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Carter's Seen Keeping Up Double-Digit Profit Growth

Like a lot of its customers, Carter's is having a growth spurt. After going through a tough stretch in 2011 amid soaring product costs, the seller of babies' and children's clothes has made an impressive comeback. Earnings growth bounced to double-digit levels the past two quarters following several quarters of declines. Watchers expect Carter's (CRI) to keep up the pace when it reports fourth-quarter results in coming weeks. Analysts polled by

Source: Carter's Seen Keeping Up Double-Digit Profit Growth

Burger King Feeling Heat From Bargain Hunters

The world's second-largest burger chain shot past analysts' fourth-quarter expectations. But Burger King Worldwide (BKW) said it's feeling the heat from the cheaper value offerings from its much larger arched enemy, McDonald's (MCD). Burger King reported adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of 23 cents, up 64% and 8 cents more than analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected. Revenue declined 30% to $404.5 million, topping views for $371.3 million.

Source: Burger King Feeling Heat From Bargain Hunters

Western Digital, Seagate In Tight Race, Tough Market

Imagine a Formula One race with two cars lapping the rest of the field, but unable to put much distance between each other. That's similar to the competition among companies selling hard-disk drives. Two players, Seagate Technology (STX) and Western Digital (WDC), dominate the field, with a combined market share estimated at 80% to 85%. They make hard-disk drives, or HDDs, for desktop and notebook computers, enterprise applications and consumer

Source: Western Digital, Seagate In Tight Race, Tough Market

TRW, WABCO Beat Estimates, Despite Europe's Auto Skid



Source: TRW, WABCO Beat Estimates, Despite Europe's Auto Skid

Herbalife Shares Up, Icahn Vs. Ackman Battle Brewing

Herbalife (HLF) shares jumped 8% at midday Friday after noted activist investor Carl Icahn revealed a 13% stake in the diet and nutritional supplement company. Herbalife's shares have bounced up and down since May as major investors took long or short positions in the company. Herbalife is the latest battleground for Icahn and his former partner Bill Ackman. Herbalife's investors' trouble began in May after David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital

Source: Herbalife Shares Up, Icahn Vs. Ackman Battle Brewing

LifePoint Beats Expectations, EPS Outlook Anemic

LifePoint Hospitals (LPNT) reported a drop in Q4 earnings and revenue early Friday. But the hospital operator's results still beat Wall Street analyst expectations. LifePoint issued full-year earnings outlook below analyst estimates as Medicare penalties and costs from ObamaCare could stack up. LifePoint, a spinoff of hospital giant HCA Holdings (HCA), said Q4 EPS fell 1% to 77 cents, beating estimates by 12 cents. Revenue dipped 2.5% to $893.3

Source: LifePoint Beats Expectations, EPS Outlook Anemic

Food Makers Serve Tasty Profits Amid Spate Of Deals

Campbell Soup (CPB), jam and jellies maker J.M. Smucker (SJM) and newly independent Kraft Foods (KRFT) served up tasty profit growth early Friday amid a spate of deals as food companies jockey for position in the highly competitive market. Campbell said fiscal second-quarter earnings per share rose 9.4% to 70 cents, beating Wall Street's target by 4 cents. Revenue climbed 10.4% to $2.33 billion, a bit above the expected $2.32 billion. Sales of

Source: Food Makers Serve Tasty Profits Amid Spate Of Deals

LinkedIn, 3D Systems Among Top 5 With Rising Estimates

Companies generally beat analysts' consensus estimates, with more than 70% of the S&P 500 firms who have reported so far this quarter, posting results that topped the often conservative forecasts. So successful investors should take notice when analysts push their traditionally cautious line higher, especially with top growth stocks. IBD's Screen Of The Day looks at top-tier leaders with rising estimates. Here are the top five based

Source: LinkedIn, 3D Systems Among Top 5 With Rising Estimates

Florida Poster Child For The New 'Rental Class'

It's been more than six years since Florida's spectacular housing crash made the Sunshine State a poster child of the crisis. Home values fell as much as 50% from their 2006 peak. Today, Florida remains a poster child of the meltdown's aftermath. Despite recent median price gains amid tighter supply and a sales shift into higher price bands, home values statewide are still more than 40% off their peak. Homes will likely be bargains for at least a

Source: Florida Poster Child For The New 'Rental Class'

Big Investor Sees Stock Market Right For Real Estate

Many of Blackstone Group's vast U.S. real estate holdings may be bought by, or turned into, real estate investment trusts over the next couple of years, the head of the private equity group's global real estate division says. Jonathan Gray said U.S. capital markets, particularly the bond market, have opened to REITs, making it likely many of its U.S. holdings of offices, homes and hotels will be bought by current REITs or become REITs in initial

Source: Big Investor Sees Stock Market Right For Real Estate

Vulcan, Watsco See Some Improvement But Miss Views

Building products maker Vulcan Materials (VMC) and Watsco (WSO) both missed fourth-quarter views, though they pointed to some improvements in pricing or in construction demand. Vulcan, which sells asphalt, gravel and other building materials, posted an adjusted per-share loss of 32 cents vs. a loss of 19 cents a year ago. Analysts were expecting a 10-cent-per-share loss for the quarter. Revenue slipped 1% to $608.4 million,

Source: Vulcan, Watsco See Some Improvement But Miss Views

Vulcan, Watsco See Some Improvement But Miss Views

Building products maker Vulcan Materials (VMC) and Watsco (WSO) both missed fourth-quarter views, though they pointed to some improvements in pricing or in construction demand. Vulcan, which sells asphalt, gravel and other building materials, posted an adjusted per-share loss of 32 cents vs. a loss of 19 cents a year ago. Analysts were expecting a 10-cent-per-share loss for the quarter. Revenue slipped 1% to $608.4 million, missing forecasts for

Source: Vulcan, Watsco See Some Improvement But Miss Views

Higher Volumes, Prices Lift PepsiCo Over Estimates

Snack and beverage giant PepsiCo (PEP) beat analysts' expectations on higher volumes and prices. The maker of Pepsi Cola, Gatorade sports drink and Fritos corn chips reported adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of $1.09, down 5.2% from a year ago but 4 cents over views. Revenue climbed 2.1% to $19.95 billion, topping analyst forecasts for $19.7 billion. It guided for a 7% bump in 2013 earnings, which implies $4.39 per share. Analysts are expecting

