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[Consumer goods to gain 5% next year, according to Fitch]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/consumer-goods-to-gain-5-next-year-according-to-fitch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/consumer-goods-to-gain-5-next-year-according-to-fitch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/17/consumer-goods-to-gain-5-next-year-according-to-fitch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The rest of the world is going to help U.S. consumer product manufacturers next year. Look for international growth to push the likes of Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Avon (AVP) and Clorox (CLX) higher in 2010, according to Fitch Ratings. In an interview with Reuters, a director gave the Fitch's outlook for consumer goods.

The household and personal care segments increased revenue every year from 2003 to 2008. So, 2009 was but a bump in the road. Even in a recession, you need toilet paper and shampoo, so expect the spending to come back.

Continue reading Consumer goods to gain 5% next year, according to Fitch

Consumer goods to gain 5% next year, according to Fitch originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avonAVPbricclcloroxclxcolgate palmoliveColgatePalmolivefeaturedFitch RatingsinthenewsKimberly-ClarkkmbPGprocter and gambleTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: All I'm asking for is rigor ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/05/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-all-im-asking-for-is-rigor/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/05/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-all-im-asking-for-is-rigor/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/05/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-all-im-asking-for-is-rigor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says you can be bearish, but you have to admit when you're wrong.

Oh boy, I hit a nerve. My last two days of donning the bear suit and imitating the bears has brought on a cacophony of critics, all of whom think that I am attacking them personally! That's right, they think I have read them, seen them and heard them and that I am spoofing them or making fun of them.

Moreover, they think that I am wildly bullish and that I am mocking them for not wanting to buy things here.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: All I'm asking for is rigor

Cramer on BloggingStocks: All I'm asking for is rigor originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cbeemrfeaturedjim cramerJimCramerwlpThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: Amazon, Apple, Caterpillar, Hershey, McDonald's, UPS ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/24/earnings-highlights-amazon-apple-caterpillar-hershey-mcdona/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/24/earnings-highlights-amazon-apple-caterpillar-hershey-mcdona/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/24/earnings-highlights-amazon-apple-caterpillar-hershey-mcdona/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Amazon, Apple, Caterpillar, Hershey, McDonald's, UPS ...

Earnings highlights: Amazon, Apple, Caterpillar, Hershey, McDonald's, UPS ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3MAAIAAPLAirTranAmazon.comAMZNAppleBank of New YorkBKBlackRockBLKBRCMBroadcomCATCaterpillarCredit SuisseCSearningsGannettGCIHersheyHSYJim CramerKimberley-ClarkKMBLMTLockheeed MartinMCDMcDonaldsMMMMorgan StanleyMSNew York TimesNYTSLMTexas InstrumentsTXNUPSWhirlpoolWHRSat, 24 Oct 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kimberly-Clark high on Q3 data ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/22/kimberly-clark-high-on-q3-data/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/22/kimberly-clark-high-on-q3-data/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/22/kimberly-clark-high-on-q3-data/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB), a consumer products entity whose colleagues include Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), is up today on third-quarter results. At the time of this writing, my screen was showing shares of Kimberly-Clark higher by a little under 6%.

According to the corporate press release, sales declined 1.7%. Not a great start, but Kimberly-Clark highlighted a better metric: organic sales increased 3%, helped along by price increases. Luckily, sales volume didn't fare too badly; they were essentially flat.

Continue reading Kimberly-Clark high on Q3 data

Kimberly-Clark high on Q3 data originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer productsConsumerProductsdividend investingdividend stocksDividendInvestingdividendsDividendStocksh1n1JNJjohnson and johnsonJohnsonAndJohnsonjoseph lazzaroJosephLazzarokimberly-clarkKMBPGprocter and gambleProcterAndGambleThu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Look for Kimberly-Clark to ride the emerging market wave]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/look-for-kimberly-clark-to-ride-the-emerging-market-wave/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/look-for-kimberly-clark-to-ride-the-emerging-market-wave/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/look-for-kimberly-clark-to-ride-the-emerging-market-wave/#commentsFiled under: ,

A global economy on the mend means better days are ahead for Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB), hence I'm reiterating my Buy rating for the company, first recommended on June 22, 2009 at a price of $51.06. If you bought KMB's shares then, you're up about 16%.

