From Wall Street to Silicon Valley: July’s top stories

The Brief
Every week we find, and highlight, five people or companies that are having an impact on the financial sector (from Wall Street to Silicon Valley and everywhere in between). 

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1. eBay

Just one day before its separation from PayPal, eBay announced its earnings for the second quarter, soundly beating analysts’ expectations at 76 cents per share. The company also announced the sale of its enterprise unit to a private equity firm. PayPal contributed more than half of eBay’s revenue in the second quarter. What does this mean for the online marketplace once it splits from PayPal on Friday?

Our other burning questions:
Actually, might eBay do just fine 
without its most prized asset?

What does eBay stand to lose in terms of 
human capital once PayPal exits?

2. Whole Foods

The organic grocery chain came in under analysts’ estimates on a number of factors this week, including comparable store sales and net income. Pointing to a wave of bad press in the aftermath of its overcharging scandal, Whole Foods is hoping its new chain of cheaper stores, 365, will help stem the tide. Question is, with increased competition among small and large grocery stores, is the damage already done?

Our other burning questions:
Is Whole Foods the real victim of the overcharging scandal?

Who in Whole Foods leadership has the right kind of experience to deal with these image problems?

3. Bruce Thompson

Bank of America, which has posted inconsistent profits of late, is looking to shake things up. Starting at the top, CFO Bruce Thompson will be leaving the company at the end of this month. Thompson was long thought to be the heir to CEO Brian T. Moynihan. So, then, who might be next in line for the throne?
 
Our other burning questions:
Why is BoA shifting responsibility for relations with the Fed, previously Thompson’s purview, 
to a new internal team?

What is Thompson taking with him in terms of relationship capital when he leaves the bank?

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