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As one of the largest and the most prestigious international tourism fairs, ITB 2012 is an opportunity for the business partners to meet and exchange experiences and also for visitors to find out and choose their own destinations.
ITB 2012 had the participation of 187 countries and territories with 10,644 stalls displayed at 26 great halls of the International Exhibition Center ITB. Most stalls were well prepared and manifested specific characteristics of various cultures and regions. Some countries also offered to the fair unique and impressive traditional dances, which attracted visitors as well as press agencies. On first day of the fair, Mar 7, the International Exhibition Center ITB opened and welcomed thousands of tourism businessmen to visit and sign contracts with their partners.
Mr. Le Tuan Anh, Director of Tourism Marketing Department (VNAT) said, in this year, the number of stalls of Vietnam in ITB 2012 reached a record with 65 stalls, including 22 ones organized by VNAT and others hired by some enterprises themselves such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel, Saigontourist, ... VNAT also facilitated enterprises in organizing their stalls, contributing to promotion of Vietnam tourism to international market.
At the fair, Vietnam's tourism enterprises worked with partners and customers coming from worldwide major markets in areas as hotels, resorts, airlines, … In recent years, Vietnam focused on boosting marketing and brand promotion of tourism and travel to international market, especially German market. So the number of international visitors to Vietnam increased significantly.
ITB Fair 2012 attracted about 170,000 visitors including 110,000 tourism businessmen.


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Dr Helmut Marko has revealed Red Bull expect a decision from the FIA next week about whether an engine freeze will be implemented in F1.
And if it is, that will signify the sound of the starting pistol for Red Bull to bring the Honda engine operation in-house.
Red Bull, and their sister team AlphaTauri, need to find an alternative source of power for when Honda withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of the forthcoming season.
Marko, head of Red Bull’s driver development programme and advisor to the team, said recently their “focus is entirely on the Honda project” in terms of acquiring the Japanese company’s intellectual property and taking over the programme themselves.
He rated the chances of that happening at “80-85%”, but stressed it depended largely on a freeze on engine development being introduced from 2022 in order to keep down the costs of remaining competitive with power-unit rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault.
The 77-year-old Austrian has now indicated such a decision is imminent and that Red Bull are all set to kick on with the project if the verdict goes their way.
“We are waiting for the FIA’s decision. A corresponding clarification should be made next week,” said Marko, quoted by Auto Motor Und Sport.
“Everything has been settled between us and Honda. The timing is set. Everyone is in the starting blocks. But there will only be an okay when we have written proof from the FIA that the development freeze on the engine side is coming.”
Red Bull are reliant upon Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault agreeing to the engine freeze and Marko said: “For Formula 1, it’s a very clear common-sense decision.”
He added that in addition to merely stipulating in the rulebook that engine development should be stopped, “that it will be regulated by the FIA in some way”.
Although Red Bull also have the much less palatable – from their perspective – alternative of reverting back to their previous engine supplier Renault, Marko insisted they had no fallback option in place.
Asked if there was a plan B if the Honda proposal fails, he said: “No, it does not exist.
“The engine freeze is the most important thing. The so-called safety net of alignment will certainly become more difficult. But if the development freeze is there, the whole project becomes easier for us to handle.”
Marko had previously said the Austrian energy drink giant could quit the sport if the engine freeze is vetoed, although denied that was “blackmail”.
“That would mean Red Bull had to rethink its Formula 1 situation drastically,” he said. “Due to reason and cost, an engine freeze is the only way with these unfortunate engines.”

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Earlier today, the site Everyday Sexism tweeted out a link to a plastic surgery iPhone and iPad app called “Plastic Surgery & Plastic Doctor & Plastic Hospital Office for Barbie Version.” The imagery was quite graphic, showing Barbie’s body and face being stitched up, ostensibly post-surgery.
“This unfortunate girl has so much extra weight that no diet can help her,” the description read. “In our clinic she can go through a surgery called liposuction that will make her slim and beautiful.” The game was apparently marketed to players ages nine and up, who were encouraged to cut open Barbie and give her the plastic surgery she so desperately needs.
Understandably, there was outrage on Twitter about the game’s message and appropriateness, even for adults. In the span of a few hours, iTunes decided to pull the app from its store.
Turns out Google Play also has a plastic surgery app aimed at women, simply called “Plastic Surgery,” with the same premise of surgery and liposuction as a “game.” That app has also disappeared. The iTunes Barbie app cautioned users that the game includes “infrequent/mild realistic violence.” The Google Play app blamed the weight issues of a woman named “Barbara” on the fact that she “likes to eat a lot of burgers and chocolates.”
The fact that “problem areas” and diets are being marketed to kids as a game is extremely unprofessional on the part of high-profile companies like Apple and Google, and perpetuates the idea that body-shaming young girls is OK, in a time when that happens plenty already. But the fact that “mild” violence against a woman was referenced as part of the game is even more troubling.
There wasn’t an official statement from either company. It’s unclear whether the Barbie game was removed from Apple’s store because of its subject matter or because of a copyright claim.
Screengrab via Google Play


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Federated Department Stores, Inc. (NYSE:FD)(PCX:FD) has selected the New York-based Lowe advertising agency to create an electronic and print media campaign for its largest store brand, Macy's. This initial project will primarily focus on the television medium during the important yearend holiday period. It will be the first time that the Macy's brand - including Macy's East, Macy's West and the newly named, Atlanta-based Rich's-Macy's stores - will have a common voice.
"The search for an agency was an exciting process that reinforced for all of us the power of one of our most important and yet underutilized assets - the Macy's brand," said Terry J. Lundgren, Federated's president and chief executive officer.
"We challenged 40 agencies from around the country to demonstrate how they would position the Macy's brand nationally. The quality of the agencies we interviewed made this a difficult decision, but ultimately Lowe was awarded the Macy's project," Lundgren said, "because they are creative innovators who understand the needs and potential of our brand and have the strategic thinking which will work well in the Macy's department store culture."
"This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a truly iconic brand. Millions of Americans have grown up with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, the Macy's Passport fashion extravaganza and the lighting of the Rich's-Macy's Great Tree at holiday time - this brand is a pillar of American culture," said Paul Hammersley, Lowe's chief executive officer. "We are setting the creative bar very high to match the stature of our new client."
Lundgren noted that the individual Macy's divisions would continue to create, produce, market and promote their day-to-day businesses.
Federated, with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation's leading department store retailers, with annual sales of more than $15 billion. Federated currently operates more than 450 stores in 34 states, Guam and Puerto Rico, under the names of Macy's, Bloomingdale's, The Bon Marche, Burdines, Goldsmith's, Lazarus and Rich's-Macy's, as well as macys.com and Bloomingdale's By Mail.
Lowe, New York is the flagship office of Lowe & Partners Worldwide. Lowe, New York has more than 600 employees and is a member of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), on of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. www.loweworldwide.com
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A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit alleging Diamond Pet Foods manufactured and distributed certain petfood products that allegedly led to illness and death in some animals that consumed them. The lawsuit was first filed in 2012 by a customer who claimed the company's dog food caused one of her dogs to die and another to become ill.
There are three subclasses of class members:
All class members must submit a valid form by July 11, 2014, and a final hearing will be held on September 15, 2014.
By Tim Wall
In 2020, pandemic driven demand alternative pet market, reducing owner preparation and diligence as people scramble to buy what puppies they could, without investigating the source, or even seeing the young dog.
By Debbie Phillips-Donaldson
Issues with pet food transportation have contributed to higher costs in supply chain disruptions.


