Dividend Stocks Fall on Rising Rate Forecast: EcoPulse

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators.

Description: Shares of high-dividend-yielding companies are trading near the lowest level in almost three years relative to the market, as the prospect of higher interest rates makes these stocks less attractive to investors. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Mar 14, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-14/dividend-stocks-fall-on-rising-rate-forecast-ecopulse.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for investor rotation into and out of these… Read more »

Icahn Pushes Apple CEO for $150 Billion Share Buyback

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

Description: Carl Icahn, who disclosed a $1 billion stake in Apple Inc. (AAPL) in August, said he had dinner with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook and “pushed hard” for a $150-billion share buyback. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Oct 01, 2013 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-01/apple-s-cook-pushed-hard-by-icahn-for-150-billion-buyback.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial plan proposed by Carl Icahn…. Read more »

Investors can hear Verizon now

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

Description: Shares of Verizon soar on reports that the company might make a deal with UK-based partner Vodafone to finally buy out its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: August 29, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/08/29/investing-the-buzz-verizon-wireless-deal-vodafone.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Why would Verizon want to buy Vodafone’s shares? Is the debt a concern?… Read more »

The hunt for yield

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

Description: Looking for the highest yield plays out there? Business Day asks investing experts to outline what investors should look for when choosing a dividend stock, ETFs, and top paying energy shares. Source: BNN.ca – video report Date: Aug 30, 2013 Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2013/8/30/The-hunt-for-yield.aspx Questions for Discussions: Describe the investing strategy suggested by Leslie Lundquist. What… Read more »

Stocks: Bulls vs. bears

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

Description: Prof. Jeremy Siegel of UPenn says the bull market is being driven by low interest rates, while bearish investor Jim Rogers says the rally is being boosted artificially by the Fed. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 28, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/05/28/investing-bulls-bears.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the arguments presented by both experts. What do… Read more »

Why Japan’s Selloff Is Wakeup Call for U.S. Investors

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Market Analysis.

Description: What happens when the Federal Reserve starts raising interest rates? Source: WSJ.com – video report Date: May 24, 2013 Link: http://on.wsj.com/19aZ4NG Questions for Discussions: What is the concern expressed in this report? Do you think a rapid rise in interest rates is to be reasonably feared? Do you think there will be a “rush… Read more »

Berkshire CEOs Spend Quietly, Match Buffett on Heinz

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

Description: Warren Buffett stole headlines when he committed $12.1 billion in a deal to take ketchup maker HJ Heinz Co. (HNZ) private this year. Managers at his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK/A) spent as much in 2012 while attracting less attention. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: May 10, 2013 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-10/berkshire-ceos-spend-quietly-match-buffett-on-heinz-deal.html Questions for Discussions: What does this report… Read more »

Qualcomm: The anti-Apple

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

Description:  While shareholders moan that Apple isn’t using its cash productively, smartphone chip developer Qualcomm is boosting its dividend and buying back stock. Source:  CNBC.com – video report Date: Mar 05, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/03/05/b-qualcomm-surging.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Summarize the analysis presented in this report. Would you be a buyer of Qualcomm today?

Renault Sells Volvo Shares for $1.92 Billion to Cut Debt

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

Description: Renault SA (RNO), which is losing sales faster than any other European carmaker, sold its remaining Volvo AB (VOLVB) stake for 12.8 billion kronor ($1.92 billion) to boost funding, ending an 11-year run as the Swedish truckmaker’s largest owner. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Dec 13, 2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-12-12/renault-to-sell-volvo-shares-worth-2-billion-to-cut-debt#r=bloomberg Questions for Discussions: What is the reasoning… Read more »

Sirius XM rewards Howard Stern

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

Description: The King of All Media and other investors will get a special dividend. Sirius XM, now profitable, has thrived while online radio stock Pandora has lagged. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 06, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2012/12/06/investing-buzz-sirius-xm-radio-pandora.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Explain the reasons for Sirius’ turnaround and financial success. Why is Pandora moving in… Read more »