Author: Frances Aylor

Author Frances Aylor is passionate about travel and investing. She has visited the Forbidden City in China, the Hermitage in Russia, the Wailing Wall in Israel, and Iguazu Falls in South America. She enjoyed white-water rafting in Costa Rica, parasailing in Mexico, hot air ballooning in Sedona and whale watching in Alaska. She worked in investing for many years and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and worked for 26 years in the financial services industry. She served as president of CFA Society Virginia. MONEY GRAB is her first financial thriller. Connect with Frances at www.francesaylor.com.

Genworth Starts Strategic Review: Cost Cuts, Asset Sales, Debt Reduction to Come

March 5, 2015

February 18, 2015 Genworth reported a 4Q14 operating loss of $416 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, below analysts’ consensus estimates of a loss of $0.13. While the mortgage insurance (MI) business segments performed well, long term care (LTC) continued to negatively impact the company. Quarterly results included a $478 million charge for long term … More Genworth Starts Strategic Review: Cost Cuts, Asset Sales, Debt Reduction to Come

Why Gold Has Lost Its Glitter: Don’t Rush to Buy

July 11, 2013

July 10, 2013 Until its price peak in late 2011, gold had been in a twelve year bull market. Its price appreciation accelerated following the 2008 financial crisis, more than doubling from less than $800 an ounce in 2008 to over $1,800 per ounce in 2011. During 2013, however, gold lost its glitter. The price … More Why Gold Has Lost Its Glitter: Don’t Rush to Buy

Bonds: Getting Kicked Off the Playground

June 16, 2013

June 15, 2013 Most financial advisors have typically recommended that investors allocate a certain percentage of their portfolio to bonds. Depending on your age, risk tolerance, and income needs, that percentage may range from 25-40% or even higher. Historically, bonds have not only supplied steady income to a portfolio, but have also reduced overall risk … More Bonds: Getting Kicked Off the Playground

Can Genworth Make Enough Money in Long-Term Care Insurance?

June 10, 2013

June 10, 2013 In May 2004 General Electric (GE) spun off many of its financial operations into a new company called Genworth (GNW). These operations included domestic and international mortgage insurance, life and long-term care insurance, international payment protection insurance, and wealth management. The financial crisis of 2008 nearly swamped the new company, due to … More Can Genworth Make Enough Money in Long-Term Care Insurance?

Apple: Is it Safe to Take a Bite?

April 29, 2013

4/29/2013 Apple stock dropped 44% in seven months, from its peak of around $700 in September 2012 to $390 in April 2013. The drop was due to slowing growth, a dearth of exciting new products, increasing competition, compressing margins, and negative year-over-year earnings comparisons. Analysts demanded a more shareholder-friendly use of the company’s huge cash … More Apple: Is it Safe to Take a Bite?

Apple: A Big Dividend Hike Would Send the Wrong Message

March 28, 2013

March 28, 2013 Analysts expect a big dividend hike before Apple’s April 2013 earnings report, pushing the yield to around 3.5%, in line with Microsoft at 3.3% and Intel at 4.1%. This would send exactly the wrong message to investors, and would guarantee that Apple would not regain its September 2012 $700 value anytime soon. … More Apple: A Big Dividend Hike Would Send the Wrong Message