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China and Myanmar have developed fruitful cooperation in the infrastructure construction of China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) under the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
China has been supporting Myanmar in advancing the transportation infrastructure construction including railways, roads, airports, ports, electricity and telecommunication, to inject strong impetus for Myanmar’s economic development.
Chinese businesses are very interested in making investment in Myanmar. Myanmar also started issuing visa-on-arrival for Chinese visitors. Myanmar enjoyed 37 per cent growth in Chinese tourists arrivals.
However, Tourism officials in Myanmar are bemoaning what they consider the bad behaviour of the skyrocketing number of Chinese visitors to the Southeast Asia Nation after they began offering the Chinese visas on arrival in 2018.
Though the officials acknowledge that the growing number of Chinese visitors has given a much needed boost to the slumping economy, they have voiced concern that their actions are endangering the country’s cultural heritage sites and that their spending primarily benefits Chinese run businesses.
Now that they no longer have to apply for a visitor’s visa in advance, Chinese tourists have been flocking to Myanmar on inexpensive package deals booked by operators that offer cheap flights and accommodations.
“Many of those who come from China are from low-income families, and so they don’t understand our dos and don’ts,” said Soe Moe, Manager of Hotel Bahosi in Myanmar’s commercial hub Yangon.
Chinese visitors routinely disobey rules and touch and rub the jade carvings and walls in the Maha Mahapasana Cave and in Kaba Aye Pagoda in Yangon, Soe Moe said.
They do the same at the Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Place) Monastery, a finely carved traditional 19th-century teakwood monastery just outside Mandalay’s Royal Palace.
“Some of them rubbed and tried to shake the carvings,” Soe Moe said. “We need to be able to stop these kind of acts.”
The Chinese, many of whom are heavy smokers, also fail to heed no smoking policies in hotels and frequently leave rooms in disarray, said Soe Paing of the Myanmar Tourist Guides Association.
There are “no smoking” signs inside the rooms, but they still smoke,” he told RFA’s Myanmar Service. “They don’t follow the rules.”
Rooms are often left “really messy,” and guests in adjacent rooms complain about foul odours and noise coming from their neighbours’ rooms, he said.
“When they close the doors, they bang them — boom and bang,” he said.
Look East, Look West
The number of Chinese entering Myanmar increased 137 percent with 154,000 additional visitors arriving during the period January to May compared to the same period in 2018, according to Myanmar’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
The visa-on-arrival program for the Chinese, which took effect in October 2018, was implemented by Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism as part of its “Look East” policy to attract visitors from Asia as tourist numbers from the West plummeted due to the conflicts in Rakhine state and other ethnic regions.
Myanmar dropped visa requirements for visitors from Japan and South Korea who enter by air or land, while tourists from China, Hong Kong, and Macau must pay U.S. $50 for a visa on arrival at airports in Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw.
With visitors from Western countries shunning Myanmar because of the Rohingya refugee crisis beginning in August 2017, the country’s tourism ministry will also implement a “Look West” policy, with visitors from Germany, Italy, Australia, Russia, Switzerland, and Spain able to pay U.S. $50 for 30-day visas on arrival, the Myanmar Times reported in June.
Despite complaints by workers in the tourism industry, Myanmar government officials have stressed the positive economic impact of Chinese visitors on local economies.
Ohn Maung, Myanmar’s hotels and tourism minister, told reporters during a late May press conference that Chinese tourists generate income for Myanmar’s citizens by booking hotel rooms, hiring guides and drivers, and eating in restaurants, and that Myanmar citizens were therefore receiving an income.
Kyaw Win, treasurer of the Myanmar-Chinese Tourism Promotion Group noted that it is not just Chinese visitors who cause problems in Myanmar.
“It’s not just Chinese people. Other people can also be undisciplined,” he said. “However, now that more Chinese people are entering here, they become more noticeable.”
His organisation regularly provides feedback to embassies and tourist groups from China, telling them the areas in which Chinese tourists could improve their behaviour, he said.
In June, Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism formed groups comprising tourism industry officials in Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan to monitor large Chinese tour groups and ensure that tour operators have the appropriate licenses.
Myanmar officials created the teams also over concerns that Chinese tour operators steer their groups toward Chinese owned businesses in Myanmar, undercutting Myanmar businesses and individuals that operate in the sector.
“In tourism development, there’s a difference between quantity development and quality development,” said Thet Lwin Toe, Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association.
“In quality development, valued tourists come,” he said. “They spend a lot of money, so our stakeholders roadside sellers, sidecar drivers, and horse cart drivers who provide transportation earn income.”
RFA was unable to reach officials at the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism for comment on the growing number of Chinese visitors.


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With a 15% year-over-year increase in sales, the craft beer industry is experiencing heady growth these days. Meanwhile, the big boys, led by Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD 1.56%), SABMiller (NASDAQOTH: SBMRY), and Molson Coors (TAP 1.12%) -- are losing market share.
Keeping things in perspective, however, the largest craft brewer is Samuel Adams maker Boston Beer (SAM 3.19%), which has only a 1% market share. On top of that, the small brewers are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to distribution and economies of scale.
So how do they battle against the Big Buds of the world? Our Rex Moore asked that question at the recent 2013 Craft Brewers Conference in Washington, D.C., and found answers that benefit not only craft brewers but all small businesses. In the video below, we hear strategy tips from New Belgium Brewing, Whole Foods Market (WFM), and Port City Brewing.


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The new Ping Irons 2023 are the latest addition to the Ping golf equipment family. This new set of irons is engineered for maximum performance and power, with a modern design that looks as good as it plays. Featuring an advanced technology suite, this set of irons is designed for consistent ball flight and optimized spin rates, making them ideal for players who want to take their game to the next level. With an expected release date of early 2023, these irons are sure to be a hit with golfers everywhere.The release date for the new Ping Irons 2023 has not yet been announced. Updates regarding the product launch will be available closer to the anticipated launch date.
What to Expect from the New Ping Irons 2023
Ping is one of the most respected golf equipment companies in the world, and their new irons for 2023 are sure to be some of the best yet. The company has been working hard to make sure that their new irons offer players a great combination of power, accuracy, and feel. Here’s what you can expect from Ping’s latest lineup of irons.
The new Ping Irons 2023 will feature a multi-material construction that combines different materials in order
Latest Updates on the New Ping Irons 2023 Release
The golfing world is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming release of the new Ping Irons 2023. With a sleek design and improved performance, Ping has promised to deliver an iron set that will provide golfers with maximum control. In anticipation of its release, many golfers have been keeping an eye out for any updates regarding the new irons.
Recently, Ping has finally released some details about their upcoming set. According to the company, their new irons will feature a re-engine
New Iron Technology
The new Ping Irons 2023 feature the latest in iron technology, designed to provide maximum distance and accuracy. The new face architecture, which is designed to increase ball speeds and create more forgiveness, is a big part of the new technology. It also features an improved sole design that helps optimize launch conditions and spin. This combination of technology helps golfers get optimal performance from their irons for any level of play.
Launch Angle and Spin Rate
The Ping Irons 2023 also
Benefits of the New Ping Irons 2023
The new Ping Irons 2023 offer a variety of benefits to golfers. The clubs are designed with a larger head size to provide maximum forgiveness and increased accuracy. The forgiving nature of the larger head size allows for more consistency in ball striking, which results in more distance and better control. The face is designed to flex on impact, producing higher launch angles and greater ball speed for improved distance. Additionally, the grooves are deeper and sharper to provide more spin on approach shots and help control trajectory. Finally, the
Price Range of the New Ping Irons 2023
The new Ping Irons 2023 are expected to be released in the coming months and they are sure to be a hit with golfers. While the exact pricing has not been released yet, it is expected that the Ping Irons 2023 will come with a price range that is comparable to other premium irons on the market. It is likely that the Ping Irons 2023 will cost between $800 and $1,200 depending on club specifications and design.
Ping is known for creating high-quality
The New Ping Irons 2023 Review
The new Ping Irons 2023 have been released and are making a big splash on the golf scene. They are incredibly popular with both professional and amateur golfers alike. The Ping Irons 2023 offer a unique combination of forgiveness and distance, while still providing a great feel for the golfer. The clubs feature a new face construction that produces a more consistent ball flight, as well as increased distance off the tee. With this combination of performance and feel, it’s no wonder that these irons are so popular. <
Where to Buy the New Ping Irons 2023
If you’re looking to update your golf clubs before the start of the season, then you’ll want to know where you can buy the newest Ping irons 2023. The new Ping irons are set to launch in early 2023 and will provide golfers with improved distance and accuracy. With a variety of options available, it’s important to find the right iron set for your game.
The best place to purchase the new Ping irons is from an
The new Ping irons 2023 release date is something to be excited about. With the latest technology and improved design, the new Ping irons offer a high level of performance, accuracy and feel. The use of new materials have helped these irons become one of the best on the market. With all this in mind, it’s clear that the new Ping irons will be an excellent choice for golfers of all levels.
From the overall design to the quality construction, these irons are going to provide a great experience for any


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In just four years, The MedBIC Business Innovation Centre has helped dozens of young enterprises in the medical and engineering sectors to grow.
The MedBIC opened on our Chelmsford campus in 2014, and within a few months six small companies were based there. Four years later, the numbers have soared. Today, it has a full complement of almost 40 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on site, and a wider network of 1,300 members.
As work begins on a new Innovation Centre in Harlow, MedBIC Manager Aideen McCambridge explains how it has created an ideal partnership between the University and entrepreneurs – with benefits for everyone involved: "The companies get a lot out of being in such a professional sectoral environment on campus and by having access to students and specialist staff,” says Aideen. “At the same time, the University also gains.”
By supporting enterprises in the medical and advanced engineering sectors, The MedBIC is capitalising on the University’s strengths, as well as Chelmsford’s proud tradition as a centre of industry and technology. Working in partnership with both the county and city councils, The MedBIC aims to develop the next generation of companies that will enable the local economy to thrive.
Its clients are extremely diverse, and include medtech companies, digital modelling companies, software engineers, consulting engineers and innovative consumer goods suppliers. New joiners range from freshly-hatched start-ups through to small firms with a handful of staff. “What unites them is that they need access to people who understand what they are trying to do and can help them get to the next stage,” Aideen says.
Companies can rent office space and access workshops, labs and other facilities. The MedBIC also supports a number of other SMEs through virtual packages. Each can avail themselves of a level of expert mentoring and support, as well as access to a wider business network; the Centre’s advisory group includes representatives of several major firms, including BAE Systems and Leonardo.
Businesses get additional exposure through wider innovation activities, such as sector-specific hackathons and innovation sandpits, where their work has the potential to be picked up by financial backers. The MedBIC also runs sectoral business seminars and opens doors to numerous supply chains and business events that might otherwise be inaccessible, especially to SMEs.
This, in turn, has created opportunities for our researchers, for example by enabling them to apply for funding streams that demand an element of industry collaboration. The presence of on-site companies has also given our students a wealth of work experience and employment opportunities.
Several success stories have already emerged from The MedBIC.
One is FutureNova, one of The MedBIC's earliest occupants, which makes a medical-grade case for iPads called a FlipPad. This protects tablet computers from the bacteria that cause infections such as MRSA, so that they can be used safely in hospitals.
With help, FutureNova was able to secure funding grants and acquire business connections. FlipPads are now being adopted by hospitals in Texas and Georgia in the United States, among others.
FutureNova was founded by Mike Casey, who was working alone when he arrived at the MedBIC, but now has more offices and a small team. “He’s a perfect example of how one person with a great idea can benefit from being on campus,” Aideen says.
A newer arrival is Hedkayse, which is developing a cycle helmet that can be folded up when not in use, made from a new material called Enkayse that gives wearers better protection than traditional helmets through the new tough material. Through The MedBIC, the company not only acquired an office, but by working with ARU's Faculty of Science & Technology, they have specialist support to help test their product’s durability.
“I think part of the success is because we are such a business-friendly university,” Aideen reflects. “Many of our academics already have a business background. As a community we are ready to find ways to help other entrepreneurs, even if it involves doing something we haven’t tried before.”
The collaborative philosophy that defines The MedBIC will similarly characterise our new Business Innovation Centre in Harlow, which opens in 2019 and will support high-tech businesses in the life sciences, information technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Like The MedBIC, this new centre will give new and emerging companies the professional support they need to develop, and also, through the University, direct access to research expertise, funding support and emerging talent.


