Monday, June 4, 2012

DailyMarkets.com - Hot Option Plays: Doji Close

DailyMarkets.com - Hot Option Plays: Doji Close

Hot Option Plays: Doji Close

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:30 PM PDT

Cusick’s Corner
The market bounced in the afternoon but indecision still reigned. The S&Ps finished the day where it started, referred to as a “doji”, leaving the onus on the longs to step up. Tech was the leader and in spite of the market holding, the major indices need to take back the 200-day simple moving average. See you Midday.
Market action turned mixed late-Monday. The underlying tone of trading remained cautious early after the only economic stat of the day showed April Factory … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Husband Down Aisle 5

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:28 PM PDT

All the doom, time for a funny ha ha!

The story..

Scene 1

A husband and wife are shopping when the husband picks up a case of beer and puts it in their cart.

SHE: ‘What do you think you’re doing?’
HE: ‘They’re on sale, only $30 for 24 cans’.
SHE: ‘Put them back, we can’t afford them!’ Demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.

Scene 2

A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $60 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.

HE:What do you think you’re doing?’.
SHE:It’s … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Accenture To Serve Columbia

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:58 PM PDT

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) announced last week that its service had been chosen by the District of Columbia to help the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) meet its health care reform deadlines. Although the financial benefit for Accenture remains unclear as of now, this is likely to be a big deal given the expected scale of operations.
The reform basically involves the integration of data related to health records and records of persons providing human services to improve the accessibility and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fifth Third Closes $75M Buyback

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:58 PM PDT

Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) has accomplished the buyback of its shares worth $75 million, according to its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The share buybacks were made as per regulatory approval that the company had received in March and were supported by the realized gains from the Vantiv Inc. (VNTV) initial public offering (IPO).
The shares were bought back pursuant to an accelerated share repurchase transaction agreement that the company entered into with Goldman, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Carriers To Launch Galaxy S3 In June

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:58 PM PDT

06/04/12 Five US wireless carriers will sell the next generation Galaxy smartphone in June. The flagship smartphone will be considerably lower with a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Limited Brands’ Comps Rise

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:37 PM PDT

Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE:LTD), a specialty retailer of women's intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products, posted better-than-expected comparable-store sales results for the four-week period ended May 26, 2012. The increase was boosted by healthy sales at its Victoria’s Secret Stores and Bath & Body Works.                     … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

GPI Appraises Hail Storm Damages

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:37 PM PDT

Group 1 Automotive (NYSE:GPI) announced that it is evaluating the extent of damage at seven out of its eight import and domestic dealerships in Oklahoma City, OK caused by the hail storm on May 29.
According to the assessment, some of the facilities and inventories consisting of new and used vehicles were damaged. The company has informed that it is insured but it needs to incur after tax charges related to deductibles in the range of $1.8 million to $2.3 million or 7 cents to 10 cents per share … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Quest Diagnostics Expands Portfolio

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:23 PM PDT

Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX), a leading player in the field of diagnostic testing, has expanded its portfolio with a new test to help physicians determine whether a thyroid gland is cancerous and requires surgical removal. This test would help in thyroid biopsy testing and prevent unnecessary removal of healthy thyroids in many patients.  
Currently in use cytology test methods often lead to indeterminate results in the detection of cancer. As per estimates, approximately 54,500 new cases of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CBRE Group Expands EMEA Operations

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:23 PM PDT

CBRE Group Inc. (NYSE:CBG), the world's largest commercial real estate services firm in terms of fiscal 2011 revenue, has recently expanded its operations in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) with the acquisition of its affiliate company in Turkey for an undisclosed amount.
The acquiree offers valuation, leasing, investment, research and consultancy services in Turkey, and has a huge client base of local and international property companies that has been developed over a period of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Central Banks, Fed Speeches In Focus

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 10:20 AM PDT

06/04/12 The RBA and BOC rate announcements are on tap, along with speeches from Federal Reserve … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

