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Investors Are Suffering From 4 Delusions With This Stock

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Let's describe the perfect stock. This company would have cost advantages over the competition, so it could beat them on pricing, and yet still make money. It would show strong, accelerating revenue growth, with their newest businesses growing the fastest. Last but not least, earnings estimates would be increasing, and the company would beat current estimates on a consistent basis. If this sounds like the perfect stock, Amazon  investors should know that few of these statements describe their company.

Huge Revenue Growth Is The Reason The Company Is A Buy...Nope
Many Amazon investors would suggest that the company's huge revenue growth is a prime reason to buy the stock. Unfortunately, this first delusion about Amazon is deeply ingrained, and the truth is that the company's revenue growth is slowing down.

If you look at Amazon's quarterly report, the company does investors the favor of including five quarters of results to give some historical perspective. The bad news is that Amazon's current quarter 22% revenue growth was the slowest of the last five quarters. It's easy to say that their revenue growth is trouncing Barnes & Noble and Best Buy . However, both of these companies are suffering from negative revenue growth, and the comparison is a bit unfair. But to suggest that Amazon is outperforming eBay is something else entirely.


Since eBay doesn't sell goods and services directly, looking at the amount of e-commerce eBay helps to enable is a more fair comparison to Amazon's revenue growth. eBay reported total e-commerce enabled grew by 21% on a year-over-year basis. Given that Amazon grew revenue by 22%, you can see these two Internet titans are more closely matched than some realize.

Amazon Will Not Transition Away From General Merchandise Sales
The third delusion many Amazon investors suffer from is the assumption that as Amazon enters new businesses, their general merchandise sales will become less important. While that might occur at some point, that point is not today.

In the company's most recent quarter, 66.32% of the company's overall revenue was from electronics and general merchandise. Last year, electronics and general merchandise sales were as low as 61.99% of total revenue. However, in the last three quarters the company generated between 63% and 66% of revenue from this category. Though digital media, web hosting, and other ventures may become important someday, Amazon is still primarily a general retailer.

When The Spending Stops, Earnings Will Not Explode
The idea that Amazon can reach a maximum level of spending on technology and fulfillment is the fourth delusion about the company. Amazon's gross margin may get the headlines, but their operating margin tells a more interesting story. In the current quarter, Amazon's operating margin was just 2.6%.

When you compare this to eBay's margin of 19.34%, you can see eBay's built-in advantage pretty clearly. Given Best Buy's struggles, it's somewhat surprising that they managed an operating margin of 1.8% in the current quarter. Barnes & Noble reported a negative operating margin, but due to huge changes in the NOOK business model , the company expects to improve this measure going forward.

Amazon's spending on technology and fulfillment expenses seems to be increasing constantly. The company's technology expenses increased from 8.43% of revenue to 10.10% in the last year. Amazon is in a constant fight for content with Netflix, so investors shouldn't expect this expense to decline in the near future.

While fulfillment expenses may slow in the future, each new warehouse brings fixed costs like a lease or mortgage payment, utilities, payroll and benefits, and more. Increased fulfillment expenses make Amazon sound vaguely like a physical retailer.

Amazon Shouldn't Beat Earnings Estimates
If investors think Amazon will beat estimates, they are suffering from the fifth and worst delusion of all. In the last four quarters, the company has missed estimates three times, and overall has missed by an average of 172.5% .

In response to this performance, analysts have lowered estimates for the third and fourth quarter, and full year estimates for 2013 and 2014 have come down as well. By comparison, in the last four quarters eBay beat estimates three times, and missed once, by an average of 0.83%. Best Buy beat estimates three times and missed once, by an average of 32.15%. Though Barnes & Noble is clearly struggling, the company outperformed Amazon by this measure, beating estimates twice, and missing twice, for an average miss of 44.6%.

You Can't Buy This
For investors buying into all of the above five delusions, they are paying over 330 times projected earnings for this full year. For a company that analysts expect to grow earnings by about 36% in the next few years, this is a steep price to pay.

Given the choice between buying Barnes & Noble with negative expected earnings and negative EPS growth, I guess the Amazon story sounds OK. Considering that investors can buy Best Buy for about 14 times projected earnings, and get a 2.2% yield and expected EPS growth of 6.7%, it might be tough for growth investors to ignore Amazon.

However, when you realize that eBay is enabling almost as much commerce as Amazon, yet sells for a forward P/E of just over 19, the case for Amazon falls apart. eBay reported double digit growth in users at both PayPal and its Marketplaces businesses. The company has a much higher operating margin than Amazon, and generates substantial free cash flow (over $650 million last quarter). Given these numbers from eBay, buying Amazon at these levels just seems like a bad call.

The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for this year. Find out which stock it is in the special free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2013." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.

The article Investors Are Suffering From 4 Delusions With This Stock originally appeared on Fool.com.

Chad Henage has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com and eBay. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com and eBay. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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General Dynamics to Support Forces in Iraq, Disarm Cluster Bombs

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Thursday was a busy day at the U.S. Department of Defense, as the Pentagon announced no fewer than 27 separate contract awards -- quite possibly a record, or at least a recent one. The contracts totaled $766 million in combined value, and one defense contractor, General Dynamics , won two of them.

The larger of the two awards, going to the firm's General Dynamics Land Systems division, is a $56.5 million contract modification issued through the U.S. Army Contracting Command,Tank and Automotive (TACOM). These funds will pay for continued logistics and base life support services in Iraq, but no deadline for completion was stated in the announcement.

General Dynamics' Ordnance and Tactical Systems division won the other, smaller award. Also a contract "modification," this one provides $11.7 million in funding for the "demilitarization and disposal" of 49,387 rounds of Improved Conventional Munitions (ICM ) and 5,192 Cluster Bomb Units.


ICM may include anything from 155mm howitzer rounds to anti-tank mines to smoke rounds. The Cluster Bomb disposal provision of this contract is the more interesting one, though. Just last week, the same Pentagon that is paying General Dynamics to demilitarize and dispose of these cluster bombs ordered another defense contractor, Textron to manufacture 1,300 new ones.


 

The article General Dynamics to Support Forces in Iraq, Disarm Cluster Bombs originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Dynamics and Textron. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Here's What This 758% Gainer Has Been Buying

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Every quarter, many money managers have to disclose what they've bought and sold, via "13F" filings. Their latest moves can shine a bright light on smart stock picks.

Today, let's look at investing giant Daniel Loeb, founder of the Third Point LLC hedge fund. Loeb is a well-known activist investor, famous for publicly airing his opinions about companies in which he invests and not mincing words when he's displeased. Loeb was instrumental in pointing out discrepancies in former Yahoo! CEO Scott Thompson's biography, paving the way for Yahoo!'s new CEO, Marissa Mayer. Loeb made about $1 billion on his Yahoo! investment over just two years.

More recently, Loeb has looked to break up Sony, with Sony rejecting his plan early in August (and George Clooney weighing in against him, too). Sotheby's auction house is an even more recent target for Loeb.


His activity bears watching because the guy seems to know a thing or two about investing. According to the folks at GuruFocus.com, over the 15 recent years ending in 2012, Loeb racked up a cumulative gain of 758%, compared with just 94% for the S&P 500.

The company's reportable stock portfolio totaled $4.4 billion in value as of June 30, 2013.

Interesting developments
So what does Third Point's latest quarterly 13F filing tell us? Here are a few interesting details:

The biggest new holdings are Elan and CF Industries . Ireland-based biotech company Elan is being bought by Michigan-based drug company Perrigo for $8.6 billion. One benefit for Perrigo will be headquartering the new company in Ireland, which will cut its tax rate from around 30% to around 17%. Elan had previously been pursued by Royalty Pharma, whose offers had been deemed too low. It has also been in the news as a stock that investors at the scandal-ridden hedge fund SAC Capital allegedly traded in, with insider information. Perrigo has been making savvy acquisitions and growing rapidly.

Fertilizer concern CF Industries looks attractive with its forward P/E ratio below 7. Like Potash and others, the nitrogen and phosphate specialist may be hurt if Brazil stops importing fertilizer, but that's not likely to happen soon. Russia's exit from a major potash cartel could also spell trouble, via falling prices. Meanwhile, some peers may be hurt by changes in India, but CF is better positioned there due to its product and sales mix. It has also been benefiting from low natural gas prices, as that's used in nitrogen fertilizer. Rising nitrogen prices have helped, too.

Third Point reduced its stake in lots of companies, including International Paper  and Constellation Brands. Among holdings in which Third Point increased its stake were Sotheby's and TIBCO Software . Big Data operator TIBCO has been adding recurring-revenue contracts. Of all things, staffing issues pose a problem for the company, though my colleague Anders Bylund remains a "committed owner," seeing its competitors having trouble competing with it. The company has been restructuring, with bulls hoping for improved performance. Its forward P/E of 20.6 is well below its five-year average of 31.

Finally, Third Point's biggest closed positions included Virgin Media and Murphy Oil. Other closed positions of interest include Chimera Investment and ARIAD Pharmaceuticals . Chimera Investment recently yielded 12%, but its payout has been shrinking and may continue to do so. It has taken on more risk than many of its brethren, and has had some trouble filing reports on time. Some have questioned its hefty management fees. Chimera may become less attractive if interest rates rise or if Congress cancels favorable tax treatment for REITs. On the plus side, its second quarter featured a modest bump in book value.

ARIAD received FDA approval for its leukemia drug Iclusig. Its launch wasn't as strong as some had hoped, but in ARIAD's second-quarter report, management cited strong sales growth for the stock and approval for it in Europe. My colleague Brian Orelli sees much potential for ARIAD, but warns that it's not exactly priced at bargain levels these days.

We should never blindly copy any investor's moves, no matter how talented the investor. But it can be useful to keep an eye on what smart folks are doing. 13-F forms can be great places to find intriguing candidates for our portfolios.

If you'd like another stock idea from another smart investor, The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for this year, and you can learn all about it in the special free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2013." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.

The article Here's What This 758% Gainer Has Been Buying originally appeared on Fool.com.

Longtime Fool contributor Selena Maranjianwhom you can follow on Twitter, owns no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Sotheby's, Tibco Software, and Yahoo! It owns shares of CF Industries Holdings. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Plenty of Good News, but Dow Gives Up Most of Early Gains

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Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over daily movements, we do like to keep an eye on market changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

Stocks were in the green, once again, today as a slew of positive economic reports combined with news that a potential deal between Verizon and Vodafone is in the works. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gave back much of its gains late in the session, as Syria tensions simmered again. The blue chips finished up 16 points, or 0.1%.

After hours, the British Parliament voted against military action in Syria, though President Obama indicated he was willing to carry out solo strikes against the Syrian government after it used chemical weapons against its own people. The President will present his case to Congress tonight.


This morning, revised GDP data showed the economy grew by 2.5%, instead of the 1.7% that the Commerce Department had reported in its first estimate. The revised estimate was also above market expectations of 2.1%. While the data is good news for the economy, it may also hasten the Fed's decision to pull back its bond-buying program, fears of which have been the driver of much of investors' recent selling. GDP growth will be revised once more at the end of September. Elsewhere, initial unemployment claims fell 1.8%, to 331,000, last week, essentially in line with estimates, keeping the four-week moving average near a six-year low, at 331,250.

As alluded to above, Verizon was the Dow's biggest winner, finishing up 2.7%, while its Verizon Wireless partner Vodafone jumped 8.1% as the American telecom appears to be on its way to purchasing the 45% of its joint wireless venture that Vodafone owns. The U.S.'s No. 1 wireless provider has for years expressed its desire to be the sole owner of the wireless division, and that need has only grown as the industry has consolidated recently, with T-Mobile merging with MetroPCS, Softbank taking a majority stake in Sprint, and AT&T acquiring Leap Wireless.

The two telecom giants have not yet agreed on a price, but, according to The Wall Street Journal, Verizon was in the process of lining up financing from major banks as the price tag could hit $130 billion, making it one of the biggest M&A deals ever. Rising interest rates have also brought a sense of urgency to the deal. As the market's reaction indicates, a deal seems to be in both companies' interests, as Verizon would have greater control of its market-leading wireless division, and Vodafone would get a cash infusion to strengthen its position in the UK and Europe, or return to shareholders.

On the losing end, ExxonMobil dropped 1.8% after gaining more than 2% yesterday, as oil prices retreated today.  With the scope of the Syrian conflict potentially widening, and oil prices already high, Exxon looks like it's in the middle of a much-needed windfall quarter.

It's hard to understate the size or importance of the Verizon deal, as the growing smartphone market will only intensify the fight between the telecom behemoths for limited wireless spectrum. Truth be told, one company sits at the crossroads of smartphone technology as we know it, and it's not your typical household name. In fact, you've probably never even heard of it! But it stands to reap massive profits NO MATTER WHO ultimately wins the smartphone war. To find out what it is, click here to access the "One Stock You Must Buy Before the iPhone-Android War Escalates Any Further..."

The article Plenty of Good News, but Dow Gives Up Most of Early Gains originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Jeremy Bowman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Vodafone. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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2 Moves Microsoft's New CEO Needs to Make

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Let's face it, Microsoft has no shortage of headaches ahead of it. The company that dominated the PC era like no other (except perhaps Intel), is now facing a slow slide to irrelevance as consumers and professionals increasingly substitute their laptops and PCs for smartphones and tablets. However, the company has two aces up its sleeve in its Office and Windows segments, both of which remain cash cows even as the PC market tanks. Fortunately, this buys Microsoft more time than most companies could hope for, which it can use to revamp its products and strategy. In this video, Fool contributor Andrew Tonner tells investors the two most critical moves Microsoft and its new CEO will need to make.

As Microsoft attempts to make its long-awaited comeback, it will clash head-to-head with the biggest titans in this booming space. At stake is the future of a trillion-dollar revolution: mobile. To find out which of these giants is set to dominate the next decade, we've created a free report called "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" Inside, you'll find out which companies are set to dominate and give in-the-know investors an edge. To grab a copy of this report, simply click here -- it's free!

