Friday, August 26, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - NYSE Plans For Hurricane Irene

DailyMarkets.com - NYSE Plans For Hurricane Irene

NYSE Plans For Hurricane Irene

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 04:30 PM PDT

08/26/11 NYSE Euronext’s Lou Pastina discusses contingency plans of the exchange, ahead of Hurricane Irene’s arrival in the New York Tri-State … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Dollar Tree To Buy Back Shares

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Chesapeake, Virginia based discount variety store Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ:DLTR) recently entered into an agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association to repurchase its common shares under a variable maturity accelerated share repurchase program.
As per the deal, the company will repurchase $200 million of its common shares under its ongoing $500 million share repurchase program announced on June 21, 2010. After acquiring shares from JPMorgan, the company will have $49.2 million worth of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Questar In Neutral Lane

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:35 PM PDT

We are maintaining our Neutral rating on Questar Corporation (NYSE:STR), given its steady earnings and dividend growth potential in the coming months, partially offset by unstable natural gas fundamentals.
In the recently completed second quarter 2011, Questar reported earnings per share of 22 cents, surpassing both the Zacks Consensus Estimate and last year’s 20 cents. Quarterly total revenue came in at $222.9 million, up 10.8% from the year-ago level of $201.1 million and ahead of the Zacks … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

OriginOil, OOILD.OB Initiation By Zacks Small Cap Research

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Ian Gilson, CFA
OriginOil, OOILD.OB Initiation by  Zacks Small Cap Research

OriginOil is moving from a proof of concept to a full scale plant for production of oil from algae using the company’s unique separation processes.

The company’s strategy is to be a supplier of technology to the growers of algae so that the oil separation process is less expensive and the cost of oil from algae becomes economically feasible.

The company’s goals for the next three years are the successful … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Nokia Targets Low-End Markets

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK), the world's largest mobile phone maker, recently announced the launch of two new handsets, namely Nokia 100 and 101 priced at $30 and $35, respectively, targeting the low-end market.
Nokia 101 is a dual-sim phone with 16GB expandable memory and is slated to be launched in the upcoming quarter of 2011 while Nokia 100 is scheduled to hit the market later this year.
Nokia 101 is expected to cash in on the growing popularity of Nokia's dual sim handsets in the low-end … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Avnet’s Power Forum

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Avnet Inc. (NYSE:AVT) will host its virtual Power Forum for a full 24 hrs, through its business region Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas.
The forum will provide on-demand technical training from nearly 20 industry-leading power technology suppliers.
With the help of 40 in-depth technical webinars, the attendees will be provided a practical look at innovative products, market trends and design techniques. The event, to be held on September 21, 2011, will be free of cost.
Furthermore, a wide … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Whirpool’s CFO To Retire Next Year

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) recently announced the retirement plans of Roy Templin, executive vice president and chief financial officer of the company.
According to the plan, he will handle his current responsibilities till April 2012 to complete the company's year-end reporting and other transitional items.
He will be succeeded by Larry Venturelli, the current senior vice president, corporate controller, chief accounting officer and chief financial officer for Whirlpool … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Closing Bell Market Monitor

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 03:00 PM PDT

08/26/11 US stocks snapped a four-week losing streak, with the major equity averages gaining over 4% for the week. Bernanke offered no further stimulus … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Monetary Policy Week In Review – 27 August 2011

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:55 PM PDT

The past week in monetary policy saw 8 central banks reviewing interest rates and monetary policy settings.  Just one bank adjusted its main interest rate, with Thailand adding  +25bps to 3.50%.  Meanwhile the other central banks held interest rates unchanged: Turkey 5.75%, Hungary 6.00%, Namibia 6.00%, Egypt 8.25%, Sierra Leone 23.00%, Denmark 1.55%, and Mexico 4.50%.  Aside from interest rates, the much watched annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium kicked off, with … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Is Gold And Silver Money?

