Imagining a Swap Meet for E-Books and Music

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Management Issues.

Description:   The paperback of “Fifty Shades of Grey” is exactly like the digital version except for this: If you hate the paperback, you can give it away or resell it. If you hate the e-book, you’re stuck with it. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: Mar 07, 2013 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/08/technology/revolution-in-the-resale-of-digital-books-and-music.html?hpw&_r=0 Questions for Discussions: How will the new sharing… Read more »

JCPenney: It’s a fire sale!

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  The retail giant is bleeding money and CEO Ron Johnson is having trouble turning the company around. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Feb 28, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/02/28/investing-buzz-jcpenney-ron-johnson.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is happening to JCPenney stock value and why? Do you think the firm can succeed in the current… Read more »

Is the Daily Deals Business Model a Dud?

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

Description: Lerer Ventures’ Eric Hippeau discusses the ouster of Groupon CEO Andrew Mason with Deirdre Bolton on Bloomberg Television’s “Money Moves.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Mar 01, 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/XfvzFM#ooid=RhbmxyOTomASPPAFWyusRDsGacaBx_Au Questions for Discussions: What does this report say about the relationship between the CEO and the Board of Directors? Is Groupon… Read more »

Andrew Mason’s quirky legacy at Groupon

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

Description:  Groupon founder and former CEO Andrew Mason was known for his eccentric interviews, but the company he leaves behind will need a turnaround. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Mar 01, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/03/01/t-mason-groupon-quirky.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Do you think the decline of Groupon share value was primarily due to the management of the… Read more »

A Revolutionary Marketing Strategy: Answer Customers’ Questions

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Management Issues.

Description:   It is an indelible image of the financial crisis: a bird’s-eye view of the backyards of foreclosed houses, their in-ground pools festering with algae and mosquitoes. In Northern Virginia, Marcus Sheridan was in the financial storm. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: Feb 27, 2013 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/business/smallbusiness/increasing-sales-by-answering-customers-questions.html?ref=smallbusiness Questions for Discussions: How should financial managers structure budgeting for… Read more »

Focus on Funds: Gold Tanks

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

Description:  Jack Otter and Brendan Conway on why the price of gold has been falling, and what triggered the most recent selloff. Source: WSJ.com – video report Date: Feb 21, 2013 Link: http://on.wsj.com/15yzEYz Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is happening to gold markets? Do you agree with the analysis presented? What does… Read more »

Gold’s lustre will fade: CIBC

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

Description:  Gold has had a “glorious run,” but the factors that propelled the price of the precious metal to record highs are fading, economists at CIBC World Markets said. Source: BNN.ca – video report Date: Feb 21, 2013 Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2013/2/21/Golds-lustre-will-fade-CIBC-.aspx Questions for Discussions: Explain the reasons presented in this report for the rise in gold… Read more »

For silver, being cheap is a good thing

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

Description: After a nearly 9% dive in silver prices this month, investors should be able to breathe a sigh of relief as growth in industrial and investment demand gains pace, and calls of “oversold” conditions and “bargain” prices for the precious metal intensify. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: Feb 22, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/for-silver-being-cheap-is-a-good-thing-2013-02-22?dist=beforebell Questions for Discussions: Explain… Read more »

In Dell’s Waning Cash Flows, Signs of Concern

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial Planning, Management Issues.

Description:   The proposed Dell buyout may be motivated more by fear than greed. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: Feb 22, 2013 Link: http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/in-dells-waning-cash-flows-signs-of-concern/?ref=business Questions for Discussions: What are the possible scenarios for Dell investors? Do you believe Dell management is facing a financial crisis? What do you think management will try to do with Dell as a… Read more »