Description: The diesel-burning locomotive, the workhorse of American railroads since World War II, will soon begin burning natural gas — a potentially historic shift that could cut fuel costs, reduce pollution and strengthen the advantage railroads hold over trucks in long-haul shipping. Source: Star-telegram.com Date: Jan 25, 2014 Link: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/01/25/5511561/railroads-look-at-liqufied-natural.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy Questions for Discussions: Do you… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Budgets
Starbucks Just Sold $1.4 Billion in Gift Cards. What Did It Do With That Cash?
Description: Starbucks (SBUX) is slowly adding a shot of banking to its grande coffee empire. As customers pour money into its gift cards and its mobile-payment app, the Seattle-based company is booking a tidy profit simply by holding onto customers’ cash. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Jan 24, 2014 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-01-24/starbucks-just-sold-1-dot-4-billion-in-gift-cards-dot-what-did-it-do-with-that-cash#r=hpt-ls Questions for Discussions: How does this… Read more »
The $20 book that companies are betting could save them $100,000 or more
Description: CBS, Michael Dell, and others are giving David Agus’s A Short Guide to a Long Life to their employees to encourage good health. Source: Fortune.com Date: Jan 17, 2014 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2014/01/17/the-20-book-that-companies-are-betting-could-save-100000-or-more/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for Discussions: What is the message to managers and employees? What are the cost and benefits contributions to cash flow and cost… Read more »
Market up on good news? Pinch me!
Description: The jobs report was strong and the markets are celebrating. Sure, the Fed may taper sooner rather than later. But that’s not a bad thing as long as the economy is improving. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 07, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/12/06/investing-the-buzz-taper-fed-markets-bernanke-quantitative-easing-jobs-economy.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Why did the stock market rally? How do… Read more »
Microsoft is a better investment that Amazon: Blair
Description: Wedge Partners’ Brian Blair comments on today’s earnings reports from Microsoft and Amazon. He speaks with Jon Erlichman on Bloomberg Television’s “Bloomberg West.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Oct 24, 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/1cgtSB9 Questions for Discussions: Summarize the reasons for Microsoft bullishness according to Brian Blair. Do you agree? Explain why… Read more »
Google sales top estimates on boosted ad spending
Description: Google Inc. reported sales that topped estimates during the third quarter as advertisers boosted spending on mobile and video promotions. Jon Erlichman reports on Bloomberg Television’s “Street Smart.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Oct 17, 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/GSV8Y3 Questions for Discussions: Summarize the financial results for Google. The next day, Google… Read more »
New Trends in the World of Wine
Description: In today’s “In The Know” segment, International Wine Critic and Author Jancis Robinson discusses the impact of climate change on wine and where she sees growth with Mark Barton and Anna Edwards on Bloomberg Television’s “Countdown.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Oct 11, 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/1focQkZ#ooid=t5YnFvZjqLZnyB1P-cNGikcjCxSrBFbn Questions for Discussions: Summarize the… Read more »
Default would be catastrophic for big banks
Description: If you think the JPMorgan and Wells Fargo earnings reports were disappointing, just wait until the fourth quarter if the shutdown continues and a debt default occurs. Source: Fortune.com Date: Oct 11, 2013 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2013/10/11/shutdown-default-banks/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for discussion: Explain the reason for the dire predictions if the current government shut down continues. What does… Read more »
J. C. Penney Is on the Brink
Description: J. C. Penney (JCP), the centenarian retailer, is reeling from post-traumatic stress disorder. Its sales, stock price, and management credibility are all tanking. The company is in disarray after activist hedge fund manager Bill Ackman installed a chief executive officer (now departed) whose aborted attempt to reinvent the department store failed miserably and alienated… Read more »
Buffett’s 9% Heinz Dividend Means 3G Cutting Jobs, Mini-Fridges
Description: HJ Heinz Co.’s longtime leader Bill Johnson stood in the Veranda ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, addressing the ketchup maker’s top 50 executives for the last time. Around the corner in a smaller room, his successor as chief executive officer, Bernardo Hees, waited to tell some of the same managers whether… Read more »
