The fate of an economic stimulus plan in the Senate was unclear last night after Democrats fell one senator short of forcing Republicans to allow a vote on a $205 billion version of the plan.
I'm sure we'll hear more on this today...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Delta / Northwest Talks Intensify...
As we said yesterday, merger discussions between Delta Air Lines\ and Northwest Airlines are picking up steam and a deal could come in next two weeks. And talks between UAL and Continental have grown more serious, The Wall Street Journal says.
Cisco Warns on 3rd Quarter...
Cisco Shares May Fall On Weak 3Q Growth Estimate
Cisco Systems reports net income of $2.1 billion, or 33¢ a share. On a non-GAAP basis, Cisco earns 38¢ a share. Revenue grows nearly 17% to $9.8 billion. Results are in line with Wall Street expectations, but CEO says it expects weaker revenue growth going forward.
This will put downward pressure on the Market this morning....
Cisco Systems reports net income of $2.1 billion, or 33¢ a share. On a non-GAAP basis, Cisco earns 38¢ a share. Revenue grows nearly 17% to $9.8 billion. Results are in line with Wall Street expectations, but CEO says it expects weaker revenue growth going forward.
This will put downward pressure on the Market this morning....
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Daily Summary....
U.S. Markets:
Dow -65.03 (-0.53%)
Nasdaq -30.82 (-1.33%)
S&P 500 -10.19 (-0.76%)
News That Moved the Market:
Markets Finish Down, Continue Drop After Close. Markets succumbed to selling pressures after a positive morning. The biggest news however was Cisco's (CSCO) outlook, which failed to impress Wall Street. The company said it saw weakness in January that may continue over the "next few months." CEO Officer John Chambers forecasted sales growth of 10% in the next fiscal quarter, well below average analyst projection of 15%. Though the company's results, which were released Wednesday after the bell, were basically in-line, investors were more focused on the company's outlook. Shares of Cisco were hammered along with major indices after hours. Unless a timely positive catalyst occurs between now and the opening bell tomorrow, expect to open tomorrow with significant losses.
Macy's Drops On Outlook. Macy's (M) cut its forecast for the current quarter after a weak January and will let go of 2,300 employees. The company's same-store sales for January fell 7.9%.
Rio Tinto Rejects BHP's Bid. Rio Tinto (RTP) declined BHP Billiton's (BHP) $147 billion all-stock bid. Rio said the bid undervalues the company and did not open the door for further negotiations.
MBIA To Raise $750 Million By Issuing Shares. MBIA (MBI) jumped in after-hours trading after it announced it would raise $750 million in an effort to sure up funds to keep its AAA rating. Fitch Ratings however said that the additional funds still may not be enough to save the bond insurer.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings:
Pepsi (PEP) Before Open
Economic Events:
Chain Store Sales
7:00 AM: Bank of England Announcement
7:45 AM: European Central Bank Announcement
8:30 AM: Jobless Claims
10:00 AM: Pending Home Sales
Dow -65.03 (-0.53%)
Nasdaq -30.82 (-1.33%)
S&P 500 -10.19 (-0.76%)
News That Moved the Market:
Markets Finish Down, Continue Drop After Close. Markets succumbed to selling pressures after a positive morning. The biggest news however was Cisco's (CSCO) outlook, which failed to impress Wall Street. The company said it saw weakness in January that may continue over the "next few months." CEO Officer John Chambers forecasted sales growth of 10% in the next fiscal quarter, well below average analyst projection of 15%. Though the company's results, which were released Wednesday after the bell, were basically in-line, investors were more focused on the company's outlook. Shares of Cisco were hammered along with major indices after hours. Unless a timely positive catalyst occurs between now and the opening bell tomorrow, expect to open tomorrow with significant losses.
Macy's Drops On Outlook. Macy's (M) cut its forecast for the current quarter after a weak January and will let go of 2,300 employees. The company's same-store sales for January fell 7.9%.
Rio Tinto Rejects BHP's Bid. Rio Tinto (RTP) declined BHP Billiton's (BHP) $147 billion all-stock bid. Rio said the bid undervalues the company and did not open the door for further negotiations.
MBIA To Raise $750 Million By Issuing Shares. MBIA (MBI) jumped in after-hours trading after it announced it would raise $750 million in an effort to sure up funds to keep its AAA rating. Fitch Ratings however said that the additional funds still may not be enough to save the bond insurer.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings:
Pepsi (PEP) Before Open
Economic Events:
Chain Store Sales
7:00 AM: Bank of England Announcement
7:45 AM: European Central Bank Announcement
8:30 AM: Jobless Claims
10:00 AM: Pending Home Sales
Bulletin: Update on Northwest/Delta Deal...
The Wall Street Journal is just reporting that a deal could be complete as soon as next week.
Look for more consolidation talk and speculation in airlines....Jetblue, Continental, US Air.
Look for more consolidation talk and speculation in airlines....Jetblue, Continental, US Air.
Rally Fizzles Out as Stocks Roll Over....
After being up all day, the market has just turned negative again.
Not necessarily a huge wave of selling, it looks more like buyers are staying on the sidelines, allowing bears to regain control.
Cisco has earnings after the bell this evening. A disappointment would virtually assure that we are headed back down for a retest of the bottom made on January 22.
Not necessarily a huge wave of selling, it looks more like buyers are staying on the sidelines, allowing bears to regain control.
Cisco has earnings after the bell this evening. A disappointment would virtually assure that we are headed back down for a retest of the bottom made on January 22.
Jetblue Gives Reason for Move...
Jetblue Airways reports its traffic in January increased 7.2% (JBLU) $6.73 +0.41 :
Co announces its traffic in January increased 7.2% from January 2007, on a capacity increase of 8.0%. Load factor for January 2008 was 75.6%, a decrease of 0.5 points from January 2007. JetBlue's preliminary completion factor was 98.7% and its on-time performance was 76.7%. JetBlue's preliminary passenger revenue per available seat mile for the month of January increased ten percent year over year.
Co announces its traffic in January increased 7.2% from January 2007, on a capacity increase of 8.0%. Load factor for January 2008 was 75.6%, a decrease of 0.5 points from January 2007. JetBlue's preliminary completion factor was 98.7% and its on-time performance was 76.7%. JetBlue's preliminary passenger revenue per available seat mile for the month of January increased ten percent year over year.
Technical Alert: Zimmer Holdings.....
ZMH up .78 to $77.70
Check out the Daily chart on Zimmer Holdings (ZMH). The stock gapped up last week after they guided higher on 2008 earnings. It has formed a classic Bullish high-tight flag pattern. A break above $79.50 would be a significant move for the stock.
Check out the Daily chart on Zimmer Holdings (ZMH). The stock gapped up last week after they guided higher on 2008 earnings. It has formed a classic Bullish high-tight flag pattern. A break above $79.50 would be a significant move for the stock.
Jetblue Climbing Again...
JBLU up .40 to $6.72
After running up last week from $5 to $7.00, the stock fell back a bit. Today it is resuming it's run. A break thru $7 would be very positive with $9-$10 as the next level of resitance.
After running up last week from $5 to $7.00, the stock fell back a bit. Today it is resuming it's run. A break thru $7 would be very positive with $9-$10 as the next level of resitance.
Technical Breakout: Thornburg Mortgage...
TMA up 1.04 to $12.95
Thornburg Mortgage (TMA) is breaking out from a four month base today on higher volume. The stock was trying to break higher yesterday, but the broad market held it back. This morning it broke easily through resistance at $12. Next level of resitance is $13.50. After that, nothing until the low 20's.
Thornburg Mortgage (TMA) is breaking out from a four month base today on higher volume. The stock was trying to break higher yesterday, but the broad market held it back. This morning it broke easily through resistance at $12. Next level of resitance is $13.50. After that, nothing until the low 20's.
Mastercard Down on Rumors....
MA down 3.50 to $203.30
MasterCard (MA) is down this morning on rumors the ECB and EU will implement major cross-border charges which would crush profit margins.
The stock hit $198 earlier.
MasterCard (MA) is down this morning on rumors the ECB and EU will implement major cross-border charges which would crush profit margins.
The stock hit $198 earlier.
VMware Clawing its Way Back Up...
VMW up 2.23 to $61.55
The stock is climbing off a bottom set on January 29, when the stock gapped down from $82 to $55 after posting a slight disappointment in earnings.
The stock is climbing off a bottom set on January 29, when the stock gapped down from $82 to $55 after posting a slight disappointment in earnings.
What's Going on With Northwest and Delta???
While there has been no confirmation of a potential merger between Delta (DAL) and Northwest Airlines (NWA), the two put on a show which suggests they are exploring a closer relationship.
After both stocks gapped higher on January 10, both are trying to break off their latest base today.
DAL up 1.02 to $18.05
NWA up .61 to $18.39
After both stocks gapped higher on January 10, both are trying to break off their latest base today.
DAL up 1.02 to $18.05
NWA up .61 to $18.39
Sony Leapfrogs LCD TV Market...
Sony (SNE) jumped from fourth to first place in U.S. LCD TV sales in Q4, largely due to its pushing big screens, and high-value, high-margin products.
Sony's stock hit a 52-week low this morning....Fundamentally it looks strong.
Sony's stock hit a 52-week low this morning....Fundamentally it looks strong.
Biogen's Net Income Nearly Doubles....
BIIB up 1.37 to $61.89
Biogen Idec Inc.'s (BIIB) fourth-quarter net income nearly doubled as sales of multiple sclerosis drugs Avonex and Tysabri continued to grow sharply. The Massachusetts biotech company reported net income of $201.2 million, or 67 cents a share, from $108.6 million, or 32 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items, including acquisition-related costs and a prior-year license settlement, earnings rose to 89 cents a share from 53 cents.
Revenue jumped 26% to $893.3 million. The mean per-share earnings estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was 80 cents on revenue of $836 million.
Sales of Biogen's bestseller, multiple sclerosis drug Avonex, grew 15% to $502.5 million. The company's portion of sales from its other multiple sclerosis drug, Tysabri, rose fivefold to $89.6 million out of $129 million in global sales. The balance goes to Biogen's partner on the drug, Elan Corp. (ELN). Arthritis drug Rituxan's sales grew 17% to $254 million. Biogen co-promotes with Genentech Inc. (DNA), and gets a share of pretax profits.
Looking forward, Biogen backed its previous estimate of per-share earnings, excluding items of $3.20 to $3.35 on revenue up 15% to 20%. Analysts expect 2008 per-share earnings of $3.30 on revenue up 15% to $3.59 billion. The company has said it expects to double its profit by 2010.
Biogen Idec Inc.'s (BIIB) fourth-quarter net income nearly doubled as sales of multiple sclerosis drugs Avonex and Tysabri continued to grow sharply. The Massachusetts biotech company reported net income of $201.2 million, or 67 cents a share, from $108.6 million, or 32 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items, including acquisition-related costs and a prior-year license settlement, earnings rose to 89 cents a share from 53 cents.
Revenue jumped 26% to $893.3 million. The mean per-share earnings estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was 80 cents on revenue of $836 million.
Sales of Biogen's bestseller, multiple sclerosis drug Avonex, grew 15% to $502.5 million. The company's portion of sales from its other multiple sclerosis drug, Tysabri, rose fivefold to $89.6 million out of $129 million in global sales. The balance goes to Biogen's partner on the drug, Elan Corp. (ELN). Arthritis drug Rituxan's sales grew 17% to $254 million. Biogen co-promotes with Genentech Inc. (DNA), and gets a share of pretax profits.
