Friday, June 22, 2018

Lending Tree

We would like to thank for their support.
Lending Tree

Thinking About A New Home? With Lending Tree, You Can Save Thousands On Your Home Loan. Call Now #Loans #Mortgage #Home #Save #Lending #Money





Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Kroger Completes Sale of Convenience Store Business to EG Group

Press Release

CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today that it had completed the sale of its convenience store business unit to EG Group for $2.15 billion.
After-tax proceeds total $1.7 billion. $1.2 billion of the proceeds will be used to fund an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") program.
"Throughout the sales process, we have been impressed with EG Group's professionalism, commitment to people, and understanding of the U.S. convenience retail market," said Mike Schlotman, Kroger's executive vice president and chief financial officer. "I can't stress enough how important to our success Kroger's convenience store management and associates have been, and we want to thank them for all of their contributions to our customers and our company."
Kroger announced in October 2017 its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business, including a potential sale, in conjunction with Restock Kroger. In February, Kroger and EG Group announced a definitive agreement for the sale of Kroger's convenience store business unit to EG Group.
Kroger entered into an ASR agreement today with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. ("Goldman"), pursuant to which on April 24, 2018, Kroger will pay $1.2 billion to Goldman, who will make an initial delivery to Kroger of approximately 36.1 million Kroger common shares.  The total number of shares that Kroger ultimately will receive under the ASR will be based generally on the average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of shares traded during the term of the agreement, subject to a collar provision that will establish minimum and maximum numbers of shares to be repurchased.  The $1.2 billion ASR is an additional repurchase authorization approved by Kroger's Board of Directors, which is incremental to the $1 billion share repurchase program announced on March 15, 2018.
Kroger will use the balance of the after-tax proceeds to lower its net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio.
"Kroger is committed to creating shareholder value," said Mr. Schlotman. "We are returning a significant amount of capital to shareholders through a $1.2 billion accelerated share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors."
The Transition Services Agreement (TSA) Kroger has in place with EG Group will not have a material effect on the company's 2018 results, nor will it have any effect on Kroger's 2018 net earnings per diluted share guidance. The TSA covers a variety of services for varying lengths of time.
Included in the sale were 762 convenience stores, including 66 franchise operations, operating in 18 states and employing 11,000 associates under the following banner names: Turkey Hill, Loaf 'N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and Quik Stop. Kroger's supermarket fuel centers and its Turkey Hill Dairy were not included in the sale. EG Group will establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio and continue to operate stores under their established banner names.




Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Thank You Alexia Thornton

Shout Out and Special Thanks

I would like to give a special shout out and say thanks to Alexia Thornton, TVizion. Thanks to here we were able to cut costs and you to can Get rid of your cable bill:
www.tvizion.com/member/17944




Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Cutting the Cable Bill



Hey everyone, I want to thank you all for reading this blog.  Really quick I would like to ask how would you like to

Get rid of your cable bill:
www.tvizion.com/member/17944  

If you would then check out the above link. 


Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Monday, April 9, 2018

Kroger Announces Several Steps to Combat Opioid Abuse

PRNewswire

CINCINNATI, OH -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Family of Pharmacies today announced it is taking several steps as part of a comprehensive commitment to help communities combat the nationwide opioid epidemic.
Kroger currently stocks naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing drug, in its 2,300 pharmacies across 35 states and the District of Columbia with more than 1,900 of those locations dispensing naloxone without a prescription – making it easier for families, friends, caregivers and at-risk individuals to have the drug on hand if it is needed to save a life. The U.S. Surgeon General urges more Americans to carry the lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
We applaud the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Naloxone and Opioid Overdose, knowing the epidemic continues to devastate communities across our country. A person loses their life from an opioid overdose every 12.5 minutes," said Colleen Lindholz, Kroger's president of pharmacy and The Little Clinic. "We know that pharmacists are the most accessible health professionals to the public and play a vital role in providing access to the life-saving drug naloxone."
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 2.1 million people in the U.S. struggle with an opioid-use disorder and rates of opioid overdose deaths are rapidly increasing.
Kroger today also announced plans to host drug take-back events at store locations across the country on April 28, in partnership with Cardinal Health and coinciding with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Kroger is also partnering with EVERFI and Generation Rx to support drug prevention programs for high school students in certain markets.
"Every day in our stores and pharmacies, in large ways and small, Kroger is committed to being a part of the solution and helping people live healthier lives," added Ms. Lindholz.



Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Austin Bomber is Dead

Kevin Surbaugh

I don't usually write about subjects like this. In fact, most of the articles on this blog, more recently, has been nothing more than sharing of press releases, however, having lived in Austin, TX, this was a subject of great interest to me.
When I first heard of the bombings, I had questions about things the national coverage was not answering. Things like where in Austin. To find those answers I had to go to the local news outlets.  Media, that I still have bookmarked in my browser.

Those, according to an article after the third bombing in the Austin American-Statesman were:
March 2, 2018 (6:55 a.m.) - Anthony Stephan House, 39, died after a package exploded at his house on March 2. In the package explosion on March 2, Austin police responded to a home in the 1100 block of Haverford Drive around 6:55 a.m.
March 12, 2018 (6:45 a.m.) -  a teenager who was killed in a package explosion around 6:45 a.m. Monday in the 4800 block of Oldfort Hill Drive.
 March 12, 2018 (11:49 a.m.) - Medics were sent out to the 6700 block of Galindo Street, near Montopolis and East Riverside drives in Southeast Austin at 11:49 a.m., EMS said.
 When my wife and I were in Texas, we actually looked at homes in the Montopolis neighborhood.
March 19, 2018  (8:30 p.m.) - First responders called to the Travis Country neighborhood in southwest Austin where a bomb exploded near the street in the 4800 block of Dawn Song Drive, injuring two men in their 20s who were either riding or walking their bicycles. - KXAN TV
March 20, 2018 - Bomb explodes at FedEx facility in Schertz, Texas
March 20, 2018 - an unexploded bomb found at another southeast Austin FedEx location.

Then on March 21 as I was driving to my primary job, before 5 a.m., NPR reported that the bombing suspect was dead. At the time, details were sketchy.  We really didn't know if the suspect was him or her. Since then, we have learned, according to the Texas Tribune, that the suspect was at a Round Rock area hotel and was
Mark Anthony Conditt, Image via Facebook
Multiple reports have identified the man as 23-year-old Pflugerville resident Mark A. Conditt, though police hadn't confirmed that Wednesday afternoon.
According to the same article,
The suspect's death came after authorities had been tracking him for about 24 hours, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Police said they tracked him to a hotel in Round Rock north of Austin before sunrise. As they waited for more officers to arrive, he drove away. Police followed, and the man drove into a ditch, where he detonated his own bomb and an officer shot at him. 
All the media reports indicate that we still don't know what his motive was.


Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Youngevity International Completes Acquisition of Vaviente

Press Release

SAN DIEGO, CA  - 
Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI), a leading omni-direct lifestyle company, today announced the acquisition of ViaViente, distributors of The ViaViente Miracle, a highly-concentrated, energizing whole fruit puree blend that is rich in Anti-Oxidants and naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals.
ViaViente was introduced to the public in 2003 following years of research that included studies of mineral-rich waters whose source is found in the Andes Mountains and flow thru Vilcabamba, Ecuador, a region known for its high concentration of centenarians. In 2007 ViaViente became the first product in the market to receive the coveted Brunswick Labs ORAC Seal of Certification for its Anti-Oxidant content.
“ViaViente is a welcome addition to Youngevity’s family of products and embodies our philosophy that nutrition can change the way a person ages.” Stated Dave Briskie, President, and CFO of Youngevity International, Inc. “Over the last two quarters, as our international footprint has begun to take hold, we sought to acquire companies whose distribution would be accretive to the integration of this international expansion. Similar to our recent acquisition of Nature Direct in Australia, ViaViente certainly checked these and other boxes, since more than seventy-five percent of their recent distribution is to Japan We feel very fortunate to be able to incorporate ViaViente’s products into Youngevity at this time and believe this acquisition to be an important strategic piece of our overall plan of expanding Youngevity’s distribution internationally.”  
Viaviente issued the following statement:
“For over 20 years, our management team has known the Youngevity founders and executives, Dr. Joel, Steve and Michelle Wallach, and have seen Youngevity grow as a company over those years. We believe Youngevity has the talent base and operational know-how, combined with technology to lead our distributors to higher levels across more countries. The ViaViente management team looks forward to a very bright future as a result of becoming part of Youngevity International.”



Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity (YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Thank You Physicrats


We would like to thank our newest supporter. This supporter of our ministry is the New Physiocrats League. Who are the New Physiocrats? According to their website, they are:
The New Physiocratic League is a political-economic framework and certification body, with a mission to create a world where we regain and amplify our earned income, and democratize our physical space. Policies of the New Physiocrats amount to significantly more money in your pocket, soaring purchasing power, and a return to spaces of great architecture & beauty.
Some of their objectives include shifting taxes from earned incomes, a system of taxes on unearned incomes, such as land, environment, and what they call negative externalities. They would also like to return Capital Gain Taxes to the markets back to the markets through Assisted Savings Program (ASP) accounts.  To learn more, I highly recommend checking them out at the New Physiocrats League.




Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity (YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO), Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK.B); (BRK.A), Simon Property Group (SPG), WalMart (WMT), but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Friday, March 2, 2018

Tax Tip: Smart Strategy for Itemizing Deductions

PRweb

It’s been over a month since the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed, and throughout the country CPAs, taxpayers, and even the IRS are still sorting through the impacts of the 500+ page bill.
“The playing field has changed,” says CPA Gary Ensz of Ensz, Neimeyer & Associates. “The goalposts are no longer where they used to be.”
One tax strategy that will be popular with taxpayers who wish to itemize their deductions is called “bunching.” While it’s not new – Ensz has utilized bunching with his clients for years – it is expected to be an advantageous approach for those who wish to itemize within the restraints of the new tax bill.
Bunching – grouping and itemizing as many deductions as you can in one year, and then simply claiming the standard deduction the next year – is an approach Ensz says will benefit many taxpayers.
He notes that, for many clients, their charitable contributions make a big difference in their total itemized deductions. “The key,” he says, “is to be sure you’re getting the maximum value for each non-cash item you donate.”
To do so, Ensz has utilized a web-based software tool called Charity Deductions to help his staff and clients organize – and maximize – their charitable contributions.
In fact, after using the software for the first time in 2011, Ensz now actually pays the annual license fee for each of his clients. “It’s an absolute win-win,” he says. “Clients are happy they’re getting top value for their donations. And I’m happy because it’s an enormous time saver – which is a benefit that can’t be understated during tax season.”
“The new laws make it absolutely vital that taxpayers get fair market value for their charitable donations,” says David Anderson of Charity Deductions. “Our software allows them to accurately, legally maximize their itemized deductions.”
Tom Dembinski, a retired dentist in San Diego, has used the software since 2007. “It absolutely automates the process of giving,” he says. “Charity Deductions saves me an average of $750 each year, which is not bad for a $25 investment.”
The Charity Deductions software is extremely easy to use. Users simply enter the list of items they donated, and they receive an accurate fair market value for every single item. Their charity donations are combined with any other deductions they claim to yield the most optimized return possible.
In the past, the company sold over 50,000 licenses each year. With the new legislation in place, Anderson expect an increased demand from taxpayers searching for ways to maximize their itemized deductions.
ABOUT CHARITY DEDUCTIONS
CharityDeductions.com was established in 2003 as the first web-based valuation software for charitable donations. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and on ABC’s Good Morning America, it provides thousands of fair market values for charitable donations as well as tracking and organizing charitable money and mileage contributions. The San Luis Obispo, California-based company has made extensive use of customer feedback and a philosophy of ‘continuous improvement’ to develop a software application trusted by tens of thousands of taxpayers each year. Visit us at: http://www.charitydeductions.com




Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO) but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Westar Energy Announces 2017 Results.

Press Release


TOPEKA, Kan., - Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WR) recently announced earnings of $324 million, or $2.27 per share, for 2017 compared with earnings of $347 million, or $2.43 per share, for 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 earnings were $34 million, or $0.24 per share, compared with earnings of $54 million, or $0.38 per share, for the fourth quarter 2016.
Lower earnings per share for 2017, compared with the prior year, were the result of lower retail sales attributable to mild weather and having received no corporate-owned life insurance income. The lower revenue was partially offset by lower income tax expense.
Earnings per share for the fourth quarter 2017, compared with 2016, decreased primarily from writing off deferred income tax assets due to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Lower corporate-owned life insurance income, offset in part by reduced operating and maintenance costs, also contributed to lower earnings per share.

