What’s going here? Disney, McDonald’s, Starbucks and other U.S. companies with significant exposure in China are suspending operations as response to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The municipal government of Shanghai also issued a notice ordering companies not to resume work after the CNY holiday until Feb. 3, instead of Jan. 31. The virus has…
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Ep 94: Sorry, We’re Closed
What’s Going On Here? Investors ditched their stocks on Monday, as the deadly coronavirus continued to disrupt the Chinese – and global – economy. What Does This Mean? Chinese authorities confirmed on Monday that the virus has killed 80 people and infected almost 3,000 more. And they warned its spread could accelerate with the millions…
Ep 93: Vietnam grapples with an unexpected surge in solar power
What’s going on here? Context: Solar power played almost no part in Vietnam’s energy mix in 2017. To speed the technology’s adoption, the government offered to pay suppliers a generous $0.09 for every kilowatt-hour produced by big solar farms, but only if they started operations within the following two years. By the end of 2019,…
Ep 92: Chin Up
What’s Going On Here? Computing giant IBM saw its stock price rise 3%, and it isn’t the only stunner on the catwalk. But are positive surprises really so in fashion this earnings season? What Does This Mean? IBM’s revenue grew (just) last quarter, thanks to a new mainframe model and strong software sales from a trendy Red…
Ep 91: Washout
What’s Going On Here? Global healthcare and consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Suda-fed investors with fourth-quarter sales that fell short of expectations. What Does This Mean? J&J’s global sales across 2019 ended essentially flat on the year before. While pharmaceuticals revenue climbed almost 4%, this was largely offset by a similar decline in medical device…
Ep 90: Awards Season
What’s Going On Here? Netflix reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results. What Does This Mean? The streaming giant’s quarterly revenue was 31% higher, and a little more than investors expected – and its profit beat forecasts too. That was partly thanks to the added 8.8 million subscribers – a big jump from the promised 7.6 million. Netflix only…
Ep 89: Vingroup plans Thai bonds as funding options narrow
What’s going on here? Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest company, plans to issue this year its first baht-denominated bonds as the sprawling conglomerate (1) seeks to expand its loss-making car business and (2) has exhausted its funding options at home. What does this mean? Opportunities and risks from Baht’s appreciation The baht strengthened 8% against the U.S….
Ep 88: Trim Pickings
What’s Going On Here? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) trimmed its growth forecasts for the global economy, but it also softened previous risk warnings. What Does This Mean? The IMF now expects the world economy to grow 3.3% in 2020 and 3.4% in 2021, down from previous forecasts of 3.4% and 3.6%. Still, that’d represent a…
Journal Report 1: Microsoft Vs. Amazon: Valuing The Cloud
Summary Amazon and Microsoft lead the very lucrative cloud market, which generates substantial cash flows for investors. While they’re both titans of the cloud industry, one offers a more compelling value proposition. A winner is finally chosen based on both qualitative and quantitative factors. Introduction The largest cloud stocks with the strongest, most predictable cash…
Ep 87: Step Right Up
What’s going on? US investment bank JPMorgan Chase proved its strength and won a prize when it announced financial results: its 2019 was the most profitable year for any US bank ever. What does this mean? JPMorgan reported a 21% surge in profit last quarter: largely driven by a 56% increase in trading revenue. Bond trading was…
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