Tuesday, January 31, 2012

DailyMarkets.com - Tellabs Beats, Restructuring Ahead

DailyMarkets.com - Tellabs Beats, Restructuring Ahead

Tellabs Beats, Restructuring Ahead

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:50 AM PST

Tellabs Inc. (NASDAQ:TLAB) declared fourth-quarter 2011 financial results before the opening bell today, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimates. Management has strategically decided to thoroughly revamp its business model emphasizing on smart mobile Internet, including mobile backhaul solution, packet optical solution and Tellabs' Insight Analytics Services. For this, the company will reduce its present headcount by around 530 people and will incur approximately $107 million of pretax charges in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Silver To Shine In ’12?

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:36 AM PST

Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Silver market may be in the best position to post solid gains in 2012 due to its poor showing in 2011 and strong demand for the metal. Industrial demand continues to outpace supply, making the already tight market even tighter. Technically, the March Silver contract has made significant progress, but prices need to sustain rallies above 35.00 to keep the rally going. Some traders may perhaps wish to consider entering into a bull call spread — for example, buying … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: USDJPY Pressure Remains

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

After yesterdays fall below floor support (see daily chart above), the USDJPYS has remained pressured to the downside (albeit in a narrow non trending trading range). The price nevertheless has found support against trendline support at the 76.16 level. A break of this level will be needed to push the pair lower, with 76.10, 75.94 and the low at 75.56 the target downside … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURJPY Looks To Continue Rotation Back Lower After Failed Break In London

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

The EURJPY has resumed a downward bias after failing on a break above both the 200 hour MA (green line) and channel trendline during the London session. The price is back in the downward channel and is looking to break below the 38.2% retracement level.  The low from yesterday came in at 100.047.  A move below that level will next target the 50% of the move up from the January 16th low to the high reached on January 25th.  That level comes in at 99.606 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD Tests (and Falls Below) 100 Hour MA

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

A break below the 100 hour MA and the 61.8% retracement next targets the 1.3109, 1.3089 and the low for the week at 1.3075. US equities have turned around and are now down on the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURCHF Moves Closer And Closer To The 1.2000 SNB Floor

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

The EURCHF is moving lower and making new lows since mid September. The next target is the 1.2024 level where channel trendline is found.  Of course, the SNB has set 1.2000 as a floor.  I would expect the fear of intervention should lead to willing buyers against the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURJPY Approaches The Midpoint Of Move Up From The Jan 13th Low (at 99.606)

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

The EURJPY is approaching the midpoint of the move up from the January 16th low. That level comes in at the 99.606 level. A break below this support would next target trendline support at the 99.40 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: NZDUSD Tests 38.2% Of The Weeks Range.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

The NZDUSD is looking to move below the 38.2% of the move up from yesterday's low at 0.8243. A break opens the door for further selling (will be below the trendline, 100 and 200 bar MAs and 38.2% retracement on the chart).
On the downside, the 0.8223 is trendline support off the hourly chart below. Key support comes in at the 0.8200 level where trendline, 38.2% retracement and 100 hour MA are all … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD Tests 200 Hour MA. Look For Support Against Level

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

The EURUSD has moved down sharply after falling below trendline suppot and the 100 hour MA at 1.3128. The pair is now down testing the 200 hour MA and this should slow the pairs decline (at 1.3048). When the 100 and 200 hour MA are so far apart, the market does tend to use the 200 bar MA level as support on the first look (Trading Between the Goal Posts).  I would expect profit taking buying against the level with stops on another move below the low for the day at the 1.3041 level.
On the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MetLife Bags Eastern Europe Aviva

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:35 AM PST

Yesterday, MetLife Inc. (NYSE:MET) announced a contract to acquire life insurance and pension businesses of London-based Aviva plc in Hungary, Romania and Czech Republic.
While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the transaction is expected to culminate some time this year, once the regulatory approvals required are fulfilled. Besides, Metlife took the advisory services of Deutsche Bank AG (NYSE:DB), while HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE:HBC) advised Aviva about the deal.
Since last year, Aviva has been … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MasterCard Upgrades Technology

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:21 AM PST

Yesterday, MasterCard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) provided a framework, which aimed at the advancement of the electronic payment technology used in the US. The company intends to make payment methods more secure by shifting from the magnetic strips used in debit and credit cards at present to a chip-based technology called EVM.
The EVM technology can be used with any kind of payment device, including cards, mobile phones and e-commerce. MasterCard was involved in the development of the technology and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Qualcomm Inc.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:08 AM PST

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is slated to release its first quarter 2012 results on Wednesday, February 1, after the closing bell. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter is pegged at 81 cents per share, representing an annualized growth of 16.73%.
With respect to earnings surprises over the trailing four quarters, Qualcomm has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters. The average earnings surprise was a positive 4.16%, implying that the company … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Archer Daniels Misses, Revenues Rise

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Leading food processing company Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) reported disappointing second-quarter 2012 results in terms of earnings per share, significantly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Archer Daniels' adjusted earnings per share of 51 cents in the quarter was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents and fell short of the year-ago earnings of $1.20 per share. Earnings in the quarter declined primarily due to ongoing weakness in global oilseeds margins, lower results … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

