Analyst Upgrades

• Verizon (VZ), FEMSA (FMX), Vornado (VNO), Duke Realty (DRE) and AvalonBay (AVB) to buy from neutral, as well as Carnival (CCL) to conviction buy from buy, at Goldman.
• Symantec (SYMC) to buy from hold at Citigroup.
• Copano Energy (CPNO), DCP Midstream (DPM) and Inergy (NRGY) to overweight from equal weight at Morgan Stanley.
• SYNNEX (SNX) to strong buy from buy at Needham.
• Eli Lilly (LLY) to hold from sell at Hapoalim.
• World Wrestling (WWE) to buy from neutral at Roth Capital.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AKS, CCL, EOG, GE, GS, LLY, SNDK, T, TLB, TUP, VZ, WWE ...

Analyst Calls: AKS, CCL, EOG, GE, GS, LLY, SNDK, T, TLB, TUP, VZ, WWE ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Boeing (BA) to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.
• Alcoa (AA) to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.
• BP (BP) to outperform from market perform at Raymond James.
• Office Depot (ODP) and Staples (SPLS) to buy from neutral at Janney Capital.
• ON Semiconductor (ONNN) to buy from hold at Citigroup.
• Kennametal (KMT) and Polyone (POL) to buy from hold at KeyBanc.
• Airgas (ARG) to outperform from market perform at William Blair.
• EchoStar (SATS) to neutral from underperform at Macquarie.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AA, BA, BP, BSX, COH, GM, INTC, NSM, STJ, TIF, TSN, UA ...

Analyst Calls: AA, BA, BP, BSX, COH, GM, INTC, NSM, STJ, TIF, TSN, UA ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Wynn Resorts (WYNN) to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.
• Oracle (ORCL) and Alliance Data Systems (ADS) to outperform from neutral at Macquarie.
• Saint Joe (JOE) to outperform from market perform at Keefe Bruyette.
• Starwood Hotels (HOT) to neutral from underperform at RW Baird.
• Middlesex Water (MSEX) to buy from neutral at Janney Capital.
• Consol Energy (CNX) to buy from hold at BB&T.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: BAC, CMA, DO, HOT, ORCL, RIG, RTN, SBUX, TLB, WYNN ...

Analyst Calls: BAC, CMA, DO, HOT, ORCL, RIG, RTN, SBUX, TLB, WYNN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Poor The Talbots, Inc. (TLB). Talk about a nasty drop. With about ninety minutes to go before the end of the trading day, the company's stock is down over 20% to $9.03. Volume is way, way above average. Fortunately, the price is still comfortably higher than the 52-week low of $6.81. But that might not be saying much at this point for shareholders.

The catalyst for the move was the third-quarter earnings report. According to The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), net profit from continuing activities on an adjusted basis came in at 27 cents per share, four pennies below the year-ago figure.

Continue reading Talbots Takes a Dive

Talbots Takes a Dive originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Talbots (TLB) announced Wednesday morning that its adjusted, second-quarter income checked in at 14 cents per share compared to a loss of 33 cents per share a year ago.

"Our second quarter and year-to-date results demonstrate the steady progress we are making as a result of our strategic initiatives," said President and CEO Trudy Sullivan. "In the second quarter, we again generated significant gross margin expansion, successfully managed expenses and achieved better than expected improvement in adjusted earnings per share."

Continue reading Talbots Turns a Profit in Second Quarter

Talbots Turns a Profit in Second Quarter originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Federal Reserve's next Beige Book report is scheduled to be released this week. This report is a compilation of anecdotal information on current economic conditions from each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank districts, and it is released eight times a year. The data comes from interviews with business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. While the June report showed modest growth across the districts, the July report showed that the economic recovery had slowed, even stalled in some districts.

Other economic data due out this holiday-shortened week include:

Continue reading The Week in Preview: Beige Book, Smithfield Foods, Talbots, Men's Wearhouse

The Week in Preview: Beige Book, Smithfield Foods, Talbots, Men's Wearhouse originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Talbots (TLB) was enjoying a nice uptrend for much of the past year. Then, economic troubles appeared in Europe, and the bears came clawing their way to Wall Street to ruin the rally. Like many other stocks, Talbots got hit. And on Tuesday, it closed down 9.5% to $12.20. The 52-week high on the shares is $17.79.

