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[Boeing Wins $35B USAF Contract]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/25/boeing-wins-35b-usaf-contract/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/25/boeing-wins-35b-usaf-contract/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/25/boeing-wins-35b-usaf-contract/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BA logoBoeing (BA - option chain) shares are rising today after the US Air Force announced it has awarded a $35 billion contract to develop and manufacture a new aerial refueler to Boeing. Boeing is expected to deliver the first 18 aircraft by 2017. The total contract includes the supply of 179 refueling tankers. This is a major coup for Boeing, who was expected to lose out on the contract to rival EADS. 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 BA.

BA opened this morning at $73.94. So far today the stock has hit a low of $72.06 and a high of $74.29. As of 12:25, BA is trading at $72.50 up $1.74 (2.5%). The chart for BA looks bullish and S&P gives BA a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading Boeing Wins $35B USAF Contract

Boeing Wins $35B USAF Contract originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BABoeingcontractEADSinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsUS Air ForceFri, 25 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DryShips Surges on News of $135M Drilling Contract]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/28/dryships-surges-on-135m-drilling-contract/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/28/dryships-surges-on-135m-drilling-contract/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/28/dryships-surges-on-135m-drilling-contract/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DryShips logoDryShips Inc. (DRYS) is on the move after the company announced that its offshore unit scored a four-well drilling contract valued at roughly $135 million. Under the terms of the deal, DryShips will commence drilling in West Africa in the first or second quarter of 2011 for a period of approximately 300 days.

The positive news propelled DRYS substantially higher right out of the gate, with the shares staging a bullish gap above short-term resistance in the $4.50 region. Going forward, this area could now switch roles to act as a technical backstop for the shares.

Continue reading DryShips Surges on News of $135M Drilling Contract

DryShips Surges on News of $135M Drilling Contract originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullish gapcallscontractdrillingDRYSDryShipsDryShips rallyfeaturedinthenewsoptionstechnical analysisTue, 28 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CVS Caremark wins $1B Texas teachers' retirement contract]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/11/cvs-caremark-wins-1b-texas-teachers-retirement-contract/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/11/cvs-caremark-wins-1b-texas-teachers-retirement-contract/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/11/cvs-caremark-wins-1b-texas-teachers-retirement-contract/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

CVS logoCVS|Caremark (CVS - option chain) shares are rising today on news that the company won a new $1 billion contract with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to provide pharmacy benefits for two years, with four optional one-year renewals. 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 CVS.

CVS opened this morning at $31.80. So far today the stock has hit a low of $31.80 and a high of $32.43. As of 11:55, CVS is trading at $32.20 up 70 cents (2.2%). The chart for CVS looks bullish and S&P gives CVS a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading CVS Caremark wins $1B Texas teachers' retirement contract

CVS Caremark wins $1B Texas teachers' retirement contract originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contractCVS CaremarkCvsCaremarkinthenewsinvestors observerInvestorsObserveroptionsFri, 11 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Has the economy caused an NBA team to throw in the towel?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/19/has-the-economy-caused-an-nba-team-to-throw-in-the-towel/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/19/has-the-economy-caused-an-nba-team-to-throw-in-the-towel/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/19/has-the-economy-caused-an-nba-team-to-throw-in-the-towel/#commentsTurns out no one is safe from the economic downturn, not even an NBA franchise. The New Orleans Hornets dumped Tyson Chandler (and his paycheck of $12.3 million next year) on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hornets received Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox in return, along with the draft rights to DeVon Hardin.

According to various outlets (including ESPN.com), the Hornets have long been shopping Chandler for "financial reasons." The two players received in return have contracts that expire at the end of the season, so this is the classic rent-a-player scenario for the Hornets. New Orleans' payroll was set to hit $77 million next season, and they felt strongly enough about keeping that number in check to deal Chandler.

Continue reading Has the economy caused an NBA team to throw in the towel?

