BloggingStocks

Baidu Blazes Past 4Q Earnings Expectations

Elizabeth Harrow — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Forecasts, Good news, Stocks to Buy

Shares of Baidu (BIDU) are pointed sharply higher in after-hours trading, with investors cheering the company's fourth-quarter earnings report. The Internet-search issue swung to a profit of $62.7 million, or $1.80 per American depositary share, while revenue jumped 40% to $184.7 million. Analysts were looking for a slimmer per-share profit of $1.69, according to Thomson Reuters.

Looking ahead, BIDU said it expects first-quarter revenue to range between $176 million and $181 million, compared to consensus expectations for revenue of $170 million. This upbeat forecast sent the stock surging to a gain of nearly 9% in electronic trading.

Continue reading Baidu Blazes Past 4Q Earnings Expectations

Baidu Blazes Past 4Q Earnings Expectations originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumors of German Aid to Greece May Be Unfounded

Connie Madon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: International Markets, Management, Insiders, Market Matters, Politics, Headline News, Financial Crisis

There have been rumors that Germany is coming to aid of Greece, but there are some formidable obstacles in such a ploy.

First EU law bars the European Central Bank or national central banks from bailing out EU members through buying their debt or offering loans, according to a German parliament research unit."There are no identifiable grounds for an alternative interpretation."

Continue reading Rumors of German Aid to Greece May Be Unfounded

Rumors of German Aid to Greece May Be Unfounded originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010

Joseph Lazzaro — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Goodyear Tire and Rubber (GT), Stocks to Buy

The stock of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT), which I first wrote about on May 5, 2009 at a price of $13.30, has given back most of the gains registered in 2009, but I still like the company's business model and prospects, for several reasons.

First and foremost, it appears the long auto sector depression in the U.S. is over: miles driven fell substantially in 2009, due to fewer drivers and consumer belt-tightening. Further, while no one should expect 1960s-style suburban traffic growth, last year's negative mileage pattern is unlikely to be repeated in 2010.

Continue reading Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010

Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sugar Shortfall May Lead to Higher Prices

Connie Madon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, International Markets, Analyst Reports, Products and Services, Industry, Market Matters, Commodities, Headline News

Sugar is one of the most basic commodities. Countries throughout the world are wanting sugar. Supplies of sugar are reaching a 20 year low this year. The shortage may become especially acute in the third quarter.

Here some supply/demand statistics:

India the biggest importer may need an extra 2.5 to 3 million tons to meet a 7 million ton deficit.
China, the biggest consumer after India may have a deficit of 3.3 million tons.

Continue reading Sugar Shortfall May Lead to Higher Prices

Sugar Shortfall May Lead to Higher Prices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill

Joseph Lazzaro — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Employees, Politics, Recession

What might get the Republicans to bite on the jobs bill currently under formulation on Capitol Hill? A lack of an estate tax.

The bipartisan Senate bill that may come for a vote this week is not likely to include an extension of the estate tax, which expired at the end of 2009, Reuters reported Tuesday (however, Washington's likely, second heavy storm/blizzard in a week, expected to arrive Tuesday night, may delay the vote: most federal offices were closed again Tuesday for snow clean-up).

Continue reading Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill

Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chasing Value: General Cable -- Can Something Be Too Cheap?

Sheldon Liber — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: General Electric (GE), Eaton Corp (ETN), Bargain Stocks, Chasing Value

This morning one of my colleagues, Joseph Lazzaro, who heavily uses technical analysis, posted an article titled General Cable Corp.: Stopped-Out.

I have never used technical analysis to make investment decisions, but I have used charts for general long term trends examining a stock from a historical perspective. I think in the case of General Cable Corp. (BGC) it may prove untimely to bail out now based on just technical analysis.

Continue reading Chasing Value: General Cable -- Can Something Be Too Cheap?

Chasing Value: General Cable -- Can Something Be Too Cheap? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece

Joseph Lazzaro — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: International Markets, Financial Crisis

Germany is considering an assistance package for fiscally-strapped Greece, two lawmakers from Chancellor 's governing coalition said, Boomberg News reported Tuesday.