McKesson Grows Steadily

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

McKesson Corp.'s (NYSE:MCK) third quarter fiscal 2012 earnings of $1.40 per share (excluding special items) outperformed both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.37 per share and the year-ago earnings of $1.28 per share. Higher revenues and lower share count helped boost the earnings.
Revenues for the quarter climbed 9% to $30.8 billion, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.2 billion. Strong performance of McKesson's two segments, aided by the acquisition of US Oncology, led to the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stock Market News Briefs: Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Gannett Co., Thomas & Betts, USX Corporation

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

    Share prices of drug developer Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:AMLN) surged 17.46% to close at $14.26 after U.S. regulators approved a version of the company’s diabetes drug

    Shares of auto parts retailer The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack (NSYE:PBY) rocketed up 23.59% after the company said it will be purchased by private equity firm Gores Group for $15 a share or for around $791 million in cash

    Swiss engineering conglomerate ABB … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Roll Out As EU Makes Progress

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

There is favorable looking news out of Europe this morning, with Greece appearing to be making progress in arm-twisting its private creditors to accept 'voluntary' losses on their holdings and all except two of the 27 European Union members agreeing to put more flesh on their plans to move towards a closer fiscal union.
On the domestic front, we have the Chicago-PMI reading a little later, giving us a preview of the manufacturing ISM survey coming out Wednesday. We also have the November … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Rent-A-Center Beats On Bottom Line

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Rent-A-Center Inc. (RCII), one of the largest rent-to-own operators, recently delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2011 results. The quarterly earnings of 85 cents a share outdid the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 82 cents, and increased 19.7% from 71 cents earned in the prior-year quarter, aided by growth registered in the top line.
The quarterly earnings also surpassed the higher end of management's guidance range of 78 cents to 84 cents a share. On a reported basis, including … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Tyco Misses Estimates

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Tyco International Ltd (NYSE:TYC) reported results for the first quarter 2012. Earnings for the quarter declined 15.5% year over year to 71 cents a share, which was also well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 79 cents.
Revenue for the quarter grew 4% year over year to $4.2 billion. Organic revenue (revenue excluding the impact of foreign exchange translation and acquisitions) growth was 4%. Revenue was in line with the Zacks Consensus.
Segment Details
Security Solutions
Revenue for the quarter … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Amazon.com

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is scheduled to report its fourth quarter fiscal 2011 results today. We witness limited movements in analyst estimates in the build-up to the release.
Prior-Quarter Synopsis
Amazon's third-quarter revenue growth was strong, but earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10 cents, impacted by higher expenses.
The company reported revenues of $10.88 billion, up 9.7% sequentially and 43.9% year over year (exceeding the mid-point of management's guided range). Key … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Plum Creek Marginally Misses EPS

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Plum Creek Timber Co. Inc. (NYSE:PCL), a real estate investment trust (REIT) owning and managing timberlands in the U.S., reported fiscal 2011 fourth quarter earnings of $61 million or 38 cents per share, compared with $59 million or 37 cents in the year-earlier quarter. The fourth quarter 2011 earnings marginally missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.
For full year 2011, Plum Creek reported earnings of $193 million or $1.19 per share, compared with $213 million or $1.31 in the previous … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

McGraw-Hill Reports Healthy 4Q

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. (NYSE:MHP), a publisher and provider of financial information and media services, recently posted healthy fourth-quarter 2011 results. The quarterly earnings of 63 cents a share came way ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents, and jumped 17% from the prior-year quarter's earnings of 54 cents.
The company stated that the strong performance of S&P Indices, S&P Capital IQ, Platts and healthy performance in U.S. higher education boosted the quarterly … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Haemonetics Beats Estimates

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE:HAE) reported an adjusted EPS of 86 cents in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 81 cents. However, the adjusted EPS fell short of the comparable year-ago figure of 89 cents. Revenues increased 8% year over year (7% at constant exchange rates) to $191.2 million, higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $185 million. Revenues from the domestic and international market increased 15.4% to $92.1 million and 2.2% to $99.1 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Harris Delivers Mixed 2Q

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Harris Corp. (NYSE:HRS) declared its second quarter of fiscal 2012 financial results, where the EPS surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but the revenue missed the same.
Reported GAAP net income in the quarter was $133.1 million or $1.16 per share compared with $151.1 million or $1.18 per share in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly adjusted (excluding acquisition related cost) earnings per share (EPS) of $1.22 surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4 cents.
Consolidated revenue in the reported … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Mattel’s EPS Beats, Hikes Dividend

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Mattel Inc (NYSE:MAT), the  largest manufacturer of toys in the world, reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings of $1.07 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 as well as the year-ago quarter earnings of 89 cents per share. The better-than-expected results were driven by strong sales of its core brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels and Other Girl Brands.
During the quarter, net sales were $2,153.8 million, up 1% year over year but below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,221.0 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hologic Tops Estimates

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Hologic (NASDAQ:HOLX) reported an adjusted EPS of 34 cents during the first quarter of fiscal 2012, a couple of cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and 4 cents above the year-ago figure. Revenues were $472.7 million, an increase of 9.3% year over year and higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $466 million.
Segments
Hologic operates through four segments − Breast Health, Diagnostics, GYN (Gynecology) Surgical and Skeletal Health − each contributing a corresponding 46%, 33%, 16% and 5% … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Lexmark’s EPS Beats, Revs In Line

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Lexmark International Inc. (NYSE:LXK) has posted fourth quarter 2011 earnings per share of $1.25, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15. Reported EPS was in line with the higher end of the company's guidance range of $1.15 to $1.25. Challenging macro environment impacted Lexmark's results in the quarter.
Revenue
Lexmark's fourth quarter revenue of $1.06 billion dropped 4.0% from $1.10 billion in the year-ago quarter and was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Wendy’s Previews Its Fourth Quarter