The article 2 Moves Microsoft's New CEO Needs to Make originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Andrew Tonner owns shares of Apple. Follow Andrew and all his writing on Twitter: @AndrewTonnerThe Motley Fool recommends Apple, Google, and Intel. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, Intel, and Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Cubist Receives Antitrust Clearance for Trius Purchase

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The waiting period for Cubist Pharmaceuticals acquisition of Trius Therapeutics  under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, or HSR, expired on Aug. 29, the company announced today, allowing the transaction to move to the next phase.

On Aug. 13, Cubist initiated a cash tender offer to buy Trius for $13.50 per share plus one contingent value right that entitles holders to receive an additional cash payment of up to $2.00 for each share they tender if certain commercial sales milestones are achieved. The tender offer expires at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Sept. 11.

The HSR requires merging companies to file detailed reports with the FTC and the Justice Department to see whether the combination violates antitrust laws. There's a 30-day waiting period (15 days for all-cash transactions) before the merger can be completed. The companies can request the waiting period be terminated early, which will be granted if both antitrust agencies complete their reviews and determine that no enforcement action is necessary.


The closing of the transaction is also conditioned on the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Trius' common stock and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Headquartered in Lexington, Mass., Cubist  is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products that address significant unmet medical needs in the acute care field.

The article Cubist Receives Antitrust Clearance for Trius Purchase originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Cubist Pharmaceuticals. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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OFG Is A-OK With New Dividend

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Diversified financial holding company OFG Bancorp  announced today its third-quarter dividend of $0.06 per share, the same rate it's paid since 2011.

The board of directors said the quarterly dividend is payable on Oct.. 15 to the holders of record at the close of business on Sept. 30. The regular dividend payment equates to a $0.24-per-share annual dividend, yielding 1.4% based on the closing price today of OFG Bancorp's stock.

OFG Dividend Chart


OFG Dividend data by YCharts

The article OFG Is A-OK With New Dividend originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Asia Entertainment to Pay Reduced Dividend

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Macau VIP party room promoter Asia Entertainment & Resources announced today its semi-annual dividend of $0.08 per share would be payable on September 20 to holders of record at the close of business on September 9.

Previously, the board of directors had authorized a regular dividend each year after the release of the company's financial results for the six months ending June 30. It reduced the six-month dividend by 33% from $0.12 per share. The regular dividend payment equates to a $0.16-per-share annual dividend, yielding 4% based on the closing price today of Asia Entertainment & Resources' stock.

AERL Dividend Chart


AERL Dividend data by YCharts.

The article Asia Entertainment to Pay Reduced Dividend originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned, and neither does The Motley Fool. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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EastGroup Sends Dividend North

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Sunbelt industrial property investor EastGroup Properties  announced today its third-quarter dividend of $0.54 per share, a near 2% increase from the payout made last quarter to investors of $0.53 per share.

The board of directors said the quarterly dividend is payable on September 30 to holders of record at the close of business on September 19. The regular dividend payment equates to a $2.16-per-share annual dividend, yielding 3.8% based on the closing price today of EastGroup Properties' stock.

EGP Dividend Chart


EGP Dividend data by YCharts.

The article EastGroup Sends Dividend North originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned, and neither does The Motley Fool. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Royal Bank of Canada Raises Regular Dividend

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Canada's largest lender by assets, Royal Bank of Canada announced today its third-quarter dividend of $0.67 Canadian per share, a 6% increase from the payout made to investors the previous quarter of $0.63 Canadian per share.

The board of directors said the quarterly dividend is payable on Nov. 22 to the holders of record at the close of business on Oct. 24. The lender also declared dividends for numerous series of its non-cumulative first preferred shares. These range from $0.278125 Canadian per share for series AA, to $0.390625 Canadian per share for series AN, AP, AR AT, and AV.

The regular dividend payment equates to a $2.68-per-share annual dividend, yielding 4.3% based on the closing price today of Royal Bank of Canada's stock.


RY Dividend Chart

RY Dividend data by YCharts
Chart does not reflect the new, higher dividend announcement

The article Royal Bank of Canada Raises Regular Dividend originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Tractor Supply to Split Stock 2-for-1

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Farm and ranch store chain Tractor Supply  announced today that it's splitting its stock 2-for-1 on September 26 for holders of record on September 18.

Investors will receive an additional share for each one they own on the record date of the stock split. The market price of each share will adjust to the split and individual investors will end up owning roughly the same dollar amount of stock after the split as they owned before it.

Noting the move represents the fourth 2-for-1 stock split since 2002, Tractor Supply Executive Chairman Jim Wright said, "We are very pleased to announce the two-for-one split of the Company's common stock. This action is the result of our strong operating results and stock price performance, and reflects the confidence that the Board and management have in our long-term business strategy and our ability to continue returning value to our shareholders."


The rationale for the split is to make the stock more affordable for investors. It closed trading today at $123.78 per share. It's also intended to increase the liquidity and accessibility of the stock.

Headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., Tractor Supply operates 1,223 stores in 46 states.

The article Tractor Supply to Split Stock 2-for-1 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned, and neither does The Motley Fool. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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CIBC Declares Common and Preferred Dividends

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce announced today its third-quarter dividend of $0.96 per share, the same rate it paid last quarter after raising the payout 2%, from $0.94 per share

The board of directors said the quarterly dividend is payable on Oct. 28 to the holders of record at the close of business on Sept. 27. CIBC has paid a dividend every quarter since 1997, and has increased it almost every year since. Only during the global financial crisis did the dividend remain steady at $0.87 per share. It resumed increasing the payout in 2011.

The board also declared the dividends for the following series of preferred stock:

  • Series 26-$0.359375
  • Series 27-$0.350000
  • Series 29-$0.337500
  • Series 33-$0.334375
  • Series 35-$0.406250
  • Series 37-$0.406250

The preferred dividends are also payable on Oct. 28 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 27.

The regular dividend payment equates to a $3.84-per-share annual dividend, yielding 4.9% based on the closing price today of CIBC's stock.

CM Dividend Chart

CM Dividend data by YCharts

The article CIBC Declares Common and Preferred Dividends originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Prosperity Bank to Merge With F&M Bank

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In what would be its eighth merger in the past two years, Prosperity Bank has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire F&M Bancorporation , the holding company of F&M Bank & Trust, in a stock and cash deal, Prosperity announced today.

The deal calls for Prosperity Bank to issue 3,298,246 shares of stock, plus $47 million in cash, for all the outstanding shares of F&M, according to Prosperity. Prosperity Bank's stock was at $60.62 at the close of business Aug. 29, 2013, up 1.56% for the day.

F&M Bank has a total of 13 banking offices, 10 of which are in Tulsa and the surrounding area, along with three in Dallas. As of the end of calendar Q2 2013, F&M Bank had total assets of $2.44 billion, a loan portfolio of $1.9 billion, and $2.21 billion in deposits, Prosperity said.


