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☆ Cramer: The Cassandras are wrong about the market (again) — here's why I'm upbeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Jim Cramer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +14 min

The impossibility of any company doing anything right, or as right as the market seems to judge, serves as the only homily worth offering. You simply don't land at all. Of course, the biggest worry to this market is its two-tiered nature: The mega-cap techs versus all the rest. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.

Persons: Warren Buffett, It's, Jerome Powell's, Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernanke, Powell, deride Powell, —, it's, Wells, Vin Diesel, he'll, Goldman Sachs, Amy Hood, Tim Cook's, Mark Zuckerberg's pickleball, Clive Cussler, Stephen King, Lina Khan's, Jonathan Kanter, Khan, Morgan, let's, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Victor J Organizations: Apple, Wells, JPMorgan, PepsiCo, Treasury, Bank of America, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Nvidia, Intel, Devices, Colgate, Federal Trade, Activision, Justice Department, sycophantic, Fed, Jim Cramer's Charitable, CNBC, Visitors, New York Stock Exchange, Blue, Bloomberg, Getty Locations: People's Republic of China, China, Wells Fargo, America, New York

☆ Economic Optimism Powers Stocks’ Robust First-Half Rally
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Matt Grossman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The tech-centric Nasdaq Composite climbed Friday, sealing a 32% gain since the end of 2022. Photo: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg NewsModest daily stock gains cinched a strong six months on Wall Street, fueled by investors’ optimism that inflation is easing while the economy continues to hum. Fresh spending data added momentum on Friday, showing milder core-price increases in May compared with a month earlier, while consumer outlays continued to rise. The data lifted major stock indexes on a day of calm trading, rounding out the Nasdaq Composite’s best first half of a year in four decades.

Persons: Victor J, outlays Organizations: Bloomberg, Nasdaq

☆ How our retail stocks are battling a rise in theft — and why they are set up to win
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Many retailers are grappling with a rise in theft at their stores that is cutting into profits. Most losses were attributed to organized retail crime, employee theft and process-control failures. While theft is an industry-wide phenomenon, the shrink headwind appeared to have more of a material impact among discount retailers. Off-price retailer TJX Companies (TJX) also cited shrink as a headwind to gross margins in its latest results . At its stores, TJX has also made efforts to better secure expensive merchandise by putting it behind locked cases and using more innovative tagging.

Persons: —, hasn't, Jim Cramer's, Locker, Dana Telsey, TJX, Tom Nikic, Foot Locker, Nikic, Wedbush, Jim, Mary Dillon's, Rich Galanti, We've, Telsey, they're, Jim Cramer, Victor J Organizations: National Retail Federation, UBS, TJX Companies, Costco, Telsey Advisory, CNBC, TAG, Wedbush, Management, TJ Maxx, Blue, Bloomberg, Getty Locations: FL, New York, U.S

☆ The recycling idea at Levi's, Adidas, Zara to stop trillions in fast fashion from going to waste
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( Carolyn Chun | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The multi-trillion dollar fashion industry contributes significant greenhouse gas emissions, between 8% to 10% of total global emissions, according to the United Nations. With the majority of textiles in the fashion industry blended, it is harder to recycle one fiber without harming another. Spinnova partnered with the world's largest pulp and paper company this year, Suzano, to turn wood and waste into recycled textile fiber. Textile waste, by some measures, is a bigger issue than plastics waste, and it has a similar problem. Late last year it worked on a limited collection with fast fashion clothing giant — and consumer consumption flashpoint — Zara, using its recycled textile waste material.

Persons: LEVI, Alexander Donka, Paul Dillinger, Levi Strauss, Spinnova, Chloe Songer, Songer, Victor J, Levi's Levi Strauss, Dillinger, You've, we're, —, Stacy Flynn, Flynn, Levi's, Stella McCartney, — Zara Organizations: McKinsey, United Nations, McKinsey Sustainability, Co, Shoppers, Blue, Bloomberg, Getty, Adidas, CNBC Locations: Sweden, Africa, Zara, New York

☆ Buybacks are a great tool to reward shareholders — but the timing has to be right
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Now, as all good businesses do, it comes time for XYZ to start returning cash to its shareholders. Of course, for a buyback to make financial sense for a company, shares need to be purchased at an appropriate price. Assume that XYZ Corp. generated $10 billion in sales with a 10% net profit margin and has 1 billion shares outstanding, resulting in EPS of $1. The structure aligns management with shareholders, as their compensation is tied to the success of the company and, therefore, the stock. While that's a net positive for shareholders, it's not the same as, say, Apple' s (AAPL) approach to buybacks.

