Description: Playboy is facing a lively takeover battle, which promises to get more and more interesting. Jon Friedman discusses why he believes the focus on Playboy underscores the fact that fabled but scorned “old-media” brands still have a lot of value.  Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-the-playboy-takeover-tussle/B951E43C-8270-4A5E-8A61-1E67BCB7F91C Questions for discussion: From… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Intel quarter signals healthy market, but skeptics remain
Description: Intel Corp.’s unexpectedly robust second quarter sent ripples of optimism throughout a tech sector battered by warnings of weakening demand in a still-fragile global economy. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/14/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/intel-boosts-sentiment-in-battered-tech-sector-2010-07-14?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for believing the results from Intel are promising for the economy in general? Why are there… Read more »
Dodd-Frank: What It Means for Comp and Governance
Description: Most companies will feel the impact of the law’s “say on pay” provisions first. After that, they’ll have to wait for SEC clarification. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jul2010/ca20100716_567635.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the impact this legislation is expected to have? Do you think it will prove to be a positive influence on… Read more »
After Goldman’s Concession, Regulators May Be Satisfied
Description: First, Goldman Sachs. Now — what? Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/business/17legal.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Do you think Goldman Sacs received fair treatment from regulatory bodies? How do you interpret the meaning of the fine? How do you think the fine and overall experience will affect practices by firms like Goldman Sachs?
News Hub: Are Stocks Finally Cheap
Description: Paul Vigna discusses sentiment that says the market is cheap relative to fundamentals like earnings and feelings that the outlook is still too risky. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/06/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-are-stocks-finally-cheap/5332ACC8-5C89-4293-97C0-4001EDB3C307 Questions for discussion: Summarize the major points presented in this reports. Do you think stocks are ‘cheap’? What would you… Read more »
Rex on Techs: Vonage Results Call Investors
Description: After some tough years, Vonage, the Internet telephony company, recently started taking steps that customers, and investors, appear to like. Rex Crum says there just might be a place for Vonage as an alternative to the traditional phone carriers. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/06/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/rex-on-techs-vonage-results-call-investors/447EDE4C-45DF-41AC-A67A-5DED962439AF Questions for discussion: Summarize the… Read more »
On General Electric, investors and Wall Street don’t agree
Description: Shares slide faster than S&P’s decline, but most analysts say, ‘Buy’ Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/08/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/on-ge-investors-and-wall-street-dont-agree-2010-07-08?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for buying or not buying GE at this time? What would you advise an investor to do? What financial indicators would you consider more important for understanding the investment quality… Read more »
Why GM May Be Worth More Than Ford
Description: It has a stronger balance sheet and sells more cars in emerging markets Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/08/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_29/b4187044957997.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for the assessment? Do you agree with this view? Would you be a buyer of either of these firms today? What are the financial metrics that you would… Read more »
Volcker Pushes for Reform, Regretting Past Silence
Description: JUST before the Fourth of July weekend, Paul A. Volcker packed his fishing gear and set off for his annual outing to the Canadian wilds to cast for Atlantic salmon. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/09/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/business/11volcker.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this article. According to Paul Volcker, which reforms… Read more »
AM Report: Stocks Poised to Extend Selloff
Description: Stock futures in the U.S. moved lower as investors awaited key manufacturing data after a similar gauge from China disappointed. Mark Hulbert, David Weidner and Paul Vigna discuss. Also, Scott McCartney discusses why airlines are finally refurbishing their coach cabins after years of delays. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/01/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/am-report-stocks-poised-to-extend-selloff/549BA8C3-C41E-4855-844C-383BEA2C0CED… Read more »
