Thursday, April 19, 2012

DailyMarkets.com - IKEA Uppleva Integrates TV Into Furniture

DailyMarkets.com - IKEA Uppleva Integrates TV Into Furniture

IKEA Uppleva Integrates TV Into Furniture

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:58 PM PDT

04/19/12 IKEA unveiled its all-in-one HDT home entertainment system. Uppleva is the Swedish word for experience, and the retailer’s new furniture range can simplify the home theater … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Roche Stays Firm On Illumina Offer

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:50 PM PDT

With April 20 around the corner, the day when Roche Holdings Ltd.’s (RHHBY) tender offer for acquiring all outstanding shares of Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) expires, the former is in no mood to extend its offer of $51.00 per share.
We note that in its constant endeavor to acquire Illumina, Roche had issued a letter to the shareholders of Illumina in the beginning of April, where, among other proposals, it requested the latter to elect Roche's independent director nominees to Illumina's Board … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Natural Gas Spot Prices Now Below $2: Adjusted For Inflation, That’s The Lowest Since The Mid-1970s

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:37 PM PDT

Natural gas prices continue to fall, and spot prices have been below $2 per million BTUs for the last week, trading as low as $1.87 last Friday (see chart above, EIA data here).  The last time natural gas prices were consistently below $2 was in the spring of 1999, thirteen years ago.  Adjusted for inflation, those 1999 prices would be about $2.75 in today’s dollars, so the current string of prices below $2 might be the lowest inflation-adjusted natural gas prices in modern U.S. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Neutral On Campbell Soup

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:35 PM PDT

We retain our long-term Neutral recommendation on Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB). We remain encouraged by the company's efforts to boost its top line through its focus on brand expansion. However, we remain on the sidelines given the company's earnings and sales miss in the recent quarter compared to last year.
Campbell's second-quarter 2012 earnings of 64 cents per share dropped 10% compared to the year-ago quarter, but surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents. During … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Under Armour

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:35 PM PDT

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UA), one of the leading developers, marketers and distributors of branded sports apparel, footwear and accessories, is slated to report its first-quarter 2012 financial results on April 20, 2012. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter stands at 24 cents per share, indicating an estimated year-over-year increase of about 4.3%. Revenue, as per the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is $379 million.
Fourth-Quarter Synopsis
Under Armour's quarterly earnings of 62 cents … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Neither Building Nor Razing Lennar

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:25 PM PDT

We maintained a Neutral recommendation on Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) following appraisal of first quarter 2012 results.
Lennar Corporation reported adjusted earnings of 8 cents per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 compared with an adjusted loss of 5 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. The earnings growth was driven by improved revenues and operating margins. Earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 60%.
Total revenue in the quarter climbed 30% year over year to $724.9 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

General Dynamics Wins Navy Contract

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:20 PM PDT

General Dynamics Electric Boat, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), has received a contract worth $78 million from the U.S. Navy for supplying long lead-time material for the Virginia-class submarine SSN-792.
Long lead-time material includes Propulsion System, Ship Service Diesel Generators, Ship Service Transformers, Switchboards, Propeller Shaft and bearings, Navigation and Communication Electronic Systems, Trawl Winch System Propeller Shaft and bearings and many … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings From Dow Components In Spotlight

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:20 PM PDT

04/19/12 Friday’s economic calendar is empty, but earnings from GE and McDonald’s will be in focus. The G-20 meeting kicks off in Washington … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Portfolio Recovery Stays Neutral

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:15 PM PDT

We reiterate our Neutral recommendation on Portfolio Recovery Associates Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAA) as its operating efficiency, increased cash collections and benefits of diversification are offset by rising operating and interest expenses. Stiff competition and relatively low barriers to entry are the other headwinds.
Portfolio Recovery reported fourth-quarter 2011 operating net income of $1.54 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 and the prior-year earnings of $1.20 per share. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Risk, Reward Balanced At AmBev

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 03:05 PM PDT

Companhia de Bebidas Das Americas (NYSE:ABV) akaAmBevis the leading brewer in Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia with a strong portfolio of globally recognized brands, such as Brahma, Skol, Antartica, Quilmes, Labatt, Pilsen and Paceña. This provides a competitive advantage to the company and reinforces its dominant position in the market.
Moreover, over the years, the company has taken steps to sell higher margin premium products while improving productivity and efficiency … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

