Weekly Market Report: October 31, 2024

Nov 1, 2024

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Restaurant & Retail Updates

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

The Light House Café at 119 West Mission Avenue in Olde Towne Bellevue is expanding and adding a full-service coffee shop. The business will double in size, taking over the three bays next door. The Light House Coffee Shop features Bellevue-roasted Reboot Roasting Bean, a variety of coffees and teas plus light-fare foods and pastries. Opening is scheduled to take place during the holiday season.

Cabin Coffee is opening its first Nebraska location at 99th & Portal Road in Papillion. The drive-thru coffee chain is based in Clear Lake, Iowa and currently has 23 locations in seven states. The closest existing locations are in Winterset, Iowa and Savannah, Mo. Opening is planned for January.

Exterior signage has been installed for Ziggi’s Coffee Drive Thru’s first metro-area location near 201st & Q Street. Omaha-based Perkins-Critser Construction is the contractor. Ziggi’s will open for business on November 22nd. Colorado-based Ziggi’s has locations nationwide including one in Lincoln and one in Fairbury, Neb.

Dario’s Brasserie, Dundee’s beloved French eatery that closed in 2022 after 16 years, will return for a one-night pop-up tonight, October 31st. Classics like cheeseburgers, mussels and French onion soup will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. at Avoli Osteria, a northern Italian spot under the same ownership at 5013 Underwood Avenue. The owners recommend reservations.

Uptown Java held a grand opening last Thursday in the former Fala’s Coffeehouse space at 2627 North 205th Street. The Olde Towne Elkhorn coffee shop is operated by Fresh Hope for Mental Health founders Pastor Brad & Donna Hoefs, with all profits going to support the ministry.

Taste of India has relocated to 3562 Farnam Street in the former Farnam House Brewing Company space near 36th & Farnam in Blackstone, according to Sage Capital Real Estate Investments. The restaurant previously operated from a very small building at 3572 Leavenworth Street near 36th & Leavenworth.

Prehistoric Putt will open its new location in the former Nobbies building tomorrow, November 1st, at 2500 South 120th Street in Bel Air Plaza. Its current Omaha location at 11134 Q Street will remain open until October 31st. The indoor miniature golf course has other locations in Independence, Mo. and in Lincoln. The owner also operates The Fat Putter, Medieval Putt, and Capitol Arcade.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is closing its Village Pointe location this today – October 31st. That’s two months before the current lease expires. The restaurant is located north of Kona Grill and west of the brand-new Nordstrom Rack. There are no plans to reopen a Johnny’s anywhere else in the Omaha area. Heart of America Group, the Moline, Illinois-based parent company, does plan to open a Burger Shed restaurant next year southwest of 180th & West Maple Road.

Greenbelly has abruptly closed its doors at 210 North 114th Street, just southwest of 114th & Dodge. The family-owned restaurant, which opened in Omaha in 2008, had previously operated additional locations in Elkhorn and Aksarben.

Untamed Kitchen at 1421 Farnam Street permanently closed earlier this week. The healthy food restaurant opened in October of 2023. The owner plans to reopen next year in a yet-to-be determined location.

Mission Ave BBQ at 900 West Mission Avenue in Bellevue plans to close permanently this Saturday – November 2nd. The restaurant only made it about a year and a half.

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The “Restaurant & Retail Updates” section is sponsored by Anderson Convenience Market, featuring Quality AMOCO Fuels and serving Omaha since 1952, and proud to announce the return of Quality Amoco Fuels. Look for changes this Summer at Anderson Convenience Market – 8 Omaha area locations!

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

The Big Story

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The Row on First at 103 South 24th Street in Council Bluffs
Above: The Row on First at 103 South 24th Street in Council Bluffs

The Row on First Now Complete & Ready for Homeowners in Council Bluffs

The 712 Initiative and the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce have announced the completion of The Row on First, a set of three newly constructed townhomes located at 99, 101 and 103 South 24th Street in Council Bluffs.

This project not only offers modern, eco-friendly housing but also represents the culmination of a significant transformation of the once industrial West Broadway corridor.

“The completion of The Row on First marks a proud moment for our community as it’s the first housing project along the new FIRST AVE corridor,” said Chris LaFerla, Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce director. “This project sets the tone for what’s possible in terms of smart growth and revitalization to support the continued development of Council Bluffs.”

