Zacks Investment Research - Analyst Blog back issues from January 2007:
Cognos 8 Gaining Traction - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Cognos 8 Gaining Traction - Analyst Blog In Q3 (ended November 2006), revenue for Cognos, Inc. ( COGN ) was $247.8 million, up 17% year over year and exceeding our estimate of $241 million. License revenue was $94.0 ...
Zero Visibility to LEND Story - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Zero Visibility to LEND Story - Analyst Blog We see zero visibility in the Accredited Home Lenders ( LEND ) story at present. Estimates are all over the board, and the number of moving pieces continues to expand. The ...
Keep a Sell on Playtex - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Keep a Sell on Playtex - Analyst Blog Management at Playtex Products ( PYX ) is investing in new product innovations to enhance market share and top-line performance. However, Playtex competes against companies with large ...
Dr. Reddy's is Healthy - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Dr. Reddy's is Healthy - Analyst Blog Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd. ( RDY ) is a global pharmaceutical company located in Hyderabad, India. RDY produces active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), finished dosage forms, and ...
Downgrade on CENT - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Downgrade on CENT - Analyst Blog Management at Central Garden & Pet Company ( CENT ) is committed to expanding the operating margin to10% by fiscal 2008 through a positive mix shift towards higher margin products, ...
CenturyTel Seeks Growth - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...CenturyTel Seeks Growth - Analyst Blog CenturyTel ( CTL ), a Louisiana-based operator of rural telephone services, announced 3Q 2006 results that were in line with consensus estimates. Improvements with the retention of ...
Costs Pressuring Laureate - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Costs Pressuring Laureate - Analyst Blog Laureate Education ( LAUR ) possesses an unrivaled portfolio of universities, strong presence in the online educational segment, and favorable demographic trends that have ...
Cerus Upped from Sell - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Cerus Upped from Sell - Analyst Blog Given the current valuation, our rating on Cerus Corp. ( CERS ) moves to Hold. The company received CE Mark approval for plasma and issued 3.9 million shares in an equity offering ...
Better REITs Than PPS - Analyst Blog
Jan 02, 2007; ...Better REITs Than PPS - Analyst Blog Operating results continue to improve for Post Properties ( PPS ), although FFO came in below our expectations. Solid growth in the company's core apartment markets have been offset by ...
Corcept Hurt by Corlux - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Corcept Hurt by Corlux - Analyst Blog California-based Corcept Therapeutics, Inc. ( CORT ) is a pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of drugs to treat acute psychiatric and neurological diseases. The company ...
Hold Developers Diversified - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Hold Developers Diversified - Analyst Blog Leasing activity remains high and Developers Diversified ( DDR ) is generating strong quarter-over-quarter rent increases on new leases. The company's valuation is high after a ...
Keeping Southern Copper a Buy - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Keeping Southern Copper a Buy - Analyst Blog We have a positive outlook on Southern Copper's ( PCU ) profit picture based on the favorable global demand for copper. We think the company is well positioned to expand ...
TSEM Hitting Its Stride - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...TSEM Hitting Its Stride - Analyst Blog Tower Semiconductor ( TSEM ) is a pure-play semiconductor wafer foundry with two IC plants in Israel that manufacture embedded flash-based memory, analog/mixed-signal, and CMOS ...
Burdens for Rite Aid - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Burdens for Rite Aid - Analyst Blog Rite Aid Corporation ( RAD ) is executing a turnaround strategy centered on increasing the profitability of the existing store base, including improving the product mix with generic and ...
MAA Still Attractive - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...MAA Still Attractive - Analyst Blog Mid-America Apartment Communities ( MAA ) had another impressive quarter, and continues to have an attractive valuation compared to peers. 3rd quarter FFO of $0.82 per share was $0.03 ...
Seeking Clarity on BIIB - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Seeking Clarity on BIIB - Analyst Blog We are now recommending investors hold their position in shares of Biogen Idec, Inc. ( BIIB ). The core business is performing well, and Tysabri has re-launched in both the U.S. and ...
