Description: BlackBerry says it will cut 4,500 jobs across its operations, and expects to report a second-quarter loss of between $950 million to $995 million US when it issues its financial results next week. Source: CBC.ca – video report Date: Sep 20, 2013 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/TV%2BShows/The%2BNational/Technology%2B&%2BScience/ID/2407696489/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the collapse of BB share value. Is… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Industry Analysis
POSTMASTER SAYS USPS MAY NEED EMERGENCY RATE HIKE
Description: Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said Thursday his agency is in “the midst of a financial disaster” and may need an emergency increase in postage rates to keep operating. Source: AP.com Date: Sep 19, 2013 Link: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/postmaster-says-usps-may-need-emergency-rate-hike Questions for Discussions: What is the problem at the USPS? Why is it important to keep the service… Read more »
Why Starbucks Could Double Again
Description: In the course of its 21 year stock history, Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX ) has doubled exactly 8 times. Minus the brief but major dips, the stock has taken off since ’08, and it has had a consistent rise in price for the last 6 years. Almost in a straight upward line. This year alone it… Read more »
Quit worrying about a 1987-style crash
Description: More and more I am hearing and reading about the coming of a 1987-style crash. There are interviews in which the subject chats about how we have to prepare for it. Articles are being published telling us that this year’s percentage gains rival those of 1987 with the clear implication being that another crash… Read more »
The charts that point to an imminent Fed taper
Description: Week in charts: Inflation nudges higher to Fed target rate Source: Marketwatch.com Date: August 16, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-charts-that-point-to-an-imminent-fed-taper-2013-08-16?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is happening? What do the charts mean to you?
BlackBerry buyout unlikely
Description: Smartphone maker BlackBerry Inc. (BBRY) is “open” to going private, according to Reuters. How delightful. In related news, my toddler is “open” to getting a pony for her next birthday. Source: Fortune.com Date: August 09, 2013 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2013/08/09/blackberry-buyout-unlikely/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the financial conditions at the firm. Why is a buyout unlikely, according to… Read more »
It’s dawn of the dead for J.C. Penney
Description: Commentary: Kraft exec won’t make zombie story any less cheesy Source: Marketwatch.com Date: August 07, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/its-dawn-of-the-dead-for-jc-penney-2013-08-07?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: What is the financial state of the firm and the reasons given for its condition? How critical is “management” of the firm to any chance of recovery? Would you be an investor today?
‘Twilight’, ‘Hunger Games’ Fans Keep Lions Gate’s DVD Business Alive
Description: Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) posted its first annual profit in five years late Thursday, as young adults rushed theaters for The Hunger Games and The Twilight Saga—Breaking Dawn 2. But there was also a classic helping fuel those blockbuster results: DVD and Blu-ray sales. Source: Businessweek.com Date: May 31, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-31/twilight-fans-keep-lions-gates-dvd-business-alive#r=hpt-fs Questions for Discussions:… Read more »
Nothing bankers like more than a steepening yield curve
Description: Financial stocks were the highest performing sector in the S&P 500 in May, as the month comes to a close. The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund XLF -0.20% , which tracks financial stocks in the S&P 500, was up 7.5% for the month, compared to half that in the broader market in the same… Read more »
Why Japan’s Selloff Is Wakeup Call for U.S. Investors
Description: What happens when the Federal Reserve starts raising interest rates? Source: WSJ.com – video report Date: May 24, 2013 Link: http://on.wsj.com/19aZ4NG Questions for Discussions: What is the concern expressed in this report? Do you think a rapid rise in interest rates is to be reasonably feared? Do you think there will be a “rush… Read more »
