Saturday 29 August 2015

Blumenthal: Study Should Report Link To Coca-Cola Company



Blumenthal arguments and recommendations over consumer protection to Coca Cola Corporation.

When the Coca-Cola company gave its description on “Scientific” answer to the old-age weight loss query, health officials from all over the nation alleged them of sugar-coating their research.

The beverage company sells more than 1.8 billion drinks daily, according to their sales report. Currently funneled $1.5 million from earnings to a nonprofit company that publicizes a sugar-friendly message - exercise and physical activities are the keys to maintain the health.

Steven N. Blair, a well-known personality and Vice President of Global Energy Network, acknowledged about the health problem in a video. He said that the main problem all over the world is that people are getting bulky and fat and the big issue is that they did not even know its cause.

Blair recommends that, although calories are surely the reason, it can be controlled by burning the calories more than the intake. Many healthcare experts, who condemn the research analysis, have several issues to second Blair’s thoughts. They confessed that the research is a step up to encourage people to consume soda at the time when they may differently consider healthier intake habits.

In a letter to the editor of New York Times, Administrative Director at a Massachusetts Clinical Research Centre wrote that Coca Cola activities towards health and science are just to puzzle the American people. Although everybody knows that exercise or physical activities is the best way to burn the calories. Simple math teaches that to decrease something you have subtract, so workout enough to subtract your calories, that is the simple way to burn the excess amount of calories.

A member of the Senate Committee’s Subcommittee over Consumer Protection, Blumenthal, sent a letter to the President of University of West Virginia, which, according to it, is one of the three educational institutions associated to the company’s study. He also requested him to reconsider its partnership and assure their conclusions have not been impacted.

During the press conference by Hartford, Blumenthal states about the sugary drinks and its impact on health, “Overconsumption of sugary drinks is a major driver of obesity, heart disease and diabetes and any attempt by Coca-Cola to purchase research to the contrary is a danger to public health that must be stopped.”

He further treats Coca Cola Company just as tobacco companies, which hired scientists and convince the public to smoke while displaying the public service message that “smoking is injurious to health”. The beverage giant should formulate and reconsider its strategies pertaining to corporate social responsibility and implement in an effective manner.

Friday 21 August 2015

Coca-Cola Highlights Its Stance On Research Funding



Coca-Cola clears its stance over New York Times article.

Coca-Cola Company has been dealing with a controversy that was scathed by New York Times that revolved around the money spent by the company in terms of research. According to this, people who wish to lose weight need not cut on the calorie intake but exercising will do the need for. This will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In the popular news platform, USA Today an article was published according to which Mr. Ed Hays the chief technical officer at Coca Cola stated that the article resulted in confusion where Coke was said to be spending on Global Energy Balance Network, a popular research group.

"A recent New York Times article created confusion about our support of research and non-profit organizations, stating we want people to think that only exercise matters and not diet — but nothing could be further from the truth," Hays claims. He further stated, that they only functioned by making sure that a healthy lifestyle is followed that encompassed exercising along with a balanced diet.

It is believed that the beverage company managed to donate a massive $1.5 million in 2014. The amount was raised to help in starting the Global Energy Balance Network. Furthermore, the story reported that it also provided $4 million more to the founding members of this organization.

It is found on the group’s website that Coca cola is officially an administrator there. The Global Energy Balance Network is registered at the Atlanta headquarters of the company. The group mentioned on its website that there are no legal evidences as of yet to put blame on the carbonated drinks and fast food on the rising issue of world’s obesity.

Mr. Hays did not comment on the claims mentioned in the Times’ column. However he did explain it last week by writing a blog post for Coca Cola. He stated that the company is proud to invest in the scientific research program and will be available to fund further more if any need. He further said that Global Energy Balance Network were the only option for this “because their type of research is critical to finding solutions to the global obesity crisis”.

He knows the rising obesity issue of this world however he does not like the idea that individual can only lose weight by exercising a lot.

Coca Cola invested heavily in this project whatsoever and expected fruitful results.

Thursday 20 August 2015

Toyota Motors Stops Production At Plants After Blast In Tianjin



The auto making firm has decided to hold back production of cars in two plants situated in the northen region of China, following the blast in Tianjin.

Toyota Motors has reportedly decided to discontinue some of the production activities at two of its most important production plants following the blast that took place in the chemical plant in Tianjin last week. According to an article published in the Wall Street, it was seen that the Japanese firm is going to halt operations in the plant for a period of three days.

Both these plants of the auto giant are in the northern region of China, which explains why the halt is being observed. This discontinuation is being observed from Monday to Wednesday, where the firm will see to it that the evacuation is done to the fullest. There have been given instructions by the authorities to make sure all the safety measures are taken well so that further business activities can be done without an issue.