Cutting IR Estimates - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Cutting IR Estimates - Analyst Blog Ingersoll-Rand ( IR ) reported Q306 EPS of $0.85, below our expectations of $0.87, on account a 35% decline in North American (NA) Bobcat sales, a larger-than-expected rise in material ...
Keeping Frontier Financial a Sell - Analyst Blog
Jan 03, 2007; ...Keeping Frontier Financial a Sell - Analyst Blog We are reiterating our Sell rating on Frontier Financial ( FTBK ) at this time, while increasing our price target. Our rating remains a reflection of our valuation ...
WESCO Now a Buy - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...WESCO Now a Buy - Analyst Blog WESCO ( WCC ) is the third largest distributor of electrical products in the U.S. September quarter revenue was short of consensus estimates, although the EPS exceeded them. The LEAN ...
Retaining a Buy on CSX Corp. - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...Retaining a Buy on CSX Corp. - Analyst Blog We are continuing our Buy on CSX Corp. ( CSX ), as well as our $37.50 target price. CSX is expected to report fourth quarter and full-year results on January 22, 2007 after ...
Notes on FOMC Minutes - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...Notes on FOMC Minutes - Analyst Blog The following is most of the minutes of the December meeting of the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee. I have cut out a few parts in a feeble attempt to shrink the size of this. In between paragraphs, I highlight what I think the ...
Buckeye a Middling MLP - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...Buckeye a Middling MLP - Analyst Blog Buckeye Partners ( BPL ) units have moved up nicely in the recent past, up more than 18% from their mid-July lows, reflecting the partnership's steady distribution growth over the ...
DaimlerChrysler Stays a Hold - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...DaimlerChrysler Stays a Hold - Analyst Blog DaimlerChrysler ( DCX ) is benefiting from aggressive efficiency initiatives, cost reduction efforts and new model launches. However, above-average launch costs, a competitive ...
Retail Notes & Recs - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...Retail Notes & Recs - Analyst Blog Retailers reported sales results for December. Overall, retail sales were disappointing, with most companies missing consensus expectations. Specialty apparel sales were weak and highly promotional. Conversely, the luxury retailers ...
$16 Target on ACADIA - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...$16 Target on ACADIA - Analyst Blog ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( ACAD ) is a biopharmaceutical company utilizing innovative technology to fuel drug discovery and clinical development of novel treatments for central ...
ARA Feels Currency Issues - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...ARA Feels Currency Issues - Analyst Blog We are keeping our Hold recommendation on Aracruz Celulose S.A. ADRs ( ARA ). Aracruz posted better-than-expected third quarter results despite the continued strength of the ...
Dover at Fair Value - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...Dover at Fair Value - Analyst Blog Dover Corporation ( DOV ) reported a 27% y-o-y increase in third quarter EPS to $0.76, but $0.04 below our estimate, due to lower-than-expected operating margins in the Resources and the ...
Valuation on Broadcom - Analyst Blog
Jan 04, 2007; ...Valuation on Broadcom - Analyst Blog Broadcom ( BRCM ) consistently introduces highly integrated solutions for some of the fastest growing markets in the technology sector. Nevertheless, based on our pro forma EPS ...
Dollar Financial's Moving Pieces - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Dollar Financial's Moving Pieces - Analyst Blog We are reiterating our Hold rating on Dollar Financial ( DLLR ), while increasing our price target. A great deal has happened over the last few months, and Q2 will clearly ...
Positivity for Pride Int'l - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Positivity for Pride Int'l - Analyst Blog We continue to like Pride International ( PDE ) for its strong offshore drilling leverage and expanding international operations, supported by long-term contracts at attractive ...
Lowering Our Con-way Estimates - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Lowering Our Con-way Estimates - Analyst Blog We are maintaining our Hold on Con-way Inc. ( CNW ), as well as our $47 target price. CNW reduced its fourth quarter earnings guidance to $0.72-0.76 per diluted share from ...
Notes on Employment - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Notes on Employment - Analyst Blog The Department of Labor released a shockingly strong employment report this morning: ?Nonfarm employment increased by 167,000 in December, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.5 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the ...
