Investors.com

Heinz Falls After Q4 Profit Beat But It Guided Down

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:45:00 GMT

H.J. Heinz (HNZ) beat analysts' fiscal fourth-quarter profit target. But sales came in slightly below estimates, and it cut its profit forecast for the coming year after sales in North America declined 2.2% in fourth quarter after it raised prices to offset higher commodity costs. Reporting before the market opened, Heinz said earnings per share rose 14% to 81 cents, beating estimates by two cents. Revenue grew 5.5% to $3.05 billion, below

Rough Road For Auto Repair Shops; Monro Guides Lower

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:35:00 GMT

The pedal-to-the-floor growth rate among America's auto parts retailers and repair shops appears to be slowing as easier credit fuels new car sales, and consumers put off big expenses on older jalopies. Auto repair chain Monro Muffler Brake (MNRO) was the latest to show the trend, with disappointing quarterly earnings, and weaker guidance Thursday morning. The eastern U.S. chain of more than 800 shops posted a 27% surge in fiscal fourth quarter

Some Top Clothing Retailers Rally, Rue 21 Next At Bat

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:02:00 GMT

Leading clothiers rose as much as 9% this week, as apparel retailers reported mixed earnings. Next on tap is Rue 21 (RUE), set to report after the market closes Thursday. Highly ranked yogawear seller Lululemon Athletica (LULU) was up about 8% for the week through Wednesday's close. Other top apparel stocks up over the same span included Chico's FAS (CHS) with a 3% gain, Zumiez (ZUMZ), up about 7%, and American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) up 9%. The

Spirit, Other Top Airlines Drop As Travel Fears Trump Falling Fuel Costs

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:52:00 GMT

Crude prices closed below $90 a barrel for the first time since last October, which should cut carriers' jet fuel costs. But top-rated airline stocks continued to retreat as fears that global economic woes will hurt travel trumped lower expenses. Until recently, airlines had been booming as rising consumer confidence led to increased air travel. They were even able in some cases to raise prices to offset rising oil prices. Spirit Airlines (SAVE),

Titan Machinery Makes Foray Into Foreign Markets

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:52:00 GMT

Sometimes, it pays to be a big fish in a pond filled with small fry. The folks at agriculture and construction equipment dealer Titan Machinery (TITN) could attest to that. The company has used its financial prowess to buy up small mom-and-pop outfits in its fragmented field. Since 2003, it's bought 45 dealers, 30 of which it has acquired since going public Dec. 6, 2007. Using this strategy, Titan has built a network of 96 dealerships in the U.S.

Big Lots Misses Q1 Profit Estimates, Guides Q2 Low

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:22:00 GMT

Close-out goods discounter Big Lots' (BIG) shares climbed despite a first-quarter miss, and weak profit guidance. Big Lots' earnings per share fell 3% from the same quarter last year, to 68 cents, just below projections of 69 cents. Revenue rose 5.5% to $1.294 billion. Wall Street expected $1.299 billion. Its outlook for the current quarter EPS of 37 cents to 42 cents is well below projections of 54 cents. But Big Lots' profit guidance for the

American Eagle Sales Growth Acceleration Continues

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:13:00 GMT

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) sales growth continued to accelerate but shares fell on a tough day for the market. The young adult clothier said GAAP first-quarter earnings hit 20 cents a share. They were 22 cents excluding its soon-to-be-discountinued 77kids division. It was the first year-over-year profit gain in five quarters. Sales rose 18% to $719 million, not including 77kids, slightly above views of $718.96 million. That's the fourth

Starbucks Upgraded To Buy After Recent Declines

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:48:00 GMT

Shares of coffee chain Starbucks (SBUX) are attractively priced after falling 14% since their April high, according to a Bank of America-Merrill Lynch analyst. The firm upgraded the world's largest coffeehouse chain to buy from neutral. Shares bumped up 1.6% in midday trading to 54.23. It's still down from the all-time high of 62 hit on April 16. The coffee chain reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings last month, with a 7%

Toll Brothers Tops, Builder Notes Housing Recovery

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:35:00 GMT

Toll Brothers (TOL) added to the improving housing picture Wednesday with results that reinvigorated confidence in a market rebound. The homebuilder swung to a Q2 profit of 10 cents a share, beating estimates by 6 cents, as revenue rose 17% to $373.7 million, below views of $382 million. New orders jumped 47% to 1,290 units, and backlog climbed 37% to 2,403 units. Industrywide, sales of new single-family homes rose 3.3% in April vs. March to an

