Thursday, July 21, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – NZD/USD Down In Asian Trade

DailyMarkets.com - Forex – NZD/USD Down In Asian Trade


Forex – NZD/USD Down In Asian Trade

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 04:50 PM PDT

Forexpros – The New Zealand Dollar was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday.<br/><br/> NZD/USD was trading at 0.8627, down 0.05% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 0.8414, Monday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 0.8643, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Meanwhile, the New Zealand Dollar was down against the Australian Dollar and up against the Euro, with AUD/NZD gaining 0.02% to hit 1.2564 and EUR/NZD falling 0.09% … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Hot Option Plays: Running Of The Bulls

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 04:17 PM PDT

Cusick’s Corner
Major markets continue to be in full bull mode while the debt talks continue. The Volatility Index (VIX) is down to 17.56 (see Index Trading) because the latest earnings-reporting season has been mostly upbeat. Merger mania is on — pharmacy benefits management company Express Scripts Inc (NASDAQ:ESRX) announced a $29.1 billion deal to acquire rival Medco Health Solutions Inc. (NYSE:MHS). You might want to keep an eye on other companies within the Healthcare sector to see if there are … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Google Announces Changes To Its Services

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:57 PM PDT

07/21/11 Google will discontinue its toolbar for Firefox, and closing down its Google Labs. The internet search giant’s Google Directory is no longer in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Ecolab’s $8 Billion Acquisition

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:55 PM PDT

In a major move, leading cleaning and sanitation products company Ecolab Inc (NYSE:ECL) has agreed to acquire Illinois-based water treatment company Nalco Holding Company (NYSE:NLC) in a cash and stock deal worth roughly $8 billion. The deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, has been approved by the Boards of both companies.
Shares of Nalco rocketed $7 (or 24.3%) to close at $35.87 on July 20 while the Minnesota-based Ecolab's shares slid $4.08 (7.4%) to $51.31 as investors appear … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


FDA Panel Endorses Edwards’ Sapien

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) received a favorable recommendation from the advisory panel of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Sapien transcatheter heart valve (THV).
This approval comes for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis and those deemed unfit for conventional open-heart valve surgery.
The company had submitted a pre-market approval (PMA) application in October 2010 for Cohort B of the PARTNER trial. Under Cohort B, patients with severe aortic … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Express Scripts To Buy Medco

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Following the release of its second quarter of fiscal 2011 earnings, Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS) announced that it will be acquired by Express Scripts (NASDAQ:ESRX) for $29.1 billion in cash and stock.
As per the terms of the agreement, each shareholder of Medco will receive $28.80 in cash and 0.81 shares of Express Scripts, representing a total value of $71.36 per Medco share. This represents a premium of 28% over Medco’s closing share price on July 20, 2011. Following completion of the deal … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Express Scripts Revenue Rises, Acquiring MHS

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Express Scripts Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ESRX) second quarter 2011 earnings of 71 cents per share (excluding special items) were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate but were well above the year-ago adjusted earnings of 60 cents per share. The jump in earnings is attributable to reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and a lower share count as compared with the year-ago quarter.
Quarterly Details
Second quarter revenues of $11.36 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.32 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


The Day Ahead: Earnings – Caterpillar, GE, Honeywell, McDonald’s Schlumberger, Verizon; German IFO, Euro-Zone Industrial Orders

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:20 AM PDT

07/21/11 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 Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Mr. Softee Gets Tough On Growth

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:01 PM PDT

Tech behemoth Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) genuinely surprised investors when it reported fiscal fourth quarter earnings after the bell today. Coming in well above expectations with revenue of $17.37 billion and diluted EPS of $0.69, the company noted in its press release that these were 8% and 35% above the prior year quarter.
Wall Street analysts had been looking for consensus EPS of 58 cents and the top estimate was only 63 cents. With the company finally gaining some traction in new business areas … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


SunPower To Power Water Plant

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:01 PM PDT

SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) is now entrusted with 90% of the supply of electricity consumed by San Juan Water District's water treatment plant, booster pump station and administration buildings.
This supply of electricity from a newly completed, high efficiency solar power system will help San Juan Water District to save approximately $12 million in energy costs over the 25-year life of the system.
The solar power system is designed and built on approximately four acres of District-owned … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