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

The Wendy’s Co. (NYSE:WEN) recently announced its preliminary sales results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2011. The company is scheduled to report its final results on March 1, 2012.
Wendy's fourth-quarter 2011 adjusted earnings came in at 4 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate but ahead of the year-ago earnings by a penny.
Total revenue in the quarter under review grew 5.6% year over year to $615.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA also rose 10.5% to $80.9 million.
In fiscal 2011, total … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Airlines Set For Consolidation Again

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

Despite a strong turnaround in 2010, fortunes of air carriers in the US seem to be dwindling once again this year, owing to the prevailing market turmoil and surging fuel prices. In the current scenario, the industry is likely to see another round of consolidation in order to regain lost profits and operational efficiency.
Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is expected to emerge as the strongest consolidator in the industry as it is on the look out for accretive acquisitions. On the other hand, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

SCIE New Financing

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

SCIE New Financing
Brian Marckx, CFA
Recent Financing
In an 8-K filing this morning (1/31/12) SpectraScience (SCIE) announced that they sold $600k ($570k gross adjusted for the discount) principal amount of 5% OID convertibles, due July 2012.  The bonds are convertible at $0.0573 per share.  Buyers of the bonds also received five-year warrants to buy up to 50% of the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the bonds at $0.0745 per share.  Net proceeds of the sale were not … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Avnet Acquires Pinnacle

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:03 AM PST

 Avnet Inc. (NYSE:AVT) recently completed its acquisition of Pinnacle Data Systems Inc. (PDSi). PDSi provides application-specific hardware and global support solutions for the world's largest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
PDSi generated revenues of approximately  $29 million and the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings,  supporting Avnet’s return on capital target of 12.5%.
Once integrated, PDSi will become a part of Avnet Integrated … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BUY CGR @ $1.41

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:45 AM PST

Yesterday I decided to quadruple my position in Claude Resources Inc (CGR) at $1.41 per share. Selling volume, though persistent, appears to be nearly extinguished. 

Click on the chart to ENLARGE

My TSI Trading record has been … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Markets In Everything: Celebrities Paid To Tweet

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:38 AM PST

How Much Can a Celebrity Make for Tweeting?  For some, thousands of dollars per … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Do I Have To Wait 3 Years To Buy A Home After A Short Sale?

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:26 AM PST

… [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards


Stocks Reverse Gains, ‘Golden Cross’ Appears

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:10 AM PST

01/31/12 Wall Street turned lower following a weaker-than-expected consumer confidence report. The ‘Golden Cross’ has taken shape on the S&P 500: the 5-day moving average crossed above the 200-day moving … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Homeownership Rate Falls To Lowest Level Since 1997; The Homeownership Bubble Is Still Deflating

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:43 AM PST

The U.S. homeownership rate fell in 2011 to 66.15%, according to data released today by the Census Bureau. That was the lowest homeownership rate in 14 years, since the 65.7% rate in 1997.

Conclusion: The political obsession with homeownership in the 1990s and early 2000s raised homeownership in the short run to an artificial and unsustainable level of 69% by 2006, but failed in the long run to create a homeownership rate that was sustaintable.  In the process, numerous government … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Oil Rebounds Above $100 A Barrel

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 02:30 AM PST

01/31/12 Following consecutive sessions of decline, front month crude prices were once again trading above $100 a barrel as talks of progress in Greek debt talks and an E.U. pact kept investors seeking out higher-yielding … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Markets In Everything: Recycling Surgical Implants

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:02 AM PST

The World.Org — “Advances in medical technology, combined with the fact that people are living longer, means that more and more of us pass away with some kind of surgical implant. Maybe it's a steel pin here, or a titanium hip there. Have you ever wondered what happens to those metal implants after die? For almost 15 years, a Dutch company called OrthoMetals has been recycling them, and giving the bulk of the proceeds to charity.

These metal parts do not end up back in other people. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

How Turbotax Helps You Get The Most Tax Refund

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:00 AM PST

2012′s tax season is upon us again. I know that most of us can't help thinking about how we can get the most tax refund when filing our taxes. This year’s deadline for filing your federal tax return is April 17. Although there are still a few months left before tax returns have to be submitted, the tedious process of getting your yearly spending in order might already be haunting your mind.

TurboTax, the best-selling tax software in the US, offers a low-cost step-by-step guide to file your … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Green Energy Policies Harm The Poor

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:55 AM PST

From an editorial in the Washington Examiner “When ‘Being Green’ Means Subsidies for Rich, Harm for the Poor” by Iain Murray and David Bier of the Competitive Enterprise Institute:
 
“Consider the Obama administration’s subsidies for electric vehicles. To start with, there is the $7,500 credit for the car itself. Add to that the recently expired $1,000 credit for installation of a 220-volt charger. And on top of these, the government has thrown more than $3 billion at the Chevrolet … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Kiwi Powers Ahead, Euro Barely Up Amid Swirling Bailout Rumors

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:31 AM PST

Fundamental Headlines
• EU Nears Greek Confrontation amid Fiscal Pact – Bloomberg
• Ireland's Captive Banks May Help State Avoid Second Bailout with Bond Swap – Bloomberg
• Euro-zone Jobless Hits Highest Level Since Birth of Euro – Reuters
• Euro-zone Data Point to Recession – WSJ
• Heartland Return for Chinese Leader – WSJ
European Session Summary
The U.S. Dollar continued to take a beating in the overnight, despite having a constructive advance to start the week … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: USDCAD Moves Higher After Weaker GDP Data

