Description: Leaders of the world’s biggest banks touted the virtues of austerity at the World Economic Forum in Davos — for themselves, not just for over-indebted governments. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/26/2012 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-26/incredible-shrinking-bankers-at-davos-humbler-as-austerity-hits.html Questions for discussion: According to the report, what are the key messages being sent to the banking industry? How do you think… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work
Description: When Barack Obama joined Silicon Valley’s top luminaries for dinner in California last February, each guest was asked to come with a question for the president. But as Steven P. Jobs of Apple spoke,President Obama interrupted with an inquiry of his own: what would it take to make iPhones in the United States? Source: … Read more »
How Nike keeps running up profits
Description:   With the stock up 120% in the last three years, Nike pushes more retail in emerging markets. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/20/2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/01/20/n_nike_china_oil.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why are inventories a concern for a company like Nike? Do you think the growth prospects are good for the company? What level of growth… Read more »
Google Rarely Misses Estimates, So What Happened?
Description: Google’s fourth-quarter earnings rise but come in below analysts’ targets, and that doomed the search firm’s stock in late trades. Currency and tax issues, combined with a recent rally, set up the shares for a fall, according to MarketWatch tech editor Dan Gallagher. Lauren Rudser reports. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 01/05/2012 Link: … Read more »
Bank investors better get used to low returns
Description:Â Reduced risk has translated into a return on shareholder’s equity that’s more akin to a sleepy regulated utility than a top investment firm. Source: Fortune.com Date: 01/20/2012 Link:Â http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/01/20/bank-earnings-shareholder-return/?iid=SF_F_Lead Questions for discussion: Why are bank stock returns expected to be reduced? Do you agree with the explanation?
New Normal on Wall Street: Smaller and Restrained
Description:Â With firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley reporting weak results for last year, Wall Street is having to confront doubts about itself. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/19/2012 Link:Â http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/the-new-normal-on-wall-st-smaller-and-restrained/?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points presented in the report. Do you agree with these assessments? Is this a good or bad scenario, in… Read more »
Kodak Bankruptcy May Bet on Printing
Description:Â As Eastman Kodak Co. (EK) investors bet the 131-year-old photographic pioneer was headed for bankruptcy, the company decided Chapter 11 was the simplest way to become the leaner digital printing specialist it aspires to be. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/20/2012 Link:Â http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-19/kodak-bankruptcy-may-shed-photography-bet-on-digital-printing.html Questions for discussion: Do you think the bankruptcy and sale of assets will… Read more »
Sir Richard enters the business of banking
Description: Virgin Group’s Sir Richard Branson on his new foray into the banking business with takeover of the ill-fated British bank,Northern Rock. http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/01/10/n_branson_virgin_money.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Do you think this bank will be managed differently because of the connection to Branson and the Virgin brand? Do you think this bank will perform any differently –… Read more »
Hostess, Maker of Twinkies, Files for Bankruptcy
Description:Â Â Â Hostess Brands, known for sweet treats like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, is back in Chapter 11. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/11/2012 Link:Â http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/hostess-files-for-bankruptcy/?ref=business Questions for discussion: Why do you think the firm is in financial difficulty again? What is the financial condition of the firm? What would you advise management do today?
Weil: Why Zombie Banks Hate to Write Off Bad Loans
Description: There’s a simple explanation for why the world’s zombie banks remain so reluctant to write off worthless assets and tap the equity markets for fresh capital. They don’t want to end up like UniCredit SpA. (UCG) Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/11/2012 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-12/financial-frankness-is-a-bad-dream-for-a-bank-commentary-by-jonathan-weil.html Questions for discussion: What is the explanation for not writing off bad… Read more »