☆ Discount retail operator TJX shows it can deliver profits in a slowing economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Of course, as management noted Wednesday, they were also able to put the right items in the right stores at the right time. The operating environment undoubtedly remains uncertain for the retail industry, with consumers increasingly cost conscious amid a slowing economy. Quarterly results Fiscal first-quarter SSS rose 3% year-over-year, matching the high end of the 2% to 3% guidance range management provided the prior quarter. That was driven by a 5% same-store-sales increase at Marmaxx, a 1% increase at TJX Canada and 4% advance at TJX International. On a constant currency basis, sales at TJX Canada were up 3% year-over-year, while sales at TJX International — which includes operations in Europe and Australia — were up 5% annually.

☆ Verizon Cuts Number of Unlimited Data Plans It Offers From Six to Two
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Will Feuer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Verizon, the largest U.S. wireless carrier by subscribers, said the new plans will be available starting Thursday. Photo: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg NewsVerizon is trimming the cost and number of its wireless plans, hoping that making them less confusing will attract customers it has been losing to rivals. The largest U.S. wireless carrier by subscribers on Tuesday said it is reducing its lineup of unlimited mobile plans from six to two, a move that executives said is meant to simplify customers’ options. Essentially it is dropping its most expensive data plans.

☆ Icahn Enterprises Under Investigation by Federal Prosecutors
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Ben Foldy | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn. Photo: Victor J. Blue/BloombergFederal prosecutors opened an inquiry into Carl Icahn ’s investment company, the day after a short seller’s report said the firm was inflating the value of its assets, the company disclosed Wednesday. Icahn Enterprises , the publicly traded firm controlled by Mr. Icahn, was targeted by short seller Hindenburg Research early this month. The next day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York contacted Icahn Enterprises asking for information about corporate governance, dividends and other topics, the firm said in a securities filing Wednesday.

☆ Icahn, Under Federal Investigation, Blasts Short Seller
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Ben Foldy | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn. Photo: Victor J. Blue/BloombergFacing a federal probe over practices at his investment company, activist investor Carl Icahn went on the attack against the short seller that likely spurred the inquiry, accusing it of “wantonly destroying property and harming innocent civilians.”Icahn Enterprises , the publicly traded firm controlled by Mr. Icahn, was targeted by short seller Hindenburg Research early this month. The next day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York contacted Icahn Enterprises asking for information about the value of its assets, corporate governance, dividends and other topics, the firm said in a securities filing Wednesday.

☆ Meet the Roving Veterinarians Caring for Mexico’s Rural Horses
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Emiliano Rodríguez Mega | Victor J. Blue | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

LAS PALMITAS, Mexico — Pedro Parra stood by his horse’s side as the animal dropped to the ground under the weight of anesthesia. Its four hooves flailed for a moment, then ceased, and a team of volunteer veterinarians rushed in. One placed a pillow under the patient’s neck; another tied a rope around a back foot and lifted it. Their task was to castrate the stallion — a necessary surgery to keep the animal from becoming uncontrollable and a danger to its owner and to other animals. “He wasn’t at ease anymore.” Within the hour, seven more horses lay on the plot of land behind the town’s church, slowly waking from their surgeries.

☆ Qualcomm's disappointing guidance on slow China recovery will force our hand on the stock
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Jeff Marks | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Revenue in the quarter fell about 17% year-over-year to $9.27 billion, beating analysts' forecasts of $9.1 billion, according to Refinitiv. In the quarter, Qualcomm won 12 new designs across its Snapdragon Cockpit and Snapdragon Connectivity 5G platforms with automakers. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade.

