BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Is Microsoft Floundering with Steve Ballmer at the Helm?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/22/is-microsoft-floundering-with-steve-ballmer-at-the-helm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/22/is-microsoft-floundering-with-steve-ballmer-at-the-helm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/22/is-microsoft-floundering-with-steve-ballmer-at-the-helm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Although it has gotten wave after wave of bad press recently, is Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) really on the ropes in terms of not having a vision or executing a mission? Far from it. Competitors like Apple, Inc. (AAPL) and Google, Inc. (GOOG) have taken the limelight away from the world's largest software company in recent years with flashy products, sales numbers that would make any CEO grin and general rich tech-worthiness in terms of press coverage and upwardly mobile stock prices. At the same time, Microsoft has had one thing go well for it -- the recent launch of the Windows 7 operating system.

Continue reading Is Microsoft Floundering with Steve Ballmer at the Helm?

Is Microsoft Floundering with Steve Ballmer at the Helm? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GatesBillGatesMicrosoftMicrosoft CEOMicrosoftCeoMSFTSteve BallmerSteveBallmerTue, 22 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rich still too richly compensated according to richest of them all]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/12/rich-still-too-richly-compensated-according-to-richest-of-them/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/12/rich-still-too-richly-compensated-according-to-richest-of-them/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/12/rich-still-too-richly-compensated-according-to-richest-of-them/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's easy to save the world when you've already taken care of yourself. But, we rely on these mavericks -- the wealthy who realize they can make a difference -- to do what we cannot on our own. So, it comes as a relief that Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft (MSFT) believes executive compensation is still too high.

It's a murky topic, and some forms of regulation, Gates believes, won't help. In a discussion on philanthropy at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, where many of the people Gates criticized send their kids for early education, the former CEO and still rich guy cites the $1 million executive salary cap required by law in 1993 as a big mistake. While compensation has to be controlled, he believes this measure backfired and thinks that other, similar efforts are doomed to fail now.


Continue reading Rich still too richly compensated according to richest of them all

Rich still too richly compensated according to richest of them all originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>92nd st y92ndStYbill gatesBillGatescompensationcompensation capsCompensationCapsexecutive compensationexecutive payexecutive salaryExecutiveCompensationExecutivePayExecutiveSalarygatesinthenewsmanhattanmicrosoftmicrosoft msftMicrosoftMsftmsftnew yorknew york citynew york new yorkNewYorkNewYorkCityNewYorkNewYorkphilanthropyregulationregulationssalary capSalaryCapThu, 12 Nov 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven characteristics of the rich and famous: A blueprint to uber-wealth]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/05/seven-characteristics-of-the-rich-and-famous-a-blueprint-to-ube/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/05/seven-characteristics-of-the-rich-and-famous-a-blueprint-to-ube/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/05/seven-characteristics-of-the-rich-and-famous-a-blueprint-to-ube/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Those with aspirations of unfettered wealth look for clues everywhere. From top schools to unique talents, they build profiles of what it takes to become absurdly wealthy ... as though the process can be blueprinted. Well, if you're looking for answers, the Forbes 400 list is a great place to start. If anyone has mastered the art of making money, it's this collection of billionaires. They have the answers, and you are ready to learn.

A look at the lives of the Forbes 400 implies that the most important attribute is the ability to sift through ambiguity. Contradictions abound, meaning that shades of gray hold the answer to your burning desire for riches. Should you go to a great school? Well, yes ... but only if you're going for an MBA and plan to work for a major financial firm. But, you can still go to an Ivy League school if you're not studying finance but join Skull and Bones. Of course, dropping out of Harvard can be a great way to launch a career in the technology field.

It's tricky. There are no easy answers. But, the road to billions is littered with the corpses of aspiring magnates who thought it wouldn't be difficult. So, don't just read the seven attributes after the jump. Understand them. Read them twice. Then, your future financial situation will be assured.

Or, you can just do one of those chain e-mails and wish for wealth.

