Description: Most companies will feel the impact of the law’s “say on pay” provisions first. After that, they’ll have to wait for SEC clarification. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jul2010/ca20100716_567635.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the impact this legislation is expected to have? Do you think it will prove to be a positive influence on… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Industry Analysis
Why GM May Be Worth More Than Ford
Description: It has a stronger balance sheet and sells more cars in emerging markets Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/08/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_29/b4187044957997.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for the assessment? Do you agree with this view? Would you be a buyer of either of these firms today? What are the financial metrics that you would… Read more »
Peddling Relief, Firms Put Debtors in a Deeper Hole
Description: For the companies that promise relief to Americans confronting swelling credit card balances, these are days of lucrative opportunity. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 06/18/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/19/business/economy/19debt.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the issues raised in this article for firms, government regulators, and the customer. Do you believe more regulation by government or the financial services… Read more »
Investor Attitudes in Today’s Market
Description: Alyssa Moeder, a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, talks to Barron’s Associate Editor Matt Barthel about how investor attitudes today have changed and how she addresses their needs and concerns. Source: Marketwatch.com ╨ video report Date: 06/05/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/investor-attitudes-in-today-market/A2BAF27E-A132-4AE8-BAB1-339217104E34 Questions for discussion: Summarize the changes in attitude that are discussed in this report. Do… Read more »
BP’s Gulf Coast oil spill – a legal primer
Description: To help readers navigate the legal landscape surrounding BP’s mammoth oil spill (or “oil spew,” as some argue it should more properly be called) in the Gulf Coast, I have looked into some of the law-related questions and statements that keep surfacing as the press and bloggers keep up with the crisis. I rely… Read more »
H-P grabbing Palm could shake up PC alliances
Description: Hewlett-Packard’s bid to gobble up Palm Inc. could shake up alliances in the personal computer industry, as other players in the sector figure out their play in a rapidly-changing smartphone arena, analysts say. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/h-ps-palm-merger-seen-shaking-up-pc-alliances-2010-04-29?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the analysis presented? Is this a good… Read more »
UAL, Continental reportedly set to announce deal Monday
Description: United Airlines and Continental Airlines are reportedly on track to announce a multibillion-dollar merger deal on Monday that would create the world’s biggest airline. Source: Marketwatch.com  Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ual-continental-reportedly-close-in-on-deal-2010-04-29?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Is this a good deal for stockholders of each firm? From a financial management point of view, what will the… Read more »
Goldman Sachs Loses Room to Maneuver After Public Testimony
Description: Goldman Sachs Group Inc. may have backed itself into a corner by speaking out quickly to counter fraud claims by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 05/01/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=avI7OhdudjWc Questions for discussion: In terms of public opinion, McCormick said, Goldman Sachs has “already been condemned, the question is the price.  Read more »
Did Goldman Do Anything Wrong?
Description: When it comes to laying the blame on Goldman Sachs, Wealth Adviser columnist James Altucher says, “not so fast.” Nevertheless, he tells investors to stay away from buying the stock until the flames cool down. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 04/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/did-goldman-do-anything-wrong/E02B7836-3C8D-4719-A7EB-DE47036348DF Questions for discussion: So, in your opinion, did Goldman… Read more »
How credit watchdogs fueled the financial crisis
Description: A slew of internal e-mails from the leading credit rating agencies show employees at those firms knew of the dangers in subprime mortgages, but gave them the seal of approval anyway. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 04/24/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/04/23/news/economy/credit_rating_agencies_hearing/index.htm  Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the analysis presented? What actions should be taken by… Read more »