The vision behind The Row on First took root more than 20 years ago when The 712 Initiative, then known as PCDC, acquired Omaha Standard’s property on West Broadway. The project later expanded with the purchase of four additional blighted properties, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive redevelopment effort in partnership with the City of Council Bluffs.

Over the years, these two city blocks (7.2 acres) have been transformed into a vibrant area that includes Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, First National Bank, the FIRST AVE trail, and now, The Row on First.

“The 712 Initiative’s work on The Row on First is a great example of how to revitalize key areas of Council Bluffs,” said Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh. “This project is helping address the housing needs of our growing community.”

These three newly constructed townhomes are situated on the FIRST AVE corridor, a key feature in the area’s transformation. The two end units offer 1,723 of finished sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage. The middle unit has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in its 1732 sq. ft. layout and no garage.

FIRST AVE, a former rail corridor vacated in 2013, is located one block south of West Broadway. The multi-modal corridor enhances the operation of West Broadway, links to downtown Omaha, and provides opportunities to redevelop obsolete industrial properties. Trail amenities include lighting, landscaping, public art and plazas, making FIRST AVE a “linear park,” not just a trail.

“The Row on First is an innovative answer to urban housing challenges, promoting sustainable infill development while providing amenity-rich living options for local families,” said Courtney Harter, Community Development Director for the City of Council Bluffs.

The Row on First maximizes land use by transforming a typical single-family parcel into a higher-density development, accommodating three units per parcel. Positioned along the pedestrian friendly FIRST AVE, these homes offer proximity to vital amenities such as shops, restaurants, schools, and parks, plus a trail connection to the Missouri River and downtown Omaha. The middle unit of The Row on First is supported by a Google grant and includes solar panels to help reduce utility costs.

This site holds a deep connection to the community. The West Broadway Hy-Vee once hosted a community garden, where students from Children’s Square learned about healthy eating and the growth cycle through hands-on involvement. While the land has since been repurposed into housing, its impact endures. From educating children to soon welcoming three new families, this land remains an integral part of the community’s fabric

This section is sponsored by RENZE. Click HERE to see our work for one of North America’s largest and most respected engineering and construction organizations! For nearly 130 years, we have been providing our clients with innovative solutions for interior corporate and retail branding, as well as unique exhibits and graphics for tradeshows and events. With leading-edge equipment and quality craftspeople working out of our 90,000 sq. ft. facility, we like helping brands grow.

Grow Omaha Snippets

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

Elkhorn Center, a 72-acre, mixed-use district, is planned south of Elkhorn South High School. The development would include a mix of light industrial, retail and multifamily buildings. Light industrial appears to the predominant use with the plans calling for 180,000 sq. ft. spread over eight buildings, including six smaller 16,000 sq. ft. buildings. Retail development would total nearly 120,000 sq. ft. The residential component would be a 144-unit “apartminium” development. “Apartminiums” are rental units that boast condominium amenities, such as private entrances and garages.

The first building to go vertical in Papillion’s Tower District is now under construction. It’s a Starbuck’s Coffee. The $300 million Tower District is a 120-acre development underway northwest of 84th & Highway 370. The name comes from the Papillion water tower which dominates the site.

The City Omaha Council approved an agreement with Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority to accommodate the building of the streetcar vehicle maintenance facility. The amendment reduces the land leased by MECA from the city on the Lot A surface parking lot, south of the CHI Health Arena. The facility will be located next to an existing OPPD substation just north of the I-480 overpass. Site plans show three separate rail entrances and an outdoor spur along the side of the 2-story building.

Groundbreaking for the $60 million Bellevue Bay Water Park is now expected to take place in March instead of this fall, according to KMTV. Completion is still planned for late 2026. The major tourist attraction will be located at the Kennedy Freeway & Platteview Road.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named University of Nebraska Medical Center as one of 10 Regional Centers for Public Health Preparedness and Response across the nation. These centers will play an essential role over the next five years in advancing the uptake of evidence-based strategies and interventions across communities, enhancing their ability to prepare for and respond to public health threats. UNMC will administer the center for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region Seven – Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Council Bluffs and Omaha are working together to provide e-scooter transportation in the urban core. The Omaha City Council approved an interlocal agreement with its Iowa neighbor that formalizes the cities’ relationship and defines responsibilities in managing a regional e-scooter program. Council Bluffs agreed to allow use of e-scooters through the program already established in Omaha, whose current partner is Lime. E scooters serve as an important last-mile, micro-transit option within an overall mobility plan. The initial term is one year, but there is an option to renew up to 10 years.

