firefighters journalists aware possible option secret conspiracy writes shapiro however obviously aware would impact insurance claim larry silverstein consistently denied ever plan intentionally demolish building 7 june 2005 silverstein told new york post journalist sam smith infamous pull comment cited proof silverstein planned take building explosives meant something else january 2006 silversteins spokesperson dara mcquillan told us state departmentthat pull comment meant withdraw firefighters building despite fact firefighters inside wtc 7 mention whatsoever plan demolish building fell shapiros faux pas unwittingly let cat bag fact silverstein aggressively pushing building intentionally demolished claim always vociferously denied presumably safeguard putting doubt massive insurance payout received basis collapse accidental much evidence need conclude building 7 hit plane suffered limited fires across handful floors could simply crumbled footprint within seven seconds without aid additional explosives fresh food lasts efoods direct ad course authorities ever forced admit wtc 7 deliberately demolished would tarnish credibility entire 911 official story nist engaged obvious coverup firstly withhold edit footage attempt hide selfevident fact building 7 controlled demolition paul joseph watson editor writer prison planetcom author order chaos watson also fillin host alex jones show watson interviewed many publications radio shows including vanity fair coast coast americas listened late night talk show

<p /> <p>It's been a long time since Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX) stock was in a legitimate uptrend. Despite the hiring of a new CEO last year to right the ship, Valeant's share price has continued to fall.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The question that investors must ask now isn't when Valeant will turn things around. Instead, the key question is whether it will happen at all. Can Valeant Pharmaceuticals ever regain its mojo?</p> <p>Image source: Getty Images.</p> <p>Let's first put to rest the notion that reducing its debt load will somehow make things magically better for Valeant. It won't.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Granted, a lower debt would allow the company to breathe somewhat easier. After all, Valeant paid a whopping $1.84 billion in interest expense last year. That's a huge sum of money that the drugmaker wasn't able to use for other worthwhile purposes -- like, say, developing new drugs that could ensure the survival of the company.</p> <p>The latest reports are that Valeant is having trouble getting the amount of money it wanted for selling off iNova. Apparently, Valeant hoped to receive $1 billion for the subsidiary, which sells prescription drugs and over-the-counter products in Australia,New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and South Africa. However, The Australianreported that potential buyers are bidding closer to $900 million.</p> <p>My view is that receiving $100 million or so less than expected isn't a crushing blow for Valeant in its effort to things around. The company paid $625 million up front for iNova back in 2011 and was on the hook for another $75 million in potential milestone payments. At least Valeant appears to be on track to make a reasonable level of profit on the deal. It could be worse.</p> <p>The bigger issue, though, is that debt reduction simply isn't enough by itself to turn things around for Valeant. Even if CEO Joe Papa fully achieves his goal to reduce the debt by $5 billion through sale of assets, I don't expect investors to flock back into Valeant stock. The company must start seeing earnings growth before that will happen.</p> <p>Valeant lost $2.4 billion last year. To return to earnings growth, the drugmaker has to first make up that gap. But even that goal is more difficult that it appears. Valeant lost patent exclusivity for several products in 2016 and faces the loss of even more this year. These losses are expected to negatively impact 2017 earnings by around $715 million. So Valeant needs to find roughly $3.1 billion in new profits -- just to get back to breakeven.</p> <p>However, the stock market would react positively if Valeant could achieve significant improvement in adjusted earnings. Adjusting away things like amortization of intangible assets and goodwill impairment helps tremendously. Will Valeant be able to return to adjusted earnings growth anytime soon? Unfortunately, no. The company expects lower adjusted earnings in 2017 than it reported last year.</p> <p>What about adjusted earnings growth in 2018? Valeant plans to launch more than 50 new products this year that could really begin to pay off in 2018 and beyond. That should help.</p> <p>One product that the company has high hopes for is Siliq (brodalumab). The drug received U.S. regulatory approval for treating plaque psoriasis in February. Valeant reported positive results from a late-stage clinical study in which Siliq proved more effective than Stelara, a drug that generated $3.2 billion in sales for Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson last year.</p> <p>Don't expect Siliq to be nearly as big a hit as Stelara, though. Siliq comes with a black-box warning related to suicidal ideation and behavior. RBC Capital analystDouglas Miehm projects peak sales for the drug of around $400 million by 2020, with sales of perhaps $170 million next year.</p> <p>New sales from Siliq will help, but Valeant needs a lot more additional revenue and profits to return to growth. Sales for the oral version of opioid-induced-constipation drug Relistor could pick up in 2017. Valeantlaunches its Bausch &amp;amp; Lomb contact lenses for astigmatism this year. The company alsohas another psoriasis product, IDP-118, that could potentially win regulatory approval in 2018.</p> <p>Will all of these new products prove to be the ticket for Valeant to become what Joe Papa calls "the greatest turnaround opportunity of a lifetime"? Maybe, but I wouldn't count on it.</p> <p>Papa says that Valeant stabilized in 2016, will turn things around this year and next year, and will be transformed in 2018 and beyond. I don't question that he has taken some of the right steps. Selling off assets was a must for Valeant. So was launching new products.Still, I can't share Joe Papa's optimism about where things are going for the beleaguered company. A return to any mojo for Valeant seems increasingly more likely to be a no-go.</p> <p>10 stocks we like better than Valeant PharmaceuticalsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p> <p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;amp;impression=95364a9f-1fdf-4e12-b5d6-06f9e2acae97&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 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=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=95364a9f-1fdf-4e12-b5d6-06f9e2acae97&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/TMFFishBiz/info.aspx" type="external">Keith Speights Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson and Valeant 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>