Looking forward, Biogen backed its previous estimate of per-share earnings, excluding items of $3.20 to $3.35 on revenue up 15% to 20%. Analysts expect 2008 per-share earnings of $3.30 on revenue up 15% to $3.59 billion. The company has said it expects to double its profit by 2010.
JDSU Blows Away Estimates....
JDS Uniphase Corp.'s (JDSU) fiscal second-quarter fell to $21.2 million, or 9 cents a share, from $23.2 million, or 10 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items, per-share earnings were 22 cents. The technology networking equipment maker's revenue rose to $399.2 million from $366.3 million a year earlier.
Analysts had predicted earnings of 12 cents a share and revenue of $386.4 million. Analyst estimates typically exclude items.
The stock is up 3.00 to $13.15 this morning....
Analysts had predicted earnings of 12 cents a share and revenue of $386.4 million. Analyst estimates typically exclude items.
The stock is up 3.00 to $13.15 this morning....
Consumer Courage Collapses....
U.S. consumer confidence fell to a 14-year low according to the ABC News/Washington Post Consumer Comfort Index. 59% of Americans think the economy is already in a recession. The index fell 13 points over the last month, similar to its reaction prior to the 1990-91 and 2001 recessions.
Housing Woes Take Toll on Toll Bros....
Toll Bros. (TOL) warned Q1 revenue fell 22% to $843M. TOL expects Q1 writedowns of $150-300M. Backlog fell 42% to $2.4B. Gross contracts signed fell 46%.
CEO Robert Toll said he has yet to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
CEO Robert Toll said he has yet to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
Google Bringing Free Music to China...
Google (GOOG), together with a Chinese parter, is about to reveal a market-changing service that will offer free, licensed music downloads in China. The move is a direct challenge to Baidu's (BIDU) music search domination, which has helped it keep Google at bay.
Analysts say 90% of China's 162 million internet surfers use pirated music from their computers at least once a day.
Now we know why Google ticked higher all day yesterday.
Analysts say 90% of China's 162 million internet surfers use pirated music from their computers at least once a day.
Now we know why Google ticked higher all day yesterday.
BHP Billiton Raises Bid for Rio Tinto...
Mining giant BHP Billiton (BHP) late Tuesday upped its bid for rival Rio Tinto (RTP) to $147 billion. The move came a few days after Aluminum Corp. of China and Alcoa Inc. (AA) bought a big block of Rio shares.
Disney Beats Estimates....
Walt Disney Co. (DIS). The Burbank, CA-based entertainment company reported Tuesday fiscal first-quarter net income of $1.25 billion, or 66 cents a share, down from $1.7 billion, or 83 cents a share in the year-earlier period.
Excluding non-recurring items, adjusted earnings were 63 cents a share, compared with the mean estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial of 52 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter ending Dec. 31 rose 9% to $10.45 billion from last year's $9.58 billion.
Disney is up 1.80 to $31.80 premarket...helping give the Dow a lift this morning.
Excluding non-recurring items, adjusted earnings were 63 cents a share, compared with the mean estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial of 52 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter ending Dec. 31 rose 9% to $10.45 billion from last year's $9.58 billion.
Disney is up 1.80 to $31.80 premarket...helping give the Dow a lift this morning.
Earnings Due Today....
COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
• Alcon Inc. (ACL). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.28 a share, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
• Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $0.80 a share.
• Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO). Expected to post Q2 earnings of $0.38 a share.
• Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.57 a share.
• Fiserv Inc. (FISV). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.71 a share.
• IAC Interactivecorp (IACI). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.55 a share.
• Kimco Realty Corp. (KIM). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.26 a share.
• McClatchy (MNI). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.48 a share.
• MetLife Inc. (MET). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.43 a share.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL). Expected to report Q3 earnings of $0.77 a share.
• Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.88 a share.
• Sara Lee Corp. (SLE). Expected to report Q2 earnings of $0.24 a share.
Cisco's the main one today....due after the close this evening.
• Alcon Inc. (ACL). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.28 a share, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
• Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $0.80 a share.
• Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO). Expected to post Q2 earnings of $0.38 a share.
• Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.57 a share.
• Fiserv Inc. (FISV). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.71 a share.
• IAC Interactivecorp (IACI). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.55 a share.
• Kimco Realty Corp. (KIM). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.26 a share.
• McClatchy (MNI). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.48 a share.
• MetLife Inc. (MET). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.43 a share.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL). Expected to report Q3 earnings of $0.77 a share.
• Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.88 a share.
• Sara Lee Corp. (SLE). Expected to report Q2 earnings of $0.24 a share.
Cisco's the main one today....due after the close this evening.
Wellcare Gets Hawaii Contract...
Wellcare Health Plans Inc. (WCG) said its 'Ohana Health Plans Inc. unit was awarded a contract to participate in the Hawaii QUEST Expanded Access program, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The program provides Medicaid managed care services to Hawaii's Medicaid aged, blind and disabled members who are currently receiving services through the fee-for-service system.
Under the contract, 'Ohana will arrange for the provision of members' primary, acute and long term care services. The contract is effective Feb. 1 until June 30, 2011. 'Ohana is expected to begin providing services to members on Nov. 1. Shares of the Tampa-based managed-care services provider closed Tuesday at $47.71.
Under the contract, 'Ohana will arrange for the provision of members' primary, acute and long term care services. The contract is effective Feb. 1 until June 30, 2011. 'Ohana is expected to begin providing services to members on Nov. 1. Shares of the Tampa-based managed-care services provider closed Tuesday at $47.71.
S&P Warns of Bank Downgrades.....
S&P warns of bank downgrades if bond insurers slip: Commercial and investment banks could see their credit ratings cut if the bond insurers backing some of the banks' assets are downgraded, Standards & Poor's said. One analyst estimated that U.S. financial institutions could face as much as $70 billion in new writedowns if bond insurers lose their "AAA" ratings.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Daily Summary....
U.S. Markets
Dow -370.03 (-2.93%)
Nasdaq -73.28 (-3.08%)
S&P 500 -44.18 (-3.20%)
News That Moved the Market
Market Plunges On ISM Service Data. Stocks fell the most in nearly a year after a disappointing ISM service figure. The Institute for Supply Management announced its non-manufacturing index dropped to 41.9% last month, well below the 53.0% economists had estimated. Looking at today's report combined with the disheartening monthly jobs report announced on Friday, the risk of recession has grown very strong in the last week.
BHP Ups Bid for Rio Tinto. BHP Billiton (BHP, -4.1%) offered 3.4 shares for each share of Rio Tinto (RTP, -2.5% day, + 4.4% A.H) after Rio refused to begin merger talks. The bid is worth $147.4 billion.
MBIA Back Under Review For Downgrade. MBIA's (MBI, -3.2% day, -5.4% A.H.) AAA rating will come under further pressure after Fitch placed the bond insurer back under review for a downgrade. The ratings firm will probably increase the capital needed for the company to maintain its AAA rating. Fitch already has cut its AAA rating for Ambac Financial (ABK, -0.0%).
Disney Beats Estimates. Disney (DIS, -2.7% day, +5.9% A.H.) reported a 27% decrease in profits after the bell, but traded higher after topping analysts' estimates. Revenue jumped 9%.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings
Time Warner (TWX) Before Open
Prudential (PRU) After
CloseCisco (CSCO) After Close
Economic Events:
8:30 AM: Productivity and Costs
10:30 AM: Crude Inventories
Dow -370.03 (-2.93%)
Nasdaq -73.28 (-3.08%)
S&P 500 -44.18 (-3.20%)
News That Moved the Market
Market Plunges On ISM Service Data. Stocks fell the most in nearly a year after a disappointing ISM service figure. The Institute for Supply Management announced its non-manufacturing index dropped to 41.9% last month, well below the 53.0% economists had estimated. Looking at today's report combined with the disheartening monthly jobs report announced on Friday, the risk of recession has grown very strong in the last week.
BHP Ups Bid for Rio Tinto. BHP Billiton (BHP, -4.1%) offered 3.4 shares for each share of Rio Tinto (RTP, -2.5% day, + 4.4% A.H) after Rio refused to begin merger talks. The bid is worth $147.4 billion.
MBIA Back Under Review For Downgrade. MBIA's (MBI, -3.2% day, -5.4% A.H.) AAA rating will come under further pressure after Fitch placed the bond insurer back under review for a downgrade. The ratings firm will probably increase the capital needed for the company to maintain its AAA rating. Fitch already has cut its AAA rating for Ambac Financial (ABK, -0.0%).
Disney Beats Estimates. Disney (DIS, -2.7% day, +5.9% A.H.) reported a 27% decrease in profits after the bell, but traded higher after topping analysts' estimates. Revenue jumped 9%.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings
Time Warner (TWX) Before Open
Prudential (PRU) After
CloseCisco (CSCO) After Close
Economic Events:
8:30 AM: Productivity and Costs
10:30 AM: Crude Inventories
Dow loses 368 points...
Dow -368 to 12,265
S&P -44 to 1336
Nasdaq -73 to 2309
Volatility Index (VIX) +2.39 to 28.38
NYSE Breadth - 15-1 Downside Volume to Upside Volume (That's Bad!!)
Almost on cue the Market is heading back down to retest lows of January 22. A retest is a retracement back to previous lows, but not getting all the way there. This is a typical pattern after we see large, sharp selloffs similar to the one we saw in January. Experienced traders typically will not reenter the market until a retest happens. Look for a large round of buying if the Dow hits the 12,000 level. That is 265 points lower from here.
One troubling thing about today's selloff was that it was not accompanied by a sharp move higher in the VIX. This shows that today's selloff was not due to fear. Meaning we have more selling to come. The selloff won't be over until we get a sharp rise in the VIX, typically above the 35-37 level.
That 15-1 negative breadth is one of the worst readings I've seen in 15 years...yet no fear seen in the VIX???
S&P -44 to 1336
Nasdaq -73 to 2309
Volatility Index (VIX) +2.39 to 28.38
NYSE Breadth - 15-1 Downside Volume to Upside Volume (That's Bad!!)
Almost on cue the Market is heading back down to retest lows of January 22. A retest is a retracement back to previous lows, but not getting all the way there. This is a typical pattern after we see large, sharp selloffs similar to the one we saw in January. Experienced traders typically will not reenter the market until a retest happens. Look for a large round of buying if the Dow hits the 12,000 level. That is 265 points lower from here.
One troubling thing about today's selloff was that it was not accompanied by a sharp move higher in the VIX. This shows that today's selloff was not due to fear. Meaning we have more selling to come. The selloff won't be over until we get a sharp rise in the VIX, typically above the 35-37 level.
That 15-1 negative breadth is one of the worst readings I've seen in 15 years...yet no fear seen in the VIX???
Keep an Eye on the VIX....
The Volatility Index (VIX) is spiking higher as the market is selling off further.
The VIX measures that amount of fear in the market. Typically it acts as a contrary indicator for the market. When it spikes up over 35, that typically has marked bottoms in the market. On January 22, it hit 37.
Today it is up 2.05 to 28.04
The VIX measures that amount of fear in the market. Typically it acts as a contrary indicator for the market. When it spikes up over 35, that typically has marked bottoms in the market. On January 22, it hit 37.
