New Donation Made to Shriners Hospital Chicago

Because of the great trading results from KDK Options, we are happy to announce that another donation to Shriners Hospital in Chicago is being made. Posts for the trade in $SQQQ can be found here, and the trade in $XLF can be found here. This is the third donation of the year for KeaneVCC. We look forward to continuing our philanthropic adventure. Some of our philosophy is below if interested.


KeaneVCC's philanthropic mission is to provide resources (financial, human, etc.) to worthy causes that advance the progress of the human experience. We donate a percentage of all revenue generated (not just profits). We also find it part of our value system not to write off the donations.  

Another Donation Made to Shriner's Hospitals Chicago

Hello

Because of the hard work of KDK Options (through options trades), KDK Fund (through Ford dividends), and Bullied Comics (through royalties from book published by Mascot Books), Keane Venture Capital and Consulting was able to make another donation to Shriner's Childrens Hospital in Chicago.

KeaneVCC is proud to be able to share some of its revenue with worthy charitable organizations. The focus has been on health and education with donations to Shriner's Hospital in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University this year.

  
 ** This blog is used for opinions and ideas and should not be used as a direction to act without doing your due diligence.**

Two Tax Cut Views From The Wall Street Journal

by Michael Keane


As we continue to analyze the results of the tax cut, a curious thing happened. The Wall Street Journal put out conflicting articles on the subject. In one recent article this week written by Richard Rubin and Theo Francis (link here), the amount of money that has been repatriated by US corporations due to the changing tax law is currently at about 20% of the Trump Administration's expectations. This is presenting (or compounding) a higher risk for the US deficit in the next few years. But in an Opinion piece (link here) by Stephen Moore, the analysis is that the corporate tax cut is quickly and assuredly going to pay for itself and then some through GDP growth.

One of the areas that the US government expected to help nullify the hike in the deficit was corporate profit repatriation. If you follow the evidence presented in the first article, and current levels of repatriation continue, the government will not be able to deal with the deficit.If you follow the second article, the rise in GDP will do more than enough to cover the deficit initially created by the cut and overtake the issue of repatriation.  

Because the opinion piece came after the repatriation article, and filled with scattered non-evidence based data points, it might lead one to believe it was written as a rebut. But as always, time will tell where the Trump administration's economic decisions lead. In a thankful way, the decisions and moves have been big, so the results continue to be clearer.

KeaneVCC continues to follow this topic. Previous posts can be found here. 



  ** This blog is used for opinions and ideas and should not be used as a direction to act without doing your due diligence.**

Corporate Responses to Tax Bill (AT&T, Wells Fargo)

by Michael Keane

This is part 2 of a series on the Tax Bill Likely Outcomes. A link to Part 1 is here.

When the tax bill was announced, both AT&T and Wells Fargo made announcements of employee bonuses and minimum wage level increases. Slowly but surely, other companies have made similar announcements. While this is good, it isn't a coincidence that AT&T and Wells Fargo were the first to show their support for the tax bill. There are some things missing in these announcements that cloud the meaning of the message and need to be addressed before a conclusion of corporate analysis when it comes to the tax bill.

Both AT&T and Wells Fargo currently have direct interests in the government. AT&T is going through a monster merger. Wells Fargo is currently going through legal troubles with the government. For both companies to get announcements out to show their favor of the government's new tax bill is not surprising. Both companies have also spent a lot of money (like other companies) on lobbying for the tax bill. With the way that this administration works, having these companies make these announcements right after the bill passes was not coincidence at all. It was likely a calculated decision in order to curry favor with the administration so that the government will be influenced in their decision making. The companies already had the amount of cash needed to cover the bonuses and the higher minimum wage.

Another area of compensation that has not been addressed publicly by the companies is executive bonuses. Because of the tax bill, earnings will likely be higher. Because executive bonuses can be tied to earnings and stock prices, the likelihood that executive bonuses will be at the highest level of the expected range is very strong. These bonuses will probably dwarf those actions the companies have made for the rank and file. But you won't see voluntary press releases for this. When you combine that the lower personal tax rates, you can get a decent idea as to why so much money went into lobbying for this bill.

As time progresses, take a look at executive bonuses, corporate infrastructure spending, and labor wages through earnings reports. This will tell you if the companies are reflecting their true intentions in terms of their tax bill promises. Only then can we fully understand what the true position of the companies in regards to the tax bill actually are and act accordingly.

