Apple’s rollercoaster April continues to confound investors

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

Description:  During a wild April that has so far seen the company lose – then gain – billions in market cap, predicting Apple (AAPL-Q610.0049.728.87%)’s future has become one of Wall Street’s riskier adventures. Source:  GlobeandMail.com Date: 04/25/2012 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/apples-rollercoaster-april-continues-to-confound-investors/article2413987/ Questions for discussion: Do you think investors believe Apple has peaked? How do you think Apple… Read more »

No grimacing for McDonald’s investors

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Description:  With a boost from strong earnings, McDonald’s isn’t the only fast food co. on the up and up. Chipotle and Yum! Brands are following suit. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 04/20/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/04/20/mkts-bz-fast-food.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Compare the financial results for the firms mentioned in this report? How do you explain their performances?… Read more »

Apple to see another big iPhone, iPad quarter

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Description:  Apple Inc. is expected to post another strong period of iPhone and iPad sales when it reports results for the March quarter on Tuesday, despite recent worries that have hurt the stock price over the last week. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 04/20/2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-to-see-another-big-iphone-ipad-quarter-2012-04-20?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report…. Read more »

5 stocks market detectives have locked up

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

Description:   ‘Show me the cash flow,’ gumshoe investors demand Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 04/20/2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-stocks-market-detectives-have-locked-up-2012-04-20 Questions for discussion: Explain why cash flow is important for investors and managers. What do you think of these corporate evaluations?

Splunk makes a splash

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Description:   It’s no Facebook, LinkedIn (LNKD) or Zynga (ZNGA), but data analytics company Splunk (SPLK) is making a big splash on Wall Street. The San Francisco-based software provider officially went public Thursday morning, with a $229.5 million offering priced at $17 a share (well above its expected $11 to $13 range). The stock nearly doubled… Read more »

Want $1 billion? All you need is an app

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Description:  An app, a dream, and millions of users couldn’t hurt. But as Facebook forks over $1 bln for Instagram, has the app craze gone too far? Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 04/10/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/04/10/mkts-bz-fb-instagram.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Justify the valuation paid for this acquisition? Does it make financial sense? How can Instagram increase cash… Read more »

Wall Street: Is This a Rally Or a Bump?

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Description:  On Mean Street, a look at the viability of Wall Street’s Wednesday gains continuing. Also, employers can’t fill open jobs. Plus, paying homage to music legend Bruce Springsteen. Photo: Reuters. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 04/11/2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/wall-street-is-this-a-rally-or-a-bump/44703C2D-AD74-4B5C-8C0E-84B0B0DBEAB8 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report. What is your sense… Read more »

Cash flow king for small business owners

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Management Issues.

Description:   Seventy-six per cent of small business owners believe effective cash-flow management is fundamental to the success of their businesses, with 72 per cent reporting that they currently manage cash flow well, a study released today from the American Express Small Business Monitor reveals. Source:  GlobeandMail.com Date: 04/10/2012 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-tools/small-business-briefing/cash-flow-king-for-small-business-owners/article2396272/   Questions for discussion: What… Read more »

Best Buy CEO out as shoppers move online

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

Description:   Best Buy Co Chief Executive Brian Dunn has left the world’s largest consumer electronics chain, which has struggled against stepped-up competition from internet retailers and discounters. Source:  Reuters.com Date: 04/10/2012 Link:  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/10/bestbuy-idUSL2E8FA3ZK20120410 Questions for discussion: Is there a solution to this shopping trend working against Best Buy? Would a merger or acquisition make sense at… Read more »