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Forex Trading: Euro Firmer Following A Comments From Germany’s Ernst That The ECB Will Provide Temporary Security Of EUR 35 Bln During The Greek Write-down Phase.

Greg Michalowski — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:23:08 +0000

The Euro has been grinding lower for most of the New York trading day with the Dow closing flat on the day and the Nikkei and Hang Seng both closing in the red. Risk sentiment continued to drag the EUR lower with Dow futures currently down 58 points. The EUR/USD came close to testing support at 1.32344 before the comments was release, we haven’t seen a close below this level since … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Euro Higher On Barroso’s Comments

Greg Michalowski — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:17:56 +0000

Greek bailout package is in its final stage.
Expects a solution on the Greek bailout to be reached next week.
Confident that Greece will remain in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

National Bank Of Serbia Pauses Interest Rate At 9.50%

CentralBankNews — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:14:00 +0000

The National Bank of Serbia held its 2-week repo rate unchanged at 9.50%. The Bank said: ”The key risks to inflation projection stem from the international environment due to the still unresolved crisis in the euro area, as well as from fiscal policy at home. Keeping the budget deficit within the framework earlier agreed with the IMF would serve as an additional safeguard of macroeconomic stability and leave more scope for future relaxation of monetary policy.”
The Bank … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aggressive Growth Stock: Pandora

Zacks Investment Research — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:05:18 +0000

Pandora (P) shows signs of strong growth potential and is making the rounds in an effort to tell its story. The stock is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
Company Description
Pandora operates as an Internet radio company in the United States. It provides its radio service to traditional computers, Android phones, Blackberry phones, and the iPhone. The company allows listeners to seed personalized stations with artists, composers, songs, and genres or choose stations organized by genre.
Limited Operating … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bull Of The Day: Hain Celestial Group (HAIN)

Zacks Investment Research — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:05:16 +0000

A leader in natural food and personal care products with an array of well-known brands, Hain Celestial Group (NASDAQ:HAIN) offers investors one of the strongest growth profiles in the industry. The company’s strategic investments plus continued efforts to contain costs, increase productivity, and enhance cash flows and margins have enabled it to deliver healthy results.
This is quite evident from Hain’s second-quarter 2012. The quarterly earnings of $0.52 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bear Of The Day: Altera Corporation (ALTR)

Zacks Investment Research — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:05:14 +0000

Earnings estimates for Altera Corp. (NASDAQ:ALTR) have declined significantly after a weak guidance for the first quarter of 2012. The company expects sales to decline 5%-9% sequentially. As per management, the program timing in the Military section will account for half of the decline.
The company expects revenues from the wireless segment to move lower across multiple geographies due to continued inventory depletion and softening of demand in the second half of 2011. Altera has a large exposure to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Growth & Income Stock: Enterprise Products Partners LP

Zacks Investment Research — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:05:12 +0000

Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE:EPD) posted record results for the fourth quarter of 2011 on February 1. It was also its 9th consecutive positive earnings surprise.
Estimates have been moving significantly higher for both 2012 and 2013, sending the stock to a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy).
The company also recently increased its quarterly distribution for a remarkable 30th consecutive time. It currently yields a juicy 4.9%.
MLP
Enterprise Products Partners is a Master Limited Partnership (MLP) … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Momentum Stock: MagicJack (VocalTec Ltd)

Zacks Investment Research — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:05:10 +0000

MagicJack (NASDAQ:CALL)
Almost a month to date, on January 10th I wrote about Magic Jack (CALL) first here as a Momentum Rank Buy. On that date, the stock was trading at roughly $13.50. Since then shares of the Magic Jack maker leapt 48% to a high of almost $20. I thought it would be a good time to revisit Magic Jack and explore where I see the stock headed now as it has settled down to the $17 level.
Obviously performance like this must be backed by fundamental data, which we are … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

What Dollar Store Locations Reveal About America

Mark Perry — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:39:00 +0000

How does the concentration of dollars stores correlate with various socio-economic factors? Here are some interesting results from a study featured in The Atlantic:

1. The correlation between dollar stores and median income is significant and negative (-.57).

2. Dollar stores are concentrated in states with lower levels of education or human capital. The correlation is again significant and negative, even greater than for income (-.77).

3. The geography of dollar stores … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Resistance Reference Barrier To Watch In Silver SLV

Corey Rosenbloom — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:32:13 +0000

Silver (and its popular ETF SLV) face a major resistance barrier overhead which should be watched closely.
Let’s update the current Daily Chart of Silver and SLV to note this key price level to watch as a reference.

Let’s focus most of our attention on the overhead resistance cluster at the $35.00 per ounce level.
On the chart above, we see three major indicators wrapping around the $35.00 area:

The larger 38.2% Fibonacci Retracement (whole move)
The smaller 50.05% Fibonacci Retracement … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Bull Call Spread Discussed

OptionsXpress — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:22:29 +0000

Cusick’s Corner
I was talking about bull call spreads in the Midday and one reader asked to give at an example. Let’s say you decide to enter a bull call spread on XYZ stock trading near $26.00 by purchasing a call option two strikes below the current stock price and then selling a call with a higher strike. Example: if you buy May 22.50 strike calls for $4.20 then this call option gives you the right to buy the stock for $22.50 per share. For the other leg of the spread if you sell May 25 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Dr Pepper Ups Shareholder Returns

Zacks Investment Research — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:10:06 +0000

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS), a leading manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages in the U.S., has increased its quarterly dividend to 34 cents per share, bringing its annualized dividend rate to $1.36 per share.
The new dividend rate reflects a 6.3% growth over the previous quarterly dividend of 32 cents per share (annualized $1.28 per share), which was paid in January 2012. As per the company, its new dividend rate of 34 cents will be paid on April 6, 2012, to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Mortgage Settlement Reached

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:58:00 +0000

02/09/12 A multi-billion dollar settlement was reached between the nation’s largest banks and 49 states, following lengthy government investigations into mortgage-related … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Positive Results On Forest/Gedeon Drug

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:55:14 +0000

Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:FRX) and partner Gedeon Richter recently presented positive top-line results on their antipsychotic candidate, cariprazine (RGH-188). Preliminary top-line results were presented from a phase III study that was conducted in patients with acute mania associated with bipolar I disorder.
Results from the five-week multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study showed that patients in the cariprazine arm experienced significant symptom improvement … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bristol-Myers, SNY Win Plavix Damages

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:40:13 +0000

Apotex recently settled its dispute regarding the blockbuster blood thinner Plavix with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and partner Sanofi (NYSE:SNY). The patent related dispute, which started in 2002, was resolved after Apotex paid Bristol-Myers and Sanofi approximately $444.2 million as damages.
Apotex parted with the amount following the decision of an US appeals court in October 2011 which upheld the intellectual property rights related to Plavix. Apotex made further payments to the tune … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Update On VPHM’s Industrial Facility

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:30:13 +0000

ViroPharma Inc. (NASDAQ:VPHM) recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a complete response letter (CRL) for Cinryze’s industrial scale manufacturing facility.
The regulatory body made three comments related to a portion of the cleaning validation for industrial scale manufacturing, of which only one requires additional unplanned activity. ViroPharma does not expect this activity to take much time to complete.
The FDA also said that it has not finished reviewing … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Outperform On Abiomed

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:20:31 +0000

We retain our Outperform recommendation on Abiomed (NASDAQ:ABMD) following its impressive third-quarter fiscal 2012 results which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimates.
Adjusted earnings per share of 6 cents a share for the quarter outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 1 cent. The company swung to a profit in the quarter on the heels of solid revenues from its popular Impella cardiac pumps. Revenues soared 18% year over year to $32.2 million.
Abiomed raised its revenue guidance for … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Consumer Sentiment Reading In Spotlight

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:20:00 +0000

02/09/12 At the end of a fairly light week for US economic data, consumer sentiment and trade deficit figures will be released. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will be speaking about housing at the National Association of Homebuilders International … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Newfield Kept At Neutral Rec

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:15:07 +0000

We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on Texas-based Newfield Exploration Company (NYSE:NFX). Newfield is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. The company’s domestic operation spreads over the Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountains, onshore Texas, Appalachia and the Gulf of Mexico, while overseas exposure includes Malaysia and China.
Newfield’s diversified portfolio of assets provides both flexibility and significant growth … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks To Watch Friday

Antonio Costa — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:01:00 +0000

( click to enlarge )

Zagg Inc (ZAGG) is consolidating near the resistance level $11 on low volume since the move up. It would be very attractive as a long candidate if it holds its ground here and then turns higher. MACD is still on the positive zone. RSI is still at high 60s. Accumulation/Distribution chart is still on the upmove and the stock is comfortably above the 50 and 20-day moving average. I’m long on ZAGG and I will add more shares on a move above $11, with the expectation of a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Can Groupon Recover? Stock Tanks On Taxes

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

02/09/12 Groupon Inc., the largest daily-deal site, tumbled as much as 16% after reporting an unexpected, tax-related Q4 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Citi Entangled In Lawsuit Again

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:59:16 +0000

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is again making headlines for landing into another legal mess. Recently, Citibank, the banking unit of the company, has been sued by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. for wrongly confiscating nearly $2.5 billion, which was transferred by Lehman just before its bankruptcy filing in 2008.
Currently, Lehman is pursuing a liquidation plan and will likely pay 18 cents per dollar to its creditors. However, about $2 billion that it has so far gathered is actually pledged to Citi. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aflac Values $750M Notes

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:50:28 +0000

Yesterday, Aflac Inc. (NYSE:AFL) announced the pricing of long-term fixed rate notes worth $750 million in two tranches. One set of 5-year senior notes are priced at par value of $400 million with a coupon rate of 2.65%. These notes are issued at a price of $99.911 that should generate yield of 2.669%.
The other tranche of 10-year fixed rate senior notes are priced at par value of $350 million with a coupon rate of 4.00%. These notes are issued at a price of $99.820 and are expected to yield … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Contracts Flowing In For Northrop

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:35:34 +0000

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received a contract worth $103 million from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) under which it will provide support to the Mission Command Training Support Program (“MCTSP”) of the National Guard Bureau Mission Training Complexes (“MTC”) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Camp Dodge, Iowa, and Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania.
The purpose of MTC is to provide individual and collective training support with the help of live, virtual, and serious … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

O’Charley’s To Join Fidelity

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:35:32 +0000

O’Charley’s Inc. (NASDAQ:CHUX) recently inked a definitive agreement with Fidelity National Financial Inc. (NYSE:FNF). Under the agreement, Fidelity will acquire all the outstanding shares of O’Charley’s for a total equity value of approximately $221 million on a fully diluted basis.
The purchase price is at a 42% premium to O’Charley’s closing stock price of $6.92 on February 3, 2012 and at a 57% premium over the closing 20-day average trading price of $6.27. The transaction is … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

