No showtime at Apollo’s U. of Phoenix

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation.

Description: Shares of for profit education owners sank after University of Phoenix owner Apollo reported a decline in enrollment. Source: CNNMoney.com.com – video report Date: Jan 09, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/01/09/investing-education-phoenix-apollo.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why has Apollo’s stock fallen recently? Explain their business model and whether you think it is sustainable? Would you be an investor… Read more »

What’s at the Center of the Debate Over Herbalife

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

Description: In the wake of the bombshell announcement that Daniel S. Loeb’s Third Point has taken an 8.9 percent stake in Herbalife after the company’s shares were shorted by William A. Ackman of Pershing Square, the question is: Which very rich hedge fund manager is right? Source: NYTimes.com Date: Jan 10, 2013 Link:  http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/whats-at-the-center-of-the-debate-over-herbalife/?ref=business Questions… Read more »

Second terms’ impact on stock market

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description:  Does the stock market perform any differently during second presidential terms? Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: Jan 11, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/second-terms-impact-on-stock-market-2013-01-11?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: How does the article answer the question posed? What is your opinion of the assessment? How should investors weigh the information in this report?  

How Does Amazon Survive on Such Tight Margins?

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

Description:  Cory Johnson looks at how Amazon.com makes money. He speaks on Bloomberg Television’s “Market Makers.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Jan 03, 2013 Link:  http://bloom.bg/UqidDB Questions for Discussions: Explain the financial strategy Amazon is using to build its business? Do you think it is a sustainable strategy? Would you be an… Read more »

El-Erian: Look for Bottom-Up Housing Opportunities

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation.

Description: Pimco CEO Mohamed El-Erian discusses politicians can do to bring the labor market to “escape velocity’ and how to invest off of the December jobs report. He speaks on Bloomberg Television’s “In The Loop.” Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Jan 04, 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/WqRpl8#ooid=x1N2wyODrh7cAvcnvu0a95OK800KKZDU Questions for Discussions: Summarize the analysis presented by El-Erian… Read more »

Hedge funds win big with subprime mortgages

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

Description:  Subprime mortgages may have been the most lucrative bet of 2012 for hedge funds, with some gaining more than 20% by buying up troubled financial crisis era mortgages. Source:  CNNMoney.com Date: Jan 04, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/04/investing/hedge-funds-subprime-mortgages/index.html?iid=SF_BN_River Questions for Discussions: Why have hedge fund managers been so successful in subprime mortgage investments? Do you think… Read more »

Exxon Mobil to spend $14 billion on Hebron offshore oild project

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

Description: Exxon Mobil Corp., one of the world’s largest energy companies, has pledged to spend $14-billion (U.S.) to develop the Hebron oilfield off Canada’s east coast. Source: theglobeandmail.com Date: Jan 04, 2013 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/exxon-mobil-to-spend-14-billion-on-hebron-offshore-oil-project/article6942298/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the highlights in this report that relate to the involvement of government in decision-making. Why would the… Read more »

Diamonds for investment, love and bling

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Description: Buying a diamond at a jewelry store is not a good investment, but if you can get the rock at wholesale prices, it could be lucrative. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 24, 2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2012/12/24/pf-diamonds-investment-quest.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: How are wholesale diamond prices set? Do you think they represent a good investment… Read more »

Alternative Investments on Fiscal Uncertainty

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Description: Pimm Fox discusses markets, investing and business. He speaks with Erik Schatzker on Bloomberg Television’s “Bottom Line.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Dec 28, 2012 Link: http://bloom.bg/VcbLPz Questions for Discussions: What is the basis for setting a value for these “investments”? What are the carrying costs? Do they represent a good… Read more »