long time since valeant pharmaceuticals nyse vrx stock legitimate uptrend despite hiring new ceo last year right ship valeants share price continued fall continue reading question investors must ask isnt valeant turn things around instead key question whether happen valeant pharmaceuticals ever regain mojo image source getty images lets first put rest notion reducing debt load somehow make things magically better valeant wont advertisement granted lower debt would allow company breathe somewhat easier valeant paid whopping 184 billion interest expense last year thats huge sum money drugmaker wasnt able use worthwhile purposes like say developing new drugs could ensure survival company latest reports valeant trouble getting amount money wanted selling inova apparently valeant hoped receive 1 billion subsidiary sells prescription drugs overthecounter products australianew zealand southeast asia south africa however australianreported potential buyers bidding closer 900 million view receiving 100 million less expected isnt crushing blow valeant effort things around company paid 625 million front inova back 2011 hook another 75 million potential milestone payments least valeant appears track make reasonable level profit deal could worse bigger issue though debt reduction simply isnt enough turn things around valeant even ceo joe papa fully achieves goal reduce debt 5 billion sale assets dont expect investors flock back valeant stock company must start seeing earnings growth happen valeant lost 24 billion last year return earnings growth drugmaker first make gap even goal difficult appears valeant lost patent exclusivity several products 2016 faces loss even year losses expected negatively impact 2017 earnings around 715 million valeant needs find roughly 31 billion new profits get back breakeven however stock market would react positively valeant could achieve significant improvement adjusted earnings adjusting away things like amortization intangible assets goodwill impairment helps tremendously valeant able return adjusted earnings growth anytime soon unfortunately company expects lower adjusted earnings 2017 reported last year adjusted earnings growth 2018 valeant plans launch 50 new products year could really begin pay 2018 beyond help one product company high hopes siliq brodalumab drug received us regulatory approval treating plaque psoriasis february valeant reported positive results latestage clinical study siliq proved effective stelara drug generated 32 billion sales johnson amp johnson last year dont expect siliq nearly big hit stelara though siliq comes blackbox warning related suicidal ideation behavior rbc capital analystdouglas miehm projects peak sales drug around 400 million 2020 sales perhaps 170 million next year new sales siliq help valeant needs lot additional revenue profits return growth sales oral version opioidinducedconstipation drug relistor could pick 2017 valeantlaunches bausch amp lomb contact lenses astigmatism year company alsohas another psoriasis product idp118 could potentially win regulatory approval 2018 new products prove ticket valeant become joe papa calls greatest turnaround opportunity lifetime maybe wouldnt count papa says valeant stabilized 2016 turn things around year next year transformed 2018 beyond dont question taken right steps selling assets must valeant launching new productsstill cant share joe papas optimism things going beleaguered company return mojo valeant seems increasingly likely nogo 10 stocks like better valeant pharmaceuticalswhen investing geniuses david tom gardner stock tip pay listen newsletter run decade motley fool stock advisor tripled market david tom revealed believe 10 best stocks opens new window investors buy right valeant pharmaceuticals wasnt one thats right think 10 stocks even better buys click opens new window learn picks stock advisor returns april 3 2017 keith speights opens new window position stocks mentioned motley fool owns shares recommends johnson amp johnson valeant pharmaceuticals motley fool disclosure policy opens new window

<p /> <p>If you thought that your workers were tackling big tasks, hitting their deadlines at the office, and generally happy commuting into work, think again. According to a new survey from <a href="http://www.flexjobs.com" type="external">FlexJobs Opens a New Window.</a>, the biggest thing that employees want at work in 2016 can be summed up in one word: flex.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>What People Want at Work in 2016</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/survey-workers-most-productive-in-the-office/" type="external">FlexJobs Fifth Annual Super Survey Opens a New Window.</a> takes a good look at the world of flexible work &#8211;and why&amp;#160;people&amp;#160;are clamoring for it from their <a href="https://www.recruiter.com/employer.html" type="external">employers Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> <p>According to the survey,&amp;#160;65 percent of workers believe that they would be more productive at home than they are&amp;#160;at the office. The reasons: fewer collegial interruptions (76 percent), diminished distractions (75 percent), and a decrease in the number of office meetings (69 percent). But it doesn't end there: not having to deal with office drama ranks highly,&amp;#160;(68 percent), as does&amp;#160;ditching hellish commutes (67 percent).</p> <p>So, who are these workers who want flexible work options? If you guessed working parents would lead the list, you'd be right: 39 percent of them want flexible work options. Coming in second are freelancers (26 percent), and introverts pull up in third (21 percent). Entrepreneurs take the fourth place (20 percent), followed by caretakers (16 percent) and digital nomads (11 percent).</p> <p>The motives for wanting flex vary as much as the people seeking it. By far, the biggest reason for people wanting or needing flexible work options was the need to pay for basic necessities (80 percent), followed by wanting to travel (58 percent) and needing to save for retirement (65 percent). Other reasons included wanting to pay off debt (59 percent), desiring to have a professional impact on the world (41 percent), hoping to contribute to charity (28 percent), and needing to pay for continuing education (25 percent).</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Employers and Flex Work in 2016</p> <p>Sure, employees want flex, but does that mean employers are obligated to give it to them?</p> <p>Absolutely, according to the survey results. When job seekers are&amp;#160;considering&amp;#160;whether or not to accept a job offer, <a href="http://www.workflexibility.org/" type="external">work flexibility Opens a New Window.</a> ranks as the most important determining factor (80 percent). It's even more important than salary (74 percent) and health insurance (43 percent). What used to be one of the biggest determining factors, a company's 401(k) package, came in dead last (31 percent), right after company reputation (41 percent).</p> <p>Attracting and Retaining Talent</p> <p>For employers looking to attract A-list talent to their team &#8211; and then retain them &#8211; offering flexible work options just makes sense.</p> <p>Why? Well, flexible work (or lack thereof) contributes to why workers leave their jobs &#8211; even ones they otherwise love.</p> <p>For instance, 33 percent of respondents claim that they have left a job because it didn't offer flex. Eighteen&amp;#160;percent of those surveyed said that they are currently looking for new jobs because of work flex issues, and 14 percent have considered leaving a position because it lacked flex. If employers wish to hold on to their top talent, one big way to achieve that is by offering flex.</p> <p>And employees are willing to sacrifice in order to find the flex they want and need. More than one-quarter (29 percent) of those surveyed said they would take a pay cut (from 10-20 percent!) just to have more telecommuting options. Even vacation time was up for negotiation, with 22 percent stating they would be willing to forfeit their vacays if it meant they could work remotely.</p> <p>Reasons for Wanting Flexible Work Options</p> <p>When asked, employees identified four main reasons why they wanted flexible work options. The first: work-life balance (79 percent), family (52 percent), time savings (48 percent), and eliminating commuting stress (47 percent).