FUJIY Retains Neutral Territory

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:20:26 +0000

We maintain our Neutral rating on Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (FUJIY).
We believe that Fuji’s relentless focus on technological innovation in response to growing market needs coupled with its strong sales promotion is anticipated to lay a solid foundation for the company’s future.
Moreover, we presume that the company’s proactive investments in priority business fields of significant potential will continue to outpace the market, positioning Fujifilm as a sustained and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

McDonald’s Comps Remain Solid

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:15:19 +0000

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) has maintained its impressive run of posting solid comparables sales results, driven by its value offerings, premium products and growing global footprint. Global comparable sales of the company grew 6.7% in January, on the heels of strong sales of beverage and core menu products. Comparable sales growth also climbed from 5.3% in January 2011.
The fast-food restaurant operator witnessed an uptrend across its domestic and international markets on a year-over-year basis. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

PetroChina Buys Into Canadian Asset

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:05:31 +0000

Chinese energy giant PetroChina Co. Ltd. (NYSE:PTR) inked an asset acquisition deal with Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A). Per the agreement, PetroChina purchased 20% stake in a Canadian shale gas project – Groundbirch – from Shell. However, neither of the companies disclosed the financial terms of the deal.
Located in northeastern British Columbia, Shell owns 100% interest in the Groundbirch project that holds a production capacity of 1 billion cubic feet equivalents (bcfe) per day and has an … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sprint Extends M2M Coverage

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:20 +0000

The M2M market is growing rapidly in the cellular industry and is being used by a number of mobile network operators in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region in particular. Major operators are entering into M2M services as their voice and data service markets reach a saturation point.
M2M refers to technologies that allow both wireless and wireline systems to communicate with other devices of the same capacity. In this regard, the third-largest U.S. wireless carrier Sprint Nextel … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks Higher On Jobs Data, Greek Deal

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

02/09/12 Wall Street saw small gains Thursday as traders mulled a deal between Greece and its rescuers while U.S. jobs data came in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

GameStop Initiates Dividend Payout

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:50:36 +0000

Recently, GameStop Corporation (NYSE:GME), the video game and entertainment software retailer, announced its first-ever quarterly dividend of 15 cents a share, reflecting the company’s debt-free balance sheet along with healthy cash flows.
The announced dividend will be paid on March 12, 2012 to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2012. Moreover, GameStop added that the future dividends will be subject to the approval of board.
GameStop became debt-free after redeeming its remaining $125 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Speedy Review For Roche Drug

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:50:34 +0000

Roche Holdings Ltd. (RHHBY) recently announced that its Biologics License Application (BLA) for pertuzumab has been accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review. The regulatory body has granted priority review status to the company’s application, which seeks to get pertuzumab approved in combination with Herceptin (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy docetaxel for treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients.
The FDA’s … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Alcatel Lucent

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:28:44 +0000

Alcatel Lucent (NYSE:ALU) is scheduled to report its fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 results on Friday February 10, 2012. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 12 cents a share. For the quarter under review, revenue is $5.8 billion, according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Third-Quarter 2011, a Synopsis
Alcatel Lucent released its third quarter 2011 earnings results, reporting earnings per share from continuing operations of 10 cents, which was above the Zacks Consensus … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: EBAY

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:28:42 +0000

Following the fourth quarter earnings announcement on January 18, more than half the analysts covering eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) have made downward revisions to their estimates. Decelerating gross merchandise volume (GMV) trend, inconsistent performance by the Marketplaces segment, European macro concerns, and intensifying competition could be the reasons for downward revisions.
Last Quarter Synopsis
eBay’s fourth quarter earnings excluding stock based compensation came in at 60 cents, better than … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usdhkd Breaks Out Of This Hourly Wedge.

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:22:01 +0000

usdhkd breaks out of this hourly wedge giving a bullish … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/sgd Bounced Off Support Line.

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:21:59 +0000

usd/sgd bounced off support line giving a bullish signal. The pair might start testing the retracement levels from this recent move … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude, Oil Product Inventories Rise

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:12:25 +0000

The U.S. Energy Department’s weekly inventory release showed that crude stockpiles logged a slim build that was well below analyst forecast. The agency’s report further revealed that gasoline and distillate stocks rose from their previous week levels, as product demand continues to be weak. Meanwhile, refinery utilization rate was up by 1.0%.
The Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) Petroleum Status Report – which contains data for the previous week ending Friday, outlines information … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Net Income Plummets At TriQuint

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:04:25 +0000

TriQuint Corporation (NASDAQ:TQNT) reported a significant decline in net income in the fourth quarter of 2011, primarily due to lower revenues and gross margin. Revenues of $227.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 were up 5% sequentially but down 10% year over year.
Net income plummeted 71% sequentially and 90% year over year $4.3 million. EPS came in at $0.03 compared to $0.25 in the year-ago quarter and $0.09 per share in the previous quarter. Excluding restructuring charges but including … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cat Losses Mar Everest Re Earnings

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:00:08 +0000

Everest Re Group Ltd. (NYSE:RE) reported fourth quarter 2011 operating loss of 94 cents per share, substantially wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 27 cents. Results were in stark contrast to earnings of $4.70 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. Everest Re’s quarter and full year earnings were both badly affected by record catastrophe losses.
For full year 2011, Everest Re reported operating loss of $1.73 per share, also wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Itau Unibanco Profit Falls In Q4

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:00:05 +0000

Brazil’s Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.’s (ITUB) fourth-quarter 2011 net income came in at R$3.7 billion ($2.0 billion), below the prior quarter earnings of R$ 3.81 billion ($2.3 billion) and year-ago earnings of R$ 3.90 billion ($2.3 billion).
Excluding non-recurring items, Itaú Unibanco reported fourth quarter earnings of R$ 3.75 billion ($2.1 billion), down 4.9% sequentially but up 10.2% year over year.
While Itaú Unibanco experienced an increase in its net … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

PRU Gains On Recent Acquisitions

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:40:12 +0000

U.S. life insurer Prudential Financial Inc.’s (NYSE:PRU) core operating earnings for the quarter came in at $1.97 per share, substantially higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.76. Results were positively impacted, primarily by a three-fold increase in International earnings, led by Japan acquisitions earlier during the year. Full year 2011 earnings of $6.41 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.25.
On a GAAP basis, net income increased 2.8 times year over year to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Lockheed Martin

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:40:10 +0000

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), the defense industry goliath, exited fiscal 2011 on a mixed note. Lockheed Martin reported strong bottom line beating past the market apprehension but missed the top line. The company posted fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings of $2.53 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.94 and the year-ago quarterly earnings of $2.28.
Lockheed Martin also affirmed its fiscal 2012 earnings to be in the range of $7.70 – $7.90, on revenues in the range … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Rustbelt Recovery: Michigan Has A Budget Surplus And A Lower Jobless Rate Than Washington D.C.

Mark Perry — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:29:00 +0000

NY Times — “Over most of the past decade, budget deliberations in Michigan have taken on a glum and familiar monotony: What do we cut now? But the state that experienced an economic downturn earlier, deeper and longer than most of the rest of the country has made an unlikely discovery as its officials closed out its latest financial books: Michigan has a $457 million surplus. Even more surprising: Revenues, which had sunk or had been mostly flat for all but one year since 2000, have grown. Not … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Powerful Risk On Rally Benefitting Gold And Silver Explorers In 2012

Jeb Handwerger — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:27:44 +0000

Gold’s accelerated move to $1900 in the summer of 2011 past overhead resistance indicated the market was waiting for an inflationary QE3. The market got a surprise as Bernanke waited until 2012. This was no surprise for my readers and precious metals declined lower in the second half depicting a surprise move with gaps lower.
Luckily we were able to call the top in silver in April 2011 and gold in September 2011 as it reached overbought conditions, locking in partial … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Kimco Reports In Line With Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:25:11 +0000

Kimco Realty Corp. (NYSE:KIM), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT), reported fourth quarter 2011 FFO (funds from operations) of $135.4 million or 33 cents per share compared with $125.3 million or 31 cents in the year-ago period. Funds from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income.
Excluding certain non-recurring items, FFO for the reported quarter was $123.5 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Hologic

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:25:09 +0000

The announcement of Hologic’s (NASDAQ:HOLX) first quarter of fiscal 2012 results as on January 30, 2012, has led analysts to increase their estimates over the long term. However, the current headwinds have forced the analysts to take a cautious stand for the next two quarters.
Previous Quarter Highlights
The company reported an adjusted EPS of 34 cents during the first quarter of fiscal 2012, a couple of cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and 4 cents above the year-ago figure. Revenues … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Selecting Strikes For Spreads – Consider Volatility Sentiment Too

OptionsXpress — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:19:27 +0000

Cusick’s Corner
Last night I talked to clients at our event in NYC about bull call spreads, a type of debit spread that can be used when a strategist is neutral to mildly bullish on a stock expected to close above the strike price that is sold in the spread. The maximum profit at expiration is reached when the stock trades at the strike price you sold and will not increase even if the stock goes above the strike. I also pointed out that you need to establish your sentiment on volatility which … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sigma Beats On Revenues

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:05:17 +0000

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (NASDAQ:SIAL) reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings of 91 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 89 cents. Results also came in better than the earnings of 83 cents in the year ago quarter.
Considering a one time tax charge of 2 cents per share in the quarter, earnings came in at 89 cents per share versus 76 in the year-ago quarter. For the full year 2011, Sigma reported earnings of $3.76 per share, an increase of 14% year over year and exceeded the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Thoratec Beats, Profit Jumps

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:05:15 +0000

Thoratec Corp’s (NASDAQ:THOR) fourth-quarter and fiscal 2011 adjusted (excluding one-time items other than stock-based compensation expenses) earnings per share of 31 cents and $1.38, respectively, beat the corresponding Zacks Consensus Estimates of 30 cents and $1.37.
Profit (as reported) from continuing operations rose 21.6% year over year to $15.3 million (or 25 cents per share) aided by better utilization at pre-existing ventricular assist device (VAD) programs as well as growth of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cincinnati Financial Exceeds Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:18 +0000

Propery and casulaty insurer, Cincinnati Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:CINF) reported fourth quarter 2011 operating earnings of 86 cents per share, substantially ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 58 cents per share and up 23% year over year. The earnings outperformance came on the back of higher premiums in the commercial, personal and excess and surplus lines, and a lower share count.
Full year 2011 earnings per share came in at 74 cents, significantly higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimated of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Mixed 4Q For Scripps Networks

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:16 +0000

Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. (NYSE:SNI) has reported mixed financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011. Quarterly adjusted revenue of $553.5 million increased 9.5% on a yearly basis, but fell below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $562 million. The year-over-year revenue growth was primarily driven by higher advertising revenue.
Quarterly GAAP net income from continuing operation was $135 million or 84 cents per share compared with $123.2 million or 73 cents per share in the prior-year … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Noble Beats, Guides Favorably

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:13 +0000

Independent oil and gas producer Noble Energy Inc. (NYSE:NBL) reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.18 for the fourth quarter of 2011, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12. The quarterly results were 14 cents lower than the year-ago earnings of $1.04 per share.
GAAP loss during the quarter was $1.67 per share compared with earnings of 29 cents per share in the year-ago period. The difference between the GAAP and operating figures during the reported quarter was due to … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Economist On The Street: Focus On US Jobs And UK’s QE

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

02/09/12 Meridian Equity Partners’ Stephen Guilfoyle discusses key fundamentals including US employment data, the BoE’s latest quantitative easing measures and the outlook for the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stable Quarter From Hawaii Electric

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:50:37 +0000

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. (NYSE:HE) announced fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings of 36 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and beating past the year-ago earnings of 26 cents per share.
Fiscal 2011 operating earnings came in at $1.44 per share, nominally below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.45. However, this was above fiscal 2010 earnings of $1.21 per share.
Operating Statistics
Total revenue of the company at the end of the fourth quarter was $851.0 million … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Lorillard Exceeds, Ups Dividends

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:40:34 +0000

Lorillard Inc. (NYSE:LO) delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2011 adjusted earnings of $2.20 and $7.88 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.96 and $7.65 per share, respectively. The results also exceeded the prior-year quarterly earnings by 26.4% and prior-year earnings by 16.2%.
The adjusted earnings exclude the favorable impact on tobacco settlement expense of $25 million. However, the adjusted results include the benefit of the company’s share … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Pepsi Beats Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:40:32 +0000

Core earnings for PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE:PEP) climbed 9% in the fourth quarter to $1.15 per share, compared withlast year’s $1.22. The earnings per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2 cents. The higher earnings were driven by robust revenue growth across its product portfolio. Further, strong pricing partially offset the commodity cost inflation.
The fiscal 2011 core earnings climbed 7% to $4.40,which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.
The New York-based company … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Coca-Cola Enterprises Profits Soar

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:35:23 +0000

Recently, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:CCE) announced its fourth-quarter 2011 reported and adjusted earnings of 36 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This also compares favorably with reported and adjusted earnings of 28 cents in the year-ago quarter. A solid volume growth coupled with price increases and favorable currency translation effect led Coca-Cola Enterprises to deliver better-than-expected quarterly result.
The company’s adjusted earnings of $2.18 per share … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

O’Reilly Tops EPS, Misses Sales

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:35:21 +0000

O’Reilly Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:ORLY) reported a 35% jump in adjusted profit to 93 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2011 from 69 cents per share in the prior-year quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7 cents per share. Adjusted net profit was $121 million compared with $98 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Including special items, net income and earnings per share in the quarter stood at $123 million and 94 cents, respectively. This compared favorably with net income … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sealed Air Misses EPS, Beats Sales

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:30:17 +0000

Sealed Air Corporation’s (NYSE:SEE) fiscal 2011 fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) dropped to 8 cents from 46 cents in the prior-year quarter. Earnings also fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents.
On October 3, 2011, Sealed Air completed the Diversey acquisition, a leading solutions provider to the global cleaning and sanitization market. Net costs related to the acquisition of Diversey and special items of 68 cents per share were included in the quarter’s … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earning Scorecard: Quest Diagnostics

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:25:18 +0000

The announcement of Quest Diagnostics’ (NYSE:DGX) fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 results on January 24, 2012, has triggered downward estimate revisions by the analysts following the stock.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
Quest reported EPS of $1.19 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 compared with 97 cents in the year-ago period. Reported earnings included charges associated with restructuring and integration, CEO succession costs, offset by a favorable tax resolution.
Adjusting for these one-time … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD: 1.3279-88 Is Increasing In Importance

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:17:55 +0000

The 1.3279-88 levels are increasing in importance for the EURUSD . The level was a high ceiling for yesterday’s trading and has been holding as support over the last few hours of trading. The level is also the 38.2% of the move up from yesterday’s low and the 100 and 200 bar MA on the 5 minute chart are currently converged at the 1.3280 level (100 bar MA is also going sideways). Stay above and bullish bias remains. There should be stops on a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: USDJPY Steps Toward The Next Target

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:17:53 +0000

The momentum in the USDJPY has continued and the price continues to rachet higher (see prior post ). The pair has now breached the next target resistance at the 77.61 level (3 in the chart above). The next target is 77.77 (4 above) which is the midpoint of the move down from the BOJ intervention high. A move above would look toward the 200 day MA at the 78.08 level (currently) followed by the 61.8% at … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Plains’ Strong Finish In 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:15:17 +0000

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NYSE:PAA) announced fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings of $1.65 per unit, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4 cents. The results of the partnership were also substantially higher than 99 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
The year-over-year growth was attributable to the strong performance of all its reporting segments and benefits from the investments made in its operations.
On a GAAP basis, Plains reported earnings of $1.37 per unit in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CIT To Redeem Series A Notes (revised)

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:15:15 +0000

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE:CIT) announced its intention to redeem about $4 billion of its 7% Series A Notes. Out of which, nearly $1 billion notes are set to mature in 2016 and approximately $2.9 billion notes will be maturing in 2017.

CIT aims to complete the redemption on March 9, having already given the redemption notice to the trustees. The Series A notes were issued in December 2009 as a part of CIT’s reorganization.

Hence, after the completion of this redemption, all of the Series A Notes … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Willis: “Market Is Tired…floundering”

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:10:00 +0000

02/09/12 Sunrise Securities’ Ben Willis talks central banks, the outlook for the PIIGS nations, and Friday’s economic … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: Avon Products

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:00:20 +0000

Avon Products Inc. (NYSE:AVP) is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter 2011 results on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is 51 cents a share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, reflecting a year-over-year estimated decline of 13.6%.
Synopsis of Third Quarter 2011
Avon Products’ adjusted earnings of 38 cents per share for third-quarter 2011 missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents and slipped 7.3% from the year-ago earnings of 41 cents. On a reported basis, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hanger Outperforms In 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:00:16 +0000

Orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) company Hanger Orthopedic’s (NYSE:HGR) fourth-quarter fiscal 2011 adjusted earnings of 54 cents a share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents and exceeded the year-ago adjusted earnings of 52 cents.
The adjusted earnings exclude the costs associated with acquisitions and the relocation of the company’s corporate headquarters from Bethesda, Maryland, to Austin, Texas.
Profit (as reported) for the quarter leapt manifold year over year to roughly $18 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Will The Market Soon Cross Into All-time New-High Territory?

Joseph Meth — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:59:32 +0000

There’s no question about it, I’m definitely in the minority. First I wrote a piece entitled “KISS in Market Timing Too” in which I compared my approach to a complex algorithm developed by Ciovacco Capital Management called the Bull Market … Continue reading … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Tractor Supply Co.

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:20:46 +0000

Leading retail firm and ranch store brand, Tractor Supply Co. (NASDAQ:TSCO) ended fiscal 2011 keeping pace with its trend of consistently outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate. For the straight four quarters of 2011, including the recently reported fourth quarter, the company on an ongoing basis posted earnings surprises, resulting in an average surprise of 17.10%. Earnings surprise for the most recent quarter was 4.35%, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4 cents per share.
Last Quarter … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: USDCAD Trades Within Boundaries But With A Bearish Bias

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:18:39 +0000

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

Great Second Quarter Results For SANW

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:05:38 +0000

Great second quarter results for SANW
Ian Gilson, CFA

The second quarter illustrates the impact of the return of Saudi Arabia as a customer. Alfalfa seed revenue increased from $0.5 million to $4.1 million, the later harvesting in 2011 increased the milling and processing revenue and stevia made its first (small) contribution. The severe discounting of alfalfa seeds in the Middle East has ended due to the shortage of all types of alfalfa seeds. S&W Seed’s proprietary seeds are now selling … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Franklin’s January AUM Perks Up

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:05:36 +0000

Franklin Resources Inc. (NYSE:BEN) declared preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $704.3 billion by its subsidiaries at the end of January 2012. The company’s results experienced a rise of 5.1% from $670.3 billion as of December 31, 2011 and up 3.4% from $681.0 billion as of January 31, 2011.
Month-end total equity assets came in at $288.2 billion, up 6.7% sequentially but down 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. Of the total equity assets, roughly 73% were from international sources, while … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BP Aims Arctic Expansion

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:33 +0000

TNK-BP, a 50:50 joint venture between BP Plc (NYSE:BP) and a group of prominent Russian investors––Alfa Group, Access Industries and Renova––plans to initiate development of oil and gas in the Arctic. Initial investment of approximately $4 billion would be spent over a period of 3 years.
The company plans to continue development in the Arctic region over the next 30 years with total investments of around $12 billion. The production is anticipated to commence in 2016 and reach the level of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Harmony Gold Meets Est, Grows Y/Y

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:31 +0000

Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (NYSE:HMY) recorded net earnings of 30 cents per share in the second quarter of 2012, significantly higher than 16 cents per share in the previous quarter and 11 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. However, results were in line with the Zacks Consensus … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Euro Surges On Greece Agreement

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

02/09/12 The euro currency saw a strong surge this afternoon after Greek leaders officially agreed on a cost-cutting plan that could help the nation avoid … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: USDJPY Overtakes Next Target. Can The Momentum Continue?

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:26:09 +0000

The USDJPY has overtaken the next hurdle above the 38.2% retracement of the move down from the November 2011 high to the low reached in February. That level comes in at the 77.356 level The next targets above come in at 77.61 and then the midpoint of the same move down at 77.77.
As long as the hurdles can be broken and the price bias stay above previous resistance (i.e., the 100 hour MA, the 38.2% retracement level), the market is happy. As soon as there is disappointment and a break of these … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Visa Outperforms, Sanctions Buyback

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:22 +0000

Visa Inc.’s (NYSE:V) fiscal first-quarter 2012 (ended December 31, 2011) operating earnings of $1.49 per Class A common share were triple pennies ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Results also substantially exceeded $1.23 per share reported in the year-ago quarter, primarily based on lower share count.
Visa’s GAAP net income for the quarter stood at $1.03 billion, climbing 16.4% from $884 million in the year-ago quarter. Besides, operating income escalated 18.4% year over year to $1.62 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CSC Beats Comfortably, Revs Lag

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:20 +0000

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) reported third quarter 2012 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.35, way ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents.
Revenue
The company reported revenues of $3.76 billion in the quarter, down 5.8% year over year. The year-over-year decline in revenue was primarily attributed to the reduction in the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) contract. Excluding the NHS contract, total revenue stood at $3.97 billion, reflecting an annualized decrease of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Of Korea Maintains Interest Rate At 3.25%

CentralBankNews — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

The Bank of Korea kept its 7-day repurchase rate at 3.25%. The Bank said: “In Korea, economic growth has slowed, with domestic demand subdued overall and exports also decreasing. On the employment front, however, the uptrend in the number of persons employed is being sustained, led by the private sector. The Committee anticipates that the domestic economic growth rate will gradually return to its long-term trend level going forward, although viewing downside risks as likely … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sold LSG – $1.51

John Townsend — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Due to my general paranoia that the stock market and gold are about to leave the party as the US Dollar makes a conclusive intermediate cycle bottom, I set a limit order sell before the market opened today to sell my shares in Lake Shore Gold (LSG) at $1.51 – 4 cents above my purchase price. I took my eye off this ball and was not aware of the favorable news that was announced after the market closed yesterday. LSG is, at this moment trading up 15% for the day at around $1.63.

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

Ingersoll-Rand Beats Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:50:18 +0000

Ingersoll-Rand Plc (NYSE:IR) reported adjusted earnings of 76 cents compared to 62 cents in the year-ago quarter and 81 cents in the last quarter, comprehensively beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents in the financial results of its fourth quarter of 2011.
Full year earnings amounted to $2.82 per share compared to $2.36 per share in 2010; above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.72 per share.
Revenues
Sales amounted to $3.51 billion, falling 5% year over year and 10.7% sequentially. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

European Central Bank Holds Steady At 1.00%

CentralBankNews — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:42:00 +0000

The European Central Bank (ECB) kept its Main refinancing operations rate at 1.00%. ECB governor, Mario Draghi, said: “Inflation is likely to stay above 2% for several months to come, before declining to below 2%. Available survey indicators confirm some tentative signs of a stabilisation in economic activity at a low level around the turn of the year, but the economic outlook remains subject to high uncertainty and downside risks…. A very thorough analysis of all … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Atmel Beats Expectations

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:35:11 +0000

Atmel Corporation (NASDAQ:ATML) reported Non-GAAP net income of $67.5 million or 14 cents per diluted share in its fourth quarter financial results of fiscal 2011 compared to $119.2 million or 25 cents per diluted share in the previous year quarter and $124.0 million or 26 cents per diluted share in the third quarter of 2011, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 10 cents per share.
In 2011, Non-GAAP net income came in at $438 million or 92 cents per diluted share versus $283 million or 59 cents … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

10 Worrying Signs That Your Stock May Be A Value Trap

Stockopedia — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:34:19 +0000

Value Investing is all about identifying stocks with unidentified or underappreciated potential and waiting for that value to be realised over time. However, it’s always worth remembering that some stocks are cheap for a reason. Of course, we all hope that the market will come to recognise what a bargain our latest investment was. But, every now and then, a price fall may lure you into every value-investor’s nightmare – a false bargain, better known as a value trap.
What is a Value … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Of England Expands APP By 50B To 325B

CentralBankNews — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:26:00 +0000

The Bank of England (BoE) held the Bank Rate at 0.50%, and expanded its Asset Purchase Program (Quantitative Easing) target by 50 billion to a new total of GBP 325 billion, after increasing it by 75 billion at its October meeting. On its asset purchase program, the Bank said: “In the light of its most recent economic projections, the Committee judged that the weak near-term growth outlook and associated downward pressure from economic slack meant that, without … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bean Traders Await USDA Data

OptionsXpress — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:20:33 +0000

Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Soybean market has been pulled in either direction by opposing forces. On one hand, the large US old crop and potentially large new crop have limited the market’s upside. On the other hand, the dry spell in South America could reduce global supplies. Technically, the chart shows consolidation, suggesting a breakout in either direction may happen at any time. Some traders may perhaps with to consider entering into a non-directional strategy, such as a long … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cosan Reports Upbeat 3Q12 Results

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:20:15 +0000

Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer, Cosan Limited (NYSE:CZZ) released its third quarter 2012 earnings results on February 8. The company’s net income in the quarter increased more than 100% year over year to R$93.8 million (US$52.1 million) versus R$38.7 million (US$22.8 million) in the year-ago quarter.
Revenue
Cosan’s net operating revenue jumped 33.2% year over year to R$6,310.7 million (US$3,505.9 million) but failed to gain momentum to surpass the Zacks Consensus Estimate of US$4,078 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Stocks Mixed On Greek Deal

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:20:00 +0000

02/09/12 The equity averages digested Greece’s debt deal, US jobless claims and central bank rate decisions. Meanwhile, the largest US banks, states and federal officials agreed to a $26 billion foreclosure … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Thursday Morning Links

Mark Perry — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000

1. You can now be fined $1,000 for throwing a football or a Frisbee on the beaches of L.A. County.

2. Not only do members of Congress benefit from being exempt from the insider trading laws that apply to the rest of us, but a Washington Post investigation has identified 16 members of Congress who have recently taken actions that provided millions of dollars of benefits for specific programs, groups or organizations that are directly connected to their immediate family members.

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

SIRIUS XM Delivers In 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:10:47 +0000

Despitea slow moving U.S. economy, SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. (NASDAQ:SIRI) declared solid financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011. As per management, its growth momentum in 2011 will further expand in 2012.
Quarterly GAAP net income was $71.3 million or 1 cent per share compared with a net loss of $81.4 million or a loss of 2 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. Fourth-quarter 2011 EPS of 1 cent was exactly in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Quarterly total revenue of $783.7 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

IFF’s 4Q Beats Estimate

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:10 +0000

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.(NYSE:IFF) reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 financial results on February 9, 2012. Adjusted earnings per share in the quarter increased 7% year over year to 74 cents compared with 69 cents in the year-ago quarter. Results in the reported quarter were three cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents per share.
GAAP EPS, including an expense of 44 cents related to the previously announced patent litigation settlement and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Teradata Beats On Strong Top Line

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:35:18 +0000

Teradata Corp. (TDC) reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings of 62 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by three cents. Earnings, including stock-based compensation of four cents, grew 24.0% from 50 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.
Quarter Details
Revenue increased 23.0% year over year to $673.0 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $639.0 million. This improvement was primarily driven by a year-over-year growth of 24.0% in product revenue (software and … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Statoil Beats On Higher Prices

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:16 +0000

Statoil ASA’s (NYSE:STO) fourth-quarter 2011 earnings of 79 cents per ADR marched past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 73 cents. The quarterly result also showed a significant improvement from the year-earlier earnings of 58 cents per ADR, attributable to higher liquids and gas prices.
For full-year 2011, the company registered a profit of $2.84 per ADR, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.61 per ADR and the year-earlier earnings of $2.19 per ADR.
Adjusted net income after tax came in at … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Whole Foods’ Healthy Performance

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:20:21 +0000

Whole Foods Market Inc. (WFM) commenced fiscal 2012 with a bang, posting better-than-expected first-quarter 2012 results on the back of strong sales as shoppers flocked to the grocery chain. The company has been gaining market share compared with other supermarket chains.
These inflicted a sense of confidence in management’s mind about the company’s performance in 2012, which was quite evident through an upbeat outlook.
Let’s Unveil the Picture
Austin, Texas based company, Whole Foods, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Euro Up Slightly On Greek Deal; ECB Press Conference Offers Little Clarity

DailyFX — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Fundamental Headlines
• Jobless Claims in U.S. Unexpectedly Fall – Bloomberg
• Obama Advisers Improve Economic Outlook – Bloomberg
• German Official Sees no Greek Eurogroup Deal Thursday – Reuters
• Greek Politicians Strike Deal – WSJ
• U.S., Banks Agree on Foreclosure Pact – WSJ
European Session Summary
Higher yielding currencies and risk-correlated assets continued their slow grind higher, with the Japanese Yen’s performance having the hallmark performance of a risk-off … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Good Quarter, Guidance From Cisco

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:09 +0000

Cisco Systems’ (NASDAQ:CSCO) second quarter 2012 earnings (excluding one-time items and including stock based compensation) beat the Zacks Consensus estimate by 5 cents, or 13.2%. Revenue was more or less in line, beating the consensus by 1.8%.
As in the past, estimate revisions were minimal prior to the announcement of earnings, raising the Zacks Consensus estimate for the quarter by a penny, flattish compared to the year-ago quarter and easily exceeded by Cisco.
Revenue
Revenue of $11.53 billion … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Crude Rallies Near $100 On Euro, Greek Hopes

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

02/09/12 Front month crude prices continued to float around $100 a barrel this morning as reports of a finished Greek deal and a rally in the euro boosted investor interest in crude … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Akamai Surpasses Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:55:21 +0000

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM) reported earnings of 35 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2011, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 31 cents. Earnings increased 16.7% from 30 cents per share reported in the year-ago quarter.
Reported earnings include stock-based compensation expense and amortization of capitalized stock-based compensation, but exclude amortization of other intangible charges and restructuring charges.
The year-over-year growth was primarily driven by … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

ECB, Greek Austerity, Jobless Claims & China

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:35:43 +0000

In an expected move, the European Central Bank (ECB) left short-term interest rates unchanged at 1% this morning. It also appears that Greek politicians have finally come around to accepting all the demands of the EU/ECB/IMF troika that were a precondition to a fresh bailout for the country.

The major sticking point in the end was the demand for cuts to public sector pension benefits that the Greek leaders were resisting. But the issue appears to have now been decided, though all the details … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Headwinds Fail To Deter News Corp.

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:35:38 +0000

Despite economic upheaval and the phone hacking scandal that resulted in the closure of the publication of ‘The News of the World’, News Corporation (NWSA) posted better than-expected second-quarter 2012 financial results, beating the Zacks’ expectations on both counters. Healthy performances across cable-television networks and film and television studios were the catalysts that drove the quarter’s performance.
Owned by Rupert Murdoch, News Corporation’s quarterly earnings of 39 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Higher SG&A Drags Hhgregg’s Profit

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:18 +0000

Hhgregg Inc.’s(NYSE:HGG) third-quarter ended December 31, 2011, income from continuing operations came in at $22.5 million or 60 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Net income and earnings dipped 16.4% and 9.1%, respectively, from the year-ago quarter. However, net addition of 35 stores during the past 12 months, a comparable store sales increase of 3.9% and a decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales, which was partially offset by a disproportionate fall in gross … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stock Market News Briefs: Apollo Investment, Buffalo Wild Wings, NVIDIA, OPNET Technologies, Rambus, Teekay Tankers Ltd, Western Union Company

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:16 +0000

Non-diversified management investment company Apollo Investment Corp’s. (NASDAQ:AINV) shares slid 10.45% after the company reduced its dividend from 28 cents to 20 cents a share

Share prices of casino operator Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR) rocketed up 71% to close at $15.39 per share on its debut day on the bourses

Shares of Western Union Co. (NYSE:WU) fell 10% to close at $17.73 a share after the money-transfer company revealed that its … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: EURUSD Showing The Effects Of Headline Risk

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:22:11 +0000

The EURUSD has been spiking up and down over the last hour of trading (see chart above) as headlines from Greece (austerity deal reached) and comments from Draghi has the market traders on edge. This is not unusual. Event risk is high. Market risk is always presents and Liquidity risk is also high as traders play it safe. The Midpoint of the days trading range today comes in at 1.32625. The 200 bar MA is 1.3266. The bias is a touch more bullish as prices are up on … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Stocks Rise Early On Greek Deal Reports, Again

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:15:00 +0000

02/09/12 Global stocks saw an early rally on media reports saying that a Greek deal is … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Jobless Claims Fall To Lowest Level Since Apr. 2008

Mark Perry — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +0000

In another positive sign that the U.S. labor market is gradually improving, the Labor Department reported today that the four-week moving average for initial jobless claims fell to 366,250 for the week ending February 4, which is the lowest level since the week of April 26, 2008, almost four years ago (see chart above). This marks the fourth consecutive weekly decline in the four-week moving average, and the ninth decline in the last ten weeks.

If the current rate of decline in jobless claims … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Agrium Posts Record 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:05:58 +0000

Agrium Inc. (NYSE:AGU) posted record net earnings of $374 million or $2.34 per share in the fourth quarter of 2011 versus $135 million or 86 cents in the prior-year quarter, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.00 per share.
The fourth-quarter results exclude an impairment of Agrium’s investment of $61 million or 30 diluted earnings per share in Hanfeng Evergreen Inc.
In fiscal 2011, net earnings were $1.4 billion or $8.68 per diluted share compared with $713 million or $4.51 per diluted … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Rio Reports Weak FY

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:50:25 +0000

Rio Tinto plc. (RIO) has reported its financial results for full-year 2011. Net earnings attributable to ADR holders of Rio Tinto during the period were $5,826 million, down 59.1% year over year from $14,238 million reported in full-year 2010. The resultant net earnings dropped primarily due to an impairment charge of $8.9 billion related to the Group’s aluminum businesses.
Earnings per ADR from continuing operations were approximately $3.02, down drastically from $7.27 recorded in the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Taxes & FX Dents BGC’s Profits Again

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:35:38 +0000

General Cable Corporation (NYSE:BGC) reported fourth-quarter 2011 earnings per share of 9 cents, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 37 cents. The earnings per share were below the prior-year earnings per share of 66 cents.
Excluding the impact of 10 cents per share of non-cash convertible debt interest expense and 11 cents per share of mark-to-market losses on financial derivatives, adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share came in at 30 cents in the quarter.
For 2011, earnings per share were $1.61 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Equifax Posts A Decent 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:25:32 +0000

Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX) has posted fourth quarter 2011 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 68 cents, inching past the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Results were up 9.7% from 62 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. The adjusted EPS excludes acquisition-related amortization expense. Management attributed the improvement to diverse product offerings which expanded Equifax’ scope within the market.
Revenue
Revenue grew 5.7% year over year to $509.7 million. The upside could be attributed … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BUY TVIX @ $14.79

John Townsend — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:43:00 +0000

Towards the end of yesterday’s session I took the plunge and loaded up on VelocityShares 2X VIX ETN (TVIX) @ $14.79. As the following daily chart shows, there is a smidge of a True Strength Index (TSI) indicator trend line break BUY signal as well as a strongly favorable positive divergence BUY signal in place. On reflection last evening I am fairly confident I took this position too soon and I will show you why on the third chart below – the US Dollar Index (NYSE:DX).

I will also add that … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For ETF Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

ForexMansion.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:02:56 +0000

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for ETFs
For Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

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

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AGG – iShares Lehman Aggregate Bd Fd
110.26
− 0.16
110.40
110.62

Bearish

BND – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
83.64
+ 0.01
83.66
83.88

Bearish

DBC – DB Commodity Index Tracking Fd
28.72
+ 0.53
28.57
28.13

Bullish

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

The Trend Trader For Stock Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

ForexMansion.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:02:56 +0000

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for the Dow 30 Stocks
For Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

In alphabetical order by symbol

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AA – Alcoa Inc
10.64
− 0.28
10.69
10.55

Neutral

AXP – American Express Company
52.31
+ 1.30
52.02
51.20

Bullish

BA – Boeing Co
75.90
+ 0.58
75.33
75.59

Bullish

BAC – Bank of America Corporation
8.18
+ 0.62
8.05
7.58

Bullish

CAT – Caterpillar Inc
112.83
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Futures Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

ForexMansion.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:02:55 +0000

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Futures
For Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

INDICES

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

S&P 500 – Mar ESH2
1348.25
+ 0.09
1344.17
1325.67

Bullish

Dow Jones – Mar YMH2
12842
− 0.01
12825
12701

Bullish

Nasdaq – Mar NQH2
2561.00
+ 0.64
2538.92
2494.08

Bullish

Russell – Mar TFH2
824.00
− 0.47
825.52
814.83

Neutral

INTEREST RATES

US T-Bond – Mar ZBH2
141-17
− … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Trend Trader For Forex Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

ForexMansion.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:02:55 +0000

By ForexMansion.com

The Trend Trader for Forex
For Trading On Friday, February 10, 2012

THE BIG SIX

Close
%
Change

3×1

7×5
Minor
Trend
Major
Trend
Trend Reading

AUDUSD – Aust Dollar / US Dollar
1.0786
− 0.12
1.0787
1.0696

Neutral

EURUSD – Euro / US Dollar
1.3284
+ 0.19
1.3245
1.3138

Bullish

GBPUSD – British Pound / US Dollar
1.5817
+ 0.01
1.5847
1.5784

Neutral

USDCAD – US Dollar / Canadian Dollar
0.9948
− 0.10
0.9957
0.9976

Bearish

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

Crude Oil, Metals Focus On ECB Rate Decision And Euro FinMin Summit

DailyFX — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Talking Points

Crude Oil, Copper Look to Risk Sentiment Trends for Direction
Gold, Silver Reflect US Dollar Response to Eurozone Debt Woes

WTI Crude Oil (NY Close): $98.71 // +0.30 // +0.30%
Short-term correlation studies suggest crude prices are seeing some re-coupling with market-wide sentiment trends after tensions between Iran and Western powers overtook the spotlight last week. This puts the spotlight on the Eurozone with traders focused on the outcome of the ECB interest rate decision … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bank Indonesia Drops Rate 25bps To 5.75%

CentralBankNews — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:03:00 +0000

Indonesia’s central bank, Bank Indonesia, cut the BI rate by 25 basis points to 5.75% from 6.00% previously. The Bank said [translated]: “This decision was made as a further step to boost Indonesia’s economic growth amidst decreasing performance of the global economy, with the priority remains on achieving inflation target and exchange rate stability. With this BI rate decision, the lower and upper bounds of interest rate corridor of Bank Indonesia’s monetary operation becomes 3.75% … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

National Bank Of Belarus Cuts Rate 200bps To 43.00%

CentralBankNews — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:47:00 +0000

The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus cut its refinancing rate by 200 basis points to 43.00% from 45.00%, reversing a string of aggressive rate hikes. The Bank said [translated]: “In recent months, there are persistent positive trends in the economy and the monetary sphere. Inflationary processes slowed the growth of consumer prices in December 2011 – January 2012 fell to about two percent per month. As a result of increasing the supply of foreign currency on … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aggressive Growth Stock: Liquidity Services

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:16 +0000

Liquidity Services (LQDT) recently beat earnings and raised expectations and is now a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy).
Company Description
Liquidity Services operates various online auction marketplaces for surplus and salvage assets such as liquidation.com, govliquidation.com and govdeals.com. The sites help businesses, governments and agencies sell surplus and salvage assets.
Earnings Surprises Streak
LQDT has posted results ahead of expectations for the last seven straight quarters. All but one, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bear Of The Day: Montpelier Re Holdings (MRH)

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:14 +0000

We are downgrading Montpelier Re Holdings (NYSE:MRH) to Underperform from Neutral based on the company’s expectation of incurring operating losses in the fourth quarter. The current pricing environment in the primary insurance market and the stressed economy are expected to restrict top-line growth.
Montpelier has guided fourth-quarter 2011 net operating loss in the range of $0.25-$0.35 per share. Montpelier’s fourth quarter loss guidance includes an adverse impact of $40 million arising from … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Bull Of The Day: Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:12 +0000

Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported fourth quarter earnings per share of $1.19, 5 cents below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but 3.5% above the year-ago period. However, Amgen provided better-than-expected guidance for 2012. The company expects earnings in the range of $5.90 – $6.15 per share on revenues of $16.1 – $16.5 billion.
Amgen also announced its intention to acquire Micromet. We have raised our 2012 earnings estimate by 48 cents to $5.94 per share. The upward revision in earnings estimates … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Momentum Stock: Extra Space Storage, Inc.

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:10 +0000

Extra Space Storage Inc. (EXR)
Since we last mentioned EXR as a growth and income stock back in June of 2011, it was trading right around $20. Back then the company had delivered a strong earnings report noting high occupancy rates and other factors that encouraged them to raise FY2011 guidance.
Flash forward 8 months and EXR is trading 36% higher and looking more like a momentum stock. Let’s not forget the fact that Extra Space is still throwing off a 2.05% dividend as a … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Growth & Income Stock: The Fastenal Company

Zacks Investment Research — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:07 +0000

Estimates have been rising for The Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:FAST) after it reported strong fourth quarter results, driven by a stellar 22% increase in sales.
It is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock.
Analysts project this strong growth to continue over the next couple of years. Based on consensus estimates, analysts expect 21% EPS growth this year and 19% growth next year.
On top of this, the company pays a dividend that yields a solid 1.4%.
Company Description
Fastenal is a leader in the wholesale … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

The Quiet After The Storm

Frank Holmes — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

It’s all quiet on the equity front. For the past month, the S&P 500 Index has experienced an unusually calm period of lower volatility.
Bespoke Investment Group says the timeframe between December 28 and January 26 has been remarkably lacking in “1 percenters.” The firm found that it’s been more than a year since the S&P 500 has gone 26 trading days without declining one percent.
While 26 days is a lot in today’s volatile world, the consecutive lack of down days doesn’t even … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Oil Patch “Boomtown Girls”: 1st ND Reality TV Hit?

Mark Perry — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:54:00 +0000

WILLISTON, N.D. – “Five sisters from a North Dakota boomtown are looking to make a bang on reality TV. A trailer for “Boomtown Girls,” featuring five Williston sisters who work alongside men in the Oil Patch, recently became an Internet sensation locally (watch it above).

But few details are known about what will become of the four-minute video. Representatives from Atlanta-based Lucky Dog Filmworks say they can’t comment yet about “Boomtown Girls.”

The video shows the sisters … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Usd/hkd Getting Close To The Top Of The Wedge.

