What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of February 15-19, 2021

By Kuldip K. Ambastha In the last few years, cryptocurrencies (and their associated blockchain technology usages) have attracted the attention of many investors. During the past trading week, the first-ever North American exchange-traded fund (ETF) for Bitcoin was launched. Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC-B.TO) saw strong interest from investors and heavy daily trading volumes. Though cryptocurrencies …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of January 4-8, 2021

By Kuldip K. Ambastha QuantumScape Corporation (QS) is a leading corporation in the development of lithium-metal batteries to be used in electric vehicles. The corporation seeks to change the landscape of energy storage and make a path towards sustainable energy for the world. Prominent investors in the company include Bill Gates plus Khosla Ventures. The …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of November 30-December 4, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha On Thursday, December 3, 2020, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CRWD) had a +13.6% return for the day. The company delivered a $0.08 adjusted earnings per share figure for 3Q2020, well above the expected consensus estimate of $0.00. The cybersecurity company CrowdStrike Holdings has been successful during the current global coronavirus pandemic era. …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of November 23-27, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha The Gap, Inc. (GPS) is a prominent American company in the clothing and accessories retail sector, with store locations worldwide. The company was founded in 1969 by Donald Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the company’s stock had a -19.6% …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of October 5-9, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha Morgan Stanley (MS) and Eaton Vance Corporation (EV) were in the news prominently in this past trading week. In a deal of cash plus stock, Morgan Stanley will be buying Eaton Vance Corporation for $7 billion. James Gorman, head of Morgan Stanley, announced this deal on Thursday, October 8, 2020. (On …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of September 14-18, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha In a volatile week which saw technology (tech) stocks struggle overall, the initial public offering (IPO) of Snowflake Inc. (SNOW) stood out as a star performer. The IPO was priced at $120.00 per share, though the shares opened up on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at an astounding $245.00 per …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of August 24 – 28, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, the stock of Salesforce.com, Inc. (CRM) had a pop of 26.0%. The stock posted smaller positive and negative returns during other days of the trading week. Strong 2Q2020 results drove the 26.0% gain in one day. For the first time, in 2Q2020 Salesforce.com, Inc. had more …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of June 22 – 26, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to damage the private sector significantly. This week, GNC Holdings (GNC) and the parent company (CEC Entertainment) of Chuck E. Cheese plus Peter Piper Pizza both announced plans for bankruptcy. GNC Holdings will be using the bankruptcy process to close all of its health and nutrition …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of February 17-21, 2020

By Kuldip K. Ambastha and Anil K. Ambastha On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) and Legg Mason, Inc. (LM) made big headlines. Legg Mason returned 24.4% for the day, while Franklin Resources (AKA: Franklin Templeton) returned 6.9%. Why? Franklin Resources is buying Legg Mason, in an all-cash deal valued at $4.5 billion. …

What Caught Our Attention in the Investment World? – Week of November 25-29, 2019

By Kuldip K. Ambastha and Anil K. Ambastha Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY), a big-box electronics retailer business headquartered in Richfield, MN, delivered strong results for 3Q2019. During the quarter, the company exceeded expectations on many fronts, such as earnings, revenues, and same-store sales. The key product and service lines which performed well were tablets, …