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:23 AM PST

The USDCAD was down testing the 200 day MA at the 0.9953 level. However, weaker than expected GDP data has pushed the pair off the key level. The GDP came in at -0.1% vs expectations of+0.2% . The YoY came in at 2.0% vs 2.3% expected (and 2.7% last). On the hourly chart below the channel trendline comes in at 0.9993 currently. A  break above this level is needed to prove that the bulls have some support. The trend has been down. Buyers have to take … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

E.U. Fiscal Pact Lifts Stocks

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 01:15 AM PST

01/31/12 Stocks were on the upside to start Tuesday as the european Union was headed towards a fiscal unity pact to stop overspending and establish a permanent E.U. rescue … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Graco Misses Estimate Marginally

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:06 AM PST

Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG) posted a net income of $30.4 million in its final quarter of 2011, up 12.6% year over year but down 16.9% sequentially. Diluted EPS came in at 50 cents per share compared to 44 cents per share in the year-ago quarter, marginally missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents per share.
For FY11, diluted EPS came in at $2.32, which again failed to meet the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.38.
Revenues
Net sales came in at $215.6 million, up 9% year over year, but down … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Align Beats Estimates In 4Q

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:50 AM PST

Align Technology (NASDAQ:ALGN) reported fourth quarter 2011 adjusted EPS of 28 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 22 cents and was also ahead of the year-ago quarter adjusted EPS of 14 cents. The 100% jump in EPS was primarily the result of lower tax rate and higher revenues during the quarter. Reported EPS also surpassed the company's guidance range of 20−22 cents. For fiscal 2011, Align's adjusted EPS of 97 cents, surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90 cents as well as the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Triumph Beats, Guides Up

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:35 AM PST

On January 30, Triumph Group Inc. (NYSE:TGI) reported encouraging results for the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Earnings per diluted share came in at $1.29, showing an improvement from $0.88 in the year-ago comparable quarter. Results also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12.
The encouraging results were attributable to improved execution, synergy realization and expense cutback across almost all business segments.
Revenue
In the third quarter of 2012, net sales inched up 2% year over … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Wolverine Beats, Profit Dips

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:25 AM PST

Wolverine World Wide Inc. (NYSE:WWW), one of the leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of branded footwear and apparel, recently posted soft fourth-quarter 2011 results.
Decline in margins took a toll on the company's earnings as Wolverine reported quarterly earnings of 47 cents a share, down 9.6% from the prior-year quarters' earnings of 52 cents a share. However, the earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by couple of cents.
Wolverine, the seller of products under … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Might Germany “Annex” Greece?

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 03:37 AM PST

You do not need me to tell you that it can get mighty cold in Germany during the winter months.
Don't you think many Germans would like a nice warm vacation in the Greek Isles when those winds are whipping through the cold and dark forests and industrial citi (NYSE:C)es of Deutschland?
Sounds nice, heh??
Think the Germans may bargain for discount vacations in Greece if not outright ownership of some prime beachfront real estate in the Greek Isles as potential compensation for bailing Greece out … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Montier’s Unholy Trinity Screen: Three Important Factors For Short-Selling

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 03:20 AM PST

Three years ago, James Montier, renowned economist, analyst and behavioural investing expert (then working in equity research for Societe Generale), issued a note now famous in investing circles that lent support to short selling. At the time, he felt that market conditions were presenting very few bargain value opportunities, while the number of companies falling into his "sell" basket was growing. In response, he defined an "unholy trinity" of factors that could determine a potential … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Oil, Metals Gain As Risk Appetite Recovers But Rally Vulnerable

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 01:55 AM PST

Talking Points

Crude Oil Higher as Risky Assets Rise But Familiar Range Continues to Hold
Gold, Silver Find Support in US Dollar Weakness on Waning Haven Demand
Copper Stages Mild Recovery, Technical Setup Still Calls for Weakness Ahead

WTI Crude Oil (NY Close): $98.78 // -0.78 // -0.78%
Crude oil is tracking higher in European trade amid a broad-based upward push across the spectrum of risky assets. The newswires are chalking up optimism to the outcome of yesterday's EU leaders' summit, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Central Bank Of Colombia Hikes Rate 25bps To 5.00%

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:43 PM PST

The Central Bank of Colombia raised its monetary policy interest rate 25 basis points to 5.00% from 4.75%.  The Bank said [translated]: “The increased risk of central forecasts growth remains a disorderly adjustment in Europe. The risk materializes, the world economy would grow significantly less than expected, international prices of basic goods could fall and exacerbated global risk aversion, all of which adversely affect the Colombian economy. For its part, the main risk to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bear Of The Day: NII Holdings, Inc. (NIHD)

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST

We have downgraded our recommendation on NII Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:NIHD) to Underperform backed by our assessment that the company s nightmare will continue in the near future. NII Holdings reported dismal financial results for the third quarter of 2011. Both the top line and bottom line were well below the Zacks Consensus Estimates.
Management has slashed its fiscal 2011 financial outlook, mainly driven by the volatile macro-economic condition coupled with significant depreciation of several Latin … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bull Of The Day: UnitedHealth Group (UNH)

