Friday, November 30, 2012

Splunk - Solid Third Quarter And Decent Outlook Send Shares Slightly Higher


Shares of Splunk (SPLK) rose more than 2% in after hours trading on Thursday. The company which collects and analyzes data for companies across the globe, announced its third quarter results of its fiscal 2013 after the market close.
Third Quarter Results
Splunk reported third quarter revenues of $52.0 million, up 67% compared to last year. Revenues were driven by a 56% increase in license revenues which came in at $34.6 million. Maintenance revenues almost doubled to $17.5 million. Revenues rose 16.9% on a quarterly basis, and came in ahead of consensus estimates of $46.8 million.
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Tiffany & Co. - Disappointing Third Quarter Results Sends Shares Lower


Shares of Tiffany's (TIF) fell over 6% during Thursday's trading session. The specialty jeweler retailer reported its third quarter results before the market open.
Third Quarter Results
Tiffany's reported third quarter revenues of $852.7 million, up 4% on the year. Worldwide net sales rose 5% in constant currencies, while comparable store sales rose 1%. Revenues missed consensus estimates of $858.8 million.
Gross margins fell to 54.4%, down 350 basis points compared to the year before. High precious metal prices and diamond costs, and lower sales leverage negatively affected margins.
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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Aeropostale - Wait For Triggers, Before Picking Up This Value Stock


Shares of Aeropostale (ARO) saw some turbulent action during Wednesday's trading session. Shares rose over 6% during the regular trading session, but fell over 7% in after-hours trading.
The company made upbeat comments about sales over the Black Friday weekend, before the market open. Shares fell after the casual apparel retailer issued a disappointing outlook for the fourth quarter, after the close.
Third Quarter Results
Aeropostale reported third quarter revenues of $605.9 million, up 2% on the year. Revenues from the e-commerce business rose 12% to $51.1 million. Comparable sales fell by 1%, which compares to a same store sales decline of 7% last year. Revenues came in ahead of analysts expectations of $601.4 million.
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Workday - Solid Quarter, But Growth Is Already Slowing Down


Shares of Workday (WDAY), a leader in enterprise cloud applications for human resource and finance functions, published its third quarter results for its fiscal 2013 after the close on Wednesday. Shares gained over 1% in after hours trading, after trading with gains of up to 7%.
Third Quarter Results
Workday reported its third quarter results, the first earnings release as a public company after being listed in October. Workday reported third quarter revenues of $72.6 million, up 99% compared to last year. Growth was driven by a 116% increase in subscription revenues which came in at $51.6 million. Revenues came in ahead of analysts estimates of $64 million.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

ConAgra Foods - Investors Applaud The Acquisition Of Ralcorp, I Remain On The SidelineConAgra Foods - Investors Applaud The Acquisition Of Ralcorp, I Remain On The Sideline


Shares of ConAgra Foods (CAG) rose some 4.7% in Tuesday's trading session. The consumer and commercial foods company continued its string of acquisitions. Before the market open, ConAgra announced the acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings (RAH) for $90 per share.
ConAgra finally managed to acquire its much-desired assets. Last year, the firm offered $82 per share for Ralcorp which later got revised to a final offer of $94 per share. The firm declined to sell the business last year, but under pressure from activist shareholder Corvex Management a deal was reached.
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Green Mountain Coffee Roasters - Business Continues To Grow, Despite Patent Expiry


Shares of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) rose up to 25% in after hours trading. The specialty coffee and tea producer, known for its Keurig business, reported its fourth quarter results after the market close.
Fourth Quarter Results
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters reported fourth quarter revenues of $946.7 million, up 33% on the year. Sales were driven by the fact that Green Mountain's fourth quarter had an extra week, and came in much higher than analysts expectations of $902.7 million.
Gross margins fell 230 basis points to 33.4% as a result of higher manufacturing costs due to the ramp-up of the manufacturing base.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

McGraw-Hill - Proceeds Of The Education Business Are A Little Disappointing


Shares of McGraw-Hill (MHP) rose 0.4% in Monday's trading session. The global information company announced the sale of its McGraw-Hill Education business to Apollo Global Management, for roughly $2.5 billion.
The Deal
McGraw-Hill announced on Monday that it will divest its education business to Apollo Global Management, for a total consideration of $2.5 billion. As part of the deal, McGraw-Hill will receive $250 million in senior unsecured notes at an annual interest rate of 8.5%.
The remainder of the company will be renamed into McGraw-Hill Financial. The division will be a high growth, high margin content and analytics company in the global capital markets and commodity markets.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Monday, November 26, 2012

Brocade Communications - Strong End To Its Fiscal 2012 Gives Confidence For The Future


Shares of Brocade Communications (BRCD) rose more than 3% over the past trading week. The supplier of networking equipment reported its fourth quarter results last Monday which were well received by the market.
Fourth Quarter Results
Brocade Communications reported fourth quarter revenues of $578.3 million, up 5% on the year before. Revenues comfortably beat analysts consensus of $566 million.
Gross margins for the quarter rose 290 basis points to 62.4% on strong revenue growth, lower fixed costs and a favorable product mix. GAAP operating margins rose 500 basis points to 14.9% on higher gross margins and lower operating expenses.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Whirlpool: Valuation Risks Increase As Share Performance Outpaces Earnings Growth


Shares of Whirlpool (WHR) continued their impressive winning streak last week. Shares of the manufacturer of home appliances rose almost 10% over the past trading week, sending shares to their highest levels since 2010. As a result of last week's gains, shares have already more than doubled in 2012.
Third Quarter Results
Whirlpool reported its third quarter results last month in October, which were well received by the market. Whirlpool reported third quarter revenues of $4.50 billion, down 2.8% on the year. In constant currencies, revenues would have risen to $4.8 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Zipcar - Shares Are Worth The Gamble After Trading 70% From Their Highs


Shares of Zipcar (ZIP) have shown some strength in recent weeks. After trading as low as $6 in the beginning of November, shares have returned some 35%, currently trading just above the $8 mark. A decent third quarter earnings report sent shares back higher, but shares still trade at historically depressed levels.
Third Quarter Results
A little over two weeks ago, Zipcar reported a decent third quarter earnings report. Revenues rose 15% on the year to $78.2 million. Revenue growth was driven by a 18% increase in the number of members which rose to 767,000.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Medtronic - Second Quarter Earnings Confirm Long-Term Investment Thesis


Shares of Medtronic (MDT) ended the short Thanksgiving trading week with total gains of almost 6%. The medical technology company reported a decent set of second quarter earnings on Tuesday.
Second Quarter Earnings
Medtronic reported second quarter revenues of $4.09 billion, up 1.8% on the year before. A strong dollar negatively impacted Medtronic's revenues, which rose 5% on a constant currency basis. Revenues comfortably beat analysts consensus of $4.05 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Agilent Technologies: Good Addition For Long-Term Investors


Shares of Agilent Technologies (A) were trading roughly flat over the past trading week. The measurement company which provides bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions reported its fourth quarter results on Monday.
Fourth Quarter Results
Agilent Technologies reported fourth quarter revenues of $1.77 billion, up 2% on the year before. Orders during the quarter came in unchanged at $1.75 billion, for a book-to-bill ratio of 0.99. Analysts expected Agilent to report revenues of $1.76 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

H.J. Heinz: Strong Payouts Keep Investors Happy


Shares of H.J. Heinz (HNZ) ended the trading week near its all-time highs. The company known from its namebrand ketchup, sauces, soups and other food products reported its second quarter results for its fiscal 2013 on Tuesday.
Second Quarter Results
Heinz reported second quarter revenues of $2.83 billion, up 0.5% on the year before. Sales were driven by organic sales growth of 3.3%, on a 1.9% increase in prices and 1.4% volume growth. Sales were offset by a 2.4% currency headwind, and divestitures reduced sales by 0.4%.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Nuance Communications: Depressed Valuation Implies Greater Threat Of Technological Change


Shares of Nuance Communications (NUAN) lost roughly 2% of their value over the past trading week. The provider of voice and language solutions reported its fourth quarter results on Monday after the close.
Fourth Quarter Results
Nuance Communications reported fourth quarter revenues of $468.8 million, up 27.7% on the year before. Revenues including lost revenues related to accounting treatments of acquisitions came in at $490.1 million, below analysts expectations of $497.5 million.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Salesforce.com - A Renewed Test Of All Time Highs Creates A Short Opportunity


Shares of Salesforce.com (CRM) rose almost 9% in Wednesday's trading session. The provider of enterprise cloud computing solutions reported its third quarter results on Tuesday after the market close.
Third Quarter Results
Salesforce.com reported third quarter revenues of $788 million, up 35% on the year. Revenues exceeded analysts' expectations of $776.5 million, despite a $13 million headwind caused by a strong dollar.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Medtronic - Second Quarter Earnings Confirm Long-Term Investment Thesis


Shares of Medtronic (MDT) ended the short Thanksgiving trading week with total gains of almost 6%. The medical technology company reported a decent set of second quarter earnings on Tuesday.
Second Quarter Earnings
Medtronic reported second quarter revenues of $4.09 billion, up 1.8% on the year before. A strong dollar negatively impacted Medtronic's revenues, which rose 5% on a constant currency basis. Revenues comfortably beat analysts consensus of $4.05 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Nuance Communications: Depressed Valuation Implies Greater Threat Of Technological Change


Shares of Nuance Communications (NUAN) lost roughly 2% of their value over the past trading week. The provider of voice and language solutions reported its fourth quarter results on Monday after the close.
Fourth Quarter Results
Nuance Communications reported fourth quarter revenues of $468.8 million, up 27.7% on the year before. Revenues including lost revenues related to accounting treatments of acquisitions came in at $490.1 million, below analysts expectations of $497.5 million.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

H.J. Heinz: Strong Payouts Keep Investors Happy


Shares of H.J. Heinz (HNZ) ended the trading week near its all-time highs. The company known from its namebrand ketchup, sauces, soups and other food products reported its second quarter results for its fiscal 2013 on Tuesday.
Second Quarter Results
Heinz reported second quarter revenues of $2.83 billion, up 0.5% on the year before. Sales were driven by organic sales growth of 3.3%, on a 1.9% increase in prices and 1.4% volume growth. Sales were offset by a 2.4% currency headwind, and divestitures reduced sales by 0.4%.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Agilent Technologies: Good Addition For Long-Term Investors

Shares of Agilent Technologies (A) were trading roughly flat over the past trading week. The measurement company which provides bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions reported its fourth quarter results on Monday.
Fourth Quarter Results
Agilent Technologies reported fourth quarter revenues of $1.77 billion, up 2% on the year before. Orders during the quarter came in unchanged at $1.75 billion, for a book-to-bill ratio of 0.99. Analysts expected Agilent to report revenues of $1.76 billion.

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Hewlett-Packard - Whitman's Clean Up Continues After New Multi-Billion Charges


Shares of Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) were being dragged down once again. The diversified information technology company reported its fourth quarter results on Tuesday before the market open. Disappointing earnings and a soft guidance were not the biggest worry of investors. The company took a $8.8 billion impairment charge, mostly related to its acquisition of Autonomy on fraud charges. Shares ended the day 12% lower after trading with losses up to 15%.
Fourth Quarter Results
Hewlett-Packard reported fourth quarter revenues of $29.96 billion, down 7% on the year. In constant currencies, revenues fell 4%. Revenues fell short to analysts expectations of $30.43 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekinalpha by clicking the following link

Best Buy: No Gifts For Shareholders This Holiday Season


Shares of Best Buy (BBY) took another beating on Tuesday. Shares fell 13.0% after the company released disappointing third quarter results before the opening. In the past trading week alone, shares lost almost a quarter of their value on poor operational performance and chance that founder Schulze may withdraw its offer for the firm.
Third Quarter Results
Best Buy reported third quarter revenues for its fiscal 2013 of $10.75 billion, down 3.5% on the year before. Lower revenues were driven by a 4.3% decline in comparable store sales. Revenues came in short of analysts expectations of $10.8 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Deere: Long-Term Debt Position Remains A Concern


Shares of Deere (DE) were a laggard in Wednesday's trading session. The manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry equipment reported its fourth quarter earnings before the market open.
Fourth Quarter Results
Deere reported fourth quarter revenues of $9.79 billion, up 14% on the year. Total net sales of equipment rose 14% to $9.05 billion, above the analysts consensus of $8.82 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Lowe's - I Remain On Sidelines Despite Operational Improvement And Large Cash Returns


Shares of Lowe's (LOW) rose more than 6% in Monday's trading session. The home improvement retailer reported a decent set of third quarter results before the market open.
Third Quarter Results
Lowe's reported third quarter revenues of $12.07 billion, up 1.9% on the year before. Revenue growth was driven by comparable sales growth of 1.8%. Revenues comfortably beat analysts consensus of $11.92 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Dollar Tree - A 30% Sell-Off Creates An Interesting Entry Point