GM Buys Back Stake In China JV

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:50 PM PDT

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) plans to buy back the 1% stake in its Shanghai GM joint venture in China with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (“SAIC”). The automaker sold the stake to SAIC in 2010 for about $85 million in order to cope with the global financial crisis, according to a deal worked out before GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
The buyback would allow both the partners to enjoy 50:50 shares in the operational side of the joint venture. Meanwhile, SAIC would maintain a 51% share in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Merck In Oncology Deal

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:50 PM PDT

Merck (NYSE:MRK) recently entered into a commercialization and development agreement with biopharma company, Endocyte Inc. (ECYT), for the latter's oncology candidate, vintafolide (EC145).
The Candidate
The agreement between Merck and Endocyte revolves around vintafolide, which is currently in phase III development (PROCEED study) for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and phase II development for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Endocyte is using an investigational companion diagnostic … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

McCormick Draws Future Initiatives

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:40 PM PDT

McCormick & Company, Inc. (NYSE:MKC) recently announced key initiatives at an investor conference that will accelerate its business going forward.
The company will focus on enhancement of brands, cost savings, product innovation, improving core platforms globally, understanding customer sentiments and expansion in emerging markets.
Emerging Markets: McCormick, through acquisitions, is increasing its global presence to meet the growing demand for spices. The completion of acquisition of Kamis … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: NASDAQ Under Pressure

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:36 PM PDT

Cusick’s Corner 04-19-2012
This was a tough day for the markets. As I noted in the Midday, a break in the NASDAQ below 3015 could trigger some red flags in the short term, and it has. The volume for the Tech sector was high and that was the theme through all the major indices today. At this stage, the markets are straddling short term trend support and with no economic data coming out tomorrow, expiration will be the main catalyst early. What was most notable today — volatility in a lot of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks Slump On Weak Economic Data

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:27 PM PDT

04/19/12 Stocks slid a second straight day as disappointing economic data outweighed better-than-expected earnings … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Freeport Beats, Net Income Plummets

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:20 PM PDT

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (NYSE:FCX) reported a profit of $913 million or 96 cents per share in the first quarter of 2012, a 39% drop from the $1.5 billion or $1.57 per share earned in the year-ago quarter. The per share figure, however, surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 85 cents per share.
Performance was affected by work interruption at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia. A surge in sales from North America offered some respite.
Including losses on early extinguishment of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CAT Receives Approval For ERA Buy

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:20 PM PDT

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) has received a go-ahead from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China ("MOFCOM") for the acquisition of China-based underground coal mining equipment manufacturer ERA Mining Machinery Limited.
ERA Mining Machinery primarily operates through its wholly owned subsidiary Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., commonly known as Siwei. Siwei possesses a manufacturing base of 600,000 square meters in Zhengzhou, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Valeant Continues Acquisition Spree

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 02:05 PM PDT

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE:VRX) recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire certain branded generic assets from Mexican pharmaceutical company, Atlantis Pharma. As per the terms of the agreement, Valeant Pharma will pay approximately $71 million for the assets. The deal is expected to close in second quarter, subject to fulfillment of certain regulatory conditions.
The acquired assets generated net revenues of $26 million in 2011. In 2012, the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Supplies Jump To 11-Month High

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:57 PM PDT

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed that crude stockpiles jumped to their highest level since May 2011, as imports climbed. However, on the bullish side, the agency's report revealed that refined product inventories – gasoline and distillate – dropped sharply from their previous week levels on stronger demand. Meanwhile, refinery utilization rate reflected an increase of 0.8%.
The Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) Petroleum Status Report, which contains … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

DLR Obtains Multicurrency Term Loan

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:57 PM PDT

Digital Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:DLR), a niche real estate investment trust (REIT), has recently obtained a new multicurrency unsecured term loan worth $750 million to increase its liquidity. The loan is scheduled to mature in April 2017, and includes an accordion feature by virtue of which the company can increase the borrowing capacity to $850 million at its own discretion. 
In tune with its international presence, the term loan would enable Digital Realty to withdraw funds in U.S, Singapore … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

ConAgra To Acquire Sandwich Maker

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:57 PM PDT

ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE:CAG) has been significantly expanding its business portfolio over time, focusing on branded and value-added opportunities. Acquisition of a number of private labels paved way for such expansion; the latest on its list is the nation's second largest frozen breakfast sandwich producer, Odom’s Tennessee Pride.
Earlier this week, ConAgra announced its plan to acquire Odom’s Tennessee Pride. The later registers annual revenue of over $190 million, working with a team of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Not Much Better Than At The Peak Of The Bubble

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:56 PM PDT

In “Knee-Jerk Relativism,” I highlighted a Philly Post article detailing how incomplete, inconsistent, or irrelevant statistical comparisons serve to paint a distorted picture of where things stand in today’s economy.
As it happens, an article in today’s New York Times, “Debt Burden Lifting, Consumers Open Wallets a Crack,” makes what I believe is a similarly misleading claim about Americans’ financial health:
The bursting of the real estate bubble and the ensuing credit crisis forced American … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bottom Forming In Precious Metals And Miners

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:43 PM PDT

We are encountering storms in the market rarely seen.  The volatility has affected many mining equities with many high quality assets selling at record low prices.  Portfolios have rarely seen such see saw price activity as they have this year.  Sacrosanct rules are simply not working.  The markets are thwarting and aborting attempts to use time tested approaches.

The great Scottish Poet Robert Burns described the current market by writing, "the best made plans of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Oil Shipments By Rail Up, Coal Shipments Down

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:37 PM PDT

Rank
Carload Commodity Group
2012 YTD
2011 YTD
% Increase

1
Petroleum Products
129,256
99,890
29.4

2
Motor Vehicles
235,296
199,721
17.8

3
Metallic Ores
92,884
79,990
16.1

4
Metals
164,297
148,344
10.8

5
Lumber and Wood
45,593
41,517
9.8

6
Stone, Clay and Glass
105,344
97,694
7.8

7
Crushed Stone, Sand, Gravel
246,869
229,283
7.7

8
Coke
50,878
48,765
4.3

9
Pulp and Paper
91,554
89,390
2.4

10
All Other Carloads
69,623
68,430
1.7

11
Iron and Steel … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Loews Upgraded To Neutral

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:26 PM PDT

We are upgrading Loews Corporation (NYSE:L) to Neutral from Underperform on the back off Diamond Offshore's continuous efforts towards increasing its fleet, Boardwalk's increased capacity and project expansions which subsequently aid better results and Loews' strong balance sheet with low leverage and adequate cash.
Besides focusing on the improvisation of its fleet, Diamond Offshore (NYSE:DO) intends to construct a deepwater semi-submersible rig, Ocean Onyx, with delivery slated for the third … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Analyst Interviews: Health Insurance Stock Outlook

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:12 PM PDT

Though the U.S. Health insurance industry continues to be relatively immune to economic difficulties, it has been still grappling with fundamental changes and consequent growth pangs. The industry has been facing its share of problems related to a sluggish economic recovery, uncertainty surrounding the health care reform law and increased regulatory control.

Despite the odds, the industry remains profitable, with the top six players — UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH), CIGNA Corp. (NYSE:CI), … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fitch Boosts BorgWarner Ratings

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:12 PM PDT

Fitch Ratings Services has boosted both the issuer default rating as well as unsecured revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes ratings of BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) to "BBB+" from "BBB" based on the company's debt reduction measures. The ratings apply to unsecured revolving credit facility of $650 million and senior unsecured notes of $655 million.

Apart from the debt reduction measures, the agency is also optimistic about the modest growth in worldwide auto production. It … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Amazon Grabs James Bond Deal

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:12 PM PDT

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), the largest digital bookseller, has added another weapon to its arsenal: a 10-year exclusive deal to publish all 14 classics of James Bond spy novels written by the late Ian Fleming. The rights cover both print and digital formats in North America.
 How much Amazon had to dish out remains a mystery. But we hear that Penguin, which previously had the global English print rights thought they were too expensive to renew.
 In any case, Amazon will bring all-new … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

RLI Corp Lags EPS Estimate

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:35 PM PDT

RLI Corporation (NYSE:RLI) reported first-quarter 2012 operating earnings of 96 cents per share, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a dime. Reported results, however, were 17.9% lower than the year-ago level of $1.17 per share. Operating earnings in the quarter were $20.6 million, down 16.9% year over year.
The year-over-year decline in operating earnings per share was due to lower underwriting income at Casualty and Surety, partially offset by higher income at Property.
First-quarter 2012 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Nokia’s Long Nightmare Continues