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST

UnitedHealth Group’s (NYSE:UNH) fourth-quarter 2011 earnings came in substantially ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, led by strong revenue growth from the UnitedHealthcare and Optum businesses, partially offset by higher medical costs. The company ended the year 2011 with better performances in virtually every meaningful metric: membership, revenues, MLR, operating margins and cash flow.
The company strengthened its key capabilities to respond to the emerging growth opportunities. These … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Momentum Stock: Rackspace Hosting Inc

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST

Rackspace Hosting Inc. (RAX)
There is a good chance that some part of your head might just be in the clouds… 
Even if you're not a daydreamer “the cloud” is all around you.  Data and processing power is moving away from your home and office computer and occurring offsite.  The cloud is an essential catalyst for the revolution already underway in communication, (smartphones, tablets, etc) business tasks and pure efficiency both personally and professionally. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aggressive Growth Stock: Teledyne Technologies

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST

Teledyne Technologies (TDY) shows a solid history of positive earnings surprise and sees expectations moving higher. These factors play a role in the stock becoming a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy).
Company Description
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides instrumentation, digital imaging products and software, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems in the United States and internationally.
TDY Tops Earnings Expectations
TDY reported revenue of $75 million and earnings per … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Growth & Income Stock: Applied Industrial Technologies

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:00 PM PST

Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT) recently delivered its 8th consecutive positive earnings surprise driven by a strong increase in sales volume. Earnings estimates have been rising off the quarter, sending the stock to a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
Based on current consensus estimates, analysts project 13% EPS growth this year and 8% growth next year. On top of this growth, the company offers a dividend that yields a solid 2.2%.
Valuation looks attractive too with shares sporting a PEG ratio of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Univ. Of North Dakota Responds To Oil Boom

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:22 PM PST

Grand Forks Herald — “The University of North Dakota (UND) is stepping on the gas to meet the needs of the state’s oil boom. The new Department of Petroleum Engineering at UND has enrolled 40 students in its bachelor's degree program, and the number will climb to 50 or more by … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Samsung’s Tablet-smartphone Hybrid To Hit AT&T

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:58 PM PST

01/30/12 Samsung’s Galaxy Note hybrid device will be coming to the AT&T network after Valentine’s Day. The unique “phablet” combines the functionalities of a smartphone and tablet … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Tractor Supply

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:35 PM PST

Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO), a leading retail firm and ranch store brand, is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2011 financial results after the market closes on February 1, 2012. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 91 cents per share. For the quarter under review, revenue is expected to be $1,216 million, according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Third-Quarter 2011, a Synopsis
Tractor Supply’s third-quarter 2011 earnings came in at 58 cents, breezing past the Zacks … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

ABB To Acquire Thomas & Bett

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:25 PM PST

ABB Ltd. (NYSE:ABB) is set to acquire Thomas & Betts Corporation (NYSE:TNB), the North American leader in low voltage products, for $72 per share in cash or approximately $3.9 billion. Thomas & Betts was valued at a 24% premium to its closing price on January 27, 2012 and a 35% premium to the volume weighted average stock price over the past 60 trading days.
The transaction is expected to close by mid-2012, subject to customary regulatory approvals. The transaction also requires approval of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Will Patience Payoff?

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:24 PM PST

Cusick’s Corner
The consolidation continues and historically that has been a positive for the prevailing trend which at this stage is up. EU headlines are hitting the tape at the end of the day but it’s nothing material. It’s not enough to explain the safety trade, Bonds/Yen/Dollar, other than this money needs to park somewhere while we work through these fiscal issues in the EU. I will be watching the Case Schiller, PMI and Consumer Confidence; this will give me a better idea of both the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/sgd Pulling Back Towards The 23.6% Retracement Level.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:23 PM PST

usd/sgd is starting to pulling back towards the 23.6% retracement level. Which might provide some resistance for the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: BMC Inc.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:20 PM PST

BMC Inc. (NYSE:BMC) is scheduled to announce its third quarter 2012 results on February 1, 2012 and we do not see much variation in the analysts' estimates at this point.
Second Quarter Overview
The company reported second quarter 2012 earnings per share of 75 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents.
Total revenue of $556.7 million in the reported quarter increased 10.8% year over year. During the quarter, BMC witnessed a number of deal wins pertaining to cloud technology. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Consumer Confidence, Earnings In Focus

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:20 PM PST

01/30/12 Tuesday brings a handful of US economic data releases that will be closely watched: Conference Board’s consumer confidence, S&P Case-Shiller HPI, Chicago PMI. Earnings reports include results from ExxonMobil, Pfizer and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

That Old 1978-82 Analog Again

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:10 PM PST

A post on Ritholtz's Big Picture blog reflected a conclusion I recently  had to reluctantly begin to face.  Regular readers know that for over two years I have been tracking the path of the S&P 500 Index in what I … Continue reading … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Ameriprise Remains On The Sidelines

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:05 PM PST

We are maintaining our long-term Neutral recommendation on Ameriprise Financial Inc. (NYSE:AMP) after reviewing the company's third-quarter 2011 results, which were significantly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company reported improved net revenues, which were more than offset by higher operating expenses.
Moreover, steady capital deployment activities by Ameriprise raise our hopes for greater investor confidence on the stock. Though we remain concerned about the sluggish market … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