ALKS Upgraded to Buy - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...ALKS Upgraded to Buy - Analyst Blog Alkermes, Inc. ( ALKS ) is a drug delivery biotech company which utilizes specialized drug delivery technologies to develop drugs for the treatment of some major diseases. Its ...
Costs to Affect Campbell's - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Costs to Affect Campbell's - Analyst Blog Campbell Soup Company's ( CPB ) Transformation and Driving Quality Growth Plans are improving the top-line through a combination of improved products, attractive packaging, a new ...
Hittite to Lead, Succeed - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Hittite to Lead, Succeed - Analyst Blog Hittite Microwave ( HITT ) is a leader in integrated circuits, modules and subsystems for wireless communications. The company has a broad product portfolio across a large portion ...
Generics Threaten King - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Generics Threaten King - Analyst Blog King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( KG ) is a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and marketing branded prescription pharmaceutical products. Most of the ...
Kyphon Target Lowered - Analyst Blog
Jan 05, 2007; ...Kyphon Target Lowered - Analyst Blog The agreement to acquire the assets and spine technology of Disc-O-Tech broadens Kyphon's ( KYPH ) product capability in spine. However, we see the transactions as largely defensive, ...
High Valuation on AQNT - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...High Valuation on AQNT - Analyst Blog Due to solid top-line growth through its acquisition strategy and broadening customer base, aQuantive, Inc. ( AQNT ) has shown tremendous growth as of late. However, expectations for ...
Omnicom's Headwinds - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...Omnicom's Headwinds - Analyst Blog Omnicom Group ( OMC ) continues to generate solid organic revenue growth and new business wins. However, an intensely competitive advertising environment and higher interest expense are ...
News Priced-In for ABM - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...News Priced-In for ABM - Analyst Blog After our adjustments to earnings, we believe ABM Industries ( ABM ) reported fourth quarter EPS of $0.21 on the back of strong operating leverage and profit growth in Janitorial, ...
Guidance Down at PMCS - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...Guidance Down at PMCS - Analyst Blog On December 20, PMC-Sierra ( PMCS ) reported lowered Q4 revenue guidance due to slower customer demand for its communications products. The company now expects revenue for Q4 to be in ...
Snap-on Overvalued - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...Snap-on Overvalued - Analyst Blog Despite better-than-expected quarterly results in 2006, rising production and material costs at Snap-on ( SNA ) are negatively impacting the gross margin. In addition, the financial ...
$75 Target Price on Freddie Mac - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...$75 Target Price on Freddie Mac - Analyst Blog We are reiterating our Buy rating and $75 price target on Freddie Mac ( FRE ) after the market update on Friday. There was very little financial detail, and actual results ...
Initiating HIBB a Hold - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...Initiating HIBB a Hold - Analyst Blog We are initiating coverage of Hibbett Sporting Goods ( HIBB ) with a Hold rating. While we believe the company's small market focus and store expansion strategy should bode well for ...
Increased Risk at ValueClick - Analyst Blog
Jan 08, 2007; ...Increased Risk at ValueClick - Analyst Blog ValueClick ( VCLK ) is a leader in the online advertising industry, offering advertisers access to over 1,500 publisher websites, and is a leader in online lead generation. We ...
Too Early for ALNY - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...Too Early for ALNY - Analyst Blog Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ) is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on RNA interference, or RNAi technology. The company possesses a deep, but very ...
Mattson Stays a Buy - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...Mattson Stays a Buy - Analyst Blog Mattson Technology ( MTSN ) is the largest OEM of dry strip and the second largest OEM of RTP semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the world. September quarter top-line outperformed ...
Expectations for Canadian Pacific - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...Expectations for Canadian Pacific - Analyst Blog We are maintaining our Hold on Canadian Pacific Railway Limited ( CP ), but decreasing our target price to $54 from $58. CP is expected to report fourth quarter and ...
ServiceMaster a Hold - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...ServiceMaster a Hold - Analyst Blog The ServiceMaster Company ( SVM ) gave FY06 EPS guidance in the range of $0.61 to $0.63, excluding charges tied to Project Accelerate and costs tied to consolidating its headquarters ....