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If the music thing doesn’t work out, Wizkid could always pursue a career in fashion.
The Nigerian Afrobeats superstar showed off his modelling prowess earlier today when he walked in the Dolce & Gabbana’s SS19 Menswear show in Milan, Italy.
He strutted his stuff in a black ensemble with heavy gold embroidery and a studded face mask. His bullfighter-inspired look was given a model twist with a polka dot white t-shirt.
Ahead his catwalk debut, the 27-year-old entertainer teased fans with a tweet that read: ‘Taking the sauce to Milan’. He later shared a behind-the-scenes snap of himself being fitted backstage by iconic designer Stefano Gabanna.
The Come closer hitmaker was in good company. Supermodel Naomi Campbell and musician Tinie Tempah also walked for the Italian Fashion house.
Fresh from showcasing his latest collection for his sports-luxe label What We Wear in London, Tinie decided to opt the style stakes in a double-breasted blazer, which was featured religious imagery and embellishment.
Naomi, who did a takeover on the Dolce & Gabbana Instagram page earlier in the day, sported a pin-striped black suit and heavily- embellished, stilettos.
She completed the androgynous look with a bow tie and navy and white fedora.
Back in May Naomi, introduced the Come Closer hitmaker at his sold-out AfroRepublik festival at London’s O2.
Stars including Mr Eazi, Tekno, Tiwa Savage, Not3s, Yxng Bane and Maleek Berry were tasked with warming up the 22,000-strong crowd before he hit the stage.
After the show, Skep praised Wizkid as ‘the greatest artist in the world right now.’
Got a showbiz story?


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Analysts expect that Pandora Media, Inc. (NYSE:P) will report sales of $381.43 million for the current fiscal quarter, Zacks reports. Ten analysts have issued estimates for Pandora Media’s earnings. The lowest sales estimate is $376.19 million and the highest is $387.20 million. Pandora Media posted sales of $351.90 million in the same quarter last year, which would indicate a positive year-over-year growth rate of 8.4%. The company is scheduled to report its next quarterly earnings report on Monday, January 1st.
On average, analysts expect that Pandora Media will report full year sales of $381.43 million for the current financial year, with estimates ranging from $1.46 billion to $1.54 billion. For the next year, analysts forecast that the company will post sales of $1.67 billion per share, with estimates ranging from $1.50 billion to $1.89 billion. Zacks Investment Research’s sales averages are a mean average based on a survey of research analysts that cover Pandora Media.
Pandora Media (NYSE:P) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The Internet radio service reported ($0.31) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.39) by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $376.83 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $367.51 million. Pandora Media had a negative return on equity of 58.81% and a negative net margin of 39.90%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.12) earnings per share.
Several research firms have recently commented on P. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) reissued a “buy” rating and set a $13.00 price target (down from $16.00) on shares of Pandora Media in a research note on Monday, June 12th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a “buy” rating and set a $16.00 price target on shares of Pandora Media in a research note on Monday, June 12th. Canaccord Genuity decreased their price target on shares of Pandora Media from $18.00 to $15.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 12th. Piper Jaffray Companies set a $18.00 price target on shares of Pandora Media and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, June 10th. Finally, Bank of America Corporation reissued a “buy” rating and set a $12.00 price target on shares of Pandora Media in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twenty have given a hold rating, nineteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Pandora Media currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $12.07.
In related news, EVP David Gerbitz sold 9,959 shares of Pandora Media stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $8.42, for a total transaction of $83,854.78. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 355,607 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,994,210.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, General Counsel Stephen G. Bene sold 6,538 shares of Pandora Media stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $8.42, for a total transaction of $55,049.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 67,366 shares of company stock valued at $564,822 in the last ninety days. 2.59% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Falcon Point Capital LLC bought a new stake in Pandora Media in the 2nd quarter valued at about $102,000. Prudential Financial Inc. bought a new stake in Pandora Media in the 2nd quarter valued at about $109,000. Symmetry Peak Management LLC bought a new stake in Pandora Media in the 2nd quarter valued at about $112,000. Aperio Group LLC bought a new stake in Pandora Media in the 2nd quarter valued at about $115,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in Pandora Media in the 2nd quarter valued at about $121,000.
TRADEMARK VIOLATION NOTICE: This news story was reported by The Ledger Gazette and is the property of of The Ledger Gazette. If you are reading this news story on another publication, it was illegally stolen and republished in violation of United States & international copyright & trademark law. The correct version of this news story can be viewed at https://ledgergazette.com/2017/09/18/381-43-million-in-sales-expected-for-pandora-media-inc-p-this-quarter.html.
Shares of Pandora Media (P) opened at 8.12 on Monday. The firm’s market capitalization is $1.97 billion. Pandora Media has a 52-week low of $6.76 and a 52-week high of $14.94. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $8.39 and a 200-day moving average price of $9.65.
Pandora Media Company Profile
Pandora Media, Inc (Pandora) is a music discovery platform, offering a personalized experience for each of its listeners wherever and whenever they want to listen to music, whether through earbuds, car speakers or live on stage. The Company delivers targeted messages to its listeners using a combination of audio, display and video advertisements.
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Welcome back to my existing readers and welcome aboard to my new ones. As expected, this past week was a slow one in terms of fresh domestic economic data, even though concerns continue to mount about the slowing of the global economy.
The preliminary HSBC China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a gauge of nationwide manufacturing activity, fell to 48.1 in March, compared with a final reading of 49.6 in February. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction from the previous month and March marked the fifth month below a reading of 50. Meanwhile, the picture in Europe continues to darken as Markit’s Eurozone Composite PMI fell to 48.7 in March from 49.3 in February. What concerned me most in the March Market report was that economic activity in France and Germany fell sharply month over month. Add to this decline the sequential dip in the composite PMI’s job index, which hit its lowest level in two years, and it is apparent that the euro zone has fallen back into a recession.
That data took the wind out of the market’s sail this week and it looks like the S&P 500 will have its first down week in several weeks. My immediate concern is that slowing global growth, coupled with rising prices for fuel and food (more on this next week), will result in a pause for the stock market, given the strong move year-to-date. The mid-term concern is that sluggish demand crimps companies’ top-line results, amid higher input prices. That combination could pressure margins and earnings expectations for the middle of the year. These two concerns are likely to result in Wall Street adjusting down its 2012 earnings expectations for the S&P 500, with consensus estimates currently at $102.41 per share vs. $97.38 per share in 2011.
Shoppers Feeling the Pinch at the Pump
Over the weekend, I ventured out with my family and hit some of the area malls, both the large enclosed ones, as well as the open-air strip malls that tend to be anchored by companies such as Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Barnes & Noble. It seems we were not the only people out looking to pick up spring and summer clothes, given the warmer-than-usual, sooner-than-usual weather we are experiencing this year. All in all, mall and store traffic were better than I had expected, but the number of people with multiple bags were few and far between, even though there were ample sales and other promotional events going on. I chalk that selective purchasing up to the continued rise in gas prices that hit more than $4 per gallon in the DC Metro region this weekend vs. the national average of $3.88 per gallon, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.
Despite signs of 25-70% off at Elite Jewelers, the traffic was thin at best and it was only modestly better at Zales. Dick’s Sporting Goods had consistent, if not long lines, while Nordstrom fared well, as did J.C. Penny, Aeropostale and a number of shoe stores. Ann Taylor had little traffic, despite offering 40% off select items, while Abercrombie & Fitch and Bare Escentuals had customers few and far between inside their stores. That dearth of foot traffic also was the case with both Victoria’s Secret and Banana Republic. At the strip malls, Best Buy had only a few of Apple’s new iPads left in stock but, despite having a good sale on LCD and LED televisions, there were few customers biting. Any eager consumer could have walked right up to the register at Best Buy. That situation was not the case at the T.J. Maxx, where the line wrapped around the store as shoppers lined their carts with sneakers and other discounted apparel. Already high gas prices can be expected to follow a seasonal pattern of rising further during the summer vacation season, so retailers should not expect any relief soon.
Nutritional Needs as We Live Longer Lives
In last week’s e-letter, I touched on the changing demographic picture in the United States when it comes to living alone and the growing rate among baby boomers. Sifting through the data, I found yet another confirming data point for my Living Longer Lives PowerTrend. By 2030, there will be roughly 72.1 million older Americans — persons 65 years or older — more than twice the number in 2000, according to the Administration on Aging (AoA). All in all, the AoA’s findings forecast people who are 65+ will represent 19% of the population by 2030. At the same time, World Bank data confirm that we are living longer lives as the average lifespan for U.S. citizens is 78 years of age, compared to the average life expectancy of 68 years for someone in the global population, according to the World Health Organization.
A few months back, the Centers for Disease Control reported that more than half of U.S. adults use dietary supplements — a rise from 42% in 1988 to 53% in 2006. That steady increase fueled the growth of the supplement industry to a $27 billion behemoth in 2009, according to Consumer Reports. Two examples of the increased usage can be found among women over the age of 60. Close to 61% of women age 60 and above take calcium, compared to only 28% in 1988-1994. Among that same age group of women, 56% now take vitamin D supplements, compared with only 30% in 1988-1994. Factor in that close to 50% of Americans are on a diet at any one time, combined with the popularity of fast and junk food, and the odds of people being nutrient deficient are pretty good.
It is not surprising then that Nutrition Business Journal‘s Supplement Business Report 2011 sees the industry, which generated $28.1 billion in sales during 2010, growing at an average annual rate of approximately 3.7% through 2017. Moreover, the supplement industry is fragmented, which allows for strategic M&A that will enable larger operators to round out product categories, as well as gain operational synergies. I will offer further insights about this long-term bull market opportunity in the coming weeks.
As we close in on the last week of trading for 1Q 2012, traditionally there is a fair amount of window dressing going on at mutual and hedge funds. With only a handful of days left for companies to close the books on their businesses, the final push is on to close deals that will enable them to meet Wall Street expectations for the quarter. As such, in addition to the economic and corporate earnings listed below, beginning next week, I will watch for companies that pre-announce earnings to the downside. You can rest assured that I will be digging through any such pre-announcements to determine which other companies may be vulnerable and what this situation means for PowerTrend investing.
Monday, March 26
Pending Home Sales (February)
American Apparel (APP)
Tuesday, March 27
Consumer Confidence (March)
Charming Shoppes (CHRS)
Lennar Corp. (LEN)
McCormick & Co. (MKC)
Robbins & Myers (RBN)
Walgreen Co. (WAG)
Wednesday, March 28
MBA Mortgage Index (Weekly)
Durable Orders (February)
Crude Inventories (Weekly)
Family Dollar Store (FDO)
Paychex Inc. (PAYX)
Teavana Inc. (TEA)
Thursday, March 29
Initial & Continuing Jobless Claims (Weekly)
GDP – Third Estimate (4Q 2011)
Best Buy co. (BBY)
Dream Inc (DRJ)
Jos A Bank Clothiers (JOSB)
Research in Motion (RIMM)
Shaw Group (SHAW)
Friday, March 30
Personal Income & Spending (February)
Chicago PMI (March)
Michigan Sentiment Index (March)
Comstock Homebuilding (CHCI)
Editor, PowerTrend Brief
P.S. You can take advantage of a special promotional offer to become a subscriber to my new monthly investment newsletter, PowerTrend Profits. Our normal subscription price will be $249 a year but my publisher is offering a pre-publication, introductory price of only $77 through April 13. After that date, the introductory price will increase! My first issue will come out toward the end of April, so I invite you to become a founding subscriber by signing up today.
On Monday, March 26, listen for my weekly appearance on America’s Morning News to talk the economy, the stock market, stocks and more.
On Friday, March 30, watch me on Fox Business News with Cheryl Casone.
On Saturday, March 31, watch me on the Tom Sullivan Show on Fox Business News, 7 p.m. EDT and 10 p.m. EDT, as well as on Sunday, April 1, at 7 a.m. EDT and 7 p.m. EDT.
On Saturday, April 28, I will address the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) Computerized Investing Special Interest Group in McLean, Va.
Please join me for the Las Vegas Money Show, May 14-17, at Caesar’s Palace. To register, call 1-800/970-4355 and mention priority code 026656 or go to ChrisVersace.lasvegasmoneyshow.com.


