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 news from the investment and financial world.
The first story on the docket this week was a follow-up on a pair of companies featured in the Finish Line’s exclusive interview with Kathleen Smith of IPO-focused research firm Renaissance Capital. The interview alerted investors to the possibility of several upcoming IPOs, including The Trade Desk and e.l.f. Beauty, which both did debut this week.
Find more on those IPOs here: In Shimmering IPO, e.l.f. Beauty Soars 41%
The hosts also checked in on Netflix (NFLX), which announced this week that it its library will reach 50% original content in just a few years. Speaking in front of a conference at Goldman Sachs, Netflix’s CFO confirmed the company’s goal and claimed it was nearly halfway to this point already.
Check out the full story here: Netflix CFO: 50% of Its Total Library Will Be Original Content
Maddy and Ryan continued the show by discussing Comcast (CMCSA) and its plans to launch a mobile phone service next year. While the company’s general popularity remains low, its connections within the industry should allow it to launch a Wi-Fi hotspot-focused service at a relatively low cost.
Go here for the full details: Comcast Will Launch Mobile Phone Service in 2017
Finally, the featured story of the week was the congressional hearings of Wells Fargo (WFC) and Mylan (MYL). The CEOs of both companies faced questions from lawmakers regarding their respective scandals, and their testimonies have only raised more questions about the power of corporate America. Are Wells Fargo the fact of capitalist greed, or are these companies taking the fall for a broken system?
You can find our coverage of the hearings here: Wells Fargo CEO Grilled By Congress, Denies Fraud by Management & Here's What Pissed-Off Congressmen Said to Mylan's CEO
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!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
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 news from the investment and financial world.
The hosts started the show with a brief mention of the rather absurd volatility we’ve seen throughout the market this week. September has a reputation for being a tough month for stocks, and that it is really looking to hold true this year.
The first story that Maddy and Ryan covered this week came from Amazon (AMZN) and General Electric (GE). Building on the Finish Line’s love for the Internet of Things, the hosts chatted about GE’s updated smart appliances that are now compatible with Amazon’s Echo speaker. Could home automation really be the future?
For more on that story, go here: Amazon's Echo Just Got Even Cooler Thanks to GE
After that, the hosts moved on a rather unfortunate story, at least for American autoworkers. Domestic car giant Ford (F) announced at its investor day this week that it will begin moving all of its small-car manufacturing from the U.S. to Mexico.
For more on Ford’s move, check out our story: Ford to Shift Small Car Production to Mexico to Cut Costs
Finally, this week’s biggest story was Bayer’s (BAYRY) $66 billion buyout of Monsanto (MON). The German drug and crop chemicals maker has transformed itself into an agricultural behemoth with its purchase of the world’s largest seeds firm. While this sounds like a good bit of business, Maddy and Ryan look at what it actually means for consumers and smaller companies around the world.
Find out the details on the buyout here: Monsanto and Bayer Agree on $66 Billion All-Cash Deal
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!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
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 news from the investment and financial world.
The hosts kicked off the show with even more news from Mylan (MYL). The makers of the EpiPen are once again in the spotlight after an antitrust probe into the company’s EpiPens4School program was launched in New York this week.
For our full coverage on the probe, go here: Pharma Round-Up: Mylan's Antitrust Probe
Maddy and Ryan moved on to discussing the for-profit education business, another industry that has been under fire from government regulators recently. The focus this week was ITT Educational Services (ESI), which announced it would be shutting down all of its schools just days after the U.S. Department of Education banned the company from enrolling new students who depend on federal financial aid.
Check out our latest story on ITT Tech: ITT Educational Faces the Wrath of Department of Education
The hosts then started their discussion on Wednesday’s Apple keynote by looking at why Nintendo (NTDOY) stock soared following the event. Shares of the videogame giant skyrocketed over 25% after the company joined the Apple keynote to announce that a new Mario-based game would be launching on the App Store this year.
For more on that story, go here: Here's Why Nintendo Stock Soared Today
Finally, Maddy and Ryan got into the rest of the Apple event, including the announcement of the Watch OS3, the Apple Watch Series 2, and the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The hosts discussed all of the new features and designs, including the controversial decision to remove the standard 3.5mm headphone jack on the new phone.