Greg Michalowski — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:21:58 +0000

usd/hkd getting close to the top of the wedge which might continue to provide resistance for the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Caesars Rallies On IPO

NYFP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000

02/08/12 Caesars Entertainment shares saw a double-digit percentage gain. The casino operator marked its debut with a modest IPO – a significantly smaller offering than its 2010 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hot Option Plays: Overbought Market?

OptionsXpress — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:19:14 +0000

Cusick’s Corner 02-08-2012
I apologize that this is late but I am in NYC at the NYSE. Not much has changed in terms of indecision and while this might be frustrating, it does not change the overall trend of the market — up. Now this does not mean that the market isn’t susceptible to a pullback, this may be an overbought market. I feel that a pullback could be healthy and with all four offensive sectors, XLF, XLE, XLY, XLK, all outperforming the overall market, SPY, I am not going to fade this … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

US Dollar Bulls Your Turn To Rock And Roll

readtheticker — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:02:29 +0000

Well its crunch time for the US dollar bullish trend (unless of course we get a real nasty shake out), its time for the bulls to show up and rock the trend higher.

Why should the US Dollar go higher:
- ECB balance sheet is expanding faster than the FED
- Stock market top (maybe, golly gosh who would pick that)
- The misinformation around Greece just may get very real

Technically we are yet to secure a full fledge break out (mark up process), but things are warming up, so for the US dollar … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Synovus Offers Senior Notes

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:40:21 +0000

On Tuesday, Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) announced the public offering of its senior notes worth $250 million. The notes will be due in 2019. The terms of the new notes offering were not fully disclosed.
The proceeds from the offering are intended to be used for the repayment of subordinated notes, due in February 2013. These notes are of total principal amount of $206.75 million, carrying an interest of 4.875%. The remaining amount will be used for other general corporate … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

New Tool, RTT Stock Market Mechanical Timer

readtheticker — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:34:25 +0000

There is no better investment tool than the educated human mind, but sometimes the mind needs a benchmark to challenge it’s position. Our stock market mechanical market timer is one you want to beat.

We have constructed a stock market timer based on our custom NSYE RTT Advance Decline index. At the moment it is a free add on to all members. It is a long/buy only market entry timer. So in sinking markets you need to be a little careful, other wise its performance is just fine.

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

Bear Stearns Circa 1985, “Thanks For The Memories”

Larry Doyle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:31:52 +0000

I worked as a mortgage trader at Bear Stearns from 1990 until the end of 1996. Having started my career in the early ’80s and learned a lot about the business at First Boston, I will readily admit that my stint at Bear took my time on the sell side of Wall Street to an entirely new level.
While Bear obviously suffered a traumatic demise in 2008, I hope whomever views this marketing video clip of Bear Stearns circa 1985 will appreciate that Bear was a dynamic company filled with many great … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: UTI

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:25:27 +0000

Macro-economic headwinds, regulatory issues and lower students’ enrollment continue to weigh upon Universal Technical Institute Inc. (NYSE:UTI) that went on to post lower-than-expected first-quarter 2012 results.
Street analysts have had time to ponder over the company’s scores. In the paragraphs that follow, we cover the recent earnings announcement, subsequent estimate revisions by analysts as well as the Zacks Rank and long-term recommendation for the stock.
Last Quarter Synopsis
Universal … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Alexion Takes Over Enobia Pharma

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:20:15 +0000

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN), a US-based biopharmaceutical company, which focuses on developing drugs to treat patients suffering from ultra-rare, severe and life-threatening diseases, announced recently that it has completed the acquisition of privately-held biotech company Enobia Pharma Corporation.
At the time of announcing the deal in December 2011, Alexion Pharma had announced that the all-cash deal could be worth up to $1.08 billion. At that time Alexion Pharma had further … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BoE, ECB, Jobless Claims In Focus

NYFP — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:20:00 +0000

02/08/12 Central bank rate announcements will highlight Thursday’s economic calendar. Weekly US jobless claims are slated for release at 8:30 am … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Alcoa To Review Australian Smelter

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:05:52 +0000

Alcoa of Australia Ltd., jointly owned by Alcoa Inc. (NYSE:AA) and Alumina Ltd., announced that it will review the future prospects of its Point Henry aluminum smelter in the state of Victoria due to tough global economic conditions.
As per Alcoa, the aluminum industry has been adversely affected by a number of factors, including metal prices, input costs and exchange rates, which have made Point Henry smelter unprofitable. Moreover, the smelter is under review due to the increasing value of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Market Momentum Turning, But Will It Accelerate?

Joseph Meth — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:01:06 +0000

Many decry the lack of volume, conviction on the part of most individual investors, the lack of excitement about a market that just doesn’t seem to want to turn lower but instead inexorably continues to move higher. Beneath the surface … Continue reading … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BP To Divest LPG Filing Biz

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:44 +0000

BP plc (NYSE:BP) aims to exit its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottle and tank filling businesses worldwide as the U.K. giant aims to concentrate more on hydrocarbon production.
The company intends to divest its LPG bottles and tank filling operations in Portugal, UK, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey, China and South Africa, as well as its non-refinery integrated wholesale business.
The divestiture program — expected to be over by the end of 2013 — also comprises LPG storage … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hold The Bread? CDC: Bread Is #1 Sodium Culprit

NYFP — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

02/08/12 According to the federal Centers for Disease Control. bbout nine of every ten Americans eat more salt than is recommended, and the biggest culprit is bread, not junk … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Macy’s Slow But Steady Start

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:55:17 +0000

The U.S. economy is still not out of the woods and the European debt-crisis continues to take its toll on the financial arena. Amid such an economic upheaval, Macy’s Inc. (NYSE:M) has been moving on and keeping its upbeat note on the back of relentless endeavors to keep itself on the growth trajectory.
Looking at the current scenario, the holiday season is over and the consumers are giving their wallets a relief as they await another round of austerity measures. Investors have entered 2012 with … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Precision Castparts

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:55:15 +0000

Precision Castparts Corp. (NYSE:PCP) reported strong results for the third quarter of 2012. The company achieved top-line growth of 14.0% year over year in the third quarter 2012. The bottom-line figure increased 17.8% year over year but fell short of our estimate by 9 cents. The company’s sales increased across all of its business segments.
Third Quarter Highlights
Total revenue in the quarter increased 14.0% year over year to $1.8 billion. The surge in the top line was primarily due to strong … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Goldman Sets To Acquire Dwight

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:55:12 +0000

Yesterday, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), a wing of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS), announced its plan to purchase Vermont-based Dwight Asset Management Company from Old Mutual Asset Management (OMAM). OMAM is a part of London-based savings group, Old Mutual.
The terms of the deal were not yet disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.
Dwight is a stable value investment firm having $42 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2011. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Trade Ideas For Thursday Feb 9

Antonio Costa — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:55:00 +0000

( click to enlarge )

Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) closed above its 200-day moving average for the first time since April 2011, with heavy volume. We start to see now some signals of rebound as the technical chart shows positive momentum is back. The money seems to be flowing into the stock as indicated by the technical indicator OBV.

( click to enlarge )

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Public, NYSE:AMD) shares closed at 7.25 a gain of 1.68 percent with a volume of 15.6 million of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MKGAF-THLD Unite For Cancer Cure

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:21:26 +0000

Merck KGaA (MKGAF) recently announced that it has entered into a global agreement with Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:THLD), for the development and commercialization of the latter’s hypoxia-targeted candidate, TH-302.
TH-302 is currently being evaluated in late-stage studies, initiated in September 2011, in patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Also, the candidate is currently in a phase II trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Top-line results are expected in February 2012. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

North Dakota Oil Production Sets Another Record In December, Will Likely Pass CA And AK In Months

Mark Perry — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:21:00 +0000

At the current rate of monthly increases, North Dakota with be the No. 2 oil producing state within months.

The “Economic Miracle State” of North Dakota pumped another record amount of oil during the month of December at a daily rate of almost 535,000 barrels, which was 55% above its output from a year earlier, and the first time that the state’s daily production exceeded 500,000 barrels (see chart above, data here). Oil production in the Peace Garden State has more than doubled … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: Eur/Try Broke Of A Daily Wedge And Made New Yearly Lows

Greg Michalowski — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:18:55 +0000

Eur/Try broke of a daily wedge and made new yearly lows giving a bearish … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cisco Systems Impresses In Q2

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:09:05 +0000

After the bell Wednesday, Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) reported stellar earnings and revenue results that easily beat Zacks Consensus Estimates. The tech giant posted EPS of 43 cents per share (note: at Zacks we do not adjust results for employee stock options) on revenue of $11.5 billion, which bested estimates of 38 cents and $11.23 billion, respectively.

Recall a year ago, when a weak tech environment sent Cisco Systems struggling to gain traction. The company regained focus — not simply on … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Sinopec Sets Mid-12 As Reform Goal

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:09:02 +0000

China Petrochemical Corp., the parent of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp or Sinopec (NYSE:SNP), has intentions of completing restructuring activities related to its downstream engineering division by mid-2012, as per market sources. The restructuring plans were announced in November 2011.
After the the engineering division is restructured, Sinopec Group plans to list the new vehicle through a public stock offering. The restructuring of Sinopec Group’s engineering division would comprise … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

MasterCard Doubles Dividend Payout

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:55:21 +0000

Basking after a great quarter and year, yesterday, the board of MasterCard Inc. (NYSE:MA) declared a 100% hike in its dividend to 30 cents per share from the prior 15 cents. The increased dividend will be paid on May 9, 2012 to shareholders of its Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of April 9, 2012.
On February 9, 2012, the company paid a quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share to the respective shareholders of record as on January 9, 2012. This was announced on December 6, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Walmart Helps People Eat Healthy

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:55:19 +0000

As a part of the initiative to build a healthy America, retail-major Walmart Stores (NYSE:WMT) has decided to label the foods that meet its health standards. So Americans have an easier way of finding the healthy foods, as Walmart will label those foods with a bright green label that reads: ‘Great for You.’
Walmart’s decision to label its foods follows the company’s announcement of trying to look for ways to improve the nutritional value of the food it sells. The company also said it … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Petrobras Strikes Oil In Amazon

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:55:17 +0000

Brazilian state-run energy giant, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (NYSE:PBR) or Petrobras S.A., announced that it has discovered an accumulation of crude oil and natural gas in Solimoes Basin of the Amazon, onshore northwest Brazil.
Drilled to a total depth of 10,810 feet, the 1-BRSA-961-AMwell, informally known as Igarape Chibata Leste is located in the Coari, 15.5 miles from the Urucu Oil Province. Petrobras controls 100% exploration and production rights in the block.
Initial evaluation suggests that … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

On Track…to A Train Wreck

Michael Panzner — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:46:00 +0000

