Tag Archives: COO

Hagens Berman Investigates Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Following COO Resignation and Finan

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Hagens Berman Investigates Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Following COO Resignation and Financials Restatement

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, a national investor-rights law firm with an office in Chicago, IL, today announced it is investigating Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (NAS: GLDD) (“GLDD” or “the company”) following the resignation of the company’s Chief Operating Officer and President Bruce J. Biemeck, a restatement of the company’s financial statements and a subsequent 30 percent drop in the company’s stock price in after-hours trading.

If you purchased shares of GLDD common stock between August 7, 2012, and March 14, 2013, inclusive (the “class period”), suffered significant losses and wish to move to be a lead plaintiff, you may contact Hagens Berman Partner Reed Kathrein, who is leading the Firm’s investigation, by calling 510-725-3000 or emailing GLDD@hbsslaw.com.

The Firm’s investigation centers around GLDD‘s restatement of financial results, issued just after close of trading on March 14, 2013. The company stated that for the second and third financial quarters of 2012, “Certain pending change orders where client acceptance has not been finalized were included as revenue. After a review, the Company concluded 2012 second and third quarter demolition segment revenues were overstated by $3.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively.”

The announcement coincided with the company’s disclosure that Bruce J. Biemeck, the company’s President, COO and former Chief Financial Officer, is departing the company.

Hagens Berman is investigating whether the company knew and failed to disclose material information to investors, particularly revenue issues in the second and third financial quarters of 2012, and thus is responsible for investor losses. Following the company’s restatement, GLDD‘s stock price fell by more than 30 percent in after-hours trading on March 14, 2013.

“The company has effectively admitted that, in violation of its established policies, it counted revenue that should have not been counted,” said Mr. Kathrein. “Taken together with the resignation of Mr. Biemeck, we are concerned that the company and certain of its officers may have known about or even been knowingly complicit in the misstatement, to the detriment of investors who lacked this information.”

Hagens Berman reminds whistleblowers with inside information that rewards may be available to individuals who report information leading to a successful enforcement action by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under the new SEC whistleblower program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Billionaire Anschutz's AEG No Longer For Sale, Longtime CEO Departs

By Ryan Mac, Forbes Staff

Billionaire Philip Anschutz has taken his eponymous media, real estate and sports empire off the auction block. The CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, Tim Leiweke, will also be leaving the company. The Anschutz Entertainment Group announced Thursday that Chairman Anschutz would retain ownership of the company and “resume a more active role,” according to a press release. That decision ends months of speculation surrounding the possible sale of a conglomerate valued by FORBES to be worth between $8 and $10 billion. Anschutz has been looking for a buyer since last fall and hired the Blackstone Group–the same firm that handled the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers–to explore the sale. While there were plenty of reports linking AEG to possible suitors, among them billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, a deal never materialized. “From the very beginning of the sales process, we have made it clear to our employees and partners throughout the world that unless the right buyer came forward with a transaction on acceptable terms we would not sell the Company,” said Anschutz in a statement. An enterprise that lacks comparison, AEG owns some of the world’s largest entertainment venues, including Los Angeles‘ Staples Center and London’s O2 Arena, and maintains stakes in sports teams, among them a 27% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers and full ownership of the Los Angeles Galaxy. The company is also heavily involved in real estate development  and sports and entertainment ticketing. According to sources close to the company, AEG generates annual operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) in excess of $300 million and has less than 20% debt on its balance sheet. Anschutz’s decision to keep AEG comes in light of more setbacks to the company’s planned National Football League stadium in Los Angeles. Last week, Yahoo! Sports reported that the $1.8 billion plan to build a football venue in the heart of L.A. was “unworkable,” according to sources sources within the NFL. Los Angeles, the nation’s second most populous city, currently lacks a professional football team. The stadium issues and the failure to find a buyer for AEG has also led to a shakeup within the company. AEG CEO Time Leiweke, who has served in that position since 1996, will leave the company “by mutual agreement,” according to the press release, and will be replaced by former COO and CFO Dan Beckerman. “Priority projects going forward include the development of Farmers Field adjacent to our L.A. Live campus and the pursuit of our plan to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles,” said Beckerman in a statement. Additional reporting by Brian Solomon and Mike Ozanian in New York.  Follow me on Twitter at @RMac18. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Great Lakes Reports Year-End Results

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Great Lakes Reports Year-End Results

Dredging Segment Earns Revenue of $587 Million

Company Maintains Over $400 Million in Backlog

Misses Adjusted EBITDA Guidance

Restates Second and Third Quarter 2012 Results

Announces Departure of Bruce Biemeck, President and COO

OAK BROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NAS: GLDD) , the largest provider of dredging services in the United States and a major provider of commercial and industrial demolition and remediation services, today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2012.