"We are considering support," Michael Meister, the Christian Democratic Union's deputy parliamentary leader and the party's financial affairs spokesman, told Bloomberg News Tuesday in a phone interview. "If Greece gets aid, it will only happen under strict conditions and if the Greek government undertakes far-reaching state reforms."

Continue reading Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece

Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vulcan Materials Down Today After Q4 Report

Steven Mallas — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Industry

Vulcan Materials Company (VMC), a producer of construction aggregates, released Q4 earnings on Monday after the bell. Today, the market is weighing in on the numbers. It doesn't like them. At the time of this writing, shares of the company were down over 3% in afternoon trading, backed by strong volume.

Total revenues dropped 26%. Vulcan booked a loss of 10 cents per share from continuing operations. According to Earnings.com, a loss of 2 cents per share was expected.

Continue reading Vulcan Materials Down Today After Q4 Report

Vulcan Materials Down Today After Q4 Report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Closing Bell: When We All Love the PIIGS (NBG, SQNM, PG, ERTS, KO)

Jon Ogg — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), Procter and Gamble (PG), Electronic Arts (ERTS)

Today was a tough day to call ahead of time despite the notion that the stocks were getting oversold. Washington D.C was closed and New York City is getting close to closing many services Wednesday because of yet another huge snow dump. The larger second wave of the rally today was based entirely on the leaks, rumors, and hopes of a Greece bailout either by Germany or by the E.U. in some form or fashion.

Here were today's unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 10,058.64 +150.25 (1.52%)
S&P 500 1,070.52 +13.78 (1.30%)
Nasdaq 2,150.87 +24.82 (1.17%)

Top 10 Analyst Calls
Top Day Trader Alerts

Continue reading Closing Bell: When We All Love the PIIGS (NBG, SQNM, PG, ERTS, KO)

Closing Bell: When We All Love the PIIGS (NBG, SQNM, PG, ERTS, KO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will The New York Times End Tough Year with Earnings Bump?

Trey Thoelcke — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Forecasts, New York Times'A' (NYT)

New York Times Co. (NYT), which has said it plans to move to a metered model for its online presence, is scheduled to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year 2009 financial results in a conference call Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 11:00 AM (ET). An live webcast of the call will be available at the company's website.

During the three months that ended in December, New York Times released an app for the BlackBerry and new features for NYTimes.com, as well as named a new HR chief. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters are looking for earnings for that period of $0.38 per share. That's up from $0.16 per share in the previous quarter and $0.30 per share a year ago. But revenue for the fourth quarter is expected to be 15.4% lower than a year ago to $653.2 million.

Continue reading Will The New York Times End Tough Year with Earnings Bump?

Will The New York Times End Tough Year with Earnings Bump? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coca-Cola Gets a Smile ... in Emerging Markets

Tom Taulli — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Coca-Cola (KO)

In bad times or good, millions of people will still buy drinks from Coca-Cola (KO). So yet again, the company posted a solid quarter, showing a 55% increase in earnings to $1.54 billion. For the whole year, earnings came to a juicy $6.8 billion, up 18%.

However, there was a drag; that is, the mature markets of the US and Europe. While the economic environment is improving, the performance is still lackluster and it looks like the recovery will be fairly slow.

Continue reading Coca-Cola Gets a Smile ... in Emerging Markets

Coca-Cola Gets a Smile ... in Emerging Markets originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company

Joseph Lazzaro — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Schlumberger Limited (SLB), Stocks to Buy

Schlumberger Ltd. (SLB) is a stock I've had on my radar screen for a while -- it was first written about on May 6, 2009. at a price of $56.09 -- and I still like it. Here's why:

Long-term, Schlumberger "is in the catbird seat," concerning the world's need for more oil. Oil producers, particularly newer clients in emerging markets, will need the more-sophisticated oil services that SLB can provide. Further, a likely oil price of $70-85 per barrel in 2010 will increase oil producer confidence in the feasibility of launching new upstream projects -- another plus for SLB.

Continue reading Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company

Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Post Earnings, Biogen Idec (BIIB) Sees Unusual Options Activity

Beth Gaston Moon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Options

As my colleague Karla Yeh pointed out over at ONN.tv earlier today, Biogen Idec (BIIB) saw some unusual options trading in the wake of its positive earnings surprise before the bell.