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:36 PM PDT

Readers continue to express an abiding interest in silver, also known as the "poor man's gold." Prominent among the questions they raise: Quo vadis silver?
Recently the noble white metal experienced a rapid run-up to the halcyon heights of $50, only to retreat precipitously to the low $30s. This on-again, off-again action was due to a technical response to silver's inherent volatility as both an industrial and a safe haven metal.
In order to quell such ebullient action, the Comex … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Krispy Kreme Matches Estimates

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE:KKD) posted second quarter 2012 adjusted earnings of 6 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, on a GAAP basis, earnings in the quarter came in at 12 cents per share compared with 3 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. GAAP earnings included a gain on the sale of the company’s equity interest in its Mexican franchisee.
Total revenue climbed 11.4% year over year to $87.9 million in the quarter. The company witnessed revenue growth … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Shoe Carnival’s 2Q Disappoints

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Shoe Carnival Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL) recently posted second quarter 2011 earnings of 20 cents per share, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 30 cents and the year-earlier quarter earnings of 32 cents per share. The company delivered poor quarterly earnings mainly due to a decline in traffic at stores.
Net sales inched up 0.8% year over year to $166.7 million during the quarter. Comparable store sales (comps) fell 1.1% in the quarter versus 8.3% increase in the year-ago quarter. The downside in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Visa Intact At Neutral

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:35 PM PDT

We reiterate our recommendation on Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) at Neutral based on the its comprehensive portfolio diversification efforts amid the regulatory sting on debit card segment.
The company's operating earnings in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 came in at $1.26 per share. These were three pennies ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.23 per share but substantially exceeded 96 cents per share reported in the year-ago quarter on lower share count.
Results exceeded expectations due to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

NCR Completes Radiant Buyout

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:35 PM PDT

NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) finally wrapped up the acquisition of Radiant Systems Inc., a provider of cash registers and other point-of-sale devices for the retail and hospitality industries, for $1.2 billion in cash.
Alpharetta, Georgia-based Radian develops touch-screen terminals, servers, handheld devices and software to manage operations such as day-to-day transactions, costs and employee management. Its customers include Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), Kroger (NYSE:KR) and Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN).
Radiant System … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Citi Boosts Consumer Banking Arm

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:35 PM PDT

As part of its effort to overhaul the U.S. Consumer Banking arm, Citibank, the banking unit of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) has appointed two Regional Heads for this division.
Jerome Byers has been appointed as Regional President of Consumer Banking for its Central Region overseeing branches from Illinois to Texas, while Kathryn Dinkin has been hired as Regional President of Consumer Banking for its East Region, which comprises of branches from Boston to Miami. In total, the East Region is comprised of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Scientific Games Wins New Contract

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Scientific Games Corp. (NASDAQ:SGMS) signed a new contract with New York Lottery, after winning a competitive procurement process in May 2011. Under the contract, Scientific Games will become the primary vendor for instant ticket games and related services to New York Lottery.
Scientific Games stated that the contract extends through 2018 and will generate revenue based on the price per thousand instant tickets sold.
Under the terms of the agreement, Scientific Games will also receive a percentage … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Mexican Central Bank Holds Interest Rate At 4.50%

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:18 PM PDT

The Banco de Mexico maintained its overnight interest rate target unchanged at 4.50%.  In its monetary policy statement the Bank noted: “productive activity in Mexico maintains a positive trend, although the rate of growth has lost some momentum,”… and “If the performance of the national economy and international financial markets results in an unnecessary tightening of monetary policy, the Governing Board will reflect on the appropriateness of adjusting it,”.  Markets … [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: 26 Aug 2011 02:11 PM PDT

Forexpros – The Euro was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Friday after the release of U.S. data on GDP.<br/><br/> EUR/USD was trading at 1.4499, up 0.83% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.4328, Thursday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.4502, today&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, preliminary official data showed that Gross domestic product in the U.S. rose less-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Tiffany Brightens Outlook

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Tiffany & Company (NYSE:TIF) posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2011 results buoyed by improved demand for luxury items worldwide and consequently raised its full year outlook. The quarterly earnings of 86 cents a share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 70 cents, and rose substantially from 55 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate rose by a penny over the last 30 days with only 2 out of 17 analysts covering the stock revising the estimates upward, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

