Troubled movie renter Blockbuster has been looking for a buyer, and we learn today that DISH Network (DISH) has won the auction for the company, with a deal valued at $228 million in cash.

Blockbuster was once the biggest name in video rentals, but it has been unable to keep up with changes in the market created by companies such as Netflix (NFLX) and Redbox.

Continue reading DISH Networks Wins Blockbuster Auction

DISH Networks Wins Blockbuster Auction originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Yesterday's announcement of the AT&T (T) and T-Mobile deal gives both companies a clear "win" in the telecommunications sector. Who are the "losers"?

The tower companies have experienced downward pressure today, with American Tower (AMT) currently trading down over 8%, SBA Communications (SBAC) currently down over 10%, and Crown Castle International (CCI) currently hovering down almost 5%.

Continue reading Losers of the AT&T T-Mobile Deal

Losers of the AT&T T-Mobile Deal originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Tyson Foods (TSN) to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.
• Carmike Cinemas (CKEC) to buy from neutral at Merriman.
• Ambow Education (AMBO) to conviction buy from neutral at Goldman.
• Johnson Controls (JCI) to overweight from equal weight at Barclays.
• Dynex Capital (DX) to outperform from market perform at JMP Securities.
• Ensco (ESV) to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.
• York Water (YORW) to buy from hold at Brean Murray.
• Mid-America Apartment (MAA) to market perform from underperform at FBR Capital.
• Cheniere Energy Partners (CQP) to hold from sell at Citigroup.
• Forest Oil (FST) to positive from neutral at Susquehanna.
• Tractor Supply (TSCO) to outperform from neutral at RW Baird.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: DISH, DTV, JCI, LULU, MOS, MTN, POT, RIG, TSCO, TSN ...

Analyst Calls: DISH, DTV, JCI, LULU, MOS, MTN, POT, RIG, TSCO, TSN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A fairly obvious trade is presenting itself in shares of TiVo (TIVO). The company has been involved in patent infringement litigation with DISH Network (DISH) and Echostar (SATS) since 2004. At pretty much every step of the way, TiVo's claims have been upheld, including by the U.S. Patent Office this last October.

Currently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is conducting an en banc review of an earlier decision, which upheld a lower court's ruling in TiVo's favor with regard to the infringement of company patents by DISH and Echostar. The CEO of TiVo has said that he expects the litigation to be resolved by February or March of 2011.

Continue reading Risk/Reward in TiVo Is Extremely Compelling

Risk/Reward in TiVo Is Extremely Compelling originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Intel (INTC) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS.
• Wells Fargo upgraded MetroPCS (PCS), Coventry Health (CVH) and Scientific Games (SGMS) to outperform from market perform.
• Estee Lauder (EL) was upgraded to overweight from equal weight at Barclays.
• Simon Property (SPG) was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies.
• Citigroup upgraded BreitBurn Energy (BBEP) to buy from hold.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: ALU, AVP, BRCD, CVH, DISH, EL, INTC, NSM, PCS, SWY ...

Analyst Calls: ALU, AVP, BRCD, CVH, DISH, EL, INTC, NSM, PCS, SWY ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Dish Network Loses 19,000 Subscribers in Q2

Dish Network Loses 19,000 Subscribers in Q2 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TiVo (TIVO), an expert in digital-video recording, closed Tuesday's regular session at $9.15. It was up over 1%. Sure, that sounds swell when juxtaposed with Tuesday's market action. It does nothing, however, to make me like the stock.

The 52-week low for the shares is $6.41. The 52-week high is $18.93. The one-year chart is ... not appealing. You've got a big spike in buying interest near the right side, preceded by sideways action. Then, a nasty plunge. How can you possibly comprehend this technical situation? It's difficult at best, and I'm not going to pretend I know where the stock is heading.

Continue reading TiVo Records Another Loss in Q1

TiVo Records Another Loss in Q1 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 May 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• JMP Securities upgraded Boston Properties (BXP) to outperform from market perform and has an $89 price target on the stock. The firm upgraded shares based on near-term catalysts that include, the potential start of 1msf of development in Midtown, investments, and selection as 1 World Trade Center project manager.
• Baird upgraded Bucyrus (BUCY) to outperform from neutral, citing valuation and an a more favorable view of the Terex Mining acquisition. The firm has an $83 price target on the stock.
• Jefferies upgraded Warner Chilcott (WCRX) to buy from hold and has a $30 price target on the stock. The firm upgraded shares based on valuation and conservative guidance.
• AmeriCredit (ACF) was upgraded to market perform from underperform at Keefe Bruyette.
• Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.
• Rio Tinto (RTP) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Bernstein.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: BUCY, BXP, HOG, RDS.A, RTP, SY, TIVO, WCRX, WPRT ...

Analyst Calls: BUCY, BXP, HOG, RDS.A, RTP, SY, TIVO, WCRX, WPRT ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 17 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

DISH Network Corp. (DISH), a provider of television entertainment channels whose competitors include Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) and DIRECTV (DTV), is trading higher about an hour before the closing bell. It's up 50 cents, or over 2%, to $21.80. Volume isn't that great, though. And I have to say, I'm not sure I'd want to join in with the buyers.

Over the last twelve months, the stock has seen a nice rise. Before you become too impressed, keep in mind that the 52-week range is a relatively narrow one. The low is $14.17, while the high is $23.06.

Continue reading DISH Network: Buy or Sell?

DISH Network: Buy or Sell? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 10 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Oppenheimer upgraded Williams-Sonoma (WSM) to outperform from perform. Opco believes the company's business model is being underappreciated by investors and upped its target price for shares to $40 from $26.
• BMO Capital upgraded Tractor Supply (TSCO) to market perform from underperform and set a $75 target. The firm upgraded the stock after the company's positive preannouncement.
• JCPenney (JCP) was upgraded to conviction buy from neutral at Goldman.
• DISH Network (DISH) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS.
• BJ's Wholesale (BJ) was upgraded to neutral from underperform at Credit Suisse.
• Taseko Mines (TGB) was upgraded to buy from hold at TD Newcrest.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AA, BJ, CELG, DISH, JCP, MGM, TJX, TSCO, WSM ...

Analyst Calls: AA, BJ, CELG, DISH, JCP, MGM, TJX, TSCO, WSM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• AutoZone Inc. (AZO) reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings, as well as sales and gross margin growth.
• Big Lots Inc. (BIG) beat Q4 earnings expectations, raised its guidance, and lifted its share repurchase program.
• Carmike Cinemas Inc. (CKEC) swung to better-than-expected profit in Q4 and reported strong sales growth.
• Ciena Corp. (CIEN) reported a bigger-than-expected Q1 net loss and some revenue growth, and offered guidance.
• DISH Network Corp. (DISH) posted a year-over-year increase in Q4 revenue but also a decline in per-share earnings.

Continue reading Earnings Highlights: AutoZone, Ciena, Fannie Mae, PetSmart, Sotheby's ...

Earnings Highlights: AutoZone, Ciena, Fannie Mae, PetSmart, Sotheby's ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• JPMorgan upgraded TiVo (TIVO) to overweight from neutral as it believes Thursday's appeal win against DISH Network could lead to revenue upside. The firm raised its target price for shares to $23 from $15.
• Collins Stewart upgraded DISH Network (DISH) to buy from hold on valuation, as it believes much of the impact from the negative appeals ruling is priced into the stock. The firm has a $30 target for shares.
• Cowen upgraded Ciena (CIEN) to outperform from neutral. The firm believes Ciena's acquisition of MEN is transformative and will accelerate top line growth.
• Progress Software (PRGS) was upgraded to buy from hold at Needham.
• Allergan (AGN) was upgraded to buy from hold at Lazard Capital.
• Public Service (PEG) was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: CIEN, COF, DISH, ED, GME, MOS, POT, TIVO, WEN ...

Analyst Calls: CIEN, COF, DISH, ED, GME, MOS, POT, TIVO, WEN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Dish Network Reports Fourth-Quarter Earnings

Dish Network Reports Fourth-Quarter Earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• Credit Suisse upgraded Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) to Outperform from Neutral and raised its target to $55 from $44 based on earnings momentum and a bottom in the Imaging and Printing segment. Note that Dell was downgraded to Neutral from Outperform.
• Jefferies upgraded Covance (NYSE: CVD) to Buy from Hold as it believes investor expectations are more reasonable following the company's conference presentation and that its Late Stage segment should continue to post strong results. The firm raised its target on shares to $65 from $5.
• Stephens upgraded Home Bancshares (NASDAQ: HOMB) to Overweight from Equal Weight to reflect improved capital levels and a better-than-expected near-term outlook. The firm raised its target on shares to $27 from $24.
• Citigroup upgraded Macy's (NYSE: M) to Buy from Hold after meeting with management as it believes the My Macy's localization is gaining traction. The firm raised its target on shares to $30 from $15.
• Gymboree (NASDAQ: GYMB) was upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at FBR Capital.
• DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH) was upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Wells Fargo.
• Baytex Energy (NYSE: BTE) was upgraded to Sector Outperformer from Sector Performer at CIBC.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ADP, DELL, DISH, HPQ, M, PER, VMC ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ADP, DELL, DISH, HPQ, M, PER, VMC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• FBR Capital upgraded Talbots (NYSE: TLB) to Outperform from Market Perform as it believes the company's inventory and SG&A control should help earnings and the stock's risk/reward is compelling at current levels. The firm raised its target on shares to $7 from $5.
• ThinkEquity upgraded Human Genome (NASDAQ: HGSI) to Buy from Accumulate to reflect higher assumptions for the company's Lupus treatment Benlysta. The firm raised its target on shares to $26 from $18.
• KeyBanc upgraded Parkway Properties (NYSE: PKY) to Buy from Hold based on valuation, improving fundamentals, and stable capital position. The firm has a $17 target on the stock.
• HSBC Holdings (NYSE: HBC) was upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan.
• BioScrip (NASDAQ: BIOS) was upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at Piper Jaffray.
• DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BIOS, DISH, FTE, HBC, MDSO, TLB ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BIOS, DISH, FTE, HBC, MDSO, TLB ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) closed at $6.98. The Federal district court for Eastern Texas upheld TIVO patents and said Echostar (NYSE: DISH) is infringing on them. TIVO June option implied volatility is at 87; July is at 81; verses its 26-week average of 88, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional near term price movement.

Moody's (NYSE: MCO) closed at $28.64. MCO is hosting an investor meeting on June 4. MCO June option implied volatility is at 57, July is at 55; below its 26-week average of 71, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

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

Options Update: TiVo June volatility at 87 into court ruling win originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As earnings season begins to wind down, some apparel retailers are scheduled to report quarterly results this week. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters anticipate that Walmart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), the 800-pound gorilla in the space, will report that it earned $0.77 per share in the first quarter, about the same as in the first quarter of last year. But JCPenney Co. (NYSE: JCP), Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: KSS), Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE: JWN), and Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: URBN) are expected to report lower profits for the first quarter as consumers continued to hold off on spending. Macy's Inc. (NYSE: M) and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) are expected to have swung to a loss year over year.

Whole Foods Market Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) and Winn Dixie Stores Inc. (NASDAQ: WINN) are likewise expected to report declining earnings, while the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (NYSE: GAP), parent of the A&P supermarket chain, is expected to have narrowed its net loss 68.9% to $0.28 per share.

Continue reading The week in preview: A peek at apparel retail earnings

The week in preview: A peek at apparel retail earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 10 May 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While the release of economic data doesn't stop next week (see economic schedule highlights below), the earnings season does wind down dramatically. Most of the S&P 500 companies already have reported on the past quarter, which means dismal earnings news is largely behind us, at least for a while. About the only companies of note expected by analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters to report falling earnings this week are Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST), Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. (NYSE: WEN), Foot Locker Inc. (NYSE: FL), Bank of Montreal (NYSE: BMO), and Steinway Musical Instruments Inc. (NYSE: LVB).

While PetSmart Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) and Big Lots Inc. (NYSE: BIG) quarterly profits are expected to be about the same as a year ago, Liz Claiborne Inc. (NYSE: LIZ), Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. (NYSE: KCP), Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN), and Trina Solar Ltd. (NYSE: TSL) are expected to have swung to losses in the most recent quarter.

Continue reading The week in preview: Earnings season winds down

The week in preview: Earnings season winds down originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA), a cable/broadband entity that competes with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) and DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH), reported earnings for the fourth quarter on Wednesday. Adjusted revenues increased 7%, and earnings per share jumped 35% to $0.27. Not a bad performance, and in fact, earnings beat estimates by four pennies according to this source.

Perhaps the biggest piece of news in the release is the increase in free cash flow for the full fiscal year. That jumped 56% to $3.7 billion, driven in part by a decrease in capital spending. I liked reading that management intends on focusing on free cash flow. It better, because it's going to be a challenging environment for the cable business, and the company committed itself to raising its dividend by 8%. On the flip side, though, as has been noted in a couple news reports, Comcast stated in the release that it doesn't feel like buying back stock at the moment. That won't be comforting to shareholders who have seen their shares hovering closer to a 52-week low than a 52-week high.

Continue reading Comcast delivers the cash in 2008 and increases its dividend -- is it a buy?

Comcast delivers the cash in 2008 and increases its dividend -- is it a buy? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sirius XM (NASDAQ: SIRI) has been fighting off an attempt by EchoStar (NASDAQ: DISH) to take over the troubled satellite radio firm. Now Sirius has turned to another company in the hopes of avoiding a hostile buy-out. According to The Wall Street Journal, Liberty Media may be the savior. "The talks set the stage for a battle between the leading U.S. satellite-television providers -- Liberty-controlled DirectTV Group Inc. and Mr. Ergen's Dish Network Corp. -- for control of the country's sole satellite-radio operator."

Continue reading Sirius (SIRI) shareholders find a friend . . . not really

Sirius (SIRI) shareholders find a friend . . . not really originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.