Weight Watchers soars on Oprah investment

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Description: The struggling diet company is getting a much needed boost from Oprah Winfrey. She’s buying a 10% stake, becoming a Weight Watchers member and joining the company’s board. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 19, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/10/19/oprah-winfrey-weight-watchers-wtw.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: How has Oprah’s involvement affected expectations of financial improvement at Weight Watchers?… Read more »

Skechers is winning the sneaker wars

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Description: Yes, the company known mainly for its Shape-ups is surging. Shares of Skechers are trouncing Nike, Under Armour and Adidas this year thanks to strong sales and profits. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 22, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/10/22/skechers-stock-skz-demi-lovato-meghan-trainor-ringo-starr.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why is Skechers doing so well financially? Do you think it can… Read more »

Opinion: The best six months for stocks is about to begin

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

Description: Halloween likely to bring investors treats this year Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Oct 23, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-best-six-months-for-stocks-is-about-to-begin-2015-10-23 Questions for Discussions: What is the basis for this prediction? Do you agree with the analysis and assessment presented?

The secret firm at the heart of Valeant’s crisis has an alleged history of shady behavior with customers

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Description: Valeant is getting crushed under allegations of fraudulent accounting. Source: BusinessInsider.com Date: Oct 23, 2015 Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/philidor-valeant-consumer-complaints-2015-10 Questions for discussion: Summarize the concerns with the company? How should investors deal with the present situation?

Is Starbucks unstoppable?

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Description: The coffee king’s stock is at an all-time high and it’s hard to see anything on the horizon that can slow Starbucks down. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 13, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/10/13/starbucks-sbux-stock-all-time-high.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Is Starbucks unstoppable? What might challenge growth of sales, profits, or stock value growth?

Why Hedge Funds Are Facing Headwinds

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Description: Paamco Portfolio Manager Sam Diedrich discusses hedge fund woes. He speaks on “Bloomberg Markets.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Oct 15, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2015-10-15/why-hedge-funds-are-facing-headwinds Questions for Discussions: Summarize the opinions presented in this report of interest to investors in hedge funds. Do you agree with these assessments?

Wal-Mart stock nosedives as the retailer tries to compete with Amazon

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Description: Investors are worried about the company’s long-term investments paying off. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Oct 15, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1Qxd5tf Questions for Discussions: Has the longtime perceived value of “bricks and mortar” become a liability for retailers like Wal-Mart? How should Wal-Mart’s balance sheet be “re-set” to reflect the financial challenges of building… Read more »

Yum Brands just got one step closer to breaking itself up

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Description: Fast-food restaurant operator Yum Brands added an activist hedge fund manager to its board and cut its full year outlook in China on Thursday. Source: BusinessInsider.com Date: Oct 15, 2015 Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/yum-brands-adds-keith-meister-to-board-2015-10 Questions for discussion: Do you think a break-up is probable? How should investors play this situation?

Opinion: How fast we forget what drives stock prices

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

Description: Volatility doesn’t make you money; paying a fair price for future earnings does Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Oct 16, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-fast-we-forget-what-drives-stock-prices-2015-10-16?link=MW_popular Questions for discussion: What does the article say about investors’ thinking? Do you agree with this assessment?