Source: Higher Volumes, Prices Lift PepsiCo Over Estimates

InvenSense's Motion Sensors Make Smartphones Easy

Wouldn't it be great if you could answer an incoming call by just moving your smartphone to your ear? Or having it stop ringing by simply turning it over? Well, such technology already exists, and InvenSense makes it. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based InvenSense (INVN) makes sensors that track motion on smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, smart TVs and wearable fitness devices. The company has been on a fast expansion track, fueled by increased demand of

Source: InvenSense's Motion Sensors Make Smartphones Easy

Constellation Soars On Revised Bud-Corona Deal

Constellation Brands (STZ) surged nearly 40% Thursday on a revised merger deal between two top brewers that could enable it to secure the U.S. rights to sell Corona and Negra Modelo beers. Budweiser parent Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) on Thursday revised its $20.1 billion acquisition offer for Mexico's Grupo Modelo in a bid to get U.S. antitrust regulators to drop their opposition to the merger. InBev said it would sell Grupo Modelo's Piedras Negras

Source: Constellation Soars On Revised Bud-Corona Deal

Ulta Beauty's Shares Turn Ugly On CEO's Resignation



Source: Ulta Beauty's Shares Turn Ugly On CEO's Resignation

Generator Maker Generac's Q4 Surge Zapped By Outlook



Source: Generator Maker Generac's Q4 Surge Zapped By Outlook

American, US Airways To Be World's Largest Airline

The combination of American Airlines and smaller rival US Airways (LCC) creates the world's largest carrier by revenue and passenger traffic, valued at about $11 billion, The airlines on Thursday confirmed the deal, which was widely reported Wednesday night. The combined carriers will keep American Airlines' name, with US Airways' CEO Doug Parker leading the new airline. It will be headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, American's current

Source: American, US Airways To Be World's Largest Airline

Discovery Earnings Miss, Despite Advertising Boom

Better-than-expected advertising sales weren't enough to boost Discovery Communications' (DISCA) earnings above analyst estimates when it reported Q4 results early Thursday. The operator of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and other nonfiction networks, said Q4 EPS fell 29% to 61 cents, missing analyst expectations by 15 cents. But revenue rose 9% to $1.2 billion, in line with estimates. Shares sold off at the open, but were

Source: Discovery Earnings Miss, Despite Advertising Boom

GM's Q4 Profit Light, But Sales Growth Stays On Track

General Motors (GM) roundly beat Wall Street profit estimates the first three quarters of 2012, but went off course in the fourth quarter as Europe's debt woes weighed on results. GM said before the market opened Thursday that Q4 earnings per share rose 23% to 48 cents, three cents shy of analyst targets. Revenue climbed 3.5% to $39.31 billion, topping views of $39.15 billion. Although EPS were less than analysts expected, it was the first time in

Source: GM's Q4 Profit Light, But Sales Growth Stays On Track

HJ Heinz To Go Private In Berkshire, 3G Buyout

Shares of packaged foods giant and ketchup king H.J. Heinz (HNZ) soared 20% in Thursday morning trading on apparently tasty news that it would be acquired by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital in a deal valued at $28 billion. As part of the agreement approved by Heinz's board of directors, shareholders will receive $72.50 for each owned share, a 20% premium at the market's close on Wednesday. But shares had reached that point shortly after today's

Source: HJ Heinz To Go Private In Berkshire, 3G Buyout

Cardinal Health To Acquire AssuraMed For $2 Billion

Cardinal Health, the nation's second-biggest drug wholesaler, on Thursday announced plans to buy privately held AssuraMed for just over $2 billion. AssuraMed is a direct-to-home medical supply distributor with about $1 billion in 2012 sales. Cardinal (CAH) said it will finance the deal with $1.3 billion in new senior unsecured notes and cash. The buyout is expected to close by early April. AssuraMed serves more than 1 million patients nationally

Source: Cardinal Health To Acquire AssuraMed For $2 Billion

Pulte Homes Sees Growth In U.S. Housing Recovery

Homebuilders were leveled by the bursting of the housing bubble several years ago. But the sweet scent of fresh lumber has more recently been in the air. With sales of new and existing homes, as well as prices, generally on the rise, homebuilder stocks have been strong market performers. Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Pulte Group (PHM) has been one of the leaders. Shares began 2012 trading at just

Source: Pulte Homes Sees Growth In U.S. Housing Recovery

Euronet Earnings Beat, Despite Brazil Epay Woes

International payment systems operator Euronet International (EEFT) saw better-than-expected fourth quarter earnings on stronger electronic fund transfer and money transfer revenues. Euronet reported adjusted earnings of 42 cents, up 13.5% from a year ago and a penny over analysts' forecasts. Net revenue climbed 10% to $351.2 million, topping analyst forecasts for $338.28 million. "This earnings growth was the result of our continued focus on new

Source: Euronet Earnings Beat, Despite Brazil Epay Woes

Dividend Cut Sends Cliffs Natural Resources Off Cliff



Source: Dividend Cut Sends Cliffs Natural Resources Off Cliff

Pinnacle Profit Falls, Sees Softness In Gaming Sector

The house doesn't always win. Las Vegas-based Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK) said before the market opened Wednesday that fourth-quarter profit fell compared with the same quarter a year ago, but beat analyst estimates. Revenue, on the other hand, rose vs. the same quarter last year, but fell short of forecasts. Pinnacle shares fell hard early and were down 5.5% in Wednesday afternoon trading on the stock market today. Pinnacle is the smaller

Source: Pinnacle Profit Falls, Sees Softness In Gaming Sector

Dean Foods Posts Solid Q4, Stock Falls On Forecast

Dean Foods posted solid fourth-quarter results Wednesday as the nation's top milk producer saw healthy growth across its business segments and benefited from cost controls and effective pricing. But shares sank as much as 8% in early trading amid a disappointing first-quarter outlook. They settled down only about 1.65% in midday trading, and the stock is still trading near a fresh high. Dean posted a 48% rise in adjusted fourth-quarter

