Category Archive for: ‘Business’
Recent M&A Activity
Origin Energy issues $500m hybrid capital – Australian energy giant Origin Energy has launched an ASX-listed notes offer for as much as $500 million. This would be the second high-profile hybrid debt issue in recent months following Woolworth’s $700 million raising in October. The marketing price range for these securities is around 400 to 450 basis points above the bank …
The U-Turn
After being vehemently opposed to exporting uranium in any capacity to India for such a long time, it is little wonder that the Gillard Labour government’s backflip on the issue has largely come as a surprise of sorts – not so much that it happened, by more-so in the way circumstances transpired. Economically, sure, it makes a great deal of …
The Australian retail market: how Super is it?
Rupert Pedler Two recent events, the acquisition of Rebel Sport by Super Retail Group and Woolworths’ notes issue, beg the question – has the retail market finally bottomed out. As Europe’s sovereign debt dominates the financial news spectrum, a few recent events have slipped under the radar. The Australian retail sector might just be starting to bounce back from what …
To Pay, Or Not To Pay
Ongoing concerns about the long term financial viability of firms exposed to the perils of flagging markets are detrimentally affecting company bottom lines. In response, companies are looking to make improvements to their balance sheets through cost cutting initiatives – starting with the reducing of executive-level staff pay packages, writes Lachlan McCarthy. Amidst the onset of highly uncertain financial conditions …
The end of Telstra’s monopolistic strangle on the fixed line market? – The Telstra & NBN $11bn Deal
Telstra’s $11bn deal with NBN Co. which was proposed to shareholders at Telstra’s AGM recently, has been approved by its shareholders with almost %99 of the voters voting in favour of the deal. What does it mean for Telstra’s wholesale business and where will Telstra’s new direction lead it? You would have to be living under a rock to not …
M&A exposed
The global economy may sit tight with low confidence, but below are some audacious companies that continue to surge. Max Toovey and Lewis Bourne Groupon seeks $16 to $18 a share in IPO – The daily deals giant said in a revised prospectus that it expects to sell 30 million shares in its initial public offering at a …
Comparing the Big Four Professional Service Firms
In times of an uncertain global economy, one wouldn’t expect prosperity from many firms. However, a recent update on the big four professional service firms (“Big Four”); PwC, Deliotte, KPMG and Ernst and Young, has proved this perception wrong. The following article compares the Big Four and highlights where exactly this prosperity is flowing. Nitesh Chawda PwC The 2010-11 financial …
Toeing the Line: The Future of Corporate Governance in Australian Business
The need for exceptional corporate governance standards to come to the fore has never been greater, given the highly uncertain economic conditions gripping the civilized world in the recent times. But, how far is too far – to what degree are we to scrutinize the decisions and actions of company board members? Such fervor to get things right must be …
Fundamental Principle of Finance: Money now is worth more than money later
The issue with “today’s aspiring” generation is that we want everything quicker and easier. The majority of young adults are no longer seeking a stable career that will result in a steady income. Instead, they take more risks and demand wealth at a younger age. This article examines Australia’s three youngest millionaires making their millions through investing and finance. Nathan …
Google+
Internet search giant Google has recently released its Google+ project, (which launched an invitation only field test on June 28) to the public. It has the potential to replace Facebook, but will the move see users adopting the new product for their social media needs? Having heard of Google+ and what it had to offer at its very early stages …