NSN Creates Verso Ventures Fund

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:03 PM PDT

Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), a 50-50 joint venture between Nokia Corp. (NYSE:NOK) and Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) to provide telecom network infrastructure solutions, has created a spinoff investment fund called "Verso Ventures."
As a part of its massive restructuring activities, NSN is trying to offload its non-core business units. Some of its non-core assets find immediate purchasers. However, there still exist some non-core units that the company is still not abele to sell.
NSN is trying to provide … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fitch Rates Whirlpool Senior Notes

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:03 PM PDT

Fitch Ratings assigned a 'BBB' rating to the 10-year senior unsecured notes of $250 million to be issued by Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR). The company plans to spend the proceeds for general corporate purposes and repay short-term debt. The issue will rank at par with the other senior unsecured debts which the company has on its books. The Rating Outlook was kept at 'Stable' by Fitch.
The ratings and the outlook conferred by Fitch takes into account the company's diversification and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BP Plans TNK-BP Stake Sale

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:03 PM PDT

BP Plc (NYSE:BP) intends to sell its shares in Russian joint venture TNK-BP after it announced receiving bids for a potential acquisition of the holding. Information regarding the possible buyer was however not available.
TNK-BP is Russia's leading oil company, held 50% by BP and 50% by the Alfa-Access-Renova (AAR) Consortium. BP's intended sale follows a corporate dispute with AAR after the later dismissed BP's deal with Russia’s state-operated oil company Rosneft last year.
The unexpected … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

RenaissanceRe Forms New Subsidiary

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:02 PM PDT

In order to enhance its reinsurance capacity, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR) announced the creation of a new reinsurance subsidiary named Timicuan Reinsurance III Limited. The newly formed subsidiary will be based in Bermuda, which is the headquarter of the holding company.
Timicuan Reinsurance will be initiated with equity share capital of $55 million, contributed by various investors including RenaissanceRe. Renaissance Underwriting Managers Ltd will manage the new company, which will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Graco Settles With FTC

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 03:02 PM PDT

Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG) announced that a proposed order regarding the sale of liquid finishing businesses has been filed for public comment by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
As per this order, Graco is required to sell the worldwide liquid finishing businesses that the company acquired from Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW) on April 2, 2012.
Graco's management was clearly disappointed with the order. The FTC will issue its final decision and order that will identify the products, businesses … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Another Example Of How Abundant Shale Gas Is Helping Spark A U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:50 PM PDT

Fuel Fix — “Exxon Mobil Corp. is planning a multibillion-dollar petrochemical expansion at its Baytown, Texas complex to take advantage of the country's increasing supplies of natural gas.

"The proposed investment reflects Exxon Mobil's continued confidence in the natural gas-driven revitalization of the U.S. chemical industry," the company said in a statement.
The project would include a new ethane unit, which would provide ethylene feedstock for two new polyethylene production lines … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Trade Setups To Watch On Tuesday , June 05

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:48 PM PDT

  ( click to enlarge )

Shares of Zalicus Inc (ZLCS) could be in the early stages of a technical breakout. The stock closed right at its 200 day MA on the daily chart on heavy volume. Although recently the stock has been on a pull back today’s 19.75% gain to $1.10 per share shows the stock may be on the rise again.  The technical chart looks like it’s set up and ready to go. I will be watching very closely for news. ZLCS looks like it wants to run. 

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

Montpelier Moves A Notch Higher

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:43 PM PDT

We are upgrading Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:MRH) to Outperform from Neutral on the back of solid first quarter results.
Operating earnings in the first quarter breezed past the Zacks Consensus and also reversed the year-ago loss. A substantial decline in loss and loss adjustment expenses boosted the profitability in the quarter.
In order to return more value to its shareholders, the company's Board approved a dividend hike of 5%. Its dividend yield is presently 2.04%. The company also … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

GameStop Allies With Sony For DLC

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:43 PM PDT

Video game and entertainment software retailer, GameStop Corporation (NYSE:GME) recently entered into an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to sell downloadable content (DLC) from PlayStation Network in Europe and Australia.
As per the agreement, GameStop, through its 1,600 stores across Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland, will provide gamers the flexibility of purchasing DLCs with trade credits, gift cards and cash.
However, the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Alcoa Achieves Safety Landmark

