Podcast Summary
Learn communication skills from experts on Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast: Improve speaking anxiety, be persuasive, and craft effective pitches with tips from experts on the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Understand your health through a personalized tool like 23andMe's Health Plus Ancestry kit. Consider advantages and disadvantages of major business developments in your community.
Effective communication skills are essential in both business and personal life. The Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast, with over 43 million downloads and the number one career podcast in 95 plus countries, offers valuable insights from experts on how to improve communication skills. From managing speaking anxiety to being persuasive, these tips can help in various situations, such as crafting an elevator pitch or preparing for an important meeting. Additionally, understanding your genetic makeup through a personalized tool like 23andMe's Health Plus Ancestry kit can provide insights into your health. In the business world, Amazon's search for a second headquarters has narrowed down to 20 cities, with Boston and Atlanta being the frontrunners. While the potential economic benefits are significant, there are also potential drawbacks, such as increased traffic and prolonged construction. Overall, it's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of such developments in your community.
Amazon's HQ2: East Coast Cities Favorites Due to Infrastructure, Universities, and Tech Industries: East Coast cities with strong infrastructure, universities, and tech industries are leading contenders for Amazon's HQ2, but increased Amazon Prime membership fees may cause housing price hikes and population growth stress.
The list of cities and regions with the best odds of becoming Amazon's HQ2 locations includes major metropolitan areas on the East Coast, such as Boston, the DC area, and Atlanta. The reasons for this include their strong infrastructure, universities, and technology industries. However, the price of Amazon Prime, both monthly and annual memberships, has recently increased by 18%. This could be seen as an attempt to drive more people towards annual subscriptions and generate additional revenue for the company. The impact of Amazon's expansion into these areas could lead to increased housing prices and population growth, potentially causing stress on infrastructure and affordability.
IBM's revenue growth and focus on emerging techs fail to impress investors: IBM's growth remains uncertain due to tax charges, losses, and intense competition in the cloud sector. AmEx faces challenges maintaining brand value and perceived benefits as rewards program competition heats up, with CEO Ken Chenow joining Facebook's board hinting at potential interest in payments.
Despite IBM reporting revenue growth for the first time since 2012 and having a strong focus on emerging technologies like Blockchain and artificial intelligence, investors were not excited due to a large tax charge and a loss of over a billion dollars in the quarter. IBM's future growth remains uncertain as competition with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft in the cloud sector is intense. Similarly, American Express, which is now considered more like a bank, faces challenges in maintaining its brand value and perceived benefits for cardholders as competition in the rewards program market heats up. A notable event was Ken Chenow, AmEx CEO, joining Facebook's board of directors, potentially indicating Facebook's interest in payments.
Tech companies expanding into payments sector through acquisitions: Facebook, among others, are exploring new revenue streams in payments, potentially through acquisitions, and executives from tech firms are leaving traditional media boards due to conflicts of interest, leading to a media landscape dominated by a few major players, with smaller companies like Lions Gate Entertainment being potential takeover targets.
Tech companies, including Facebook, are exploring new revenue streams, particularly in the payments sector. This may involve acquisitions to establish a strong presence. Additionally, executives from tech companies, such as Facebook and Twitter, are no longer serving on the boards of traditional media companies like Disney due to potential conflicts of interest. The media landscape is shifting towards a few dominant players, such as Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, and smaller companies with quality content may be acquired. Lions Gate Entertainment is one such company that has been reported to be a takeover target.
Lionsgate and AMC's distinct strengths in film and TV production: Lionsgate focuses on cost-effective film production, AMC excels in TV hits like Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. Apple's $38B cash repatriation and $350B US investment plan boosts economy and shareholder returns.
Lionsgate and AMC, despite being similarly sized companies in market cap, have distinct strengths. Lionsgate excels in creating economically-produced films, while AMC shines in television production with hits like Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. Apple, on the other hand, made headlines for its plan to repatriate $38 billion in overseas cash and invest $350 billion in the US economy over the next five years. This move not only benefits investors but also indicates confidence in the company's future. Additionally, the permanent change to the corporate tax rate has encouraged Apple and other companies to bring back their foreign profits, increasing their flexibility in returning capital to shareholders.
New tax legislation brings in $350 billion, major businesses invest more: New tax law brings in revenue, enabling businesses to invest and grow, while offering consumers choice in payment methods, including cash
The new tax legislation is expected to bring in approximately $350 billion for the federal government over the next 10 years, with major businesses attributing their ability to invest to the new legislation. Apple, for instance, announced a new facility in Maryland, but did not mention any plans to subsidize iPhones again. The war on cash may be gaining a new ally as Starbucks tests a cashless store in Seattle, but retailers should provide consumers with as much choice as possible, including the option for cash transactions. Electronic payments are becoming more prevalent, but cash still offers anonymity and is important for those without access to electronic payment methods or whose phones die. The shift to digital payments comes with benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately, businesses should aim to give consumers as much choice as possible. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could potentially fit into the cashless model, but the anonymous nature of cash remains an attractive factor for some. Steve Broido, in the golf business, highlights the importance of cash transactions for those who prefer to remain anonymous. The debate between cash and digital payments will continue, with each method offering unique advantages and disadvantages.
