Apple earnings and sales surge to record, sending stock toward new highs

Apple Inc. shares ticked higher in aftermarket trading after the company posted record quarterly results for its holiday quarter Tuesday afternoon while easily topping expectations.

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  Alaska Air Group (ALK) Q4 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates

  Zacks
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  W.R. Berkley (WRB) Meets Q4 Earnings Estimates

  Zacks

Ex-Best Buy exec linked to CEO probe denies affair with Corie Barry

A former executive at Best Buy Co. Inc. who was alleged to have been romantically involved with Best Buy CEO Corie Barry — a claim that triggered an investigation of the retailer's leader — has denied the allegations.

‘He owed a lot of back taxes.’ My ex-husband forgot to sign paperwork to split a sizable investment account — then he died. Can his estate claim that money?

One of our investment accounts was ordered to be split $30,000/$60,000, as per our divorce agreement. The investment company says the account is now all mine. Your question has two parts: can his estate come after you for back taxes and can his estate claim the money in your investment account.

Typical Retirement Savings By Age Groups: Are Yours Bigger?

Are your IRA and 401(k) balances as big as retirement savings by other people your age? Bigger? If yours are smaller, here are tips for saving more.

• 
  Can I Roll My 401(k) or IRA Funds Into a More Liquid Investment Fund?

  Investopedia
• Best IRA Account Providers

  U.S.News & World Report

Jeff Bezos throws a D.C. shindig and Amazon employees protest policy

Is it redundant to say that Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) founder and CEO Jeff Bezos threw a "lavish party" at his recently finished $23 million Kalorama mansion Saturday? The affair, held inside one of the District's largest homes, the converted former Textile Museum, was bound to be "lavish," as multiple news outlets noted.

AMD stock slides as forecast, data-center segment come in lower than expected

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. failed to live up to Wall Street’s high expectations Tuesday, damaging its highflying stock.

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  Apple's iPhone back to growth as company braces for coronavirus impact

  Reuters
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  Apple earnings climb on strength of iPhone 11 sales, strong holiday season

  USA TODAY

What to know for year two of the Trump tax plan

The IRS began accepting and processing tax returns for individuals on Monday. Last year’s filing season was an adjustment for taxpayers and industry professionals alike as it was the first under a massive overhaul of federal tax law. The standard deduction doubled under the new tax law that took effect in 2018.

• 
  4 Absurd Tax Deductions That Still Exist, For Some Reason

  HuffPost Life
• 10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50

  U.S.News & World Report

What to expect in Tesla's 4Q 2019 earnings results

Tesla is poised to report quarterly results Wednesday after market close, giving investors a look under the hood at the company’s financial performance as its operations in China ramped well ahead of schedule and deliveries hit a fresh record.

• 
  EBay Fourth-Quarter Earnings Beat, Revenue Matches Estimates

  Investor's Business Daily
• Intel Stock Is Climbing — and Not Just Because the Chip Maker Beat Earnings

  Barrons.com

Dow Jones Futures: Apple, AMD, Xilinx, Maxim Earnings Fuel Big Chip Moves After Stock Market Rebounds From Coronavirus Sell-Off

Apple rallied overnight on earnings, also lifting iPhone chip suppliers and stock futures. AMD and Xilinx fell on results.

• 
  Apple, AMD earnings: What to know in markets Tuesday

  Yahoo Finance
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  Stock Market Rebounds Bullishly After Monday Sell-Off; Apple Rallies Ahead Of Earnings

  Investor's Business Daily

The problem with AMD’s data-center business

If Advanced Micro Devices Inc. is indeed serious about being in the data-center business, the chip maker needs to start telling investors what is happening in that business.

