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.

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.

Intel (INTC) competes with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia (NVDA) in the PC microprocessor and graphics businesses. We estimate that notebook microprocessors are the most important product segment for Intel, generating roughly 39% of its equity value.

Continue reading As Sales of Tablet Computers Soar, Intel's Stock Value Could Fall

As Sales of Tablet Computers Soar, Intel's Stock Value Could Fall originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:30:00 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.

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.

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 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.

U.S. stock futures are mixed, as investors await several economic reports. Intel (INTC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) posted upbeat quarterly earnings. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 20 points to 11,663.00, while S&P 500 futures declined 2.20 points to 1,279.10. Nasdaq 100 futures gained 2.25 points to 2,305.00.

U.S. stocks closed lower Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 0.20%, the Nasdaq Composite declining 0.07% and the S&P 500 losing 0.17%.

Continue reading U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Investors Await Economic Data

U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Investors Await Economic Data originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The shares of Nvidia (NVDA) have been tearing up the charts in 2011, thanks to a lucrative settlement with Intel (INTC) and a high-profile new partnership with ARM Holdings (ARMH). The month of January isn't quite half-over yet, but the stock is already sitting on a year-to-date gain of 51.6%.

Judging by at least one headline hitting the wires, the stock's rapid rise is making some analysts nervous. However, on Wednesday, one upbeat options trader placed a bet on additional upside from NVDA during the near term.

Continue reading Spread Speculator Bets on Additional Upside for Nvidia

Spread Speculator Bets on Additional Upside for Nvidia originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Chip maker giant Intel Corp. (INTC) will be reporting its fourth-quarter results following Thursday's market close, with analysts expecting to see another strong quarter from the California-based company.

Going into tomorrow's report, analysts are expecting to see Intel report earnings of 53 cents per share on revenues of $11.37 billion. During the same period last year the company had earnings of 40 cents per share.

Continue reading Intel Fourth-Quarter Earnings Preview

Intel Fourth-Quarter Earnings Preview originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading U.S. Stock Futures Down as Investors Await Economic Data

U.S. Stock Futures Down as Investors Await Economic Data originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Alcoa (AA), Intel (INTC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) will kick off a new earnings season this week when they report their results for the fourth quarter of 2010. Here's a quick look at what analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect to see, followed by a glance at what's coming up on the economic calendar.

Alcoa

During its fourth quarter, Alcoa saw increased demand in emerging markets, sold surplus properties, and shared revenue targets with investors. Analysts forecast that earnings for the period will come to 19 cents per share, up from just a penny per share in the same quarter of last year. The New York-based aluminum producer also is expected to post revenue of $5.7 billion for the three months that ended in December, which is 4.5% more than a year earlier.

Continue reading Week in Preview: Alcoa, Intel, JPMorgan Kick Off New Earnings Season

Week in Preview: Alcoa, Intel, JPMorgan Kick Off New Earnings Season originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC) February 65 calls and March 70 calls are active on total call volume of 14K contracts compared to 2K puts. January call option implied volatility is at 18, February and March is at 23. This is below its 26-week average of 28, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Intel Corporation (INTC) is expected to report Q4 EPS on January 13. January call option implied volatility is 31, March is at 22, April is at 23. That's compared to its 26-week average of 29, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement after EPS.

Options Update is by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Options Update: Norfolk Southern Shares at 27-Month High originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For years Microsoft (MSFT) was the tech leader. Then, Google (GOOG) came along and Microsoft missed the entire search engine revolution. But Microsoft still dominated in software. Then came Apple (AAPL) with its iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Again, Microsoft missed the small device revolution.

The Wall Street Journal reports that now Microsoft is playing catch-up again. With its next operating system it will use low-powered chips similar to those Apple uses.

Continue reading Microsoft to Feature New Chips With Next Windows

Microsoft to Feature New Chips With Next Windows originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.