Wednesday, October 27, 2010

DailyMarkets.com - Stock Picks For Thursday: Las Vegas Sands, Broadcom Corporation, Plug Power, A123 Systems

DailyMarkets.com - Stock Picks For Thursday: Las Vegas Sands, Broadcom Corporation, Plug Power, A123 Systems


Stock Picks For Thursday: Las Vegas Sands, Broadcom Corporation, Plug Power, A123 Systems

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:05 PM PDT

( click to enlarge )
Today was another AMAZING day for Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ:PLUG) !  The stock finished the day up 9.78% on huge volume of over 835.000 shares traded and is already up more than 20% since my initial alert on twitter. Great volume and a 10% gain on the day makes the stock a clear and easy winner. Looking at the technical chart this looks to be just the beginning of PLUG’s run and I'm extremely confident that the gains will continue. Right now, PLUG is testing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Avery Dennison Beats By 1 Cent

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 05:05 PM PDT

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) reported adjusted income of 62 cents per share in third-quarter 2010, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents by a penny.  Results, however, lagged third-quarter 2009's adjusted earnings of 82 cents per share. Adjusted income was $66.0 million in the quarter, down 24% from $86.8 million in third-quarter 2009. 
Including the after-tax effect of charges for restructuring costs, asset impairment and lease cancellation charges, loss from … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


FTI Fails By A Cent

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:35 PM PDT

FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) reported its third quarter 2010 earnings from continuing operations of 66 cents per share failing to beat Zacks Consensus Estimate by a cent. The Zacks Consensus was 67 cents per share. The earnings also decreased 15.4% sequentially and 9.6% from the prior-year quarter.
Quarter In Detail
Revenues from continuing operations of $960.0 million not only decreased 12.0% from the prior-year quarter but also failed to beat the Zacks Consensus of $1.0 billion. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Norfolk Way Past Estimates

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:35 PM PDT

Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE:NSC) reported third quarter 2010 earnings of $1.19 per share beating Zacks Consensus estimates of $1.09 per share. Norfolk reported an improved quarter with earnings per share increasing 14.4% sequentially and 46.9% year-over-year.
Norfolk experienced a fifth consecutive quarter of increased volumes which subsequently helped the company pull up the strong financial results.
Analysts at Zacks had earlier predicted that the company is poised to benefit from reviving … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Vocus EPS Exceeds

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:05 PM PDT

Vocus Inc.'s (NASDAQ:VOCS) third quarter 2010 earnings per share (EPS) of 4 cents surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.00. Revenue during the quarter was $24.7 million, which was below the Zacks Consensus of $25.0 million.
Revenue
Revenue of $24.7 million in the third quarter, represents a 17.0% increase from the year-ago period. This was at the lower end of the company's guided range of $24.0 million to $24.2 million.
The quarter's revenue was positively impacted by … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


The Day Ahead: Earnings, US Jobless Claims

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:00 PM PDT

10/28/10 The stories, data, and stocks that may have the greatest impact during the next trading … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Earnings Preview: Zimmer Holdings

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:35 PM PDT

Zimmer Holdings (NYSE:ZMH) is scheduled to release its third-quarter of fiscal 2010 earnings on October 28, 2010, before the market opens. According to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, the company is expected to report EPS of 95 cents, (representing a year-over-year growth of 8.5%) on $995 million of revenue.
Previous-Quarter Highlights
Zimmer reported an EPS of 82 cents during the second quarter, down 16.3% from 98 cents in the second quarter of 2009.  However, adjusted EPS (excluding … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Mixed Results From PSEG

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:35 PM PDT

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (NYSE:PEG) or PSEG reported third-quarter 2010 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.06 compared with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 96 cents and 92 cents in the year-ago quarter.
On a reported basis, including one-time items, earnings came in at $1.12 in the reported quarter compared with 96 cents in the year-ago quarter. Numbers rose on the back of a warmer weather precipitating larger consumption of units along with higher electric delivery rates.
The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Actelion Beats, Confirms Outlook

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:25 PM PDT

Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF) reported third-quarter earnings of $1.17 per American Depository Receipt (ADR), well above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 86 cents and a 6.4% increase from the year-ago earnings per ADR of $1.10. Product sales increased 9% at constant exchange rates, with growth being driven by patient demand.
 
Contract revenues declined 65% during the third quarter, as against the year-ago quarter. The reduction is attributable to the completion of the recognition of milestones … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Higher Expenses Hurt Southern Co.