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A recent study by ceutagroup.com demonstrates that the growth of awareness about veganism is encouraging more and more consumers to demand products which are both environmentally and socially responsible. This is shown to be most prevalent with young people, with 73% of millennials willing to pay more for a product made by an ethical brand.
Due to the readily available sources of information online, consumers are becoming informed about the benefits of veganism and its surrounding issues. “Sustainability, ethically sourced ingredients, plastic reduction and carbon footprint are hot topics facing brands, and healthier choices are now at the forefront of the shopper’s minds. With retailers understanding this important move just as much as consumers, it is their responsibility to stay ahead of the curve,” says Daniel Sarath at Ceuta Group.
The study says that consumers “do not just expect products to be trustworthy, healthy and socially responsible; they want the same thing from the brands they purchase these products from,” and that brands must be transparent about the origins of their products. Brands should not only offer products that align with sustainability, they should also demonstrate a strong social conscience to be accepted by the current generation.
“Conversely, brands that are not adapting their views, messages and products are beginning to suffer volume and value declines. In fast food, according to the Obesity Society, there’s been a change in menu ordering patterns – French fries’ orders have decreased from 57% of transactions to 22%, with healthy main course orders rising from 3% to 46% in recent years,” said Lawrence Janes, head of consumer analytics company Collidascope.


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With audiences grappling with a massive surplus in content and subsequent deficit of attention, the headline has become the most important thing brands need to get right to attract meaningful audience attention with their in-feed native ad campaigns.
Article by Sharethrough.
There’s an expectation that this explosion in content and new reliance on headlines can only lead to a rise in cheap-trick, clickbait-styled headlines. But at Sharethrough, we’ve seen the opposite. With increasingly high demands on audience attention, brands need to be more straight-forward and human than ever in the way they present information to audiences.
We’re so bullish on the importance of headlines that we’ve built our own AI-powered statistician to help brands write them better. Headlines are naturally powerful in a world where a lot of people only read... headlines. They entice readers into full content experiences, are especially powerful when combined with native video and on their own can lead consumers to search out a brand online.
Here are five charts that demonstrate why we think great native ad headlines will pay huge dividends for a brand.
MANY PEOPLE ARE ONLY READING HEADLINES
For a growing number of people (especially younger readers), the headline will be the takeaway from whatever piece of brand content you’re trying to promote. Clickbait doesn’t work in the feed, where 99 per cent of people won’t click, and in a recent survey, we found that 20 per cent of Millennials simply won’t ever click, preferring instead to just read headlines. It means that brands need to be more straight-forward and human than ever in the way they present information, imparting the key idea at the moment of impression.
BUT HEADLINES ARE STILL THE KEY TO GETTING PEOPLE TO ACTUALLY READ
As stated, successful headlines today engage the brain, communicating an idea at the moment of impression, but they still have to work on enticing readers to click through to a full content experience. And headlines remain the primary hook to get readers to click. The greatest subject matter in the world isn’t going to get you there. When Sharethrough surveyed Gen Z readers, 53 per cent said headlines were the main factor in convincing them to read.
HEADLINES HELP DRIVE BRAND LIFT FROM AUTOPLAY VIDEOS IN UNDER 10 SECONDS
In a recent Sharethrough survey, 79 per cent of Millennials said that they read the headline while watching a native video. Like articles, headlines are a huge draw in getting audiences to engage with video (over 80 per cent said it was the primary influencer) but it is the combination of the headline with the strong visual element of the video which has the greatest impact for brands. Facebook research has demonstrated the potency of this combination: finding that the vast majority of ad recall, awareness and purchase intent took place within just seven seconds.
A HEADLINE ON ITS OWN CAN SPUR BRAND RESULTS
It’s not enough for a brand that younger audiences are reading headlines, if there's no follow up benefit. At Sharethrough, we’ve seen that audiences are taking action to seek out a brand online from just exposure to native ad headlines. 44 per cent of Gen Z consumers we surveyed (those aged between 18 and 21) said that they’d visited a brand’s website or social media site after only reading a headline. This shows that from even just a brief amount of engagement with native ads, brands can drive real results.
More like this
The state of native advertising in news media
Native advertising award winners announced
Nine key takeouts from Native Advertising DAYS
What to expect as Hearst Magazines' new Airbnbmag hits the streets
Chief content officer Joanna Coles discusses the premiere edition of Airbnbmag, its celebration of global community and the future of travel.
22nd May 2017
Eight lessons from Cosmopolitan on publishing to Snapchat Discover
One of the lessons for Cosmopolitan following the brand’s wildly successful launch on Snapchat Discover just short of 2.5 years ago was that “you have to dig beyond analytics to find out what [users] are saying about your editions and what they really care about”.
22nd May 2017
Inside The Business of Fashion
In the space of only a decade, The Business of Fashion has grown from a blog to multi-channel business servicing a global professional community in the millions through a website, newsletters, social media, print magazine and membership programme, with clear, diversified revenue model and each stream contributing meaningfully to the overall top line.
23rd May 2017
GroupM report highlights factors impacting the publishing industry
We may have reached peak anxiety in many corners of the media world. Despite their best efforts, a number of publishers are failing to accelerate their digital revenues fast enough to offset the cost of legacy operations and falling advertiser demand.
17th May 2017
The Immediate Media Co story: from starting up to being acquired by Burda
Earlier this month at the PPA Festival, Barry Mcllheney of the UK Publishers Association sat down with Immediate Media Co’s CEO, Tom Bureau, who talked about the journey from starting Immediate to being acquired by German-based publisher, Hubert Burda.
24th May 2017