</p> <p>If respondents had their choice when it comes to the type of flex they received, they would opt for 100 percent telecommuting (86 percent), a&amp;#160;flexible schedule (73 percent), or&amp;#160;partial telecommuting (49 percent). Freelance work options rounded out&amp;#160;the list (44 percent).</p> <p>Of the 3,153 respondents, the majority (54 percent) were ages 30-49. Twenty-three percent were 50-59, and 12 percent were 20-29. Most had an associate's or bachelor's degree (48 percent), a graduate degree (32 percent), or some college but no degree (16 percent). As for career level, more than&amp;#160;half (58 percent) were experienced. Manager or senior-level manager came in second (32 percent), and entry-level rounded it out at 10 percent.</p> <p>There is definitely a lot of talk about when it comes to workplace flexibility. But as the findings from the FlexJobs Fifth Annual Super Survey indicate, the want, need, and demand for flexible work options are here to stay. So if companies want to <a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/employer-blog/category/recruit-talent/" type="external">attract top-tier talent Opens a New Window.</a>, retain them, and build teams of workers who are more loyal and more productive, it simply makes good businesses sense to implement flexible work policies.</p> <p>Brie Reynolds is the director of online content at <a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/" type="external">FlexJobs. Opens a New Window.</a></p>

thought workers tackling big tasks hitting deadlines office generally happy commuting work think according new survey flexjobs opens new window biggest thing employees want work 2016 summed one word flex continue reading people want work 2016 flexjobs fifth annual super survey opens new window takes good look world flexible work why160people160are clamoring employers opens new window according survey16065 percent workers believe would productive home are160at office reasons fewer collegial interruptions 76 percent diminished distractions 75 percent decrease number office meetings 69 percent doesnt end deal office drama ranks highly16068 percent does160ditching hellish commutes 67 percent workers want flexible work options guessed working parents would lead list youd right 39 percent want flexible work options coming second freelancers 26 percent introverts pull third 21 percent entrepreneurs take fourth place 20 percent followed caretakers 16 percent digital nomads 11 percent motives wanting flex vary much people seeking far biggest reason people wanting needing flexible work options need pay basic necessities 80 percent followed wanting travel 58 percent needing save retirement 65 percent reasons included wanting pay debt 59 percent desiring professional impact world 41 percent hoping contribute charity 28 percent needing pay continuing education 25 percent advertisement employers flex work 2016 sure employees want flex mean employers obligated give absolutely according survey results job seekers are160considering160whether accept job offer work flexibility opens new window ranks important determining factor 80 percent even important salary 74 percent health insurance 43 percent used one biggest determining factors companys 401k package came dead last 31 percent right company reputation 41 percent attracting retaining talent employers looking attract alist talent team retain offering flexible work options makes sense well flexible work lack thereof contributes workers leave jobs even ones otherwise love instance 33 percent respondents claim left job didnt offer flex eighteen160percent surveyed said currently looking new jobs work flex issues 14 percent considered leaving position lacked flex employers wish hold top talent one big way achieve offering flex employees willing sacrifice order find flex want need onequarter 29 percent surveyed said would take pay cut 1020 percent telecommuting options even vacation time negotiation 22 percent stating would willing forfeit vacays meant could work remotely reasons wanting flexible work options asked employees identified four main reasons wanted flexible work options first worklife balance 79 percent family 52 percent time savings 48 percent eliminating commuting stress 47 percent respondents choice comes type flex received would opt 100 percent telecommuting 86 percent a160flexible schedule 73 percent or160partial telecommuting 49 percent freelance work options rounded out160the list 44 percent 3153 respondents majority 54 percent ages 3049 twentythree percent 5059 12 percent 2029 associates bachelors degree 48 percent graduate degree 32 percent college degree 16 percent career level than160half 58 percent experienced manager seniorlevel manager came second 32 percent entrylevel rounded 10 percent definitely lot talk comes workplace flexibility findings flexjobs fifth annual super survey indicate want need demand flexible work options stay companies want attract toptier talent opens new window retain build teams workers loyal productive simply makes good businesses sense implement flexible work policies brie reynolds director online content flexjobs opens new window

<p /> <p>Every year, millions of Americans make New Year's resolutions, vowing to improve their life or quit some nasty habit. But with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reporting that 1 in 3 Americans is obese, it's likely many people will take this opportunity to redouble their battles against expanding waistlines.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>Certainly, the pursuit of a healthier body in 2012 is a noble goal, but it also makes financial sense.</p> <p>If you need a little extra motivation to lose weight in 2012, here are five reasons a tighter belt might fatten your wallet.</p> <p>While it's often hard to pinpoint, weight discrimination is a factor for overweight job seekers who can -- and sometimes do -- lose out to thinner workers. According to statistics compiled at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., 60% of heavy women and 40% of heavy men have reported some form of employment discrimination.</p> <p>Equally striking, the same data show 16% of employers admitted they would not hire obese candidates, regardless of their qualifications.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>The root causes of this form of discrimination aren't known. Theories range from hiring managers perceiving overweight job applicants as lazy to a bias in favor of more attractive, thinner job seekers.</p> <p>Whatever the causes, Amy Jo Lauber, a CFP in West Seneca, N.Y., says overweight Americans need to consider how their weight affects their job prospects. Lauber recently wrote "LIFE: live inspired, financially empowered," in which she dedicated a chapter to overweight job seekers.</p> <p>"Sadly, how a person looks is important for a lot of reasons," Lauber says. "But in a job setting, a candidate who is thin, or at least getting trim, is going to demonstrate commitment and perseverance, both of which are good attributes in an employee."</p> <p>While it's often harder for overweight people to land a job, there's also good evidence to suggest they won't make nearly as much as their thinner co-workers. According to a working paper from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overweight employees pay a wage penalty. Women earn 6% less on average than thinner co-workers, and men fare slightly better, earning 3% less on average than their thinner counterparts.</p> <p>Like employment discrimination, it's hard to determine the root causes, and there are a number of factors that play into compensation. But according to author Steve Siebold, who wrote "Die Fat or Get Tough: 101 Differences in Thinking Between Fat People and Fit People," overweight employees send the wrong message to hiring managers and suffer diminished wages as a result.</p> <p>"(Being overweight) sends a message to the hiring manager that you can't take care of yourself, so how are you going to care for a job with their company?" Siebold says.