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:05 PM PDT

Electric utility firm Southern Co. (SO) reported slightly weaker-than-expected third quarter 2010 results, pulled down by increased operations and maintenance expenses. These were partially offset by improvement in industrial activity and higher usage on the back of warmer-than-normal temperatures.
Earnings per share came in at 98 cents, a penny below the Zacks Consensus Estimate as well as the year-ago profit.
However, quarterly revenue, at $5.3 billion, was up 13.6% year over year and beat … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Mixed Result By MeadWestvaco

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:05 PM PDT

MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE:MWV) delivered a strong third quarter with operating earnings per share (EPS) of 63 cents, outperforming Zacks Consensus Estimate of 55 cents and improving 37% significantly from 46 cents in the prior-year quarter.
GAAP EPS in the third quarter included some special items, which amounted to 64 cents, a decline of 9.8% from 71 cents in the year-earlier quarter. 
The special items included in GAAP EPS are tax benefit from cellulosic biofuel producer of 9 cents, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Earnings Preview: Avon Products

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:05 PM PDT

Avon Products Inc. (NYSE:AVP), the world’s largest direct seller of beauty products, is scheduled to release its third-quarter 2010 results on Thursday, October 28 before the market opens. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 is 47 cents a share.
Second Quarter Performance
Avon Products' adjusted earnings came in at 48 cents per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2010, which topped both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents and the year-ago result of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Decent 3Q For DST Systems

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:05 PM PDT

DST Systems Inc. (NYSE:DST) posted decent third quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $1.03, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01.
The quarter's EPS of $1.03 excludes a contract termination payment gain net of related expenses, termination benefit expenses related to a reduction in the workforce, net gain on securities and other investments, net loss on repurchase of senior convertible debentures and a tax gain.
Revenue
Total revenue in the third quarter was $567.2 million, up 2.8% from … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Earnings Preview: Regis Corp.

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:35 PM PDT

Regis Corp. (NYSE:RGS), which owns, operates and franchises hair and retail product salons worldwide, is slated to release its first quarter 2011 results on October 28, after market close. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 30 cents per share, representing an annualized growth of 1.72%.
With respect to earnings surprises over the trailing four quarters, Regis has oscillated greatly from negative 8.1% to positive 38.1%. The average earnings surprise was a positive 13.3%. This … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


SCANA Slips In 3Q

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:35 PM PDT

SCANA Corporation (NYSE:SCG) reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter 2010 earnings of 79 cents per share, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 85 cents and the year-ago earnings of 84 cents.
The decline was largely due to resolution of a state income tax issue. However, higher property taxes, interest, and operating and maintenance expenses also hurt the results. The decline was partially offset by higher electric margins owing to electric base rate increases under the Base Load Review Act … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Pioneer Misses On Bottom Line

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:35 PM PDT

Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) reported its third-quarter adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents but well ahead of the year-earlier loss of 3 cents. The year-over-year improvement was largely driven by growth in Spraberry field, Eagle Ford Shale and Tunisia.
Revenues in the quarter jumped significantly to $616.7 million from $393.0 million in the year-ago quarter and surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $493 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


ADVENTRX: Improving Performance, Safety

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:35 PM PDT

ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals (ANX) is a development-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing proprietary product candidates for the treatment of cancer. The company seeks to improve the performance of existing drugs by addressing limitations associated principally with their safety and use.

The company's lead product candidates, ANX-530 (vinorelbine injectable emulsion), or Exelbine™, and ANX-514 (docetaxel lyophilized emulsion for … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


D&B Beats, Reaffirms Outlook

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:35 PM PDT

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (NYSE:DNB), a provider of business information, reported third quarter 2010 earnings before non-core gains and one-time charges of $1.21 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.91 by 2 cents. Earnings per share increased 7.1% from the year-ago profit of $1.13 per share.
Operating expenses increased year over year and came in at $146.9 million. Selling and Administrative Expenses inched up 2% year over year to $157.5 million as a result of higher Strategic … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Food Is More Affordable Than Ever, Thanks In Part To International Trade

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:09 PM PDT

Charles Campbell, retired senior VP of Gulf Oil, cooks up quite “a stew of errors, misunderstandings, and non sequiturs” about free trade, according to Don Boudreaux, in this Baltimore Sun editorial “Free Trade Has Failed the U.S.”

