BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Polo Ralph Lauren Doubles Dividend After Q3 Earnings]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/09/polo-ralph-lauren-doubles-dividend-after-q3-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/09/polo-ralph-lauren-doubles-dividend-after-q3-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/09/polo-ralph-lauren-doubles-dividend-after-q3-earnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RL logoPolo Ralph Lauren (RL - option chain) shares are soaring higher today after the company reported Q3 2011 earnings this morning, posting a profit of $168.4 million, or $1.72 per share, on revenue of $1.55 billion. Analysts had forecast a profit of $1.29 per share on revenue of $1.46 billion. The company said it will lift its quarterly dividend to 20 cents per share, up from 10 cents per share and also announced an extension of its current stock buyback program by $250M. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on RL.

RL opened this morning at $120.41. So far today the stock has hit a low of $120.25 and a new 52-week high of $128.04. As of 12:00, RL is trading at $126.52 up $10.75 (9.3%). The chart for RL looks bullish and S&P gives RL a positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.

Continue reading Polo Ralph Lauren Doubles Dividend After Q3 Earnings

Polo Ralph Lauren Doubles Dividend After Q3 Earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackdividendearningsinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsPolo Ralph LaurenRLWed, 09 Feb 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel Increases Buyback Plan and Boosts Dividend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/24/intel-increases-buyback-plan-and-boosts-dividend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/24/intel-increases-buyback-plan-and-boosts-dividend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/24/intel-increases-buyback-plan-and-boosts-dividend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

INTC logoIntel (INTC - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced that it has added $10 billion to its stock buyback plan, hoping to return money to its shareholders after a rise in businesses' tech spending lifted the company's earnings. Also in the announcement, INTC confirmed it will bump its quarterly dividend higher by 15% to 18 cents per share. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on INTC.

INTC opened this morning at $21.03. So far today the stock has hit a low of $20.93 and a high of $21.23. As of 12:20, INTC is trading at $21.16 up 0.34 (1.6%). The chart for INTC looks bullish and S&P gives INTC a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackdividendINTCIntelinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsMon, 24 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Computer Sciences Corp. Boosts Dividend and Starts Buyback]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/14/computer-sciences-corp-boosts-dividend-and-starts-buyback/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/14/computer-sciences-corp-boosts-dividend-and-starts-buyback/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/14/computer-sciences-corp-boosts-dividend-and-starts-buyback/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced that its board has approved an increase of its quarterly dividend to 20 cents per share from 15 cents. The board also approved a $1 billion stock buyback program. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on CSC.

CSC opened this morning at $47.40. So far today the stock has hit a low of $47.40 and a high of $48.99. As of 12:10, CSC is trading at $48.76 up $1.85 (3.9%). The chart for CSC looks bullish and S&P gives CSC a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading Computer Sciences Corp. Boosts Dividend and Starts Buyback

Computer Sciences Corp. Boosts Dividend and Starts Buyback originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackComputer Sciences CorpCSCdividendinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsTue, 14 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fidelity National Information Services Reaffirms Outlook]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/06/fidelity-national-information-services-reaffirms-outlook/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/06/fidelity-national-information-services-reaffirms-outlook/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/06/fidelity-national-information-services-reaffirms-outlook/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

FIS logoFidelity National Information Services (FIS - option chain) shares are rising today after the company reaffirmed its Q2 EPS and revenue outlook this morning, plus the outlined plans to sell new debt to finance a stock buyback. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on FIS.

FIS opened this morning at $27.49. So far today the stock has hit a low of $26.90 and a high of $27.49. As of 12:15, FIS is trading at $27.03 up 0.62 (2.3%). The chart for FIS looks bullish and S&P gives FIS a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading Fidelity National Information Services Reaffirms Outlook

Fidelity National Information Services Reaffirms Outlook originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackdebtfidelity National Information ServicesFISguidanceinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsTue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thermo Fisher Scientific Lifted by $700M Buyback Plan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/20/thermo-fisher-scientific-lifted-by-700m-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/20/thermo-fisher-scientific-lifted-by-700m-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/20/thermo-fisher-scientific-lifted-by-700m-buyback-plan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TMO logoThermo Fisher Scientific (TMO - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced this morning that its board has authorized a one-year program to repurchase $750 million worth of its common stock. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on TMO.