Find our full coverage of the Apple event here: Here's Everything We Learned From Today's Apple Event
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!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
In a special edition of Zacks Friday Finish Line, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson are joined by Kathleen Smith, a co-founder of Renaissance, a provider of IPO-focused research and investment management.
Renaissance has been around for 25 years. It offers separately managed institutional accounts, as well as two ETFs—the Renaissance IPO ETF (IPO) and the Renaissance International IPO ETF (IPOS)—as well as a mutual fund, the Global IPO Fund (IPOSX).
In part one of the interview, we discussed the sluggish IPO market in the first half of 2016, and Kathleen gave insight on what private companies should look out for to encourage an IPO. In case you missed it, check it out here.
Now, in part two of the interview, we looked towards the future, and talked about the IPO market in the second half of 2016 and into 2017. While there may not be a blockbuster IPO this year, Kathleen name-dropped a few smaller tech and consumer-related companies Renaissance Capital believes may go public in 2016.
We also discussed some of the big tech unicorns, and despite their large presence in our daily lives, there is still much to be learned about companies like Uber and Snapchat.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
In a special edition of Zacks Friday Finish Line, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson are joined by Kathleen Smith, a co-founder of Renaissance Capital, a provider of IPO-focused research and investment management.
Renaissance has been around for 25 years. It offers separately managed institutional accounts, as well as two ETFs—the Renaissance IPO ETF (IPO) and the Renaissance International IPO ETF (IPOS)—as well as a mutual fund, the Global IPO Fund (IPOSX).
Together, we discussed the sluggish IPO market in the first half of 2016. In addition to well-known issues influencing the market like the uncertainty about rate hikes in the U.S. and economic instability in China, Kathleen offered an interesting perspective on the current lackluster market.
She also gave insight on what private companies should watch out for to encourage an IPO, like looking at how the market values a private company’s industry peer.
Stay tuned for part two of the interview, where we discuss the IPO market in the second half of 2016 and into 2017.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
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 news from the investment and financial world.
The hosts kicked the show off by covering the drama that unfolded with Mylan (MYL) and its EpiPen allergy medication this week. Mylan became the center of controversy after several notable healthcare reform advocates, including Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, criticized the company’s price hikes on the EpiPen over the past several years.
Just a day after Clinton took to Twitter to announce her plan to combat high drug prices and demand that Mylan lower the cost of the EpiPen, the drugmaker announced that it would be taking several steps to reduce the cost of the medication for some patients.
Check out our full coverage of the saga: Did Hillary Clinton's Tweet Cause the Sell-Off in Mylan Stock? & Mylan Listens to Critics, Will Make EpiPen More Affordable
Maddy and Ryan also talked about the latest rumor from Amazon (AMZN). According to reports, Amazon is working on a couple of new music streaming services, including one that would only cost $5 a month. However, that $5 a month service would be limited to Amazon’s line of Echo smart speakers, despite the music streaming industry’s reliance on mobile streaming.
For the full story, go here: What Amazon's New $5 Streaming Music Service Means for Its Future
Using Amazon’s Echo smart speaker as a catalyst, the hosts turned their attention to the broader Internet of Things market. With a look at the current state of Internet of Things technology, as well as a glimpse towards to the future of IoT products, Maddy and Ryan had an extensive conversation about the latest trend in tech.
For more on the Internet of Things, check out our latest coverage: How to Invest in the "Internet of Things" & 3 "Internet of Things" Stocks to Buy Now
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!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
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 news from the investment and financial world. The hosts discussa look at a major shakeup in the private prison industry, how health insurers like Aetna are finding it difficult to turn profits on the Obamacare exchanges, another busy week for Uber, and both Target's and Walmart's quarterly earnings results.
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 news from the investment and financial world.
First up this week was Walmart’s (WMT) purchase of Jet.com. In yet another move to bolster its e-commerce offerings, Walmart scooped up the online discount retailer for about $3.3 billion. The competition between Walmart and Amazon (AMZN) will only continue to heat up from here.