</p> <p>While it's difficult to say precisely how much, it's no secret overweight and obese Americans drive up health care and insurance costs. The CDC estimated nationwide costs associated with obesity in 2008 at $147 billion. The CDC also estimates that U.S. insurance companies spend on average an additional $1,429 on health care per year for their obese members.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Department of Health Policy at George Washington University's School of Public Health and Health Services estimates obesity's annual health- and work-related costs amount to $4,789 for a woman and $2,646 for a man when compared to their normal-sized counterparts.</p> <p>"The savings may not be the motivation for losing weight," says Dr. John Ellis, a Chicago physician who blogs about his own battle to lose 100 pounds. "But you can be certain that, over the long haul, a person with a healthy body weight will save on insurance and health care because he'll likely be healthier."</p> <p>In fact, the emphasis on health is the key. If the money isn't reason enough to lose weight, minimizing the risk of obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, should be a good motivator, Ellis says.</p> <p>To combat rising <a href="" type="internal">health care costs</a>, some employers have taken the novel step of paying their employees to either lose weight or keep it off. According to one study from Los Angeles-based human resources firm Buck Consultants, employees participating in employer-sponsored weight-loss programs earn an average of $163 per year. Increasingly, those types of programs seem to be on the rise, says Pete Maughan, CEO of Weight Loss Wars, a Keller, Texas, company that helps employers set up weight-loss competitions and track performance online.</p> <p>According to Maughan, programs can run the gamut. Some are pools where employees compete to see who can lose the most weight, and some are programs that reward any employees who make progress. Maughan says some firms pay out rewards, ranging from $500 to $5,000, although it's more common for employers to give out prizes such as iPads. Instead of emphasizing sheer pounds lost, employers tend to focus on the percentage of weight lost as well as engagement week over week in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.</p> <p>While work and health care are two areas where overweight Americans would be most likely to see the biggest financial benefits of weight loss, extra weight also negatively impacts our spending habits, too.</p> <p>Ellis says he found losing 100 pounds translated to a big savings on food costs. "I eat less, so I spend less," he says. "I also cook more and avoid delivery, restaurants and fast food, which are more expensive than making your own meals."</p> <p>Other expenditures, such as clothing and transportation, also tend to come down in cost for those who lose a lot of weight, Ellis says. Initially, there is an added cost for new clothes, but the savings comes from not having to buy a new wardrobe because of yo-yo dieting.</p> <p>But while he says being thinner certainly puts him on better financial footing, Ellis isn't so sure most people will make the connection between their weight and their wallet.</p> <p>"The payoffs are too far in the future for most people," Ellis says. "Weight loss requires lifestyle changes that are in opposition to many habits (such as) long commutes, TV, fast food, jobs where one sits all day and inadequate sleep -- all of which have become the norm in America today."</p>

every year millions americans make new years resolutions vowing improve life quit nasty habit centers disease control prevention cdc reporting 1 3 americans obese likely many people take opportunity redouble battles expanding waistlines continue reading certainly pursuit healthier body 2012 noble goal also makes financial sense need little extra motivation lose weight 2012 five reasons tighter belt might fatten wallet often hard pinpoint weight discrimination factor overweight job seekers sometimes lose thinner workers according statistics compiled bradley university peoria ill 60 heavy women 40 heavy men reported form employment discrimination equally striking data show 16 employers admitted would hire obese candidates regardless qualifications advertisement root causes form discrimination arent known theories range hiring managers perceiving overweight job applicants lazy bias favor attractive thinner job seekers whatever causes amy jo lauber cfp west seneca ny says overweight americans need consider weight affects job prospects lauber recently wrote life live inspired financially empowered dedicated chapter overweight job seekers sadly person looks important lot reasons lauber says job setting candidate thin least getting trim going demonstrate commitment perseverance good attributes employee often harder overweight people land job theres also good evidence suggest wont make nearly much thinner coworkers according working paper us bureau labor statistics overweight employees pay wage penalty women earn 6 less average thinner coworkers men fare slightly better earning 3 less average thinner counterparts like employment discrimination hard determine root causes number factors play compensation according author steve siebold wrote die fat get tough 101 differences thinking fat people fit people overweight employees send wrong message hiring managers suffer diminished wages result overweight sends message hiring manager cant take care going care job company siebold says difficult say precisely much secret overweight obese americans drive health care insurance costs cdc estimated nationwide costs associated obesity 2008 147 billion cdc also estimates us insurance companies spend average additional 1429 health care per year obese members meanwhile department health policy george washington universitys school public health health services estimates obesitys annual health workrelated costs amount 4789 woman 2646 man compared normalsized counterparts savings may motivation losing weight says dr john ellis chicago physician blogs battle lose 100 pounds certain long haul person healthy body weight save insurance health care hell likely healthier fact emphasis health key money isnt reason enough lose weight minimizing risk obesityrelated conditions heart disease stroke type 2 diabetes certain types cancer good motivator ellis says combat rising health care costs employers taken novel step paying employees either lose weight keep according one study los angelesbased human resources firm buck consultants employees participating employersponsored weightloss programs earn average 163 per year increasingly types programs seem rise says pete maughan ceo weight loss wars keller texas company helps employers set weightloss competitions track performance online according maughan programs run gamut pools employees compete see lose weight programs reward employees make progress maughan says firms pay rewards ranging 500 5000 although common employers give prizes ipads instead emphasizing sheer pounds lost employers tend focus percentage weight lost well engagement week week order promote healthy lifestyle work health care two areas overweight americans would likely see biggest financial benefits weight loss extra weight also negatively impacts spending habits ellis says found losing 100 pounds translated big savings food costs eat less spend less says also cook avoid delivery restaurants fast food expensive making meals expenditures clothing transportation also tend come cost lose lot weight ellis says initially added cost new clothes savings comes buy new wardrobe yoyo dieting says thinner certainly puts better financial footing ellis isnt sure people make connection weight wallet payoffs far future people ellis says weight loss requires lifestyle changes opposition many habits long commutes tv fast food jobs one sits day inadequate sleep become norm america today

