Eating Apples, or Nothing Lasts Forever
Published February 1, 2012 6969 Views
There is an interesting article in yesterday's New York Times discussing fallen giants such as Polaroid, Palm Pilot, Atari, Sony Walkman, Pagers, and potentially BlackBerry. I read this article and I think of one company, Apple (AAPL). Then I begin my struggle to understand why Apple can maintain mo...
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation's Bet Against Homeowners
Published January 31, 2012 6858 Views
After a bailout in 2008, tax payers like you and me own Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise that exists to work with mortgage lenders to help citizens get lower housing costs and a better opportunity for home financing. However, a National Public Radio and ProPublica exclusive report on M...
MF Global, Chemists or Criminals?
Published January 30, 2012 6807 Views
Are you kidding me?
MF Global Funds Feared "Vaporized" WSJ 1/30/2012 (subscription req'd).
What does that even mean? Vaporized!? Was there some type of chemical experiment conducted with MF Global's clients' money? I bet the clients never authorized that experiment. This story line would actua...
Kodak's Day in Court
Published January 26, 2012 6876 Views
We have been saying at our Community Resource Meetings that Kodak's management may have a bumpy road in bankruptcy. Specifically, there are signs that the bondholders, represented by Akin Gump & Strauss, may challenge Kodak's management and possibly ask the court to throw out the senior management t...
Kodak Roundup
Published January 23, 2012 7252 Views
As the sun rises on Kodak's first full week in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, many questions are being answered, and a few ones are being raised.
A Q&A piece issued by Eastman Kodak after their bankruptcy filing has stated clearly that current and former employees who have a balance in Koda...
The Importance of Emotional Detachment
Published January 20, 2012 6757 Views
While I pride myself on the relationships I develop with each and every one of my clients, I also pride myself on my emotional detachment I maintain in my investment philosophy. A great example of the benefits of staying the course and sticking with the plan, rather than making emotionally based inv...
We're Going West
Published January 20, 2012 7397 Views
With over 25,000 Kodak retirees residing in the town of Greece, Brighton Securities is taking our Kodak Community Forum to the west side next week. At the request of Senator Robach and Assemblyman Reilich, we'll be hosting a forum to answer your questions and address your concerns about Kodak's...
Bankrupt
Published January 19, 2012 7689 Views
Kodak, bankrupt. How can it be? Who would have thought, ten years ago - even a year ago - that this would come to pass. And yet here we are. Our firm has been busy holding Community Resource Meetings for Kodak employees and retirees, helping to provide clear information at a time when rumor, half-tr...
Are you one of the 99 thousand?
Published January 13, 2012 7543 Views
For years the Internal Revenue Service has encouraged taxpayers to receive their refunds through direct deposit. The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that it is looking to return $153.3 million in undelivered tax refund checks. In all, 99,123 taxpayers are due refund checks for last year...
On The Brink
Published January 13, 2012 6901 Views
For months the story of Eastman Kodak has swirled with rumor and urban legend. Word from the CEO had been relentlessly upbeat, despite what employees, retirees, investors, and everyone else could see happening: cash dwindling and lawyers circling. Patents have been up for sale but no deal has been...