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CHATHAM — Target said it’s sticking to its plans to shutter locations in Chatham and Morgan Park this winter, despite mounting pressure from politicians who have hinted at boycotts and pulling tax-increment financing funding.
Mayoral candidate Bill Daley, the one-time U.S. commerce secretary of brother of former Mayor Richard M. Daley, was the latest to pressure Target. He suggested pulling out of a $13 million TIF-backed deal to help Target build a store on the Northwest Side.
“Target has the right to make this decision and we have the right to withdraw the taxpayer subsidy,” Daley said. “Companies that want taxpayer subsidies should reflect Chicago’s values and value our communities.”
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush is holding a community meeting about the Target closures later this week. Meanwhile, eight city, county and state elected officials signed their names to a letter addressed to Brian Cornell, president of Target Corporation. In it, they voiced their “concern, dismay and disappointment” over Target’s decision to close their Chatham store located 8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave. and Morgan Park store located at 11840 S. Marshfield Ave.
The elected officials listed under the letter include: Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th); Ald. Carrie Austin (34th); Ald. Michelle Harris (8th); State Sen. Elgie Sims, Jr. (17th); State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr. (33rd); State Sen. Mattie Hunter (3rd); State Rep. Nicholas Smith (34th); and Cook County Comm. Stanley Moore (4th).
The closing of the stores on Feb. 2 — after the holiday shopping season — was a point of emphasis in letter, “one could only guess is an attempt to further maximize your profits.”
“As a result of this decision, Target is going back on its stated commitment to be a ‘community partner,’ and its disregard of African American communities will most assuredly impact the Corporation’s relationship with it and its over $1.1 trillion in buying power,” the letter reads.
The collective said in the final paragraph that a potential boycott of Target has been discussed within Chicago’s African American community as some people feel “exploited and abandoned.”
Target spokeswoman Jacqueline DeBuse said in a statement to Block Club Chicago that the “difficult” decision to close both the Morgan Park and Chatham stores stands and their current focus is helping Target’s team members transfer to new store locations.
“Our goal is to ensure there are no job losses as a result of these closures,” she said. “With 84 stores and 13,000 Target team members across the metro area, we remain committed to Chicago and our team.”
The letter from the elected officials comes just days after U.S. Rep. Rush held a press conference in the southern end of Target’s parking lot at the Chatham location. He too hinted at a possible boycott at Target but first wants to wait until Target’s corporate office responses to his individual letter.
After learning of Target’s intentions to still close the Chatham and Morgan Park stores closed, Rush issued the following statement to Block Club Chicago:
“It is disappointing that Target has not only refused to engage with these communities but have not responded to my letter,” he wrote. “We are committed in resisting these store closures, which is why we are having a community meeting this Thursday to discuss Target’s decision to abandon the Morgan Park and Chatham neighborhoods and how it will impact the South Side of Chicago. Residents and other community leaders and organizations are demanding that Target keep these stores open and they should listen.”
His upcoming community meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 754 E. 77th St.
Several Chicago mayoral candidates offered their own solutions to how to address Target’s departure from the city’s South Side.
Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia said in a statement last week that corporations rarely consult a community when deciding whether or not to leave a community.
“News of Target stores closing in predominantly African American communities only underscores why it is so important that we work to support local businesses, and in particular, small businesses,” Enyia said. “It is also why we must concentrate efforts in building diverse commercial corridors that serve the broad range of community needs.”
“Specifically, the city must create a special incentive program for local ownership by people who live in or near the community and bonuses for sustainable, diverse businesses that are market-tested,” she said. “Creating high density, diverse businesses and prioritizing local ownership can offset any losses from big box stores.”


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Oscar Luna Martinez
Apple Loop: New iPhone 7S Leaks, $1000 iPhone 8 Returns, Apple Needs Samsung’s Curved Screen – Forbes
Taking a look back at another week of news from Cupertino, this week’s Apple Loop includes the changes to the back of the iPhone 8, the curved screen on the front, questions over the iPhone 7S, the $1000 iPhone Pro returns, the lack of innovation around the fingerprint sensor, Apple sacrificing repairs for security, iLife going free, and mapping EV charging in the UK.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the very many discussions that have happened around Apple over the last seven days (and you can read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes).
Latest iPhone Leaks Highlight Radical Design
More details on this year’s flagship iPhone have come out this week, and it looks like the big design changes are back on track .The four millimeter bezel is evident, as is the fingerprint sensor staying on the front of the iPhone (although the jury is still out on that one). Forbes’ Gordon Kelly looks at the information here:
The most striking part of the leak is the claim that not only will Apple integrate the fingerprint sensor under the iPhone 8’s display, but that it will also do the same for the front facing camera and proximity sensors at the top of the phone. If correct, this would be a truly radical step forward.
Interestingly this is independently backed up by /Leaks and iFanr which obtained virtually identical schematics (with fractionally different dimensions).
The Curved iPhone Looks To Samsung
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also been looking ito the latest leaks around Appl’es iPhone portfolio. While the idea of a curved screen remains, it appears that the significant curvature that many hoped for is out of reach in 2017. Apple can, at best, match the Galaxy S8, which is not surprising given the supplier of the new curved iPhone screen is… Samsung:
Apple suppliers have so far struggled to reliably produce heavily curved glass in mass quantities, so the company is more likely to ship the version with more subdued curves, the person added. The company is also testing a simpler design that has an aluminum back, rather than a glass one, and slightly larger dimensions, one of the people said.
Because of its early lead in the mobile OLED display space, Samsung will enjoy a rare upper hand in this year’s high-end smartphone contest. At launch, Apple will exclusively use Samsung Display Co. OLED panels for the redesigned iPhone, as other suppliers won’t be ready to supply mass quantities until later, Bloomberg News reported last year. Apple has ordered around 100 million panels from Samsung, the people said.
But What Will Make The 7S Special?
Alongside the iPhone 8, Apple will be updating the current design, presumably to become the iPhone 7S and the iPhone 7S. Which leads to an interesting challenge for Apple… with the iPhone 8 representing a small step forward (apart from the physical design), what can the 7S family do that will be seen as a worthwhile update without cannibalizing the ‘Pro’ iPhone?
The balance point between the iPhone 7S, 7S Plus and iPhone 8 is going to be a curious one. Chipsets will likely be slightly faster and more efficient across the portfolio and Apple is going to keep key features like the addition of the smart connector for the iPhone 8 (or should it be the iPhone Pro). That doesn’t leave many areas for the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus to be improved on without encroaching on the iPhone 8, especially if Apple brings OLED to all three handsets.
Which leaves price.
The $1000 iPhone Returns
Samsung’s release of the Galaxy S8 has put pressure on Apple to keep the iPhone 8’s cost as low as possible, but an increase in material costs and the introduction of new components means an entry-level price for the Pro iPhone could still hit the $1000 mark. Shona Ghosh reports:
Analysts are split on whether Apple might stick the $1,000 price tag on the high-end iPhone. But a new analyst note from Longbow, sent to investors on Tuesday, offers more proof that Apple should at least be thinking about it.
Analysts Shawn M. Harrison and Frank Carson wrote that it increasingly costs Apple more to make the iPhone, saying design changes have driven “a mid- to high-single digit increase” in recent years. That’s before Apple even thinks about introducing a pricier OLED display, which it reportedly will for the new iPhone, and takes a “30% increase in memory prices” into consideration.
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The refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 will make its official debut next month.
The mid-cycle enhancement version of the full-size pickup will break cover at 4 p.m. EST on September 9th, sources familiar with the matter revealed to GM Authority.
The updated 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 will feature a revised front fascia with new headlamps, a redesigned tailgate and different taillights. Inside, the truck will receive an overhauled cabin with a new dash, center stack, and center console, a larger infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster/driver information center. The traditional column gear shifter will also be dropped in favor of a new electronic gear select system.
Crucially, the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 will migrate to the new Global B electrical architecture, enabling over-the-air system updates and allowing GM to offer the latest technology features, such as its hands-free Super Cruise drive system. This updated model will introduce the new Silverado ZR2 model variant, as well, which will feature upgraded suspension, knobby tires and underbody skidplates for enhanced off-road performance.
While the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 will make its debut in early September, it won’t arrive for a little while longer. As we reported previously, the Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited will be the first 2022MY version of the truck to arrive, which is a continuation of the 2021MY Silverado with the same trim levels, options and exterior and interior colors.
Production of the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited is set to begin at the GM Silao plant in Mexico on September 20th, 2021, and the GM Fort Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana on September 27th, 2021. Orders for the 2022 Chevy Silverado Limited opened July 15th.
More information on the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 may come to light in the lead-up to its September reveal, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock General Motors news coverage.