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  Can AMD Beat Intel’s Stellar Earnings Report? Top Analyst Weighs In

  TipRanks
• 
  Starbucks Earnings Beat, Revenue Inline in Q1

  Investing.com

3 “Strong Buy” Stocks Under $5 That Are Ready to Run Higher

Whatever the reason a stock is trading for under $5 a share, these stocks are conversation starters. Some will point out the low valuation of these companies presents opportunity for upside which will be hard to come by when investing in a large-cap. What’s more, you can load up on a much larger number of shares than you could with a stock trading in triple or even double digits.On the other hand, the naysayers argue these tickers are likely to have bad fundamentals and face too many obstacles and, therefore, are more of a speculative shot at lottery like returns than an investment.Either way, both are right, and both could be wrong, too. The trick, as with any investment, is to find the most compelling opportunities the market presents.We went on our own intrepid search for 3 stocks trading at a bargain price, specifically looking for ones which those in the know think are poised to take off over the next 12 months. We used TipRanks’ Stock Screener tool which revealed that in addition to the low valuation, all three currently have a “Strong Buy” consensus rating. Let’s dive in.Orbcomm Inc. (ORBC)Orbcomm operates in an industry that is expected to grow substantially in the new decade. Orbcomm provides machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions across the globe, with its Internet of Things (IoT) technology used to track and monitor large assets. The company’s main markets are in transportation, heavy equipment, and government services, amongst others. Orbcomm is the only commercial satellite network 100% dedicated to M2M.The stock experienced a crushing 2019, losing almost 50% over the year due to disappointing earnings reports and transportation industry headwinds; Economic data suggests that in November, more than 1,000 truck drivers lost their jobs. Further data from October indicates heavy truck order activity is down 51% from 2018 levels.Canaccord's Michael Walkley expects the soft industrial data to continue until mid-2020 and believes it will affect some of Orbcomm’s hardware sales. Nevertheless, the analyst thinks “the shares have limited downside risk at the current valuation.”The 5-star analyst expounded, “Despite our cautious view of macro trends for a portion of Orbcomm’s transportation business unit, we believe the shares have priced in soft near-term hardware sales trends. With Orbcomm’s shares trading roughly 4X our 2021 adjusted EBITDA estimate, we view the risk reward on the shares as very positive… We believe if management can execute, the shares should return to higher multiples.”What does it mean, then? It means that Walkley keeps his Buy rating on Orbcomm. To reflect the headwinds, though, the price target comes down a notch, from $10 to $9. The reduced figure still represents outstanding returns in the shape of 132% could be in store over the next twelve months. (To watch Walkley’s track record, click here)Overall, the Street is with Walkley. 2 additional Buy ratings given to the M2M solutions provider over the last three months add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target comes in at $7.67 and implies potential upside of a hefty 98%. (See Orbcomm stock analysis on TipRanks)Plug Power (PLUG)From M2M technology, we move on to another very modern solution, hydrogen fuel cell technology, or renewable energy. Plug Power’s fuel cell systems are designed to replace conventional batteries in electric vehicles and industrial trucks.In sharp contrast to ORBC, PLUG had an outstanding 2019. Its share price added considerable muscle in the shape of 154% throughout the year. Investors were buoyed by strong forecasts, management purchasing company stock, and an ambitious five-year plan, projecting revenue of $1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $200 million.More good news has extended the rally into 2020; Plug is up by over 23% year-to-date following the announcement that it was awarded a $172 million contract for hydrogen fuel cell deployments from a Fortune 100 customer.B.Riley FBR’s Christopher Van Horn argues PLUG’s “stock and the fuel cell technology seem to be at an inflection point.” The 4-star analyst thinks the contract demonstrates the company’s competitive position, and with an addressable market of $30 billion, believes there should be more opportunities for PLUG coming up.Van Horn said, “PLUG has an implied 35% five-year CAGR from our 2019 revenue estimate and an almost 90% four-year CAGR from our 2020 adjusted EBITDA estimate. We believe this growth could come from its existing customer base, including Wal-Mart, Amazon, and others, as well as new customers. We think this award at roughly $172 million over two years is another step in the right direction to achieve these goals.”Therefore, Van Horn reiterated his Buy call on PLUG along with a price target of $6. This indicates upside potential of 54% over the next 12 months. (To watch Van Horn’s track record, click here)Is the Street ready to plug into PLUG? Yes, it is. The 5 Buy ratings and solitary Hold given over the last three months make the consensus rating a Strong Buy. An average price target of $4.50 puts the upside potential at 15%. (See Plug Power stock analysis on TipRanks)Carrols Restaurant (TAST)From modern solutions, we move to the food industry, where we take a seat at Carrols Restaurant. The company operates the largest Burger King franchisee in the world.It often happens that a stock trading for under $5 used to have a much larger market-cap, but for whatever reason, has lost its luster, and is now much cheaper. For Carrols, last year was a combination of underwhelming earnings reports plus a bizarre software mix up which charged customers incorrectly for discount meals that cost the company $8.3 million. As a result, the stock took a beating in 2019, starting the year at $9.84 and ending it down 28% at $7.05.The company recently announced preliminary 4Q19 results which has further worried investors; In October, Carrols had anticipated 4%-plus SSS (same store sales) for Burger King in its upcoming report, but the new data indicates the SSS figure lands at only 2%. Since then, the share price has dropped further and is down by 32% since the start of the year.So, should you stay away from TAST? Not according to SunTrust Robinson’s Jake Bartlett. The 5-star analyst explained, “TAST attributed the SSS miss to decreased traffic as Burger King laps its '10 Nuggets for $1' promotion last year (through mid-Feb.), a 'Winter Whopperland' game promotion in December that drove app downloads, but not sales, a potential impact from Popeye's new chicken sandwich (TAST's Popeyes 4Q19 21.2%-plus), a potential impact from MCD's '2 for $5' promotion and weak breakfast sales (negative in 4Q19 as lapped the $0.89 pancake promotion). While disappointing, TAST appears encouraged by upcoming menu innovation at Burger King… The promotional environment should remain balanced and significant acquisitions for both Popeyes and Burger King stores are expected in '20.”Accordingly, then, Bartlett reiterated a Buy recommendation on Carrols and kept his $14 price target. The target implies upside potential of a whopping 192%. (To watch Bartlett’s track record, click here)Currently, there are few on the Street taking a bite out of Carrols, but those who are, like the (TAST)e. A Strong Buy consensus rating is formed of 3 Buys, and at $8.83, the average price target suggests potential upside of a handsome 84%. (See Carrols Restaurant stock analysis on TipRanks)

