Stock Thread (12 Viewers)

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Trying to buy some XONE ahead of earnings announcement after close.

325 @ 47.12

Number fell short. I'm going to take a thump here. Guess I'll ride it out for a while.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Damn.... and I thought we were all going to be rich.

Feels like the Harden 3 pointer from half court in the 2012 playoffs. Wall St. never loses.

I'm in this long-ish term, so no biggie until losses start to pile up.

This is where siffguidance should be helpful.

"Don't let a winner become a loser."

OK, some of us are up something stupid like 40% in like 3 weeks. What's your tolerance there? This could be a long-term hold for the potential it possesses. Given the nature of the technology, it could also be highly volatile. Do you look at dips as opportunities to add to your position? Do you set a floor in the 15% range and say I won't leave with profits less than that? Do you set it closer to your basis to keep from losing and give yourself more leeway for any swings that might occur? Balance exit strategy with potential volatitity.

I think it is important to buy early at the beginning of a bull trend, and exit at the beginning of a bear trend. If you do that it would be close to impossible to have a big winner turn into a loser. If you believe DDD (or that sector) is THE future. You can still invest according to the trend. Think of it as Trend Cost Averaging (instead of $ cost averaging). Buy in the early stages of a bull trend. Take profits in the early stage of a bear trend...over and over. 2-4 trends per year and I bet you wind up with a pretty large collection of shares 3-10 years down the road...after the initial investment. That's how I look at it.

When you put it like that, it really should have been a "duh" moment based on your philosophy. You shouldn't be adding to your position on dips at all. You should sell off some portion near the top of a decline (perhaps all?). Then when it starts to build upward momentum again, add to (or re-initiate). Rinse, repeat. At that point it just becomes a matter of how much risk you're willing to retain as the bear trend begins?

 

[St. Louis Bob]

A Bullish Stock Indicator at a 58-Year HighWE'RE ALL GOING TO BE RICH!!!!!

 

[Dentist]

A Bullish Stock Indicator at a 58-Year High

WE'RE ALL GOING TO BE RICH!!!!!

another 1% up.. means another 2-3K for me... means another day where i made more on my butt than working.... #boatloads.

Thanks Bernanke

 

[Al Czervik]

FMCC with huge gains the last couple of days. Tempted to jump on and go for a ride.

Also thought about adding some PLG yesterday when it was in the .90's and of course I didn't... up nicely today.

 

[Al Czervik]

Also, AYA.V keeps going down. Wondering when a good entry will present itself there.

 

[mquinnjr]

http://zolmax.com/3d-systems-downgraded-to-underperform-at-william-blair-ddd/66094/

Just sold my position, hoping this thing drops a bit more and buying back in later.

 

[The Ref]

http://zolmax.com/3d-systems-downgraded-to-underperform-at-william-blair-ddd/66094/

Just sold my position, hoping this thing drops a bit more and buying back in later.

I'm getting close to being stopped out myself....... Anything under 44.90 and I'm going to get worried, 43.74 and I'm out.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

:rallytowel:

 

[sbonomo]

x2

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

holy mastercard and visa batman!

 

[mquinnjr]

5/17/2013 Closing DJIA: 15,353.33

"GET YOUR MONEY OUT OF THE MARKET!!!!"

 

[The Ref]

DDD Party is back on.

 

[The Ref]

I'm starting to get really interested in EXK (Again). The Chart looks just plain awful right now as far as momentum goes. But... it's quickly approaching long term support in the mid to low 3's. If it manages to hold in the mid/low 3's and can form a base it might be time to take a look when the silver price turns.

Of course I said the same thing when it was approaching the mid 5's, but that historical support wasn't nearly as significant at in the 3's. Goes to show that just because it's cheap don't mean it can't get cheaper. Same applies here... this may go to $1.50 before we know it.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

DDD Party is back on.

 

[NIU Kicker]

DDD Party is back on.

Lets hope this can push through $49. It's acting as resistance now.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

DDD Party is back on.

Naked jump party?

 

[Al Czervik]

I'm starting to get really interested in EXK (Again). The Chart looks just plain awful right now as far as momentum goes. But... it's quickly approaching long term support in the mid to low 3's. If it manages to hold in the mid/low 3's and can form a base it might be time to take a look when the silver price turns.

Of course I said the same thing when it was approaching the mid 5's, but that historical support wasn't nearly as significant at in the 3's. Goes to show that just because it's cheap don't mean it can't get cheaper. Same applies here... this may go to $1.50 before we know it.