(Image: source)
For the bulls, yesterday’s news of a much higher-than-anticipated jump in consumer borrowing is yet more proof that the recovery is on track:
“U.S. Consumer Credit Climbed by $19.3B in Dec.” (Bloomberg)
Consumer borrowing in the U.S. rose more than forecast in December, driven by demand for auto and student loans.
Credit increased by $19.3 billion to $2.5 trillion, Federal Reserve figures showed today in Washington. The gain topped the $7 billion median forecast of economists … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Mylan Acquires Two Generics

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:32:47 +0000

Mylan, Inc. (NYSE:MYL), one of the leading generic drug makers in the world, recently announced the acquisition of two generic dermatological products from Canadian company Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:VRX). Mylan acquired the authorized generic version of Valeant Pharma’s Efudex cream indicated for the treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses.
Second, Mylan has acquired the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for the generic version of Valeant Pharma’s topical acne treatment … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CIT To Redeem Series A Notes

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:22:36 +0000

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE:CIT) announced its intention to redeem about $4 million of its 7% Series A Notes. Out of which, nearly $1 million notes are set to mature in 2016 and approximately $2.9 billion notes will be maturing in 2017.
CIT aims to complete the redemption on March 9, having already given the redemption notice to the trustees. The Series A notes were issued in December 2009 as a part of CIT’s reorganization.
Hence, after the completion of this redemption, all of the Series A Notes will … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Generic Challenge For UTHR’s Remodulin

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:22:34 +0000

United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) is facing a patent challenge for its lead product, Remodulin (treprostinil) injection. Sandoz, Novartis’ (NYSE:NVS) generic unit, is seeking approval for its generic version of Remodulin (10 mg/mL).
The Paragraph IV Certification Notice Letter was received from Sandoz on Feb 3, 2012. Sandoz has filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its generic version of Remodulin.
Sandoz is challenging three … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

China OKs Citi Credit Card Biz

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:22:32 +0000

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) will launch its own credit card business in China. Its Chinese subsidiary Citibank (China) Co. Ltd. has received approval from the China Banking Regulatory Commission. The company will launch both retail and commercial cards before the end of this year. This marks a landmark for Citigroup — the first U.S.-based bank to introduce its own credit card in China.
Prior to 2008, foreign companies were only allowed to issue credit cards in collaboration with local companies. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Microsoft

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:22:31 +0000

Following the second quarter 2012 earnings announcement on January 19, more than half the analysts covering Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) have made downward revisions to their estimates. The reason for the downward movement can be traced to the negative affect on the PC supply chain due to hard-disk drive (HDD) shortages and macroeconomic uncertainties that are expected to continue well into 2012.
Last Quarter Synopsis
Microsoft’s second quarter results were a couple of cents higher than the Zacks … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cliffs Scraps Michigan JV

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:22:29 +0000

Given its strategic priorities and intentions to focus primarily on its core business, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Co (NYSE:CLF) intends to scrap its Michigan Iron Nuggets joint venture with Kobe Steel.
Founded in 2007, this joint venture has conducted a number of feasibility studies on the possibility of pursuing a commercially viable process to produce a pig iron substitute using Kobe’s ITmk3 technology and Cliffs’ iron ore assets.
The plant employs less than 10 employees, who will be … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Delta Reports Lower January Traffic

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:40:20 +0000

Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) reported a 1.5% year-over-year traffic decline in January. Airline traffic is measured in billions of revenue passenger miles, which means one mile flown by one passenger. Given the slowing space of the economy, international carriers like Delta continues to register limited passenger growth, impacting airline traffic numbers.
However, air fares remained strong due to the reduction in the availability of seats supporting Delta’s passenger unit revenue (PRASM), … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Aimco Fiscal FFO Excels Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:30:17 +0000

Apartment Investment and Management Company (NYSE:AIV), or Aimco as the real estate investment trust (REIT) is popularly known, reported fiscal 2011 fourth quarter funds from operations (FFO) of $52.2 million or 43 cents per share compared to $41.4 million or 35 cents in the year-ago period. Funds from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income.
Excluding the non-recurring … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Higher Bleeding Haunts Merck Candidate

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:30:15 +0000

Merck (NYSE:MRK) recently announced top-line data on its anti-clotting candidate, vorapaxar, from the TRA-2P (Thrombin Receptor Antagonist in Secondary Prevention of atherothrombotic ischemic events) study. Although vorapaxar achieved its primary endpoint, bleeding risks were, once again, high.
Results showed that vorapaxar, when added to standard of care, significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke or urgent coronary revascularization … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Trimble Has Another Good Quarter

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:10:22 +0000

Trimble Navigation’s (NASDAQ:TRMB) fourth quarter earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3 cents, or 7.0%. While GAAP earnings exceeded management expectations, non-GAAP earnings fell short.
However, despite softness in some markets, Trimble’s solid portfolio (enhanced by acquisitions), strong market position and strategic partnerships will continue to drive both revenue and earnings over the next few quarters.
Seasonality typically causes huge sequential fluctuations in both … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Louisiana-Pacific’s Loss Widens

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:10:20 +0000

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) reported a broader loss of 33 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with the same of 12 cents per share in the same quarter of 2010 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 20 cents per share.
The wider loss was attributable to sluggish demand for building products due to seasonality and inventory reduction actions taken by the company’s customers at year’s end.
Net sales in the quarter dipped over 1% to $312.2 million. Adjusted … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Newfield Plans For An ‘Oily’ Future

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:10:18 +0000

Newfield Exploration Company (NYSE:NFX) appears all set to build an oil-centric growth profile in future, while remaining committed to the monetization of its non-strategic assets. This is evident from the company’s full-year 2011 production update, which comprises 20% year-over-year growth in oil or liquids.
Newfield is also concentrating on its asset sale program, which aims to generate proceeds of approximately $735 million. Around $400 million of sales were closed in 2011, while an … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Scorecard: Textron Inc.

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:18 +0000

Diversified U.S. conglomerate, Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) ended fiscal 2011 on a positive note on the back of strong performance at Bell, continued improvement at Cessna, complemented by good performance in the Industrial business. The Providence, Rhode Island based company’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2011 adjusted earnings per share of 49 cents outstripped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents. Adjusted earnings jumped roughly 48.5% year over year.
Highlights from the Quarter
Textron clocked … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

PMC-Sierra Beats EPS, Misses Rev

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:17 +0000

PMC-Sierra Inc. (NASDAQ:PMCS) has reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings of 13 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 10 cents on lower-than-expected expenses. The adjusted earnings per share exclude one-time items, but include stock-based compensation expense.
Revenue
PMC-Sierra reported revenue of $152.6 million in the fourth quarter, down 4.2% from $159.3 million in the year-ago period. Revenue also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $155.0 million, impacted by one less … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Magellan Ends 2011 On Strong Note

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:15 +0000

Pipeline operator Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE:MMP) announced strong fourth quarter 2011 results, aided by the positive effects of higher petroleum prices on its commodity-related activities, as well as contributions from recently-completed acquisitions and expansion projects. These factors more than made up for the weak refined petroleum products demand growth environment.
The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based oil distributor reported earnings per unit (EPU) of $1.02 (excluding mark-to-market … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CONSOL Energy’s Gas Reserves Dip

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:13 +0000

CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) announced an increase in its net proved reserve through extensions and discoveries of 517 billion cubic feet (“Bcf”) worth $237.4 million in 2011. The company attributes this positive outcome to its held-by-production (“HBP”) acreage in the Marcellus Shale and evolving drilling and completion technology. The acreage also helped the company to drill multiple wells from the same pad.
Despite an increase of 517 Bcf through extensions and discoveries in 2011, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

FAN, BICK

NYFP — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Weekly update on the First Trust Global Wind Energy Index Fund and the First Trust BICK Index … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earning Scorecard: Time Warner Cable

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:25:15 +0000

Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE:TWC) reported encouraging results for the fourth quarter of 2011, surpassing both the top and bottom line of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Such improved performance was mainly driven by the growth in the high-speed data customers in both the residence and business segment coupled with increased demand for bundle products (inclusive of premium services).
Fourth Quarter Highlights
Quarterly GAAP net income was $564 million or $1.75 per share compared with a net income of … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Amgen Upped To Outperform

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:15:15 +0000

Following the release of fourth quarter and full year 2011 results, we upgraded biotech major, Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN), to Outperform. Although the company missed estimates in the fourth quarter of 2011, guidance for 2012 was better-than-expected. The company expects earnings in the range of $5.90 – $6.15 per share on revenues of $16.1 – $16.5 billion. This was well above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.46 per share.
We have raised our 2012 earnings estimate by 48 cents to $5.94 per share. The upward … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CBG Recurring EPS Beats Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:15:14 +0000

CBRE Group Inc. (NYSE:CBG) reported fourth quarter 2011 revenues of $1.8 billion compared with $1.7 billion in the year-earlier quarter, reflecting an increase of 7%. The revenues in the reported quarter missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.9 billion.
The company reported a net income of $79.8 million or 25 cents per share during the quarter, compared with $95.1 million or 30 cents in the year-ago period. Excluding non-recurring items, CBRE Group reported a net income of $149.3 million or 46 … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Life Technologies Beats, Profit Up

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:05:09 +0000

Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) reported an adjusted EPS of $1.06 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, beating both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.03 and the year-ago quarter’s adjusted EPS of 90 cents. For the fiscal, adjusted EPS came in at $3.73, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.70 and $3.55 earned in the previous year.
Revenues increased 4% year over year (3% at constant exchange rates or CER) to $970 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $965 million. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BUY VALV @ $1.18 – SOLD VALV @ $1.24

John Townsend — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:04:00 +0000

A reader by the name of Guy wrote a comment that I was able to read before the beginning bell this morning to ask what I thought of a stock called Shengkai Innovations Inc (VALV). It looked like a momentum play I could manage between everything thing else I do at work (yeah, right) so I bought some shares at $1.15, but most were at $1.18. Just minutes ago I sold my entire position at $1.24.