ONEOK Boosts Dividend Again

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:01 PM PDT

ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE) has increased its quarterly dividend by 8%, bringing the annualized dividend to $2.24 per share from the previous payout of $2.08 per share.
The company will now pay a quarterly dividend of 56 cents on August 12, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 1, 2011. The previous quarterly dividend was 52 cents.
The dividend hike is consistent with ONEOK's financial guidance for fiscal 2011 that aimed at increasing the dividend 4 cents per share … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


2Q Guidance From Genworth Financial

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:01 PM PDT

Genworth Financial Inc. (NYSE:GNW) expects to deliver an operating loss in the range of $70 million to $90 million or 14 cents to 18 cents per share in the second quarter of 2011.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate is earnings of 24 cents per share in the second quarter of 2011. The company delivered operating earnings of $118  million or 24 cents per share in the year ago quarter.
The company estimates a net loss between $92 million and $112 million or 19 cents to 23 cents per share in the second … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Stock Watch List For Friday, July 22

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:47 PM PDT

( click to enlarge )

Pharmacyclics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCYC) has been hitting higher highs and higher lows amongst strong RSI price points. In fact, the RSI is showing multiple points of overbought periods. The stock has been on a strong bull market rally as %K line has been on top of %D line with stock trading above 50 day and 200 day moving average and MACD above 0. For the long term the stock should still continue to go up, however with this kind of overbough conditions I prefer stay away for a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


CAT Losses Hurt Travelers

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:35 PM PDT

The Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV) reported an operating loss of 91 cents per share in the second quarter, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 62 cents. Results were far behind earnings of $1.39 in the prior year quarter. The operating loss was $377 million, comparing unfavorably with earnings of $690 million in the second quarter of 2010.
The company suffered hugely due to catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses in the quarter totaled $1.09 billion or $2.56 per share.
Including net realized … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Tamiflu Continues To Hurt Roche

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Roche Holdings Ltd.'s (RHHBY) earnings came in at $1.85 per share for the first half of fiscal 2011, compared with $1.61 reported in the year-ago period.
Earnings were helped by reduced research and development and financial expenses and a lower tax rate.
Half-yearly revenues declined 12% (in Swiss francs) from the year-ago period. However, revenues increased slightly from the previous year figure to $23,955 million, primarily due to favorable exchange rate movements.
Half-yearly … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Reform At Washington Post

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Kaplan, a pioneer in education services and division of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO), recently announced measures to tame the sluggishness prevailing over its higher education segment.
The measures include streamlining general and administrative operations, leading to the removal of administrative infrastructure and implementation of cost-effective operational constitution at its Higher Education division.
Further, the structural change will aid in optimum allocation of resources, thus … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Prologis Leases In China

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Prologis, Inc. (PLD) recently announced that it has leased approximately 382,000 square feet of its Chengdu Airport Logistics Center to a global third-party logistics provider.
The leased property is located close to the Chengdu International Airport and the city center, thus enabling access to major transportation networks.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and a major transportation hub for Western China. The lease covers phase two of the under-construction project, comprising two … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Setback For Bristol-Myers/AstraZeneca

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Recently, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) and partner AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) suffered a setback when the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted 9-6 against the approval of their diabetes candidate dapagliflozin.
Bristol-Myers and Astra Zeneca are seeking approval of the drug as an adjunct to diet and exercise for improving glycemic control in adults suffering from type II diabetes.
The panel voted against approving the candidate due to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Victory In Louisiana! The Institute For Justice And The Saint Joseph Monks Bury State Casket Cartel

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:21 PM PDT

‘To Become Gradually Less Until Little Remains’

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:06 PM PDT

dwin·dle  (dwndl)
v. dwin·dled, dwin·dling, dwin·dles
v.intr.
To become gradually less until little remains.

v.tr.
To cause to dwindle. See Synonyms at decrease.

[Frequentative of Middle English dwinen, to waste away, from Old English dwnan, to shrink; see dheu-2 in Indo-European roots.]

(Courtesy of The Free Dictionary.)
Sounds like the perfect description of where things really stand when it comes to our so-called recovery:
Dwindling resources –
“Consumers in U.S. Relying on … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Net Income Falls At Xilinx, But Beats Ests.