Today it is up 2.05 to 28.04
Stocks that are bucking the trend....
Market selling off hard so far today (Dow -250). As we have been saying, it looks like traders are trying to bring stocks down to retest the lows made on January 22.
Bucking the trend:
Google (GOOG) up 9 to $504.50
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) up 11.50 to $93.00
Wynn Resorts (WYNN) up 9 to $120.50
Thornburg Mortgage (TMA) up .75 to $12.00
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) up 4 to $311.00
Dolby Labs (DLB) up 1.67 to $49.05
KB Homes up 1.07 to $27.25
Continental Airlines up 1.06 to $29.00
Bucking the trend:
Google (GOOG) up 9 to $504.50
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) up 11.50 to $93.00
Wynn Resorts (WYNN) up 9 to $120.50
Thornburg Mortgage (TMA) up .75 to $12.00
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) up 4 to $311.00
Dolby Labs (DLB) up 1.67 to $49.05
KB Homes up 1.07 to $27.25
Continental Airlines up 1.06 to $29.00
11:30 am Update....
Dow -231
S&P - 27
Nasdaq -38
The major indices continue to be under selling pressure. All ten S&P sectors are posting a loss in excess of 1%, five of those sectors are posting a loss larger than 2%.
A poor ISM Services reading helped give Treasuries a boost as traders up their bets on the size of the next Fed rate cut. The 10-year is up 27 ticks, pushing its yield down to 3.54%.
S&P - 27
Nasdaq -38
The major indices continue to be under selling pressure. All ten S&P sectors are posting a loss in excess of 1%, five of those sectors are posting a loss larger than 2%.
A poor ISM Services reading helped give Treasuries a boost as traders up their bets on the size of the next Fed rate cut. The 10-year is up 27 ticks, pushing its yield down to 3.54%.
Yahoo / Microsoft Square Off...
Yahoo (YHOO) may play 'hard to get' in an effort to entice Microsoft's (MSFT) to sweeten its $46.1B bid. Yahoo has received a number of tentative approaches from media, telecom and private equity groups that could potentially lead to a rival bid. Microsoft revealed Monday it would have to borrow money for the first time in order to foot the bill.
Yum Brands Reports In-line Earnings....
After Monday's closing bell, fast-food giant Yum Brands Inc. (YUM, $35.81, $0.57, 1.62%) reported fourth-quarter net income of $231 million, or 44 cents a share, nearly unchanged from $232 million, or 42 cents, a year ago. Total sales at the company came in at $3.01 billion, up 8%. Same-store sales, or those at outlets open at least a year, climbed 8% worldwide. The average estimate had been for the company to earn 42 cents a share on revenue of $3.21 billion. Looking to the current year, Yum raised its 2008 profit target from $1.82 to $1.85 per share, excluding one-time gains.
Yum Brands is the owner of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell chains...
Yum Brands is the owner of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell chains...
Las Vegas Sands Disappoints...
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS). The Las Vegas-based developer and operator of hotel, gambling, and resort businesses late Monday reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $71.1 million, or 20 cents a share, compared with $132.9 million, or 37 cents a share, during the year earlier. The company posted net income of $39.9 million, or 11 cents, a share, down from $113.6 million, or 32 cents a share, last year. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 came in at $1.05 billion versus $636.3 million a year ago.
The company said its latest results were impacted, in part, by increases in operating costs related to its global expansion, as well as higher depreciation and amortization expense.
The stock is trading up 3 points pre-market.
The company said its latest results were impacted, in part, by increases in operating costs related to its global expansion, as well as higher depreciation and amortization expense.
The stock is trading up 3 points pre-market.
Companies Reporting Earnings Today...
• Ace Ltd. (ACE). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.90 a share, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
• Avon Products Inc. (AVP). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $0.28 per share.
• CME Group Inc. (CME). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $3.62 a share.
• CNET Networks (CNET). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.29 a share.
• Duke Energy Corp. (DUK). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.24 per share.
• Martin Marietta Materials (MLM). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.55 per a share.
• Nabors Industries (NBR). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.73 a share.
• THQ Inc. (THQI). Expected to post Q3 earnings of $0.33 per share.
• Walt Disney Co. (DIS). Expected to report Q1 earnings of $0.52 per share.
• XL Capital (XL). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.76 a share.
• Avon Products Inc. (AVP). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $0.28 per share.
• CME Group Inc. (CME). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $3.62 a share.
• CNET Networks (CNET). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.29 a share.
• Duke Energy Corp. (DUK). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.24 per share.
• Martin Marietta Materials (MLM). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.55 per a share.
• Nabors Industries (NBR). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.73 a share.
• THQ Inc. (THQI). Expected to post Q3 earnings of $0.33 per share.
• Walt Disney Co. (DIS). Expected to report Q1 earnings of $0.52 per share.
• XL Capital (XL). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.76 a share.
Apple Adds New iPhone & iPod Models...
Apple Inc. (AAPL) $131.65 : Co announces it has added new models of the iPhone and iPod touch which have double the memory, doubling the amount of music, photos and videos. The iPhone now comes in a new 16GB model for $499, joining the 8GB model for $399. iPod touch now comes in a 32GB model for $499, joining the 16GB model for $399 and the 8GB model for $299.
Boston Scientific Beats by $0.15
Boston Scientific beats by $0.15, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (BSX) 12.85 +0.48 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.24 per share, excluding charges and amortization expense, $0.15 better than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues rose 4.2% year/year to $2.15 bln vs the $2.13 bln consensus.
Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of 0.15-0.20, excluding charges and amortization expense, vs. $0.12 consensus; sees Q1 revs of 1.96-2.08 bln vs. $2.09 bln consensus.
Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of 0.15-0.20, excluding charges and amortization expense, vs. $0.12 consensus; sees Q1 revs of 1.96-2.08 bln vs. $2.09 bln consensus.
SOHU Beats Earnings Estimates...
Sohu.com beats by $0.08, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (SOHU) 48.95 -1.54 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.39 per share, including stock based comp, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $0.31; revenues rose 90.1% year/year to $65.3 mln vs the $55.4 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.34-$0.37, including stock based comp, vs. $0.32 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $66.5-$68.5 mln vs. $59.00 mln consensus.
Co states, "...With the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games kicking off in 185 days, the Sohu brand resonates across China as we broaden our media reach to penetrate the Olympic audience. We expect the continued expansion of the total Chinese internet population, combined with our advancements in technology and our Olympic sponsorship, to help us to increase our market share of internet users. We believe that we will continue to reap the rewards of our success and strong branding for 2008 and beyond."
Co states, "...With the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games kicking off in 185 days, the Sohu brand resonates across China as we broaden our media reach to penetrate the Olympic audience. We expect the continued expansion of the total Chinese internet population, combined with our advancements in technology and our Olympic sponsorship, to help us to increase our market share of internet users. We believe that we will continue to reap the rewards of our success and strong branding for 2008 and beyond."
Monday, February 4, 2008
Daily Summary....
U.S. Markets
Dow -108.03 (-0.85%)
Nasdaq -30.51 (-1.26%)
S&P 500 -14.60 (-1.05%)
News That Moved the Market
Markets Fall; Factory Orders Disappoints. Markets drifted lower Monday after posting a strong gain last week. After opening down, major indices fell even lower after factory orders came in weaker than expected. The figure increased by 2.3%, but fell short of the 2.6% jump economists were anticipating.
With little news during the day, buyers seemed to sit the session out and let seller regain control.
Google Reacts To Microsoft's Bid. Microsoft's (MSFT, -0.1%) bid for Yahoo (YHOO, +3.3%) remained in focus Monday, as major players began reacting to the move. Google (GOOG, -4.0%) CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly called Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang to explore partnerships between the companies to fend off the unsolicited bid. Meanwhile, an executive at Google said on a blog during the weekend that the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo could create antitrust issues, despite Google owning a greater market share of the Internet search market than its two rivals combined. Yahoo said that it still has made "absolutely no decisions" about the proposed deal, but I do not know many Yahoo share holders opposed to it.
After Hours Earnings Reports.
News Corp. (NWS, -0.3% day; -0.0% A.H. ) reported a slight increase in profit, but missed estimates by a penny. The company closed its deal to buy Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones in December.
Yum Brands (YUM, +1.6% day, -1.3% A.H.) top and bottom-line fourth quarter figures beat estimates, but its 2008 EPS guidance fell short of expectations.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings
Toyota (TM) Before Open
Disney (DIS) After Close
NYSE Euronext (NYE) Before Open
CME (CME) Before Open
Economic Events:
10:00 AM: ISM Services
Dow -108.03 (-0.85%)
Nasdaq -30.51 (-1.26%)
S&P 500 -14.60 (-1.05%)
News That Moved the Market
Markets Fall; Factory Orders Disappoints. Markets drifted lower Monday after posting a strong gain last week. After opening down, major indices fell even lower after factory orders came in weaker than expected. The figure increased by 2.3%, but fell short of the 2.6% jump economists were anticipating.
With little news during the day, buyers seemed to sit the session out and let seller regain control.
Google Reacts To Microsoft's Bid. Microsoft's (MSFT, -0.1%) bid for Yahoo (YHOO, +3.3%) remained in focus Monday, as major players began reacting to the move. Google (GOOG, -4.0%) CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly called Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang to explore partnerships between the companies to fend off the unsolicited bid. Meanwhile, an executive at Google said on a blog during the weekend that the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo could create antitrust issues, despite Google owning a greater market share of the Internet search market than its two rivals combined. Yahoo said that it still has made "absolutely no decisions" about the proposed deal, but I do not know many Yahoo share holders opposed to it.
After Hours Earnings Reports.
News Corp. (NWS, -0.3% day; -0.0% A.H. ) reported a slight increase in profit, but missed estimates by a penny. The company closed its deal to buy Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones in December.
Yum Brands (YUM, +1.6% day, -1.3% A.H.) top and bottom-line fourth quarter figures beat estimates, but its 2008 EPS guidance fell short of expectations.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings
Toyota (TM) Before Open
Disney (DIS) After Close
NYSE Euronext (NYE) Before Open
CME (CME) Before Open
Economic Events:
10:00 AM: ISM Services
What a Boring Day...
I guess I'm getting spoiled by all the volatility we've seen over the past month, but today was very slow.
Closing performance:
Dow -108
S&P -14
Nasdaq -30
Retail and Gold stocks sold off, leaders were Pharmaceutical, Oil, and Fertilizer stocks.
More complete summary to follow.
Closing performance:
Dow -108
S&P -14
Nasdaq -30
Retail and Gold stocks sold off, leaders were Pharmaceutical, Oil, and Fertilizer stocks.
More complete summary to follow.
Motorola Downgraded to Sell....
MOT down .38 to $12.31
AmTech Research downgrades Motorola from Neutral to Sell . Amtech downgrades MOT to Sell from Neutral saying in the $13 range, MOT stock is discounting a successful sale of the handset division for $10-$11 bln.
The firm says they would sell the stock here on strength given the risk and uncertainty of timing and/or amount of transaction. They argue that 1) $8 bln for handsets would be generous based on 0.5x their CY08 sales estimate of $16 bln, and 2) a successful deal appears factored into today's stock valuation.
AmTech Research downgrades Motorola from Neutral to Sell . Amtech downgrades MOT to Sell from Neutral saying in the $13 range, MOT stock is discounting a successful sale of the handset division for $10-$11 bln.
