Business Briefs – January 23, 2017

Trump Properties Face Global Terror Risk With Presidency

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Businesses around the world bearing U.S. President Donald Trump’s name face an increased risk now that he is in the White House, security experts warn, especially as several are in areas previously targeted for violence.

As Trump remains a brand overseas, criminal gangs or terrorists could target buildings bearing his name, abduct workers associated with his enterprises for ransom, or worse, they say.

U.S. brands have been targeted in overseas violence before, but they never belonged to a president. That’s the difference. Trump becoming America’s 45th president presents a unique challenge given the range of his international business interests.

Samsung Details Causes Of 7 Fires But Questions Remain

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Samsung says a thorough investigation into the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 phone has confirmed widely held suspicions that its batteries were to blame, marking a first but important step toward restoring consumer confidence.

The company announced tighter quality controls and more rigorous testing and took responsibility for failing to ensure that design specifications given to its suppliers were fail-safe. It also is delaying its next Galaxy phone, the Galaxy S8, which is usually announced in February.

The spontaneous fires prompted Samsung to recall millions of phones and take a $5.3 billion hit on its earnings and a blow to its reputation.

Yahoo’s 4Q Shows Modest Strides Amid Security Breach Fallout

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Yahoo’s financial performance improved slightly during the fourth quarter while the company dealt with the fallout from massive security breaches that have jeopardized the $4.8 billion sale of its internet operations to Verizon Communications.

Although cost-cutting helped Yahoo bounce back from a loss during the same time in the previous year, the company’s net revenue slipped yet again to extend a downturn that has lasted through most of CEO Marissa Mayer’s four-and-half-year tenure. In a sign of modest progress, Yahoo’s revenue fell 4 percent after subtracting ad commissions, snapping a streak of four consecutive quarters of double-digit declines.