Sales & Marketing news

• Amazon's got its eyes set on yet another market — and one high-flying upstart should be worried (AMZN, ROKU)

  05-11-2018 23:01 via feedproxy.google.com
  In the broader streaming-video market, Amazon is emerging as the chief rival to Roku.
  The two companies have emerged as the leading makers of digital video players, and the leading third-party providers of smart-TV software platforms.
  Advertising has emerged as an important business for both companies, and Amazon is reportedly developing its an ad-supported video service that could rival the Roku Channel.
  The threat from Amazon could crimp Roku's growth prospects, Morgan Stanley said in a new re
  
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• Tesla's new in-house clinic may have helped the company avoid reporting some injuries: Report (TSLA)

  05-11-2018 22:40 via feedproxy.google.com
  Tesla is intentionally not reporting some workplace injuries, and transporting hurt employees in personal cars instead of ambulances, a report from Reveal said Monday. 
  A physicians assistant told the publication that she was fired after raising safety concerns.
  In an interview, the owner of Tesla's new medical vendor said that the changes were part of getting "more accurate diagnoses" and a focus on easing worker's loads, rather than prescribing days off. 
  Tesla declined to comment.&n
  
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• Utah-based Qualtrics plans to raise as much as $495 million in an IPO that could instantly double its $2.5 billion private valuation (XM)

  05-11-2018 22:19 via feedproxy.google.com
  Qualtrics International, a Utah-based software startup, filed to go public in October, and it has now proposed prices for its IPO.
  Qualtrics plans to raise as much as $495 million by offering 23.6 million shares in total, at the price range of $18 to $21.
  At the midpoint of that price range, Qualtrics would be valued at about $4.8 billion — almost double its last private market valuation of $2.5 billion.
  Qualtrics plans to list on NASDAQ under the symbol "XM" because it is known for its fl
  
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• Stocks finish mixed as Apple demand fears drag down tech

  05-11-2018 22:08 via feedproxy.google.com
  Stocks were mixed Monday as technology companies fell.
  Apple reportedly cancelled a production boost for the iPhone XR. 
  Follow US stocks in real time here.Stocks were mixed Monday as technology companies slumped on the eve of elections that could shift control of Congress.
  The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.76%, and the S&P 500 was up 0.56%. The Nasdaq shed 0.38% as Apple weighed on the index, dipping to its lowest level in three weeks, after the Nikkei reported the company cancel
  
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• The most important idea holding China's economy together is being tested like never before

  05-11-2018 21:52 via feedproxy.google.com
  China's leaders have spent years convincing the world that they're ready to handle a slower growing, more volatile economy.
  But President Donald Trump's trade war against the country is adding an unexpected, so-far uncontrollable level of difficulty for policymakers and uncertainty to the global financial community.
  That may set China's economy up for the worst kind of crisis it could ever face — a crisis of faith.With every day that passes, it seems more likely the US and China will not b
  
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• 6 things you should do to prepare for the next recession

  05-11-2018 20:36 via feedproxy.google.com
  Market fluctuations are a fact of life.
  The next recession is coming eventually, but you can get through it just fine if you don't panic, according to Joseph Sweis, a certified financial planner.
  Don't change your investment strategy — your long-term savings will regain their value over time.
  Before a recession is a good time to pay down your debt so you'll be in a better position if credit gets tight.As analysts fret that an economic downturn is on the horizon, you might feel a bit panick
  
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• Tesla had 'some unexpected help' when it delivered a surprise Q3 profit, UBS says (TSLA)

  05-11-2018 19:43 via feedproxy.google.com
  Tesla reported a surprise third-quarter profit two weeks ago, sending shares up as much as 20%.
  But new details show that the company's record profit was boosted by credit sales, which the company earned by producing clean energy products, UBS says.
  The electric-car manufacturer disclosed on Friday that its credits sales were $189.5 million in total.
  Watch Tesla trade in real time here.
  Tesla surged two weeks ago when it posted a surprise third-quarter profit, with shares up as mu
  