Evidence is mounting that the global economy, particularly in emerging markets, is starting to gain traction, and global consumer products giant Kimberly, with a presence in more than 150 countries, is poised to benefit. Institutional Investors have sensed this, and have bid-up KMB's shares since March.

Continue reading Look for Kimberly-Clark to ride the emerging market wave

Look for Kimberly-Clark to ride the emerging market wave originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketEmergingMarketpaper productsPaperProductstissuesMon, 12 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: Passing on the upside ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/21/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-passing-on-the-upside/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/21/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-passing-on-the-upside/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/21/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-passing-on-the-upside/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says the spike in stock prices warrants no buying until prices go lower.

I read a scary book this weekend: the S&P chart book. It was frightening because there weren't more than a handful charts that aren't overextended, and many stocks have reached levels that I didn't like when their companies were doing well. Chart after chart in every business, but especially retail and industrial, have moved up so much that you have to feel like a chump to come in at these levels.

There are almost no stocks with growth prospects that have accidentally high yields anymore. Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) (Cramer's Take) and Paychex (NASDAQ: PAYX) (Cramer's Take) were the only two that I saw that seemed remotely appealing, and maybe Philip Morris (NYSE: PM) (Cramer's Take).

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Passing on the upside

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Passing on the upside originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdfeaturedjim cramerJimCramerkmbmotmupayxpmwdcMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: Amazon, Coca-Cola, Ford, McDonald's, Merck, Starbucks ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/26/earnings-highlights-amazon-coca-cola-ford-mcdonalds-merck/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/26/earnings-highlights-amazon-coca-cola-ford-mcdonalds-merck/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/26/earnings-highlights-amazon-coca-cola-ford-mcdonalds-merck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Amazon, Coca-Cola, Ford, McDonald's, Merck, Starbucks ...

Earnings highlights: Amazon, Coca-Cola, Ford, McDonald's, Merck, Starbucks ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAMZNCALCoca-ColaContinentalearningsFordHasbroHersheyHSYJim CramerKimberley-ClarkKMBKOMCDMcDonaldsMerckMRKNetflixNFLXSBUXSingapore AirSINGFStarbucksTransformersUNHUnitedHealthSun, 26 Jul 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Kimberly-Clark up on Q2 numbers]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/23/kimberly-clark-up-on-q2-numbers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/23/kimberly-clark-up-on-q2-numbers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/23/kimberly-clark-up-on-q2-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB), a consumer-products company that counts Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) as colleagues, announced Q2 results on Thursday. The performance wasn't spectacular, but management successfully defended the bottom line from the recession by instituting pricing strategies that leveraged the brand equity of the company's portfolio.

The bottom line fell, of course, but probably not as far as it would have if there weren't any pricing mechanisms in place. Earnings per share came in at 97 cents. This was six cents lower than last year's adjusted Q2 income. Revenues were challenged by dollar fluctuations, dropping well over 5%. However, here's the silver lining: organic sales increased almost 3%, even with volumes on the decline.

Continue reading Kimberly-Clark up on Q2 numbers

Kimberly-Clark up on Q2 numbers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CLcolgate-palmoliveconsumer productsconsumer stocksConsumerProductsConsumerStocksdividend investingdividend stocksDividendInvestingdividendsDividendStocksinthenewskimberly-clarkKMBPGprocter and gambleProcterAndGambleThu, 23 Jul 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kimberly-Clark cuts 3% of its staff]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/kimberly-clark-cuts-3-of-its-staff/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/kimberly-clark-cuts-3-of-its-staff/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/kimberly-clark-cuts-3-of-its-staff/#commentsFiled under:

I would think that all of the diapers the latest FightBaby goes through may have helped Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) a bit, but that was not the case.

The home of Kleenex and Huggies announced yesterday that it will cut 1,600 jobs, roughly 3% of its total workforce. A majority of the cuts will come from salaried and nonproduction workers; the company does not plan to close any plants. The company believes that these cuts will save roughly $150 million a year, or 25 cents per share. These results will be reflected the most in the second quarter, when the company will record $110 million of the costs.

Continue reading Kimberly-Clark cuts 3% of its staff

Kimberly-Clark cuts 3% of its staff originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babiesbabybaby productseconomic crisiseconomic downturneconomic situationhuggiesinthenewsjob cutsKimberly-ClarkkleenexKMBFri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kimberly-Clark is undervalued]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/kimberly-clark-is-undervalued/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/kimberly-clark-is-undervalued/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/kimberly-clark-is-undervalued/#commentsFiled under: ,

Readers of this space know that the investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models and who have a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable, global trend as a support. And with the aforementioned in mind, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) is worth a review.