Some the errors appear in this discussion on U.S. food export and imports:

“In 1970, U.S. technology was superior to that of every other nation in the world; we manufactured nearly everything we consumed; we were essentially self-sufficient in energy; we exported … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


JAKKS Beats, Outlook Raised

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:01 PM PDT

JAKKS Pacific Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) reported its adjusted third quarter 2010 earnings of $1.23 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.07 and $1.13 in the prior-year quarter. The third quarter earnings include a tax benefit of 17 cents per share.
While the company experienced a decline in net sales, the results were aided by cost cuts, restructuring activities and strong sales of traditional toys such as dolls and Halloween costumes.
GAAP net income was $40.4 million or $1.23 per share, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Baxter Introduces GLASSIA

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:01 PM PDT

Medical products giant Baxter International (NYSE:BAX) officially commenced the U.S. launch of GLASSIA Alpha 1-Proteinase inhibitor for the treatment of emphysema. The company secured exclusive marketing rights to GLASSIA in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand from Israel-based biopharmaceuticals company Kamada Ltd in August 2010.
The distribution deal calls for an upfront cash payment of $20 million by Baxter to Kamada and includes a provision preventing the latter from negotiating or … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Salix Inks Deal

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:01 PM PDT

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) recently announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Norwegian specialty pharma company, Photocure, for the development and commercialization of Lumacan.
Lumacan has the potential to be used for the early detection and diagnosis of colon cancer. Lumacan contains hexamiolevulinate, which is used for the detection of bladder cancer.
Terms of the Deal
With this agreement, Salix will have exclusive rights to Lumacan in all territories … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Allegheny Energy Beats On Revenue

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:01 PM PDT

Allegheny Energy, Inc. (NYSE:AYE) reported adjusted income of 73 cents per share in third-quarter 2010, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents by 20 cents.  Results are substantially ahead of third-quarter 2009 adjusted earnings of 59 cents per share. Adjusted income was $124.9 million in the quarter, an increase of 24.8% from $100.1 million in third-quarter 2009. 
The earnings beat may primarily be attributable to higher customer usage, transmission expansion and a rate … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


C.H. Robinson Delivers Mixed 3Q

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:CHRW) showed a $7.1 million improvement in profit to $102.6 million or 62 cents per share in the third quarter of 2010 from $94.5 million or 57 cents in the comparable quarter last year. The quarter's earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.
Total revenue in the third quarter increased by $465.6 million to $2,420.4 million year over year but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $67.6 million. The year-over-year improvement was mainly driven by … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Forex – NZD/USD Down On Economic Data

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:50 PM PDT

The New Zealand Dollar was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday after the release of N.Z. data on Interest Rate Decision.

NZD/USD was trading at 0.7457, down 0.47% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.7406, today's low, and resistance at 0.7562, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that New Zealand's official cash rate remained unchanged in line with expectations at 3.00%.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was up against the Australian … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Northrop Surpasses Zacks Estimate

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:36 PM PDT

Los Angeles-based leading shipbuilder and defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) reported impressive third quarter 2010 results of $1.67 per share compared to $1.53 in the third quarter of 2009.
Northrop results exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.46 for the quarter. The upside in earnings came from improvement in cost structure and better performance from all the segments barring Shipbuilding.
Operational Performance
Sales for the reported quarter increased 4% to $8.7 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Equinix Matches EPS, Tops Revenues

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:36 PM PDT

Equinix Inc.'s (EQIX) third-quarter 2010 earnings per share of 27 cents were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and revenue of $330.3 million was above the Zacks Consensus of 329.0 million.
Revenues
Revenues in the third quarter were $330.3 million, up 45.2% from the comparable period last year and 11.6% from the previous quarter. Third quarter revenues also exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $329.0 million, but came in below the company's guided range of $335.0 to $338.0 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


ACE Expands In Asia

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:36 PM PDT

Property and casualty insurer ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE) is on an acquisition spree. The company has inked a deal to acquire New York Life's Hong Kong and Korea life insurance operations for a cash consideration of $425 million. The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The acquisition of the life insurance business in Hong Kong and Korea, two major Southeast Asian markets, would complement the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Forex – EUR/USD Down On Economic Data, Earnings

