Gold Investment Stocks » bottom-line

Walgreen’s Target, Estimates Boosted at Morgan Stanley (WAG)

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:57:41 +0000

Drug store chain operator Walgreen Company ( WAG ) on Monday saw its price target and earnings estimates raised by analysts at Morgan Stanley. The firm said it now expects WAG shares to reach $50, suggesting a 19% upside to the stock’s Friday closing price of $41.97. Morgan Stanley also maintained its “Overweight” rating on the stock and boosted its earnings estimates through 2013, citing expectations of higher drug sales due to rising flu rates. Walgreen shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line Shares of Walgreen Co. ( WAG ) have a 1.67% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $41.97. The stock has technical support in the $38 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $45 price level. Walgreen Company ( WAG ) 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 .

Link:
Walgreen’s Target, Estimates Boosted at Morgan Stanley (WAG)

Hershey’s Price Target Boosted at Credit Suisse (HSY)

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:53:58 +0000

Candy giant The Hershey Company ( HSY ) on Monday saw its price target raised by analysts at Credit Suisse. The firm said it lifted its target for HSY from $55 to $56. That new target implies a nearly 8% upside to the stock’s Friday closing price of $51.95. Credit Suisse also noted the company is its favorite packaged foods pick now, following its presentations last week. The analyst currently rates Hershey as an “Outperform.” Hershey shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Monday. The Bottom Line Shares of Hershey ( HSY ) have a 2.66% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $51.95. The stock has technical support in the $46-$48 price area. If the shares can continue to move higher, we see overhead resistance around the $55 price level. The Hershey Company ( HSY ) 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 original here:
Hershey’s Price Target Boosted at Credit Suisse (HSY)

J.C. Penney’s Q4 Profit Surges 36%, Beating Estimates (JCP)

admin — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:56:24 +0000

Department store operator J.C. Penney Company, Inc. ( JCP ) on Friday said its fourth quarter profit jumped 36% from last year on higher sales and lower costs, beating analyst estimates. The Plano, TX-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $271 million, or $1.13 per share, compared with $200 million, or 84 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding one-time items, adjusted profit was $1.23 per share. Sales rose almost 3% from last year to $5.7 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a much smaller profit of $1.11 per share for the quarter. Looking ahead, the company forecast full-year 2011 profit to range from $2 to $2.10 per share, excluding items, which would easily surpass analysts’ current estimate of $1.82 per share for the year. JCP also announced a new $900 million share buyback plan. J.C. Penney shares rose 76 cents, or +2.1%, in premarket trading Friday. The Bottom Line Shares of J.C. Penney ( JCP ) have a 2.19% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $36.55. The stock has technical support in the $32 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $40 price level. J.C. Penney Company, Inc. ( JCP ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.3 out

Originally posted here:
J.C. Penney’s Q4 Profit Surges 36%, Beating Estimates (JCP)

The Gap’s Q4 Earnings Beat View; Dividend Boost, Share Buyback Planned (GPS)

admin — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:49:35 +0000

Apparel retailer The Gap Inc. ( GPS ) on Friday said its fourth quarter profit rose 4% from last year, beating analyst estimates. The San Francisco-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $365 million, or 60 cents per share, compared with $352 million, or 51 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 3% from last year to $4.36 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller profit of 57 cents per share, on slightly lower revenue of $4.34 billion. Looking ahead, The Gap forecast full-year 2011 profit to range from $1.88 to $1.93 per share, which would miss analyst estimates for $1.94 per share. The company also said it would buy back an additional $2 billion worth of its own shares, and would boost its quarterly dividend payout to 11.25 cents per share from a previous 10 cents. The Gap shares rose 26 cents, or +1.2%, in premarket trading Friday. The Bottom Line Shares of Gap Inc. ( GPS ) will now have a 2.00% dividend yield, based on the higher dividend payout and last night’s closing stock price of $22.49. The stock has technical support in the $19 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $23-$24 price levels. The Gap Inc. ( GPS ) 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 .

