TOP 100 TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS SITES
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| Banks Take a Cue from Ford's Capitalism Ryan Avent submits: The most fascinating thing to me about the coverage of the fate of Chrysler and General Motors (GM) is the extent to which the language has changed since earlier this year and late last year. In 2008, the automakers were all hanging together, and aid was cast as critical for the continued functioning of the economy -- without it, bankruptcy would result, leading to the collapse of suppliers and the loss of millions of jobs. The government played along, extending loans to Chrysler and GM and a line of credit to Ford (F).But the tune now being played is a little different. Chrysler will almost certainly file for bankruptcy, whether or not it reaches an agreement with creditors or Fiat (FIATY.PK), and in fact, liquidation is not out of the question. GM's position on bankruptcy has also changed significantly; the company acknowledges that it may be unavoidable, though it seems certain that the government would take the necessary steps to ensure that restructuring, rather than liquidation, would be the order of the day for GM.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Fuel Systems Solutions Conceptualizes a Better Energy Policy Michael Fitzsimmons submits:A "Cash for Clunkers" bill is working its way through Congress. The basic points of the bill are:Rationale: stimulate new vehicle sales to help employment and the US government investments in GM (GMGMQ.PK) and Chrysler.Buyers can get a federal voucher for up to $4,500 by trading in their vehicle for one getting better gas mileage.Estimates predict 1 million cars could be traded in. That means the total price tag could be $4 billion dollars. This money will come from the Department of Energy funding in the already enacted in the $787 billion economic stimulus package.To qualify, you must trade in any car that has been registered for at least 1 year and gets a federal combined fuel rating of 18 mpg or less.The new car ($45k or less) must be rated at least 4 mpg better than the old to get you a $3,500 voucher. 10 mpg better wil get you the full $4,500.For trucks or SUV's, you only need to get 2 mpg better for $3,500 or 5 mpg better for $4,500.The bill is currently in House committee and is supported by Obama. Senators from both parties are preparing to co-sponsor similar legislation.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Honda Profit Plummets Zacks.com submits: Japan’s second-biggest automaker Honda (HMC) reported a sharp 95.6% fall in profit for the first quarter of its financial year ended June 30 due to a severe decline in unit sales. In absolute terms, consolidated net income reached $79 million (JPY 7.56 billion) or 4 cents (JPY 4.17) per share from $1.81 billion (JPY 173 billion) or $1.00 (JPY 95.56) per share in the prior-year quarter. Consolidated operating income dipped 88% to $262 million (JPY 25.1 billion) due to decreased profits attributable to decreased revenue, an increase in fixed costs per unit as a result of reduced production and the unfavorable impact of currency effects caused by the appreciation of the Japanese yen.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Earnings Preview: Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson (HOG) is expected to report Q3 earnings before the market open on Thursday, October 15 with a conference call scheduled for 9 am ET. GuidanceAnalysts are looking for a profit of 21c on revenue of $1.1B. The consensus range is 6c-37c for EPS, and revenue of $1.07B-$1.14B, according to First Call. In July the company reported a 91% profit decline and said it would cut 700 jobs. In addition, the company lowered its 2009 shipment expectations, saying it plans to ship 30% fewer motorcycles than in 2008. The Wall Street Journal reported in August that Harley-Davidson may be able to offset shrinking demand in the U.S. by tapping the fast-growing Indian luxury market. The motorcycle maker, which recently named interim CFO John Onlin as the permanent CFO, could report improving sales for the quarter. Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Boeing's 747 Dreamliner and CDS / Equity Ratio Jim Delaney submits: To say that the world is a different place than it was yesterday is a bit cliché; to say it is a different place than it was on Thanksgiving Day 2007 is the grossest of understatements. Having hopefully been through the worst of the back side of the most recent bubble, and not wanting to raise why we might not be on the eve of a holiday that is a time of giving thanks, I would like to wish every one reading this a good holiday. Taking a moment to be grateful that we’re still here (to lament and bemoan for some) is not a bad thing today, tomorrow and everyday.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |