BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Can't run, and can't hide (AAPL, DIA, SPY, MRVL, MSFT, STP, SIRI, WMT, YHOO)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/closing-bell-cant-run-and-cant-hide-aapl-dia-spy-mrvl-m/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/closing-bell-cant-run-and-cant-hide-aapl-dia-spy-mrvl-m/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/closing-bell-cant-run-and-cant-hide-aapl-dia-spy-mrvl-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Today was one of those market days where you just felt like the stock market was headed lower no matter what. A report from the World Bank showing lower recovery is expected in 2009 and in 2010 did not help. It took the sails out of the commodity sector and therefore out of stocks.

With little economic data to center on, traders just continued the momentum of selling to take profits. We are also seeing a reversal here where now the market needs great news to rally.

Here are today's closing bell levels:

Dow 8,339.01 -200.72 (-2.35%)
S&P 500 893.04 -28.19 (-3.06%)
Nasdaq 1,766.19 -61.28 (-3.35%)

Top 10 Analyst Calls

Continue reading Closing Bell: Can't run, and can't hide (AAPL, DIA, SPY, MRVL, MSFT, STP, SIRI, WMT, YHOO)

Closing Bell: Can't run, and can't hide (AAPL, DIA, SPY, MRVL, MSFT, STP, SIRI, WMT, YHOO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DIASPYMon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Say goodbye to Microsoft Money]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/10/say-goodbye-to-microsoft-money/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/10/say-goodbye-to-microsoft-money/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/10/say-goodbye-to-microsoft-money/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft Corporation's (NASDAQ: MSFT) personal finance tracking program MS Money (not to be confused with msmoney.com) has been futilely chasing Intuit's (NASDAQ: INTU) Quicken since the early days of Windows. Apparently, the company has finally taken note of all the red on its financials and is mercifully pulling the plug on the program.

According to CNet's Ina Fried, Microsoft will put the program down tomorrow. It is currently only distributed online, and the company will discontinue updating it for current users after January of 2011.

I don't expect much wailing and gnashing of teeth from those savvy enough to track their finances with a computer program. Quicken has proven a reliable program so widely adopted that it serves as a template for other, similar programs.

Continue reading Say goodbye to Microsoft Money

Say goodbye to Microsoft Money originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banking programsbudgeting programsBudgetingProgramsms moneyMsMoneypersonal finance programsPersonalFinanceProgramsquickenWed, 10 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Bulls hold the high ground (AXP, STP, PG, TXN, SQNM, MRVL)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/09/closing-bell-bulls-hold-the-high-ground-axp-stp-pg-txn-sqn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/09/closing-bell-bulls-hold-the-high-ground-axp-stp-pg-txn-sqn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/09/closing-bell-bulls-hold-the-high-ground-axp-stp-pg-txn-sqn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today was one of those days where the overall market direction never felt entrenched nor felt certain. The news of ten banks getting to pay back TARP funds created mixed reactions, as the news was expected. Positive guidance from a chip leader may have kept the wheels on the cart for technology stocks. Oil also spent much of the day flirting with the $70 per barrel mark.

With the swings we are seeing from positive to negative, it is just further evidence that there is a battleground between bulls and bears forming. So far the bulls are managing to keep the high ground. Here are today's unofficial closing bell levels:

DJIA
S&P500
NASDAQ

Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades

Continue reading Closing Bell: Bulls hold the high ground (AXP, STP, PG, TXN, SQNM, MRVL)