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• A $550 billion money manager is testing a new strategy as it fights back against cheap ETFs — and it could be the future of asset management

  05-11-2018 19:02 via feedproxy.google.com
  AB's chief executive officer said new funds that offer cheaper fees if they don't beat the market could entice individual investors to try actively-managed strategies again.
  The active space has seen billions of outflows, as investors favor cheap ETFs.AB, a $550 billion manager, is betting it can win back individual investors who have abandoned active products, such as mutual funds, in favor of lower-fee passive funds.
  The New York-based manager's solution is a hybrid model of the strategies, on
  
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• A zombie argument has come back to undermine Tesla's most recent profitable quarter (TSLA)

  05-11-2018 17:37 via feedproxy.google.com
  Tesla sold a large number of ZEV and non-ZEV credits in its profitable third quarter.
  Tesla earns these credits because it sells only all-electric vehicles.
  Tesla has sold credits every year to automakers who fail to meet regulatory stipulations.
  Tesla blew away expectations within the third quarter, posting a significant profit on revenue of nearly $7 billion.
  Of course, because Tesla reports officially to the Securities and Exchange Commission after it dispatches its usual earnings letter to i
  
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• Apple slides below $200 for the first time in 3 months (AAPL)

  05-11-2018 17:07 via feedproxy.google.com
  Apple shares slide below $200 for the first time in three months.
  The tech giant's market capitalization dropped below $1 trillion on Friday.
  The company reported last week disappointing iPhone sales and gave soft guidance for its crucial holiday quarter.
  Watch Apple trade in real time here.Apple shares slide below $200 Monday — trading at their lowest level in over three months — just one session after the tech giant's market capitalization fell back below $
  
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• Amazon's new line of stores is its latest huge bet in defiance of the retail apocalypse (AMZN)

  05-11-2018 17:00 via feedproxy.google.com
  Amazon opened its first Amazon 4-star store to the public on September 27, in New York City. 
  Since then, it has opened 4-star stores in Berkeley, California, and Lone Tree, Colorado. 
  It's just one of several physical retail initiatives the e-commerce giant has undertaken recently.Amazon has become synonymous with online shopping.
  The e-commerce giant is now estimated to take about half of all online sales in the United States.
  But Amazon cannot live online alone. The compan
  
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• GOLDMAN SACHS: Corporate profits are getting squeezed from all sides — here's where you should invest to avoid the slowdown

  05-11-2018 16:27 via feedproxy.google.com
  It's been a difficult earnings season for companies as they haven't been rewarded for beating near-term expectations. Investors are instead focused on future profits, which are expected to come under serious pressure.
  Goldman Sachs highlights the three forces clouding the outlook for future earnings, and recommends trades to help investors avoid the coming slowdown.After a streak of strong quarterly earnings, the air is starting to come out of corporate profits.
  It was inevitable, but that doesn
  
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• 2 of the US's biggest casinos are reportedly exploring a deal (CZR, MGM)

  05-11-2018 16:14 via feedproxy.google.com
  MGM is considering a merger with Caesars Entertainment, a report says.
  Caesars CEO Mark Frissora announced last week that he will step down on February 8.
  The CEO change should have no impact on ongoing mergers, said Barry Jonas, an analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey.
  Watch MGM and Caesars Entertainment trade in real time here.Caesars Entertainment was gaining around Monday, up as much as 3%, after a report said MGM could make a play for the struggling casino chain.
  MGM has hired in
  
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• Citigroup just named its next chairman, as CEO Mike Corbat faces pressure to improve returns (C)

  05-11-2018 15:09 via feedproxy.google.com
  Citigroup's board has chosen John Dugan, the former head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, to be its next chairman, according to a company statement.
  Dugan is set to replace Mike O'Neill on January 1.
  The choice of Dugan rather than Citi CEO Mike Corbat, also thought to be in the running for the role, preserves a split between the chairman and CEO positions that is relatively rare across Wall Street.Citigroup has made what some analysts have called "the biggest corporate governan
  
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• To Seem and To Be Seen

  05-11-2018 15:00 via warc.com
  Waste is something to be avoided, according to many marketers and their favoured digital targeting platforms, while others understand its subtle power. Faris Yakob explores the uses of being seen.
  
