Fred Hickey: Betting on Nokia

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis.

Description:     Fred Hickey, editor of The High-Tech Strategist, says (at Barron’s 2011 Art of Successful Investing conference) that Nokia’s smartphones based on the Windows operating system could be a big hit with consumers and help revive Nokia shares. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 10/29/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/fred-hickey-betting-on-nokia/456219F3-BA45-4C50-8554-60670E7F0EF7 Questions for discussion: Summarize the industry analysis presented… Read more »

Good Luck, Groupon: Tough IPO Market

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description:  The world’s IPO market is officially on the skids right now, according to a new report from Thomson Reuters. What does it mean for companies like Groupon and Zynga? Scott Austin discusses on Digits. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 10/28/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/good-luck-groupon-tough-ipo-market/E65A3FF6-881A-48D5-95EB-3C6F0E82835A Questions for discussion: Why has the IPO market been so weak… Read more »

Cross-border pipeline may change oil’s landscape

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

Description: A proposed pipeline stretching from Canada to the United States may contribute to a rise in the nation’s prices for oil, and has the potential to significantly change the landscape of the market. Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 10/28/2011 Link:   http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cross-border-pipeline-may-change-oils-landscape-2011-10-28 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report. Do you agree with… Read more »

Alaska’s Billion Dollar Mountain

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues, Market Analysis.

Description:  The story of one man who used a little persuasion—and a lot of luck—to win the rights to millions of tons of rare earths Source: Businessweek.com Date: 10/27/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/alaskas-billion-dollar-mountain-10272011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? What did you learn about the industry from an “on the ground” point of… Read more »

Avon’s Jung Under Scrutiny as SEC Starts Second Investigation

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

Description:  With the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probing Avon Products Inc. (AVP)’s dealings with analysts, Andrea Jung may be facing the toughest challenge of her 12-year tenure as chief executive officer. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: 10/28/2011 Link:   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-28/avon-s-jung-under-scrutiny-as-sec-starts-second-investigation.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems facing the firm? How have investors reacted to the investigations? How… Read more »

Green Mountain’s short problem

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Description:   Shares of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, maker of the popular K-Cup, have plunged after hedge fund manager David Einhorn recommended shorting it. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 10/21/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/10/21/n_bz_gmcr.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the impact David Einhorn`s position has had on Green Mountain. What is a “momentum“ stock? Where do you think… Read more »

Apple’s Unique Problem: High Profits Disappoint

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation.

Description:  Maker of iPhones and iPads posts earnings growth of more than 50% for the quarter, but even though consumers were seen likely holding off to wait for the new iPhone, expectations were very high, tech editor Dan Gallagher tells Stacey Delo. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 10/18/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/apple-unique-problem-high-profits-disappoint/A0D61159-0A23-4548-8697-DF3B2477C301 Questions for discussion: Summarize… Read more »

Can bank stocks bail out your portfolio?

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Year’s tumble lures value seekers, but they could be a trap Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 10/21/2011 Link:   http://www.marketwatch.com/story/can-bank-stocks-bail-out-your-portfolio-2011-10-21 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report. Do you agree with the analysis and conclusions?

What Really Has Wall Street Worried

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues, Market Analysis.

Description:  It isn’t Occupy Wall Street. It’s the prospect of a shifting market and pay cuts and layoffs Source: Businessweek.com Date: 10/20/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/what-really-has-wall-street-worried-10202011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? Do you agree with the views presented? Do you think banks misbehaved – causing the crisis? Do you expect players to… Read more »

Groupon Initial Offer May Value Founder Lefkofsky’s Stake at $2.3 Billion

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation.

Description:  Groupon Inc. founder and Chairman Eric Lefkofsky may parlay a $1 million check to co-founder Andrew Mason four years ago into a stake worth $2.3 billion when the daily-deal site sells shares to the public next month. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: 10/22/2011 Link:   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-21/groupon-ipo-may-value-stake-held-by-chairman-lefkofsky-s-at-2-3-billion.html Questions for discussion: Given the information in this report, how should… Read more »