In general, analysts expect a sales decline of 4-6% for KMB in FY2009, including a negative foreign currency effect. Kimberly is being hurt by both the recession -- which has prompted widespread belt-tightening by consumers -- and by increased competition. The First Call FY2009/FY2010 EPS estimates for KMB are $4.16 to $4.64.

Continue reading Kimberly-Clark is undervalued

Kimberly-Clark is undervalued originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaemerging marketsEmergingMarketskimberly clarkKimberlyClarkMon, 22 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: 'Tells' of the beta trade ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/04/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-tells-of-the-beta-trade/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/04/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-tells-of-the-beta-trade/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/04/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-tells-of-the-beta-trade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer suggests watching certain staples for hints that the flight to riskier plays is losing steam.

Will the endless "beta" trade out of slow-moving, "safe" drugs and foods and into companies like Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) (Cramer's Take) and Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) (Cramer's Take) ever end?

I think it won't end here, that's for certain, unless your staples stock goes to a 5% yield and the economy's macro data show a further breakdown. If we get some retail sales that are awful and some employment numbers that show a further trashing, then we are going to see a momentary blip up in stocks like Pepsi (NYSE: PEP) (Cramer's Take) and Clorox (NYSE: CLX) (Cramer's Take), but perhaps no more than that.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: 'Tells' of the beta trade

Cramer on BloggingStocks: 'Tells' of the beta trade originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtcatclclxfcxfeaturedgishsyjim cramerJimCramerkkmbllypepMon, 04 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Colgate-Palmolive downgraded on currency exposure]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/02/colgate-palmolive-downgraded-how-should-you-take-it/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/02/colgate-palmolive-downgraded-how-should-you-take-it/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/02/colgate-palmolive-downgraded-how-should-you-take-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shareholders of Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) received some not-so-cool news on Wednesday. The consumer-products business was subjected to a downgrade courtesy of Linda Bolton Weiser of Caris & Co. The analyst changed the designation on Colgate-Palmolive from "Buy" to "Above Average." The effects of currency translations is what she's worried about. She believes that they could be a drag on earnings.

If you're a long-term shareholder, I probably wouldn't worry too much about this downgrade. The stock didn't react much to the news, dropping only modestly at the end of the trading session on Wednesday (it was down like 0.3%). Obviously Colgate-Palmolive, like Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Clorox (NYSE: CLX), and Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB), has great potential as a core investment because of its brand portfolio.

Continue reading Colgate-Palmolive downgraded on currency exposure

Colgate-Palmolive downgraded on currency exposure originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caris Co.CarisCo.CLcloroxCLXcolgate-palmoliveconsumer productsConsumerProductsinthenewskimberly-clarkKMBLinda Bolton WeiserLindaBoltonWeiserPGprocter and gambleProcterAndGambleThu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From Good to Great to Bankruptcy: Jim Collins' book revisited]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/23/from-good-to-great-to-bankruptcy-jim-collins-book-revisited/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/23/from-good-to-great-to-bankruptcy-jim-collins-book-revisited/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/23/from-good-to-great-to-bankruptcy-jim-collins-book-revisited/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Back in 2001, Jim Collins had a monster of a business bestseller with his book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap. . . and Others Don't. In it, Collins explored companies that have become hugely successful and found that success generally comes as a result of focusing resources on things that you're good at instead of mindlessly diversifying.

Arkansas Business writer Jeff Hankins read the book again to see how the companies profiled have weathered the downturn. The companies profiled were Abbot Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), Kroger (NYSE: KR), Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB), Walgreens (NYSE: WAG), Altria (NYSE: MO), Nucor (NYSE: NUE), Pitney Bowes (NYSE: PBI), Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and tragically, Fannie Mae and Circuit City. Gilette was eliminated from contention because of a merger.

Continue reading From Good to Great to Bankruptcy: Jim Collins' book revisited

From Good to Great to Bankruptcy: Jim Collins' book revisited originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>From Good to GreatFromGoodToGreatJim CollinsJimCollinsMon, 23 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Hershey, AT&T and others]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/earnings-highlights-amazon-boeing-caterpillar-hershey-atand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/earnings-highlights-amazon-boeing-caterpillar-hershey-atand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/earnings-highlights-amazon-boeing-caterpillar-hershey-atand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Hershey, AT&T and others

Earnings highlights: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Hershey, AT&T and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAMZNATTBABoeingCATCaterpillarDanaherDDDellDHRDouglas McIntyreDuPontearningsEKEMCFCXFreeport McMoRanHersheyHSYJAVAJim CramerKimberly-ClarkKMBKodakMicrosoftMSFTNintendoNTDOYQCOMQualcommSam CollinsSun MicroTSNTysonVirtual RadiologicVRADWiiWYEWyethSat, 31 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Kimberly-Clark: No growth in Q4]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/kimberly-clark-no-growth-in-q4/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/kimberly-clark-no-growth-in-q4/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/kimberly-clark-no-growth-in-q4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Consumer-products company Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB), whose colleagues include The Procter & Gamble Compay (NYSE: PG) and Energizer Holdings (NYSE: ENR), reported earnings for the fourth quarter, and they weren't great, at least to me. Sales decreased over 3%, and earnings per share were $1.01 on an adjusted basis, which represented a dive of 9%. According to Stocks in the News, that missed estimates by the proverbial penny. Another weak showing was cash from operations, which fell by 1%. Not disastrous, maybe, and certainly understandable, but disappointing, nevertheless.

One thing to keep in mind is that the swings in the value of the dollar affected net sales. Organic growth actually expanded by 5% in the quarter. Kimberly-Clark doesn't expect much to happen in 2009. Management's headline in the release states that adjusted earnings should be between $4 and $4.20 per share next year. This year, earnings were $4.14 per share. Also to keep in mind is that management is watching pension expenses.

Continue reading Kimberly-Clark: No growth in Q4

Kimberly-Clark: No growth in Q4 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer productsConsumerProductsdividend investingdividend stocksDividendInvestingdividendsDividendStocksenergizerENRinthenewskimberly-clarkKMBPGprocter and gambleProcterAndGambleMon, 26 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stocks in the news: PFE, WYE, BCS, CAT, MCD, PHG, WAG, SBUX, S ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/stocks-in-the-news-pfe-wye-bcs-cat-mcd-phg-wag-sbux/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/stocks-in-the-news-pfe-wye-bcs-cat-mcd-phg-wag-sbux/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/stocks-in-the-news-pfe-wye-bcs-cat-mcd-phg-wag-sbux/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced a deal to acquire rival Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) for $68 billion, or $50.19 a share, a 15% premium to Friday's close of $43.74. This cash-and-stock deal is the largest in the drug sector since 2000 and many see it as a precursor to a flourishing M&A season as the credit markets are slowly starting to improve. Pfizer also reported a 90% profit drop for the fourth quarter due to charges. PFE shares declined 3.4% in premarket trading, while WYE shares gained nearly 5%.

Barclays (NYSE: BCS) shares surged in London Monday after the firm reassured investors in a letter to shareholders it didn't need more capital. But France's BNP Paribas said it would take more cash from the government following a 1.4 billion euro ($1.8 billion) loss in the latest quarter. Finally, ING (NYSE: ING), the Dutch financial services firm, also received government aid as it is expected to announce it had a net loss of 3.3 billion euros in the fourth quarter, that it would cut 7,000 jobs, and that its CEO would step down. BCS shares gained over 44% in premarket trading and ING's gained over 19%.

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) are two Dow components set to report earnings this morning. CAT said its fourth-quarter profit fell to $661 million, or $1.08 a share, from $975 million, or $1.50 a share, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose 6% to $12.9 billion. For 2009, Caterpillar gave a a much lower guidance than analysts had expected, $2.50 vs. $4.35 EPS. CAT also said it would slash 20,000 jobs. CAT shares fell over 11% in premarket trading.
Meanwhile, MCD delivered what at first glance seems to be better-than-expected earnings of 87 cents vs. 84 cents. It even plans to invest $2.1 billion of capital to open about 1,000 new McDonald's restaurants.

American Express (NYSE: AXP) is the third Dow component tor report quarterly results after the close of trading today and is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of 20 cents a share.

Continue reading Stocks in the news: PFE, WYE, BCS, CAT, MCD, PHG, WAG, SBUX, S ...