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:01 PM PDT

Programmable Logic Devices (PLD) maker Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ:XLNX) posted net income of $154.4 million or $0.56 per diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, down 4% sequentially and 3% year over year. 
However, the result easily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.53 per share.
Sales of $615.5 million were up 5% sequentially and 3% year over year, within management's guidance range of $587.9 – $611.4 million.
The better-than-expected sales were primarily due to strength from … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Ryder Raises Dividend

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:01 PM PDT

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE:R) has raised its dividend to 29 cents per share from 27 cents. The increased dividend will be payable on September 16 to shareholders of the record on August 22.
Ryder has remained committed to its shareholders for the past 35 years through dividend payments. The recent payment marks the company's 140th successive quarterly cash dividend.
Further, the company maintains a leverage ratio (debt to equity) of 202%, which remains unchanged from year-end 2010. This ensures … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Closing Bell Market Monitor: T, MHS, MSFT

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT

07/21/11 The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Markets In Everything: Hard Money Mortgages

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:58 PM PDT

From today’s WSJ “Home Loans Via Mom & Pop Inc.”:

“Across the nation, a number of mom-and-pop investors are pulling money out of their retirement accounts and safe, but low-yielding, savings to take on the risk of becoming “hard-money” mortgage lenders, who charge high interest rates to borrowers who have been rejected by traditional banks.

Hard-money mortgage lending represents just a tiny slice of the mortgage market, although the activity is growing rapidly. Guy D. Cecala, publisher of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – EUR/USD Up At The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:55 PM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> EUR/USD was trading at 1.4432, up 1.53% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.4015, Monday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.4433, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – USD/JPY Down Toward The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Japanese Yen on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> USD/JPY was trading at 78.38, down 0.50% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 78.33, today&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 79.32, Wednesday&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Janus Capital Reports In Line

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:31 PM PDT

Janus Capital Group Inc.'s (NYSE:JNS) second-quarter 2011 earnings per share attributable to common shareholders came to 23 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.  
Results compared favorably with 17 cents in the year-ago quarter, aided by higher assets under management (AUM), as well as growth in revenues and a decline in operating expenses.
For the reported quarter, net income was $41.9 million compared with $37.9 million in the prior quarter and $30.2 million in the year-ago … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


LabCorp Outshines Estimates

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:31 PM PDT

Leading lab-testing company Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (NYSE:LH) reported adjusted EPS of $1.64 (excluding amortization, restructuring and other special charges) for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
That result was higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.62 and the previous year’s adjusted EPS of $1.56.
Revenues increased 13.3% year over year to $1,403.3 million, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,398 million. Testing volume (measured by requisitions) and revenue … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – EUR/USD Up Toward The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> EUR/USD was trading at 1.4400, up 1.30% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.4015, Monday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.4417, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


U.S. Markets Close Higher; Dow Jones Up 1.21%

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:15 PM PDT

Forexpros – U.S. stocks were up after the closing bell on Thursday.<br/><br/> At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.21%, the S&P 500 index gained 1.35%, while the Nasdaq 100 index climbed 0.69%.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted 418K last week from 408K in the preceding week whose figure was revised up from 405K.<br/><br/> … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Dermatologist Shortage Offers Huge Opportunity For Verisante

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:08 PM PDT

Brian Marckx, CFA
We cover Verisante Technology Inc. (VRS.V / VRSEF) with an Outperform rating.  See below for free access to our 23-page report on the company in which we detail the size of the skin cancer markets (in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia) and how the shortage of dermatologists presents an enormous opportunity for Aura, their skin cancer detection device.      

There was an interesting article in the April 27, 2011 edition of Men’s Health … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Philip Morris Surpasses Estimates

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:08 PM PDT

Cigarette manufacturer and marketer Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) reported second quarter 2011 earnings per share, excluding special items, of $1.34, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21.
Furthermore, compared to the prior-year period, Philip Morris' earnings per share were up 34.0%, attributable to price increases and strong volume growth in Asia.
Revenue, Volumes & Margins
During the quarter, Philip Morris' net revenues grew 17.2% year over year to $8.3 billion, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Narrower 2Q Outlook For Chubb

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:08 PM PDT

Property and Casualty insurer Chubb Corp. (NYSE:CB) is slated to release second quarter earnings on July 21, after the market closes. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate is $1.02 per share for the quarter, projecting a year-over-year decline of 27.8%.
Chubb has consistently outperformed Zacks Consensus Estimates. Over the past four quarters, the average earnings surprise is 12.13%.
First Quarter in Brief
In the first quarter of 2011, Chubb recorded operating earnings of $1.35 per share, beating … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


