The election of Donald Trump and Republican control of both houses of Congress makes for exciting times for tax professionals. It is pretty clear that something big is going to happen next year. The one thing that Trump and the Republican establishment seem to agree on is that nothing makes a country great again more than having its most wealthy citizens contribute less in the way of taxes . But we are being practical now. Learned Hand wrote the anthem for my generation of tax professionals.
Over and over again courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor; and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands: taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions. To demand more in the name of morals is mere cant.
Back in 2012 the Wall Street Journal attacked Jim Sinegal for accelerating the Costco dividend to avoid a tax increase that he had, in effect, supported by supporting President Obama. The Journal seemed to imply that only conservatives can do tax planning. Nonsense. Everybody can arrange their affairs to keep taxes as low as possible – rich or poor – Republican or Democrat. And all do right.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: ConocoPhillips(COP)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Zacks]
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Zacks Investment Research - [By Benzinga News Desk]
Last year was brutal for hedge fund investors — but you wouldn’t know it from the fund managers’ paychecks: Link
ECONOMIC DATA
The MBA’s index of mortgage application activity for the latest week is schedule for release at 7:00 a.m. ET.
The Energy Information Administration’s weekly report on petroleum inventories in the U.S. will be released at 10:30 a.m. ET.
ANALYST RATINGS
Jefferies Upgraded ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) from Hold to Buy
JPMorgan Upgraded Clovis Oncology (NASDAQ: CLVS) From Neutral to Overweight
Morgan Stanley Upgrades TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX) From Equal-Weight to Overweight
Macquarie Downgraded Disney (NYSE: DIS) from Outperform to Neutral
Deutsche Bank Downgraded AvalonBay (NYSE: AVB) from Buy to Hold
Wells Fargo Downgrades Digital Realty Trust (NYSE: DLR) From Outperform To Market Perform
This is a tool used by the Benzinga News Desk each trading day — it's a look at everything happening in the market, in five minutes. To get the full version of this note every morning, click here or email minutes@benzinga.com.
- [By Dustin Parrett]
Specifically, the oil supermajors are ExxonMobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM), BP Plc. (NYSE: BP), Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX), Royal Dutch Shell Plc. (NYSE ADR: RDS.A), Conoco Phillips (NYSE: COP), Eni SpA (NYSE ADR: E), and Total SA (NYSE ADR: TOT).
- [By Dustin Parrett]
Big Oil stocks are the seven “oil supermajors” that do everything from oil drilling to refining to retail sales. This is a list of the Big Oil companies:
Big Oil CompanyShare PriceYTDMarket CapExxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM)$83.44-7.58%$353.13BChevron Co. (NYSE: CVX)$113.56-3.5%$217.62BConocoPhillips Co. (NYSE: COP)$48.21-3.78%$61.42BRoyal Dutch Shell Plc. (NYSE ADR: RDS.A)$52.35-3.82%$221.08BBP Plc. (NYSE ADR: BP)$34.12-8.71%$112.69BTotal SA (NYSE: TOT)$50.26-1.35%$124.6BEni SpA (NYSE: E)$31.51-2.3%$58.69B
Despite being huge global oil companies, shares of Big Oil stocks are all in the red this year. Those losses have all happened even as the Dow is smashing record highs and trading up 6.4% year to date.
- [By WWW.KIPLINGER.COM]
Spun off from energy producer ConocoPhillips (COP) a few years back, PSX has quickly become one of the downstream industrys biggest players. Refiners earn profits based on the difference between feed stock costs (Think oil and natural gas prices) and the price for refined products such as gasoline, jet fuel and heating oil. Those inputs remain low, and Phillips 66 is minting cash as a result.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: Paychex Inc.(PAYX)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Monica Gerson]
Find out what's going on in today's market and bring any questions you have to Benzinga's PreMarket Prep.
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYX) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $0.49 per share on revenue of $751.52 million. Paychex shares rose 1.10 percent to close at $56.14 on Wednesday.
Wall Street expects Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) to post a quarterly loss at $0.09 per share on revenue of $2.95 billion. Micron shares rose 0.76 percent to $13.29 in after-hours trading.
Pier 1 Imports Inc (NYSE: PIR) reported a wider-than-expected loss for its first quarter and issued a weak outlook. Pier 1 Imports shares dropped 6.07 percent to $5.11 in the after-hours trading session.
Analysts are expecting McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC) to have earned $0.74 per share on revenue of $1.06 billion in the latest quarter. McCormick shares fell 0.59 percent to $102.10 in after-hours trading.
Posted-In: Stocks To WatchEarnings News Guidance Pre-Market Outlook Markets Trading Ideas
- [By Monica Gerson]
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $1.08 per share on revenue of $1.81 billion.