<p /> <p>The Federal Reserve on Wednesday, citing a healthier U.S. economy, announced the beginning-of-the-end of its unprecedented easy-money stimulus programs initiated in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee voted to start gradually reducing its $85-billion-a- month bond purchase program known as quantitative easing by $10 billion a month beginning in January.</p> <p>&#8220;In light of the cumulative progress toward maximum employment and the improvement in the outlook for labor market conditions, the Committee decided to modestly reduce the pace of its asset purchases,&#8221; the Fed said in a statement released at 2 p.m. ET.</p> <p>Stock markets soared on the announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial average climbed more than 200 points in the two hours following the announcement. The Dow closed up 292.71, or 1.84%, at 16167.97 and the S&amp;amp;P 500 rose 29.65, or 1.66%, to 1810.65, both new highs. And the Nasdaq stock market closed up 46.38, or 1.15%, at 4070.06.</p> <p>The dollar climbed to a five-year high against the yen and rose against all other major currencies. Treasury yields fell.</p> <p>In an effort to balance concerns that the Fed plans to shut down easy money entirely, the FOMC pushed back the time-frame for when it will begin raising interest rates. The Fed said it expects to maintain interest rates at historic lows &#8220;well past the time&#8221; when the unemployment rate falls below its target of 6.5%.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>&#8220;The Fed didn&#8217;t want to reduce the overall level of stimulus that it is providing to the economy. It simply wanted to exchange a stronger commitment to low interest rates for less bond buying. Early indications from markets suggest that the Fed has successfully engineered this switch,&#8221; said Paul Edelstein, director of financial economics at IHS Global Insight.</p> <p>In a press conference at the end of the Fed&#8217;s two-day meeting, Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank will remain &#8220;accommodative&#8221; as long as the economy needs a boost.</p> <p>But Bernanke said the economy has fulfilled a criteria set for it by Fed policy makers when they initiated the most recent bond purchase program in September 2012. Namely, &#8220;substantial improvement&#8221; to U.S. labor markets, he said.</p> <p>Dan Greenhaus, chief global strategist at research firm BTIG, called the asset purchase reduction &#8220;a bit of a shock,&#8221; and described as &#8220;somewhat surprising&#8221; the Fed&#8217;s decision to cut $5 billion from its Treasury purchases and $5 billion from its mortgage backed securities purchases for a total of $10 billion.</p> <p>&#8220;Unsurprisingly, the statement indicated that if things continue to unfold as expected, additional reductions are forthcoming,&#8221; Greenhaus said.</p> <p>The move to scale back asset purchases incrementally rather than all at once was widely expected.</p> <p>Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital, predicted before the FOMC&#8217;s statement was released that the Fed would taper incrementally and that stock markets had already taken the reduction into account.</p> <p>Stocks have soared under the Fed&#8217;s stimulus programs, as investors have taken excess cash created by the central bank&#8217;s asset purchase programs and historically low interest rates and poured it into riskier securities such as equities.</p> <p>Cardillo said the decision to taper sends a message from the Fed that the central bank believes &#8220;finally the economy is beginning to run on all gears &#8230; that the economy is doing well and doesn&#8217;t need help anymore.&#8221;</p> <p>The first bond purchases were initiated in late 2008 as the global economy teetered on the edge of collapse. The purpose of the asset purchasing program was to create liquidity in credit markets, which had basically shut down that fall.</p> <p>Since 2008 the Fed has increased its balance sheet through monthly asset purchases to nearly $4 trillion from less than $1 trillion five years ago.</p> <p>The case for scaling back QE sooner rather than later included a reduction in the unemployment rate from 7.8% in September 2012, when the Fed initiated its latest round of bond purchases, to 7% in November as the economy added 2.3 million jobs in that 14-month period.</p> <p>The Fed has made it clear that a healthy labor market is its top priority and its stimulus programs &#8211; QE and near-zero interest rates &#8211; were designed to spur lending to create demand for goods which will in turn generate jobs. How successful the programs have been remains an open question.</p> <p>Also Wednesday, the central bank said members of the FOMC lowered their view on where the unemployment rate will land over the next few years. FOMC members now see the unemployment rate ranging from 6.3% to 6.6% in 2014, compared to a September estimate of 6.4% to 6.8%.</p> <p>Furthering the case for tapering, the nation&#8217;s GDP (gross domestic product) growth has accelerated in 2013 and last week&#8217;s bi-partisan budget agreement in Congress, which eliminates some mandated budget cuts known as sequester and could preclude additional budget standoffs for a couple of years.</p> <p>In addition, November housing starts rose to their highest level in nearly six years, providing more evidence of strength in a sector at the heart of the financial crisis. Housing starts also impacts the key construction sector, which boosts employment.</p> <p>The Fed surprised markets in the past with their policy announcements, notably in September when virtually everyone believed tapering would begin. But the Fed maintained easy money.</p> <p>Then tapering moved further off the table when Congressional bickering shut down parts of the government in early October and raised the threat of a U.S. default, and the September jobs report, released three weeks late because of the shutdown, was disappointing. So it was no surprise when the Fed held off again after its October meeting.</p> <p>The two most recent labor reports for October and November have been strong, however &#8211; more than 200,000 new jobs each month -- numbers that put tapering squarely back on the table.</p> <p>The timing was believed to be right for tapering because the Fed has been telegraphing a reduction in its easy-money programs for months but has held off until the economy showed sustained momentum. Conventional wisdom in the fall held that a sharp market selloff would follow a tapering announcement, as investors mourned the loss of easy money. But the likelihood of that happening has been decreasing because markets have been pricing in tapering.</p>

