In a special edition of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson are joined by Brendan Ahern, the Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares.
KraneShares is a leading provider of China-focused exchange-traded funds and Chinese investment education. Brendan joined the hosts of the Finish Line for a special beginner’s guide to the Chinese economy and investing in China. Please pick a time stamped topic below:
(2:50) - What is driving the Chinese economy?
(5:50) - China's ghost city's and currency manipulation.
(11:45) - How to invest in China's market place
(17:20) - The growing middle classes influence on trading.
(20:00) - Krane Shares ETF: Investing Ideas
Welcome to the latest Zacks exclusive podcast! On the very first episode of Zacks Tech Talk Tuesday, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney explores some of the prevailing theories surrounding the iPhone 8, including the rumor that Apple is teaming up with another company to deliver long-distance wireless charging in the upcoming phone.
Tech Talk Tuesday
Brought to you by the co-host of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, Tech Talk Tuesday is a new biweekly podcast designed for all of the tech-crazed investors out there. The show will focus specifically on the hardware and software products that drive the sales of some of the world’s biggest technology companies.
In the world of tech investing, it is easy to get lost in the endless sea of market data. One can easily forget about what these companies are actually doing: innovating, inventing, and trying to change the word. Tech Talk Tuesday is here to remind us about the amazing technology of the present and the fascinating potential of the future.
iPhone 8 Rumors
For the first Tech Talk Tuesday, the focus was planted squarely on the tech world’s biggest name: Apple Inc. (AAPL).
Apple is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its flagship iPhone line, and consumers are already expecting three new phones from the company in 2017. Apple will most likely deliver “7s” and “7s Plus” options in the first half of the year, with the iPhone 8 coming towards holiday season.
Of course, this is just speculation at this point. But speculation is fun. Speculating about what Apple is going to do next is one of the most fun things ever. You literally never know exactly what the company is up to, but it is fascinating to compile the leaks, reports, and rumors.
As for the iPhone 8, one of the main rumors so far is related to the inclusion of wireless charging technology in the phone. Wireless charging is an interesting concept, and current options rely on magnetic energy to charge, requiring users to place their device on some sort of compatible pad.
Enter Energous Corporation (WATT), an innovative wireless charging company that uses RF waves to charge. Energous promises “long-distance” wireless charging, and many people think the company could be teaming up with Apple to incorporate the tech in the iPhone 8.
This week’s episode explores the reality of Energous’ involvement with the phone and raises some questions as to whether the company will ever be able to deliver the charging technology it claims to have.
If you enjoy the episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a rating! Thanks for joining, and we will see you next time!
On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest stories, including how President Donald Trump has sent gold prices and Nordstrom stock soaring, as well as the mixed earnings results of Disney and Twitter. Pick a time stamped topic below:
(1:55) - The Trump Effect: Gold Prices Surging
(4:45) - Nordstrom stock up tick after Trump twitter attack
(13:00) - Disney Earnings Report
(21:45) - Twitter Earnings Report
(31:00) - Episode Round up
On today’s episode of Shopping for Stocks, Editor Maddy Johnson takes on a huge problem facing the retail industry: big retail brands closing down stores.
One of the biggest announcements came from department store bellwether Macy’s (M), who, after reporting a 2.1% drop in comparable sales for November and December and slashing its full-year profit forecast, is closing 63 stores this spring, eliminating 10,000 jobs in the process. Of the total jobs being cut, 3,900 jobs will be at stores being shut down, already part of a plan announced last August to close 100 of its 730 namesake stores. An additional 6,200 jobs will be eliminated due to streamlining and cutting costs.
Fellow department store Sears (SHLD), in addition to news that it would sell its iconic Craftsman tool brand to Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), announced it would close 109 Kmart stores and 41 of its namesake Sears outlets; the company did not say how many workers would be affected. Sears closed 78 stores last year, and over 200 in 2015.
CVS Health (CVS) recently outlined its long-term growth strategy, which includes closing 70 stores in the next few months as well as a cost-cutting plan that would bring in $3 billion in savings from 2017 to 2021.
Women’s clothing retailer The Limited, based in New Albany, Ohio, closed all of its brick-and-mortar stores this past weekend, but will continue to operate online only after January 8. The company operated about 250 mall-based stores in 2016, and the closings will affect roughly 4,000 jobs. Over the past several weeks, The Limited started winding down its business, heavily discounting its product up to 70%-80% with signs exclaiming “Everything Must Go!”
Other mall retailers like Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), The Children’s Place (PLCE), Chico’s (CHS), Finish Line (FINL), and Men’s Wearhouse are all expected to close stores this year as well. The first quarter is notoriously hard for retailers, as consumers are recovering from holiday shopping.
In the midst of all this traditional retail chaos looms Amazon (AMZN), quietly waiting, ready to strike when the moment is right. In the past, that moment has been books, the Cloud, Internet of Things, movies & television, grocery shopping, drones, and almost everything else. Whether or not it will ever be retail, only Jeff Bezos and his crystal ball have the power to tell us that.
