Adidas selling part of its golf business

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Herbert Hainer, Adidas CEO, says the company plans to sell off its TaylorMade and Adams brands and will focus on its footwear and apparel business. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 05, 2016 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2016/05/05/adidas-ceo-golf.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: From a financial standpoint, why would Adidas divest from these firms? Why would it continue… Read more »

A Breakup Fairy Tale for Disney

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Description: If the Magic Kingdom wants to find its next ruler, it might help if it weren’t quite so sprawling. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: May 11, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2016-05-11/why-disney-should-split-off-espn-abc Questions for Discussions: What are the concerns facing Disney, according to the report? What are some possible scenarios?

Opinion: Big drop in bullishness for U.S. stocks could actually be a good sign

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description: Contrarians detect a robust ‘wall of worry’ that the market can climb Source: MarketWatch.com Date: May 11, 2016 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/big-drop-in-bullishness-for-us-stocks-could-actually-be-a-good-sign-2016-05-06 Questions for Discussions: What are the arguments presented in this article? Do you agree with the assessments?

The World’s Richest Airlines Can’t Get Enough Hand-Me-Down Jets

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Description: It’s a tale that could be dubbed “From Russia to Love.” Source: Bloomberg.com Date: May 11, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-11/the-world-s-richest-airlines-can-t-get-enough-hand-me-down-jets Questions for discussion: What is motivating the purchases of older planes? How does this affect the operating finances of these airlines?

Tim Cook’s TV Appearances Don’t Bode Well for Apple Stock

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

Description: Causing investors to question his credibility Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: May 09, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/1rLV2sy Questions for discussion: What does the report say about the relationship between Tim Cook’s public appearances and Apple’s stock valuation? What are the managerial issues related to his public appearances?

Big Oil Abandons $2.5 Billion in U.S. Arctic Drilling Rights

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

Description: After plunking down more than $2.5 billion for drilling rights in U.S. Arctic waters, Royal Dutch Shell, ConocoPhillips and other companies have quietly relinquished claims they once hoped would net the next big oil discovery. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: May 10, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-10/big-oil-abandons-2-5-billion-in-u-s-arctic-drilling-rights Questions for Discussions: What does the report say… Read more »

Opinion: How investors can profit from ‘funny’ corporate accounting

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Description: Adjusted financial results can confuse investors, but you can use them to your advantage Source: MarketWatch.com Date: May 10, 2016 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-keep-from-being-tricked-by-companies-funny-numbers-2016-05-10 Questions for Discussions: What are the concerns expressed in this report? Do you agree with the assessments?

Restaurants Invest in Technology to Improve Overall Efficiency

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Description: 7% of respondents are investing in the technology to keep up with competitors Source: eMarketer.com Date: May 09, 2016 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Restaurants-Invest-Technology-Improve-Overall-Efficiency/1013933#sthash.fHBRKspS.dpuf Questions for Discussions: Why are restaurants investing in these new technologies? How cost-effective are these spent dollars, in your opinion?

The Existential Angst of SolarCity

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

Description: If you’re involved in the running of a company called SolarCity, one question you really don’t want to hear on your earnings call is: “What is SolarCity?” Source: Bloomberg.com Date: May 10, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2016-05-10/solarcity-shares-plunge-amid-existential-angst Questions for Discussions: What is SolarCity? Why did share value plunge? How would you evaluate investment in the firm? From… Read more »