The first building to go vertical in Papillion’s Tower District is now under construction. It’s a Starbuck’s Coffee. The $300 million Tower District is a 120-acre development underway northwest of 84th & Highway 370. The name comes from the Papillion water tower which dominates the site. Starbuck’s has approximately eight locations under construction in the metro area at this time.

An engineering study recommends the state of Nebraska not build a large recreational lake along the Platte River west of Gretna, according to Nebraska Examiner. Engineers determined the proposed lake would be too close to wellfields that provide drinking water for the city of Lincoln. The study recommended the state consider alternative sites near Louisville, Nickerson or Greenwood.

The future Green State Credit Union building is framed and mostly enclosed on the southwest corner of 180th & West Maple Road. Green State Credit Union is based in North Liberty, Iowa, which is part of the Iowa City area. They have about 30 Branches, all in Iowa and Illinois, including the Chicago area. The new Omaha office will be the first location west of Des Moines, Iowa.

METRO is building new bus shelters on the 30th Street corridor. The Omaha City Council approved an amendment to a lease agreement with the transit authority to allow three new bus shelters near the intersections of Bondesson and Hanover streets as well as Curtis avenue. The agreement allows METRO to build bus shelters on city-owned property. Increasing the number of bus shelters is one component of METRONext, a master plan outlining future improvements to public transit throughout the metro.

Grow Omaha Snippets are brought to you by Baird Holm LLP, the Exclusive Legal Partner of Grow Omaha. Baird Holm’s dedicated team of real estate lawyers has extensive experience in all aspects of real estate law, including purchases, sales, construction, zoning and land use, leasing, and dispute resolution. Click HERE for more information.

Business News

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The MONOPOLY: Omaha Edition board game is now available for purchase after an official launch party yesterday at Baxter Arena. Some of the local sites and organizations featured include the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Mutual of Omaha new skyscraper, Memorial Park, the Old Market, Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge and even the restaurant V. Mertz.

Allure Family Eyecare, led by Dr. Amy Klein, is constructing a 2-story clinic building on the northwest corner of 204th & Laramie Street. Designed by Avant Architects, the industrial-style building will have dark brick, light vertical panels and large windows. The clinic will be on the ground level, while the second floor will contain three residential units.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. this week reported results for the third quarter ended September 30th. Total revenues for the quarter were $745.7 million, a decrease of $72.0 million compared to the prior-year quarter. Operating income of $17.6 million decreased $20.3 million, or 54 percent.

Green Plains Inc. announced financial results for the third quarter of 2024. Net income attributable to the company was $48.2 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to the company of $22.3 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Revenues were $658.7 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared with $892.8 million for the same period last year.

Valmont Industries, Inc. has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share payable on January 15, 2025, to shareholders of record on December 27, 2024. The dividend indicates an annual rate of $2.40 per share.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s third quarter earnings release and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q will be posted online Saturday, November 2nd at approximately 7:00 a.m. Central time.

Applied Underwriters plans to transform Heartwood Park into a holiday ice-skating rink along with festive attractions as part of Winterland at Heartwood Preserve in celebration of the holidays. Heartwood Park is located just west of Boys Town. The ice-skating rink, which will open to the public on November 29, will offer free, 90-minute ice-skating sessions and free skate rental courtesy of Applied Underwriters. The skating rink will be open daily through January 5.

Yemeni coffee houses are surging in popularity across the United State, according to The Hustle. They’re in demand among younger Muslims who don’t drink, but also younger Americans in general looking for a social third space that’s open late but not a loud dance club. Qahwah House, a chain originating in Dearborn, Mich., now has 19 locations across seven states with more on the way.

Dean Snyder Construction (DSC), founded in 1958, is a family-and-employee-owned general contractor and design-build firm. We serve the commercial, food and beverage processing, industrial, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and healthcare markets. Our commitment to hard work, direct communication, owner involvement, and exceeding client expectations ensures long-term customer satisfaction. Contact us at www.deansnyder.com

Grow Omaha University

Leadership & Sales Insights for Ambitious People

Compiled by Grow Omaha co-founder and sales trainer Jeff Beals.

Sponsored by Dundee Bank

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Applications to M.B.A. programs increased 12 percent in 2024, according to the Wall Street Journal. The rebound, which reverses two years of declines, was most pronounced at full-time, in-person business schools. Applications to those programs rose 32 percent, the highest level in a decade.

Gen Z might have a reputation for being lazy, but according to Fortune, they’re more than twice as likely to work through lunch as boomers.

Big companies continue to call workers back. Starbuck’s told its more than 3,000 corporate employees that they need to spend at least three days in the office or risk termination, according to the Seattle Times.

Ninety-five percent of donations to colleges and universities are made by just 5 percent of donors, according to The Hustle.

Forbes Travel Guide has released its first-ever Verified Travel Awards. Here are the winners in a few, select categories: Best international airline = Emirates; Best U.S. Airline = Delta; Best international airport = Singapore Changi; Best U.S. airport = New York La Guardia; Best innovation of the year = TSA facial recognition technology.

SALES

The 4th quarter is one of the best times of the sales year and not just for closing deals. It’s a good time to prospect too. Many companies have excess budget to spend at the end of the year or they regret a decision they made earlier in the year and want to “fix it” before year’s end. Instead of slowing down your prospecting this time of year, press the accelerator.

Sales Statistic – 93 percent of B2B purchasing processes begin with an online search, according to Spotio.

Sounding too scripted is a definite negative when prospecting over the telephone, but I would rather a sales rep sound scripted than stumble over their words, coming across as disorganized and unconfident.

WISDOM

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Founded in 2006 right in the heart of Omaha’s Dundee community, Dundee Bank is all about local ownership, friendly customer service, and supporting the needs of our beloved community. With nearly 100% of your deposits going right back into our neighborhoods, Dundee Bank is committed to fueling growth, enabling loans, and fostering stability for you and your neighbors. So why not open an account at Dundee Bank and discover what it means to truly support local?

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Did You Know?

Surprising Facts, Figures & Points of Pride That Make Omaha Unique

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage.

Did you know that manufacturing contributes $21.6 billion to Nebraska’s annual gross domestic product? That’s a 57 percent increase from five years ago. Source: Nebraska Examiner

Did you know Sacred Heart Catholic Church in north Omaha has a pretty interesting history? According to historian Howard Hamilton, P.J. Judge was ordained in Rome in 1892. He was assigned to America and came directly to Omaha. He built a small-frame church into a large stone building with a school and convent at 22nd & Binney Street. It’s an active parish to this day.

Did you know that Omaha Children’s Museum is planning to build a 4-story, 75,000 sq. ft. new building at 8th & Douglas Street overlooking Heartland of America Park? The $113 million new museum is expected to open in 2027.

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

Non-Profit News

by Darcie Dingman Willie

Non Profit News top image featuring a diverse group of business professionals outside walking towards the camera

Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

As we enter the holiday season, many are seeking ways to give back and support their neighbors. The Greater Omaha area offers numerous opportunities to bring warmth, joy, and essential resources to those in need. From Thanksgiving groceries to holiday gift drives, there are many ways to help spread the holiday spirit. Here’s a roundup of some impactful ways you can get involved.

Thanksgiving Meal Support

For families struggling to put food on the table, the holidays can be especially challenging. Organizations across the region are stepping up by providing groceries and meal kits to help families celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional feast. Volunteers are often needed to help distribute these groceries. By lending a hand, you can make sure everyone has a warm, festive meal this Thanksgiving.

Serve Meals to Neighbors in Need

Food insecurity continues to affect many in our community, and organizations rely on volunteers to prepare and serve meals during the holidays. Local shelters and food pantries often organize special holiday meals, where volunteers help with setup, serving, and cleanup. Giving just a few hours of your time can make a difference, providing not just a meal but also a sense of connection to those facing difficult times.

Adopt a Child or Family

For many, the holiday season is filled with the joy of gift-giving, but some families need a little help to experience that same joy. Local nonprofits and community centers run holiday adoption programs, where individuals, families, or companies can “adopt” a child or family to provide gifts, clothing, and other essentials. This is an excellent way to make a lasting impact, as it brings personalized holiday cheer directly to those who need it most.