ConAgra Foods Inc (NYSE: CAG) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.52 per share on revenue of $2.89 billion.
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYX) is projected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.49 per share on revenue of $751.52 million.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) is expected to post a quarterly loss at $0.09 per share on revenue of $2.95 billion.
McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $0.74 per share on revenue of $1.06 billion.
Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $1.51 per share.
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCHN) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $0.18 per share on revenue of $356.41 million.
Franklin Covey Co. (NYSE: FC) is expected to post its quarterly earnings at $0.08 per share on revenue of $49.89 million.
Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN) is projected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.99 per share on revenue of $148.43 million.
Posted-In: Earnings scheduleEarnings News Pre-Market Outlook Markets
- [By Monica Gerson]
Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYX) is projected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.50 per share on revenue of $751.20 million.
UniFirst Corp (NYSE: UNF) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $1.26 per share on revenue of $362.62 million.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation(RL)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Casey Wilson]
Amazon has been a growing pain in the neck for low-price retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) for some time, but even high-end specialty stores like Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: RL) have struggled now that Amazon has crept into their sector.
- [By Johanna Bennett]
Times are tough for Ralph Lauren (RL). Profit and sales are fallingat theiconic clothingcompany, and investors who bet on a turnaround havelost their shirts on the stock. Adding to its troubles,CEO StefanLarsson is departingfollowing a creative clash with the companys namesake and founder.
Pessimism, meanwhile, appears to be on the rise.
According to a report by the financial analytics company S3 Partners, short interest in Ralph Lauren has risen since the start of the year, hitting historical levels. And while that short position is expected to keep expanding, bearish sentiments could turn on a dime.
Ihor Dusaniwsky at S3 Partners writes:
RL short interest levels, already at historical highs today, should continue to grow if the recent trend continues, but having made almost 23% in 2016 and 14% in 2017, short sellers may be quick to cover their positions and lock in profits if RLs stock price turns against them.
Short interest in Ralph Lauren fell in 2016 as the stock price fella nd shorts covered positions, netting a return of 22.6%. So far this year, however, the short position as increased $226 million, or 38% to $815 million as of this morning, according to the S3 report.
Its a profitable day for those short sellers. Todays 11% decline Ralph Laurens stock price on an $815 million short position has added $90 million to the short sellers collective bottom line.
Ralph Lauren is down 11.5% in recent market actions to $77.26 a after earlier falling as low as $76.86 a share. Thats the lowest price for the stock since 2010.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Hanesbrands was just one of many retail companies that got shellacked this week. Under Armour (UAA) tumbled 29% after missing earnings forecasts and cutting its guidance, while Deckers Outdoor (DECK) plunged 21% after its earnings missed the Street consensus, and Ralph Lauren (RL) plummeted 13% after its CEO stepped down.
- [By Casey Wilson]
Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: RL) just became the latest company to fall victim to the “Retail Ice Age.”
The 50-year-old American icon announced it shuttered its flagship store at Fifth Avenue and 55th Street in New York City on Tuesday (April 4). It will also close 50 other retail locations by the end of the fiscal year.
- [By WWW.THESTREET.COM]
The sidewalks outside stores like Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Ralph Lauren (RL) , Gap (GPS) , Prada, Abercrombie & Fitch (AF) , Microsoft (MSFT) and Harry Winston are now lined with metal barricades. The strip commands some of the highest retail rents in the world, with the average annual rent being $3500 per square foot.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: United Parcel Service Inc.(UPS)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Brian Feroldi]
Investors in their 60’s should start to favor low-risk stocks that offer up big dividend payouts. Below are three stocks — Waste Management (NYSE:WM), United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS), and Welltower (NYSE:HCN) — that perfectly fit that description.
- [By Todd Campbell, Demitrios Kalogeropoulos, and Reuben Gregg Brewer]
In the case of these three stocks, however, it may be worth taking a gamble. Our contributors think catalysts at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN), Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS-B), and United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) can get them back to their winning ways. Read on to find out if these down-and-out stocks are right for your portfolio.
- [By WWW.THESTREET.COM]
One part of the outline by the Trump administration on Wednesday would roughly double the standard deduction that Americans can use to reduce their taxable income. For married couples that would move from $12,600 to $24,000. This could cause people not to itemize their tax returns and rather opt for the standard deduction. In turn, the process would be simplified as well as potentially saving taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. That’s money that could be spent on a few more cases of PepsiCo’s beverages or a new wardrobe from Macy’s (M) A delivery company such as UPS (UPS) could see orders tick higher as more confident consumers get to spending.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: S&P GSCI(GD)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Craig Jones]
On CNBC's Fast Money Halftime Report, Jon Najarian spoke about unusually high bullish options activity in General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD). He said that traders were buying the May 190 calls for $3.30. The trade breaks even at $193.30 or around 3 percent higher. Najarian bought calls in General Dynamics and he is planning to hold them for two weeks.