Closing Bell: Bulls hold the high ground (AXP, STP, PG, TXN, SQNM, MRVL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AXPMRVLPGsequenomSQNMSTPTXNTue, 09 Jun 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: CSX, JBL, MRVL, NUE, STT, X ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/09/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Keefe Bruyette upgraded American Capital (NASDAQ: AGNC) to Outperform from Market Perform on expectations the company's book value and earnings are trending higher. The firm raised its target price to $22.
  • Jefferies upgraded Spartan Stores (NASDAQ: SPTN) to Buy from Hold as it believes the company's EPS and sales momentum will return with the Michigan economy likely bottoming out. Despite upgrading, the firm lowered its target price to $18 from $24.
  • Morgan Stanley upgraded U.S. Steel (X) to Overweight from Equal Weight due to its favorable product mix and leverage to improving operating rates.
  • CSX Corp. (NYSE: CSX) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  • Mueller Water (NYSE: MWA) was raised to Perform from Underperform at Oppenheimer.
  • Marvell Technology (NASDAQ: MRVL) was upgraded to Outperform from Underperform at JMP Securities.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: CSX, JBL, MRVL, NUE, STT, X ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: CSX, JBL, MRVL, NUE, STT, X ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarMaxCSXHartford FinancialHIGKMXMarvellMRVLNucorNUEState StreetSTTUS SteelXTue, 09 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: AutoZone, Costco, Dell, Heinz, Staples, Tiffany, Tivo and more]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/30/earnings-highlights-autozone-costco-dell-heinz-staples-tif/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/30/earnings-highlights-autozone-costco-dell-heinz-staples-tif/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/30/earnings-highlights-autozone-costco-dell-heinz-staples-tif/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading Earnings highlights: AutoZone, Costco, Dell, Heinz, Staples, Tiffany, Tivo and more

Earnings highlights: AutoZone, Costco, Dell, Heinz, Staples, Tiffany, Tivo and more originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 May 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AEOAmerican Eagle OutfittersAutozoneAZOBABank of MontrealBIGBig LotsBioMed RealtyBMOBMRBritish AirwaysCandian SolarCBRLCOSTCostcoCracker BarrelCreeCSIQDellDLTRDollar TreeearningsHeinzHNZJ CrewJCGMarvell TechnologyMRVLOmnivisionOVTISPLSStaplesTake-Two InteractiveTIFTiffanyTivoTTWOSat, 30 May 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell Technology forecasts a solid second quarter]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/29/marvell-technology-forecasts-a-solid-second-quarter/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/29/marvell-technology-forecasts-a-solid-second-quarter/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/29/marvell-technology-forecasts-a-solid-second-quarter/#commentsFiled under: ,

Marvell Technology Group (NASDAQ: MRVL) late Thursday announced first-quarter earnings, excluding items, of a nickel per share, matching the Street's expectations. A year ago, the chipmaker earned 24 cents per share. Quarterly revenue fell 34% to $521.4 million, far short of last year's $804.8 million but better than the consensus estimate.

Unfortunately for Marvell, the revenue expectations on the Street were actually higher, calling for "anywhere from $530 to $540 million," which is "why, when revenue came in at $520 million, although it was better than guidance, it was below the whisper expectations," Barclay's Capital analyst Romit Shah explained.

Continue reading Marvell Technology forecasts a solid second quarter

Marvell Technology forecasts a solid second quarter originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 29 May 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipmakerchipmakersinthenewsMarvell TechnologyMarvellTechnologymicrochipsmrvltechtechnologyFri, 29 May 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[A peek at Marvell Technology's fourth-quarter earnings report]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/05/a-peak-at-marvell-technologys-fourth-quarter-earnings-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/05/a-peak-at-marvell-technologys-fourth-quarter-earnings-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/05/a-peak-at-marvell-technologys-fourth-quarter-earnings-report/#commentsFiled under: ,

After the market closes this afternoon, Marvell Technology (NASDAQ: MRVL) will report its fourth-quarter earnings. The tech firm is expected to report earnings of a penny per share on revenue of $510.9 million. However, the company pre-reported earnings on January 22, announcing negative fourth-quarter results -- forecasting revenue of $500 million to $520 million, well short of its earlier-forecast range of $690 million to $730 million.

According to SeekingAlpha, MRVL is blaming the sour earnings forecast on the "macro-economic environment." The article continues, covering Credit Suisse's beliefs for the report -- which forecast the company matching the pre-announcement figures.

