Questions: 1. What type of public relations problem did Urban Outfitter’s have in September 2014? 2. Explain the importance of Urban Outfitter’s ability to exceed analysts predictions for the fourth quarter. 3. Urban Outfitters announced that its board of directors recently approved a repurchase of 20 million shares under a share repurchase program. What are… Read more »
Posts Tagged: business strategies
Dow Jones Industrial Average Changes Ahead
Apple, the highest-valued company in the world, will be added to the Dow Jones industrial average next month in yet another sign of how popular the computer giant has become for investors. Questions: 1. Which stock will Apple replace in the S & P Dow Jones Indices? 2. What are some of the unique facts… Read more »
Tax Fraud in South Florida? Surely you jest?
In North Miami, Josue Pierre took a shortcut into the easy-money underworld of tax fraud by using an “electronic filing identification number” — EFIN for short, and stolen IDs to file hundreds of fabricated online tax returns. Questions: 1. Why does Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Berger say that using EFINs is like “tax fraud on… Read more »
Is the use of videoconferencing one to improve recidivism or profits?
Jails are replacing face-to-face visits with video conferencing screens and are passing the costs on to inmates and their families. In some cases, these costs are up to $1 per minute. Questions: 1. Where do most videoconferencing companies make their money? 2. Who are the industry giants in prison videoconferencing? 3. Explain the last statement… Read more »
Let the Punishment Fit the Crime
The Mikado explains his ambition of letting the punishment fit the crime in Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic work. The Mikado’s song could be the new theme song of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if dissenting commissioners prevail. The debate over a “one size fits all” penalty for misconduct is at the heart of what defines… Read more »
Fraud at Florida-based adult entertainment businesses
Paul Anthony Ruggieri, accountant, pleaded guilty Friday to assisting in the tax fraud scheme of Anthony Andreozzi, the owner of two Florida-based adult entertainment businesses. Questions: 1. Based on the information in the article, how long had Mr. Ruggieri been Andreozzi’s accountant? Go to the Certified Fraud Examiner’s website and compare this amount of time… Read more »
Are you getting what is advertised?
Four major retailers were accused by the New York State attorney general’s office of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements. The attorney general demanded that they remove the products from their shelves. Questions: 1. Who were the four national retailers? 2. What were the results of tests performed on the supplements? 3. In summary,… Read more »
A Big Bet!
Pfizer is making a $15.2 billion bet on the drug industry’s new, more elite class of generics, which are costly, complex copies of already expensive biotech drugs. Questions: 1. What are biosimilars? 2. Why are there questions about the durability of the market for these specialty drugs? 3. What is the dollar estimate of the… Read more »
Credit Unions for Pot?
Since medical marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2001 and recreational marijuana was legalized a year ago, sellers have had limited, if any, access to banking services. As a result, a group of other entrepreneurs in Colorado want to start the first-ever financial institution established specifically to serve the pot industry. Questions: 1. What are… Read more »
Why Can’t I Get A Break on Airline Tickets, with Gas Down to Record Lows?
Even with oil prices down, it seems like airline tickets are either increasing in price or staying level. In fact in October 2014, there were four separate attempts by U.S. airlines to hike airfares with mixed success. But why? Questions: 1. To what conditions does Seany attribute the high airline ticket prices? 2. Do you… Read more »