Commenting on the deal, and the decision to retain key F&M Bank executives, President and CEO of Prosperity David Salman said, "Tony Davis, Eric Davis and Jeff Pickryl have extensive experience in both the Tulsa and Dallas markets and we are excited that they and their team will be joining us to continue to build and grow our company in those vibrant markets."

The article Prosperity Bank to Merge With F&M Bank originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Apple Looks to the Future With This Emerging Technology

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One of the biggest knocks against tech giant Apple is its future growth potential. As one of the world's largest companies, depending how you measure it, growing its sales only becomes more challenging the larger Apple gets. That's not to say that Apple's growth days are over, though. In fact, Apple recently gave investors a look at one move that could open the door to an interesting array of new growth opportunities. In this video, Fool contributor Andrew Tonner discusses Apple's latest patent and why it's yet another sign that Apple's best days could still be ahead.

Do you know the major developments that could crush Apple? The secrets to success that could make investors like you rich? The answers are simpler than you think, and The Motley Fool is sharing them in a free report titled, "5 Secrets to Apple's Future." Inside, we outline critical information every Apple investor must know, so click here now for your free report.

The article Apple Looks to the Future With This Emerging Technology originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Andrew Tonner owns shares of Apple. Follow Andrew and all his writing on Twitter: @AndrewTonnerThe Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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How Apple Disrupts Mobile Payments

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By utilizing the fingerprint-sensing technology from its AuthenTec acquisition, Apple could easily turn the world of mobile payments on its head. Just imagine the possibilities of simply using your iPhone and your fingerprint to pay for everyday life.

Such a move would revolutionize the mobile payment experience, which currently remains a challenge for users. Presently, entering your billing and payment information from a mobile device is somewhat onerous.

In the follow video, Fool contributor Steve Heller makes a case for why it's practically a no-brainer for Apple to move into the mobile payments business, and how such a move would undoubtedly put a target on eBay PayPal's back.


In order for Apple's stock to soar, a few critical things need to fall into place. In The Motley Fool's special free report, "5 Secrets to Apple's Future," we outline the key factors every Apple investor needs to watch. Just click here now for your free report.

The article How Apple Disrupts Mobile Payments originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Steve Heller owns shares of Apple and eBay. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and eBay. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and eBay. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Meet the Clever Brit Who Makes Telemarketers Pay to Call Him

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Man Discovers Way to Profit from Telemarketer Calls
How many times have you hung up the phone on a telemarketer, pollster or other unwanted cold-caller interrupting your dinner and thought, "I wish I could charge them for annoying me and wasting my time"?

Lee Beaumont of Leeds, England, did more than just think. He's doing it.

As reported Wednesday by BBC Radio 4's show, "You and Yours", in November 2011, Beaumont paid the 10 pounds ($15.50) plus tax it took to change his ordinary land line to a 0871 line -- similar to what U.S. consumers will be more familiar with, a 900 number.

Now, it costs 10 pence (15 cents) a minute to call him, and he receives 70 percent of the proceeds. Since setting up the 0871 number, whenever a company has asked him for his information online, that's the contact number he has entered. His earnings so far: Just over 300 pounds -- more than $465.

He told the radio hosts that he's totally honest and up-front when businesses and callers ask why his home phone has a premium-rate number: He was tired of getting an excessive number of calls from a few specifically British varieties of telemarketer. And for friends and family, he has a different line.

According to the BBC, the British regulator for premium numbers "strongly discouraged people from adopting the idea" and following in Beaumont's footsteps due to regulations that could lead to those consumers getting fined.

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(Interestingly, the 0871 phone number isn't the only fiscally unusual move Beaumont has made -- or even the wildest. On one of his blogs, How I Live My Life, he details how he's cutting back on his expenses by, among other things, living without a working boiler or gas in his home -- for a year.)

Sadly, in this country, it's apparently more complex and costly to get a personal phone number that pays you. Between the federal regulations and the price tag charged by the phone companies (way more than $15) ... well, unless you're launching your 900 number as a real business venture, it's probably not worth it.

But that doesn't mean we can't dream. And applaud.

Read the full article on BBC News here.

 

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Apple's Rumored iWatch Could Be Worth Billions

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Many industry observers expect 2014 to be exciting in terms of new product debuts in the tech sector, as many of the world's largest tech companies all vie for their piece of emerging growth markets in both watches and TVs. Samsung is widely expected to beat its archrival Apple as the first to enter the smart watch space, by launching its Galaxy Gear smart watch next month. However, Apple's rumored iWatch recently made headlines, as one analyst suggested the next-gen device could make tens of billions of dollars in its first year on the market alone. In this video, Fool contributor Andrew Tonner discusses the news and how it could affect Apple's stock.

As the global tech landscape evolves from smartphones to tablets and eventually to smart watches, the biggest titans will increasingly invade one another's turf. At stake is the future of the evolving trillion-dollar revolution in mobile. To find out which of these giants is set to dominate the next decade, we've created a free report called "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" Inside, you'll find out which companies are set to dominate and give in-the-know investors an edge. To grab a copy of this report, simply click here -- it's free!

The article Apple's Rumored iWatch Could Be Worth Billions originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Andrew Tonner owns shares of Apple. Follow Andrew and all his writing on Twitter: @AndrewTonnerThe Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Ipsen: 2013 Half-Year Results and Financial Objectives

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Ipsen: 2013 Half-Year Results and Financial Objectives

  • Specialty care sales up 3.0% 1
    • Robust sales of Somatuline® and Dysport®, respectively up 9.2%1 and 8.4%1
    • Decapeptyl® sales down 5.7%1, impacted by a toughening environment in Europe and China and non-recurring elements
  • Primary care above expectations, down 4.3% 1
    • Sales down 26.3%1 in France and international sales up 11.2%1
  • Sound operating performance in a challenging context
    • Recurring adjusted2 operating income of €132.2 million, or 20.9% of sales, up 1.2%
    • Fully diluted EPS up 6.2%
  • Updated sales objectives for 2013

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:


The Board of Directors of Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) (Paris:IPN), chaired by Marc de Garidel, met on 29 August 2013 to approve the financial statements for the first half 2013, published today. The interim financial report, with regard to regulated information, is available on the Group's website, www.ipsen.com, under the Regulated Information tab in the Investor Relations section. The 2013 half year financial statements are subject to a limited review by statutory auditors.

Commenting on the first half 2013 performance, Marc de Garidel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ipsen, stated: "Our key products, Somatuline® and Dysport®, posted solid growths in the first half 2013, respectively 9.2%1 and 8.4%1. Nevertheless, the first half was marked by a decline in Decapeptyl® sales, stemming partly from price pressure and an increasingly stringent competitive environment and partly from exceptional elements. Ipsen delivered a sound and improving operational performance as a result of good cost control". Marc de Garidel added: "The Group confirms its long term growth prospects with the acquisition of Syntaxin in the field of toxin engineering and the positive results delivered by our R&D on the Somatuline® CLARINET study".