We're exiting our position in Cisco Systems (CSCO), selling 500 shares at roughly $46.95 each. Following Tuesday's trade, Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust will no longer hold a position in CSCO. The stock market bounced back quickly once the problem was solved, and the S & P 500 finished roughly flat for the year despite the significant drawdown. As long-term investors, not traders, it's best to take up our cash position by a few percent to protect against potential downside, but then be ready buy. CSCO YTD mountain Cisco Systems YTD performance The stock we're selling Tuesday is Cisco Systems.

☆ Retailers see a tough year ahead, so they're rolling out the recession playbook
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Melissa Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Now, major retailers are dusting off their playbook for a recession — or at least for a period of slower sales. Target shoppers can soon get a Starbucks coffee, make a return and retrieve an online purchases without leaving their cars. Some retailers are rethinking their approach to discounts while questioning other costs, such as giving away free shipping or deliveries without strings attached. Some retailers have also turned free shipping into a perk for only engaged or higher spending customers. Nike , for instance, offers free shipping for shoppers – if they share their personal data by joining its membership program.

☆ As the market digests the banking crisis, Morgan Stanley is a buy. But investors should sit tight on Wells Fargo
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Kevin Stankiewicz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Unlike Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley's business model doesn't really depend on collecting deposits and issuing loans, which is the bread and butter of conventional banking. "We think we own the best with Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo," Jim said. A compression of NIM can put downward pressure on overall earnings at a bank like Wells Fargo. For Wells Fargo and other consumer-oriented banks, investors aren't concerned that startup cash burn will cause deposit levels to decline. Pedestrians pass a Wells Fargo bank branch in New York, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.

☆ Off-price retailer TJX's quarterly results show strong demand. We're unconcerned by a softer profit outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Bottom line It was an overall decent quarter for the off-price retailer, with total revenue, same-store sales and operating cash flow exceeding expectations. On the pretax margin, management expects lower freight costs, better buying and strategic retailing to result in an 80-basis-point to 100-basis-point tailwind that will more than offset the headwinds of "incremental wage and supply chain costs." Excluding this benefit, management expects to realize a pretax margin of 10% to 10.2% and earnings in the range of $3.29 to $3.41 per share. On a constant currency basis, sales at TJX Canada were up 10% year-over-year, while sales at TJX International — which includes operations in Europe and Australia — were up 11% annually. This excludes new stores, stores closed permanently or those closed for an extended period of time, as well as e-commerce.

☆ Retailers could face cost cuts and slower sales this year
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( Melissa Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Other big-name retailers will follow, including big-box players like Target and Best Buy , and mall staples like Macy's and Gap . Yet healthier profit margins could be a silver lining, as freight costs fall and retailers have less excess merchandise to mark down. That could boost profit margins, even if consumers don't spend as freely. That hurt companies' margins, as unsold merchandise wound up on the clearance rack and costs crept up, along with sales. Lululemon said its profit margins would be lower than anticipated, as the athletic apparel retailer juggles excess inventory.

☆ As consumer spending slows, Club holding TJX is the off-price retailer to own
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

That's likely to make off-price retailers like Club holding TJX Companies (TJX) even more attractive to many Americans looking for cost-saving deals in the new year. Total retail sales in the U.S. dropped 1.1% in December month-on-month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, in the second consecutive monthly decline. Retail sales had fallen by 1% in November. Morgan Stanley analysts expect off-price retailers to benefit from consumers shifting spending habits away from high-end shopping toward discounts. Off-price retailers like TJX have a great opportunity to snag a wide range of merchandise from big-box retailers with elevated inventory for very cheap prices.

watch nowFTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was sent back to a Bahamas jail Monday after a reported plan for him to waive his extradition to the U.S. stalled. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (C) is led away handcuffed by officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force at the Nassau, Bahamas, courthouse on December 19, 2022. The FTX founder arrived at Bahamian court in a convoy of police vehicles, heavily guarded, just after 10 a.m. Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, is escorted inside of the Magistrate's Court in Nassau, Bahamas, on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. WATCH: Why Sam Bankman-Fried may decide to drop his fight against being extradited to the U.S.

