What’s better for stocks: bad economic data or good?

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description: Until now, bad data has driven the market higher. Could that change this year? Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: April 06, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/04/06/can-bad-economic-data-be-good-for-stocks.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is the reason stocks have been rising on bad economic news? Do you agree with the overall analysis presented in this… Read more »

LinkedIn picks up Lynda.com for $1.5 billion

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

Description: The business-oriented social networking service is betting on online education in a move it says will help further the site’s global mission statement. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: April 09, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1CA0Nav Questions for Discussions: How is this a good merger for both companies? How will the merger contribute to growth for… Read more »

Expense Of Going Global Means Walgreens To Close 200 U.S. Stores

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial Planning.

Description: Amid its international growth plan to cut $1.5 billion in costs, Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA)new management team led by Italian billionaire Stefano Pessina said 200 U.S. stores would close amid the restructuring and integration of two iconic brands. Source: Forbes.com Date: April 09, 2015 Link: http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2015/04/09/expense-of-going-global-means-walgreens-to-close-200-u-s-stores/ Questions for Discussions: Why is Walgreens closing stores?… Read more »

When it comes to stocks vs. cash, follow Buffett’s lead

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

Description: Here’s a trick question, see if you can figure it out. Of the following two investments, which one carries the lowest risk — cash or stocks? Source: MarketWatch.com Date: April 08, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/when-it-comes-to-stock-vs-cash-follow-buffetts-lead-2015-04-08 Questions for discussion: What is the answer to the question in the title and the reasoning for the choice? Do… Read more »

Montreal’s David’s Tea brewing up U.S. IPO with US$75-million expansion plan

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

Description: Montreal-based David’s Tea will file for an initial public offering of its shares in the United States with an aim to raise US$75 million to fuel its North American expansion plans. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: April 06, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/montreals-davids-tea-brewing-up-u-s-ipo-with-us75-million-expansion-plan Questions for discussion: What are the positive aspects that make this IPO interesting to investors?… Read more »

Target has its groove back

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

Description: Investors and consumers seem to have forgotten about the big data breach. Target’s stock is at an all-time high. Wall Street loves what new CEO Brian Cornell is doing. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: March 31, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/03/31/target-stock-buzz.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why has Target’s stock price performed so well? Do you think it’s… Read more »

GoDaddy’s surprising IPO pop

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

Description: With the company going public Wednesday, stock price immediately jumped roughly 30 percent. But debt has some investors worried. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: April 01, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1CO9umm Questions for Discussions: Why do you suppose the IPO performed so well on its first day? Do you believe the valuation is appropriate going… Read more »

Why Good Friday could turn into Friday the 13th for the world’s biggest bond market

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators.

Description: The most dangerous time for the Treasury market this month will be when the U.S. issues employment data on Friday, if February and March are any guide. Source: FinancialPost/Bloomberg.com Date: March 02, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/investing/why-good-friday-could-turn-into-friday-the-13th-for-the-worlds-biggest-bond-market Questions for Discussions: What are bond investors looking at as a determinant of higher interest rates? What else should… Read more »

Motorola Is Unable to Find Buyers After Months-Long Effort

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

Description: Motorola Solutions Inc. has failed to find a buyer after seeking to drum up interest from private-equity funds and large industrial companies, people with knowledge of the matter said. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: April 02, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-02/motorola-is-said-unable-to-find-buyers-after-months-long-effort Questions for discussion: Why do you think Motorola is having difficulty finding a buyer? What are the… Read more »

Who Will Pay For McDonald’s Wage Hikes?

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

Description: If McDonald’s franchises follow the parent company – which recently hiked wages — and hike their own wages, some of them could soon be out of business. But before they close the door, they may lay-off many of their employees, who will end up paying for the wage hike. Source: Forbes.com Date: April 02,… Read more »