Feb 18, 2010

Daily Markets - Financial News And Opinions

Daily Markets - Financial News And Opinions


Exxon Mobil - It’s Easy To Win On This Stock Trade

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 12:01 PM PST

One of the best friends a trader has is the concept of a “stress test.”

You won’t read about a “stress test” in any book on trading. It’s simply a name I’ve given to periods where extremely bearish conditions prevailed for a given asset.

The thinking goes, if you notice where an asset refuses to sink any lower during some of the worst conditions imaginable, that price point is likely the lowest possible level the asset can hit for a long, long time.

For a “real time” version of a … [visit site to read more]


RenaissanceRe Ups Dividend

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:05 AM PST

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR) announced its fifteenth consecutive annual increase in quarterly dividend on Wednesday. The Board of RenaissanceRe also approved an increase in the stock repurchase program.
 
RenaissanceRe declared its quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on March 31, 2010, to shareholders of record as on March 15, 2010. This represents an increase of 4.2% over the last paid dividend of 24 cents.
 
Concurrently, the Board of … [visit site to read more]


Video: NYC Airports Amongst Worst In Nation For Customers

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:04 AM PST

According to J.D. Power & Associates’ North America Airport Satisfaction Study for 2010, the three major NYC-area airports all received poor scores. … [visit site to read more]


The World’s Most Powerful People

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:01 AM PST

I was catching up on my reading backlog and came across a Forbes.com article from a while back titled “The World’s Most Powerful People.”

Of course, you see a list like that and you just have to open it.

The political leaders of the United States, China and Russia occupy the top three slots - hard to argue too much with that, though if the list came out today, the order might be different.

Batting cleanup is Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke - his considerable influence over the … [visit site to read more]


Poorly Defending Government Spending

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 11:00 AM PST

The Dow rose about 40 points yesterday. Gold fell a few bucks. The dollar spent the day treading water. Nothing much to report there…
But what's this? It appears that a $787 billion stimulus package ain't what it used to be, at least according to the Congressional Budget Office. The government's spending watchdog (yes, such a thing exists) estimates that, all in, President Obama's stimulus package will end up costing $862 billion, a $75 billion blowout. How did this accounting error … [visit site to read more]


Continued Losses For Terex

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:48 AM PST

Construction and mining equipment manufacturer Terex Corp. (NYSE:TEX) announced a net loss of $1.06 per share for the fourth quarter of 2009 as profits in the Cranes segment were more than offset by losses in the other three segments.
 
Net sales during the quarter declined 36.1% to $1,058 million from $1,656.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 due to weak sales at all of the company's businesses, partially offset by favorable currency translation impact. Sales declined in double … [visit site to read more]


Video: Crude Prices Rise Despite Build In Stockpiles

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:47 AM PST

Despite a larger-than-expected build in crude supplies for last week, front month crude prices were well on the upside this session. … [visit site to read more]


Video: Risk Aversion Rises On US Jobs Data

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:38 AM PST

Risk aversion has dominated the Forex markets this session following a rise in both initial and continuing jobless claims. … [visit site to read more]


The PIIGS Nations: Five International Investments For Any Global Stock Watchlist

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:37 AM PST

Thursday, February 18, 2010: Issue #1199
I'm someone who is chronically early. I can't stand being late. Whether it's a party or a meeting, if I'm running late, it drives me insane. So it's no surprise that when it comes to investing, I also like to get in early. Given my philosophy, if I were late to an investment idea, they'd have to put me in a straight jacket and lock me in a rubber room.
Last week, my colleague, Karim Rahemtulla, highlighted the economic problems of the … [visit site to read more]


Hormel Beats Expectations

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:33 AM PST

Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE:HRL) reported encouraging results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010. During the quarter, net earnings was $111.2 million, up 37% from $81.4 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2009. EPS for the quarter was 82 cents, compared to 60 cents in the year-ago quarter. It exceeded market expectations of 68 cents.
 
Sales totaled $1.73 billion, up 2% from the same period in the previous year. The Grocery Products segment achieved an impressive segment operating profit … [visit site to read more]


Video: Market Movers: ZNT, RAD, CAR, WCG, DE

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:23 AM PST

The latest news and information on U.S. stocks that are moving the market. … [visit site to read more]


Watsco Posts Higher Profit

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:17 AM PST

Watsco Inc. (NYSE:WSO) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 25 cents per share, above analysts' expectations of 14 cents as well as the prior-year EPS of 12 cents.
 
The company's total revenue increased 68.3% year over year to $563.6 million. The current-year quarter included $251 million of revenue added by Carrier Enterprise, a joint venture formed on July 1, 2009 with Carrier Corporation. The joint-venture added 95 locations to the Watsco network.
 
On a same-store basis, … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: GBPUSD Battle Continues. 1.5556 Holds Again

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:16 AM PST

The assault of the 1.5556 level continues with another test added to the string of tests already. The price printed 1.5557 on the last move lower and has now bounced to the 100 bar MA on the 5 minute chart at 1.5600.  The price held but remains supported from below now once … [visit site to read more]


US Treasury Debt: No Interest In Sight

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:03 AM PST

The big news yesterday was that China was dumping its US Treasury debt. Behind this story is another story. And, of course, there's another one behind it. And about a million in front. But let's begin in the beginning:
WASHINGTON (AP) – The government said Tuesday that foreign demand for US Treasury securities fell by the largest amount on record in December with China reducing its holdings by $34.2 billion.
The reductions in holdings, if they continue, could force the government to make … [visit site to read more]


PRAA Announces Stock Offering

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:01 AM PST

In order to increase capital and enhance its liquidity, on Feb 16, 2010, Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAA) announced the beginning of the public offering of its 1,000,000 shares that have been underwritten on its common stock. For this, the company has appointed William Blair & Company, LLC as the book-running manager and JMP Securities LLC as the co-lead manager. 

Additionally, PRAA has also granted a 30-day option to its underwriters for the purchase of an additional … [visit site to read more]


Metal ETFs Have Good Reason To Remain Attractive

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:55 AM PST

As developing nations continue to prosper, grow and decouple from the Western world, the demand for certain alloying metals is likely to surge making them a highly sought after commodity.

There is a direct correlation with the demand for alloying metals and economic growth.  In general, as economies grow, they consume and hence demand more alloying metals.  Some of these metals, like aluminum, iron and copper are invaluable building a modern economy due to their roles in the development of … [visit site to read more]


AstraZeneca Inks RA Drug Deal

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:45 AM PST

For quite some time, AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) has been entering into licensing deals to strengthen its pipeline, the latest being with Rigel Pharmaceuticals. The two companies recently announced a worldwide license agreement to develop and commercialize fostamatinib disodium (R788), a late-stage candidate indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other indications.
 
Under the deal, AstraZeneca will receive the development and global commercialization rights of the drug for … [visit site to read more]


How Your US Taxes Could Be Bailing Out Greece

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:36 AM PST

It sounds far-fetched but, as Dr. Ron Paul highlights in his weekly column, Americans have no insight into the operations of the Federal Reserve. Therefore, the Fed can covertly funnel US funds to wherever it decides. This could include, for example, Greece, as it inches ever closer to default.
From Texas Straight Talk:
"Is it possible that our Federal Reserve has had some hand in bailing out Greece? The fact is, we don't know, and current laws exempt agreements between the Fed and foreign … [visit site to read more]


Bullish On Oracle Long-Term

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:30 AM PST

We remain positive on Oracle Corp.'s (NASDAQ:ORCL) long-term growth and expect 2011 results to be strongly aided by the Sun Microsystems acquisition, which provides an impetus for growth in fiscal 2011 and beyond. 

We expect increased accretive synergies strengthening its competitive position. The acquisition enabled Oracle to take out its number one competitor, Sun and better position it to compete against International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM), its biggest database software … [visit site to read more]


Williams Results Short Of Estimates

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:25 AM PST

Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results, primarily because of the company's reduced drilling activity. Earnings per share, excluding mark-to-market adjustments, came in at 27 cents, 6 cents below the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Compared to the year-earlier period, Williams' adjusted earnings per share declined approximately 16%. However, revenue of $2.3 billion was up 11.6% from the fourth quarter 2008 level.

E&P

In the E&P business, total … [visit site to read more]


United Therapeutics Misses

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:15 AM PST

United Therapeutics Corp. (NASDAQ:UTHR) reported fourth quarter loss of 6 cents, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate for a net profit of 28 cents. Full year net income came in at 35 cents. The company reported a loss of $1.73 per share in the fourth quarter of 2008. 

Even though revenues increased 43.5% to $108.9 million in the reported quarter, higher operating expenses led to the earnings miss. Full year revenues increased 31% to $369.8 million. The increase in revenues was primarily … [visit site to read more]


O’Reilly Barely Exceeds Estimates

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:00 AM PST

O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ:ORLY) showed a 41% rise in profits to 52 cents per share (excluding special items) in the fourth quarter of 2009 from 37 cents (excluding special items) in the same period of 2008. This was a tad higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents. The company has attributed the results to the impressive consolidated comparable store sales experienced during the quarter as well as continued improvement in gross margin backed by improved purchasing power.
 
Sales … [visit site to read more]


Auxilium Loss Narrows

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:45 AM PST

Strong Testim sales helped Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUXL) report a narrower-than-expected net loss of 25 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2009, 6 cents below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a net loss of 31 cents and the year-ago net loss of 29 cents. Net loss for the full year was $1.22, 7 cents below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a net loss of $1.29. Auxilium reported a loss of $1.12 in the year-ago period.
 
Net revenues increased 38% to $48 million in the fourth … [visit site to read more]


IMF Sends Gold To The Woodshed

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:43 AM PST

Front and center this morning, we had the entire day-and-a-half rally in the risk assets completely erased, wiped out, and reversed yesterday… Recall that I told you in the morning that the euro (EUR) had lost about 1/4-cent while I was writing… Well, it held to near 1.37 until about mid morning, and then the trap door was sprung, and the euro went falling through the 1.37, and 1.36 floors!
And of course, when the Old Blue Tick Hound (used to be the Big Dog) gets sent back to the porch, all … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDJPY Breaks And Moves Sharply Higher

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:33 AM PST

The USDJPY broke the trendline, moved above the 91.00 level and shot higher.  The price has moved above yesterday's high at the 91.37 level and will now look toward the 61.8% Fibonacci resistance and the highs from January at the 91.86 level and 92.05.  The 200 day MA at the  92.34 level is also in play to the upside. 
On the downside, the close from yesterday was 91.25 and will be watched … [visit site to read more]


Wells Fargo Doubles HAMP Feat

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:30 AM PST

In an attempt to reduce the number of foreclosed homes across the US, on Wednesday Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) announced that it continues to proceed swiftly with its extensive and incessant use of the federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) along with its other modification programs. As on Jan 31, 2010, Wells Fargo recorded 137,128 active trials and completed modifications. This included 17,652 permanent modifications, twice the number of permanent modifications as of the … [visit site to read more]


Bad News On Jobless Claims

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:22 AM PST

The Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance report was decidedly weak, with claims rising to 475,000 from an upwardly revised 442,000 last week (was 440,000 pre-revision). Last week's big drop now looks like an anomaly.

In just a little bit of a silver lining, the 4-week moving average did decline slightly, falling by 1,550 to 467,500. The weekly numbers can be very volatile, so in general it is better to watch the 4-week average to get a better sense of the trend.

As the chart below … [visit site to read more]


Canadian Dollar: Bullish Bias Above 102

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:19 AM PST

Update on supports and resistances. … [visit site to read more]


Enzon Beats Estimates

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:15 AM PST

During the fourth quarter of 2009, Enzon (NASDAQ:ENZN) reported breakeven earnings, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 4 cents and a loss of 1 cent in the year-ago period. For the full year, loss per share (after adjustment of gain related to debt repurchase) came in at 8 cents, down from 10 cents reported in 2008.
 
Enzon's revenue for the reported quarter declined 9% to $44.2 million compared to the corresponding period last year. However, gross income of $34 million was … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDCAD Tests 1.0405/15 Support. Key Time For The USDCAD.

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:06 AM PST

The USDCAD is testing the 1.0405/15 level again reaching a low of 1.0408.  Key level for the pair to hold once again.  Oil and gold are up today which is pressuring the … [visit site to read more]


WMT: Strong Earnings, Weak Outlook

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:04 AM PST

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2010 results, but provided a tepid outlook for the coming quarter. The retailing giant reported adjusted quarterly earnings of $1.17 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus estimate of $1.12 per share.

Management had guided towards an EPS range of $1.08 to $1.12 per share in November last year. The company had earned $1.03 per share in the year-ago period. The guided range for the first quarter 2010 earnings is towards … [visit site to read more]


Video: A Good End Of Year For Goodyear

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:03 AM PST

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced Thursday that it posted a 4Q profit helped by growing sales in emerging markets. … [visit site to read more]


Skechers Beats Zacks Consensus

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:00 AM PST

Skechers USA Inc. (NYSE:SKX), the designer, marketer and distributor of footwear, recently reported fourth-quarter 2009 financial results that topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
 
Skechers' quarterly earnings of 58 cents a share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents, and improved substantially from a net loss of 44 cents delivered in the prior-year quarter. Robust sales growth and effective cost management drove the bottom-line.
 
The quarterly earnings outdid the Zacks … [visit site to read more]


Video: NYSE Opening Bell Market Monitor: WMT, HRL, GT

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:56 AM PST

The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities markets. … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: USDJPY Tests Upside Trendline Resistance At 90.96 Area

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:52 AM PST

The USDJPY has moved up to the old channel resistance at the 90.96 level.  I expect sellers against the level from the profit taking buyers earlier today, with stops above the 91.00 … [visit site to read more]


NVIDIA Profits Up On Higher Revenue

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:45 AM PST

NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) reported fourth-quarter 2010 earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis (excluding one-time items) of 23 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 15 cents per share. 10 out of 25 analysts have raised their estimates for the fourth quarter 2010 in the last 30 days.
 
Despite the upward revision, the quarterly profit beat the analysts' expectation on higher than expected revenue, which has more than doubled in the quarter from the year-ago … [visit site to read more]


Hewlett-Packard Delivers

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:38 AM PST

Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) reported first quarter EPS of $1.10, exceeding the Zacks Consensus estimate by 4 cents.

Revenue

Revenue for the quarter came in at $31.2 billion, an increase of 8.0% from the $28.8 billion reported in the year-ago period and up 5.0% on a currency adjusted basis. Revenue increased across all businesses excluding services, which declined 1.0% on a year-over-year basis.

The Americas reported a 9.0% increase in revenue to $13.6 billion. Revenue increased 1.0% in Europe, … [visit site to read more]


Forex Trading: EURUSD Comes Back Down To Yesterdays Closing Level.

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:32 AM PST

The close was 1.3606.  The 38.2% of the move up today comes in at 1.3510.  The 1.3584 level (see PRIOR POST) remains a key level below.  Above the 1.3634 level is back in play as upside … [visit site to read more]


Priceline Beats, Guidance Strong

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:30 AM PST

Priceline.com (NASDAQ:PCLN) reported very strong fourth quarter results, with earnings beating the Zacks Consensus by 33 cents and revenue beating by 2.6%. Shares were up 0.79% during the day, but jumped 6.33% after-hours in response to the news.
 
Revenue 
Revenue of $541.8 million was down 25.9% sequentially in the seasonally softer fourth quarter but increased a whopping 33.4% from the year-ago quarter, reflecting a much higher level of business than the recession-hit Dec 2008 quarter. … [visit site to read more]


Stock Market News Briefs: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Barrick Gold Corporation, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), Hormel Foods Corporation, Officemax Incorporated, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Wellcare Group, Wells Fargo & Company

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 06:40 AM PST

 Walmart (NYSE:WMT) reported better-than-expected fourth quarter earnings of $1.17, a nickel ahead of Zacks estimates of $1.12, versus $1.03 a year ago, on revenues of $113.7 billion, versus Zacks estimates of $114.3 billion.  Full year guidance was provided at $3.90-$4.00

 Barrick Gold (NYSE:ABX) posted better than estimated fourth quarter earnings of 61 cents, ahead of Zacks estimates of 56 cent estimates on revenues of $2.36 billion, versus Zacks estimates of $2.32 … [visit site to read more]


Mutual Funds: Top 4 European Funds

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 11:07 PM PST

With a mix of both stable developed markets and emerging economies, the European region makes up one of the most diverse economic zones in the world. Large volumes of foreign direct investment and high commodity prices have ensured that emerging markets in regions like the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe have continued to grow at a fast pace. At the same time developed markets are on the verge of recovering from the global economic crisis. European mutual funds tap into the unique strengths of … [visit site to read more]


Upside Risk

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:58 PM PST

When investors consider risk, it has traditionally meant downside losses.  The idea of profiting from a declining market, while commonplace for professionals, is relatively new to the average investor.  When trying to time the market by exiting or by buying an inverse ETF, the concept of risk has changed.
You must now ask:  What is my upside risk?
I have highlighted a number of bearish concerns in recent weeks, noting that many pundits see little chance for the market to move … [visit site to read more]


Bull Of The Day: CarMax, Inc. (KMX)

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

CarMax (NYSE:KMX) focuses on penetrating new markets through store openings. The company has kept its inventories closely aligned with sales trends, which has allowed it to optimize gross profit per unit while offering great value to customers. These have helped the company to maintain a favorable position among its peer group.
CarMax reported a profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, reflecting a significant improvement over the Zacks Consensus Estimate. We continue with our Outperform … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Chipotle Mexican Grill

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) set a new 52-week high just after releasing its earnings results. The company is also looking to significantly expand its footprint in 2010.
Company Description
Chipotle is a fast food restaurant offering burritos, tacos, and other variations of standard Mexican dishes. The company focuses on fresh ingredients using classic cooking techniques. Currently there are almost 1,000 locations.
Another Big Beat
On Feb 11 Chipotle reported quarterly results that … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Estee Lauder

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

Analysts following Estee Lauder (NYSE:EL) expect the company to continue to deliver strong earnings growth.
Company Description
Estee Lauder is a leading global cosmetics firm with a diversified portfolio of well-established brands including Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and La Mer. The company is also the global licensee of Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, and Sean John.
Cost-Cutting Efforts
In early 2009, Estee Lauder announced a four-year restructuring plan to slash costs by $450 … [visit site to read more]


Bear Of The Day: France Telecom

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

We downgrade our recommendation for France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) to Underperform based on the operator’s lackluster operating results and lack of visibility for operational improvements in the near-term. The company remains significantly challenged by the weak economic conditions across its key European markets, which continue to weigh on the top-line.
Revenue in the last quarter was hurt by adverse exchange rate swings, intense competition and unfavorable regulatory measures. France Telecom’s … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Manhatten Associates, Inc.

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

Manhatten Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ:MANH) recently rebounded from a key trend line after reporting better than expected Q4 results that included an 8% earnings surprise as the company’s business improved with a stronger economy.
Company Description
Manhattan Associates, Inc. develops and sells supply chain software solutions for a wide range of industries worldwide. The company was founded in 1995 and has a market cap of $551 million.
Fourth-Quarter Results
Manhattan’s Q4 results on Feb 2 demonstrate … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Lexmark

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE:LXK) recently reported fourth-quarter EPS that eclipsed both the year-ago performance and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, as this printing and imaging staple benefited from higher customer demand, restructuring initiatives and expense reductions.
Earnings estimates moved higher in response to the quarter, while its value fundamentals remain attractive. Presently, LXK has a price-to-book of 2.61 and a forward P/E of 11.03.
We believe that LXK is well positioned in … [visit site to read more]


Stock Buy: Estee Lauder

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 09:00 PM PST

Analysts following Estee Lauder (NYSE:EL) expect the company to continue to deliver strong earnings growth.
Company Description
Estee Lauder is a leading global cosmetics firm with a diversified portfolio of well-established brands including Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and La Mer. The company is also the global licensee of Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, and Sean John.
Cost-Cutting Efforts
In early 2009, Estee Lauder announced a four-year restructuring plan to slash costs by $450 … [visit site to read more]


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