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:25 PM PDT

Nokia Corp. (NYSE:NOK) remains in dire straits. Today the company reported disappointing financial results for the first quarter of 2012, significantly below the Zacks Consensus Estimates. Currently, the company is in a transition phase for its legacy Symbian software-based mobile feature phones to Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) developed Windows Phone 7 software based smartphones.
Quarterly net revenue was approximately $9,561 million, down 29% year over year and well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

People’s United Lags Ests, Rev Down

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Regional bank People’s United Financial Inc. (NASDAQ:PBCT) reported its first-quarter 2012 operating earnings per share of 18 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. However, earnings compared favorably with the 17 cents per share reported in the prior quarter.
Lower revenue due to reduced net interest income and non-interest income were the negatives for the quarter. However, lower non-interest expenses reflecting better expense management and improved credit quality acted as … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

PPG Industries Beats, Net Sinks

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:20 PM PDT

PPG Industries' (NYSE:PPG) continues its impressive positive surprise streak as its first-quarter 2012 adjusted earnings of $1.81 a share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents. The adjusted earnings exclude one-time charges associated with restructuring, environmental remediation and acquisitions.
However, profit (as reported) tumbled 94% year over year to $13 million or 8 cents a share, hurt by the hefty one-time charges. The Pennsylvania-based company reported profit of $228 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Travelers Outshines, Hikes Dividend

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:15 PM PDT

The Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV) reported operating earnings of $2.01 per share in the first quarter of 2012, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 per share. Reported results compared favorably with $1.89 in the prior-year quarter.
Operating income in the reported quarter was $801 million, compared with $826 million in the first quarter of 2011. The year-over-year decline was primarily due to lower net investment income.
However, lower share count due to share repurchases during … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Boston Scientific Beats By A Penny

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:05 PM PDT

The challenges rife in Boston Scientific Corporation's (NYSE:BSX) core segments consisting of stents and defibrillators do not show any sign of abatement. Revenues declined 3% year over year to $1.866 billion during the first quarter of 2012, but surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.858 billion. Excluding the impact of divested businesses and at constant exchange rates ("CER"), net sales dropped 3%.
While revenues derived from the domestic market declined 4% year over year to $978 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

EMC Reports Mixed 1Q

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:50 AM PDT

EMC Corp. (NYSE:EMC) reported first quarter 2012 earnings of 31 cents (including stock based compensation), up 29.2% year over year and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a couple of cents. The better-than-expected results were driven by robust top-line growth during the quarter, arising from the strong demand for EMC products globally.
Revenue
Revenue increased 10.6% year over year to $5.09 billion in the reported quarter. This growth was primarily attributed to continued strong demand for … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cubist Beats, Ups View

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CBST) first quarter 2012 earnings (excluding special items but including stock-based compensation expense) came in at 82 cents per share up 51.9% from the year-ago period.
Reported earnings came in at 45 cents, up 32.4% year-over-year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter was 41 cents. Results in the quarter were helped by strong sales of antibiotic injection, Cubicin (daptomycin).
Revenue in the first quarter of 2012 climbed 30.0% to $211.7 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Rockwell Matches EPS, Misses Sales

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:50 AM PDT

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 ending March 31, 2012, Rockwell Collins Inc. (NYSE:COL), the supplier of avionics and military equipment, reported earnings in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09. Results however came higher than the year-ago quarterly earning per share of 96 cents.
Operational Performance
Rockwell Collins' total sales fell 5% year over year to $1.16 billion, failing to meet both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18 billion and year-ago revenue of $1.22 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Southwest Beats, Upped To Neutral

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:40 AM PDT

Before the opening bell, the largest U.S. low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) reported its first quarter 2012 adjusted loss of 2 cents per share. The quarter's results were better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 5 cents but remained below the year-ago earnings of 3 cents per share.
Despite surging fuel prices, the better-than-expected performance in the quarter was credited to robust revenue growth driven by fare hikes, cost-cutting measures, network optimization, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Union Pacific Beats As Volume Grows

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:40 AM PDT

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) reported first quarter of fiscal 2012 adjusted earnings of $1.79 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.64 as well as the year-ago earnings of $1.29. Better-than-expected earnings came on the back of increased prices and more cargo hauling despite weaker coal volumes.
Revenue climbed 16% year over year to a record $5,112 million in the first quarter, and breezed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,986 million on volume growth. Volumes … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Sloppy Market Action

