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The Redesigned Honda Civic: Bomb or Bust?

After allowing the basic Honda Civic to languish in no man’s land for several years, Honda has once again revamped their staple in 2016. We take a look at what has been done to this Honda favorite and see if it’s a bomb or a bust.

We are happy to report that while the Civic is tinier than ever, it’s pretty darn awesome. Customers can chose from two different 4 cylinder engines (the naturally aspired 2.0 or the direct injected 1.5 liter turbo) as well as a newly remodeled CVT transmission. This is good news for those who were so annoyed with the noise from the previous version that you looked forward to motorcycles pulling up next to you to drown out the sound.

Perhaps one of the best things about the new Civic is that it doesn’t look or feel cheap. The redesigned car has brushed aluminum trim, soft synthetic door coverings that don’t rattle or feel like a kid’s toy. The instrument panel has a speedo and tech in the middle, the lights are big but not annoying, and the rear cabin feels huge.

If you are one of those people who believe that only expensive cars are truly quiet, you will be impressed with the lowly Civic. To reduce noise of all kinds, the Civic has triple sealed doors and soundproofing on both the roof and floor. The Civic EX models (and above) have keyless entry, remote start, remote link climate control, and walkaway auto lock.

Let’s not forget gas mileage. A  real workout using an average driver (not a computer simulation) found the turbo model averaging about 25 MPG. Officially, the mileage lists 35 MPG as combined mileage.

If you really want to go all out, American Honda is offering a Touring version that includes the turbo powered model, LED headlamps, 10 speaker audio system, navigation system, and leather seats for a cool $27,335.

The bottom line? The new Civic is fun to drive, super quiet, good on gas, and looks good in the driveway. What more could anyone ask for?

 

Source: Market Watch

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After allowing the basic Honda Civic to languish in no man’s land for several years, Honda has once again revamped their staple in 2016. We take a look at what has been done to this Honda favorite and see if it’s a bomb or a bust.

We are happy to report that while the Civic is tinier than ever, it’s pretty darn awesome. Customers can chose from two different 4 cylinder engines (the naturally aspired 2.0 or the direct injected 1.5 liter turbo) as well as a newly remodeled CVT transmission. This is good news for those who were so annoyed with the noise from the previous version that you looked forward to motorcycles pulling up next to you to drown out the sound.

Perhaps one of the best things about the new Civic is that it doesn’t look or feel cheap. The redesigned car has brushed aluminum trim, soft synthetic door coverings that don’t rattle or feel like a kid’s toy. The instrument panel has a speedo and tech in the middle, the lights are big but not annoying, and the rear cabin feels huge.

History

If you are one of those people who believe that only expensive cars are truly quiet, you will be impressed with the lowly Civic. To reduce noise of all kinds, the Civic has triple sealed doors and soundproofing on both the roof and floor. The Civic EX models (and above) have keyless entry, remote start, remote link climate control, and walkaway auto lock.

Let’s not forget gas mileage. A  real workout using an average driver (not a computer simulation) found the turbo model averaging about 25 MPG. Officially, the mileage lists 35 MPG as combined mileage.

If you really want to go all out, American Honda is offering a Touring version that includes the turbo powered model, LED headlamps, 10 speaker audio system, navigation system, and leather seats for a cool $27,335.

The bottom line? The new Civic is fun to drive, super quiet, good on gas, and looks good in the driveway. What more could anyone ask for?

 

Source: Market Watch

Dish Hit With Losses After Subscribers Opt Out

Dish Network reported lower earnings in 2015 after a large drop in the number of paid subscribers and wireless airwaves auction expenses. This caused the #2 satellite television providers stock to drop a full 4% on Thursday.

A spokeperson for Dish states that their net income fell 21% from 2014 to $747.1 million, which averages to about $1.61 per share. An FCC auction of wireless airwaves cost Dish $516 million in added expense, along with an asset impairment charge of $123 million also impacted their final earnings statement.

The pay-television industry has been hit hard as many younger subscribers cut the cord, or ditch the dish, and go with internet options such as Netflix and Hulu. At the end of 2015, Dish had 13.9 million subscribers to their cheaper Sling-TV, which costs a mere $20, but even this is a decline of about 81,000 subscribers from 2014.

As Dish subscribers opt out in droves, you have to wonder exactly what CEO Charlie Ergen is going to do with all the wireless airwaves that the company has spent billions of dollars on, stockpiling them through the years.

Dish filed an application with the FCC to see if they could possibly participate in the government’s upcoming airwave auction that is scheduled for March of 2016. While exec’s for Dish declined to discuss details of their strategy for this auction, Dish actually has spectrum that could potentially be worth $45 billion in pretax dollars or about $32 billion after tax adjustments, more or less.