This will not only take place in the TEDA plant, but production will also be stopped from three days at the Xiqing plant. Even though this plant is not very near to the area where the chemical plant blew up, the reason for halt of manufacturing in the plant is due to the necessities needed from the TEDA plant without which it is not possible to carry out activities in Xiqing.

Since a lot of other automobile countries have had their cars effected from the deadly blast that took place, companies like Volkwagen AG was also seen, along with Toyota, to see how much damage has so far been done to their assets that were present around the blast. The Tianjin is reportedly the biggest import hub for automobile in the country which got quite damaged after the blast subsided. According to Renault SA, a French auto making company, a huge number of around 1500 cars became a wreck following the blast which is something that has raised concerns of auto makers present all around the where the explosion took place.

As for Toyota, the firm reported that the blast shook up all of building that the Japanese hybrid car owners owned in Tianjin and also ended up breaking the windows and glass of almost all the fragile material around. The logistics building that belonged to the firm also got completely damaged which is why the firm is now observing a still in the production houses.

Recent news has also confirmed that quite a number of other cars manufactured by different companies like Beetles and Volkswagen were also destroyed whereas the latter was not seen to give a definite number to the press.

McDonald Puts Children Health At Risk



Various fast food chains have high salt content resulting in health problems.

Fast food is extremely popular among the young lot but according to recent studies, the popular kids meal at various fast food chains are said to be loaded with huge quantities of salt in several countries across the globe. According to the study, these fast food outlets need to minimize on the salt levels to ensure the health and safety of its consumers.

Ironically the salt levels vary from one country to another. According to Wash, the popular campaign deduced that KFC outlets in Costa Rica serve Kid’s meal with 18 teaspoon salt that is relatively more than the amount served in United Kingdom. According to another analysis, the children’s meal being sold in 37 countries across the globe has more than 1g of in each serving.

an analysis was done where a study was done on the kid's meal being sold at various fast food chains in more than 37 countries resulted in a revelation according to which every 8 out of 10 kids meal have a salt content of more than 1g of salt per serving. This itself is extremely alarming condition and can cause several health issues.

In the United Kingdom, things are relatively better since the slat levels in kid’s meal are relatively balanced at most fast food chains like Subway, Burger King, KFC, McDonald's etc. on average children within the age of 4 to 6 should not consume more than 3.5g of salt in a day’s span. So if they consume more than 1g of salt in a meal, then this proportion is likely to get unbalanced eventually.

With the rampant increase in diseases, Wash claims that an excessive quantity of salt can affect the taste buds on young children, can increases the blood pressure resulting in life threatening diseases like heart failure or strokes.

McDonald’s menu also has a kids menu which has high amount of salt. McDonald's Corporation also needs to minimize this amount. The target set by WASH is maximum of 5g of salt intake in a day, so a campaign is now being regulated where all junk food offering chains are being asked to minimize the salt levels in the food.

According to Clare Farrand, who is a nutritionist and leads an international program stated, “The fact that these fast food chains are able to produce less salty children’s meals in some countries means they can do the same in all countries, and should immediately.” Children can enjoy a treat outside but it’s the duty of restaurants to ensure its healthy.

Friday 14 August 2015

National Bank Of Greece (ADR) (NBG) Stops Bail-out



Banks of Greece experienced a hard time during last week because of its falling stock, so the country commenced meetings, looking forward for the 3rd bail-out. The Government of Greece is looking for the outcome as soon as possible on bailout negotiation.

In the past, after the improvement seen in bailout meetings during the week, Greece was assured about cracking a deal tomorrow. The country is managing to concern with Eastern Central Bank (ECB) for the financial services, as the country is highly determined to dodge another default.

Nevertheless, organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission (EC), and the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) can also play a great role for them, but the approval is necessary from the country’s parliament for the finalization of the 3rd bail-out.

If the deal would be successful, it will crack 86 billion Euros and 93 billion dollars, if this will not happen Greece could be probably default according to European Central Bank obligation.

On Monday, a Europe Commission representative, Annika Breidthardt, states about the activities of ECB and ESM, “The Commission together with the teams of the IMF, the ECB and the ESM are working day and night and have been working throughout the weekend to finalize the text of the memorandum of understanding and an additional list of prior actions which the Greek authorities could legislate shortly.”

National Bank of Greece experienced a bad time with a significant loss in the business last week; major losses were broadcasted by the country’s bank, which is why the 3rd bail-out is very important for the bank.

This month is a deciding point for a country to meeting the ECB obligation, whose bank sector totally depends on the central bank’s support to meet the ECB obligations. By means of program, called emergency liquidity assistance, institutional investor Central Bank of Europe has prolonged a lifeline to Greek banks. This plan has facilitated the bank to survive and prevent against serious drowning.

In the International market, a question arises about the Greek’s progress in future, analyst are frightened regarding the 3rd bail-out, which the government would need to put extraordinary effort on, if the country takes the helm to rescue from the 3rd bail-out.

