Supermarket chain operator The Kroger Co. ( KR ) said Tuesday that its fourth quarter profit fell 27% from last year, despite higher sales, but results still beat analyst estimates. The Cincinnati-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $255.4 million, or 39 cents per share, compared with $349.2 million, or 53 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Sales rose 7% from last year, to $18.6 billion, aided by higher fuel sales as a result of gas discounts for regular customers. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller profit of 34 cents per share, on much lower revenue of $17.73 billion. Kroger shares fell 70 cents, or -3.1%, amid a broad market sell-off in premarket trading Tuesday. The Bottom Line We have avoided shares of KR since our early June 2008 coverage began, when the stock was trading at $27.30. The company has a 1.66% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $22.90. The shares have technical support in the $19-$20 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $25 price level. We would remain on the sidelines. The Kroger Co. ( KR ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

Excerpt from:
Kroger’s Q4 Profit Plunges 27%, Still Beats View (KR)

Sporting goods retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. ( DKS ) said Tuesday that it swung to a fourth quarter profit, helped by higher sales and lower costs, edging out analyst expectations. The Pittsburgh-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $67.4 million, or 56 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $105.6 million, or 94 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Sales jumped 11% from last year, to $1.3 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a slightly smaller profit of 55 cents per share, on matching revenue of $1.3 billion. Looking ahead, the company forecast fiscal 2011 earnings of $1.32 to $1.35 per share, which would meet or exceed analysts’ current estimates of $1.32 per share for the year. Dick’s shares fell 63 cents, or -2.5%, amid a broad market sell-off in premarket trading Tuesday. The Bottom Line Shares of DKS are trading right near 52-week highs of $26 a share. The stock has technical support in the $22 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $30 price level. We do not currently rate this non-dividend paying stock, but we do follow the company closely. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. ( DKS ) does not currently pay a dividend. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

View post:
Dick’s Sporting Goods Q4 Profit Narrowly Beats View (DKS)

Fast food giant McDonald’s Corporation ( MCD ) said Monday that its February global same-store sales rose a better-than-expected 4.8%. On average, Wall Street analysts had expected a smaller same-store sales increase of just 2.1%, according to two analysts surveyed by FactSet Research. Same-store sales are considered a key indicator of a retailer’s health, since they measure the performance of stores open at least 13 months. In the U.S., same-store sales rose 0.6%, and jumped 5.4% in Europe. The biggest jump was in the company’s Asia, Middle East and Africa segment, where same-store sales surged 10.5%. Total sales rose 11.2% from last February, or by 6.4% when excluding the impact of currency fluctuations. McDonald’s shares rose 61 cents, or +1%, in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line We have been recommending shares of MCD since Aug.12, when the stock was trading at $56.02. The company has a 3.46% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $63.67. McDonald’s Corporation ( MCD ) is a “recommended” dividend stock, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

Read the original here:
McDonald’s Feb. Same-Store Sales Rise 4.8% (MCD)

Regional banker PNC Financial Services ( PNC ) saw its rating and price target upped on Monday by analysts at FBR Capital Markets. The analyst boosted its rating on PNC to “Outperform” from “Market Perform,” and lifted its price target for the stock to $65 from $55. PNC shares had closed at $55.57 on Friday. FBR Capital noted that “On February 2, PNC announced a $3 billion common equity raise and the planned sale of its investment servicing business as part of a capital plan to repay the $7.6 billion TARP investment. As a result, the expected boost to tangible common equity shifted its risk profile in FBR’s Risk Index to low risk from medium risk, making it a low-risk, high-reward stock based on our Risk-Adjusted Valuation (RAV) framework. We expect this upgrade to be somewhat controversial due to investor concern surrounding the lower quality of earnings driven by purchase accounting accretion, which we estimate added $3.17 to our $3.63 FY09 operating EPS estimate. While we acknowledge that this earnings stream is lower quality, we believe that nearly $1.50 of this accretion can be recaptured as it stems from higher-cost CDs, which are transitioning into lower-cost core deposits at a rate greater than PNC’s initial expectations, and as the non-credit-impaired loan customers refinance or reprice into normal balance sheet loans. PNC also has some of the strongest credit metrics relative to peers, which we believe should limit downside risk from current levels. If PNC recaptures any of the accretion from the non-credit-impaired portfolio, it should provide upside to our estimated $5.00 to $6.00 range of “normal” EPS. We are leaving our FY10 and FY11 GAAP and operating EPS estimates unchanged.” PNC Financial shares rose 83 cents, or +1.5%, in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line We had removed share of PNC from our recommended list back on Oct.9,2008, when the stock was trading at $67.75. The company has a dividend yield of .72%, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $55.57. The stock has technical support in the $50 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $60 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now. PNC Financial Services ( PNC ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