Shares of Dollar Tree (DLTR) rose 2.9% over the past week. The operator of discount variety stores operating under the names of Dollar Tree, Deal&, Dollar Giant and Dollar Bills, among others, reported its third quarter results on Thursday.
Third Quarter Results
Dollar Tree reported third quarter revenues of $1.72 billion, up 7.8% on the year before. Comparable store sales rose 1.6% on the year, a slowdown compared to the growth rate of 4.8% in 2011. Revenues came in slightly below analysts consensus of $1.73 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Monday, November 19, 2012

Cisco Announced The $1.2 Billion Cloud Acquisition Of Meraki


On Monday morning, shareholders of Cisco Systems (CSCO) will get the opportunity to react to Sunday's takeover of Meraki. Cisco will acquire the privately-held cloud networking company for a consideration of $1.2 billion.
The Deal
Cisco announced on Sunday that it will acquire Meraki, a leader in the cloud networking business. The San Francisco based company offers easy-to-deploy on-premise solutions that are centrally managed from the cloud.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Nike: Divestiture Of Cole Haan, Umbro Bring In A Fair Amount Of Cash


Shares of Nike (NKE) rose some 1.9% in Friday's trading session. The athletic footwear and apparel company announced the sale of its Cole Haan brand to Apax Partners, for $570 million.
The Deal
Nike announced on Friday that it will divest, Cole Haan, to private-equity firm Apax Partners, for a total consideration of $570 million.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Sears: Turnaround Is Occurring At A Much Slower Pace


Shares of Sears Holding (SHLD) lost almost a fifth of their value on the final trading day of the week. The retailer operating Kmart, Sears and Roebuck stores reported its third quarter results on Thursday after the close.
Third Quarter Results
Sears Holding reported third quarter revenues of $8.86 billion, down 5.8% on the year. Domestic comparable store sales fell by 3.1% on the back of a 1.6% decline of Sears US and 4.8% decline at Kmart. Same store sales fell by 5.7% for Sears Canada. Revenues did beat analysts consensus, who were looking for sales of $8.58 billion.
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Staples: Restructuring Charges, Online Competition Threaten Shareholder Returns


Shares of Staples (SPLS) ended the past trading week with gains of over 5%. The office products company reported its third quarter results on Wednesday.
Third Quarter Results
Staples reported third quarter revenues of $6.35 billion, down 2.0% on the year. The effect of a strong US dollar impacted revenues by a percent. Revenues fell short of analysts expectations of $6.46 billion.
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Marvell Technology - At These Levels Shares Are Worth The Gamble


Shares of Marvell Technology (MRVL) lost some 5% over the past trading week. The semiconductor manufacturer reported its third quarter results on Thursday for its fiscal 2013.
Third Quarter Results
Marvell reported third quarter revenues of $781 million which is down 18% from the year before and down 4% compared to the second quarter. Revenues beat analysts consensus of $774.2 million.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Ross Stores - A 25% Pullback Offers Opportunities For Long-Term Investors


Shares of Ross Stores (ROST) rose more than 2.5% over the past trading week. The off-price retail apparel operator reported its third quarter earnings on Wednesday.
Third Quarter Results
Ross Stores reported third quarter revenues of $2.26 billion, up 10.8% on the year, boosted by comparable sales growth of 6%. Revenues fell short of analysts expectations of $2.32 billion.
Read the entire article on Seekingalpha by clicking the following link

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Target - Company Remains On Track With Its 2017 Targets


Shares of Target (TGT) ended the week with very modest gains of 0.8%. The retailer announced its third quarter results on Thursday.
Third Quarter Results
Target reported third quarter revenues of $16.9 billion, up 3.2% on the year. Sales were driven by a 2.9% increase in comparable sales.
The company reported operating income before taxes of $1.16 billion, up 10% on the year. The company net earned $637 million, or $0.96 per diluted share. Earnings were driven by a $156 million gain related to the sale of credit-card receivables.
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Applied Materials: Solar Division Continues To Impact Profitability


Shares of Applied Materials (AMAT) lost roughly 5% of their value during the past trading week. The global semiconductor manufacturer announced its fourth quarter results on Thursday.
Fourth Quarter Results
Applied Materials reported fourth quarter revenues of $1.65 billion, down 24.6% on the year. Order intake fell to $1.47 billion, for a book-to-bill ratio of 0.89, implying lower revenues in the near term. Revenues beat analysts consensus of $1.58 billion.
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