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:35 PM PDT

The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday after the release of U.S. data on New Home Sales.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.3765, down 0.67% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3734, today's low, and resistance at 1.4080, Monday's high.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that new home sales in the U.S. rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 307.00K last month from 288.00K in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected new … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Profit Tanks At Unisys Corporation

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

IT services provider Unisys Corporation (NYSE:UIS) reported disappointing results for the third quarter of 2010. Net income plummeted 54% year over year to $28.3 million. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at 65 cents compared to $1.48 in the year-ago quarter.
Net income from continuing operations came in at $21.8 million or 50 cents per share compared with a net income of $52.4 million or $1.27 per share in the year-ago quarter, much below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 85 cents.
Revenue declined … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Sealed Air EPS On Par, Sales Miss

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE) delivered adjusted EPS of 43 cents for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010, on par with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings per share in the quarter manifested a 13% increase over 38 cents in the year-ago quarter. Growth in Protective Packaging and both of the Food segments, reflecting robust end-market demand, improved price/mix performance benefiting from earlier pricing announcements resulted in the improvement.
During the quarter, the company … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Earnings Scorecard: Forest Labs

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

Following the release of second quarter fiscal 2011 results on October 19, 2010, almost all the analysts covering Forest Laboratories (NYSE:FRX) have made upward revisions to their earnings estimates for 2011 and 2012. The upward revision in estimates is mainly in response to the company's revised guidance for fiscal 2011.
Second Quarter Highlights
Forest Labs reported second quarter earnings per share of $1.00, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 93 cents and the year-earlier earnings of 85 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Novellus Beats, Outlook Softening

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

Novellus Systems' (NASDAQ:NVLS) third quarter earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4 cents. Revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus by 3.7%. Shares were up marginally by 0.99%, as guidance indicated uncertain demand. 
Revenue
Novellus reported revenue of $367.2 million, up 14.3% sequentially and 107.6% year over year, better than management's guidance range of $335-365 million. Management stated that Novellus continued to gain from the PC refresh cycle, as well as rapid growth in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


PX 3Q Net Results Beat Estimate

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

Praxair Inc’s (NYSE:PX) third quarter 2010 adjusted net income soared 19.0% year over year to $377 million, or $1.21 per share compared with $318 million or $1.02 per share in the third quarter of 2009. Earnings per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.20 and the company's guided range of $1.15-$1.20 by a cent.
 
 Revenue
 
Third quarter sales were $2,538 million, up 11.0% year over year attributable to solid sales volume growth across most end markets, especially … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


U.S. Markets Mixed At Close; Dow Jones Down 0.39%

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

Forex Pros – U.S. stocks were mixed after the closing bell on Wednesday.

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.39%, the S&P 500 index shed 0.27%, while the Nasdaq 100 index climbed 0.32%.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that new home sales in the U.S. rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 307.00K last month from 288.00K in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected new home sales to rise to 300.00K last month.

Meanwhile, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


N.Z. Official Cash Rate Remains Unchanged In Line With Expectations

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:10 PM PDT

New Zealand's official cash rate remained unchanged in line with expectations last month, official data showed on Wednesday.

In a report, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said that its official cash rate remained unchanged at 3.00%, from 3.00%.

Analysts had expected the official cash rate to remain unchanged at … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


10/27 FX Options Report

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 01:03 PM PDT

The USD extended gains, amidst expectations that the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing measures may be scaled … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


F5 Networks Beats On Strong Demand

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:35 PM PDT

F5 Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:FFIV) posted decent fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 61 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 55 cents. The adjusted EPS excludes the legal settlement charges, but includes stock-based compensation charges.
The increase in earnings may be attributed to increasing demand for the company's products from the growing need for server virtualization and cloud computing within organizations.
Revenues
F5 Networks reported revenues of $254.3 million in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Walter Energy Misses Estimates

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:35 PM PDT

Premium metallurgical coal producer and exporter Walter Energy Inc. (NYSE:WLT) announced its operating earnings for the third-quarter 2010 of $2.57 per share, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.59. However, the company's results were better than 45 cents earned in the year-ago quarter.
Revenue
Walter Energy's total revenue in third-quarter 2010 of $464.3 million was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $482 million. Revenues, however, increased 67% from $278.3 million in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