For the three months ended December 31, 2012, Great Lakes reported Revenue of $207.1 million, Net Income attributable to Great Lakes of $0.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $21.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Great Lakes reported Revenue of $687.6 million, Net Loss attributable to Great Lakes of $2.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $60.9 million.

The Company will amend its September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which will delay its filing of the 2012 Form 10-K. The Company expects to file its 2012 Form 10-K and amendments to its September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q by March 29, 2013. The Company will also identify and disclose a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting.


Restatement of Second and Third Quarters

During the preparation of its year-end financial statements, the Company identified instances in its demolition segment where revenue was recognized in a manner not consistent with Great Lakes‘ accounting policy. Great Lakes‘ policy regarding pending change orders is to immediately recognize the costs but defer the recognition of the related revenue until the recovery is probable and collectability is reasonably assured. Certain pending change orders where client …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Cintas Pledges to Raise $175,000 for American Heart Association Programs

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Cintas Pledges to Raise $175,000 for American Heart Association Programs

Funding from nationwide heart walks to help research and education efforts

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)– According to the American Heart Association (AHA), each day more than 2,000 people die from cardiovascular disease, or one death every 40 seconds. To help raise heart disease awareness, Cintas Corporation (NAS: CTAS) , a leader in first aid supplies and automated external defibrillator (AED) programs, today announced it has teamed up with the AHA for the third consecutive year of fundraising. Cintas has set an ambitious goal to raise $175,000 through its participation in more than 50 nationwide Heart Walks & Runs this year. It will kick off its 2013 AHA fundraising events at the Mercy Health Heart Mini on Sunday, March 17 in Cincinnati.

“Over the past three years, our partnership with the AHA has evolved into a tradition among Cintas employee-partners; we all look forward to the events,” said Scott Garula, President and COO, First Aid & Safety, Cintas. “Since the goals of the AHA align directly with our mission of improving health and safety, the nationwide Cintas network is highly motivated to fundraise for this important cause.”

The AHA recently set a new goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent through its education and research programs. Since most of the funding for AHA programs comes from its Heart Walks & Runs held nationwide, Cintas’ sponsorship will help the AHA reach their bold new goal and save lives. Over the past three years, Cintas has raised more than $140,000 for the AHA through its formal sponsorships and fundraising efforts. Additionally, Scott Garula, President and COO of Cintas First Aid & Safety and Bill Carigan, Vice President of Sales, Global Accounts and Strategic Markets, both serve as elected officials on the AHA‘s Executive Leadership Team in Cincinnati. In their roles on the team, Garula and Carigan help open doors within the local Cincinnati community to increase corporate fundraising initiatives that support the AHA.

“Witnessing the impact that our fundraising has on the AHA programs has been extremely rewarding,” said Carigan. “Our fundraising goal of $175,000 this year will be a challenging one, but with the passion and dedication of the Cintas teams, I know we can make it happen.”

The 2013 Heart Walk & Run schedule includes events in the following cities with additional events occurring through October:

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Ken Stern: What's Wrong With the Charitable Sector, How to Fix It

By Brendan Byrnes, The Motley Fool

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In the video below, Ken Stern, former CEO of National Public Radio, discusses his new book, “With Charity For All.” In the book, Stern takes on the charitable sector, which he says, “operates with little accountability, no real barriers to entry, and a stunning lack of evidence of effectiveness.”

Stern gives his take below on what’s broken in the charitable sector, how to fix it, and how Americans can best make a difference. Given Stern‘s unique perspective from his days at NPR, we also discussed the future of radio and the technologies that are disrupting it. A full transcript follows the video.

Brendan Byrnes: Hey folks, I’m Brendan Byrnes and I’m joined today by Ken Stern, the author of “With Charity for All.” Ken, thank you so much for joining us.

Ken Stern: Thanks for having me.

Byrnes: My first question is — this is maybe an under-appreciated topic, with charities. A lot of people just put their money into it and don’t think about it, or at least think they’re doing the right thing. Why did you decide to get involved with this, and why did you decide to write the book?

Stern: A lot of the reason I got involved was my past experience with the charitable world. I actually ran a charity, National Public Radio, for about eight years, first as a COO, then as a CEO, and I saw some of the challenges I faced. When I left, I wondered whether those challenges were unique to NPR or really more broad-based.

What I found out actually really surprised me. How large the charitable sector is — 1.1 million charities, $1.5 trillion in annual revenues, 10%-15% of the American workforce — and a lot of what I saw as problems was in terms of effectiveness, and that really led to this book.

Byrnes: What’s the most surprising thing that you found in the book, in your estimation?

Stern: I think two things — well, there’s lots of surprising things; I could go on all day — but one is how many charities actually look, feel, and operate like for-profit businesses. The best example of that in my mind is charitable hospitals, which are more profitable than for-profit hospitals, compensate their executives in the millions, and most importantly, actually provide no more charitable services than for-profit hospitals.

There are lots of examples of charities like that. That really surprised me, as well as some of the effectiveness challenges.

Byrnes: Why be a for-profit hospital instead of a charitable hospital, if you can do seemingly most of the same things?

Stern: Well, for investment purposes. I think the real difference between charitable hospitals and for-profit hospitals are the ability of a for-profit hospital to distribute profits to shareholders. It’s really an investment distribution issue.

On the charitable side, the question is really whether the government and donors should be supporting these hospitals, which are really essentially for-profit businesses.

Byrnes: One of the things that surprised me about …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Mead Johnson to Present at CAGE (Consumer Analyst Group of Europe) Conference

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Mead Johnson to Present at CAGE (Consumer Analyst Group of Europe) Conference

GLENVIEW, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYS: MJN) announced today that it will present at the CAGE (Consumer Analyst Group of Europe) conference in London on March 20, 2013. The presentation by Peter Kasper Jakobsen, executive vice president and COO and Peter G. Leemputte, executive vice president and CFO will begin at 2:15 p.m. GMT and will be webcast live on the Internet. To access the webcast go to meadjohnson.com and click first on the Investors tab, then the Events and Presentations tab. A replay will be available for ninety days after the presentation at meadjohnson.com under the Investors tab, Events and Presentations.

About Mead Johnson

Mead Johnson, a global leader in pediatric nutrition, develops, manufactures, markets and distributes more than 70 products in over 50 countries worldwide. The company’s mission is to nourish the world’s children for the best start in life. The Mead Johnson name has been associated with science-based pediatric nutrition products for over 100 years. The company’s “Enfa” family of brands, including Enfamil® infant formula, is the world’s leading brand franchise in pediatric nutrition. For more information, go to www.meadjohnson.com.

Mead Johnson Nutrition Company
Investors:
Kathy MacDonald, (847) 832-2182
kathy.macdonald@mjn.com
or
Media:
Christopher Perille, (847) 832-2178
chris.perille@mjn.com

KEYWORDS:   United Kingdom  United States  Europe  North America  Illinois

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

The article Mead Johnson to Present at CAGE (Consumer Analyst Group of Europe) Conference originally appeared on Fool.com.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Crane Co. Announces Date for First Quarter 2013 Earnings Release and Teleconference

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Crane Co. Announces Date for First Quarter 2013 Earnings Release and Teleconference

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Crane Co. (NYS: CR) announces the following schedule and teleconference information for its first quarter 2013 earnings release:

  • Earnings Release: April 22, 2013 after close of market by public distribution and the Crane Co. website at www.craneco.com.
  • Teleconference: April 23, 2013 at 10:00 AM (Eastern) hosted by Eric C. Fast, CEO, Max H. Mitchell, President and COO, Richard A. Maue, VP Finance & CFO, and Andrew L. Krawitt, VP Treasurer. The webcast will be in a listen-only mode via the Company’s website www.craneco.com.
  • Web Replay: Will be available on the Company’s website shortly after completion of the live call.

