Tax Reform in This Election Year: It's Not Likely
Which Credit Card Rewards Does the IRS Care About?ResearchInMotion posts
FeedAs Sales of Tablet Computers Soar, Intel's Stock Value Could Fall
Intel (Continue reading As Sales of Tablet Computers Soar, Intel's Stock Value Could Fall
Nokia Partnership Provides Upside for Microsoft Stock
Microsoft (MSFT) and Nokia (NOK) recently announced a strategic partnership in which Nokia will adopt Windows Phone 7 as the main operating system for its smart phones. Microsoft competes with other tech bellwethers like Google (GOOG), Research In Motion (RIMM) and Apple (AAPL) that make smart phones and tablets, as well as the corresponding operating systems for mobile phones and tablet devices.
We believe the Nokia deal presents upside for Microsoft, as it provides an opportunity to gain share in both the smart phone operating system market and the search advertising market by leveraging Nokia's large global presence.
Continue reading Nokia Partnership Provides Upside for Microsoft Stock
Facebook Finds Its Edge on Twitter
Has Facebook found its edge on Twitter? The largest social networking site in the world, with more than 400 million users, has struggled to strike a decisive blow against the microblogging service, which surged to a user base of 60 million last year. Despite the large disparity in members, the two have been fighting for ownership of the "status update." The latest data from Facebook, however, shows that it may have an angle for beating Twitter.According to Facebook-watcher InsideFacebook, 25% of the company's 400 million users access the social media platform from mobile devices, putting it squarely in Twitter's domain. That's 100 million mobile users, putting it up 67% relative to Twitter. The battle for status from mobile devices is where you'd expect to see the fight fought, but the other utilities being accessed from smartphones may ultimately determine the winner.
Twitter to make acquisitions, generate revenue in 2010
Twitter is on the prowl. Though it made its last acquisition more than a year ago, company founder Biz Stone said on Tuesday that it's looking to add to the stable. There aren't any specific targets yet -- at least none revealed -- and Twitter is keeping its options open. The likely pool of potential acquisitions consists of third-party Twitter application developers, which is largely responsible for the micro-blogging service's growth in popularity.
Stone, one of Twitter's founders, said at a Tel Aviv news conference, "As our attention is grabbed by some of these developers, we will take a hard look at them." This refers to companies that develop applications for Apple's (AAPL) iPhone and Research in Motion's (RIMM) Blackberry. It also refers to developers for the Web and desktop, such as HootSuite and TweetDeck.
Continue reading Twitter to make acquisitions, generate revenue in 2010
NASA makes social media bet for Atlantis launch
The recession has led everyone with a budget to question ever line. From households to businesses to state and federal governments, nothing is sacred. Finding new ways to get the same result without spending the same amount mean not having to make sacrifices. NASA has been under considerable financial pressure, as many question the value of sinking cash into space travel. So, it has to get creative in justifying its existence ... and in generating excitement about the agency and what it does.
When the space shuttle launches on Monday, 200 thumbs will be at the ready. NASA has deputized 100 of its top fans on Twitter to come to the launch and tweet the experience. These fans are estimated to have more than 150,000 followers, all with the potential to retweet the messages they see. Every click of an iPhone or Blackberry will give NASA more exposure, building the excitement it needs to keep the operation afloat. So, whether you realize it or not, the launch is being brought to you by Twitter, Apple (AAPL) and Research in Motion (RIMM), even if only implicitly.
Continue reading NASA makes social media bet for Atlantis launch
Wireless Stock Watch: Nokia, a bad news buy
Nokia (NYSE: NOK), the Finnish provider of mobile telephones and networking equipment, recently hit some rough seas. The company's sales and market share tanked, due mostly to recession woes. And in the first quarter of this year, Nokia posted its first ever pre-tax loss of 12 million euros.
Now, as the world's largest cellphone manufacturer tries to compete with Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) and Samsung in the market for smart phones (see my article about this on DailyFinance, "Nokia's smartphone gets deadpan debut as carriers skip subsidies"), a number of analysts have downgraded its stock.
Continue reading Wireless Stock Watch: Nokia, a bad news buy
RIM's BlackBerry Curve overtakes iPhone as best-selling handset in U.S.
Although most cellphone hype these days is due to the ongoing popularity of Apple, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone, the exclusivity factor Apple has with AT&T, Inc. (NYSE: T) may be a possible hamper to sales. Well, that is, if Research in Motion, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) BlackBerry sales have anything to say.Rim's cadre of BlackBerries outsold the iPhone during the first quarter of 2009. In some ways, this is no surprise: the various BlackBerry models (Curve, Bold, Storm) are offered through almost every major U.S. wireless carrier there is. The iPhone is only available as a single model, sold through AT&T.
Continue reading RIM's BlackBerry Curve overtakes iPhone as best-selling handset in U.S.