Source: Dean Foods Posts Solid Q4, Stock Falls On Forecast

Dr Pepper Snapple Earnings Flat, Guidance Misses

An 8% pop in Latin American volume partially offset flat volume in North America for Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS). But the soda, tea and juice maker's fourth-quarter earnings disappointed, and the guidance left analysts and investors with a foul aftertaste. Shares were down 6% intraday to 42.60 on the stock market today. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of 82 cents, level with a year ago, but 3 cents shy of the consensus estimate

Source: Dr Pepper Snapple Earnings Flat, Guidance Misses

Deere Sprouts Profit Gain, But Shares Fall On Outlook

Deere & Co. (DE) grew a healthy profit crop in its fiscal first quarter on a 10% jump in revenue of $7.42 billion. Although both earnings and sales topped analyst expectations, shares withered in early Wednesday trading after the company warned that the outlook for early 2013 is clouded by economic uncertainties. The world's largest farm equipment maker said Q1 earnings per share climbed 27% to $1.65, vs. the 8% gain Wall Street expected. Deere

Source: Deere Sprouts Profit Gain, But Shares Fall On Outlook

Michael Kors, ARM Among Top 5 IBD 50 Big-Cap Leaders

Investors look at big-cap stocks for stability and believe they have to sacrifice growth in the process. But sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too. IBD's Big Cap Leaders Screen Of The Day lists the top companies with a market capitalization of $15 billion or more, with the best returns. People seeking how to invest successfully should focus on stocks with superior earnings, strong price performance and industry leadership. Only those

Source: Michael Kors, ARM Among Top 5 IBD 50 Big-Cap Leaders

Michael Kors Crushes Earnings Views On Blowout Sales

Michael Kors wowed Wall Street Tuesday with blowout earnings on huge holiday sales, sending the fashion house's stock to a new high. The luxury lifestyle brand said earnings for the fiscal third quarter ended in December surged 129% to 64 cents a share, sailing past views for 41 cents a share. Revenue leapt 70% to $636.8 million, well above the Street's forecast for $540.3 million. Michael Kors (KORS), a longtime member of the IBD

Source: Michael Kors Crushes Earnings Views On Blowout Sales

3D Printer Stocks 3D Systems, Stratasys, ExOne Tumble

The highflying 3D printer stocks retreated in the stock market today, with 3D Systems (DDD), Stratasys (SSYS) and just-public ExOne (XONE) all retreating. 3D Systems, No. 1 on the IBD 50 list of top stocks based on fundamental and technical factors, retreated 4.1% in late afternoon trading Tuesday. Shares have been consolidating in the past several days after rebounding from a sharp late January selloff to a Jan. 31 test of the 50-day moving

Source: 3D Printer Stocks 3D Systems, Stratasys, ExOne Tumble

Insulation Foams Warm Chemical Maker Huntsman's Q4

Global demand for foams used in insulations and in housing and automobiles helped lift Huntsman (HUN) beyond fourth-quarter expectations. The chemicals maker reported adjusted earnings per share of 24 cents, down 14% from a year ago, but a penny over the forecast of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters. Revenue slipped marginally to $2.62 billion, but topped forecasts for $2.49 billion. In its largest division, polyurethanes, higher prices and

Source: Insulation Foams Warm Chemical Maker Huntsman's Q4

Avon Soars As Good-Looking Q4 Attracts Investors

Investors had shunned Avon Products (AVP) recently over disappointed earnings, but the cosmetic company's better-than-expected Q4 earnings sent shares soaring 20% by midday Tuesday. Overall, the health and beauty industry has performed relatively well despite a weak global economy as consumers' continued to buy products that made them look and feel good. But Avon has been hurt by increased competition from prestige cosmetics companies like Estee

Source: Avon Soars As Good-Looking Q4 Attracts Investors

B&G Foods Seen Serving Savory Q4 Results Thursday

What's the recipe for making tasty acquisitions? B&G Foods (BGS) CEO David Wenner can tell you all about it. Over the past 15 years, the maker of shelf-stable foods like jellies, hot sauces and seasonings has bulked up its business with 12 buys that have brought to the table well-known brands such as Cream of Wheat cereal, Ortega salsa and Mrs. Dash seasonings. B&G goes in for small, high-margin brands typically with

Source: B&G Foods Seen Serving Savory Q4 Results Thursday

Valspar Paints Ugly Picture Overseas, Shares Dive



Source: Valspar Paints Ugly Picture Overseas, Shares Dive

U.S. Clears Oil Firm Nexen's Buyout By China's CNOOC

The U.S. government says Canadian energy producer Nexen's (NXY) planned sale to China's state-owned CNOOC (CEO) doesn't pose national security concerns. With that approval from the Committee on Foreign Investments, Nexen said its $15.1 billion deal is set to close in the week of Feb. 25, about 7 months after CNOOC first made the $27.50 per share offer. Nexen shares surged more than 2% to 27.43 intraday. CEO shares were up fractionally to 200 on

Source: U.S. Clears Oil Firm Nexen's Buyout By China's CNOOC

Investors Boost Barclays Stock On Turnaround Moves

Shares of Barclays (BCS), Britain's third-largest bank, gapped up nearly 10% early Tuesday after it said it will cut its workforce by 3,700 and trim its investment banking business. Antony Jenkins, who took the helm at the troubled bank last August, also cut the average bonus for investment bankers 14% after whacking it by 17% last year, and raised the bank's dividend 8% to 10 cents a share. Barclays was snared in a global investigation of rigging

Source: Investors Boost Barclays Stock On Turnaround Moves

McGraw-Hill Fires Back On Faulty Ratings Allegations

McGraw-Hill (MHP) fired back at the Justice Department on Tuesday, saying the government's allegations that its S&P unit knowingly pumped up ratings on lousy housing-related investments during the last housing bubble were baseless. The data, information and analysis firm was responding to the government's lawsuit last week, in which federal officials accused S&P of defrauding investors. The government is seeking $5 billion. State attorneys general

