This could stop Amazon’s stock rally in its tracks

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial Planning, Growth & Valuation, Personal Finance.

Description: Amazon needs to enact a large stock split and start paying a dividend to get the Dow keepers’ attention Source: MarketWatch.com Date: May 15, 2017 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-could-stop-amazons-stock-rally-in-its-tracks-2017-04-21?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: What is the concern about Amazon’s stock price as described in this article? What do you think about this argument?

Valeant shares rocket 24% as investors cheer moves to reduce debt

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

Description: Troubled drug company refinanced debt, extended maturities and adjusted terms last quarter Source: MarketWatch.com Date: May 12, 2017 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/valeant-shares-rocket-23-as-investors-cheer-moves-to-reduce-debt-2017-05-09?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Why did the stock price jump? Do you think the current value is fair, with respect to the level of debt and revenue projections?

Puerto Rico: A Debt Problem That Kept Boiling Over

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Personal Finance.

Description: It all goes back to 1917. Congress passed a law that year making Puerto Ricans United States citizens. That same law, still on the books today, empowered the island to raise money by issuing tax-exempt bonds. Source: NYTimes.com Date: May 05, 2017 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-debt.html?ref=dealbook Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for the current financial… Read more »

ESPN Has Seen the Future of TV and They’re Not Really Into It

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Description: As more fans cut the cord and go mobile, the network is busy protecting its cable-TV money machine. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Mar 30, 2017 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-03-30/espn-has-seen-the-future-of-tv-and-they-re-not-really-into-it Questions for discussion: How has the business model changed at ESPN? What can the company do to deal with these changes to operations?

The 34-Year-Old Hedge Fund Manager Who Bet Everything On A Stock That Tanked

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues, Personal Finance.

Description: Vadim Perelman was a young hedge fund hot shot not so long ago, overseeing a portfolio in the hundreds of millions at the age of 31, hopping on corporate boards, and issuing lengthy slide presentations about his favorite stock picks. Source: Forbes.com Date: Mar 16, 2017 Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanvardi/2017/03/16/the-34-year-old-hedge-fund-manager-who-bet-everything-on-a-stock-that-tanked/#5585be5c16fb Questions for discussion: Summarize the strategic… Read more »

Valeant Slumps After Longtime Backer Ackman Exits With a Loss

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Description: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. stock slumped after Bill Ackman, once its biggest champion, exited the struggling drugmaker at a loss. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Mar 14, 2017 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-14/valeant-slumps-after-long-time-backer-ackman-exits-with-a-loss Questions for Discussions: Explain the reasons for the sudden stock plunge? What is the financial situation at the firm today? How should invesdtors… Read more »

Former exec arrests keep Valeant from ‘riding into the sunset’ on Philidor controversy

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

Description: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. continues to be haunted by its ties to the Philidor speciality pharmacy as former executives from both companies face charges in a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 17, 2016 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/investing/market-moves/former-valeant-executive-and-former-philidor-ceo-charged-with-fraud-in-pharmacy-probe Questions for discussion: What is the legal case against the firm based on? What are the financial… Read more »

Teen-Jewelry Retailer Claire’s Seeks Debt Swap to Cut Borrowings

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Financial Planning.

Description: Claire’s Stores Inc., the struggling tween-jewelry retail chain, is asking bondholders to exchange almost $800 million of notes for new loans that would cut the company’s debt load and buy it more time to turn around its business. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Aug 13, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-13/teen-jewelry-retailer-claire-s-seeks-debt-swap-to-cut-borrowings Questions for Discussions: What are the risks for… Read more »

What You Need to Know About Spotify’s $1 Billion Debt Deal

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

Description: The company is facing more direct competition. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Mar 31, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/1UuRp6q Questions for Discussions: What is the significance of the debt load? Why do you think the firm has agreed to these terms? How should investors deal with this information?