During the fourth quarter, the retailer beat estimates by a wide margin. This time around, it's more of the same. According to Reuters, adjusted profit from continuing operations calculated out to 38 cents per share, much higher than the call of 16 cents per share (and much better than the adjusted loss of 23 cents per share from continuing operations in the year-ago period).

Continue reading Talbots Enjoys a First-Quarter Profit, but It Doesn't Help the Stock

Talbots Enjoys a First-Quarter Profit, but It Doesn't Help the Stock originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Federal Reserve's next Beige Book report is scheduled to be released this week. This report is a compilation of anecdotal information on current economic conditions from each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank districts, and it is released eight times a year. The data comes from interviews with business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. The June report is expected to show strengthening signs of expansion, though results could be mixed across the 12 districts.

Economic data due out this week include:

Continue reading The Week in Preview: Beige Book, Federal Budget, Retail Sales

The Week in Preview: Beige Book, Federal Budget, Retail Sales originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

• Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) shares declined despite better-than-expected Q1 results due to profit taking.
• Alcoa Inc. (AA) reported a decline in revenue and earnings in line with expectations, leading to a sell off of shares.
• Bank of America Corp. (BAC) Q1 earnings results beat consensus estimates but shares fell on other news.
• General Electric Co. (GE) posted better-than-expected earnings but said revenue declined in the first quarter.
• Google Inc. (GOOG) Q1 earnings and revenue topped expectations but a surge in expenses sent shares lower.

Continue reading Earnings Highlights: Alcoa, GE, Google, Intel, JPMorgan, Mattel, UPS ...

Earnings Highlights: Alcoa, GE, Google, Intel, JPMorgan, Mattel, UPS ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Talbots Q4 Earnings Smash Estimates

Talbots Q4 Earnings Smash Estimates originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Wal-Mart (WMT) closed at $53.43. WMT's volatility is flat on tight trading range as it is expected to report Q4 EPS on February 18. February put option implied volatility is at 20, March and June puts are at 21; near its 26-week average of 21, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Three stocks with IV rise on January 29; Berkshire Hathaway (BRK/B) +9%, Focus Media (FMCN) + 8%, Talbots (TLB) +6% according to IVolatility.

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

Options Update: Wal-Mart Volatility Flat into EPS originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The earnings season, like the calendar year, is winding down. The sprinkling of quarterly results scheduled for this coming week include S&P 500 components AutoZone (AZO), Ciena (CIEN), H&R Block (HRB) and National Semiconductor (NSM), as well as Dollar General (DG), Imperial Sugar (IPSU), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD), Men's Wearhouse (MW), Talbots (TLB) and others.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect to see strong year-over-year and sequential EPS growth from luxury watchmaker Movado Group Inc. (MOV). During its third quarter of fiscal 2010, this Paramus, N.J.-based company was recognized for its innovative use of technology and it reported a big profit decline for the second quarter.

Continue reading The week in preview: Profit expectations for Costco, Kroger, Movado and others

The week in preview: Profit expectations for Costco, Kroger, Movado and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Here are some highlights from last week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Best Buy Inc. (NYSE: BBY) was downgraded by one analyst ahead of next week's Q2 earnings report.
• Campbell Soup Co. (NYSE: CPB) better-than-expected Q4 and full-year profit failed to impact the share price.
• FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) boosted its Q1 earnings guidance ahead of next week's quarterly report.
• JoS. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. (NASDAQ: JOSB) saw its Q2 earnings jump higher than expected.
• Korn/Ferry International (NYSE: KFY) swung to a Q1 net loss as revenue plunged despite cost cuts.
• lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ: LULU) strong Q2 numbers topped estimates and drove shares higher.

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Best Buy, FedEx, Campbell, National Semiconductor, Talbots ...