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• Mothercare pulls on heartstrings with first major ad campaign in a decade

  05-11-2018 14:42
  Mothercare is putting parents “at the heart” of its new campaign, marking the first major piece of advertising the retailer has done in more than 10 years.
  ‘First Steps’ rolls out today (5 November) less than three months since Mcgarrybowen was brought on to handle the struggling retailer’s advertising. It has been designed to re-establish Mothercare as “the leading global specialist for parents” and “start a new conversation” around what th
  
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• Data sharing, deflation, six-second ads: 5 killer stats to start your week

  05-11-2018 11:30
  1. British brands lag behind when it comes to AI
  British brands lag behind their European counterparts with it comes to AI implementation despite the majority, 91%, of UK businesses saying it’s important to for success.
  Just 31% are happy with the amount of AI they’re using as part of their customer experience strategies, compared to 42% in Germany, and 35% in Switzerland and France.
  Despite the fact 92% of British brands plan to implement AI by the end of 2020, the research reveals
  
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• Sainsbury’s, UK adpsend, Mulberry: Everything that matters this morning

  05-11-2018 08:45
  Sainsbury’s cites proposed Asda merger for 13% drop in profits
  Sainsbury’s is blaming its proposed merger with Asda, the integration with Argos and restructuring its store management teams for a 13% drop in profit after tax to £144m during the 28 weeks to 22 September.
  Underlying profit, however, grew by £51m driven by synergies with the Argos business.
  Overall group sales rose by 3.5% to £16,884m, with retail sales excluding fuel up 1.2%. The hot summer caused gro
  
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• Sainsbury’s, UK ad spend, Mulberry: Everything that matters this morning

  05-11-2018 08:45
  Sainsbury’s cites proposed Asda merger for 13% drop in profits
  Sainsbury’s is blaming its proposed merger with Asda, the integration with Argos and restructuring its store management teams for a 13% drop in profit after tax to £144m during the 28 weeks to 22 September.
  Underlying profit, however, grew by £51m driven by synergies with the Argos business.
  Overall group sales rose by 3.5% to £16,884m, with retail sales excluding fuel up 1.2%. The hot summer caused gro
  
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• Morrisons, Verizon, Pinterest: Everything that matters this morning

  05-11-2018 08:45
  Morrisons has strong growth period but retail slows
  Morrisons’s is now in its third consecutive year of growth, with like-for-like (LFL) sales excluding fuel up 5.6% for the 13 weeks to 4 November, comprising contributions from retail of 1.3% and wholesale of 4.3%.
  Retail LFL sales growth eased slightly quarter on quarter without the impact of the good weather and World Cup which benefitted Q2. Total sales were up 6% excluding fuel (6.4% including fuel).
  “After another period of str
  
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• M&S, Uber, online pricing: Everything that matters this morning

  05-11-2018 08:45
  Marks & Spencer’s sales expected to fall
  Marks & Spencer’s is expected to report another quarter of falling food and clothing sales this week, but insists its strategy is still on track.
  Analysts expect the high street chain to post a 2% decline in like-for-like food sales and a 1.2% drop in its clothing and home division. Pre-tax profits are expected to be down by around 7% to £203m, midway between its forecast range.
  The falling sales reflect the impact of a five-yea
  
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• M&S, Facebook, Primark: Everything that matters this morning