Wow, you speak it's name and then, POP!

 

[The Ref]

I'm starting to get really interested in EXK (Again). The Chart looks just plain awful right now as far as momentum goes. But... it's quickly approaching long term support in the mid to low 3's. If it manages to hold in the mid/low 3's and can form a base it might be time to take a look when the silver price turns.

Of course I said the same thing when it was approaching the mid 5's, but that historical support wasn't nearly as significant at in the 3's. Goes to show that just because it's cheap don't mean it can't get cheaper. Same applies here... this may go to $1.50 before we know it.

Wow, you speak it's name and then, POP!

.30 up in one afternoon is big for this stock, but we are talking about a stock that went from $11.50 to $3.75 in 9 months.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I'm starting to get really interested in EXK (Again). The Chart looks just plain awful right now as far as momentum goes. But... it's quickly approaching long term support in the mid to low 3's. If it manages to hold in the mid/low 3's and can form a base it might be time to take a look when the silver price turns.

Of course I said the same thing when it was approaching the mid 5's, but that historical support wasn't nearly as significant at in the 3's. Goes to show that just because it's cheap don't mean it can't get cheaper. Same applies here... this may go to $1.50 before we know it.

Wow, you speak it's name and then, POP!

.30 up in one afternoon is big for this stock, but we are talking about a stock that went from $11.50 to $3.75 in 9 months.

Surprised I don't own it.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So Apple hasn't paid any taxes in 5 years? Oops.

 

[Ned]

So Apple hasn't paid any taxes in 5 years? Oops.

Yes they've paid $0 in 5 years.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So Apple hasn't paid any taxes in 5 years? Oops.

Yes they've paid $0 in 5 years.

That's what I heard earlier.

Edit:

A report released ahead of Apple CEO Tim Cooks inaugural Capitol Hill appearance Tuesday alleges the tech giant took advantage of numerous U.S. tax loopholes and avoided U.S. taxes on $44 billion in offshore, taxable income between 2009 and 2012 a characterization Apple flatly rejects.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/apple-taxes-offshore-senate-investigation-91633.html#ixzz2Tsw5M47f

 

[humpback]

So Apple hasn't paid any taxes in 5 years? Oops.

Yes they've paid $0 in 5 years.

That's what I heard earlier.

Edit:

>A report released ahead of Apple CEO Tim Cooks inaugural Capitol Hill appearance Tuesday alleges the tech giant took advantage of numerous U.S. tax loopholes and avoided U.S. taxes on $44 billion in offshore, taxable income between 2009 and 2012 a characterization Apple flatly rejects.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/apple-taxes-offshore-senate-investigation-91633.html#ixzz2Tsw5M47f

They've paid billions of dollars in taxes over those years, this is just saying that they used loopholes to avoid paying more.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I was watching earlier on tv and the text below clearly said they had paid none in 5 years. This isn't what is being reported?

Edit:

One of Apples Irish affiliates reported profits of $30 billion between 2009 and 2012, but because it did not technically belong to any country, it paid no taxes to any government. Another paid a tax rate of 0.05 percent in 2011 on $22 billion in earnings, according to the report. The U.S. corporate tax rate is 35 percent.

 

[humpback]

I was watching earlier on tv and the text below clearly said they had paid none in 5 years. This isn't what is being reported?Edit:One of Apples Irish affiliates reported profits of $30 billion between 2009 and 2012, but because it did not technically belong to any country, it paid no taxes to any government. Another paid a tax rate of 0.05 percent in 2011 on $22 billion in earnings, according to the report. The U.S. corporate tax rate is 35 percent.

Okay, now go look at how much they earned, and how much they paid in taxes, outside of their Irish affiliates.

 

[mquinnjr]

So Apple hasn't paid any taxes in 5 years? Oops.

Yes they've paid $0 in 5 years.

That's what I heard earlier.

Edit:

>A report released ahead of Apple CEO Tim Cooks inaugural Capitol Hill appearance Tuesday alleges the tech giant took advantage of numerous U.S. tax loopholes and avoided U.S. taxes on $44 billion in offshore, taxable income between 2009 and 2012 a characterization Apple flatly re

jects.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/apple-taxes-offshore-senate-investigation-91633.html#ixzz2Tsw5M47f

They've paid billions of dollars in taxes over those years, this is just saying that they used loopholes to avoid paying more.

Despite the findings, lawmakers behind the inquiry did not describe Apple’s tax conduct as illegal — but they sharply rebuked the Cupertino, California-based tech heavyweight on Monday for its tactics.

