Burke Speaker

Investorplace Writer

Burke Speaker has been a journalist, writer and editor for the past 12 years, having worked at newspapers and magazines along the East Coast. His past writing has covered everything from health to business and finance to travel, the last of which he explores at TheTravellier.com.

Recent Articles

FDO, DLTR, NDN Beat Walmart at Its Own Game

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

In an economy in which everyone seems to be downsizing, it appears that Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT) shoppers are shifting gears, too -- and so-called “dollar stores” such as 99 Cents Only (NYSE: NDN), Family Dollar (NYSE: FDO) and Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR) are seeing gains that put the purported King of Everyday Low Prices on the defensive.

Airlines May Raise Fares This Fall to Boost Profits

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

Higher fares and higher fees may soon greet U.S. airline customers, as some industry experts cautiously predict increases in demand that could slowly recover from the last two years of economic turmoil.

Krispy Kreme Growing Again After Fall From Grace

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

The first of a proposed 14 new Dominican Republic Krispy Kreme (NYSE: KKD) doughnut shops opened its doors in Santo Domingo on Tuesday. For investors, this KKD stock move may be a sign not only of global expansion but of a perhaps slow and marked return to the former glory days at Krispy Kreme.

McDonald’s, BK Move Towards Higher Prices

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

In what’s being seen as a smart but a somewhat risky move, McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) today announced the newest foray into premium pricing with its $5 Smokehouse Deluxe burger at a time when consumers are downgrading from casual dining restaurants to more fast-food fare.

Consumer Spending Woes Spark Retail Store Closures

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

The economic recovery has proven slower than some experts and government officials had predicted, so industry analysts say retailers’ move to protect their overall earnings isn’t altogether unexpected. The companies plan to close the underperforming stores at hundreds of locations nationwide.

Coffee Prices Hit 12-Year High, Could Pinch Consumers

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

Coffee prices surged to a new 12-year high on Monday, pushed by last year’s poor Central and South American harvest and upcoming heavy storms in other coffee-producing regions that are adding to an already tight period for availability.

Starbucks Earnings Outlook Holds Amid Coffee Price Increases – But is Target Reachable?

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

Keeping focus in a grim market, Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) is pledging to maintain its profit outlook for its next fiscal year. This is despite the increase in coffee bean prices Starbucks is facing that would normally pose some complications to SBUX stock and the bottom line.

Price Targets for 8 Famous Smartphone Stocks

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

Most of the smartphone stocks listed here – covering manufacturers as well as telecom providers – are below their consensus price estimate and offer decent buying opportunities for investors.

6 Restaurant Stocks to Check Out

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

Analyst price targets for these 6 big-name restaurant stocks are significantly above current prices - in one case by 500%

Railroad Stock Price Targets Indicate Big Upside for Sector

By Burke Speaker, Investorplace Writer

Railroad stocks and rail operators are seen as indicators for the broader economy, since more freight moves across America via freight trains as consumers buy more and businesses ship more. Leading railroad stocks include Union Pacific (UNP), CSX Corp. (CSX) and Norfolk Southern (NSC), but smaller rail operators are affected similarly.

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