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:43 PM PDT

The world's leading aluminum producer, Alcoa Inc. (NYSE:AA), has achieved a significant safety milestone in its joint venture with Saudi Arabian mining company Ma'aden. The Ma'aden Alcoa joint venture recorded 25 million hours of work without losing a work day due to injury while constructing an aluminum smelter at Ras Al Khair in Saudi Arabia.
The safety milestone was accomplished by 39 construction companies with a workforce consisting of people from various cultures, languages and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Eli Lilly Launches Amyvid

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:43 PM PDT

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) recently announced the availability of its radioactive diagnostic agent, Amyvid (florbetapir F 18 Injection), in certain markets in the US. The company said that Amyvid is available in imaging centers at markets in the vicinity of 16 manufacturing sites. Eli Lilly has also launched an online training program.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Amyvid in April 2012. Amyvid has been designed to help detect the density of beta-amyloid plaques in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

At The Same Time NYC Obesity Czar Wages War On Sugar, He Plans To Scale Back The War On Drugs

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:35 PM PDT

NY Times reports that “Bloomberg Backs Plan to Limit Arrests for Marijuana.”

He just can’t make up his mind about the Nanny State, can he? 

And a great comment below from Moe “NYC will be like hell for Mary Jane users. Easier to partake, yes ,but no obesity-inducing snacks?? Cruel … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Eaton Strengthens EMEA Footprint

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Industrial manufacturing giant Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) has completed acquisition of a unit of Gycom Group based in Stockholm. The acquired unit engages in low-voltage power distribution and the supply of control and automation components in the Nordic countries, primarily Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
Per the agreement, Eaton will function in sync until October 2012 with Gycom providing operational assistance. Subsequent to the transition period, both the companies will operate independently … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Costco Sales Rise

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), a leading U.S. warehouse club operator, recently posted sales data for the four-week period ended May 27, 2012. However, sales fell short of analysts' expectations as unfavorable foreign currencies fluctuation remained a drag. Moreover, sales for the month were also adversely affected by deflation in gasoline prices.
The company will sustain its sales momentum as it moves further into 2012. After a 4% increase in April, Costco's comparable-store … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Warnaco Retained At Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

We recently reiterated our Neutral recommendation on Warnaco Group Inc. (NYSE:WRC), a manufacturer and seller of intimate apparel, sportswear and swimwear products. Earnings of 90 cents a share in the first quarter of 2012 missed both the Zacks Consensus Estimate as well as the year-ago quarter results by 2 cents and 20 cents, respectively.
However, the upcoming Olympics event and the expected boost in Sportswear segment under the flagship brand Speedo are anticipated to pull up revenues in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Another Below-Average Nat Gas Build

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed an in-line increase in natural gas supplies, as strong requirement for power burn across most of the country (with more electric utilities switching from coal to gas) was offset by rising dry gas production and imports from Canada. In the meantime, the latest injection – the eleventh in 2012 – has added to already bloated inventories.
Gas stocks – currently some 35% above the benchmark five-year average levels – are at their … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Buckeye Stays Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

We reiterate our Neutral recommendation on Buckeye Partners LP (NYSE:BPL). Buckeye Partners is a major contender in the U.S. energy sector with its pipelines business being one of the largest in terms of volumes delivered. The proposed agreement between Buckeye Partners and Chevron Inc. regarding the acquisition of a marine terminal facility for liquid petroleum products will act as a propeller to the partnership's growth in the long run.
The partnership also made additions to its inorganic … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Another Reason Not To Like The Insurance Industry

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT

I’ve made it clear how much I dislike the insurance industry, which has done a phenomental job making other areas of the financial services industry seem almost virtuous by comparison.
For the latest example of how these people operate, I refer you to the Introduction from a new report by the Consumer Federation of America, entitled Low Ball: An Insider's Look at How Some Insurers Can Manipulate Computerized Systems to Broadly Underpay Injury Claims (italics mine):
Over the past ten to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

New Offering From Juniper Networks

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:03 PM PDT

Juniper Networks (NASDAQ:JNPR) has announced enhancements to its Mykonos security software, which is based on its ground-breaking Intrusion Deception™ Technology that defends against web-based threats in real time. The company has now announced 30 new features for more comprehensive protection from hackers and attackers.
Apart from traditional product networking and services, the company is trying to offer security software to diversify its business model and add new sources of revenue. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Endo, Watson Settle Patent Dispute