CME Cuts Margin For Crude Oil Futures

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Reuters reported that CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CME) has cut its margin requirements for crude oil futures in the US by about 4% given the consistent price decline and the gradually diminishing volatility in the market.
Margins are primarily the deposits that investors pay to the exchange to book their futures contracts and pay the full amount on maturity of these contracts. Accordingly, CME has reduced its maintenance margin on crude oil future contracts to $6,000 per contract from $6,250. The new … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

IFF: Neutral Rating Affirmed

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:05 PM PDT

We recently maintained a Neutral recommendation on New York-based International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF).
The company, a creator and manufacturer of fragrance and flavor products, has operations in the United States and internationally. With the economy reviving from the global crisis, consumer spending is seen to be gathering momentum, a positive driver for the flavors and fragrances industry.
Moreover, going forward, IFF's success will be driven by new business wins, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Goldman Comes Up With Pay Cuts

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:05 PM PDT

According to Bloomberg report and other sources, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS) plans to slash salaries of some London-based investment bankers. This move would put an end to the two-year pay rise deal agreed upon in 2009.
In the wake of competition with other banks and pressure from UK officials to limit the bonuses, in 2009, Goldman increased the base pay of fewer than half of the company’s 6,500 employees in London to compensate for bonuses with the clause of terminating the deal after … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

EnCana Announces Divestiture Plan

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Canadian natural gas company EnCana Corporation (NYSE:ECA) announced that one of its subsidiary, EnCana Oil & Gas, intends to divest its North Texas natural gas producing assets in the Fort Worth Basin located in the Barnett Shale play by late 2011 or early 2012. However, the sale is subject to receiving an acceptable bid, approval of the companies' boards of directors and other customary conditions and regulations.   
The asset, which is well poised for future development, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Forexpros – The British Pound was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Friday after the release of U.K. data on GDP.<br/><br/> GBP/USD was trading at 1.6368, up 0.54% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 1.6209, today&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 1.6571, Tuesday&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, preliminary official data showed that U.K.&rsquo;s gross domestic product rose to a seasonally adjusted 0.2% in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 02:00 PM PDT

Forexpros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Japanese Yen on Friday after the release of U.S. data on GDP.<br/><br/> USD/JPY was trading at 76.67, down 1.04% at time of writing.<br/><br/> The pair was likely to find support at 76.47, Tuesday&rsquo;s low, and resistance at 77.70, Thursday&rsquo;s high.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, preliminary official data showed that Gross domestic product in the U.S. rose less-than-expected to a seasonally … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Mind The Gap?

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:41 PM PDT

Credit markets seem to have a more negative perspective on where things are headed than equity markets:

Hmmm…I wonder which one is closer to the mark?
(Hint: if history is any guide, the answer is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Analyst Interviews: Auto Industry Stock Outlook And Review

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:35 PM PDT

 
AMER AXLE & MFG (AXL): Free Stock Analysis … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Diageo’s Performance In Fiscal 2011

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Diageo Plc.'s (NYSE:DEO) fiscal 2011 net income from continuing operations grew 16.1% to £2.02 billion ($3.3 billion) from £1.74 billion in the year-ago period. Earnings per share came in at 76 pence ($1.24 per ADR), compared to £0.65 per share in the year-ago quarter.
Net sales recorded growth of 1.6% year over year to £9.93 billion ($16.20 billion). Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and disposals, organic sales revealed a growth of 5%. Volumes also grew 3% year over … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

LabCorp Introduces New Test

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Leading diagnostic player Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (NYSE:LH) has expanded its HCV testing portfolio with the launch of a nucleic acid sequencing assay, developed by Monogram Biosciences. The test reports NS3 and NS4A mutations and NS3 associated resistance to the recently approved HCV protease inhibitors. Identification of mutations will be of great help to doctors in deciding a patient's treatment.
As per estimates, approximately 3.2 million people in the US and up to 170 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Humana To Acquire Arcadian

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Yesterday Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) announced that it will purchase Arcadian Management Services, a Medicare Advantage health maintenance organization that has members in 15 U.S. states. However, the financial and other terms of purchase remain undisclosed. The acquisition is expected to complete by the end of the year, after obtaining the approval of U.S. federal and state regulators.
Arcadian is a California-based privately held organization established in 1996 and specializes in providing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