“What we intend to do is to highlight that gimmick and other Apple offshore avoidance tactics so that American working families, who pay their share of taxes, understand how offshore tax loopholes raise their tax burden and how those loopholes add to the federal deficit,” said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The panel initiated the probe with the backing of its top Republican, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

...

Ultimately, Apple’s setup also touches Washington: The report estimates the company between 2009 and 2012 relied on its complex foreign structure as well as a series of U.S. tax loopholes to “avoid … taxation of offshore income totaling $44 billion.” To do this, the Senate committee’s investigators say the company took advantage of IRS rules that overlook the lower rungs of its international business chain. Apple, however, plans to tell Senate lawmakers on Tuesday that it adopted this system because it made the most sense for its operations and shareholders.

Until it's proven that they broke the IRS code, this is simply sour grapes by our government. Any company with the wherewithal and need to follow the same tactics Apple does, also does. The Senate is literally just cherry picking them due to their notoriety. You could conduct this exercise with pretty much any multi-national, but AAPL grabs headlines.

I am 100% with Apple on this until it is proven that they actually broke the law.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Apparently it's not illegal but shows how flawed our tax laws are. Apple has no employees in Ireland but is stashing over 100 billion there?

Just wondered how it would impact their stock I guess.

 

[sporthenry]

Despite the findings, lawmakers behind the inquiry did not describe Apple’s tax conduct as illegal — but they sharply rebuked the Cupertino, California-based tech heavyweight on Monday for its tactics.

“What we intend to do is to highlight that gimmick and other Apple offshore avoidance tactics so that American working families, who pay their share of taxes, understand how offshore tax loopholes raise their tax burden and how those loopholes add to the federal deficit,” said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The panel initiated the probe with the backing of its top Republican, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

...

Ultimately, Apple’s setup also touches Washington: The report estimates the company between 2009 and 2012 relied on its complex foreign structure as well as a series of U.S. tax loopholes to “avoid … taxation of offshore income totaling $44 billion.” To do this, the Senate committee’s investigators say the company took advantage of IRS rules that overlook the lower rungs of its international business chain. Apple, however, plans to tell Senate lawmakers on Tuesday that it adopted this system because it made the most sense for its operations and shareholders.

Until it's proven that they broke the IRS code, this is simply sour grapes by our government. Any company with the wherewithal and need to follow the same tactics Apple does, also does. The Senate is literally just cherry picking them due to their notoriety. You could conduct this exercise with pretty much any multi-national, but AAPL grabs headlines.

I am 100% with Apple on this until it is proven that they actually broke the law.

Well the point is, the government is trying to raise awareness to this because most Americans don't realize it is happening. As you mention, only big MNC's can effectively use this tactic so you are killing small businesses (you know the thing everyone supposedly champions). They have to use one company as an example and Apple is the most notorious so they use them although they've used companies like Microsoft and others before and Apple is almost offering themselves up for it b/c they want to change it as well.

As far as breaking the law, I'd argue it is pretty close with the use of transfer pricing. If the IRS were even to actually go after these companies and make them use fair pricing values, they would no doubt close some of these loopholes. I'd say the two solutions are either using the IRS to regulate these transfer pricings more stringently or to redo the whole tax code which would include lowering the corporate tax rate for all but closing off a ton of these loopholes.

 

[humpback]

Apparently it's not illegal but shows how flawed our tax laws are. Apple has no employees in Ireland but is stashing over 100 billion there?Just wondered how it would impact their stock I guess.

Where are you getting this (mis)information from?

 

[mquinnjr]

Apparently it's not illegal but shows how flawed our tax laws are. Apple has no employees in Ireland but is stashing over 100 billion there?Just wondered how it would impact their stock I guess.

Every stockholder should be doing jumping jacks that they are doing this. As a stockholder, you are rooting for the highest Net Income legally possible.

If you required the companies in the S&P 500 to disclose completely separate domestic and international financial statements instead of worldwide consolidated financial statements, your jaw would drop. The trick is to digest the tax laws to the point that you can cherry pick the legal structure abroad that allows you to funnel earnings to sit in the lowest tax jurisdiction 1) available or 2) negotiated.

Negotiated is the fun one. US parent - "I'll create 10,000 jobs if you give me a 0% corporate tax rate for the next 10 years, and we'll agree to not leave in those 10 years. We'll also invest in infrastructure, that will further boost your economy." Ireland, Switzerland, etc. "OK, deal." Trick is, retained earnings can't touch US shores or it gets hit for US tax less foreign taxes paid. So, the money sits off-shore and is re-invested off-shore. On a worldwide consolidated financial statement, you'd be none the wiser unless specifically disclosed/outlined.

