Splunk is popular within financial services as the company offers advanced security analytics data

On April 25, 2012, Wall Street was introduced by two really hot IPO`s; Splunk and Infoblox. Investors expected to see Splunk to open at $13 a share, but it surprised and opened at $17. Later on the same trading day, Splunk closed at about $32, after it peaked intraday at $38.

Splunk was one of the first big data companies to go public.

Splunk offer technology that helps large enterprises with their IT systems. I have tried Splunks system which is a big data software product. You can make your own dashboard with the data you want. Its up to you.

 

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They can take streams of data from lots of different sources and their software will instantly index it to make it searchable. I like this software because you can take lots of different data sources and simply put it into one system where it can be searched. And best of all; you can make it the way you like it.

Splunk will make it easy to dump all your different data into your own system. Your own dashboard.

You can build your own reports, your own alerts and your own dashboards. You can gather and analyze system alerts to discover what is causing problems with an IT system, or to see the power consumed by various applications and servers.

Now, Splunk is trading at $54,36 with a market cap of $7,29 Billion. A small company compared to Microsoft, but very interesting.

As the analytics market continues to gain strength, especially in the enterprise space, Splunk has no doubt benefitted, becoming especially popular within financial services as the company offers advanced security analytics data.

Splunk has been expanding these cybersecurity offerings, acquiring two companies in the industry, Caspida and Metaphor Sofware, last year.

Despite the upward trajectory, Splunk has some stiff competition. The company`s rival, ELK Stack, an open source stack company, has been gaining massive global traction and is starting to become a threat.

Even bigger players such as Amazon, IBM and Microsoft are fighting for more market share. Investments into R&D in order to compete with these players may suppress profitability in the near-term.

Splunk will continue to invest heavily in marketing and sales, which is up about 50% YoY last quarter, to $162 million. R&D was up about 40% last quarter to about $66 million, which is both very important to stay competitive in the market.

CEO Dough Merritt raised Splunk`s fiscal 2017 revenue guidance by $30 million, to $880 million and that represent a growth of about 32%. He also told investors to anticipate fiscal full-year adjusted operating profit of 5%.

The Estimize consensus is calling for flat YoY earnings, as compared to -$0,02 from Wall Street. Revenue expectations of $179,0 million are nearly $5 million above the sell-side. Estimates on both the top and bottom-line seen massive revisions since the Q4 2015 report., with EPS expectations increased 92% and revenue 8%. This pegs YoY EPS growth at 102% and sales growth at 41%.

Splunk is set to release fiscal first-quarter results after the market close on Thursday, May 26, 2016, after the close.

Splunk historically has beaten both EPS and revenue estimates more than 73% of the time.

I will not be surprised if Splunk outperforms once again.

 

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shiny bull. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Shiny bull nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Shiny bull and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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Tiffany`s demand for luxury goods and earnings per share have dropped

Tiffany & Co`s share price has plummeted since its top in January 2015. The share price has dropped from over $100 to about $60. The main reason for that is the global softening demand for luxury goods.

The demand for jewelry has declined in the past few years, led y a strong U.S dollar, weakness in China and changing spending habits. Earnings at Tiffany has been falling for 4 consecutive quarters. The stock has been following the earnings.

 

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Currency headwinds negatively impact both non-US sales and tourist spending in the United States. Early indications are these problems will persist throughout fiscal 2016. In its most recent analyst call, management guided minimal growth on a constant currency basis with earnings ranging from unchanged to a mid-single digit decline.

There are a number of bright spots for Tiffanys. The companys effort to bolster its omnichannel platform and open new stores should bode well. On a constant currency basis, sales and comparable store sales increased across its international markets like Japan, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

The Estimize consensus is calling for earnings of 69 cents per share on $922,7 million in revenue, a penny higher than Wall Street on the bottom line but $2,5 million below on the top. Earnings per share estimates have dropped 13% in the past three months on negative sentiment heading into the Q1 report. Compared to a year earlier, this reflects a 15% decline in EPS with revenue projected to fall 4%.