1 Sales growth computed year-on-year excluding foreign exchange impacts
2 « Recurring adjusted »: Reconciliations between reported results and recurring adjusted results for H1 2013 and H1 2012 are detailed in appendix 4

 

Extract of consolidated results

 

(in millions of euros)

These results were subject to limited review by the auditors

      H1 2013       H1 2012       % change*
                 
Specialty Care sales 449.4 439.8 +2.2%
Primary Care sales 164.8 172.2 (4.3)%
Total drug sales 614.2 612.0 +0.4%
 
Drug-related sales** 19.4 17.8 +9.1%
                         
Consolidated sales       633.6       629.8       +0.6%
                         
Other revenues       30.3       28.4       +6.7%
                         
Total revenues       663.9       658.2       +0.9%
 
Research and development expenses (124.0) (118.3) +4.8%
 
Operating income 121.0 124.9 (3.1)%
In % of sales 19.1% 19.8% -
                         
Recurring adjusted (1) operating income 132.2 130.7 1.2%
In % of sales       20.9%       20.7%       -
 
Share of profit/loss from associated companies 0 0 -
 
Consolidated net profit

(attributable to shareholders of Ipsen)

96.2 90.4 6.4%
Earnings per share - fully diluted (€) 1.15 1.09 6.2%
                         
Recurring adjusted (1) consolidated net profit

(attributable to shareholders of Ipsen)

98.8 86.4 14.3%
Recurring adjusted (1) earnings per share - fully diluted (€)       1.18       1.04       14.0%
                         
Net cash flow from operating activities       54.5       63.2       (13.8%)
 

The 30 June 2012 income statement was restated for purposes of comparison between the two half-year periods, in accordance with provisions related to discontinued operations and changes in accounting methods.
* At current exchange rates
** Active ingredients and raw materials
(1) Before non-recurring elements. See appendix 4

Review of the first half 2013 sales and results

Note: Unless stated otherwise, all variations in sales are stated excluding foreign exchange by restating the H1 2012 figures with the H1 2013 average exchange rate. In compliance with provisions on "discontinued activities" and changes in accounting methods, H1 2012 figures have been restated to provide comparative information between H1 2012 and H1 2013.

The Group's consolidated sales reached €633.6 million, up 1.2% year-on-year. Sales of Specialty care products amounted to €449.4 million, up 3.0%. Specialty care products accounted for 70.9% of the Group's consolidated sales, compared to 69.8% the previous year. Sales of Primary care products reached 164.8 million euros, down 4.3% year-on-year.

Specialty Care growth was impacted by an unfavorable comparison base. In the second quarter 2012, the Group posted 19.7% growth at current exchange rates, enhanced by the following effects:

  • strong activity on tender offer in Russia on Decapeptyl® and Dysport®;
  • stock building in Australia following the agreement signed with Galderma in April 2012;

Specialty Care growth was also impacted by significant events in 2013:

  • an exceptional political situation in certain Middle Eastern countries where Ipsen, in the absence of payment guarantees, has stopped supplying Decapeptyl® and to a lesser extent Dysport®, since the end of the first quarter 2013;
  • a strained environment in Europe where Decapeptyl® has been negatively impacted by a more frequent use of co-payment (notably in Poland), by a contracting pharmaceutical market in Southern Europe (notably in Spain) and a slowdown in the growth of Eastern European countries;
  • the consequences of the ongoing French primary care restructuring plan, mainly impacting Decapeptyl®;
  • in China,Decapeptyl® was impacted, by a temporary realignment of inventory in the second quarter 2013 following the Group's assessment that distributors had overstocked, and by the launch of new local competitors; Moreover, Ipsen was impacted by the recent disruption of the Chinese pharmaceutical market
  • the Increlex® shortage in the US in June 2013.

Consequently, Drug sales were up 0.9% year-on-year.

In the first half 2013, sales in the major Western European countries amounted to €256.8 million, down 5.4% year-on-year. The sales growth of specialty care products was more than offset by the consequences of an increasingly competitive environment in Primary care in France and administrative measures in Spain. In Other European countries, sales amounted to €167.7 million in the first half 2013, up 5.4%. Sales growth was mainly driven by the strong performance of Russia where both primary and specialty care (notably Dysport® and Decapeptyl®) performed well despite an unfavorable comparison base resulting from an important tender offer activity in the first half 2012. Sales in North America reached €36.5 million, up 2.3%. In 2012, sales were notably boosted by the recognition of the pediatric use of Increlex® by the Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services, allowing for a reduced compulsory rebate on the product (from 23% to 17%). Restated from this effect, sales were up 5.5%, driven by the continuous penetration of Somatuline® in acromegaly, where the product exceeded 50% market share1, and by sales of Dysport® in therapeutic, which grew double digit. Dysport® sales were affected by a temporary decline in sales to our partner in North America following its acquisition in 2012. In the Rest of the World, sales amounted to €172.5, up 7.9% year-on-year or 7.0% at current exchange rates. In the first half 2012, sales included the following effects: in Australia, Galderma built a stock following the agreement signed with Ipsen in April 2012; in Vietnam, some orders were brought forward in anticipation of the expiration of primary care import licenses, while in China, the destruction of Etiasa® inventory was observed. Restated from all the aforementioned items, sales grew 13.9% at current exchange rates, to be compared to the 7.0% figure mentioned above.

Other revenues amounted to €30.3 million in the first half 2013, up 6.7% compared to June 2012, when they reached €28.4 million. Growth was mainly driven by the higher royalties paid by the Group partners in aesthetics and to the revenues from the Group's co-promotion and co-marketing agreements in France.

Consequently, total revenues reached €663.9million in the first half 2013, up 0.9% year-on-year.

The cost of goods sold represented 19.8% of sales compared to 20.5% over the same period in 2012. The favourable mix effects related to the increase in the weight of speciality care products, as well as the productivity efforts implemented by the Group, contributed to offsetting the negative impact of lower Primary Care volumes in France.

R&D expenses increased by €5.7 million compared with June 2012 and represented €124.0 million, or 19.6% of sales, compared with 18.8% of sales in the prior year. Drug-related research and development costs increased 6.5% compared to June 2012. Main research and development projects pursued in the first half 2013 included Dysport® (lower and upper limb spasticity) and the phase II studies of tasquinimod.

Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to €279.8 million in the first half 2013, representing 44.4% of sales, compared to 43.8% in 2012. The increase is driven by royalties paid to third parties on sales of products marketed by the Group (mainly specialty care products) and by the growth of selling, general and administrative expenses, notably driven by initiatives undertaken to accelerate strategy execution. Moreover, selling expenses (excluding royalties paid) were stable year-on-year, reflecting productivity and selective resource-allocation efforts.

1 US market share of Somatuline® in the sales of somatostatin analogs for acromegaly

In the first half 2013, the Group recorded a €1.3 million profit in the "restructuring costs" line item after reversing a provision in France, notably related to the primary care restructuring plan in France, which more than offset restructuring costs related to reorganization of US Dysport® commercial platform.

In the first half 2013, the Group recognized a non-recurring €11.7 million impairment loss on Increlex®, following the supply interruption effective mid-June in the United States and expected in the third quarter in 2013 in Europe and the Rest of the World. Re-supply is not anticipated before the end of 2013. With this impairment loss, the carrying value of the IGF-1 active ingredient became zero.

