Summarized qualitatively, the case for Cisco stock (CSCO) is this: Cisco makes the guts of information technology infrastructure, routers, switches and other products associated with IT networks. Their closest competitor, Juniper Networks (JNPR), is comparatively tiny, with a market capitalization a bit over 1/9th that of Cisco’s ($13.6 billion to $125.9 billion). The ratio...
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Mark Hurd’s hastily announced departure from Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) for conduct-related infractions may provide a buying opportunity for investors looking for a good entrée point for this Dow component. The news has initially sent shock waves about the stock with the price falling to close at $41.85 on August 6 when Hurd’s resignation was announced, losing...
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Writing in September 2009, I argued that investors should consider ING cumulative preferred shares. I did not at the time recommend ING’s common shares, then trading in the $14-$16 range. Now that they are trading around $8 ($8.46 at U.S. market close on June 16), depressed by the European sovereign debt crisis, I think...
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Congress adjourned for the July 4th holiday without extending long-term unemployment benefits that have been in place since 2008. 1...
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In October 2009, I argued-so far correctly-that hyperinflation concerns in the United States were exaggerated. Now fear of deflation...
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While the big news in government policy to fix the U.S. economy last week was the progress of the...
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We recently refinanced, taking advantage of the historically low rates precipitated by the financial crisis. But given the tremors felt throughout the banking industry, even homeowners with the best credit may have a hard time closing the deal. Here are some thoughts on what worked to get us a good deal: If you want...
The experience of a layoff is difficult for any marriage. My wife was laid off in January, and like many in my position I looked hard for ideas on what I should do to help. Internet searches yielded two kinds of articles: 1) posts from career counselor types who had some decent general advice,...