The shares of Tiffany`s have dropped 25,5% over the past 52 weeks, but the majority of analysts maintain a «strong buy» on the underperformer, while the average 12-month price target of $81,29 stands at a 26% premium to current trading levels.

If Tiffany continue to struggle, analysts will continue to be negative on the stock.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shiny bull. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Shiny bull nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Shiny bull and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

 

 

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60% of the United States Naval Forces will be stationed in the Asia-Pacific by 2020

The South China Sea is very important and it has always been that. It is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around 3,500,000 square kilometers.

The areas importance largely results from one-third of the worlds shipping sailing through its waters and that it is believed to hold huge oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed. The South China Sea is important for three main reasons:

  1. Oil, gas, fish and minerals
  2. Shipping
  3. A valuable buffer for China`s defense

The big question is; who is owning the sea? China are ignoring its neighbours, claiming that The South China Sea belongs to China, but other countries doesn`t agree with that, and here starts the tension.

 

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The South China Sea is located;

  • South of mainland China, including the island of Taiwan, in the east;
  • east of Vietnam and Cambodia;
  • west of the Philippines;
  • east of the Malay peninsula and Sumatra, up to the Strait of Malacca in the west and
  • north of the Bangka-Belitung Island and Borneo

China and Vietnam have both been vigorous in prosecuting their claims. China (various governments) and South Vietnam each controlled part of the Parcel Island before 1974, so this conflict is not something new.

In July 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for the Peoples Republic of China to resolve the territorial dispute. China responded by demanding the US keep out of the issue. This came at a time when both countries have been engaging in naval exercises in a show of force to the opposing side, which increased tension in the region.

The United States have so far a lot of provocative acts, and Chinese Navy chief Admiral Wu Shengli warned that these kind of acts can be a minor incident that sparks war. The Communist media recently said;

«If the United States’ bottom line is that China is to halt activities, then a US-China war is inevitable in the South China Sea. We do not want a military conflict with the Unites States, but if it were to come, we have to accept it.»

Last word is not said in this conflict, and Vice President Joe Biden said in a speech at the U.S Naval Academy:

«In the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the United States does not privilege the claims of one nation over another, but we do unapologetically stand up for the equitable and peaceful resolution of disputes and for the freedom of navigation, and today these principles are being tested by Chinese activities in the South China Sea.

U.S foreign policy is rebalancing toward the vast potential of the Asia-Pacific region, but we cant succeed if you dont show up. That`s why 60% of the United States Naval Forces will be stationed in the Asia-Pacific by 2020.

I repeat what Vice President Joe Biden said: 60% of the United States Naval Forces will be stationed in the Asia-Pacific by 2020. This is a conflict that will continue in years to come, and it is a dangerous conflict.

A war between the United States and China will be catastrophic for them both. First of all, Chia is a huge supplier for American merchants. A strong dollar against a cheap Yuan is profitable for Americans, but a war can change that.

China has been steadily accumulating US treasury securities for decades. Additionally, trade data from the US Census Bureau shows that China has been running a big trade surplus with the US since 1985.

This means that China sells more goods and services to the US, than the US sells to China.

Will China try to «buy out» the US markets through its debt accumulation?

The war with China right now is not a currency war. Nor is it a trade war. No, it is a real military war which is not hypothetical anymore. It`s real.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shiny bull. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Shiny bull nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Shiny bull and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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The best social network advertisers love the most

How in the world are you gonna survive on this planet without marketing? The answer is very simple; you wont. How can you expect your customers to buy your product if they don`t know about you?

You need to brand your business and let people know about you, and the more they know about you, the more they will talk about you and remember you. Word of mouth is cheap and an extremely powerful form of advertisement, but is that enough?