Find out all the details on the acquisitions here: With Jet.com, Walmart is Finally a True Amazon Competitor
Maddy and Ryan also took a look at the widespread cancellations from Delta Air Lines (DAL) earlier this week. Due to a power outage that affected company computer systems, Delta was forced to cancel over 1,000 flights on Monday, 775 flights on Tuesday, and another 255 flights on Wednesday.
We took a look at Delta and the rest of the airline industry’s recent headaches here: After Delta's Latest Woes, Are Airline Stocks Worth Consideration?
Finally, the hosts covered this week’s most important earnings announcements. Solid reports from Macy’s (M) and Kohl’s (KSS) proved that retail might be bouncing back, while Shake Shack’s (SHAK) earnings and revenue beat failed to impress investors.
You can find our full coverage of those reports here: Macy's v.s. Kohl's Department Store Q2 Earnings Releases & Shake Shack Stock Falls on Weak Q2 Same-Store Sales Growth
Of course, the hosts also covered the week’s biggest report: Disney (DIS). After a period of struggle, Disney bounced back with an earnings and revenue beat, along with slight growth from ESPN. The company also announced a minority stake in a video streaming company that will help create a new, ESPN-brand streaming service.
Here’s how big of an impact this move could make: Disney's Purchase of BAMTech Could Change TV Forever
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!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
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 news from the investment and financial world.
Ryan and Maddy started the episode by talking about Uber’s decision to sell its China business to rival Didi Chuxing. Business in China has always been a headache for Uber, and this deal was the company’s way of nobly bowing out of the competition. In the end, it looks like it could be a solid business move from both companies.
Check out all the details of the sale here: Uber Gives Up on China, Sells Business to Rival Didi Chuxing
The hosts also took a look at Instagram’s launch of its “Stories” feature. Instagram users can now post pictures and video slideshows that disappear after a 24-hour period. Sound familiar? Ryan and Maddy talk about why Instagram, and its parent Facebook (FB), would want to copy Snapchat.
Maddy covered the topic in full here: Why is Everyone Copying Snapchat?
This week was also the continuation of what has been a busy second-quarter earnings season. The hosts covered earnings from Fitbit (FIT) and Time Warner (TWX), before launching into a wider conversation about Tesla’s (TSLA) report and whether or not the electric vehicle company will ever be able to reach its lofty sales goals.
You can find all of our earnings coverage below:
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!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, host Ryan McQueeney and content writer Adam Clark, filling in for host Maddy Johnson, take on the week’s biggest news from the investment and financial world.
Second-quarter earnings were once again the focus this week, but the hosts started the show by touching on the state of the U.S. economy. With Friday’s lackluster GDP report and the Fed’s decision not to raise interest rates this week, economic activity in the country isn’t looking necessarily fantastic.
Find out more about the GDP report: Q2 GDP Disappoints, Q2 Earnings Mixed
Ryan and Adam also covered the two big acquisitions of the week. The Yahoo (YHOO) takeover saga finally ended with Verizon’s (VZ) $4.83 billion purchase of the former search giant’s core business, and Oracle (ORCL) boosted its cloud suite with its $9.3 billion acquisition of NetSuite (N).
Check out our full coverage of these takeovers: Oracle to Acquire Cloud Company NetSuite & Three Things Verizon Should Do With Yahoo Immediately
And finally, the hosts once again recapped another busy week of earnings announcements. This week was packed full of tech and internet giants, and just like last week, the second-quarter reports showed mixed results. Ryan and Adam tackled all the fresh data from Twitter (TWTR), Apple (AAPL), Facebook (FB), Amazon (AMZN), and Alphabet (GOOGL).
Check out all of our earnings-related stories:
There’s even more reports coming up next week, and the Friday Finish Line crew will remain on top of it all. Thanks for tuning into the Zacks Friday Finish Line! We’ll see you next Friday!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, host Ryan McQueeney and content writer Adam Clark, filling in for host Maddy Johnson, take on the week’s biggest news from the investment and financial world.
Second-quarter earnings were the focus this week, but before diving into all of the reports from the past few days, Ryan and Adam covered some other major stories. On Monday, investors dealt with the aftermath of the failed coup attempt in Turkey. While Turkish stocks were down across the board, the reaction wasn’t nearly as negative as we’ve seen after coups and revolutions in the past.