Source: McGraw-Hill Fires Back On Faulty Ratings Allegations

Coca-Cola Sales Lost Fizz In Q4 As Europe Cut Back

Coca-Cola (KO) continues to expand its brand globally and Tuesday before the market opened said worldwide sales grew 3% in the fourth quarter, including a 2% hike in the U.S., helping the company post higher profit the seventh quarter in a row. But shares fell Tuesday morning after it missed analyst targets for revenue growth. Europeans weren't imbibing and the soft drink giant posted a 1% drop in volume there. Earnings per share for the quarter

Source: Coca-Cola Sales Lost Fizz In Q4 As Europe Cut Back

GM Steers Toward Profit On Strong U.S., Asia Sales

While auto sales have accelerated in the U.S. and Asia in recent months, most carmakers have been unable to steer clear of losses in Europe, which remains mired in a recession. General Motors (GM), however, is expected to report a relatively strong quarter Thursday. The automaker, which reclaimed its crown as the world's largest automaker from Toyota, is projected to report a 31% jump in earnings per share to 51 cents and a 3% increase in sales to

Source: GM Steers Toward Profit On Strong U.S., Asia Sales

Why These 4 Refinery Stocks Boast Bolting RS Lines

A gallon of gas is topping $4 in some states. That's a bane for motorists, but those higher prices -- and a boom in cheap domestic shale oil -- are helping drive shares of refiners higher. A handful of refiners reside on IBD's Screen Of The Day for Bolting Relative Strength Lines. The RS line measures a stock's performance vs. the broader market. Successful investors look for a rising RS line to spot the true leaders in an up market,

Source: Why These 4 Refinery Stocks Boast Bolting RS Lines

EBay Machine Picks Up Volume On Mobile Commerce

Far from being left behind in the rapidly advancing mobile-commerce market, online pioneer eBay (EBAY) is enjoying a surge in business from being in the thick of it. As more consumers use their smartphones and tablets to shop, eBay is often a place they look for everything from designer fashions to toys and tools. And when they make a purchase on their mobile devices, more of those shoppers are using eBay's PayPal to do so. PayPal mobile handled

Source: EBay Machine Picks Up Volume On Mobile Commerce

Hospitals' Fiscal Health Ready For Checkup This Week

Investors will look to see whether Health Management Associates (HMA) and LifePoint Hospitals (LPNT) have found a prescription for profits as they announce fourth-quarter results this week. Both hospital companies have seen profits fall and are forecast to report lower earnings per share amid rising commodity costs and other expenses. Still, shares of both are trading near 52-week highs and well above 50-day and 200-day averages. Health

Source: Hospitals' Fiscal Health Ready For Checkup This Week

Nasdaq OMX Rises On Report Of Buyout Talks

Nasdaq OMX (NDAQ) shares surge 9% in early trading to a five-year high Monday amid published reports the Carlyle Group (CG) may take the exchange private. The talks were held three weeks ago, according to a source quoted by Fox Business Network, but broke down over disagreements on pricing. Nasdaq shares retreated from their morning surge by midafternoon, but still were up 4% at 2:30 p.m. ET. The discussion to take Nasdaq private comes after NYSE

Source: Nasdaq OMX Rises On Report Of Buyout Talks

American Capital Profit Falls But Beats Estimates

Private equity firm American Capital's (ACAS) fourth-quarter profit fell, but beat out analysts forecasts. American Capital reported adjusted earnings per share of 26 cents, down 61% from the 67 cents it posted a year ago. But that was a penny more than the consensus of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters. Operating revenue climbed almost 13% to $180 million, topping views for $147.77 million. In a statement, CEO Malon Wilkus said the firm

Source: American Capital Profit Falls But Beats Estimates

US Airways, American Airlines Said Close To Merger

US Airways Group (LCC) and American Airlines parent AMR Corp. could be days away from sealing an $11 billion merger that would create the world's largest airline. The sides have hammered out major issues, including valuations and management structure, though sources told Reuters that a deal could still be delayed, or fall apart completely. But the boards of both companies were expected to meet together Wednesday, and could announce a deal later in

Source: US Airways, American Airlines Said Close To Merger

Discovery, CBS Shares Near Highs Ahead Of Earnings

Disney (DIS), Time Warner (TWX) and News Corp. (NWSA) reported earnings that beat analyst expectations last week and their shares neared 52-week or record highs. Discovery Communications (DISCA) closed at a new high of 71.47 on Friday and CBS (CBS) closed at a decade high of 42.83. Both media companies are slated to report earnings Thursday. Discovery Communications, the operator of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Science and other

Source: Discovery, CBS Shares Near Highs Ahead Of Earnings

Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper To Serve Up Earnings

It's soft drink week with Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP) and Dr. Pepper Snapple (SNP) on tap to announce fourth-quarter earnings this week. They've grown at a slow, steady pace amid continuing expansion in India, China and other global markets. But they're rapidly evolving to meet new challenges. PepsiCo has become a dominant player in snack foods and now gets more than half its revenue from sales of snacks such as Fritos, Tostitos and Ruffles

Source: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper To Serve Up Earnings

Loews Posts Q4 Loss As Hurricane Sandy Losses Weigh

Diversified holding company Loews posted a fourth-quarter loss on Monday as insurance losses due to Hurricane Sandy hurt results. The company, which is controlled by the Tisch family, logged a Q4 loss of $32 million, or 8 cents a share. That was down from a profit of $271 million, or 68 cents a share, the prior year, the company said. Loews' (L) results were hurt by losses tied to Hurricane Sandy, which hit the East Coast in late October. The

Source: Loews Posts Q4 Loss As Hurricane Sandy Losses Weigh

Celgene, Regeneron Get Some Favorable News

News of a stock purchase and a product breakthrough jolted shares of two of the major biotech stocks Monday. Shares of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) rose 3% in nearly three times their average volume, although they had been up as much as 10% in early trading. Trading in Regeneron was halted before news that Sanofi (SNY) plans to buy more shares of Regeneron, its partner in the development of treatments for cholesterol and rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: Celgene, Regeneron Get Some Favorable News

Worthington Industries Rebounds With Auto Sector

In 2009, sluggishness in the automotive and construction markets put the squeeze on steel processors. Worthington Industries (WOR) processes steel for the auto, construction, aerospace and hardware industries. The company also makes hand torches, steel pallets and scuba, propane and other tanks. Faced with tight times in '09, Worthington slashed the quarterly dividend from 17 cents a share to 10 cents a share. Things appear to be back on track.

