Description: The founders of Lyft, the ride-hailing service, have long imagined that the future of transportation would involve fewer cars on the road. Now General Motors is helping the start-up reach that goal. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Jan 04, 2016 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/05/technology/gm-invests-in-lyft.html?ref=business Questions for Discussions: Summarize the strategic thinking of GM management. How might investors react… Read more »
Monthly Archives: January 2016
Spotify Could Face a $150 Million Lawsuit
Description: Spotify could face a $150 million lawsuit over claims of unpaid royalties Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Dec 30, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1mpBmbc Questions for Discussions: What are the issues in this case? Do you think that management has adequately prepared for this problem? Do you think this case will impact the company or… Read more »
Star Wars Video Games Generate Over $1 Billion in Sales
Description: Disney and Electronic Arts benefit from the success of J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens film through console and mobile game sales. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Dec 28, 2015 Link: http://fortune.com/2015/12/30/star-wars-video-game-sales/ Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest about revenue generation in this industry? Do you think any of the… Read more »
Online Surge Means Many Not-So-Happy Returns for Retailers
Description: A surge in online sales this holiday season is boosting expenses for some retailers as more shoppers return merchandise purchased with the click of a mouse. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 28, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-29/online-surge-leads-to-many-not-so-happy-returns-for-retailers Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial issues related to online sales. How can merchants mitigate the financial costs?
Opinion: 5 black swans that could rock markets in 2016
Description: What if Apple failed the next iPhone launch, or peace broke out in Syria? Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Dec 28, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-black-swans-that-could-rock-markets-in-2016-2015-12-29 Questions for discussion: What do you think of the risks associated with the scenarios presented? Do you agree with the analysis?
The $500 Million Battle Over Disney’s Princesses
Description: How Hasbro grabbed the lucrative Disney doll business from Mattel. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 10, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2015-disney-princess-hasbro/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the strategies followed by management and the financial risks taken. How should investors treat each firm?