BIIB gapped higher at the open, jumping almost 2% out of the gate. Less than a half hour into the trading day, large blocks of roughly 4,000 contracts each traded at four March strikes: the 45-strike put, the 50-strike put, the 55-strike call, and the 60-strike call. It appears as though this investor sold the March 50/55 strangle (the 50 put and the 55 call) and simultaneously purchased the March 45/60 strangle (the 45 put and the 60 call).

A short strangle is typically employed when the investor expects the underlying instrument to stay range-bound; a long strangle is used by traders who expect a sharp move in either direction. In this case, with one of each crossing the tape as part of one strategy, it can be referred to as an iron condor.

Continue reading Post Earnings, Biogen Idec (BIIB) Sees Unusual Options Activity

Post Earnings, Biogen Idec (BIIB) Sees Unusual Options Activity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks List Shrinks from 26 to 21

Sheldon Liber — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Management, Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Wal-Mart (WMT), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), AFLAC Inc (AFL), Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), Campbell Soup (CPB), Chevron Corp (CVX), Chubb Corp (CB), ConocoPhillips (COP), CVS Corp (CVS), Darden Restaurants (DRI), Goldman Sachs Group (GS), Verizon Communications (VZ), duPont(E.I.)deNemours (DD), Kimberly-Clark (KMB), Lockheed Martin (LMT), Hasbro Inc (HAS), Entrepreneurs, Serious Money, Stock Screen, Raytheon Company (RTN), Xcel Energy (XEL), EZCORP (EZPW), Travelers Companies Inc. (TRV)

While most investors are fretting the markets recent contraction, you can be quite confident that "my pal Warren" has a smile on his face, as does Peter Lynch, Ken Heebner, Bill Miller, Bruce Berkowitz, and any number of fellow value investors that know now may be a time of opportunity. That is because they have the experience and understanding to pounce when they have a chance to buy things cheap.

This is the fourth installment of my series to discover just that: cheap stocks. If you would like to get on board from the beginning then review the initial post which screened for stocks with lower than market average P/E ratios, see Serious Money: Market Looks Cheap to Me -- 35 Stocks. In the second installment, I looked at yield and PEG ratios: Serious Money: Still Cheap Market -- 35 Stocks + Yields & Growth. Then I moved on to the the P/S and P/CF metrics in Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks Yet -- From 35 to 26, cutting nine stocks.

Continue reading Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks List Shrinks from 26 to 21

Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks List Shrinks from 26 to 21 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shareholder Slams Playboy with Lawsuit over Hugh Hefner

Zac Bissonnette — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors, Law, Scandals

TMZ reports that a Playboy (PLA) shareholder has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that majority shareholder and chief creative officer Hugh Hefner has intentionally sabotaged multiple deal possibilities in an effort to hold onto his own lifestyle.

"If you were Hugh Hefner, 81, would you give up the parade of busty blonds, the fancy mansion and the reality TV show for a payout?" the lawsuit asks. "Hefner has continued to live the good life and make sure everyone knows it. Hefner remains in the limelight, showing up at media events and at the Playboy mansion ... with his girlfriends by his side."

Continue reading Shareholder Slams Playboy with Lawsuit over Hugh Hefner

Shareholder Slams Playboy with Lawsuit over Hugh Hefner originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UBS in the Black, but Challenges Still Loom

Tom Taulli — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Management

UBS (UBS) was one of the hardest hit from the financial crisis, but the company is showing signs of stabilization. In the latest quarterly report, the firm posted profits of $1.3 billion. Actually, it was the first reported profit in a year.

Of course, the cost-cutting was a big help (roughly 16% of the workforce). But there was also a nice tax credit during the quarter.

The company's new CEO, Oswald Grübel, definitely understands how to turnaround financial institutions. After all, he had considerable success at Credit Suisse (CS).

Continue reading UBS in the Black, but Challenges Still Loom

UBS in the Black, but Challenges Still Loom originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chasing Value: Hasbro Earnings Makes My Point

Sheldon Liber — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, Earnings Reports, Good news, Money and Finance Today, Hasbro Inc (HAS), Chasing Value, Stock Screen, Stock Picks

Yesterday Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) reported 2009 fourth quarter and full-year results.

For the fourth quarter 2009, the Company reported net revenues of $1.38 billion, an increase of $144.1 million or 12%, compared to $1.23 billion a year ago. 2009 fourth quarter revenues grew 7% excluding a $55.4 million positive impact of foreign exchange. The Company reported net earnings for the quarter of $165.6 million or $1.09 per diluted share, an increase of $72.0 million or 77%, compared to $93.6 million or $0.62 per diluted share in 2008.

The strong results in a bad year support my contention that today's stock market, even in these uncertain times, does have plenty of bargains.

Continue reading Chasing Value: Hasbro Earnings Makes My Point

Chasing Value: Hasbro Earnings Makes My Point originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coventry Health Care Q4 Earnings Impress

Brent Archer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, Earnings Reports, Good news, Coventry Health Care (CVH), Options, Technical Analysis

Coventry Health Care (CVH - option chain) shares are rising Tuesday after the company reported a fourth-quarter profit of $109.08 million, or 74 cents per share, on revenue of $3.42 billion. Analysts had forecast a profit of 56 cents per share on revenue of $3.49 billion. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on CVH.

CVH opened this morning at $23.81. So far today the stock has hit a low of $22.83 and a high of $23.99. As of 11:40, CVH is trading at $23.22 up 78 cents (3.5%). The chart for CVH looks bullish bullish and S&P gives CVH a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading Coventry Health Care Q4 Earnings Impress

Coventry Health Care Q4 Earnings Impress originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer Announces Highest Net Income in Three Years

Brian White — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Industry

Taiwan's Acer Inc. hasn't become the world's second-largest personal computer manufacturer for nothing. In its most recent quarter, the company announced that it attained its highest profit in almost three years, mostly at the expense of the company it recently displaced from the number two spot, Dell (DELL). It is still behind global computer leader Hewlett-Packard (HPQ).

At the same time it has grown shipments, it has kept an eye on profits, which is impressive. In general, rapid market share gains means margin cuts, but not here. Acer, which just four years ago seemed in disarray as it tried to find out why it was being beaten in the PC game, has apparently figured it out.

Continue reading Acer Announces Highest Net Income in Three Years

Acer Announces Highest Net Income in Three Years originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Wants Gmail to Take Social Media Market Share

Tom Johansmeyer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Internet, Google (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), Media World, Technology

Google (GOOG) is accustomed to being in the top spot. It leads search and virtually owns the online ad space. Its Google News portal is among the top sites for directing traffic to media outlets. But, the behemoth is starting to feel the feet from social media sensation Facebook.

Not only is the rather young platform stealing market share from Google News, it's now encroaching on its e-mail turf ... a situation that Google isn't taking lightly. To compete more effectively with Facebook, Google is upgrading its Gmail capabilities to include more social media tools reminiscent of those found on its competitor.

Continue reading Google Wants Gmail to Take Social Media Market Share

Google Wants Gmail to Take Social Media Market Share originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BloggingStocks

Baidu Blazes Past 4Q Earnings Expectations

Rumors of German Aid to Greece May Be Unfounded

Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010

Sugar Shortfall May Lead to Higher Prices

Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill

Chasing Value: General Cable -- Can Something Be Too Cheap?

Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece

Vulcan Materials Down Today After Q4 Report

Closing Bell: When We All Love the PIIGS (NBG, SQNM, PG, ERTS, KO)

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Will The New York Times End Tough Year with Earnings Bump?

Coca-Cola Gets a Smile ... in Emerging Markets

Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company

Post Earnings, Biogen Idec (BIIB) Sees Unusual Options Activity

Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks List Shrinks from 26 to 21

Shareholder Slams Playboy with Lawsuit over Hugh Hefner

UBS in the Black, but Challenges Still Loom

Chasing Value: Hasbro Earnings Makes My Point

Coventry Health Care Q4 Earnings Impress

Acer Announces Highest Net Income in Three Years

Google Wants Gmail to Take Social Media Market Share