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:03 PM PDT

Endo Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ENDP) recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to settle two patent infringement lawsuits against Watson Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:WPI), related to Endo's lead product, Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%).
Although a trial was held on one of these two cases in February 2012, a ruling has yet to come. To mitigate the risk regarding the uncertainty of the court's decision, the companies mutually decided to resolve the issue.  
Under the terms of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Endo, Watson Settle Patent Dispute

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 02:02 PM PDT

Endo Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ENDP) recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to settle two patent infringement lawsuits against Watson Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:WPI), related to Endo's lead product, Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%).
Although a trial was held on one of these two cases in February 2012, a ruling has yet to come. To mitigate the risk regarding the uncertainty of the court's decision, the companies mutually decided to resolve the issue.  
Under the terms of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aggressive Growth Stock: O'Reilly Automotive

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:43 PM PDT

O’Reilly Automotive (ORLY) has a solid history of positive earnings surprises and sees more earnings growth for 2013. The stock is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
Company Description
O’Reilly Automotive sells automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories. The company provides new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, including alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, brake system components, batteries, belts, hoses, temperature control and chassis parts. Its stores … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

GM To Sponsor Manchester United

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:43 PM PDT

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), recently, announced its partnership with Barclays Premier League giant Manchester United. This five-year contract will lead to the creation of Chevrolet China Cup. Thus the company is replacing Germany's Audi, which was the automotive sponsor of Manchester United.

From July onwards, matches under the aegis of Chevrolet China Cup will be played in different cities of China including Shanghai. With a fan following close to 659 million, Manchester United is one of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: United Natural Foods

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:43 PM PDT

United Natural Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:UNFI) is set to unveil its third quarter fiscal 2012 results on June 5, 2012, before the market opens. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter is 56 cents per share (year-over-year increase of 16.7%). The Zacks Consensus Revenue Estimate for the third quarter is $1.35 billion (year-over-year increase of 12.6%).
Second Quarter Overview
United Natural Foods delivered better-than-expected second quarter 2012 earnings of 45 cents per share, exceeding the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Verizon Eyes Hughes Telematics

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:43 PM PDT

The wireless leader Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) plans to acquire Hughes Telematics Inc. (HUTC) for $612 million in cash or $12 per share. The purchase price is at a massive premium to Hughes' closing price of $4.35.
The proposed acquisition will expand Verizon's presence in the automotive and fleet telematics as well as machine-to-machine (M2M) service applications. This strategic move would boost revenues of the company's enterprise business, and will give it a competitive … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

ICE To Launch OTC Product

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:43 PM PDT

In an attempt to broaden the horizons of its over-the-counter ("OTC") products offering, last Friday IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE) announced its decision to launch a brand new liquefied natural gas ("LNG") cleared swap contract. It is to be based on Platts, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), renowned for providing information related to global energy, petrochemicals and metals.
Platts, the daily assessor for the Japan/Korea Marker ("JKM"), was launched in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Growth & Income Stock: Cabot Corporation

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Cabot Corporation (NYSE:CBT) carried its strong earnings momentum into the second quarter and delivered its 6th consecutive positive earnings surprise. Analysts have continued to raise their earnings estimates for both 2012 and 2013, sending the stock to a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stock.
The company also recently raised its quarterly dividend for the first time since 2006. It currently yields 2.2%.
Specialty Chemicals & Performance Materials
Cabot Corp. is a specialty chemicals and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Market, Econ Data Take A Breather

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Earnings Preview – Week of June 4th

There is not much on the docket with respect to earnings and economic reports this week. The next earnings season will not get fully underway till the second half of July, though we still have a handful of companies reporting the first quarter results.