Source: Worthington Industries Rebounds With Auto Sector

IBD Industry Themes: Hospitals Continue Feverish Run

Hospital stocks are off to a great 2013 after rising 18.5% last year. As of Wednesday's IBD, the Medical-Hospitals industry group was ranked No. 4 among 197 groups in terms of six-month relative price performance. The group has already advanced more than 17% since Jan. 1. Five of the 10 stocks that make up IBD's Medical-Hospitals industry group currently hold Composite Ratings of 90 or higher. That's quite an impressive ratio in the stock market

Source: IBD Industry Themes: Hospitals Continue Feverish Run

Solar ETFs Ablaze After MEMC Q4 Beat, Obama Speech

Solar energy ETFs heated to new highs Wednesday after MEMC Electronic Materials (WFR) eclipsed fourth-quarter estimates and President Obama in his State of the Union speech the night before called for more green energy. Guggenheim Solar (TAN) surged 1.45% and Market Vectors Solar Energy (KWT) 2.67%, each climbing to nine-month intraday highs. As the No. 1-performing industry group this year, they've vaulted 22% year to date and an eye-popping 44%

Source: Solar ETFs Ablaze After MEMC Q4 Beat, Obama Speech

Allegiant, Nationstar, Proto Labs Reach New Highs

IBD has long argued that investors looking for promising stocks should focus on the top 40 industry groups -- or maybe even just the top 20. So when some highly rated stocks from top 20 groups hit new highs, it's worth paying attention. Allegiant Travel (ALGT) climbed 1.72 to 79.75 in heavy turnover Wednesday as it reached a fresh all-time peak. The discount carrier is part of the airlines group, ranked No. 13 out of 197 as of Wednesday's IBD. With

Source: Allegiant, Nationstar, Proto Labs Reach New Highs

Futures Brokers Take Issue With Proposed Rule

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is bracing this week for a barrage of criticism over a proposed rule that brokerages say could cost the industry tens of billions of dollars. At issue is a single sentence in a lengthy rule proposal tied to the landmark Dodd-Frank financial reform law. The sentence requires futures brokers "at all times" to have funds that exceed the sum of customer deficits. Regulators stung by massive losses of supposedly

Source: Futures Brokers Take Issue With Proposed Rule

Bond Prices Slide Following Tepid Sale Of 10-Year Debt

Prices of U.S. Treasuries slid Wednesday after a tepid sale of 10-year debt, with yields testing key technical levels but still unable to break through recent ranges. The Treasury sold $24 billion in 10-year notes at a high yield of 2.046%, above what the market had expected. "We had an average, arguably a bit of a soft reception to the 10-year auction," said Ian Lyngen, senior government bond strategist at CRT Capital in Stamford, Conn.

Source: Bond Prices Slide Following Tepid Sale Of 10-Year Debt

Parexel International In Buying Range From Flat Base

Parexel International (PRXL) is holding near a four-year high in the Stock Market Today and is in buying range from a flat base. The stock's pattern didn't have the rectangular, boxy look of a flat base. But it was five weeks in length and corrected just over 14%, thus meeting the criteria for a flat base. On the plus side, the flat base was a first-stage structure. Parexel undercut the low of a prior flat base in late December, resetting its base

Source: Parexel International In Buying Range From Flat Base

Rackspace, Ruckus Tumble; Cisco Up After Earnings

Stocks ended just slightly changed in higher volume Wednesday, as President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech and economic data had little impact. Retail sales rose 0.1% in January, matching forecasts provided by Econoday. Import prices rose less than expected in January, while export prices met estimates. The Nasdaq rose 0.3%. But the S&P 500 could only add a fraction, and the Dow Jones industrial average ceded 0.3%. Volume increased on

Source: Rackspace, Ruckus Tumble; Cisco Up After Earnings

Stocks Weaken In Late Trade; Walter, Nationstar Gain

Stock were mixed, but have worsened in late trading Wednesday. Most indexes are now in negative territory. The Dow Jones industrial average was the worst performer in the stock market today, falling 0.4%. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% after having touched a new five-year high earlier. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq pared a 0.6% gain to 0.1%. Volume was tracking higher across the board. Walter Investment (WAC) climbed 3% to a one-month high. It's now back to 6%

Source: Stocks Weaken In Late Trade; Walter, Nationstar Gain

Stocks Stay Mixed; Proto Labs Rockets Higher



Source: Stocks Stay Mixed; Proto Labs Rockets Higher

Stocks Mostly Lower As Volume Rises, But Michael Kors Gains

Stocks were mostly down and trading near their session lows around halftime Wednesday, after giving up some ground. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 0.5%, while the S&P 500 shed 0.1%. The Nasdaq added 0.1%. Volume in the stock market today was tracking up from Wednesday's levels across the board. Among IBD 50 stocks, Michael Kors (KORS) rose 1% in strong volume, adding to Tuesday's earnings-driven 9% gain. The fashion house on Tuesday broke

Source: Stocks Mostly Lower As Volume Rises, But Michael Kors Gains

Stocks Advance After Early Hesitation; 3D Jumps 5%

Stocks opened mixed Wednesday but quickly regained their balance and advanced. The Nasdaq slipped 0.2% at the open but reversed to a 0.6% gain. The S&P 500 added 0.3%, but the Dow Jones industrial average was essentially flat. Volume was running higher across the board. Among top-rated stocks, 3D Systems (DDD) rebounded from Tuesday's 6% loss. In early trade Wednesday, the prototype-machine stock surged almost 5% in huge volume. President Obama

Source: Stocks Advance After Early Hesitation; 3D Jumps 5%

Stock Market Futures Up On In-Line Retail Sales

Stocks futures were up modestly Wednesday as the market pondered in-line retail sales numbers for January. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 each rose 0.2%, while the Dow Jones industrial average was up less than 0.2%. Retail sales for January were expected to inch up 0.1% overall and 0.2% ex autos. The percentages came in exactly at those levels. A slew of earnings reports are expected to shape the stock market today. Comcast (CMCSA) reported quarterly

Source: Stock Market Futures Up On In-Line Retail Sales

S&P 500 Hits Fresh High But Nasdaq Slips; Trade Rises

The S&P 500 edged up to a five-year high Tuesday, but stocks finished narrowly mixed after a session with no dominant news. The benchmark index added nearly 0.2%, while the NYSE composite rose 0.4%. The Nasdaq fell a little less than 0.2%. So far this week, the market has displayed muted action while drawing relatively light volume, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq digest their six-week winning streaks. On Tuesday, volume increased on both main

Source: S&P 500 Hits Fresh High But Nasdaq Slips; Trade Rises

New Highs List Analysis: Yahoo, JPMorgan Thrive

Building-related shares continued to show heavy institutional demand on Tuesday, while investors also crowded into financial and tech stocks. Tool, plumbing and lighting products distributor W.W. Grainger (GWW) burst past upside resistance at 220, rising 5.48 to 223.09. Volume grew 18% above its 50-day moving average, a good sign. The stock passed a 218.33 cup-without-a-handle buy point on Jan. 29, but volume was dull. A week later, it began a

Source: New Highs List Analysis: Yahoo, JPMorgan Thrive

Golar LNG Forms Cup-With-Handle Base, 41.56 Buy Point

Norway-based Golar LNG (GLNG), a leading transporter of liquefied natural gas, is investing in new ships amid expectations of rising global demand for the cheap, clean-burning fuel. Golar has rallied 11% this year, forming a cup-with-handle base with a 41.56 buy point. But investors should be wary, given the company's choppy earnings history and high debt burden. Golar says it's more than doubled its fleet of LNG carriers since 2001 to 13. It has

Source: Golar LNG Forms Cup-With-Handle Base, 41.56 Buy Point

Refinery Stocks Ride Trends To Better Margins

Refinery stocks have been in a market sweet spot for some time. IBD's Oil & Gas-Refining/Marketing industry group outperformed the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 in each of the past four years. So far this year, the group is up 18% vs. mid-single-digit gains for the major stock indexes. Three things are currently helping refinery stocks. First, no refinery has been built in the U.S. since 1976. Although existing refineries have expanded capacity sharply

Source: Refinery Stocks Ride Trends To Better Margins

Media, Hospitals Top Groups Since November

Since stocks bottomed in mid-November, which industries have flourished the most in the market today? A scan of the top performers within IBD's 197 industry groups (see Page B11 for full table) in terms of 13-week price change certainly reflect institutional hunger for cyclical stocks. That's not all. Some groups seem to be benefiting from the ever-changing landscape of America's governance in health care, consumer technology and commodity

Source: Media, Hospitals Top Groups Since November

Michael Kors Rumbles; 3D Systems Stumbles

Sector Leaders on Tuesday showed one big winner, one big loser and seven stocks in between. "Affordable luxury" fashion house Michael Kors (KORS) shot up 5, or 9%, to 62 in turbocharged volume. The stock's action has left in its wake a big trading gap. The company reported a profit of 64 cents per share in its December-ending quarter. That's 129% more than a year ago and 23 cents more than analysts expected. Sales climbed 70%, also beating

Source: Michael Kors Rumbles; 3D Systems Stumbles

T-Bond Prices Dip After Auction Wins Tepid Results

U.S. Treasury prices slipped Tuesday as investors looked ahead to retail sales data to shed light on consumer habits after a lackluster debt sale, the first for a total of $72 billion in supply this week. The Treasury sold $32 billion in three-year notes Tuesday at a high yield of 0.411%. "It was pretty weak given how cheap the three-year was in our view," said Jim Vogel, interest rate strategist at FTN Financial in Memphis, Tenn. Instead,

Source: T-Bond Prices Dip After Auction Wins Tepid Results

On Assignment's Earnings On Tap; 40% Gain Expected

Putting people to work isn't just good for the economy. It's vital for staffing company On Assignment (ASGN), which will be reporting its fourth-quarter and full-year 2012 results Thursday. The Calabasas, Calif.-based firm is expected to deliver earnings of 28 cents a share, up 40% from a year ago. Sales are slated to surge 139% to just over $387 million. In October, the provider of permanent and temporary staffing services guided fourth-quarter

Source: On Assignment's Earnings On Tap; 40% Gain Expected

Lord Abbett Fund Likes Creative Destruction

Thomas O'Halloran and Arthur Weise have devised a potent offense for their Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund . A key to their strategy for stock market success is a focus on innovation. "We seek high quality growth companies whose earnings will drive outperformance," O'Halloran said. "We look for sound business models, great management, favorable industry conditions and competitive advantages." O'Halloran has led the fund since early 2003. Weise

Source: Lord Abbett Fund Likes Creative Destruction

High Volume On Breakout Key To Biggest Stock Winners

Once you've identified a growth stock with good fundamentals, a correctly shaped base and a clear buy point, there's only one thing left to do: Watch for a breakout. A breakout occurs when a stock clears its buy point in volume that's at least 40% above its daily average. When that happens, the stock has turned a corner and has a good chance of racking up big gains -- provided there's no significant change in the stock's fundamentals or the

Source: High Volume On Breakout Key To Biggest Stock Winners

Wheat Sinks As Dry Crops Finally Get A Nice Drink

Wheat fell to a seven-month low Tuesday after much-needed moisture helped some dry crops in the U.S.  Snow and rain were moving across the Southwest Plains, which will help but not eliminate the harmful impact on wheat production from the worst drought in more than 50 years, agricultural meteorologist Don Keeney of MDA EarthSat Weather said. "The market's breaking lower with an increasing chance of rain in some of these dry areas," said Don Roose,

Source: Wheat Sinks As Dry Crops Finally Get A Nice Drink

Stock Averages End Mixed As Volume Increases

Stocks ended mixed as some blowout quarterly earnings results were offset by uncertainty ahead of President Obama's State of the Union address. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.3%, while the S&P 500 added 0.2%. But the Nasdaq slipped 0.2%. Volume increased on both major exchanges. But Nasdaq escaped registering a distribution day, as its decline was too small. Michael Kors (KORS) shot up 9% in turbo-charged volume. The stock's action has

Source: Stock Averages End Mixed As Volume Increases

4 New ETFs For Investors Starving For Dividends

It's a quadruple witching day of sorts for ETFs. Four different providers each happened to roll out a new fund on the same day. They all scratch the itch for how to invest in the stock market, bonds and elsewhere for income in an era of pitifully low interest rates, says Simon Maierhofer, founder of ispyetf.com. "Extra income comes with extra risk," Maierhofer said in an email. "No matter how desperate (you) are for income, with junk bond yields

Source: 4 New ETFs For Investors Starving For Dividends

Stocks Remain Mixed In Late Trading; Open Table Jumps

Stocks remained mixed late Tuesday afternoon as investors await President Obama's speech to Congress. The Dow Jones industrial average led with a 0.4% gain and the S&P 500 rose 0.2%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq was down 0.1%. Turnover was tracking higher in the stock market today Open Table (OPEN), which offers a computerized reservation system for restaurants, jumped 4% in double its average daily volume. The stock is extended 8% past a 50.59

Source: Stocks Remain Mixed In Late Trading; Open Table Jumps

Stock Market Slightly Firms In Early Afternoon; Terex Ramps Up



Source: Stock Market Slightly Firms In Early Afternoon; Terex Ramps Up

Stocks Mixed In Mixed Trade; ExOne Stumbles

Stocks traded narrowly mixed around halftime Tuesday, as the Dow Jones industrial average fared best with a 0.3% gain. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%, while the Nasdaq dipped 0.1%. Volume was mixed in the stock market today, tracking up from Monday's level for the NYSE, but down for the Nasdaq. New issue ExOne (XONE) pulled back for a second straight day, sliding 5%. The 3D printers maker began trading Thursday on the Nasdaq, soaring 47% during that

Source: Stocks Mixed In Mixed Trade; ExOne Stumbles

Stocks Mostly Up; Yandex, Kors Move In Fast Trade

Stocks opened the session Tuesday with mild losses but then reversed to flat or small gains. The Nasdaq was near the break-even point, while the Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 added 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. Volume was modestly up compared with the same time Monday. Russian Web portal Yandex (YNDX) rose as much as 3% in early trade but then retreated to a modest gain. Volume was heavy. Bloomberg reported Tuesday that venture

Source: Stocks Mostly Up; Yandex, Kors Move In Fast Trade

Stock Futures Little Changed, But Michael Kors Leaps

Stock futures were little changed before Tuesday's opening bell on what is expected to be a light day for economic data. The Nasdaq futures slipped 0.1%, while the S&P 500 was flat and the Dow Jones industrial inched up 0.1%. President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address at 9 p.m. in Washington, but little is expected there that hasn't already been priced into stocks. Before the open, apparel and accessories marketer Michael Kors

Source: Stock Futures Little Changed, But Michael Kors Leaps

Yandex In Buy Range From Breakout

Sector Leaders show that not all buy opportunities are alike. Some are attractive, inviting entries; others seem to involve more risk.  Yandex (YNDX), the dominating name in Russian Internet search engines, rose 0.22 to 24.93 in above-average volume. Yandex broke out of a cup-with-handle base on Jan. 25 and is 4% above the 23.99 buy point. Yet the Dec. 14 week showed a nasty volume surge as the stock fell 7% -- a blemish on the chart. But the stock

Source: Yandex In Buy Range From Breakout

Motorola Makes New High; Progress In LTE Networks

Motorola Solutions (MSI), which has motored in a smooth upward path since its Nov. 1 breakout, rang up a new high Monday as it posted a third straight gain. The stock rose 60 cents to 60.90 in quiet volume. It's now up 17% from a saucer-with-handle buy point of 52.02. The giant in wireless communications technology and equipment announced Monday that it's the first company to successfully finish testing of a public safety-oriented LTE network

Source: Motorola Makes New High; Progress In LTE Networks

Major Averages Cool Off As Volume Takes A Dive

Stocks took a small step back Monday from their six-week advance. The Nasdaq slipped from Friday's 12-year closing high, losing just 0.1%. The S&P 500 also lost 0.1%, as it backed off from a five-year high. The NYSE composite fell 0.2%. All three were off by 0.3% to 0.4% intraday. Small caps, which have outperformed big caps so far this year, also had tiny losses Monday. The Russell 2000 and the S&P 600 lost 0.1% each. Volume cooled off after a

Source: Major Averages Cool Off As Volume Takes A Dive

Best ETF Buys When Interest Rates Rise, Bonds Fall

Rock-bottom interest rates are a blast for borrowers, a sore for savers and an oncoming injury for investors. Yields are historically low and thus have more room to rise than fall. If yields rise, bond prices fall. The market faces "an impending rise in interest rates" as the economy improves and inflation heats up in 2014, says Jason Schenker, president of Austin-based Prestige Economics. He has recommended clients dump fixed-income assets in

Source: Best ETF Buys When Interest Rates Rise, Bonds Fall

BlackRock, eBay Etch Bullish Chart Pattern

It's been more than 10 weeks since the Nov. 23 follow through that confirmed a new market uptrend. That's given many leading stocks plenty of time to run, leaving them well extended from proper buying ranges. But quite a few stocks, including some in the IBD Big Cap 20 lineup, have sketched a follow-on pattern dubbed the three-weeks-tight structure. Since it's a follow-on pattern, the three-weeks-tight is best viewed as an opportunity for adding

Source: BlackRock, eBay Etch Bullish Chart Pattern

SodaStream Volatile After Topping 3-Weeks-Tight Entry

SodaStream International's (SODA) name recognition got a boost after its Super Bowl commercial was initially rejected by CBS. But the publicity so far hasn't done much for the stock. Israel-based SodaStream sells machines and syrups that turn tap water into carbonated sodas. The company touts its machines as environmentally friendly, reducing the use of plastic bottles. But its initial Super Bowl ad was rejected, supposedly for casting fellow

Source: SodaStream Volatile After Topping 3-Weeks-Tight Entry

With Asia Shut, Gold Declines In Thin Dealings

Gold fell to a one-month low Monday, hit by technical selling after prices slid through support at $1,650 an ounce, and as investment appetite for physical metal dropped. Analysts said downward moves were exaggerated due to low liquidity, as China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and other Asian markets were closed this week for Lunar New Year. "Until physical bullion buyers resurface, we see gold as likely to face further near-term pressure,"

Source: With Asia Shut, Gold Declines In Thin Dealings

Treasuries End About Flat; State Of The Union On Deck

Treasuries dipped slightly but remained within recent ranges Monday before new Treasury supply this week and a day ahead of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, which will be watched for any signs of a deal on spending cuts. The Treasury will sell $72 billion in new debt this week, including $32 billion in three-year notes Tuesday, $24 billion in 10-year notes Wednesday and $16 billion in 30-year bonds Thursday. While that new

Source: Treasuries End About Flat; State Of The Union On Deck

Construction Driving Growth For United Rentals, H&E Equipment

A couple of equipment rental stocks are benefiting as a rebound in construction touches on related companies. United Rentals (URI) and H&E Equipment Services (HEES) are two of the highest rated stocks in the Commercial Services-Leasing industry group, which was ranked No. 12 out of 197 in Monday's IBD. Greenwich, Conn.-based United Rentals last month trounced expectations with fourth-quarter earnings of $1.27 a share, up 55% from a year ago. Sales

Source: Construction Driving Growth For United Rentals, H&E Equipment

How To Invest: Bear Market Bases Produce Huge Gains

Sometimes, you can't just look at a stock in a vacuum. You also have to look at what's happening to the market and other stocks. After a big correction or a bear market, investors shouldn't expect to find a lot of good-looking bases. Severe market downturns can make for chart patterns that prudent investors usually wouldn't touch. While most of these bases will be damaged goods, a few can still be the launching pad to big gains. The biggest thing

Source: How To Invest: Bear Market Bases Produce Huge Gains

Stocks Little Changed; Ruger Briefly Dips Below Entry

Stocks pared their losses to end little changed and near multi-year highs Monday. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished flat while the Dow Jones industrial average ended down 0.1%. Volume was lower across the board, according to preliminary figures. Even though the stock market today rebounded from early losses, Novo Nordisk (NVO) didn't fare so well. The Danish drugmaker gapped down and plunged 14% in huge turnover after the FDA requested additional

Source: Stocks Little Changed; Ruger Briefly Dips Below Entry

Stocks Barely Dip; Starz Takes Off

Stocks opened the week with mild declines on lower volume Monday, but the orderly dip kept their recently achieved multiyear highs near at hand. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 0.2%, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq each dipped fractionally. Volume fell on both major exchanges, according to preliminary data. Denmark-based drugmaking giant Novo Nordisk (NVO) gapped down and crashed 14% in monster volume. The FDA requested additional

Source: Stocks Barely Dip; Starz Takes Off

Gold, Silver: What To Expect After Chinese New Year

The Year of the Snake sank its fangs into gold and silver investors, with the precious metals melting to one-month lows as Asian markets closed for Lunar New Year holiday. Traders also sold positions ahead of the G-20 summit later this week when world leaders will discuss currency devaluation. Spot gold prices fell 1.13% to $1,649.40 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), tracking a 10th of an ounce of bullion, gapped down 1% to 159.748 in heavy volume

Source: Gold, Silver: What To Expect After Chinese New Year

Stocks Hold Mild Losses; LinkedIn Hits New High

Stocks stayed mildly in the red at midafternoon Monday, after paring earlier losses. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, while the Dow Jones industrial average and Nasdaq both eased 0.2%. Volume was tracking lower across the board. Even though the stock market today has sharply lifted off its session lows, Novo Nordisk (NVO) hasn't staged much of a rebound. It's still down 14% in huge volume after the FDA requested additional cardiovascular information

Source: Stocks Hold Mild Losses; LinkedIn Hits New High

Waiting For A Pullback But Afraid Of Missing A Rally? Options Can Help

Are you waiting for a pullback to the initial breakout buy point, or are you buying now out of fear of missing a continuing rally? Would you like to get the best of both worlds? An options strategy known as the bullish collar creates an obligation to buy if prices dip and also lets you participate if prices rally. This article will first explain the bullish collar and then review an example using a recently featured stock in IBD.

Source: Waiting For A Pullback But Afraid Of Missing A Rally? Options Can Help

Stocks Narrow To Thin Red Line; Generac Backslides

Losses narrowed near midday as stocks sputtered through a maze of company news. The Dow Jones industrial average, S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were all down 0.1% as trade continued to track below Friday's levels. On the IBD 50 list, Starz Liberty Capital (STRZA) led the advancing issues with an 8% gain, on its announced distribution agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Portable generator maker Generac Holdings (GNRC) dumped 4%, the IBD 50's worst

Source: Stocks Narrow To Thin Red Line; Generac Backslides

Stocks Open Down in Quiet Trade; Starz Liberty Shoots Higher

Stocks opened lower in soft trade Monday against the backdrop of a relatively quiet earnings calendar and no major economic releases. The Dow Jones industrial average and the Nasdaq shaved off 0.3% each. The S&P 500 inched 0.2% into the red. Volume was down 16% on the Nasdaq and slightly lower on the NYSE compared with the same time Friday. The stock market today was generally subdued. ViaSat (VSAT) posted the largest gain on the S&P 500, up just

Source: Stocks Open Down in Quiet Trade; Starz Liberty Shoots Higher

Futures Cut Back Early Advance; Novo Nordisk Tumbles On FDA News

Stock futures whittled away early gains, trading narrowly higher as the dollar gained strength early Monday. Dow futures were up 10 points, less than half of their early gains and were trading just below fair market value. S&P 500 futures held a fractional gain and were also below fair market value. Nasdaq 100 futures were up a narrow, 2.25 points. The stock market today starts with a quiet economic calendar, but this week looks toward a meeting

Source: Futures Cut Back Early Advance; Novo Nordisk Tumbles On FDA News