Continue reading A peek at Marvell Technology's fourth-quarter earnings report

A peek at Marvell Technology's fourth-quarter earnings report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsearnings previewinthenewstechnologyThu, 05 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Dow up; Bernanke must have bought stocks; JPM, HD, MRVL, AIG, AXP]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/closing-bell-dow-up-bernanke-must-have-bought-stocks-jpm-hd/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/closing-bell-dow-up-bernanke-must-have-bought-stocks-jpm-hd/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/closing-bell-dow-up-bernanke-must-have-bought-stocks-jpm-hd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you can believe it, finally a rally. The death of consumer confidence was trumped by a piece of Ben Bernanke testimony which took away at least an immediate rush into nationalism off the table. It has been a while since the Fed Head has run the market, and the comments were finite enough and open enough that you'd think he bought stocks. This led most of the financials higher, but it was still more in selective names. Here are today's unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 7,350.86 +236.08 (3.32%)
S&P 500 773.05 +29.72 (4.00%)
Nasdaq 1,441.83 +54.11 (3.90%)

Top Analyst Upgrades & Downgrades

Continue reading Closing Bell: Dow up; Bernanke must have bought stocks; JPM, HD, MRVL, AIG, AXP

Closing Bell: Dow up; Bernanke must have bought stocks; JPM, HD, MRVL, AIG, AXP originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DELL, JAVA, POT, PALM ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-dell-java-pot-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-dell-java-pot-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-dell-java-pot-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • UBS upgraded STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) to Neutral from Sell and Advanced Semiconductor (NYSE: ASX) to Buy from Neutral as it is seeing early signs of stabilization in the semiconductor industry.
  • Jefferies upgraded VCA Antech (NASDAQ: WOOF) to Hold from Underperform as it does not see significant downside in the stock given the low expectations. It raised its target price to $22 from $15.
  • Baird upgraded Sigma Designs (NASDAQ: SIGM) to Outperform from Neutral and raised its target to $16 from $9 as it expects revenue growth to resume in 2009 driven by IPTV end-demand.
  • Goldman removed Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) from the Conviction Sell List.
  • Portfolio Recovery (NASDAQ: PRAA) was raised to Market Perform from Underperform at Keefe Bruyette.
  • Post Properties (NYSE: PPS) was upgraded at Deutsche Bank to Hold from Sell.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DELL, JAVA, POT, PALM ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DELL, JAVA, POT, PALM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASXCHHDELLDLBEGLEGOLDJAVAMRVLNOVANVDAPALMPOTPPSPRAASIGMSTMTRAWOOFFri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AKAM, MRVL, THRX, DELL, CRNT, TRV, AEIS ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/05/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-akam-mrvl-thrx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/05/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-akam-mrvl-thrx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/05/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-akam-mrvl-thrx/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Citigroup upgraded shares of Akamai (NASDAQ: AKAM) to Buy from Hold following the company's Q4 results as they believe fundamentals are stabilizing. The firm raised their target price to $22 from $12.
  • Baird upgraded Theravance (NASDAQ: THRX) to Outperform from Neutral. The firm said the company looks poised to realize the two-product success necessary to drive profitability, and Horizon will likely play a role in succeeding $7B+ Advair. Note that last night Theravance/Glaxo (GSK) reported positive results for Horizon.
  • RBC Capital said Aeterna Zentaris (NASDAQ: AEZS) is on the cusp of a Cetrorelix deal and has turned more positive on shares. Shares were upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform.
  • Marvell Tech (NASDAQ: MRVL) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman and added to the firm's Conviction Buy List.
  • Sangamo BioSciences (NASDAQ: SGMO) was raised to Buy from Neutral at Merriman.
  • Arthur J. Gallagher (NYSE: AJG) was upgraded at Piper Jaffray to Buy from Neutral.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AKAM, MRVL, THRX, DELL, CRNT, TRV, AEIS ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AKAM, MRVL, THRX, DELL, CRNT, TRV, AEIS ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeiscbcrntdelldtsihkhteinthenewsnvlspowitrvxnptThu, 05 Feb 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: Sears, GE, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Staples and others]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/06/earnings-highlights-sears-ge-goldman-sachs-johnson-and-johns/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/06/earnings-highlights-sears-ge-goldman-sachs-johnson-and-johns/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/06/earnings-highlights-sears-ge-goldman-sachs-johnson-and-johns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Sears, GE, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Staples and others

Earnings highlights: Sears, GE, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Staples and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AeropostaleAlpha NaturalAmericas Car-MartANRAROBeazerBZHCollective BrandsCRMTearningsGEGeneral ElectricGESGoldman SachsGSGuessIFXInfineonJNJJohnson and JohnsonMarvellMedicisMerckMRKMRVLMRXPalmPSSRed HatResearch in MotionRHTRIMRIMMSearsSHLDSPLSStaplesYUMYum BrandsSat, 06 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Stocks rally; CEG, MRVL, RIMM, SNDK soar]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/closing-bell-stocks-rally-ceg-mrvl-rimm-sndk-soar/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/closing-bell-stocks-rally-ceg-mrvl-rimm-sndk-soar/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/closing-bell-stocks-rally-ceg-mrvl-rimm-sndk-soar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you were watching the market today, it really felt like a mixed bag despite the rally and sell-off. The Fed's Beige Book said that all sectors showed weakness with weakening across the board. Rumors that Hank Paulson might ask Congress to approve a second wave of TARP funds failed to generate any hard interest today.

Here are today's unofficial closing bell levels:
DJIA: 8,591.69 +172.60 +2.05%
NASDAQ: 1,492.38 +42.58 +2.94%
S&P 500: 870.74 +21.93 +2.58%
Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: CEG) traded up on reports that the state-controlled utility group Electricite de France SA in France is rivaling a Warren Buffett bid for the nuclear assets. The bid is $4.5 billion for 50% of the nuclear assets. Unfortunately, the gains here faded throughout the day.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Stocks rally; CEG, MRVL, RIMM, SNDK soar

Closing Bell: Stocks rally; CEG, MRVL, RIMM, SNDK soar originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CEGmrvlrimmsndkWed, 03 Dec 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell (MRVL): Great Q3, but can this be sustained going forward?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/marvell-mrvl-great-q3-but-its-not-for-my-portfolio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/marvell-mrvl-great-q3-but-its-not-for-my-portfolio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/marvell-mrvl-great-q3-but-its-not-for-my-portfolio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marvell Technology Group's (NASDAQ: MRVL) Q3 earnings report had some great numbers that made me want to consider the stock as a potential buy. However, some things about the long-term price action of the company's shares makes me want to avoid the stock altogether.

The bottom line for the storage and networking tech company increased 64% to $0.23 per diluted share; this number beat estimates by three pennies. Pretty cool, right? Here are a couple more positives: operational cash flow increased 41% on a sequential basis compared to Q2 of this year, and free cash flow increased 47% on the same basis. On a year-over-year basis, operational cash flow increased more than ten times, leading to a huge increase in free cash flow. And non-GAAP gross margin, while not seeing an increase, saw fit to at least remain flat instead of decreasing. Not bad. Marvell's shares traded 8% higher in premarket action.

Here's the deal, though. I'm not sure I'd want to buy Marvell at this point in the dreadful economic cycle. Going back to the long-term price action, there's no escaping the significant decline in the stock price as a result of potential future weakness in its business. For example, recently, Melly Alazraki wrote about Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone and how sales of that device might be affected by the recession. Marvell is a supplier to the iPhone.

With the stock in single-digit territory, and with the global markets acting horribly, I just can't see buying Marvell. Indeed, I enjoyed the earnings report. But one must consider the company is unsure about demand for the stuff it sells going forward. Maybe Marvell might make a trade or something, but I'm not ready to go long-term on it just yet.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.

Marvell (MRVL): Great Q3, but can this be sustained going forward? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLAppleinthenewsiPhonemarvellmarvell technologyMarvellTechnologyMRVLnetworkingtechtech stocksTechStocksWed, 03 Dec 2008 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Stocks in the news: GM, F, RIMM, BAC, CEG, FCX, MRVL, GS, IFX, BBBY, MOT ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/stocks-in-the-news-gm-f-rimm-bac-ceg-fcx-mrvl-gs-ifx-b/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/stocks-in-the-news-gm-f-rimm-bac-ceg-fcx-mrvl-gs-ifx-b/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/03/stocks-in-the-news-gm-f-rimm-bac-ceg-fcx-mrvl-gs-ifx-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) and Chrysler appealed to Congress for a bailout Tuesday. GM said it wouldn't last till New Year's without an immediate $4 billion and is asking for as much as $18 billion to keep afloat and survive. Together they asked for $34 billion. Meanwhile, November auto sales plunged 37% with Ford's U.S. sales declining 31%, GM's falling 41% and Chrysler LLC's dropping 47%. Overseas rivals didn't do better. GM shares traded 5.2% lower and F's 1.9% higher in pre-market (7:51 and 7:55 am respectively).

Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) lowered its financial earnings per share, revenue and new subscriber accounts guidance for its third-quarter, saying it has added fewer new subscribers than expected as the economy slowed. This news will likely have an effect on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) as well. RIMM shares already hit a low Tuesday following an estimate cut from JPMorgan. RIMM shares traded 5.6% lower in premarket action (7:58 am). AAPL shares were down 2% in premarket trade (8:09 am).

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) could end up cutting 30,000 jobs as it absorbs Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER), three times as many as previously estimated, sources told CNBC, as BAC's CEO is trying to increase cost cuts. The majority of the layoffs are likely to come from Merrill's side of the business. BAC shares were 3% lower in premarket trade (7:59 am).

Constellation Energy Group Inc. (NYSE: CEG) finds itself in the midst of a bidding war as Electricite de France SA, the world's biggest operator of atomic reactors and which owns 9.5%, offered to pay $4.5 billion for half of CEG's nuclear business to expand in the U.S. CEG agreed earlier this year to be bought by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. for $4.7 billion. CEG shares gained over 25% in premarket trading (8:00 am).

Continue reading Stocks in the news: GM, F, RIMM, BAC, CEG, FCX, MRVL, GS, IFX, BBBY, MOT ...

Stocks in the news: GM, F, RIMM, BAC, CEG, FCX, MRVL, GS, IFX, BBBY, MOT ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplbbbyBRKCEGEDFffcxgmgsifxinthenewsmotmrvlmsrimmxWed, 03 Dec 2008 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Before the bell: Stocks higher on Election Day; GE, MA, VIA, ADM, DF, MRVL, AAPL ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/before-the-bell-stocks-higher-at-election-day-ge-ma-via-a/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/before-the-bell-stocks-higher-at-election-day-ge-ma-via-a/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/before-the-bell-stocks-higher-at-election-day-ge-ma-via-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

U.S. stock futures were higher Tuesday morning at the start of the election day. Overseas, markets also edged higher ahead of the U.S. presidential election, while oil prices declined further to below $64 a barrel. While it is uncertain yet if any of the candidates would help boost sentiments and the markets as the economy is distressed either way, some analysts say much of the bad news around the economy and corporate profits are already priced into stocks. September factory orders will be released today.

General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE)'s arm GE Capital may be able to get some help from the Treasury. The Wall Street Journal reported its sources say the Treasury has been considering using more of its $700 billion rescue fund to buy stakes in a broad range of financial companies, not just banks and insurers. Apparently, initial signs show the program has been a success, and therefore might be expanded. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) was cited as another candidate for help. GE shares are up 2.6% in premarket trading,

MasterCard Inc. (NYSE: MA) shares soared over 8% in after-hours trade Monday after the credit card processor has posted better-than-expected profit (after charges) boosted by revenue growth. It has also adjusted profit better than forecast. MasterCard, however, took a charge of $515 million for settling a lawsuit with Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS), making its net loss $194 million.

Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) earnings, however, dropped 37% year over year, but adjusted earnings were inline with expectations.

Continue reading Before the bell: Stocks higher on Election Day; GE, MA, VIA, ADM, DF, MRVL, AAPL ...

Before the bell: Stocks higher on Election Day; GE, MA, VIA, ADM, DF, MRVL, AAPL ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aapladmcitdfgegooginthenewsmamrvlviayhooTue, 04 Nov 2008 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple may be scaling back iPhone production]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/03/apple-may-be-scaling-back-iphone-production/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/03/apple-may-be-scaling-back-iphone-production/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/03/apple-may-be-scaling-back-iphone-production/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), according to one analyst, may be cutting iPhone production for the fourth-quarter. Yes, you read right. Despite the looming shopping season, the analyst believes the economy would have more of an impact on shopper as we slide further into a recession, affecting iPhone sales.

Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Craig Berger also covers Broadcom (NASDAQ: BRCM), Marvell Technology (NASDAQ: MRVL) and the likes -- companies that supply Apple with iPhone components. He regularly checks into Apple's supply chain and he consequently now thinks production of the 3G iPhone could fall by as much as 40% in the calendar fourth quarter sequentially. Last time he ran his checks, he suggested a 10% drop. The analyst further said that this is an indication on how the global slowdown is affecting even high-end consumers.