 

[mquinnjr]

Despite the findings, lawmakers behind the inquiry did not describe Apple’s tax conduct as illegal — but they sharply rebuked the Cupertino, California-based tech heavyweight on Monday for its tactics.

“What we intend to do is to highlight that gimmick and other Apple offshore avoidance tactics so that American working families, who pay their share of taxes, understand how offshore tax loopholes raise their tax burden and how those loopholes add to the federal deficit,” said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The panel initiated the probe with the backing of its top Republican, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

...

Ultimately, Apple’s setup also touches Washington: The report estimates the company between 2009 and 2012 relied on its complex foreign structure as well as a series of U.S. tax loopholes to “avoid … taxation of offshore income totaling $44 billion.” To do this, the Senate committee’s investigators say the company took advantage of IRS rules that overlook the lower rungs of its international business chain. Apple, however, plans to tell Senate lawmakers on Tuesday that it adopted this system because it made the most sense for its operations and shareholders.

Until it's proven that they broke the IRS code, this is simply sour grapes by our government. Any company with the wherewithal and need to follow the same tactics Apple does, also does. The Senate is literally just cherry picking them due to their notoriety. You could conduct this exercise with pretty much any multi-national, but AAPL grabs headlines.

I am 100% with Apple on this until it is proven that they actually broke the law.

Well the point is, the government is trying to raise awareness to this because most Americans don't realize it is happening. As you mention, only big MNC's can effectively use this tactic so you are killing small businesses (you know the thing everyone supposedly champions). They have to use one company as an example and Apple is the most notorious so they use them although they've used companies like Microsoft and others before and Apple is almost offering themselves up for it b/c they want to change it as well.

As far as breaking the law, I'd argue it is pretty close with the use of transfer pricing. If the IRS were even to actually go after these companies and make them use fair pricing values, they would no doubt close some of these loopholes. I'd say the two solutions are either using the IRS to regulate these transfer pricings more stringently or to redo the whole tax code which would include lowering the corporate tax rate for all but closing off a ton of these loopholes.

It's literally going to come down to the lawmakers changing the tax code. That's the link in the chain that always seems to have be the stopping point for any changes being enacted on this issue. I'd have to believe addressing these laws head-on has to be an objective of the Obama administration for his term.

Nothing wrong with letting Americans know that this is going on in the business world, but the Senate should really be working with the President and whoever else needs to be involved if they really want to take this closer to actually doing something about it. Just getting people in the loop is not going to really achieve that end.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Apparently it's not illegal but shows how flawed our tax laws are. Apple has no employees in Ireland but is stashing over 100 billion there?Just wondered how it would impact their stock I guess.

Where are you getting this (mis)information from?

What are the facts that I'm misinformed about?I'm on vacation. It was a breaking story on some news channel.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/20/apple-cook-senate-taxes/

This has all the info I was referring to. Guess it was this one subsidiary that hadn't paid any taxes in 5 years.

One of Apple Sales International's parent companies, Apple Operations International, hasn't filed a corporate tax return in the past five years—anywhere, the Senate panel found. The unit, which reports directly to California headquarters, took in $29.6 billion from smaller subsidiaries, including ASI, between 2009 and 2012, Apple told investigators.

 

[NIU Kicker]

Of course the dividends and capital gains are taxed again by the govt, so to say that "zero taxes" are paid as a result of these profits is disingenuous.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

It wouldn't be surprising to see pressure on AAPL stock today since Cook will likely undergo chastising as Congress tries to make them look bad and like they are taking advantage. But, as others said, they've not only done nothing wrong, but it is their duty to shareholders to use all legal opportunities to save money. Congress would be better served to use this time to work on tax reform than berate someone for playing within the current rules.

 

[The Ref]

It wouldn't be surprising to see pressure on AAPL stock today since Cook will likely undergo chastising as Congress tries to make them look bad and like they are taking advantage. But, as others said, they've not only done nothing wrong, but it is their duty to shareholders to use all legal opportunities to save money. Congress would be better served to use this time to work on tax reform than berate someone for playing within the current rules.

I hope Cook lights them on fire.

In actuality I hope he makes the point if they let the money come back on shore for a smaller amount of taxes then Apple and every other company would do it and it would create domestic investment.