Stocks in the news: PFE, WYE, BCS, CAT, MCD, PHG, WAG, SBUX, S ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgnaxpbcsbnp paribasBnpParibascathalinginthenewskmbmcdpfephgssbuxtsntxnwagwyeMon, 26 Jan 2009 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Stocks in the news: AA, SNE, C, MS, CSX, ELN, JPM, KMB, NWL, DE ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/13/stocks-in-the-news-aa-sne-c-ms-csx-eln-jpm-kmb-nwl-de/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/13/stocks-in-the-news-aa-sne-c-ms-csx-eln-jpm-kmb-nwl-de/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/13/stocks-in-the-news-aa-sne-c-ms-csx-eln-jpm-kmb-nwl-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA), the first Dow component to report earnings and thus kick off the earnings season, posted a bigger-than-expected loss of $1.19 billion Monday after the close. This disappointing start to the earnings season came less than a week after the aluminum giant said it is cutting jobs and production. The causes are the general economic downturn, and specifically the lower demand from the automotive, commercial transportation and building and construction sectors, which caused a 35% slump in aluminum prices. AA shares traded 1% lower in premarket action, but that's after closing down nearly 7% Monday. AA shares decline over 3.5% around 10 am.

Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE), the Japanese consumer electronics giant, will likely have an annual operating loss of about $1.1 billion, its first loss in 14 years, as sales fizzle for digital cameras, flat-panel TVs and other gadgets. Sony's shares plunged Tuesday and the stock fell more than 4.8% in pre-market trading. SNE shares declined over 3.3% near 10 am.

Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE: C) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) will no doubt still be in focus after news broke they are in negotiations for City to sell to Morgan Stanley a majority stake in its Smith Barney brokerage unit as a means of raising cash. Citi shares fell sharply Monday -- more than 17% -- as investors wonder how much more cash the troubled bank will need. Shares declined another 2% in premarket trading this morning. Citi shares decline over 5% and MS shares over 1.7% around 10 am.

Continue reading Stocks in the news: AA, SNE, C, MS, CSX, ELN, JPM, KMB, NWL, DE ...

Stocks in the news: AA, SNE, C, MS, CSX, ELN, JPM, KMB, NWL, DE ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaacvadbecdeenrinthenewsjpmkmbmsnwlpalmsneTue, 13 Jan 2009 08:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Stay defensive: Invest in consumer staples]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/26/stay-defensive-invest-in-consumer-staples/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/26/stay-defensive-invest-in-consumer-staples/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/26/stay-defensive-invest-in-consumer-staples/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

"If you're going to stay invested, you should look to defensive sectors," explain Ron Rowland and Brandon Clay, who point to consumer staples as a top pick for the current market environment.

In their Invest with an Edge, the advisors explain, "Perhaps the best way to stay defensive is with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLP), an exchange traded fund.

"In a bear market, opportunities are usually limited to certain sectors. Surveying the investment horizon, we think the consumer staples sector has the best opportunity for growth in this economy.

"Regardless how the economy acts, people still eat. Consumers may not shop at Whole Foods, but they'll still buy groceries. Companies like Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) and Safeway (NYSE: SWY) will continue to rake in revenues from hungry customers.

"In addition, these companies should continue to receive additional revenue from consumers who normally shop at specialty stores, but can no longer afford to.

"Consumers may not be shopping at Sharper Image any more, but there are other creature comforts that will be difficult for Americans to abandon.

"Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) will still sell products during a prolonged downturn. In addition, companies providing toiletries and convenience like Procter and Gamble and CVS Pharmacy stand to do well during a shifty economy.