Crane Co. is a diversified manufacturer of highly engineered industrial products. Founded in 1855, Crane provides products and solutions to customers in the aerospace, electronics, hydrocarbon processing, petrochemical, chemical, power generation, automated merchandising, transportation and other markets. The Company has four business segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Fluid Handling, Engineered Materials and Merchandising Systems. Crane has approximately 11,000 employees in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Crane Co. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYS: CR) . For more information, visit www.craneco.com.

Crane Co.
Richard E. Koch, 203-363-7352
Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
www.craneco.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Connecticut

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

The article Crane Co. Announces Date for First Quarter 2013 Earnings Release and Teleconference originally appeared on Fool.com.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

MakeMusic Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2012 Results

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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MakeMusic Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2012 Results

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– MakeMusic, Inc. (NAS: MMUS) , a world leader in music technology, announced financial results for the period ended December 31, 2012. As previously announced and further explained below, MakeMusic has entered into a definitive agreement with LaunchEquity Partners, LLC pursuant to which MakeMusic expects to be acquired in an all-cash transaction.

Chairman of the Board Robert Morrison commented, “Our SmartMusic® business performed well during the fourth quarter and we continued our work to launch new and enhanced versions of Finale® and SmartMusic in mid-2013. We are pleased with the progress we are making towards these goals, as well as with our other product development, sales and marketing initiatives, including our upcoming release of an iPad® version of SmartMusic. We remain focused on developing and offering fresh and innovative solutions that advance the ways in which music is composed, taught, learned and performed.”

COO and CFO Karen VanDerBosch added, “SmartMusic subscriptions rose to 209,418 as of December 31, 2012, a 17% year-over-year increase and SmartMusic revenue increased by 15% in 2012. This growth was offset by a decline in notation revenue, reflecting year-over-year changes in the timing of a new release of Finale. Our push to modernize our notation software platform is on schedule and we look forward to unveiling the new product mid-year. In addition, we completed our rebranding initiatives to achieve a more consistent look and feel for our products. Just last week we launched a new version of MakeMusic’s website that has our new branding and enhanced e-commerce capabilities.”

Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Quarter Ended December 31, 2011

  • Net revenues were $4.7 million, compared to $5.9 million.
    • Notation revenue was $2.3 million compared to $3.8 million. Included in 2012 Notation revenue was $320,000 relating to GarritanTM product sales. A new version of Finale was released in October 2011, but not in 2012.
    • SmartMusic revenue was $2.4 million compared to $2.1 million.
  • Gross profit was $3.8 million, or 81% of revenue, compared to $5.0 million, or 86% of revenue. The gross profit percentage decline is due to product mix.
  • Operating expenses were $5.0 million, compared to $4.0 million, due to previously announced investments in our technology architecture, increased expenses due to …read more
    Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

WhatRunsWhere Launches First In-App Ad Tracking Service

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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WhatRunsWhere Launches First In-App Ad Tracking Service

Android Data Gathering Tool Allows Advertisers to Track What Ads Competitors are Running – and In Which Apps

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Giving advertisers and agencies the ability to track competitors’ use of in-app advertising for the first time, WhatRunsWhere (www.whatrunswhere.com), the service that already enables tracking of online and mobile ad campaigns, has launched a data gathering tool for the Android platform.

Using WhatRunsWhere’s new in-app capability, advertisers can now collect data from more than 20,000 Android apps. The data will provide crucial intelligence about where competitors’ ads are running, which specific ads are running there, who is selling those ads, and other information to help advertisers develop their own cost-effective mobile advertising campaigns.

“This is a significant development, not only for WhatRunsWhere, but the entire Android app market,” said Max Teitelbaum, co-founder and COO of WhatRunsWhere. “Until now, apps have been an informational black hole for marketers seeking to implement effective campaigns. Advertisers and agencies were buying ads blind, with no real performance history data showing what types of ads had worked in what apps. Now, with the introduction of WhatRunsWhere’s in-app tool, advertisers can develop intelligent strategies for deploying their mobile ad dollars, leading to a greater return on investment.”

