Description:Â An inside look at the real reasons for the once-beloved chain’s demise Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/10/2011 Link:Â http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-end-of-borders-and-the-future-of-books-11102011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report. What lessons are there here for financial managers to learn from the mistakes made?
Posts Categorized: Company Analysis
Disney Earnings Exceed Estimates on Growth at Theme Parks, Cable Networks
Description: Walt Disney Co. (DIS), the world’s biggest theme-park operator and owner of ESPN, posted a 30 percent gain in fourth-quarter profit, beating analysts’ estimates on growth in cable TV and at U.S. resorts. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 11/11/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-10/disney-profit-beats-estimates-on-parks-cable-network-growth-shares-jump.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the recent performance of the various Disney operations? Do these results… Read more »
Groupon: Investor Beware!
Description: In his On the Mark segment, Evan Newmark says Friday’s Groupon IPO should be waded through with caution by investors, because it is another example of Wall Street shenanigans. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 11/04/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/groupon-investor-beware/5DE4D58B-F543-470C-880B-4F2183A8AE19 Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons presented why investors should stay away from this stock. Do… Read more »
Why housing deserves a home in your portfolio
Description: Investment moves for those who think now is a time to buy Source:Â Marketwatch.com Date: 11/04/2011 Link:Â Â http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-housing-deserves-a-home-in-your-portfolio-2011-11-04 Questions for discussion: Do you believe it is a good time for investors to buy stocks of companies connected to the construction industry? Do you think it is a good time for individuals to buy residential… Read more »
Apple Doles Out $60M Stock Grants to Execs
Description: Apple Inc. (AAPL), seeking to retain its management team in the wake of former Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs’s death last month, gave $60 million restricted-stock grants to most of its senior vice presidents. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 11/04/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-04/apple-doles-out-stock-grants-to-several-of-its-top-executives.html Questions for discussion: Do you believe this is a wise financial planning decision at… Read more »
Fred Hickey: Betting on Nokia
Description:    Fred Hickey, editor of The High-Tech Strategist, says (at Barron’s 2011 Art of Successful Investing conference) that Nokia’s smartphones based on the Windows operating system could be a big hit with consumers and help revive Nokia shares. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 10/29/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/fred-hickey-betting-on-nokia/456219F3-BA45-4C50-8554-60670E7F0EF7 Questions for discussion: Summarize the industry analysis presented… Read more »
Good Luck, Groupon: Tough IPO Market
Description: The world’s IPO market is officially on the skids right now, according to a new report from Thomson Reuters. What does it mean for companies like Groupon and Zynga? Scott Austin discusses on Digits. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 10/28/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/good-luck-groupon-tough-ipo-market/E65A3FF6-881A-48D5-95EB-3C6F0E82835A Questions for discussion: Why has the IPO market been so weak… Read more »
Cross-border pipeline may change oil’s landscape
Description: A proposed pipeline stretching from Canada to the United States may contribute to a rise in the nation’s prices for oil, and has the potential to significantly change the landscape of the market. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 10/28/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cross-border-pipeline-may-change-oils-landscape-2011-10-28 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report. Do you agree with… Read more »
Avon’s Jung Under Scrutiny as SEC Starts Second Investigation
Description: With the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probing Avon Products Inc. (AVP)’s dealings with analysts, Andrea Jung may be facing the toughest challenge of her 12-year tenure as chief executive officer. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 10/28/2011 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-28/avon-s-jung-under-scrutiny-as-sec-starts-second-investigation.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems facing the firm? How have investors reacted to the investigations? How… Read more »
Green Mountain’s short problem
Description:  Shares of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, maker of the popular K-Cup, have plunged after hedge fund manager David Einhorn recommended shorting it. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 10/21/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/10/21/n_bz_gmcr.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the impact David Einhorn`s position has had on Green Mountain. What is a “momentum“ stock? Where do you think… Read more »