Detroit Auto Show: Trucks Take Center Stage: GM, FCA, and Ford showcased new and returning truck models at the Detroit Auto Show. The Lincoln Navigator won Truck of the Year, while the Honda Accord and Volvo XC 60 took Car and SUV of the Year awards. Ford's financial struggles didn't overshadow the excitement for new automotive innovations.
Learning from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is the focus on trucks, with General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, and Ford showcasing new and returning models. The Lincoln Navigator was named Truck of the Year, while the Honda Accord and Volvo XC 60 won Car and SUV of the Year, respectively. The influence of these awards on sales is debatable, but they do provide valuable marketing opportunities for the winning manufacturers. Ford's disappointing financial guidance for 2018 and beyond may dampen the mood at the event for that company, but it doesn't seem to affect the overall enthusiasm for the latest automotive innovations.
Self-driving cars: A long wait for meaningful returns: Investors should brace for a prolonged wait for substantial profits from self-driving cars, as full autonomy is still a few years away and significant revenues not expected until mid-2030s.
Self-driving cars are still a work in progress and are not expected to generate significant revenues until at least the mid-2030s. At the auto show, there were only partially self-driving cars on display, with full autonomy likely still a few years away. Investors should be prepared for a long wait for meaningful returns on their investments in this area. Additionally, voice assistant technology is becoming more prevalent in cars, with Amazon Alexa being incorporated into some models. General Motors is also working on a new technology called SURUS, but the details are not yet clear. Overall, the auto industry continues to focus on autonomous vehicles and electrification, but these technologies are still in development and will likely not be high-volume sellers in the near future.
North American Auto Show shifts focus to fleet sales and subscriptions: GM showcases self-driving hydrogen-powered flatbed for fleet purchases, while startups offer monthly car subscriptions with insurance and maintenance included.
The North American International Auto Show is shifting its focus from individual car sales to bulk sales and subscription services for companies. A new concept from GM showcased at the show is a self-driving, hydrogen-powered flatbed vehicle that can be configured for various uses. This vehicle, along with others, is not intended for individual sales but for fleet purchases. Additionally, some startups are offering vehicle subscription services, allowing consumers to access a car on a month-to-month basis with included insurance and maintenance. The overall sales dip in 2017 didn't seem to impact the mood at the show, with the shift towards fleet sales and subscription services being a more significant factor for the quieter atmosphere.
The Future of Driving and Investing: Children may not need driver's licenses due to autonomous vehicles, but opportunities exist in ride-sharing industry, especially with Lyft. Auto industry faces challenges, and Retail Opportunity Investment Corp (ROIC) is a recommended stock for its dividend yield and retail real estate growth potential.
The future of driving may be uncertain for children born today, as autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and may render traditional driver's licenses obsolete. However, opportunities exist in the ride-sharing industry, with Lyft being a potential buy due to its growing popularity and Uber's unique set of problems. Additionally, the auto industry is facing challenges, making it increasingly difficult to find good deals. Regarding company-specific stocks, Ron Gross recommends Retail Opportunity Investment Corp (ROIC) for its attractive dividend yield and potential for growth in the retail real estate sector.
Retail REITs Thriving in Wealthy West Coast Neighborhoods: Retail REITs focused on wealthy West Coast neighborhoods and anchored by essential businesses are experiencing success with high leasing rates and dividend yields, such as Retail Opportunity Investment Corp (ROIC). Companies like McCormick (MKC) with strong competitive positions, capable leadership, and big market opportunities are also attracting attention.
Despite the challenges faced by retail Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) due to the current economic climate, some companies are thriving by focusing on wealthy West Coast neighborhoods and being anchored by essential businesses like grocery stores. For instance, Retail Opportunity Investment Corp (ROIC) boasts a 97% leasing rate, a 4% dividend yield, and a top-notch CEO. Jason Moser is keeping an eye on McCormick (MKC), a Baltimore-based spice company, which has a strong competitive position, capable leadership, and big market opportunities. He's interested to see how the acquisition of RB Foods is progressing and is considering adding it to their portfolio if there's a price dip. Additionally, there were discussions about products that are typically not bought online, such as hot tubs, tractors, and cars.
Experts recommend trying on shoes in person for a better fit and overall satisfaction: When buying shoes, experts suggest visiting the store for a better fit and increased customer satisfaction
While online shopping offers convenience, when it comes to buying shoes, the experts on Motley Fool Money recommend making the trip to the store instead. Jason Moser, Matt Argersinger, and Ron Gross all shared their experiences and agreed that trying on shoes in person helps ensure a better fit and overall satisfaction with the purchase. This may not be the case for all items, but when it comes to footwear, the extra effort can lead to a more enjoyable shopping experience and a happier customer. So, the next time you're in the market for a new pair of shoes, consider heading to the store instead of making the purchase online.