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:36 AM PDT

Cusick’s Corner
Messy action on this expiration Thursday, too choppy for some to get anything constructive done. I am looking to roll, close April and roll into May, or just outright close my April positions. I do not like the action in the S&Ps and NASDAQ, we are getting to short term levels that look like they may be potentially challenged, 1378 on the SPX and 3015 on the NASDAQ. If the NASDAQ breaks, we could potentially see the shorts gain some momentum. Like I said yesterday, a nice … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Baxter Beats 1Q Forecasts

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) reported first quarter adjusted (excluding one-time items) earnings per share of $1.01, thereby beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 99 cents and sailing past the year-ago earnings of 98 cents per share. The first quarter results beat Baxter's earlier earnings guidance of 98 cents to $1.00 per share.
Baxter reported a profit of $588 million (or $1.04 per share) for the quarter compared with $570 million (or 98 cents a share) a year ago, up about 3.2% year … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

KeyCorp Continues To Beat Steadily

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:30 AM PDT

KeyCorp’s (NYSE:KEY) first quarter 2012 net income from continuing operations of 21 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by two cents. On the other hand, earnings demonstrated parity with the preceding quarter as well as the prior-year quarter.
Including discontinued operations, KeyCorp's net income for the reported quarter was in line with the prior quarter at $194 million or 20 cents per share, and compared favorably with $173 million or 19 cents per share in the year-ago … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

DuPont Beats, Reaffirms View

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:30 AM PDT

EI DuPont de Nemours & Co. (NYSE:DD) reported adjusted earnings of $1.61 per share in the first quarter of 2012 which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.55. The earnings growth was primarily driven by strong performance in Agriculture and Performance Chemicals and the benefit of prior-year acquisitions in Nutrition & Health and Industrial Biosciences.
Including one-time items (customer claim charges of $50 million), earnings came in at $1.57 per share versus $1.52 in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sherwin-Williams Beats Estimates

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:20 AM PDT

Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE:SHW) reported net earnings of 95 cents per share in the first quarter of 2012 versus 63 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. The results surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. 
Net sales for the quarter increased 15.1% year over year to $2.14 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.1 billion. The growth was driven by an increase in paint sales volume and selling price.
Performance by Segment
The Paint Stores Group posted net sales of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Kinder Morgan 1Q Misses Consensus

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:20 AM PDT

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P.'s (NYSE:KMP) first quarter 2012 earnings of 61 cents per limited partner unit (excluding certain items) fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents. However, the quarterly results were almost 42% above the year-ago profit of 43 cents.
Revenue decreased roughly 4% to $1,848.0 million in the reported quarter from $1,917 million in the year-ago quarter.
Importantly, quarterly cash distribution per common unit was raised to $1.20 ($4.80 annualized), … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Morgan Stanley Tops On A/C Charges

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:10 AM PDT

Morgan Stanley's (NYSE:MS) first-quarter 2012 adjusted earnings came in at 71 cents per share, significantly topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents. This also compares favorably with the prior-year quarter adjusted earnings of 59 cents.
Considering debt-related credit spreads and Debt Valuation Adjustment (DVA), Morgan Stanley reported a net loss of $78 million or 5 cents per share from the continuing operations. The company had earned $984 million or 51 cents per share from continuing … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Nucor Beats On Bottom Line In 1Q

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:05 AM PDT

Steelmaker Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) reported adjusted (excluding special items) earnings of 42 cents per share in the first quarter of 2012, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 40 cents and its own expectation of 30 to 35 cents.
However, profit (as reported) dipped roughly 9% year over year to $145.1 million (or 46 cents a share) from $159.8 million or 50 cents per share reported a year ago.
Nucor’s consolidated net sales increased 5% year over year to $5.07 billion in the quarter. The jump … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Diamond Beats, Falls Y/Y

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:05 AM PDT

Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (NYSE:DO) reported adjusted first quarter 2012 earnings of $1.21 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 98 cents, mainly on account of higher day rates for the company’s deepwater rigs. However, quarterly results decreased from the year-earlier profit of $1.80, due to 3.3% higher operating expenses.
Total revenue in the quarter decreased 4.7% year over year to $768.6 million, surpassing our projection of $754 million.
Dividend Story
Diamond Offshore … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Genuine Parts Beats, Profits Up 16%

