Pricing the future: How we value derivatives

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Management Issues.

Description:  Our Weekly Read column features Fortune staffers’ and contributors’ takes on recently published books about the business world and beyond. We’ve invited the entire Fortune family — from our writers and editors to our photo editors and designers — to weigh in on books of their choosing based on their individual tastes or curiosities…. Read more »

Goldman Sachs Names 261 Managing Directors, Fewest Since 2008

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

Description:  Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the fifth- biggest U.S. bank by assets, named the smallest group of new managing directors since 2008 as the firm cuts jobs and grapples with declining revenue. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/19/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-19/goldman-sachs-names-261-managing-directors-fewest-since-2008.html Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest to you about the thinking on managing directors and… Read more »

The End of Borders and the Future of Books

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

Description:  An inside look at the real reasons for the once-beloved chain’s demise Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/10/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-end-of-borders-and-the-future-of-books-11102011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report. What lessons are there here for financial managers to learn from the mistakes made?

Disney Earnings Exceed Estimates on Growth at Theme Parks, Cable Networks

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description:  Walt Disney Co. (DIS), the world’s biggest theme-park operator and owner of ESPN, posted a 30 percent gain in fourth-quarter profit, beating analysts’ estimates on growth in cable TV and at U.S. resorts. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: 11/11/2011 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-10/disney-profit-beats-estimates-on-parks-cable-network-growth-shares-jump.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the recent performance of the various Disney operations? Do these results… Read more »

Could Shale Gas Reignite the U.S. Economy?

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

Description:  Unlocking vast reserves of shale gas could solve the energy crisis, the jobs crisis, and the deficit. Now, about fracking’s safety … Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/03/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/could-shale-gas-reignite-the-us-economy-11032011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? What are the economic forces at play favoring development of shale gas? What are the forces… Read more »

Apple Doles Out $60M Stock Grants to Execs

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Management Issues.

Description:  Apple Inc. (AAPL), seeking to retain its management team in the wake of former Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs’s death last month, gave $60 million restricted-stock grants to most of its senior vice presidents. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: 11/04/2011 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-04/apple-doles-out-stock-grants-to-several-of-its-top-executives.html Questions for discussion: Do you believe this is a wise financial planning decision at… Read more »

Alaska’s Billion Dollar Mountain

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues, Market Analysis.

Description:  The story of one man who used a little persuasion—and a lot of luck—to win the rights to millions of tons of rare earths Source: Businessweek.com Date: 10/27/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/alaskas-billion-dollar-mountain-10272011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? What did you learn about the industry from an “on the ground” point of… Read more »

Avon’s Jung Under Scrutiny as SEC Starts Second Investigation

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Management Issues.

Description:  With the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probing Avon Products Inc. (AVP)’s dealings with analysts, Andrea Jung may be facing the toughest challenge of her 12-year tenure as chief executive officer. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: 10/28/2011 Link:   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-28/avon-s-jung-under-scrutiny-as-sec-starts-second-investigation.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems facing the firm? How have investors reacted to the investigations? How… Read more »

What Really Has Wall Street Worried

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues, Market Analysis.

Description:  It isn’t Occupy Wall Street. It’s the prospect of a shifting market and pay cuts and layoffs Source: Businessweek.com Date: 10/20/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/what-really-has-wall-street-worried-10202011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? Do you agree with the views presented? Do you think banks misbehaved – causing the crisis? Do you expect players to… Read more »