- [By WWW.KIPLINGER.COM]
Its this kind of environment that has made the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF(ITA) one of the best-performing ETFs over the past decade. Companies like Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) and General Dynamics Corporation (GD) have thrived by producing solutions funded by a thick military wallet.
- [By Alex McGuire]
Since the early 1960s, aerospace and defense companies have been building vehicles for space agencies like NASA. For example, General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) was contracted to help build the propulsion rocket systems for the famous Apollo missions.
- [By Rich Smith]
The U.S. Army wants General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) to build it a super-tank — an improvement over the ubiquitous M1 Abrams main battle tank that is currently the mainstay of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: Telefonica SA(TEF)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Lisa Levin]
Telecommunications services shares gained around 0.98 percent in trading on Thursday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included Telefonica S.A. (ADR) (NYSE: TEF), and Allot Communications Ltd (NASDAQ: ALLT).
- [By Javier Hasse]
Multiple-award-winning Trimaker is the leader in terms of sales in 3D printing in the region, serving clients like Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), Toyota Motor Corp (ADR) (NYSE: TM), Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ: KHC) and Telefonica S.A. (ADR) (NYSE: TEF). The company not only manufactures its own 3D printers, but also offers materials and related services.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: Investors Real Estate Trust(IRET)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Monica Gerson]
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.60 per share on revenue of $3.86 billion.
Pier 1 Imports Inc (NYSE: PIR) is projected to post a quarterly loss at $0.05 per share on revenue of $420.05 million.
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $2.03 per share on revenue of $847.79 million.
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is projected to report its quarterly earnings at $2.40 per share on revenue of $4.49 billion.
Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WOR) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.64 per share on revenue of $692.48 million.
Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS) is projected to post its quarterly earnings at $0.29 per share on revenue of $94.64 million.
UniFirst Corp (NYSE: UNF) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $1.34 per share on revenue of $366.28 million.
Exfo Inc (NASDAQ: EXFO) is expected to post its quarterly earnings at $0.06 per share on revenue of $60.87 million.
OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (NYSE: OMN) is projected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.14 per share on revenue of $205.40 million.
8Point3 Energy Partners LP (NASDAQ: CAFD) is estimated to post a quarterly loss at $0.01 per share on revenue of $11.60 million.
Park Electrochemical Corp. (NYSE: PKE) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.22 per share on revenue of $35.30 million.
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: XPLR) is projected to post its quarterly earnings at $0.01 per share on revenue of $24.00 million.
Investors Real Estate Trust (NYSE: IRET) is expected to post its quarterly earnings at $0.14 per share on revenue of $56.87 million.
Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. (NYSE: TIK) is estimated to post earnings for the latest quarter.
Aethlon Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEMD) is expected to post a quarterly loss at $0.20 per share.
Ossen Innovation Co Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ: OSN) is projected to post ea
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: ONEOK Inc.(OKE)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Matthew DiLallo]
Energy infrastructure companies ONEOK (NYSE:OKE) and TransCanada (NYSE:TRP) are both emerging from the energy market downturn as stronger entities. Each made smart acquisitions, with TransCanada buying U.S. gas pipeline company Columbia Pipeline Group, while ONEOK is in the process of gobbling up its MLP,ONEOK Partners (NYSE:OKS). While these deals enhanced the growth profiles of both companies, TransCanada still stands out as the better buy for long-term income investors. Here’s why.
- [By Garrett Cook]
Citi maintains Buy ratings on Targa Resources (NYSE: TRGP), ONEOK (NYSE: OKE) and Oneok Partners (NYSE: OKS) citing the companies stories around natural gas liquids (NGLs).
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: Cinemark Holdings Inc(CNK)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Jon C. Ogg]
24/7 Wall St. covers many of the top analyst upgrades and downgrades each morning of the week. The downgrade brigade included a Credit Suisse report on Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CNK) that effectively gave the movie cinema chain the equivalent of a “Sell” rating. It was actually a negative view on the entire movie chain sector.
- [By Monica Gerson]
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) is projected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.46 per share on revenue of $699.23 million.
Aecom (NYSE: ACM) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.72 per share on revenue of $4.55 billion.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: S&P Smallcap 600(PH)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Charles Mizrahi, President and CEO, Hampton Investors, Inc.]
Parker Hannifin (PH) generates strong revenue from its aerospace division, while its primary industrial segment is lagging.
Overall, we like the company’s balanced portfolio. PH had solid order rates this past year with backlog of $3.6 billion between its industrial and aerospace segments.
