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We slept on 22 different pillows (and counting) over many months to find the best ones for side, back, and stomach sleepers. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky We tested 22 pillows (and counting) to find the most comfortable choices for every sleep position. The Coop Home Goods Pillow is our top pick because you can customize the fill for ultimate comfort. Outfit the rest of your bed with our guides to the best mattress, best bed frame, and best sheets. Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products. Lauren Savoie/Insider Our sleep habits can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing. Central to getting a great night's sleep is having a solid setup, including a really comfortable, supportive pillow. "A good pillow is absolutely a top priority," said Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. "No matter your budget, I really encourage people to splurge and invest in these products because they will help. The bed is the foundation of our sleep, and if these elements aren't supportive and not cozy to your personal preference, you put yourself at risk for sleep difficulties."With that in mind, we tested 22 different pillows and considered many others. While I (a back sleeper) slept on every pillow recommended in this guide for at least three nights, individual preferences and anatomy vary greatly (see: how to find the perfect pillow). I enlisted a stomach sleeper and two side sleepers to try each pillow for at least a night and considered feedback from other editors who have tried or reviewed pillows over the last few years.You can read all about other pillows we tested and our methodology here.Here are the best pillows in 2021Best pillow overall: Coop Home Goods The Original PillowBest budget pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel PillowBest pillow for side sleepers: Casper Original PillowBest pillow for back sleepers: The Saatva Latex PillowBest pillow for stomach sleepers: Parachute Down Alternative Pillow, SoftBest pillow for neck pain: Leesa Hybrid PillowBest buckwheat pillow: Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat PillowBest down pillow: Brooklinen Down PillowEditor's note: This guide primarily deals with memory foam and down-alternative pillows since experts we spoke to said hypoallergenic pillows are better for most people. If you're interested in learning more about down pillows, we have a whole guide specifically for down pillows. Our testing methodology There is no one-size-fits-all best pillow for everyone; individual anatomy, sleep habits, and preferences deeply impact how comfortable a pillow will be from person to person. For that reason, our rating criteria for this guide relied heavily on the following considerations:Return policy and trial period: It's impossible to know how comfortable a pillow is going to be for you until you sleep on it, despite how comprehensive our guide aims to be. "The most important thing is trying the pillows out to see what works for you," said Robbins, which includes being able to touch, lay on, and sleep with a pillow before deciding if it's right for you. For this guide, we only considered pillows that accept returns of used merchandise for a full refund with at least a 30-day trial window, which gives you ample time to decide if a pillow is right for you.Adjustability: We prioritized pillows that are adjustable, with removable inserts or shredded fill for dialing in your perfect loft. This creates a more custom pillow that would better suit your needs.Ease of use: We looked at how well each pillow fit a standard pillowcase, whether the pillow came with a case or protector, and whether all or parts of the pillow were washable for better hygiene and pillow longevity.Comfort: I slept on all of the pillows for at least three (sometimes agonizing) nights. I also enlisted a side sleeper and a stomach sleeper to try the pillows over the course of a couple weeks. For future updates, we will develop a diverse sleep panel and have them test our top picks for additional feedback. Best overall Lauren Savoie/Business Insider The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow offers thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and an unparalleled 100-night trial that make it the best choice for most people.Fill: Shredded memory foam and microfiberFirmness: Adjustable, but on the firmer sideHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Queen (20" x 30") and King (20" x 36")Care instructions: Wash in cold water, delicate cycle. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Tumble dry low until the inner pillow is completely dry before use.Who it's best for: Back, side, and stomach sleepers who like the feel of memory foamPros: Completely customizable with removable fill, comes with additional fill if you prefer a firmer pillow, comes with a washable encasement, hypoallergenic, 5-year warranty, 100-night trialCons: On the firmer side and might not be the best choice if you don't like memory foam, testers in previous reviews thought it arrived with a slightly funny smellIt's rare to come across a product as thoughtfully designed as the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow. Made from hypoallergenic shredded memory foam, the fill in the Coop pillow is adjustable so you can customize it to the perfect loft for your sleep preferences. Other thoughtful features like a washable cover, 5-year warranty, and 100-night trial make it our top recommendation. When you open the box, you're greeted by a bright yellow insert that walks you through how to customize the pillow and suggestions on how much fill to add or remove (it's more than you think) based on your preferred sleeping position. While the pillow arrives almost overfilled, it also comes with a half-pound bag of additional fill in case you need even more support. I followed the package recommendations to remove about a third of the fill for back sleepers. The result felt deeply personalized, and it was very comfortable to sleep on with a great balance of support and fluff. One drawback? If you favor a softer, more down-like fill (like I do), you may find the Coop pillow is on the firmer side and tends to get a bit hot during the night. However, we think most people will love the customization of the Coop pillow, especially if you prefer the springy feel of memory foam.Read our full review of Coop Home Goods' The Original Pillow Best pillow on a budget Lauren Savoie/Business Insider At just under $20 per pillow, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows are an inexpensive option that still offers a comfortable, supportive night's sleep.Fill: Gel fiber down alternativeFirmness: ModerateHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Queen (20" x 24") and King (20" x 28")Care instructions: Wash on a delicate cycle using cold water. Lay flat to dry.Who it's best for: Side and back sleepersPros: Inexpensive, soft and stackable, sleeps relatively cool, machine washable, good for stomach and side sleepers, 30-day return window, hypoallergenicCons: Side sleepers will likely need two or more of these pillows, pillows are not adjustableIf you're the type of person that can fall asleep just about anywhere or you're primarily concerned about price, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow is the best bang for your buck. These pillows are on the thinner side but have a gentle, down-like plushness that sets them apart from other inexpensive pillows I've tried. While they're definitely more squishy than supportive, they're a good choice for stomach sleepers; back sleepers; and anyone who likes to hug, fold, or stack their pillows at night.I've spent several months sleeping with these pillows on and off, and they haven't gone flat or gotten lumpy. They are a little less lofty and bouncy than when I first got them, but I actually like that since it gives them a more lived-in feel. "Gel pillow" is a bit of a misnomer; there's no liquid or cooling gel in these pillows like there is in some other cooling pillows. Instead, these pillows are filled with polyester gel fiber, which is similar to a down alternative in both feel and performance. The pillows stay relatively cool compared to denser materials like memory foam but stop short of actively cooling you like the Leesa Hybrid Pillow.While these pillows aren't adjustable, each pack comes with two pillows, so you can easily stack them to your desired comfort level. The company also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — a rarity for Amazon-only pillow brands. Best pillow for side sleepers Lauren Savoie/Business Insider The Casper Original Pillow offers the loft and support that side sleepers need but with the soft and fluffy feel of a down alternative. Fill: Polyester microfiberFirmness: ModerateHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Standard (18" x 26") and King (18" x 34")Care instructions: Remove inner pillow. Wash with cool water and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Run the rinse cycle twice. Tumble dry low.Who it's best for: Side sleepersPros: Soft and fluffy, 2-inch gusset that provides support for side sleepers, removable inner pillow, machine washable, 100-night trial periodCons: Loft is not very adjustable, not as supportive as memory foamThe goal of a good pillow is to bring your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. For side sleepers, this means bridging the gap between your ear and where your shoulder meets the mattress. But shoulder size and height can vary a lot from person to person, meaning one side sleeper might need a really lofty pillow while another needs just a little bit of lift. The Coop pillow is ideal for side sleepers because it offers a lot of customization to help fill that gap. But if you're not a memory foam fan, your next best bet is the Casper Original Pillow. Made from down-alternative fill with a percale cotton shell, the Casper pillow feels a lot like the soft, plush pillows you'd find in hotel rooms. A 2-inch gusset (the strip of fabric between seams that gives the pillow a more boxy shape) keeps the pillow lofted for the supportive lift that side sleepers require, but the plush fill still gives the "sinking in" sensation when you lay your head down. One of the side sleepers who tried the pillow over several weeks also loved that the pillow stayed cool throughout the night and kept its shape despite its softer fill. You can adjust the fill a bit by removing the inner pillow, but all the side sleepers who tried it preferred the loft of the full pillow. If you want a balance of support and softness, we recommend giving the Casper Original Pillow a try; just keep in mind that it's not as customizable or adjustable as other pillows.Read our full review of the Casper Original Pillow. Best pillow for back sleepers Lauren Savoie/Business Insider Luxuriously plush, the Saatva Latex Pillow offers an ultra-comfortable, hotel-like experience and is particularly well-suited to back sleepers.Fill: Shredded Talalay latexFirmness: Moderate-softHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Queen (18" x 28") and King (18" x 34")Care instructions: Remove core of shredded Talalay latex, machine wash cover and pillow.Who it's best for: Back sleepersPros: Moderate height that's ideal for back sleepers, plush like a hotel pillow, supportive latex core, 45-day trial period, comes with a pillow cover, cover and outer pillow are machine washableCons: Not very adjustable, too lofty for stomach sleepersThe Saatva Pillow is made from a supportive shredded latex core surrounded by a plush, down alternative layer and a sateen cotton liner. Its unique construction makes it different from any pillow I've ever felt before — it's got the hefty weight and support of a memory foam pillow, but with the plush, cool feel of a down pillow.Throughout testing, I kept coming back to this pillow, and it quickly became my go-to for nights I wasn't actively testing anything new.I've now been sleeping on this pillow for five months. I love how my head sinks into this soft pillow, but it's still supportive enough to keep its shape all night long. When I wake up, the pillow looks just as plush as when I fell asleep on it.I'm a very active sleeper who likes to move around a lot in bed and take my bedding with me, so I love that the pillow is equally plush and comfortable from all sides and angles. It's still soft and supportive when I inevitably fold it, scoop it, or hug it throughout the night. Finally, it's hypoallergenic, which is a must for allergy sufferers like myself. Multiple stomach sleepers who tried the pillow as part of our testing found it too lofty, even with the inner core removed. Some side sleepers might also find the pillow not quite lofty enough; we think it's best for back sleepers and those who prefer a plusher, cooler feel than memory foam.  Best pillow for stomach sleepers Lauren Savoie/Business Insider Soft but not too thin, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow has the perfect loft for stomach sleepers who want just a bit of cushion.Fill: Superfine microfiberFirmness: Very softHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Standard (20" x 26") and King (20" x 36")Care instructions: Dry clean or machine wash cool on a delicate cycle using mild, liquid laundry detergent. Tumble dry low with wool dryer balls.Who it's best for: Stomach sleepersPros: Soft and pillowy, made from hypoallergenic down alternative, folds easily for added support when lying on your side or back, stays cool, 60-day return windowCons: Needs to be fluffed regularly to retain its shape, doesn't offer enough support for sleepers who spend the majority of the night on their back or side and therefore not the best choice for guest bedrooms, fill cannot be adjustedStomach sleepers generally require the least amount of pillow support since your head and spine are already pretty close to alignment when lying on your stomach. Most stomach sleepers would benefit from a soft pillow with just a bit of loft, and for that, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is our top choice. This is the only pillow that received high marks for comfort from my husband, who is an avowed stomach sleeper and finds most pillows too lofty. The Parachute pillow elevates his head just enough to alleviate any neck strain, and the sateen cotton encasement keeps the pillow remarkably cool all night long, ideal for those, like him, who run hot.We purchased four of these pillows a little over a year ago, and they were our mainstay before I started testing and evaluating pillows for this guide. In a lot of ways, this pillow hits all the marks for me: it stays cool, is incredibly soft and comfortable, and is hypoallergenic. But while my husband happily drifts asleep with one of these pillows tucked under his head, I (a back sleeper) need to stack two or three to get the loft I need to fall asleep comfortably. While the fill is thin enough that the pillow easily folds over for some support if you occasionally flip to your side or back during the night, it doesn't provide enough for those who spend the majority of the night in those positions. The pillow also won't offer much lift if you're looking to prop yourself up to read or watch TV while lounging in bed. Still, it's a great personal pillow for any stomach sleeper who has found other pillows too lofty.  Best pillow for neck pain Lauren Savoie/Business Insider The Leesa Hybrid Pillow's cooling gel side provides ice-like relief from neck pain, while the quilted side offers a more traditional pillow experience for nights when you don't need as much support.Fill: Polyester microfiber, ventilated gel comfort layerFirmness: FirmHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Standard (16" x 24") and Queen (16" x 28")Care instructions: Remove gel insert for spot cleaning. For outer cover and inner insert, machine wash warm on gentle cycle. Do not bleach, tumble dry low.Who it's best for: Side and back sleepers who have neck pain or sleep hotPros: Cooling gel helps relieve neck pain, good for hot sleepers, two different sides to choose from for optimal support, removable inner pillow for adjusting loft, inner pillow can be used as a travel pillowCons: On the heavy side, takes some getting used to, may be too squat for some side sleepersAs someone who has struggled with back and neck troubles, I feel your pain if you're currently dealing with a stiff or painful neck. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the first line of business is to make sure that your current pillow isn't causing or exacerbating your neck strain.Your pillow should support your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine in your preferred sleeping position. If you're deep in the throes of an existing neck sprain, you should check with your doctor before considering a new pillow. Experts told us that a memory foam pillow is the preferred choice for neck pain because the material offers cushion and support to keep your neck aligned and doesn't flatten or "sink" throughout the night like other more fluffy pillows. For this, we think our overall pick by Coop is a great choice since you can customize it to your perfect loft. But if your pain is making it hard to even get to sleep, I highly recommend you try out the Leesa Hybrid Pillow.The pillow has a gel-filled cooling side and a quilted cushioning side, with a removable mini-pillow in between for adjustability. The gel-side is where the Leesa pillow truly shines; it provides an instant chilling effect that I found deeply soothing for muscle pain and neck strain in a similar effect to holding a wrapped ice pack up to your neck. On nights when my back and neck really hurt, the Leesa has provided some much-needed relief to help me fall asleep. That said, this hybrid pillow has received mixed reviews from our testers over the years. With only two possible (and both relatively low) heights, it's also less adjustable than other pillows we tested and is best suited for stomach and back sleepers who don't need a lot of loft. It's also fairly heavy, and its unique design may take a few nights to get used to.Read our full review of the Leesa Hybrid Pillow Best buckwheat pillow Lauren Savoie/Insider While sleeping on buckwheat hulls can take some getting used to, the Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow offers an adjustable, hypoallergenic, and sustainable option that works for all sleeping styles. Fill: Buckwheat hullsFirmness: Firm but malleableHypoallergenic: YesSizes available: Travel (12" x 16"), Mini (15" x 20"), Neckroll (13" x 6"), Standard (20" x 26"), Queen (20" x 30") and King (20" x 36")Care instructions: Empty the hulls from the pillow and wash the casing in the washing machine like a traditional pillowcaseWho it's best for: All sleep stylesPros: Adjustable, supportive, hypoallergenic, sustainable, refillable, 30-day return policyCons: Firm, sensation takes some getting used toBuckwheat hulls are a traditional pillow fill used in Japan and many other Asian countries. Neither my husband nor I grew up with this type of pillow, so testing the Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow was a new experience for us.And wow, we were both completely blown away by how comfortable this pillow was — so much so that I actually purchased an additional one because my husband and I would fight over who got to sleep on it each night.The sensation of the hulls can take a little getting used to if this type of pillow is new to you. They rustle a bit and add some texture to the pillow. But I just love how malleable and yet supportive the pillow is.Most nights, I mold the pillow to the shape of my neck feel totally supported the whole night. The hulls are heavier than a standard pillow fill, and yet I can comfortably tuck my arm underneath it without creating too much pressure or overheating.There's a reason why this type of pillow has been a popular choice for centuries around the world. The pillow sleeps cool, is completely adjustable (just add or remove hulls to find your ideal loft), is sustainable and hypoallergenic, provides plenty of support, and works for all sleep styles.The Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow is what my husband now uses every night and what I turn to when I want a little more support. If you've struggled to find a pillow that offers support, I highly recommend trying this pillow. Best down pillow Connie Chen/Insider The mid-plush Brooklinen Down Pillow conforms well to different sleeping positions, making it the ideal pillow for people who shift throughout the night. It feels as good as pillows double its price.Fill: DownFirmness: SoftHypoallergenic: NoSizes available:Standard (20" x 26") and King (20" x 36") Care instructions: Leave outside on a dry day or air fluff in the dryer. Spot clean with a soft soap for small stains and dry clean for larger stains. Note that dry cleaning will shorten the lifespan of the pillow. Who it's best for: Side and back sleepers who prefer a down pillowPros: Comes in multiple support levels, soft yet supportive, good value Cons: Down might not be the best choice for everyone, down smell is a little strong Down makes for a very soft and comfortable pillow, but the material isn't for everyone. While experts told us that down allergies are less common than we've been made to believe, people with dust mite allergies may sleep easier with a hypoallergenic pillow. That's why, for this guide, we focused solely on memory foam and down-alternative pillows.For those who strongly prefer the feel of a down pillow, we have a whole guide filled with down pillows we've tested. Our top pick was Brooklinen's Down Pillow, which was plush and comfy for a variety of different sleeping styles.Read more about the Brooklinen Down Pillow in our guide to the best down pillows. What else we tested Lauren Savoie/Insider What else we recommend and why:Under $60Brooklinen Down-Alternative Pillow, Mid-Plush: Brooklinen makes three different pillows in both down and down-alternative fills. I tested the mid-plush option, and I really liked the moderate loft; soft, cushiony feel; and simplicity of the pillow. It's a good pick for back sleepers and side sleepers. However, it didn't beat out any of our top picks. We're looking forward to testing the "plush" option, which may be a good pick for stomach sleepers.FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow: FluffCo set out to create hotel-style pillows at an affordable price point. We really liked its soft fluff pillow, which is a great option if you're looking for simple, high-quality pillows for your bed.$60 to $100Zoma Pillow: Unlike other memory foam pillows I've tried, this one wasn't too hot or stiff and is a nice, moderate loft that works well for both side sleepers and back sleepers. The gray pillow encasement comes off for easy cleaning and also hides stains well, so the pillow still looks brand new even after many nights sleeping on it. If you like a malleable, softer memory foam pillow (and don't mind that it's not adjustable), the Zoma pillow may be a good choice for you.Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow: Like our best overall pick by Coop, this pillow is stuffed with shredded foam that makes it easily adjustable to your sleeping preference — just remove fill as needed. However, it lacked many of the attributes that made our top pick a standout, like a pillow protector, a longer trial period, and additional foam right in the box for those who need even more loft. Comfort-wise, it was similar to other shredded foam pillows we tested: supportive, with some bounce, and runs a teeny bit hot. While it's a top choice with other consumer review sites, we think the Nest pillow offers fewer features than similar pillows do at a lower price point. Over $100Cadia Adjustable Height Down Alternative Pillow: This pillow seeks to offer a similarly adjustable experience as our top pick, but for folks who prefer a down alternative feel over memory foam. The pillow comes with three removable layers so you can get the perfect feel. I thought it felt a bit unsupportive with two layers removed (which is the right loft for my sleep style), but it could be a great option for those who like to tinker with their pillow loft.LAYR Pillow: This adjustable pillow offers three layers that can each be added, removed, or independently adjusted for your perfect pillow. It's a good option for guests, since each layer is made of a different material and firmness, but it feels quite underfilled with layers removed.Saatva Memory Foam Pillow: Previously our pick for "best luxury pillow," we still think this is a really great option, but feel you can get a "luxury" experience from any of our top picks. This pillow isn't adjustable, but it's supportive and firm and has a great spa-like feel.What we don't recommend and why:Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillow: We didn't test this pillow for this iteration of this guide. It was previously our top pick for best buckwheat hull pillow but failed to meet our standards for inclusion because some Amazon reviews mention brand-new pillows arriving with wheat beetles on or inside the pillows or in the packaging — not exactly a quality that inspires a night of good dreams. While the pillow height and fill are adjustable, the company also doesn't accept returns or exchanges of any opened merchandise, which makes this a risky purchase if you're not sure you like the feel of buckwheat. Belly Sleeper Pillow: This thin pillow has a low profile that is made specifically for stomach sleepers. However, even my resident stomach sleeper found it too thin, and if you happen to move to your back or side in the night, you'll have to fold the pillow in half to get your needed support.$50 to $100Vaya Pillow: I tried this pillow but was perplexed that the pillow I received looks significantly different than what is on the website. I contacted the brand, which claimed that the pillow I received is a newer version, but after many months of waiting for a website update, I still only see the old pillows available. I thought this pillow was far too overfilled, even for side sleepers, and the inaccuracies of what we received versus what's on the website are concerning. Le'Vista Hotel Collection Pillow: Formerly our best budget pillow, this Amazon-only brand has an unclear return policy (many report being charged a return fee) and gets middling reviews on the site. We didn't test it this time around because it didn't meet our criteria for returns. The price has also more than doubled since we last recommended it, no longer making it an attractive budget alternative. Many reviewers claim the pillows flatten out quickly and customer service is hard to reach.  Tulo Pillow: A few of our side-sleeping editors recommended this moderate-height memory foam pillow, but we didn't test it for this guide because it lacks many of the qualities of our top picks: It's not adjustable or washable, and the company doesn't offer a trial period or returns of open pillows.  Over $100Saatva Down Alternative Pillow: Saatva makes two of our top pillow picks, so I was surprised this one was such a miss. It was far too lofty, even for side sleeping, and left my neck in an uncomfortable position. It ended up straining my neck so much that I couldn't make it through the night before switching back to my normal pillow. Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow: This memory foam pillow has two sides: a "comfort" side and a "support" side, but I found little difference between either. Both sides are relatively firm, and while the "comfort" side may offer a teeny bit more softness, both were quite stiff. It may be a good option for those who like a pillow that lays flat and offers a lot of support.Royal Hotel Goose Down Pillow: This goose down pillow was featured and recommended in previous iterations of this guide, but we ultimately excluded it this time around because the company doesn't appear to accept returns. If you have your heart set on a down pillow, check out our guide to the best down pillows. What we're testing next Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow ($82.99): Made by the same company as our best overall pillow, the Eden Pillow features the same adjustable fill feature but with softer, gel-infused foam. It could be a good option for those who are intrigued by an adjustable pillow but like a cooler, softer feel. Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow Ultimate ($69.99): This adjustable pillow has several smaller inner pillows that you can add or remove for your ideal loft. It's made from down-alternative fill and could be a good adjustable option for those who don't like the feel of memory foam. Boll & Branch Pillows ($158 to $228): Boll & Branch reportedly tried 100 different prototypes, and at least five of our editors have tried its down and down alternative pillows. We'll be retesting and incorporating the feedback into this guide. Brooklinen Pillows ($53.10 to $62.10): Brooklinen makes three different pillows in both down and down-alternative fills. While we've already tested the mid-plush down-alternative pillow, we're looking forward to testing the plush version as an option for stomach sleepers.Bear Pillow ($94 with code "FLASH25"): Breton Fischetti, VP of commerce, tried the Bear Pillow and said it improved his neck pain and helped him sleep better. Made from memory foam and "double ice fabric," the pillow claims to stay cool all night long. We'll be testing for a future update to this guide.  How to pick the perfect pillow Lauren Savoie/Business Insider Robbins told us the single biggest consideration when picking a pillow is your preferred sleep position: side, back, or stomach. The goal of your pillow is to support your neck in a neutral position aligned with the rest of your spine. That alignment shifts depending on the position you're sleeping in. While we all move around during sleep — switching positions about 60 times throughout each night — most of us spend the majority of our sleeping time in one position. Not sure what your sleep position is? Consider what position you typically fall asleep or wake up in. Robbins also has a neat exercise she performs with her clients: imagine you've been up for 24 hours and are presented with a big, luxurious hotel bed; how would you lie down on it to go to sleep? The position you envision is most likely your preferred sleep position and plays a big role in what type of pillow will work best for you. Side sleepers: Around 65% of the US population are side sleepers, according to Robbins, and this position requires the most loft and support to bridge the wide gap between the side of your head and where your shoulder rests on the mattress. If you're a side sleeper, choose a lofty pillow — ideally with an adjustable fill since there can be a lot of variability in the size of that shoulder gap from person to person. Robbins said hotels and sleep clinics usually outfit rooms with side sleepers in mind, so if you're buying pillows for a guest bedroom, a side-sleeper-friendly pillow is usually a good bet. Back sleepers: Back sleepers are the Goldilocks of pillow hunters — they need a pillow that is not too soft and not too firm, with just enough support to lift the back of the head to be in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium, cushiony pillow made from down or down alternative, though an adjustable pillow with at least one-third of the fill removed may work as well. Stomach sleepers: In the minority are stomach sleepers, who need the least amount of support from their pillow. Typically a thin, very soft pillow works best for stomach sleepers — just enough fill to cushion their face from the flat surface of the mattress.  FAQs Lauren Savoie/Business Insider How often should I replace my pillow?Even the best pillows aren't meant to last forever; for the best sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing a well-used pillow every couple of years. Our fluffy little pillows absorb a shocking amount of dead skin and body oils night after night, which is the perfect breeding ground for allergens like dust mites. You can tell if it's time for a new pillow if your pillow is lumpy or flat, no matter how much you fluff it. Robbins also told us that a healthy pillow springs back when you compress it; if you fold your pillow in half and it stays put, it's probably time for a new pillow. (One caveat: it may not work with a very, very thin pillow.)Which pillows are best for allergy sufferers?Many pillows are made from hypoallergenic materials, but if you're prone to allergies, Robbins recommends looking for a pillow with a synthetic filling. Pillows with animal fillings (such as down) may trigger allergies or exacerbate them over time since dust mites really like fillings made from animal material.No matter your pillow style, the National Sleep Foundation and Robbins both recommend adding a pillow protector (an encasement that adds another level of protection from allergens, body oils, dust mites, and other pests) in addition to a pillowcase if your pillow doesn't already come with one (many of our top picks do), fluffing your pillows daily, and washing your pillow every couple of months according to manufacturer directions. Taking care of your pillow not only extends its life and helps you sleep better but can also ease allergies. Are pillows adjustable?It depends on the pillow. Many are not. However, our top pick, the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow is completely adjustable, so you can find the loft that's right for you. To adjust, you simply add or remove filling (the box comes with extra filling if you like a lot of loft) to reach your ideal comfort level.What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?If you tend to sleep hot (as I do), you may find pillows with down or down alternative filling — such as the Casper Original Pillow, Parachute Down Alternative Pillow, Saatva Pillow, or Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows — have better airflow than memory foam pillows. Some memory foam pillows have started advertising "gel foam" that purportedly keeps your cooler. However, we haven't found that this type of foam produces a marked difference in comfort for hot sleepers. If you absolutely must have a foam pillow, the Leesa Hybrid Pillow is the coolest foam pillow we've found.How much do pillows cost?You can find pillows at a range of price points, anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars. While it's not always the case that you have to spend more to get a good pillow (our best budget pick costs just $20), considering how much of our lives we spend sleeping, Robbins recommends thinking of a pillow as an investment that will pay you back in better sleep. Our favorite pillow is completely customizable and costs about $60, though you can often find it on sale for as little as $40 during the holidays and other sales events.Can I wash my pillow?It depends on the pillow. We recommend following manufacturer instructions for how to best care for and clean your pillow. What is pillow loft?Loft refers to the height of your pillow, which will determine how far off the mattress it will lift your head. In general, experts recommend a pillow that will keep your head and neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. How much loft that's needed to accomplish this depends on your sleeping position (side sleepers need more loft to bridge their shoulder gap, while stomach sleepers need very little loft since their head is so close to the mattress) and individual anatomy. A pillow with an adjustable loft, like our top pick, helps you dial in the perfect loft for your body and sleeping style.What pillow sizes are available?Aside from decorative throw pillows and Euro pillows, most pillows for sleeping come in two sizes: standard (or queen) and king. We recommend a standard or queen size for twin, full, and queen mattresses, and king pillows for king or California king mattresses.  