Michael Carter
mikecart1
I graduated with honors with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and later got my MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. I'm a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) for the state of Pennsylvania. As an experienced equities investor and Motley Fool member since 2006, I try to show that investing is not only for the pros.
Recent Articles by Michael Carter
Jul 30, 2014
by Michael Carter
Wal-Mart and Target Crank Up the Competition Online
Wal-Mart and Target are now competing for customers online more than ever before, given the fact that online retailers like Amazon.com are becoming the go-to place among customers. Given everything that Wal-Mart and Target have done to improve their e-commerce platforms, which one is really set to win long term, and why?
Jul 26, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Buffalo Wild Wings Is up Only 4% This Year
For a stock that multiplied in value several times over the past few years, Buffalo Wild Wings has had a relatively mediocre year as a stock. Is the increased competition from industry rivals like BJ's Restaurants or Brinker International's Chili's Grill & Bar to blame, or is it something else?
Jul 21, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why AMC Entertainment Is up Nearly 20% Since Its IPO
AMC Entertainment, Regal Entertainment, and Cinemark represent the Big Three in the movie theater business. However, since its IPO in late 2013, AMC Entertainment has outperformed not just its rivals, but the S&P 500 as well. Why has AMC Entertainment's stock been on such a run lately?
Jul 10, 2014
by Michael Carter
Is Abercrombie & Fitch Changing Too Fast for Its Own Good?
Abercrombie & Fitch has made more changes this year than it has in the past several years combined. In an effort to keep pace with industry rivals like American Eagle Outfitters and Gap, is Abercrombie & Fitch changing too fast too soon?
Jul 7, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Potbelly’s Stock Is Down Over 30% This Year
After falling over 20% from its debut last year, Potbelly's stock has now dropped another 30% this year. While it currently faces competition from Panera Bread and comparisons to fellow newcomer Noodles & Company, there are many other reasons why Potbelly will continue to drift down.
Jul 1, 2014
by Michael Carter
Will Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger Declare Its Independence This Year?
The Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger is coming back this coming Independence Day weekend. A big hit for Wendy's in 2013, how will its return impact Wendy's and its closest rivals McDonald's and Burger King? More importantly, will the sandwich stay on the menu this year?
Jun 26, 2014
by Michael Carter
Is Whole Foods Market About to Have an Identity Crisis?
Whole Foods Market continues to struggle as competitors like The Fresh Market and Sprouts Farmers Market see growth reminiscent of a younger Whole Foods Market. As it attempts to make significant changes, is Whole Foods Market about to have an identity crisis?
Jun 24, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Darden Restaurants Needs to Sell Olive Garden Now
Darden Restaurants, Bloomin' Brands, and The Cheesecake Factory are national restaurant chains competing for the same customers. Despite Darden Restaurants' recent sale of Red Lobster, Olive Garden is still a major problem, and it needs to be sold ASAP.
Jun 19, 2014
by Michael Carter
Can Dunkin' Donuts Brew Higher Coffee Prices Like Starbucks Can?
Higher coffee prices are affecting coffee chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks as well as fast food companies like McDonald's. The real question, though, is if Dunkin' Donuts can handle higher coffee prices like Starbucks can.
Jun 18, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why McDonald’s, Yum! Brands, and Burger King Succeed in Europe
Even though McDonald's and Yum! Brands have recently struggled in the U.S., both companies have steadily grown in Europe over the past several quarters. Likewise, Burger King has had great success in Europe. Why are these three fast food brands succeeding in Europe?
Jun 13, 2014
by Michael Carter
Did Darden Restaurants Sell the Wrong Restaurant Chain?
Red Lobster is no longer under Darden Restaurants. In competing with Bloomin' Brands, Brinker International, and several other restaurant companies, did Darden Restaurants think of everything when it sold Red Lobster? Or did it really sell the wrong restaurant chain?
May 30, 2014
by Michael Carter
Was J.C. Penney’s Recent Quarter a Fluke During a Perfect Storm?
J.C. Penney saw its stock rebound slightly after beating estimates this past quarter. In an environment where J.C. Penney is competing against other nationwide retailers like Kohl's and Target, was its recent quarter just a fluke?
May 28, 2014
by Michael Carter
Yum! Brands, Inc. Is Now Ready to Disrupt Fast Food Beyond Breakfast
Despite Yum! Brands' Taco Bell making continuous headlines over its new breakfast menu as it attacks McDonald's, Yum! is also making big moves outside of breakfast in an effort to compete for market share currently dominated by fast-casual chains like Chipotle.
May 26, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on Potbelly Corp Just Yet
Despite losing over half of its valuation from its IPO last October, and experiencing competition among dozens of sandwich chains like Panera Bread, while facing unrealistic comparisons to fast casual growth king Chipotle, there are many reasons why you shouldn't give up on Potbelly just yet.
May 17, 2014
by Michael Carter
Is GNC’s Dominance Over Vitamin Shoppe Overestimated?
Both GNC and Vitamin Shoppe recently released their earnings. GNC's size and partnership with Rite Aid have led many to believe that it is dominating Vitamin Shoppe and the rest of the supplement industry. However, does size really matter in this case?
May 15, 2014
by Michael Carter
Is Now the Time to Buy Into an Aeropostale Comeback?
Aeropostale recently announced that it is closing several stores, revamping its corporate strategy, and reducing its workforce. In a competitive retail environment where the company competes for customers against companies like Express and The Gap, is now the time to buy into an Aeropostale comeback?
May 13, 2014
by Michael Carter
Has Starbucks Given Up on Coffee?
Starbucks and Dunkin' Brands Group recently reported their earnings. While Dunkin' Brands Group continues to build a growth strategy around its Dunkin' Donuts stores and its coffee, Starbucks continues to diversify into segments outside of coffee despite renewing its agreement with Keurig Green Mountain. Has Starbucks given up on coffee for now?
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