Based on the aforementioned items, the operating income in the first half 2013 totaled €121.0 million, or 19.1% of sales, down 3.1% compared to the same period in 2012, when it represented 19.8% of sales.

The Group's recurring adjusted1 operating income amounted to €132.2 million, or 20.9% of consolidated sales, up 1.2% year-on-year.

At 30 June 2013, the Group's financial income amounted to €1.1 million, compared with €8.9 million the previous year. The cost of net financial debt represented an income of €6.7 million, mainly stemming from a financial gain on the repayment of Debtor-in-Possession (DIP)-type financing granted by Ipsen to Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals Inc. at the end of 2012 following the sale of its hemophilia assets to Baxter and Cangene. Other financial income and expenses amounted to a €5.6 million charge at 30 June 2013, primarily as a result of a negative €5.0 million foreign exchange impact.

At 30 June 2013, the effective tax rate amounted to 26.0% of profit from continuing operations before tax, compared with an effective tax rate of 25.3% at 30 June 2012. The difference resulted notably from the research tax credit, which despite remaining flat in volume terms from June 2012 to June 2013, increased in relative terms by one percentage point, and a new 3.0% tax implemented in France on dividend payouts that negatively impacted the effective tax rate by 1.6 percentage point. Excluding non-recurring operating, financial and tax items, the Group's effective tax rate amounted to 25.0% in June 2013, compared with 23.3% in June 2012.

The Group did not record any share of profit or loss from associated companies in the first half 2013.

At 30 June 2013, the result from discontinued operations amounted to a €6.2 million profit, compared to €9.2 million loss at 30 June 2012, and mainly included the negotiated repayment of advisory fees paid by Ipsen during the joint asset-sale process with Inspiration, and the tax impact related to the compensation paid by the Group to the U.S. affiliate which sold its assets.

Consolidated net profit increased 6.4% to €96.5 million (€96.2 million attributable to shareholders of Ipsen S.A.), compared to €90.7 million at 30 June 2012 (€90.4 million attributable to shareholders of Ipsen S.A).

Recurring adjusted 1 consolidated net profit at 30 June 2013 amounted to €98.8 million, up 14.3% over the €86.4 million recorded the previous year.

At 30 June 2013, the total of milestone payments received in cash by the Group but not yet recognized in the income statement amounted to €137.3 million compared to €162.7 million collected the previous year.

Net cash flow from operating activities amounted to €54.5 million, compared to €63.2 million generated over the same period in 2012. At 30 June 2013, the Group had closing cash and cash equivalents of €117.6 million, compared to €84.2 million as of 30 June 2012.

Update of 2013 financial objectives

In the first half 2013, our key products, Somatuline® and Dysport®, posted solid growth rates of 9.2% and 8.4%, respectively. Nevertheless, Specialty Care growth was impacted by significant elements that occurred in China and in the Middle East, mentioned above.

Based on those elements, the Group updated its 2013 sales objectives:

Drug sales:

  • Specialty Care sales growth of around 3%, excluding unanticipated major deterioration of the Chinese and Middle Eastern markets;
  • Primary Care sales decline of around 1%.

The above sales objectives are set year-on-year at constant currency.

1 Before non-recurring items. See appendix 4

Recurring Adjusted Operating Margin:

Moreover, the Group is pursuing the implementation of productivity measures while continuing to invest in its R&D platform and, as a result, confirms its recurring adjusted operating margin1 objective of approximately 16.0% of sales.

All the above objectives are set excluding major negative unforeseeable events, notably significant currency fluctuations in the context of currency depreciation in certain emerging countries.

Media conference call (in French)

Ipsen will host a conference call on Friday 30 August 2013 at 8:30 am (Paris time - GMT+1). Participants in the conference call may connect for the meeting 5-10 minutes prior to its start. No reservations are required to participate. The conference ID is 24065951. The telephone number to call in order to connect to the conference call from France is +33 (0)1 70 70 97 06 and for the other countries it is 44 (0) 1452 560 622. The telephone number to call in order to access a recording of the conference call is from France +33 (0)805 111 337 and for the other countries +44 (0) 1452 55 00 00. The access number is 24065951#. The conference call is available for one week following the meeting.

Meeting, webcast and Conference Call (in English) for the financial community

Ipsen will host an analyst meeting on Friday 30 August 2013 at 2:30 p.m. (Paris time, GMT+1) at its headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt (France). A web conference (audio and video webcast) and conference call will take place simultaneously. The web conference will be available at www.ipsen.com. Participants in the conference call should dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes prior to its start. No reservation is required to participate. The conference ID is 935067. No access code is required. Phone numbers to call in order to connect to the conference are: from France and continental +33 (0) 1 70 99 32 12, from UK le +44 (0) 20 7162 0177 and from the United States +1 334 323 6203. A recording will be available shortly after the call. Phone numbers to access the replay of the conference are: from France and continental Europe +33 (0) 1 70 99 32 12, from UK +44 (0) 20 7162 0177 and from the United States +1 334 323 6203 and access code is 935067. This replay will be available for one week following the meeting.

About Ipsen

Ipsen is a global specialty-driven pharmaceutical company with total sales exceeding €1.2 billion in 2012. Ipsen's ambition is to become a leader in specialty healthcare solutions for targeted debilitating diseases. Its development strategy is supported by 3 franchises: neurology, endocrinology and uro-oncology. Moreover, the Group has an active policy of partnerships. Ipsen's R&D is focused on its innovative and differentiated technological platforms, peptides and toxins. In 2012, R&D expenditure totalled close to €250 million, representing more than 20% of Group sales. The Group has close to 4,900 employees worldwide. Ipsen's shares are traded on segment A of Euronext Paris (stock code: IPN, ISIN code: FR0010259150) and eligible to the "Service de Règlement Différé" ("SRD"). The Group is part of the SBF 120 index. Ipsen has implemented a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program, which trade on the over-the-counter market in the United States under the symbol IPSEY. For more information on Ipsen, visit www.ipsen.com.

Forward Looking Statement

The forward-looking statements, objectives and targets contained herein are based on the Group's management strategy, current views and assumptions. Such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated herein. All of the above risks could affect the Group's future ability to achieve its financial targets, which were set assuming reasonable macroeconomic conditions based on the information available today.

Moreover, the targets described in this document were prepared without taking into account external growth assumptions and potential future acquisitions, which may alter these parameters. These objectives are based on data and assumptions regarded as reasonable by the Group. These targets depend on conditions or facts likely to happen in the future, and not exclusively on historical data. Actual results may depart significantly from these targets given the occurrence of certain risks and uncertainties, notably the fact that a promising product in early development phase or clinical trial may end up never being launched on the market or reaching its commercial targets, notably for regulatory or competition reasons. The Group must face or might face competition from Generics that might translate into a loss of market share.

