‘Cheap’ stocks are not always good buys

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

Description: Investing lessons from 2012: HP and other dogs may keep sliding. Winners like Apple may continue to do well. Close analysis is crucial. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 18, 2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2012/12/18/investing-2012-retrospective.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What is the investing advice offered in this report? Do you think it contradicts conventional thinking about… Read more »

In a World Full of Risk, Why Are Investors So Calm?

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Growth & Valuation.

Description: The economy and markets of 2012 sport nearly as many risk factors as a Cialis ad: Four years into full monetary tilt, does the Federal Reserve much know what it’s doing, and should we grow to expect QE6? Source: Businessweek.com Date: Dec 19, 2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-12-19/in-a-world-full-of-risk-why-are-investors-so-calm#r=nav-r-story Questions for Discussions: Summarize the reporter’s perceptions of… Read more »

Yahoo beats Google in Feats of Strength

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

Description: While Google celebrates Seinfeld holiday Festivus a bit early, Yahoo stock has soared since ex-Googler Marissa Mayer took over as CEO. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 12, 2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2012/12/12/investing-yahoo-google.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: How do you explain the big improvement at Yahoo? Do you think investors have fundamentally changed their thinking about… Read more »

Groupon CEO Mason Addresses Takeover Reports

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Description: Cory Johnson reports on Groupon’s sales growth and possible takeover. He speaks with Deirdre Bolton on Bloomberg Television’s “Bloomberg West.” Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Dec 11, 2012 Link: http://bloom.bg/X81lR9#ooid=p2aWdrNzo-dhmC7M3hsAXNhZ_gTmAnCC Questions for Discussions: Summarize the financial condition of the firm? How has management responded? Do you see a turnaround for the firm? How… Read more »

It’s getting interesting for Apple again

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

Description:  The market is starting to pick up some good feelings again. The Sturm and Drang playing out in the capital is pretty impressive. Emotions in the market are starting to dissipate. I think there has been some heavy tax selling of big names from investors trying to manage their 2012 tax bills. Source: Marketwatch.com… Read more »

Renault Sells Volvo Shares for $1.92 Billion to Cut Debt

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

Description: Renault SA (RNO), which is losing sales faster than any other European carmaker, sold its remaining Volvo AB (VOLVB) stake for 12.8 billion kronor ($1.92 billion) to boost funding, ending an 11-year run as the Swedish truckmaker’s largest owner. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Dec 13, 2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-12-12/renault-to-sell-volvo-shares-worth-2-billion-to-cut-debt#r=bloomberg Questions for Discussions: What is the reasoning… Read more »

Google Revenues Sheltered in No-Tax Bermuda Soar to $10 Billion

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Description:  Google Inc. (GOOG) avoided about $2 billion in worldwide income taxes in 2011 by shifting $9.8 billion in revenues into a Bermuda shell company, almost double the total from three years before, filings show. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 10, 2012 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-10/google-revenues-sheltered-in-no-tax-bermuda-soar-to-10-billion.html Questions for Discussions: Explain how tax laws have influenced financial planning at… Read more »

Sirius XM rewards Howard Stern

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Description: The King of All Media and other investors will get a special dividend. Sirius XM, now profitable, has thrived while online radio stock Pandora has lagged. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 06, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2012/12/06/investing-buzz-sirius-xm-radio-pandora.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Explain the reasons for Sirius’ turnaround and financial success. Why is Pandora moving in… Read more »

Shutterfly makes 120% of profit in 20 days

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

Description: Shutterfly CEO Jeffrey Housenbold says the holiday season accounts for all of the company’s profits and about 40% of its revenue. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 05, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/12/05/t-shutterfly-holidays.fortune/ Questions for Discussions: Describe the cash flow management issues for the firm. Is there a way to smooth the imbalance of cash… Read more »