[Thanks, Forbes and MSNBC]

Continue reading Seven characteristics of the rich and famous: A blueprint to uber-wealth

Seven characteristics of the rich and famous: A blueprint to uber-wealth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill gatesBillGatescolumbiacolumbia universityColumbiaUniversitydellfacebookfeaturedforbesforbes 400forbes magazineforbes.comForbes400ForbesMagazinegoldmangoldman sachsgoldman sachs group gsGoldmanSachsgoldmansachsgroupGoldmanSachsGroupGsgsharvardharvard business schoolharvard universityHarvardBusinessSchoolHarvardUniversityinc.ivy leagueIvyLeaguelarry ellisonLarryEllisonmark zuckerbergMarkZuckerbergmichael dellMichaelDellmicrosoftmicrosoft msftMicrosoftMsftmsftskull and bonesSkullAndBonessteve jobsSteveJobsuniversity of pennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniawhartonMon, 05 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft set to escape government oversight in 2011]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/14/microsoft-set-to-escape-government-oversight-in-2011/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/14/microsoft-set-to-escape-government-oversight-in-2011/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/14/microsoft-set-to-escape-government-oversight-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) was hung out to dry back in 2002 when the U.S. government slapped it with all kinds of fines and limits based on its anti-competitive behavior in the PC market. Although Microsoft financially overcame all that was set against it, the company has not really wilted in terms of its software products or even the use of its market-leading internet browser, Internet Explorer.

Continue reading Microsoft set to escape government oversight in 2011

Microsoft set to escape government oversight in 2011 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anti-trust rulingAnti-trustRulingBill GatesBillGatesMicrosoft anti-trustMicrosoft Corp.MicrosoftAnti-trustMicrosoftCorp.MSFDTFri, 14 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Gates reports 5.2% stake in Kodak]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/17/bill-gates-reports-5-2-stake-in-kodak/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/17/bill-gates-reports-5-2-stake-in-kodak/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/17/bill-gates-reports-5-2-stake-in-kodak/#commentsFiled under: ,

An investment vehicle owned by Bill Gates reported a 5.2% stake in Eastman Kodak (NYSE: EK) this morning. The investment was disclosed in a form 13-G filed with the SEC, which indicates that the investment is passive in nature: Cascade Investment LLC does not have plans to become involved with the company's operations, or press for governance changes.

Bloomberg reports that the Kodak stake is Cascade's ninth-largest investment.

Continue reading Bill Gates reports 5.2% stake in Kodak

Bill Gates reports 5.2% stake in Kodak originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GatesBillGatesEastman KodakEastmanKodakEKinthenewsKodadTue, 17 Feb 2009 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Can President Obama afford a third strike with his Commerce Secretary?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/can-president-obama-afford-a-third-strike-with-his-commerce-secr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/can-president-obama-afford-a-third-strike-with-his-commerce-secr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/can-president-obama-afford-a-third-strike-with-his-commerce-secr/#commentsFiled under: ,

President Obama is now searching for a third candidate to fill the Commerce Secretary position now that Senator Judd Gregg has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position. Scouring the Intrawebs, it seems that the word that most people are using for this rebuff is "embarrassment." While I am a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, I don't know if I would go as far as saying this is an embarrassment - the President tried to reach across party lines and got bit. In fact (and I am watching out for lightning here), Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel hit the nail on the head when he said, "It's better we discovered it now than later ... If I said it wasn't a disappointment, that would lack credibility."

Continue reading Can President Obama afford a third strike with his Commerce Secretary?

Can President Obama afford a third strike with his Commerce Secretary? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GatesBillGatesinthenewsJohn ThompsonJohnThompsonPresident ObamaPresidentObamaSecretary of CommerceSecretaryOfCommerceFri, 13 Feb 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft job cuts are another sign of the times]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/22/microsoft-job-cuts-are-another-sign-of-the-times/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/22/microsoft-job-cuts-are-another-sign-of-the-times/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/22/microsoft-job-cuts-are-another-sign-of-the-times/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) today joined the ever-growing parade of companies firing employees.

The world's largest software maker is laying off 5,000 people, about 5% of its staff, in its first company-wide dismissal of workers. The move is not surprising.

Though the Redmond, Washington-based company is a cash-generating machine, investors are worried that it will be hurt by the slowdown in corporate IT spending. Last month, Forrester Research projected that spending by businesses on technology would rise 1.6% in the U.S. That's down from a projection of more than 6% made in August.

