The Forbes family’s big deal causes big trouble

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial Planning, Industry Analysis.

Description: After default, emergency restructuring was needed to satisfy lenders. Source:  Fortune.com Date: 07/28/2011 Link:  http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/28/the-forbes-familys-big-deal-causes-big-trouble/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial condition of the firm. How would you advise management to deal with the current situation?

Nokia to Cut Costs More After Loss

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: The two largest European makers of telecommunications equipment, Nokia and Ericsson, announced plans Thursday to continue or accelerate cost-cutting efforts in the face of rising competition, internal reorganizations and weak demand in North America. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: 07/21/2011 Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/technology/nokia-and-ericsson-announce-cost-cutting.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: How can management mitigate the stress on cash flow during this… Read more »

Eight banks fail Europe’s stress tests

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Industry Analysis.

Description: Investors may take a skeptical view of Europe’s latest stress tests after eight banks failed with a combined capital shortfall of just 2.5 billion euros ($3.5 billion). Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 07/15/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/eight-banks-fail-europes-stress-tests-2011-07-15 Questions for discussion: What does “failure” mean, in this context? What are the implications for the economies of Europe and elsewhere?… Read more »

The Housing Horror Show Is Worse Than You Think

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Industry Analysis.

Description: Despite some upbeat news, key housing market statistics point to years of stagnation Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: 07/07/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-housing-horror-show-is-worse-than-you-think-07072011.html Questions for discussion: What are the implications of this report for home owners, home builders, and investors? What would you advise each of these groups in today’s market?

BlackBerry maker’s struggles

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description: Shares of BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion are down 50% from the start of the year, largely due to disappointing smartphone and tablet sales. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/01/2011 Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for the demise of company’s share value. Given that the product sells well outside of North America, what… Read more »

Bank bashing is back, stocks suffer

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

Description: Banks are making a profit but they are taking heat from all sides. Neither the market nor Main Street is happy with them right now. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 06/23/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/06/23/n_bz_bank_bashing_stocks.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the issues related to why banks and bank stocks are out of favor? Do you agree… Read more »

Where Apple is vulnerable: Motorola’s view

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description: Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha says that the only possible weakness for Apple is as it scales up, it may lose its innovative edge. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 06/22/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/06/22/t_ls_motorola_apple.fortune/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis presented by Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha. Do you agree with his assessments and projections for… Read more »

UPDATE 3-Perkins restaurant chain files for bankruptcy

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: The owner of the Perkins and Marie Callender’s restaurant chains filed for bankruptcy on Monday with plans to close 65 of its 600 locations and cut 2,500 jobs, according to court documents. Perkins & Marie Callender Inc became the latest food company to fall victim to a sluggish recovery and soaring food prices. Last… Read more »

Toyota Expects 31% Profit Slump

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Toyota Motor said Friday that it expected its annual net profit to fall almost a third from the previous year, hurt by production disruptions after the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 06/10/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/11/business/global/11toyota.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons for Toyota’s drop in profits. Do you think… Read more »

What Are the Largest Hedge Funds Holding?

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

Description: W.R. Grace, Potash Corp. and Viacom are among the top holdings of the world’s largest hedge funds, according to Mazin Jadallah, founder and CEO of AlphaClone, who says the funds are overweight materials and also financials. Alistair Barr reports. Source: Moneywatch.com – video report Date: 05/23/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/what-are-the-largest-hedge-funds-holding/4D9E306D-DE9E-433A-B458-9E5721F9B298 Questions for discussion: Summarized the essence… Read more »