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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
May 12, 2014
by Michael Carter
Better Long-Term Winner: Keurig Green Mountain or SodaStream?
Keurig Green Mountain is now partnered with Starbucks and Coca-Cola, while SodaStream continues to build its own consumer base. Even though Keurig Green Mountain and SodaStream sell millions of their products each year, who will really dominate the home beverage making market in the end?
May 8, 2014
by Michael Carter
Breakfast or the Big Mac: Which Is McDonald’s Best Bet Going Forward?
Taco Bell is threatening McDonald's during breakfast. Sonic and Burger King are threatening McDonald's during lunch and dinner. Seeing that both its breakfast and burger menus are being attacked, which should McDonald's focus on going forward?
Apr 30, 2014
by Michael Carter
What Happened to Whole Foods Market?
Whole Foods Market has been in a downward slide, carrying other natural and organic chains like Sprouts Farmers Market with it. Kroger's expanding natural and organic line of foods has disrupted this sector, but Kroger isn't the only obstacle facing Whole Foods Market.
Apr 27, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Your Domino’s Pizza Order May Contain a Lot More Chicken
Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut have been synonymous with pizza for decades. However, competition continues to appear from the least obvious of competitors like Buffalo Wild Wings, while other factors in the food industry have encouraged pizza chains to sell items besides pizza. Today, there are many reasons why your Domino's Pizza order may contain a lot more chicken, and the company's latest release of specialty boneless chicken should not surprise anyone.
Apr 25, 2014
by Michael Carter
The Gift and the Curse of Wal-Mart’s Low-Income Customer
Wal-Mart has historically been an outlet for low-income shoppers even though competitors Target and Costco offer many comparable products. In the past six months, Wal-Mart has seen food stamp reductions impact its bottom line. This is just one example of the gift and the curse of Wal-Mart's low-income customer.
Apr 19, 2014
by Michael Carter
Are Upgraded Mannequins Really the Answer?
It was recently announced that several retailers have plans to bring improved mannequins to their display floors. Target and Ralph Lauren are among some of the retailers that plan to make the new mannequins more lifelike, while Gap owns a fashion retailer that is also following suit. Will these new mannequins solve the real issue plaguing retail today?
Apr 17, 2014
by Michael Carter
Is Ruby Tuesday’s 20% Stock Pop a Case of Low Expectations?
Ruby Tuesday's recent third quarter earnings has helped the stock surge ahead over 20% the past week. Competing on the same playing field with national restaurant chains like Darden Restaurants and Bloomin' Brands, is Ruby Tuesday's recent stock pop really a case of low expectations or is there something more to the story?
Apr 14, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Everyone Wins When Taco Bell Attacks McDonald’s
Yum! Brands' Taco Bell and McDonald's have been dueling it out on the breakfast front the past month, while Starbucks has entered the ring with new breakfast menu items. While the battle for breakfast market share is getting heated, everyone wins in the end when chains like Taco Bell attack McDonald's.
Apr 13, 2014
by Michael Carter
Will Online Ordering Really Help Olive Garden?
Recently, Darden Restaurants, which competes with other nationwide companies like Bloomin' Brands and Brinker International, announced it will be adding online ordering to Olive Garden and customer tablets within LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants later this year. However, will online ordering or other computerized conveniences really help Olive Garden and Darden Restaurants overall?
Apr 10, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why McDonald's Free Coffee Nationwide Campaign Is Perfectly Timed
McDonald's is currently giving away free coffee from March 31 to April 13 nationwide. There are many reasons why this national marketing campaign is perfectly timed, specifically because of how it affects both Yum! Brands' Taco Bell and Starbucks.
Apr 9, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Coach Should Upgrade Its Prices
With Coach's next earnings due at the end of this month, it will be interesting to see how it has performed relative to luxury brands Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren. Last quarter, Coach stated it would be increasing prices. While many analysts feel this is a bad move overall, there are many reasons why raising prices is the best move long term.
Apr 7, 2014
by Michael Carter
Will Alcohol Give Starbucks a Buzz or a Hangover?
Starbucks recently announced it would be expanding the sale of alcohol in nearly 40 stores by year-end. As competition builds within the coffee segment, which now includes chains like Panera Bread and McDonald's, should Starbucks really be focusing on expanding alcohol sales? Long term, will alcohol prove to be a success or failure for Starbucks?
Apr 5, 2014
by Michael Carter
Will Mobile Ordering Really Work for All Restaurant Chains?
In recent months, fast food chains Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and McDonald's have made progress in creating mobile applications for either mobile coupons, mobile payments, mobile ordering, or a little of all three. Despite the success of mobile ordering for some restaurant chains, will it really work for every restaurant?
Mar 29, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why Breakfast Could Turn Potbelly Into a Champion
Potbelly has been criticized for being just another sandwich shop chain that competes with much bigger players like Panera Bread and even McDonald's. Perhaps what Potbelly needs to do is address its breakfast menu because there are several reasons why breakfast could turn Potbelly into a perennial champion.
Mar 27, 2014
by Michael Carter
Why It May Become Difficult to Walk Into an Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, or American Eagle
Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, and American Eagle Outfitters have long been shopping mall staples for teen apparel. Their recent earnings, however, signal a shift in shopping habits.
Mar 15, 2014
by Michael Carter
5 Reasons Why AutoZone Can Go Much Higher
AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Automotive, combined, account for over 14,000 retail automotive locations in the U.S. Despite beating expectations and trading near its all-time highs, AutoZone is still very much a growth story and can go a lot higher in share price.
Mar 13, 2014
by Michael Carter
Is Abercrombie & Fitch Losing Its Identity?
Operating in a competitive retail environment that includes companies like The Gap while it tries not to become another victim of Amazon.com, Abercrombie & Fitch has made several changes to attract customers. In doing so, however, has Abercrombie & Fitch lost its identity?
Mar 12, 2014
by Michael Carter
What Vitamin Shoppe’s Recent Earnings Really Mean for Investors
Vitamin Shoppe's fourth-quarter 2013 earnings exceeded lowered expectations that mostly came as a result of GNC's fourth-quarter 2013 earnings several weeks ago. The real question is what Vitamin Shoppe's recent earnings really mean for long-term investors.
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