Furthermore, the Research and Development process involves several stages each of which involves the substantial risk that the Group may fail to achieve its objectives and be forced to abandon its efforts with regards to a product in which it has invested significant sums. Therefore, the Group cannot be certain that favourable results obtained during pre-clinical trials will be confirmed subsequently during clinical trials, or that the results of clinical trials will be sufficient to demonstrate the safe and effective nature of the product concerned. The Group also depends on third parties to develop and market some of its products which could potentially generate substantial royalties; these partners could behave in such ways which could cause damage to the Group's activities and financial results. The Group cannot be certain that its partners will fulfil their obligations. It might be unable to obtain any benefit from those agreements. A default by any of the Group's partners could generate lower revenues than expected. Such situations could have a negative impact on the Group's business, financial position or performance.

The Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward looking statements, targets or estimates contained in this press release to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law.

The Group's business is subject to the risk factors outlined in its registration documents filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers.

                                                                                                                       
                                                       

APPENDICES

                                                             

Risk factors

The Group operates in an environment which is undergoing rapid change and exposes its operations to a number of risks, some of which are outside its control. The risks and uncertainties set out below are not exhaustive and the reader is advised to refer to the Group's 2012 Registration Document available on its website www.ipsen.com.

  • The Group is faced with uncertainty in relation to the prices set for all its products, in so far as medication prices have come under severe pressure over the last few years as a result of various factors, including the tendency for governments and payers to reduce prices or reimbursement rates for certain drugs marketed by the Group in the countries in which it operates, or even to remove those drugs from lists of reimbursable drugs.
  • The Group depends on third parties to develop and market some of its products, which generates or may generate substantial royalties for the Group, but these third parties could behave in ways that cause damage to the Group's business. The Group cannot be certain that its partners will fulfill their obligations. It might be unable to obtain any benefit from those agreements. A default by any of the Group's partners could generate lower revenues than expected. Such situations could have a negative impact on the Group's business, financial position or performance..
  • Actual results may depart significantly from the objectives given that a new product can appear to be promising at a development stage, or after clinical trials, but never be launched on the market, or be launched on the market but fail to sell, notably for regulatory or competitive reasons.
  • The Research and Development process typically lasts between eight and twelve years from the date of discovery to a product being brought to market. This process involves several stages; at each stage, there is a substantial risk that the Group could fail to achieve its objectives and be forced to abandon its efforts in respect of products in which it has invested significant amounts. Thus, in order to develop viable products from a commercial point of view, the Group must demonstrate, by means of pre-clinical and clinical trials, that the molecules in question are effective and are not harmful to humans. The Group cannot be certain that favorable results obtained during pre-clinical trials will subsequently be confirmed during clinical trials, or that the results of clinical trials will be sufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the product in question such that the required marketing approvals can be obtained.
  • The Group must deal with or may have to deal with competition (i) from generic products, particularly in relation to Group products which are not protected by patents, such as Forlax® and Smecta® (ii), products which, although they are not strictly identical to the Group's products or which have not demonstrated their bioequivalence, may obtain a marketing authorization for indications similar to those of the Group's products pursuant to the bibliographic reference regulatory procedure (well established medicinal use) before the patents protecting its products expire. Such a situation could result in the Group losing market share which could affect its current level of growth in sales or profitability.
  • Third parties might claim the benefit of intellectual property rights with respect to the Group's inventions. The Group provides the third parties with which it collaborates (including universities and other public or private entities) with information and data in various forms relating to the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of its products. Despite the precautions taken by the Group with regard to these entities, in particular of a contractual nature, they (or certain of their members or affiliates) could claim ownership of intellectual property rights arising from the trials carried out by their employees or any other intellectual property right relating to the Group's products or molecules in development.
  • The Group's strategy includes acquiring companies or assets which may enable or facilitate access to new markets, research projects or geographical regions or enable the Group to realize synergies with its existing businesses. Should the growth prospects or earnings potential of such assets as well as valuation assumptions change materially from initial assumptions, the Group might be under the obligation to adjust the values of these assets in its balance sheet, thereby negatively impacting its results and financial situation.
  • The marketing of certain products by the Group has been and could be affected by supply shortages and other disruptions. Such difficulties may be of both a regulatory nature (the need to correct certain technical problems in order to bring production sites into compliance with applicable regulations) and a technical nature (difficulties in obtaining supplies of satisfactory quality or difficulties in manufacturing active ingredients or drugs complying with their technical specifications on a sufficiently reliable and uniform basis). This situation may result in inventory shortages and/or in a significant reduction in the sales of one or more products. More specifically, in their US Hopkinton facility, Lonza, our supplier of IGF-1 (Increlex® drug substance), is experiencing manufacturing issues with Increlex®. Lonza works closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to solve these issues. Ipsen is diligently addressing management of the shortage period to reduce its impact on the patients and their families. The supply interruption occurred in mid-June 2013 in the US and is expected in Q3 2013 in Europe and the rest of the world. The Group has no visibility on the resumption of supply before the end of 2013.
  • In certain countries exposed to significant public deficits, and where the Group sells its drugs directly to public hospitals, the Group could face discount or lengthened payment terms or difficulties in recovering its receivables in full. The Group closely monitors the evolution of the situation in Southern Europe where hospital payment terms are especially long. More generally, the Group may also be unable to purchase sufficient credit insurance to protect itself adequately against the risk of payment default from certain customers worldwide. Such situations could negatively impact the Group's activities, financial situation and results.
  • In the normal course of business, the Group is or may be involved in legal or administrative proceedings. Financial claims are or may be brought against the Group in connection with some of these proceedings. Ipsen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has received an administrative demand from the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia seeking documents relating to its sales and marketing of Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) for therapeutic use. Ipsen's policy is to fully comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. Ipsen is cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office in responding to the government's administrative demand.
  • The cash pooling arrangements for foreign subsidiaries outside the euro zone expose the Group to financial foreign exchange risk. The variation of these exchange rates may impact significantly the Group's results.

Major developments in the first half 2013

During the first half 2013, major developments included:

