The charts that point to an imminent Fed taper

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

Description: Week in charts: Inflation nudges higher to Fed target rate Source: Marketwatch.com Date: August 16, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-charts-that-point-to-an-imminent-fed-taper-2013-08-16?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is happening? What do the charts mean to you?

BlackBerry buyout unlikely

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description: Smartphone maker BlackBerry Inc. (BBRY) is “open” to going private, according to Reuters. How delightful. In related news, my toddler is “open” to getting a pony for her next birthday. Source: Fortune.com Date: August 09, 2013 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2013/08/09/blackberry-buyout-unlikely/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the financial conditions at the firm. Why is a buyout unlikely, according to… Read more »

It’s dawn of the dead for J.C. Penney

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

Description: Commentary: Kraft exec won’t make zombie story any less cheesy Source: Marketwatch.com Date: August 07, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-dawn-of-the-dead-for-jc-penney-2013-08-07?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: What is the financial state of the firm and the reasons given for its condition? How critical is “management” of the firm to any chance of recovery? Would you be an investor today?

‘Twilight’, ‘Hunger Games’ Fans Keep Lions Gate’s DVD Business Alive

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Description: Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) posted its first annual profit in five years late Thursday, as young adults rushed theaters for The Hunger Games and The Twilight Saga—Breaking Dawn 2. But there was also a classic helping fuel those blockbuster results: DVD and Blu-ray sales. Source: Businessweek.com Date: May 31, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-31/twilight-fans-keep-lions-gates-dvd-business-alive#r=hpt-fs Questions for Discussions:… Read more »

Apple Stock Valuation ‘Crazy’: Sculley

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Description: Apple is being valued as a value-based company instead of the “creative leap” innovator it actually is, former Apple CEO John Sculley says. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: May 20, 2013 Link: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000169903 Questions for Discussions: Summarize the stock valuation placed on Apple by John Sculley. Do you agree with his assessment of… Read more »

Nothing runs like a Deere (investor)

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

Description: Shares of Deere & Company are down after the company gave a cautious outlook due to the sluggish global economy and overly rainy conditions in the Midwest. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 15, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/05/15/investing-the-buzz-john-deere.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why are values of Deere stock under pressure? Do you agree that the… Read more »

SodaStream loses its pop

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

Description: Shares of the do-it-at-home beverage maker fell even though earnings topped forecasts. Expectations were high and some think SodaStream is a fad. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 08, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/05/08/investing-the-buzz-sodastream.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why do you think the shares pulled back? Would you be an investor today? Financial Analysis, Company Analysis,… Read more »

Berkshire CEOs Spend Quietly, Match Buffett on Heinz

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

Description: Warren Buffett stole headlines when he committed $12.1 billion in a deal to take ketchup maker HJ Heinz Co. (HNZ) private this year. Managers at his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK/A) spent as much in 2012 while attracting less attention. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: May 10, 2013 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-10/berkshire-ceos-spend-quietly-match-buffett-on-heinz-deal.html Questions for Discussions: What does this report… Read more »

Is Samsung’s Growth at the Expense of Apple?

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Description: Samsung captured a third of the global smartphone market in the first quarter as growth for Apple’s iPhone dropped to its slowest pace ever, according to data released by Strategy Analytics. Strategic Analytics Senior Strategist Neil Shah speaks with Emily Chang reports on Bloomberg Television’s “Bloomberg West.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report… Read more »