Lucky's Market files for bankruptcy, plans to shut down Colorado headquarters

Lucky’s Market has filed for bankruptcy and is closing its corporate headquarters in Niwot. The Lucky's Market Parent Company — a registered LLC — owes about $36 million to its 30 largest creditors, based on Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization petitions the company and its affiliated stores filed Monday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. The company checked the box on the paperwork saying it had between 10,001 and 25,000 creditors.

• American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC to Restructure Operations

  Business Wire
• 
  Grocery Pain Spreads as Kroger-Backed Lucky’s Goes Bankrupt

  Bloomberg

Goldman Sachs: 3 Healthcare Stocks to Snap Up Now

Stuck for fresh investing inspiration? You’re not alone. After the stock market’s record-breaking performance in 2019, plenty of uncertainty lingers on Wall Street as we go forward into 2020. The U.S. presidential election coupled with new fears related to the spread of the coronavirus, which pushed the S&P 500 down 1.6% yesterday, have driven concerns that 2020 will see its fair share of volatility.Against this backdrop, investment banking giant Goldman Sachs published a report containing valuable insights. Highlighting the healthcare services sector in particular, the firm notes that while it anticipates fourth quarter results will fall in line with expectations, the key area to watch is 2020 guidance.“We believe 2020 outlooks will matter more, and see some potential for these updates to be overshadowed by political developments – specifically, upcoming Democratic primaries, where investors seem braced for a win (or two) by Senator Sanders, a Democratic candidate who supports the elimination of private health insurance,” analyst Stephen Tanal explained.To this end, the analyst argues that any weakness in the firm’s Buy-rated managed care organizations (MCOs) will present investors with an attractive entry point.Bearing this in mind, we’ve pulled up three of Goldman’s recent stock picks, and run them through TipRanks’ Stock Comparison tool to confirm that Goldman is in the majority on Wall Street in recommending these equities. Based on the information provided by the platform, each of the names has also garnered substantial support from other analysts, enough to earn a “Strong Buy” consensus rating. Humana Inc. (HUM)Healthcare is at the core of everything for medical insurance company Humana, whose goal is to not only improve healthcare, but also make it more accessible. While the company is off to a rocky start in 2020, Goldman Sachs believes several positives are in store.Tanal points to the permanent repeal of the health insurance fee (HIF), which will go into effect in 2021, as standing to benefit HUM. According to the analyst, the repeal “will have a disproportionately positive impact on HUM’s earnings given its group-high exposure to Medicare Advantage.” He added, “We expect out-year estimates to rise post 4Q and in the coming n months, as it appears that most sell side analysts have undershot the likely benefit of the repeal of the HIF.”Even though Tanal acknowledges that the company could face headwinds related to higher reimbursement rates for dialysis patients on Medicare Advantage plans, he estimates that the repeal will cover the headwind by a double-digit multiple.Adding to the good news, Humana's fourth quarter results are expected to be favorable. “We are comfortable with 4Q, too. At our recent healthcare CEO conference, HUM’s CEO noted that investors should not be overly concerned by the potential impact of the most widespread flu season in years,” Tanal wrote.With the stock trading at a 9% discount to the S&P 500, it seals the deal for Tanal. Given all that HUM has going for it, the analyst not only kept the rating as a Buy, but also added the name to the firm’s Conviction List. In addition, the $425 price target implies that shares could climb 23% higher in the next twelve months. (To watch Tanal’s track record, click here)Turning now to the rest of the Street, analysts are generally on board with HUM. 14 Buy ratings and 4 Holds assigned in the last three months add