You’re an idiot with money, and there’s nothing you can do about it

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Growth & Valuation.

Description: I am an imbecile when it comes to money, but at least I’m not alone.

Source: MarketWatch.com

Date: June 05, 2015

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/youre-an-idiot-with-money-and-theres-nothing-you-can-do-about-it-2015-06-05

Questions for Discussions:

  • What doe the article say about investor behavior and the reasons for it?
  • What do you think of the commentary?

Charter lands deal with Time Warner Cable

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

Description: Charter announced its intent to buy Time Warner Cable in a deal valued at $78.7 billion inclusive of debt.

Source: Fortune.com – video report

Date: May 27, 2015

Link: http://for.tn/1eqG8lb

Questions for Discussions:

  • Summarize the highlights of the merger?
  • Do you think it is a good deal for both firms and their investors?

Michael Kors is no longer in fashion

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

Description: The handbag wars are hurting Michael Kors. Same-store sales fell and the outlook is not good. Shares are languishing on Wall Street’s discount rack.

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: May 27, 2015

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/05/27/michael-kors-buzz.cnnmoney/

Questions for Discussions:

  • Why has the stock performed poorly?
  • What should management do to increase same-store sales?
  • Do you think the stock will return to previous high levels?

Adidas’ image problem

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

Description: Fortune’s Dan Roberts takes a shot on goal at the sports retailer’s turnaround.

Source: Fortune.com – video report

Date: May 22, 2015

Link: http://for.tn/1FE8VwT

Questions for Discussions:

  • How has Adidas performed in comparison to competitors?
  • What are the explanations provided in this report?
  • Is the market too crowded for this brand?
  • Would you be an investor?

Why Lehman Brothers Lives On

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues, Market Analysis.

Description: The repercussions of Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy can still be felt. It has been almost seven years since the firm’s failure started a global financial crisis and deep recession in most developed countries. Yet the real damage is only now becoming clear.

Source: NYTimes.com

Date: May 27, 2015

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/business/dealbook/why-lehman-brothers-lives-on.html?ref=dealbook

Questions for discussion:

  • What does the article say about the legacy of Lehman Brothers?
  • Do you agree with this analysis?

Opinion: Here’s another way to spot potential health-care-stock winners

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation.

Description: Investors typically focus on sales growth, but cash flow tells a different story

Source: MarketWatch.com

Date: May 27, 2015

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-another-way-to-spot-potential-health-care-stock-winners-2015-05-27

Questions for Discussions:

  • What should investors look for to spot potential health-care winners, according to the report?
  • Do you agree with this advice?

Best Buy stock may actually be a best buy

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

Description: The electronics retailer’s results beat forecasts. Strong smartphone sales were a big plus for Best Buy. Thanks, Apple and Samsung!

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: May 21, 2015

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/05/21/best-buy-stock-earnings-apple-amazon-samsung.cnnmoney/

Questions for Discussions:

  • What is the explanation for the stock improvement?
  • Do you think the company has turned things around?
  • Would you be a buyer of stock at this time?

CVS to Buy Omnicare in $12.7 Billion Pharmacy Expansion Deal

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

Description: CVS Health Corp. agreed to acquire nursing-home pharmacy Omnicare Inc. in a deal valued at $12.7 billion, adding services for the elderly to bolster its position as the biggest U.S. retailer of prescription drugs.

Source: Bloomberg.com – video report

Date: May 21, 2015

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-21/cvs-to-buy-omnicare-in-12-7-billion-deal-for-pharmacy-expansion-i9y39jub

Questions for Discussions:

  • Summarize the financial highlights of this acquisition.
  • Do you think it is a good deal?
  • What does the acquisition suggest about the industry and CVS in particular?

NRG CEO: Massive change is coming to the energy world

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description: David Crane sits down with Fortune’s Susie Gharib to talk about the changing landscape of the energy business.

Source: Fortune.com – video report

Date: May 21, 2015

Link: http://for.tn/1EhEjMg

Questions for Discussions:

  • What are the issues discussed in this report that should concern the energy industry, according to David Crane?
  • How do you think energy companies will respond to his call to action?
  • Should investors be attracted to companies that embrace the new technologies?

6 stocks to buy…according to hedge funds

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

Description: Hedge funds are the all-star teams on Wall Street. They command the highest fees and attract many of the best investing minds. Looking at what the 50 biggest hedge funds are buying and selling is akin to looking at what the Ivy League universities are doing. They’re trendsetters.

Source: CNNMoney.com

Date: May 21, 2015

Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/21/investing/stocks-to-buy-hedge-funds/index.html

Questions for discussion:

  • What is the thinking behind these recommendations?
  • Do you agree with these picks?