☆ Starbucks union organizers wanted credit-card tipping. Now they’re being left out
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

They also wanted a better tipping option. “One of the first public demands that we made last fall, when our campaign launched, was for credit card tipping,” the Starbucks Workers United said in a statement to CNN. The coffee chain has for years allowed customers to tip when they pay using their Starbucks card in the Starbucks app, or to leave a cash tip. But Starbucks (SBUX) only started rolling out the credit and debit card tipping system, which is now available nationally, in September. “Even though union-representated workers do not have credit card tipping at the moment, it still feels like a union victory,” she said.

☆ JCPenney was once a shopping giant. Can it make a comeback?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

People walk past a JCPenney store at the Queens Center Mall in New York in 2016. The Denver Post/Getty Images Shoppers hurry across an intersection in front of a JCPenney store in Denver in 1964. Anne Cusack/The Los Angeles Times/Getty Images Customers shop at a new JCPenney store in New York in 2009. Mary Altaffer/AP A customer goes down an escalator at a JCPenney store in Westminster, Colorado, in 2009. Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images JCPenney CEO Jill Soltau speaks during an interview in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2019.

To combat high inflation, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates this year at the fastest clip in 40 years. But analysts warn that high interest rates and potentially unfavorable terms can trip up shoppers, eroding the hoped-for savings. That’s the highest interest rate since the credit card marketplace began tracking it for store cards in 2018. Using credit cards can help build credit. And with fees and rates for new store cards even higher than the current record levels for traditional credit cards, “many people’s financial margin for error is basically zero,” Schulz says.

☆ Free returns may soon be a thing of the past as retailers roll out stricter policies
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Crew (which was once well-known for a generous return policy that spanned the lifetime of a garment) have shortened their regular return windows to within a month. Changing the return policy is an easier pill for the costumer to swallow than an increase in the purchase price. "Changing the return policy is an easier pill for the costumer to swallow than an increase in the purchase price." How to avoid return feesStill, shoppers love free returns almost as much as they love free shipping. In fact, 98% of consumers said that free shipping was the most important consideration when shopping online, followed by more than three-quarters who said the same about free returns, according to a recent report by PowerReviews.

☆ Facts changed and part of tech sank. We're changing our view and trimming exposure
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( Jim Cramer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Following Monday's trade, Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust will own 700 shares of QCOM, decreasing its weighting to 3.03% from 3.66%. Accordingly, we are downgrading our ratings on all four semiconductor stocks to 2. Also, it will be hard for the multiples on semiconductor stocks to re-rate higher from here, unless we get some pivot from the Fed, which we do not expect any time soon. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long QCOM, AMD, NVDA and MRVL. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade.

☆ A cop put on a MAGA hat to save fellow officers on Jan. 6 – and an Oath Keeper helped
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-05 | by ( Ryan J. Reilly | Ryan J. Reilly Is A Justice Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +18 min

“Escorted!”The man escorting them, with the bullhorn in the Eddie Bauer jacket, was a member of the far-right Oath Keepers organization. Three other Oath Keepers — Joshua James, Brian Ulrich and William Todd Wilson — have already pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy. Johnson wasn’t aware that Nichols was an Oath Keeper, nor of who the Oath Keepers were, his lawyer said. ‘They’re being scapegoated’The Oath Keepers charged in the seditious conspiracy, according to the government’s evidence, came prepared on Jan. 6. The judge overseeing the Oath Keepers case said that the evidence can be introduced only if the defendants witnessed it directly.

Joe Lewis surrendered in Manhattan last week and was charged with securities fraud and conspiracy. Photo: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg NewsThe globe-trotting billionaire Joe Lewis , longtime owner of the London soccer club Tottenham Hotspur, spent the evening of July 25, 2019, with a woman who was then his girlfriend, dining on room service at the Four Seasons hotel in Seoul. U.S. prosecutors say he also fed her confidential information about coming disclosures by a life-sciences company that she used to make stock trades that ultimately netted her hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Persons: Joe Lewis, Victor J Organizations: Bloomberg, London soccer, Tottenham Hotspur Locations: Manhattan, Seoul . U.S

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