On today’s episode of the Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest story: the highly-anticipated earnings results from three big tech giants, as well as a preview of Super Bowl LI, the biggest television extravaganza of the year. Please pick a time stamped topic below:
*Earnings Recap
(1:15) - Apple
(3:45) - Facebook
(7:55) - Amazon
*2017 Super Bowl 51
(13:45) - Take an in depth look at Super Bowl commercials
(20:45) - Super Bowl Beer Consumption
*More Than You Need to Know...
(26:50) - Houston Fun Facts!
On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest story: the wave of fourth-quarter earnings results and the upcoming earnings announcement from Facebook.
The first earnings report that the hosts highlighted this week came from Starbucks (SBUX). The coffee giant’s stock slumped after the company reported worse-than-expected revenues. While Starbucks was still able to post solid growth metrics in the quarter, its results fell short of analyst expectations and investors reacted accordingly.
Find out more here: Starbucks Slides on Mixed Q1 Earnings, Mobile Order & Pay Up 3%
Next up on the docket was Intel Corporation’s (INTC) fourth-quarter earnings report. The chip maker was able to post an impressive double beat on the back of soaring revenues in its Data Centers division, underscoring the success of its adaption to changing industry trends.
Read more: Intel Beats Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates Behind Solid Data Centers Growth
The hosts then moved on to recap some of the week’s big tech reports. Microsoft reported second-quarter fiscal 2017 earnings on Thursday, and the company was able to surpass our earnings and revenue estimates thanks to more impressive growth in its Intelligent Cloud business.
On the other hand, Alphabet Inc.’s (GOOGL) report was mixed. The company missed earnings estimates but was able to surpass our consensus revenue estimate. While there were no specific details about Google’s new hardware, the “other” category that would include things like the Pixel phone soared more than 60%, so there were some encouraging signs.
Find out more on both reports here: Microsoft Posts Q2 Earnings Beat, Intelligent Cloud Revenue Up 8% & Alphabet Inc. Stock Slumps on Q4 Earnings Miss
Finally, Maddy and Ryan spent some time previewing Facebook’s upcoming earnings announcement. Investors are cautious about Facebook’s revenue growth rates slowing down a bit, but the company is still poised to report another great quarter. The hosts also chatted about some of Facebook’s new features, including Facebook Live.
Check out the full preview: Facebook Q4 Earnings Preview: Will Live Pay Off Big?
As always, thanks for checking out this week’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, and make sure to check back next week for even more news from the investment and financial world!
Which Stocks are Zacks Experts Talking About?
Stocks in today's headlines may be tempting buys, but how would you like a sneak peek at the stocks Zacks experts recommend? Starting today, for the next month, you can follow all of Zacks' private buys and sells in real time. You can track value and momentum stocks, ETFs, stocks under $10, options moves, insider trades, and stocks set to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+ accuracy). Click here for all Zacks trades >>
On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest story: the start of earnings season and the outlook for Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon this quarter.
First, the hosts took a look at Target (TGT), the latest traditional retailer to post disappointing holiday sales. Target said that comparable sales fell 1.3% in November and December and any gains seen in its online business were outshone by increased difficulty in getting customers into its stores.
Read more here: Target Slides 6% on Disappointing Holiday Sales
Maddy and Ryan kicked off the discussion about earnings season by looking at one of the biggest companies to have already reported: Netflix (NFLX). The video streaming giant saw its stock soar after posting an earnings beat and surpassing its own membership growth estimates.
Check out the full details: Netflix Stock Climbs on Fourth Quarter Earnings Beat
Finally, the hosts preview the upcoming earnings reports from Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Apple (AAPL). While all four companies are showing some signs of growth, success is not a guarantee for anyone.
Alphabet investors will want to know whether Google’s new line of Pixel phones has taken off; Microsoft investors will be curious about the company’s growing cloud business; Amazon investors will hope that the company can bounce back from its disappointing miss last quarter; and Apple investors will be crossing their fingers that the new iPhone and MacBook Pro are selling well.
Find out what else is being said about these companies and more in the tech sector:
Will Microsoft Beat On Earnings This Quarter?
Tech Stock Roundup: AAPL AR, AMZN Card, Waymo Tech, YHOO
Amazon Pledges To Create 100,000 Full-Time U.S. Jobs By 2018
As always, thanks for checking out this week’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, and make sure to check back next week for even more news from the investment and financial world!
Which Stocks are Zacks Experts Talking About?
Stocks in today's headlines may be tempting buys, but how would you like to peek behind the curtain to see all the best stocks Zacks' team of experts are recommending? Starting today, for the next month, you can follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time from value to momentum...from stocks under $10 to ETF and options moves...from insider trades to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+ accuracy). Click here for all Zacks trades >>
On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest story: the resolution of Volkswagen’s emission cheating scandal and the start of similar scandal involving Fiat Chrysler.
