Above: Pluto Could Be Made A Planet Again, Along With 102 Other Celestial Bodies.
This proposed new definition of “planets” would bring back Pluto, but would also reclassify over a hundred other celestial bodies, including our moon.
Macy’s Versus L Brands – Is Macy’s A Buy With An 8.2% Dividend?
*Macy’s is still profitable and has an 8.2% dividend.
*Macy’s has lost over 50% of its value over the last 12 months.
*L Brands is very profitable and has a 5.1% dividend.
*L Brands has lost approximately 28% of its value over the last 12 months.
The last 12 months have been extremely painful for fashion retailers with many fashion stocks losing over 50% of their value. Fashion retailers like L Brands (LB) and Macy’s (M) have seen their share prices hit lows not seen in years, with Macy’s losing over 50% of its value in the last 12 months and L Brands (parent company of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works) also losing at one point this year approximately half of its value (even though L Brands shares have now recovered somewhat since they hit their 52 week low of around $35 per share earlier this summer).
One of the problems that many investors have had with investing in Macy’s during the past few months is that just when they thought Macy’s shares could not go any lower, the shares would take another hit and decline even further in value whenever similar mall retailers released negative news about their specific companies (think J.C. Penney (JCP) or Nordstrom (JWN) to name just two examples). In fact, Macy’s share have taken such a beating that its dividend yield is now at an astonishing 8.2% even though the company is still profitable (unlike other mall retailers such as J. C. Penney that are bleeding money with huge quarterly losses).
L Brands is a similar story, but as many experienced investors have learned over the years, not all retailers are created equal. L Brands (which also owns Bath & Body Works along with other smaller retailers such as La Senza and Henri Bendel) is the #1 lingerie company in the world, and its products are well protected against the Amazon effect (meaning that a large percentage of women will generally not accept a lower quality lingerie brand even if it is selling at lower prices compared to lingerie being sold by Victoria’s Secret).
Thus, for many women fit and comfort along with quality will be more important than being able to purchase lower quality lingerie items at lower prices. In addition, if a woman wants to purchase Victoria’s Secret lingerie, she will generally only be able to find Victoria’s Secret products at a local Victoria’s Secret store or by visiting the company’s website simply because Victoria’s Secret products are generally not available at other retail stores (this helps to protect the value of the Victoria’s Secret brand by giving L Brands and Victoria’s Secret better control over the pricing of their lingerie and beauty products).
The problem with Macy’s is that it lacks that exclusivity of products that Victoria’s Secret enjoys. While it is true that some products can be unique to Macy’s, the vast majority of their products are probably available at other mall retailers such as Nordstrom, J.C. Penney, Dillard’s (DDS), or Sears (SHLD). However, unlike many other mall retailers, Macy’s has managed to stay profitable even as mall traffic continues to decline in many malls throughout the United States. In addition, Macy’s owns extremely valuable real estate which basically means that Macy’s investors would be getting the Macy’s fashion business for pennies on the dollar if we were to include Macy’s real estate holdings which are extremely valuable.
Many investors are legitimately concerned and worried that Macy’s could decide at some point in the future to either cut or reduce the dividend significantly. However, what many investors fail to realize is that if Macy’s were to cut the dividend, the extra cash that would become available to the company could be used to reduce Macy’s debt significantly (which is a little over $6 billion dollars).
This reduction in Macy’s debt would make their balance sheet stronger (making the company stronger) which in turn could help the share price in the future. Thus, a better way of looking at Macy’s as an investment is to realize that at current market prices an investor could purchase for half the price a very profitable company with significant real estate assets and a very valuable brand (it would be very hard to find someone that has been living in the United States for several years who is not familiar with the Macy’s brand). In addition, Macy’s continues to invest in its e-commerce website which as of November 2017 was ranked as the 164th most visited website in the United States (source: Alexa.com).