“The universe of Android-based devices continues to grow at an astounding rate,” Teitelbaum added. “The ability to effectively reach audiences across Android phones, tablets and other devices represents an enormous opportunity for advertisers.”

In September 2012, Google announced that it had activated more than 500 million Android devices globally, with 1.3 new devices activated daily. And Opera Mediaworks reported in February 2013 that Android had “emerged late in the year as the leading mobile phone OS as measured by impression volume.”

The in-app launch follows WhatRunsWhere’s August 2012 entry into the mobile ad space with its acquisition of the UK startup Mobile Ad Spy, a company specializing in global mobile ad intelligence gathering technology.


About WhatRunsWhere

WhatRunsWhere, a competitive intelligence service for online media buying, allows users to look up what advertisers are doing online: where they are running ads, from who they are buying inventory, and what exact ads …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Wunderman Simplifies Global Structure – Establishes Four Global Divisions – Adds Roles for Creative,

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Wunderman Simplifies Global Structure – Establishes Four Global Divisions – Adds Roles for Creative, Marketing & Innovation and North America

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– After more than a decade of growth, Wunderman, the billion-dollar, number one-ranked digital and CRM agency network, restructured its offer for a new generation of marketers and their need for real-time consumer conversations. WPP (NAS: WPPGY) and part of Young & Rubicam Group.

Chairman and CEO Daniel Morel said Wunderman’s 20+ specialized agencies in social, mobile and data now fall into four divisions each with global reach: Brand Experience, Consumer Engagement, Data & Insights and World Health. This simpler, more transparent organization makes it easier and more efficient for clients to access the expertise they need.

“Our mission is simple. Ensure our clients know what their competition doesn’t, and act upon it quickly. Today, that means tapping into real-time consumer conversations and transactions and connecting them with every bit of data we have accumulated,” Morel said. “Lester Wunderman, our agency founder and chairman emeritus, was prescient in his advocacy for data-driven insights to be at the heart of our business. Today, very few companies can derive as much insight to craft locally relevant communication that can be leveraged globally,” he said.

Wunderman Brand Experience

Focused on brand experience and customer acquisition over digital channels, the Wunderman Brand Experience division provides e-tail environments, online content and mobile innovations, and search and real-time optimization that improve brand image and enhance consumer consideration. It comprises of agencies owned or acquired over the past 10 years and many similar practices we built around the world.

Sam Landers, who heads Designkitchen, has been promoted to president of the Wunderman Brand Experience division and joins the Wunderman Executive Board. Martin Conneen, the global client lead for Nokia, has been promoted to division COO. Landers’ priorities are twofold: 1) create greater continuity and efficiencies across the units, and 2) seek ways to streamline new business and operations to align more closely with Wunderman’s global resources. The result will be a more flexible and integrated global offering.

Wunderman Consumer Engagement

The engine of consumer retention is the Wunderman Consumer Engagement division, which involves all things CRM at the global, regional and local levels. This includes “always on” social, mobile, loyalty, and both …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush to Keynote Xconomy Mobile Madness 2013

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush to Keynote Xconomy Mobile Madness 2013

COO Ed Park also speaking at Bloomberg Big Data Conference and Economist Innovation Forum

WATERTOWN, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– athenahealth, Inc. (NAS: ATHN) , a leading provider of cloud-based practice management, electronic health record (EHR), and care coordination services to medical groups and health systems, today announced three upcoming events at which athenahealth executives will be speaking, including CEO Jonathan Bush‘s keynote at Xconomy’s Mobile Madness 2013 event, being held on March 19 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Mobile Madness 2013 is Xconomy’s fifth annual Spring event convening Boston-area mobile innovators to discuss the next era of software, devices, and cloud computing. Jonathan Bush, CEO of athenahealth, will kick off the day-long event by offering his perspective on mobility in health care; he will speak to the state of mobile innovation and address mobile challenges and opportunities across clinical settings.