Earnings highlights: Best Buy, FedEx, Campbell, National Semiconductor, Talbots ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Talbots (TLB) falls on weak Q2 revenue

Talbots (TLB) falls on weak Q2 revenue originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Talbots Inc. (NYSE: TLB), the fashion retailer that sold its J. Jill brand in the most recent quarter, is scheduled to discuss its second-quarter 2009 results Wednesday in a conference call at 10:00 AM ET, hosted by CEO Trudy Sullivan and other members of the senior management team. You can catch the live webcast of the call on the company's website.

For the three months that ended in July, analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect the Massachusetts-based company to report that its net loss widened from a year ago to $0.52 per share. Revenue for the quarter is expected to have fallen 39.1% to $309.3 million.

Continue reading Talbots to post smaller-than-expected Q2 loss?

Talbots to post smaller-than-expected Q2 loss? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Last week was a busy one for San Francisco-based private equity firm Golden Gate Capital. It not only reached an agreement to acquire the assets of the J. Jill Group Inc. from Talbots Inc. (NYSE: TLB), but also reached a deal in the sale of SoftBrands Inc., a Minneapolis-based software producer.

Jill Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate, agreed to purchase the womenswear retailer for approximately $75 million. The deal includes assets and liabilities, including a distribution center in New Hampshire, and intellectual property and inventory. Jill Acquisition assumes the leases of 204 J. Jill stores, with the remaining 75 expected to be closed by Talbots. Talbots' board unanimously approved the deal, and the transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter.

Continue reading Golden Gate acquires J. Jill and SoftBrands

Golden Gate acquires J. Jill and SoftBrands originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

• Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B) withdrew its 2009 earnings guidance due to uncertainty in transportation.
• Brown-Forman Corp. (NYSE: BF.B) Q4 profit beat estimates and it offered guidance for next year.
• Del Monte Foods Co. (NYSE: DLM) posted strong Q4 results on price increases and a better tax situation.
• FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) posted lower Q2 sales but announced a big order from South Korea.
• Men's Wearhouse Inc. (NYSE: MW) lower Q1 profit topped estimates but the outlook was in line.
• National Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: NSM) Q4 net loss and fiscal-year profit both beat estimates.

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Del Monte, Men's Wearhouse, National Semiconductor, Talbots ...

Earnings highlights: Del Monte, Men's Wearhouse, National Semiconductor, Talbots ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If ever a brand could use a boost it's Talbots (NYSE: TLB).

This week the company announced that profits plummeted 68% to $1.6 million in the quarter ended May 3.

This conservative women's clothing store has lacked the pizzazz to capture a larger market share. Michelle Obama wearing TLB injects some much needed life into the brand.

After the election, when it was known that Mrs. Obama wore Talbots, shares bounced significantly. Previously, the stock was threatening to broach the $1 mark. Today, you can buy shares for around $5.

Continue reading Obama stock #1: Talbots (TLB)

Obama stock #1: Talbots (TLB) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We all know the impact that celebrities have on businesses. One of the most obvious instances of this phenomenon comes from the Oprah Winfrey Show. For example, when a title makes it into her book club, millions of loyal followers immediately take action, and sales follow.

These days, Michelle Obama is giving Oprah a run for her money. The First Lady is being closely watched by millions, and she too has a loyal following. She also appears to have a fashion sense that resonates with consumers around the globe. We all saw the number of stories and speculation about her gown during the inauguration.

Continue reading Move over Oprah -- Michelle Obama's got the touch

Move over Oprah -- Michelle Obama's got the touch originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Citigroup upgraded Emergency Medical Services (NYSE: EMS) to Hold from Sell as it believes earnings estimates and valuation multiples could expand should Congress extend insurance coverage to the currently uninsured. The firm raised its target on shares to $38 from $29.
• JPMorgan upgraded Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB) to Neutral from Underweight on expectations the company's fixed income business will drive earnings.
• KeyBanc expects U.S. Steel (NYSE: X) to benefit from a global recovery in flat-rolled products and a potential stabilization in energy end markets. The firm upgraded shares to Buy from Hold.
• Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Soleil.
• Pinnacle Financial (NASDAQ: PNFP) was upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Stephens.
• BP Plc (NYSE: BP) was raised to Buy from Hold at ING Group.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BP, DB, NUE, TLB, X, YHOO ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BP, DB, NUE, TLB, X, YHOO ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.