Check out more of our bedding guides Coop Home Goods The best memory foam pillowsThe best gel pillowsThe best latex pillowsThe best down pillowsThe best body pillowsThe best pregnancy pillowsThe best travel pillows Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Stanford Disputors May Be Denied Admission to Bar in CA and TX; Law School Dean Warned of Complaints to Bar Admission Authorities Stanford Disputors May Encounter Problems In Seeking Admission To The Bar WASHINGTON D.C. (March 21, 2023) – Law students at Stanford who deliberately prevented a federal judge appearing as a guest lecturer from […] Stanford Disputors May Be Denied Admission to Bar in CA and TX; Law School Dean Warned of Complaints to Bar Admission Authorities Stanford Disputors May Encounter Problems In Seeking Admission To The Bar WASHINGTON D.C. (March 21, 2023) – Law students at Stanford who deliberately prevented a federal judge appearing as a guest lecturer from speaking may encounter delays and problems in seeking admission to the bar, and might even not be able to practice as attorneys, because of their blatant and open defiance of the school’s policies guaranteeing freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus. if (typeof jQuery == 'undefined') { document.write(''); } .first{clear:both;margin-left:0}.one-third{width:31.034482758621%;float:left;margin-left:3.448275862069%}.two-thirds{width:65.51724137931%;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element input{border:0;border-radius:0;padding:8px}form.ebook-styles .af-element{width:220px;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer{width:115px;float:left;margin-left: 6px;}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer input.submit{width:115px;padding:10px 6px 8px;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:0;border:0;font-size:15px}form.ebook-styles .af-body.af-standards input.submit{width:115px}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy{width:100%;font-size:12px;margin:10px auto 0}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy p{font-size:11px;margin-bottom:0}form.ebook-styles .af-body input.text{height:40px;padding:2px 10px !important} form.ebook-styles .error, form.ebook-styles #error { color:#d00; } form.ebook-styles .formfields h1, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-logo, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-footer { display: none; } form.ebook-styles .formfields { font-size: 12px; } form.ebook-styles .formfields p { margin: 4px 0; } Get Our Activist Investing Case Study! Get the entire 10-part series on our in-depth study on activist investing in PDF. Save it to your desktop, read it on your tablet, or print it out to read anywhere! Sign up below! (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Q4 2022 hedge fund letters, conferences and more   While some commentators have urged the school to report the conduct of the disruptive students to bar admission authorities so that the officials could determine during the lengthy review process whether or not each student has the character and fitness required of an attorney, and some schools have in fact done so, it appears that Stanford will not make such reports in this situation. Regarding the process, as the USF School of Law warns its students: "A positive moral character determination is a prerequisite to being admitted to the bar and practicing law in California. The filing of the moral character application begins the process of character investigation which generally takes four to six months to complete, but could possibly take longer." Because it appears that Stanford will not report or otherwise discipline its own disruptive students, public interest law professor John Banzhaf has put Dean Jenny Martinez on notice that he is planning to advise bar admission authorities of the conduct of the disruptive students, and provide them with video recordings of the disruptions so that the officials can judge this conduct for themselves. California bar authorities have indicated that they will thoroughly investigate any incident which might reflect on the applicant's "respect for the rights of others and for the judicial process." One would assume that violating the school's own free speech rules to deliberately disrupt federal judge Kyle Duncan from speaking clearly indicates little respect for the rights of the federal judge to speak, and for interested students to hear him speak. Since he was hoping to discuss the judicial process, such conduct also shows a clear and blatant disregard for that very judicial process, argues Banzhaf. More precisely, here is how the Bar describes its admission process: "When considering whether an applicant has the good moral character required for admission to practice law in California. The State Bar evaluates whether the applicant possesses the qualities of honesty, fairness, candor, trustworthiness, observance of fiduciary responsibility, respect for and obedience to the law, and respect for the rights of others and for the judicial process by reviewing past conduct, including: The severity of the issue, length of time since the incident, and the frequency with which an act occurred are all factors that will be taken into consideration." Banzhaf has filed many successful complaints, including those leading to the ban on cigarette commercials, the current criminal investigation of Trump in Georgia, the House’s reprimand of Barney Frank, the discontinuance of wrongful police prosecutions in Baltimore, a $12 million settlement by McDonald’s, the $300 million settlement which established FAMRI, and more. He believes that filing legal complaints where justified is an important role which law professors can fill since they do not suffer the worry and concern about offending current clients, and the possibility of discouraging potential clients, by engaging in controversial legal actions which often deters attorneys in private practice. In a related development, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz told the Texas state bar that there is a "fundamental question" as to whether the protesting students are "fit to practice law," and urged special scrutiny of their applications. He said the Texas board should "take particular care" for students graduating from Stanford Law School during the next three years, and require them to state in writing - presumably subject to penalties for lying - if they participated in the disruption. As the senator explained, “The idea that these future lawyers would find it acceptable to harass and insult a sitting judge boggles the mind, and seriously calls into question whether these students have the proper respect for the role of a judge, or the temperament to practice law.” Below is a copy of the letter Prof Banzhaf sent to put Stanford put it on notice of his plan to file complaints with bar admission authorities: Professor Jenny Martinez Dean of the Stanford Law School RE: Complaint to Bar Admission Authorities Regarding Incident With Judge Duncan I am writing to advise you that I plan to file formal complaints with bar admission authorities opposing the admission of students identified as violating the free speech rights of Judge Duncan and their own fellow students. The complaint will have links to video recordings of the disruption so that bar officials can judge the students’ conduct for themselves. As you have conceded, the students’ conduct "was inconsistent with our policies on free speech," and "not aligned with our institutional commitment to freedom of speech." Indeed, the students’ conduct very clearly violated Stanford's official written policy which unequivocally states that "It is a violation of University policy for a member of the faculty, staff, or student body to: Prevent or disrupt the effective carrying out of a University function or approved activity, such as lectures, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, the conduct of University business in a University office, and public events." I take this action for the reasons stated on the next page because it appears that you have not taken any steps to discipline or otherwise sanction the student violators, nor have you “taking steps to ensure that something like this does not happen again.” You should know that my prior complaints have led to the ban on cigarette commercials, the current criminal investigation of Trump in Georgia, the House’s reprimand of Barney Frank, the discontinuance of wrongful police prosecutions in Baltimore, a $12 million settlement by McDonald’s, the $300 million settlement which established FAMRI, and more. Indeed, I’ve been called "a Driving Force Behind the Lawsuits That Have Cost Tobacco Companies Billions of Dollars," and "The Law Professor Who Masterminded Litigation Against the Tobacco Industry," among others. I look forward to learning through the media of steps you will be taking in response to this incident with the judge, and to “ensure that something like this does not happen again.” CC: Judge Duncan, President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, Senator Ted Cruz, Stanford Law School Federalist Society, Stanford Law School National Lawyers Guild Yours truly, /S/ John F. Banzhaf III Professor of Public Interest Law Separating the Juice From the Pulp At Stanford * * * How should SLS squeeze out students who violated the code of conduct? - Reason The first step would be to identify the students who violated the code of conduct. The joint statement from the President and the Dean seems to suggest that at least some students crossed the line. The event was recorded from multiple camera angles. It would not require Zapruder-level scrutiny to figure out who was at fault. After the relevant students are identified, Stanford would have several options. The college could convey a message to the character & fitness review board of the relevant state. Now, in California, asking Judge Duncan about the female anatomy may warrant some sort of special commendation from the health law section of the state bar. But for other, more sane jurisdictions, this sort of conduct should have repercussions. Stop the Chaos: Law Schools Need to Crack Down on Student Disrupters Now - National Review Fortunately, this problem may be surprisingly easy to solve. Most universities already have rules in place ensuring freedom of speech and prohibiting campus disruptions. The problem is that the rules aren’t enforced. Law schools know what their options are. They know they can suspend or expel students for engaging in disruptive tactics, or threaten to report negatively on a student’s character and fitness to state bar examiners.   They know this because schools have done it. And if schools are unwilling to impose consequences themselves, at a minimum they should identify the disrupters so that future employers know who they are hiring. Schools issue grades and graduation honors to help employers separate wheat from chaff. Likewise, schools should inform employers if they’re injecting potentially disruptive forces into their organizations. At the end of the day, that may be the only way to send a message that will resonate with law schools — judges and other employers imposing consequences on law schools who refuse to impose consequences on their own. Also see: A Remedy for Stanford Law School’s Free Speech Thugs; Complaints to Bar Admission Authorities About Student Disruptors US Judge Warns Rule of Law on Track for 'Barbarism' After Stanford Dean Supports Heckling Tantrum 'from Hell' - CBN News The judge also noted the Stanford administrators' promise to make sure this doesn't happen to another guest speaker. "Given the disturbing nature of what happened, clearly concrete and comprehensive steps are necessary. I look forward to learning what measures Stanford plans to take to restore a culture of intellectual freedom," he said......»»

Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock? We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB). Shares have lost about 17.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Airbnb, Inc. due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers. Airbnb Q4 Earnings Beat EstimatesAirbnb reported earnings of 48 cents per share for fourth-quarter 2022, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 77.8%. The figure significantly jumped from earnings of 8 cents per share reported in the year-ago quarter.Revenues of $1.9 billion increased 24% on a reported basis and 31% on FX neutral basis, respectively, year over year. The top line also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.87 billion.The year-over-year increase was driven by a continuous improvement in Nights and Experiences Booked. Also, growth in Gross Booking Value (GBV) remained a tailwind.Growing gross nights booked owing to solid momentum across high-density urban areas, remained a positive. Increasing guest demand and a continuous recovery in cross-border travel aided the quarterly performance.Quarterly DetailsNights and Experiences Booked were 88.2 million, increasing 20% on a year-over-year basis. The metric was driven by strong performances in all regions, especially Asia Pacific.GBV amounted to $13.5 billion, which rose 20% from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure.GBV per Night and Experience Booked (or Average Daily Rates) was $152.8, down 1% year over year.In terms of trip length, the category of long-term stays of 28 days or more which accounted for 21% of overall gross nights booked, remained a positive. Further, 46% of gross nights booked came from stays of at least seven nights.In the reported quarter, gross nights booked in high-density urban areas represented 51% of overall gross nights booked.Cross-border travel for the fourth quarter accounted for 44% of total gross nights booked, down from 49% in the same quarter last year.Operating ResultsAdjusted EBITDA was $506 million, up 52% from prior-year quarter’s level.Operations and support costs, product development expenses, and general and administrative expenses were $260 million, $397 million and $256 million, increased 15.5%, 7.9% and 17.9%, respectively, year over year. Sales and marketing expenses rose 16.9% from the year-ago quarter’s figure to $409 million.For the fourth quarter, Airbnb reported operating income of $235 million, significantly up from $76 million reported in the prior-year quarter.Balance Sheet & Cash FlowAs of Dec 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities amounted to $9.62 billion compared with $9.63 billion as of Sep 30, 2022.Long-term debt as of Dec 31, 2022, was $1.987 billion compared with $1.986 billion as of Sep 30, 2022.Net cash provided by operating activities was $463 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, down from $966 million in the prior quarter.Airbnb generated a free cash flow of $455 million in the reported quarter.GuidanceFor first-quarter 2023, Airbnb expects revenues between $1.75 billion and $1.82 billion, implying year-over-year growth in the band of 16-21% on a reported basis and 18-23% on FX neutral basis, respectively.ABNB anticipates the year-over-year growth of Nights and Experiences Booked to be strong like that in fourth-quarter 2022.Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be slightly down compared with year-ago quarter’s figure.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates review have trended upward during the past month.The consensus estimate has shifted 9350% due to these changes.VGM ScoresAt this time, Airbnb, Inc. has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a C. However, the stock was allocated a grade of F on the value side, putting it in the lowest quintile for this investment strategy.Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Airbnb, Inc. has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months. Is THIS the Ultimate New Clean Energy Source? (4 Ways to Profit) The world is increasingly focused on eliminating fossil fuels and ramping up use of renewable, clean energy sources. Hydrogen fuel cells, powered by the most abundant substance in the universe, could provide an unlimited amount of ultra-clean energy for multiple industries.  Our urgent special report reveals 4 hydrogen stocks primed for big gains - plus our other top clean energy stocks.  See Stocks NowWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Vail Resorts' (MTN) second-quarter fiscal 2023 results are benefited from strong destination guest visitation and robust pass product revenues. Vail Resorts, Inc. MTN reported second-quarter fiscal 2023 results, wherein earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but revenues surpassed. Earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second straight quarter.Kirsten Lynch, chief executive officer, Vail Resorts, stated, “Our ancillary businesses, including ski school, dining, and retail/rental, experienced strong growth compared to the prior year period, when staffing shortages constrained capacity of ancillary businesses. We believe these investments in staffing and our commitment to enhancing the guest experience establish a strong foundation for future growth.”Following the announcement, shares of the company declined 2.1% during the after-hours trading session on Mar 9.Earnings & RevenuesIn the quarter under review, the company reported adjusted earnings of $5.16 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.19. In the prior-year quarter, the company reported adjusted earnings of $5.47.Quarterly revenues amounted to $1,101.7 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,071 million by 2.9%. The top line rose 21.5% on a year-over-year basis. Strong destination guest visitation and robust pass product sales added to the upside.Vail Resorts, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Vail Resorts, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Vail Resorts, Inc. QuoteSegment ResultsVail Resorts reports through two segments — Mountain and Lodging.Mountain generated revenues of $1,013.4 million, up 21.5% year over year. During the quarter, revenues from dining, retail/rental, lift and ski school rose 58.8%, 26.1%, 13.6% and 34.1% year over year, respectively.The segment’s EBITDA amounted to $398.6 million compared with $388.5 million reported in the prior-year quarter. Mountain’s operating expenses totaled $614.6 million, up 37.6% year over year.Lodging’s net revenues (excluding payroll cost reimbursements) were $80.6 million, up 11.9% year over year, primarily due to robust dining revenues. This segment’s EBITDA came in at ($4.1) million against $9.3 million reported in the year-ago quarter.Operating expenses in this segment increased 35.2% year over year to $84.6 million.Operating ResultsVail Resorts reported adjusted EBITDA of $396.9 million compared with $397.5 million reported in the prior-year quarter. Operating expenses totaled $705.6 million, up 38.1% year over year.Balance SheetCash and cash equivalents as of Jan 31, 2023, totaled $1,295.3 million compared with $1,407 million in the year-ago period.Net long-term debt amounted to $2,789.8 million at the end of the quarte, compared with $2,695.6 million at the end of the prior-year quarter.As of Jan 31, 2022, the company had total cash and revolver availability of approximately $1.9 billion. This includes $1.3 billion cash in hand, $415 million of U.S. revolver availability under the Vail Holdings Credit Agreement and $212 million of revolver availability under the Whistler Credit Agreement.Fiscal 2023 GuidanceIn fiscal 2023, net income is estimated in the range of $282-$328 million compared with the prior estimate of $321-$396 million. EBITDA is expected in the range of $831-$859 million compared with the prior guided range of $893-$947 million.Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderCurrently, Vail Resorts carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Some better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector are Las Vegas Sands Corp. LVS, Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corporation BVH and Crocs, Inc. CROX.Las Vegas Sands sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). LVS has a long-term earnings growth rate of 2.5%. The stock has increased 46.5% in the past year.  You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LVS’ 2023 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 107.7% and 217.5%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s estimated levels.  Bluegreen Vacations sports a Zacks Rank #1. BVH has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.6%, on average. Shares of the company have increased 5.5% in the past year.  The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BVH’s 2023 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 0.2% and 10.2%, respectively, from the year-ago levels.  Crocs carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.8%, on average. Shares of Crocs have increased 63.5% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CROX’s 2023 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 12.4% and 0.9%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels. 4 Oil Stocks with Massive Upsides Global demand for oil is through the roof... and oil producers are struggling to keep up. So even though oil prices are well off their recent highs, you can expect big profits from the companies that supply the world with "black gold."  Zacks Investment Research has just released an urgent special report to help you bank on this trend.  In Oil Market on Fire, you'll discover 4 unexpected oil and gas stocks positioned for big gains in the coming weeks and months. You don't want to miss these recommendations. Download your free report now to see them.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS): Free Stock Analysis Report Crocs, Inc. (CROX): Free Stock Analysis Report Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN): Free Stock Analysis Report Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corporation (BVH): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

"Upping our fees didn't decrease bookings much," says Airbnb manager Kayla Laatz, who uses the fees to pay cleaners a good wage at her beach property. Courtesy of Kayla Laatz Kayla Laatz, 22, manages two Airbnbs inside a beach resort in Kauai, Hawaii. Laatz recently upped the cleaning fees on the properties from $200 to $250. "We raised the fee for many reasons, including to pay our cleaner a better wage," Laatz said. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kayla Laatz, 22, who manages two Airbnbs in Kauai, Hawaii. It has been edited for length and clarity. For the past year, I've been in charge of managing two Airbnb properties that my dad owns in Kauai, Hawaii. This was my first time taking on a job like this, but it excited me because I want to eventually take on more houses and become a property manager for the vacation-rental industry.As the manager, I help guests with the check-in process, arrange for the handyman to come, and schedule cleanings in between stays. Currently, both of the properties I manage are inside of a beach resortThe resort gives guests access to a private beach, pools with water slides, and a lazy river. Both of the apartments we rent out on Airbnb are two bedrooms, each with two-and-a-half baths. Courtesy of Kayla LaatzMost of our customers are families, and each of these apartments can sleep between seven to eight people. Usually, guests book these properties for at least a week, though we don't have a minimum stay. Guests can stay for one night if they'd like. Since our properties are in Hawaii, we find that there's never an off-season. We're pretty busy year round, and the average price for a one night's stay is $600.For the most part, guests are pretty tidy and respectfulHowever, you do get a few guests a year who just don't pick up after themselves and sometimes leave the property damaged. I've dealt with broken doors, ripped screen doors, fallen-off door handles, broken chairs, and scratches on wooden furniture.Courtesy of Kayla LaatzSometimes guests will be honest about what happened, like that they got into a fight, and will offer to pay for the costs of the damage. But luckily we do have insurance, which comes in handy for broken items that guests won't pay for. We usually have only a 6-hour turnover time between guests Our property is booked around the calendar, and our cleaner spends the entire time between stays getting the place ready for the next guest. We've used the same person for the past couple of years and have built a good relationship with her. Courtesy of Kayla LaatzThe job of cleaning and turning over these apartments isn't easy, so that's why last year, when I started managing the properties, I decided to raise our cleaning fee from $200 to $250, no matter the length of the stay.We raised the fee for many reasons, including to help cover the cost of supplies and replacing linens or towels (which get stained almost every single use), and to pay our cleaner a better wage. Upping our fees didn't decrease bookings too muchWhen I did some research into this, I noticed that other similar places charge between $150 to $200, so even though our fee is a bit higher, I don't feel bad about that. We started off doing a trial to see if this would deter guests from booking our properties, but we haven't had any complaints or bad ratings so far about this increased cleaning fee. Courtesy of Kayla LaatzFor the most part, I'd say that raising the fee hasn't decreased the amount of bookings we've received either. We've benefited from the post-COVID travel surge and have stayed busy. Because of these two things, I feel like there's no reason to lower this fee. We use a part of this increased fee for suppliesIn some of our worst case scenarios, we've had to replace a ton of items after a guest checks out, including sheets, linens, cups, cooking supplies, and other things that've been damaged or missing.When we can, we try to buy supplies in bulk, whether they're cleaning supplies or sheets.Courtesy of Kayla LaatzWhile we do have some items stocked on site (like sheets and towels), other items require the cleaning staff to go out of their way to drive to the store to buy these items before the guest checks in. In those situations, we can't look for deals; we just have to get what we find to make sure the property is ready for the next guest. I pay my cleaner a decent wage Usually, I just have two cleaners who work on the two different apartments. My cleaners get $200 per property each time they do a clean. It was very important to pay my cleaners a living wage, especially because they work spontaneous hours and days (based on when guests check out). My cleaners also use their own vehicle and fuel to drive to the property, and if it's a last-minute clean, they drop everything to be there.There's also a higher cost of living in Kauai, so I feel like in order for us to receive excellent service, we're happy to pay good people to do this job, especially because a clean place means everything to a guest. Courtesy of Kayla LaatzWhen you have someone walk into a property, you want to guarantee they'll be happy with their first impression. If a cleaner skips out on cleaning the shower or does half the job picking up the mess in the kitchen, the guests will be unhappy. That would hurt our business more than a high cleaning fee. I want cleaners I can trustNot only do I want to work with a cleaner who is reliable, but it also matters to have someone you can trust. Guests often leave items behind — everything from swimsuits to wedding rings — and because our cleaners are trustworthy, they always alert us of this and we're able to communicate that to the guests. Our reputation means everything A good review and a good reputation means everything to us. Not only because I want to provide a positive experience for guests, but because the more good reviews you have on Airbnb, the more you can be shown in search results on the platform, which can generate even more business.Courtesy of Kayla LaatzAfter raising our cleaning prices a year ago, we're happy with what the results have been and as of now, we don't see a need to raise our prices any higher. The only reason we'd do that is if our cleaning person asked for a raise, and then we'd consider making a change. But at this time, there's no reason to do so. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

You are probably concerned about your bank account balances these days. This is especially true if you are living paycheck to paycheck — which according to a 2022 Lending Club report is approximately two-thirds of the population. To make matters worse, your anxiety is likely heightened by inflation and the prospect of a recession. However, […] You are probably concerned about your bank account balances these days. This is especially true if you are living paycheck to paycheck — which according to a 2022 Lending Club report is approximately two-thirds of the population. To make matters worse, your anxiety is likely heightened by inflation and the prospect of a recession. However, there are a few basic things you can do to lower your financial stress, as well as your budget: Cut back on your expenses Apply for a raise Get a better-paying job Start a side business if (typeof jQuery == 'undefined') { document.write(''); } .first{clear:both;margin-left:0}.one-third{width:31.034482758621%;float:left;margin-left:3.448275862069%}.two-thirds{width:65.51724137931%;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element input{border:0;border-radius:0;padding:8px}form.ebook-styles .af-element{width:220px;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer{width:115px;float:left;margin-left: 6px;}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer input.submit{width:115px;padding:10px 6px 8px;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:0;border:0;font-size:15px}form.ebook-styles .af-body.af-standards input.submit{width:115px}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy{width:100%;font-size:12px;margin:10px auto 0}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy p{font-size:11px;margin-bottom:0}form.ebook-styles .af-body input.text{height:40px;padding:2px 10px !important} form.ebook-styles .error, form.ebook-styles #error { color:#d00; } form.ebook-styles .formfields h1, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-logo, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-footer { display: none; } form.ebook-styles .formfields { font-size: 12px; } form.ebook-styles .formfields p { margin: 4px 0; } Get Our Activist Investing Case Study! Get the entire 10-part series on our in-depth study on activist investing in PDF. Save it to your desktop, read it on your tablet, or print it out to read anywhere! Sign up below! (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Q4 2022 hedge fund letters, conferences and more   Find A Qualified Financial Advisor Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you're ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. All seem relatively easy. What’s more, it doesn’t take a lot of money to lower your financial stress. The exception, of course, is starting a side business. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the average cost to start a microbusiness is $3,000, while the average cost to open a home-based franchise is $2,000 to $5,000. However, what if you could earn money from home without spending a dime? It may sound too good to be true. But, here are 20 real ways to make money from home for free. 1. Sell your skills on Fiverr. Even if you have a full-time job, using Fiverr, you can monetize your time and specialty skills. Basically, it’s a website where you can find micro-jobs. The purpose of such services is to facilitate the quick completion of standalone tasks for an individual, business, or employer. Depending on the task, you can earn $5 and up. Over time, though, there’s potential to earn several hundred dollars per month. There is a wide range of tasks that can be performed, including writing letters, answering emails, performing minor graphic functions, and anything else that is similar. But, don’t let your intimidation get the better of you. The platform lets you choose which skills to offer. As you browse Fiverr, you’ll find a lot of ideas to help you get started, as there are many success stories. Plus, this is an absolutely free way to earn money online without investing anything. 2. Work as a virtual assistant. Are you good at organizing and planning? If so, becoming a virtual assistant can be an excellent way to earn extra income online. As a virtual assistant, you manage social media pages, respond to emails, and take phone calls for businesses. In response to the increasing number of solopreneurs, virtual assistants are experiencing an increase in demand. Getting started is as simple as applying for jobs on Upwork, Indeed, or Virtual Assistant Jobs. According to Indeed.com, VAs earn an average of $23.89 per hour. Virtual assistants have also found success by building their own personal brands and promoting them to entrepreneurs. Consider creating a Facebook Business page and filling it with content that promotes your business. Don’t worry. You can create one for free and share it anywhere online. 3. Become a JustAnswer expert. For subscribers, it costs $74 per month to access unlimited expert answers with JustAnswer. Providing timely advice, the site seeks out experts such as veterinarians, mechanics, home repair specialists, and lawyers. As such, it can be a sweet gig if you have expert knowledge. It’s simple. You answer questions and earn money helping others. In addition to talking, texting, and chatting, you can send documents and photos that might help solve the problem. When you become a new expert, you’ll earn 20% of the user’s payment. It is possible to work your way up to 50% of the fee with enough consistently high ratings over time. The payouts are made through PayPal. As well as the aforementioned expertise, you can also provide assistance with appraisals, pets, and teaching. In other words, there are many subcategories that make it accessible to individuals with varying levels of experience. 