See the original post here:
PNC Financial’s Rating, Price Target Boosted at FBR Capital (PNC)

Steel maker United States Steel Corporation ( X ) caught a big upgrade on Monday from analysts at Goldman Sachs. The analyst raised its rating on X to “Buy” from “Neutral,” and lifted its six-month price target on the stock to $79 from $55. U.S. Steel shares had closed at $58.90 on Friday. Goldman noted that “Raw material prices continue to move up with scrap now in the lead and likely soon to be followed by higher iron ore and coking coal prices, which should provide support for higher steel prices.” U.S. Steel shares rose $1.90, or +3.2%, in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line Shares of U.S. Steel ( X ) have a dividend yield of .34%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $58.90. The stock has technical support in the $50 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $65 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now. United States Steel Corporation ( X ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

Originally posted here:
U.S. Steel Upgraded to “Buy” at Goldman Sachs (X)

Regional banker Fifth Third Bancorp ( FITB ) saw its rating downgraded on Monday by analysts at FBR Capital Markets. The analyst lowered its rating for FITB to “Market Perform” from “Outperform,” and set a $14 price target on the shares, which had closed at $12.73 on Friday. The firm noted that “Since our initiation on October 12, FITB shares have traded up 24% versus the S&P 500, which has increased 6%. As such, the reward profile of shares has shifted, and FITB is now a low-risk, medium-reward stock based on our Risk Adjusted Valuation (RAV) framework. FITB has taken a proactive stance in managing credit, which was demonstrated with its 4Q results that showed charge-off’s down 6%, driving an improvement in its 4Q risk profile in FBR’s Risk Index. We expect continued signs of stabilization in credit metrics at FITB, which will likely support valuation at current levels, though with credit costs likely to remain elevated and given our expectation that FITB will lose money in FY10 as a result, we do not expect much upside to valuation and opt to step to the sidelines until the ultimate level of profitability becomes more clear. We are leaving our FY10 and FY11 EPS estimates unchanged at ($0.20) and $0.95, respectively.” Fifth Third shares fell 10 cents, or -0.8%, in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line We have avoided shares of FITB since our early June 2008 coverage began, when the stock was trading at $16.74. The company has a .31% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $12.73. The stock has technical support in the $10 price area. If the stock can build on today’s pop, we see overhead resistance around the $15 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now. Fifth Third Bancorp ( FITB ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

See original here:
Fifth Third Bancorp Downgraded at FBR Capital (FITB)

Insurance giant MetLife, Inc. ( MET ) said Monday that it will buy American International Group ( AIG )’s overseas life and health insurance unit, Alico, for $15.5 billion in cash and stock. The move comes amid AIG’s efforts to repay governmental bailout loans, as all of the funds generated from the sale will go directly to the federal government. MetLife will pay $6.8 billion in cash for Alico, while the remainder of the sale price will be paid in stock and equity units. Just a week ago, AIG announced it would sell its Asia-based life insurance group, AIA Group, to Prudential PLC for $35.5 billion. The latest deal will git MetLife a bigger presence in Japan, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. MetLife shares rose $1.48, or +3.8%, in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line We recently removed shares of MET from our “recommended” list on Oct.1, when the stock was trading at $38.07. The company has a 1.90% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $38.32. The stock has technical support in the $32-$35 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $41 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now. MetLife, Inc. ( MET ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

See the article here:
MetLife to Buy AIG’s Alico Unit for $15.5 Billion

Fertilizer maker Agrium Inc. ( AGU ) saw its coverage started on Friday with a “Buy” rating by analysts at Deutsche Bank. The analyst also set an $85 price target on AGU shares, which had closed at $67.18 on Thursday. The firm noted that “While Agrium is poised for a strong earnings rebound in 2010, similar to its peers, we believe unique earnings growth and stability as the leading North American retailer of agricultural inputs set Agrium apart. With over 900 US retail centers (3x its nearest rival) offering a full range of seed, fertilizer, chemical, and advisory services Agrium has not only greater diversity and margin stability, but unparalleled real-time insight into US grower economics and behavior. We expect a continuation of Agrium’s roll-up strategy will propel Agrium Retail from its current 14% retail market share toward its 30% goal…Our confidence in the risk/reward balance is deepened by broad-based earnings growth (spanning nutrients, seeds, chemicals and services) driven largely by opportunities unique to Agrium, lessening dependence on any one product or price. Finally, Agrium’s strong balance sheet and cash flow further bolster the margin of safety.” Agrium shares rose $1.46, or +2.2%, in premarket trading Friday. The Bottom Line Shares of AGU have a dividend yield of .16%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $67.18. The stock has technical support in the $60-$61 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $70-$72 price levels. We would remain on the sidelines for now. Agrium Inc. ( AGU ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

View post:
Agrium Started as a “Buy” at Deutsche Bank (AGU)

Banking company Capital One Financial Corp. ( COF ) on Friday saw its rating and price target cut by analysts at Goldman Sachs. The analyst lowered its rating on COF to “Neutral” from “Buy,” citing the company’s exposure to credit card late fees and loan contraction. Goldman also cut its price target on the stock, which had closed at $36.84 on Friday, to $45 from $50. Capital One shares fell 38 cents, or -1%, in premarket trading Friday. The Bottom Line Shares of COF have a dividend yield of .54%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $36.84. The stock has technical support in the $30-$34 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $40 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now. Capital One Financial Corp. ( COF ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

Here is the original post:
Capital One Downgraded at Goldman Sachs (COF)

Teen clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ( ANF ) on Friday saw its price target and estimates raised by analysts at Goldman Sachs. The analyst lifted its price target for ANF shares, which had closed at $41.52 on Thursday, to $50 from $40. Goldman also raised its earnings estimates for the company, noting that its domestic business is improving, and maintained its “Buy” rating on the stock. The analyst boosted its 2010, 2011, and 2012 EPS estimates from $1.35 to $1.84, $2.29 to $2.81, and $3.50 to $4.05, respectively. Abercrombie shares rose 28 cents, or +0.7%, in premarket trading Friday. The Bottom Line We have been avoiding shares of ANF since our June 2008 coverage began, when the stock was trading at $67.37. The company has a dividend yield of 1.69%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $41.52. The stock has technical support in the $35 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $44-$48 price levels. We would remain on the sidelines for now. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ( ANF ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

Read more:
Abercrombie’s Target, Estimates Boosted at Goldman Sachs (ANF)

Branded apparel maker V.F. Corporation ( VFC ) on Thursday saw its price target raised by analysts at Piper Jaffray. The analyst boosted its price target for VFC shares, which had closed at $77.85 on Wednesday, to $86 from $80. Jaffray also maintained its “Overweight” rating on the stock, citing expectations of higher margins and valuation. The firm noted that “Recent travel with management confirms our thesis on shares for potential margin expansion through a higher mix of international retail revenues and increased penetration of lifestyle brands. We believe management remains acutely focused on generating strong cash flow from “heritage businesses” while re-investing in its faster growing lifestyle brands with global appeal as well as actively seeking new brands to leverage on the current infrastructure…Price Target of $86 based on 15x FY10E EPS of $5.70…We are raising our multiple from 14x to 15x given potential upside from international retail, accelerating outdoor coalition, and stabilizing domestic business.” V.F. Corp shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Thursday. The Bottom Line We have been recommending shares of VFC since Oct.19, when the stock was trading at $76.14. The company has a 3.08% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $77.85. V.F. Corporation ( VFC ) is a “recommended” dividend stock, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

The rest is here:
V.F. Corp’s Price Target Boosted at Piper Jaffray (VFC)

Aircraft maker The Boeing Company ( BA ) on Thursday saw its rating and price target boosted by analysts at UBS. The analyst raised its rating on UBS to “Neutral” from “Sell,” and boosted its price target on the stock to $68 from $50. Boeing shares, which had closed at $64.45 on Wednesday, rose 65 cents, or +1%, in premarket trading Thursday. The Bottom Line We have been recommending shares of BA since Aug.27, when the stock was trading at $47.82. The company has a dividend yield of 2.61%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $64.45. The Boeing Company ( BA ) is a “recommended” dividend stock, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks , as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here .

Visit link:
Boeing’s Rating, Price Target Upgraded at UBS (BA)