**Disclosure - Both KDK Fund and KDK Options (partners of KeaneVCC) have had stock or options positions in AT&T and Wells Fargo in the past. There are no current holdings of either company.** 

 ** This blog is used for opinions and ideas and should not be used as a direction to act without doing your due diligence.**

Phoenix Becomes Disruptor with Partnership with Waymo

by Michael Keane

Waymo, Alphabet's self driving vehicle company, and the City of Phoenix, have been executing and delivering on their plan to bring driverless vehicles to the mainstream. We hope that there is plenty of press on experiences and process!

The Bloomberg article is below.


Waymo Partnership article

A previous blogpost on the use of Trov for the insurance of the program is here.

   ** This blog is used for opinions and ideas and should not be used as a direction to act without doing your due diligence.**

New Donation Made to Shriners

Hello

KeaneVCC has made another donation to Shriners Chicago! KDK Options made some wonderful trades in the Japanese Yen and Ford over the last month to make this happen.

Donating a portion of revenue instead of profit is a different way of running the business and continues to build overall wealth, not just financial wealth. Donations to charity also will not get recorded on its tax form. KeaneVCC wants to make sure that its commitment to charity is complete and the benefit is received solely by understanding others are being helped.


** This blog is used for opinions and ideas and should not be used as a direction to act without doing your due diligence.**

First Donation (Shriner's Chicago) of 2017

We have made our first donation of 2017. The recipient of the donation was Shriner's Chicago hospital (link here). We would like to thank our partners KDK Fund, KDK Options, and Bullied Comics for their help in making this happen. This is the shortest time period between donations and the trend looks good to continue.

KeaneVCC is dedicated and determined to give a percentage of revenue, NOT PROFITS, to charity. It forces doing high margin business. But the benefits have been great. To be clear, charity is a pillar of the business. We believe in our mission to use the business to find funding for deserving charities. Shriner's Chicago Hospitals is one of these charities.

KeaneVCC is working on a project looking to highlight and promote doctors, administrators, and researchers within charitable organizations (aka Shriners, American Cancer Society, etc.). Please feel free to forward information on anyone you know doing special work. 

Retail and Car Land Opportunity Going On Now

by Michael Keane 1/5/2017

Large Scale Real Estate Opportunity

There is a shift in consumer behavior that is providing for one of the largest real estate opportunities in a long time. There are two industries that currently take up a lot of real estate. Because of the behavioral shift in consumer behavior, these industries are seeing more and more dependance on line and less and less dependence with the on site areas of these businesses. Both are experiencing a tipping point right now. The industries are retail stores and car lots.  This movement should be seen as a great opportunity for developers, business executives, and urban planners.

Just today, Sears announced that they are closing an additional stores (Bloomberg link here). Macy’s also announced today that earnings are going lower. This is not a blip anymore. Consumers have spoken. They are needing stores less and less. This doesn’t mean consumers need the products any less and therefore is not a story on the companies themselves. But their need for paying for the massive real estate that they control is becoming less and less.

Car dealerships are another area that land usage will likely decrease as consumer behavior continues to be leaning more and more to online shopping. This is something that carmakers will ultimately enjoy as they can remove their costs from owning/leasing the land needed to sell these vehicles. Granted, some if not most of the cost is down to the dealership owner, but removing that cost could drive costs down for them without necessarily driving down revenue. Who knows, maybe buying a car will be similar to buying insurance.  

This has to be looked on as a major opportunity. One way Google was able to get to scale was to use the downturn in 1999-2000 and find cheap space for its servers. Are there any companies out there now looking for large scale space? Municipalities should be looking this as an opportunity to use the land for new schools, parks, and other public uses. Residential real estate will always be an option as long as jobs are present in the area. Oh, and what about that start up company that is being created new this space? When 1871 (link here) was created, it received a fantastic opportunity to use space in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Now, the building is in the process of being transformed into a tech juggernaut. Health care is also an area that should look to capitalize on this space becoming available. Research facilities should be able to be quickly set up.

There are some changes happening within the retail and vehicle sectors that will almost certainly be providing for the sale of buildings and land. Will there be another Google, 1871, or local developer out there ready to take the opportunity and grow their business? We certainly hope so.