The tone of the economic debate has shifted following the disappointing May jobs report, with questions about sustainability of the growth momentum — howsoever moderate it was to begin with — taking … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Momentum Stock: American Eagle Outfitters

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.'s (NYSE:AEO) strong first-quarter 2012 results brought this specialty retailer near its 52-week high. Furthermore, AEO became a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) on May 30, just seven days after the announcement.
Fabulous First Quarter
American Eagle Outfitters posted fiscal first-quarter 2012 earnings of 20 cents per share on May 23, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing substantially from 14 cents in the prior-year quarter. Solid top-line performance and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bull Of The Day: Sears Holding Corp. (SHLD)

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

We have upgraded our long-term recommendation on Sears Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:SHLD) to Outperform, given its efforts to revamp its organizational structure and operating model in order to overcome its sluggish top-line performances and even weaker bottom-line results.
Despite a marginal decline of 2.8% in top line, Sears first-quarter 2012 loss per share narrowed to $0.31 from $1.34 in the prior-year period and fared better than the Zacks Consensus estimate of a loss of $0.59. The improved results … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Growth & Income Stock: Coca-Cola FEMSA S.A.B.

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Latin America has been a hot spot for investors. Coca-Cola FEMSA S.A.B. (NYSE:KOF) is expected to post double digit earnings growth in both 2012 and 2013. Since the financial crisis, this Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) has also rewarded its shareholders with dividend increases.
Most investors probably don’t realize there is more than one Coke.
Coca-Cola FEMSA is a Mexico-based producer and distributor of Coca-Cola products like Coke, Fanta, Sprite, and Del Valle. It operates 35 bottling facilities and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aggressive Growth Stock: Michael Kors

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Michael Kors (KORS) is new to the market but has already become a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy).
Company Description
Michael Kors sells branded women’s apparel and accessories, and men’s apparel. The company sells its products primarily under the names of Michael Kors, MICHAEL KORS, MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS, and KORS MICHAEL KORS. The company was founded in 1981 and is based in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Michael Kors Beats Estimates in First Report
Michael Kors topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bear Of The Day: CME Group, Inc. (CME)

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

We are downgrading our recommendation on CME Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:CME) to Underperform based on its first quarter earnings that lagged the year-over-year results, although it came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Lower-than-expected volumes, clearing and transaction fees and higher operating, non-operating and tax expenses deteriorated the top line and operating margin.
However, average rate per contract improved marginally. Although excess cash paves the way for capital deployment, debt … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bull Of The Day: Watsco, Inc. (WSO)

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO) reported first quarter earnings per share of $0.24, up 14% year over year and on par with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Total revenue increased 19% year over year to $634 million, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $581 million.
Watsco has acquired Carrier’s Canada HVAC distribution network, which will be accretive to its revenue and earnings. Watsco has great potential in the replacement market of air conditioners and heating systems in the U.S, as nearly 89 million … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Momentum Stock: Dean Foods

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) has watched all 11 estimates for this year move higher in the past month after releasing robust first-quarter 2012 results, which included year-over-year EPS growth of 121.4% and a positive surprise of 47.6%.
Shares reached a new 52-week high of $15.70 on May 31, before closing at $15.64, and are up 43.5% year to date.
The leading processor and distributor of milk became a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) on May 12, just three days after its earnings announcement.
Fabulous … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Analyst Interviews: Insurance Industry Stock Update

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

The U.S. insurance industry will probably breathe a sigh of relief as the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be much calmer compared to 2011. This year's hurricane season, which officially started on June 1 and will run through November 30, is expected to be less conducive for tropical storms. In addition, insurers are better prepared to withstand significant losses this time.

However, insurers have yet to recover fully from the impact of last year’s series of natural disasters, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CubeSmart Sees Management Churn

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Wayne, Pennsylvania-based, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), CubeSmart (CUBE) recently announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the board of Trustee, Dean Jernigan, on the ground of expiration of his current employment agreement on December 31, 2013. The company is yet to announce the replacement for Jernigan.
Dean Jernigan held the position of CEO and member of the Board of Trustee since April 2006. Previously, he … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Interactive’s May Metrics Improve

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Interactive Brokers Group Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IBKR) Electronic Brokerage segment has announced significant improvement in its monthly brokerage data for May 2012. The segment under appraisal clears and settles trades globally for both individual and institutional clients.
Interactive's total customer accounts improved 14% from the prior-year month and 1% from the prior month to 198,100 in May. Likewise, total customer Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) surged 7% from May 2011 and 9% from April 2012 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AIR’s Life Raft Stowage Approved