4. Write on Medium. Experts and undiscovered writers can share their writing on any topic on Medium. You can use Medium instead of starting a blog from scratch. With Medium, you can begin earning money right away, as opposed to purchasing a domain and web hosting. Also, using Medium as a platform for writing can be an excellent choice if you don’t want to spend months or years writing on a blog without making any money. Writers on Medium get paid for their stories based on how many people read them and interact with them. Most writers on the platform make less than $100 per month, but the top earners make more than $10,000 per month. The best way to become a top earner is to post a daily article for a long period of time. Your earnings will increase as you write more articles and as they become more popular. Another advantage of Medium? Instead of picking a niche straight away, you can develop your voice gradually. You might start writing on Medium and then start a blog once you find your sweet spot of readers’ interests and your own interests. The same content could be used for your blog and Medium site, but be careful not to ruin your search engine optimization. Whenever possible, post your writing to your blog first, followed by a Medium post, referencing the original post. 5. Join a focus group. Do you enjoy expressing your thoughts and opinions? If yes, then why not participate in paid market research studies? The purpose of focus groups is usually to determine the attitudes of people toward specific products, brands, or ideas. It may also be possible to ask participants about their opinions on competitors’ products or services. It depends on the focus group, but you can expect to get a salary of $30 to $150 for an hour for a focus group — although some very specific focus groups pay up to $450 for an hour. Participants in focus groups are usually paid handsomely, and they can be held in person or online. There are several places where you can find focus groups, including: User Interviews Respondent FocusGroup.com L&E Research 20 | 20 panel In most groups, there will be a moderator who guides discussion, takes notes, and records the meeting. You can participate in an online focus group using video software on your smartphone, tablet, or computer if you join one. 6. Review a mock trial. Are you a fan of court procedurals? Is “The Lincoln Lawyer” and other John Grisham adaptations your cup of tea? Online mock trials might be a good fit for you if so. Websites such as Ejury.com, OnlineVerdict, and Virtual Jury pay you for watching a mock trial from the comfort of your own home. In return, jurors will receive payment amounts ($20-$60) based on the amount of time it takes to review a case. 7. Become an online researcher. Do you have solid Google skills? If you are able to provide reliable sources and information for companies in a variety of fields, you may be paid. You can now earn a paycheck for doing web deep dives. Examples of companies that hire online researchers on a regular basis are: 10EQS Boston Scientific Chainlink Labs CrowdStrike Edmentum Humana Parexel Robert Half International Twilio Wonder Applicants may be required to have a bachelor’s degree and research experience by some companies. As for the pay, it can range from $8 to $35 per question answered. 8. Take online surveys. There are a lot of ways to make money online, but this is probably the most common. It is possible to participate in popular online survey platforms, such as: OneOpinion Survey Junkie Inbox Dollars Swagbucks Ipsos iSay Opinion Outpost Monthly earnings range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Additionally to earning cash, some survey services offer points that can be redeemed for prizes or gifts. Prior to participating on any platform, be sure to do your research. There are a lot of scams in this field, unfortunately. 9. Enter data entry. Making extra income through data entry has long been a popular side job for people. In the past, these positions were temporary within a company. However, online work-from-home opportunities have transformed the potential of data entry. Even better, the job requires very little training, so it’s a great choice. Input or uploading information can be done using a keyboard, scanner, or other devices that allows input or uploading. Because payment is usually based on your words per minute (WPM), you’ll need to learn to type quickly. Freelance job sites like Upwork are the best place to find data entry jobs. Companies that outsource these jobs can be found on these sites. Still, there are temporary agencies that offer these same office jobs online. If you are looking for data input, data entry specialists, or data entry operators, consider job sites such as Monster and Indeed. Salary.com estimates that the average hourly wage for a Data Entry Clerk I in the United States will be $17 on January 26, 2023, but the range will typically be between $16 and $20. Also, be sure to stick with reputable job marketplaces and agencies, as this type of job is prone to scams. 10. Transcribe audio and video files. Speech-to-text transcription is getting easier with artificial intelligence, but it’s still not perfect. As a result, a large number of companies use transcriptionists to turn audio from videos into text that is accurate. With companies like Rev, you can work part-time or freelance on specific projects with various firms. You are usually able to choose which assignments you want to work on and set your own schedule at most companies. In addition, no money is needed upfront — just use the computer’s speakers to transcribe. You’ll need strong typing skills to succeed as a transcriber. Also, for clients to understand your work, it must be error-free and easy to understand. You can practice transcribing short audio files so that you’re ready to apply for transcription jobs. When transcriptionists are just starting out without a specialization or expertise, they usually make between $15 and $25 an hour. 11. Launch a YouTube channel. Have you ever considered becoming a YouTuber? With today’s smartphones, you can make funny skits, unboxing videos, and product tutorials. Also, you can set up your YouTube channel for free. You can create a YouTube channel with your name or a custom name by signing into your Google account. It is possible to earn money as a YouTube channel owner in several ways. When your channel reaches 1,000 subscribers, you can start earning money with ads. Your YouTube channel can also be monetized by partnering with brands, selling merchandise, or becoming an affiliate. You need to focus on one niche if you want your YouTube channel to be successful. Whether you want to offer beauty tutorials, reviewing tech products, or summarize cryptocurrency prices every day, you can do whatever you think will attract more viewers. 12. Sell your used items. Are there items in your home that are collecting dust and taking up space? Wouldn’t it be great if you could sell them online and make a profit? eBay is one of the most famous sites for selling everything from books, collectibles, and cars to clothes, art, and furniture. You can choose from multiple categories and sale options, including an auction and a “Buy It Now” option. Make sure you know what things are selling for, describe your content clearly, and offer several visuals to attract attention. Craigslist is another popular marketplace for used goods. You can list items for free on the site for others in your local area to see and possibly purchase. In recent years, numerous apps have emerged that have become immensely popular for quick sales, such as OfferUp. Unlike many of eBay’s sales, these are primarily for local pickups rather than shipping. Through Facebook Marketplace, you can also sell socially. It is also regarded as an online and local sales process, so plan on meeting up with buyers for the delivery of items. Furthermore, other online sites work well for specific niches that you may want to target. Poshmark, for instance, offers gently used designer clothing and accessories, along with some branded home goods. When it comes to tech equipment, DeCluttr is an ideal solution for getting rid of older smartphones, tablets, and more. Additionally, video games, CDs, and DVDs will be accepted. 13. Take photos and sell them online. If you have a good collection of photographs, you can sell them as stock images to companies. You will earn a small commission every time someone downloads your image from the company. These are a few examples of websites where your photos can be sold: 500px Alamy Adobe Stock Burst iStock Shutterstock Stocksy Zenfolio Another option? Sign up for a print-on-demand marketplace like Printful, Redbubble, or CafePress to sell your photography prints online. Using these platforms, you can upload images and sell physical products while they handle inventory, printing, packaging, and shipping for you. 14. Become a social media consultant. A social media presence is a must for any business, but just having it doesn’t mean companies know how to manage their accounts effectively. In a consulting capacity, you could utilize your social media skills to help companies gain followers. Because your profile serves as your portfolio, it’s pretty simple to promote yourself. You should specifically market your portfolio on digital marketing forums and groups. And, when you reach out to agencies, include a link in your email. According to ZipRecruiter, the national average for social media consultants is $52,453 per year. 15. Get paid entertaining yourself. Can you think of anything better than working from home? What about working from home while doing something you enjoy? Watching videos. On your mobile device or laptop, you can watch movie previews, TV shows, news, commercials, and more with Swagbucks or Inbox Dollars. You can redeem your points for cash via PayPal or gift cards from different retailers in exchange for points. Listening to music. If you’re interested in listening to and rating music, you might want to register with Slicethepie, Playlist Push, and HitPredictor. Each review will result in a payment, but the amounts vary since quality reviews are rewarded. As a result, if you provide a detailed and constructive review, you are more likely to receive a better payout. Payments are made via PayPal to reviewers. Playing games. Getting paid for playing games might be fun for gamers. Coin Pop, for example, allows you to exchange coins for cash or gift cards. Despite the small payout and time commitment, the rewards add up over time if you play games on the app regularly. You can also play games on sites like Swagbucks for money. 16. Host travelers in your home. If you have an extra room or are willing to rent out your entire home, Airbnb can be a great passive income source. Listing your space on Airbnb is not 100% passive or online. It is still your responsibility to make the place tidy for the guests, to answer questions, and to clean up after they leave. It is always possible to outsource these tasks or to use platforms like YourFront Desk. The bottom line is that if you have the right location and make your listing stand out, you can make six figures renting out space on Airbnb. Be sure to develop a captivating headline, take stunning photos, and describe your property in detail so that your listing will stand out. 17. Become an online travel agent. Are you known for finding the best vacation packages and flight deals? If so, put these skills to use as a virtual travel agent. It is the job of travel agents to help people plan their vacations, business trips, and personal travel. To make their trips easier, many individuals rely on travel agents to help them arrange connecting flights, accommodations, sightseeing tours, etc. To become an online travel agent, you don’t need any special certification. Instead, it takes to research and organization skills to plan a seamless trip for your clients within their budget. It is possible for you to get discounts for your clients by partnering with different companies. You might also be able to land a home-based travel agent through job boards like FlexJobs and ZipRecruiter. In the United States, the average salary for an Online Travel Agent is $64,067 per year as of February 16, 2023. 18. Start tutoring. It may not be too difficult to become a tutor if you are an expert at any of the common subjects, including math and science. Wyzant, Chegg, Skooli, and TutorMe, for example, are websites that can assist you with your work. Online tutoring has become more common than going to students’ homes in recent years. Even non-conventional subjects, such as test preparation and English as a second language, can be taught. In some cases, people may even wish to acquire specific career skills from you. Honestly. There are so many possibilities here. Additionally, you could earn several hundred dollars a month. 19. Become a professional dog sitter/walker. Do you love animals? I’ve always thought walking dogs was a relaxing and enjoyable activity. I mean it’s something that I do on a daily basis. Additionally, you can make money walking while getting some exercise. Earnings are determined by how often you work. To get your business off the ground, offer a discount to your first clients and ask them for referrals. Ideally, you want to lock in regular clients who will need you for weekly walks. To get started, find local clients by marketing your services on sites like Rover. Or, ask your friends, family, or neighbors. You may be able to earn more income if you offer pet-sitting services. You can then charge an overnight fee for keeping other animals besides dogs. 20. Refer your friends or family. You can get paid for referring your friends to some businesses, such as credit card companies, banks, and retailers. A referral page is usually displayed after you have made your own purchase and offers you a personal link to share with others. Everyone who clicks your link and buys the service or product will earn you a referral bonus. There is a wide range of payouts. For instance, Grove Collective offers $10 for a successful referral, while T-Mobile offers $50. With Capital One’s Refer a Friend program, you can earn up to $500 a year. Your referral can earn you a bonus if they’re approved for a Capital One credit card.   FAQs How can I make money online? The possibility of making money fast is one of the attractions of making money online. Considering how many people looking to make money online need money now, this isn’t surprising. In this regard, the web presents an endless amount of money-making opportunities. However, it is important to treat the process as a business if you want to make money quickly online. There is very little chance of making a quick buck on the internet unless you are selling a single item. A blog or website is a great place to start, followed by offering your skills, products, and services regularly. Additionally, you can test websites, take surveys, and sell used stuff online, which take only a few minutes to set up. Alternatively, you can earn passive income by renting out your car or participating in affiliate marketing. What are the best ways to make money at home quickly? You can earn money from home by selling used clothes and electronics, babysitting, or renting out a room on a vacation rental site. Is it possible to earn real money online? There are thousands of people who are making money online right now, proving that it is possible. It’s recommended you have multiple streams of income when making money online. For example, in addition to writing a blog and having a YouTube channel, you might offer your graphic design and tutoring services as well. When you reach that point, making money online can become a full-time occupation. Be sure to utilize budgeting tools if it does. In spite of all the advantages of self-employment, a steady cash flow is rarely one of them. As such, in order to maintain control over your finances, you must maintain a regular budget. How can I make money at home legally? You can earn money online in a number of legitimate ways. These include: Consulting or freelancing Providing customer service or virtual assistance from home Taking part in paid surveys or market research Making and selling handmade crafts online Offering physical products online through an online store or marketplace Selling digital products and services Creating your own blog or website and making money from advertising or affiliate marketing Create a YouTube channel Renting or selling items you own, such as clothing, electronics, vehicles, or guest bedrooms. Is it possible to earn money online with no money down from home? With no money down, it is possible to earn money online from home. By using free or low-cost methods like online marketing, social media, and content creation, you can start a business with little or no money. Partnering with another business or selling products and services on a commission basis is also an option. Article by John Rampton, Due About the Author John Rampton is an entrepreneur and connector. When he was 23 years old, while attending the University of Utah, he was hurt in a construction accident. His leg was snapped in half. He was told by 13 doctors he would never walk again. Over the next 12 months, he had several surgeries, stem cell injections and learned how to walk again. During this time, he studied and mastered how to make money work for you, not against you. He has since taught thousands through books, courses and written over 5000 articles online about finance, entrepreneurship and productivity. He has been recognized as the Top Online Influencers in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine and Finance Expert by Time. He is the Founder and CEO of Due......»»

Red Robin's (RRGB) fourth-quarter 2022 results hurt by increased labor costs, which get partially offset by increased guest checks. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. RRGB reported its fourth-quarter fiscal 2022 results, with both earnings and revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Earnings & Revenue DiscussionIn the fiscal fourth quarter, Red Robin reported an adjusted loss per share of $1.35, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 66 cents per share. In the year-ago quarter, the company reported an adjusted loss of $1.03 per share.Quarterly revenues of $290.1 million missed the consensus mark of $293 million. The top line however increased 2.4% year over year. The upside was primarily driven by favorable guest check and increased menu mix and pricing.Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. QuoteDuring the quarter under review, comparable restaurant revenues rose 2.5% year over year, primarily driven by an 8.8% rise in guest check.  However, average guest count declined 6.3%. The rise in guest check can be attributed to a 7.3% increase in pricing, a 2.2% improvement in menu mix and a 0.7% decline in discounts.Operating ResultsThe restaurant-level operating profit margin was 11.4% in the fiscal fourth quarter compared with 13% reported in the prior-year quarter.During the fiscal fourth quarter, restaurant labor costs (as a percentage of restaurant revenues) increased 50 basis points (bps) year over year to 34.6%. The increase was primarily due to labor inflation.Meanwhile, other operating costs declined 40 bps year over year to 17.9%. During the quarter under review, cost of sales increased 120 bps year over year to 24.9%. Occupancy costs fell 20 bps year over year to 7.7%.Adjusted earnings before interest expenses, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) during the fiscal fourth quarter amounted to $8.9 million, unchanged from the year-ago quarter.Other Financial InformationAs of Dec 25, 2022, Red Robin had cash and cash equivalents of $48.8 million compared with $22.8 million as of Dec 26, 2021. Long-term debt as of Dec 25, 2022 was $203.2 million compared with $167.3 million as of Dec 26, 2021. Inventories during the quarter were $26.4 million, compared with $25.2 million in the year-ago period.Fiscal 2022 HighlightsIn fiscal 2022, total revenues increased 9% to $1.3 billion from fiscal 2021. Comparable restaurant revenues increased 9.2% year over year.Operating costs as a percentage of restaurant revenues increased 130 bps to 87% in fiscal 2022.Adjusted EBITDA declined to $52.8 million in fiscal 2022 from $63.5 million in fiscal 2021.2023 GuidanceFor 2023, the company expects total revenues to be approximately $1.3 billion.Restaurant-level operating profit is anticipated to be at least 13%.The selling, general and administrative costs are expected in the range of $120-$125 million. Capital expenditures are anticipated to be between $35 million and $40 million.Adjusted EBITDA is expected in the range of $62.5-$72.5 million.Zacks Rank & Key PicksRed Robin currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Some better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector are:Chuy's Holdings, Inc. CHUY currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. CHUY has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 19.1%, on average. Shares of CHUY have increased 60.8% in the past six months.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CHUY’s 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 10.8% and 16.1%, respectively, from the corresponding year-ago period’s levels.Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. ARCO carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). ARCO has a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.6%. Shares of the company have increased 13% in the past six months.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARCO’s 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 8.1% and 4.2%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.Brinker International, Inc. EAT carries a Zacks Rank #2. EAT has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.1%. The stock has increased 47.3% in the past six months.  The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EAT’s fiscal 2024 sales and EPS suggests growth of 3.9% and 36.5%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels. Free Report Reveals How You Could Profit from the Growing Electric Vehicle Industry Globally, electric car sales continue their remarkable growth even after breaking records in 2021. High gas prices have fueled his demand, but so has evolving EV comfort, features and technology. So, the fervor for EVs will be around long after gas prices normalize. Not only are manufacturers seeing record-high profits, but producers of EV-related technology are raking in the dough as well. Do you know how to cash in?  If not, we have the perfect report for you – and it’s FREE! Today, don't miss your chance to download Zacks' top 5 stocks for the electric vehicle revolution at no cost and with no obligation.>>Send me my free report on the top 5 EV stocksWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Brinker International, Inc. (EAT): Free Stock Analysis Report Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (RRGB): Free Stock Analysis Report Chuy's Holdings, Inc. (CHUY): Free Stock Analysis Report Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (ARCO): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

ORLANDO, March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:XHR) ("Xenia" or the "Company") today announced results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights Net Income: Net income attributable to common stockholders was $35.3 million, or $0.31 per share Adjusted EBITDAre: $64.6 million, increased 32.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 Adjusted FFO per Diluted Share: $0.41, increased $0.16 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 Same-Property Occupancy: 64.1%, increased 770 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 and decreased 920 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 Same-Property ADR: $260.19, increased 6.9% and 15.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2019, respectively Same-Property RevPAR: $166.87, increased 21.5% and 0.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2019, respectively Same-Property Hotel EBITDA: $65.4 million, increased 23.5% and 3.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2019, respectively Same-Property Hotel EBITDA Margin: 27.3%, decreased 37 basis points and increased 17 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2019, respectively Transaction Activity: Sold the 115-room Bohemian Hotel Celebration, Autograph Collection in Celebration, FL for $27.75 million and the 189-room Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver for $69.75 million. Dividends: The Company declared its fourth quarter dividend of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record on December 30, 2022. "We are pleased with our fourth quarter results as the continued transition from a leisure-driven recovery to a more traditional mix of leisure, business transient and group demand resulted in Adjusted EBITDAre and FFO per share that came in near the high end of guidance we provided after our third quarter results," said Marcel Verbaas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xenia. "With Same-Property RevPAR increasing by 0.6% over the fourth quarter of 2019, a continued focus on cost controls helped Same-Property Hotel EBITDA Margin grow over the same period in 2019, despite continued cost pressures, particularly in labor and utilities, that are impacting our portfolio and the lodging industry overall. Despite the typical seasonal slowdown in demand as the quarter progressed, December results were particularly encouraging as Same-Property RevPAR increased by 2.6% over 2019, fueled by ADR growth of almost 18% and a declining occupancy gap when compared to the same period in 2019. We continue to be particularly pleased with the resiliency of rate growth within our portfolio as Same-Property ADR for the quarter exceeded 2019 by 15%." Full Year 2022 Highlights Net Income: Net income attributable to common stockholders was $55.9 million, or $0.49 per share. Adjusted EBITDAre: $257.0 million, increased 137.8% compared to 2021 Adjusted FFO per Diluted Share: $1.54, increased $1.26 compared to 2021 Same-Property Occupancy: 63.9%, increased 1,420 basis points compared to 2021 and decreased 1,270 basis points compared to 2019 Same-Property ADR: $259.92, increased 15.3% and 13.8% compared to 2021 and 2019, respectively Same-Property RevPAR: $166.08, an increase of 48.3% and a decrease of 5.1% compared to 2021 and 2019, respectively Same-Property Hotel EBITDA: $256.4 million, an increase of 99.9% and a decrease of 3.0% compared to 2021 and 2019, respectively Same-Property Hotel EBITDA Margin: 28.4%, an increase of 623 basis points and 40 basis points compared to 2021 and 2019, respectively Transaction Activity: Acquired the 346-room W Nashville for $328.7 million and sold three hotels, reflecting 495 rooms, for $133.5 million in total. Balance Sheet: In the first quarter, the Company paid off the $65 million mortgage loan secured by The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Share Repurchases & Dividends: The Company repurchased a total of 1,912,794 shares of common stock at a weighted-average price of $14.74 per share for total consideration of approximately $28.2 million in 2022. Additionally, the Company declared a quarterly dividend in both the third and fourth quarters of $0.10 per share to common stockholders. "We successfully executed our long-term strategy on several fronts in 2022," commented Mr. Verbaas. "First, we positioned our portfolio to capitalize on strong leisure demand and a broad-based recovery. Second, we remained engaged through transaction activity, thereby improving the overall quality and growth profile of our portfolio. And finally, we balanced capital allocation priorities by returning capital to shareholders while also initiating several important capital projects." "Building on Xenia's strong track record of successful transformative renovations and expansions, just last month we announced plans to transform and upgrade Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch," continued Mr. Verbaas. "The property will undergo a comprehensive renovation and upbranding to a Grand Hyatt which we expect to be completed by the end of 2024. While the resort has been a very strong performer since our acquisition in 2017, we intend to maximize the value of this very important strategic asset by increasing the property's ability to capture premium group and leisure transient business and optimizing its ability to compete effectively with its luxury competitors in the attractive Phoenix/Scottsdale market." "Looking ahead, we continue to see opportunities for growth in 2023," said Mr. Verbaas. "We expect to benefit from continued recovery across our portfolio, the ramping up of recently acquired properties, and favorable returns on several meaningful capital projects. Despite the current uncertain macro backdrop, lodging demand remains resilient. Our January 2023 Current Same-Property RevPAR increased 49.5%, and February RevPAR is expected to be up approximately 25% compared to the same months in 2022. We expect our high-quality portfolio to benefit from the continued recovery in business transient and group demand as the year progresses." Operating Results The Company's results include the following: Three Months Ended December 31, Change From 2022 2021 2019 2021 2019 ($ amounts in thousands, except hotel statistics and per share amounts) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $   35,261 $ (22,935) $    15,610 253.7 % 125.9 % Net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders - basic and diluted $        0.31 $      (0.20) $        0.14 255.0 % 121.4 % Same-Property Number of Hotels(1) 30 30 30 — — Same-Property Number of Rooms(1)(5) 8,562 8,564 8,565 (2) (3) Same-Property Occupancy(1) 64.1 % 56.4 % 73.3 %         770  bps        (920)  bps Same-Property Average Daily Rate(1) $   260.19 $   243.43 $    226.34 6.9 % 15.0 % Same-Property RevPAR(1) $   166.87 $   137.35 $    165.94 21.5 % 0.6 % Same-Property Hotel EBITDA(1)(2) $   65,354 $   52,922 $    63,251 23.5 % 3.3 % Same-Property Hotel EBITDA Margin(1)(2) 27.3 % 27.7 % 27.2 %         (37)  bps            17  bps Total Portfolio Number of Hotels(3) 32 34 39 (2) (7) Total Portfolio Number of Rooms(3)(5) 9,508 9,659 11,245 (151) (1,737) Total Portfolio RevPAR(4) $   162.93 $   128.67 $    158.25 26.6 % 3.0 % Adjusted EBITDAre(2) $   64,583 $   48,927 $    71,994 32.0 % (10.3) % Adjusted FFO(2) $   46,608 $   28,437 $    65,749 63.9 % (29.1) % Adjusted FFO per diluted share(2) $        0.41 $        0.25 $        0.58 64.0 % (29.3) % 1. "Same-Property" includes all hotels owned as of December 31, 2022, except for Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center and W Nashville.  "Same-Property" also includes disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and renovation disruption for multiple capital projects during the periods presented. 2. See tables later in this press release for reconciliations from net income (loss) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"), EBITDA for Real Estate ("EBITDAre"), Adjusted EBITDAre, Funds From Operations ("FFO"), Adjusted FFO, Same-Property Hotel EBITDA and Hotel EBITDA Margin. EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDAre, FFO, Adjusted FFO, and Same-Property Hotel EBITDA and Hotel EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP financial measures. 3. As of end of periods presented. 4. Results of all hotels as owned during the periods presented, including the results of hotels sold or acquired for the actual period of ownership by the Company. Includes hotels that had temporarily suspended operations for a portion of the year ended December 31, 2021. 5. Two rooms at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch were removed from inventory in 2022 and one room at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection was removed in 2020.   Year Ended December 31, Change From 2022 2021 2019 2021 2019 ($ amounts in thousands, except hotel statistics and per share amounts) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $   55,922 $  (143,517) $    55,400 139.0 % 0.9 % Net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders - basic and diluted $        0.49 $      (1.26) $        0.49 138.9 % — % Same-Property Number of Hotels(1) 30 30 30 — — Same-Property Number of Rooms(1)(5) 8,562 8,564 8,565 (2) (3) Same-Property Occupancy(1) 63.9 % 49.7 % 76.6 %      1,420  bps     (1,270)  bps Same-Property Average Daily Rate(1) $   259.92 $   225.39 $    228.43 15.3 % 13.8 % Same-Property RevPAR(1) $   166.08 $   111.96 $    175.04 48.3 % (5.1) % Same-Property Hotel EBITDA(1)(2) $ 256,374 $ 128,245 $  264,253 99.9 % (3.0) % Same-Property Hotel EBITDA Margin(1)(2) 28.4 % 22.2 % 28.0 %         623  bps             40  bps Total Portfolio Number of Hotels(3) 32 34 39 (2) (7) Total Portfolio Number of Rooms(3)(5) 9,508 9,659 11,245 (151) (1,737) Total Portfolio RevPAR(4) $   162.75 $   103.64 $    168.43 57.0 % (3.4) % Adjusted EBITDAre(2) $ 256,988 $ 108,058 $  302,118 137.8 % (14.9) % Adjusted FFO(2) $ 177,316 $   32,007 $  250,598 454.0 % (29.2) % Adjusted FFO per diluted share(2) $        1.54 $        0.28 $        2.19 450.0 % (29.7) % 1. "Same-Property" includes all hotels owned as of December 31, 2022, except for Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center and W Nashville. "Same-Property" also includes disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and renovation disruption for multiple capital projects during the periods presented. 2. See tables later in this press release for reconciliations from net income (loss) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"), EBITDA for Real Estate ("EBITDAre"), Adjusted EBITDAre, Funds From Operations ("FFO"), Adjusted FFO, Same-Property Hotel EBITDA and Hotel EBITDA Margin. EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDAre, FFO, Adjusted FFO, and Same-Property Hotel EBITDA and Hotel EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP financial measures. 3. As of end of periods presented. 4. Results of all hotels as owned during the periods presented, including the results of hotels sold or acquired for the actual period of ownership by the Company. Includes hotels that had temporarily suspended operations for a portion of the year ended December 31, 2021. 5. Two rooms at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch were removed from inventory in 2022 and one room at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection was removed in 2020. Transactions In the fourth quarter, the Company sold the 115-room Bohemian Hotel Celebration, Autograph Collection in Celebration, FL for $27.75 million and the 189-room Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver for $69.75 million. Earlier in the year, the Company sold the 191-room Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago for $36 million. The total sales price achieved in these transactions equated to a blended 15.4x multiple on the combined 2019 Hotel EBITDA generated by the three hotels. Financings and Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total outstanding debt of approximately $1.4 billion with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.65%. The Company had approximately $305 million of cash and cash equivalents, including hotel working capital, and full availability on its revolving credit facility, resulting in total liquidity of approximately $755 million as of December 31, 2022. In addition, the Company held approximately $61 million of restricted cash and escrows at the end of the fourth quarter. Subsequent to year end, the Company entered into a new $675 million credit facility comprised of a $450 million revolving line of credit, a $125 million term loan, and a $100 million delayed draw term loan. The revolving line of credit matures in January 2027 and the term loans mature in March 2026. The Company has the option to extend each tranche of the credit facility for up to an additional year. Pricing for the credit facility ranges between 145 to 275 basis points over the applicable adjusted Term SOFR as determined by the Company's leverage ratio. Proceeds from the term loans were used to pay off the Company's existing $125 million term loan and the $99.6 million mortgage loan collateralized by Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center. Also in January 2023, the Company amended the Andaz Napa mortgage loan which changed the variable rate on the $55 million loan from LIBOR-based to SOFR-based and extended the maturity date through January 2028. As of March 1, 2023, the Company has no maturities until August 2025 and maintains full availability on its revolving line of credit. Capital Markets In the quarter, the Company repurchased a total of 1,791,816 shares of common stock at a weighted-average price of $14.69 per share for a total consideration of approximately $26.