Has the economy caused an NBA team to throw in the towel? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business of sportsBusinessOfSportscontractnbasportssports businessSportsBusinesstradingThu, 19 Feb 2009 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler up next for UAW contract talks]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/09/chrysler-up-next-for-uaw-contract-talks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/09/chrysler-up-next-for-uaw-contract-talks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/09/chrysler-up-next-for-uaw-contract-talks/#commentsFiled under:

Chrysler logoNow that the United Autoworker's Union (UAW) is finished with General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) in terms of labor talks, next up to bat will be Chrysler LLC. The company is being acquired by private equity firm Cerberus Capital, but that's not stopping it from making vehicles and trying to dent into the domestic market share being rapidly enjoyed by Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM).

This past Sunday, the two parties began negotiating terms of a new labor agreement after nearly three weeks of stalling due to UAW's extension of Chrysler's existing contract so that the GM deal could be put to rest, which it was. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger now has his sights set on Chrysler and hopes that new ground can be broken with the Detroit automaker now that it has a new owner in a private investment firm (new blood, heh) along with the problem of slowing and stagnating sales -- a problem Chrysler has in common with GM and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F).

The broken-record syndrome currently facing all three domestic automakers is causing production plant idling and increased incentives to move out overloaded inventory just at a time when competitors like Toyota and Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) are increasing market share and are putting out highly competitive passenger vehicle models. Will Cerberus break new ground with its UAW labor talks that are significantly different from former parent Daimler (which still owns a 20% stake)? I'm thinking yes, or the company would not have bought the Chrysler brand for $7.4 billion in the first place.

Chrysler up next for UAW contract talks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoworkersChryslercontractGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMinthenewstalksUAWUnionTue, 09 Oct 2007 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler threatens the UAW]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/29/chrysler-threatens-the-uaw/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/29/chrysler-threatens-the-uaw/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/29/chrysler-threatens-the-uaw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chrysler (NYSE: DAI) joined Ford (NYSE: F) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) today when it proposed to divest its non-core assets. It is looking at divesting Chrysler Transport, which manages deliveries of supplies to Chrysler plants, and its Mopar unit, which makes high-performance and specialty auto parts, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

Obviously, the United Auto Workers oppose the divestitures. It is unclear if the divestiture of the assets will be part of the final agreement between the UAW and the newly independent Chrysler.

In addition to the potential non-core asset sales, the company already has a restructuring plan that calls for 13,000 jobs cuts and a return to profitability next year.

The UAW's talks with Chrysler have also revolved around the auto maker receiving a concession on health care costs, similar to what Ford and GM received back in 2005. Chrysler also wants to outsource non-core employees to a third party, similar to the agreements Ford currently has with UAW locals at individual plants.

The UAW now faces a battle at each of the three major Detroit automakers. The contract between the UAW and Chrysler expires on September 14.

Chrysler threatens the UAW originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto sectorchryslercontractDAIdetroitFfordGeneral MotorsGMinthenewslaborlasortamoparUAWunionsUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersWed, 29 Aug 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[The Paycheck Challenge: Get what you're worth]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/12/the-paycheck-challenge-get-what-youre-worth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/12/the-paycheck-challenge-get-what-youre-worth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/12/the-paycheck-challenge-get-what-youre-worth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I encountered a fascinating article at Forbes.com. Writer Tara Weiss brings to light the fact that when accepting a new job, recruits should realize that they have a right and even a responsibility to take some initiative in negotiating their pay package. Think of it this way: After all the long hours of processing applications, reviewing resumes, and conducting interviews, if you are the individual who receives the offer for employment, that indicates you have a lot going for you. Don't be undersold. It's not an issue of pride. It's responsible economics plain and simple.

With the hope that you'll read Ms. Weiss's article, I'll take the proposition one step further. I submit to you that once you have become established in a job, don't let a job classification or title restrict you from asking for more. If you're not bound by the terms of a labor agreement through a union or other labor contract, then the sky's the limit, and I'm saying that you should go for it. Every employment situation offers opportunities for advancement and for income increase also. If you don't believe me, let me prove it to you.

The company I work for is historically tight-fisted when it comes to employee compensation. It's not that we don't generate enough profit to justify pay raises, but as a subsidiary of a larger entity that provides the lion's share of our workload, accounting is "manipulated" to push the profit up to the parent company. This is simple to prove when given the fact that, in a responsible business sense, any company that shows the minimal profit we do would be immediately shut down and those capital assets would be put to work elsewhere. This makes it tough for a guy like me to get ahead. I, however, applied a strategy that has performed for me all of my working years, and which is encompassed in the following ideal:

I don't work for my employer, I work for me. It's all about my own bottom line.

Continue reading The Paycheck Challenge: Get what you're worth

The Paycheck Challenge: Get what you're worth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 12 May 2007 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestcompanycompensationcontractearnearningsemployeremploymentinvestnegotiatepayraisereturnsstrategyTara WeissTaraWeisstopSat, 12 May 2007 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The next generation of military satellites]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/30/new-generation-of-military-satellites-needed/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/30/new-generation-of-military-satellites-needed/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/30/new-generation-of-military-satellites-needed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Inferential Focus, Inc. was the subject of Barron's interview this past weekend. This research driven company combs the world looking for new investment trends.

One emerging trend that could prove profitable for investors is the Department of Defense's need for a new generation of military satellites and communications networks in general. Technology exists, and could easily get into the hands of potential enemies, that can jam communications between U.S. spacecraft and ground stations by messing up the current DOD satellites that serve as central communications point for all these devices. A simple ground station based in any country could potentially mess up the communications of our military.

To solve this potential problem, the DOD has embarked on a $34 billion project to build a whole new global networking system similar to the Internet called GIG, or Global Information Grid. The DOD's goal is to make this network the most secure communications network ever to exist.

The companies that are going to benefit from this build-out are Globecomm Systems Inc (NASDAQ: GCOM), SAIC Inc (NYSE: SAI) and Radvision Ltd (NASDAQ: RVSN). My knowledge about these companies is severely lacking. Please send in comments if you know anything about this satellite build-out or these companies.

The next generation of military satellites originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barron'sbarronscontractgcomglobecommgovernmentradvisionrvsnsaisaicsatelliteMon, 30 Apr 2007 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Johnson Controls is advancing in the Global Warming fight]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/15/johnson-controls-is-advancing-in-the-global-warming-fight/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/15/johnson-controls-is-advancing-in-the-global-warming-fight/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/01/15/johnson-controls-is-advancing-in-the-global-warming-fight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) is boasting advances in lithium ion battery technology that is enabling automakers worldwide to successfully create and sustain the new breed of high-efficiency automobiles. Remember, these new hybrids and plug-ins are useless without adequate and dependable, long-life power sources to support them. Since January 2006, Johnson Controls has sought to make lithium ion batteries the chosen power pack for future energy efficient vehicles. I'm pleased to report that they have met with admirable success.

Earlier this month, Johnson Controls accepted a development contract with General Motors to develop and test lithium ion batteries for use in GM's Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid SUV. Concentrated development efforts begun in January 2006 by Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Systems (JCS) have come to the point where JCS was able to install and display a fully integrated lithium ion battery system in a prototype hybrid-electric SUV at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

Alan Mumby, president and general manager of Johnson Controls hybrid battery business, states: "We are thrilled to be a key player in enabling tomorrow's green technologies". The JCS lithium ion battery laboratory, situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the only dedicated facility in the world focused exclusively on developing lithium ion technology for use in hybrid vehicles.

At least partial funding of the JCS lithium ion battery development project has been provided by the U.S. Department of Energy in furtherance of the Freedom CAR and Fuel Partnership project. The United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) is also a driving force in this effort. USCAR is a development and research effort operating with the combined forces of Americas big three automakers. This all speaks well of our friends in American auto manufacturing. Breathe easy America, they're working on it.

Johnson Controls is advancing in the Global Warming fight originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterychryslercontractcontrolsdiamlerfordfreedomcarfuelgmgreenhybridionjohnsonlithiummilwaukeepartnershipprototypetechnologytestuscarwisconsinMon, 15 Jan 2007 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Looking into Goodyear's future]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/12/27/looking-into-goodyears-future/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/12/27/looking-into-goodyears-future/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/12/27/looking-into-goodyears-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Based on a pending labor agreement with members of the United Steelworkers Union, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE: GT) shares have posted a new 52- week high, rising 40 cents to close at $20.12 on Tuesday, Dec. 26. At market close today, shares were still up.

As outlined in its press release, Goodyear's goals in the negotiations were to "reduce excess high-cost manufacturing capacity, reduce legacy costs, improve productivity and reduce labor costs." Goodyear states that the pending contract will, at least in part, service those goals.

