Description: Many investors can only look on with envy when Warren Buffett says his shareholders have seen 20% annualized gains over the past 45 years — even the best mutual funds pale by comparison. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 03/05/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/buffett-and-berkshire-outperform-all-mutual-funds-2010-03-05?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons suggested for Buffett’s success when compared to mutual fund… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Growth & Valuation
Sears agrees to sell Craftsman tools at Ace Hardware
Description:  Sears Holdings Corp. has agreed to sell its popular Craftsman tool brand through Ace Hardware stores, as the company turns again to outsiders to help grow its sales. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 02/20/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sears-agrees-to-sell-craftsman-tools-at-ace-hardware-2010-02-20 Questions for discussion: Do you think this strategy is sound for both firms? What alternative strategies are available to Sears and… Read more »
Liquor store privatization could be boon for Big Booze
Description: With their finances on the rocks, states that control the sale of liquor to the public are looking at handing the job to private enterprise, a move that could raise revenue, streamline government, and prove a boon to the spirits industry. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 02/06/2010 Link:Â http://www.marketwatch.com/story/liquor-store-privatization-a-boon-for-big-booze-2010-02-06 Questions for discussion: How will this move… Read more »
Tesla Motors files for IPO, seeking $100 million
Description: High-end electric-car company Tesla Motors filed for an initial public offering Friday, seeking $100 million in the public-financing arena as conventional auto makers are reeling from anemic sales and product recalls. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link:Â http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tesla-motors-files-for-ipo-to-raise-up-to-100-mln-2010-01-29 Questions for discussion: What are the factors favoring the success of this IPO and those against? Summarize… Read more »
Plentiful-Job Gauge Points to U.S. Payroll Growth: Chart of Day
Description:Â Economists who expect a revival of U.S. employment growth this month have history on their side, according to Thomas J. Lee, a JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aMnej1hFAk_s Questions for discussion: What is your judgement of the chart and predictions presented in the report. How might financial managers be… Read more »
Decline in U.S. Stocks Pays Options Traders 75% Profit on VIX
Description: The biggest sell-off in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index since March is rewarding options traders who bet on a surge in volatility with gains of 75 percent. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/23/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aZOPq7yDKhng Questions for discussion: What sort of risk is involved with these instruments? Who would be interested in them? Do you… Read more »
JPMorgan Chase books $3.3 billion profit
Description: JPMorgan Chase showed it was close to making a full recovery from last year’s crisis after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly profits of $3.3 billion Friday. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 01/15/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/15/news/companies/JPMorgan_Chase_earnings/index.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in the report. What does the recovery by JPMorgan suggest about the financial future other financial institutions and stock… Read more »
Ackman Buys 2% Kraft Stake, Urges Cash for Cadbury
Description: Billionaire investor William Ackman bought a $950 million stake in Kraft Foods Inc. and urged its Chief Executive Officer Irene Rosenfeld to limit the amount of stock she uses to bid for Cadbury Plc. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/16/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aSMnsSKPDuMk Questions for discussion: Do you think Ackman’s decision is a smart move? Do you… Read more »