Pursuing Growth at DMND - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...Pursuing Growth at DMND - Analyst Blog Diamond Foods ( DMND ) is aggressively pursuing strategies to grow sales through increased distribution, advertising and product innovation. However, the company's disappointing ...
MEDI Makes Improvements - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...MEDI Makes Improvements - Analyst Blog MedImmune, Inc. ( MEDI ) is a fully integrated biotechnology company. It is focused on developing and marketing products that address medical needs in areas such as pediatric ...
Ethanol and The Andersons - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...Ethanol and The Andersons - Analyst Blog The Andersons ( ANDE ) is a diversified company operating in four different business segments ranging from buying, selling and storing grain, to leasing railcars, to running ...
DHI & the Housing Market - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...DHI & the Housing Market - Analyst Blog D. R. Horton ( DHI ) reported net orders for the first quarter of 8,771 homes, approximately a 24% decline compared to 11,463 homes in the same period a year ago. The weakness ...
Where are SANM's Catalysts? - Analyst Blog
Jan 09, 2007; ...Where are SANM's Catalysts? - Analyst Blog Sanmina-SCI ( SANM ) is currently struggling with industry-wide weakness as well as its own internal problems. Operational issues in its computing business, poor product mix, ...
Keep a Buy on XLNX - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Keep a Buy on XLNX - Analyst Blog On January 8, Xilinx ( XLNX ) announced that the U.S. District Court for Northern District of California had dismissed the consolidated shareholder derivative lawsuits that were filed ...
Chavez's Negative Effect - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Chavez's Negative Effect - Analyst Blog Yesterday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced his decision to nationalize some utilities, including Venezuela's largest telecommunications company, CANTV ( VNT ). The news ...
Upgrading Norfolk Southern to Buy - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Upgrading Norfolk Southern to Buy - Analyst Blog We are raising our recommendation on Norfolk Southern Corporation ( NSC ) to Buy from Hold, as we believe that NSC now offers good value relative to its growth prospects, ...
Vodafone Gains Share - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Vodafone Gains Share - Analyst Blog We are maintaining our Buy recommendation for Vodafone ( VOD ), the largest revenue-generating international wireless carrier. We expect the firm to continue delivering solid operating ...
Pluses Priced Into NVDA - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Pluses Priced Into NVDA - Analyst Blog As the only remaining major independent player in the market for Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) used in PCs, NVIDIA ( NVDA ) is well-positioned to benefit from increased graphics ...
Gen'l Mills Outlook OK - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Gen'l Mills Outlook OK - Analyst Blog Productivity initiatives and new product introductions should help General Mills ( GIS ) achieve high single-digit earnings growth in the long term. The company is in the early stages ...
$60 Target on China Life Insurance - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...$60 Target on China Life Insurance - Analyst Blog It is clear that China Life ( LFC ) is the market leader in China's life insurance industry, where opportunities are significant. The company continues to cultivate a ...
Botox Keeps AGN Smooth - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...Botox Keeps AGN Smooth - Analyst Blog Allergan, Inc. ( AGN ) is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative products for the eye care, neuromodulator, skin care and other ...
SPIL to Hold Steady - Analyst Blog
Jan 10, 2007; ...SPIL to Hold Steady - Analyst Blog We anticipate Siliconware Precision Industries ( SPIL ) to report in-line results for the fourth quarter. The company continues to have utilization rates close to 100%, although we ...
Cutting MAS Estimates - Analyst Blog
Jan 11, 2007; ...Cutting MAS Estimates - Analyst Blog We expect fourth quarter sales at Masco Corp. ( MAS ) to decline 4% year-over-year due to a more than 20% decline in housing starts. With another 12% decline in housing starts expected ...
Rates and Speculation - Analyst Blog
Jan 11, 2007; ...Rates and Speculation - Analyst Blog The Bank of England surprised the financial markets by raising interest rates by a quarter-point to 5.25%. The central bank cited inflation, driven in part by a red-hot housing market, as the reason for the rate hike. Many observers had not ...