PetroChina Earnings Up Slightly

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Chinese energy giant PetroChina Co. Ltd. (NYSE:PTR) announced its first half 2011 earnings of RMB 66.0 billion or RMB 0.361 per diluted share, compared with RMB 65.3 billion or RMB 0.357 per diluted share in the year-earlier period. Earnings per ADR came in at $5.59 (exchange rate: US$1.00 = RMB 6.46, 1 ADR = 100 shares).
The slight improvement can be primarily attributable to higher oil prices and stronger volumes, which were almost offset by refining losses. PetroChina's total revenue for the … [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: 26 Aug 2011 01:15 PM PDT

Forexpros – U.S. stocks were up after the closing bell on Friday.<br/><br/> At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.21%, the S&P 500 index gained 1.51%, while the Nasdaq 100 index climbed 2.55%.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, preliminary official data showed that Gross domestic product in the U.S. rose less-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.0% in the last quarter from 1.3% in the preceding … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

School Specialty Bottom-Line Up

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:05 PM PDT

School Specialty Inc. (NASDAQ:SCHS) recently posted first-quarter 2012 results. The company delivered earnings of 77 cents a share, up 10% from 70 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.
On a reported basis, including one-time items, the quarterly earnings came in at 72 cents a share, reflecting a substantial improvement from a loss of $17.58 posted in the year-ago quarter.
Revenue Rises, Margins Still Under Pressure
Greenville, Wisconsin-based company's total revenue further jumped by 9.1% to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Morgan Stanley Upgraded To Neutral

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:05 PM PDT

We are upgrading our recommendation on Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) to Neutral based on its better-than-expected second quarter results. Though the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (MUFG) preferred stock conversion resulted in a substantial loss during the quarter, it enhanced the capital cushion.
Morgan Stanley's second-quarter 2011 loss from continuing operations came in at 38 cents per share, substantially better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 63 cents. This represents Morgan … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Lockheed Wins $26.1M US Army Deal

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Information Systems & Global Services ("IS&GS"), a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), received an indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract worth $26.1 million from the U.S. Army to provide a host of new enterprise architecture services.
Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide operational architecture development, architecture integration, data management, and data visualization support to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command ("TRADOC") … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Cyberonics Tops, Hit By Charges

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Cyberonics (NASDAQ:CYBX) reported first quarter 2012 adjusted EPS of 28 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents per share and 12% higher than the year-ago quarter's adjusted EPS. The results include pre-tax charges of $1.28 million associated with the product withdrawal as announced on August, 2011.
During the quarter, Cyberonics reported revenues of $52.7 million, up 18% year over year and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $51 million. The year-over-year growth was based … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

ACAS Offers Mezzanine Financing

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:05 PM PDT

Yesterday, American Capital Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACAS) announced its plan of providing support to the merger of Survey Sampling International and Opinionology Inc. through financing. The company strategizes to provide $50 million of Senior Subordinated Note financing for the deal.
The new company will be named as Survey Sampling International after the merger. Since December 2006, ACAS has been supporting Opinionology Inc. with the finance. The company provided $34 million Second Lien Term Loan as part of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Forex – Dollar Falls In U.S. Afternoon Trade

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 01:03 PM PDT

Forexpros – <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin: 0px”><span style=”letter-spacing: 0px”>Forexpros – The U.S. dollar moved broadly lower against its major counterparts in U.S. trade Friday, as the Federal Reserve Bank postponed a decision on further monetary easing and gross domestic product was shown to have grown slower than expected in the second quarter.</span></p> <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

First They Came For The Kid-Run Lemonade Stands

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:38 PM PDT

Then federal agents raided guitar factories like Gibson and seized wood, guitars and company records.