For the full year, revenue grew a modest 3% to $15.07 billion, which is above what analysts expected but after deducting costs, net revenue was down $125.3 million. Dish Network is publicly traded on the NASDQ under the ticker symbol: DISH.O. Fourth quarter shares were down last quarter about 27 cents overall.

Perhaps it’s time that Dish consider selling some of their wireless airwaves and look towards the future by offering up some cheaper internet based programs that will appeal to the younger, Netflix crazed crowd.

 

 

 

Source: Reuters

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Dish Network reported lower earnings in 2015 after a large drop in the number of paid subscribers and wireless airwaves auction expenses. This caused the #2 satellite television providers stock to drop a full 4% on Thursday.

A spokeperson for Dish states that their net income fell 21% from 2014 to $747.1 million, which averages to about $1.61 per share. An FCC auction of wireless airwaves cost Dish $516 million in added expense, along with an asset impairment charge of $123 million also impacted their final earnings statement.

The pay-television industry has been hit hard as many younger subscribers cut the cord, or ditch the dish, and go with internet options such as Netflix and Hulu. At the end of 2015, Dish had 13.9 million subscribers to their cheaper Sling-TV, which costs a mere $20, but even this is a decline of about 81,000 subscribers from 2014.

History

As Dish subscribers opt out in droves, you have to wonder exactly what CEO Charlie Ergen is going to do with all the wireless airwaves that the company has spent billions of dollars on, stockpiling them through the years.

Dish filed an application with the FCC to see if they could possibly participate in the government’s upcoming airwave auction that is scheduled for March of 2016. While exec’s for Dish declined to discuss details of their strategy for this auction, Dish actually has spectrum that could potentially be worth $45 billion in pretax dollars or about $32 billion after tax adjustments, more or less.

For the full year, revenue grew a modest 3% to $15.07 billion, which is above what analysts expected but after deducting costs, net revenue was down $125.3 million. Dish Network is publicly traded on the NASDQ under the ticker symbol: DISH.O. Fourth quarter shares were down last quarter about 27 cents overall.

Perhaps it’s time that Dish consider selling some of their wireless airwaves and look towards the future by offering up some cheaper internet based programs that will appeal to the younger, Netflix crazed crowd.

 

 

 

Source: Reuters

Apple Refuses FBI Request to Unlock San Bernardino Shooters Phone

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook refused a court order that would have allowed the FBI to “unlock” the iPhone belonging to the San Berdardino, California, shooter. This sets up an “Us vs Them” theme pitting law enforcement and the FBI against the sanctity of information belonging to the average Joe.

CEO Tim Cook stated on Apple’s website that the FBI was requesting a new version of Apple’s software with a “backdoor” that would allow law enforcement access to private data. Cook calls this a frightening attack on civil liberties and privacy that would allow the government to turn on microphones and listen to calls or nearby conversations, intercept messages, emails, track your location, and even turn on your camera without your knowledge.

Companies like Apple and Google have long resisted requests for access to private information, while law enforcement insists that they need access to help fight terrorists, such as the San Bernardino shooter who left 14 dead in a terror attack in California, and other criminals.

Apple’s refusal is already turning into fuel for the political fires. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump told Fox News that he agreed with the courts and that Apple had no right to refuse. “Who do they think they are? They have to open it up”, The Donald was quoted as saying.

The FBI has yet to be able to unlock the iPhone owned by Syed Farook. A U.S. Magistrate judge ordered Apple to offer “reasonable technical assistance” to help unlock the phone. The FBI says they are not asking for someone to hack the phone, merely that Apple allow the FBI “unlimited” attempts to try various passwords until they find the correct one. Currently, only 10 password tries are allowed before the phone deletes all data.

With Apple’s refusal, both parties could now appeal to a district court judge. The Justice Department has not stated just how far they are willing to push the issue and whether or not they are willing to file contempt of court orders.

Cook feels that changing their software to allow law enforcement to try multiple passwords would be the same as offering them a “master key”, which would allow them access to all  iPhones, as well as allowing expert hackers gain access to encrypted information. Cook states that they have assisted the FBI by providing them with all the data they had in their possession as well as offering investigators tips and ideas for discovering the password.

 

 

Source: Bloomberg

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Apple’s CEO Tim Cook refused a court order that would have allowed the FBI to “unlock” the iPhone belonging to the San Berdardino, California, shooter. This sets up an “Us vs Them” theme pitting law enforcement and the FBI against the sanctity of information belonging to the average Joe.