TMO opened this morning at $53.82. So far today the stock has hit a low of $53.81 and a high of $54.94. As of 12:10, TMO is trading at $54.41 up $1.00 (1.9%). The chart for TMO looks neutral and S&P gives TMO a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

Continue reading Thermo Fisher Scientific Lifted by $700M Buyback Plan

Thermo Fisher Scientific Lifted by $700M Buyback Plan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsThermo Fisher ScientificTMOTue, 20 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dollar Tree Rises on Buyback Announcement]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/22/dollar-tree-rises-on-buyback-announcement/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/22/dollar-tree-rises-on-buyback-announcement/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/22/dollar-tree-rises-on-buyback-announcement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DLTRDollar Tree (DLTR - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced this morning that it will buy back an additional $200 million of its common stock under its $500 million share repurchase program announced on October 4, 2007. This action by a company will often serve to put an artificial floor on the stock's price, which is good for a bullishly slanted position. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on DLTR.

DLTR opened this morning at $56.56. So far today the stock has hit a low of $56.56 and a high of $59.44. As of 12:00, DLTR is trading at $59.04 up 2.62 (4.6%). The chart for DLTR looks neutral and S&P gives DLTR a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

Continue reading Dollar Tree Rises on Buyback Announcement

Dollar Tree Rises on Buyback Announcement originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackDLTRDollar TreeDollarTreeoptionsMon, 22 Mar 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Applied Materials Authorizes $2B Buyback and 16.7% Dividend Increase]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/08/applied-materials-authorizes-2b-buyback-and-16-7-dividend-incr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/08/applied-materials-authorizes-2b-buyback-and-16-7-dividend-incr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/08/applied-materials-authorizes-2b-buyback-and-16-7-dividend-incr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

AMAT logoApplied Materials (AMAT - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced today that it has increased the size of its quarterly dividend by 16.7% and also authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $2B over the coming three years. A buyback plan like this should help to put a floor under AMAT's stock price such that even if there is some bad news for the company, the stock might not fall by too much. If you agree that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on AMAT.

AMAT opened this morning at $12.52. So far today the stock has hit a low of $12.31 and a high of $12.53. As of 12:45, AMAT is trading at $12.39 up 0.10 (0.8%). The chart for AMAT looks bearish while S&P gives AMAT a very positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.

Continue reading Applied Materials Authorizes $2B Buyback and 16.7% Dividend Increase

Applied Materials Authorizes $2B Buyback and 16.7% Dividend Increase originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMATApplied MaterialsAppliedMaterialsbuybackdividendinthenewsinvestors observerInvestorsObserveroptionsMon, 08 Mar 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Transocean Drops on Board Actions]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/16/transocean-drops-on-board-actions/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/16/transocean-drops-on-board-actions/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/16/transocean-drops-on-board-actions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

RIG logoTransocean Ltd (RIG - option chain) stock is trading lower today after the company announced this morning that its board has authorized a 3.5 billion Swiss franc ($3.2 billion) share buyback, which will be funded without the use of debt. The company also recommended that the company's shareholders approve and authorize the Board of Directors to pay a special dividend of $1.0 billion, or about $3.11 per share. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on RIG.

This morning, RIG opened at $85.47. So far today the stock has hit a high of $85.75 and a low of $82.04. As of 12:10, RIG is trading at $82.76, down 62 cents (-0.7%). The chart for RIG looks bullish and S&P gives RIG a positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.

Continue reading Transocean Drops on Board Actions

Transocean Drops on Board Actions originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackdividendinthenewsinvestors observerInvestorsObserveroptionsRIGTransoceanTue, 16 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[McAfee Rises on Q4 Earnings and Buyback Plan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/12/mcafee-rises-on-q4-earnings-and-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/12/mcafee-rises-on-q4-earnings-and-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/12/mcafee-rises-on-q4-earnings-and-buyback-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McAfee (MFE - option chain) shares are rising today after the company reported a fourth-quarter profit of $54.5 million, or 34 cents per share. Excluding one-time items, MFE earned 64 cents per share on revenue of $525 million, matching analysts' profit forecasts of 64 cents per share on revenue of $514 million. MFE also said its board approved a stock repurchase program of up to $500 million through December 2011. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on MFE.

