Chandler Lutz

The Long Case for City Bank

Good Article! I am curious as to what their overall capital ratios are as well compared to historical norms. This may provide more insight as to why their loan loss reserves are quite low as biomedlives pointed out

Amazon, the Perfect Short?

Great article! I have to say that I agree with pretty much everything you say...Amazon has a great brand, but their valuation is in the upper stratosphere especially as the US economy is facing slowing consumer spending and rising fuel and commodity costs. That said, I am reluctant to short Amazon's shares since I can't identify a catalyst that will drive shares down. Really, the only ones that I see you mention (and please correct me if I'm wrong) are the selling of shares by Legg Mason or the CEO. Although both of these are possible, identifying the probability of such events or when they will occur is nearly impossible....and of course to quote Keynes "The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent."

First Marblehead: Hostage to the Credit Market

First Marblehead is a pretty interesting story at this point as the company is trying to transition from being solely an intermediary to a generator of student loans. I do agree that if Marblehead can survive the down downturn they can provide great returns to shareholders.

As far as Buffett being the savior...well, I see that as highly unlikely considering FMD has only a 550 million dollar market cap and obviously doesn't have a a consistent business model.

Borders Keeps Us In Suspense

Good article, but I'm just not sure that the company can make the turnaround happen. Every time I go to the borders by my house there are always people in the store, but none of them are ever in the checkout aisle. I haven't seen any numbers, but it seems like most of the money is being made at the coffee shop inside!

I also don't understand why the company wastes so much store space with the music/dvd section. I mean, who goes to borders for anything but the books??

I agree with you that it will be interesting to see what kind financing terms they arrange.

I like the stores, but I think i need to see the firm turn more customers into sales before I think about making an investment.

Borders Keeps Us In Suspense

Good article, but I'm just not sure that the company can make the turnaround happen. Every time I go to the borders by my house there are always people in the store, but none of them are ever in the checkout aisle. I haven't seen any numbers, but it seems like most of the money is being made at the coffee shop inside!

I also don't understand why the company wastes so much store space with the music/dvd section. I mean, who goes to borders for anything but the books??

I agree with you that it will be interesting to see what kind financing terms they arrange.

I like the stores, but I think i need to see the firm turn more customers into sales before I think about making an investment.

The Long Case For Exactech

That is a great link...thanks for sharing...I will definitely look at those in the future

The Long Case For Exactech

That is a great link...thanks for sharing...I will definitely look at those in the future