Description: Investors and consumers seem to have forgotten about the big data breach. Target’s stock is at an all-time high. Wall Street loves what new CEO Brian Cornell is doing. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: March 31, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/03/31/target-stock-buzz.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why has Target’s stock price performed so well? Do you think it’s… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Management Issues
Who Will Pay For McDonald’s Wage Hikes?
Description: If McDonald’s franchises follow the parent company – which recently hiked wages — and hike their own wages, some of them could soon be out of business. But before they close the door, they may lay-off many of their employees, who will end up paying for the wage hike. Source: Forbes.com Date: April 02,… Read more »
GM announces $5 billion stock buyback
Description: CEO Mary Barra outlined the stock buyback, as well as a new comprehensive capital allocation framework meant to put more money in shareholders’ pockets. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: March 09, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1A9zcfr Questions for Discussions: Why did GM go ahead with the buyback? Do you think it was a good decision… Read more »
Why investors should worry about this bad sign for retailers
Description: Large-cap retail stocks are outperforming the broader stock market this year, as falling unemployment means more Americans are willing to spend money. But investors seem to be ignoring a decline in earnings estimates, as management at several top companies have given conservative guidance. Source: MoneyWatch.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-investors-should-worry-about-this-bad-sign-for-retailers-2015-03-10?dist=afterbell Questions for Discussions:… Read more »
Investors Bet $100,000 Cancer Drug Prices Are Here to Stay
Description: (Bloomberg) — President Barack Obama, prominent cancer doctors and health insurers are all warning about the need to control the surging prices of new drugs. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-09/investors-warm-to-100-000-cancer-drugs-after-21-billion-deal Questions for discussion: Why are investors confident that insurers will pay high prices for certain drugs? Is there a way to… Read more »
How to start a successful craft beer brewery
Description: Michael Kane went from poring over spreadsheets to pouring craft beer with his name on it. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: March 04, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/03/03/smallbusiness/craft-beer-startup-how-to-guide/index.html Questions for Discussions: What are the financial issues related to starting and operating a craft brewery? Why is cash flow management so critical to success of the business?
When ‘Shark Tank’ deals fall apart: Why some entrepreneurs walk away when the cameras stop rolling
Description: NEW YORK — With the cameras rolling, Daniel and Stephanie Rensing accepted an offer from a Shark Tank investor. But after they had time to think about it, they changed their minds. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Feb 27, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2015/02/27/when-shark-tank-deals-fall-apart-why-some-entrepreneurs-walk-away-when-the-cameras-stop-rolling/?__lsa=7a93-d933 Questions for discussion: What are the primary benefits sought by entrepreneurs on this show?… Read more »
Goldman Sachs CEO on the benefits of low oil
Description: Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein says low oil prices are a net positive for the U.S. economy. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Feb 24, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/02/24/lloyd-blankfein-goldman-sachs-oil.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why does Lloyd Blankfein believe lower oil prices are good for the economy? How should investors be expected to respond if his understanding… Read more »
HSBC bank raided by Swiss authorities
Description: The public prosecutor’s office in Geneva has opened a criminal inquiry into allegations of money laundering at HSBC. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Feb 17, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2015/02/18/hsbc-bank-raid.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What are the concerns for investors if the investigations show illegal activities have been going on at the bank? How is this… Read more »
Traders Are Betting Sears Will Be the Next Big Retailer to Fail
Description: (Bloomberg) — Billionaire Eddie Lampert’s quest to revive Sears Holdings Corp. is looking dubious to credit-swaps traders. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 19, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/sears-turnaround-seen-failing-by-traders-in-credit-swaps-market Questions for Discussions: What are the signs that traders think suggest Sears’ demise? Do you agree with this assessment? Can Sears be saved?