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased a total of 1,912,794 shares of common stock at a weighted-average price of $14.74 per share for total consideration of approximately $28.2 million. The Company repurchased 1,038,543 shares of common stock year-to-date through February 28, 2023 at a weighted-average price of $14.20 per share for total consideration of approximately $14.8 million. The Company currently has $152 million in capacity remaining under its repurchase authorization. The Company did not issue any shares of its common stock through its At-The-Market ("ATM") program in 2022 and had $200 million of remaining availability as of December 31, 2022. Capital Expenditures During the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, the Company invested $29.7 million and $70.4 million in portfolio improvements, respectively. During 2022, significant projects in the Company's portfolio included: Kimpton Canary Hotel Santa Barbara – Comprehensive renovation of public spaces including meeting space, lobby, restaurant, bar and rooftop. Began a comprehensive guest room renovation in the fourth quarter which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023. Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection – Comprehensive renovation of public spaces including meeting space, lobby, restaurant, bar, Starbucks, and creation of a rooftop bar expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. A comprehensive renovation of the guest rooms will commence in the second quarter of 2023. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa – Golf course refurbishment including replacement of turfgrass, bunkers, irrigation heads and controls, cart paths and curbing. Creation of a Combined Heat & Power System which will result in substantial energy savings and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, the Company began work in the fourth quarter on a significant upgrade to the resort's spa and wellness amenities which will be branded as a Miraval Life in Balance Spa upon completion late in the second quarter of 2023. Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead – Guest room renovation including all softgoods. Renovations of the restaurant & lobby including reconcepting of the restaurant and bar. Marriott Dallas Downtown – Renovation of meeting space. Marriott San Francisco Airport Waterfront – Refurbishment of the exterior envelope and replacement of signage. Marriott Woodlands Waterway Hotel & Convention Center – Renovation of bathrooms including conversion of tubs to showers in 75 percent of guest rooms. Royal Palms Resort & Spa, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt – Renovation of meeting space and pre-function areas. Fairmont Pittsburgh – Renovation of meeting space and addition of Starbucks to the lobby. The Ritz-Carlton, Denver – Renovation and reconfiguration of suites which will result in three additional keys upon completion in the first quarter of 2023. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City – Continued planning work on a comprehensive renovation of meeting space, restaurant, bar and guest rooms that is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2023. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch Renovation In February, the Company announced the comprehensive renovation and upbranding of the 491-room Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch to a Grand Hyatt. The investment is expected to maximize value of this strategic asset, thereby increasing the property's ability to capture premium group and leisure transient business. The renovation is expected to begin in June 2023 with completion of all phases by the end of 2024. Upon completion, the property will have five additional keys, or 496 rooms. The resort will undergo extensive renovations and enhancements of its two-acre pool complex, guestrooms, all food and beverage venues, and public areas and amenities, including the expansion of the property's indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. The expansion of the existing 75,000 square feet of meeting space includes doubling the size of the largest existing ballroom to 24,000 square feet, along with the reconfiguration and expansion of pre-function and support space. Hurricane Update In late September, Hurricane Ian caused limited property damage and disruption at the Company's Key West, Orlando, Savannah, and Charleston, SC hotels. All hotels remained open during and after the storm. In early November, Hurricane Nicole had a minor impact to one of our hotels in Orlando. The total impact of both storms, inclusive of revenue disruption and repair and cleanup costs, was less than $2.0 million. Full Year 2023 Outlook and Guidance The Company is providing its full year outlook based on the current economic environment. The broad range below reflects the Company's limited visibility in forecasting due to macroeconomic uncertainty and does not take into account any unanticipated impacts to the business or operating environment. Furthermore, this guidance assumes no additional acquisitions, dispositions, equity offerings, or share repurchases. The Current Same-Property (32 Hotel) RevPAR change shown includes all hotels owned as of March 1, 2023. Full Year 2023 Guidance Low End High End ($ in millions, except stats and per share data) Net Income $3 $31 Current Same-Property (32 Hotel) RevPAR Change (vs. 2022) 4 % 8 % Adjusted EBITDAre $243 $271 Adjusted FFO $154 $182 Adjusted FFO per Diluted Share $1.36 $1.60 Capital Expenditures $130 $150 Full year 2023 guidance is inclusive of the following assumptions: Renovation disruption results in a negative impact of 200 basis points to Current Same-Property (32 Hotel) RevPAR Change based on the scope and timing of capital improvement projects. In addition, the Company expects disruption to non-room revenues. These estimates result in a negative impact of approximately $15 million to Adjusted EBITDAre and Adjusted FFO. General and administrative expense of approximately $25 million, excluding non-cash share-based compensation. Interest expense of approximately $85 million, excluding non-cash loan related costs. Income tax expense of approximately $4 million. The three hotels that were sold last year contributed approximately $6 million to Adjusted EBITDAre in 2022. 113.8 million weighted-average diluted shares/units. Supplemental Financial Information Please refer to the Company's Supplemental Financial Information package for the Fourth Quarter 2022 available online through the Press Release section of the Company's Investor Relations website for additional financial information. Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings Call The Company will conduct its quarterly conference call on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 200-6205, access code 423277. Additionally, a live webcast of the conference call will be available through the Company's website, www.xeniareit.com. A replay of the conference call will be archived and available online through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for 90 days. About Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a self-advised and self-administered REIT that invests in uniquely positioned luxury and upper upscale hotels and resorts with a focus on the top 25 lodging markets as well as key leisure destinations in the United States. The Company owns 32 hotels and resorts comprising 9,508 rooms across 14 states. Xenia's hotels are in the luxury and upper upscale segments, and are operated and/or licensed by industry leaders such as Marriott, Hyatt, Kimpton, Fairmont, Loews, Hilton, The Kessler Collection, and Davidson. For more information on Xenia's business, refer to the Company website at www.xeniareit.com. This press release, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by the Company, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are based on certain assumptions of management and describe the Company's future plans, strategies and expectations. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "guidance," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would," "illustrative," references to "outlook" and "guidance," and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements about our plans, strategies, or other future events, the outlook related to macroeconomic factors and general economic uncertainty and a potential contraction in the U.S. or global economy or low levels of economic growth , including such effects on the demand for travel, transient and group business, capital expenditures, timing of renovations, financial performance, prospects or future events. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. As a result, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could materially affect actual results, performances or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, (i) general economic uncertainty and a contraction in the U.S. or global economy or low levels of economic growth; (ii), macroeconomic and other factors beyond our control that can adversely affect and reduce demand for hotel rooms, food and beverage services, and/or meeting facilities; (iii) inflation and inflationary pressures which increases our labor and other costs of providing services to guests and meeting hotel brand standards, as well as costs related to construction and other capital expenditures, property and other taxes, and insurance which could result in reduced operating profit margins; (iv) the pace and evenness of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the long-term effects of the pandemic, COVID-19 variants or any future resurgence, including with respect to global and regional economic activity, travel limitations or bans, the demand for travel, levels of spending in transient or group business and leisure segments, and levels of consumer confidence; (v) actions that governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to any resurgence of COVID-19 including variants of the virus, including limiting or banning travel; (vi) the ability of hotel managers to successfully navigate the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; (vii) the Company's dependence on third-party managers of its hotels, including its inability to implement strategic business decisions directly; (viii) risks associated with the hotel industry, including competition, increases in wages and benefits, energy costs and other operating costs, actual or threatened terrorist attacks, cyber incidents, information technology failures, downturns in general and local economic conditions, prolonged periods of civil unrest in our markets, and cancellation of or delays in the completion of anticipated demand generators; (ix) the availability and terms of financing and capital and the general volatility of securities markets; (x) risks associated with the real estate industry, including environmental contamination and costs of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws; (xi) interest rate increases; (xii) ability to successfully negotiate amendments and covenant waivers with its unsecured and secured indebtedness; (xiii) the Company's ability to comply with covenants, restrictions, and limitations in any existing or revised loan agreements with our unsecured and secured lenders; (xiv) the possible failure of the Company to qualify as a REIT and the risk of changes in laws affecting REITs; (xv) the possibility of uninsured or underinsured losses, including those relating to natural disasters, terrorism, government shutdowns and closures, civil unrest, or cyber incidents; (xvi) risks associated with redevelopment and repositioning projects, including delays and cost overruns; (xvii) levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; (xviii) declines in occupancy and average daily rate; (xix) the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses, (xx) changes in distribution arrangements, such as through Internet travel intermediaries; (xxi) relationships with labor unions and changes in labor laws, including increases to minimum wages; (xxii) the impact of changes in the tax code and uncertainty as to how some of those changes may be applied; (xxiii) monthly cash expenditures and the uncertainty around predictions; (xxiv) labor shortages; (xxv) disruptions in supply chains resulting in delays or inability to procure required products; and (xxvi) the risk factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in its Quarterly Reports. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company's expectations will be realized. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. For further information about the Company's business and financial results, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.xeniareit.com. All information in this press release is as of the date of its release. The Company undertakes no duty to update the statements in this press release to conform the statements to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations. Availability of Information on Xenia's Website Investors and others should note that Xenia routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, and the Investor Relations section of Xenia's website. While not all the information that the Company posts to the Xenia website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in Xenia to review the information that it shares at the Investor Relations link located on www.xeniareit.com. Users may automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company when enrolling an email address by visiting "Email Alerts / Investor Information" in the "Corporate Overview" section of Xenia's Investor Relations website at www.xeniareit.com. For additional information or to receive press releases via email, please visit our website at www.xeniareit.com. Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 ($ amounts in thousands, except per share data) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Assets (Unaudited) (Audited) Investment properties: Land $                      460,536 $                    431,427 Buildings and other improvements 3,086,785 2,856,671 Total $                   3,547,321 $                 3,288,098 Less: accumulated depreciation (945,786) (888,717) Net investment properties $                   2,601,535 $                 2,399,381 Cash and cash equivalents 305,103 517,377 Restricted cash and escrows 60,807 36,854 Accounts and rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 37,562 28,528 Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 5,060 5,446 Other assets 69,988 65,109 Assets held for sale — 34,621 Total assets $                   3,080,055 $                 3,087,316 Liabilities Debt, net of loan premiums, discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs $                   1,429,105 $                 1,494,231 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 107,097 84,051.....»»

Delivers 19th Consecutive Year of Domestic Same Store Sales Growth and 13.2% Increase in Unit Count in Fiscal Year 2022 DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) today announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, periods that benefited from a 53rd week as compared to fiscal 2021. Highlights for the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 compared to the fiscal fourth quarter 2021: System-wide sales increased 28.9% to $775.7 million 61 net new openings in the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 Domestic same store sales increased 8.7% Domestic restaurant AUV of $1.6 million Digital sales of 63.2%, an increase of 1.9% to the prior fiscal fourth quarter Total revenue increased 45.6% to $104.9 million Net income increased 155.2% to $17.6 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share in the prior fiscal fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased 71.6% to $34.7 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $20.2 million in the prior fiscal fourth quarter Highlights for the fiscal year 2022 compared to the fiscal year 2021: System-wide sales increased 16.8% to $2.7 billion System-wide restaurant count increased 13.2% to 1,959 worldwide locations with 228 net openings Domestic same store sales increased 3.4% Total revenue increased 26.6% to $357.5 million Net income increased 24.1% to $52.9 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, compared to $42.7 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, in the prior fiscal year. Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share, both non-GAAP measures, increased 37.3% to $55.4 million, or $1.85 per diluted share, compared to $40.3 million, or $1.35 per diluted share in the prior fiscal year Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased 23.1% to $108.8 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $88.4 million in the prior fiscal year Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per diluted share, and cost of sales excluding pre-opening expenses are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per diluted share, and cost of sales excluding pre-opening expenses to the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") are set forth in the schedule accompanying this release. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." "Wingstop delivered another record year in 2022 highlighted by 13.2% unit growth and an industry-leading 19th consecutive year of positive same store sales growth. We delivered 8.7% domestic same store sales growth over the prior fiscal fourth quarter, which was driven entirely by transaction growth," said Michael Skipworth, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The combination of strong top-line growth and meaningful deflation in our business in 2022 has continued to strengthen our brand partners' unit economics and positioned the brand for continued long term growth on our path to scaling Wingstop into a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand." Key operating metrics for the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 compared to the fiscal fourth quarter 2021: Fiscal Quarter Ended December 31, 2022 December 25, 2021 Number of system-wide restaurants open at end of period 1,959 1,731 Number of domestic franchise restaurants open at end of period 1,678 1,498 Number of international franchise restaurants open at end of period 238 197 System-wide sales (in millions) $                              776 $                              602 Domestic AUV (in thousands) $                           1,606 $                           1,592 Domestic same store sales growth(1) 8.7 % 7.5 % Company-owned domestic same store sales growth(1) 2.6 % 5.3 % Net income (in thousands) $                         17,596 $                           6,896 Adjusted net income (in thousands) $                         18,059 $                           7,272 Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands)  $                         34,659 $                         20,198 (1) For the fiscal fourth quarter 2022, same store sales percentages were calculated excluding the 53rd week. Fiscal fourth quarter 2022 financial results Total revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 increased to $104.9 million from $72.0 million in the fiscal fourth quarter last year. Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other increased $14.0 million primarily due to domestic same store sales growth of 8.7%, 221 net franchise restaurant openings since December 25, 2021, and $3.0 million of additional revenue from the 53rd week. Advertising fees increased $13.5 million due to an increase in the national advertising fund contribution rate to 5% from 4% effective the first day of the fiscal second quarter 2022, a 28.9% increase in system-wide sales in the fiscal fourth quarter 2022, and $2.7 million of additional advertising fees from the 53rd week. Company-owned restaurant sales increased $5.3 million due to an increase of $3.1 million related to the increase in the number of company-owned restaurants compared to the prior year comparable period, a 2.6% increase in company-owned same store sales driven by an increase in transactions, and $1.5 million of additional sales from the 53rd week. Cost of sales increased to $17.0 million from $14.4 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of the prior year, and included $0.1 million and $0.3 million in pre-opening expenses in the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 and 2021, respectively. As a percentage of company-owned restaurant sales, cost of sales (excluding pre-opening expenses) decreased to 75.8% from 84.7% in the prior year comparable period. The decrease was primarily driven by food, beverage and packaging costs benefiting from a 49.3% decrease in the cost of bone-in chicken wings as compared to the prior year period. This benefit was partially offset by the opening of eight restaurants in the New York City market since the prior year comparable period, which have higher rent and other operating costs. Selling, general & administrative ("SG&A") increased $0.3 million to $18.3 million from $18.0 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of the prior year. The increase in SG&A was primarily due to an increase of approximately $1.0 million related to the 53rd week and $0.9 million in headcount-related expenses to support the growth in our business. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 million in stock-based compensation expense related primarily to stock awards forfeited during the fiscal fourth quarter. Interest expense, net was $5.3 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of approximately $1.6 million, or 41.4%, compared to $3.8 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of the prior year. The increase was due to the securitized financing transaction completed in March 2022, which increased our outstanding debt by $250 million, as well as an estimated $0.4 million of additional interest expense related to the 53rd week. Key Operating Metrics for the fiscal year 2022 compared to the fiscal year 2021: Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 December 25, 2021 Number of system-wide restaurants open at end of period 1,959 1,731 Number of domestic franchise restaurants open at end of period 1,678 1,498 Number of international franchise restaurants open at end of period 238 197 System-wide sales (in millions) $                           2,739 $                           2,345 Domestic AUV (in thousands) $                           1,606 $                           1,592 Domestic same store sales growth(1) 3.4 % 8.0 % Company-owned domestic same store sales growth(1) 1.0 % 3.4 % Net income (in thousands) $                         52,947 $                         42,658 Adjusted net income (in thousands) $                         55,351 $                         40,323 Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands)  $                       108,808 $                         88,393 (1) For the fiscal year 2022, same store sales percentages were calculated excluding the 53rd week. Fiscal year 2022 financial results Total Revenue for fiscal year 2022 was $357.5 million, an increase of $75.0 million, or 26.6%, compared to $282.5 million in the prior fiscal year. Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other increased $27.9 million primarily due to 221 net franchise restaurant openings since December 25, 2021, same store sales growth of 3.4%, and $3.0 million due to additional revenue in the 53rd week. Advertising fees increased $37.5 million due to a 16.8% increase in system-wide sales during fiscal year 2022, an increase in the national advertising fund contribution rate to 5% from 4% effective the first day of the fiscal second quarter 2022, and $2.7 million of additional advertising fees from the 53rd week. Additionally, during the prior fiscal year, a $6.9 million non-recurring rebate of advertising surplus was returned to franchisees, reducing the revenue recognized in the prior fiscal year. Company-owned restaurant sales increased $9.6 million primarily due to an increase of $7.7 million related to the increase in the number of company-owned restaurants compared to the prior fiscal year, company-owned same store sales growth of 1.0%, which was driven by an increase in average ticket, and approximately $1.5 million of additional sales from the 53rd week. Cost of sales increased to $63.4 million from $57.4 million in the prior fiscal year and included $0.9 million and $0.5 million in pre-opening expenses in the fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively. As a percentage of company-owned restaurant sales, cost of sales (excluding pre-opening expenses) decreased to 78.2% from 81.0% in the prior year comparable period. The decrease was primarily due to a 26.9% decrease in the cost of bone-in chicken wings as compared to the prior fiscal year. This benefit was partially offset by the opening of eight restaurants in the New York City market since the prior year comparable period, which have higher rent and other operating costs. SG&A expense was $67.1 million in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $4.2 million, or 6.6%, compared to $62.9 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily due to an increase of $4.0 million in headcount related expenses to support the growth in our business, an increase of $2.3 million in professional fees to support the Company's strategic initiatives and approximately $1 million related to the 53rd week. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $5.4 million in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to stock awards forfeited in fiscal year 2022. Interest expense, net was $21.2 million in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $6.2 million, or 41.7%, compared to $15.0 million in the prior fiscal year. This increase was due to the securitized financing transaction completed in March 2022, which increased our outstanding debt by $250 million, as well as an estimated $0.4 million of additional interest expense related to the 53rd week.  Financial Outlook The Company is reaffirming its three- to five-year outlook of mid-single digit domestic same store sales growth. Additionally, the Company expects the following for 2023, which is a 52-week fiscal year: Approximately 240 global net new units; SG&A of between $82.0 - $84.0 million; Stock-based compensation expense of between $11.5 - $12.5 million; and Depreciation and amortization of between $14.0 - $15.0 million. Restaurant Development As of December 31, 2022, there were 1,959 Wingstop restaurants system-wide. This included 1,721 restaurants in the United States, of which 1,678 were franchised restaurants and 43 were company-owned, and 238 franchised restaurants were in international markets. During the fiscal fourth quarter 2022, there were 61 net system-wide Wingstop restaurant openings. Quarterly Dividend In recognition of the Company's strong cash flow generation and our commitment to returning value to stockholders, on February 21, 2023, our board of directors authorized and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share of common stock, resulting in a total dividend of approximately $5.7 million. This dividend will be paid on March 31, 2023 to stockholders of record as of March 10, 2023. The following definitions apply to these terms as used in this release: Domestic average unit volume ("AUV") consists of the average annual sales of all restaurants that have been open for a trailing 52-week period or longer. This measure is calculated by dividing sales during the applicable period for all restaurants being measured by the number of restaurants being measured. Domestic AUV includes revenue from both company-owned and franchised restaurants. Domestic AUV allows management to assess our domestic company-owned and franchised restaurant economics. Changes in domestic AUV are primarily driven by increases in same store sales and are also influenced by opening new restaurants. Domestic same store sales reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the same store restaurant base. We define the same store restaurant base to include those restaurants open for at least 52 full weeks. This measure highlights the performance of existing restaurants, while excluding the impact of new restaurant openings and permanent closures. We review same store sales for domestic company-owned restaurants as well as system-wide domestic restaurants. Domestic same store sales growth is driven by increases in transactions and average transaction size. Transaction size increases are driven by price increases or favorable mix shift from either an increase in items purchased or shifts into higher priced items. System-wide sales represents net sales for all of our company-owned and franchised restaurants, as reported by franchisees. This measure allows management to better assess changes in our royalty revenue, our overall store performance, the health of our brand and the strength of our market position relative to competitors. Our system-wide sales growth is driven by new restaurant openings as well as increases in same store sales. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, net, income tax expense (benefit), and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), further adjusted for losses on debt extinguishment and financing transactions, transaction costs, costs and fees associated with investments in our strategic initiatives, gains and losses on the disposal of assets, and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted net income is defined as net income adjusted for losses on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions, transaction costs, costs and fees associated with investments in our strategic initiatives, gains and losses on the disposal of assets, and related tax adjustments that management believes are not indicative of the Company's core operating results or business outlook over the long-term. Adjusted earnings per diluted share is defined as adjusted net income divided by weighted average diluted share count. We caution investors that amounts presented in accordance with our definitions above may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by our competitors because not all companies and analysts calculate certain non-GAAP measurements in the same manner. Conference Call and Webcast The Company will host a conference call today to discuss the fiscal fourth quarter 2022 financial results at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. The conference call can be joined telephonically by dialing 1-877-259-5243 or 1-412-317-5176 (international) and asking for the Wingstop conference call. A replay will be available two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-877-344-7529 or 1-412-317-0088 (international) and entering the passcode 1996778. The replay will be available through Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The conference call will also be webcast live and later archived on the investor relations section of Wingstop's corporate website at ir.wingstop.com under the 'News & Events' section. About Wingstop Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, TX, Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) operates and franchises more than 1,950 locations worldwide. The Wing Experts are dedicated to Serving the World Flavor through an unparalleled guest experience and use of a best-in-class technology platform, all while offering classic and boneless wings, tenders, and chicken sandwiches, always cooked to order and hand sauced-and-tossed in fans' choice of 11 bold, distinctive flavors. Wingstop's menu also features signature sides including fresh-cut, seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips. In fiscal year 2022, Wingstop's system-wide sales increased 16.8% to approximately $2.7 billion, marking the 19th consecutive year of same store sales growth. With a vision of becoming a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand, our system is comprised of independent franchisees, or brand partners, who account for approximately 98% of Wingstop's total restaurant count of 1,959 as of December 31, 2022. A key to this business success and consumer fandom stems from The Wingstop Way, which includes a core value system of being Authentic, Entrepreneurial, Service-minded, and Fun. The Wingstop Way extends to the brand's environmental, social and governance platform as Wingstop seeks to provide value to all stakeholders. Rounding out a strong year in 2022, the Company made Technomic 500's "Fastest Growing Franchise" list, was ranked #16 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "Franchise 500," won Fast Casual's Excellence in Food Safety award, and was named to Fast Company's "The World's Most Innovative Companies" list ranking #4 in the dining category. For more information visit www.wingstop.com or www.wingstop.com/own-a-wingstop and follow @Wingstop on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Learn more about Wingstop's involvement in its local communities at www.wingstopcharities.org. Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use non-GAAP financial measures, including those indicated above. By providing non-GAAP financial measures, together with a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, we believe we are enhancing investors' understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives. These measures are not intended to be considered in isolation or as substitutes for, or superior to, financial measures prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP measures used in this press release may be different from the measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of each measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is available in this news release. In addition, the Current Report on Form 8-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") concurrent with the issuance of this press release includes a more detailed description of each of these non-GAAP financial measures, together with a discussion of the usefulness and purpose of such measures. Forward-looking Statements This news release includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to the discussion of our business strategies and our expectations concerning future operations, margins, profitability, trends, liquidity ...Full story available on Benzinga.com.....»»