First, the hosts talked about some other news the automotive industry. NVIDIA (NVDA) announced yet another foray into the self-driving car market with its new partnership with Mercedes-Benz, a subsidiary of Daimler AG (DDAIF). The partnership centers on an artificial-intelligence-based driver assistance function called “Co-Pilot.”
Find out more here: NVIDIA and Mercedes-Benz are Building AI-Powered Self-Driving Cars
Maddy and Ryan also mentioned Amazon’s (AMZN) recent pledge to create 100,000 new full-time, full-benefit jobs in the U.S. over the next 18 months. Jeff Bezos and company are citing the company’s need to rapidly expand its fulfillment centers as the main reason for the job growth.
Check out all the details: Amazon Pledges To Create 100,000 Full-Time U.S. Jobs By 2018
The hosts rekindled an old Friday Finish Line favorite with the news that CVS Health Corp. (CVS) is now selling a cheaper alternative to Mylan’s (MYL) EpiPen allergy medication. The new injector is produced by Impax Laboratories (IPXL). Listeners will of course remember the drama that surrounded Mylan and the pricing of its EpiPen injector for most of last year.
Find the full story here: CVS Debuts Cheap EpiPen Alternative
Finally, Maddy and Ryan addressed this week’s top story. German automaker Volkswagen agreed to a settlement with U.S. authorities that will see the company pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines and issue a guilty plea related to its diesel emissions cheating scandal.
However, the emissions cheating scandals are not over for everyone. In fact, it’s just getting started for Fiat Chrysler (FCAU). Shares of Fiat Chrysler dropped more than 11.5% in morning trading Thursday after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the company a notice of violation related to its use of software to manipulate emissions tests.
The EPA says that the allegation covers 104,000 vehicles, including 2014, 2015, and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3-litre diesel engines.
Maddy and Ryan tried to figure out what the heck is going on in the automotive business in regards to this whole emissions cheating thing!
Find more here: Fiat Chrysler Stock Plummets On Emissions Cheating Probe & Volkswagen Nears $4.3 Billion Emissions Scandal Settlement
On today's episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor
Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest story: the continued efforts of Amazon to take over the
retail world.
First, the hosts took a look at some much-needed good news from Chipotle (CMG). The struggling fast-
casual Mexican chain’s stock popped on Thursday after an analyst upgrade and price target increase by
Wedbush.
Find out more here: Here's Why Chipotle is Gaining
Next, Maddy and Ryan talked about the latest news in the domestic auto industry. Shares of Tesla
Motors (TSLA) fell in after-hours trading Tuesday following the company’s Q4 and full-year vehicle
delivery announcement. Tesla said that it delivered about 22,200 vehicles in the fourth quarter, bringing
its total to 76,230 for the year, which missed estimates.
Ford Motor Company also snatched headlines this week as its stock jumped more than 2.5% in morning
trading Tuesday following the automaker’s announcement that it is cancelling plans to build a new
manufacturing plant in Mexico and instead will invest $700 million in its home state of Michigan.
Check out both stories here: Tesla Misses Full-Year Vehicle Delivery Projections & Ford Stock Gaining on
Mexico Plant Cancellation
Next up was the news that President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson,
reached a deal with ExxonMobil (XOM) that will see him relinquish his role as CEO in compliance with
conflict of interest requirements.
Get at all the details here: ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson Reach Deal to Cut Ties
Finally, the main story this week was the chaos unleashed in retail recently. Amazon (AMZN) made
headlines this week with its recent movements to get into the fashion industry, including its bid for
bankrupt American Apparel and the development of its own in-house line of athleisure wear.
Maddy took a moment to explain the trend of athleisure, which is dominated by brands like Nike (NKE)
and Lululemon (LULU), and told everyone why Amazon might not be well-equipped to make a serious
play in the business.
The hosts also looked at the dismal holiday sales numbers of Macy’s (M) and Kohl’s (KSS), which both
clearly struggled this year thanks, at least in part, to Amazon. Maddy and Ryan ended the show with a
quick look at Sears Holdings (SHLD), another struggling retailer that is desperately trying to stop the
bleeding.
Read more here: Kohl's, Macy's Plummet on Dismal Holiday Season Sales & Here's Why Sears Holdings
Stock Is Gaining Today
As always, thanks for checking out this week’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, and make sure to
check back next week for even more news from the investment and financial world!
Which Stocks are Zacks Experts Talking About?
Stocks in today's headlines may be tempting buys, but how would you like a sneak peek at the stocks
Zacks experts recommend? Starting today, for the next month, you can follow all of Zacks' private buys
and sells in real time. You can track value and momentum stocks, ETFs, stocks under $10, options
moves, insider trades, and stocks set to report positive earnings surprises (we've called them with 80%+
accuracy). Click here for all Zacks trades >>