Social media is the real big thing at the moment. Your competitors are using it. Your customers are using it, and so need you. This form of media advertising is extremely powerful, and by one simple click, you give them all something positive to talk about; Your products.

 

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You need to be were your customers are; on social media. You can`t run from it, so you may as well embrace it. The only way to connect with them is to make your online presence known. So, what platform do marketers spend time and money on, and who are the best? The answer is simple; Facebook!

Social media is a must. It makes you communicate with your customers and that will significantly increase your brand visibility. Traditional marketing in paper media could increase your traffic, but social media will bring people together, and your friends and followers will talk about you. That in turn will increase your revenue.

As you can see from the chart above, Facebook is by far the most popular network of choice. All marketers are using it, but Twitter can be replaced as the second most popular social media platform.

Instragram is third right now, but that seems to change very soon. A fresh new report claims that Instagram is quickly gaining popularity among marketers and could soon take Twitter`s place as the second most important social advertising channel.

Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook revealed in its recent earnings report that more than 200,000 businesses around the world advertise on Instagram each and every month. Instagram and its network is available in more than 30 countries and their popularity is growing.

People come to Instagram for visual inspiration, and advertising on Instagram has the power to touch, inspire and move people. Instagram ads have proven to drive strong branding results. 97% of measured campaigns on Instagram have generated significant lifts in ad recall.

Instagram is expected to grow a lot further in the future.

 

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shiny bull. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Shiny bull nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Shiny bull and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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“Brexit” could trigger World War III, Prime Minister David Cameron said

Europe can be on a brink of a new war. Again! Wow, it`s been a long time since the last big war in Europe. Is time for a new one? We have many «triggers» out there, and it seems like everything blows up to a perfect storm.

Prime Minister David Cameron said that peace in Europe can be threatened if people in Britain votes to leave the European Union. David Cameron arguing that EU is a peace project and UK has regretted «turning its back» on Europe in the past.

David Cameron wants to stay in the European Union and many people agree with him. But not all of them. Boris Johnson are on the opposite side. He sparked criticism when he suggested the conflict in Ukraine was an example of «EU foreign policy-making on the hoof».

 

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Former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt branded him an !apologist for Putin». Boris Johnson said the comments were «absolutely contemptible» and called for and apology. He repeatedly condemned Russia`s actions in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, NATO members warned about a «Brexit». In an open letter to Daily Telegraph, they said it would be «very troubling» if the UK jumps out ot the European Union membership. Camerons warning was bolstered by five former secretary generals of the Wests military alliance Nato. Lord Peter Carrington, Javier Solana, Lord George Robertson, Jaap De Hoop Scheffer and Anders Fogh Rasmussen bolstered Cameron`s warning.

David Cameron said in a speech earlier this week that Britain must stay in the EU to help prevent the Continent being ripped apart by another conflict. He also said that «Brexit» could trigger World War III, also claiming that the government doesn`t have any plans for a «Brexit».

Wow, who wants to go for a «Brexit» on the June 23 referendum?

Mr. Cameron also said: «Can we be so sure peace and stability on our continent are assured beyond any shadow of doubt? Is that a risk worth taking? «I never be so rash to make that assumption.»

A few hours later, Mr Cameron was attacked by Boris Johnson, who said: «People should think very hard before they make these kinds of warnings».

Just look at the history, and what Cameron referred to in Britains role in «pivotal moments in European history: Blenheim, Trafalgar, Waterloo, our countrys heroism in the Great War and, most of all, our long stand in 1940.

Cameron also said: «What happens in our neighbourhood matter to Britain. That was true in 1914, 1940, 1989…and it is true in 2016.»

Mr Cameron also recalled how Winston Churchill «argued passionately for Western Europe to come together, to promote free trade and build institutions which would endure so our continent would never again see such bloodshed».

A YouGov poll for Good Morning Britain found 42% of voters back In and 40% Out.

 

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Shiny bull. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Shiny bull nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Shiny bull and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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