SKARBECK: Microsoft stuck in 1990s when acquiring companies
Microsoft Corp.’s acquisition of Skype for $8.5 billion, announced May 10, continues a long history of a lack of price discipline in Silicon Valley.
Banking & Finance
Articles
HICKS: Gas prices explained by simple economics
Oil prices are affected by the demand for petroleum products, the available supply of oil, the value of the currency in which it is denominated, and uncertainty about future supply or demand.
Eli Lilly’s slumbering stock finally shows signs of life
Is it finally time to get some growth again out of a stock that since its debut on the public market 59 years ago has minted thousands of millionaires?
Northwest-side medical building facing foreclosure
The operator of the building at 8424 Naab Road near St. Vincent Hospital is accused of owing an Illinois investment firm $4 million.
Another setback for The Uptown as judge appoints a receiver
A Marion County judge has appointed a receiver to take control of three properties involved in a long-delayed redevelopment proposal for College Avenue between 49th and 50th streets.
State revokes Fishers money manager’s license
The Indiana Secretary of State’s Office has revoked the financial advising license of Fishers money manager Keenan Hauke, who is being investigated by the office over financial irregularities involving a hedge fund he operates.
Indianapolis is recognized for ‘financial fitness’
City gets high marks for efforts to encourage financial literacy among residents.
President transforms workplace culture at Farmers Bank
Few bank presidents gather their employees once a week and pass out plastic clapping hands to keep the beat to music pulsing full volume through the lobby. Fewer still climb atop a customer-service counter to open the early-morning pep rally with a full grin. Karen Miller does both.
Firms’ faith in stock buybacks not always well-placed
The ultimate test of whether buybacks are good deals for shareholders hinges on whether the price paid for the stock proves over time to have been a bargain or inflated.
SKARBECK: Getting a banker’s thoughts on financial reform efforts
Dimon believes boards and regulators “are more attentive to risk” now—a duty that was sadly trumped by greed and indifference in the years leading up to the credit crisis.
HICKS: Motherhood changes, but not in importance
The best estimates tell us that about 26 percent of all Americans are mothers, and that the past few decades have seen a big increase in the range of ages of motherhood.
East-side apartment complex facing foreclosure
One West Bank in California says it is owed nearly $3.3 million, and is seeking to foreclose on Red Mill Apartments near East 38th Street and North Franklin Road.
J.D. Byrider sold to private equity firm
The Indianapolis-based used-car chain has been acquired by Altamont Capital Partners near San Francisco, in a deal Byrider executives say will give the franchisor the necessary capital to grow.
Local developer seeks bankruptcy protection
Platinum Properties LLC, an Indianapolis upscale residential real estate developer, sought Chapter 11 protection on Monday, listing several huge debts to prominent local businesses and business people.
Fair trustee sues to recoup $138,580 in GOP donations
The five lawsuits filed this week do not include the biggest recipients of Tim Durham’s political largesse—campaign committees associated with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi.
Indianapolis bio sector hopeful as venture firms cash out
Profits flowing from earlier investments could mean more available capital, but firms continue to be selective in placing their bets.
Kirr Marbach & Co. mutual fund picks up national recognition
Financial newsletter Emerging Manager Monthly honored the fund as manager of the year in its category.
SKARBECK: Inflation a growing concern beyond the United States
when it comes to global inflation, all eyes are on China, where a rapid rise in prices is causing concern.
Adviser reaped unusual fee from Health Foundation
Throughout a two-decade relationship with client Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, money manager Columbus Circle Investors paid a finder’s fee to the foundation’s consultant, Cooke Financial Group in Indianapolis.
Hicks: Raising taxes won’t increase federal revenue
Hauser’s Law, which is really an empirical observation, notes that U.S. income tax revenue has hovered within a percentage point of 19 percent of our total economy for more than 50 years.