Apple, Other Top 5 Big Caps Less Big But Still Strong

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:22:00 GMT

The recent market swoon has shaved about $74 billion off Apple's (AAPL) market capitalization since early April, but it's still a hefty $520.8 billion and doesn't look likely to collapse anytime soon. Other companies on the latest Big Cap Leaders screen also aren't as big as they once were, but like Apple they retain basic strengths that helped them grow in the first place. In fact, Apple remains the world's most valuable brand, which swelled 19%

Wells Fargo Lays Out Asset Management, Growth Plans

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:44:00 GMT

Wells Fargo (WFC) laid out its growth strategy at its annual investor day event Tuesday, saying it's well positioned for growth but will be cautious about acquisitions. The No. 4 U.S. bank by assets said it has set a target to double its $444 billion asset management operations in seven years. The company said it will expand in international markets, including Europe as it recovers from the debt crisis. Wells Fargo said it will add the foreign

Trouble In Europe Clouds Ralph Lauren Sales Forecast

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:34:00 GMT

Spending from wealthier consumers drove strong Ralph Lauren (RL) fourth-quarter results. But ongoing economic malaise in Europe threatens growth in the coming quarters, the upscale fashion and home goods brand said. Earnings surged almost 34% to 99 cents per share, 15 cents above analysts' forecasts. Net revenue climbed 13.7% to $1.62 billion, in line with views. Sales at stores open at least a year climbed 12%, with sharper increases at its

Toll Bros. To Report Amid Signs Of Housing Rebound

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:19:00 GMT

Toll Bros. (TOL) will report earnings Wednesday after a steady stream of positive housing news has investors primed for what could be the long-awaited turnaround in the market. Reports from rival homebuilders like PulteGroup (PHM) showed improved orders and backlogs for new homes. Housing starts and sales are up as well. Sales of existing homes, while not the main business of homebuilders, are turning up too, pointing to more overall momentum in

Can American Eagle's Earnings Soar Where Others Fell?

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:12:00 GMT

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings before the market opens Wednesday amid restructuring changes. This week has been up and down for clothiers. Urban Outfitters' (URBN) profit beat expectations but Express (EXPR) missed. The young adult clothing retailer is expected to report a 54% jump in earnings to 20 cents per share. Revenue is seen rising 18% to $720 million. American Eagle raised its first-quarter

Generac Powers Up When Power Goes Down

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Hurricane Irene in August and a freak Halloween snowstorm wreaked havoc and misery in the East and Midwest, leaving millions without power. But Generac Holdings (GNRC), the top manufacturer of residential backup generators, is still basking in what it calls the "afterglow." The firm typically sees business go up after major power outages as homeowners vow, "Never again!" That heightened awareness of the agonies of having no power -- spoiled food,

DSW Beats, Shares Rise 9.3%; Express Misses, Falls 25.3%

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:01:00 GMT

DSW (DSW) raised its 2012 earnings guidance and increased its quarterly dividend after the off-price shoe retailer reported first-quarter earnings Tuesday above Wall Street expectations. But earnings at men's and women's apparel retailer Express (EXPR) missed. The shoe store operator said earnings rose 13% to 98 cents, beating views by 8 cents. "Earnings were at record levels despite absorbing incremental costs related to the acceleration in our

Williams-Sonoma Jumps On Sound Q1 Profit, Sales Gains

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:54:00 GMT

Williams-Sonoma (WSM) shot up early after the home furnishings and accessories company announced before the market opened that it beat the Street's first-quarter estimates, and it raised its profit guidance for the full year. The strong results are an indication that cash-strapped consumers may be willing to spend more on items for the home. The report comes after building and home improvement chains Home Depot (HD) and Lowe's (LOW) last week

AutoZone Growth Stalls As New-Car Sales Surge

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:52:00 GMT

The nation's largest auto parts retail chain, AutoZone (AZO), beat analyst forecasts on rising sales and improved margins. But the high-octane growth rate for it and other parts sellers has slowed. AutoZone's fiscal third-quarter earnings surged 18.6% to $6.28 per share, vs. forecasts for $6.25. It was the 23rd consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, though it was down from the 24% growth seen in the first two quarters of the year. Sales

Urban Outfitters Beats Street On Regularly Priced Items

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:40:00 GMT

Urban Outfitters (URBN) beat profit beat expectations on Monday as the youth apparel store operator had strong, regularly price sales, moving away from discounting. The operator of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People clothing stores said first-quarter earnings remained flat at 23 cents per share, beating estimates by 3 cents. "We are encouraged by the customer response to the steady progress our brands have made in creative and product

Update: Lowe's Stock Dives 10% On Weak Sales Outlook

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:36:00 GMT

The situation isn't improving for Lowe's (LOW), Home Depot (HD) and other building and home improvement retailers. Lowe's, the world's second-largest home improvement retailer, slumped nearly 10% in the stock market early after it reported profit and sales that beat analyst expectations, but said sales slowed near the end of the usually strong quarter. It cut its forecast for the full year. The operator of more than 1,700 home-improvement supply

Smith & Wesson Up On Strong Sales; Sturm Ruger Falls

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:25:00 GMT

Smith & Wesson (SWHC) shares jumped 6% Monday after the gun maker reported preliminary quarter sales that topped estimates. But shares of rival Sturm Ruger (RGR) continued to sell off. Smith & Wesson's sales climbed 28% to $129 million during the company's fourth quarter, ending in April, outstripping its projection of $113 million to $118 million, and analysts' estimates of $124.4 million. The company said the gain came on rising sales across the

IBD 50: Five Top Stocks Outperforming Apple Right Now

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:10:00 GMT

With the market in correction, this is not a good time to be buying stocks. But it's always the right time to be on the lookout for quality companies. And it's wise to look behind the obvious names or the ones dominating the headlines, such as Apple (AAPL) or Facebook (FB). Many stocks on the elite IBD 50 have sold off in recent weeks. But here are the top five that, though battered, are still holding strong above their 50-day moving averages.

Audio Chipmaker Cirrus Logic Joined At Hip To Apple

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:45:00 GMT

As Apple goes, so goes Cirrus Logic. The fortunes of Cirrus Logic are closely tied to Apple's performance, because Cirrus gets the lion's share of its revenue from Apple. Cirrus provides audio chip technology for Apple's mobile products, including the iPhone and iPad. Last quarter, Cirrus (CRUS) got about two-thirds of its sales from Apple (AAPL). Apple is driving "virtually all" of Cirrus' growth, says Rick Schafer, an analyst with Oppenheimer.

Greek Euro Exit Getting Priced Into Top U.S. Banks

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:23:00 GMT

As the probability of a Greek exit from the euro zone increases, the potential damage to U.S. banks is getting priced into some analysts' estimates. Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS) were all downgraded at JMP Securities, which puts the chances of a Greek exit at 60%. It cut the price target on Goldman to $77 from $169 and on Morgan Stanley to $11 from $26. It also set price

Eaton's Cooper Buy, Shift To Ireland Will Cut Taxes

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:59:00 GMT

The automotive and aerospace component maker Eaton (ETN) is buying electrical equipment maker Cooper Industries (CBE) for $11.8 billion to broaden its product base and geographic reach. The cash and stock deal, expected to close in the second half of the year, is a 29% premium over Cooper's Friday close. Eaton will pay $39.15 in cash and 0.77479 share for each Cooper share. In early afternoon trading, Eaton rose 65 cents to 43.05, making the deal

Earnings Preview: DSW, Rue 21 Lead 5 Apparel Retailers

Sat, 19 May 2012 12:02:00 GMT

How will the latest batch of apparel retailers do after a wild week for competitors? Urban Outfitters (URBN), DSW (DSW), Express (EXPR), American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) and Rue 21 (RUE) are on tap to report earnings this week. Of those, DSW and Rue are highly rated stocks. Shoppers have returned to the mall, sending same-store sales up for many retailers including Zumiez (ZUMZ) and Chico's FAS (CHS), which are also highly rated stocks. And the

Will Lowe's Save Home Improvement's Earnings Season?