Wall Street Journal — “Federal agents swooped in on Gibson Guitar Wednesday, raiding factories and offices in Memphis and Nashville, seizing several pallets of wood, electronic files and guitars. The Feds are keeping mum, but in a statement yesterday Gibson’s chairman and CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz, defended his company’s manufacturing policies, accusing the Justice Department of bullying the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Exxon’s Oil Spill To Cost $42.6M

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:35 PM PDT

The world's largest oil company by market value, ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) has projected the expenditure to clean up a July 1 oil spill into the Yellowstone River in Montana at $42.6 million, as per a filing with the federal regulators.
The spill from the Silvertip pipeline will cost $40 million for emergency response work and a putative $2.5 million for damage to public and private property. The pipeline spilled about 42,000 gallons (or 1,000 barrels) of crude oil into the waterway … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Fortune Set For Home Biz Spin-Off

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:35 PM PDT

The leading consumer brands company Fortune Brands Inc. (NYSE:FO) announced that its board of directors has given the final nod to proceed with the split of the company's Home & Security business effective October 3, 2011, at business close. Post spin-off, the Fortune Brands Home & Security business is proposed to be traded under the symbol 'FBHS' while the spirit business will be rechristened Beam Inc. and will replace the current "FO" symbol with the eponymous … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

DFC Global Beats, Guides 2012

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:35 PM PDT

DFC Global Corp. (formerly Dollar Financial Corp.) (NASDAQ:DLLR) reported fourth-quarter operating earnings of 46 cents per share, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 41 cents per share but dramatically higher than 28 cents earned in the year ago quarter.
The operating results exclude non-recurring gains, the non-cash interest expense resulting from the adoption of ASC 470-20, and the non-cash amortization associated with the legacy cross-currency interest rate swap agreements, which are … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

U.S. Stocks Gain Strength In Afternoon Trade; Dow Rises 0.9%

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:09 PM PDT

Forexpros – <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin: 0px”><span style=”letter-spacing: 0px”>Forexpros – U.S. stocks moved higher Friday, following lower than expected gross domestic product numbers and a long-awaited public address from U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke.</span></p> <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; margin: 0px”>In afternoon U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Watson Pharma Stands Tall

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:05 PM PDT

We continue to have an Outperform recommendation on Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:WPI), with a target price of $79.00, following the release of second quarter 2011 results.
Watson Pharma's second quarter earnings of $1.01 per share (excluding special items) outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny and the year-ago earnings by 18 cents. Earnings were bolstered by higher revenues.
Revenues for the quarter climbed 24% to $1.08 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $992 … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Natural Gas Stocks Expand In Line

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:05 PM PDT

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed an in-line build-up in natural gas supplies. An increase in domestic gas consumption – driven by cooling demand on the back of extremely hot weather conditions in regions of Texas – was offset by decline in residential/commercial and industrial sector consumption, as well as slightly higher production.
The Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report brought out by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) every Thursday since 2002 – … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

GD Canadian Unit In Field Support

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 12:05 PM PDT

General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, a business unit of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), received a contract worth $49.2 million from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command.
Per the contract, General Dynamics will provide training and field service support for Light Armored Vehicles ("LAV") that was previously supplied under a Foreign Military Sale ("FMS") contract. Support activities under this contract include the provision of field support teams to conduct operator … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

First They Came For The Kid-Run Lemonade Stands

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:40 AM PDT

Then armed “nuisance abatement team” gestapos came and drove people off their land in the California desert.

Find out more here from Reason.tv. 

HT: Matt … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Micros Tops Guidance, Stock Up

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:35 AM PDT

MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) reported revenues of $274.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, up 10.4% year over year.
On a segment basis, Service revenues came in at $182.0 million, up 12.3% year over year. Hardware revenues came in at $56.9 million, up 9.5% year over year. Software revenues came in at $35.0 million, up 2.9% year over year.
Geographically, revenues from domestic operations were 46% of the total and international operations accounted for 54% of the total … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

GDP: Growth Revised Down, Quality Up, Pt. 2

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:35 AM PDT

(This posting is a continuation of “GDP: Growth Revised Down, Quality Up.”)

G for Government

Government spending subtracted 0.18 (0.23) points to growth in the second quarter, down from a 1.23 (1.20) point drag in the first quarter, and a 0.58 (0.34) point drag in the fourth quarter.