The firm says they would sell the stock here on strength given the risk and uncertainty of timing and/or amount of transaction. They argue that 1) $8 bln for handsets would be generous based on 0.5x their CY08 sales estimate of $16 bln, and 2) a successful deal appears factored into today's stock valuation.
Wells Fargo Downgraded to Sell....
WFC down 1.75 to $31.90
Stifel Nicolaus downgrades Wells Fargo from Hold to Sell . Stifel downgrades WFC to Sell from Hold based on valuation. The firm says this move is one of the toughest decisions they have made in recent years.
They still believe the co has one of the better management teams in the industry and has a strong capital position relative to other large-cap banks. However, the shares currently trade at 14.0x their 2008 EPS of $2.40, which is in line with the broader market multiple. This premium multiple comes despite the fact that the firm has lowered their 2008 EPS estimate by 20% since 2Q07, which shows that while the company has avoided the large CDO and market valuation writedowns, it is not immune to the overall economic environment.
Stifel Nicolaus downgrades Wells Fargo from Hold to Sell . Stifel downgrades WFC to Sell from Hold based on valuation. The firm says this move is one of the toughest decisions they have made in recent years.
They still believe the co has one of the better management teams in the industry and has a strong capital position relative to other large-cap banks. However, the shares currently trade at 14.0x their 2008 EPS of $2.40, which is in line with the broader market multiple. This premium multiple comes despite the fact that the firm has lowered their 2008 EPS estimate by 20% since 2Q07, which shows that while the company has avoided the large CDO and market valuation writedowns, it is not immune to the overall economic environment.
A Lull in the Action....
Very sluggish market this morning. The averages are lower following a great Superbowl last night. Probably a hangover similar to the one I'm experiencing right now.
Dow - 69
S&P - 8
Nasdaq -16
I think Traders want to bring this market back down to retest the bottom made on January 22nd. However, with all the positive stimulus going on out there, they may not be able to.
The old adage is "Don't fight the Fed" and the Fed right now is cutting rates....that should help the market head higher over the next few months.
Dow - 69
S&P - 8
Nasdaq -16
I think Traders want to bring this market back down to retest the bottom made on January 22nd. However, with all the positive stimulus going on out there, they may not be able to.
The old adage is "Don't fight the Fed" and the Fed right now is cutting rates....that should help the market head higher over the next few months.
Earnings Today...
COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.76 a share, a decrease of 40.86% from $1.28 earned same time last year, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
Clorox Co. (CLX). Expected to report Q2 earnings of $0.55 a share.
Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC). Expected to report Q3 earnings of $1 a share.
Equifax Inc. (EFX). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.57 a share.
Lincoln National Corp. (LNC). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.36 a share.
Manitowoc Co. (MTW). Expected to post Q4 profit of $0.68 a share.
News Corp. (NWS). Expected to post Q2 earnings of $0.27 a share.
PartnerRe Ltd. (PRE). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $3.19 a share.
Post Properties Inc. (PPS). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.09 a share.
Principal Financial Group (PFG). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.01 a share.
Savvis Inc. (SVVS). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.02 a share.
Yum Brands Inc. (YUM). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $0.42 a share.
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.76 a share, a decrease of 40.86% from $1.28 earned same time last year, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
Clorox Co. (CLX). Expected to report Q2 earnings of $0.55 a share.
Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC). Expected to report Q3 earnings of $1 a share.
Equifax Inc. (EFX). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.57 a share.
Lincoln National Corp. (LNC). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $1.36 a share.
Manitowoc Co. (MTW). Expected to post Q4 profit of $0.68 a share.
News Corp. (NWS). Expected to post Q2 earnings of $0.27 a share.
PartnerRe Ltd. (PRE). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $3.19 a share.
Post Properties Inc. (PPS). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.09 a share.
Principal Financial Group (PFG). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $1.01 a share.
Savvis Inc. (SVVS). Expected to post Q4 earnings of $0.02 a share.
Yum Brands Inc. (YUM). Expected to report Q4 earnings of $0.42 a share.
Google will try to thwart MSFT/YHOO deal...
Google mobilized over the weekend to thwart Microsoft's $44.6 billion hostile bid for Yahoo. A Google statement said the deal would threaten competition and needed examination by policymakers around the world. Google CEO Eric E. Schmidt reportedly called Yahoo chief Jerry Yang to offer help in fending off Microsoft, possibly in the form of a partnership between the companies.
Google's lobbyists in Washington began shaping arguments against the transaction, hoping to prolong a regulatory review at least until after the next president takes office.
This, of course, is positibve news for Yahoo, as it means Google may ultimately get in a bidding war with Microsoft. Yahoo is just responding that it is "exploring its options."
Google's lobbyists in Washington began shaping arguments against the transaction, hoping to prolong a regulatory review at least until after the next president takes office.
This, of course, is positibve news for Yahoo, as it means Google may ultimately get in a bidding war with Microsoft. Yahoo is just responding that it is "exploring its options."
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Daily Deep Thought....
"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."
-Vince Lombardi
Wow...I guess I had that quote wrong all these years...I've been telling my kids:
Winning isn't everything...it's the only thing.
-Vince Lombardi
Wow...I guess I had that quote wrong all these years...I've been telling my kids:
Winning isn't everything...it's the only thing.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Daily Summary....
U.S. Markets
Dow +92.83 (+0.73%)
Nasdaq +23.50 (+0.98%)
S&P 500 +16.87 (+1.22%)
News That Moved the Market
Microsoft's Bid For Yahoo Spurs Rally. The markets found a direction after a volatile morning digesting a plethora of news. Most of the attention went to Microsoft's (MSFT) unsolicited $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo (YHOO). Microsoft's $31/share bid represented a 62% premium over Yahoo's closing price on Thursday. The combination of the two companies may provide stiff competition to Google (GOOG) who owns 56% of the Internet search market. Shares of Microsoft fell hard with investors questioning the steep premium and how the two companies will merge cultures, technologies, and strategies.
Jobs Reports Disappoints; ISM Manufacturing Jumps. Investors also had two major economic reports to deal with Friday, with both the monthly jobs report and the ISM Manufacturing Index being released. The jobs report was an absolute disappointment, showing a decrease in non-farm payrolls for the first time in four and a half years. The report proved the Fed's actions over the past two weeks were well justified and even more action will probably be needed to dodge a recession. ISM Manufacturing came in at 50.7, well ahead of estimates and representing expansion. The contradicting reports had a somewhat canceling out effect that allowed investors to concentrate on Microsoft's (MSFT) bid.
Merrill Sued For Fraud. Merrill Lynch (MER) was charged by Massachusetts regulators with fraud after selling CDOs to the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The CDOs lost 91% of their value and the city said it did not authorize the purchase of the CDOs, adding the investment was unsuitable for the city's risk tolerance. Merrill was a little puzzled by the suit, which came a day after the bank said it would reimburse Springfield $13.9 million for their losses.
Monday Notable Earnings:
Wendy's (WEN) Before Open
Yum Brands (YUM)After Close
Economic Events:
10:00 AM: Factory Orders
Dow +92.83 (+0.73%)
Nasdaq +23.50 (+0.98%)
S&P 500 +16.87 (+1.22%)
News That Moved the Market
Microsoft's Bid For Yahoo Spurs Rally. The markets found a direction after a volatile morning digesting a plethora of news. Most of the attention went to Microsoft's (MSFT) unsolicited $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo (YHOO). Microsoft's $31/share bid represented a 62% premium over Yahoo's closing price on Thursday. The combination of the two companies may provide stiff competition to Google (GOOG) who owns 56% of the Internet search market. Shares of Microsoft fell hard with investors questioning the steep premium and how the two companies will merge cultures, technologies, and strategies.
Jobs Reports Disappoints; ISM Manufacturing Jumps. Investors also had two major economic reports to deal with Friday, with both the monthly jobs report and the ISM Manufacturing Index being released. The jobs report was an absolute disappointment, showing a decrease in non-farm payrolls for the first time in four and a half years. The report proved the Fed's actions over the past two weeks were well justified and even more action will probably be needed to dodge a recession. ISM Manufacturing came in at 50.7, well ahead of estimates and representing expansion. The contradicting reports had a somewhat canceling out effect that allowed investors to concentrate on Microsoft's (MSFT) bid.
Merrill Sued For Fraud. Merrill Lynch (MER) was charged by Massachusetts regulators with fraud after selling CDOs to the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The CDOs lost 91% of their value and the city said it did not authorize the purchase of the CDOs, adding the investment was unsuitable for the city's risk tolerance. Merrill was a little puzzled by the suit, which came a day after the bank said it would reimburse Springfield $13.9 million for their losses.
Monday Notable Earnings:
Wendy's (WEN) Before Open
Yum Brands (YUM)After Close
Economic Events:
10:00 AM: Factory Orders
Today's Upgrades and Downgrades....
Lowe's: Citigroup downgrades Buy to Hold. Citigroup downgraded LOW to Hold from Buy, as they believe both LOW and HD 4Q07 SSS are likely tracking below guidance, as continued housing market weakness and a faltering consumer are taking its toll. The firm notes that since 2008 EPS visibility is very limited, and they anticipate HD and LOW guidance to be cautious in February, and as such, they expect additional pressure on these stocks. Firm cuts their ests for both HD and LOW.
Motorola: Citigroup upgrades Hold to Buy. Citigroup upgraded MOT to Buy from Hold as the co is finally exploring a structural and strategic realignment of its businesses. The firm believes that this will serve as a meaningful catalyst to Motorola shares as investors will look past the drag from the underperforming handset business. Firm says their sum of the parts analysis indicates a value of $16 - $17, with fairly conservative assumptions.
Avid Tech: Kaufman Bros downgrades Hold to Sell . Target $28 to $15. Kaufman Bros. downgrades AVID to Sell from Hold and lowers their tgt to $15 from $28, following Q407 revenue results that exceeded firm estimates with EPS slightly lower and based on management's view of 2008 as a transition year.
Garmin: Needham & Co upgrades Hold to Buy. Target $85. Needham upgrades GRMN to Buy from Hold with an $85 noting GRMN shares are down almost 30% ytd and 45% from their peak late last year. While some new concerns, such as threat of a macro slowdown and maturing of the European market have recently been added to the traditional ones, the firm believes these concerns are likely more than baked into the current share price and must be balanced against the very robust nearterm performance of Garmin's business. Firm also says while they are impressed by the new Nuviphone and expect it will minimally be a modest success, they don't view it as critical to the shares working from here.
RF Micro Device: Needham & Co downgrades Strong Buy to Buy. Needham downgrades RFMD to Buy from Strong Buy with a $6 tgt following earnings and saying they are bullish on RFMD for the following reasons: 1) Healthy handset unit growth, 2) more than doubling of GaAs content per handset with the migration to 3G, 3) Pricing of GaAs components to stabilize as industry enters capacity constraint conditions, 4) Continued Ramp up of Polaris transceivers through C08 based on current design activity; 5) Several strategies to increase margins.
Medarex: Banc of America Sec upgrades Sell to Neutral. BofA upgraded MEDX to Neutral from Sell based on valuation. At current prices, the firm believes expectations for MDX-010, its lead compound for melanoma, are low for a timely approval and that downside is limited. Longer term, they continue to believe that MDX-010 is a drug with activity in a relatively small percentage of patients and that it will ultimately gain approval. They estimate ~$300 mln in peak sales for MDX-010 in 2012.