WellPoint Performing Well

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:08 PM PDT

We are upgrading our recommendation on WellPoint Inc. (NYSE:WLP) to 'Outperform' from 'Neutral' based on its ability to generate higher premiums and control cost, which enhances operational efficiencies and supports the desired upside in the stock.
In addition, WellPoint has the exclusive right to market products under Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the most recognized brand in the industry, while it is a dominant player in its entire 14 Blue Cross and Blue Shield state markets with … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – GBP/USD Up During The U.S. Session

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:45 PM PDT

Forexpros – The British Pound was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> GBP/USD was trading at 1.6298, up 0.90% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.6006, Monday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.6324, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


South African Reserve Bank Holds Rate At 5.50%

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:38 PM PDT

The South African Reserve Bank [SARB] held its monetary policy interest rate, the repo rate, unchanged at 5.50%.  The Bank said: “The MPC is not complacent and will remain vigilant and continue to monitor closely any indications of second-round effects on inflation emanating from these cost pressures as well as the changing risk profile of the inflation outlook.” On inflation the SARB said: ”The view of the MPC continues to be that the underlying inflation pressures are … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


ABB Outperforms Estimate

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:35 PM PDT

ABB Ltd. (NYSE:ABB) reported second-quarter 2011 earnings per share of 39 cents, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 37 cents and prior-year earnings of 27 cents. Strong industrial growth, high profits from Power System division and good returns from recent acquisitions contributed to impressive net income gains, up 43% year over year.
Increasing demand for industrial efficient products, robots and low voltage systems with rising investment in operationally efficient products aided order growth … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


CA Beats Estimates

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:35 PM PDT

CA Inc. (CA) reported first quarter 2012 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 52 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents.
Revenue
Revenue of $1.16 billion was up 9.0% from $1.07 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. Revenue growth was primarily attributable to healthy demand for its service assurance, identity and access management, Nimsoft and mainframe products. About 62.0% of the company’s revenue came from North America, while the remaining was derived from … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Freeport’s Profit More Than Doubles

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (NYSE:FCX) reported a profit of $1.37 billion or $1.43 per share in the second quarter of 2011, which more than doubled from $649 million or 70 cents per share in the same quarter of 2011. The profit exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9 cents per share.
Revenues in the quarter surged 50% to $5.81 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.63 billion. Consolidated sales from mines totaled 1.0 billion pounds of copper, 356,000 ounces of gold … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Dr. Reddy’s Rides On Generic Sales

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:35 PM PDT

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (NYSE:RDY) reported first quarter fiscal 2012 earnings per American Depositary Share (ADS) of 33 cents compared with 28 cents per ADS posted in the year-ago quarter. Substantive surge in the revenues helped lift the company's earnings.
Quarter at a Glance
For the first quarter 2012, the company reported revenues of $444 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 18%. Dr. Reddy's reports revenues under two segments – Global Generics and Pharmaceutical Services … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


E*TRADE Reports In Line

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:35 PM PDT

E*TRADE Financial Corporation’s (NASDAQ:ETFC) second-quarter 2011 net income of 16 cents per share was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate as well as the prior quarter. However, the company's net income compared favorably with 12 cents per share in the prior-year quarter attributed to higher net operating interest income and a decrease in provision for loan losses, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses and lower non-interest income.
E*TRADE reported second-quarter net income … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Hot Option Plays: Rally Broad-Based

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:17 PM PDT

Cusick’s Corner
Stocks are up on earnings and Europe appears closer to a Greek bailout plan. This rally is broad-based; all sectors are in the green with Financials, XLF, and Energy, XLE, leading the pack. See you After Hours.
Stocks are broadly higher with help from earnings and diminishing concerns about the European Debt Crisis. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is up 9.1 percent and is a leader among the financials after the investment bank’s earnings and revenues topped expectations. AT&T (NYSE:T), … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – USD/CAD Down In U.S. Trade

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:10 PM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Canadian Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> USD/CAD was trading at 0.9455, down 0.20% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 0.9424, today&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 0.9635, Monday&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


