Description: The first smartwatch developed by Pebble Technology Corp. had one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns ever, and now the company behind the trailblazing wearable device is back with the Pebble Time and a new pre-sale campaign that managed to raise US$4-million in only three hours, and US$1-million in just 31 minutes on Tuesday, making it… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Growth & Valuation
How to start a successful craft beer brewery
Description: Michael Kane went from poring over spreadsheets to pouring craft beer with his name on it. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: March 04, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/03/03/smallbusiness/craft-beer-startup-how-to-guide/index.html Questions for Discussions: What are the financial issues related to starting and operating a craft brewery? Why is cash flow management so critical to success of the business?
When ‘Shark Tank’ deals fall apart: Why some entrepreneurs walk away when the cameras stop rolling
Description: NEW YORK — With the cameras rolling, Daniel and Stephanie Rensing accepted an offer from a Shark Tank investor. But after they had time to think about it, they changed their minds. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Feb 27, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2015/02/27/when-shark-tank-deals-fall-apart-why-some-entrepreneurs-walk-away-when-the-cameras-stop-rolling/?__lsa=7a93-d933 Questions for discussion: What are the primary benefits sought by entrepreneurs on this show?… Read more »
The Price of Oil Is About to Blow a Hole in Corporate Accounting
Description: (Bloomberg) — There’s one place in the world where oil is still $95 a barrel. On paper. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: March 04, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-04/oil-at-95-a-barrel-discovered-in-sec-rules-on-reserves Questions for discussion: What are the implications of the current price for oil? How should investors deal with this concern?
Goldman Sachs CEO on the benefits of low oil
Description: Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein says low oil prices are a net positive for the U.S. economy. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Feb 24, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/02/24/lloyd-blankfein-goldman-sachs-oil.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why does Lloyd Blankfein believe lower oil prices are good for the economy? How should investors be expected to respond if his understanding… Read more »
Is FOMO in tech startups driving valuation?
Description: Investor Bill Gurley says that investing too much money in new technologies may be cause for concern. Fortune’s Andrew Nusca and Erin Griffith discuss. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Feb 24, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1BlY8qR Questions for Discussions: Summarize the concerns and the reasons for valuations. How do you think investors should approach this… Read more »
Banks and bonds
Description: David Rosenberg, chief economist at Gluskin Sheff and Associates, explains why banks might be investing in U.S. bonds Source: CBC.ca – video report Date: Feb 23, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/ID/2655447343/ Questions for Discussions: What does David Rosenberg suggest is happening in global markets today? Why would U.S. bonds be attractive to banks?
Apple ripe for a correction?
Description: Apple Inc. shares may be too hot for their own good. Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Feb 24, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-ripe-for-a-correction-2015-02-24 Questions for discussion: Explain the basis of this assessment. Do you agree with this assessment? What is driving Apple’s stock value?
How CrossFit Became A $4 Billion Brand
Description: CrossFit CEO Greg Glassman has turned the fitness industry on its head. He’s done it, I think, by making CrossFit a mirror image of himself. Source: Forbes.com Date: Feb 25, 2015 Link: http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2015/02/25/how-crossfit-became-a-4-billion-brand/ Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons for the extreme financial success of CrossFit. Do you think Greg Glassman can maintain growth… Read more »
The Hot New Statistic Oil Traders Are Eyeing Is 71 Years Old
Description: (Bloomberg) — It was like clockwork. Every week since 1944, Baker Hughes Inc. would release its survey of how many rigs were out drilling for U.S oil and gas. And every week, oil and gas traders would, for the most part, overlook it. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Feb 18, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-18/the-hot-new-statistic-oil-traders-are-looking-at-is-71-years-old… Read more »