If you or someone you know finds this article helpful, reply back to keanevcc@gmail.com and let us know how. We are always looking to promote and develop businesses.

Charity Heroes (ALS Version)

by Michael Keane

Have you heard the recent news in the fight against ALS? The link to the story is here.

We at Keane Venture Capital and Consulting would like to assist in driving forward more heroes like the ones in the story above. Do you know of any doctors, researchers, fundraisers, and those fighting for lives?

Let's make sure they are the ones getting thousands of follows and retweets about their progress. The more we can put a focus on these individuals and organizations, the quicker we all will succeed.

Today's hero is John Landers, PhD. Great job! 

KeaneVCC Partner Post Views Pass 15,000

A big congratulations goes out to KeaneVCC and its partners and clients as the blog views have surpassed 15,000! With new projects coming on line this year and the growth in success of its current partners and clients, KeaneVCC looks to continue its banner year of 2016! Links to the blog list are below. If you are a regular viewer, thank you for your support. If you are new, welcome! We are always looking to add value to companies and projects aligned with the KeaneVCC mission! Send us a note to keanevcc@gmail.com if we can be of service!

KeaneVCC 

KDK Fund

KDK Options


**As always, this blog is to be read as opinion. Please do your due diligence before acting on any information read here.**

Culture Difference Chipotle vs. McDonalds

A very interesting thing happened today. KeaneVCC follows both CNBC and The Wall Street Journal on Twitter. The differences in cultures of Chipotle and McDonalds were put on full display with separate press releases thrown up on Twitter within an hour of eachother. 

Chipotle has announced (CNBC link here) that in order to continue to get the best employees, they are raising benefits to include tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and paid leave.

McDonalds also had a major announcement today. They hired Robert Gibbs their new Chief Communications Officer (Wall Street Journal link here).

It is interesting to think that up to a certain point, both companies are committing millions of dollars on their corporate message in very different ways in order to achieve the same goal. Lately there is more and more evidence of this cultural divide between companies run by Boomers and Gen Xer's and newer companies run by Gen Xer's and Millenials. Newer companies seem to be going back to the WWII generation model when it comes to compensation and employee value. 

Bullied Comics Looking For Animator

Hello

A client of ours named Bullied Comics is looking for some animation help. If interested, you can email Dan at bulliedcomics@gmail.com.

Thank you

KDK Fund Reaches Readership Milestone

Hey

Congratulations to KDK Fund for reaching a blog viewership milestone of 4,000! KDK Fund continues to grow and the blog does to. Its regular posts include a weekly review, entries for any transactions made by the fund, and any other pertinent news related to the fund. Please take a look at the blog (link here) and pass it on to others. KDK Fund is always looking to improve the blog and its business. Be sure to comment!

We have been more than happy to support and assist such a wonderful group.

Keane Venture Capital and Consulting

KDK Fund Blog Reaches Views Milestone

A big congratulations goes out to KDK Fund for it reaching 3,000 views. The blog provides information on its investing activities as well as ideas and opinions on investing and trading.

The fund is always looking for ways to improve the blog for its readers. Whether it is content, format, or something else, do not be shy. Send your suggestions and comments to kdkfund@gmail.com.  Improving the blog will hopefully improve performance in the investing and trading world.

KVCC Person/Group of The Week for Jan 5 is Good Guide

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group.  

This week's Person/Group of the week is Good Guide. Good Guide provides scores on products in relation to subjects such as the environmental impact, the social impact, and . Their goal is to help you find products that are safe, healthy, green, and socially responsible.

There are many categories in which Good Guide judges a company's products. One of the enjoyable parts of Good Guide is that you can create your own filter in order to cater to your own specific purchasing belief system. It also has a downloadable tool bar that can help in your online shopping experience. There is an easy to use mobile app as well as having an in depth website to show you how the system works.  Both are free to use. The founder and Chief Sustainable Officer's name is Dara O'Rourke. The company was recently shown on Bloomberg TV, although it might have been a rerun of a past episode.

Dec 8-15 Week in Review (Bullied Comics, KDK Fund, Bitcoin, 3D Printing, Blog Readership and More)

It was another good week for Keane Venture Capital and Consulting.