Original post:
The Gap’s Q4 Earnings Beat View; Dividend Boost, Share Buyback Planned (GPS)

Applied Materials Boosts Revenue Guidance as Q1 Earnings Beat View (AMAT)

admin — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:43:07 +0000

Computer chip components maker Applied Materials, Inc. ( AMAT ) late Thursday posted better-than-expected first quarter earnings and lifted its full-year sales forecast, sending its shares higher in premarket trading Friday. The Santa Clara, CA-based company reported fiscal first quarter net income of $506 million, or 38 cents per share, compared with just $83 million, or 6 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding one-time items, adjusted profit was 36 cents per share. Revenue surged 45% from last year to $2.69 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller profit of 33 cents per share, on lower revenue of $2.58 billion. Looking ahead, the company boosted its full-year revenue guidance by more than 10%, to $11 million. Analysts are looking for $10.2 billion in revenue for the year. Applied Materials shares rose 27 cents, or +1.7%, in premarket trading Friday. The Bottom Line Shares of Applied Materials ( AMAT ) have a 1.77% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $15.83. The stock has technical support in the $13 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $17-$18 price levels. Applied Materials, Inc. ( AMAT ) 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 .

Goldman Sachs Reiterates “Buy” Rating on Coca-Cola (KO)

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:58:33 +0000

Beverage superpower The Coca-Cola Company ( KO ) on Thursday caught some positive comments from analysts at Goldman Sachs, following the company’s recent presentation at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY). Goldman noted that KO is “firing on all cylinders” and reiterated its “Buy” rating and $72 price target. That target suggests a nearly 13% upside to the stock’s Wednesday closing price of $63.91. The firm also said it sees potential for the company to boost its current $2 billion to $2.5 billion share buyback plan. Coca-Cola shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Thursday. The Bottom Line We have been recommending shares of Coca-Cola ( KO ) since July 30, 2009, when the stock was trading at $49.28. The company has a 2.94% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $63.91. The Coca-Cola Company ( KO ) 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 .

See more here:
Goldman Sachs Reiterates “Buy” Rating on Coca-Cola (KO)

Heinz Raises Full-Year Guidance; Q3 Forecast Above View (HNZ)

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:54:39 +0000

Food products maker H.J. Heinz Company ( HNZ ) on Thursday boosted its full-year earnings guidance and provided a third quarter forecast that would beat analysts’ view. The Pittsburgh-based company said it expects fiscal third quarter earnings of 84 cents per share, on free cash flow of around $440 million. On average, Wall Street analysts currently expect 80 cents per share for the quarter. For the full year 2011, Heinz raised its earnings guidance from $2.95 to $3.05 per share, to $3.04 to $3.10 per share. Analysts are looking for $3.09 per share for the year. Heinz shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Thursday. The Bottom Line We have been recommending shares of H.J. Heinz ( HNZ ) since Jan.24, 2009, when the stock was trading at $35.06. The company has a 3.68% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $48.94. H.J. Heinz Company ( HNZ ) 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 more from the original source:
Heinz Raises Full-Year Guidance; Q3 Forecast Above View (HNZ)

Target’s Q4 Profit Up 10% as Credit Card Business Recovers (TGT)

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:43:39 +0000

Retail giant Target Corporation ( TGT ) on Thursday said its fourth quarter profit rose 10% from last year, helped by improvements in its credit card business and a one-time tax credit. The Minneapolis-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $1.03 billion, or $1.45 per share, compared with $936 million, or $1.24 per share, in the year-ago period. This year’s results included a one-time income tax benefit of 7 cents per share. Revenue rose 2.4% from last year to $20.66 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a profit of $1.39 per share on revenue of $20.28 billion. Target shares fell 26 cents, or -0.5%, in premarket trading Thursday. The Bottom Line Shares of Target ( TGT ) have a 1.99% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $50.26. The stock has technical support in the $45-$46 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $54 price level. Target Corporation ( TGT ) 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 .

Go here to read the rest:
Target’s Q4 Profit Up 10% as Credit Card Business Recovers (TGT)

Vornado’s Q4 FFO Surges, Beating View (VNO)

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:34:18 +0000

Commercial REIT Vornado Realty Trust ( VNO ) late Tuesday said its fourth quarter funds from operations, or FFO, rose dramatically from last year, beating analyst estimates. The New York-based company reported fourth quarter FFO of $335.8 million, or $1.76 per share, compared with just $20,000, or break-even per share, in the year-ago period. On average, Wall Street analysts expected much smaller FFO $1.53 per share. Revenue in the quarter rose around 1% from last year, to $713 million. Vornado shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Wednesday. The Bottom Line Shares of Vornado Realty Trust ( VNO ) have a 3.09% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $89.19. The stock has technical support in the $83-$85 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $91-$94 price levels. Vornado Realty Trust ( VNO ) 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:
Vornado’s Q4 FFO Surges, Beating View (VNO)

Dillard’s Q4 Profit Surges 38% on Higher Sales (DDS)

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:08:33 +0000

Apparel and home furnishings retailer Dillard’s, Inc. ( DDS ) late Tuesday said its fourth quarter profit jumped 38% from last year on higher sales, beating analyst estimates. The Little Rock, AR-based company reported forth quarter net income of $109.6 million, or $1.75 per share, compared with $79.5 million, or $1.08 per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding special items, adjusted profit was $1.55 per share. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller profit of $1.38 per share. Dillard’s also said that quarterly revenue rose more than 5% from last year to $1.98 billion, while same-store sales jumped 7%. Same-store sales are a key indicator of a retailer’s health, since they measure the performance of stores open at least one year. Dillard’s shares rose $2.05, or +5.1%, in premarket trading Wednesday. The Bottom Line Shares of Dillard’s ( DDS ) have a .40% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $40.45. The stock has technical support in the $35 price area. If the shares can build on today’s news, we see overhead resistance around the $42-$45 price levels. Dillard’s, Inc. ( DDS ) 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 .

More:
Dillard’s Q4 Profit Surges 38% on Higher Sales (DDS)

Chesapeake Energy Adjusted Q4 Net Beats View, but Revenue Falls Well Short (CHK)

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:56:54 +0000

Natural gas producer Chesapeake Energy Corporation ( CHK ) late Tuesday said its fourth quarter profit plunged 65% from last year, but adjusted results beat analyst expectations. The Oklahoma City-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $180 million, or 28 cents per share, compared with $515 million, or 75 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding one-time items, adjusted profit was 70 cents per share. Revenue fell 10% from last year to $1.98 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller adjusted profit of 64 cents per share, albeit on much higher revenue of $2.2 billion. Chesapeake Energy shares rose 49 cents, or +1.5%, in premarket trading Wednesday. The Bottom Line Shares of Chesapeake Energy ( CHK ) have a .94% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $32.01. The stock has technical support in the $28 price area. If the shares can continue the recent momentum, we see overhead resistance around the $34-$36 price levels. Chesapeake Energy Corporation ( CHK ) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.3 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:
Chesapeake Energy Adjusted Q4 Net Beats View, but Revenue Falls Well Short (CHK)

Genuine Parts Company Q4 Profit Jumps 20%, Raises Dividend 10% (GPC)

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:11:06 +0000

Auto parts maker Genuine Parts Company ( GPC ) on Tuesday said its fourth quarter profit rose 20% from last year, led by a strong uptick in sales, beating analyst expectations. The Atlanta-based company reported fourth quarter net income of $118.65 million, or 75 cents per share, compared with $99.17 million, or 62 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Sales jumped 14% from last year to $2.81 billion. On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller profit of 70 cents per share, on lower revenue of $2.74 billion. CEO Tom Gallagher commented, “We are encouraged by the strength in sales across all of our business segments in the fourth quarter. Our Automotive sales were up 9%, our Industrial Group sales were up 24%, our Electrical Group sales were up 40% and our Office Products Group sales were up 3%.” The company has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per common share, $1.80 annualized. The dividend is a 10% increase from the current rate of $0.41. GPC shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Tuesday. The Bottom Line We have been recommending shares of Genuine Parts ( GPC ) since Dec.6, 2010, when the stock was trading at $50.06. The company has a 2.97% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $55.25. Genuine Parts Company ( GPC ) 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 .

Go here to see the original:
Genuine Parts Company Q4 Profit Jumps 20%, Raises Dividend 10% (GPC)