Also on the horizon; Ed Park, COO of athenahealth, will be speaking at the Bloomberg Big Data Conference: From Hype to Value on March 14 in Washington, D.C. The Big Data Conference will examine how companies and government can harness the power of big data to cut costs, improve productivity, provide better client services, and create new products and innovations. As part of the panel “Rethinking Risks and Opportunities in Big Data: Healthcare,” Ed will address the value of big data in health care by referencing athenahealth’s unique repository of cloud-based data, built from a network of 40,000 providers and 40 million patient records.

In addition, Ed will take part in a panel at the Economist’s Ideas Economy: Innovation Forum on March 28, in Berkeley, California, on the topic of “Intelligent Computing.” The fourth annual event will explore the fundamental technological shifts redefining business in the twenty-first century. Ed joins executives from NetApp and Applied Materials to discuss recent advancements in technology, including data analytics and cloud-based services, which have made companies like athenahealth more intelligent and agile.

Specific details on each event, in order of date, are below.

Navistar Names New CEO

By Tim Brugger, The Motley Fool

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Navistar International has announced that current president and chief operating officer Troy Clarke has been named CEO, and will become a board member, effective April 15. Clarke succeeds interim CEO and executive chairman Lewis Campbell.

Campbell has served as interim CEO since August 2012. Upon completion of the leadership, Campbell will retire from the Navistar board. Longtime Navistar board member James Keyes will assume the non-executive chairman role, also effective April 15.

Clark joined Navistar in 2010 as president of Navistar Asia Pacific, prior to his promotion to president and COO. Prior to Navistar, Clark held several management positions during a 35-year career with GM.

In response to his appointment, Clark said, “I am honored to take on the role of CEO and join the board of Navistar. In six short months, we have made significant progress on our turnaround, and I want to thank Lewis for his guidance and leadership during this period.”

The article Navistar Names New CEO originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Best Buy Names New President and COO of its Canada Operations

By Tim Brugger, The Motley Fool

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Best Buy has announced that a longtime veteran of the global electronics retailer, Ron Wilson, has been named president and chief operating officer of Best Buy Canada. Wilson will lead the Best Buy online and Future Shop units in Canada.

In addition to leading several other units over the course of his 20+ year career with Best Buy, Wilson was most recently executive vice president of merchandising and electronics, holding that position since 2008. Wilson takes over his new responsibilities as president and COO Canada effective immediately.

Executive vice president Shari Ballard said, “His exceptional leadership skills, broad operating experience and strategic agility make him the right person to lead the organization during this important time.”

The article Best Buy Names New President and COO of its Canada Operations originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | <a target=_blank href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/03/06/news-best-buy-names-new-president-and-coo-of-its-c/#comments" title="View reader comments on …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Polaris Debuts 2014 Snowmobile Lineup

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Polaris Debuts 2014 Snowmobile Lineup


Latest models showcase focus on innovative features, versatility and performance

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Since its founders invented the snowmobile almost 60 years ago, Polaris has been a leader in the snowmobile industry, known for innovation, appreciation for the riding lifestyle and the best-riding sleds available.Earlier this week at the Phoenix Convention Center, Polaris unveiled its 2014 snowmobile lineup to hundreds of its dealers including seven all-new INDY models, highlighted by the 800 INDY SP and the 600 INDY Voyager. The event showcased a diverse lineup, one providing a model suited to every riding need from recreational to utility. The 2014 Polaris lineup features 30 models in total.

The 800 INDY(R) SP is one of seven all-new model year 2014 sleds Polaris Industries Inc. introduced to its legendary INDY line during a product unveiling for its dealer partners in Phoenix, Ariz. Polaris not only unveiled the 800 during the show, it also debuted its entire model year 2014 lineup of snowmobiles. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Polaris continues to embrace our proud history while aggressively looking forward to the next innovations in snowmobiling,” said Bennett Morgan, president and COO, Polaris Industries Inc. “We’re riders ourselves, and we produce sleds that we’d want to ride – machines that promise unmatched performance, comfort and versatility. For 2014, we’ve produced a collection of sleds that honor that promise and embodied our unwavering commitment to be the best in powersports.”

