Google execs top 40 under 40 list

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description:  Sergei Brin and Larry Page share the No. 1 spot on Fortune’s list of top young businesspeople. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 10/21/2009 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2009/10/21/f_40_under_40_overview.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Is there a common denominator that connects these business people? Do you think being young has contributed to their business insight and success? Explain… Read more »

Microsoft wows the Street

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description: Stock soars 10% after the software giant’s earnings and revenue beat analysts’ forecast. Sales fell 14% to $12.9 billion, declining for the third quarter in a row. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 10/23/2009 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/23/technology/microsoft_earnings/index.htm?postversion=2009102311 Questions for discussion: Explain why Microsoft’s cash flow and other financial metrics are expected to improve? Do you believe Microsoft stock… Read more »

Potash Corp profit tumbles; outlook narrowed

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

 Description: Potash Corp of Saskatchewan (POT.N) (POT.TO) said on Thursday quarterly profit fell 80 percent as fertilizer demand and pricing weakened, prompting it to dim its outlook for the sector and sending shares lower. Source: Reuters.com Date: 10/22/2009 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/basicMaterialsSector/idUSN2250573820091022 Questions for discussion: As a financial manager of a commodity firm, would you wait until… Read more »

Obama Says Small Businesses Must Be at Forefront of Recovery

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description: President Barack Obama called small businesses the “engine” of the U.S. economy and said too many are still struggling to get the credit they need to operate. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 10/24/2009 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a7zcW8m3pMH0 Questions for discussion:  Why would banks be slow to provide more credit to small businesses at this time? Explain your answer…. Read more »

Big banks win on credit spreads

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description:  Wide credit spreads and lack of competition boost profits at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 10/16/2009 Keys:  Stock valuation (p281), Financial environment (p27), Cash flows (p355) Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2009/10/16/mkts_ss_banks_credit_fbr.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the reasons for bank success this quarter and the reasons for concern in the future? How… Read more »

U.S. deficit biggest since 1945

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description: It’s officially official. The Obama administration on Friday said the government ran a $1.42 trillion deficit in fiscal year 2009. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 10/16/2009 Keys: Bond valuations (p249), stock market (p281) Link:  http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/16/news/economy/treasury_deficit/index.htm?postversion=2009101617 Questions for discussion: How might this information influence financial managers planning for the near future? Explain your answer. If government bonds… Read more »

Scandal hits corporate role models IBM, McKinsey

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description: It isn’t often that big blue gets a black eye. But on Friday IBM (IBM.N), the leading U.S. technology firm known for its conservative management, found itself entangled in the largest ever hedge fund insider-trading scheme involving Galleon Group founder Raj Rajaratnam. Source: Reuters.com Date: 10/16/2009 Keys: Capital budgeting decisons (p311), Stock market (p281)… Read more »

Harley Rises on Wandell Plan to Cut Jobs, End Buell

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description: Harley-Davidson Inc., the biggest U.S. motorcycle maker, rose on plans to cut about 180 jobs, end its Buell line and sell its MV Agusta unit to save as much as $140 million in annual costs. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 10/15/2009 Keys: Cash flows (p355), Stock market (p281) Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aADuFuWty08s Questions for discussion:  Summarize the reasons… Read more »

Roubini: ‘Jobs lost forever’

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description:  The economist who accurately predicted the recession says unemployment will peak between 10% and 11%. Source: CNNMoney – video report   Date: 10/06/2009 Keys:  Financial environment (p27), Working capital management (p.461), Cash flows (p355) Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2009/10/06/n_ss_roubini_earnings.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for discussion:  Summarize Rouini`s forecasts and explanation for business conditions in general and for the financial services… Read more »

Banks still stuck with the junk

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Description: Beset by delays, the government’s program for ridding banks of bad assets is finally poised to take off. But problems still plague the controversial program. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 10/09/2009 Keys: Capital structure policy (p526), stock market (p281) Link:  http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/09/news/companies/ppip/index.htm?postversion=2009100916 Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems facing the program? What are some possible solutions you… Read more »