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

AAR Corp (NYSE:AIR) recently received Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for 737NG Life Raft Stowage Compartment, which adds to the list of AAR's avionics upgrades.
The life rafts will be stored in the ceiling space above aircraft aisles. The innovative design will save valuable overhead bin space. Management considers this as a retrofit option intended to provide its customers with a state-of-the-art solution to increase available bin space.
The highly … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Glaxo A Step Closer To HGSI

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Glaxo (NYSE:GSK) recently announced that the waiting period with respect to its tender offer for the acquisition of the outstanding shares of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:HGSI) has expired under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976 (HSR Act).
Meanwhile, Human Genome's board of directors continued to advise its stockholders against Glaxo's tender offer.
Earlier, in April 2012, Glaxo had made an offer to acquire Human Genome for $13 per share in cash. However, Human … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AngioDynamics Remains Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

We reiterate our Neutral recommendation on AngioDynamics Inc. (NASDAQ:ANGO). Its third-quarter fiscal 2012 adjusted earnings of 6 cents per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents. Revenues dropped 5.5% year over year to $51.6 million, but marginally beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $51 million.
Sales were impacted by several factors including the end of the LC Beads distribution contract and the temporary decision to curb sales of NanoKnife products in the U.S. However, in late … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

POSCO Expands CGL Facility In India

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Korean steel producer, POSCO (NYSE:PKX) has moved a step forward to leverage benefits from the growing automobile market in India. The company recently concluded the construction of its Continuous Galvanizing Line (CGL) with an annual production capacity of 450,000 tons in Maharashtra, India.
POSCO's Indian unit, POSCO Maharashtra, through this newly established CGL facility will be engaged in manufacturing Galvanized Steel (GA) and Galvannealed Steel (GS) plates which are widely used in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BMC Remedy For DyStar

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

BMC Software Inc. (NYSE:BMC) recently clinched an information technology service management (ITSM) deal. This time the IT solutions provider is offering its services to DyStar Group Pte Ltd. for an undisclosed amount.
Broadly known as a leading raw material and services provider to the textile and leather industry, DyStar's operations are spread across the world. The company had been relying on a very complex system for handling customer queries from different parts of the world. Efficient … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Exxon Aims Baytown Expansion

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is planning an extensive petrochemical expansion program at its Baytown complex. This move mainly reflects the U.S. energy giant's confidence to capitalize on the country’s increasing supply of natural gas in the filed of chemical industry.
This multibillion dollar expansion program at ExxonMobil's petrochemical complex − located approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Houston − involves the construction of a new ethane cracker at the Baytown … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MarkWest Absorbs Keystone

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

MarkWest Energy Partners L.P. (NYSE:MWE) announced that it has completed the purchase of Keystone Midstream Services, LLC. The acquisition, which was announced in early May, was made for a price of $512 million.
MarkWest bought the 100% ownership interest in Keystone from Stonehenge Energy Resources, L.P., and affiliates of Rex Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:REXX) and Sumitomo Corporation.
With the acquisition, MarkWest gained access to Keystone's properties across Butler County, Pennsylvania that … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Lam, Novellus Merger Gets Govt. Nod

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Following the receipt of regulatory approval, Lam Research Corp's (NASDAQ:LRCX) merger with Novellus Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:NVLS) will finally close after trading hours on June 4, 2012.
Both companies had already received their shareholder approvals for the deal on May 10. The merger will allow Novellus shareholders to receive 1.125 shares of Lam stock for each Novellus share.
Although initially priced at around $3.3 billion, the value has deteriorated slightly because of the nearly 7% decline in Lam's … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

International Paper Divests 3 Mills

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

International Paper Co. (NYSE:IP) is selling its three containerboard mills for $470 million to fulfill its agreement with the Department of Justice (DoJ) in connection with its acquisition of Temple-Inland.
As per the mandates of the DoJ, International Paper was required to divest 970,000 tons of containerboard capacity. International Paper had agreed to divest Temple-Inland’s mills in Ontario, California and New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and its existing mill in Hueneme, California. The New … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