Sat, 19 May 2012 12:02:00 GMT

Home improvement retail chain Lowe's (LOW) will report first-quarter results before the market opens Monday, and the Street is looking for cues whether consumers are spending to spruce up homes or holding onto cash in a sluggish housing market. The Lowe's profit outlook has risen since the beginning of the quarter. Analysts expect a 24% jump in profit to 42 cents a share vs. the same quarter last year. That's up from a view of 38 cents at the

Lincoln Electric Booms As Industrial Recovery Gains Steam

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:36:00 GMT

Nobody can say for sure how far America's manufacturing rebound can go. But for now, Lincoln Electric is enjoying the run. Cleveland-based Lincoln (LECO) is a leading vendor of welding equipment and materials, holding upward of 30% of North America market share. After decades of outsourcing, job cuts and general decline, many U.S. manufacturers have been snapping back in the last couple of years. Durable goods manufacturing rose by nearly 8% last

SXC And Catalyst Catch Fire In Express Scripts Shadow

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:14:00 GMT

A watershed moment in the drug benefits management trade came April 2, when the Federal Trade Commission waved through Express Scripts' (ESRX) $29 billion acquisition of Medco Health Solutions. The merger -- hotly contested by many consumer and industry advocates -- quickly closed the same day, collapsing the industry's Big Three into the Big Two. CVS Caremark (CVS) moved up from No. 3 to No. 2. Many in the industry saw the FTC's

Foot Locker, Hibbett Sales and Earnings Hot In Q1

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:51:00 GMT

Runners, golfers and tennis aficionados got out to play earlier than usual this year, driving stronger first-quarter results at Foot Locker (FL), Hibbett Sports (HIBB) and other sporting goods retailers. Foot Locker said first-quarter earnings climbed 38% to 83 cents per share, beating analyst forecasts for 74 cents. Revenue climbed 8.7% to $1.6 billion, beating views. Sales at stores open at least a year climbed 9.7%. Shares leapt 10% midday to

Wall St. Revenue Seen Down, JPMorgan Loss Looks Worse

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:51:00 GMT

Wall Street's trading and investment banking revenue is seen falling sharply in Q2 but will probably do better than JPMorgan Chase's (JPM) derivatives blunder, which could get far worse. For a group of eight U.S. and European investment banks, including Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS), fixed income revenue is expected to drop 32% from Q1, a JPMorgan analyst estimates. Revenue is seen falling 14% in equities trading and 17% in

Ann Inc. Q1 EPS Beats On Lofty LOFT Sales

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:42:00 GMT

Ann Inc.'s (ANN) first-quarter profit beat Street expectations on Friday, boosted by sales at its lower-price LOFT stores and fewer discounts. But the women's clothing store operator issued weak sales guidance for the second-quarter. Ann said Q1 earnings rose 14% to 58 cents per share, topping expectations by 7 cents. Total sales rose 7% to $560.4 million, slightly under views of $560.83 million. Shares rose 3.4% to 26.74. "In the stores channel,

Recovery? Just 16 States Have Gained Jobs Under Obama

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:23:00 GMT

Just 16 states have seen job growth since President Obama took office, according to state employment data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The remaining states have lost a combined 1.4 million jobs since January 2009. Even 34 months after the recession officially ended in June 2009, there are still 11 states that have fewer people working now than at the start of the recovery. Meanwhile, 20 states have

Real Estate Agents See Spring Home Sales And Bid Wars

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:18:00 GMT

Anyone who makes a living in residential real estate knows better than to crack open the champagne just because of some encouraging housing data. Still, it's hard not to get cautiously upbeat over recent trends that point to an improving U.S. housing market and indicate some further strengthening in months to come. National real estate analysts and local real estate agents sound encouraged by the state of housing as it enters the stretch drive of

Wal-Mart Up On U.S. Sales, Dollar Tree Guides Q2 Low

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:59:00 GMT

Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) continued to build momentum at home, as the retail giant's ongoing restocking efforts fueled better-than-expected first-quarter profit. Meanwhile, off-price apparel retailer Ross Stores (ROST) said it will double its stores, while Dollar Tree (DLTR) shares retreated on weak profit guidance. Wal-Mart, the world's No. 1 retailer, said Thursday that Q1 earnings rose 12% to $1.09 a share, 3 cents over analyst

Facebook IPO Raises $16 Billion As Insiders Cash Out

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:46:00 GMT

Facebook (FB) late Thursday priced its initial public offering at $38 a share, making way for what is the second-largest U.S. IPO ever and giving the company a value of $104 billion. With 424 million shares set to be sold -- 57% by existing shareholders and 43% by the company -- the IPO would raise $16 billion, just above the $15.8 billion raised by General Motors (GM) and below the $17.9 billion raised by Visa (V), both in 2008, according to IPO

Lumber Liquidators' New CEO Helps Drive Sales Surge

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:27:00 GMT

Lumber Liquidators Chief Executive Rob Lynch scored high marks with Wall Street on his first report card since taking the helm Jan. 1. The hardwood flooring retailer saw first-quarter earnings pop 45% to 29 cents a share, topping views. Sales rose 18% to $188 million, also ahead of forecasts. It was the biggest sales gain since the second quarter of 2010. It was also the company's third straight quarter of double-digit sales and earnings growth.