Polaris not only unveiled sleds to dominate any terrain, it also announced expanded color customization and expanded factory-installed options to its Polaris SnowCheck Select program for 2014. Riders will have more choices than ever this year to custom-order their dream snowmobile. The 2014 program runs through April 23, 2013. Riders can customize their sleds online at www.terraindomination.com. Complete details can be found online or by visiting a local Polaris dealer.

2014 MODEL LINE

INDY®

The most legendary name in snowmobiling is blazing new trails in model year 2014 with seven all-new models aimed at capturing new segments of the snowmobiling population.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Mannatech Hires Industry Veteran as President of International, COO

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Mannatech Hires Industry Veteran as President of International, COO

Roy Truett brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Mannatech

COPPELL, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Mannatech, Incorporated(NASDAQ: MTEX), the leading innovator and provider of naturally sourced supplements based on Real Food Technology® solutions, announced today the hiring of Roy Truett as President of International and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Truett brings a wealth of experience working at the executive level in both the direct sales and nutritional industries. Most notably, he spent 12 years serving at USANA Health Sciences, beginning as Director of IT, then quickly taking on additional responsibilities for the company, including Chief Information Officer. Most recently, he began serving as the company’s Global Chief Operating Officer in May 2011. As COO, he was responsible for the company’s day-to-day operating activities and enhancing the internal organization process. He was also accountable for many key departments, including information technology, supply chain management, compensation plan strategies, project management and inventory control.

Mr. Truett, a seasoned veteran of the industry, will lead Mannatech’s operational efforts at the corporate level globally and drive growth strategies internationally. He will oversee the company’s efforts in international operations, supply chain and I.T., and will also be involved in all strategic decisions for the company as part of the Senior Executive Office.

“I’m excited about Mannatech’s unique position in the market and the opportunity I have to work with a great team,” said Roy Truett, President of International and Chief Operating Officer. “Mannatech has always had a reputation for offering the most advanced, scientifically-based, effective nutritional products in the industry. I’m equally impressed with the company’s commitment to its mission of fighting global malnutrition. My goal is to help move the company forward to new heights and further streamline our operations so our Independent Associates can share the message of Mannatech, building their businesses and securing their own financial freedom.”

“At Mannatech, we are committed to excellence. Adding Roy Truett to our team shows that we are acting on that commitment to constantly improve,” said Dr. Robert Sinnott, CEO and Chief Science Officer. “The entire management team is enthusiastic about working alongside someone with Roy’s skills, expertise and leadership. As a company, we’ve been laser-focused on driving initiatives that lead to sales growth as well as continually improving operational excellence. Roy’s experience and proven track record as a successful leader in operational areas and international growth will help us to …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

GSI Commerce® Selected to Support PetSmart's Omnichannel Strategy

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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GSI Commerce® Selected to Support PetSmart’s Omnichannel Strategy

Leading pet specialty retailer extends relationship for three years

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– GSI Commerce®, an eBay Inc. company, announced today that it has extended its contract with PetSmart® (NAS: PETM) to support the pet specialty retailer’s omnichannel strategy with webstore, fulfillment and customer service solutions. GSI has worked with PetSmart since 2007, and this contract will extend the relationship for three years.

With more than 1,250 stores in the United States and Canada, PetSmart is dedicated to creating a seamless customer experience through all channels to support customers in finding the products they need for their pets using the technology they prefer. With web upgrades and commerce solutions from GSI, PetSmart will be able to deliver an omnichannel shopping experience to their customers.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with PetSmart to build and deliver a connected consumer experience for pet owners from shopping through delivery and customer service.” said Chris Saridakis, President of GSI Commerce. “Many of us at GSI are pet parents so we understand the need to have access to the widest array of pet products.”

GSI Commerce also supports PetSmart’s online fulfillment through its distribution center in Kentucky and customer service by U.S.-based call centers. GSI customer service representatives dedicated to the account are trained by PetSmart and work closely with PetSmart’s Phoenix-based Customer Care team.

“Technology is rapidly changing the way the consumer researches and shops, especially when it comes to caring for their pets,” said David Lenhardt, President and COO, PetSmart. “Through our strategic partnership with GSI Commerce, we are building the capabilities to allow our customers to shop anywhere, any way and any time they choose.”