NYC Limits Usage Of Coke & Pepsi

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

According to the Associated Press, the health department of New York City (NYC) has proposed to limit the consumption of beverages like Coke, Dr Pepper and Pepsi in restaurants, movie theaters and other public places in order to address the growing concern of obesity in the city of New York.
The move has negatively impacted soda-makers like The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (NYSE:DPS) and PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE:PEP).
As per the Associated Press, the proposed ban by the New York … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Public Service Wants Rates Down

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Public Service Electric and Gas Company ("PSE&G"), a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (NYSE:PEG), has made a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. In the filing, the company has requested the Board to lower the winter natural gas bills additionally by 5.2% per month for its residential customers. If approved, the proposed gas rate reduction will be effective from October 1, 2012.
Per the request, a typical residential customer that utilizes 160 therms of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Devon Remains Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

We maintain our Neutral recommendation on Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) as the results of the company during the first quarter 2012 were lower than our estimates. The first quarter was affected by higher Canadian oil price differentials and increases in oilfield service and supply expenses.
Devon's deep and diversified portfolio, primarily composed of unconventional resources, reflects significant long-term growth potential. The company has also shown capital discipline by rationally allocating … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Allscripts Downgraded To Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

We downgrade our rating to Neutral for Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (NASDAQ:MDRX). Its first quarter earnings per share of 10 cents missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 20 cents.
Reported net income for the quarter was $5.8 million (or 3 cents per share) compared with a net income of $12.6 million (or 7 cents per share) in the year-ago quarter. The lower profit was on account of several factors such as deterioration in sales mix and expenditures for marketing and product development.
Allscripts … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Volcano Poised At Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

We have reaffirmed our Neutral recommendation on Volcano Corporation (NASDAQ:VOLC) following its first-quarter 2012 results. However, the company's revenues and earnings per share during the quarter lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimates.
The San Diego, California-based company engages in the development, manufacture, and commercialization of a broad suite of precision guided therapy tools including intravascular ultrasound ("IVUS") and fractional flow reserve ("FFR") products. These … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sirona Inks Distribution Agreement

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Dental technology leader Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIRO) recently announced the expansion of its exclusive distribution agreement with Patterson Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:PDCO).
Following the amendments, Patterson Companies has become the exclusive U.S. distribution partner for all Sirona products with immediate effect. Patterson Dental, the largest business unit of Patterson Companies, will be the specialty distributor for Sirona.
The agreement provides Patterson Companies with the exclusive … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Telefonica Going Asset Light

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Spanish telecom giant Telefonica S. A. (NYSE:TEF) plans to sell its stake in O2 Germany through public share offerings. O2 Germany is the company's second largest European unit after Spain. This unit is valued at about €9 billion.
Additionally, the company is looking to sell some assets in Latin America through public offering. Latin American operations include the two largest markets, Mexico and Brazil, which are healthy contributors to the company's revenue and earnings.
The company did … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Reaffirming Allegheny At Neutral

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

We are retaining our Neutral recommendation on diversified specialty materials producer Allegheny Technologies (NYSE:ATI). Its first-quarter 2012 earnings of 50 cents a share matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Double-digit growth in sales (up roughly 10% year over year to $1,352.5 million) was driven by strong a contribution from the company's Performance Metals segment. However, revenues trailed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,362 million.
Allegheny still expects revenue growth to be at … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Samsung SIII To Launch This Month

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Major U.S. telecom companies including AT&T (NYSE:T), Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ), Sprint-Nextel Corp (NYSE:S), U.S. Cellular (NYSE:USM) and T-Mobile are planning to introduce Samsung Electronics' latest offering – Galaxy SIII – later this month. We believe that the roll out is an attempt by the Korean giant to challenge the growing market share of Apple Inc (AAPL) in the high-end smartphone segment.  
Galaxy SIII is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. It is a light … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Pall Corporation

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL) is slated to release its third-quarter fiscal 2012 earnings results on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) is 79 cents, representing annualized growth of 10.19%.
Pall's earnings were above the Zacks Consensus Estimates in the second and first quarters of fiscal 2012 and in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Earnings, however, missed the forecast in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The company's … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Fitch Affirms CNO’s Ratings

