Oregon PERS Set to Award $8 billion Contract, Largest Contract in State’s History With no Media Coverage

In 2004 the State of Oregon decided to isolate the "employee contribution" part of PERS and put these amounts into what are called IAP (Individual Account Program) accounts. These 200,000 IAP accounts are essentially a defined contribution program, not unlike a 401K, for which members earn returns based upon market results with no guaranteed rate of … Continue reading Oregon PERS Set to Award $8 billion Contract, Largest Contract in State’s History With no Media Coverage

Private Equity and Hedge Funds Employ Enron’s Tricks to Manipulate Health Care Grid

Disclosure and Media Development Background:  Parish & Company maintains no speculative investments in the health care companies discussed and does not collaborate with any private equity or hedge funds.  It's goal is to identify high quality health care opportunities suitable for long term oriented investment. This effort includes providing high quality news material to leading … Continue reading Private Equity and Hedge Funds Employ Enron’s Tricks to Manipulate Health Care Grid

Oregon PERS Approves $400 Million Investment in Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund

Today Oregon PERS approved a $400 million investment in Stonepeak, a firm that invests in "infrastructure projects." In his presentation Stonepeak's managing director Michael Dorrell noted their strategy is to invest in "essential infrastructure assets with an economic monopoly, much like an airport."  This includes water, power plants, transportation and telecom with a focus "outside … Continue reading Oregon PERS Approves $400 Million Investment in Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund

Blackstone’s Tony James and Renaissance Technologies Jim Simons, Top Financial Engineers, Back Hillary Clinton Campaign

Disclosure:  This post is the first of several regarding the 2016 Presidential candidates.  One post will be done on each major candidate and the focus will be their primary financial backers and their respective foundations.  Bill Parish maintains no ties to any candidate nor does he have knowledge of any client owning positions in private … Continue reading Blackstone’s Tony James and Renaissance Technologies Jim Simons, Top Financial Engineers, Back Hillary Clinton Campaign

The Oregonian Reports on Valuation Concerns Regarding PERS Private Equity Investments

In a front page story Sunday May 20, 2012, Ted Sickinger of the Oregonian provided a detailed review of private equity valuation concerns.  This portfolio of opaque investments has grown substantially and poses unique risks to Oregonian PERS participants.  In his article, Sickinger notes this analysis is based upon original Parish & Company research. Although … Continue reading The Oregonian Reports on Valuation Concerns Regarding PERS Private Equity Investments

Blackstone’s Tax Engineers, Inspired by General Electric, Attempt to Repeal The Fractions Rule

Prior to the fractions rule, investors were investing $1 in order to get $5 to $7 in tax deductions. President Reagan was so incensed that he signed into law new legislation, the "fractions rule," specifically designed to end this scheme.  During this period no firm was more abusive with respect to tax avoidance than General … Continue reading Blackstone’s Tax Engineers, Inspired by General Electric, Attempt to Repeal The Fractions Rule

Blackstone Group LP – Private Equity or Public Theft? Undermining the Volcker Rule’s Intent. SEC 10K Fails to Disclose All Important “Fractions Rule” Involving Tax Exempt Public Pension Investors

Note (Not Copyrighted) : This basic post was updated December 10, 2010 given the current debate in Congress over extending the Bush tax cuts and numerous inquires regarding my position in this debate.  The purpose of this post is to highlight that although rates are important, perhaps more important are overall fairness issues associated with … Continue reading Blackstone Group LP – Private Equity or Public Theft? Undermining the Volcker Rule’s Intent. SEC 10K Fails to Disclose All Important “Fractions Rule” Involving Tax Exempt Public Pension Investors