CEO Tim Cook stated on Apple’s website that the FBI was requesting a new version of Apple’s software with a “backdoor” that would allow law enforcement access to private data. Cook calls this a frightening attack on civil liberties and privacy that would allow the government to turn on microphones and listen to calls or nearby conversations, intercept messages, emails, track your location, and even turn on your camera without your knowledge.

Companies like Apple and Google have long resisted requests for access to private information, while law enforcement insists that they need access to help fight terrorists, such as the San Bernardino shooter who left 14 dead in a terror attack in California, and other criminals.

History

Apple’s refusal is already turning into fuel for the political fires. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump told Fox News that he agreed with the courts and that Apple had no right to refuse. “Who do they think they are? They have to open it up”, The Donald was quoted as saying.

The FBI has yet to be able to unlock the iPhone owned by Syed Farook. A U.S. Magistrate judge ordered Apple to offer “reasonable technical assistance” to help unlock the phone. The FBI says they are not asking for someone to hack the phone, merely that Apple allow the FBI “unlimited” attempts to try various passwords until they find the correct one. Currently, only 10 password tries are allowed before the phone deletes all data.

With Apple’s refusal, both parties could now appeal to a district court judge. The Justice Department has not stated just how far they are willing to push the issue and whether or not they are willing to file contempt of court orders.

Cook feels that changing their software to allow law enforcement to try multiple passwords would be the same as offering them a “master key”, which would allow them access to all  iPhones, as well as allowing expert hackers gain access to encrypted information. Cook states that they have assisted the FBI by providing them with all the data they had in their possession as well as offering investigators tips and ideas for discovering the password.

 

 

Source: Bloomberg

Starbucks Dumps Plans for Teavana Bars

Starbucks announced on Friday that they will integrate their 3 Teavana tea bars located in New York into regular Starbucks locations as well as closing completely the Beverly Hills, California, store, effectively putting the nix on plans to expand their tea stores.

The company says that they are not abandoning their tea idea altogether, but they feel Starbucks would be better served by simply offering their teas to customers inside regular locations. The only exception being the Teavana tea bar which is located in the Seattle University Village. This location, which opened in 2013, will remain in place and unchanged.

Starbucks purchased Teavanan in late 2012 for $616 million. These locations, in addition to selling designer teas, also offered upscale pastries and foods. The company states that they still believe that Teavana tea is a winning idea that customers want, however, this move seems to indicate that Starbucks is refocusing on their core plans.

There are currently 350 Teavana stores across the United States, which offer bulk tea sales, but do not offer individual cups of tea, or food, for sale. Tea sales are expected to grow by double digits in the next year and do more than $3 billion dollars in sales over the next 5 years.

Starbucks also purchased La Boulange bakeries and cafes in California in 2013  but ended up shutting down most of these upscale bakeries. Starbucks also purchased Evolution Fresh, a juice company, in 2011. The company has yet to develop this end of the business any further than the 3 locations they now have, all located in the Seattle area.

Starbucks coffee and Teavana tea. Do they go together? Or is this a doomed relationship? Only time will tell.

 

 

 

 

Source: Seattle Times

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Starbucks announced on Friday that they will integrate their 3 Teavana tea bars located in New York into regular Starbucks locations as well as closing completely the Beverly Hills, California, store, effectively putting the nix on plans to expand their tea stores.

The company says that they are not abandoning their tea idea altogether, but they feel Starbucks would be better served by simply offering their teas to customers inside regular locations. The only exception being the Teavana tea bar which is located in the Seattle University Village. This location, which opened in 2013, will remain in place and unchanged.

Starbucks purchased Teavanan in late 2012 for $616 million. These locations, in addition to selling designer teas, also offered upscale pastries and foods. The company states that they still believe that Teavana tea is a winning idea that customers want, however, this move seems to indicate that Starbucks is refocusing on their core plans.

History

There are currently 350 Teavana stores across the United States, which offer bulk tea sales, but do not offer individual cups of tea, or food, for sale. Tea sales are expected to grow by double digits in the next year and do more than $3 billion dollars in sales over the next 5 years.

Starbucks also purchased La Boulange bakeries and cafes in California in 2013  but ended up shutting down most of these upscale bakeries. Starbucks also purchased Evolution Fresh, a juice company, in 2011. The company has yet to develop this end of the business any further than the 3 locations they now have, all located in the Seattle area.

Starbucks coffee and Teavana tea. Do they go together? Or is this a doomed relationship? Only time will tell.