Donate to Toy Drives

Toy drives make it easy to bring happiness to children across Omaha. You can participate by simply purchasing a new, unwrapped toy and dropping it off at a designated collection spot. These drives ensure that children in need have a gift to unwrap during the holidays, something that can be especially meaningful for families with limited resources. Toy donation bins can be found at many retail locations, community centers, and other public spaces.

Participate in Coat Drives

As temperatures drop, the need for warm clothing rises. Coat drives are a simple yet impactful way to help families and individuals stay warm through the winter months. Many coat drives accept new or gently used coats for people of all ages, and the process is simple: donate a coat, and you’ve provided warmth to someone in need. This small act of kindness can make a big difference for those who may otherwise face the cold without adequate outerwear.

Give Financially or Donate Goods

For those who prefer a different approach, financial contributions to nonprofits can support their ongoing work. Monetary donations allow organizations to fill in gaps, covering specific needs that arise throughout the holiday season. Additionally, some organizations have wish lists for items such as food, hygiene products, and household goods, allowing you to provide exactly what they need most.

With so many organizations looking for volunteers, donations, etc., I would do an injustice by mentioning only a few. If you’re looking for a way to give back but aren’t sure where to start, visit ShareOmaha, which offers a comprehensive list of local volunteer opportunities and donation options, connecting you to organizations in need and causes that resonate with you. Whether you’re donating your time, resources or funds, your generosity will help bring light and warmth to many this holiday season.

Upcoming Events in the Metro

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First Friday on November 1st: November First Friday in the Benson Creative District offers an exciting blend of art, culture and Halloween fun. Wear your costumes to enjoy events like the 2024 BFF Art Auction Preview, where you can view and purchase works from more than 75 artists. Celebrate Día de Muertos at Trudy’s with live music, art and a traditional ofrenda for honoring loved ones. For a spooky twist, explore The Mystery MaMO Haunted House, an immersive installation that challenges perceptions of memory and fear. Don’t miss this festive evening filled with art, community and seasonal thrills!

Husker Tailgate & Watch Party on November 2nd: No Husker game is complete without tailgating! RESERVE your tailgate spot now and arrive early to snag the best location. Bring your own grill and food, and enjoy a tailgating experience that will remind you of being in Lincoln! Along with the vibrant atmosphere and incredible viewing experience, you’ll also enjoy yard games, prizes, drink specials, food and more!

Millwork Moves: Yoga in the Dock on November 5th: Happening on select Tuesdays, Millwork Commons is hosting Yoga in the Dock with Lotus House of Yoga! This event is free and taught by a certified yoga instructor. Simply bring a mat, a water bottle and show up to enjoy flowing movement with the community.

Build a Marketing Strategy You Actually Want to Follow on November 6th: Join in for an inspiring Lunch & Learn on November 6th with Teresa Stastny, founder of SLEEK’D Marketing and host of the Becoming Obsessed Podcast. Teresa knows how to help personal brands and entrepreneurs create marketing systems that feel authentic, not overwhelming. In this session, you’ll learn to build a 3-part marketing funnel that fits your personality, attracts leads and actually works for you. No more endless ‘shoulds’—just a clear, simple plan aligned with your strengths. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur or business owner, this event will empower you to approach marketing with confidence!

Science of Fear happening daily until November 3rd: FEAR comes to Kiewit Luminarium inviting guests to explore the many cultural and personal dynamics of fear. Through several interactive experiences, the Luminarium presents a multi-sensory investigation into fear as a phenomenon. From the physiological experience of fear to its many manifestations in human culture, there’s much to explore! What scares you the most? Do you share the same fears as your friends, family or a stranger? Can you muster courage to face the fear of heights and walk a wooden plank off the edge of a skyscraper wearing a VR headset? Come out to experience the Science of Fear only available until November 3rd!

Do you have an event you want Vesta to publicize? Share them with us here for free!

This section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage, a locally owned, full-service mortgage company helping you with Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA loans in both Nebraska and Iowa. Learn how Eagle Mortgage helps people afford the home of their dreams by clicking HERE!