up to a Strong Buy Street consensus. Based on the $392.56 average price target, the upside potential lands at 13%. (See Humana stock analysis on TipRanks)Cigna Corporation (CI) Another health insurance name, Cigna’s approach has integrated the physical, emotional, financial, social and environmental aspects of health and well-being. Even after a solid six-month performance in which 16% was ticked on to the share price, Tanal thinks that there’s still plenty of room for CI to grow.As 2019 marked the first full year since its acquisition of Express Scripts, the Goldman Sachs analyst is expecting the company to post strong fourth quarter numbers. According to his projections, 2020 adjusted EPS guidance could fall within the range of $18.05 to $18.55. This figure “should leave room for ‘beat and raise’ quarters, in part because guidance typically excludes future capital deployment and any favorable prior period development.”The analyst cites three possible catalysts that could propel shares higher in 2020. First and foremost, the ramp of synergies from Express Scripts could have a significant impact, with the year-over-year step-up previously expected to be $273 million, or 3% of the midpoint of current 2019 guidance. On top of this, he points out that its deleveraging could generate a $154 million step-down in interest expense year-over-year and the earn-back of stranded costs related to the Anthem transition in 2019 stand to add $100 million to earnings.Tanal added, “Between the specialty launch pipeline, the Prime deal, the HIF repeal, proposed incremental capital deployment post the announced divestiture of the Group Disability and Life business and bigger than expected buybacks in 1Q-3Q 2019, we see a clear path to 2021 targeted adjusted EPS of $20 to $21.”In line with his optimistic take on CI, the analyst maintained a Buy rating and $245 price target. Should the target be met, shares could be in for a 24% twelve-month gain.What do other analysts have to say? As it turns out, the rest of the Street generally sides with the bulls. A Strong Buy consensus rating breaks down into 10 Buys, 1 Hold and 1 Sell. In addition, the $232.75 average price target indicates 16% upside potential. (See Cigna stock analysis on TipRanks)HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) Focusing on a different segment of the healthcare space, HCA operates hundreds of hospitals and clinics located throughout the U.S. Thanks to its performance exiting the third quarter, the Goldman Sachs analyst has high hopes for the healthcare name.Despite the investor concern ahead of its fourth quarter earnings release due to the volatility of the fundamentals in the first three quarters of 2019, Tanal notes that his bullish thesis is very much intact. Out of all the hospital and dialysis stocks he covers, HCA lands among the top two names expected to deliver the most potential upside compared to the adjusted EBITDA consensus estimate. Same-facility adjusted upside could be the source of the beat.For HCA, management’s outlook for 2020 will be essential, in the analyst’s view. He thinks the full year 2020 guidance will come in at around $10,260 million to $10,540 million, versus the Street’s $10,354 million forecast.“Labor costs are likely to be a focus heading into 2020 given continued robust job growth and low unemployment levels. Further, we will also be interested in any updated commentary on not-for-profit M&A opportunities, as recent acquisitions such as North Carolina-based Mission Health have delivered strong performance vs. the company’s initial expectations,” Tanal wrote.It also doesn’t hurt that admissions could see an increase as a result of the current flu season. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Goldman Sachs analyst reiterated his bullish call and $165 price target. This target conveys his confidence in HCA’s ability to surge 17% in the coming twelve months.Looking at the consensus breakdown, it appears that other analysts are on the same page. With 12 Buys compared to a single Hold, the word on the Street is that HCA is a Strong Buy. At $161.45, the average price target brings the potential twelve-month gain to 14%. (See HCA Healthcare stock analysis on TipRanks)