AngioDynamics Stays At Neutral

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

We maintain our Neutral recommendation for therapeutic and diagnostic devices maker AngioDynamics (NASDAQ:ANGO) following our assessment of its fourth quarter fiscal 2011 results. Adjusted (excluding one-time charges) earnings of 11 cents for the quarter beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny while revenues (down 6.5% year over year to $56.4 million) missed the forecast.
The company reported a loss in the quarter on account of lower sales and hefty charges, partly, associated with the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


V.F. Corp Beats, Raises Outlook

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

V.F. Corporation (NYSE:VFC) reported second-quarter 2011 adjusted earnings of $1.09 per share, striding ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7 cents.
The result also surpassed earnings of $1.00 per share in the prior-year quarter.
Including costs of 2 cents related to the pending acquisition of The Timberland Company, a 7-cent gain from the closure of European Jeanswear facility and benefits from currency translation of 3 cents, earnings per share for the quarter came in at $1.17.
Operational … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Baxter Beats Easily, Ups View

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) reported second-quarter 2011 adjusted (excluding one-time items) earnings per share of $1.07, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02, and surpassing the year-ago results of 93 cents. The results exceeded Baxter's earlier guidance of $1.01 to $1.03.
Baxter reported a profit of $615 million (or $1.07 a share) in the quarter versus $535 million (or 90 cents a share) a year ago.
Revenues
Total revenues were $3,536 million in the second quarter, up 11% year … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Huntington Beats, Ups Dividend

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Huntington Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:HBAN) reported second quarter 2011 earnings of 16 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Results also compare favorably with 14 cents earned in the prior quarter and 3 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Better-than-expected results reflected a significant improvement in credit quality with a drop in loan loss provisions. The company also posted an increase in net interest income. Huntingtonalso declared an increase in its dividend to 4 cents per … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Nucor Posts Solid 2Q

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) reported an increase in profit of around 229% to $299.8 million or 94 cents per share (excluding special items) in the second quarter of 2011.
That compares with $91 million or 29 cents per share (excluding special items) in the same quarter of 2010.
The result also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 81 cents per share. The performance was driven by increases in demand and steel mill products prices.
Consolidated sales surged 22% to $5.11 billion due to an … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – EUR/USD Up In U.S. Trading Hours

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:45 AM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> EUR/USD was trading at 1.4378, up 1.15% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.4015, Monday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.4402, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


CB Richards’ Exclusive Deal With USPS

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:35 AM PDT

CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. (NYSE:CBG), the world's largest commercial real estate services company (on the basis of 2010 revenues), has recently consolidated its strategic alliance with the United States Postal Service (USPS), an independent agency of the U.S. government for providing postal service across the country, by forging an exclusive deal to serve as its sole provider of corporate real estate solutions. 
Under the terms of the agreement, CB Richard Ellis will facilitate … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Whirlpool Reports Profits In Line

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:35 AM PDT

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) reported a net loss of $161 million or $2.10 per share in the second quarter of 2011, compared with net earnings of $205 million or $2.64 per share in the prior-year quarter.
However, the reported net loss included the Brazilian collection dispute settlement of $3.78 per share and increased accruals of $1.08 per share related to the recent developments in the ongoing Embraco antitrust matters.
Excluding these special items, adjusted earnings in the reported quarter … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Sherwin-Williams Misses Estimates

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:35 AM PDT

Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE:SHW) reported net earnings of $1.58 per share in the second quarter of 2011 missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 per share.  However, excluding charges of 8 cents per share relating to costs to repurchase $84.9 million of long-term debt, diluted net income was $1.66 per share versus $1.64 per share in the prior year quarter. The second quarter earnings were at the low end of the company's guidance range due to high raw material costs versus the timing of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Pepco Ready To Serve Texas

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:35 AM PDT

Pepco Energy Services Inc., a unit of Pepco Holdings Inc. (NYSE:POM), has stepped into the Texas energy services market and established its regional headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Pepco Energy's new office will serve its prospective client base consisting of federal, state, municipal and local government agencies, as well as commercial and industrial customers. Pepco Energy will provide a wide range of renewable energy, combined heat and power, operation and maintenance services, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


NY Times Beats But Profit Dips

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:35 AM PDT

The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) recently posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2011 results. The quarterly earnings of 14 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 10 cents, but dropped 22.2% from 18 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate had remained stagnant prior to the earnings release with only 1 out of 4 analysts following the stock revised the estimate upwards in the last 30 days.
On a reported basis, including one-time items, the company … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Demand For PepsiCo Options Bubbles Over As Shares Fizzle