BJ's Restaurants' (BJRI) fiscal fourth-quarter comps benefit from growth in dining room guest traffic and incremental menu pricing. BJ's Restaurants, Inc. BJRI reported impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2022 (ended Jan 3, 2023) results, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The top and the bottom line increased on a year-over-year basis.Greg Levin, chief executive officer and president, BJ's Restaurants, stated, “We are encouraged by the strong sales trends and growth in our dining room guest traffic in fiscal 2023 to date, which are helping offset ongoing inflationary pressures on food, labor, utilities, and other restaurant costs. Our restaurant level margin growth was driven by higher sales, additional progress with our margin enhancement initiatives and, to a lesser extent, the extra operating week in fiscal 2022.”Earnings & RevenuesIn the quarter under review, the company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 17 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents. In the prior-year quarter, the company reported an adjusted EPS of (20) cents.BJ's Restaurants, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise  BJ's Restaurants, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | BJ's Restaurants, Inc. Quote Total revenues of $344.2 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $344 million. The top line increased 18.2% on a year-over-year basis.Comparable restaurant sales in the fiscal fourth quarter increased 6.6% year over year compared with a rise of 45.6% reported in the prior-year quarter. The increase was primarily backed by growth in the dining room guest traffic and incremental menu pricing. For the fiscal first quarter, the company anticipates comps in the high single-digits.Expenses & Operating MarginsFor the fiscal fourth quarter, labor costs — as a percentage of sales — came in at 36.8%, down 110 basis points (bps) year over year. Occupancy and operating costs (as a percentage of sales) came in at 23.5%, down from 24.6% reported in the year-ago quarter. General and administrative expenses (as a percentage of sales) came in at 5.6% in the quarter compared with 6.3% reported in the prior-year quarter.During the quarter, the restaurant-level operating margin came in at 12.9% compared with the 10.1% reported in the year-ago quarter.Store CountAs of Jan 3, 2023, BJ’s Restaurants owned and operated 216 casual dining restaurants (in 29 states). In fiscal 2022, the company opened six new restaurants and reported solid sales with respect to the same. In fiscal 2023, the company intends to open five new restaurants (including one relocation). It also emphasized on expanding its remodel initiative to more than 30 restaurants. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to expand its presence to at least 425 restaurants domestically.Balance SheetAs of Jan 3, 2023, cash and cash equivalents totaled $24.9 million compared with $38.5 million as of Dec 28, 2021. Total debt as of Jan 3, 2023, amounted to $60 million compared with $50 million reported in the previous quarter.2022 HighlightsTotal revenues in 2022 amounted to $1,283.9 million compared with $1,087 million in 2021.Adjusted EBITDA in 2022 came in at $77.9 million compared with $70.5 million in 2021.In 2022, diluted EPS came in at 17 cents against (16) cents reported in the previous year.Zacks Rank & Key PicksBJ's Restaurants has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here.Some better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Retail – Restaurants industry are Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. ARCO, Yum China Holdings, Inc. YUMC and Darden Restaurants, Inc. DRI.Arcos Dorados carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). ARCO has a long-term earnings growth of 11.6%. Shares of the company have increased 22.2% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Arcos Dorados’ 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 8.1% and 4.2%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.Yum China carries a Zacks Rank #2. YUMC has a long-term earnings growth rate of 19.5%. The stock has gained 16.3% in the past year.  The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Yum China’s 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 21% and 70.5%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels.Darden carries a Zacks Rank #2. DRI has a long-term earnings growth rate of 9.8%. Shares of DRI have gained 2% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Darden’s 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 7.9% and 5.4%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels. 4 Oil Stocks with Massive Upsides Global demand for oil is through the roof... and oil producers are struggling to keep up. So even though oil prices are well off their recent highs, you can expect big profits from the companies that supply the world with "black gold."  Zacks Investment Research has just released an urgent special report to help you bank on this trend.  In Oil Market on Fire, you'll discover 4 unexpected oil and gas stocks positioned for big gains in the coming weeks and months. You don't want to miss these recommendations. Download your free report now to see them.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI): Free Stock Analysis Report Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI): Free Stock Analysis Report Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (ARCO): Free Stock Analysis Report Yum China (YUMC): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Last November, JD Vance was elected to the Senate after a heated Republican primary against Democrat Tim Ryan in Ohio. JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, April 23, 2022, in Delaware, Ohio.Joe Maiorana, File/AP JD Vance may be best-known for his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," which was adapted into a movie for Netflix. Vance is a venture capitalist who formally entered politics in 2021, but he's had a national presence since 2016. In November 2022, he was elected as a US Senator of Ohio at the age of 38. Born into a tumultuous household in Ohio, JD Vance worked his way up to become a US senator in 2022 at the age of 38.In a short period of time, Vance went from the Marines to Yale Law School to working as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley to becoming the best-selling author of "Hillbilly Elegy." Now, he's a successful Republican politician.Vance has written a memoir about his life and beliefs, but has been criticized for changing his political views when it best serves him. For instance, he went from decrying former President Donald Trump to taking his political endorsement in 2021, and in January he even wrote about why he would be voting for Trump in 2024.Here's his life and career until now.James David Bowman, later known as JD Vance, was born in 1984 in Middletown, a poor Rust Belt town in Ohio.The childhood home of JD Vance, the author of "Hillbilly Elegy" in Middleton, Ohio.Dan Sewell/APSources: New York Times, BBCVance's father left his family, and his mother had a drug and alcohol addiction. He ended up spending a lot of his childhood with his grandparents in Jackson, Kentucky.AK Steel's Middletown Works plant in Middletown, Ohio.Al Behrman, File/APIn particular, Vance's grandmother, whom he affectionately called "Mamaw," had a big impact on him.His Mamaw taught him to take responsibility for himself. She also said that most people were prejudiced but not openly, except when it came to "hillbillies.""We are the only group of people you don't have to be ashamed to look down upon," Vance recalled his grandmother telling him in an interview with The American Conservative.Sources: BBC, New Statesman, The American ConservativeTo earn money, Vance worked at a local grocery store. He wrote about the class divide and the impact of social welfare he saw while there in his memoir. He resented food stamp recipients for being able to afford mobile phones and other luxuries his family couldn't.JD Vance speaks to supporters after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSource: The GuardianAfter high school, Vance joined the Marines. He served for four years and went to Iraq. He wasn't involved in any combat but would go around with units, take photos, and write stories about what was going on.JD Vance, author of the best-selling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," poses for a photograph after a luncheon with teachers, before his talk and book signing at Miami University's student center in Oxford, Ohio.Dan Sewell/APSources: New York Times, BBC, Military.comHe told The American Conservative that his time with the Marines was an education in "character and self-management." He was taught to succeed through adversity by repetition and that in turn made him more confident.JD Vance in 2022.Gaelen Morse/ReutersSource: The American ConservativeAfter the Marines, Vance went to Ohio State University where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in political science and philosophy.Ohio State UniversityStephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSources: New York Times, BBCHe later enrolled at Yale Law School. In his memoir, he wrote about how out of place he felt there. He said he didn't know things his peers took for granted — for instance, that people could work in finance, or that you should wear a suit to a job interview.JD Vance speaks at a rally in Mason, Ohio, on Jan. 30, 2022.Jeff Dean/APSources: The Guardian, Washington Independent Review Of BooksDuring his first year, he attended a talk by PayPal founder Peter Thiel. Thiel told the students they were often falling into isolating jobs that weren't actually helping society. Vance called his talk the "most significant moment" of his time at university.Peter Thiel.BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty ImagesSource: InsiderVance had several mentors, including David Frum, former President George W. Bush's speechwriter; and Yale law professor Amy Chua, who had written a memoir called "The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother." It was Chua who convinced Vance to write his own memoir.Amy Chau signs copies of "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" at Barnes & Noble, 86th & Lexington on March 10, 2011 in New York City.Eugene Gologursky/Getty ImagesSources: New York Times, BBC, The GuardianHe also met his wife Usha Chilukuri there in 2013 when the pair organized a discussion group about social decline in white America.JD Vance embraces his wife Usha Vance after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesChilukuri went on to clerk for two Supreme Court justices, earn a Ph. D in history, and work for a high profile law firm.In an interview with The American Conservative, Vance revealed that he didn't believe he was a great spouse at first."I had to learn, with the help of my aunt and sister, but especially with the help of my wife, how not to turn every small disagreement into a shouting match or a public scene," he said. He told Megyn Kelly on her podcast that he really benefited from a strong female perspective to guide him. Originally it was his grandma; now, it was his wife. He also said that she brought him down to earth. Whenever he got cocky, he said he reminded himself she was more accomplished than he was.Sources: New York Times New Statesman, New York Times, The American ConservativeAfter graduating in 2013, Vance worked as a clerk for Senator John Cornyn and US District Judge David Bunning before he got a job working at Mithril Capital, a venture capital firm founded by Thiel.JD Vance, author of the book "Hillbilly Elegy," poses for a portrait photograph near the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C., January 27, 2017.Astrid Riecken For The Washington Post via Getty ImagesSources: New York Times, New Statesman, InsiderIn 2016, Vance published his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," when he was 31. The book was a New York Times bestseller. The American Conservative called it "an American classic" and "the most important book of 2016."A copy of Hillbilly Elegy.Jeff Dean/APThe Economist said in a review that "you will not read a more important book about America this year."The book was published around the time former President Donald Trump won the Republican nomination.A review of the book in the Los Angeles Times was titled: "JD Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' provides a window into the pain and anger of Trump's America."Sources: New York Times, Politico, New Statesman, Los Angeles TimesThe book gave Vance a national platform. It was often referred to by commentators as a way to understand America's white working class, and in doing so, help understand Trump's popularity.JD Vance and Seth Meyers in 2017.Lloyd Bishop/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty ImagesSources: Politico, BBC, Insider, New StatesmanNot everyone agreed with what he had written. Vance was often particularly critical of Appalachians in his memoir, calling them lazy and that "many folks talk about working more than they actually work."JD Vance in an elevator in 2022.Gaelen Morse/ReutersDuring a panel discussion in 2018, a group of young Appalachians protested Vance, turning away from him and singing a song titled, "Which Side Are You On?"Source: New York TimesVance began to get regular slots on Fox News, especially on host Tucker Carlson's program. He would later appear as a guest on Steve Bannon's podcast.JD Vance talks with members of the media after speaking at a campaign stop in Mount Vernon, Ohio, November 6, 2022.Gaelen Morse/ReutersSource: New YorkerThough Vance said he understood Trump's popularity, he didn't support him at first. On NPR in 2016, he said he couldn't "stomach" Trump and that he thought he was leading "the white working class to a very dark place."JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. host an event ahead of next month's primary election in Independence, Ohio, U.S., April 20, 2022.Gaelen Morse/ReutersIn a now-deleted tweet, Vance wrote, "In 4 years I hope people remember that it was those of us who empathized with Trump's voters who fought him most aggressively."In a private message leaked on Twitter, he said he couldn't decide whether Trump was more like former President Richard Nixon or America's Hitler. Sources: Politico, BBC, Insider, New StatesmanThe book didn't help his work at Mithril either. Former colleagues told Insider in 2021 that "it never seemed like he was even working," since he was always promoting the book.JD Vance during an interview at the National Book Festival in 2017.Salwan Georges/The Washington Post/Getty ImagesVance has also admitted his contribution to the company was "probably debatable."Source: InsiderIn 2017, after less than a year at Mithril, Vance left Silicon Valley and moved back to Ohio. He founded a non-profit to fight opioids called Our Ohio Renewal.JD Vance arrives for a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on April 23, 2022 in Delaware, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesA review by Insider of the non-profit in 2021 found it had spent more on management than it had on opioid programs.Sources: BBC, InsiderIn 2017, he was asked about entering politics. While he wasn't completely ruling it out, he said working on the opioid crisis and bringing new business to the Rust Belt was more important to him at the time.Republican U.S. Senate candidate JD Vance arrives onstage after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSource: Washington PostHe worked at a company called Revolution, which was founded by former AOL Chairman Steve Case, where they attempted to harness funds in otherwise overlooked parts of America, including Ohio.JD Vance in 2017 in Idaho.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSource: BBCIn 2019, after raising $93 million, Vance launched Narya Capital, a venture capital firm that was funded by his old boss Peter Thiel. Like his boss's firm, it was named after a "Lord of the Rings" reference.JD Vance campaigns in Marietta, Ohio, on February 16, 2022.Gaelen Morse/ReutersSources: New York Times, BBC, InsiderIn 2021, Vance announced he was running for the Senate. He launched his campaign in a Middletown factory.JD Vance arrives onstage during a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on April 23, 2022 in Delaware, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty Images"Every issue I believe traces back to this fact: on the one hand, the elites in the ruling class in this country are robbing us blind," he said at the launch, "and on the other, if you dare to complain about it, you are a bad person."Vance touted a number of issues, including rallying against tech companies, liberal elites, and critical race theory. He described himself as an outsider and said the 2020 election was "unfair," although he didn't say it was stolen. When asked whether it was hypocritical to attack tech companies when he had the support of Thiel, he told Time: "It's not like I'm being funded by Mark Zuckerberg."Sources: BBC, New Statesman, NBC News, TimeMark Zuckerberg may not have been funding Vance, but he was being funded by Thiel. This time, Thiel donated $10 million to Vance's campaign. He also arranged a meeting with him and Trump at Mar-a-Lago where they reportedly smoothed out their differences.Peter Thiel holding hundred dollar bills.Marco Bello/Getty ImagesSource: InsiderDespite Vance's national profile, he wasn't a household name in Ohio. He struggled at first and remained behind in most polls.JD Vance waits backstage before speaking during a campaign rally at The Trout Club on April 30, 2022 in Newark, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSource: New York TimesBut in April 2022, he came out in support of Trump. He called him a "great president" and said "when the facts change you gotta change your mind." In doing so, Vance would secure Trump's endorsement.JD Vance and former President Donald Trump shake hands in 2022.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSources: BBC, New StatesmanBut not without Trump making him work for it first. During the campaign, Trump said, "JD is kissing my ass he wants my support so much."Former President Donald Trump listens as JD Vance speaks during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, U.S., September 17, 2022.Gaelen Morse/ReutersSource: New York TimesIn May, he secured the Republican nomination with 32% of the vote.JD Vance after winning the Republican primary in 2022.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSource: New StatesmanJessica Taylor, editor of Cook Political Report, told The Guardian: "He won the primary thanks to Trump's help, and it just felt like he went into the witness protection program."Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attends the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing titled Strengthening Airline Operations and Consumer Protections in Russell Building on Thursday, February 9, 2023.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesSources: New York Times, The GuardianAlthough Ohio was predominantly Republican since Trump, Vance's campaign wasn't as intensive and on-the-ground as many Republicans wanted. He made few campaign appearances, and his win in Ohio against Democrat Tim Ryan wasn't guaranteed.JD Vance talks on the phone backstage during a rally hosted by former President Donald TrumpDrew Angerer/Getty ImagesSources: New York Times , The GuardianIn June, he appealed to his supporters by celebrating the Supreme Court overturning the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade.JD Vance arrives onstage during a rally hosted by former President Donald TrumpDrew Angerer/Getty ImagesIn Ohio, abortion became illegal after six weeks of pregnancy, even in the case of rape."It's not whether a woman should be forced to bring a child to term," he had previously said. "It's whether a child should be allowed to live, even though the circumstances of that child's birth are somehow inconvenient or a problem for society."Source: New StatesmanIn September, he and Ryan were tied in the polls. It got so close that super PAC Senate Leadership Fund, aligned with Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, had to cut $8 million worth of ad funding reserved for its Senate race in Arizona to boost Vance's ads and ensure the Republicans didn't lose what had suddenly become a close race.JD Vance in 2022.Tom E. Puskar/APSource: The GuardianThe increased funding worked. After a final push in the last 50 days with increased appearances by Vance and more televised ads, Vance won and was elected as the US senator for Ohio in November.JD Vance greets a supporter after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 3, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio.Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSources: New York Times, The Guardian Vance has only been in the Senate for a few months, but he's already showing his support for the man that made his run possible. In January, he wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal about why he would be voting for Trump in 2024.Markwayne Mullin, Ted Budd, Mitch McConnell, Katie Britt, JD Vance, and Eric Schmit pose for a photo before a meeting in the US Capitol on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images"Donald Trump's presidency marked the first real disruption to a failed consensus and the terrible consequences it wrought," Vance wrote. "That fact, more than any single accomplishment, is the enduring legacy of Mr. Trump's first term."He added: "But there is much more to do, and I'm supporting him for president in 2024 because he's the only person certain to do it."Source: Wall Street JournalRead the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Airbnb's (ABNB) fourth-quarter results are likely to reflect strength in North America, EMEA and Latin America. Airbnb ABNB is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2022 results on Feb 14.For the fourth quarter, ABNB expects revenues between $1.80 billion and $1.88 billion, implying growth of 17-23% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter sales is pegged at $1.87 million, indicating growth of 21.9% from the year-ago quarter’s reported value.The Zacks Consensus mark for earnings is pegged at 27 cents per share, indicating a significant jump from 8 cents per share reported in the year-ago quarter.Airbnb’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, the average being 52.76%.Airbnb, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise  Airbnb, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Airbnb, Inc. QuoteKey Factors to NoteGrowing momentum among travelers is likely to have continued driving the Nights and Experiences Booked and Average Daily Rates in the to-be-reported quarter.Airbnb’s strong demand in North America, EMEA and Latin America is likely to have driven the company’s performance in the quarter under review.Growing momentum in both longer-distance and cross-border travel, owing to relaxed travel restrictions, is likely to have continued aiding the performance in the quarter to be reported.Increasing guest demand for non-urban nights is expected to have continued driving active listings for non-urban destinations in the quarter under review. ABNB’s rising gross nights booked in high-density urban areas is likely to have been another positive.Growing Average Daily Rates and Gross Booking Value are likely to have contributed well in the to-be-reported quarter.However, macroeconomic headwinds and unfavorable foreign exchange rate fluctuations are likely to have hurt Airbnb.Also, the coronavirus pandemic-led disruptions are expected to have continued acting as overhangs for the company in the fourth quarter.What Our Model SaysOur proven model conclusively predicts an earnings beat for ABNB this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Airbnb has an Earnings ESP of +8.10% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present.Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other stocks worth considering, as our model shows that these too have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this season.Grid Dynamics GDYN has an Earnings ESP of +4.76% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Grid Dynamics is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter 2022 results on Feb 23. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GDYN’s earnings is pegged at 11 cents per share, suggesting an increase of 10% from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure.Endava DAVA has an Earnings ESP of +1.47% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present.Endava is set to report its second-quarter fiscal 2023 results on Feb 14. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DAVA’s earnings is pegged at 68 cents per share, suggesting an increase of 7.94% from the prior-year period’s reported figure.TripAdvisor TRIP has an Earnings ESP of +112.90% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present.TripAdvisor is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter 2022 results on Feb 14. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TRIP’s earnings is pegged at 5 cents per share. The company reported a loss of a cent per share in the prior-year quarter.Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar. Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report TripAdvisor, Inc. (TRIP): Free Stock Analysis Report Endava PLC Sponsored ADR (DAVA): Free Stock Analysis Report Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (GDYN): Free Stock Analysis Report Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are already going after DeSantis over his past positions that he took while in Congress. Then-Rep. Ron DeSantis of Florida leaves the US Capitol in 2014. Congressman DeSantis' voting record could pose problems for his presidential campaign.Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call Ron DeSantis is coming under fire from both parties as he weighs a presidential campaign. Trump has made it clear that he will attack DeSantis' past support for changes to Social Security and Medicare. DeSantis' time in Congress could become a further source for future campaign fodder.  It seems everyone wants to go after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump took shots at him just this week, even though the popular Republican governor has yet to announce a presidential campaign. These early attempts to define DeSantis also underline how one of this biggest liabilities may be his past as a rank-and-file conservative in Congress before his meteoric rise as a Purple state governor. The frequent Fox News guest is popular with some of Trump's populist base. Even a brief review of DeSantis' record showcases the vulnerabilities that could lie ahead. Here's a look at some of the key topics DeSantis' anticipated presidential campaign is almost certain to have to contend with:DeSantis went even further than Paul Ryan on changing Social Security and Medicare As a congressional candidate, DeSantis repeatedly expressed support for Rep. Paul Ryan's proposed overhaul to entitlement programs by privatizing aspects of Medicare and Social Security, as CNN's Andrew Kaczynski and Em Steck uncovered earlier this week.Congressman DeSantis went even further than that position. As Josh Barro wrote, DeSantis supported the even more drastic Republican Study Committee's budget proposal that aimed to balance the federal budget in four years, instead of Ryan's decade. To achieve such cuts, as the Committee for the Responsible Budget detailed back then, required changing Medicare to a partially private system by 2019 and raising the retirement age to 70. It would have also increased the full retirement age for Social Security to 70 as well.There's a reason why changing these massively popular programs is regarded as one of the "third rails" of American politics. The AARP tore into Ryan's proposal at the time, particularly for its proposed changes to social security. The Obama campaign later delighted in bashing Republicans over Ryan's ideas after then-former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney tapped him as his 2012 running mate. And DeSantis endorsed changes that went beyond what Ryan wanted.Normally, this would be considered a general election vulnerability. Republicans for decades proposed all sorts of changes and cuts to entitlement programs.But Trump is not an average Republican. He has certainly never been a movement conservative unlike DeSantis or former Vice President Mike Pence, who chaired the influential Republican Study Committee less than a decade before DeSantis arrived in Washington. How else would you explain someone who used to be a registered Democrat, flirted with the reform party, and once explained his pro-abortion views as a product of living in New York and not Iowa?Trump has made it clear that he would not propose cuts to Social Security and Medicare and is ready to attack 2024 nomination challengers who have in the past. He backed a nationwide sales tax to replace the current tax code.Like other 2024 contenders, DeSantis supported a nationwide sales tax system known as the "Fair Tax." Less than a month after joining Congress, the Floridian co-sponsored a bill that would have abolished the IRS and empowered states to collect what would start out as a 23% national sales tax*. (Different calculations could mean that the tax would be 30%) There would have also been some monthly rebates for certain families that met size and income standards.Then-Rep. Ron DeSantis flips through a packet about the IRS during a 2016 hearing.Andrew Harnik/APThe idea has been around for decades. The once-fringe proposal has received renewed focus amid the possibility that Speaker Kevin McCarthy may allow a floor vote on it. Outside of conservative circles, the idea is viewed as politically dicey. On its very face, the tax would be far more regressive than the current system. A Tax Policy Center analysis found from 2012 found that middle-class households would see a net tax increase while wealthier Americans would bank a "sizable cut."But once again, this might not just be a general election problem. Trump, as Semafor previously reported, is keen to remind Republicans who used to support this idea.He voted against renewing the Violence Against Women ActThis is not a new potential attack. Florida Democrats hammered DeSantis when he first ran for governor over his 2013 vote against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Insider couldn't find any comments he made at the time, but he was far from the only Republican or even the only Florida Republican to vote against the bill. —andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) February 9, 2023 Sen. Marco Rubio said then that he opposed the bill due to new provisions, including what he viewed as an improper shift from domestic violence programs to sexual assault programs, Politico reported at the time. Other House Republicans were also opposed to the Democratic-led Senate bill that would have expanded access to certain visas to non-citizens who were victims of domestic violence, CNN reported at the time. This provision was later removed from the bill.Biden, who was then vice president, later took aim at House Republicans whose opposition slowed the renewal by a year, saying they were "this sort of Neanderthal crowd."US Republican presidential candidate John McCain and his daughter Meghan McCain (L) attend a campaign rally at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio on October 19, 2008.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty ImagesRepublicans haven't had to deal with a nominee with a voting history in a long time.It is expected that DeSantis may not announce until after Florida lawmakers complete their regular session in May. In the meantime, his potential future rivals, including Biden, will continue to attack some of his current actions. The president went after DeSantis earlier this week for blocking Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Florida is just one of 12 states that haven't expanded Medicaid.Republicans haven't faced the possibility of nominating someone with a congressional voting record in over a decade. Besides DeSantis, Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem all served in Congress. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is reportedly weighing a campaign too. While his colleagues Sens. Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio both ran in 2016.Trump had made a plethora of public statements over decades, but roll call votes lay bare critical issues in a way few other things can. Even now-Sen. Mitt Romney carried the GOP banner as a former governor and executive. It was Ryan's history that gave the Obama campaign more positions to tear apart.This being Congress, votes often take place for messaging bills that stand little chance of becoming law or massive compromises that include a bunch of unrelated policies.In recent years, Republicans have taken a number of votes that could age poorly in a general election. Voters are looking at abortion positions with fresh scrutiny. After years of failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare now enjoys majority support. And some of the ways the GOP tried to repeal the law, including a last-ditch so-called "skinny repeal," may be tough to explain. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Celebrate your girlfriend with gifts that fit any occasion, ranging from thoughtful and unique to sentimental and romantic. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Bearaby; CatbirdWhether it's for her birthday, Valentine's Day, or just because, your girlfriend deserves a thoughtful gift that suits her lifestyle. From a cozy shearling throw blanket for the homebody, to luxury colored glassware for the host, to a mini portable speaker for the audiophile, we've come up with 69 gifts for girlfriends of all types.Whether it's a stylish accessory she can wear everyday or practical tech she didn't realize she needed — and whatever your budget or the occasion — these are the best gifts that say to her: You're the best girlfriend.A weighted throw blanket for better restJen Gushue/InsiderBearaby Cotton NapperWeighted blankets can encourage relaxation and improve sleep, and Bearaby's Cotton Napper is stylish enough to be thrown over any couch or bed. With multiple colors and weights for the ideal fit for her and her home, it's one of the best weighted blankets we've tested — and it's machine washable. At $200–300 depending on weight, it's one of the pricier gifts in this guide; for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Luna Weighted Blanket, which is typically under $100 and sometimes goes on sale for less than $50.Colored glassware for a luxurious cocktail partyWest ElmEstelle Colored Rocks Glass (Set of 6)Beauty and function meet in these rocks glasses by Estelle Colored Glass, a Black-owned home decor brand specializing in luxury hand-blown glassware. Blending classic silhouettes with eye-catching contemporary colors, this 6-piece set is perfect for the host who wants her drinkware to wow as much as the drinks. If bubbly is more her style, we also love Estelle Colored Glass's Champagne Coupe Stemware.The plushest reversible throw blanketAmazonUGG Bliss Sherpa ThrowWith a cuddly, wool-like texture on one side and a smoother microfleece on the other, UGG's Bliss Sherpa Throw is one of our favorite throw blankets. It's perfect for curling up in front of the TV, and large enough to share when date night is a movie marathon at home.A textured foam-roller to massage out any knotTriggerPointTriggerPoint GRID Foam RollerWhether your girlfriend is sore from tearing up the gym or simply being on her feet all the time, a foam roller is a great gift for aiding her muscle recovery. The TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller is one of the more practical rollers we've tested, due to its lightweight and water-resistant material, packable dimensions, and approachable price point, but we've also recommended more intense options — vibration included! — if you're willing to go above $100.A versatile styling tool for any hair typeSharkShark FlexStyle Air Drying & Styling SystemThe Dyson Airwrap is notoriously hard to obtain, whether because of stock issues or its $600 price tag, so our Style & Beauty team recommends the Shark FlexStyle as the closest multi-styling tool on the market. At half the price of the Airwrap, it's still more of a splurge, but well worth it for a girlfriend who's interested in upping her at-home hairstyling game.An instant camera she can also use with BluetoothAmazonPolaroid Now+ White (9062) Bluetooth Connected Instant Film CameraFor the girlfriend who loves snapping pics, give her the option of either using the camera or connecting her phone and directly printing from her camera roll. The Polaroid Now+ also comes with five creative lens filters to unlock even more artistic possibilities.A belt bag suited for festivals, mountains, and morePatagoniaPatagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip PackWhether she's looking for a bag that can survive some rough wear or aiming for a trendy dressed-down look, Patagonia's hip pack can rise to the occasion. It's one of our favorite belt bags, made from recycled fabric and available in a variety of colors, and with an adjustable strap to suit diverse body types and ways to wear it.A Bluetooth speaker small enough to fit in her bagJBLJBL Go 3 Portable SpeakerIf she doesn't like sacrificing space or sound quality, she'll love the JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker. Available in a variety of colors, the Bluetooth speaker is waterproof, measures 3.4 inches on its longest side, and has a loop that makes it easy to attach to a bag or belt. It's typically around $50, but keep an eye peeled during shopping holidays, when we've seen deals as high as 50% off.An affordable luxury watchBredaBreda Esther Square Metal WatchBreda makes luxury watches that are usually just under or slightly over the $200 price range, and we love how they look for the price. This model comes in an 18K gold-plated case and stainless steel band.A hot sauce subscriptionFuego BoxFuego Box SubscriptionSpice things up with this hot sauce subscription, which delivers one or three hot sauces to your girlfriend's door every month. There's even an extra-hot version if her heat tolerance is off the charts.A fancy candleOtherlandOtherland CandleOtherland makes some of our favorite luxury candles, and for $36 a pop, they offer unique scent combos in a really beautiful, reusable container. You can also mix-and-match your own gift sets or shop exclusive collections.A customizable leather tote she'll use for yearsCuyanaCuyana System ToteShe'll happily replace her canvas tote for this sleek, sturdy leather one from Cuyana. It comes in a few neutral shades and can be customized with a crossbody strap or matching laptop case.A mug that always stays warmEmberEmber Mug 2If your girlfriend takes forever to sip their tea or coffee, get them this ingenious mug that keeps their beverage for as long as it takes for them to drink it all. It's also app-controlled, so they can use their phone to find the right temperature and presets.An annual pass to see US National ParksREIAmerica the Beautiful Pass 2023/2024If your girlfriend loves experiential gifts, look no further than this annual pass to most of the US National Parks. It accommodates a car of up to four people, so you can plan a trip with friends or family, too.UGG-like boots for half the priceQuinceQuince Australian Shearling Mini BootsUGG-style boots have been making a comeback, and these mini boots offer the same warmth, quality, and style for a fraction of the price of real UGGs.A dainty nameplate necklaceCatbirdCatbird Tiniest Name NecklaceNameplate necklaces consistently stay in style, so this piece is bound to become an everyday staple. You can pick her name, nickname, or even just a place she loves.A board game version of WordleThe popular online puzzle Wordle is being reimagined as a board game.Hasbro/The New York TimesWordle: The Party GameIf your girlfriend sends you her Wordle score every day, she'll be thrilled with the physical board game version. You can play against each other or have up to four people racing against the clock to guess the word first.A bestselling lip maskAmazonLaneige Lip Sleeping MaskIf your partner always complains of chapped lips (especially in the winter), this bestselling lip mask is a great, low-key gift that will leave their lips feeling smooth and nourished come morning. A card game to deepen personal connectionsUrban OutfittersWe're Not Really Strangers Card GameThis card game, from the popular Instagram account We're Not Really Strangers, is designed to enhance connections between people with different levels: perceptions, connection, and reflection. Not only is it a card game you haven't played before, but it's also a thoughtful activity you can enjoy with your girlfriend.A cookbook for movie night dinnersUncommon Goods"Eat What You Watch Cookbook" by Andrew ReaDinner and a movie: a classic pairing. Inspire future date nights with the "Eat What You Watch Cookbook." It has 41 as-seen-on-the-big-screen recipes — think hazelnut gelato from "Roman Holiday" and double-decker New York-style pizza inspired by "Saturday Night Fever" that you can prepare together for movie night.A customized map of her favorite placeGrafomapGrafomap Custom MapGrafomap lets you design custom maps of anywhere in the world — like the first place you met, the best trip you ever took together, or the hometown she couldn't wait to show you. It's unique, thoughtful, and pretty inexpensive.  You can find our full review here.A pack of highly-rated sheet masksAmazonDermal Sheet Mask Set (39-Pack)Grab 39 sheet masks to make it easier for your girlfriend to have a frequent and well-deserved "treat yourself" day. These are highly rated and have both vitamin E and collagen included for healthy, happy skin.   Silky, breathable leggingsEverlaneEverlane Perform LeggingsEverlane's Perform Leggings are some of our all-time favorites — they're breathable and silky, like a slightly less expensive version of Alo leggings. You can read a full review of the Everlane Perform Leggings and see pictures of them here.A sweet keepsake bookUncommon GoodsKnock Knock "What I Love About You by Me" BookIf your girlfriend has a sentimental side, this fill-in-the-blank book will make her melt. It's filled with over 110 pages of prompts where you can share all of the special, silly things you love about her. A large print of a favorite memoryArtifact UprisingArtifact Uprising Large Format PrintsArtifact Uprising makes luxury prints at accessible prices — and they make especially thoughtful gifts that look like they should cost much more. Get one of their favorite photos printed on archival fine art paper for $20 and up, or thoughtful cards for as little as $1.45 per custom card. You can also make a color series photo book for $22, a set of prints for $9, and a personalized calendar on a handcrafted wood clipboard for $30.A hair towel that reduces damage and cuts drying time by 50%AquisAquis Rapid Dry Lisse Hair TowelAquis' cult-favorite hair towels can cut the amount of time it takes for her hair to dry in half — a claim we're happy to report holds up. The proprietary fabric also means there's less damage to wet hair while it dries. A pass to get into a bunch of boutique fitness classesClasspassClassPass Gift CardBoutique fitness classes are expensive, which can make trying new workouts — either for variety or to figure out what we like — less appealing. ClassPass solves both issues. It's relatively affordable, and members can access a neverending catalog of great workouts with small class sizes. If your partner is getting back into fitness after over a year of at-home workouts, we'd highly recommend a gift card here for whenever they're ready to use it.A lamp that melts candles without lighting themCrystal Cox/Insiderluzdiosa Candle Warmer LampAside from looking cute, this TikTok-famous lamp warms candles up without lighting them. It helps your girlfriend enjoy her candles' scents whenever she wants without worrying about smoke or accidentally forgetting to put them out.An expertly designed plannerCrystal Cox/InsiderBestSelf Co. Self JournalThe Self Journal is an undated, 13-week planner that's designed for daily use and quarterly planning. It helps its owner break projects and goals into manageable chunks. We love it.If she's working towards a big goal, this could be a really thoughtful resource — especially if it's the kind of goal you can't help her achieve otherwise.Delicious sweets from a famous NYC bakeryMilk BarMilk Bar TreatsIf your girlfriend has a sweet tooth, send her Milk Bar — the company delivers its iconic and decadent cakes, cookies, and truffles to her doorstep.A soothing bath salt setMaudeMaude Tub Kit No. 3If you love your girlfriend but hate to see her burn out, you can treat her to this luxe bath set, which comes with two types of soaking salts and a coconut milk bath. You can choose from three different scent profiles — this one has notes of eucalyptus, sandalwood, cassis, and Haitian vetiver.The internet's favorite olive oilBrightlandBrightland Awake Olive OilBrightland's olive oils make great gifts for cooks and anyone else who loves to entertain. The white bottles protect the EVOO from light damage and look nice displayed on a countertop. Find a full review here. A framed keepsake of a favorite memoryFramebridgeFramebridge Framed PhotoFramebridge makes custom framing a bit more affordable. You can print or paint something on your own and have it framed, or have them print and frame it, and you can take advantage of the team of designers for help deciding what frame to get. The best socks she'll ever wearBombasBombas Women's Performance Running Ankle Sock 3-PackBombas makes the best socks we've ever tried, and they're a gift we find ourselves giving every year to loved ones. They're lightweight, moisture-wicking, and built to circumvent annoyances like uncomfortable seams and heel slipping.A 215-piece art kit for creative projectsAmazonArt 101 215-Piece Wood Art SetIf your girlfriend loves to create art, this 215-Piece art kit includes everything she'll need for projects: Crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, fine line markers, watercolor cakes, and acrylic paint.Her favorite specialty food straight from the sourceGoldbelly/InstagramGoldbelly Restaurant Meal KitsGoldbelly makes it possible to satisfy your girlfriend's most specific and nostalgic cravings no matter where they live in the US — a cheesecake from Junior's, deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati, and more. Browse the iconic gifts section for inspiration. A mug for hot and cold drinksHydro FlaskHydro Flask 12 oz. Coffee MugThis mug is a common desk companion for the Insider Reviews team. The 12-ounce coffee mug has the company's proprietary TempShield insulation that made its water bottles famous. This mug will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours, and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Read our full review of it here.A satin-lined beanieAndrea Bossi/InsiderKink and Coil Satin-Lined Beanie with Removable PompomMost people with naturally curly hair avoid wearing hats to reduce frizz, but Kink and Coil's satin-lined beanie solves that issue. Just like a silk pillowcase or a bonnet, the inside of the beanie is designed to protect your hair from frizz and damage. On top of that, the pom-pom can be removed, if she'd prefer to wear the hat without it.We spoke with a trichologist to learn more about how satin- and silk-lined beanies can benefit anyone with curly or high-porosity hair. A monthly book subscriptionBook of the Month/InstagramBook of the Month 3-Month MembershipIf she's a bookworm, Book of the Month is an especially thoughtful and unique gift — it's a book club that has been around since 1926, and it's credited with discovering some of the most beloved books of all time ("Gone with the Wind" and "Catcher in the Rye" to name a couple). If you gift her a subscription, she'll receive a hardcover book delivered to her door once a month. Books are selected by a team of experts and celebrity guest judges.A stylish leather makeup pouchDagne DoverDagne Dover Hunter Toiletry BagDagne Dover is quickly becoming one of the best women's handbag companies to know, and its toiletry pouches are a great and relatively affordable gift. The small size holds a handful of go-to toiletries, and the large should have enough space for all of the grooming essentials.A pasta maker you can use togetherWilliams SonomaImperia Pasta MachineBring the pasta maker and the fixings to make a delicious meal together. It's relatively easy to get the hang of, and you can enjoy quality time with the bonus of incredible ravioli or fettuccine on the other end of it. A custom birth chart bookBirthdate Co.Birthdate Co. Birthdate BookIf your girlfriend happens to be extremely into astrology (like, consistently asks for your exact time and location of birth so she can compare charts), surprise her with this thorough birth chart book. It comes bound in a hardcover book with beautiful illustrations that tell her zodiac story. The only caveat is you'll need to know when and where she was born, so you might need to sneakily text some friends and family first!An 8-in-1 pan that helps declutter her homeOur PlaceOur Place Always PanThe Always Pan from startup Our Place is a frying pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest in the space of a single pan. In other words, a clever generalist that's extremely convenient for small spaces or minimalist cooks. You can read our review here.An elaborate charcuterie boardUncommon GoodsCompact Swivel Cheese & Tapas BoardFor the girlfriend who loves entertaining, help them live their biggest hosting dreams with this cheese and charcuterie board. With fold-out sections and cheese knives included, it has everything to create a truly stellar spread. Plus, for an added $10, you can get it personalized.A versatile exercise dressOutdoor VoicesOutdoor Voices The Exercise DressGiven the popularity of the Exercise Dress, we wouldn't be surprised if this was on your girlfriend's wish list. The Exercise Dress is comfortable, versatile, and cute — which has made it a cult-favorite item. If she's a fan of dresses, Outdoor Voices, or clothes she can wear all day long, this may be a good option. A tea subscriptionAtlas Tea ClubAtlas Tea Club SubscriptionThis subscription sends your girlfriend single-origin teas from the best tea-growing regions in the world for six months. She'll get two delicious options sent to her home each month.A bottle of Glossier perfumeGlossierGlossier You PerfumeGift your girl another opportunity to indulge in her personal beauty with this unique perfume. It has notes of pink pepper, woodsy ambrette seeds, and fresh iris — but also produces a scent unique to the wearer, making it the ultimate personal fragrance.A Dutch oven to elevate their bread gameLodgeLodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch OvenDid your girlfriend get into baking bread and, miraculously, stay committed to it? If so, a really nice Dutch oven can help elevate her experience. You can get something great for under $100, or you can splurge on a beautiful Le Creuset. Other meaningful upgrades include a cooling rack, according to the famous baker Apollonia Poilâne.A gift card to a popular wine subscription clubWincWinc Gift SubscriptionWinc is a personalized wine club — and we think it's the best one you can belong to overall. Members take a wine palate profile quiz and then choose from the personalized wine suggestions. Each bottle has extensive tasting notes and serving recommendations online, and makes it easy to discover similar bottles. Gift her a Winc gift card, and she can take a wine palate profile quiz and get started with her own customized suggestions. A sleek fitness tracker with heart rate monitoringHollis Johnson/Business InsiderFitbit Inspire 2Fitbit's affordable Inspire 2 tracker has no shortage of useful features to keep someone informed about their physical activity — tracking calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones.The comfiest sneakersAllbirdsAllbirds Women's Wool RunnersThe classic Wool Runners make a great gift for the uninitiated, though we'd also highly recommend the brand's casual cup sole Wool Piper for everyday wear if that's more your partner's style. You can find our full review of the Runners here, and the Wool Pipers here.A monogrammed jewelry caseCuyanaCuyana Leather Jewelry CaseKeeping track of tiny and delicate jewelry is difficult — but jewelry cases are a pretty and useful solution. This is a thoughtful and personalized gift, especially if you've gotten your girlfriend jewelry in the past, or plan to in the future. It's made from premium leather, comes in many colors, and can be monogrammed with her initials. Cuyana is a cool leather bag startup she may have already heard of. A small skincare tool that packs a lot of punchAmazonForeo Luna Play Plus 2In the category of things your girlfriend may love but hasn't asked for yet: Foreo facial brushes. Our team swears by these gentle yet effective cleansing devices. They have hygienic silicone bristles and come in five different models for different skin types. The Luna is small enough to bring on the go, so your partner can maintain their skincare routine while traveling. A trendy crossbody for her phoneBandolierBandolier Kimberly Leather CrossbodyIf they hate carrying a bulky bag just to store their phone and wallet, this stylish crossbody case was invented for them. It accommodates a wide range of smartphones and features card slots and a snap pocket to keep their essentials all in one tiny, easy-to-access place.A planned trip for the two of you to take togetherAirbnbAirbnb Gift CardIf you want to gift an experience you and your girlfriend can enjoy together, grab a card, a gift card to Airbnb, and come up with a few location ideas to choose from. You can also book a hotel in your city on Booking.com or Expedia for a sweet staycation.A comfy loungewear set she can wear anywhereSpanxThis set made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2022, but before that, it made our list of cool, useful products we tested or purchased recently. Our executive editor, Sally Kaplan, says this is one of the comfiest, softest, most flattering sets she's ever worn. The material is lightweight and buttery, not too hot but not too light.The pants are available in petite, regular, and tall sizes, and each set comes in a few neutral colors.  The sweatshirts come in a few different styles — cropped pullover, regular pullover, and half-zip — and if the wide leg pant isn't the right style for your gift recipient, you can also buy a tapered jogger-style pant in the same material for $110.A comfy zip-up for the months aheadPatagoniaPatagonia Women's Better SweaterPatagonia makes our favorite athleisure options overall, and that definitely includes the Better Sweater. It works in pretty much any environment — in the office, at home, on a hike, or on a casual night out — and has zippered pockets to keep hands warm in the cold months. We're also big fans of the 1/4 Zip option.A waterproof Kindle for reading anywhereAmazonAmazon Kindle PaperwhiteIf your girlfriend is a reader, we'd suggest looking at Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite — it's one of our favorite e-readers on the market. With its built-in adjustable light and waterproof rating, it's perfect for reading environments indoors or outdoors, day or night. If she loves a nice, relaxing bath, pair this with a caddy, bath bombs, and a glass of wine for a relaxing night in that you've already taken care of.  A houseplant that arrives already pottedLeon & GeorgeLeon & George Silver EvergreenLeon & George is a San Francisco startup that will send beautiful plants — potted in stylish, minimalist pots — to your girlfriend's door. All she has to do is to occasionally add water. Flowers are wonderful, but houseplants have a much longer shelf life, and most of Leon & George's options are very easy to care for. We'd also recommend checking out Bloomscape for small plant trios under $70.  A cashmere crewEverlaneEverlane The Cashmere CrewFor a closet staple she'll own for years to come, Everlane's $120 Cashmere Crew (available in various colors) is about the safest choice you can make. Everlane has plenty of great gifts (you can find the Everlane basics we wear repeatedly here), so you can't really go wrong. The best bathrobe money can buyParachuteParachute Classic Turkish Cotton RobeWe think the Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe is the best robe on the market. It's soft, fluffy, and absorbent like a towel. It's also got nice deep pockets and a secure waist tie.A high-tech yoga towel prevents slippingMandukaManduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat TowelManduka is known for making the best yoga products, and their Yogitoes towel is one of the most loved. It has tiny 100% silicone nubs on one side that grab yoga mats and keep yogis from slipping around during the exercise. Having a good towel can make a big difference. It also comes in 19 great colors and gets eco-friendly points. Each Yogitoes towel is made from eight recycled plastic water bottles, and made with dyes free of azo, lead, or heavy metal. A new pair of comfy BirkenstocksNordstromBirkenstock Women's Arizona Slide SandalIf your girlfriend wears the unbelievably comfortable Birkenstocks most days, she might appreciate a new, unblemished pair. They're also in style. Apple AirPods Pro for when she's on the moveCrystal Cox/Business InsiderApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)We love Apple's AirPods Pro for Apple users. They're no-hassle, work with Apple products, have decent sound and noise cancellation, are water-resistant, have a wireless charging case, and feel more comfortable than standard AirPods. You'll find more wireless earbuds we love here.A convertible work and travel bag to keep her organizedCaraa SportCaraa Studio Tote (Medium)Caraa Sport makes some of the most functional and best-looking gym bags on the market. This one can transition from a tote to a backpack by adding straps. It also has a hidden shoe compartment and a waterproof and antimicrobial lining. You can read our full review of this bag here.A small, portable movie projectorAmazonAnker Nebula CapsuleThis is one of the most portable (and affordable) projectors. It's about the size of a soda can, weighs one pound, and has crisp image quality and 360° sound. Use it at home or bring it with you on your travels. Find a full review of the Anker Nebula Capsule here. Comfy, high-end sheetsBrooklinenBrooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet BundleBrooklinen is one of our favorite companies, point-blank. We think they make the best high-end sheets at the best price on the market, and most of the Insider Reviews team uses Brooklinen on their own beds.The Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle comes in plenty of colors and patterns, and you can mix and match them to suit your taste. Grab a gift card if you want to give her more freedom. If you opt for a sheet bundle, she'll receive a core sheet set (fitted, flat, two pillowcases), duvet cover, and two extra pillowcases in a soft, smooth 480-thread-count weave.The best noise-canceling headphonesAmazonSony WH-1000XM4 HeadphonesIf your girlfriend is into music, the best gift is the one that improves her everyday music-listening experience. For that, we recommend our favorite noise-canceling headphones — Sony's WH-1000XM4 — that balance sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort at a solid price.You can find more good noise-canceling headphone options here.A powerful portable speakerAmazonSonos MoveThe Sonos Move is the best Bluetooth speaker that we've tested. It's powerful, can be controlled by voice or an app, and has Amazon Alexa built-in so on WiFi you can play music, check the news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, without much effort.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

In 2023, TIME will once again recognize 100 businesses making an extraordinary impact around the world. Applications for the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023 are open, now through March 1, 2023. Apply here. (To receive weekly emails of conversations with the world’s top CEOs and business decisionmakers, click here.) Somehow, Mira Murati can forthrightly… In 2023, TIME will once again recognize 100 businesses making an extraordinary impact around the world. Applications for the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023 are open, now through March 1, 2023. Apply here. (To receive weekly emails of conversations with the world’s top CEOs and business decisionmakers, click here.) Somehow, Mira Murati can forthrightly discuss the dangers of AI while making you feel like it’s all going to be OK. Murati is chief technology officer at OpenAI, leading the teams behind DALL-E, which uses AI to create artwork based on prompts, and ChatGPT, the wildly popular AI chatbot that can answer complex questions with eerily humanlike skill. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] ChatGPT captured the public imagination upon its release in late November. While some schools are banning it, Microsoft announced a $10 billion investment in the company and Google issued a “code red,” fretting that the technology could disrupt its search business. “As with other revolutions that we’ve gone through, there will be new jobs and some jobs will be lost…” Murati told Trevor Noah last fall of the impact of AI, “but I’m optimistic.” For most of January, ChatGPT surpassed Bitcoin among popular search terms, according to Google Trends. All the attention has meant the privately held San Francisco–based startup—with 375 employees and little in the way of revenue—now has a valuation of roughly $30 billion. Murati spoke to TIME about ChatGPT’s biggest weakness, the software’s untapped potential, and why it’s time to move toward regulating AI. First, I want to congratulate you and your team on the recent news that ChatGPT scored a passing grade on a U.S. medical-licensing exam, a Wharton Business School MBA exam, and four major university law-school exams. Does it feel like you have a brilliant child? We weren’t anticipating this level of excitement from putting our child in the world. We, in fact, even had some trepidation about putting it out there. I’m curious to see the areas where it’ll start generating utility for people and not just novelty and pure curiosity. I asked ChatGPT for a good question to ask you. Here’s what it said: “What are some of the limitations or challenges you have encountered while working with ChatGPT and how have you overcome them?” That is a good question. ChatGPT is essentially a large conversational model—a big neural net that’s been trained to predict the next word—and the challenges with it are similar challenges we see with the base large language models: it may make up facts. In a very confident way too! Yes. This is actually a core challenge. We picked dialogue specifically because dialogue is a way to interact with a model and give it feedback. If we think that the answer of the model is incorrect, we can say, “Are you sure? I think actually…” And then the model has an opportunity to go back and forth with you, similar to how we would converse with another human. (For coverage of the future of work, visit TIME.com/charter and sign up for the free Charter newsletter.) Truly groundbreaking technologies solve a problem. What problem is ChatGPT solving? Right now, it’s in the research review stage, so I don’t want to speak with high confidence on what problems it is solving. But I think that we can see that it has the potential to really revolutionize the way we learn. People are in classrooms of, say, 30 people. Everyone has different backgrounds, ways of learning, and everyone is getting basically the same curriculum. With tools like ChatGPT, you can endlessly converse with a model to understand a concept in a way that is catered to your level of understanding. It has immense potential to help us with personalized education. But some schools are banning ChatGPT. Does this surprise you? When we’re developing these technologies, we’re really pushing toward general intelligence, general capabilities with high reliability—and doing so safely. But when you open it up to as many people as possible with different backgrounds and domain expertise, you’ll definitely get surprised by the kinds of things that they do with the technology, both on the positive front and on the negative front. A growing number of leaders in the field are warning of the dangers of AI. Do you have any misgivings about the technology? This is a unique moment in time where we do have agency in how it shapes society. And it goes both ways: the technology shapes us and we shape it. There are a lot of hard problems to figure out. How do you get the model to do the thing that you want it to do, and how you make sure it’s aligned with human intention and ultimately in service of humanity? There are also a ton of questions around societal impact, and there are a lot of ethical and philosophical questions that we need to consider. And it’s important that we bring in different voices, like philosophers, social scientists, artists, and people from the humanities. What’s the key ethical or philosophical question that we still need to figure out? [AI] can be misused, or it can be used by bad actors. So, then there are questions about how you govern the use of this technology globally. How do you govern the use of AI in a way that’s aligned with human values? Do you think these questions should be left to companies like yours, or should governments get involved in creating regulations? It’s important for OpenAI and companies like ours to bring this into the public consciousness in a way that’s controlled and responsible. But we’re a small group of people and we need a ton more input in this system and a lot more input that goes beyond the technologies-—definitely regulators and governments and everyone else. There’s always a fear that government involvement can slow innovation. You don’t think it’s too early for policymakers and regulators to get involved? It’s not too early. It’s very important for everyone to start getting involved, given the impact these technologies are going to have. Mira, can you give me one song or album, one book, and one movie that gives us some insight into who you are and what inspires you? Song: Paranoid Android by Radiohead The song is layered and touches on themes related to society on technology. Not most uplifting but beautiful and thought provoking. Book: Duino Elegies, a collection of poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. I recently received this as a gift and found the depth and beauty of the poems very inspiring. Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey continues to stir my imagination with its imagery and music, especially in the breathtaking sequence where the space shuttle docks accompanied by the waltz of Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz, inciting contemplation of the weightlessness of this event and the magnificence of the moment. This economy—with its mass layoffs, rising prices and higher interest rates—is tough to navigate. TIME’s new advice column, Money Questions, is here to guide you, with expert-backed answers to your most urgent personal finance questions. What’s the best way to prepare for a recession? How will the new student loan plan affect your debt? Is it better to buy or rent a home right now? Our reporters consult with experts who can offer actionable guidance. Share your questions at moneyquestions@time.com......»»

