Analyst Upgrades

• Citigroup (C) to outperform from market perform at Bernstein.
• Cubist Pharma (CBST) to outperform from neutral at RW Baird.
• Pentair (PNR) to buy from hold at Citigroup.
• Heritage Financial (HFWA) to outperform from market perform at Keefe Bruyette.
• SL Green Realty (SLG) and Digital Realty (DLR) to market perform from underperform at FBR Capital.
• MGM Resorts (MGM) to neutral from Sell at Janney Capital.
• Ciena (CIEN) to buy from neutral and Olin (OLN) to buy from underperform at BofA/Merrill.
• Mellanox (MLNX) to overweight from equal weight at Barclays.
• ConocoPhillips (COP) and Canadian Natural (CNQ) to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.
• IDEX (IEX) to outperform from perform at Oppenheimer.
• Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.
• Ctrip.com (CTRP) to positive from neutral at Susquehanna.
• Linear Technology (LLTC) and Analog Devices (ADI) to hold from sell at Auriga.
• Quicksilver (KWK) to outperform from market perform at BMO Capital.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: ADI, BRCM, C, CIEN, COP, INTC, MGM, OXY, QCOM, TXN ...

Analyst Calls: ADI, BRCM, C, CIEN, COP, INTC, MGM, OXY, QCOM, TXN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is set to launch its Llano APU in Q3 of 2011 to compete with Intel's (INTC) Sandy Bridge. Here we take a look at how these two processors stack up against each other. AMD also competes with Nvidia (NVDA) in the PC microprocessor and graphics businesses.

Our price estimate for AMD stands at $8.85, which is roughly in line with market price.

Continue reading Can AMD's Llano Beat Sandy Bridge?

Can AMD's Llano Beat Sandy Bridge? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Massive Quarter Despite a Slow Day (AGU, BRK-B, INTC, TSLA, URBN, WMT)

Closing Bell: Massive Quarter Despite a Slow Day (AGU, BRK-B, INTC, TSLA, URBN, WMT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Intel Corp. (INTC), first discussed here on March 30, 2009, at a price of $14.72, has dipped toward the $20 level, but just view that retreat as an "extended buying opportunity."

In 2011, the outlook for Intel's fundamental picture to continues to brighten. Revenue should rise 10% to 15% in 2011, after a 24% increase in 2010, as IT spending, the need to upgrade aging computers and new applications increase demand for Intel's next-generation microprocessors.

Continue reading Intel: Microprocessor Star

Intel: Microprocessor Star originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple's (AAPL) iPad 2 got off to a great start during the first weekend of its launch, selling an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 units. Apple holds a substantial lead in the tablet market over competitors like Research In Motion (RIMM), Motorola Mobility (MMI), Dell (DELL), Samsung and LG Display.

How Much Will Suppliers Benefit from iPad 2 Sales in 2011?

Here we take a look at how much various iPad 2 component suppliers stand to gain from the product's success. We assume that Apple will continue to source iPad 2 components from the same set of suppliers throughout 2011.

Continue reading How Much Will Suppliers Gain from iPad 2 in 2011?

How Much Will Suppliers Gain from iPad 2 in 2011? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Intel (INTC) completed its acquisition of McAfee recently, establishing itself as one of the leading security software providers. Around one-third of McAfee's value is attributable to security software for businesses by our estimates. McAfee mainly competes with Symantec (SYMC), Trend Micro, LANDesk Software and Microsoft (MSFT) in this segment and offers products like Endpoint Protection, Data Protection and Mobile Phone Security.

McAfee's market share in global enterprise security software market has been consistently rising over the years mainly because of partnerships with PC makers like HP (HPQ) for small and medium businesses, and the rapid growth of the security-as-a-service market. Increasing smartphone sales has also heightened demand for security against malware threats on mobile devices. McAfee's acquisitions like TrustDigital and WaveSecure in 2010 for developing smartphone security software for enterprise customers is expected to boost its share further.

Continue reading Intel to McAfee: Let's Secure the Cloud

Intel to McAfee: Let's Secure the Cloud originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"I've put together a retirement blue print that will allow anyone who is 20 years old or younger to retire a multi-millionaire," says Steve Christ.

The editor of The Wealth Advisory explains, "This diversified portfolio, contains a transport, a utility, a tech company, a health care giant, and a defense contractor, all of which pay nice steady dividends with room for growth.

"All you need to start is $15,000 initial investment to go along with an additional $100 bucks a week in total contributions divided among the five stocks.

Continue reading A 'Fool-Proof' Retirement Plan for 20-Year-Olds

A 'Fool-Proof' Retirement Plan for 20-Year-Olds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Symantec (SYMC) is the leader in the security software market and competes with McAfee -- which was recently acquired by Intel (INTC) -- as well as with Computer Associates, AVG, TrendMicro and Kaspersky Labs. Symantec recently released a report in which it noted that cyber attack tool kits have become more accessible and much easier to use. This report followed incidents in December in which credit card giants Visa (V) and MasterCard (MA) were targeted by cyber attacks.

While such cyber attacks are dangerous for businesses and individuals, they create new business opportunities for antivirus software companies like Symantec, as demand for these products increases. We estimate that security software (for both consumers and businesses) constitutes roughly 50% of our $21.36 price estimate for Symantec stock, while storage software effectively makes up the balance. Our price estimate for Symantec stock is about 20% above the current market price.

Continue reading Sophisticated Cyber Attacks Expand the Addressable Security Software Market

Sophisticated Cyber Attacks Expand the Addressable Security Software Market originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Serious Money: Buffett's Next Buys -- You Pick'em

Serious Money: Buffett's Next Buys -- You Pick'em originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Intel (INTC), ON Semiconductor (ONNN), Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC), Fairchild Semiconductor (FSC), STMicroelectronics (STM) and Altera (ALTR) to outperform from neutral at RW Baird.
• Capital One (COF) to overweight from equal weight at Morgan Stanley.
• Dollar Tree (DLTR) to buy from neutral at Goldman.
• Foot Locker (FL) to buy from neutral at Sterne Agee.
• Progressive (PGR) to buy from neutral at BofA/Merrill.
• Flow International (FLOW) to buy from neutral at Roth Capital.
• Signature Bank (SBNY) to buy from hold at Jefferies.
• HiSoft Technology (HSFT) to buy from neutral at UBS.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AMTD, C, COF, DLTR, FL, GS, IBM, INTC, NYT, PGR, SCHW ...

Analyst Calls: AMTD, C, COF, DLTR, FL, GS, IBM, INTC, NYT, PGR, SCHW ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) competes with Intel (INTC)and Nvidia (NVDA) in the PC microprocessor and graphics businesses. Our price estimate for AMD stands at $9.30, which is roughly in line with market price. The company recently launched a marketing campaign to better promote its products against competitors. Intel, for one, has continuously overshadowed AMD. Does AMD's stock value stand to gain from these initiatives? Here we assess the outlook for a few key metrics.

Continue reading AMD Can Leverage Short-Term Opportunity, but Real Value Comes from Long-Term Positioning

AMD Can Leverage Short-Term Opportunity, but Real Value Comes from Long-Term Positioning originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Coca-Cola (KO) has more than $13 billion in cash.

The top five companies (according to market cap) are:

• Exxon Mobil (XOM): $398.3 billion
• Apple (AAPL): $309.0 billion
• Microsoft (MSFT): $237.5 billion
• General Electric (GE): $215.0 billion
• Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A): $202.5 billion

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Did You Know ... ?

Comfort Zone Investing: Did You Know ... ? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you took advantage, as outlined, of the summer/early fall dip in Intel Corp. (INTC), first discussed here on March 30, 2009, at a price of $14.72, you made the correct move.

Intel retreated this spring and summer from $24 to $17.60 in bear-hug fashion, but found support at $17.60, with the stock popping back above the $20 level this fall.

Further, in 2011 look for Intel's fundamental picture to continue to brighten. Revenue should rise 10% to 15% in 2011, after a likely 25% to 30% increase in 2010, as IT spending, the need to upgrade aging computers, and new applications increase demand for Intel's next-generation microprocessors.

Continue reading Intel Is Well-Positioned for the Media-Rich Age

Intel Is Well-Positioned for the Media-Rich Age originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Getting Back On Track (AMB, PLD, XOM, INTC, AMD, GENZ, EGPT, CCME)

Closing Bell: Getting Back On Track (AMB, PLD, XOM, INTC, AMD, GENZ, EGPT, CCME) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you think the economic recovery is just beginning, then these three stocks will benefit. They've just released their earnings so you can see how they've fared even in these tough times. They all share positive attributes: plenty of cash, growing sales and earnings, and a dividend.

General Electric (GE): This stock has been a frustration for years. It cut the dividend. The price went from $38 a share to $8 from 2008 to 2009. Now it's coming back. The latest quarterly and annual reports for 2010 confirm the company's finally seeing better demand for most of its products and services.

GE mirrors the economy because it's in so many different parts of it. Here are only some of its offerings: jet engines, light bulbs, credit, mortgage finance, appliances, power plants, locomotives, electric distribution and control equipment, generators and turbines, real estate, commercial finance, aircraft leasing, NBC Universal, health care and several more. When the economy does well, so does GE.

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Ride the Recovery with These Three Stocks

Comfort Zone Investing: Ride the Recovery with These Three Stocks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: A Stealth Rally from Somewhere (AA, C, GE, INTC, MCD, NVDA, CRM)

Closing Bell: A Stealth Rally from Somewhere (AA, C, GE, INTC, MCD, NVDA, CRM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Intel Increases Buyback Plan and Boosts Dividend

Intel Increases Buyback Plan and Boosts Dividend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Intel (INTC) reported earnings earlier in the week. Connie Madon captured the bullet points of the latest quarter. Here's the question: should investors buy the chip stock?

The shares finished on Friday down slightly to $21.08. That's a few bucks lower than the 52-week high of $24.37. It's also a few bucks higher than the 52-week low of $17.60. The chart shows a stock that's been up and down over the past 12 months. Indeed, I've been bullish on Intel, and so far, I can't say that the company has risen like I thought it would. Traders, though, must be having a ball with the narrow range.

Continue reading Intel Still Worth a Look?

Intel Still Worth a Look? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Economies go in cycles. They push to their breaking points, then move in the opposite direction. We saw it clearly in the '90s when there was no end to up (except there was and we abruptly hit it in 2000). In 2008, it felt like there was no end to down. But we now know there is. Things are picking up, and there are numbers to prove it.

Don't be the last to figure out we're in an economic recovery. Sitting on the sidelines, waiting for one more chance to buy a stock at the bargain price you saw in March of 2009 isn't going to happen. Times have changed. The U.S. economy is on the mend.

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Can You Feel the Pendulum Swinging?

Comfort Zone Investing: Can You Feel the Pendulum Swinging? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Intel posted another record quarter. The company reported a profit of $3.39 billion or 59 cents a share, up from $2.28 billion or 40 cents a share a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had forecast 53 cents a share. Revenue jumped 8.4% to $11.46 billion. Revenue was flat in its PS division and up 15% in its data center group, which sells server computers. Gross margin, or profit after manufacturing cost, rose 67.5% from 64.7%. Thomson Reuters had forecast 66.7%.

Here are some other highlights from the report:

Continue reading Intel Earnings: Profit Beats Street Estimates

Intel Earnings: Profit Beats Street Estimates originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.