I should point out that in the GDP accounts it is only government consumption and investment that is counted as part of G. Transfer payments, such as Social Security and Medicare, are not included. They tend to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Cousins Properties Stays Neutral

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:35 AM PDT

We maintain our 'Neutral' rating on Cousins Properties Inc. (NYSE:CUZ), a Georgia-based real estate investment trust (REIT) engaged in the acquisition, financing, development, management, and leasing of office, retail and industrial properties throughout the U.S.
Cousins Properties has a diversified portfolio with a broad array of product types – office, retail, urban residential and single-family communities that mitigates operating risks associated with the economic down cycles. In 2008, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

EUR/CHF, GBP/CHF, CHF/JPY Break Patterns For Further Correction Of CHF Strength

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:23 AM PDT

The Swiss Franc seemed to be the more determined mover today, not the USD, as you may expect because of Bernanke's leaving out QE3. Perhaps after the media has talked about this possibility for the past couple of days already, the market just does not find it surprising and is back to wondering where the USD should go with no new clues. The CHF market however, was a determined mover today. The USD/CHF rallied sharply out of its range. We also observe breakouts in EUR/CHF, GBP/CHF, and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Quote Of The Day: The Importance Of Jobs

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:22 AM PDT

“The current economic malaise has made Americans doubt our ability to grow and prosper as the country always has. As long as we remember that the source of that prosperity comes not from government managers but from restless, relentless individuals like Steve Jobs, we will.”

~WSJ … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

GDP: Growth Revised Down, Quality Up, Pt. 1

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:05 AM PDT

This is essentially the same post as I put up on July 29th when the first cut at the GDP numbers for the second quarter came out. I have put the new, revised figures in italics. The original numbers are shown in regular font and parenthesis immediately after the new numbers. This will allow you to see just where the changes are coming from, as well as the differences from prior quarters. New commentary will also be in italics. The composition of GDP growth is as significant as the overall level … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Cautious On TDS

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:05 AM PDT

We are currently maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (NYSE:TDS). The stock retains a Zacks # 2 (Buy) Rank for the short term.
The company is a diversified telecom service provider offering wireless services through its subsidiary U.S. Cellular Corp. (NYSE:USM) and wireline services through TDS Telecom.
Telephone and Data Systems is pursuing several initiatives to reinvigorate growth including expansion of its 3G network, handset offerings and potential … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

SurModics Retains The Neutral Tag

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:05 AM PDT

We continue to have a Neutral recommendation on SurModics Inc. (NASDAQ:SRDX) with a target price of $11.00.
We are encouraged by the efforts made by SurModics to streamline its operations and improve efficiencies. We are positive about its move to explore options regarding the Pharma unit, including its potential sale, as the move will enable it to focus on its core business and enhance shareholder value. The company has revamped its board of directors and also brought about a change at its helm, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Toys ‘R’ Us IPO Not Before 2012

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:05 AM PDT

According to insider sources familiar with the situation, the initial public offering (IPO) of Toys 'R' Us – a leading global retailer of dedicated toys and baby products, is not likely to take place before the first half of 2012 at the earliest. Toys 'R' Us had earlier planned to file for an IPO to the tune of about $800 million in May 2010, but is yet to finalize its timing even after a span of approximately 15 months.
The New Jersey-based toy retailer that operates stores under its … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Put Player Near-term Bullish On Pandora Post Earnings

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:03 AM PDT

Put player near-term bullish on Pandora post earnings
Today's tickers: P, IYR, TIF & BAC
(P) – Pandora Media Inc. – Demand for options covering Pandora, the online music company that went public in June, jumped after the company reported better-than-expected earnings of $0.02 a share for the second quarter. Pandora's first earnings report since become a publicly traded company sent shares up as much as 11.5% to an intraday high of $13.90 as its top- and bottom-line results topped … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Crude Oil Edges Higher In U.S. Afternoon Trade

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 11:01 AM PDT

Forexpros – <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin: 0px”><span style=”letter-spacing: 0px”>Forexpros – Crude oil futures moved marginally higher in U.S. trade Friday, following worse than expected U.S. gross domestic product numbers and a postponement of monetary policy decision from the Federal Reserve Bank.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; margin: 0px”>On the New York … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Lemonade Gestapo Extend Reach To Green Tea

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 10:58 AM PDT

FORBES –”This may be the first case of state police shutting down a kid's green-tea stand, but the list of lemonade stands being closed down by various government agencies is long and growing. Lemonade stand shutdowns may not be the same violation of liberty that no-knock botched SWAT raids or the incarceration of innocent people are, but they reflect the same mentality. It's the mentality that needs reforming. No simple task.”