VirtualScopics, PPD Expand Ties

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:05 PM PST

Medical imaging solution provider VirtualScopics (NASDAQ:VSCP) has expanded its strategic collaboration with North Carolina-based leading contract research organization ("CRO") Pharmaceutical Product Development ("PPD") Inc.
The companies have extended their partnership in clinical and medical imaging to now include a range of therapeutic areas such as oncology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, general medicine and medical devices.
VirtualScopics collaborated, in October 2010, with … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sonoco Hikes ThermoSafe Prices

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:55 PM PST

Sonoco Products Company (NYSE:SON) has decided to hike prices by 4%–7% across the products of ThermoSafe Brands. The increased price would be effective from March 5, 2012.
The price hike would encompass the products of ThermoSafe Brand like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PUR) as well as custom and catalogued shipper solutions and components traded globally.
The price rise is necessitated chiefly by increasing cost of raw materials, labor, energy and transportation. The company … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Orange Juice Markets’ Vague Future

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:50 PM PST

Amidst an indecisive series of tests conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the outlook is incrementally turning vague for the orange juice industry. 
The hullabaloo was first started by The Coca Cola Company (NYSE:KO) after it reported to the watchdog that it had found some traces of fungicide, namely carbendazim, in its orange juice, made by the company itself and its competitors.
Carbendazim is a chemical fungicide used to combat a malady known as “black spot” in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Standard Motor Hikes Dividend

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:40 PM PST

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE:SMP) announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in its quarterly stock dividend from 7 cents per share to 9 cents per share. The increased dividend is payable on March 1, 2012 to stockholders of record as of February 15, 2012.
Standard Motor last raised its dividend payments from 5 cents per share to 7 cents per share in January last year. In the first nine months of 2011, the company paid dividends of $4.8 million.
Standard Motor Products … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

SmallCap Stocks To Keep An Eye On Tomorrow

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:39 PM PST

( click to enlarge )

A123 Systems, Inc. (AONE) is making a possible bullish inverted head and shoulder pattern. If the stock price breaks out of the neckline, target level is around $3.5. RSI Indicator still in Bullish territory and MACD above 0. CMF is also moving up always a very good. My model is mixed with upside bias. Look for it to break the trendline soon and make a nice move.

 ( click to enlarge )

Sky mobi Ltd (MOBI) has just started moving higher and established a short … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

WCRX’s 2012 Outlook Disappoints

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:30 PM PST

Warner Chilcott (NASDAQ:WCRX) recently presented disappointing guidance for 2012 based primarily on the assumption of continued sales erosion of its osteoporosis drug, Actonel.
The Irish company expects to earn in the range of $3.60-$3.70 per share (on an adjusted basis) on revenues between $2.5 billion-$2.6 billion. The projections were below the Zacks Consensus revenue ($2.68 billion) and earnings ($4.00 per share) estimates.
We remind investors that Actonel (acquired from Procter & Gamble … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Everest Re Estimates Cat Loss

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:25 PM PST

Everest Re Group, Ltd. (RE) has estimated its fourth quarter 2011 cat loss to be approximately $245 million, as a result of the Thai floods and an increase in loss estimates owing to the catastrophic events that occurred earlier during the year. The final estimate of $245 million is more than double the company's earlier loss projection range of $100 million – $125 million.
The company continues to suffer cat losses over the last few quarters. Total pre-tax catastrophe losses net of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Watson In An Upbeat Mood

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:25 PM PST

Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NYSE:WPI) was recently buoyed by the news that the United States Court of Appeals has granted a stay of the preliminary injunction, which was preventing Watson Pharma and partner Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. from marketing a generic version of Sanofi's (NYSE:SNY) Lovenox. The companies plan to launch their generic drug immediately.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Amphastar Pharma's abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for generic Lovenox in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Eastman To Acquire Solutia

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:25 PM PST

As part of its expansion strategy, Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) announced its plans to acquire Solutia Inc. (NYSE:SOA), a global leader in performance materials and specialty chemicals, for $3.4 billion in cash and stock. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2012.
As per the agreement, Solutia stockholders will receive $22.00 in cash and 0.12 shares of Eastman common stock for each share of Solutia common stock. Solutia, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2008, generated about 30% of its … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/krw Breaks Out Of This Tight Downward Channel And Rallies.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:18 PM PST

usd/krw breaks out of this tight downward channel and rallies. This might be the first sign of a reversal on this downward … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/twd Trading In The Mid Range Of This Downward Channel.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:18 PM PST

usd/twd trading in the mid range of this downward … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Different…Again?

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:51 PM PST

According to USA Today’s most recent economic outlook survey, “Economists See Growth Slowing, Recession Risk Falling,” the majority of experts are cautiously optimistic:

The risk of another U.S. recession is falling. The median estimate of USA TODAY’s panel call it only a 22% probability in the next 12 months.
Europe’s financial crisis will shave only a quarter of a percentage point from this year’s U.S. growth, the economists said.
More than 90% of the economists think home prices have … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

A One-Off Bullish Natural Gas Data

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:50 PM PST

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed a larger-than-expected drop in natural gas supplies, as imports from Canada declined. However, this is largely seen as a one-off shot, with warmer-than-normal temperatures across the country restricting the commodity's requirement for power burn. In fact, gas stocks – currently 21.4% above the 5-year average and 20.7% higher than the same period last year – are at their highest level for this time of the year, reflecting low … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: UPS