Bitcoin and 3D Printing continue to make disruptive actions within many different markets. The blog entry included GigaOM's story on doctors' ability to draw cells on bone as well as Andreesen Horowitz's investment into Coinbase.

Bullied Comics has released its second comic on its facebook page (facebook.com/bulliedcomics).

KDK Fund continues to develop its investment strategy. There is a Gold options trade that expires on the 20th.

The KVCC Person/Group of the week was AngelList. The post is here.

The blogs had a 15% readership bump this week from last week.

Are you or someone you know looking for help in developing your business? Send an email to kvcc@gmail.com and an analysis will be done to see if KVCC can help.


Happy Holidays

KVCC Person/Group of The Week - AngelList

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group. 

This week's Person/Group of The Week is AngelList. This company is simply a platform for startups. The key to AngelList's success is that it has found a way to give value to all parties interested in startups at a minimal cost to all. It has opened up the door to investing in startups for small investors. It has given startup companies access to investors and job applicants. Job applicants looking specifically to work at a startup can now have access to thousands of opportunities. 

This company is currently disrupting the entire startup culture by simply giving access to pertinent information to interested parties. This surely will assist in economic development.  Congrats AngelList!

A Special Person - Nelson Mandela

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group.  

This article is dedicated to the great Nelson Mandela. On December 5, 2013, Mr. Mandela passed away at the age of 95. As his story has been well documented, this article will focus on his positive nature when collaborating for a greater good. As an example, the actions Mr. Mandela took while president with The Springboks. Organizations that are able to use this ability in their dealing will regularly have a competitive advantage over its rivals. 

Mr. Mandela was able to not only overcome the racial injustices that occurred in South Africa, he was able to overcome the separatist attitudes that consumed most segments of the nation. He did not lash out at the white population while in power. He did not give in to the hatred that some in the black community had for the white community in South Africa. His vision started with how to be human, then worked its way down to being South African. 

No better example of this attitude happened than his involvement with the Springboks. The integration of the rugby team was very difficult for all involved. Many stereotype walls had to be broken down in order for this team to succeed. South Africa was chosen to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Mr. Mandela knew this was a big showcase for the nation and wanted to do whatever was necessary to have a successful tournament. The team not only showed well, they won the whole tournament. The team did it by first breaking massive time built cultural barriers. Then they played the tournament as one team for all of South Africa. Mr. Mandela was able to use his leadership to get the South African Rugby Association to institute a policy for the team that demanded both integration and excellence. 

The story is a glowing example of how when collaboration is used by leadership instead of ego when accomplishing a goal, success is most often the result. With Mr. Mandela's passing, an active participant in collaboration has also passed. Continuing on this legacy will be important for all of humanity. 

KVCC Person/Group of The Week (Dec 6) - Patagonia

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group. 

This week's Person/Group of The Week is Patagonia and its founder Yvon Chouinard. This company's business processes goes beyond just doing good. They even show you what they are doing bad. In Patagonia's business, that means bad materials being used or processes not friendly to the environment. On its website, you can see how each item is made and what materials are included in making each item. This includes materials and chemicals that the company wishes not to use but do so to create the product. One of the explanations for the large amount of disclosure is the devotion to transparency that the company's ethos demands.  

Showing how your business really works allows customers to make a stronger decision as to purchasing your product. Patagonia feels transparency is an important tool to increase business. More honest feedback and customer loyalty can come from being transparent as a company. It is clear as to how Patagonia is successful in its business model precisely because they are clear as to what materials and processes are used for their products. 

KVCC Person/Group of The Week

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group.

This week's Person of The Week is Larry Fink. Mr. Fink is the CEO and founder of The Blackrock Group. His leadership of the firm as well as outlook on the global economy is second to none. He recently was on Bloomberg's Market Makers with Eric Shatzker and Stephanie Ruhle (link here) and spoke about macro events that will shape the global economy in the next year. It was brought up in the interview that he is still advising 100% stake in equities for the current time and has been of this opinion for at least two years. Imagine the return if you followed his advice. 

At one point this year, Mr. Fink was considered for top governmental posts such as Treasury Secretary or head of the Federal Reserve. He does work very well with government officials on both sides of the aisle. When looking for a leader in the finance industry, the search stops when Mr. Fink is found. He doesn't put himself or his ego in front of his company or business. This puts his opinion in good standing with analysts and customers. There is a trust level that is rarely seen.