  05-11-2018 08:45
  M&S sees 2% rise in profit as it accelerates transformation
  M&S is accelerating the pace of its transformation programme, with all areas of the business, including marketing “undergoing scrutiny and change”.
  It comes as the retailer posts a 2% rise in profit before tax and adjusting items of £223.5m for the 26 weeks to 29 September, despite group revenue being down 3.1% to £4.97bn.
  Over the past six months the business has implemented a new management structure a
  
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• Coca-Cola, Iceland, Disney: Everything that matters this morning

  05-11-2018 08:45
  Coca-Cola to tap into energy drink market
  Coca-Cola has revealed plans to launch a line of energy drinks under its name in a bid to expand its portfolio beyond sugary drinks.
  According to Reuters, Coke has not yet unveiled a time line for the predicted launch but the products will be named ‘Coca-Cola Energy’ and ‘Coca-Cola Energy No-Sugar’ which will likely be sweetened by guarana extract.
  Monster Beverages’ shares fell 10% following the news. Monster has also sugg
  
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• Sign up to our video webinar on how to reach shoppers at key moments

  05-11-2018 08:01
  Many brands are entering their busiest sales periods of the year, as consumers gear up for the festive period and the associated shopping sprees.
  As part of the Future Marketing Organisation content series in partnership with MiQ, Marketing Week presents a panel debate between top marketers and business leaders on the role of emerging technologies in helping brands to reach shoppers at key moments. With Black Friday around the corner, the panel will discuss:How new techn
  
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• Thomas Barta: To fix marketing’s perception problem, we must overcome three issues

  05-11-2018 08:00
  A couple of days ago, I had dinner with a friend who complained: “Our profession’s reputation is in tatters. When I started out 12 years ago, people respected me for my job in this highly regarded industry. What we did was important. And today? Nobody trusts a banker anymore.”
  I found some nice words for him. But deep in my mind I thought: be glad you aren’t a marketer.
  Depending upon which study you pick, between 50% and 80% of CEOs don’t trust marketing (some of
  
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• US online holiday sales forecast to rise to $124bn

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  Online sales during this year’s holiday season in the US are forecast to grow 14.8% to reach a record $124.1bn, far outpacing the more modest growth of 2.7% expected at brick-and-mortar stores, according to a new retail study.Tech firm Adobe...
  
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• Pre-school game apps target children with ads

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  Consumer and public safety groups have sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, calling on the agency to investigate the pre-school app market, after a new study revealed that 95% of such apps include at least one form of advertising.First...
  
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• P&G, W+K take top honors in ANA Multicultural Awards

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  A "Love Over Bias" spot created for Procter & Gamble by agency Wieden+Kennedy claimed the "Best in Show" prize at the Association of National Advertisers' (ANA) 2018 Multicultural Excellence Awards.According to the ANA, “The commercial...
  
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• Lessons from Spotify's personalisation strategy

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  Spotify’s popular Discovery Weekly feature exemplifies the personalisation that is the “beating heart” of the music streaming site’s growth strategy and is something other brand marketers can learn from, according to a...
  
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• Indonesia gains its own pavilion on Tmall Global

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant, has announced the launch of an Indonesian Pavilion on Tmall Global, its cross-border platform designed to help international brands reach more than a billion Chinese consumers.It means that...
  
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• Deloitte Digital enthuses about 'emotional' data

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  Deloitte Digital, the creative digital consultancy, is seeking to leverage “emotional datasets” that can help it develop stronger creative, and thus build deeper relationships and engagement with customers.Alicia Hatch, CMO at Deloitte...
  
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• Chinese consumers seek aspirational ads

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  Chinese consumers are bombarded with advertising and are tuning it out, but savvy marketers can still cut through by understanding Chinese culture, according to a market expert.“People are pretty much bombarded by all the different kinds of...
  
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• Cannes Lions adds two new awards for 2019

  05-11-2018 01:00 via warc.com
  The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has officially launched the 2019 Festival with details available about next year’s event, including the addition of two new Lions to the awards line-up.A
  
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