Shocker! Apple makes billions

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

Description:  Strong global iPhone sales helped Apple beat expectations, as usual. Doubters beware – it’s hard to hate on AAPL. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 04/25/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/04/25/mkts-bz-apple-iphone.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial results and the reasons there is surprise. Would you be a buyer or seller today?

Caterpillar: U.S. growth offsets China

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Description:  Caterpillar CEO Douglas Oberhelman says manufacturing growth in the U.S. offset a slowdown in markets like China and Brazil in the past quarter. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 04/25/2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/04/25/n-co-caterpillar-ceo.cnnmoney/   Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis presented. Do you agree with these views? Would you be a buyer or seller today?… Read more »

Video: Is the market caught between the bulls and bears?

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Description:  Brian Belski, BMO’s new chief investment strategist, on how long the transition will last. Source: GlobeandMail.com – video Date: 04/26/2012 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/markets/markets-blog/market-view-video/video-is-the-market-caught-between-the-bulls-and-bears/article2414897/ Questions for discussion: What are secular and cyclical bulls and bears? Do you agree with this analysis?

Providence Said Selling Hulu Stake at $2 Billion Value

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Description:  Hulu.com owners Walt Disney Co. (DIS),Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) and News Corp. (NWSA) are close to buying out Providence Equity Partners Inc.’s stake at a price that values the company at $2 billion, said two people with knowledge of the matter. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 04/26/2012 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-26/providence-said-selling-hulu-stake-at-2-billion-value.html Questions for discussion: Do you think this was… Read more »

What If Facebook Isn’t So Special After All?

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Description:   As the fateful day of Facebook’s initial public offering draws closer, the giant social network’s financial results are attracting more attention. And while its recently updated securities filing shows some blockbuster numbers—including a mind-boggling 900 million active users, half a billion of whom use the site daily—it also reveals some potential red flags, including… Read more »

Supremex: The cheque really is in the mail

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Description:   Are we really ready to stop mailing things? Is the all-digital life just around the corner? Source:  GlobeandMail.com Date: 04/25/2012 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investment-ideas/features/vox/supremex-the-cheque-really-is-in-the-mail/article2414186/ Questions for discussion: Summarized the appeal of this stock from an investor’s point of view. Would you be a buyer? How have the firm’s financial managers dealt with the lack of growth?… Read more »

Apple’s rollercoaster April continues to confound investors

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

Description:  During a wild April that has so far seen the company lose – then gain – billions in market cap, predicting Apple (AAPL-Q610.0049.728.87%)’s future has become one of Wall Street’s riskier adventures. Source:  GlobeandMail.com Date: 04/25/2012 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/apples-rollercoaster-april-continues-to-confound-investors/article2413987/ Questions for discussion: Do you think investors believe Apple has peaked? How do you think Apple… Read more »

No grimacing for McDonald’s investors

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Description:  With a boost from strong earnings, McDonald’s isn’t the only fast food co. on the up and up. Chipotle and Yum! Brands are following suit. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 04/20/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/04/20/mkts-bz-fast-food.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Compare the financial results for the firms mentioned in this report? How do you explain their performances?… Read more »

Apple to see another big iPhone, iPad quarter

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Description:  Apple Inc. is expected to post another strong period of iPhone and iPad sales when it reports results for the March quarter on Tuesday, despite recent worries that have hurt the stock price over the last week. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 04/20/2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-to-see-another-big-iphone-ipad-quarter-2012-04-20?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report…. Read more »