AGCO Outperforms, Ups EPS Guidance

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:35 PM PDT

Adjusted third-quarter EPS at AGCO Corporation (AGCO) increased five fold year over year to 66 cents from 13 cents, handily beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 48 cents. The strong performance was driven by stringent cost control, higher production, and record sales and operating income in South America.
AGCO Corporation recorded restructuring and other infrequent expenses of a penny in both the reported and the base quarter. Including this one-time expense, EPS in the reported quarter … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Dollar Jumps On Continued Fed Speculation

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:14 PM PDT

10/27/10 The US dollar was on the upside this session following strong US economic data and continued speculation concerning Fed monetary … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Questar Shines, Outlook Goes Up

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:05 PM PDT

Natural gas-focused energy company, Questar Corp. (STR) reported impressive third quarter 2010 results based on superb execution by the business units and lower interest expense. Earnings per share, excluding separation costs, came in at 16 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 14 cents. On a year-over-year basis, the result was relatively flat.
Including the effect of separation costs, earnings per share were 15 cents, down 6.2% from the prior-year profit.
Total consolidated … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Aflac Profit Rockets On Strong Yen

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:05 PM PDT

Aflac Inc.'s (NYSE:AFL) third quarter operating earnings per share of $1.45 were modestly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.39. This compared favorably with earnings of $1.25 in the year-ago quarter.
Earnings in the reported quarter excluded after-tax realized net investment gains of $6 million or one cent per share, as compared to investment losses of $226 million or 48 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. Earnings for the reported quarter benefited from top-line growth and a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Molina Outshines Zacks Estimates

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:05 PM PDT

Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:MOH) reported its third quarter income from continuing operations of $16.2 million or 57 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 49 cents. The better-than-expected results in the quarter were driven by higher operating revenues coupled with ramped-up enrollment and increased focus on medical costs.
Also, Molina's reported results were much higher than the income of $8.6 million or earnings of 33 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Quarterly … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Sohu Beats Zacks Consensus

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 12:05 PM PDT

A leading online brand and Internet portal in China, Sohu.com Inc. (NASDAQ:SOHU) reported strong third quarter 2010 results, attributable to growth in each of its business segments, including online games and brand advertising. Moreover, better-than-expected growth in search ad revenues boosted results. Sohu provided an upbeat fourth quarter guidance that beat analysts' expectation.
Earnings per share (EPS) of $1.01 (including stock based compensation expense) increased 14.8% year over year from … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


“A Lot Of The Good News…already Priced In”

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:57 AM PDT

10/17/2010 Seaport Securities’ Teddy Weisberg discusses today’s pullback in US equities and continued USD … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Global Economic Recovery Watch

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:53 AM PDT

1. “The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) for Europe remains on an upward trend, and increased 0.3 percent in September, following a 0.7 percent increase in August, and a 0.9 percent increase in July. After increasing in September, the LEI for the Euro Area is 18.4 percent above its March 2009 trough.”

2. From the WSJ: “Britain’s economy grew more briskly than expected during the third quarter (3.2% at an annual rate), damping fears that the U.K. could tip back into recession … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


USD/CHF Trades Higher After Upside Breakout

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:44 AM PDT

Price action on USD/CHF (a 4-hour chart of which is shown) as of Wednesday (10/27/2010) has broken out above a key downtrend resistance line and established a new one-month high in the process. This trendline break significantly disrupts the steep downtrend that has been in place since the early June high. Currently, price has bumped up against key resistance in the 0.9900-0.9930 price region, a key support/resistance juncture. In the event of continued bullish momentum on the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Fiserv Tops Estimates

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:35 AM PDT

Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISV) has reported a net income of $157 million from continuing operations (excluding merger costs and other adjustments, severance costs and amortization of acquisition-related intangibles) or $1.04 per share in the third quarter of 2010, up 10.5% year over year. The reported figure easily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.00.
Including one-time items, net income from continuing operations came in at $134 million, up 8.1% year over year.
Fiserv assists financial … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Crude Declines On Dollar Rally

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:34 AM PDT

10/27/10 Front month crude prices continued to decline this session following another rally in the US … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Stock Option Plays On Wednesday: Altera, J.C. Penney, Triquint Semiconductor, Avon Products

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:17 AM PDT

Altera Corp. (NASDAQ:ALTR) – Sizeable bearish options transactions on the semiconductor company today indicate some investors are expecting the price of the underlying shares to decline in the next couple of months. The pessimistic plays on ALTR appear to be the work of contrarians given the more than 2.45% rally in the firm's shares to a new 52-week high of $31.08 this afternoon. Options traders utilized two different bearish strategies on the stock. The first and nearer-term of the two … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Under Armour Beats, Raises Outlook