Taibbi: Hamilton 68 Stealth Edits Website After Bombshell Report Addendum by Matt Taibbi via Racket, Hamilton 68 responded to a #TwitterFiles thread Friday with a series of claims, including that their site was always intended to be understood as “nuanced,” that they always maintained that “witting or unwitting” accounts could be on their list, and that “some accounts we track are automated bots, some are trolls, and some are real users.” They could also have inserted the disclaimer added to the new Hamilton 2.0 page, which as a helpful reader noted this morning, includes in red font a blaring warning to all that it would INCORRECT to label anyone or anything that appears on their dashboard “as being connected to state-backed propaganda”: Thank heaven for the Wayback Machine. Here’s what was written on the original Hamilton page: These accounts were selected for their relationship to Russian-sponsored influence and disinformation campaigns, and not because of any domestic political content. We have monitored these datasets for months in order to verify their relevance to Russian disinformation programs targeting the United States. …this will provide a resource for journalists to appropriately identify Russian-sponsored information campaigns. High on that original page, the Hamilton founders explained they monitored two types of accounts: There are two components to the dashboard featured here. The first section, “Overt Promotion of Content,” highlights trending content from Twitter accounts for media outlets known to be controlled by the Russian government. The second section, “Content Tweeted by Bots and Trolls,” highlights themes being pushed by Twitter accounts linked to Russian influence campaigns. The Hamilton list tracked overt Russian media on the one hand, and “bots and trolls” on the other. Note the difference between that language and the language Friday: “Some accounts we track are automated bots, some are trolls, and some are real users.” That Hamilton Friday was also trying to distance itself from headlines about “bots” is particularly grotesque, given that it was so overt in identifying the composition of its list this way at the start. I encourage everyone to read language from the original site, then look at Friday’s ironically named “Fact sheet,” and compare for yourselves. Finally I want to note a passage from the Friday “fact sheet” I somehow overlooked: Individual accounts were algorithmically selected based on analytic techniques developed by J.M. Berger that were used to identify the most influential accounts within those networks. The Hamilton 68 team did not individually review or verify all accounts because the focus of the dashboard was to analyze behavior in aggregate networks, not specific accounts. Translating: individual accounts were chosen through a method developed by J.M. Berger, a writer and think-tanker whose usual specialty is extremism (he’s written about ISIS and domestic white nationalism in the U.S.). Still, it wasn’t even Berger’s fault that ordinary Americans ended up in the list, since said people were chosen “algorithmically.” The Hamilton 68 team also “did not individually review or verify” all the names, because their “focus” was “aggregate networks,” not “specific accounts.” So, nobody looked at the list. The list that was “the fruit of more than three years of observation and monitoring.”’ Sounds solid. Yes? No? *  *  * Authored by Matt Taibbi via Racket, Days before yesterday’s Twitter Files report about Hamilton 68, I wrote the public relations officers of both of the sites’ parent organizations, the Alliance for Securing Democracy (ASD) and the German Marshall Fund (GMF). I told them I was in possession of the Hamilton 68 list, which purported to track “Russian influence activities.” I said I had a slew of internal Twitter documents that among other things identified their project as “bullshit.” Toward the end I added: Given the sheer quantity of news stories sourced to Hamilton 68, this has to go down as one of the great media frauds of all time. Unless you have an explanation for how and why hundreds of non-Russians like Dennis Michael Lynch, Patrick Hennigsen, Joe Lauria, and [I inserted the name of a San Diego school board member] came to be on this list, there’s no other conclusion.  I hope you will treat this matter with respect and answer this query. My story is going to identify not just people like Clint Watts but members of the ASD advisory board as party to this.  The story eventually published, “Move Over, Jayson Blair: Meet Hamilton 68, The New King of Media Fraud,” was based on email assessments of Twitter executives like Yoel Roth and Nick Pickles, the forensic analysis Roth had done in 2017 and which was excerpted yesterday, and interviews with people on the list. These elements — especially the interviews — made for a pretty ironclad case that the much-ballyhooed Hamilton 68 “dashboard” was a sham, that took real opinions of real people and falsely declared them part of a “network” of “Russian influence activities.” On the remote chance Hamilton 68 had inside information legitimizing the linking of Dennis Michael Lynch, David Horowitz, and @TrumpDyke to “Russian influence activities,” I not only reached out to Hamilton’s creators, but when they were quiet, threw a tantrum on Twitter, tagging every member of the ASD advisory board in an effort to hear from them pre-publication. I genuinely wanted to hear an innocent explanation if they had one. They still said nothing. Only after the story blew up online yesterday did they put out an explanation. “FACT SHEET: Hamilton 68 Dashboard (2017-2018)” is embarrassing. I’ve been told by several people since yesterday that Clint Watts is a sweet guy and a devoted family man. But the response he put out starts dissembling in the lead paragraph: By analyzing a dynamic list of more than 600 Twitter accounts linked, wittingly or unwittingly, to Russian influence activities online, the dashboard provided a window into Russian propaganda and disinformation efforts online… Let’s explore “wittingly or unwittingly.” Forget that Hamilton 68’s original dashboard said it was “tracking Russian propaganda” and “Russian disinformation” (and not tweets by Consortium, The Sirius Report, and Liberals are Dumb). Forget even that co-founder Jamie Fly regularly compared the Russian cyber threat to al-Qaeda, and used language describing the Hamilton 68 accounts as if they were a front for a league of sleeper cells: The approximately 600 accounts are a sample of a much wider network of pro-Kremlin accounts… These accounts should be viewed as a sample of distinct networks of Russian-linked accounts that were identified over the course of roughly three years of analysis. They are very likely only the tip of the iceberg.  Hamilton’s claims were even more concrete than that. Its founders told reporters they couldn’t disclose account names because “the Russians will simply shut them down,” implying direct control of Moscow. This is from a Politico interview with co-founder Laura Rosenberger: Here’s one of Hamilton’s favorite journalists, Ken Dilanian of NBC, offering the same line about how Russia would simply marionette all of its cyber-agents back into darkness if the list were to be released: By yesterday, the site was claiming its reason for secrecy was that it “took data privacy seriously and worked to maintain the anonymity of monitored accounts to avoid doxing or harassment.” This explanation changed a lot over time. We’ll come back to that, because it’s important. What if reporters simply misunderstood Hamilton 68? What if the media overreacted? That was the next explanation: The dashboard’s original methodology acknowledged that “the content within the network is complex and should be understood in a nuanced way.” Members of the media, pundits, and even some lawmakers often failed to include appropriate context when using the dashboard’s data… We’re meant to believe that through a propaganda campaign that began in the summer of 2017 and saw people like Watts, Fly, and co-founder Laura Rosenberger make regular breathless public appearances about the Russian menace they were tracking, in stories with headlines like “The Russian Bots Are Coming,” was — a misunderstanding. Reporters went overboard, ignoring Hamilton demands for context and “nuance”! Last night they even disavowed the notion that they were responsible for headlines about “bots.” This was first on a list of “false or misleading claims”: Claim: The Hamilton 68 team selected accounts based on a determination that they were “Russian bots.” Here’s Watts on NPR on August 20, 2017, responding to a question from host Lulu Garcia-Navarro, who introduced Watts by saying, “The #FireMcMaster hashtag was promoted by computer software known as bots, according to our next guest,” before adding: “What’s the evidence that Russia is using bots to spread stories against McMaster, and how certain can you be of the source?” The response: WATTS: So we start with Russian state-sponsored outlets. We look at what they're talking about. We then move to what we see are overt Russian supporters. These are people that openly declare and state that they're pushing Russian propaganda and Russian interests. And then over time, we watch as this community grows. And that's when we start to pick up on the bots that amplify it. Once we can identify the message, we essentially do a key network monitor. We build out some algorithms, and we zero down on what is being amplified the most. That's where we pick up on the bots. Did Watts ever say, “Lulu, they weren’t all bots? In fact, one’s the editor of Consortium, and another does Trump-themed porn”? He did not. In this early period, Hamilton’s spokespeople never insisted on “nuance,” nor did its patrons. On Christmas day, 2017, two members of the ASD advisory committee — former acting CIA chief Michael Morell and former House Intelligence Committee chairman Mike Rogers — wrote a piece called, “Russia never stopped its cyberattacks on the United States” in the Washington Post. The co-written piece cited Hamilton 68 in asserting, again without equivocation, that they were tracking social media cyberattacks directed by Moscow: Moscow used these accounts to discredit the FBI after it was revealed that an agent had been demoted for sending anti-Donald Trump texts; to attack ABC News for an erroneous report involving President Trump and Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser; to critique the Obama administration for allegedly "green lighting" the communication between Flynn and then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak; and to warn about violence by immigrants after a jury acquitted an undocumented Mexican accused of murdering a San Francisco woman. The first link in that passage was to the Hamilton dashboard. As the site Moon of Alabama wittily noted at the time, the top trend on the board that day was actually “Merry Christmas.” In between discrediting the FBI and trying to stir up the locals around the trial of a Mexican immigrant in San Francisco, “Moscow” took time for holiday greetings: A few weeks later, Rosenberger gave an interview to Vice called “The Former Hillary Clinton Advisor Tracking Russian Bots and Trolls.” She spoke about Hamilton’s relationship with the media: ROSENBERGER: We do a lot of work with journalists to try to better inform their reporting. Journalists watch the dashboard, see what stories are trending, and think about why they might be promoting this particular story. They can incorporate this knowledge into their reporting. We also do a lot of work with policy makers to make sure they are informed. This was after Fortune wrote a story called, “Former FBI Agent Says Russian Twitter Bots Were Behind Push for McMaster Firing,” after Mother Jones wrote “Twitter Bots Distorted the 2016 Election—Including Many Likely From Russia,” and after Bloomberg wrote “Pro-Russian Bots Sharpen Online Attacks for 2018 U.S. Vote.” Rosenberger’s Vice interview was also just before “policymakers” like congressman Adam Schiff and Senator Dianne Feinstein cited them in issuing a joint statement about “Russian Bot Activity in the #ReleaseTheMemo campaign.” Subscribers to Racket can read the rest here... Tyler Durden Sun, 01/29/2023 - 12:33.....»»

Airbnb hosts told Insider they wish people would pick up after their pets and stop moving furniture around. An Airbnb rental property.AlesiaKan/Shutterstock Airbnb hosts don't communicate with guests outside of answering questions and leaving reviews. So Insider asked hosts what they wish their guests would stop doing during their stays. The answers range from mild inconveniences to permanent damage. Since Airbnb's launch in 2008, more than 1 billion guests have rented its properties.Hosts use the app or website to rent out their apartments, houses, or even solo rooms in their homes, to travelers as an alternative to hotels. According to the site, there were over 1 million active listings by March 2022.But, like with anything in the service industry, there are some kinks that can still be worked out. Insider spoke to multiple Airbnb hosts and asked them the things they desperately wished that guests would stop doing at their listings.Here's what they wish guests would stop doing.Asking for the address before booking and asking about fees that are clearly laid outAirbnb listings show the general location of the home. Lauren Keen, a host from Florida, told Insider she wished people would stop asking for the exact address. "You get this when you book," she said.She also wishes people would stop asking about fees. "It's clear what goes to me, Airbnb, the cleaner, the government, etc. It's literally spelled out, line by line," she said.Asking about amenities that clearly aren't listedKeen said she also has a problem with people asking about things that would be mentioned in the listing if she provided them, like bikes. If the house had bikes, it'd be part of how she was marketing the listing.Please don't forget to clean up after your pet.Alison Rose/Getty ImagesForgetting to clean up after your pets in a pet-friendly AirbnbBoth Adam Smith, who manages two Airbnbs, and Jake Cohen, a Colorado-based host, said they've experienced people forgetting to clean up after their pets."We own a property in the mountains in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It snows from November to April. We allow pets at this property. We provide bags for pet waste to try to keep our property clean. Unfortunately, guests allow their pets to pee and poop on our decks. This freezes and is so hard to remove. Please respect our properties so we can continue to allow you to bring your furry friends," Cohen told Insider.Smoking in a non-smoking listingIn some cases, there are very real safety reasons for not allowing smoking. Smith told Insider that smoking is particularly an issue at one of his properties, not because he dislikes smoking, but because of the danger of fires."One property is in a log cabin in a very dry, forest fire-prone area surrounded by potential fuel from the woods constantly wrought with fire bans," he said. "But, people are dumb, or not from a high-risk fire area, and throw their butts wherever."Phillip Foxall, who has an Airbnb in Rockport, Texas, also said he dislikes guests smoking, though his problem is with the smell."Please stop smoking inside! The smoke smell, both cigarette and marijuana smoke, are difficult to get out of the furniture and linens. This causes extra cleaning time and money and is just disrespectful," he said.Washing off makeup with a hand towel, staining it foreverMakeup-stained towels came up more than once when Insider spoke with Airbnb owners.Maria Kennedy, a host in Spain, said she found this behavior "astonishing," especially because she leaves makeup-remover pads in her bathroom for guests to use instead of leaving stains that are "impossible" to remove.Nathan Waldon, another California Airbnb host, also mentioned this. "Because they stain easily, taking care to use towels properly goes a long way. Towels are expensive," he said.Moving the decor and furniture around and not putting it backAs an interior designer and California Airbnb host, Heather Bull spends a lot of time on her listings."Those were painstakingly staged, and we have to re-stage them after most guests," she said. "This is a pet peeve of mine because the cleaners have to be trained on where things are supposed to go."Waldon added, "If you decide to move a piece of furniture — a chair, a table, anything —please move it back."In Bull's experience, some people like to reorganize other things within the home — they move items such as dishes to different cabinets, she said.Lauren Rudick, a host from Montreal, said that guests leaving decorations can also be a problem."Guests always pick seashells and 'decorate' the house with them. Drives me crazy," she said. After every stay, she always has to go through the entire house to make sure no one has left any shells around.Bottom line: Don't move stuff around without moving it back and don't leave any new "decorations" behind.Lying about how many people are actually coming to stayHosts can sometimes tell when people are lying, especially when they have a larger home and it appears that only two people have booked it, perhaps to save money."We have a three-bedroom house and rarely does only a couple book it. Be honest, the more people that come to a property the more laundry has to be done, the more electricity and water is used and the more liability is assumed by the host," Foxall said.A checklist would be good.d3sign/Getty ImagesNot double-checking you've packed all your belongings at the end of your staySmith noted that, while he's happy to send anything back that's left behind, it can lead to some awkward encounters."One example did make for an awkward situation with the guest, and the next guest, and our cleaning people, when the first [guest] left her vibrator in the nightstand. We had a good laugh about that," he said.Leaving food and drinks behindBull told Insider that it's annoying to clean out the fridge after every stay."I think they think they're doing a favor for the next guest by leaving it, but we have to throw it all away," she said.Waiting until the last minute to address issues with the listingFoxall said he's sometimes had problems with guests waiting until the last day to try and get a refund, instead of addressing issues early on."We encourage our guests to walk through the property and really check everything out. If anything is not working or is not clean, report it immediately and we will get it fixed. Don't report it five minutes before you leave and ask for a full refund," he said.He even compared it to "eating all but one bite of an expensive steak at a restaurant and then sending it back."Too many weeds at the neighbors' isn't the host's fault.egumeny/Getty ImagesBlaming hosts for problems with the property that are out of their controlSometimes, a guest will leave a negative review for things that are simply impossible to control, like "neighbor's yard was overgrown with weeds," or for something they knew before booking like, "the downside to the home is that it only has one bathroom," short-term rental marketing specialist Jorge Zarate told Insider.Forgetting to leave a ratingAs Insider reported previously, Airbnb hosts live and die by the website's ratings. Many of the hosts mentioned that guests forgetting to leave reviews can be a problem, including Foxall."We provide all of our guests a guide to the star rating so they understand the difference between a five-star review, four stars, and so on. Be honest, but be fair, and if there are improvements to be made, let the host know before you submit your review so they can fix it," he said.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

We rounded up 79 unique, thoughtful, and romantic gifts to give your girlfriend, from keepsake jewelry to useful tech and fitness accessories. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Urban Outfitters/CatbirdWhether it's for her birthday, Valentine's Day, or just because, your girlfriend deserves a great gift. You can take a lot of different routes: A stylish accessory she'll wear all the time, a practical gift she doesn't know she needs, a romantic trinket she'll treasure for years to come…the list goes on.Whatever your budget and the occasion, we've come up with 79 gifts that any type of girlfriend is sure to appreciate. From a luxurious blanket for the homebody to a great pair of headphones for the audiophile, the ideas below run the gamut.An affordable luxury watchBredaBreda Esther Square Metal WatchBreda makes luxury watches that are usually just under or slightly over the $200 price range, and we love how they look for the price. This model comes in an 18K gold-plated case and stainless steel band.A hot sauce subscriptionFuego BoxFuego Box SubscriptionSpice things up with this hot sauce subscription, which delivers one or three hot sauces to your girlfriend's door every month. There's even an extra-hot version if her heat tolerance is off the charts.A fancy candleOtherlandOtherland CandleOtherland makes some of our favorite luxury candles, and for $36 a pop, they offer unique scent combos in a really beautiful, reusable container. You can also mix-and-match your own gift sets or shop exclusive collections.A customizable leather tote she'll use for yearsCuyanaCuyana System ToteShe'll happily replace her canvas tote for this sleek, sturdy leather one from Cuyana. It comes in a few neutral shades and can be customized with a crossbody strap or matching laptop case.A mug that always stays warmEmberEmber Mug 2If your girlfriend takes forever to sip their tea or coffee, get them this ingenious mug that keeps their beverage for as long as it takes for them to drink it all. It's also app-controlled, so they can use their phone to find the right temperature and presets.An annual pass to see US National ParksREIAmerica the Beautiful Pass 2023/2024If your girlfriend loves experiential gifts, look no further than this annual pass to most of the US National Parks. It accommodates a car of up to four people, so you can plan a trip with friends or family, too.More modern cocktail glassesAnthropologieAnthropologie Ramona Coupe Glasses (Set of 4)For the girlfriend who loves hosting, get them these modern coupe glasses they'll get compliments on every time they have people over (which will be a lot more often now).An instant camera she can also use with BluetoothAmazonPolaroid OneStep+ White (9015) Bluetooth Connected Instant Film CameraFor the girlfriend who loves snapping pics, give her the option of either using the camera or connecting her phone and directly printing from her camera roll. It also comes with two lenses — standard and portrait — so she'll never miss her shot.UGG-like boots for half the priceQuinceQuince Australian Shearling Mini BootsUGG-style boots have been making a comeback, and these mini boots offer the same warmth, quality, and style for a fraction of the price of real UGGs.A dainty nameplate necklaceCatbirdCatbird Tiniest Name NecklaceNameplate necklaces consistently stay in style, so this piece is bound to become an everyday staple. You can pick her name, nickname, or even just a place she loves.A quirky planterAnthropologieAnthropologie Grecian Bust PotIf you got them new flowers, why not pair with a fun thing to hold them in? This Grecian bust pot is the perfect quirky (yet still elegant) touch for their home.A board game version of WordleThe popular online puzzle Wordle is being reimagined as a board game.Hasbro/The New York TimesWordle: The Party GameIf your girlfriend sends you her Wordle score every day, she'll be thrilled with the physical board game version. You can play against each other or have up to four people racing against the clock to guess the word first.A bestselling lip maskAmazonLaneige Lip Sleeping MaskIf your partner always complains of chapped lips (especially in the winter), this bestselling lip mask is a great, low-key gift that will leave their lips feeling smooth and nourished come morning. A card game to deepen personal connectionsUrban OutfittersWe're Not Really Strangers Card GameThis card game, from the popular Instagram account We're Not Really Strangers, is designed to enhance connections between people with different levels: perceptions, connection, and reflection. Not only is it a card game you haven't played before, but it's also a thoughtful activity you can enjoy with your girlfriend.A cookbook for movie night dinnersUncommon Goods"Eat What You Watch Cookbook" by Andrew ReaDinner and a movie: a classic pairing. Inspire future date nights with the "Eat What You Watch Cookbook." It has 41 as-seen-on-the-big-screen recipes — think hazelnut gelato from "Roman Holiday" and double-decker New York-style pizza inspired by "Saturday Night Fever" that you can prepare together for movie night.A customized map of her favorite placeGrafomapGrafomap Custom MapGrafomap lets you design custom maps of anywhere in the world — like the first place you met, the best trip you ever took together, or the hometown she couldn't wait to show you. It's unique, thoughtful, and pretty inexpensive.  You can find our full review here.A pack of highly-rated sheet masksAmazonDermal Sheet Mask Set (39-Pack)Grab 39 sheet masks to make it easier for your girlfriend to have a frequent and well-deserved "treat yourself" day. These are highly rated and have both vitamin E and collagen included for healthy, happy skin.   