Continue reading Stay defensive: Invest in consumer staples

Stay defensive: Invest in consumer staples originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admaltriaarcher daniels midlandArcherDanielsMidlandbeverage stocksbrandon clayBrandonClaycoca-colaconsumer staplesconsumer staples spdrConsumerStaplesConsumerStaplesSpdrdiscount retailing stocksDiscountRetailingStocksfeaturedfood stocksinvest with an edgekftkimberly-clarkkmbkokraftmopeppepsicophilip morris internationalpmron rowlandsafewaysoda stocksSodaStockssteven halpernStevenHalpernswythestockadvisors.comtobacco stocksTobaccoStockswal martWalMartwmtxlpWed, 26 Nov 2008 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: SWHC, WFC ,CCE, GM, FCX]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-swhc-wfc-cce-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Merriman upgraded Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ:SWHC) to Buy from Neutral on valuation after channel checks indicated an increase in gun sales in October after an Obama win became apparent. The firm believes shares can trade up into the $4 to $5 range.
  • Credit Suisse upgraded Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) to Outperform from Neutral citing the company's improved balance and potential earnings power following its $11B equity offering.
  • JP Morgan upgraded Coca-Cola Enerprises (NYSE:CCE) to Overweight from Neutral on valuation and easing commodity and labor costs.
  • Manulife (NYSE:MFC) was raised to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital.
  • SL Green Realty (NYSE:SLG) was upgraded at UBS to Buy from Neutral.
  • Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH) was upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Barclays.
Analyst downgrades:
  • Barclays downgraded General Motors (NYSE:GM) to Underweight from Equal Weight on cash concerns and believes any assistance from the government would substantially dilute equity holders. Barclays set a $1 target on GM shares.
  • Stephens cut LandAmerica (NYSE:LFG) to Underweight from Equal Weight following the Fidelity National (NYSE:FNF) takeover as they expect no other bidders to emerge and believe shares could go back to under $5 if Fidelity National walks away.
  • Deutsche Bank downgraded solar companies to reflect deteriorating fundamentals in the sector, an adequate supply of c-Si modules, the strengthening dollar and restricted access to capital. First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ), Energy Conversion (NASDAQ:ENER) and Sunpower (NASDAQ:SPWRA) were downgraded to Hold from Buy.
  • Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ:URBN) and Aeropostale (NYSE:ARO) were downgraded to Underweight from Equal Weight at Barclays.
  • FMC Technologies (NYSE:FTI) was lowered to Underweight from Neutral at JP Morgan.
Analyst initiations:
  • Freeport McMoRan, HLS Systems, and Kimberly Clark were today's noteworthy initiations:
  • Banc of America expects Freeport McMoRan's (NYSE:FCX) earnings will decline sharply in 2009 and thinks the dividend could be at risk. Shares were initiated with a Neutral rating and $29 target.
  • Roth Capital initiated HLS Systems (NASDAQ:HOLI) with a Buy rating and $5 target. The firm is positive on the company's management team and the company's outlook for EPS growth.
  • Citigroup thinks Kimberly Clark's (NYSE:KMB) margins have bottomed and that the current valuation is too low. Shares were assumed with a Buy rating and $65 target.
  • Synaptics (NASDAQ:SYNA) and Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE) were initiated at Merrill Lynch with Neutral ratings.
  • Tim Hortons (NYSE:THI) was assumed with a Sell rating at Goldman.

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: SWHC, WFC ,CCE, GM, FCX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the News:
· Unemployment Rate Rises to 6.5%; Highest Since 1994 as 240,000 Jobs Lost
· Ford Posts $129 Million Loss
· Disney Profit Falls, Predicts Tough Times Ahead
· Microsoft CEO Not Interested in Buying Yahoo
· Crunch Time for The Auto Industry
· Mattel to Cut 1,000 Jobs; Fidelity to Cut 1,300 Jobs With More to Come
· Sprint Nextel Loses 1.3 Million Customers in Q3
· Money Magazine's Top Editor Departing
· Craigslist to Curb Its Sex Ads

Dividend Stocks: The S&P Elite
These 28 companies have boosted their payouts in each of the past 25 years with top S&P STARS rankings. They include Abbott Labs, Aflac, Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Family Dollar, J&J, Kimberly-Clark, McDonalds, Pepsi, P&G, 3M, Wal-Mart and more.
http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/nov2008/pi2008116_893947.htm

Tax Changes Coming, But When?
Taxpayers' bills will very likely change under President-elect Barack Obama's administration, but don't hold your breath for major tax changes as soon as he takes office. Here is what you can expect and when.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Obamas-plans-may-delayed-your/story.aspx?guid=%7B06D020A6%2D9797%2D4B89%2DB48C%2D6037BDA934FD%7D

Continue reading Dividend stocks; the S&P elite, when will tax changes come?, and Obama mementos a good investment? - Today in Money 11/7

Dividend stocks; the S&P elite, when will tax changes come?, and Obama mementos a good investment? - Today in Money 11/7 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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