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The number of publicly traded companies in the U.S. is in decline. Here's why that matters.

May 13, 2024
When fewer companies are public, it limits our understanding of what’s happening in the economy.
The number of publicly listed companies has been nearly halved since the '90s.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

5 things you need to know about Lehman Brothers

Sep 10, 2018
Lehman's collapse is, to this day, the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.
Two employees of Christie's auction house manoeuvre the Lehman Brothers corporate logo on Sept. 24, 2010 in London, England.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images

New Fed Chair to Congress: Steady ahead

Feb 27, 2018
Jerome Powell will offer his insights to both the House and Senate this week. Stock traders are hoping for some calming words. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

Campbell Soup Company woos consumers with more plant-based products

Nov 21, 2017
Earnings are out this today for the Campbell Soup Company, and investors are likely to hear more about the company’s move toward plant-based foods. Not only has the company been buying up specialty companies like juice maker Bolthouse Farms, but last month Campbell’s joined a new trade group, the Plant Based Foods Association. What’s behind […]

GE cuts dividend but shareholders may ultimately benefit

Nov 13, 2017
General Electric announced today that all is maybe not well inside the multinational conglomerate empire. CEO John Flannery said the next couple years will be less profitable than previously thought and that, among other changes, he company will cut its annual dividend in half. That may sound scary if you’re holding some GE stock, or […]

GM wards off stock split as investors demand higher profits

Jun 6, 2017
The automaker is competing against electric and autonomous car companies as well as Ford and Honda.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra speaks at the company's annual meeting June 6 in Detroit. 
Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Stock splits are so old school

Jun 5, 2017
Shares of Google parent Alphabet flirted with $1,000 today, and Amazon finished up at $1,011. In the past, when a company thought its stock was getting a little too expensive, it would do a split. That would reduce the price of each share by raising the number outstanding. That basically made the stock more accessible […]

For public good, not for profit.

Churchill Downs: More than just the Kentucky Derby

May 5, 2017
Horse racing’s Triple Crown kicks off Saturday with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. It’s been a good year for the racetrack’s parent company, whose stock has risen 30 percent, double last year’s gains in the S&P 500. These days though, Churchill Downs Inc. doesn’t really resemble a racetrack company. Click the audio player above […]
A view of last year's Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Chipotle is hoping to put the 2015 E. coli scandal behind it

Apr 25, 2017
Mexican restaurant chain Chipotle reports earnings after markets close today. The beleaguered burrito brand’s stock is up nearly 20 percent this year, signaling a possible comeback from its E. coli scandal of 2015. Analysts expect a recovery quarter for Chipotle, but the company has a ways to go. Click the audio player above to hear […]

Why companies differ over 'proxy access'

Apr 18, 2017
Investors in IBM will vote next week on whether to give themselves more rights to influence company decisions. Many companies have already embraced a kind of governance called “proxy access,” where shareholders can nominate company officials. But other corporations, including IBM and Charles Schwab, oppose it.  Click the audio player above to hear the full […]