federal reserve wednesday citing healthier us economy announced beginningoftheend unprecedented easymoney stimulus programs initiated wake 2008 financial crisis continue reading policysetting federal open market committee voted start gradually reducing 85billiona month bond purchase program known quantitative easing 10 billion month beginning january light cumulative progress toward maximum employment improvement outlook labor market conditions committee decided modestly reduce pace asset purchases fed said statement released 2 pm et stock markets soared announcement dow jones industrial average climbed 200 points two hours following announcement dow closed 29271 184 1616797 sampp 500 rose 2965 166 181065 new highs nasdaq stock market closed 4638 115 407006 dollar climbed fiveyear high yen rose major currencies treasury yields fell effort balance concerns fed plans shut easy money entirely fomc pushed back timeframe begin raising interest rates fed said expects maintain interest rates historic lows well past time unemployment rate falls target 65 advertisement fed didnt want reduce overall level stimulus providing economy simply wanted exchange stronger commitment low interest rates less bond buying early indications markets suggest fed successfully engineered switch said paul edelstein director financial economics ihs global insight press conference end feds twoday meeting chairman ben bernanke said central bank remain accommodative long economy needs boost bernanke said economy fulfilled criteria set fed policy makers initiated recent bond purchase program september 2012 namely substantial improvement us labor markets said dan greenhaus chief global strategist research firm btig called asset purchase reduction bit shock described somewhat surprising feds decision cut 5 billion treasury purchases 5 billion mortgage backed securities purchases total 10 billion unsurprisingly statement indicated things continue unfold expected additional reductions forthcoming greenhaus said move scale back asset purchases incrementally rather widely expected peter cardillo chief market economist rockwell global capital predicted fomcs statement released fed would taper incrementally stock markets already taken reduction account stocks soared feds stimulus programs investors taken excess cash created central banks asset purchase programs historically low interest rates poured riskier securities equities cardillo said decision taper sends message fed central bank believes finally economy beginning run gears economy well doesnt need help anymore first bond purchases initiated late 2008 global economy teetered edge collapse purpose asset purchasing program create liquidity credit markets basically shut fall since 2008 fed increased balance sheet monthly asset purchases nearly 4 trillion less 1 trillion five years ago case scaling back qe sooner rather later included reduction unemployment rate 78 september 2012 fed initiated latest round bond purchases 7 november economy added 23 million jobs 14month period fed made clear healthy labor market top priority stimulus programs qe nearzero interest rates designed spur lending create demand goods turn generate jobs successful programs remains open question also wednesday central bank said members fomc lowered view unemployment rate land next years fomc members see unemployment rate ranging 63 66 2014 compared september estimate 64 68 furthering case tapering nations gdp gross domestic product growth accelerated 2013 last weeks bipartisan budget agreement congress eliminates mandated budget cuts known sequester could preclude additional budget standoffs couple years addition november housing starts rose highest level nearly six years providing evidence strength sector heart financial crisis housing starts also impacts key construction sector boosts employment fed surprised markets past policy announcements notably september virtually everyone believed tapering would begin fed maintained easy money tapering moved table congressional bickering shut parts government early october raised threat us default september jobs report released three weeks late shutdown disappointing surprise fed held october meeting two recent labor reports october november strong however 200000 new jobs month numbers put tapering squarely back table timing believed right tapering fed telegraphing reduction easymoney programs months held economy showed sustained momentum conventional wisdom fall held sharp market selloff would follow tapering announcement investors mourned loss easy money likelihood happening decreasing markets pricing tapering

<p>The indictment that alleges covert foreign lobbying by two former Trump campaign officials is casting shadows on three powerful Washington lobbying and legal firms, with Democratic as well as Republican ties.</p> <p>The focus on those firms is broadening the stakes of the Russia investigation and drawing in the brother of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>The Podesta Group, founded by Washington powerbroker Tony Podesta, was among the three firms cited by pseudonym or other references in the indictment. None is charged with a crime.</p> <p>Prosecutors are implicating all three in covert work for pro-Russian Ukrainian interests, the heart of the criminal case against former Trump campaign officials Paul Manafort and Rick Gates.</p> <p>The indictment suggests the companies were more involved in the matter than previously acknowledged, even as it stops short of leveling accusations of criminal wrongdoing against the three.</p> <p>Manafort and Gates, meanwhile, face 12 felony counts, including money laundering, conspiracy and acting as unregistered foreign agents. As described in the indictment, they led the covert lobbying, paying the three firms for performing some of the work.</p> <p>Podesta stepped down from his namesake group following the indictment. His former partners are scrambling to recreate the firm under a new name and preserve its client base. His brother, John Podesta, ran the Clinton campaign.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>Altogether, the episode demonstrates how fiercely competing political interests &#8212; Trump officials, the brother of his presidential rival's campaign chief, a former Republican congressman, a former Obama administration attorney and more foes in the public arena &#8212; will partner behind the scenes at the intersection of money and lobbying in Washington.&amp;#160; In his campaign, Trump called that intersection the swamp and promised to drain it.</p> <p>Trump seized on the development with the Podesta Group as a chance to divert attention from the alleged criminal culpability of his campaign associates as the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller casts a wide net in its exploration of Russia's attempts to interfere with the 2016 election and of any collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.</p> <p>"The biggest story yesterday, the one that has the Dems in a dither, is Podesta running from his firm," the president tweeted.</p> <p>The other firms involved in the criminal case against Manafort and Gates are Mercury Public Affairs, a venerable Republican lobbying firm whose Washington office is headed by former Republican Congressman Vin Weber; and prominent law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp;amp; Flom LLP, known as Skadden Arps.</p> <p>Mueller's indictment focused in part on Manafort's and Gates' relationship with the firms and federal requirements requiring lobbyists for foreign governments to register with the Justice Department and disclose their activities.</p> <p>"This is a textbook example" of undisclosed lobbying, said Joe Sandler, a Washington lawyer and expert on the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, a Nazi-era law intended to reveal foreign influence in the U.S. "If there's reason for you to think that the shots are being called by a foreign agent, there are disclosure rules."</p> <p>Mercury was cited in the indictment as "Company A," and the Podesta Group was cited as "Company B." Skadden Arps was cited in the indictment but not by name.</p> <p>The indictment said the firms were paid from accounts controlled by Manafort and Gates in Cyprus, the Grenadines and elsewhere.</p> <p>In August 2016, AP revealed details about the covert lobbying campaign by Manafort and Gates that were among the foundations of this week's criminal indictments.&amp;#160; The details included emails of Gates giving instructions to Weber &#8212; Mercury's managing partner &#8212; and an associate at the firm.</p> <p>Mercury's managing partner, Weber, flatly told AP in August 2016 that Gates and Manafort didn't arrange for Mercury's hiring for the lobbying effort and did not tell Mercury what to do.</p> <p>"I don't remember any call in which either Gates or Manafort was on it," Weber said then.</p> <p>But according to the indictment, Manafort and Gates participated in "weekly phone calls" with the lobbying firms &#8212; Podesta Group and Mercury &#8212;and routinely delivered orders to both.</p> <p>Mercury partner Mike McKeon released a statement Monday denying the firm behaved improperly and said it was cooperating with U.S. investigators.&amp;#160; He declined to address discrepancies between Weber's previous statements and what prosecutors said in the indictment.</p> <p>Unlike Mercury, Podesta's firm acknowledged Gates' substantive involvement in the work earlier.</p> <p>The indictment also raises questions about payments made by Manafort to Skadden Arps related to a December 2012 report by Gregory Craig, a former White House counsel in the Obama administration. The report played down the political motivations behind the Ukrainian government's imprisonment of Yulia Tymoshenko, an opposition leader widely viewed in Washington as a political prisoner. The official, initial payment by the Ukrainian government for the 2012 report was only $13,000.</p> <p>But in June, after the matter came under public scrutiny, the law firm returned $567,000 to the Ukrainian government, saying the money had been prepaid for work it never performed.</p> <p>Now, the indictment puts the cost for the report at $4 million and says the money came from Manafort and Gates.</p> <p>"Manafort and Gates used one of their offshore accounts to funnel $4 million to pay secretly for the report," the indictment said.</p> <p>Neither Craig nor the head of Skadden Arps' office in Washington responded to email and phone requests for comment.</p>

indictment alleges covert foreign lobbying two former trump campaign officials casting shadows three powerful washington lobbying legal firms democratic well republican ties focus firms broadening stakes russia investigation drawing brother hillary clintons campaign chairman continue reading podesta group founded washington powerbroker tony podesta among three firms cited pseudonym references indictment none charged crime prosecutors implicating three covert work prorussian ukrainian interests heart criminal case former trump campaign officials paul manafort rick gates indictment suggests companies involved matter previously acknowledged even stops short leveling accusations criminal wrongdoing three manafort gates meanwhile face 12 felony counts including money laundering conspiracy acting unregistered foreign agents described indictment led covert lobbying paying three firms performing work podesta stepped namesake group following indictment former partners scrambling recreate firm new name preserve client base brother john podesta ran clinton campaign advertisement altogether episode demonstrates fiercely competing political interests trump officials brother presidential rivals campaign chief former republican congressman former obama administration attorney foes public arena partner behind scenes intersection money lobbying washington160 campaign trump called intersection swamp promised drain trump seized development podesta group chance divert attention alleged criminal culpability campaign associates investigation special counsel robert mueller casts wide net exploration russias attempts interfere 2016 election collusion trump campaign moscow biggest story yesterday one dems dither podesta running firm president tweeted firms involved criminal case manafort gates mercury public affairs venerable republican lobbying firm whose washington office headed former republican congressman vin weber prominent law firm skadden arps slate meagher amp flom llp known skadden arps muellers indictment focused part manaforts gates relationship firms federal requirements requiring lobbyists foreign governments register justice department disclose activities textbook example undisclosed lobbying said joe sandler washington lawyer expert us foreign agents registration act naziera law intended reveal foreign influence us theres reason think shots called foreign agent disclosure rules mercury cited indictment company podesta group cited company b skadden arps cited indictment name indictment said firms paid accounts controlled manafort gates cyprus grenadines elsewhere august 2016 ap revealed details covert lobbying campaign manafort gates among foundations weeks criminal indictments160 details included emails gates giving instructions weber mercurys managing partner associate firm mercurys managing partner weber flatly told ap august 2016 gates manafort didnt arrange mercurys hiring lobbying effort tell mercury dont remember call either gates manafort weber said according indictment manafort gates participated weekly phone calls lobbying firms podesta group mercury routinely delivered orders mercury partner mike mckeon released statement monday denying firm behaved improperly said cooperating us investigators160 declined address discrepancies webers previous statements prosecutors said indictment unlike mercury podestas firm acknowledged gates substantive involvement work earlier indictment also raises questions payments made manafort skadden arps related december 2012 report gregory craig former white house counsel obama administration report played political motivations behind ukrainian governments imprisonment yulia tymoshenko opposition leader widely viewed washington political prisoner official initial payment ukrainian government 2012 report 13000 june matter came public scrutiny law firm returned 567000 ukrainian government saying money prepaid work never performed indictment puts cost report 4 million says money came manafort gates manafort gates used one offshore accounts funnel 4 million pay secretly report indictment said neither craig head skadden arps office washington responded email phone requests comment

<p>Britain is prepared to abide by European Union rules and pay into the bloc's coffers for two years after leaving the EU in March 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday in a conciliatory speech intended to revive foundering exit talks.</p> <p>The proposal got a positive, if muted, reception from the EU's chief negotiator. But it raised hackles among pro-Brexit U.K. politicians, who accused May of delaying a divorce that is sought by a majority of British voters.</p> <p>Continue Reading Below</p> <p>May traveled to Florence, Italy &#8212; birthplace of the Renaissance &#8212; in hopes of rebooting negotiations with the EU that have stalled over issues including the price the U.K. must pay to leave and the rights of EU citizens in Britain.</p> <p>May's speech was intended to kick-start the process before talks resume next week in Brussels. But while it was strong on praise for the EU and for shared European values, the few concrete details were far from addressing Brussels' concerns.</p> <p>The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the speech showed a "constructive spirit" but "must be translated into negotiating positions" to make real progress.</p> <p>Standing in front of a backdrop reading "Shared History, Shared Challenges, Shared Future" in a hall at a Renaissance church, May said Britain and the EU share "a profound sense of responsibility" to ensure that their parting goes smoothly.</p> <p>She urged the EU to be "creative" and forge a new economic relationship not based on any current trade model. She rejected both a free-trade deal like the one Canada has struck with the bloc and Norway-style membership in the EU's single market.</p> <p>Advertisement</p> <p>She called instead for "an ambitious economic partnership which respects the freedoms and principles of the EU, and the wishes of the British people."</p> <p>May proposed a transition period of "around two years" after Britain leaves the EU for the two sides to work out the kinks in the final Brexit deal.