MFE opened this morning at $37.73. So far today the stock has hit a low of $37.66 and a high of $40.29. As of 11:30, MFE is trading at $39.55 up $1.66 (4.4%). The chart for MFE looks bullish and S&P gives MFE a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading McAfee Rises on Q4 Earnings and Buyback Plan

McAfee Rises on Q4 Earnings and Buyback Plan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackearningsinthenewsinvestors observerInvestorsObserverMcAfeeMFEoptionsFri, 12 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Target Thinks Its Stock Is a Good Investment -- Should You?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/14/target-thinks-its-stock-is-a-good-investment-should-you/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/14/target-thinks-its-stock-is-a-good-investment-should-you/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/14/target-thinks-its-stock-is-a-good-investment-should-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Target Corporation (TGT), a retailer that competes with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) and Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY), had some good news today for its shareholders. Management has decided to reinstate its stock buyback program. According to the press release, the company believes the economic environment has improved to the point where reducing some of its float could be a worthwhile investment.

This buyback is a continuation of a $10 billion program begun back in November 2007. About half of that sum has already been spent; the remainder of the allocation is expected to be used up in two to three years. So, this isn't an aggressive move, certainly. And, as always, evolving market conditions can affect the intended schedule.

Continue reading Target Thinks Its Stock Is a Good Investment -- Should You?

Target Thinks Its Stock Is a Good Investment -- Should You? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBYBest BuyBestBuybuybackretailTargetTGTWal-MartWMTThu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amgen draws skeptical option trade after hiking buyback program]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/07/amgen-draws-skeptical-option-trade-after-hiking-buyback-program/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/07/amgen-draws-skeptical-option-trade-after-hiking-buyback-program/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/07/amgen-draws-skeptical-option-trade-after-hiking-buyback-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amgen Inc. (AMGN) announced this morning that its board of directors has authorized an additional stock buyback of up to $5 billion. The newly approved program adds to AMGN's existing share repurchase plan of roughly $1.2 billion. "This new authorization reflects Amgen's confidence in its long-term prospects," said the biotech firm in a press release.

Apparently, AMGN's confidence is not contagious, with the stock trading fractionally lower at last check. In fact, the stock is now hovering below short-term support from its 10-day moving average, which has been breached only once on a daily closing basis since early November.

Continue reading Amgen draws skeptical option trade after hiking buyback program

Amgen draws skeptical option trade after hiking buyback program originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmgenAMGNbuybackcredit spreadCreditSpreadinthenewsoptionsrepurchaseshort call spreadShortCallSpreadtechnical analysisTechnicalAnalysisMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sears Holdings (SHLD) soars despite weak earnings]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/02/sears-holdings-shld-soars-despite-weak-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/02/sears-holdings-shld-soars-despite-weak-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/02/sears-holdings-shld-soars-despite-weak-earnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SHLD logoSears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD - option chain) shares have jumped higher today even after the company announced a Q3 loss that included slowing sales and falling margins. Earnings and revenues fell, but an extension of the company' s buyback plan is boosting the shares today, along with a positive outlook for the company's holiday layaway promotion. It might just be that investors expected even worse results from the beleaguered retailer. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on SHLD.

SHLD opened this morning at $33.98. So far today the stock has hit a low of $31.55 and a high of $38.47. As of 12:20, SHLD is trading at $36.67, up $4.83 (15.2%). The chart for SHLD looks bearish and S&P gives SHLD a negative 2 STARS (out of 5) sell ranking.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a December bull-put credit spread below the $22.50 range.

Continue reading Sears Holdings (SHLD) soars despite weak earnings

Sears Holdings (SHLD) soars despite weak earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackearningsinthenewsInvestors ObserverInvestorsObserveroptionsSears HoldingsSearsHoldingsSHLDTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces big buyback, raises dividend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/22/microsoft-announces-big-buyback-raises-dividend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/22/microsoft-announces-big-buyback-raises-dividend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/22/microsoft-announces-big-buyback-raises-dividend/#commentsFiled under:

With its share price having spent the first part of the millennium in the doldrums, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is putting its $23 billion cash pile to work -- and it's not being used for anything as exciting as an acquisition of Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO).

In a press release, the company announced that it had increased its quarterly dividend by 18% to 13 cents a share, and perhaps more interestingly, the board of directors authorized the company to repurchase $40 billion worth of stock.

Shares of Microsoft were up about 5% on the news in pre-market trade, but investors shouldn't read too much into it. A dividend hike of 8 cents per year is not exactly a reason to buy a stock, and as with any buyback announcement, this is an authorization, not a commitment. Microsoft might buy back $40 billion worth of stock and it might not buy back anywhere near that much.

Speaking on CNBC last week, Carl Icahn, who is now on the board of directors at Yahoo, reiterated his commitment to pushing the two companies into a deal of some kind. If it ends with an acquisition, Microsoft's buyback could be off the table.

Microsoft announces big buyback, raises dividend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackdividendsicahninthenewsmsftyhooMon, 22 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Telesystems (MBT) soars on $452M buyback plan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/28/mobile-telesystems-mbt-soars-on-452m-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/28/mobile-telesystems-mbt-soars-on-452m-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/28/mobile-telesystems-mbt-soars-on-452m-buyback-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MBT logoMobile Telesystems (NASDAQ: MBT - option chain) shares are soaring higher today after the company announced its board approved buying back 11.1 billion rubles ($452 million) worth of shares. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on MBT.

MBT opened this morning at $68.18. So far today the stock has hit a low of $67.55 and a high of $70.54. As of 12:35, MBT is trading at $69.22, up $3.08 (4.7%). The chart for MBT looks neutral and S&P gives MBT a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a September bull-put credit spread below the $60 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 4.2% return in just three weeks as long as MBT is above $60 at September expiration. MBT would have to fall by more than 13% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

MBT hasn't been below $60 at all in the past year and has shown support around $64 recently.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in MBT.

Mobile Telesystems (MBT) soars on $452M buyback plan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackinthenewsinvestors observerInvestorsObserverMBTmobile telesystemsMobileTelesystemsoptionsThu, 28 Aug 2008 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Western Union (WU) soars on guidance, buyback plan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/western-union-wu-soars-on-guidance-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/western-union-wu-soars-on-guidance-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/western-union-wu-soars-on-guidance-buyback-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

WU logoWestern Union (NYSE: WU) shares are trading higher today after the company said fiscal-2008 earnings will likely be in higher end of the range of $1.25 to $1.29 per share previously forecast, above analysts' estimates of $1.27 per share. WU also approved a plan to repurchase $1 billion in common stock. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on WU.

After hitting a one-year low of $15.00 in August, the stock hit a one-year high of $24.83 in December. WU opened this morning at $24.35. So far today the stock has hit a low of $24.08 and a high of $25.45. As of 10:35, WU is trading at $25.43, up $2.27 (9.8%). The chart for WU looks bullish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a neutral 3 Stars (out of 5) Hold rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a November bull-put credit spread below the $20 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make an 8.7% return in just five months as long as WU is above $20 at November expiration. Western Union would have to fall by more than 21% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

WU hasn't been below $20 by more than a few cents since October and has shown support around $22.50 recently. This trade could be risky if the company's earnings (due out 7/22) don't match their guidance. but even if that happens, this position could be protected by the support the stock might find at its 200 day moving average, which is currently around $22 and rising.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in WU.

Western Union (WU) soars on guidance, buyback plan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackforecastinthenewsInvestors ObserverInvestorsObserveroptionsWestern UnionWesternUnionWUFri, 20 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Intuit (INTU) jumps on Q3 earnings, buyback plan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/intuit-intu-jumps-on-q3-earnings-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/intuit-intu-jumps-on-q3-earnings-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/intuit-intu-jumps-on-q3-earnings-buyback-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

INTU logoIntuit (NASDAQ: INTU) shares are trading higher after INTU announced yesterday evening its third-quarter profits jumped 21% to $444.2 million on strong sales of its tax-preparation and accounting programs. The company posted earnings of $1.39 a share on revenue of $1.31 billion, beating analysts' expectations. Also of note was a new $600 million stock buyback plan. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on INTU.

After hitting a one-year high of $33.10 in October, the stock hit a one-year low of $25.08 in March. INTU opened this morning at $27.81. So far today the stock has hit a low of $27.56 and a high of $29.29. As of 12:20, INTU is trading at $28.50, up $1.29 (4.7%). The chart for INTUlooks bullish and steady while S&P gives INTU a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider an October bull-put credit spread below the $25 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 19.0% return in just five months as long as INTU is above $25 at October expiration. Intuit would have to fall by more than 12% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

Continue reading Intuit (INTU) jumps on Q3 earnings, buyback plan

Intuit (INTU) jumps on Q3 earnings, buyback plan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 May 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackearningsinthenewsINTUIntuitInvestors ObserverInvestorsObserveroptionsWed, 21 May 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[DirecTV (DTV) reports surprising first-quarter earnings]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/directv-dtv-reports-surprising-first-quarter-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/directv-dtv-reports-surprising-first-quarter-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/directv-dtv-reports-surprising-first-quarter-earnings/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Shares of digital television provider DirecTV Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DTV) have been rallying in early trading as its earnings numbers for the first quarter were better than analysts had forecast. The company also announced its board approved an increase in its stock buyback program, raising it to $3 billion.

The company said its first-quarter profit rose 10% to $371 million, helped by higher subscriber additions. DirecTV was able to slightly come in above analyst estimates, with 32 cents per share compared to the forecast 31 cents per share. Compared to its first period last year, earnings were up, as the digital television provider came with earnings of 27 cents a share last year.

The nation's largest satellite-TV company posted a respectable growth of 17% for its first-quarter revenue, which jumped to $4.59 billion compared with $3.91 billion a year ago. This was above analysts' predictions for quarterly revenue of $4.47 billion, according to Thomson Financial.

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DirecTV (DTV) reports surprising first-quarter earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 May 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackdigital televisionDigitalTelevisionDirecTVdtvearningsinthenewsWed, 07 May 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon.com (AMZN) soars on buyback plan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/08/amazon-com-amzn-soars-on-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/08/amazon-com-amzn-soars-on-buyback-plan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/08/amazon-com-amzn-soars-on-buyback-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

AMZN logoAmazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) shares are rising today after the online retail giant announced a multi-billion dollar stock and debt buyback plan this morning. The company will retire debt worth $1.25 billion and will buy back up to $1 billion in common stock over the next two years. If you think that the company won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on AMZN.

After hitting a one-year low of $37.04 in March, the stock hit a one-year high of $101.09 in October. AMZN opened this morning at $73.40. So far today the stock has hit a low of $72.67 and a high of $74.60. As of 10:20, AMZN is trading at $74.07, up $3.16 (4.5%). The chart for AMZN looks bearish but improving slightly, while S&P gives the stock a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a March bull-put credit spread below the $55 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 4.4% return in just six weeks as long as AMZN is above $55 at March expiration. Amazon would have to fall by more than 22% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

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Amazon.com (AMZN) soars on buyback plan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon.comAMZNbuybackinthenewsInvestors ObserverInvestorsObserveroptionsFri, 08 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UPS rises on buyback plans, upgrade]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/10/ups-rises-on-buyback-plans-upgrade/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/10/ups-rises-on-buyback-plans-upgrade/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/10/ups-rises-on-buyback-plans-upgrade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

UPS logoUnited Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS) shares are trading higher this morning after a Bear Stearns analyst upgraded the stock to Outperform from Peer Perform with a price target of $85. The analyst said in a note he expects lower guidance for the company in the near term, but believes UPS is "well positioned for the longer term." This upgrade comes on the heels of UPS yesterday announcing that it will buy back $10 billion in stock over the next two years to boost their stock price. If you think that the company won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on UPS.

After hitting a one-year high of $78.99 in August, the stock hit a one-year low of $65.74 yesterday. UPS opened this morning at $68.78. So far today the stock has hit a low of $68.31 and a high of $69.81. As of 11:00, UPS is trading at $69.18, up $2.47 (3.7%). The chart for UPS looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

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UPS rises on buyback plans, upgrade originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buybackinthenewsoptionsupgradeUPSThu, 10 Jan 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[MGM Mirage plans $750 million stock buyback]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/09/mgm-mirage-plans-750-m-stock-buyback/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/09/mgm-mirage-plans-750-m-stock-buyback/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/09/mgm-mirage-plans-750-m-stock-buyback/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MGM logoMGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) and Dubai World announced this morning they would launch a cash tender offer to buy back up to 10 million MGM common shares for $75 to $80 each. The companies' decision came on worries that an economic slowdown will lower demand for gambling. If you think that the company won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on MGM.

The stock hit its 52 week high of 100.50 in October and set its 52 week low of 59.74 in January. MGM opened this morning at $73.71. So far today the stock has hit a low of $71.82 and a high of $74.29. As of 12:40, MGM is trading at $72.43, up $2.45 (3.5%). The chart for MGM looks bearish and steady while S&P gives MGM a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold rating.

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MGM Mirage plans $750 million stock buyback originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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