This comes not long after Apple has reported financial results, boasting a 26% rise in quarterly profit thanks to growth in iPhone sales -- Apple sold 6.89 million iPhones during the quarter, outpacing Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) and capturing 2.3% of the phone market. Apple also said iPhone builds remained healthy.

Still, there is no denying Apple is not immune to macroeconomic conditions. If the analyst is right, it looks like the slowdown has finally touched the tech darling and is going to hurt demand for its products evern more going further. While another analyst suggested the production "cut may not be as bad as it sounds if Apple had already ramped up delivery of the iPhone to countries outside the United States," it certainly doesn't paint a pretty picture either.

Investors have not reacted much to the news today as Apple shares closed down 0.59% at $106.96, but perhaps the 46% punishment year-to-date has been enough so far.

Apple may be scaling back iPhone production originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplbrcmiphonemrvlrimmMon, 03 Nov 2008 17:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Dow, S&P up, although markets remain mixed with no "New Deal" yet]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/26/closing-bell-dow-sandp-up-although-markets-remain-mixed-with-no/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/26/closing-bell-dow-sandp-up-although-markets-remain-mixed-with-no/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/26/closing-bell-dow-sandp-up-although-markets-remain-mixed-with-no/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today was all about financial bailout packages being on and off, and on and off, and on and off. Financial stocks were most of the news, but you've heard enough about that you will only hear about non-financial companies today. Q2 GDP was revised lower than original projections, but that number is older than dirt now. The funny thing today was that they started ringing the closing bell on NYSE a minute early on accident.

Below are the unofficial closing bell levels:
DJIA 11,160.49 +138.43 +1.26%
S&P500 1,214.56 +5.38 +0.44%
NASDAQ 2,185.56 -1.01 -0.05%
10YR T-Note 3.827% (-0.035%)
TOP ANALYST CALLS
52-Week Lows

KB Home (NYSE: KBH) posted really ugly numbers with its losses growing four-fold and sales down over 50%. Yet somehow, traders are hoping a bailout will drive the future. Shares were actually up 1.2% at $21.42 immediately before the close.

Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) was downgraded across the board after its earnings disappointment. Shares were down 26%, or $21.50, right before today's close.

Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: MRVL) was crushed on R-I-M's disappointing numbers. Shares hit a new 52-week low and were down 10.4% at $9.64 in the final minutes of the day.

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT) was down over 7% in today's final minutes at $146.57. An analyst downgrade from RBC and a cautious sector call from Citi is to blame. The concern here is easy. Farmers are having their credit cut and they can't afford to pay endless increases in agriculture prices.

Closing Bell: Dow, S&P up, although markets remain mixed with no "New Deal" yet originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citibankfarmersmarvell technologyMarvellTechnologypotashRBCrimmFri, 26 Sep 2008 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst calls: MRVL, LEH, FNM, FRE, NOK, PETM ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/analyst-calls-mrvl-leh-fnm-fre-nok-petm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/analyst-calls-mrvl-leh-fnm-fre-nok-petm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/analyst-calls-mrvl-leh-fnm-fre-nok-petm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Morgan Keegan upgraded Marvell Tech (NASDAQ: MRVL) to Outperform from Market Perform based on valuation and sustainable growth.
  • Merrill upgraded Lehman (NYSE: LEH) to Neutral from Underperform and said the government bailout of the GSE's removes "considerable uncertainty" in the residential mortgage markets and that the housing market is now closer to a bottom. The analyst believes the environment has improved for Lehman to attract equity capital needed and that loss expectations are reflected in valuation.
  • Friedman Billings upgraded Zions Bancorp (NASDAQ: ZION) and UCBH Holdings (NASDAQ: UCBH) to Outperform from Market Perform.
Analyst downgrades:
  • Lehman downgraded shares of Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) to Equal Weight from Overweight after the U.S. government said it will place Fannie and Freddie into a conservatorship. Citigroup also downgraded shares to Sell from Buy following the federal government's plan to place the GSEs into conservatorship as they believe both Fannie and Freddie will no longer be managed to maximize common shareholder returns.
  • Nokia (NYSE: NOK) was cut to Hold from Buy at Deutsche Bank. The firm downgraded shares following the company's guidance reduction and believes the forecast could still be optimistic.

Continue reading Analyst calls: MRVL, LEH, FNM, FRE, NOK, PETM ...