About PetSmart

PetSmart, Inc. (NAS: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 50,000 associates and operates more than 1,249 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 194 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). PetSmart provides a broad range of …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Sheryl Sandberg is right. Women must 'Lean Into Risk'

By Margie Warrell, Contributor

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, has stirred a lot of debate in recent days around her soon to be released book Lean In.  Many argue that she’s offering a superficial ‘pom-pom’ like remedy for a complex problem.  Critics say, it’s just not enough – fix the system and stop blaming women’s lack of progress at the feet of women. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Saba CEO Steps Down

By Rich Smith, The Motley Fool

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On Friday, software maker Saba announced that company founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Bobby Yazdani has retired, effective March 1.

Yazdani will be replaced on an interim basis by Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Shawn Farshchi, who will remain COO while holding the interim CEO title. The company also noted that it is separating the office of chairman from that of CEO and naming independent director Bill Russell non-executive chairman of the board.

In an SEC filing related to Yazdani’s departure, Saba disclosed its separation agreement guaranteeing Yazdani:

  • “all base salary due and owing and all other accrued and unpaid benefits through the last day actually worked.”
  • a “target bonus payment” of unspecified amount.
  • “continued group health insurance coverage paid by the company” for one year.
  • “all shares subject to any outstanding stock options and restricted stock units … held by the Executive.”

The company was very careful not to include in its filing any actual dollar figures related to Yazdani’s exit package.

In other news, Saba announced Friday that it is switching auditors. Once Ernst & Young has completed its work on restating the company’s financials so that the firm can file its belated SEC filings, KPMG will take over as Saba’s new independent registered public accounting firm of record.

The article Saba CEO Steps Down originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Smith and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Check Out This Inexpensive Basket of Japanese Growers

By Selena Maranjian, The Motley Fool

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Exchange-traded funds offer a convenient way to invest in sectors or niches that interest you. If you’d like to add some Japanese stocks to your portfolio, the iShares MSCI Japan Index ETF could save you a lot of trouble. Instead of trying to figure out which companies will perform best, you can use this ETF to invest in lots of them simultaneously.

The basics
ETFs often sport lower expense ratios than their mutual fund cousins. The iShares ETF‘s expense ratio — its annual fee — is a relatively low 0.53 %, and it yields nearly 2%.

This ETF has not performed well, as Japan‘s economy has long been struggling. It didn’t beat the MSCI EAFE index over the past three, five, and 10 years. Still, it’s the future that matters more than the past, and investors with conviction need to wait for their holdings to deliver.

With a low turnover rate of 3%, this fund isn’t frantically and frequently rejiggering its holdings, as many funds do.

Why Japan?
It’s good to diversify your portfolio geographically, and Japan‘s fortunes may be turning around, in part due to its new, aggressive prime minister. The Nikkei has been rising, and the yen has dropped recently.

More than a handful of Japan-based companies had strong performances over the past year. Mizuho Financial Group , for example, surged 31%, and recently yielded a solid 3.2%. Japan‘s second-largest lender’s latest earnings report featured earnings up more than tenfold, due to a surging stock market boosting the value of its equity holdings. Lending profits were up 6% over year-earlier levels.

Nomura Holdings , one of the largest banks in the world, gained 25%, despite losing its CEO and COO last year due to an insider-trading scandal. The company recently posted earnings that were a bit disappointing but still up 13%, and it has high expectations for its investment-banking business in 2013.

Other companies didn’t do as well last year, but could see their fortunes change in the coming years. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone gained just 1%, but it’s looking attractive to some, with a recent 4.3% dividend yield and its subsidiary NTT Docomo reducing its debt. But it faces strong competition, such as from Softbank, which recently invested in Sprint Nextel.

Canon , meanwhile, sank 21%, but offers a hefty dividend of 4.2%. The company has posted some disappointing numbers in recent quarters, but it compares favorably on a number of measures with many competitors. Boding well, though, is its patent strength. Canon has been one of America’s top five patent holders for 27 consecutive years. It recently released a new Mixed Reality 3-D headset, and has been taking market share from printer rivals such as Lexmark.

The big picture
A well-chosen ETFcan grant you instant diversification across any industry or group of companies — and make investing in and …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance