Zacks.com News Feed

Exponential Growth, Finite World - Analyst Blog

Dirk van Dijk, CFA — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:27:04 EST

Any growth rate that is positive will lead to a doubling in size eventually -- the higher the growth rate, the quicker the doubling.

CNP & FPL Ink Pipeline Deal - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:36:00 EST

The pipeline would connect Haynesville Shale natural gas production to markets in north Louisiana and CenterPoint Energy's Perryville Hub.

Buffett Borrows for Rail Acquisition - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:51 EST

The $8 billion loan that will be provided by JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo is intended to be paid back in three years' time.

How to Be a Better Trader

Kevin Matras — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:34:25 EST

Everyone would like to be better trader and investor. Here are 3 steps to help you do that right now.

Stone Energy Outdoes Estimates - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:14:28 EST

SGY reported third-quarter 2009 earnings of $1.06 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents.

Smucker's Beats, Raises Guidance - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:53 EST

Net sales for the quarter grew 51.7% year-over-year, primarily due to the addition of the Folgers coffee business.

GameStop Meets Expectations - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:25:24 EST

GME, the biggest video game retailer, reported third quarter earnings of 32 cents per share, slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 31 cents.

Pozen Initiates New Phase III - Analyst Blog

Jason Napodano, CFA — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:33:31 EST

Pozen is developing PA-325/40 for use in the secondary prevention of heart attacks and strokes in patients at risk for associated gastric ulcers.

TreeHouse Enters Oversold Territory - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Abhijit Ghosh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:11:55 EST

TreeHouse Enters Oversold Territory

Bearish MACD for Entertainment Properties - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Abhijit Ghosh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:07:52 EST

Bearish MACD for Entertainment Properties

ADC Dips on Weak Outlook - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:03:39 EST

ADC Telecommunications has published financial results for a truncated fourth quarter, the result of a fiscal year change. Net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 will be within the range of $250 million to $275 million, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $271 million.

Jones Apparel Enters Oversold Territory - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Abhijit Ghosh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01:37 EST

Jones Apparel Enters Oversold Territory

Bearish MACD for Inland Real Estate - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Abhijit Ghosh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:20 EST

Bearish MACD for Inland Real Estate

AstraZeneca Seeks FDA Approval - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:43:23 EST

AstraZeneca plc has announced the submission of a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its blood clot preventer Brilinta.

Limited Brands Raises Guidance - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:31:46 EST

Limited Brands Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 with earnings of 2 cents per share. Gross margins for the fourth quarter are expected to be up modestly compared to the prior-year.

China Mobile Outlines 4G Plan - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:23:53 EST

China Mobile has revealed its plan to commence the trial run of its 4G network during World Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai.

Biogen's Rituxan Label Expansion Delayed - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:41 EST

Biogen works towards gaining final approval for the expanded indication and are planning to continue final label discussions with the FDA

Zacks Releases Four Powerful ''Buy'' Stocks: Universal Health Services, Inc, Crane Co., Nordstrom Inc. and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company - Press Releases

Abhishek Sarkar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:46:01 EST

Zacks Releases Four Powerful ''Buy'' Stocks: Universal Health Services, Inc, Crane Co., Nordstrom Inc. and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Helmerich & Payne Profit Declines - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:40:21 EST

Earnings per share, excluding gains from non-operating items, came in at 47 cents, marginally better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 44 cents.

Cyberonics Beats, Raises Outlook - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:40:19 EST

Cyberonics, Inc. reported second quarter fiscal 2010 earnings per share of 32 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 20 cents

Final Deadline for Nortel Bid - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:20:05 EST

The final auction for acquiring all of its Metro optical and Ethernet Networks division is on Nov 20, 2009

TransDigm Beats Estimates - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

TransDigm's earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents in the fourth quarter.

Suntech Tops Zacks Estimates - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Suntech Power posts strong third quarter results.

Treasury to Auction TARP Warrants - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST

Government is taking steps to free the banks from the federal bailout program.

Company News for November 20, 2009 - Corporate Summary

Avishek Mishra — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:07:18 EST

Companies in the news are DHI, DELL, SJM

Stock Market News for November 20, 2009 - Market News

Avishek Mishra — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:04:47 EST

A lack of conviction on part of the market to push beyond the current rally has been a dampener and concerns of an asset bubble build-up due to accommodative monetary policies have diminished risk appetites.

Gap's Earnings Improve - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Gap Inc improves earnings in the third quarter compared to the year-earlier quarter.

Dell Falls Short of Expectations - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:51:13 EST

The company's third quarter reported revenue was adversely affected by the timing of Windows 7 and backlog buildup.

Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day Highlights: Principal Financial, Sohu.com, Bank of America, Wal-Mart and Sears Holding Corp. - Press Releases

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:10:10 EST

Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day Highlights: Principal Financial, Sohu.com, Bank of America, Wal-Mart and Sears Holding Corp.

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Apple Inc., KT Corp., SK Telecom, China Unicom and American Express Company - Press Releases

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:31 EST

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Apple Inc., KT Corp., SK Telecom, China Unicom and American Express Company

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Aetna Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., WellPoint Inc., Assurant Inc. and Cigna Corp. - Press Releases

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:51:53 EST

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Aetna Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., WellPoint Inc., Assurant Inc. and Cigna Corp.

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Bank of America, MGIC, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Gymboree Corp. - Press Releases

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:42:27 EST

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Bank of America, MGIC, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Gymboree Corp.

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Toyota Motors, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., ExxonMobil Corp., Chevron Corp., and Royal Dutch Shell PLC - Press Releases

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:26:57 EST

Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Toyota Motors, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., ExxonMobil Corp., Chevron Corp., and Royal Dutch Shell PLC

Zacks #5 Rank Additions for Friday - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:23:32 EST

Here are the stocks added to the Zacks #5 Rank ("strong sell") List for Friday

Zacks #1 Rank Additions for Friday - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:14:14 EST

Here are the stocks added to the Zacks #1 Rank ("strong buy") List for Friday

Top European Equity Funds - Mutual Fund Commentary

Swarup Gupta — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:59 EST

Add a little European flavor to your portfolio with ING European Real Estate Fund A (IAERX), T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) and DFA Continental Small Company (DFCSX).

Nordstrom Inc. - Momentum - Zacks Rank Buy

Michael Vodicka — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Shares of this high-end retailer are trading near the 52-week high on solid Q3 results.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company - Value - Zacks Rank Buy

Tracey Ryniec — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Sales rose 1% in the third quarter with Asian tire sales jumping 28%.

These 2 stocks are both on the move, one hitting a new 52-week high and the other moving into position to do so. - Charting Zacks Elite Stocks

Michael Vodicka — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The JM Smuckers Company and McDonalds Corp.

Give Thanks for a Great 3Q - Earnings Preview

Dirk Van Dijk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Investors will be able to say thanks next Thursday for a wonderful earnings season.

Crane Co. - Growth And Income - Zacks Rank Buy

Alex Kolb — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Crane is surging past the market on strong fundamentals as analysts hike estimates.

Sohu.com (SOHU) - Bear of the Day

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

While Sohu.com's (SOHU) third-quarter earnings beat the Zacks Consensus estimate and were in line with the company s own guidance, the outlook for the fourth quarter was far below expectation. The company's operating expenses have been steadily going up, which we fear could limit the growth in earnings.

Moreover, recent delays in game launches, weak ad spending, which is hurting the brand advertising revenue and intense competition pose a threat. Strength in its online games and portal business are expected to be the strongest drivers for growth beyond 2010.

Currently, we see limited upside for Sohu's revenue and earnings growth in the near term. We downgrade the stock to Underperform from our previous Neutral rating and set a six-month price target of $45.00.

Principal Financial Group (PFG) - Bull of the Day

Zacks Equity Research — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

We are upgrading our recommendation on the shares of Principal Financial (PFG) to Outperform. The company's third quarter operating earnings were much ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven primarily by the sequential improvement in domestic as well as global equity markets.

We believe that Principal's strong franchise within the pension sector, which is aided by its diversification both in terms of products and geography, positions it well to benefit from the gradual recovery of the credit market. However, rising unemployment is reducing the number of participants in existing employee benefit plans.

Though we are concerned about higher delinquencies in its commercial mortgage portfolio, we expect the company to benefit from its decent capital level and cost containment measures.

Universal Health Services, Inc. - Aggressive Growth - Zacks Rank Buy

Bill Wilton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Universal continues to top estimates, which are at the highest levels in over 5 years.