</p> <p>"People and businesses - both in the U.K. and in the EU - would benefit from a period to adjust to the new arrangements in a smooth and orderly way," she said.</p> <p>May also signaled willingness to pay a Brexit bill for leaving, saying Britain "will honor commitments we have made."</p> <p>She reassured EU members that they would not "need to pay more or receive less over the remainder of the current budget plan as a result of our decision to leave." The current EU budget runs until 2020.</p> <p>May did not cite a figure, and said "some of the claims made on this issue are exaggerated and unhelpful." Reports of the amount the EU is seeking have gone as high as 100 billion euros ($120 billion).</p> <p>May also called for a new security treaty between Britain and the EU, saying close cooperation is key to fighting crime, terrorism and military threats. Again, there were few details, just an acknowledgement that "there is no pre-existing model for cooperation" that fits the bill.</p> <p>Britain is eager to begin hammering out future trade and security relationships, but EU officials say that can't happen until there's progress on three key divorce terms &#8212; the status of the border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, the financial settlement and the rights of more than 4 million EU and British citizens hit by Brexit.</p> <p>When Britain leaves the bloc it will end the automatic right of EU nationals to live and work in the U.K., and that has left many worried for their futures. Previous assurances by Britain that EU nationals already in the country will be able to stay have been rejected as too vague by the EU.</p> <p>"We want you to stay; we value you," May said, adding that she wanted to write any deal on citizens' rights into British law as a guarantee.</p> <p>British negotiators hope EU leaders will decide at an October meeting that "sufficient progress" has been made on the divorce terms to move talks on to future relations and trade.</p> <p>Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney called May's speech "a positive contribution," while Alexander Lambsdorff, a German vice president of the European Parliament, said "it is a positive signal that Prime Minister May is finally making concrete suggestions for the Brexit negotiations."</p> <p>But Barnier suggested more still needed to be done.</p> <p>"The sooner we reach an agreement on the principles of the orderly withdrawal in the different areas &#8212; and on the conditions of a possible transition period requested by the United Kingdom &#8212; the sooner we will be ready to engage in a constructive discussion on our future relationship," he said.</p> <p>Although the speech was directly aimed at the 27 other EU nations, none of their leaders was in the audience to listen to it. May brought along members of her Cabinet, which is split between advocates of a clean-break "hard Brexit" including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and those like Treasury chief Philip Hammond who favor compromise to soften the economic impact of Brexit. Both Johnson and Hammond watched May's speech from the front row, and praised it afterward.</p> <p>In Britain, May's speech drew criticism from her opponents both to the right and the left.</p> <p>Former U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, a passionate euroskeptic, said it suggested Britain would leave the EU "in name only."</p> <p>Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the transition period, but said that "15 months after the EU referendum the government is still no clearer about what our long-term relationship with the EU will look like."</p> <p>___</p> <p>This story has been corrected to show that the estimated Brexit bill is 100 billion euros, not 100 million euros.</p> <p>Jill Lawless reported from London. Lorne Cook in Brussels and David Rising in Berlin contributed to this story.</p>

britain prepared abide european union rules pay blocs coffers two years leaving eu march 2019 prime minister theresa may said friday conciliatory speech intended revive foundering exit talks proposal got positive muted reception eus chief negotiator raised hackles among probrexit uk politicians accused may delaying divorce sought majority british voters continue reading may traveled florence italy birthplace renaissance hopes rebooting negotiations eu stalled issues including price uk must pay leave rights eu citizens britain mays speech intended kickstart process talks resume next week brussels strong praise eu shared european values concrete details far addressing brussels concerns eus chief brexit negotiator michel barnier said speech showed constructive spirit must translated negotiating positions make real progress standing front backdrop reading shared history shared challenges shared future hall renaissance church may said britain eu share profound sense responsibility ensure parting goes smoothly urged eu creative forge new economic relationship based current trade model rejected freetrade deal like one canada struck bloc norwaystyle membership eus single market advertisement called instead ambitious economic partnership respects freedoms principles eu wishes british people may proposed transition period around two years britain leaves eu two sides work kinks final brexit deal people businesses uk eu would benefit period adjust new arrangements smooth orderly way said may also signaled willingness pay brexit bill leaving saying britain honor commitments made reassured eu members would need pay receive less remainder current budget plan result decision leave current eu budget runs 2020 may cite figure said claims made issue exaggerated unhelpful reports amount eu seeking gone high 100 billion euros 120 billion may also called new security treaty britain eu saying close cooperation key fighting crime terrorism military threats details acknowledgement preexisting model cooperation fits bill britain eager begin hammering future trade security relationships eu officials say cant happen theres progress three key divorce terms status border northern ireland eu member ireland financial settlement rights 4 million eu british citizens hit brexit britain leaves bloc end automatic right eu nationals live work uk left many worried futures previous assurances britain eu nationals already country able stay rejected vague eu want stay value may said adding wanted write deal citizens rights british law guarantee british negotiators hope eu leaders decide october meeting sufficient progress made divorce terms move talks future relations trade irish foreign minister simon coveney called mays speech positive contribution alexander lambsdorff german vice president european parliament said positive signal prime minister may finally making concrete suggestions brexit negotiations barnier suggested still needed done sooner reach agreement principles orderly withdrawal different areas conditions possible transition period requested united kingdom sooner ready engage constructive discussion future relationship said although speech directly aimed 27 eu nations none leaders audience listen may brought along members cabinet split advocates cleanbreak hard brexit including foreign secretary boris johnson like treasury chief philip hammond favor compromise soften economic impact brexit johnson hammond watched mays speech front row praised afterward britain mays speech drew criticism opponents right left former uk independence party leader nigel farage passionate euroskeptic said suggested britain would leave eu name labour party leader jeremy corbyn welcomed transition period said 15 months eu referendum government still clearer longterm relationship eu look like ___ story corrected show estimated brexit bill 100 billion euros 100 million euros jill lawless reported london lorne cook brussels david rising berlin contributed story