Buffett’s stance on derivatives

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Management Issues.

Description:  Fortune’s Andy Serwer talks about how the Senate’s proposed financial reforms will affect Berkshire Hathaway’s derivatives holdings. Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report   Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/04/29/f_sl_buffett_derivatives_berkshire.fortune/  Questions for discussion: How much influence do you think Buffett can have in the current debate about derivatives? Would Buffett joining the management of Goldman be a… Read more »

H-P grabbing Palm could shake up PC alliances

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Hewlett-Packard’s bid to gobble up Palm Inc. could shake up alliances in the personal computer industry, as other players in the sector figure out their play in a rapidly-changing smartphone arena, analysts say. Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/h-ps-palm-merger-seen-shaking-up-pc-alliances-2010-04-29?siteid=nwtwk   Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the analysis presented? Is this a good… Read more »

UAL, Continental reportedly set to announce deal Monday

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  United Airlines and Continental Airlines are reportedly on track to announce a multibillion-dollar merger deal on Monday that would create the world’s biggest airline. Source:  Marketwatch.com   Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ual-continental-reportedly-close-in-on-deal-2010-04-29?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Is this a good deal for stockholders of each firm? From a financial management point of view, what will the… Read more »

Boost in U.S. Consumer Spending Broadens, Sustains Expansion

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description:  Consumer spending grew at the fastest pace in three years during the first quarter, a sign that the largest part of the economy is gaining speed while becoming less dependent on government stimulus. Source: Bloomberg.com   Date: 05/01/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aWPIvQsHfsaw  Questions for discussion: Given the recent economic improvements, what changes should financial managers consider… Read more »

Goldman Sachs Loses Room to Maneuver After Public Testimony

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Industry Analysis.

Description: Goldman Sachs Group Inc. may have backed itself into a corner by speaking out quickly to counter fraud claims by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: Bloomberg.com   Date: 05/01/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=avI7OhdudjWc Questions for discussion: In terms of public opinion, McCormick said, Goldman Sachs has “already been condemned, the question is the price.”… Read more »