On its face, the three-year contract now pending appears to serve both labor and corporate interests in reasonable fashion. Goodyear will agree to withhold from closing its Tyler, Texas manufacturing facility for one calendar year and will provide $1 billion in retiree health care provisions. The union will concede to a newly-created pay structure for new hires.

Based on a news release from the United Steel Workers website, "The tentative agreement is endorsed by the USW's Goodyear Policy Committee" which is comprised of local union leaders. Members will be voting on the new contract at ratification meetings on December 28, 2006. The union still colors Goodyear as a nasty corporate entity that previously tried to get away with something, but as we all know unions will rarely paint corporations with a favorable brush. I think the USW would do well to admit that in today's economic climate, this pending agreement should assure that the workers are being very well treated.

Was the upward spike in Goodyear shares premature? I don't think so. It seems to me that both sides on the pending agreement are pretty well satisfied. Now if Goodyear exercises their obligations diligently and honestly and the labor force continues to push ahead as in the past, Goodyear should be on very solid ground for the next three years...until contract time again.

Looking into Goodyear's future originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closurecontractgoodyearmanufactureplanttirestyler texasTylerTexasunited steel workersUnitedSteelWorkersWed, 27 Dec 2006 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Nike's stock takes a tumble: What Tiger effect?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/12/12/nikes-stock-takes-a-tumble-what-tiger-effect/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/12/12/nikes-stock-takes-a-tumble-what-tiger-effect/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/12/12/nikes-stock-takes-a-tumble-what-tiger-effect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tiger woodsOur correspondent, Mike Brewster, is a freelance writer and sports enthusiast. We asked him to begin contributing pieces on the business of sports.

Following the shortest drive of his career (about 10 feet of stage while behind the wheel of the newly introduced Buick Enclave last week at the L.A. Auto Show), world number one golfer Tiger Woods is back making business news, re-upping with NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) Tuesday for a third successive multi-year contract.
While terms weren't announced, this pact is bound to exceed the two previous five-year agreements, which at $40 million and $100 million were relative bargains for the Oregon sporting goods giant.

Interestingly, Nike's stock price took a tumble on the news, thereby temporarily disproving my "As-Tiger-Goes-So-Goes-Nike" theory. Ever since Tiger regained his form over the summer and posted six consecutive PGA Tour wins, Nike's stock has risen from a 52-week-low of $75.52 on August 10 to a high of $99.30 on November 30. But today, the stock fell nearly a full percentage point. Maybe Tiger's deal is for a little more scratch than we thought?

Continue reading Nike's stock takes a tumble: What Tiger effect?

Nike's stock takes a tumble: What Tiger effect? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brewsterbuickcontractgolfmike brewsterMikeBrewsternikenkepga tourPgaTourtigertiger woodsTigerWoodsTue, 12 Dec 2006 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft after the bell 05-18-06: Symantec sues, stock goes up]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/05/18/microsoft-after-the-bell-05-18-06-symantec-sues-stock-goes-up/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/05/18/microsoft-after-the-bell-05-18-06-symantec-sues-stock-goes-up/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2006/05/18/microsoft-after-the-bell-05-18-06-symantec-sues-stock-goes-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

microsoft chart 05182006In a day marked by a massive sell-off and a lawsuit that could potentially delay release of Microsoft's next-generation operating system, Vista, MSFT stock ticked up a bit, 10 cents to $22.83. After hours? It ticked up still more, hovering around $22.90 and providing evidence that the stock may have found its floor.

Symantec says Microsoft stole its intellectual property with a technology that allows operating systems to handle large quantities of data. The security software company is also claiming breach of contract, and wants Microsoft to remove the technology from Vista before it's sold. The contract is a bit of ancient history, dating back to 1996, and wasn't even part of the Symantec toolkit until last year, when the company acquired Veritas Software Corp.

The market, though, must be standing behind Microsoft in this showdown, as Symantec's stock was down eight cents at the end of the day.

Microsoft after the bell 05-18-06: Symantec sues, stock goes up originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 May 2006 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breach of contractBreachOfContractcontractintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyipip lawIpLawlawsuitmicrosoftmsftsymantecsymantec lawsuitSymantecLawsuitThu, 18 May 2006 18:44:00 EST