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

• Astec Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTE) beat expectations and raised its guidance.
• Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) fourth-quarter profit fails to offset the full-year loss.
• China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (NASDAQ: CNTF) beat analysts' expectations.
• Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) met analysts' estimates, buoyed by higher fuel prices.
• FTI Consulting Inc. (NYSE: FCN) beat expectations and raised its full-year guidance.
• H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) narrowed its loss due to higher sales and smaller subprime losses.
• Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) missed estimates as third-quarter profits declined sharply.
• LifeCell Corp. (NASDAQ: LIFC) beat fourth-quarter estimates and offered full-year guidance.
• Marvell Technology Group (NASDAQ: MRVL) lowered its first-quarter forecast , sending shares lower.
• Porsche AG (OTC: PSEPF) profit soared on strong sales of its Cayenne.
• S1 Corp. (NASDAQ: SONE) beat expectations and offered full-year guidance.
• Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS) fourth-quarter profit nearly doubled, but full-year profit declined.
• Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) beat expectations on strength in same-store sales.
• Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) reports strong same-store sales ahead of its quarterly results.

Also, see Timothy Sykes's take on Warren Buffett's annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) shareholders. Zac Bissonnette is interested in where earnings actually come from. And Saks, Costco, and other retailers saw stronger February same-store sales despite recession concerns, but JC Penney Co. (NYSE: JCP) didn't feel the love.

Upcoming results to watch for include Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), Boston Beer Co. (NYSE: SAM), J. Crew Group Inc. (NYSE: JCG), Jones Soda Co. (NASDAQ: JSDA), Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), and Men's Wearhouse Inc. (NYSE: MW).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

Earnings highlights: Blockbuster, Costco, H&R Block, Walgreen, Saks and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

I've just returned from the World Money Show, where some 10,000+ investors gathered to learn about global investing. I had a chance to meet with many of the advisors who were featured at the show, and I have been highlighting some of their favorite investment ideas. To view all of the stocks featured in this special global report, click here.

"Germany is the third largest economy in the world, and it's leading index -- the DAX 30 -- has been in a bull market for four years," notes Heiko Böhmer.

The editor of Privat-Finanzletter offers a trio of German stocks -- on sports cars, solar cells, and Internet broadband growth -- as well as an ETF play for U.S. investors seeking an easy way to participate in the German market.

He explains, "Changes are occurring, as Angela Merkel has become the first female chancellor in Germany and the first chancellor from the former GDR. Meanwhile, we are seeing an ongoing consumer record, health care reform, corporate tax reform, and a recovering construction sector.

"Earnings growth for 2006 was estimated at 21%. I would caution, however, that earnings could slow this year and, after a four-year bull market, there is a chance for an overall market correction -- perhaps as much as 15%.

"Meanwhile, Germany is the biggest export nation in the world and is known for brands that are recognized worldwide. For example, Porsche (Other OTC:PSEPF) is the most profitable car producer. Earnings grew 78% from 2005 to 2006. The U.S. is a very important market.

"Meanwhile, its stake in Volkswagen could grow later this year. Currently, VW's earnings are the biggest driver for Porsche shares right now. Longer term, Porsche will be selling more higher margin cars such as the 911 Turbo. And, its Panamera will be launched in 2009-2010.

Continue reading Global gains: Böhmer's bets on Germany

Global gains: Böhmer's bets on Germany originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.