Dividend Declaration
The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share on the company's common stock payable April 2, 2018, to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2018. This results in an indicated annual dividend of $1.60 per share.
As part of the merger of equals with Great Plains Energy Incorporated, the combined company is expected, upon closing, to pay an initial dividend that would result in a 15% increase for Westar Energy shareholders.

Conference Call and Additional Company Information
Westar Energy management will host a conference call Thursday, Feb. 22 with the
investment community at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT). Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by dialing (844) 646-4526, conference ID 8299426. A webcast of the live conference call will be available at www.WestarEnergy.com. 






Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO) but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

America Saves Week is February 26 – March 3, 2018

FDIC Press Release


The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today is encouraging people to use America Saves Week as an opportunity to develop or review their progress toward, financial goals.
FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg said, "During America Saves Week, financial institutions and their community partners collaborate to help people of all ages develop and achieve savings goals. Small steps in building a savings habit can make a big difference over time."
The FDIC offers a number of resources to institutions interested in supporting savings and to individuals of all ages who are interested in learning more about saving. For instance, through the FDIC's Youth Banking Network, financial institutions are working with schools and nonprofit organizations to teach financial education and offer students an opportunity to open a savings account—for many students, their first account.
Many organizations work together during America Saves Week to encourage consumers to make a savings commitment and then take steps to make savings automatic, such as setting up a regular transfer into a savings account. Developing this type of savings habit can help consumers withstand unexpected expenses and income disruptions.






Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity(YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO) but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Dr Pepper Snapple and Keurig Green Mountain to Merge, Creating a Challenger in the Beverage Industry with a World-Class Portfolio of Iconic Brands and an Unrivaled Nationwide Distribution Capability

BusinessWire


PLANO, Tex. & BURLINGTON, Mass.----Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (“Dr Pepper Snapple”) (NYSE: DPS) and Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (“Keurig”) today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement to create Keurig Dr. Pepper (“KDP”), a new beverage company of scale with a portfolio of iconic consumer brands and unrivaled distribution capability to reach virtually every point-of-sale in North America. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Board of Directors, Dr. Pepper Snapple shareholders will receive $103.75 per share in a special cash dividend and retain 13% of the combined company.
KDP will have pro forma combined 2017 annual revenues of approximately $11 billion. This combination of two iconic beverage companies joins together beloved brands Dr. Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, A&W, Mott’s and Sunkist with leading coffee brand Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and the innovative Keurig single-serve coffee system, as well as more than 75 owned, licensed and partner brands in the Keurig system.
Larry Young, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Pepper Snapple, said, “This transaction will deliver significant and immediate value to our shareholders, along with the opportunity to participate in the long-term upside potential of our combined company and attract new brands and beverage categories to our platform in a fast-changing industry landscape. We are excited to combine with Keurig to build on the rich heritage and expertise of both companies and provide the highest-quality hot and cold beverages to satisfy every consumer throughout the day.”
Bob Gamgort, Chief Executive Officer of Keurig, said, “Our view of the industry through the lens of consumer needs, versus traditional manufacturer-defined segments, unlocks the opportunity to combine hot and cold beverages and create a platform to increase exposure to high-growth formats. The combination of Dr. Pepper Snapple and Keurig will create a new scale beverage company which addresses today’s consumer needs, with a powerful platform of consumer brands and an unparalleled distribution capability to reach virtually every consumer, everywhere. We are fortunate to have talented leadership teams within both companies, and I look forward to working together with the Dr. Pepper Snapple team to make this combination a success for all of our stakeholders.”
Bart Becht, Partner and Chairman of JAB Holding Company and Chairman of Keurig, said, “We are very excited about the prospect of KDP becoming a challenger in the beverage industry. Management’s proven operational and integration track record along with their commitment to innovation and potential future brand consolidation opportunities, while maintaining an investment grade rating, positions the company well for long-term success and material shareholder value creation.”
Dirk Van de Put, CEO of MondelÄ“z International, which will have a significant stake in KDP, said, “We have been very pleased with our coffee partnership with Keurig, and strongly support the strategic rationale for this transaction. We look forward to continuing to participate in the compelling value-creation and long-term growth opportunities inherent in this powerful beverage platform.”
Compelling Value for Shareholders
The company believes its complementary portfolio, access to high-growth segments of the beverage industry and shareholder value-focused management team will enable it to achieve sustained growth through continued innovation, brand consolidation opportunities and enhanced household penetration for its leading brands.