Continue reading Microsoft job cuts are another sign of the times

Microsoft job cuts are another sign of the times originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLBill GatesBillGatesfeaturedGoogIBMINTCMSFTNintendoooSteve BallmerSteveBallmertech stocksTechStocksThu, 22 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[In new Windows ad, Bill Gates shakes his other moneymaker for Seinfeld]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/in-new-windows-ad-bill-gates-shakes-his-other-moneymaker-for-sei/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/in-new-windows-ad-bill-gates-shakes-his-other-moneymaker-for-sei/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/in-new-windows-ad-bill-gates-shakes-his-other-moneymaker-for-sei/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you seen the ads? If not, you can watch the first one below.

My first reaction was -- 'Huh? What was that all about? What is it trying to say?' And it seems I wasn't alone. One review after another says pretty much the same thing: Just as Seinfeld was a show about nothing, so are the ads. Or as my fellow blogger Jonathan Berr said: "It was like a bad Seinfeld episode."

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) is looking to counter the bad publicity of Windows Vista and the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) successful commercials with this $300 million ad campaign (of which a cool $10 million goes to Jerry Seinfeld himself), but many question if this is the right use of the money.

Continue reading In new Windows ad, Bill Gates shakes his other moneymaker for Seinfeld

In new Windows ad, Bill Gates shakes his other moneymaker for Seinfeld originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplapplebill gatesBillGatesjerry seinfeldJerrySeinfeldmicrosoftmsftMon, 08 Sep 2008 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Can Jerry Seinfeld improve Microsoft's brand equity?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/21/can-jerry-seinfeld-improve-microsofts-brand-equity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/21/can-jerry-seinfeld-improve-microsofts-brand-equity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/21/can-jerry-seinfeld-improve-microsofts-brand-equity/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Moneyweb, software giant Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is hooking up with Jerry Seinfeld. No, they're not trying to revive the comedian's sitcom career (although that would be cool). It seems Microsoft is feeling a bit blah about its brand equity, so it's looking to initiate a hip advertising campaign that will tout the company's image and its powerful Windows Vista technology.

No doubt, the advertising campaign from Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) that makes fun of the PC-Windows platform has a lot to do with it. I love those commercials, and I think it's about time Microsoft came to its senses and decided to do something serious to answer them. A campaign with Seinfeld, if done with a maximum amount of creative wit, will work wonders. But of course, that's the point -- it has to be done right. Seinfeld is a big name, and his presence carries a lot of weight with consumers.

Still, I have reservations about using him in an ad campaign. Am I the only one who wasn't impressed by his American Express commercials? I liked Seinfeld in his famous television show, but seeing him pitch charge cards didn't make me want to apply for one. I thought he was boring in the format.

Apparently, ad firm Crispin Porter + Bogusky will be doing the ads featuring Seinfeld, and they were the creative force behind the Burger King commercials with the creepy King mascot. Those commercials rock. It would be nice if the firm could do something as edgy with Seinfeld and Microsoft, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm not sure that kind of lightning could strike twice.

Continue reading Can Jerry Seinfeld improve Microsoft's brand equity?

Can Jerry Seinfeld improve Microsoft's brand equity? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLAppleBill GatesBillGatesfeaturediPodJerry SeinfeldJerrySeinfeldMacmarketingMicrosoftMSFTPCThu, 21 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yahoo board is feeling the Icahn heat]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/30/yahoo-board-is-feeling-the-icahn-heat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/30/yahoo-board-is-feeling-the-icahn-heat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/30/yahoo-board-is-feeling-the-icahn-heat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It should be no surprise to anyone that despite all the ranting and raving to the contrary Mr. Carl Icahn, billionaire investor, shareholder white knight and corporate raider is heating up things in the Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ: YHOO) boardroom.

It has been reported that he purchased a sizable chunk of the company in the neighborhood of $25 per share, hoping to make another fortune pushing Yahoo back to the negotiating table with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT).

This morning AP reported that Jerry Yang, CEO and company are lobbying major shareholders to rally support for their position that Yahoo! should get a higher offer or stand alone as an independent company. It seems to me that they are standing on lose ground given that many large and small shareholders alike have already spoken, and they would have taken the deal.

The market has spoken as well, with Yahoo stock losing over a third of it's value recently and nearing $20 per share this morning Icahn is losing 20% of his investment as things look today. This is turning into the battle of the billionaires.

One small problem the billionaire boys in Redmond are not that hot on the deal any more because, as Gates Leaves Microsoft, he Calls Yahoo Deal Unlikely.

I think this whole saga might make a cute Neil Simon play if they would let him into the meetings to take some notes.

Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the principal for design and research at an architecture & planning firm. He writes the columns Chasing Value and Serious Money. Disclosure: I do not own shares in the stocks mentioned in this story.

Yahoo board is feeling the Icahn heat originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GAtesBillGatesCarl IcahnCarlIcahnfeaturedJerry YangJerryYangMicrosoftMSFTSheldon LiberSheldonLiberYahooYHOOMon, 30 Jun 2008 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Bill Gates have to un-retire from Microsoft?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/27/will-bill-gates-have-to-un-retire-from-microsoft/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/27/will-bill-gates-have-to-un-retire-from-microsoft/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/27/will-bill-gates-have-to-un-retire-from-microsoft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) co-founder Bill Gates is riding off into the sunset today, at least he sort of is. The man who made nerds and geeks "cool" is shifting his focus away from the world's largest software company to his philanthropic work.

Gates contributions to modern society cannot be understated. When he gets older, my 20-month-old son will no doubt be surprised to learn that there was a time when computers were expensive, impersonal devices the size of several refrigerators. Gates helped make the computer personal. Of that there is no doubt. How he did it remains open to debate. The elite geeks despise Microsoft for developing expensive, inferior operating systems that are prone to crashes and computer viruses.

The shift by Gates, which has been expected for some time, comes as the Redmond, Washington-based company is at a crossroads. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, Microsoft was the underdog that upended the tech establishment lead by International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM).

Continue reading Will Bill Gates have to un-retire from Microsoft?

Will Bill Gates have to un-retire from Microsoft? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GATesBillGatesDELLfeaturedGOOGhoward schultzHowardSchultzMichael DellMichaelDellMSFTSBUXFri, 27 Jun 2008 12:38:00 EST<![CDATA[How Steve Ballmer got his job]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/05/how-steve-ballmer-got-his-job/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/05/how-steve-ballmer-got-his-job/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/05/how-steve-ballmer-got-his-job/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a bit of investigative reporting that no one will care about, The Wall Street Journal has discovered that a series of disputes between Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates eight years ago caused a changing of the guard at the company. The paper writes that "The conflict between the two men paralyzed business-strategy decisions that the company still wrestles with today. Board members stepped in to try to mediate a truce."

The piece in the Journal is a nice human interest story, but that it would be the top story at the paper is a bit odd. That is until the reader considers that the cult of personality is still alive and well in American business. Chiefs like Lee Iaccoca and Jack Welch have written best-selling books. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) customers and shareholders worship Steve Jobs.

All of that, to a large extent, takes the eye off of the ball. The people who run large companies, even those that are fabulously successful, are only doing the jobs that the investing public expects of them. Even if they are founders. Gates and Jobs decided to take their companies public. After that, the only reasonable question is whether they made shareholders money.

In many ways, the transition from Gates to Ballmer has been a failure. Eight years ago, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) traded at $53. Now its stands at under $28. Gates may have turned the CEO job over to Ballmer, but neither has done the stockholders any favors.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

How Steve Ballmer got his job originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLBill GatesBillGatesinthenewsMSFTSteve BallmerSteveBallmerThu, 05 Jun 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Money: Microsoft may have escaped Yahoo disaster]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/14/serious-money-microsoft-may-have-escaped-yahoo-disaster/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/14/serious-money-microsoft-may-have-escaped-yahoo-disaster/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/14/serious-money-microsoft-may-have-escaped-yahoo-disaster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently I posted a Serious Money metrics story that included Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) comparisons along with six other stocks. Until now I have not felt very strongly about the merits of Microsoft's offer to acquire Yahoo! and merge assets and features.

I was leaning toward the price is too high camp, but now, after Microsoft has withdrawn the offer and I have looked at the current state of affairs of both companies, I think it did the right thing and may have avoided a nightmare.

To bring Yahoo! into the fold, Microsoft would have had to find enough cost savings by eliminating overlapping departments or it would have had to hope it could double Yahoo's earnings. If not, the acquisition would unduly weigh down the mother ship, because Microsoft's P/E Ratio of 17.08 is half that of Yahoo!'s 34.25.

When you look at the ROE, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) -- with its 45.28% -- has a four times greater return than that of Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO)'s 10.96%. Yahoo looks like another drag.