Bristol-Myers: Cowen & Co upgrades Neutral to Outperform. Cowen upgraded BMY to Outperform from Neutral following earnings. The firm says standout Q4 EPS growth were driven by better-than-expected revenues. Current product dynamics, a good pipeline, upcoming news events, and attractive yield make a standout investment case.
Motorola: Citigroup upgrades Hold to Buy. Citigroup upgraded MOT to Buy from Hold as the co is finally exploring a structural and strategic realignment of its businesses. The firm believes that this will serve as a meaningful catalyst to Motorola shares as investors will look past the drag from the underperforming handset business. Firm says their sum of the parts analysis indicates a value of $16 - $17, with fairly conservative assumptions.
Avid Tech: Kaufman Bros downgrades Hold to Sell . Target $28 to $15. Kaufman Bros. downgrades AVID to Sell from Hold and lowers their tgt to $15 from $28, following Q407 revenue results that exceeded firm estimates with EPS slightly lower and based on management's view of 2008 as a transition year.
Garmin: Needham & Co upgrades Hold to Buy. Target $85. Needham upgrades GRMN to Buy from Hold with an $85 noting GRMN shares are down almost 30% ytd and 45% from their peak late last year. While some new concerns, such as threat of a macro slowdown and maturing of the European market have recently been added to the traditional ones, the firm believes these concerns are likely more than baked into the current share price and must be balanced against the very robust nearterm performance of Garmin's business. Firm also says while they are impressed by the new Nuviphone and expect it will minimally be a modest success, they don't view it as critical to the shares working from here.
RF Micro Device: Needham & Co downgrades Strong Buy to Buy. Needham downgrades RFMD to Buy from Strong Buy with a $6 tgt following earnings and saying they are bullish on RFMD for the following reasons: 1) Healthy handset unit growth, 2) more than doubling of GaAs content per handset with the migration to 3G, 3) Pricing of GaAs components to stabilize as industry enters capacity constraint conditions, 4) Continued Ramp up of Polaris transceivers through C08 based on current design activity; 5) Several strategies to increase margins.
Medarex: Banc of America Sec upgrades Sell to Neutral. BofA upgraded MEDX to Neutral from Sell based on valuation. At current prices, the firm believes expectations for MDX-010, its lead compound for melanoma, are low for a timely approval and that downside is limited. Longer term, they continue to believe that MDX-010 is a drug with activity in a relatively small percentage of patients and that it will ultimately gain approval. They estimate ~$300 mln in peak sales for MDX-010 in 2012.
Bristol-Myers: Cowen & Co upgrades Neutral to Outperform. Cowen upgraded BMY to Outperform from Neutral following earnings. The firm says standout Q4 EPS growth were driven by better-than-expected revenues. Current product dynamics, a good pipeline, upcoming news events, and attractive yield make a standout investment case.
Computer Associates Moves Higher....
CA up 3.27 to $25.27
Software maker CA Inc. (CA) said fiscal third-quarter net income tripled, aided by cost-cutting and a lower restructuring charge compared with a year earlier. The maker of business and data-management software formerly called Computer Associates also raised its full-year 2008 forecast.
Excluding items, the company reported earnings of 36 cents a share from continuing operations, compared with 24 cents a year earlier. Revenue rose 9.8% to $1.1 billion from $1 billion.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected the Islandia, N.Y., company to post earnings, excluding items, of 25 cents a share on revenue of $1.05 billion.
Software maker CA Inc. (CA) said fiscal third-quarter net income tripled, aided by cost-cutting and a lower restructuring charge compared with a year earlier. The maker of business and data-management software formerly called Computer Associates also raised its full-year 2008 forecast.
Excluding items, the company reported earnings of 36 cents a share from continuing operations, compared with 24 cents a year earlier. Revenue rose 9.8% to $1.1 billion from $1 billion.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected the Islandia, N.Y., company to post earnings, excluding items, of 25 cents a share on revenue of $1.05 billion.
Dolby Labs (DLB): Stock of the Day....
DLB up 4.50 to $47.42
Dolby Labs (DLB) first-quarter net income rose to $47.7 million, or 42 cents a share, from $29.9 million, or 27 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased to $150.2 million from $104.4 million the year before. On average, analysts had expected first-quarter earnings of 32 cents a share and revenue of $134.4 million. Dolby raised its 2008 forecasts, now projecting earnings of $1.34 to $1.44 a share and revenue of $575 million to $615 million. The company had predicted annual net income of $1.27 to $1.37 a share and revenue of $560 million to $600 million.
That is the company's 11th straight quarter or earnings and revenue growth!!!
The company's principal activities are to develop and deliver innovative products and technologies that make the entertainment experience more realistic and immersive in theatres, homes and cars. The Group operates in single segments, licenses its technologies to manufacturers of DVD players, DVD recorders, audio/video receivers, television sets, set-top boxes, video game consoles, personal audio and video players, personal computers, in-car entertainment systems and other consumer electronics. The Products and Production Services segment designs, manufactures and sells audio products for the motion picture, broadcast, music and video game industries to improve sound quality, provide surround sound and increase the efficiency of sound storage and distribution.
Dolby Labs (DLB) first-quarter net income rose to $47.7 million, or 42 cents a share, from $29.9 million, or 27 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased to $150.2 million from $104.4 million the year before. On average, analysts had expected first-quarter earnings of 32 cents a share and revenue of $134.4 million. Dolby raised its 2008 forecasts, now projecting earnings of $1.34 to $1.44 a share and revenue of $575 million to $615 million. The company had predicted annual net income of $1.27 to $1.37 a share and revenue of $560 million to $600 million.
That is the company's 11th straight quarter or earnings and revenue growth!!!
The company's principal activities are to develop and deliver innovative products and technologies that make the entertainment experience more realistic and immersive in theatres, homes and cars. The Group operates in single segments, licenses its technologies to manufacturers of DVD players, DVD recorders, audio/video receivers, television sets, set-top boxes, video game consoles, personal audio and video players, personal computers, in-car entertainment systems and other consumer electronics. The Products and Production Services segment designs, manufactures and sells audio products for the motion picture, broadcast, music and video game industries to improve sound quality, provide surround sound and increase the efficiency of sound storage and distribution.
Arch Coal Beats Estimates...
Arch Coal beats by $0.09, reports revs in-line; guides FY08 EPS in-line (ACI) 43.95 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.56 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 4.2% year/year to $644.4 mln vs the $641.1 mln consensus.
Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.00-2.50 vs. $2.43 consensus.
The stock is trading up 2.25 to a new 52-week high $46.20
Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.00-2.50 vs. $2.43 consensus.
The stock is trading up 2.25 to a new 52-week high $46.20
Don't Be Fooled By Yesterday's Rally....
Remember, yesterday was the last day of the worst January in Stock Market History. Fund Managers wanted to close out the month as high as they could to minimize the "shock" on their clients' faces when they get their January statements.
It's called "Window Dressing" and that's what happened.
Today's higher open was due to the Microsoft bid for Yahoo. M&A is back.
We've settled back down to even on the day....and traders still want to go back down and retest the bottom from last Tuesday. Be careful.
It's called "Window Dressing" and that's what happened.
Today's higher open was due to the Microsoft bid for Yahoo. M&A is back.
We've settled back down to even on the day....and traders still want to go back down and retest the bottom from last Tuesday. Be careful.
Movers on the open...
Google (GOOG) -40 to $524
Crocs (CROX) +1.81 to $36.60
Chipotle (CMG) +2.92 to $123.30
Gamestop (GME) +.75 to $52.33
Potash +3 to $144
Wynn Resorts (WYNN) + 4.25 to $119.25
Celgene (CELG) + 2.64 to $58.75
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) + 55 to $309.00
Crocs (CROX) +1.81 to $36.60
Chipotle (CMG) +2.92 to $123.30
Gamestop (GME) +.75 to $52.33
Potash +3 to $144
Wynn Resorts (WYNN) + 4.25 to $119.25
Celgene (CELG) + 2.64 to $58.75
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) + 55 to $309.00
Chevron Earnings....
Chevron beats by $0.06 (CVX) $83.25 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $2.32 per share, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $2.26; revenues rose 28.6% year/year to $61.41 bln.
CEO says "Fourth quarter earnings for our upstream business benefited from a significant increase in the price of crude oil. However, downstream profits were off sharply because of planned and unplanned refinery downtime in the United States, as well as the impact of higher crude-oil costs that were not fully recovered in the sales price of refined products.
CEO says "Fourth quarter earnings for our upstream business benefited from a significant increase in the price of crude oil. However, downstream profits were off sharply because of planned and unplanned refinery downtime in the United States, as well as the impact of higher crude-oil costs that were not fully recovered in the sales price of refined products.
Interesting Looking Company...
Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) expects its revenue to climb 40% this year from $600.8 million in 2007 as more hospitals buy and ramp up usage of the company's expensive robotic surgical system, the company said Thursday. Shares of Intuitive, which soared last year but have recently been more than $100 below the 52-week high, recently traded at $291.55 in after-hours trading. That's up considerably from Thursday's close at $254 following an 8.1% climb during the regular trading session.
Intuitive reported net income that more than doubled to $49.2 million in the recent quarter, helped by the sale of 78 da Vinci systems, up from 50 sales a year earlier. Twenty machines were sold to existing customers and 26 were sold outside the U.S. The company is forecasting system revenues, tied to shipments of da Vinci units, to rise about 30% in 2008.
System sales are important, but so is the growth in procedures because Intuitive collects usage-related revenue tied to the sale of accessories, system service and training. "System utilization has steadily increased and currently averages about three procedures per system per week across the installed base," Gong said. The worldwide installed base of da Vinci machines reached 795 at the end of the fourth quarter. The system today has grown on the back of prostate removal surgery, and hysterectomies represent a fast growth area. According to Gong, the company sees prostatectomy procedures growing by about 40% this year and hysterectomy procedures growing by about 150%.
The fourth quarter tends to be the strongest quarter for system sales, Gong noted. Intuitive sees first-quarter revenue down from the fourth quarter, but then growing sequentially in subsequent quarters. The average selling price per da Vinci machine reached a high of $1.38 million in the fourth quarter, helped by sales of a newer model and sales outside the U.S. that benefited from the weak dollar.
The average selling price on the year was about $1.33 million, which Intuitive expects will also be the average price in 2008. Intuitive sees gross margins in 2008 between 69% and 70%.
Intuitive reported net income that more than doubled to $49.2 million in the recent quarter, helped by the sale of 78 da Vinci systems, up from 50 sales a year earlier. Twenty machines were sold to existing customers and 26 were sold outside the U.S. The company is forecasting system revenues, tied to shipments of da Vinci units, to rise about 30% in 2008.
System sales are important, but so is the growth in procedures because Intuitive collects usage-related revenue tied to the sale of accessories, system service and training. "System utilization has steadily increased and currently averages about three procedures per system per week across the installed base," Gong said. The worldwide installed base of da Vinci machines reached 795 at the end of the fourth quarter. The system today has grown on the back of prostate removal surgery, and hysterectomies represent a fast growth area. According to Gong, the company sees prostatectomy procedures growing by about 40% this year and hysterectomy procedures growing by about 150%.