Sands, Other Casino Stocks Breach, Near Key Levels

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:43:00 GMT

Nearly every major casino company saw its shares extend sharp sell-offs Thursday as consumers cut discretionary spending amid a slowing global economy. Last Friday, Nevada gaming officials reported that, led by the Las Vegas strip, casino gambling for the state fell 10.9% in March from the same month last year, to $854.6 million. The decline came after five straight months of rising gambling revenue. In addition, the ongoing debt crisis in Europe

Caterpillar Sales Stalling On Asia, Latin America

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:33:00 GMT

Dealers of Caterpillar's (CAT) earth-moving equipment and other machinery reported slowing sales in April, with the sharpest deceleration coming from the once-fastest-growing Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions. The world's largest heavy equipment maker said in a filing Thursday that sales were up globally 12% in the three-month period ending in April. That's down from the 18% increase in the three-month window that ended in March and the 21%

Airlines Fall As Size Of Delta Capacity Surprises

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Airline stocks sold off as Delta Air Lines (DAL) announced plans to cut capacity on its trans-Atlantic routes 5% after Labor Day. The Transportation-Airlines group, which had been bucking the market sell-off as lower crude futures suggest fuel costs should decline, fell more than 3% on the larger-than-expected cutback. Speaking at an industry event, Delta President Ed Bastian said the latest reduction will bring the company's total capacity -- the

Herbalife, Nu Skin Resume Slide After Einhorn Silence

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:38:00 GMT

If Amazon.com's (AMZN) future is a "riddle," what does silence say about Herbalife (HLF)? During an investor conference Wednesday, famous short-seller David Einhorn hit on a slew of firms, from Martin Marietta Materials (MLM) to Apple (AAPL). The co-founder of Greenlight Capital called Martin Marietta's chief executive a "megalomaniac," and said the granite and gravel producer is benefiting from a one-time stimulus measure that's about to wind

Sears Goes Back To Its Roots: Shedding Real Estate

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:17:00 GMT

Sears Holdings (SHLD) shares rallied as much as 14% on plans to spin off a large chunk of its Sears Canada operations as well as better-than-expected Q1 results on other real estate sales. Sears Holdings, which operates Sears and K-Mart stores, rose 7.7% to 54.80 in afternoon trading as the broader markets continued to retreat. The stock has been trending lower for several weeks, but is still up 72% in 2012. Sears Holdings owns 95% of its Canadian

Bank Stocks Hit By JPMorgan Fallout, Europe Crisis

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:03:00 GMT

JPMorgan Chase (JPM), which could see its losses on credit default swaps get even bigger, was leading financials lower Thursday. The sell-off comes amid more bad news on Europe's debt crisis, reports of tougher bank regulation and estimates that top global banks need to raise hundreds of billions of additional dollars to meet new capital rules. JPMorgan's $2 billion trading loss disclosed last week could grow by at least $1 billion, the New York

Advance Auto Parts Guides For Rougher Road In Q2

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:32:00 GMT

Advance Auto Parts (AAP) warned of a "meaningful slowdown" in April sales, sending shares into a skid and stalling out other auto parts retailers and repairers. The chain, with almost 3,700 parts stores, said Q1 earnings surged 33% to $1.79 per share, but analysts were looking for 2 cents more. Revenue climbed 3% to $1.96 billion, shy of analysts' consensus estimates of $2 billion. Sales at stores open at least a year climbed 2.1%. It's shares

Apple, LinkedIn Lead IBD's Top 5 'Fundamentals' Techs

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:02:00 GMT

When times get tough, don't forget the fundamentals. Take Tangoe (TNGO) for instance. The enterprise software developer earlier this month topped first-quarter analyst forecasts, and climbed to new highs. More than that though, it's posted a 307% growth rate in earnings per share since over the past three years. That puts it at the top of IBD's latest Screen of the Day, measuring firms with top fundamentals. Its EPS climbed 50% in that most recent