Now, in these hard times, Greece feels the necessity for the best evaluated strategies and well planned statistical policies to defeat the recession, and pull the economy together in the country. In fact, the policies that are introduced by government of Greek in the country are truly flopped and not liked by the Greeks.

Nevertheless, majority of the natives casted opposing votes in the internal referendum that clearly viewed the country’s posture. According to today’s report by Athens stock market, National Bank of Greece stock closed at 10.39% at $0.89 earnings per share.

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Salesforce.com Target Earnings

CRM stock


Capitalists will be watching the earnings per share reported by Salesforce.com Inc., when they released their next earnings. The cloud computing company is actually paying attention to its earnings in order to make its position more strong among all other software companies.

Many investors will observe that how close is the realized figure from what expert analysts had assumed. Recently, analysts are predicting that organization will report around $0.08 earnings per share at the 7th month of the year, which is their 2nd quarter ending. These statistics are given by 26 experts for the quarter, relatively same by all of them.

Analysts are keenly observing the earnings per share number reported by Salesforce.com Inc. In the past economic quarter by salesforce.com, they released their earning of $0.02 per share earnings. Previously, the cloud storage company’s earnings per share equaled to $0.02, which was 100% more than the figure what expert analyst had expected, just before they announced the range of $0.01 per share.

According to the CRM system (NYSE:CRM), stock is progressing to more than $79.50 in a period of next year. This figure was assumed by 26 stock agents and was comparatively same by all of them. On the other hand, the analysts expected officially the maximum stock up to $90, while the minimum stock was at least $49. The standard deviation for the price target is $7.6.

When different simplified equations are used to predict the stock rate, one show strong buy and five show strong sell, down the line. The stock is rated 1.44, based on unanimity. According to the progression, the stock rate was about 1.44 three months ago.

CRM software is a firm involved in producing cloud storage and social networking solutions. The corporate giant provides the support and customer relationship management (CRM) application online or cloud-based service. Cloud computing storage solutions provide various capabilities to store, process their data, and convey variety of services to the users.

Marketing automation company provides these services with the help of different internet browsers present in the personal computers, iPads, tablets, and cellphones, etc. It markets platforms and social commercial applications to businesses on a subscription basis, mainly through its indirect partnerships and direct methods. Salesforce.com attained Clipboard Inc. in May 2013. During the same year, in July, CRM accomplished its acquisition of ExactTarget Inc. This helped the company to further proceed with its ambitions and step ahead to achieve its desired goals.

The foundation granted 1% of the company’s equity, profits, and employees for the development of the organization working for the “world to make it a better place” motto. They also used to provide high-recommended user license available to nearly all non-profit organization in the America.

Monday 10 August 2015

Bidness ETC - Apple's Remarks Regarding China On Its Latest Earnings Call



Apple’s three months go comprehensively delightful. Just now Apple has changed its economic 2015 gross, although some of its numbers missed experts’ speculation. Capitalists expected that there might be a chance of Apple facing complications in China.

At the company’s earnings call, CEO Tim Cook and other officials discussed a lot about China, and talked about highlights of Apple's features. Following are the objectives that company discussed concerning China on the future roadmap and plan of action.

The fundamental areas where association is developing among the magnificent China zone mainly include China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The CEO Tim Cook announced, “Our results from Greater China were outstanding with revenue growth of 112% and iPhone unit growth of 87%. This is particularly impressive given IDC's estimate of only 5% growth in the Greater China smartphone market. We also achieved our highest ever PC market shares in the segment with Mac sales growing 33% over last year.”

After having further follow-ups, the company results were superb in China, where business is increasing more than twice per annum over $3 million.

Most importantly,iPhone buyers’ stability is immense. The most recent survey of US buyers revealed that iPhone enjoys a magnificent buyers appeasement rate than any smartphone brand by a broad margin. Similarly, among iPhone possessors planning to buy a new phone, 86% intend to purchase another Apple iPhone. This collates to 50% repurchase intent of the next highest brand measured, as many people admire its specs, configuration, size, design, and speed.

Apple stock market has been acquiring share all over the country, along with the considerable carriers, including China Mobile, the world's biggest cellular supplier with more than 800 million users. The apparent markets prove to be a rising point of development for all, from whoppers, such as Apple and Samsung, to current comers, such as Xiaomi.

China is regarded as the world's largest smartphone selling market, according to the report in 2011 and today it holds to more than 520 million smartphone users.

Apple is receiving first-time buyers till date. Mr. Cook said regarding the expectations for sales growth of the latest iPhone, "I also look at the first-time iPhone buyers and we're still seeing very, very large numbers in the countries that you would want to see those in, like China and Russia and Brazil and so forth."