Analyst calls: MRVL, LEH, FNM, FRE, NOK, PETM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analyst initiationsanalyst upgradesanalystdowngradesAnalystInitiationsAnalystUpgradesAZOCTRPFNMFREinthenewsITGLEHMRVLNOKTECPETTREEMon, 08 Sep 2008 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Before the bell: Stocks to rally; FNM, MO, LEH, BA, WM, AAPL...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/before-the-bell-stocks-to-rally-fnm-mo-leh-ba-wm-aapl/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/before-the-bell-stocks-to-rally-fnm-mo-leh-ba-wm-aapl/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/08/before-the-bell-stocks-to-rally-fnm-mo-leh-ba-wm-aapl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stock futures jumped higher, signaling a stock markets could have a significant rally when they open this morning Monday morning. Investors were relieved the government bailed out Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE), taking over the mortgage financiers giants, perhaps triggering a bottom of the credit crisis as trillions of dollars in mortgage-backed securities won't default now.

Still, Merrill Lynch analysts said Monday they believe it's still too early for investors to be overweight in financial stocks. Instead, rallies in the sector should still be used as opportunities to sell, Merrill said. The Fannie/Freddie bailout is solution to a one-off problem rather than solution of a systemic problem, it added. Indeed, it was only Friday that regulators shut down the 11th bank this year, Silver State Bank. There is no pre-market trading on FNM and FRE stocks. Analyst calls at the end.

Meanwhile, adding to positive sentiment, Altria (NYSE: MO) closed the deal talked about Friday to buy smokeless tobacco maker UST (NYSE: UST) for $11.7 billion, including the assumption of $1.3 billion in assumed debt. That's $69.50 per share in cash, which is a 29% premium to its three-month average stock price. Altria expects the acquisition to increase adjusted diluted earnings per share within twelve months of closing. Altria stock is trading 1.3% higher in pre-market trading.

And another deal is in the works as ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) has agreed to pay up to $8 billion for a half-share in the coal seam gas assets of Australia's Origin Energy Ltd. Origin will handle the coal seam gas production while ConocoPhillips will operate the downstream refinery.

Continue reading Before the bell: Stocks to rally; FNM, MO, LEH, BA, WM, AAPL...

Before the bell: Stocks to rally; FNM, MO, LEH, BA, WM, AAPL... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplamdbacopfeaturedfnmfregsinthenewslehmomrclnokustwmMon, 08 Sep 2008 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Before the bell: Futures lower; WMT, BA, BP, TOL, MSFT, UL ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/04/before-the-bell-futures-lower-wmt-ba-bp-tol-msft-ul/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/04/before-the-bell-futures-lower-wmt-ba-bp-tol-msft-ul/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/04/before-the-bell-futures-lower-wmt-ba-bp-tol-msft-ul/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stock futures were lower this morning as oil rose back above $110 a barrel and investors awaited a barrage of economic data due today including weekly oil inventories. Other economic indicators include data on employment, manufacturing and productivity. Also, retailers will be announcing August same-store sales. Overall, sales are expected to rise 2%. Meanwhile, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank are deciding their interest rate policy today, where the ECB could tighten.

The first of the retailers has already reported August sales. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) said sales increased 3% in August, beating its forecast. Seems discounts drew shoppers. WMT shares are up over 1% in pre-market.

Unfortunately for Boeing (NYSE: BA), The International Machinists and Aerospace Workers union, which represents nearly 27,000 machinists, voted to strike as they rejected Boeing's contract offer. The union, however, postponed the strike by 48 hours as the two parties go to mediation. Boeing will likely suffer from a strike at a time it's struggling to stand by its Dreamliner obligations. BA stock is down over 1% in pre-market.

BP PLC (NYSE: BP) shares stand to rise after it finally reached an agreement with its billionaire Russian partners have over TNK-BP. While BP remains with a 50% holding in the venture, it has made many concessions, including agreeing to have the CEO Dudley leave. Shares are up over 2% in pre-market.

Continue reading Before the bell: Futures lower; WMT, BA, BP, TOL, MSFT, UL ...

Before the bell: Futures lower; WMT, BA, BP, TOL, MSFT, UL ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplbabpinthenewslmmrvlmsfttolulwmtxThu, 04 Sep 2008 08:14:00 EST