 

[mquinnjr]

It wouldn't be surprising to see pressure on AAPL stock today since Cook will likely undergo chastising as Congress tries to make them look bad and like they are taking advantage. But, as others said, they've not only done nothing wrong, but it is their duty to shareholders to use all legal opportunities to save money. Congress would be better served to use this time to work on tax reform than berate someone for playing within the current rules.

I hope Cook lights them on fire.

In actuality I hope he makes the point if they let the money come back on shore for a smaller amount of taxes then Apple and every other company would do it and it would create domestic investment.

Both , you guys get it.

I'll definitely follow on this to see how he responds. Hopefully he doesn't back down and throws the grenade back into Congress' bunker. And not just to chest thump, but to propose tangible ideas/possible solutions, since Congress and above really hold the keys to the car on this topic.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

It wouldn't be surprising to see pressure on AAPL stock today since Cook will likely undergo chastising as Congress tries to make them look bad and like they are taking advantage. But, as others said, they've not only done nothing wrong, but it is their duty to shareholders to use all legal opportunities to save money. Congress would be better served to use this time to work on tax reform than berate someone for playing within the current rules.

I hope Cook lights them on fire.

In actuality I hope he makes the point if they let the money come back on shore for a smaller amount of taxes then Apple and every other company would do it and it would create domestic investment.

Both , you guys get it.

I'll definitely follow on this to see how he responds. Hopefully he doesn't back down and throws the grenade back into Congress' bunker. And not just to chest thump, but to propose tangible ideas/possible solutions, since Congress and above really hold the keys to the car on this topic.

He actually NEEDS this imo. He has to show shareholders he brings value in some capacity.

 

[Slapdash]

Despite the findings, lawmakers behind the inquiry did not describe Apple’s tax conduct as illegal — but they sharply rebuked the Cupertino, California-based tech heavyweight on Monday for its tactics.

“What we intend to do is to highlight that gimmick and other Apple offshore avoidance tactics so that American working families, who pay their share of taxes, understand how offshore tax loopholes raise their tax burden and how those loopholes add to the federal deficit,” said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The panel initiated the probe with the backing of its top Republican, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

...

Ultimately, Apple’s setup also touches Washington: The report estimates the company between 2009 and 2012 relied on its complex foreign structure as well as a series of U.S. tax loopholes to “avoid … taxation of offshore income totaling $44 billion.” To do this, the Senate committee’s investigators say the company took advantage of IRS rules that overlook the lower rungs of its international business chain. Apple, however, plans to tell Senate lawmakers on Tuesday that it adopted this system because it made the most sense for its operations and shareholders.

Until it's proven that they broke the IRS code, this is simply sour grapes by our government. Any company with the wherewithal and need to follow the same tactics Apple does, also does. The Senate is literally just cherry picking them due to their notoriety. You could conduct this exercise with pretty much any multi-national, but AAPL grabs headlines.

I am 100% with Apple on this until it is proven that they actually broke the law.

Well the point is, the government is trying to raise awareness to this because most Americans don't realize it is happening. As you mention, only big MNC's can effectively use this tactic so you are killing small businesses (you know the thing everyone supposedly champions). They have to use one company as an example and Apple is the most notorious so they use them although they've used companies like Microsoft and others before and Apple is almost offering themselves up for it b/c they want to change it as well.

As far as breaking the law, I'd argue it is pretty close with the use of transfer pricing. If the IRS were even to actually go after these companies and make them use fair pricing values, they would no doubt close some of these loopholes. I'd say the two solutions are either using the IRS to regulate these transfer pricings more stringently or to redo the whole tax code which would include lowering the corporate tax rate for all but closing off a ton of these loopholes.

Yep. Add holding IP offshore to that too.

 

[humpback]

Apparently it's not illegal but shows how flawed our tax laws are. Apple has no employees in Ireland but is stashing over 100 billion there?

Just wondered how it would impact their stock I guess.

Where are you getting this (mis)information from?

What are the facts that I'm misinformed about?I'm on vacation. It was a breaking story on some news channel.

That they haven't paid any taxes in 5 years, that they have no employees in Ireland, that they have $100 billion in Ireland, etc.

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/20/apple-cook-senate-taxes/

This has all the info I was referring to. Guess it was this one subsidiary that hadn't paid any taxes in 5 years.

One of Apple Sales International's parent companies, Apple Operations International, hasn't filed a corporate tax return in the past five years—anywhere, the Senate panel found. The unit, which reports directly to California headquarters, took in $29.6 billion from smaller subsidiaries, including ASI, between 2009 and 2012, Apple told investigators.