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:28 PM PDT

Fitch Ratings reiterated the issuer default rating ("IDR") of 'BB-'of CNO Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:CNO).
Concurrently, the rating agency affirmed the insurer financial strength ("IFS") at ‘BBB’ of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company and Washington National Insurance Company, the company's insurance subsidiaries. Also, Conseco Life Insurance Company's IFS was affirmed at ‘BB+.’
Additionally, Fitch Ratings … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Watching Converging Trendlines In Gold June 4

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:23 PM PDT

After a stellar move higher in Gold, price now faces a challenge of converging trendlines into the $1,630 area.
Let's take a quick look at the current price level and develop a simple game-plan from there.
Here's Gold (futures @GC) on the Intraday Hourly "Structure" Chart:

I drew two simple price trendlines that connect as many price highs and lows as possible.
The first is the Horizontal Support Line stretching from December 2011 to the present spike into $1,630.
The second is the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Revisiting 1970′s Secular Bear Market Exit …. Again

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 12:09 PM PDT

There are two kinds of investors: those who try to predict the market's future direction from what they understand to be the truth of today's events and those who try to understand past events and project them as models for … Continue reading … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Will The ECB And Fed Follow Where China Leads?

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Every month, policymakers track purchasing managers' indices (PMI) around the world as they consider fiscal and monetary actions. To us, a PMI is a measure of health of companies around the world, because it includes output, new orders, employment and prices across manufacturing, construction, retail and service sectors.
Today, the J.P. Morgan Global PMI for May came in lower at 50.6—just above the level indicating expansion—and China's HSBC Manufacturing PMI fell to 48.4. Both numbers … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

April Jobless Rate Falls To 0.7% In The ND Oil Patch

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 11:41 AM PDT

The state of North Dakota reported last week that the jobless rate in both the city of Williston and in the surrounding Williams County fell to an eye-popping low of 0.7% in April (see chart above), the lowest jobless rate ever recorded in North Dakota history, and possibly the lowest jobless rate in history for any city or county in the entire United States. Also in April, there were ten North Dakota counties with jobless rates below 2%, and all of those ten counties are on the western edge … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 2012

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
8.39
+ 1.08
8.40
8.50

Bearish

AXP – American Express Company
53.51
+ 0.15
54.42
54.46

Bearish

BA – Boeing Co
67.50
+ 0.39
68.31
68.29

Bearish

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
6.90
− 1.71
7.08
7.14

Bearish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
83.26
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 2012

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
0.9728
+ 0.34
0.9698
0.9724

Bullish

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.2499
+ 0.58
1.2410
1.2446

Bullish

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.5382
+ 0.21
1.5387
1.5445

Bearish

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
1.0391
− 0.15
1.0369
1.0352

Bullish

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

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 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
111.34
− 0.23
111.53
111.37

Bearish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
84.41
− 0.25
84.51
84.43

Bearish

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
24.86
+ 0.57
24.95
25.19

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, June 5, 2012

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 05:02 AM PDT

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Tuesday, June 5, 2012

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Jun ESM2
1273.00
− 0.08
1288.56
1293.92

Bearish

Dow Jones – Jun YMM2
12063
− 0.33
12213
12266

Bearish

Nasdaq – Jun NQM2
2469.00
+ 0.57
2487.39
2493.00

Bearish

Russell – Jun TFM2
733.40
− 0.43
745.67
750.13

Bearish

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Sep ZBU2
151-11
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

2012 = 1998?

Posted: 04 Jun 2012 12:16 AM PDT

Weekends are a good time to think and reflect. After last week’s carnage in the stock market, some thinking and reflection was more than overdue. The question I had was, “What is the market headed?”

When I consider the different dimensions by which investors evaluate equities, they present a mixed picture that is, while bearish, does not point to disaster:

Sentiment: bullish
Valuation: neutral to slightly bearish
Momentum: bearish
Macro: bearish, but subject to policy-induced … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards
at

No comments:

Post a Comment