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:30 AM PDT

Demand for PepsiCo options bubbles over as shares fizzle
Today's tickers: PEP, CAKE, GNW & WAG
(NYSE:PEP) – PepsiCo, Inc. – Options traders flocked to PepsiCo to initiate bearish stances on the global food, snack and beverage company today, with shares in the Purchase, NY-based Company sliding as much as 5.4% to a session low of $64.79. Shares in the world's largest snack-food maker fell after the company said profit growth this year will be lower than previously estimated. PepsiCo … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – AUD/USD Up In U.S. Trade

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:15 AM PDT

Forexpros – The Australian Dollar was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> AUD/USD was trading at 1.0843, up 0.85% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.0561, Monday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.0856, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Seagate???s Profit Dips, Revs Up

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Seagate Technology plc (STX) reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings per share of 28 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 25 cents.
Revenue
Seagate reported revenues of $2.86 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, up 7.9% from $2.65 billion in the year-ago period. The company shipped 52 million disk drives in the reported quarter. In the enterprise market, Seagate shipped 5.1 million drives for mission-critical applications and 2.7 million drives for business-critical applications, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Production Glitch Thwarts Noble 2Q

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Contract drilling company, Noble Corporation (NYSE:NE) has reported second quarter 2011 earnings of 11 cents per share (excluding one-time items), failing to meet the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents and falling steeply from the adjusted year-earlier profit of 93 cents. Disruption of services at five rigs during the quarter was the chief reason for this underperformance.
Total revenue in the quarter plunged more than 11% to $628 million from $709.9 million in the comparable quarter last year. … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Danaher Underperforms Estimate

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) released its second-quarter 2011 results before the opening bell today reporting earnings from continuing operations of 65 cents, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents. Earnings for the quarter were up 23% compared with the prior-year quarter.
Adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations, which excludes contribution from Beckman Coulter, was 69 cents, an increase of 28% year over year.
Revenue
The company generated sales from continuing operations … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


EnCana Shines, Reaffirms Outlook

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:05 AM PDT

Canada's largest natural gas producer EnCana Corp. (NYSE:ECA) has reported impressive second quarter results, reflecting strong natural gas and liquids output based on efficient operational activities and competent workforce.
The company's operating earnings per share (excluding one-time items) of 22 cents breezed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 11 cents and were way above the year-ago earnings of 9 cents.
Revenues (net of royalties) came in at $1.986 billion, up 35.2% year over year and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Solid Second Quarter For PPG

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:05 AM PDT

PPG Industries Inc. (PPG) posted net income of $340 million or $2.12 per share for the second quarter of 2011, compared with $272 million or $1.63 per share in the year-ago quarter. The results were on par with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Net sales for the quarter were $4.0 billion, up 15% from $3.5 billion in the second quarter of 2010. It also outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.8 billion. The improvement was attributed to demand improvements, higher pricing in each of its … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Apple Announces Updates To Its MacBook Air & Mac Mini

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:00 AM PDT

07/21/11 Apple Incorporated announced Monday that it will update both the MacBook Air and Mac mini computers with next-generation processors and operating … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


European Markets Close Higher; Dax Up 0.95%

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:50 AM PDT

Forexpros – European stocks were up after the closing bell on Thursday.<br/><br/> At the close of European trade, Germany&rsquo;s DAX rose 0.95%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 gained 0.79%, France&rsquo;s CAC 40 climbed 1.66% and the EURO STOXX 50 was up 2.13%.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted 418K last week from 408K in the preceding week whose figure was revised … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Thanks To Regulatory Burdens, We’ve Got Both A Creditless Recovery And A Jobless Recovery

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:46 AM PDT

We had “jobless recoveries” after the 1990-1991 and 2001 recessions, but they were mild compared to the current “jobless recovery” of 2009-2011. At the current rate of private job creation over the last year, about 141,000 jobs per month, it will still take roughly four more years just to replace the jobs lost during the recession. When you also consider the addition of millions of new entrants every year into the labor market, it will likely be even longer before the U.S. labor market ever … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Forex – USD/JPY Down During The U.S. Session

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:45 AM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Japanese Yen on Thursday after the release of U.S. data on Initial Jobless Claims.<br/><br/> USD/JPY was trading at 78.57, down 0.27% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 78.34, today&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 79.32, Wednesday&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, official data showed that U.S. Initial Jobless Claims rose more-than-expected to a seasonally … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Core Labs Posts Strong 2Q