The fourth quarter tends to be the strongest quarter for system sales, Gong noted. Intuitive sees first-quarter revenue down from the fourth quarter, but then growing sequentially in subsequent quarters. The average selling price per da Vinci machine reached a high of $1.38 million in the fourth quarter, helped by sales of a newer model and sales outside the U.S. that benefited from the weak dollar.
The average selling price on the year was about $1.33 million, which Intuitive expects will also be the average price in 2008. Intuitive sees gross margins in 2008 between 69% and 70%.
Cummins Misses on Earnings...
Cummins misses by $0.05, beats on revs; guides FY08 revs in-line (CMI) 48.35 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.00 per share, $0.05 worse than the First Call consensus of $1.05; revenues rose 15.4% year/year to $3.5 bln vs the $3.46 bln consensus.
Sales are forecast to increase 12% from 2007 levels (which calculates to roughly $14.61 mln vs. $14.63 bln consensus), and the co expects to generate EBIT of 10% of sales in 2008.
The stock is down $3 premarket to $45.
Sales are forecast to increase 12% from 2007 levels (which calculates to roughly $14.61 mln vs. $14.63 bln consensus), and the co expects to generate EBIT of 10% of sales in 2008.
The stock is down $3 premarket to $45.
Google Wakes Up with a Hangover....
Talk about getting kicked when you're down....
Google stock is down 40 points pre market due to falling short on earnings and revenue expectations.....now the Mcrosoft / Yahoo Buyout.....
By the way...Yahoo shareholders and Board have to OK this deal. Google may.....and I say may....hop in here and raise the bid.....I doubt it though.
Google stock is down 40 points pre market due to falling short on earnings and revenue expectations.....now the Mcrosoft / Yahoo Buyout.....
By the way...Yahoo shareholders and Board have to OK this deal. Google may.....and I say may....hop in here and raise the bid.....I doubt it though.
Jetbue Partners with Irish Airline....
Low-fare,high-frills carrier JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq:JBLU) and Aer Lingus, Ireland's low-fares counterpart, today officially announced their industry-first strategic partnership will come into effect on April 3, 2008.
The innovative partnership will enable Irish and U.S. customers to book a single low fare reservation between Ireland and more than 40 continental U.S.destinations, connecting through JetBlue's home base at New York's John F.Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The innovative partnership will enable Irish and U.S. customers to book a single low fare reservation between Ireland and more than 40 continental U.S.destinations, connecting through JetBlue's home base at New York's John F.Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Exxon Mobil Reports Earnings...
Exxon Mobil Corp.'s (XOM) fourth-quarter net income rose 14% to $11.66 billion, or $2.13 a share, from $10.25 billion, or $1.76 a share, a year earlier, boosted in part by higher upstream earnings.
A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, predicted earnings of $1.95 a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. The Irving, Texas, oil and gas company said revenue grew to $116.64 billion from $90.03 billion.
A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, predicted earnings of $1.95 a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. The Irving, Texas, oil and gas company said revenue grew to $116.64 billion from $90.03 billion.
Microsoft to Buy Yahoo...
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) offers to buy Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) for $44.6 billion, a move designed to create a more credible competitor to industry leader Google Inc. (GOOG) and deepen Microsoft's position in the market for online business software.
The hostile approach, outlined by Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer in a letter sent Thursday night to Yahoo's board and published Friday, is aimed at pressing Yahoo to agree to a combination it rejected a year ago.
The offer, for $31 a share in cash and stock, represents a 62% premium to Yahoo's closing price Thursday. It comes offer comes as Yahoo continues to struggle against Google in the race for online-advertising revenue and Internet-search market share despite efforts to upgrade its systems. Yahoo's shares have lost about 40% of their value over the past three months.
I think we called this one on Monday....
The hostile approach, outlined by Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer in a letter sent Thursday night to Yahoo's board and published Friday, is aimed at pressing Yahoo to agree to a combination it rejected a year ago.
The offer, for $31 a share in cash and stock, represents a 62% premium to Yahoo's closing price Thursday. It comes offer comes as Yahoo continues to struggle against Google in the race for online-advertising revenue and Internet-search market share despite efforts to upgrade its systems. Yahoo's shares have lost about 40% of their value over the past three months.
I think we called this one on Monday....
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Daily Summary....
U.S. Markets
Dow +207.53 (+1.67%)
Nasdaq +40.86 (+1.74%)
S&P 500 +22.74 (+1.68%)
News That Moved the Market
Markets Rally On Upbeat News From MBIA. Markets had a strong day, with all major sectors finishing higher. After Wednesday's late sell off, despite the Fed cutting 50 basis points, it was important for the markets to bounce back. Arguably the biggest catalyst for the up move was news from bond insurer MBIA (MBI, +6.7%) which reassured investors that it had enough capital to keep its AAA rating and said it would not go bankrupt. MBIA also announced it lost $2.3 billion last quarter, but investors were more worried about the company's future than its past performance.
Google Misses Targets. Google (GOOG, +2.1% day; -7.9% A.H.) fell after posting a 17% increase in profits and a 51% jump in revenue. The figures were short of analysts' estimates. The company's share of the Internet search market rose to 56.3% from 50.8% at the end of last year.
Mixed Economic News. The Department of Labor reported jobless claims increased to 375,000, much higher than expected. The news created fears that tomorrow's Jobs Report would disappoint, but the data was only for one week, and does not carry too much weight. The Department of Commerce announced December personal income increased 0.5%, while spending rose 0.2%. Both figures were basically in-line with estimates. Employment costs increased 0.8%, which was in-line with forecasts.
January Barometer. The S&P 500 finished down 6.1% in January, a bad sign for things to come. The so-call "January Barometer" says the first month of the year determines the performance for the whole year. Though it sounds odd, it has been correct 80% of the time since 1950.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings:
Chevron (CVX) Before Open
Exxon (XOM) Before Open
Economic Events:
Motor Vehicle Sales
8:30 AM: Monthly Jobs Report
8:30 AM: ISM Mfg Index
10:00 AM: Consumer Sentiment
10:00 AM: Construction Spending
Dow +207.53 (+1.67%)
Nasdaq +40.86 (+1.74%)
S&P 500 +22.74 (+1.68%)
News That Moved the Market
Markets Rally On Upbeat News From MBIA. Markets had a strong day, with all major sectors finishing higher. After Wednesday's late sell off, despite the Fed cutting 50 basis points, it was important for the markets to bounce back. Arguably the biggest catalyst for the up move was news from bond insurer MBIA (MBI, +6.7%) which reassured investors that it had enough capital to keep its AAA rating and said it would not go bankrupt. MBIA also announced it lost $2.3 billion last quarter, but investors were more worried about the company's future than its past performance.
Google Misses Targets. Google (GOOG, +2.1% day; -7.9% A.H.) fell after posting a 17% increase in profits and a 51% jump in revenue. The figures were short of analysts' estimates. The company's share of the Internet search market rose to 56.3% from 50.8% at the end of last year.
Mixed Economic News. The Department of Labor reported jobless claims increased to 375,000, much higher than expected. The news created fears that tomorrow's Jobs Report would disappoint, but the data was only for one week, and does not carry too much weight. The Department of Commerce announced December personal income increased 0.5%, while spending rose 0.2%. Both figures were basically in-line with estimates. Employment costs increased 0.8%, which was in-line with forecasts.
January Barometer. The S&P 500 finished down 6.1% in January, a bad sign for things to come. The so-call "January Barometer" says the first month of the year determines the performance for the whole year. Though it sounds odd, it has been correct 80% of the time since 1950.
Tomorrow Notable Earnings:
Chevron (CVX) Before Open
Exxon (XOM) Before Open
Economic Events:
Motor Vehicle Sales
8:30 AM: Monthly Jobs Report
8:30 AM: ISM Mfg Index
10:00 AM: Consumer Sentiment
10:00 AM: Construction Spending
Notable Movers:
Potash (POT) up 4.50 to $140.71 - POT was down 6 points on the open today in sympathy with selloff in Peobody Energy
Gamestop (GME) up 2.27 to $51.35 - GME held up nicely around support at $48
Chipotle Mexican Grill (GMG) up 4.79 to $119.86 - CMG was hit hard earlier in the week as parent company (McDonald's) sold off
Zumiez (ZUMZ) up 1.44 to $19.26 - ZUMZ fell to 14 on Jan 22, has since rebounded with Retail stocks.
Google (GOOG) up 14 to $562 - up ahead of tonight's earnings report. Option traders say this stock could go $50 either way after they announce.
Gamestop (GME) up 2.27 to $51.35 - GME held up nicely around support at $48
Chipotle Mexican Grill (GMG) up 4.79 to $119.86 - CMG was hit hard earlier in the week as parent company (McDonald's) sold off
Zumiez (ZUMZ) up 1.44 to $19.26 - ZUMZ fell to 14 on Jan 22, has since rebounded with Retail stocks.
Google (GOOG) up 14 to $562 - up ahead of tonight's earnings report. Option traders say this stock could go $50 either way after they announce.
Mortgage Rates Start to Move Higher.....
U.S. fixed-rate mortgages rose for the first time in five weeks, according to Freddie Mac's survey released Thursday. The national average interest rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 5.68% in the week ending Thursday, up from 5.48% a week ago, but down from 6.34% a year ago.
Basically, the market is telling you that the Fed is done cutting rates and maybe we're not going to fall into a recession....
Basically, the market is telling you that the Fed is done cutting rates and maybe we're not going to fall into a recession....
Washington Mutual Climbs Back to $20...
In the last 15 minutes, WM has accelerated higher...
Now up 1.35 to $20.00
Now up 1.35 to $20.00
Potash (POT) Down in Sympathy with Peabody...
POT - 2.55 to $133.70
This looks like a Buying Opportunity. Did traders forget Potash's earnings report last week. A blowout and the company guided higher.
This looks like a Buying Opportunity. Did traders forget Potash's earnings report last week. A blowout and the company guided higher.
Jetblue Continues to Break Off Bottom....
We pointed out on Monday, that JBLU was looking good at $5.00.
The stock is up another .21 to $6.57 this morning.
Another winner!!!
The stock is up another .21 to $6.57 this morning.
Another winner!!!
Crocs in Full Breakout Mode Now....
CROX up .31 to $32.87
We highlighted this stock on Monday and pointed out that $31 was a breakout point.
We highlighted this stock on Monday and pointed out that $31 was a breakout point.
Mastercard Blowing and Going....
Mastercard is up 18 right now to $207.
I thought the consumer was dead???
I thought the consumer was dead???
Nutrisystem continues to climb....
NTRI up .20 to $27.91
We have noticed that the company's new weight loss project: Tori Spelling - former star of Beverly Hills 90210. Looks like they are now going after the 20-something crowd....or maybe she's 30-something.
We have noticed that the company's new weight loss project: Tori Spelling - former star of Beverly Hills 90210. Looks like they are now going after the 20-something crowd....or maybe she's 30-something.
Under Armour Beats Reduced Estimates...
Under Armour Inc.'s (UA) fourth-quarter net income rose 42% to $16.9 million, or 34 cents a share, from $11.9 million, or 24 cents, a year earlier. The Baltimore athletic wear company said revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 29.2% to $174.8 million from $135.3 million a year earlier.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, projected earnings of 31 cents a share on revenue of $174 million.
For the first half of 2008, Under Armour projects earnings of 3 cents a share to 5 cents a share. Looking ahead, the company expects annual net revenue of $765 million to $775 million for 2008, an increase of 26% to 28% over 2007. The company also expects income from operations of $108.5 million to $110.5 million, an increase of 26% to 28% over 2007.
