Description:Â Only in the fickle world of technology can a company with a market value of $200 billion and nearly 20% sales growth be considered yesterday’s news. Source:Â CNNMoney.com Date: 01/07/2011 Link:Â http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/07/technology/thebuzz/index.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key factors driving the valuations for Facebook and Google. How do you think they will perform over… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Industry Analysis
Madoff victims could soon get billions
Description:Â Madoff victims might finally get their hands on their stolen billions. The court-appointed trustee trying to recover Madoff’s loot has brought dozens of lawsuits but so far hasn’t been able to compensate victims. That might soon change. A court hearing is set for Jan. 13 that could unlock more than one-third of the $20… Read more »
World bankers brace for 7 percent drop in bonuses: Reuters poll
Description:Â From Wall Street to the City of London to Hong Kong’s Central District, bankers are bracing for bonuses to be down 7 percent on average from a year ago, and higher salaries will only partially cushion the hit, a Reuters/IFR global poll shows. Source:Â Reuters.com Date: 12/21/2010 Link:Â http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BK66Z20101221 Questions for discussion: Summarize the… Read more »
Toll Brothers CEO Sees Nascent Rebound in Home Sales
Toll Brothers CEO Sees Nascent Rebound in Home Sales Description:  The worst is over for the U.S. housing market and a rebound will gain momentum in 2012, according to Douglas Yearley, chief executive officer of Toll Brothers Inc. Source:  Businessweek.com Date: 12/08/2010 Cat ñTags:  Industry Analysis ñ Investing Strategies Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-12-08/toll-brothers-ceo-sees-nascent-rebound-in-home-sales.html Questions for discussion:  Summarize… Read more »
Bank Dividends May Be Coming Back
Description: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and other large players may soon follow Comerica’s lead in boosting their quarterly payouts. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 11/24/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_49/b4206050293663.htm Questions for discussion: What is the significance of the return of bank dividend payments? What advantages and disadvantages are there to the banks that decide to make dividend payments… Read more »
GM shares rise, but will it be enough for taxpayers?
Description: The weakening dollar could trigger a steady rise in the price of crude, sending it over $100 next year. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/18/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2010/11/gm_shares_rise_but_will_it_be_enough_for_taxpayers.html Questions for discussion: Was the government’s decision to re-finance GM a good choice financially and socially speaking? Should more shares be issued sooner or later? Do you think the… Read more »
Why Oil Could Top $100 a Barrel
Description:Â The weakening dollar could trigger a steady rise in the price of crude, sending it over $100 next year. Source:Â Businessweek.com Date: 11/12/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_47/b4204020339245.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the key reasons given for the possible rise of oil prices next year? Do you agree with this assessment? What would this mean for investors?… Read more »
Why gold is a bad investment
Description: Precious metal lures susceptible buyers into a Midas crush Source: Marketwatch.com  Date: 11/12/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-gold-is-a-bad-investment-2010-11-12 Questions for discussion: How do you explain the run up in gold prices? Do you agree with the assessment of risk presented in the report? Would you invest in gold today? Would you invest in gold mining companies?… Read more »
Alcatel Lucent Sees ‘Turning Point’ After Deals in U.S. and China
Description: Alcatel Lucent, which has struggled in the wake of its 2006 merger, said Thursday that it had reached a “turning point†after clinching $5.7 billion in deals to build high-speed wireless networks and supply other gear for the biggest mobile operators in the United States and China. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 11/04/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/technology/05alcatel.html?src=me&ref=technology Questions… Read more »
After China’s Rare Earth Embargo, a New Calculus
Description: When Japanese mineral traders learned in late September that China was blocking shipments of a vital commodity, the word came not from a government announcement but from dock workers in Shanghai. Source:Â NYTimes.com Date: 10/29/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/business/global/30rare.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for the actions by China? How do you think this… Read more »