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:35 AM PDT

Core Laboratories N.V. (NYSE:CLB) has reported impressive second quarter 2011 results, driven by commendable performances across all the three business units.
Earnings per share (EPS), excluding special items, came in at 90 cents, moving ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 88 cents. Moreover, EPS increased 27% from 71 cents in the second quarter of 2010.
Total revenue for the quarter was $225.8 million, up 13.5% from $198.9 million in the prior-year quarter, aided by strong growth in all … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Union Pacific Reported Excellent 2Q

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:35 AM PDT

U.S. railroad giant Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE:UNP) reported second quarter net income at a record-high of $785 million or $1.59 per share, compared with $711 million or $1.40 in the year-ago quarter.
EPS also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.
Total operating revenue was $4,858 million, up 16% year over year and better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,727 million.
Total Freight revenue was $4,595 million, up 16% year over year. Quarterly Freight revenue of all the six business … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Sallie Mae Outpaces Zacks Estimate

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:35 AM PDT

SLM Corp. (NYSE:SLM) better known as Sallie Mae, has reported second quarter 2011 core earnings of $260 million or 48 cents per share, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents. The results compare favorably with prior-year quarter's core earnings of $211 million or 39 cents per share.
Favorable results at Sallie Mae were primarily driven by an increase in student loan originations, improved credit quality with declines in student loan delinquencies and operating expenses. The positives … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Seagate’s Profit Dips, Revs Up

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:35 AM PDT

Seagate Technology plc (STX) reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings per share of 28 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 25 cents.
Revenue
Seagate reported revenues of $2.86 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, up 7.9% from $2.65 billion in the year-ago period. The company shipped 52 million disk drives in the reported quarter. In the enterprise market, Seagate shipped 5.1 million drives for mission-critical applications and 2.7 million drives for business-critical applications, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


“US Debt Deal…underlying Risk From Moody’s And S&P”

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 05:33 AM PDT

07/21/11 LandColt Trading’s Todd M. Schoenberger weighs in on debt issues on both sides of the Atlantic and the latest earnings … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Fifth Third Tops, Revs Up

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:05 AM PDT

Fifth Third Bancorp's (NASDAQ:FITB) second quarter 2011 net income of $328 million or 35 cents per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents.
The results compare favorably with net income of $88 million or 10 cents per share in the prior quarter and $130 million or 16 cents per share in the prior-year quarter.
Quarterly results at Fifth Third reflect a better-than-expected revenue figure backed by fee income growth. Credit metrics improved significantly and operating expenses were … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Eurozone Debt Optimism Leads To Rise In Risk Appetite

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 05:00 AM PDT

07/21/11 The euro continued its raly htis afternoon following eurozone debt optimism and strong US business activity … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


QE3: Just Like All The Other Sequels Out There

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:00 AM PDT

QE3: Just Like All the Other Sequels Out There
by Jason Jenkins, Investment U Research
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Godfather II is a cinematic masterpiece… but it's an exception to the rule. Usually, sequels hardly do the original any justice…
Following the success of the Troubled Asset Relief Program in 2008, the sequel – Quantitative Easing 2, is a tale that shouldn't be told in the first place… Now, get ready for the trilogy.
Last Wednesday, while giving Congressional testimony, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Recommendation ‘Change Of Heart’ Screen – Are Broker Upgrades Worth Listening Out For?

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 05:09 AM PDT

In Brief 
A momentum screen that looks for recent analyst recommendation upgrades, especially those quot;bold revisionsquot; that move away from the broker consensus.
Background
Although investing on the basis of broker recommendation alone does not appear to be a successful strategy, research suggests that focusing on recent changes in broker recommendations is more fruitful, particularly in combination with other signals. Looking at the relative level of recommendations, rather than the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


2011 Halftime Report: Oil Outlook Remains Strong

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 10:00 PM PDT

This year has been eventful for the oil patch. Natural disasters, revolutions, terrorist attacks and political maneuvering kept oil bouncing around $100 per barrel and 3.8 percent higher on the year at the end of June. Despite the volatility and large number of external forces affecting oil prices, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its most recent Oil Market Report that "the bull run evident since autumn 2010 therefore looks in large part to be justified by supply and demand … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards


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