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:50 PM PST

United Parcel Services (NYSE:UPS), the world’s largest package delivery company, is slated to release its fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 earnings on January 31, before the opening bell. The current Zacks Consensus Estimates for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 are pegged at $1.26 and $4.25, respectively, representing substantial year-over-year increase of 16.23% and 19.25%.
Looking at surprises, UPS posted an average positive surprise of 2.04% in the trailing four quarters. Hence, we will not be … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Lexmark Wins 5-Year MPS Deal

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:50 PM PST

The leading printing and imaging solutions provider, Lexmark International Inc. (NYSE:LXK) won a 5-year contract from Anehuser-Busch, a wholly-owned subsidiary of renowned brewer Anehuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Per the contract terms, Lexmark will provide its Managed Printing Services (MPS) for managing the printing needs of the brewing giant. As part of the deal, Lexmark will deploy an identical fleet of printers across Anehuser-Busch locations in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks Fail To Turn Higher On Eurozone Debt Concerns

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:45 PM PST

01/30/12 US stocks recovered from an early slide but failed to close in positive territory as eurozone debt crisis concerns linger on soaring Portuguese bond yields and unfinished Greek bond … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Hain Celestial

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:36 PM PST

The Hain Celestial Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN), a leader in natural food and personal care products with an extensive portfolio of well-known brands, is slated to report its second-quarter 2012 financial results on February 1, 2012. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 49 cents per share. Revenue as per the Zacks Consensus Estimate is $388 million.
First-Quarter 2012, a Synopsis
Hain Celestial posted healthy first-quarter 2012 financial results. The quarterly earnings of 29 cents per … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

U.S. Bancorp Acquires BankEast

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:25 PM PST

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) is focused on expanding its business through acquisitions. The company's lead bank, U.S. Bank National Association, acquired the banking operations of BankEast, a subsidiary of BankEast Corporation, in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) assisted deal. It is based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What's the Deal?
As part of the transaction, approximately $272 million worth of assets and $268 million of insured and uninsured depositsof BankEast, would be acquired by … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Conoco To Lease In Lowry Range

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:25 PM PST

ConocoPhillips' (NYSE:COP) tentative agreement with the Colorado State Land Board worth $137 million has established a new mineral-lease record. ConocoPhillips plans to lease an oil and gas mineral rights lying in the east of Aurora at the old Lowry bombing range for around $6,500 per acre.
In addition, ConocoPhillips will pay a royalty of 20% on the value of any oil and gas extracted from the Lowry range. The company has a deal for rights on 21,048 acres of land and is expected to close in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Failures: 7 So Far In 2012

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:06 PM PST

Last Friday, four more banks were shuttered by U.S. regulators. The failed banks were based in Florida, Tennessee and Minnesota. This brings the total number of bank failures to 7 so far in 2012, following 92 in 2011, 157 in 2010, 140 in 2009 and 25 in 2008.
While the financials of a few large banks have been stabilizing on the back of an economic recovery, the industry is still on shaky ground. Nagging issues like depressed home prices along with still-high loan defaults and unemployment … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Biogen & Elan Announce Tysabri Trial

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:55 PM PST

Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE:ELN) recently announced that they are conducting a phase III study of Tysabri for secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis ("SPMS").
The phase IIIb study, ASCEND (A Study to Characterize the Efficacy of Natalizumab on Disability in SPMS), will evaluate Tysabri's potential in preventing the worsening of walking, hand movement and daily functioning in SPMS patients. Biogen and Elan plan to enroll 850 SPMS patients from 15 countries in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Gannett Beats, Profit Dips

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:50 PM PST

Gannett Company, Inc. (NYSE:GCI), the publisher of the nation’s one of the largest-selling daily newspaper USA Today, recently posted fourth-quarter 2011 results. The quarterly earnings of 72 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents, but dropped 13.3% from last year’s 83 cents, reflecting a slump in publishing and political advertising demand as well as a marginal fall in circulation revenue.
However, effective cost management provided some cushion to the bottom-line. Operating … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Asphalt Biz Drags Down NuStar 4Q

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:50 PM PST

San Antonio-based publicly traded partnership NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE:NS) announced weak fourth quarter profits, hamstrung by lower margins in its asphalt and fuels marketing business.
The owner and operator of crude oil and refined products pipelines and storage facilities reported earnings per unit (EPU) of 30 cents, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 41 cents and also lagging the year-ago profit of 65 cents.
However, revenue of $1,927.1 million surpassed our expectation of $1,187.0 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: US Steel

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:40 PM PST

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is scheduled to report its fourth quarter and full-year 2011 results before the market opens on Tuesday, January 31.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is a loss of 82 cents per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 54.89%.
With respect to earnings surprises, the company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters. This is reflected in the average earnings surprise of negative 20.76%, with positive … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: C.R. Bard

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:35 PM PST

Leading medical devices maker C.R. Bard (NYSE:BCR) is scheduled to report its fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 results after the closing bell on Tuesday, January 31. The New Jersey-based company envisions its sales for the fourth quarter would grow 3%-5% in constant currency with new acquisitions contributing 1% to the growth. Moreover, it expects adjusted earnings of $1.68 a share for the quarter.
The current Zacks Consensus Estimates for revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter are $748 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Biggest Risk To The Economy In 2012, And What’s The Economy For Anyway?

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:26 PM PST

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos a few days ago, said the "critical risks" facing the American economy this year were a worsening of Europe's chronic sovereign debt crisis and a rise in tensions with Iran that could stoke global oil prices.
What about jobs and wages here at home?
As the Commerce Department reported Friday, the U.S. economy grew 2.8 percent between October and December – the fastest pace in 18 months and the first time growth … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Perrigo Files For Generic Astepro

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:20 PM PST

Perrigo Company (NASDAQ:PRGO) recently announced that it has filed an application to manufacture a generic version of Meda Pharmaceuticals' Astepro nasal spray to treat nasal symptoms caused by seasonal allergies or environmental irritants. Meda has filed a suit accusing that the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) infringes its patent for the nasal spray. Perrigo's partner for the generic is Impax Laboratories, Inc (IPXL) on an equal cost and profit sharing basis.
Earlier this month, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CMS Energy Raises Dividend

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:15 PM PST

CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) has increased its dividend by 14%, bringing the annualized dividend to 96 cents per share from the previous payout of 84 cents per share. The 12 cent increase in the annual dividend reflects successful execution of the company’s business strategy.
The company will now pay a quarterly dividend of 24 cents per share compared with the prior quarterly dividend of 21 cents per share. The announced first quarter dividend will be paid on February 29, 2012, to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bringing Manufacturing Jobs Back To The U.S.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:27 AM PST

Tonight’s “Rock Center” show on NBC at 10 p.m. ET will have a segment on the rebound in American manufacturing, featuring Lincolnton Furniture, a  six-generation American furniture company, which has recently started making furniture in North Carolina again after previously shutting down its U.S. factories back in 1996 to move production to China for lower wage costs.  Watch a preview above from CNBC this … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Pep-Boys Goes Private! Acquired For $791 Million

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:15 AM PST

01/30/12 Auto parts chain Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack agreed to go private Monday after investment firm The Gores Group acquired the company for $791 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Embracing Dissent: How Confirmation Bias Can Kill Your Investment Returns

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:52 AM PST

Following the recent discussion on Prospect Theory and the ways in which human nature leads to systematic flaws in our judgement, we thought we’d spend some time looking at one of the most relevant behavioural biases for investors – namely confirmation bias. This is the well documented tendency of people to favour information that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses, not only by hearing what they want to hear but also by seeking out those with similar opinions. 
The (dangerous) power of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forbidden Signs Up Techtel To Distribute FORscene In South East Asia

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:35 AM PST

Cloud-base video editing software developer Forbidden Technologies (LON:FBT) has signed an agreement with Techtel to distribute its flagship FORscene platform in South East Asia.

Techtel is a significant distributor in South East Asia, supplying newsroom computer systems for television. The company supplies best-of-breed products from reliable and established suppliers, and handles all the customer relationships itself. Techtel has already introduced FORscene to a number of its customers, and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

A Negative Enterprise Value Screen: Bargain Stocks Trading Below Net Cash

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:20 AM PST

In Brief
A Negative Enterprise Value screen is a bargain investing strategy which looks for companies whose cash is worth more than the total value of their shares and long-term debt. The idea is that these stocks represent a theoretical arbitrage opportunity whereby a suitable motivated acquirer (e.g. a Private Equity fund) could buy all of the debt and equity in a firm and use the cash to cover costs and keep the difference. Most likely to be relevant at times of market stress, it is a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The top 40 ETFs by net assets
In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AGG – iShares Lehman Aggregate Bd Fd
110.86
+ 0.29
110.58
110.31

Bullish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
84.00
+ 0.12
83.85
83.68

Bullish

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
27.90
− 1.03
28.06
27.98

Bearish

DIA – SPDR DJ Industrial Average … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Futures Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Mar ESH2
1309.00
− 0.27
1312.50
1314.58

Bearish

Dow Jones – Mar YMH2
12602
− 0.10
12637
12641

Bearish

Nasdaq – Mar NQH2
2462.00
+ 0.23
2454.69
2450.58

Bullish

Russell – Mar TFH2
791.60
− 0.58
792.63
789.03

Neutral

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Mar ZBH2
144-20
+ … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
1.0597
− 0.48
1.0621
1.0588

Neutral

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.3142
− 0.61
1.3151
1.3111

Neutral

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.5710
− 0.11
1.5697
1.5661

Bullish

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
1.0014
− 0.02
1.0020
1.0053

Bearish

USDCHF – US … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:03 AM PST

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Tuesday, January 31, 2012

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
10.32
− 1.05
10.38
10.41

Bearish

AXP – American Express Company
49.12
− 1.46
49.74
49.81

Bearish

BA – Boeing Co
74.16
− 0.52
74.78
74.70

Bearish

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
7.07
− 3.02
7.23
7.28

Bearish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
110.41
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Time To Ride The Commodity Bull

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:18 AM PST

Long time readers know that I am a long-term commodity bull. Moreover, I have been writing on the theme of global healing for a few weeks. Despite last week’s disappointing US GDP report, I am seeing signs that it may be time to get on the commodity bull for a ride. Both sentiment and momentum indicators are lining up for another upleg in commodity prices.

First of all, sentiment measures indicate that commodity prices are at levels suggesting accumulation. This chart from Mary Ann Bartels of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Heart Of China Bull Beats Strong

Posted: 29 Jan 2012 10:00 PM PST

My debate last week with Gordon Chang on China's future at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference was a stimulating, intellectual exercise. A healthy market needs a compromise between the bid and ask, and a discussion between people who strongly disagree is a great way to promote critical thinking.
Critical thinking is vital to our investment process as a means to ensure that we question assumptions. One way our portfolio management team practices a critical-thinking process is through … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards
at

No comments:

Post a Comment