Continue reading Serious Money: Microsoft may have escaped Yahoo disaster

Serious Money: Microsoft may have escaped Yahoo disaster originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 May 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill gatesBillGatesbrk.acarl icahnCarlIcahnjerry yangJerryYangmicrosoftmsftSheldon LiberSheldonLibersteve ballmerSteveBallmerwarren buffettWarrenBuffettyahooyhooWed, 14 May 2008 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes 400: As Buffett replaces Gates as richest man, age of software closes]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/forbes-400-as-buffett-replaces-gates-as-richest-man-age-of-soft/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/forbes-400-as-buffett-replaces-gates-as-richest-man-age-of-soft/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/forbes-400-as-buffett-replaces-gates-as-richest-man-age-of-soft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Forbes, Bill Gates of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is no longer the richest man in the U.S. The honor now belongs to Warren Buffett, the head of conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A). Buffett is worth $62 billion to Gates's $58 billion.

This says more about the shift in the American business landscape than it does about anything else. The Berkshire Hathaway stock is up 30% over the last year, while Microsoft's is flat. Since Berkshire owns an insurance company, it would make sense that the financial crisis would hurt its value, but Buffett has stayed away from the investments that have hurt other companies.

Microsoft may be a safe investment now with its large cash position and steady income from Windows, but it is probably no longer a growth stock. Microsoft software runs on 95% of the world's PCs and many of its servers. That leaves the question of what the company can do to expand rapidly again. The answer may be that it can't.

Buffett's company is in more than a hundred businesses. He can make the argument that diversification is the foundation of a successful corporation. The firm's operations make everything from uniforms for police to concrete block, roofing systems to fabrics. Berkshire also owns large parts of companies from American Express (NYSE: AXP) to Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC).

The new Forbes ranking shows that a large bucket of good investments trumps owning a piece of one successful company in a market that is no longer growing quickly.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Forbes 400: As Buffett replaces Gates as richest man, age of software closes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axpbill gatesBillGatesbrk.aforbes 400forbes 500Forbes400Forbes500inthenewsmerwarren buffettWarrenBuffettwfcThu, 06 Mar 2008 04:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Gates networks on LinkedIn]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/27/bill-gates-networks-on-linkedin/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/27/bill-gates-networks-on-linkedin/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/27/bill-gates-networks-on-linkedin/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) loves social networking. No doubt, the company thinks there's a potential goldmine there.

Hey, the firm recently invested $240 million in Facebook -- at a whopping $15 billion valuation. In fact, Bill Gates even setup a public profile on the social network. But there was a problem; that is, too many people wanted to be his friend. Bill was actually getting about 8,000 requests per day.

As a result, he shut down his profile.

Well, Bill hasn't given up. He's now going to go on LinkedIn and answer questions regarding his philanthropic efforts (this is according to a story in C/NET).

To me, LinkedIn's Q&A feature is great (I've even used it to get sources for my stories). Although, as for Bill, I'm sure there will be a flood of questions. Keep in mind that LinkedIn has 19 million registered users.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates DealProfiles.com.

Bill Gates networks on LinkedIn originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GatesBillGatesLinkedInWed, 27 Feb 2008 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Bill Gates the next YouTube superstar?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/08/is-bill-gates-the-next-youtube-superstar/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/08/is-bill-gates-the-next-youtube-superstar/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/08/is-bill-gates-the-next-youtube-superstar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Finally, a business parody worth featuring. Several videos have laid claim to the throne, there was ... uhhhh ... hmmmm and uhhhhh ... okay; maybe this is the first laugh-out-loud business parody, and it comes from none other than William Henry Gates III of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) from Redmond, WA:



You want some market predictions, here you go: Bill Gates is the next YouTube superstar!

Timothy Sykes writes the blog timothysykes.com, is a former hedge fund manager, the star of the TV show Wall Street Warriors and author of the book, An American Hedge Fund: How I Made $2 Million as a Stock Operator & Created a Hedge Fund

Is Bill Gates the next YouTube superstar? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill gatesBillGatesmicrosoftyoutubeTue, 08 Jan 2008 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft tries to move beyond the PC -- again]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/07/microsoft-tries-to-move-past-the-pc-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/07/microsoft-tries-to-move-past-the-pc-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/07/microsoft-tries-to-move-past-the-pc-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in full swing this morning, yesterday's cream of the crop kickoff event featured a keynote speech from CES long-time keynoter Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT). In his final keynote speech at the CES show before he drops his full-time gig with the world's largest software company, Gates introduced a prototype navigation device that stores photos, music and videos while also suggesting options for shopping and dining. Sounds pretty un-revolutionary for Gates' swan song, eh?