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:10 AM PDT

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UA), one of the leading developers, marketers and distributors of branded sports apparel, footwear and accessories, recently posted better-than-expected third-quarter 2010 results buoyed by the strong demand for athletic apparel and lower effective tax rate.
Quarterly Discussion
The quarterly earnings of 68 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8 cents and soared 30.8% from 52 cents delivered in the prior-year quarter.
Under Armour's net revenue for the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


International Paper Beats Zacks

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:05 AM PDT

International Paper Co. (NYSE:IP) delivered a record adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 91 cents for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010, comfortably beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents. Reported quarter EPS was more than double that of the year-ago quarter of 37 cents and the preceding quarter of 41 cents.
The outperformance was driven by strong paper and packaging businesses, benefits from announced price increases and restructuring activities, improved operations and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Impressive 3Q For ConocoPhillips

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:05 AM PDT

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) reported its third-quarter 2010 earnings of $1.50 per share (excluding non-recurring items), well above the year-ago quarter's earnings of 95 cents as well as the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.46. The improved performance primarily reflects a hike in commodity prices associated with improved U.S.refining margins, partially offset by lower production volumes.
Revenues in the reported quarter improved more than 20% year over year to $49.5 billion, comfortably beating the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Election Watch 2010

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:04 AM PDT

1. Ireland’s largest bookie said today it has already paid off all bettors who wagered the GOP would capture the chamber, saying there’s no way Democrats can keep control of the House, (Source)

2. According to P.J. O’Rourke “This is not an election on November 2. This is a restraining order.”

3. Current Intrade odds: 2:1 that Harry Reid will lose in Nevada, 5:1 that Barbara Boxer will win in California, and 13:1 that Jerry Brown will win in California. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Update: Castle Point Press Release On Todd Combs Retirement

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:46 AM PDT

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Legg Mason Outshines Estimate

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:35 AM PDT

Legg Mason Inc.'s (NYSE:LM) second-quarter 2011 earnings of 76 cents per share almost doubled the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 36 cents. Including U.K. tax benefit of $8.9 million or 6 cents per share, earnings came to 50 cents per share.
Earnings outpaced the prior-year quarter by 17 cents and the prior-quarter by 16 cents. Results improved due to higher revenue coupled with an increase in total assets under management (AUM), partially offset by higher operating expenses.
Adjusted net … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Earnings Scorecard: St. Jude

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:35 AM PDT

Third Quarter Flashback
Minnesota-based medical devices major St. Jude Medical (NYSE:STJ) produced a mixed bag in the third quarter beating earnings expectations, but missing on the revenue front. Adjusted earnings of 72 cents per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents (representing a 5.88% positive surprise) while net income zoomed roughly 25%, buoyed by revenue growth across the board.
Revenues rose 7% year-over-year to $1,240 million, but trailed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Thermo Fisher Tops, Raises Outlook

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:35 AM PDT

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO) reported an EPS of 66 cents in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to 53 cents in the year-ago period. However, after adjusting for certain one-time items, the EPS was 90 cents, way above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 83 cents and 15% higher than 78 cents of the third quarter of 2009.
The company reported a 6% annualized growth in revenues to $2.68 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.59 billion. Strong growth in instruments, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


Question For The Audience

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 10:28 AM PDT

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European Markets Close Lower; Dax Down 0.69%

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:55 AM PDT

Forex Pros – European stocks were down after the closing bell on Wednesday.

At the close of European trade, Germany's DAX fell 0.69%, London's FTSE 100 shed 1.07%, France's CAC 40 declined 0.96% and the EURO STOXX 50 was down 0.94%.

Earlier in the day, official data showed that new home sales in the U.S. rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 307.00K last month from 288.00K in the preceding month.

Analysts had expected new home sales to rise to 300.00K last … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


“Fed Action Will Continue Surgical Actions To Boost Economy”

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 09:53 AM PDT

10/27/10 Floor trader Ben Willis shares his thoughts behind the recent speculation concerning Federal Reserve monetary policy and touches on the recent volatility in the bond … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


PetroChina Surges On Positive Earnings

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 02:47 AM PDT

10/27/10 The world’s second-most valuable oil and gas producer announced Wednesday that it posted strong 3Q earnings … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates


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