Grainger Boosted by Acquisitions - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:10:14 EST

The company benefited from a 2% positive contribution from the businesses in Japan and India, 1% from the acquisition of Imperial Supplies and 2% from favorable foreign currency translation.

DVAX Completes Hep-B Enrollment - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:40:00 EST

Dynavax announced the completion of enrollment for the first of three cohorts of patients receiving DV-601 (HBV) therapy.

Massey Acquires Coal Reserve - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:16:27 EST

Massey secured rights to the reserves through an auction in the bankruptcy of Appalachian Fuels.

Dover on Acquisition Spree - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:51:22 EST

Dover announced that Hill PHOENIX, its operating company has acquired Barker Co. Ltd. and its sister company.

Mortgage Delinquencies: Record High - Analyst Blog

Dirk van Dijk, CFA — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:46:41 EST

The MBA data does not include mortgages that have entered the foreclosure process, and those are rising as well.

NetApp Tops, Outlook Positive - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:04 EST

NetApp's second-quarter EPS of 37 cents beat the Zacks Consensus estimate of 19 cents per share.

Patterson Meets Expectations - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:07:34 EST

Patterson's second-quarter earnings per share of 41 cents matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

South Korea Welcomes iPhone - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:46:09 EST

South Korea's telecom regulator granted Apple the license to sell the iconic handset in the domestic cell phone market.

Gymboree Beats, but Outlook Down - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:25:21 EST

Gymboree's third-quarter EPS came in at $1.15, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.13.

Petrobras Profit Exceeds Ests - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:55:57 EST

Petrobras' third-quarter earnings per ADR came in at R$1.66 (96 cents), beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents.

Iron Mountain Downgraded - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:38:51 EST

We don't see any near-term drivers of growth.

Panel Backing for Prevnar 13 - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:20:31 EST

Pfizer announced that the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products advisory committee voted in favor of data presented to support the safety and effectiveness of Prevnar 13

AmEx to Buy Revolution Money - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:25 EST

American Express Company to acquire Internet payment platform Revolution Money for about $300 million.

NTT Headed for India - Analyst Blog

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:40:51 EST

The company has started negotiations with Patni Computer Systems, the sixth largest software services exporter of India, to acquire 66% stake in the latter

Fossil Inc. - Momentum - Zacks Rank Buy

Michael Vodicka — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Shares of this accessories maker jumped higher on strong Q3 results.

Hotels and Lodging - Zacks Analyst Interviews

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

With some early signs of economic recovery, we believe that hotel occupancy will improve in the fourth quarter of 2009 and in 2010.

Gap Inc. - Growth And Income - Zacks Rank Buy

Alex Kolb — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Gap has seen bullish forecasts going in to today's earnings announcement.

Hotels and Lodging - Industry Outlook

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

With some early signs of economic recovery, we believe that hotel occupancy will improve in the fourth quarter of 2009 and in 2010.

CPFL Energia (CPL) - Bull of the Day

Claudio Freitas — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

We are maintaining our Outperform rating on CPFL Energia (CPL). The company posted in-line results for the third quarter of 2009, despite non-recurring items.

The company's outlook for the medium-term remains positive, mainly considering the more relaxed monetary policy in Brazil and the growing demand for electricity, even though there is the still-difficult business environment around the world.

Finally, CPL has a solid dividend payout and its valuation appears to be highly attractive, mainly considering the noncyclical nature of the company.

Medicines Co. (MDCO) - Bear of the Day

Zacks Equity Research — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Medicines Company's (MDCO) third-quarter loss per share of 6 cents missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 5 cents. Although Angiomax continues to contribute significantly to revenues, we are concerned about the product losing exclusivity in the U.S. in September 2010.

The entry of generics would be devastating for the company. Therefore, the onus is on management to acquire and develop the next generation of products to drive the top-line. One of those products was expected to be Cangrelor. However, the failure of the phase III CHAMPION program was a significant setback.

Meanwhile, the Cleviprex sales ramp has also been slow. We recommend avoiding the name until we gain more visibility on the Angiomax patent situation, the Cleviprex ramp and the future of Cangrelor and Oritavancin.

OPNET Technologies, Inc - Aggressive Growth - Zacks Rank Buy

Bill Wilton — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

OPNET just recorded a company record for deferred revenue that led analysts to raise forecasts.