 

 

 

 

Source: Seattle Times

New Cancer Drug Could Send Bristol-Myer Stock Skyrocketing

The new cancer fighting drug, Opdivo, could be the next miracle drug of the future. Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb could also perform miraculously for long term investors.

Opdivo has shown tremendous success in stopping the progression of numerous types of cancer including cancers of the head and neck, lung cancer, renal cell cancer, as well as the deadly skin cancer melanoma. This drug is the front runner when speaking of the new immuno-oncology drugs, which are prolonging the lives of persons affected with late stage cancers. Although this drug is not completely free from side effects, it has considerably fewer noted side effects than current cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Opdivo blocks important receptors in T-cells, which improves the patients own immune system, allowing it to recognize and attack mutant cancer cells and cancerous tumors. To date, Opdivo has been the most successful in this new class of cancer drugs, even outperforming some of Bristol-Myers (Ticker: BMY) other drugs, such as Yervoy,  in this same class. In fact, at least 5 clinical trials have been stopped early because it was obvious that Odivo was greatly increasing survival rates by slowing or stopping the advancement of cancer. The Food and Drug Administration has given no fewer than 7 approvals for Opdivo to treat certain types of cancer in 2015.

After Bristol-Myers stock rose during the summer of 2015 from $60 to $70.87, it took a nose dive in the fall that found it back at $60 by December. Even at $60, this isn’t considered to be a cheap stock, but for investors who are interested in the long haul, this is one they should seriously consider buying.

If Opdivo isn’t enough to sway some people to invest in this stock, perhaps they should reconsider. The company has other promising cancer treatments coming down the proverbial pipeline. Some market analysts see the stock by 25% or more next year. One company, Cowen & Company, states that they even forsee this stock hitting the $100 mark by the end of the year.

Bristol-Myer also had staggering fourth quarter results last year with revenue of $4.3 billion and earnings of 38 cents per share, which was well above expectations.

Although the stock isn’t necessarily a bargain right now, especially when compared to stocks like Merck, but Bristol-Myers drug Opdivo is certainly kicking Mercks behind right now by outperforming Mercks drug Keytruda.

It’s all about Opdivo right now and that is what will be the driving force behind this drugmakers stock, at least for 2016. A T.Rowe Price manager stated that this is one of the best pharmaceutical stocks to come along in quite some time and that long term investors should ride this stock all the way to the bank.

 

 

 

Source: Barron’s

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The new cancer fighting drug, Opdivo, could be the next miracle drug of the future. Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb could also perform miraculously for long term investors.

Opdivo has shown tremendous success in stopping the progression of numerous types of cancer including cancers of the head and neck, lung cancer, renal cell cancer, as well as the deadly skin cancer melanoma. This drug is the front runner when speaking of the new immuno-oncology drugs, which are prolonging the lives of persons affected with late stage cancers. Although this drug is not completely free from side effects, it has considerably fewer noted side effects than current cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Opdivo blocks important receptors in T-cells, which improves the patients own immune system, allowing it to recognize and attack mutant cancer cells and cancerous tumors. To date, Opdivo has been the most successful in this new class of cancer drugs, even outperforming some of Bristol-Myers (Ticker: BMY) other drugs, such as Yervoy,  in this same class. In fact, at least 5 clinical trials have been stopped early because it was obvious that Odivo was greatly increasing survival rates by slowing or stopping the advancement of cancer. The Food and Drug Administration has given no fewer than 7 approvals for Opdivo to treat certain types of cancer in 2015.

History

After Bristol-Myers stock rose during the summer of 2015 from $60 to $70.87, it took a nose dive in the fall that found it back at $60 by December. Even at $60, this isn’t considered to be a cheap stock, but for investors who are interested in the long haul, this is one they should seriously consider buying.

If Opdivo isn’t enough to sway some people to invest in this stock, perhaps they should reconsider. The company has other promising cancer treatments coming down the proverbial pipeline. Some market analysts see the stock by 25% or more next year. One company, Cowen & Company, states that they even forsee this stock hitting the $100 mark by the end of the year.

Bristol-Myer also had staggering fourth quarter results last year with revenue of $4.3 billion and earnings of 38 cents per share, which was well above expectations.

Although the stock isn’t necessarily a bargain right now, especially when compared to stocks like Merck, but Bristol-Myers drug Opdivo is certainly kicking Mercks behind right now by outperforming Mercks drug Keytruda.

It’s all about Opdivo right now and that is what will be the driving force behind this drugmakers stock, at least for 2016. A T.Rowe Price manager stated that this is one of the best pharmaceutical stocks to come along in quite some time and that long term investors should ride this stock all the way to the bank.

 

 

 

Source: Barron’s