People in the News

Sponsored by The Greater Omaha Chamber

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digital rendering of Flatiron District project buildings

Green Plains Inc. announced that Phil Boggs, executive vice president investor relations & finance will take over as Chief Financial Officer effective Nov 1. Current CFO Jim Stark will retire from Green Plains by the end of the year. Boggs has served in multiple areas of increasing responsibilities since joining the company in 2009, most recently as head of investor relations since 2019 and Treasurer from 2014 to 2021.

Nicole Johnson has been promoted to vice president of income and wealth planning operations at Mutual of Omaha. She joined the company in 2015 and has held various positions, including director of product development, director of ART product management, and roles in enterprise data and workplace solutions.

TD2, an engineering and surveying firm, has hired Kim Cushing as marketing director. She previously worked in the legal industry and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in communications.

The Omaha Municipal Landbank has added Simone Mason as real estate manager. She has been a licensed real estate agent in Nebraska since 2017 and Iowa since 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has served as education chair of the Omaha chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management for the past three years.

College of Saint Mary promoted Chad Rotolo to chief information officer back on August 1st. He was previously director of enterprise applications and has been with the college since 2019.

Metonic Real Estate Solutions has promoted Molly Leith to finance manager. She previously worked as investor relations & operations associate.

Valmont Industries, Inc. has appointed Deborah Caplan to its board of directors. With an extensive career spanning nearly two decades at NextEra Energy, Caplan most recently served as executive vice president of human resources & corporate services until her retirement in April 2024. Earlier in her career at NextEra, she held leadership positions at Florida Power & Light Co., including vice president and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to NextEra, Ms. Caplan held a number of senior leadership roles at General Electric Company.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

Wall Street: The Week in Review

Commentary by George Morgan

Views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

He is the founder of Morgan Investor Education of Omaha.

This edition of my commentary includes a smorgasbord of incredibly insightful and meaningful explanation of recent jibber jabber in the financial media. (For those of you from Texas, a smorgasbord in a high falutin’ Golden Corral.)

Getting back to the financial media’s misguided fixation on the belief that mimicking Warren Buffett’s stock transactions is the road to financial Nirvana…The media is stuck with Buffett’s 1990s mantra that they (He and Charlie) would never by tech stocks and that their holding period is forever.

Over the past five years, Berkshire’s position in Apple grew to the point that it comprised 43.7 percent of its investment portfolio. At the beginning of 2024, Berkshire’s Apple stake was worth about $174 billion. At today’s prices, it would be worth $210 billion. However, in the first half of 2024l, Berkshire – read the two Ts, Todd and Ted, not Warren – trimmed the Apple position by 55 percent.

It’s not known just exactly when they sold or at what price. The misleading headline in Yahoo Finance stated, “Buffett Losses $23 Billion.” NOT! Berkshire didn’t lose a dime; they just didn’t realize some potential future gains. Not exactly buy-and-hold and not fantastic investment advice for individual investors.

The second ill-informed media story involves Berkshire’s position in Bank of America. At the beginning of 2024, Berkshire held a position that exceeded 10 percent of BOA’s total shares outstanding. This mandated significant reporting requirements on Berkshire’s part and placed restrictions on them above and beyond a lesser ownership.

As in the case of Apple, in early 2024, Berkshire began trimming their BOA position in order to bring them below the reporting threshold. The Motley Fool reported that “Buffett Downgrades Big Banks.” Another example of ill-informed reporting on the part of the financial media.

My final smorgasbord serving involves a recent Wall Street Journal article. For decades I have assailed the urban legend that Wall Street is a prediction dynamo. The WSJ article added credible ammunition to my assault effort. The article was titled “If you had a time machine.” The authors took several dozen headlines from the past versions of the paper and redacted the results. They then gave the headlines to 61 Wall Street types and asked them to predict the direction of market based upon the headlines. The financial gurus were able to predict the market outcome only 38 percent of the time. A ginormous crack in Wall Street’s crystal ball.

Buffett is fond of saying “There’s some things you can know and some things you need to know.” Moral of the story is that much of the drivel put forth by the financial media is not one of the things that you need to know.

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Have You Watched Grow O on Video Yet?

Jeff Beals, Trenton Magid and a guest in the KFAB 1110 Radio Booth

The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

Support the Grow “O” Mission

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