Family Dollar Stores, Inc.

Companies highlighted in this weekly wrap include Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (FDO), AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (AU), Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. (WW) and Hansen Natural Corp. (HANS).

Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (FDO) reported its official second-quarter results on April 8, demonstrating the strength of the company's value proposition in a weak economy.

Second-Quarter Results

Revenue was up 8.7% from last year to $1.99 billion. Income came in at $84.1 million, up from $63.3 million last year, producing earnings of 60 cents per share, in line with expectations.

Consistent Results

Family Dollar has surprised and beat in each of the last four quarters by an average of 4 cents, or 9.65%.

Estimates Climb

After the solid quarter, analysts were quick to upgrade their earnings forecasts, with the current year climbing 5 cents to $1.94 per share. The next-year estimate is up 2 cents in the last 7 days to $2.07, a respectable 7% earnings growth projection.

The Chart

Shares of FDO spiked higher on the news, breaking above a very short-term level of resistance just below $34. Take a look below.

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (AU) continues to head higher as gold bugs worried about inflation align themselves with hard assets. Read Full Article.

Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. (WW) is rallying with the market, having gained more than 40% in the last four months on strong quarterly results and higher estimates. Read Full Article.

Hansen Natural Corp. (HANS) has rebounded strongly from its 6-month low set in November in reaction to a solid quarter and rising estimates. Read Full Article.

Read the full analyst report on FDO