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Apple has recently released a few videos on TikTok after signing up on the short form video platform 6 months ago. Today, the company has commissioned influencers to make promotional videos regarding its iPhone 12 mini.
In total, four videos have been uploaded, with content highlighting the iPhone 12 mini’s compact size. All of them make use of image effects and edits to shrink large objects. The influencers who made them are Jessica Wang, Julian Bass, Kevin B Parry, and Zach King, who have followers ranging from 800 thousand to 50 million.
With this update Apple’s TikTok account now has 376 thousand followers and roughly the same number of likes.
TikTok in the US was to be banned by Trump and administration but since a new president has been elected the app will likely continue without experiencing repercussions.
Other social media offer similar short form video features. For example, Snapchat recently launched Spotlight to get a piece of the market.


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With the smartphone and tablet markets firmly in its grasps, ARM Holdings is looking elsewhere to capitalize on its growth.
The chip designer yesterday announced its new ARM Cortex-M0+ processor. The chip is designed for intelligent sensors and smart control systems in a host of markets, including home appliances, medical monitoring, and motor-control devices.
The secret to the Cortex-M0+'s market appeal is its energy-efficiency, ARM says. The company is calling the chip "the world's most energy-efficient microprocessor," consuming just one-third of the energy of any 8- or 16-bit processor. However, ARM claims the processor can deliver … Read more


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Americans would be most disappointed if Amazon, among major tech companies, were to disappear, and they would be least disappointed if Apple were to disappear, according to recent research from The Verge and Reticle Research.
The report was based on data conducted between September 28 and October 10, 2017, among a nationally representative sample of 1,520 people in the United States.
Amazon and Google are the major tech companies consumers feel most attached to.
Apple and Facebook are the major tech companies consumers feel least attached to.
Take the first step (it's free).
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- Holiday Planning: How and When to Market for Thanksgiving [Infographic]
- Holiday Shopping Trends for 2018: Consumers' Spend and Gift Plans


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Weight Loss Tip: Be aware of how many nutrients are lost in the processing of your food. A whole-grain wheat bread is a much better choice than a multi-grain processed bread, for example. Even items that seem to be high in good foods, such as a bowl of vegetable soup, are not as healthy as an unprocessed counterpart.
Consumer demand for clean, healthy, and non-GMO foods has gained unstoppable momentum, causing a major blow to the agrichemical industry, which relies heavily on genetically altered crops and millions of tons of toxic pesticides.
Though seed giants like Monsanto and DuPont, as well Big Food companies including Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s and General Mills, have collectively spent tens of millions of dollars fighting GMO-labeling laws, their efforts fell short when the Senate blocked H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015.
Coined the Dark Act (Deny Americans the Right to Know) by its opponents, the legislation would have prevented individual states from passing GMO-labeling laws, as well as reversing any that are currently in effect.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/053353_GMO_labeling_Jeff_Merkley_S_2621.html#ixzz43HSVdJSV


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On Wednesday, February 27th, Webroot’s Security Intelligence Director (Grayson Milbourne) and Senior Mobile Analyst (Armando Orozco) presented at the RSA Conference in San Francisco. Their topic, Android Malware Exposed – An In-depth Look at its Evolution, is an expansion on their previous year’s presentation, highlighting the severity of Android malware growth. Focusing on the history of operating system releases and the diversity across the market, as well at the threat vectors and behaviors in the evolution of Android malware, the team has established strong predictions for 2013. Continue reading →
In this post, I’ll profile yet another service offering access to malware-infected hosts internationally, that’s been operating since the middle of 2012, and despite the fact that it’s official Web site is currently offline, remains in operation until present day.
Let’s find out by profiling a Russian DIY (do it yourself) software vendor, that’s been operating since 2011, and is currently offering a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based phone number verification tool, as well as USB-modem based phone number verification application.
A cybercriminal/gang of cybercriminals that we’ve been closely monitoring for a while now has just launched yet another spam campaign, this time impersonating the “Data Processing Service” company, in an attempt to trick its customers into interacting with the malicious emails. Once they do so, they are automatically exposed to the client-side exploits served by the Black Hole Exploit Kit.
In this post, I’ll profile their latest campaign and the dropped malware. I will also establish a direct connection between this and three other previously profiled malicious campaigns, as well as an ongoing money mule campaign, all of which appear to have been launched by the same cybercriminal/gang of cybercriminals.
The mobile landscape has boomed in the last couple of years mostly in part because of Android devices and social networking. This has opened the door for everyone to have access to a smartphone and have the cyber world at their fingertips. Smartphones have become an extension of us, and we now have our email, banking, social networking, television and internet on the go. We live in a world of instant access.
With this excitement and convenience, we may lose track something we take serious is our privacy and security. Looming in this mobile landscape are people who want benefit from our oversight and continuous usage. Continue reading →
Just how easy is it to generate an undetected piece of malware these days? Too easy to be true, largely thanks to the rise of managed crypting services, and the re-emergence of the DIY (do it yourself) trend within the entire cybercrime ecosystem.
With hundreds of thousands of new malware variants processed by the industry on a daily basis, it’s fairly logical to conclude that over the years, the bad guys have adapted to signature-based antivirus scanning protection mechanisms, and have achieved disturbing levels of automation and efficiency. How do they do that?
Let’s find out by profiling a recently spotted Web-based DIY malware cryptor, emphasize on the future potential of such underground projects, as well as provide MD5s of malware samples known to have been generated using it.
On a periodic basis, cybercriminals are spamvertising malicious campaigns impersonating Verizon Wireless to tens of thousands of Verizon customers across the globe in an attempt to trick them into interacting with the fake emails. Throughout 2012, we intercepted two campaigns pretending to come from the company, followed by another campaign intercepted last month. This tactic largely relies on the life cycle of a particular campaign, intersecting with the publicly generated awareness of its maliciousness.
In this post, I’ll profile one of the most recently spamvertised campaigns impersonating Verizon Wireless. Not surprisingly, once users click on any of the links found in the malicious emails, they’re automatically exposed to the client-side exploits served by the Black Hole Exploit Kit.
On a daily basis, largely thanks to the efficiency-centered malicious campaigns circulating in the wild, cybercriminals get access to tens of thousands of accounting credentials across multiple Web properties, and most disturbingly, online payment processing services like PayPal.
We’ve recently spotted a newly launched underground E-shop that’s exclusively selling access to hacked PayPal accounts. How much does it cost to purchase a hacked PayPal account on the underground marketplace these days? What pricing method is the cybercriminal behind the service using, and does the newly launched E-shop share any similarities with the E-shop selling access to hacked PayPal accounts that we profiled in 2012?
Over the last couple of days, we’ve been monitoring a persistent attempt to infect tens of thousands of users with malware through a systematic rotation of multiple social engineering themes. What all of these campaigns have in common is the fact that they all share the same malicious infrastructure.
Let’s profile one of the most recently spamvertised campaigns, and expose the cybercriminals’ complete portfolio of malicious domains, their related name servers, dropped MD5 and its associated run time behavior.
We’ve recently intercepted a localized — to Bulgarian — malware campaign, that’s propagating through Facebook Wall posts. Basically, a malware-infected user would unknowingly post a link+enticing message, in this case “Check it out!“, on their friend’s Walls, in an attempt to abuse their trusted relationship and provoke them to click on the malicious link. Once users click on the link, they’re exposed to the malicious software.


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A competitor created an export tool for Flickr ex-patriots, so the photo sharing site shut down the Flickr API developer key. The Google Plus developer page makes some wonder if the "real" Google Plus API is coming soon. Also: questions about the Google Safe Browsing API, free cloud database and 15 new APIs.
This is part two of a two-part article covering the current state of Web search APIs. This article takes a look at the Web search tools/APIs provided by Google and Microsoft. Article includes comparison charts highlighting some of the key differences between Google and Microsoft search tools/APIs.


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FARGO — Cornerstone Bank is partnering with online “buy now, pay later” payment processor Credova, the financial institution announced Monday, Nov. 22.
As part of the agreement, Cornerstone Bank will launch noka, which will handle loan origination for Credova. Credova is an online shopping platform which offers no-interest deferred payments for websites selling outdoor recreation, farm, home and ranch goods.
In a news release announcing the partnership, Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Peterson said working with Credova was the right fit for Cornerstone Bank. “This exclusive agreement furthers our vision of being who people turn to when they are making important decisions about their money,” Peterson stated. “Cornerstone Bank and Credova share very similar cultures and approaches to doing business, making this relationship a great pairing. Both organizations will benefit from each other’s areas of expertise.”
Credova CEO Dusty Wunderlich credited Cornerstone Bank’s progressive thinking for making the partnership possible. “This is the next step in our company's evolution, to partner with Cornerstone Bank, a pillar in the banking community,” Wunderlich stated. “It’s not often you find a bank with a nearly 100-year history, be so nimble and forward thinking, but that’s exactly what we’ve discovered in Cornerstone Bank,” continues Wunderlich.
Buy now, later options such as Affirm, Afterpay and Klarna have become increasingly popular among online shoppers. Specifically focused on outdoor recreation and more, Credova is partnered with 15 online shops.
Based in Fargo, Cornerstone Bank has 11 branches across North Dakota and South Dakota as well as over $1 billion in deposits, according to the FDIC.


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The role of the mobile phone has transformed in recent years from that of a portable calling device into a thinking, knowing, digital assistant. Today, smartphones can anticipate our journeys, complete purchases for us, and communicate instantly with billions of social media users.
Of course, there are few great innovations that come completely free of discernible downsides, and one of the most significant issues behind the emergence of smartphones is the level of information we confide in them, and the potential for hackers to access our personal details through unsuspecting handset owners.
Instances of smartphone hacking are on the rise like never before, with Android being one of the most vulnerable targets.
(Image showing most vulnerable operating systems. Image Source: Statista)
But fear not – there are plenty of measures you can take to ensure that you don’t fall victim of prying eyes. Here’s a list of seven simple ways of adding an extra layer of privacy onto your smartphone.
Don’t ignore system updates
In light of the fines that both Apple and Samsung received recently after it was found that they were deliberately slowing down older models of their phones to encourage sales for their newer handsets, it could be tempting to ignore your system update notifications.
However, many of the iOS and Android updates that you’re prompted to download are primarily security-based – and typically help to patch up any vulnerabilities discovered by developers. If you choose to avoid regularly updating your smartphone, it could be significantly more susceptible to attacks.
Considering that most Americans are more worried about being a victim of cybercrime than being a victim of a violent crime, updating your phone software is the least users can do.
(Image showing % of Americans worried about various things. Image Source: The Best VPN)
Utilise a secure mobile network
Given the fact that some of the US cell carriers are selling your real-time location data, it’s never been a better moment to switch to a more secure network.
UpGuard ran research where they measured things like SSL encryption, email verification and breach history and gave a score to each carrier.
(Image showing score based on security featured of different phone carriers. Image Source: UpGuard)
As you can see, most carriers showed either low or mediocre score.
When it comes to the UK, according to Tech Advisor, networks like EE, O2 and Three are among the best-performing ones.
Take care on the app store
One of the common ways hackers can gain access to your private data is through rogue apps that pose as if they’re popular applications like WhatsApp and Facebook. When you download these trojan apps, hackers could potentially have the power to take pictures, record audio and access your personal data without you even knowing.
To minimise the risk of trojan applications, it’s important to take extra care on your respective app stores. Keep on the lookout for developer information and check reviews before going through with a download. If something doesn’t seem right, it could be worth investigating further.
Modern smartphones have built-in biometric functionality which adds and an invaluable layer of protection for your device. Whether you have fingerprint sensors or facial identification, it’s definitely worth setting them up on your phone.
Almost 70% of smartphones have fingerprint sensors, up from just 19% in 2014.
(Chart showing the penetration of fingerprint sensors in smartphones from 2014 to 2019. Image Source: Statista)
We’re used to entering passwords in order to access both devices and digital services, and while you have the freedom to make your memorable phrases as complex as possible – they’re still much more susceptible to break-ins than with biometrics. Invest a few minutes in getting these added levels of security set up and then rest assured that your handset is much better protected.
Close idle windows
Having the ability to automatically log into your applications is a useful advantage of modern technology. The convenience of being able to leave windows open and running behind the scenes on your handset is a great way of saving time too. However, it’s important to avoid leaving sensitive data open and unlocked in the background of your phone.
Not only does leaving windows open give physical thieves better access to your personal information, but it also makes it much easier for malware to track and record confidential information.
Keep prepared for worst-case scenarios
If you haven’t already, set yourself up for tracking services like ‘Find My iPhone’. While losing the one piece of technology that knows you better than you know yourself might feel like a scenario that doesn’t bear thinking about – the idea of your device falling into the wrong hands for long enough to cause real damage is even worse. Also beware of unfamiliar numbers and use free reverse phone lookup before you answer the call.
Approach open WiFi networks with caution
Beware open WiFi networks. With the right set of tools, hackers using the same network could have the ability to take a snoop into what you’re up to online.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid connecting to the free WiFi at your local coffee shop, but it does mean that it’s worth keeping vigilant. Like many of the recommendations in this list, it’s very much worth keeping well away if something doesn’t seem right.


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WASHINGTON – Americans are relying more on credit cards and dipping into their savings in order to spend according to the latest GDP report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement:
“Putting aside the fact that the growth in this GDP report relies heavily on businesses rebuilding inventories, it also reveals families are on unstable financial footing after their real disposable personal income declined by 1 percent, pushing them to rely on credit card debt and their savings to drive consumer spending. Inflation has re-accelerated to 3.5 percent and remains far above the Federal Reserve’s target. Even if the Fed doesn’t raise interest rates further, but keeps them elevated as expected, the dream of home ownership will be pushed out of reach for the near term with mortgage rates now at the highest in over two decades.
“Only Democrats could think this is a win, when it’s clear that Bidenomics is failing American families.”


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Apple leads the charge in workplace improvements at overseas factories
In the New York Times last week, Keith Bradsher and Charles Duhigg reported on workplace improvements taking place at Apple's Foxconn-owned factories in China.
From chairs for workers to padded ceilings in low stairwells, Apple has begun to upgrade the working conditions for hundreds of thousands of workers.
We've mentioned a number of times on ManufactureThis that the Fair Labor Association found no less than 50 'serious and pressing non-compliances' with China’s labor laws in Foxconn factories.
While Apple has started what seems to be a long process of improvement, the Times article stresses that, to date, there are still major safety and labor issues at the Foxconn factories.
Regardless, Apple's focus on making these improvements has put pressure on other electronics manufacturers.
'This is on the front burner for everyone now,' said Gary Niekerk, a director of corporate social responsibility at Intel, which manufactures semiconductors in China. No one inside Intel 'wants to end up in a factory that treats people badly, that ends up on the front page.'
Read more here.
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- It wasn't all weather: What's behind the weak manufacturing jobs report. • by admin • 03/07/2014
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PlayStation is planning an expansion into mobile games and apps.
The news was revealed thanks to a set of investor relations documents published on May 26. Within the document, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan talks about future expansions into the “services, mobile and social arenas,” potentially using existing Sony first-party IP.
"We have been thinking about how players enjoy our content, and have had some early success with experimenting with mobile games and apps to provide more choice to gamers," Ryan notes. More specifically, he points out that PlayStation’s roster of first-party IP “can transition to smartphone gaming and complement our AAA games or live service games”.
“We are exploring the mobile market with some wonderful PlayStation franchises so please stay tuned,” Ryan says. It’s not clear what franchises will be part of these mobile experiments or how these projects will take shape, but it seems fair to expect more mobile experiences from PlayStation in the future, as part of a push to “welcome millions of new gamers to the PlayStation family”.
Ryan also mentions PlayStation’s recent investment in Discord as an example of the “convergence of Social and Entertainment,”
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that one of the big three platform holders has made leaps into the mobile market. Nintendo recently revealed a new partnership with Niantic, which will kickstart with a Pikmin AR Game.
Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN, who thinks Sony should make an Ape Escape AR game. Follow him on Twitter.


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The world of data science and analytics is continuing to grow and adapt at an astronomical rate. Businesses are slowly able to piece together more information from different sources, meaning that they are able to make more sense of their data. Using data has become more and more important in creating new business opportunities and growth. Companies are still discovering the potential of utilizing data and the importance of monetizing that data in some form to benefit the business. Here’s what we can expect to see from the data science industry in 2017
Consulting firms the world over, are looking to develop competencies that would create a definite competitive advantage for them in the market. The consulting sector is no longer immune to disruptive technologies that have significantly influenced other digital enabled businesses, and is flooded with new players having a non-traditional approach toward consulting
Digital business is the creation of new business designs by blurring the digital and physical worlds. It promises an unprecedented convergence of people, businesses and things that changes existing business models and creates new revenue opportunities. Executing digital business will require a digital platform that evolves as business opportunities and threats change.
Digital technologies have profoundly changed the ways we do business, buy, work and live. They have even altered society and continue impacting virtually all business functions and industries. It’s partially what digital business is about
Machine learning models can surpass human capability in coping with significant volumes of data, finding high-order interactions and patterns within the data and dealing with highly complex business problems. Digital businesses will adopt machine learning in more and more use cases, driven by the availability of sensor data, expanding bandwidth and sinking storage costs.