Today, China’s stock market fall has showed a panic concerning its states’ economy. However, Apple will stay bold, keeps its approach aggressive in the nation, and keep on investing. Variations in the stock market should not affect their primary approach and objectives. The company is big enough to sustain shocks and small blows.

Friday 7 August 2015

Bidness ETC - IBM Builds Its Relations With Apple



The American multinational technology company IBM has taken steps to improve its relations with Apple.

The American multinational technology firm International Business Machines Corporation has started to improve its relations with Apple. IBM news exclaimed that More than 100 employees of the company are trying to build iPad and iPhone application for IBM customers such as Japan Post Holding Co, Sprint Corporation and Citigroup Inc. The working ways of the high tech organization have changed as it has now become the world’s largest corporate user of Mac Books. On Wednesday, the firm would apply lessons as it has learned to launch a new service pioneered to help other firms adopt Macs.

IBM disclosed that the corporation currently employs 380,000 workers. Chief Information officer OF IBM Jeff Smith has stated that the question which the organization needs to answer is that can we innovate in the best possible and find out a method to ensure that culture is turned into competitive advantage. Official sources have informed that the organization has suffered from a fall in revenues of all product lines and the firm is going through tough times as it is scrambling to maintain its relatedness in the area of cloud computing technology and smartphones.

The company affirmed that the organization has increased its investment in a number of key areas. These include cloud, mobile computing, security and data analytics. It has also collaborated with Twitter, Facebook and Box Inc. Jeff has also stated that that the organization is taking steps to choose some firms that have been aspired to do something quite special, but leverage what we are strong at.

An analyst with FBR Capital Markets Daniel Ives has said that when I look at the tie up between IBM and Apple, I think that it would soon be bigger and more significant over a period of time. The Corporation has previously not maintained good relations with the smartphone manufacturing organization as it had banned Apple’s Siri for internal use over concerns about information safety. Commercial sources have informed that the Gini headed organization proclaimed its app partnership with Apple in July 2014. Within a period of six months, it shipped 43,000 iPads to its sales force. The Watson founded firm now backs more than 110,000 Apple devices encompassing these iPhones, MacBooks and iPads.

Commercial sources have affirmed that Apple has refused to discuss its relationship with the Corporation. The Executives of IBM should now take initiatives to further develop their relations with the Cook headed enterprise otherwise the corporation might fail to benefit from the strong position of the iPhone producing firm.

Wednesday 5 August 2015

Bidness ETC - IBM Corporation Shakes Hand With CVS Health For Tech-based Healthcare



IBM and CVS Health Corp published that on Thursday, they are uniting to enhance health care management facilities to the patients with incurable diseases by providing the support of foremost automation, which seems to be the excellent approach by these organizations.

The combination between the CVS and the corporate giant, IBM, will provide the high-tech IBM’s Watson computing systems to CVS Health professionals and pharmacists. This industrial science can evaluate a huge load of data, translate, use information, and increase knowledge. The Watson System can keep health history, dispensary report, and other assets to benefit health workers in counseling the patients and strive with elementary care doctors.

The companionship would turn around services and technologies, as there is no such alternative available yet. The target of this facility is to provide best services to the patients regarding incurable diseases, such as heart diseases, diabetes, fatness, and hypertension. During the time, Watson, specialists, doctors, and pharmacists collect large data to investigate and anticipate infection, which is difficult for the common hospital instruments.

These two organizations work together for the benefit of modern hospitalization and have agreed to use IBM’s Watson system. Reports of medical records, pharmacies, and health information surrounded by other data will be at hand for the professionals to see improvement in patients’ health. The system will also help doctors, experts, and trainees to keep a record of those patients who experienced multiple diseases. IBM describes the data as a remarkable synthesis of health intelligence root.

In the past July 2014, CVS Caremark and IBM declared a $1.5 million allocation program named as “Technology Solutions for Smarter Health”, which is the main reason for the reinforcement of technology usage in health centers and now again in 2015, these two companies are looking forward to this motto.

The collaboration is expected to maintain a long lasting culture of accommodating absolute patient care and deluxe quality production with responsibility. This news will also play a tremendous role in bringing a boost to healthcare’s stock price.

Helena Foulkes, the president of CVS Health offline and online pharmacy, acknowledges, “The acquisition of Navarro will strengthen the CVS pharmacy's position in the Hispanic marketplace, the fastest growing demographic in the US and we are excited to be adding the Navarro Discount Pharmacy brand to the CVS pharmacy family.”

Pharmacies, such as CVS, have been battling aggressively for customers in past years. CVS Chief Executive, Larry Merlo, who has confidently blessed the chains to health care, discharged the involvement over sending customers into a competitor’s doors.

The application of the technology will initiate in the healthcare organization at the first half of 2016. Preparation of these two associations is well organized, and the pace at which they are performing, nobody can cover tech-based health care like them.