HT: Mike … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Aflac Retains ‘Neutral’ Rating

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 10:35 AM PDT

We reiterate our recommendation on Aflac Inc. (NYSE:AFL) at Neutral, based on the current sustainability factor. The company's second quarter operating earnings per share of $1.56 came in a couple higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.54 but modestly exceeded $1.35 reported in the year-ago quarter.
Growth in the second quarter was supported by higher premium income, modest investment yields, favourable dollar/yen exchange rate and improvement in the U.S. operations. However, higher … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

BHP Acquires Petrohawk For $12.1B

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 10:35 AM PDT

BHP Billiton Ltd. (NYSE:BHP) announced completion of its acquisition of U.S.-based Petrohawk Energy Corporation (NYSE:HK). The takeover was completed by BHP through a short-form merger of its wholly owned subsidiary with and into Petrohawk, under the Delaware law. The merger was closed with Petrohawk being the surviving corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Billiton.
This merger was the final step of $12.1 billion acquisition process followed the previously announced completion of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

“Bernanke…wasn’t Going To Give Us QE3″

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 10:30 AM PDT

08/26/11 DME Securities’ Alan Valdes weighs in on Bernanke’s speech, next week’s US jobs report, and ongoing Euro-zone debt … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Gold Futures Pad Gains In U.S. Mid-day Trade

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 10:11 AM PDT

Forexpros – <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin: 0px”><span style=”letter-spacing: 0px”>Forexpros &ndash; Gold futures added to gains for the second day in U.S. trade Friday, following the announcement by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank it would postpone a decision on quantitative easing until its next meeting in September.</span></p> <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; margin: 0px”>On the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

European Markets Close Lower; Dax Down 0.84%

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 10:05 AM PDT

Forexpros – European stocks were down after the closing bell on Friday.<br/><br/> At the close of European trade, Germany&rsquo;s DAX fell 0.84%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 shed 0.02%, France&rsquo;s CAC 40 declined 1.01% and the EURO STOXX 50 was down 1.18%.<br/><br/> Earlier in the day, preliminary official data showed that Gross domestic product in the U.S. rose less-than-expected to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.0% in the last quarter from 1.3% in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Forex – USD/JPY Falls In Early U.S. Trade On Fed Decision Delay

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 09:34 AM PDT

Forexpros – <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin: 0px”><span style=”letter-spacing: 0px”>Forexpros – The U.S. dollar moved lower against the Japanese yen in U.S. trade Friday, as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced the central bank would postpone a decision on monetary policy until next month&rsquo;s meeting.</span></p> <p style=”font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; margin: 0px”>In early … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Bernanke’s Cry For Help

Posted: 26 Aug 2011 09:21 AM PDT

Following the initial reaction in the market in favor of the USD on account of Bernanke not offering any new stimulus, we saw a dramatic reversal, and whipsaw in the USD majors.
The EUR/USD after dipping to 1.4325, rose as high as 1.4470, as stocks also rebounded and despite the disappointment that investors and traders may have had with Bernanke, they didn't show it in the market. The GBP, AUD and CAD were also strong gainers following the speech. This runs counter to some of the expectation … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Ocean’s 2011: Venezuelan Gold

Posted: 25 Aug 2011 10:00 PM PDT

Now might be a good time for Daniel Ocean to start assembling his gang of 11. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced last week that he was ordering the country's ample gold reserves back to Caracas for safe keeping. Not a bad idea given the global geopolitical environment, but with some 211 tons of 400-ounce gold bars to be moved from bank vaults in London, President Chavez has a logistical nightmare on his hands.
How do you transport vast quantities of gold nearly 4,000 miles from one … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards
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