Yes, big difference.

 

[Redwes25]

Apparently it's not illegal but shows how flawed our tax laws are. Apple has no employees in Ireland but is stashing over 100 billion there?Just wondered how it would impact their stock I guess.

Why illegal? This income earned by foreign entities in foreign jurisdications. This has resulted in billions of dollars of money parked overseas rather than being brought home to the US. Seems to me we should reform our system so that companies have an incentive to bring that money home and invest it in the US rather than issuing 20 billion dollars in bonds. See the reasoning behind Apples recent bond sale.

 

[mquinnjr]

Live updates of Cook with Congress: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/may/21/apple-ceo-tax-avoidance-senate-live

 

[Slapdash]

Live updates of Cook with Congress: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/may/21/apple-ceo-tax-avoidance-senate-live

I'd like to invest in whatever company Rand Paul is getting these knee pads from. They seem of high quality.

 

[Sand]

So Apple hasn't paid any taxes in 5 years? Oops.

Yes they've paid $0 in 5 years.

That's what I heard earlier.

Edit:

>A report released ahead of Apple CEO Tim Cooks inaugural Capitol Hill appearance Tuesday alleges the tech giant took advantage of numerous U.S. tax loopholes and avoided U.S. taxes on $44 billion in offshore, taxable income between 2009 and 2012 a characterization Apple flatly r

ejects.Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/apple-taxes-offshore-senate-investigation-91633.html#ixzz2Tsw5M47f

They've paid billions of dollars in taxes over those years, this is just saying that they used loopholes to avoid paying more.

Despite the findings, lawmakers behind the inquiry did not describe Apple’s tax conduct as illegal — but they sharply rebuked the Cupertino, California-based tech heavyweight on Monday for its tactics.

“What we intend to do is to highlight that gimmick and other Apple offshore avoidance tactics so that American working families, who pay their share of taxes, understand how offshore tax loopholes raise their tax burden and how those loopholes add to the federal deficit,” said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The panel initiated the probe with the backing of its top Republican, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

...

Ultimately, Apple’s setup also touches Washington: The report estimates the company between 2009 and 2012 relied on its complex foreign structure as well as a series of U.S. tax loopholes to “avoid … taxation of offshore income totaling $44 billion.” To do this, the Senate committee’s investigators say the company took advantage of IRS rules that overlook the lower rungs of its international business chain. Apple, however, plans to tell Senate lawmakers on Tuesday that it adopted this system because it made the most sense for its operations and shareholders.

Until it's proven that they broke the IRS code, this is simply sour grapes by our government. Any company with the wherewithal and need to follow the same tactics Apple does, also does. The Senate is literally just cherry picking them due to their notoriety. You could conduct this exercise with pretty much any multi-national, but AAPL grabs headlines.

I am 100% with Apple on this until it is proven that they actually broke the law.

Google has been highlighted a lot lately, as well.

 

[The Ref]

We need someone with some deep pockets to come in and bid DDD up to a close over $49. If we can do that we are off to the races (I Hope).

 

[The Ref]

Stopped by the local coin shop today..... almost wiped out again. It's funny that the price is going down on silver and gold and every time I go in there I see more and more buyers.

I did learn something new today. In the 30's and 40's the Govt of Honduras contracted out with the US mint to make it's coinage. A one Lempira coin is minted on the same round that a US half dollar was struck. He had 30 of them and he sold them to me at silver spot. Kind of neat.... if you are into these types of things. I also picked up a .1 Italian gold coin from the 1890's, again sold it to me at spot. But as far as Junk US silver, Eagles or any "real" bullion he had nothing.

 

[Ignoramus]

Stopped by the local coin shop today..... almost wiped out again. It's funny that the price is going down on silver and gold and every time I go in there I see more and more buyers.

Really, isn't that the behavior one should expect? "Hooray, it's Black Friday and everything's on sale! I'm going to buy more!" In my limited experience, however, the opposite is true when it comes to investing. "The price of gold has skyrocketed in the last year! I better buy some before it's too late!"

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Stopped by the local coin shop today..... almost wiped out again. It's funny that the price is going down on silver and gold and every time I go in there I see more and more buyers.

Really, isn't that the behavior one should expect? "Hooray, it's Black Friday and everything's on sale! I'm going to buy more!" In my limited experience, however, the opposite is true when it comes to investing. "The price of gold has skyrocketed in the last year! I better buy some before it's too late!"

Can we interest you in some DDD stock while you're here?

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Good place for AAPL tax argument.