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:05 AM PDT

Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) posted a 16% rise in profit to $146.3 million or 93 cents per share in the first quarter of 2012 from $126.5 million or 80 cents in the same quarter of last year. With this, the auto parts maker outdid the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7 cents per share.
Sales in the quarter grew 7% to $3.2 billion, which was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The improvement was attributable to strong sales in mainly Automotive and Industrial segments. Operating profit rose … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Diamond Beats, Falls Y/Y

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:05 AM PDT

Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (NYSE:DO) reported adjusted first quarter 2012 earnings of $1.21 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 98 cents, mainly on account of higher day rates for the company’s deepwater rigs. However, quarterly results decreased from the year-earlier profit of $1.80, due to 3.3% higher operating expenses.
Total revenue in the quarter decreased 4.7% year over year to $768.6 million, surpassing our projection of $754 million.
Dividend Story
Diamond Offshore … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Genuine Parts Beats, Profits Up 16%

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:05 AM PDT

Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) posted a 16% rise in profit to $146.3 million or 93 cents per share in the first quarter of 2012 from $126.5 million or 80 cents in the same quarter of last year. With this, the auto parts maker outdid the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7 cents per share.
Sales in the quarter grew 7% to $3.2 billion, which was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The improvement was attributable to strong sales in mainly Automotive and Industrial segments. Operating profit rose … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

First Horizon Misses By A Penny

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT

First Horizon National Corp.'s (NYSE:FHN) first-quarter 2012 earnings of 12 cents per share came a penny below the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Results also compared unfavorably with earnings per share of 13 cents in the prior quarter and 15 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Results reflected elevated level of provision for loan losses and expenses. However, an uptick in revenue partially offset the negatives.
First Horizon's net income available to common shareholders was $30.5 million in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Vantiv Raises Fifth Third’s Profit

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Aided by gains from the Vantiv Inc.'s (VNTV) initial public offering, Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) has posted improved earnings in the first quarter of 2012. The company reported net income of $421 million or 45 cents per share in the reported quarter, ahead of the prior quarter's net income of $305 million or 33 cents per share and year-ago quarter's net income of $88 million or 10 cents per share.
Results include a 9 cent per share positive impact from Vantiv. Excluding that, the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Vantiv Raises Fifth Third’s Profit

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Aided by gains from the Vantiv Inc.'s (VNTV) initial public offering, Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) has posted improved earnings in the first quarter of 2012. The company reported net income of $421 million or 45 cents per share in the reported quarter, ahead of the prior quarter's net income of $305 million or 33 cents per share and year-ago quarter's net income of $88 million or 10 cents per share.
Results include a 9 cent per share positive impact from Vantiv. Excluding that, the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Schoenberger: “If Not For Earnings…market Would Be Down 10% This Month”

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:55 AM PDT

04/19/12 BlackBay Group’s Todd Schoenberger talks global fundamentals and central bank monetary policy. The latest earnings reports and individual sectors are also … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sallie Mae Beats, Guidance Intact

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:50 AM PDT

Aided by a fall in loan loss provisions and decrease in expenses, SLM Corp.'s (NYSE:SLM), better known as Sallie Mae, first-quarter 2012 core earnings came in at $284 million or 55 cents per share, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents. Results also compare favorably with the prior-year quarter's core earnings of $260 million or 48 cents per share.
The company's private education loan origination advanced 23% year over year while loan charge-offs reached the lowest rate since the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Yum! Beats On Overall Growth

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:35 AM PDT

Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM) reported first quarter 2012 adjusted earnings of 76 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 73 cents. Earnings increased 21% year over year mainly on the back of outperformance at its China division and other emerging markets. On a reported basis also, Yum! Brands' quarterly earnings were 96 cents per share, up 76% year over year.
The company reported a 13% year-over-year increase in total revenue to $2,743.0 million. System Sales growth was a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Mixed Quarter For Peabody Energy

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:30 AM PDT

Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) reported first-quarter 2012 earnings of 67 cents per share compared with 72 cents in the year-ago quarter. The decline in earnings was due to higher interest expense related to its Macarthur Coal acquisition and an increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses. The quarterly earnings significantly beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents.
Revenue
Peabody's quarterly revenue, at $2.04 billion, increased 17% year over year from $1.7 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

PSMH: New Consultant Contract And Other Corporate Changes

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:20 AM PDT

PSMH: New Consultant Contract and Other Corporate Changes
Ann Heffron, CFA

PSM Holdings, Inc. (PSMH)  recently announced that subsidiary PrimeSource Mortgage, Inc. has entered into a new consultant contract for the CFO services of Randy Compton, CPA, with CORE Business Advisors, PLLC. We believe this is an important step in the evolution of PSMH as it transitions into a larger publicly-traded entity.

Mr. Compton, who has an extensive background in operations and fnance for companies in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

German Projects For Harsco

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Recently announced, Harsco Corporation (NYSE:HSC) declared that it has received two separate construction project contracts in Germany. These awards, directly related to the company's Infrastructure business segment are projected to ameliorate revenues by $1 million for Harsco.
The first of these is a major contract, intended for the proliferation of Porsche's automotive research and development center, which would now consist of an advanced wind tunnel, design center and an electronics … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Verizon Profit Soars On Added Subscribers

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:15 AM PDT

04/19/12 Verizon Communication saw its 1Q earnings soar 20% as added subscribers to its wireless and FiOS products helped boost … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Robert Reich On The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Discussing His…

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Robert Reich on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart discussing his eBook Beyond Outrage. Visit The Daily Show for extended … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Oil Steady As Bond Auction, Jobs Data Clash

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 05:00 AM PDT

04/19/12 Oil prices were steady above $102 a barrel Thursday following a successful Spanish bond auction clashing with weak US jobs … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Why “We’re On The Right Track” Isn’t Enough, And What Obama’s Plan Should Be For Boosting The Economy

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 09:43 AM PDT

President Obama's electoral strategy can best be summed up as: "We're on the right track, my economic policies are working, we still have a long way to go but stick with me and you'll be fine."
That's not good enough. This recovery is too anemic, and the chance of an economic stall between now and Election Day far too high.
Even now, Mitt Romney's empty "I'll to it better" refrain is attracting as many voters as Obama's "we're on the right track." Each man is … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Economist On The Street: US Data Vs. EU Woes

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 04:40 AM PDT

04/19/12 Meridian Equity Partners’ Stephen Guilfoyle dissects the latest US economic data releases and upcoming event risk: G20 and IMF meetings, next week’s FOMC meeting and US Q1 GDP … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Friday, April 20, 2012

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 05:31 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Friday, April 20, 2012

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
1.0330
− 0.24
1.0362
1.0349

Bearish

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.3136
+ 0.11
1.3119
1.3107

Bullish

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.6051
+ 0.19
1.5983
1.5880

Bullish

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
0.9955
+ 0.44
0.9921
0.9990

Neutral

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

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Friday, April 20, 2012

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Friday, April 20, 2012

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
9.76
− 1.91
9.93
9.80

Bearish

AXP – American Express Company
57.57
− 0.81
57.99
57.17

Neutral

BA – Boeing Co
73.10
− 0.83
73.63
72.45

Neutral

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
8.77
− 1.68
8.91
8.79

Bearish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
107.36
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Friday, April 20, 2012

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Friday, April 20, 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
110.46
− 0.07
110.44
110.21

Bullish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
83.74
− 0.02
83.73
83.60

Bullish

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
27.93
+ 0.04
28.03
28.38

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 Friday, April 20, 2012

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Friday, April 20, 2012

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Jun ESM2
1372.50
− 0.42
1378.03
1368.67

Neutral

Dow Jones – Jun YMM2
12902
− 0.42
12963
12802

Neutral

Nasdaq – Jun NQM2
2683.50
− 0.41
2700.28
2708.58

Bearish

Russell – Jun TFM2
796.00
− 0.29
801.26
794.17

Neutral

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Jun ZBM2
142-07
+ … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Searching For Stock Opportunities In Sliding Markets

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 04:24 AM PDT

Analysts are divided on whether market falls of recent weeks represent a mere blip or more significant correction for equities but no-one can argue that the past month has been unkind to stocks. 
For those of us with an eye on the blistering performance of momentum strategies during the early part of this year, the universe of stocks has got a hell of a lot smaller. Indeed, by shedding 300 points since mid-March, the FTSE 100 has been on a dire run of the like not seen since last … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards
at

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