  • On January 17, 2013 - Teijin Pharma Limited, the core company of the Teijin Group's healthcare business, and Ipsen announced the launch of Somatuline® 60/90/120 mg for subcutaneous injection in Japan for the treatment of acromegaly and pituitary gigantism (when response to surgical therapies is not satisfactory or surgical therapies are difficult to perform). In Japan, Teijin Pharma holds the rights to develop and market the drug.
  • On January 24, 2013 - Ipsen and Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (Inspiration) announced that they entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) whereby Baxter International (Baxter) agrees to acquire the worldwide rights to OBI-1, a recombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII) in development for congenital hemophilia A with inhibitors and acquired hemophilia A, and Ipsen's industrial facility in Milford (Boston, MA). The APA was filed on 23 January 2013, with the US Federal Bankruptcy Court in Boston (MA). The sale is a result of joint marketing and sale process pursued by Ipsen and Inspiration shortly after Inspiration filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on October 30, 2012. The APA is subject to certain closing conditions, including Bankruptcy Court and regulatory approvals. Ipsen has agreed to extend the DIP to Inspiration for a period of 45 days i.e. for an additional amount of up to c. $5 million.
  • On 6 February 2013 - Ipsen and Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (Inspiration) announced that they entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) whereby Cangene Corporation (Cangene) agrees to acquire the worldwide rights to IB1001, a recombinant factor IX (rFIX) for the treatment of hemophilia B. Under the terms of the APA, Cangene has agreed to pay $5.9 million upfront, up to $50 million in potential additional commercial milestones as well net sales payments equivalent to tiered double digit percentage of IB1001 annual net sales. The APA is subject to certain closing conditions including Bankruptcy Court approval.
  • On 7 February 2013 - Ipsen and Braintree Laboratories, Inc., a US-based company specializing in the development, manufacturing and marketing of specialty pharmaceuticals announced that Eziclen® / Izinova® (BLI-800) successfully completed its European decentralized registration procedure involving sixteen countries. The product will be indicated in adults for bowel cleansing prior to any procedure requiring a clean bowel (e.g. bowel visualization including bowel endoscopy and radiology or surgical procedure).
  • On 20 February 2013 - Ipsen and Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (Inspiration) announced the closing of the sale of the proprietary hemophilia B product, IB1001 (recombinant FIX), to Cangene Corporation (Cangene). Ipsen and Inspiration jointly agreed to sell their respective commercialization rights to IB1001 as part of the transaction. Cangene acquired worldwide rights to IB1001, a recombinant factor IX currently under regulatory review in the United States and Europe.
  • On 21 March 2013 - Ipsen and Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (Inspiration) announced the closing of the sale of its lead hemophilia program, OBI-1 to Baxter International Inc. (Baxter), the global leader in hemophilia. Baxter acquired worldwide rights to OBI-1, a recombinant porcine factor VIII in development for the treatment of congenital hemophilia A with inhibitors and acquired hemophilia A, as well as Ipsen's manufacturing facility for OBI-1 in Milford, MA. The Ipsen employees working on the development and manufacturing of OBI-1 were offered employment by Baxter. Baxter has agreed to pay $50 million upfront, up to $135 million in potential additional development and sales milestones as well as tiered net sales payments ranging from 12.5% to 17.5% of OBI-1 global net sales. OBI-1 is currently in a pivotal trial for the treatment of individuals with acquired hemophilia A. As Inspiration's only senior secured creditor and as the owner of non-Inspiration assets that will be included in the sale of both OBI-1 and IB1001, Ipsen will receive at least 60% of the upfront payments. Over and above these upfront amounts, Ipsen will receive 80% of all paymen

     

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Why Coca-Cola Remains a Dividend Favorite

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Fads come and go, but two things have remained true for decades: the world loves to drink Coke, and investors love to get dividends. Shareholders in Coca-Cola have gotten the best of both worlds, as the soft-drink giant has been a member of the prestigious Dividend Aristocrats for a long time. To belong to this select group of stocks, a company must increase its dividend payments every year for at least a quarter century, weeding out the vast majority of less-consistent companies, and narrowing the huge universe of stocks to just a few dozen.

Recently, though, Coca-Cola has faced some unusual headwinds to its core business. With concerns about obesity rising in the U.S., the company's sales performance in its core North American market has been lackluster, at best. Emerging-markets growth has helped offset its sluggish growth elsewhere, but can the company count on international expansion providing all of its growth potential going forward and supporting an ever-increasing dividend? Let's take a closer look at Coca-Cola to see whether it's likely to be able to sustain its dividend growth.

Dividend Stats on Coca-Cola

Current Quarterly Dividend Per Share

$0.28

Current Yield

2.9%

Number of Consecutive Years With Dividend Increases

51 years

Payout Ratio

57%

Last Increase

March 2013


Source: Yahoo! Finance. Last increase refers to ex-dividend date.

Can Coca-Cola keep its dividend fizzy?
The main problem that Coca-Cola has faced lately has been that its revenue and volume growth have all but evaporated lately. In its most recent quarter, for instance, Coca-Cola reported growth in global sales volume of just 1%, with revenue actually falling by 3% overall. North American results were particularly problematic, with soda sales declining by 4%. Europe was similarly weak, with a 4% volume decline stemming from poor economic conditions. Yet, perhaps even more surprising was that some key emerging markets also failed to provide Coca-Cola with much growth. Both India and Mexico posted volume gains of just 1%, and China and Brazil reported flat volumes.

Part of the drop in Coke sales might well be coming from increasing health concerns about its namesake sugary beverages. A recent report about the possible toxicity of sugar is only the latest controversy Coke and rivals PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple have had to deal with lately, as anti-obesity campaigns center their attention on fast food and soft drinks. Yet, even diet versions of Coke and Pepsi have seen drops in sales, suggesting that the sugar-substitutes they use don't have the full confidence of consumers, either.

PepsiCo has the advantage of having its snack business to diversify its exposure to soft drinks. But Coca-Cola stands out from Dr Pepper Snapple because Coca-Cola has embraced a wider variety of non-carbonated beverages, including Dasani water, Minute Maid juices, and Powerade sports drinks. With products designed to appeal to more health-conscious consumers, Coca-Cola is trying to corner all ends of the drink market.

KO Dividend Chart

Coca-Cola Dividend data by YCharts.

As you can see, Coca-Cola's dividend growth has been both substantial and consistent over the years. Even as some skeptics have pointed to the rise of tiny home-carbonator company SodaStream as a potentially disruptive force in the carbonated-drink market, Coca-Cola has continued to produce bottom-line growth that has supported both extensive share buybacks, and ever-increasing dividend payments to shareholders. With plenty of leeway in its payout ratio to allow for higher dividends even if growth temporarily stalls, there's no reason to expect Coca-Cola's half-century streak of rising dividends to end anytime soon.

When will Coca-Cola boost its payout?
With Coca-Cola having raised its dividend in March, investors will probably have to wait until 2014 to get a bigger payout. But with the company's last increase in the neighborhood of 10%, 2014's raise might take the dividend to $0.31 per share, which, at current prices, would push the yield above 3%. Still, Coke's long-term stock prospects depend more on the company's ability to get past its current woes, and produce more share-price appreciation than on its dividend payments going forward.

If you're looking for some long-term investing ideas, you're invited to check out The Motley Fool's brand-new special report, "The 3 Dow Stocks Dividend Investors Need." It's absolutely free, so simply click here now and get your copy today.

Click here to add Coca-Cola to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

The article Why Coca-Cola Remains a Dividend Favorite originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and SodaStream. The Motley Fool owns shares of PepsiCo and SodaStream. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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Netflix Won't Keep Up With Old Media Profits

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Netflix is following HBO's business model of creating original content to stay relevant in the media business. But the company doesn't have downstream revenue channels like cable networks or theme parks available to Disney , Time Warner , or Comcast's NBCUniversal. Fool contributor Travis Hoium thinks that will limit Netflix's profit potential and keep it behind old media long-term. 

What Netflix has going for it is that Americans reportedly spend nearly 34 hours a week watching television! With television viewing taking up almost as much time as the average work week, the potential for profits in the space is enormous. The Motley Fool's top experts have created a new free report titled "Will Netflix Own the Future of Television?" The report not only outlines where the future of television is heading, but offers top ideas for how to profit. To get your free report, just click here!


The article Netflix Won't Keep Up With Old Media Profits originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Netflix, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Netflix, and Walt Disney. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 

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