News Hub: Stocks End Week in Rally Mode

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description:  Paul Vigna wraps the day in the financial markets, including why the Dow posted a triple-digit gain. Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report   Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-stocks-end-week-in-rally-mode/51163F51-36EF-4B93-98C1-7E14C782FCEB Questions for discussion:  Why are the bank stress-test results considered so important at this time in the business cycle? How should the results be interpreted by investors… Read more »

News Hub: Looking to Boost Yield? Think Ketchup

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description:  Brett Arends says a surprising number of blue-chip stocks now offer better yields than Treasurys. Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report   Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-looking-to-boost-yield-think-ketchup/6BD3FDE8-FF13-4C72-8025-822B9BEFD4F4 Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments for and against the purchase of blue-chip dividend paying stocks over bonds, and treasury bonds in particular. What is your view of this… Read more »

GE raises dividend, expects to resume share buybacks

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description: General Electric Co. raised its dividend and re-started a $15 billion share-buyback program Friday as the conglomerate cited progress in its effort to recover from the financial crisis. Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ge-raises-dividend-to-resume-share-buybacks-2010-07-23?siteid=nwtwk   Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial changes at GE? Do you think management’s decisions are wise or would you… Read more »

Dell and Intel: Big Tech behaving badly

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

Description: Thursday’s $100 million settlement between Dell and the Securities and Exchange Commission was a reminder that the government is going after tech’s bad boys — and Intel is likely next on the feds’ list. Source:  CNNMoney.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/23/technology/dell_intel/index.htm   Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for SEC actions against these firms? How… Read more »

Amazon shares fall after earnings disappoint

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description: Online retail giant ramps up investments, sees continued spending Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-falls-after-earnings-disappoint-2010-07-23?siteid=nwtwk   Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial conditions at Amazon? Would you be concerned as an investor or as a financial manager in the firm? What would you advise management?

Even With All Its Profits, Microsoft Has a Popularity Problem

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis.

Description:  MEASURED by profits, Microsoft trounces Apple and Google. In the most recent three months, Microsoft earned $4.52 billion, versus Apple’s $3.25 billion and Google’s $1.8 billion. But, dear investors, where is the love for this beaten-down company? Source: NYTimes.com   Date: 07/24/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25digi.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for Microsoft’s poor… Read more »

AM Report: The Fed Gains Power, Responsibility

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  With financial reform clearing Congress, the Fed has emerged as perhaps the pre-eminent financial regulator, but that could only bring it added blame if things go wrong again. Jon Hilsenrath, Evan Newmark and Kelly Evans discuss. Also, Jennifer Valentino-DeVries discusses Apple’s options ahead of its anticipated press conference on the troubled iPhone-4. Source: Marketwatch.com… Read more »

News Hub: The Playboy Takeover Tussle

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description:  Playboy is facing a lively takeover battle, which promises to get more and more interesting. Jon Friedman discusses why he believes the focus on Playboy underscores the fact that fabled but scorned “old-media” brands still have a lot of value.   Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-the-playboy-takeover-tussle/B951E43C-8270-4A5E-8A61-1E67BCB7F91C Questions for discussion: From… Read more »

Intel quarter signals healthy market, but skeptics remain

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description: Intel Corp.’s unexpectedly robust second quarter sent ripples of optimism throughout a tech sector battered by warnings of weakening demand in a still-fragile global economy. Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 07/14/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/intel-boosts-sentiment-in-battered-tech-sector-2010-07-14?siteid=nwtwk   Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for believing the results from Intel are promising for the economy in general? Why are there… Read more »

Dodd-Frank: What It Means for Comp and Governance

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

Description: Most companies will feel the impact of the law’s “say on pay” provisions first. After that, they’ll have to wait for SEC clarification. Source: Businessweek.com   Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jul2010/ca20100716_567635.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the impact this legislation is expected to have? Do you think it will prove to be a positive influence on… Read more »