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Average Joes help fuel Blackstone’s growth
When you think of customers for Blackstone (NYSE: BX), the world’s biggest alternative investment manager, you probably think of huge institutional investors like insurance companies. But now individuals too are getting into alternative assets, which include private equity, hedge funds and real estate. They are drawn by mouth-watering returns and marketing hype from financial advisers […]
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Ralph Lauren remains luxury standout
Despite raising prices on its clothing, luxury retailer Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) has maintained its popularity among shoppers who are seeking a certain aesthetic. One reason the company has been able to keep its legions of fans happy could be that the company has stuck to its core style, avoiding fashion trends that have often […]
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Workiva must be working
One advantage held by companies selling subscription services is a tidy, predictable recurring revenue stream and a significant competitive advantage from switching costs. It can be just too much hassle, time and money to switch to a competitor’s product. But that advantage exists only if the product is good and switching to competing options isn’t […]
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Power generation provides the charge for Caterpillar
You probably know Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) as the world’s biggest maker of construction machinery. But that business is suffering from high tariffs, and it’s power generation for data centers that is boosting the company now. As you’re no doubt aware, data centers are mushrooming around the world in a race to develop artificial intelligence. As […]
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Has Fair Isaac hit a boulder, or just a speed bump?
Fair Isaac (NYSE: FICO), the credit analytics juggernaut founded 70 years ago by engineer William Fair and mathematician Earl Isaac, has seen its stock hit the skids in recent weeks. But it’s unclear how much trouble the company itself faces. The stock has plunged 39% since May 19. On May 21, Federal Housing Finance Agency […]
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Hyatt’s move into franchise model is on the right track
Hyatt Hotels (NYSE: H) is continuing to transform how it does business, as the company enters its seventh decade. Its current strategy mirrors its larger competitors who have shifted some of the risk and financial responsibilities to their franchise owners. Hyatt has also shed some of its properties, while adding marquee names such as the […]
