Short

Goldman - We Don't Want Your Money!

So Goldman recently decided to return all of its government TARP funds. Why, you ask? Maybe because they saw the taxpayer pressure on AIG to return its bonus money. No more thousand dollar shower curtains, corporate jets, and private island vacations. Goldman doesn't want to lose all that just yet. Their problem is, taxpayers are watching them not solely because of their money tied up in government funds, but because of their money tied up in commercial real estate and other assets. Things are going to get significantly worse before they get better... read more »

Woah - Slow Down There AutoZone. Can You Say Overvalued?

Okay, so auto parts retailer AutoZone (AZO) is doing well since people are using what little cash they have left to work on their existing vehicles, as opposed to buying new ones. Reduced gas prices have also given car owners more incentive to work on their cars. And yes, AutoZone is actually doing well financially - that is, as far as revenue and income growth are concerned. But what about their debt? It's huge. So if they can't keep up their growth, look out below... read more »

Is Knology in trouble? Facing potential bankruptcy?

Knology is in trouble, and will potentially face bankruptcy faster than you can say bankrupt. KNOL's current ratio (1.2) and quick ratio (1.2) indicate it will have serious trouble paying its bills and meeting short-term operating needs. And it's Altman-Z score of negative 0.27 indicates it could face bankruptcy sooner than investors may anticipate... read more »

Why We're Shorting Beacon Roofing Supply

Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN) is a distributor of residential and non-residential roofing materials in the United States and Canada. The company also distributes other building materials, including siding, windows, lumber products and waterproofing systems, for building exteriors... read more »

Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings (AVR) and its subsidiaries, is a producer and marketer of ethanol in the United States.  Surging corn prices and supply exceeding demand are putting immense pricing pressure on the ethanol industry, and Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings is feeling the pain... read more »

Why Are We Shorting Casella?

Casella Waste Systems (CWST) provides collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to residential, industrial and commercial customers, in the eastern United States.  The financials on Casella Waste Systems are horrendous, but they are putting lots of effort into expanding into and focusing on recycling... read more »

Why are We Shorting HouseValues?

HouseValues, Inc. (SOLD) provides a comprehensive set of marketing and business management tools designed to help real estate professionals increase its productivity and income.  HouseValues, Inc. has put all its eggs in the troubled real estate industry basket and is losing cash rapidly.  At the same time, the online search market will continue to grow, which may give SOLD its needed boost... read more »