Under Armour's stock is breaking off a bottom here (up 1.62 to $39.20). Its 52-week high was at $73 back in August.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, projected earnings of 31 cents a share on revenue of $174 million.
For the first half of 2008, Under Armour projects earnings of 3 cents a share to 5 cents a share. Looking ahead, the company expects annual net revenue of $765 million to $775 million for 2008, an increase of 26% to 28% over 2007. The company also expects income from operations of $108.5 million to $110.5 million, an increase of 26% to 28% over 2007.
Under Armour's stock is breaking off a bottom here (up 1.62 to $39.20). Its 52-week high was at $73 back in August.
Boeing Beats Estimates....
Boeing beats, easing concerns over Dreamliner delays. Boeing (BA) reported a 4% rise in Q4 profit to $1.03 billion ($1.36/share), $0.04 ahead of analyst forecasts. Revenue was flat at $17.5 billion. Boeing also raised 2008 EPS guidance to $5.70-5.85 from $5.55-5.75. Shares rose 2.32%.
Boeing shares are down 1.32 to $81.55
Boeing shares are down 1.32 to $81.55
Sony Beats Estimates, Cuts PS3 Target...
Sony (SNE) reported Q3 EPS of $1.67 vs. consensus estimates of $1.31. Q3 revenue of $25.08B was well ahead of Street consensus of $24.82B. Sony cut its 2007 forecast to 9.5M PlayStation 3 sales from 11M.
Shares are down 1.32 to $46.18
Shares are down 1.32 to $46.18
Shell Posts "Obscene" Profit....
Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) reported full-year earnings on Thursday of $27.6 billion (£14 billion), a record not just for the oil giant but for any European company. High oil prices compensated amply for weak refining margins and lower oil and gas production.
The profit was labeled "obscene" by Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of British trade union Unite, and "absolutely scandalous" by the motorist organization Road Haulage Association.
The profit was labeled "obscene" by Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of British trade union Unite, and "absolutely scandalous" by the motorist organization Road Haulage Association.
Mastercard Up on Internet Transactions...
MasterCard beats by $0.17, beats on revs (MA) (Stock at $189.00): Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.89 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.17 better than the First Call consensus of $0.72; revenues rose 27.8% year/year to $1.07 bln vs the $0.98 bln consensus.
Co reports Q4 gross dollar volume up 15.2% vs 12.8% prior, purchase volume up 16.1% vs 14.1% prior.
Co reports Q4 gross dollar volume up 15.2% vs 12.8% prior, purchase volume up 16.1% vs 14.1% prior.
Starbucks Experiences Minimal Earnings Growth...
Starbucks (SBUX). The Seattle-based coffee giant said late Wednesday first-quarter net earnings rose to $208.1 million, or 28 cents a share, up 1.5% from $205 million, or 26 cents a share, in the same period a year earlier. The latest results were hurt by incremental interest expense related to the company's inaugural senior notes offering during the fourth quarter of 2007, the company said. Net revenue for the first quarter ended Dec. 30 rose 17% to $2.77 billion.
For 2008, Starbucks said it expects "low double digit" per-share profit expansion, citing "continued macroeconomic weakness." The company said it has slowed the pace of store growth in the United States to about 1,175 stores in 2008, down from a revised target of 1,600 stores. It also has increased the store opening target in international markets to about 975 stores.
The stock is down nearly $1 to $18.29 premarket.
For 2008, Starbucks said it expects "low double digit" per-share profit expansion, citing "continued macroeconomic weakness." The company said it has slowed the pace of store growth in the United States to about 1,175 stores in 2008, down from a revised target of 1,600 stores. It also has increased the store opening target in international markets to about 975 stores.
The stock is down nearly $1 to $18.29 premarket.
MBIA Takes Unprecedented losses...
MBIA Inc. (MBI). The New York-based bond insurer said today it slipped into a fourth quarter loss on the back of "unprecedented" loss reserving and impairment activity. For the three months ended Dec 31, MBIA reported a net loss of $2.3 billion, or $18.61 per share, compared with a $181 million profit, or $1.32 per share the same time last year.
For the full year, the group reported a loss of $1.9 billion, or $15.22 per share, against a profit of $819.3 million, or $5.99 per share last time.
The stock traded down over $2 per share after the close.
For the full year, the group reported a loss of $1.9 billion, or $15.22 per share, against a profit of $819.3 million, or $5.99 per share last time.
The stock traded down over $2 per share after the close.
Hologic to Split 2 for 1....
Hologic Inc. (HOLX). The Beford, Mass.-based medical supply company said late Wednesday it has approved a two-for-one stock split, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend.
Subject to stockholder approval, the record date for the stock split will be March 21 and the payment date will be April 2. The proposed stock split will increase the number of shares of common stock outstanding to 255.4 million from 127.7 million.
The stock closed yesterday at $61.80.
Subject to stockholder approval, the record date for the stock split will be March 21 and the payment date will be April 2. The proposed stock split will increase the number of shares of common stock outstanding to 255.4 million from 127.7 million.
The stock closed yesterday at $61.80.
Eli Lilly May Pay $1 Billion Fine....
Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY). The Indianapolis, IN-based drug maker and federal prosecutors are discussing a settlement of a civil and criminal investigation into the company’s marketing of the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa that could result in Lilly’s paying more than $1 billion to federal and state governments, The New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing several sources close to the matter.
CVS Earnngs Up on Caremark Acquisition...
CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS). The Woonsocket, RI-based drugstore chains operator today reported adjusted fourth-quarter income of $861.1 million, or 58 cents a share. Including certain merger and integration costs, the company reported net income of $815 million, or 55 cents a share.
Net revenue for the quarter rose to $21.94 billion from $12.07 billion a year earlier. Same-store sales for the quarter rose 3.4% from a year earlier.
The stock has a strong level of support right here in the mid 30's.
Net revenue for the quarter rose to $21.94 billion from $12.07 billion a year earlier. Same-store sales for the quarter rose 3.4% from a year earlier.
The stock has a strong level of support right here in the mid 30's.
Amazon: Margins Fall...as does stock...
Amazon.com (AMZN). The Seattle-based web-based retailer Wednesday said fourth-quarter net income more than doubled to $207 million or 48 cents a share from $98 million or 23 cents a share profit recorded in the year-earlier period. Net sales for the quarter ending Dec. 31 rose 42% to $5.67 billion from last year's $3.99 billion.
The company said it expects first-quarter sales of $3.95 billion to $4.15 billion. For 2008, the company said it is targeting sales of $18.75 billion to $19.75 billion.
Shares of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) fell 12% to $65.16 in after-hours trading Wednesday after the company's gross margin fell to 20.6%, down from 23.4% in 3Q and 21.3% a year ago, and below the average analyst estimate of 21.4%.
The company said it expects first-quarter sales of $3.95 billion to $4.15 billion. For 2008, the company said it is targeting sales of $18.75 billion to $19.75 billion.
Shares of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) fell 12% to $65.16 in after-hours trading Wednesday after the company's gross margin fell to 20.6%, down from 23.4% in 3Q and 21.3% a year ago, and below the average analyst estimate of 21.4%.
Earnings Today...
Affiliated Computer Svcs Inc (ACS) 2Q .83
Altera Corp. (ALTR) 4Q .18 4:15PM
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. (BUD) 4Q .32
Apache Corp. (APA) 4Q 2.31 BMO
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) 4Q .95 6:00AM
bebe Stores Inc. (BEBE) 2Q .26
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) 4Q .34
Callaway Golf Co. (ELY) 4Q (.18)
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL) 4Q .89
Columbia Sportswear Co. (COLM) 4Q 1.01
CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) 4Q .55 BMO
E.W. Scripps Co. (SSP) 4Q .70 BMO
Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) 3Q .78 AMC
Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) 4Q .21
Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) 2Q .13 1:00AM
Goodrich Corp. (GR) 4Q .91 BMO
Google Inc. (GOOG) 4Q 4.09
Hologic Inc. (HOLX) 1Q .45 8:00AM
ImClone Syss Inc. (IMCL) 4Q .24
Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) 4Q 1.03
Key Energy Svcs Inc. (KEG) 4Q .29
L-3 Commun Hldgs Inc. (LLL) 4Q 1.60 BMO
Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO) 4Q 1.05
MasterCard Inc. (MA) 4Q .70
Mattel Inc. (MAT) 4Q .72 6:00AM
Monster Worldwide Inc. (MNST) 4Q .37 AMC
Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (NDAQ) 4Q .46 7:00AM
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL) 4Q .45 BMO
Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU) 4Q .69
Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) 2Q .97
Raytheon Co. (RTN) 4Q .90 6:00AM
RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) 3Q .05 4:00PM
Sony Corp. (SNE) 3Q 1.53
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (HOT) 4Q .67 BMO
Tesoro Corp. (TSO) 4Q .12
Under Armour Inc. (UA) 4Q .31 7:00AM
Western Union Co. (WU) 4Q .31 7:30AM
Wyeth (WYE) 4Q 0.790
Altera Corp. (ALTR) 4Q .18 4:15PM
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. (BUD) 4Q .32
Apache Corp. (APA) 4Q 2.31 BMO
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) 4Q .95 6:00AM
bebe Stores Inc. (BEBE) 2Q .26
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) 4Q .34
Callaway Golf Co. (ELY) 4Q (.18)
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL) 4Q .89
Columbia Sportswear Co. (COLM) 4Q 1.01
CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) 4Q .55 BMO
E.W. Scripps Co. (SSP) 4Q .70 BMO
Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) 3Q .78 AMC
Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) 4Q .21
Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) 2Q .13 1:00AM
Goodrich Corp. (GR) 4Q .91 BMO
Google Inc. (GOOG) 4Q 4.09
Hologic Inc. (HOLX) 1Q .45 8:00AM
ImClone Syss Inc. (IMCL) 4Q .24
Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) 4Q 1.03
Key Energy Svcs Inc. (KEG) 4Q .29
L-3 Commun Hldgs Inc. (LLL) 4Q 1.60 BMO
Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO) 4Q 1.05
MasterCard Inc. (MA) 4Q .70
Mattel Inc. (MAT) 4Q .72 6:00AM
Monster Worldwide Inc. (MNST) 4Q .37 AMC
Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (NDAQ) 4Q .46 7:00AM
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL) 4Q .45 BMO
Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU) 4Q .69
Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) 2Q .97
Raytheon Co. (RTN) 4Q .90 6:00AM
RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) 3Q .05 4:00PM
Sony Corp. (SNE) 3Q 1.53
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (HOT) 4Q .67 BMO
Tesoro Corp. (TSO) 4Q .12
Under Armour Inc. (UA) 4Q .31 7:00AM
Western Union Co. (WU) 4Q .31 7:30AM
Wyeth (WYE) 4Q 0.790
Subprime-related losses may surpass $265 billion....
Standard & Poor's estimates that banks, credit unions and foreign financial institutions may be hit with more than $265 billion in losses from securities tied to subprime mortgages. S&P is reviewing credit ratings on $534-billion worth of CDOs and bonds.
The ratings agency said it expects the next round of writedowns will be by smaller financial firms in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
The ratings agency said it expects the next round of writedowns will be by smaller financial firms in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Earnings Expected Tomorrow....
Earnings Releases on Thursday...