KDP targets realizing $600 million in synergies on an annualized basis by 2021. Dr. Pepper Snapple expects to pay its first-quarter ordinary course dividend of $0.58 per share. At the close of the transaction, the company expects to deliver an annual dividend of $0.60 per share.
The company will deliver strong cash flow generation and accelerate its deleveraging, with a target Net Debt/EBITDA of below 3.0x within two to three years after closing. KDP anticipates total net debt at closing to be approximately $16.6 billion and it anticipates maintaining an investment grade rating.
Keurig Performance Update
Since becoming a private company following its acquisition by a JAB-led investor group in March 2016, Keurig has renewed its marketing investment and improved its new brewer innovation pipeline, which has resulted in renewed top-line volume growth, increasing U.S. household penetration for Keurig brewers to 20%, from 17%, in the last two years. In the same period, Keurig has added key brand partners into the Keurig system with the help of strategic pod price reductions and value-added services. The combination of those two factors has allowed the company to improve its pod growth from the low-single digits to mid-single digits in the second half of calendar year 2017.

Keurig also delivered a 14.1% annual improvement in operating income and increased its operating margin by 710 basis points in the last two years behind significant productivity improvement programs. The company has also strengthened its balance sheet and significantly reduced its debt/EBITDA to 2.7x as of December 2017, from 5.5x as of March 2016, when the company was acquired.
Transaction Details
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Dr Pepper Snapple shareholders will receive a special cash dividend of $103.75 per share and will retain their shares in Dr Pepper Snapple. Upon closing of the transaction, Keurig shareholders will hold 87% and Dr Pepper Snapple shareholders will hold 13% of the combined company.

JAB Holding Company, a global investment firm with a proven track record of investing long-term capital in global consumer brands, and its partners, will together make an equity investment of $9 billion as part of the financing of the transaction. JAB will be investing equity capital from JAB Holding Company as well as through JAB Consumer Fund, an investment fund backed by a group of like-minded, long-term oriented investors. Both JAB Holding Company and JAB Consumer Fund are overseen by three senior partners: Peter Harf, Bart Becht and Olivier Goudet. Entities affiliated with BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based merchant bank that provides long-term private capital and advice to closely held companies, are also investing alongside JAB. Upon closing of the transaction, JAB will be the controlling shareholder. MondelÄ“z International, JAB’s partner in Keurig, will hold an approximately 13-14% stake in the combined company.
The balance of the transaction financing will be provided through financing debt commitments from JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2018, subject to the approval of Dr Pepper Snapple shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.
Management and Governance
Bob Gamgort, current chief executive officer of Keurig, will serve as chief executive officer of the combined company and Ozan Dokmecioglu, current chief financial officer of Keurig, will serve as its chief financial officer. Dr Pepper Snapple President and CEO Larry Young intends to transition to a role on KDP’s Board of Directors to help the new management team realize the full potential of the company. Bart Becht, of JAB, will serve as Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors and Bob Gamgort will become an Executive Member of the Board. Four additional directors will be appointed by JAB, two directors will be appointed by Dr Pepper Snapple, including Mr. Young, two directors will be appointed by MondelÄ“z International, and two independent directors will be appointed.

Keurig and Dr Pepper Snapple will continue to operate out of their current locations and Bob Gamgort, CEO of the combined company, will be based in Burlington, Mass. The combined company will draw on the leadership teams of both companies, who will continue running their respective businesses.
Conference Call/Investor Events
Dr Pepper Snapple will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today, January 29, 2018, to discuss this announcement. The dial-in numbers for the call are 1-877-871-3172 (U.S. Toll Free) or 1-412-902-6603 (International) and the access code for the call is 4135855. The call will also be webcast live and can be accessed through Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s investor website. The conference call will be available for replay. The dial-in number for the replay is 1-877-344-7529 (U.S. Toll Free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International). The access code for the replay is 10116644.

Dr Pepper Snapple and Keurig also intend to hold an Investor Day in mid-March to provide additional details on the combined company.




Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity (YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company. He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO) but has no positions in any other stocks that may have been mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Youngevity Acquires Gigi Hill Brand

GLOBE NEWSWIRE



SAN DIEGO, Calif.,  -- Youngevity® International, Inc., (NASDAQ: YGYI), a leading omni-direct lifestyle company, today announced the acquisition of the Gigi Hill Handbag and Accessory Brand.  The company has also entered into a long-term contract with Gabrielle "Gigi" DeSantis, Co-Founder of Gigi Hill, to lead the integration of Gigi Hill handbags and accessories.
Gigi Hill, based in Orange County California and started in 2007, was born out of the need for women to have more stylish, and functional handbags and luggage.  The line will be marketed within Youngevity’s fashion and jewelry verticals where the company believes many strong cross-marketing opportunities exist.  Gigi Hill’s new collection is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2018.
"We are extremely honored and excited to join the Youngevity team and its family of brands.  We feel Gigi Hill’s unique collection of travel and everyday accessories will thrive within Youngevity’s omni direct platform.  As part of Youngevity, our Stylists should greatly benefit from the robust earning opportunity and cross-selling benefits that exists within Youngevity,” said Co-Founder, Gabrielle “Gigi” DeSantis.
Steve Wallach, Youngevity Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are impressed with the loyal following of the Gigi Hill brand and we are excited to be forging a partnership with Ms. DeSantis.  We anticipate this partnership has the potential to create excitement and positively impact other verticals within Youngevity.”

About Youngevity International, Inc.                                    
Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI), is a leading omni-direct lifestyle company - offering a hybrid of the direct selling business model, that also offers e-commerce and the power of social selling.  Assembling a virtual Main Street of products and services under one corporate entity, Youngevity offers products from the six top-selling retail categories:  health/nutrition, home/family, food/beverage (including coffee), spa/beauty, apparel/jewelry, as well as innovative services.  The Company was formed in the course of the summer 2011 merger of Youngevity Essential Life Sciences with Javalution® Coffee Company (now part of the company's food and beverage division). The resulting company became Youngevity International, Inc. in July 2013.  For investor information, please visit YGYI.com.  
Safe Harbor Statement
 This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 on our current expectations and projections about future events. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "encouraged" and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding the many strong cross-marketing opportunities with the GIGI HILL Handbag and Accessory Brand, the availability of the Gigi Hill’s new collection in the second quarter of 2018, and Gigi Hill. Stylists benefiting from the robust earning opportunity and exciting cross-selling benefits that exist within Youngevity. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability to successfully implement cross-marketing opportunities with the GIGI HILL Handbag and Accessory Brand, the ability to launch the Gigi Hill’s new collection in the second quarter of 2018, and the ability of Gigi Hill. Stylists to benefiting from the earning opportunity and cross-selling benefits that exist within Youngevity and the other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and our subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release based on new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.






Disclaimer: Kevin Surbaugh is an independent sales representative of Youngevity (YGYI) and is a shareholder in the publicly traded company.

He also has positions in Coca-Cola (KO) but has no positions in any other stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.

--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Monday, January 15, 2018

The Debt Hole

Kevin Surbaugh

When you are in debt, especially when you owe more than what you earn, it can seem like you will never get yourself out.  Debt is a trap that can sneak up on you. You don't think it will be a problem and then like a hunters trap, it has you.  You are caught with nowhere to go. Jow are you going to get out.  You owe, a car company or two, then there is a major credit card not to mention two or three store cards.  The debt keeps piling up and you are sinking lower and lower. How will you ever get out?
It is easy to think borrowing more can help.Those in the situation may turn to payday or other risky lenders to pay bills. The problem is that using such loans, only create more debt. Thus digging the hole deeper.Even the savviest of us can get caught up in this cycle.  Even those that may have been through Dave Ramsey's no debt classes.  It takes discipline and courage, to say no to debt.  Even when we are faced with certain needs and dare I say it, even desires. Especially desires to try to make your spouse happy. 
So what can one do?  Bite the bullet, spend less than you earn and pay down those debts.  No matter how hard it may be, in the long run, you will be happier.






--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Mortgage Rates Drop

Marketwired

MCLEAN, VA-- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing average mortgage rates dropping to start the year.
News Facts
  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.95 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending January 4, 2018, down from last week when it averaged 3.99 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.20 percent. 
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 3.38 percent with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.44 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.44 percent. 
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.45 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.47 percent. A year ago at this time, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.33 percent.
Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following link for the Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.