Many of Microsoft's CES introductions since 2000 have fallen flat in the real world, which is not surprising. By trying to keep customers entrenched in its proprietary Windows PC operating system, Ol' Softie puts millions of savvy consumers off its products. Now, there are many other companies guilty of this as well, but they're way better marketers -- Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is the best example.

Microsoft, though, is realizing that Windows on the PC, along with its Office software franchise, can't sustain it forever. Gates told the audience that consumers want to "interact with digital devices in new ways, such as getting directions from their phones and speaking to their cars." This is true, and it's a reason why Microsoft's Sync has become a hit in some new Ford Motor Corp. (NYSE: F) cars. Now that Apple iPhone owners are interacting with data on their portable devices more than ever, Microsoft -- of course -- wants to ensure that functionality lends itself to devices that feature . . . wait for it . . . software from Microsoft as well. This really is not a new fight for the software giant. It's hard, though, to tell what is different with this version of it.

Microsoft tries to move beyond the PC -- again originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill GatesBillGateshandheld computerHandheldComputerinthenewsMicrosoftMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoftWindowsMSFTPCMon, 07 Jan 2008 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Options update 12-28-07: Microsoft shares near six-year high into CES]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/28/options-update-12-28-07-microsoft-shares-near-six-year-high-int/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/28/options-update-12-28-07-microsoft-shares-near-six-year-high-int/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/28/options-update-12-28-07-microsoft-shares-near-six-year-high-int/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT) -

Bill Gates will give the pre-show keynote address at International CES on January 6 in Las Vegas. CES features 2,700 exhibitors spanning 30 product categories.

MSFT is expected to report EPS on January 24th.

MSFT overall option implied volatility of 27 is near its 26-week average of 25 according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional risk.

Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options update 12-28-07: Microsoft shares near six-year high into CES originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill gatesBillGatescesmicrosoftmsftoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityFri, 28 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Option update: MSFT, ETFC implied volatility elevated]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/03/option-update-12-3-07-msft-etfc-implied-volatility-elevated/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/03/option-update-12-3-07-msft-etfc-implied-volatility-elevated/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/03/option-update-12-3-07-msft-etfc-implied-volatility-elevated/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) -- Bill Gates will give the pre-show keynote address at CES on January 6th in Las Vegas. CES features 2,700 exhibitors spanning 30 product categories. MSFT overall option implied volatility of 29 is above its 26-week average of 24 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

E-Trade (NASDAQ: ETFC) -- ETFC is recently down 65 cents to $4.04. On November 29, ETFC announced a $2.5 billion cash infusion deal from Citadel Investment Group. Bank of America says: "Downgrade to sell (PT goes to $2) as we no longer believe the value of the ETFC's retail brokerage business, a dwindling asset (which has lost 17% of assets already), can offset negative value at the bank." ETFC overall option implied volatility of 111 is above its 26-week average of 72, according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Daily Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Option update: MSFT, ETFC implied volatility elevated originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bank of AmericaBankOfAmericabill gatesBillGatescesCitadel Investment GroupCitadelInvestmentGroupE-TradeetfcmicrosoftmsftMon, 03 Dec 2007 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirty business: Hygenie's list of the ten least sanitary CEOs]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/12/dirty-business-hygenies-list-of-the-ten-least-sanitary-ceos/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/12/dirty-business-hygenies-list-of-the-ten-least-sanitary-ceos/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/12/dirty-business-hygenies-list-of-the-ten-least-sanitary-ceos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Clockwise from upper left: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen; Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak; HDNet Chairman Marc Cuban; Virgin Group Chairman Richard BransonHygenie.com lists the Top 10 Dirty Businessmen -- corporate executives whose conduct has, for one reason or another, raised serious questions about their personal hygiene. Here's the list:
  • Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) CEO Steve Ballmer -- Check out the picture of him sweating: Yuck!
  • Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky -- Face itcher!
  • Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson -- Streaker!

Continue reading Dirty business: Hygenie's list of the ten least sanitary CEOs

Dirty business: Hygenie's list of the ten least sanitary CEOs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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