Affiliated Computer Svcs Inc (ACS) 2Q .83
Altera Corp. (ALTR) 4Q .18 4:15PM
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. (BUD) 4Q .32
Apache Corp. (APA) 4Q 2.31 BMO
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) 4Q .95 6:00AM
bebe Stores Inc. (BEBE) 2Q .26
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) 4Q .34
Callaway Golf Co. (ELY) 4Q (.18)
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL) 4Q .89
Columbia Sportswear Co. (COLM) 4Q 1.01
CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) 4Q .55 BMO
E.W. Scripps Co. (SSP) 4Q .70 BMO
Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) 3Q .78 AMC
Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) 4Q .21
Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) 2Q .13 1:00AM
Goodrich Corp. (GR) 4Q .91 BMO
Google Inc. (GOOG) 4Q 4.09
Hologic Inc. (HOLX) 1Q .45 8:00AM
ImClone Syss Inc. (IMCL) 4Q .24
Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) 4Q 1.03
Key Energy Svcs Inc. (KEG) 4Q .29
L-3 Commun Hldgs Inc. (LLL) 4Q 1.60 BMO
Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO) 4Q 1.05
MasterCard Inc. (MA) 4Q .70
Mattel Inc. (MAT) 4Q .72 6:00AM
Monster Worldwide Inc. (MNST) 4Q .37 AMC
Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (NDAQ) 4Q .46 7:00AM
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL) 4Q .45 BMO
Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU) 4Q .69
Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) 2Q .97
Raytheon Co. (RTN) 4Q .90 6:00AM
RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) 3Q .05 4:00PM
Sony Corp. (SNE) 3Q 1.53
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (HOT) 4Q .67 BMO
Tesoro Corp. (TSO) 4Q .12
Under Armour Inc. (UA) 4Q .31 7:00AM
Western Union Co. (WU) 4Q .31 7:30AM
Wyeth (WYE) 4Q 0.790
and Friday.....
Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) 4Q .47 BMO
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) 2Q .53 BMO
Chevron Corp. (CVX) 4Q 2.26
Cummins Inc. (CMI) 4Q 1.05
Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) 4Q 1.93
L.M. Ericsson Telephone Co. (ERIC) 4Q .55 1:30AM
Oshkosh Truck Corp. (OSK) 1Q .50
Simon Ppty Grp Inc. (SPG) 4Q .62 BMO
Tidewater Inc. (TDW) 3Q 1.55 BMO
Affiliated Computer Svcs Inc (ACS) 2Q .83
Altera Corp. (ALTR) 4Q .18 4:15PM
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. (BUD) 4Q .32
Apache Corp. (APA) 4Q 2.31 BMO
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) 4Q .95 6:00AM
bebe Stores Inc. (BEBE) 2Q .26
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) 4Q .34
Callaway Golf Co. (ELY) 4Q (.18)
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL) 4Q .89
Columbia Sportswear Co. (COLM) 4Q 1.01
CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) 4Q .55 BMO
E.W. Scripps Co. (SSP) 4Q .70 BMO
Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) 3Q .78 AMC
Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) 4Q .21
Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) 2Q .13 1:00AM
Goodrich Corp. (GR) 4Q .91 BMO
Google Inc. (GOOG) 4Q 4.09
Hologic Inc. (HOLX) 1Q .45 8:00AM
ImClone Syss Inc. (IMCL) 4Q .24
Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) 4Q 1.03
Key Energy Svcs Inc. (KEG) 4Q .29
L-3 Commun Hldgs Inc. (LLL) 4Q 1.60 BMO
Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO) 4Q 1.05
MasterCard Inc. (MA) 4Q .70
Mattel Inc. (MAT) 4Q .72 6:00AM
Monster Worldwide Inc. (MNST) 4Q .37 AMC
Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (NDAQ) 4Q .46 7:00AM
Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL) 4Q .45 BMO
Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU) 4Q .69
Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) 2Q .97
Raytheon Co. (RTN) 4Q .90 6:00AM
RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) 3Q .05 4:00PM
Sony Corp. (SNE) 3Q 1.53
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (HOT) 4Q .67 BMO
Tesoro Corp. (TSO) 4Q .12
Under Armour Inc. (UA) 4Q .31 7:00AM
Western Union Co. (WU) 4Q .31 7:30AM
Wyeth (WYE) 4Q 0.790
and Friday.....
Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) 4Q .47 BMO
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) 2Q .53 BMO
Chevron Corp. (CVX) 4Q 2.26
Cummins Inc. (CMI) 4Q 1.05
Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) 4Q 1.93
L.M. Ericsson Telephone Co. (ERIC) 4Q .55 1:30AM
Oshkosh Truck Corp. (OSK) 1Q .50
Simon Ppty Grp Inc. (SPG) 4Q .62 BMO
Tidewater Inc. (TDW) 3Q 1.55 BMO
So...we missed on the degree of the cut....
but the market sold off as we expected would happen with a 50 bp cut.
Now the Fed is out of ammo.
Now the Fed is out of ammo.
What Will the Fed Do???
We think they will cut 25 basis points.
The market will initially sell off and then rally and close higher....then the Fed saves 25 bps for a later cut if needed.
If they go 50 basis points, the Fed just shows that they are a slave to the traders. If they cut 50, then we think the market will sell off and stay lower.
Hey...we gotta predict something.
The market will initially sell off and then rally and close higher....then the Fed saves 25 bps for a later cut if needed.
If they go 50 basis points, the Fed just shows that they are a slave to the traders. If they cut 50, then we think the market will sell off and stay lower.
Hey...we gotta predict something.
VMware Catching a Bid This Morning....
VMW up 1.13 to $56.00.
The stock was obliterated yesterday (down nearly 30 points) on a slight miss in Revenues.
A little overdone on the downside...don't you think???
The stock was obliterated yesterday (down nearly 30 points) on a slight miss in Revenues.
A little overdone on the downside...don't you think???
Robert Half Rises After Earnings....
RHI up 1.30 to $26.15
Want a good economic indicator??? This is the stock.
Specialty staffing company Robert Half International Inc (RHI) reported higher quarterly profit on Tuesday, citing demand in its international divisions.
Earnings rose 4.5 percent to $78.8 million, or 50 cents per share, from $75.4 million, or 45 cents per share, a year earlier.
Analysts, on average, had expected a profit of 47 cents per share, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue rose 15 percent to $1.22 billion, compared with Wall Street forecasts for sales of $1.2 billion.
Want a good economic indicator??? This is the stock.
Specialty staffing company Robert Half International Inc (RHI) reported higher quarterly profit on Tuesday, citing demand in its international divisions.
Earnings rose 4.5 percent to $78.8 million, or 50 cents per share, from $75.4 million, or 45 cents per share, a year earlier.
Analysts, on average, had expected a profit of 47 cents per share, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue rose 15 percent to $1.22 billion, compared with Wall Street forecasts for sales of $1.2 billion.
PBM's Breaking Higher....
Express Scripps (ESRX) + 2.76 to $67.60
Medco Health (MHS) + 2.35 to $50.38
Looks like traders don't care that WalMart is entering the business.
Medco Health (MHS) + 2.35 to $50.38
Looks like traders don't care that WalMart is entering the business.
Check Out Rambus.....
Rambus (RMBS) up 1.40 to $17.92.
This is a crazy stock, but it tends to move in large waves. This is its first move higher since falling from $22 in December.
This is a crazy stock, but it tends to move in large waves. This is its first move higher since falling from $22 in December.
Shipping Stocks up again....
Dry Bulk Shipping stocks are up for the 2nd straight day.
Leaders:
DRYS + 2.90 to $65.35
DSX + 1.50 to $28.25
Leaders:
DRYS + 2.90 to $65.35
DSX + 1.50 to $28.25
Crocs (CROX) continues to break higher...
CROX +.75 to $31.35 on the open.
$31 is a key breakout level.
$31 is a key breakout level.
GDP Slows ....
US GDP Slows To 0.6% Growth In 4Q
U.S. gross domestic product rises at a 0.6% annual rate October through December, pulling growth for all of 2007 to its lowest speed in five years as the housing slump takes a heavy toll. Slowing consumer spending, inventory liquidation and lower overseas sales also restrain the economy.
U.S. gross domestic product rises at a 0.6% annual rate October through December, pulling growth for all of 2007 to its lowest speed in five years as the housing slump takes a heavy toll. Slowing consumer spending, inventory liquidation and lower overseas sales also restrain the economy.
ADP Sees US Private Sector Jobs Up 130,000
Payrolls giant Automatic Data Processing and consultancy Macroeconomic Advisers says U.S. private sector jobs increase by 130,000 in January, beating forecasts by big margins, setting stage for Friday's payrolls report from the Labor Department.
Stock Futures traded higher after this release.
Stock Futures traded higher after this release.
Baker Hughes...Another Miss...
Baker Hughes misses by $0.02, misses on revs (BHI) 73.44 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.26 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of $1.28; revenues rose 11.7% year/year to $2.74 bln vs the $2.79 bln consensus.
Constellation Energy Beats...
Constellation Energy beats by $0.06, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS in-line (CEG) 92.50 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.48 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $1.42; revenues rose 12.3% year/year to $4.46 bln vs the $3.71 bln consensus.
Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $5.25-5.75 vs. $5.61 consensus.
Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $5.25-5.75 vs. $5.61 consensus.
Kraft Guides Lower...
Kraft Foods reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS below consensus (KFT) 30.19 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.44 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.44; revenues rose 10.9% year/year to $10.4 bln vs the $10.05 bln consensus.
Co issues downside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $1.90, excluding $0.34 in costs related to restructuring, vs. $1.94 consensus.
Co issues downside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $1.90, excluding $0.34 in costs related to restructuring, vs. $1.94 consensus.
Merck...No Surprises, but Stock Lower...
Merck beats by $0.06, reports revs in-line; reaffirms FY08 EPS guidance (MRK) 48.01 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.80 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.74; revenues rose 3.3% year/year to $6.24 bln vs the $6.29 bln consensus.
Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $3.28-3.38, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $3.37 consensus.
Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $3.28-3.38, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $3.37 consensus.
Boeing Lowers Guidance....
Boeing beats by $0.04, beats on revs; lowers FY08 rev guidance but raises FY08 EPS guidance (BA) 80.96 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.36 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $1.32; revenues fell 0.4% year/year to $17.48 bln vs the $17.33 bln consensus. Co lowers its FY08 revenue guidance slightly to $67-68 bln, down from prior guidance of $67.5-68.5 bln and vs $69.6 bln consensus due to the 787 delay.
Co raises FY08 EPS guidance to $5.70-5.85 from $5.55-5.75, as productivity gains are being realized ahead of earlier plans, however it's still below consensus of $5.95.
Co raises FY08 EPS guidance to $5.70-5.85 from $5.55-5.75, as productivity gains are being realized ahead of earlier plans, however it's still below consensus of $5.95.
UPS Reports In-Line Earnings...
UPS reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line; guides FY08 EPS in-line (UPS) 70.92 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.13 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $1.13; revenues rose 6.1% year/year to $13.39 bln vs the $13.11 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.94-0.98 vs. $0.98 consensus.
Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $4.30-4.50 vs. $4.45 consensus.
Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $4.30-4.50 vs. $4.45 consensus.
Centex (CTX) Loss Widens....
Home Builder Centex's 3Q net loss widens to $975.2 million, or $7.94 a share, hurt by weakness in housing market. Quarter includes a non-cash charge of $500 million to establish a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets. Revenue falls 30% to $1.91 billion
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