JockStocks: The NHL is in financial trouble
The big news in sports this week was not LeBron James winning the MVP, nor was it the Kentucky Derby, Manny Ramirez and his drug test have made a late run at story of the week, but I am giving the sports story of the week to the Phoenix Coyotes and the NHL. Let's start with the Coyotes. The team has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and it seems that the team is destined to move, although Commissioner Bettman (some who call him Fraudmissioner or Failmissioner) contends that won't happen. Rumors have the team pulling up roots and heading to Hamilton, Ontario - making the Coyotes round trip come back home (for those unfamiliar, the Coyotes started in Canada and were moved). I have long touted the Coyotes as one of the problems of the modern NHL. This is a team that is truly a fish out of water. Even with history stretching back to the halcyon days of the Winnipeg Jets, the team could not (or would not) be embraced by fans whose only exposure to ice was to watch it melt in their iced tea. The ownership was attracted to Phoenix because of the promise of big money, and boy did it backfire.
Continue reading JockStocks: The NHL is in financial trouble
Apple: Still a favorite for the 'long haul'
In his BullMarket.com advisory, Bill Martin looks to new products from Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), such as the next version of the iPhone.
In addition, the advisors looks to the recent stronger-than-expected results announced by Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) and why that may bode well for Apple's own upcoming results.
Martin observes, "RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky said Apple will launch a new version of the iPhone inJune, which the analyst has dubbed the iPhone 3G Pro.
"In a research note, Abramsky said the new version of the popular smartphone will include a number of new features and improvements over the one introduced last summer to popular appeal.
Continue reading Apple: Still a favorite for the 'long haul'
Research in Motion blows past estimates
Shareholders of Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) are certainly having a good afternoon, as the stock has surged over 20% in after hours trading following stronger than expected quarterly earnings.As Latif Lewis pointed out in this earnings preview, RIMM was expected to show earnings of 84 cents per share for its fiscal fourth quarter. This afternoon, the company shattered those estimates by posting earnings during the quarter of 90 cents per share.
Will RIM's deep dive into consumer market yield treasure?
BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) is set to release its fourth-quarter earnings results after the closing bell today. According to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, the Canadian-based mobile phone manufacturer is expected to ring up a profit of 84 cents a share on $3.42 billion in revenue -- a big feat for any company during the current economic climate.The company has plenty going for it. It has millions of loyal subscribers and sales of "smart" phones are expected to climb this year, in sharp contrast to the outlook for the overall wireless industry. But the company faces some headwinds as well. Increased competition, a lagging stock price and concerns that its expansion into the consumer market could take a bite out of profits down the road.
Continue reading Will RIM's deep dive into consumer market yield treasure?
RIM BlackBerry sales hot, potential profit not
When Research in Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) started venturing into the consumer handset space years ago, the market saw it as a good move. After all, making business-oriented handsets with keyboards and real-time e-mail does stall after a while. To make it, you have to have those cameras, MP3 players and other consumer goodies built in.Continue reading RIM BlackBerry sales hot, potential profit not
Analysts can't decide on Research in Motion (RIMM)
Research in Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) has just been through some turbulent trading days recently. Just on Wednesday, shares declined nearly 3%, only to gain 5% Thursday. Both days, analyst calls have made the difference. Comparing shares of RIM to its biggest rival, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), that latter beats RIMM hands down with a 28% return year-to-date, much better than RIMM's return of over 10%.Continue reading Analysts can't decide on Research in Motion (RIMM)
Motorola seeks new ringtone
The once proud Schaumburg, Illinois-based Motorola (NYSE: MOT) has never fully recovered from the collapse of the technology sector in 2000. From its peak of over $57 in February 2000, MOT lost 75% of its market cap the next 12 months and surrendered another 50% over the following two years.The stock is currently trading at $3.90 after reaching a low for the last 52 weeks of $3. The stock traded at the high for the period in mid-November, reaching $12.59.
RIM's BlackBerry Storm a success, but not a homerun
Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) released its own touch-screen wireless handset just over a few months ago and so far, it's been selling well. The BlackBerry Storm, though, seems to have been plagued by software issues, user interface problems and reeks of a unit that was rushed to market before it was finished. In many ways, this happens every day from all kinds of companies. With RIM - a company known for outstanding and solid products, this just doesn't fit.The company has indicated that about 500,000 Storms were sold in the first month after release, which was no doubt a boon to the Storm's exclusive carrier, Verizon Communications, Inc. (NYSE: VZ). Does this really impact Apple's iPhone, which continues to see large sales as well?
Continue reading RIM's BlackBerry Storm a success, but not a homerun
Goldman Earnings Sink After Buffett Dividend
Johnson & Johnson's Income Falls 23%
Burberry Shares Leap on Sales Update
