JPMorgan cleans up ‘London whale’ mess

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Description: Despite a $5.8 billion year-to-date trading loss, JPMorgan still earned $5 billion in the second quarter. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: July 13, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/07/13/n-felicia-jp-morgan.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the highlights of management’s effort to fix the damage done. Do you believe it is convincing and will be successful? How can this… Read more »

Apple: Still the best bet in tech

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Description: As Apple tops $600 a share for the first time since April, it serves as a reminder: In tech, they are king. Don’t bet against the king. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: July 06, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/07/06/investing-bz-apple.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What are the arguments supporting a continued run up of Apple share values?… Read more »

How to crack Wall Street’s earnings code

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Description: 7 terms to listen for when CEOs and CFOs talk business Source: Marketwatch.com Date: July 06, 2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-crack-wall-streets-earnings-code-2012-07-06 Questions for Discussions: Summarize the code-speak. Do you think anyone misses what is really happening? Why would managers choose to avoid speaking clearly to shareholders and analysts?

Why your hospital bill is so high

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:    From IV bags to chest tubes, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why even basic medical equipment adds thousands to your medical bill. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: June 28, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/06/27/n-medical-equipment-cost.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the way hospitals allocate costs in order to cover all operating expenses. Is this a form of insurance?… Read more »

U.S. Automakers Cut Retirees Loose

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Industry Analysis.

Description: General Motors (GM) is offering retiree Rick Knoth a check for more than a half-million dollars and he’s still unhappy. Yes, Knoth plans to take GM’s huge buyout of his retirement benefits, but says he may never buy another car from the company where he worked for 37 years. “During my career I was… Read more »

There’s more to fear: Americans eating in

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

Description: Slow sales for Darden Restaurant chains Olive Garden and Red Lobster have investors asking for the check as Americans opt to dine at home. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: June 22, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2012/06/22/investing-bz-darden.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussion: Why is there concern over financial details related to these firms? Do you agree with the… Read more »

Know Where The Money is Going Before You Ask For It

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Description:  Squarespace founder Anthony Casalena didn’t necessarily know he wanted to start a business, but he did have a clear concept of what he wanted. “I was trying to make my personal website and I wasn’t satisfied with any of the existing services” said Casalena in interview, “I had a very clear concept of what… Read more »

Why I’m betting big on Europe

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Growth & Valuation.

Description: The vaunted international stock picker David Herro is betting big on banks in France, Spain, and Italy. But he doesn’t call himself a risk-taker. Source: Fortune.com Date: June 14, 2012 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/06/14/retirement-guide-herro-europe/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for Discussions: Summarize the strategic analysis presented by David Herro. Do you agree with his thinking and advice?

U.S. Blue Chips Want You to Buy Their Debt

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

Description: “Looking for CD or Money Market Rates? You can do better.” That’s the pitch that greets visitors to General Electric’s (GE) Interest Plus website. GE, Duke Energy (DUK), Ford Motor (F), and Caterpillar (CAT), are among companies enticing a growing number of individuals to buy their debt through investments sometimes billed as higher-yield alternatives… Read more »

How to buy stock like a company insider

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

Description: Follow the money when executives spend their own. When CEOs or corporate directors plunk down cash to buy shares of their company, it can speak volumes. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: June 07, 2012 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-buy-stock-like-a-company-insider-2012-06-08 Questions for Discussions: What does the article say about insider buying behavior? Do you believe their behavior is a good… Read more »