Lululemon Athletica (LULU) is recently up 3% following its board of directors approving a two-for-one stock split. Overall option implied volatility of 46 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Apollo Group (APOL) is recently down 6% after lowering 2012 guidance. Overall option implied volatility of 45 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Update is by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options Update: Lululemon Athletica Volatility Flat, Shares Rally to Record High on a Two-for-One Stock Split originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: No Follow-on Panic (APOl, BP, IRE, SD, VVUS)

Closing Bell: No Follow-on Panic (APOl, BP, IRE, SD, VVUS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Apollo Group Drops on Weak Q2 Outlook

Apollo Group Drops on Weak Q2 Outlook originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) was recently trading at $58.52 in after market trading, below its close of $72.97. APOL announced an informal inquiry into its revenue recognition practices. APOL November option implied volatility went out at 52, December at 45; verses its 26-week average of 49, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

CBOE Volatility Index: VIX was up 64 cents to 24.96.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options Update: Apollo Group volatility flat into informal revenue recognition inquiry originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Apollo Group posts solid quarterly earnings

Apollo Group posts solid quarterly earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Apollo Management plows more into Realogy

Apollo Management plows more into Realogy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The private education sector has been hot lately. So, it should be no surprise that Apollo Group Inc. (NYSE: APOL), which operates the University of Phoenix, announced a particularly strong quarterly report.

Net income came to $180.4 million, which is a 29% increase. Revenues were up 24.4% to $971 million.

The key driver is improved enrollments. For example, degreed enrollments were up a hefty 18% to 384,900 (this was the third consecutive quarter of solid growth).

While Apollo has invested heavily in marketing and infrastructure, the fact remains that the fragile economy is helping with the growth. Simply put, people realize they need to enhance their education to compete in the soft labor market.

It's definitely lucrative for Apollo. Quarterly cash flows were $291 million, up 61%. In all, Apollo has $1 billion in the bank.

What to do with the largesse? First of all, the company sees opportunities in foreign markets. Also, it's a good bet that Apollo will engage in some M&A to bulk things up.

Yes, it's a nice position. And, investors are cherry about things. In today's trading, the shares are up 12.60% to $86.95

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Streetsmart Guide to Short Selling: Techniques the Pros Use to Profit in Any Market. He is also the founder of BizEquity, a valuation website.

Apollo Group Gets an A+ in private education originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Just a few years ago, Leon Black -- the leader of private equity operator Apollo Group - was a master of the universe. In fact, he got his start by working with the master of the universe of the 1980s, Mike Milken.

Interestingly enough, Black made a fortune when the junk bond market imploded in the early 1990s. He knew what investments were good -- and scooped them up. So, with his penchant for distressed investments, it seems that the current environment would be ideal for Black?

Maybe not.

Today's New York Times includes a detailed piece on Black's many missteps. For example, one of Apollo's investments -- Linens 'n Things - has gone bust. Moreover, it looks like there is trouble with other portfolio holdings, such as Harrah's, Claire's, and Realogy.

There are even lawsuits. For example, the buyout of Huntsman (NYSE: HUN) went to court and now Apollo is required to do the deal. Something else: Black's long-time friend, Carl Icahn, is suing over a deal.

Continue reading Private equity powerhouse, Apollo, blows up

Private equity powerhouse, Apollo, blows up originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Few stocks are poised to benefit from economic woes and rising unemployment. One group, however, that appears to be an exception is for-profit adult education stocks.

These companies, which operate school campuses and online education programs, are viewed by some as beneficiaries of a growing need for worker retraining and the rising demand for education by those changing careers or re-entering the work force as adults.

Leo Fasciocco is a technical expert, specializing in finding stocks that are "breaking out" -- those moving above previous technical resistance levels or poised to do so.

His two of the latest breakout stocks featured in his The Ticker Tape Digest are both in the for-profit education field: Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) and Devry Inc. (NYSE: DV). Here's his assessment.

"Apollo, based in Phoenix, is the largest for-profit education company, with more than 300,000 students. APOL focuses on working adults and operates 259 campuses and learning centers in 40 states, as well as various international locations.

"Programs range from associate to doctorate degrees in areas such as business, education, health care, technology. The company said it is showing solid enrollment growth. Annual revenues are $3 billion.

"The company recently reported that net for the fiscal fourth quarter excluding special items increased 20% to 75 cents a share from 62 cents a year ago. Revenues for the quarter rose 17%. Analysts had expected net of just 64 cents a share. So, results were a positive surprise.

"For fiscal 2009 ending August 31, analysts predict a 17% increase in net to $3.31 a share from $2.84 a year ago. The stock sells with a price-earnings ratio of 20, which is reasonable.

"Institutional sponsorship is very good. Five-star rated Janus Mid Cap Value Fund was a recent buyer of 550,000 shares. Also, 4-star rated GMO US Quality Equity III Fund recently picked up 779,000 shares.

"Devry, based in Oakbrook Terrace, Il., is one of the largest for-profit education companies, with annual revenues of $1.1 billion. DeVry University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business and technology fields. They account for 77% of revenue.

"Under its health-care segment, Ross University offers medical and veterinarian programs, and Chamberlain College offers nursing degrees.

"Recently acquired schools add allied health programs. Its professional segment offers review courses through its Becker CPA review and Stalla CFA review programs.

"DV's technicals set up surprisingly well. The momentum indicator is strongly bullish. Recent price action shows good institutional buying interest. However, investors should be patient with this stock; we are looking for a key breakout over 58.50 before entering.

"The company tends to show consistently good earnings growth. This fiscal year ending June 30, analysts predict a 22% increase in net to $2.18 a share from $1.78 a year ago.

"The stock sells with a price-earnings ratio of 23, which is reasonable given the earnings growth rate. Looking out to fiscal 2010, the Street projects a 24% gain in net to $2.69 a share.

"The largest fund holder is 5-star rated Baron Growth Fund with a big 5.2% stake. It has held its position steady. A recent large buyer was 5-star rated Hartford Midcap Fund, which purchased 385,000 shares.

"Over the past 2 years shows, DV's stock has appreciated 120%. That easily outperformed the S&P 500 index which declined 25% over the same time. Recent price action shows good institutional buying interest.

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Apollo (APOL) and Devry (DV): Top of the class in adult education originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) is a for-profit educational institution, offering programs for working adults. The firm operates more than 160 learning centers and 100 campuses, granting degrees through its University of Phoenix, Western International University, Meritus University and College for Financial Planning subsidiaries. High school credits are provided through the firm's Insight Schools unit. Facilities are located in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Chile and the Netherlands. A variety of programs are available on-line, as well. Apollo's Institute for Professional Development generates working student curricula for other colleges. Apollo Global is a joint venture with The Carlyle Group for investing in the international education services sector. On Monday evening, the company announced that it had selected Credit Suisse managing director Charles Edelstein to be its new CEO.

Apollo pleased investors last week, when it reported better-than-expected profit and revenue on higher enrollment. Fiscal Q3 EPS and revenues came in at 85 cents and $835.2 million, respectively. Analysts had been looking for 78 cents and $806.9 million. Management also said the board had authorized an increase in the share repurchase program to an aggregate of $500 million. Lehman Brothers subsequently reiterated its "overweight" rating on the issue (target = $64) and Stifel Nicolaus reiterated its "buy" (target = $70).

Continue reading Apollo Group (APOL): Share price forms bullish 'flag' formation

Apollo Group (APOL): Share price forms bullish 'flag' formation originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With a slowing economy and corporate layoffs being announced daily, look for online education companies to benefit. Many unemployed are and will be looking for a profession, and many employed people are always looking to make career changes. Online education companies are therefore enjoying higher enrollment rates.

Shares in Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) are surging over 20% on a strong earnings report.

According to the AP: " Total degree enrollment rose 11 percent during the quarter to 345,300 students, versus a year ago. Apollo has boosted student retention with expanded academic programs, improved courses and other services." The company even managed to raise tuition by 4-10% depending on the program.

Pretty good business climate if you can both raise prices and increase enrollment. With a continuing weak economy, look for shares in online education to potentially be an interesting trade in a struggling economy.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. DISCLOSURE: Writer's fund has no position in any stock mentioned, as of 7/2/08.

Lousy economy may benefit online education companies originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Beware the token insider buying at Apollo Group originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Insider trading foretold problems for Apollo Group

Insider trading foretold problems for Apollo Group originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apollo Group insiders dumping stock originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Will the credit crunch kill the for-profit college bull market? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Since the early 1970s, the Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) has transformed the private education business. The company not only has a broad network of campuses called the University of Phoenix, but also a thriving online education system.

As seen with yesterday's fiscal Q1 results, Apollo is continuing to grow at a nice clip. Net income increased 23% to $139.9 million, or $0.83 per share. Revenues were up 17% to $780.7 million.

Apollo got a boost from enrollments, which increased 11% to 325,000. But the company has also made important strides with student retention as well as the quality of the curriculum.

True, there are worries about the credit crunch. Just take a look at school loan provider Sallie Mae (NYSE: SLM), which plans to pull back somewhat. Yet, Apollo has anticipated some of this and has tried to reduce its reliance on private student lending.

Continue reading Apollo's earnings: A nice lesson for shareholders

Apollo's earnings: A nice lesson for shareholders originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Bloomberg News reports that private equity is on track for a record year of fees paid to Wall Street. LBO firms paid investment banks $8.4 billion during the first half of 2007, putting the buyout industry on pace to exceed 2006's $12.8 billion. If the current pace continues -- and that's a big if given the financing challenges they have been facing -- LBO firms would pay $16.8 billion to Wall Street by the end of 2007, a 31% increase over 2006.

Who's paying the fees? Here are the top four:

• Blackstone Group LP (NYSE: BX): $685.4 million
• KKR: $334.8 million
• Apollo Management: $407.5 million
• CVC Capital Partners Ltd.: $309.1 million

Continue reading Private equity lays a bigger golden egg on Wall Street

Private equity lays a bigger golden egg on Wall Street originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• BMO Capital downgraded shares of Dominion Resources Inc. (NYSE: D) to Market Perform from Outperform citing the sale proceeds for its onshore U.S. E&P properties that were below expectations.
• Digene Corp. (NASDAQ: DIGE) was downgraded to Sell from Neutral at Ferris Baker Watts based on the acquisition by Qiagen (NASDAQ: QGEN). Digene was also downgraded at SummerStreet to Neutral from Buy, as the firm views the Qiagen's acquisition for $1.6B as reasonable.
• Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB) was downgraded to Underweight from Neutral at JP Morgan, as the firm sees better value in traditional credit-exposed banks.

• Norsk Hydro (NYSE: NHY) and BP PLC (NYSE: BP) were downgraded to Hold from Buy at Citigroup.
• Quiksilver Inc. (NYSE: ZQK) was downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Robert W Baird due to valuation.
  
• Banc of America downgraded shares of SunTrust Banks Inc. (NYSE: STI) to Neutral from Buy on valuation as they believe further sales of Coke may not be very accretive to EPS.
• LifePoint Hospitals Inc. (NASDAQ: LPNT) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at Jefferies based on valuation.
• Clear Channel Outdoors Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CCO) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at DBAB on valuation.
• Matrix USA downgraded shares of Apollo Group Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL) to Hold from Buy to reflect rising costs and lower enrollment rates.
• Matrix also downgraded True Religion Apparel Inc. (NASDAQ: TRLG) to Hold from Buy on valuation.

Analyst downgrades 6-4-07: BP, DB, D ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This week, Harrah's Entertainment (NYSE:HET) filed its proxy for its $17.1 billion buyout deal. The buyers include Texas Pacific Group and Apollo Management Group.

Clearly the big winner is Harrah's CEO, Gary Loveman, who will snag as much as $94 million if he gets the deal done. He even gets another $18.9 million if he leaves after the deal is closed.

Interestingly enough, before joining the company in 1998, Loveman was actually an Associate Professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.

Although, Harrah's will definitely need his brainpower to deal with the complex regulatory process. In the proxy filing, there are 12 pages that detail all the regulatory approvals that will be required.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Harrah's CEO: private equity bonanza originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apollo Group heads to India originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.