In terms of brand power, L Brands is hard to beat. This is because Victoria’s Secret is known around the world (they have over 57 million Instagram followers and over 28 million likes on Facebook compared to Macy’s which has a little over 1 million followers on Instagram and over 14 million Facebook likes). In addition, Victoria’s Secret has the Victoria’s Secret Angels which are constantly promoting the Victoria’s Secret brand on social media to their tens of millions of followers around the world.
The interesting thing about L Brands is that it doesn’t really have a problem with its business model compared to other fashion retailers (besides being in an industry that is not very much liked by investors these days). Many investors will tell you that Aerie and Amazon are formidable competitors, but the truth is that L Brands is a global brand which is expanding and opening new stores around the world. A large number of fashion retailers have been filing for bankruptcy over the past 2 years, and making things worse for L Brands was its decision to stop selling swimwear and apparel, which only added to its problems by reducing store sales compared to the previous year. Add the fact that it decided to discontinue its famous lingerie catalog (which in our opinion created huge brand awareness), and you can clearly see why many investors decided to sell the shares of L Brands first and ask questions later.
In our opinion, L Brands is the better company between these two very prestigious fashion retailers, and is the company that we would select between the two if we had to purchase the shares with a very long term view (10 to 20 years). However, the shares of L Brands have already increased significantly since they hit their 52 week low of $35 per share during the summer, and thus present some downside risk at current prices. Thus, we would consider adding to our Macy’s position at current prices (less than $19 dollars per share), while also patiently waiting to add to our L Brands position if the share price dips once again below $40 per share as it did during the summer.
Experienced investors that can handle the downside risk in L Brands shares could also sell L Brands cash secured puts that expire in 2018 in order to acquire L Brands shares below $40 per share even if the share price stays above $40 per share over the next few months.
ZARZAR MODELS is one of the top modeling agencies for women in the United States representing models in print fashion editorials, high fashion runway, film, television commercials, and promotions. The agency represents top models in all of the major fashion cities and recruits and represents models throughout the world through its global fashion and modeling network.
Why Invest In Qualcomm Stock?
Join futurist Jason Silva as he outlines just how much a seamless, secure, and connected Internet of Everything changes the way we use technology. See what can happen when connectivity transcends our devices and amplifies our lives. With the Internet of Everything, Qualcomm technologies becomes an extension of us. This is just one more way Qualcomm is bringing the future forward faster than anyone could have ever imagined. Continue reading
Warner Bros/DC’s Aquaman joined the billion-dollar club worldwide this session, now counting $732.4M at the international box office and $1.02B global. The milestone makes the James Wan-directed origins story the 5th movie released in 2018 to get across $1B, behind Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Incredibles 2. It is also WB’s 2nd highest-grossing movie ever overseas and the 5th title in WB history to reach $1B.
The Jason Momoa-starrer has been riding a huge wave offshore since it first traveled to China in early December and now joins The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises as the only DC pics to the billion-dollar threshold. This weekend it passed The Dark Knight globally; TDKR made $1.08B during its run. Japan, although it is not a huge DC hub, is still to release on February 8.
Wan is now breathing some rarefied air, having two movies gross over a billion. The other is Universal’s Furious 7 from 2015.
He said today, “Firstly, Massive love and thank you to the fans and audiences around the world. Humbled by the way you’ve embraced Aquaman and how it has resonated on a global scale. I’ll forever be indebted to Jason for turning Aquaman into one of the coolest, cinematic superheroes ever, and becoming the gold standard for this character for generations to come. Huge thank you to the amazing cast — Amber, Patrick, Nicole, Yahya, Willem, Temuera, Dolph, Ludi — for breathing life into our beloved characters. And, of course, this movie wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible achievement of everyone involved, from the heads of department to every single crew member, who demanded utmost excellence in helping design and create this cinematic experience.”