Earlier this week, we asked: Are Investors Concerned about the Turkish Coup Attempt?
Also this week was the Republican National Convention, a several day event that saw Donald Trump officially accept his nomination and prepare his platform for the general election. In a surprising twist, his campaign adopted the typically left stance that Glass-Steagall should be reinstated.
Check out the potential impact of this move here: These Big Banks Could Lose If Donald Trump Wins
And finally, the hosts recapped this week’s biggest earnings report. It was a difficult quarter for millennial favorites like Netflix (CMG) and Chipotle (CMG), which both saw struggles in customer retention. Long-time market favorites Microsoft (MSFT) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) also reported this week, posting mixed results.
Check out our earnings-related stories:
There’s a lot more still to come for this earnings season, and the Friday Finish Line will continue to recap the most important earnings stories next week.
Thanks for tuning into the Zacks Friday Finish Line! We’ll see you next Friday!
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 news from the investment and financial world.
Before jumping into anything too serious, Ryan and Maddy briefly discussed the Pokemon Go craze that is sweeping the nation. Although not players themselves, the Friday Finish Line hosts noticed the impact the game has had on Nintendo’s (NTDOY) stock this week.
If you are interested in Pokemon Go, check out how one of our writers thinks Nintendo could improve the game: 4 Ways Nintendo Can Improve Pokemon Go
The first bit of financial news on this week’s episode was the LINE Corp. (LN) initial public offering. Continuing on last week’s conversation about the sluggishness of the IPO market, the hosts talked about the success of the Japanese instant messaging app’s first day of trading.
Find out more about LINE’s IPO here: LINE Launches Biggest Tech IPO Of 2016
Ryan and Maddy also covered some news from a consumer staple, Starbucks (SBUX), which announced a 5% pay raise for all of its U.S. managers and employees. The drink maker also announced details about a new, high-end version of its storefronts in a partnership with an Italian bakery.
You can check out both of those stories here: Starbucks Announces 5% Base Pay Raise & Starbucks Creates New Upscale Stores with Italian Bakery Princi
Finally, the hosts talked about Amazon’s second annual Prime Day. This relatively new shopping holiday created one of the biggest days in Amazon’s history, and the company recorded record sales of its own electronic devices. Ryan and Maddy talked about the impact that Prime Day has on Amazon in the long run, as well as some other e-commerce stocks that could be affected.
Get a recap of Prime Day, as well as three stocks to look at now, right here: 3 Internet Stocks to Buy After Prime Day
Thanks for joining us on this week’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish line podcast, and be sure to check back next week for the latest coverage!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
On the very first episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest news from the investment and financial world.
Up first this week was news from Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG). As the company continues to look for ways to get customers back in the door following its food safety scandals, Chipotle launched its new “Chiptopia” Summer Rewards Program today.
Check out how you can get free burritos here: Chipotle Fans Rejoice: "Chiptopia" Rewards Program Launches Friday
Chipotle wasn’t the only company launching a new promotion this week, as Walmart (WMT) announced its new ShippingPass. The retail giant will offer free two-day shipping on anything purchased on Walmart.com for just $49 per year. After investing nearly $2 billion in ecommerce, it’s clear that Walmart is doubling down on its fight against Amazon (AMZN).
Get Maddy’s opinion on the new offer here: Walmart's Unoriginal ShippingPass is Still No Match for Amazon Prime
Finally, our number one story this week was the Brexit. As you probably know by now, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. As a result, the pound fell to a three-decade low, gold continued its climb upward, and stocks around the world plunged.
Check out our Brexit coverage: Brexit Repercussions Hit UK-Exposed Banks, Tank Share Prices
Throughout the week, the markets recovered as investors began to put a timeline on the Brexit. There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the withdrawal and how it will actually look. Some even started to feel that the initial reaction was overblown.
Find out what bounced back this week here: Stocks Recover, Were Brexit Concerns Overblown?
Thanks for checking out the first episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line! We will see you next week with even more news and market commentary!
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
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Each Week, Maddy Johnson and Ryan McQueen wrap up the week's investing news.
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