 Kevin Surbaugh no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 96 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Business Round-Up

Press Release


NexPoint Capital, Inc. Announces Tender Offer for Common Stock

DALLAS, TX  (PRNewswire) -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company and affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P., today announced the expiration and final results for its tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares") at a price equal to 90% of the offering price per Share in effect on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) (the date of repurchase) and any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer. The Fund's Tender Offer expired on December 29, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. New York City time. 10,820 shares of the Company were tendered for repurchase in the Tender Offer.
Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. The Company's current offering price for its Shares, as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at http://nexpointcapital.com. The information on or accessible through http://nexpointcapital.com is not incorporated by reference herein.

Essence Ventures Announces Acquisition of Essence Communications from Time Inc.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Essence Ventures LLC, an independent African-American owned company focused on merging content, community, and commerce, today announced its acquisition of multi-platform media company Essence Communications Inc. from Time Inc. ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks will continue at the helm of the company and will also join its board of directors. In addition, the all-Black female executive team of ESSENCE, including Ebanks, will have an equity stake in the business.

“This acquisition of ESSENCE represents the beginning of an exciting transformation of our iconic brand as it evolves to serve the needs and interests of multigenerational Black women around the world in an even more elevated and comprehensive way across print, digital, e-commerce and experiential platforms,” said Ebanks. “In addition, it represents a critical recognition, centering and elevation of the Black women running the business from solely a leadership position to a co-ownership position.”
Through the Essence Ventures’ investment and resulting incremental growth opportunities, ESSENCE will focus on expanding its digital businesses via distribution partnerships, compelling original content and targeted client-first strategies. In addition, the brand will expand its international growth by planting its rich content ecosystem, including the flagship magazine, digital properties, and successful live event franchises, in more global markets with women who have shared interests and aspirations.
“The strategic vision and leadership that Michelle has provided to ESSENCE over the years have been exemplary, and we are thrilled to work with her and her talented team to provide the necessary resources and support to continue to grow the engagement and influence of the ESSENCE brand and transform this business,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder and chairperson of Essence Ventures. “As importantly, we are excited to be able to return this culturally relevant and historically significant platform to ownership by the people and the consumers whom it serves and offers new opportunities for the women leading the business to also be partners in the business.”


PetSmart® Wraps up Historic Buy a Bag, Give a Meal™ Pet Food Donation Program After Generating More Than 63 Million Meals, About 340 Semi Truckloads of Pets in Need

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PetSmart announced today that it has wrapped up its Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program where the retailer donated a meal to a pet in need for every bag of dog or cat food purchased between March 1 – Dec. 31, 2017. The program beat its goal of 60 million meals* with more than 63 million meals generated. The Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program is the largest philanthropic initiative in PetSmart’s 30-year history and is among the largest pet food donation efforts the industry has seen.

PetSmart announced today that it has wrapped up its
Buy a Bag, Give a Meal™ program where the retailer
donated a meal to a pet in need
for every bag of dog or cat food purchased
 between March 1 – Dec. 31, 2017.
The program, expected to donate 60 million meals,
has surpassed its goal by generating more
 than 63 million meals. In collaboration with the
 nonprofit partner, PetSmart Charities,
who is teaming up with nonprofits
GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Bank and Feeding America®,
 the donated pet food has been, and will continue to be,
 distributed to thousands of destinations to help feed hungry
 pets in need across the U.S. and Canada.
Pet food is a rare offering at food banks and pantriesand this program
provides petfood so families in need can provide ffood forevery member of the family,
including their dogs and cats. This PetSmart program
is the largest philanthropic initiative in PetSmart’s
30-year history and is among the largest petfood donation efforts the industry has seen.
(Photo: Business Wire)
“We are so pleased that, together with our shoppers who bought dog and cat food bags at our stores and PetSmart.com, we’ve not only met, but exceeded our goal of donating 60 million meals,” said Joshua Kanter, PetSmart’s executive vice president of marketing and customer experience. “To date, we’ve distributed about 35 million meals to help feed hungry pets in need, and we expect to deliver the remaining 29 million to pet shelters and rescues, as well human food banks, pantries and meal programs across the U.S. and Canada in the first half of 2018.”
The delivery of such a large-scale volume of donated food presented significant logistical challenges for PetSmart. In collaboration with nonprofit partner, PetSmart Charities, who is teaming up with nonprofits GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Bank and Feeding America®, the donated pet food has been and will continue to be, efficiently distributed to thousands of destinations to help feed hungry pets in need across the U.S. and Canada.







Kevin Surbaugh no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.
--- go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.