Silky, breathable leggingsEverlaneEverlane Perform LeggingsEverlane's Perform Leggings are some of our all-time favorites — they're breathable and silky, like a slightly less expensive version of Alo leggings. You can read a full review of the Everlane Perform Leggings and see pictures of them here.A sweet keepsake bookUncommon GoodsKnock Knock "What I Love About You by Me" BookIf your girlfriend has a sentimental side, this fill-in-the-blank book will make her melt. It's filled with over 110 pages of prompts where you can share all of the special, silly things you love about her. A large print of a favorite memoryArtifact UprisingArtifact Uprising Large Format PrintsArtifact Uprising makes luxury prints at accessible prices — and they make especially thoughtful gifts that look like they should cost much more. Get one of their favorite photos printed on archival fine art paper for $20 and up, or thoughtful cards for as little as $1.45 per custom card. You can also make a color series photo book for $22, a set of prints for $9, and a personalized calendar on a handcrafted wood clipboard for $30.A hair towel that reduces damage and cuts drying time by 50%AquisAquis Rapid Dry Lisse Hair TowelAquis' cult-favorite hair towels can cut the amount of time it takes for her hair to dry in half — a claim we're happy to report holds up. The proprietary fabric also means there's less damage to wet hair while it dries. A pass to get into a bunch of boutique fitness classesClasspassClassPass Gift CardBoutique fitness classes are expensive, which can make trying new workouts — either for variety or to figure out what we like — less appealing. ClassPass solves both issues. It's relatively affordable, and members can access a neverending catalog of great workouts with small class sizes. If your partner is getting back into fitness after over a year of at-home workouts, we'd highly recommend a gift card here for whenever they're ready to use it.A lamp that melts candles without lighting themCrystal Cox/Insiderluzdiosa Candle Warmer LampAside from looking cute, this TikTok-famous lamp warms candles up without lighting them. It helps your girlfriend enjoy her candles' scents whenever she wants without worrying about smoke or accidentally forgetting to put them out.An expertly designed plannerCrystal Cox/InsiderBestSelf Co. Self JournalThe Self Journal is an undated, 13-week planner that's designed for daily use and quarterly planning. It helps its owner break projects and goals into manageable chunks. We love it.If she's working towards a big goal, this could be a really thoughtful resource — especially if it's the kind of goal you can't help her achieve otherwise.Delicious sweets from a famous NYC bakeryMilk BarMilk Bar TreatsIf your girlfriend has a sweet tooth, send her Milk Bar — the company delivers its iconic and decadent cakes, cookies, and truffles to her doorstep.A soothing bath salt setMaudeMaude Tub Kit No. 3If you love your girlfriend but hate to see her burn out, you can treat her to this luxe bath set, which comes with two types of soaking salts and a coconut milk bath. You can choose from three different scent profiles — this one has notes of eucalyptus, sandalwood, cassis, and Haitian vetiver.The internet's favorite olive oilBrightlandBrightland Awake Olive OilBrightland's olive oils make great gifts for cooks and anyone else who loves to entertain. The white bottles protect the EVOO from light damage and look nice displayed on a countertop. Find a full review here. A framed keepsake of a favorite memoryFramebridgeFramebridge Framed Photo Framebridge makes custom framing a bit more affordable. You can print or paint something on your own and have it framed, or have them print and frame it, and you can take advantage of the team of designers for help deciding what frame to get. The best socks she'll ever wearBombasBombas Women's Performance Running Ankle Sock 3-PackBombas makes the best socks we've ever tried, and they're a gift we find ourselves giving every year to loved ones. They're lightweight, moisture-wicking, and built to circumvent annoyances like uncomfortable seams and heel slipping.A stunning puzzle that doubles as decorPiecework PuzzlesPiecework Puzzles Garden Party PuzzlePiecework makes beautiful puzzles out of vibrant, creative photos — so much so that when you're finally done with them, your girlfriend will probably want to glue it all together and hang it up.A 215-piece art kit for creative projectsAmazonArt 101 215-Piece Wood Art SetIf your girlfriend loves to create art, this 215-Piece art kit includes everything she'll need for projects: Crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, fine line markers, watercolor cakes, and acrylic paint.Her favorite specialty food straight from the sourceGoldbelly/InstagramGolbelly Restaurant Meal KitsGoldbelly makes it possible to satisfy your girlfriend's most specific and nostalgic cravings no matter where they live in the US — a cheesecake from Junior's, deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati, and more. Browse the iconic gifts section for inspiration. A weighted blanket for better restAmazonYnM Weighted BlanketWeighted blankets help create more restful sleep by "grounding" the body, and YnM makes some of the most popular and affordable weighted blankets on the internet. There are multiple sizes and weights for the ideal fit and width (they recommend picking whichever is about 10% of your body weight), and the segmented design allows you to move around without displacing all the weighted beads inside. A mug for hot and cold drinksHydro FlaskHydro Flask 12 oz. Coffee MugThis mug is a common desk companion for the Insider Reviews team. The 12-ounce coffee mug has the company's proprietary TempShield insulation that made its water bottles famous. This mug will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours, and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Read our full review of it here.Fun, matching underwearMeUndiesMeUndies Matching SetGet yourself and your girlfriend festive matching underwear — which also happen to be some of the most comfortable pairs we've ever found. MeUndies gives you the option to create your own personalized set — two styles listed for women, two styles listed for men, a mix, and whichever length or cut you and your partner prefer. Personalized cartoon couple mugsUncommon GoodsUncommon Goods Personalized Family MugsThese cute mugs can be personalized for what you're like as a couple, making for a special weekend morning coffee routine or just a nice reminder in the kitchen cabinet. On the back, you can add a family name and the year the couple was established if you'd like. A satin-lined beanieAndrea Bossi/InsiderKink and Coil Satin-Lined Beanie with Removable PompomMost people with naturally curly hair avoid wearing hats to reduce frizz, but Kink and Coil's satin-lined beanie solves that issue. Just like a silk pillowcase or a bonnet, the inside of the beanie is designed to protect your hair from frizz and damage. On top of that, the pom-pom can be removed, if she'd prefer to wear the hat without it.We spoke with a trichologist to learn more about how satin- and silk-lined beanies can benefit anyone with curly or high-porosity hair. A monthly book subscriptionBook of the Month/InstagramBook of the Month 3-Month MembershipIf she's a bookworm, Book of the Month is an especially thoughtful and unique gift — it's a book club that has been around since 1926, and it's credited with discovering some of the most beloved books of all time ("Gone with the Wind" and "Catcher in the Rye" to name a couple). If you gift her a subscription, she'll receive a hardcover book delivered to her door once a month. Books are selected by a team of experts and celebrity guest judges.A stylish leather makeup pouchDagne DoverDagne Dover Hunter Toiletry BagDagne Dover is quickly becoming one of the best women's handbag companies to know, and its toiletry pouches are a great and relatively affordable gift. The small size holds a handful of go-to toiletries, and the large should have enough space for all of the grooming essentials.The fuzziest, comfiest throw blanketAnthropologieAnthropologie Sophie Faux Fur Throw BlanketWith colder weather coming up, your partner will get a lot of good use out of this ultra warm, fuzzy blanket. It's perfect for those nights spent curled up on the couch watching movies together.A custom phone case of her petWest & WillowWest & Willow Custom Pet Portrait Phone CaseIf your girlfriend loves her dog or cat more than anything, this sleek custom portrait of their pet printed on an iPhone case will absolutely floor them. It's perfect for anyone who wants any excuse to look at their furry friend even more.A pasta maker you can use togetherWilliams SonomaImperia Pasta MachineBring the pasta maker and the fixings to make a delicious meal together. It's relatively easy to get the hang of, and you can enjoy quality time with the bonus of incredible ravioli or fettuccine on the other end of it. A custom birth chart bookBirthdate Co.Birthdate Co. Birthdate BookIf your girlfriend happens to be extremely into astrology (like, consistently asks for your exact time and location of birth so she can compare charts), surprise her with this thorough birth chart book. It comes bound in a hardcover book with beautiful illustrations that tell her zodiac story. The only caveat is you'll need to know when and where she was born, so you might need to sneakily text some friends and family first!An 8-in-1 pan that helps declutter her homeOur PlaceOur Place Always PanThe Always Pan from startup Our Place is a frying pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest in the space of a single pan. In other words, a clever generalist that's extremely convenient for small spaces or minimalist cooks. You can read our review here.A beautiful bouquetUrban StemsUrban Stems BouquetSend flowers to her doorstep. We're fans of UrbanStems; Its bouquets are one of the best things we've ever tested. If you're looking for something that won't be gone after a couple of weeks, you'll also find options for potted plants and low-maintenance, decor-friendly dried bouquets.An elaborate charcuterie boardUncommon GoodsCompact Swivel Cheese & Tapas BoardFor the girlfriend who loves entertaining, help them live their biggest hosting dreams with this cheese and charcuterie board. With fold-out sections and cheese knives included, it has everything to create a truly stellar spread. Plus, for an added $10, you can get it personalized.A versatile exercise dressOutdoor VoicesOutdoor Voices The Exercise DressGiven the popularity of the Exercise Dress, we wouldn't be surprised if this was on your girlfriend's wish list. The Exercise Dress is comfortable, versatile, and cute — which has made it a cult-favorite item. If she's a fan of dresses, Outdoor Voices, or clothes she can wear all day long, this may be a good option. A tea subscriptionAtlas Tea ClubAtlas Tea Club SubscriptionThis subscription sends your girlfriend single-origin teas from the best tea-growing regions in the world for six months. She'll get two delicious options sent to her home each month.A bottle of Glossier perfumeGlossierGlossier You PerfumeGift your girl another opportunity to indulge in her personal beauty with this unique perfume. It has notes of pink pepper, woodsy ambrette seeds, and fresh iris — but also produces a scent unique to the wearer, making it the ultimate personal fragrance.A Dutch oven to elevate their bread gameLodgeLodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch OvenDid your girlfriend get into baking bread and, miraculously, stay committed to it? If so, a really nice Dutch oven can help elevate her experience. You can get something great for under $100, or you can splurge on a beautiful Le Creuset. Other meaningful upgrades include a cooling rack, according to the famous baker Apollonia Poilâne.A gift card to a popular wine subscription clubWincWinc Gift SubscriptionWinc is a personalized wine club — and we think it's the best one you can belong to overall. Members take a wine palate profile quiz and then choose from the personalized wine suggestions. Each bottle has extensive tasting notes and serving recommendations online, and makes it easy to discover similar bottles. Gift her a Winc gift card, and she can take a wine palate profile quiz and get started with her own customized suggestions. A video message from someone she lovesCameoCameo Video MessageWhether it's your girlfriend's favorite actor, comedian, or athlete, you're likely to find someone she admires on Cameo. Cameo allows celebrities to send custom video messages to recipients for nearly any occasion, and a personalized video is a gift that she'll never forget. Note: While Cameo prices really range, many of the popular celebs cost over $50.A sleek fitness tracker with heart rate monitoringFitbitFitbit Inspire 2Fitbit's affordable Inspire 2 tracker has no shortage of useful features to keep someone informed about their physical activity — tracking calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones.The comfiest sneakersAllbirdsAllbirds Women's Wool RunnersThe classic Wool Runners make a great gift for the uninitiated, though we'd also highly recommend the brand's casual cup sole Wool Piper for everyday wear if that's more your partner's style. You can find our full review of the Runners here, and the Wool Pipers here.A monogrammed jewelry caseCuyanaCuyana Leather Jewelry CaseKeeping track of tiny and delicate jewelry is difficult — but jewelry cases are a pretty and useful solution. This is a thoughtful and personalized gift, especially if you've gotten your girlfriend jewelry in the past, or plan to in the future. It's made from premium leather, comes in many colors, and can be monogrammed with her initials. Cuyana is a cool leather bag startup she may have already heard of. A small skincare tool that packs a lot of punchAmazonForeo Luna Play Plus 2In the category of things your girlfriend may love but hasn't asked for yet: Foreo facial brushes. Our team swears by these gentle yet effective cleansing devices. They have hygienic silicone bristles and come in five different models for different skin types. The Luna is small enough to bring on the go, so your partner can maintain their skincare routine while traveling. A dainty custom ringCatbirdCatbird Bittersweets NY Famous Letter RingThis delicate band looks beautiful worn on its own or stacked with the rest of their ring collection. Choose from yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, a matte or shiny finish, and then add the final touch: A custom engraving of up to 11 letters. A trendy crossbody for her phoneBandolierBandolier Kimberly Leather CrossbodyIf they hate carrying a bulky bag just to store their phone and wallet, this stylish crossbody case was invented for them. It accommodates a wide range of smartphones and features card slots and a snap pocket to keep their essentials all in one tiny, easy-to-access place.A planned trip for the two of you to take togetherAirbnbAirbnb Gift CardIf you want to gift an experience you and your girlfriend can enjoy together, grab a card, a gift card to Airbnb, and come up with a few location ideas to choose from. You can also book a hotel in your city on Booking.com or Expedia for a sweet staycation.A comfy loungewear set she can wear anywhereSpanxThis set made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2022, but before that, it made our list of cool, useful products we tested or purchased recently. Our executive editor, Sally Kaplan, says this is one of the comfiest, softest, most flattering sets she's ever worn. The material is lightweight and buttery, not too hot but not too light.The pants are available in petite, regular, and tall sizes, and each set comes in a few neutral colors.  The sweatshirts come in a few different styles — cropped pullover, regular pullover, and half-zip — and if the wide leg pant isn't the right style for your gift recipient, you can also buy a tapered jogger-style pant in the same material for $110.A stylish vinyl playerUrban OutfittersCrosley UO Exclusive Checkered Ryder TurntablePart of a collab between Urban Outfitters and Crosley, this vinyl player features a checkerboard design, is easily portable, and can also stream music via Bluetooth.Earrings made with her birthstoneMejuriMejuri Amethyst Flat Sphere StudsIf your girlfriend wears jewelry, birthstone earrings that she can keep forever are a thoughtful, personalized gift she'll wear often.  A great foam rollerCrystal Cox/InsiderTB12 Vibrating Pliability RollerIf your girlfriend is very physically active, a foam roller is a nice gift to aid in her workout recovery and soreness. This one is our favorite because it has four levels of vibration, a pattern that targets muscle groups, and a durable exterior. But, if your budget doesn't fit a $160 foam roller, never fear — we like some under-$50 options too. A comfy zip-up for the months aheadPatagoniaPatagonia Women's Better SweaterPatagonia makes our favorite athleisure options overall, and that definitely includes the Better Sweater. It works in pretty much any environment — in the office, at home, on a hike, or on a casual night out — and has zippered pockets to keep hands warm in the cold months. We're also big fans of the 1/4 Zip option.A waterproof Kindle for reading anywhereAmazonAmazon Kindle PaperwhiteIf your girlfriend is a reader, we'd suggest looking at Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite; it's the company's thinnest and lightest yet, with double the storage. Perhaps the best features are that it's waterproof and has a built-in adjustable light for the perfect reading environment indoors or outdoors, day or night. If she loves a nice, relaxing bath, pair this with a caddy, bath bombs, and a glass of wine for a relaxing night in that you've already taken care of.  A houseplant that arrives already pottedLeon & GeorgeLeon & George Silver EvergreenLeon & George is a San Francisco startup that will send beautiful plants — potted in stylish, minimalist pots — to your girlfriend's door. All she has to do is to occasionally add water. Flowers are wonderful, but houseplants have a much longer shelf life, and most of Leon & George's options are very easy to care for. We'd also recommend checking out Bloomscape for small plant trios under $70.  A cashmere crewEverlaneEverlane The Cashmere CrewFor a closet staple she'll own for years to come, Everlane's $120 Cashmere Crew (available in various colors) is about the safest choice you can make. Everlane has plenty of great gifts (you can find the Everlane basics we wear repeatedly here), so you can't really go wrong. The best bathrobe money can buyParachuteParachute Classic Turkish Cotton RobeWe think the Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe is the best robe on the market. It's soft, fluffy, and absorbent like a towel. It's also got nice deep pockets and a secure waist tie.A high-tech yoga towel prevents slippingMandukaManduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat TowelManduka is known for making the best yoga products, and their Yogitoes towel is one of the most loved. It has tiny 100% silicone nubs on one side that grab yoga mats and keep yogis from slipping around during the exercise. Having a good towel can make a big difference. It also comes in 19 great colors and gets eco-friendly points. Each Yogitoes towel is made from eight recycled plastic water bottles, and made with dyes free of azo, lead, or heavy metal. A new pair of comfy BirkenstocksNordstromBirkenstock Women's Arizona Slide SandalIf your girlfriend wears the unbelievably comfortable Birkenstocks most days, she might appreciate a new, unblemished pair. They're also in style. Apple AirPods Pro for when she's on the moveCrystal Cox/Business InsiderApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)We love Apple's AirPods Pro for Apple users. They're no-hassle, work with Apple products, have decent sound and noise cancellation, are water-resistant, have a wireless charging case, and feel more comfortable than standard AirPods. You'll find more wireless earbuds we love here.A convertible work and travel bag to keep her organizedCaraa SportCaraa Studio Tote (Medium)Caraa Sport makes some of the most functional and best-looking gym bags on the market. This one can transition from a tote to a backpack by adding straps. It also has a hidden shoe compartment and a waterproof and antimicrobial lining. You can read our full review of this bag here.A small, portable movie projectorAmazonAnker Nebula CapsuleThis is one of the most portable (and affordable) projectors. It's about the size of a soda can, weighs one pound, and has crisp image quality and 360° sound. Use it at home or bring it with you on your travels. Find a full review of the Anker Nebula Capsule here. Comfy, high-end sheetsBrooklinenBrooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet BundleBrooklinen is one of our favorite companies, point-blank. We think they make the best high-end sheets at the best price on the market, and most of the Insider Reviews team uses Brooklinen on their own beds.The Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle comes in plenty of colors and patterns, and you can mix and match them to suit your taste. Grab a gift card if you want to give her more freedom. If you opt for a sheet bundle, she'll receive a core sheet set (fitted, flat, two pillowcases), duvet cover, and two extra pillowcases in a soft, smooth 480-thread-count weave.A pair of beautiful pearl earringsStone and StrandStone and Strand Elliptical Pearl HuggiesPearls are timeless, but they're also one of the jewelry trends we're keeping an eye on. This pair, from the women-led startup Stone and Strand, is made with 14K gold with freshwater pearls.The best noise-canceling headphonesAmazonSony WH-1000XM4 HeadphonesIf your girlfriend is into music, the best gift is the one that improves her everyday music-listening experience. For that, we recommend our favorite noise-canceling headphones — Sony's WH-1000XM4 — that balance sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort at a solid price.You can find more good noise-canceling headphone options here.A stylish carry-on with an external battery packAwayAway The Carry-OnAway's hyper-popular suitcases deserve their hype. Their hard shell is lightweight but durable, their 360° spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and the external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over so she never has to sit behind a trash can at the airport for access to an outlet again. It's also guaranteed for life by Away. Find our full review here.A powerful portable speakerAmazonSonos MoveThe Sonos Move is one of the best speakers on the market. It's powerful, can be controlled by voice or an app, and has Amazon Alexa built-in so on WiFi you can play music, check the news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, without much effort.A delicate, timeless diamond necklaceAurateAurate Diamond Bezel NecklaceThis is something your girlfriend will wear and own forever. A delicate diamond necklace is an essential piece and will (probably) never go out of style. This option is from one of our favorite startups, Aurate — an ethical fine jewelry startup founded by two women from the Netherlands and Morocco, respectively. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Shake Shack (SHAK) benefits from robust comps growth, expansion efforts and strong digital sales. Shake Shack Inc. SHAK is benefiting from robust comps growth, expansion efforts and strong digital sales. Consequently, the company’s shares have gained 15.2% in the past three months, compared with the industry’s increase of 14.1%. However, inflationary pressure remains a concern.Let’s delve deeper.Growth DriversRecently, the company reported robust preliminary sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Total revenues in fourth-quarter fiscal 2022 rose 17.3% year over year to $238.5 million. In third-quarter fiscal 2022, total revenues had increased 17.5% year over year.Moreover, Shack sales jumped 17.4% year over year to $229.9 million in the quarter under review. In third-quarter fiscal 2022, Shack sales had risen 17.4% year over year.Same-Shack sales rose 5.1% year over year in the fiscal fourth quarter. In third-quarter fiscal 2022, same-Shack sales had increased 6.3% year over year.Shake Shack is committed to effectively strategizing its expansion plans. In 2021, the company opened 36 company-operated Shacks. The company anticipates increasing its store count to 35-40 Shacks within fiscal 2022.The company also expects to open stores in Thailand and Malaysia (in 2023) through a new development agreement. During third-quarter fiscal 2022, the company opened 2 new domestic company-operated Shacks (in New York and Atlanta), 3 new domestic-licensed Shack (Chantilly, Cranbury and Nashville) and 3 new international-licensed Shacks (Chengdu, Shanghai and Seoul).This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company operates more than 150 licensed restaurants. It is targeting to open 7-10 new licensed Shacks in fourth-quarter fiscal 2022, taking the count to 27- 30 licensed openings in fiscal 2022.Since December, the company has opened 6 company-operated drive-thrus. By the end of 2022, the company is planning to open at least 10 drive-thrus and expects to open 10-15 more in 2023.For 2023, the company anticipates opening approximately 40 domestic company-operated Shacks, calling for a 16% unit growth on a year-over-year basis.Shake Shack has been investing in digital transformation which is crucial to the company’s growth. Digital sales continue to impress investors. During the fiscal third quarter, digital sales increased 1.9% year over year to $78.9 million and accounted for nearly 36% of Shack sales.During the quarter, the company stated to have retained 73% of digital sales, despite solid recovery of in-shack business. The company has been making more investments in digitization in an effort to sustain its digital guest enhancement strategies in near term. The company’s digital retention continues to remain strong.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchConcernsHigh costs continue to affect the company. During the fiscal third quarter, the company’s business was impacted by a rise expenses. During the quarter, food and paper costs increased 17.0% year over year to $67.8 million, while labor and related expenses increased 11.0% to $64.6 million. Total expenses (as a percentage of company revenues) increased 70 basis points year over year.During the fiscal third quarter, the company emphasized on a bumpy supply chain and staffing environment. Staffing has been a major concern for the hospitality industry. In July 2021, the company made substantial investments in higher wages, retention bonuses and leadership development initiatives.The company has been witnessing inflation throughout the supply chain. The company’s premium ingredients have witnessed a significant increase in a very short period. Higher expenses may weigh on margins in the near term.Key PicksSome better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector are Tecnoglass Inc. TGLS, Wingstop Inc. WING and Domino's Pizza, Inc. DPZ.Tecnoglass currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). TGLS has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 26.9%, on average. Shares of the company have gained 35.2% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TGLS’ 2023 sales and earnings per share (EPS) suggests growth of 11.2% and 9%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels.Wingstop currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. WING has a long-term earnings growth rate of 12%. Shares of WING have lost 11.9% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Wingstop’s 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 18.4% and 16.3%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels.Domino's currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. DPZ has a long-term earnings growth rate of 12.6%. Shares of DPZ have declined 31.4% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Domino's 2023 sales and EPS suggests growth of 3.8% and 17.2%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels. Just Released: Free Report Reveals Little-Known Strategies to Help Profit from the  $30 Trillion Metaverse Boom It's undeniable. The metaverse is gaining steam every day. Just follow the money. Google. Microsoft. Adobe. Nike. Facebook even rebranded itself as Meta because Mark Zuckerberg believes the metaverse is the next iteration of the internet. The inevitable result? Many investors will get rich as the metaverse evolves. What do they know that you don't? They’re aware of the companies best poised to grow as the metaverse does. And in a new FREE report, Zacks is revealing those stocks to you. This week, you can download, The Metaverse - What is it? And How to Profit with These 5 Pioneering Stocks. It reveals specific stocks set to skyrocket as this emerging technology develops and expands. Don't miss your chance to access it for free with no obligation.>>Show me how I could profit from the metaverse!Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Domino's Pizza Inc (DPZ): Free Stock Analysis Report Shake Shack, Inc. (SHAK): Free Stock Analysis Report Tecnoglass Inc. (TGLS): Free Stock Analysis Report Wingstop Inc. (WING): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Signs Executive Order Banning CRT In Arkansas Authored by Caden Pearson via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order banning indoctrination and critical race theory (CRT) in the state after being sworn in as governor. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders talks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, on April 29, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Schools must “educate, not indoctrinate” students and that the state’s education policies need to “protect children and prepare them to enter the workforce,” according to the executive order, obtained by the Daily Caller. CRT controversially teaches that America is fundamentally racist, promotes skin color as a person’s primary characteristic, and assigns moral fault to individuals—usually white people—solely based on their skin color. CRT has been a controversial ideology meeting resistance from parents and communities across America, who argue that it teaches a distorted definition of what racism has traditionally meant. Sanders’ executive order, signed Jan. 10, declares CRT “antithetical to the traditional American values of neutrality, equality, and fairness.” “It is the policy of this administration that CRT, discrimination, and indoctrination have no place in Arkansas classrooms,” the executive order reads. ‘Prohibited Indoctrination’ The executive order directs Arkansas’ education secretary to ensure that “prohibited indoctrination” is not communicated to students by any public school employee, public school representative, or guest speaker. CRT is considered prohibited indoctrination because it encourages students to adopt, affirm, and profess ideas that white people are inherently racist, in violation of the Civil Rights Act. “This prohibited indoctrination would include anything that teaches that people of one color, creed, race, ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law are inherently superior or inferior to people of another color, creed, race, ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law,” the order states. The order bans any requirement for school employees or students to attend any training sessions or orientations that on prohibited indoctrination or CRT. Curriculum Transparency In signing the executive order as one of her first acts as governor, Sanders has taken the stance that government education policies must empower parental rights and foster curriculum transparency across the state. The order directs the secretary of the state’s education department to review the rules, policies, materials, and communications of the department to ensure they comply with Title IV and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance,” Title VI of the Civil Rights Act states. Arkansas’ state constitution and the U.S. Constitution provide equal protection under the law, regardless of color, creed, race, ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, and national origin. Sanders’ executive order directs the state’s secretary of education to probe the department for any “items” that promote ideologies such as CRT that purposely encourage students to discriminate based on race and other protected attributes. Any “items” that are found to indoctrinate students with ideologies like CRT, such as rules, regulations, policies, materials, or communications, must be changed or annulled, according to the order. Sanders Signals ‘Turning Point’ Sanders took the oath of office in the lower chamber of the state Legislature ahead of a joint session and was formally inaugurated on the state Capitol steps on Tuesday afternoon. Speaking for roughly 15 minutes at her inauguration, Sanders said her ascension to the office marks a “turning point in the history of Arkansas” that would usher in a new era of “good jobs, great schools, safer streets, and stronger families.” “The people of Arkansas, in their vast wisdom, have entrusted a new generation to lead. This is our moment. This is our opportunity,” she said. Sanders, whose father Mike Huckabee was Arkansas governor from 1996 to 2007, is the first woman to hold the governor’s office in Arkansas. Her election marks the first time a father and daughter have been elected to the role. During her campaign, Sanders, who served for nearly two years as White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump, focused mainly on national issues. She regularly promised to use the office to fight the policies of President Joe Biden and the “radical left.” She succeeded incumbent Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, who left office as he cannot seek re-election to a third term because he is term-limited. Hutchinson endorsed Sanders’s bid, along with Trump. Tyler Durden Thu, 01/12/2023 - 20:20.....»»