WB’s Worldwide Distribution President, Ron Sanders, added, “We’re thrilled audiences around the world have embraced Aquaman in such a big, big way. Jason, the filmmakers and the team at DC have delivered a film that people love, and we are so appreciative of their support.” The film helped WB hit double milestones in 2018, scoring a studio record $5.57B worldwide and $3.62B international. Even rivals have marveled at the success of the underwater adventure which has breathed new life into the DC brand. While it got knocked out of the No. 1 position last weekend (its 5th in overseas release), Aquaman previously held the title for four in a row.
The studio movie that’s coming in again above Aqua is Paramount’s Bumblebee which tuned up another $35.6M in 64 markets to cume $256.3M internationally. Still buzzing along nicely in China, the Transformers spinoff crossed $100M there during the frame and now counts $10M from IMAX in just that market.
IMAX also set a new milestone with Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody. In Japan, it has become the format’s biggest grosser ever there, topping Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with $8.5M. The full Japanese gross is $81.5M.
Elsewhere, Sony’s Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse has crossed $300M global while Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns is nearing the the three-century mark. WB’s A Star Is Born also hit a new high with $200M internationally and $403.5M worldwide.
Next weekend, Disney rolls out M Night Shyamalan’s Glass internationally. Universal has domestic in what is a wide day-and-date release.
Breakdowns on the films above and more have been updated below. (International Box Office is slightly abridged today.)
HOLDOVERS/EXPANSIONS
BUMBLEBEE
Paramount’s Transformers reboot was tops again this weekend, fueled by a strong performance in China where it has now grossed $105.7M and was the lead movie in that market — down just 58% — despite some new local entries. With $35.6M in 64 markets this weekend, the offshore cume is now $256.3M.
Major market totals elsewhere now include the UK ($13.5M), Mexico ($11M), France ($8.5M) and Germany ($7.3M). Japan releases on March 22.
AQUAMAN
Sailing past the $1B mark worldwide, WB/DC’s Aquaman took in $27.9M this weekend on 13,154 screens in 79 overseas markets. The running offshore cume is now $732.4M, which makes the Jason Momoa-starrer now the 2nd biggest WB film ever abroad. At $1.02B global, it is James Wan’s 2nd directorial effort to join the club (after Universal’s Furious 7) and is the 2nd biggest DC movie, currently behind The Dark Knight Rises. Warner now counts five films in its history that have topped $1B: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2, TDKR, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Aquaman and The Dark Knight.
The lead market is of course China where the film is still enjoying its extended run and has grossed $287.3M to date. The top market this weekend was Australia where Aqua jumped back up to No. 1 in a holiday corridor with a $23.5M cume. Italy also held well in its sophomore session, cuming $10.2M after two weekends.
The Top 10 hubs, and with Japan still to come on February 8, are China ($287.3M), Korea ($38.2M), Brazil ($32M), Mexico ($28.6M), the UK ($25.8M), France ($24.1M), Australia ($23.5M), Germany ($20.4M), Russia ($18.9M), Indonesia ($17.5M).
DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY
Fox International’s Dragon Ball Super: Broly got an expanded release this weekend, heading outside of Japan to 17 more markets for a terrific $20.3M. That takes the international cume to $54.3M. The 20th movie in the Dragon Ball series, it focuses on Goku and Vegeta as they encounter Broly, a Saiyan warrior unlike any fighter they’ve faced before.
There were No. 1s in 12 markets with Mexico leading at $6.5M to come in 41% ahead of Ralph Breaks The Internet. Peru ($2.4M) and Argentina ($1.56M) gave Fox its biggest opening weekend ever, followed by Chile ($1.7M) with the industry’s 3rd biggest animation opening of all time. In Colombia it’s Fox’s 4th biggest opening weekend ever at $1.5M and in Ecuador, the Toei anime fantasy is Fox’s top launch ever, and the 3rd best superhero bow, behind Avengers: Infinity War and Thor: Ragnarok.
The film opens in in Australia, Holland, and New Zealand on Jan 24.
Above: Wonder Woman Versus Wolverine Movie.
About Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is a founding member of the Justice League, demigoddess, and warrior princess of the Amazons, which are based on the Amazons of Greek mythology. In her homeland, she is Princess Diana of Themyscira, and outside of her homeland, she is known by her secret identity Diana Prince.
Wonder Woman was created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston with his wife and co-creator Elizabeth Holloway Marston, and first drawn by H. G. Peter. Wonder Woman first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in December 1941 and first appeared on a comic book cover on Sensation Comics #1 in January 1942.
The Amazonian training that Wonder Woman received helped her to develop a wide range of extraordinary skills in strategy, hunting, and fighting. Wonder Woman possesses an arsenal of advanced technology, including the Lasso of Truth, a pair of indestructible bracelets, a tiara which serves as a projectile, and in older stories, a range of devices based on Amazon technology. Although Diana is 5,000 years old, her first exposure to non-Amazon society as Wonder Woman only happened within the last 100 years. While the Amazons were originally created to protect “man’s world,” they ultimately abandoned it for different reasons.
Above: Wonder Woman Versus Wolverine Movie Alternate Ending.
Wonder Woman Versus Wolverine | Which Superhero Would Win In Battle?
Wolverine (born James Howlett and commonly known as Logan and sometimes as Weapon X) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, mostly associated with the X-Men. Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and six retractable bone claws in his hands. He has been depicted as a member of the X-Men, Alpha Flight, and the Avengers.
Wolverine is a mutant with a number of both natural and artificial improvements to his physiology. Wolverine’s primary mutant power is an accelerated healing process (typically referred to as his mutant healing factor) that regenerates damaged or destroyed tissues of his body far beyond the capabilities of an ordinary human. This is why most people can not agree on which superhero would win in battle: Wonder Woman or Wolverine. Although Wolverine’s body heals, the healing factor does not suppress the pain he endures while injured. Wolverine, on occasion, has also deliberately injured himself or allowed himself to be injured for various reasons, including to free himself from capture, intimidation, or for strategic purposes during battle.
Above: Star Wars | Why Yoda Chose Dagobah For Exile.
The Non-Canon Expert is back to explain why Yoda chose Dagobah as the planet in which to reside during his exile after the rise of the Empire and how this decision was heavily influenced by events that took place prior to Order 66.
About Yoda
Yoda or Master Yoda is a fictional character in the Star Wars space opera franchise created by George Lucas, first appearing in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back. In the original films, Yoda trains Luke Skywalker to fight against the Galactic Empire. In the prequel films, Yoda serves as the Grand Master of the Jedi Order and as a high-ranking general of Clone Troopers in the Clone Wars. Following his death in Return of the Jedi at an unknown age that surpassed 900 years, Yoda was the oldest living character in the Star Wars franchise until the introduction of Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
About Dagobah
Dagobah is a solar system in the Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi created by George Lucas. Dagobah also appears in a deleted scene from the Star Wars movie Revenge of the Sith. Yoda went into exile on Dagobah after a lightsaber battle with Darth Sidious, later known as the Emperor.
Above: Santa Baby: Victoria’s Secret Models Holiday 2016 | Merry Christmas And Happy New Year From ZARZAR MODELS.
Nobody does the holidays quite like the Victoria’s Secret Angels. Watch the beautiful Victoria’s Secret models heat up the holiday season to this classic “Santa Baby” Christmas song.
Above: The Making Of The 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: Meet The Newest Victoria’s Secret Models (Paris Edition).
The Victoria’s Secret models have landed in Paris, and everyone is buzzing with excitement. Watch as the Victoria’s Secret models get ready in the final days leading up to the famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show featuring famous singers Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars.
Above: Behind The Scenes: GUESS Accessories Fall 2016 Christmas Fashion Campaign.
ZARZAR MODELS is one of the top modeling agencies for women in the United States representing models in print fashion editorials, high fashion runway, film, television commercials, and promotions. The agency represents top models in all of the major fashion cities and counties including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Orange County Southern California, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, New York, London, Paris, Milan, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo and recruits and represents models throughout the world through its global fashion and modeling network.