BofA in a bear trap

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis.

Description: Bank of America’s financial woes deepen, some readers of “The Buzz” believe the stock is undervalued, others remain furious at the bank. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 11/26/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/11/23/n_bz_bofa.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Do you believe BofA is a bear trap? Summarize the key points presented in the report about BofA. Do you… Read more »

Bank Dividends May Be Coming Back

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and other large players may soon follow Comerica’s lead in boosting their quarterly payouts. Source:  Businessweek.com   Date: 11/24/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_49/b4206050293663.htm Questions for discussion:  What is the significance of the return of bank dividend payments? What advantages and disadvantages are there to the banks that decide to make dividend payments… Read more »

Dell’s profit grows, but sales come up short

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Description:  Dell Inc. reported that booming sales to businesses sharply lifted its profit last quarter, even as consumer sales disappointed. Source:  CNNMoney.com   Date: 11/18/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/18/technology/dell_earnings/index.htm Questions for discussion:  Summarize the results presented for Dell? What do these results suggest about operations? Would you be a buyer of Dell stock?

GM shares rise, but will it be enough for taxpayers?

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  The weakening dollar could trigger a steady rise in the price of crude, sending it over $100 next year. Source:  Businessweek.com Date: 11/18/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2010/11/gm_shares_rise_but_will_it_be_enough_for_taxpayers.html Questions for discussion: Was the government’s decision to re-finance GM a good choice financially and socially speaking? Should more shares be issued sooner or later? Do you think the… Read more »

The slaying of the Celtic Tiger

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

Description: Anglo Irish Bank’s unfinished head office pokes into the sky on Dublin’s North Wall Quay, a silent testimony to the rise and fall of the Celtic Tiger. Source:  TheGlobeandMail.com   Date: 11/12/2010 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/the-slaying-of-the-celtic-tiger/article1797583/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the history of the Irish economic experience. What do you think will happen to Irish markets… Read more »

AIG loses $2.4 billion on asset sales

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis.

Description:  AIG said Friday that it lost $2.4 billion in the third quarter on sales of insurance units, proceeds of which it plans to use to pay back the U.S. government. Source:  CNNMoney.com   Date: 11/05/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/05/news/companies/aig/index.htm Questions for discussion:  What were the reasons for AIG losses? How should investors react to this new… Read more »

Alcatel Lucent Sees ‘Turning Point’ After Deals in U.S. and China

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Alcatel Lucent, which has struggled in the wake of its 2006 merger, said Thursday that it had reached a “turning point” after clinching $5.7 billion in deals to build high-speed wireless networks and supply other gear for the biggest mobile operators in the United States and China. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: 11/04/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/technology/05alcatel.html?src=me&ref=technology Questions… Read more »

Whole Foods reconsiders dividend

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description:  Turnaround gains strength. Year-to-date, shares up 72% Source: Marketwatch.com   Date: 11/04/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/momentum-builds-whole-foods-weighs-dividend-2010-11-04 Questions for discussion: How do you explain the turnaround in share value at this firm? What is your assessment of the various financial metrics reported in the article? Would you invest in the firm today?

Ford’s quarterly profit climbs 69%

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Description:  Ford Motor Co. (F) reported a 69% jump in third-quarter earnings Tuesday, marking five straight quarterly profits for the resurgent auto giant as it moves to slash debt and meet pension obligations. In addition, Ford said it would pay down $2 billion of debt and use cash to fully prepay the remaining $3.6 billion… Read more »

digits: Steve Jobs Jabs at Competition

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Management Issues.

Description: On yesterday’s earning call, Apple CEO Steve Jobs issued a string of criticisms about Apple’s rivals from Research in Motion and Google to unnamed companies making seven-inch tablets. Plus: what analysts have to say this morning about Apple’s growth overriding concerns. Peter Kafka and Jennifer Valentino-DeVries discuss on Digits. Source: Marketwatch..com  – video report… Read more »