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KANSAS CITY - The past 12 months have offered time for reflection as restrictions found consumers shifting online for communication, shopping and awareness initiatives. With this focus comes heightened awareness of food-related issues ranging from brand reputation and sustainability and transparency to ingredient functionality and wellness, forever changing how consumers think about and purchase food.
Today, manufacturers looking to compete must consider the bigger picture as food purchases become more complicated, considered and inclusive.
“Food has never played a greater role in how we feel, because it’s become such a huge part of our every day, in the absence of so much else,” said Paul Baker, founder of St. Pierre Groupe, Manchester, UK.
Health matters with indulgence
While the demand for health and wellness rarely trumps indulgence in the instore bakery, some see the tide turning. Calling the instore bakery the final frontier for health and wellness trends, David Skinner, marketing manager, J. Skinner Bakery, Omaha, Neb., is seeing more cleaner labels and free-from products, indicating health-centric customers are finding more of what they want in the instore bakery.
This includes providing products for the growing number of individuals with specific dietary restrictions. As the first nationally branded vegan muffin, Abe’s Muffins are allergen friendly, free from nuts, peanuts, eggs, sesame, soy and seeds. Responding to evolving consumer needs, the company also created a school-friendly big muffin pack and a gluten-free line branded under Abe’s Mom.
“Health and wellness in bakery are evolving beyond the scope of specific dietary restrictions,” said Joseph Koffman, founder and chairman of Abe’s Muffins, West Nyack, N.Y. “Consumers assess health and wellness as it relates to a brand’s overall practices regarding environmental sustainability, transparency, ethical sourcing and the treatment of its employees. These factors are increasingly important to consumers and play a significant role in choosing a one-off buy versus a repeat customer.”
And increasingly vocal consumers have no issue telling you what they’re looking for, whether that’s allergy-friendly, plant-based or free-from. Greater awareness of packaging and labels means people know what ingredients they want, and don’t want, according to Alexander Salameh, director of business development, Bakery de France, Rockville, Md. Fueled in part by at-home baking trends, consumers are shifting in their attitudes toward bread. Rather than avoiding bread, health-conscious consumers are discovering the benefits of eating functional bread baked with long fermentation and inclusion of whole and ancient grains, he said.
As attitudes around food change, Baker predicts there’s also likely to be a shift in attitudes toward whether a functional food can be decadent at the same time. Products like St. Pierre Groupe’s brioche is recognized as elevating everyday meals by recreating the restaurant experience at home.
“Increasingly, there are more products which might once have been considered more ‘luxurious’ or ‘decadent’ appearing in the convenience sector,” Baker said. “Consumers will no longer accept that the two are mutually exclusive. There’s no reason to compromise anymore.”
And sometimes indulgence is just a wonderful part of life experiences, said Mark Boyer, president, Tippin’s Gourmet Pies, Kansas City, Kan.
“Tippin’s has played, and will continue to play, a pivotal role in bringing families and friends together to have an extraordinary dessert eating experience that, in some cases, becomes part of the fabric that binds families together and provides memories that are familiar and comforting,” Boyer said.
Adaptability and creativity
While consumers certainly have an idea of what they want, supply and demand still dictate what’s available at the time. Looking to meet consumers where they are in the moment, Kontos, Paterson, N.J., began accepting online requests directly from consumers in 2020. Restricted to a one case minimum, the company is welcoming new and repeat customers who order pizza crusts and flatbreads one case at a time, according to Warren Stoll, marketing director, Kontos.
The company also found new ways to build consumer loyalty through its foodservice clients and worked with bloggers to share personal experiences using Kontos products in their own cooking.
“The more educated and comfortable you feel about cooking and creating for yourself the more you want to share those discoveries with others,” Stoll said. “We will all go back and say we don’t have the time to do things, but people won’t forget some of the things they’ve learned along the way.”
With more consumers embracing the convenience of online, bakery manufacturers understand the importance of finding new ways to grab consumer attention. Striving for a communication vehicle that transcends a label or package, J. Skinner Bakery is overhauling its website to optimize and identify touchpoints throughout the customer journey.
Partnerships also remain important in a rapidly evolving world. 5 Generation Bakers, McKees Rocks, Pa., looks to capitalize on its Jenny Lee’s product reputation as a staple of the McKees Rocks/Pittsburgh area as the bulk of its audience have memories of the brand stemming from childhood.
“We work to stay engaged with our customers when they provide feedback – both positive and negative,” said Scott Baker, president, 5 Generation Bakers. “Every opportunity to interact helps us to find ways to be better and to continue to please our fans.”
Some, like Tippin’s, work with their partners to grow the bakery business under the retailer’s brand.
“The tendency of most retailers is to put their own brand on bakery to help distinguish them from their competitors,” Boyer said. “We are supportive of those who want to use store brands and proud that they think enough of our product to want to put their name on it.”
Serving consumers who wanted to enjoy the same Anthony & Sons bread experience at a restaurant and at home, Anthony & Sons, Denville, N.J. offers a retail version of some of its well-loved bread products in frozen and retail ready and thaw and sell varieties.
Seeing opportunities to embrace growing consumer interest in ecommerce, Bakery de France invested in flow wrap technology and launched a new bake-in-bag Take & Bake line. The premium, sealed, ovenable packaging offers a natural ambient shelf life that accommodates easy management and fulfillment online.
And beginning in early 2020, St. Pierre Groupe, added new digital roles within its in-house marketing team to maximize online opportunities with retailers in the US and globally.
National vs. private label
Despite a huge surge in online ecommerce sales in 2020, a whopping 70% of shoppers continued going to brick-and-mortar stores. At one time or another those shoppers, online and instore, found supply did not always accommodate demand. Faced with a choice to go without or take a chance on a new product, many discovered something new in a private label or store brand.
As retailers continue to up the ante on store brands, these manufacturers are also making a mark among consumers for their own local and sustainable efforts.
“People know what they are getting and often what the company is doing in terms of traceability and sustainability,” said Eric Richard, industry relations coordinator for IDDBA, Madison, Wis. “As retailers are stepping up to help, this demonstrates that what the company does is as important as the product they sell.”
This means good food is increasingly associated with goodwill and impeccable values. Growing awareness of ingredient and processing supply chains and sourcing, employee relations and environmental impact mean manufacturers must meet more than the requirements of a great product.
Tippin’s internal and consumer-facing sustainability initiative started years ago, reducing inbound packaging waste through changes in raw materials purchasing and packaging and a focus on what enters the waste stream, recycling everything they can.
“We need for the recycling industry to continue to grow and become more widely useful and accessible. We will continue to focus on sustainability because our collective future depends on it,” Boyer said.
Processes at Bakery de France are built with sustainability at the core. In addition to donating more than 40 tons of bread annually to its local community, the company uses proprietary techniques that yield minimal waste and have invested in technology to minimize its carbon footprint through water and energy conservation efforts.
5 Generation Bakers focuses on reducing its carbon footprint and ensures sustainable ingredient sourcing. The bakery has also consistently received gold level sustainability from Sustainable Pittsburgh.
J. Skinner bakery is investing in sustainability initiatives that consider its use of plastics, emissions reductions, waste recycling and responsible ingredient sourcing. This includes using ground post-consumer clear plastic bottles to create its 100% recycled clamshell package, which was redesigned to maximize outboard shipments and eliminate empty trucks on return journeys.
In an effort to prioritize recyclable, compostable packaging, Abe’s Muffins created its “Earth-friendly” mini muffin boxes. The paperboard boxes use 60% less plastic than the company’s clam shells but still allow consumers to see the product through a window. The company hopes to further up the ante by the end of 2021 with compostable trays that will bring the number up to 95% less plastic than previous packaging.
Gains enjoyed by branded bakery products over the past year show no signs of stopping, especially as these products offer an added level of integrity for the retailer and safety for consumers.
“The way people eat, the times they eat and the sense of occasion around each meal has changed this year,” Baker concluded. “COVID has changed that and it’s driven a huge shift in needs and behaviors when it comes to food. The opportunity for food companies is huge, but for the bakery sector in particular it’s phenomenal.”


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Brokerage firm Deutsche Bank Maintains its rating on Norfolk Southern Corp.(NYSE:NSC). In a research note issued to the investors, the brokerage major Lowers the price-target to $89.00 per share. The shares have been rated Hold. The rating by Deutsche Bank was issued on Jul 28, 2016.
In a different note, On Jul 28, 2016, Credit Suisse said it Maintains its rating on Norfolk Southern Corp.. In the research note, the firm Lowers the price-target to $99.00 per share. The shares have been rated ‘Outperform’ by the firm. Oppenheimer said it Initiates Coverage on Norfolk Southern Corp., according to a research note issued on Jun 16, 2016. The shares have been rated ‘Market Perform’ by the firm. On Jun 3, 2016, Morgan Stanley said it Assumes its rating on Norfolk Southern Corp.. The shares have been rated ‘Underweight’ by the firm. CLSA said it Initiates Coverage on Norfolk Southern Corp., according to a research note issued on May 19, 2016. The shares have been rated ‘Outperform’ by the firm.
Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC) shares turned negative on Thursdays trading session with the shares closing down -0.13 points or -0.15% at a volume of 16,84,839. The pessimistic mood was evident in the company shares which never went considerably beyond the level of $88.31. The peak price level was also seen at $88.31 while the days lowest was $86.88. Finally the shares closed at $87.61. The 52-week high of the shares is $98.75 while the 52-week low is $64.51. According to the latest information available, the market cap of the company is $25,718 M.
Norfolk Southern Corp.(NSC) last announced its earnings results on Jul 27, 2016 for Fiscal Year 2016 and Q2.Company reported revenue of $2.45B. Analysts had an estimated revenue of $2.48B. Earnings per share were $1.36. Analysts had estimated an EPS of $1.36.
Several Insider Transactions has been reported to the SEC. On May 6, 2016, Thomas E Hurlbut (Vice President and Controller) sold 668 shares at $89.92 per share price.Also, On Apr 26, 2016, Cynthia C Earhart (Exec. VP – Admin. and CIO) sold 6,500 shares at $90.04 per share price.On Aug 14, 2015, Wesley G Bush (director) purchased 3,000 shares at $81.38 per share price, according to the Form-4 filing with the securities and exchange commission.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is a holding company. The Company owns a freight railroad Norfolk Southern Railway Company. The Company is engaged in the rail transportation of raw materials intermediate products and finished goods primarily in the Southeast East and Midwest and through interchange with rail carriers to and from the rest of the United States. The Company also transports overseas freight through various Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. It provides logistics services and offers an intermodal network in the eastern half of the United States. The Company’s system reaches various individual industries electric generating facilities mines distribution centers transload facilities and other businesses located in its service area. The Company’s general merchandise market group is composed of five commodity groupings: chemicals; metals and construction; agriculture consumer products and Government; automotive and paper clay and forest products.