Some of the VALV’s incredible ‘fundamental’ data that I was able to glean before attempting the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Avery Teams With Trimble

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:31 +0000

Avery Dennison Healthcare Provider Solutions, a business of Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY)has joined with Trimble Navigation Limited (NASDAQ:TRMB) for delivering ThingMagic powered passive RFID solutions to hospitals.
The systems of Avery Dennison Healthcare Provider include radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, best-in-class application software, RFID tags and implementation and process-improvement support that both ameliorate patient safety and reduce costs. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

CVS Reports Mixed Results

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:29 +0000

CVS Caremark (NYSE:CVS) reported fourth quarter 2011 EPS of 84 cents, 11.9% up year over year. However, after excluding the impact of certain one-time items, adjusted EPS came in at 89 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and 12.6% higher than the year-ago quarter.
Excluding a tax benefit of 3 cents per share in fourth quarter of 2010, adjusted EPS went up 16.2% year over year. For the full year, adjusted EPS rose 4.5% (5.9% excluding 2010 tax benefit) to $2.80, matching the Zacks … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

AGCO Reports Strong Quarter

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:28 +0000

AGCO Corporation (AGCO) has reported fiscal 2011 fourth quarter results, delivering an adjusted EPS of $1.44 versus 88 cents in the year-earlier quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.33.
Including the net effect of tax gain and acquisition expenses of $1.46 associated with the GSI acquisition, EPS stood at $2.90 in the reported quarter. This was more than three times the 87 cents in the year-ago quarter, which included restructuring expenses of 1 cent.
Total revenue in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

DST Delivers A Modest 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:26 +0000

DST Systems Inc. (NYSE:DST) posted fourth quarter 2011 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 91 cents, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 96 cents.
Revenue
Total revenue in the fourth quarter was $623.4 million, up 7.4% from $580.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Excluding out-of-the-pocket reimbursements, consolidated operating revenue increased 7.6% year over year to $457.3 million, which was above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $431.0 million.
Financial Services operating revenues … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Reynolds American Surpasses Ests

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:24 +0000

Reynolds American Inc. (NYSE:RAI) delivered better-than-expected adjusted earnings of 72 cents and $2.81 per share in the fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2011, respectively. The results exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents and $2.78 per share, respectively.
Both the adjusted quarterly and fiscal year results also surpassed the prior-year period results by 12.5% and 6.8%, respectively.
The fourth quarter 2011 results exclude non-cash charges of 5 cents per share for trademark … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

ICE Exits Rock Solid From 2011

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:23 +0000

IntercontinentalExchange Inc.’s (NYSE:ICE) fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings of $1.76 per share were significantly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.68 per share and $1.35 per share reported in the year-ago period.
Excluding certain net acquisition-related costs, net operating income of $129.3 million surged 29.4% year over year in the reported quarter. Net income attributable to shareholders was $126.8 million or $1.73 per share, compared with $99.1 million or $1.34 per share in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Cognizant Yields Favorable 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:21 +0000

Leading information technology services provider Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) reported its fourth quarter financial results of fiscal 2011. On a non-GAAP basis, net income came in at $240.1 million or 84 cents per share compared with $206.2 million or 70 cents per share in the year-ago quarter and $227.1 million or 80 cents per share (non-GAAP) in the previous quarter. Earnings per share were well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents.
For the full … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

High Expenses Hit Coventry

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:19 +0000

Coventry Health Care Inc. (NYSE:CVH) generated fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings per share of 58 cents, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 64 cents as well as 96 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. Operating income amounted to $82.1 million, substantially lagging $142.1 million earned in the year-ago quarter.
The decline was primarily attributable to increased expenses coupled with membership decline in Commercial Group Risk and Medicare Part D that marred the desired upside in … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Prologis Surpasses Estimates

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:17 +0000

Prologis Inc. (NYSE:PLD), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT), reported fourth quarter 2011 funds from operations (FFO) of $0.29 per share compared with a FFO loss of $4.81 in the year-earlier quarter. Funds from operations, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of real estate investment trusts (REITs), is obtained after adding depreciation and other non-cash expenses to net income.
The decrease in year-over-year FFO is primarily due to impairment charges and merger-related … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Earnings Preview: IFF

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:55:16 +0000

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) is slated to release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 results on Thursday, February 9. The current Zacks Consensus Estimates for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 earnings per share (EPS) are 71 cents and $3.73, representing an annualized growth of 2.28% and 10.68%, respectively.
International Flavors’ earnings surprise average for the trailing four quarters is flat, with the company’s out performance in two quarters being … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Guilfoyle: “Greece Is The Focus…and The BOE”

NYFP — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:50:00 +0000

02/08/12 Meridian Equity Partners’ Stephen Guilfoyle weighs in on key fundamentals: Greece talks, Bank of England’s QE expectations and US jobless claims … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Are Home Prices Going Up Or Down? Let’s View Market Trends

Kathy Godin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:41:49 +0000

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

Hot Option Plays: Euro Pop

OptionsXpress — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:19:11 +0000

Cusick’s Corner 02-08-2012
The consolidation continues in equities but we are seeing that commodities and currencies are moving. Here’s what caught my eye — the Euro popped over the $1.32, the Dollar under. 79, and the Bonds, TLT, finally breaking, and all we need is big Ben to talk inflation and the bulls may have the catalyst they have been looking for the last week. Still trading conservatively, see you After Hours.
Market action is mixed, as investors wait for news related to the European … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

RenaissanceRe Beats On Rev Growth

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:11:02 +0000

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (RNR) reported fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings of $1.11 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06. This compares unfavorably with earnings of $3.47 in the year-ago quarter.
Net income also plunged 33% to $81.8 million or $1.58 per share from $122.6 million or $2.23 per share in the prior-year quarter.
Operating earnings for the quarter came in at $58.0 million compared with $189.1 million in the year-ago quarter.
Results deteriorated primarily … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Wyndham’s EPS Beats, Dividend Upped

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:21 +0000

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation’s (NYSE:WYN) fourth quarter 2011 adjusted earnings of 47 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents and improved by a cent from the year ago quarter. In full-fiscal 2011, earnings per share were $2.49 versus $2.00 in the year-ago period.
On a reported basis, Wyndham delivered earnings of 37 cents per share versus 43 cents in the prior-year quarter. In full-fiscal 2011, earnings were $2.51 versus $2.05 in the year-ago period.
The increase was … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Hartford Posts Weak 4Q Results

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:19 +0000

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:HIG) reported fourth-quarter 2011 operating earnings of $442.0 million or 90 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents per share by a huge margin. However, results were marginally behind $454 million or 91 cents per share reported in the fourth quarter of 2010.
The prior-year quarter earnings exclude a DAC unlock benefit of $48 million or 10 cents per share and net prior-year reserve development benefit of $27 million or 5 cents … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Time Warner Beats, Ups Dividend

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:17 +0000

Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX), the diversified media conglomerate, recently posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2011 results. The quarterly earnings of 94 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents, and surged 40% from 67 cents in the prior-year quarter, reflecting higher adjusted operating income across Networks and Publishing segments. Share repurchase activity also provided some cushion to the bottom-line.
On a reported basis, including one-time items, earnings came in at … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Illumina Beats, Spurns Roche Offer

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:15 +0000

Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) reported EPS of 9 cents in the fourth quarter of 2011, well below the year-ago quarter EPS of 25 cents. However, after adjusting for certain one-time items, EPS came in at 35 cents, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 30 cents and 20.7% higher than the prior-year quarter.
For the full year, adjusted EPS came in at $1.30, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.25 and the year-ago figure of $1.06.
Revenues dipped 4% year over year to $250 million during the quarter. … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Glaxo Misses Estimates By A Mile

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:13 +0000

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) reported fourth quarter earnings of 90 cents per ADS, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 95 cents but above the year-ago loss of 24 cents per ADS. Revenues fell 2% year over year at constant exchange rates (“CER”) to $11.2 billion. Revenues came in below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.5 billion.
Fiscal 2011 earnings were $3.62 per ADS as compared with $1.66 in the year-ago period. Full-year earnings were above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.52. Revenues … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Mixed 3Q12 For Ralph Lauren

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:10 +0000

Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:RL) reported third-quarter fiscal 2012 earnings per share of $1.78, reflecting a 3% growth from $1.72 earned in the year-ago period. Quarterly earnings also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.67 per share. The company’s earnings in the quarter reflected a decline in shares outstanding as against last year.
Quarterly Details
During the quarter, Polo Ralph Lauren’s net revenues climbed 17% year over year to $1,756.0 million, which however fell short of the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

BHP Revs Up On Diversified Business

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:08 +0000

BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) has reported financial results for half year ended December 31, 2011 with net income of $9.9 billion (excluding exceptional items), down 7.1% from $10.7 billion for half year ended December 31, 2010. Diluted earnings per ordinary share were recorded at $1.86 ($3.72 per ADS).
Revenues increased 9.7% to $37.5 billion from $34.2 billion for half year ended December 31, 2010. Underlying EBIT and EBIDTA were recorded at $15.7 billion and $18.7 billion, up 5.8% and 8.3% … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Western Union In Line, Ups Dividend

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:07 +0000

World’s leading money transfer company, Western Union Co. (NYSE:WU) reported fourth quarter operating earnings of 40 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings per share, however, were up 5.3% year over year on the back of a strong margin improvement in its Global Business Payments unit and a lower share count.
Western Union’s revenues for the quarter were $1.4 billion, up 5% year over year, and in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The year-over-year increase … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Moody’s Reports Disappointing 4Q

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:03:05 +0000

Moody’s Corp. (NYSE:MCO) reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings of 43 cents per share, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by six cents. Earnings per share decreased 27.0% year over year, primarily dragged by weak top-line growth.
Quarter Details
Revenue edged up 0.5% year over year to $567.1 million, but surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $556.0 million. Moody’s Business Analytics (MA) was the primary growth driver in the reported quarter. Revenue from the U.S. decreased 3.0% year … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Dollar Rebounds On Mixed Greek Reports

NYFP — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

02/08/12 The dollar has rebounded this afternoon and the euro has dropped on mixed reports concerning the progress of Greek debt … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Panera Surpasses Zacks Estimate

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:35:12 +0000

Panera Bread Co. (NASDAQ:PNRA) recently posted fourth quarter 2011 adjusted earnings of $1.42 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Reported earnings of $1.31 also outpaced the year-ago level of $1.21 per share. In full-fiscal 2011, reported earnings were $4.55 per share versus $3.62 in 2010. The better-than-expected results were driven by solid top-line growth.
Inside the Headline Numbers
The restaurant chain reported total revenue of $495.8 million in the fourth quarter, … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

IPhone Subsidy Ups Sprint’s Loss

Zacks Investment Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:35:10 +0000

Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) reported better-than-expected fourth quarter 2011 results. Adjusted loss per share of 35 cents bettered the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 38 cents.
Adjusted net loss excludes the negative impact of $241 million, or 8 cents per share related to asset and impairment charges, investment in Clearwire and severance costs. On a GAAP basis, the company reported net loss per share of 43 cents, which deteriorated 39% from the year-ago quarter’s loss of 31 cents primarily … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards

Forex Trading: AUDUSD Tests Trendline Support

Greg Michalowski — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:21:57 +0000

The AUDUSD is down testing trendline support at the 1.0765 level. The Reserve Bank of Australia surprised the market yesterday by not cutting rates. This led to new six month highs yesterday and again today. However, the price has since rotated back down to the support trnedline. A break has additional support at the 100 hour MA at the 1.0750 level currently. The price tested this moving average yesterday and on Monday. Each time the market found buyers against the … [visit site to read more] or compare Credit Card Rewards and Best Credit Cards