• 
  ADTRAN, Inc. to Meet with Investors at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference 2020 on February 11, 2020

  Business Wire
• 
  Goldman Sachs Promotes Skoglund to Head European PE Dealmaking

  Bloomberg

Why Dow Jones Pharma Giant Pfizer Is Close To Triggering A Sell Rule

Pfizer stock toppled Tuesday after the Dow Jones pharmaceutical company reported declining fourth-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings that also missed Wall Street's expectations.

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  Pfizer reports 4Q loss on lower sales

  AFP
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  PFIZER REPORTS FOURTH-QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2019 RESULTS

  Business Wire

What the new FICO credit score reveals about the precarious state of Americans’ finances

Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) is changing how it calculates credit scores, and the new criteria reveal some of the trouble spots in Americans’ financial health. Two of the most substantial changes in the new scoring models, FICO Score 10 and 10T, are how they account for personal loans and how they measure creditworthiness over time. Previous FICO score models were not anchored as much to personal loan data, yet since 2015 the number of personal loans has risen 42%, making personal loans the fastest-growing category of debt in the country.

How to keep your retirement accounts safe

The thought of losing your life savings to hackers can be terrifying — and it’s why two of Houston financial adviser Michelle Gessner’s clients didn’t want to consolidate their retirement assets, even if the move would be financially savvy. The couple had already been the target of identity theft in the past, then with their credit cards, and they were afraid that if they rolled all their money together, they’d be “sitting ducks” at risk of losing their entire nest egg. “The question is real and understandable,” Gessner said.

Blink and you miss it: The U.S. yield curve inverts again

An inverted yield curve has historically been an indicator of looming recession as it tends to reflect worries over future growth among bond investors. “The state of the U.S. economy seems to be steady as she goes,” said Michael Lorizio, senior fixed income trader at Manulife Asset Management. Various portions of the Treasury yield curve inverted in 2019 for the first time in years, sparking concerns that a recession may be looming.

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  TREASURIES-Yields at three-month lows, yield curve flattens as coronavirus spreads

  Reuters
• 
  U.S. Treasury curve inverts as virus outbreak fans growth fears

  Reuters

The first stock-market ‘correction since October has begun,’ says Morgan Stanley analyst who called 2018 tech rout

Michael Wilson, Morgan Stanley’s chief U.S. equity strategist, says the first major stock market pullback since October is under way.

• 
  EBay Fourth-Quarter Earnings Beat, Revenue Matches Estimates

  Investor's Business Daily
• Intel Stock Is Climbing — and Not Just Because the Chip Maker Beat Earnings

  Barrons.com