QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 20, 2016. The company earned $1.04 per share on revenue of $5.54B. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $0.96 with $5.34B in revenue.

QUALCOMM Incorporated develops, designs, manufactures, and markets digital communications products and services in China, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT); Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL); and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI). The QCT segment develops and supplies integrated circuits and system software based on code division multiple access (CDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and other technologies for use in voice and data communications, networking, application processing, multimedia, and global positioning system products. The QTL segment grants licenses or provides rights to use portions of its intellectual property portfolio, which include various patent rights useful in the manufacture and sale of certain wireless products comprising products implementing CDMA2000, WCDMA, CDMA TDD, and/or LTE standards, as well as their derivatives. The QSI segment invests in early-stage companies in various industries, including digital media, e-commerce, healthcare, and wearable devices for supporting the design and introduction of new products and services for voice and data communications, as well as holds wireless spectrum. The company also develops and offers products for implementation of small cells, as well as for data centers; mobile health products and services; software products, and content and push-to-talk enablement services to wireless operators; development, and other services and related products to the United States government agencies and their contractors; and software products that enable wireless learning for educators and students. QUALCOMM Incorporated was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

QUALCOMM Incorporated earnings per share showed a decreasing trend of -26.9% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 464%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 11.33%. It has EPS annual growth over the past 5 fiscal years of 8.7% when sales grew 18.1. It reported -19.5% sales drop, and 23% EPS growth in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $54.92, up 32.5% from 52-week low of $42.24. The stock trades down -19.53% from its peak of $70.05 and 3.64% above the consensus price target of $56.92. Its volume clocked up at 15.09 million shares which is higher than the average volume of 10.1 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $81.19B.

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 15, 2016. The company earned $0.2 per share on revenue of $1.37B. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $0.19 with $1.33B in revenue.

Regions Financial Corporation (RF) on April 15, 2016 announced earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016. The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $257 million, an increase of 18 percent compared to the first quarter of 2015. Earnings per diluted share were $0.20, an increase of $0.04 from the first quarter of 2015.

“These results illustrate that we are successfully executing our strategic plan, which includes reducing expenses so we can invest in new revenue initiatives,” said Chairman, President and CEO Grayson Hall. “We are demonstrating that we can increase revenue while prudently managing expenses, which puts us on track to reach our long-term performance targets.”

During the first quarter of 2016, the company incurred $14 million of property-related expenses primarily related to previously announced branch consolidations as well as occupancy optimization initiatives. The company also incurred $12 million of severance expense, primarily related to efficiency efforts as the company executes its plan to eliminate $300 million in core expenses over the next three years.

The company also recorded additional income in bank-owned life insurance of $14 million in the first quarter related to a claim benefit as well as a gain on exchange of policies. In addition, professional and legal fees benefited from a $7 million settlement recovery, and insurance proceeds of $3 million were recognized related to prior legal matters.

Regions Financial Corporation earnings per share showed a decreasing trend of -2.9% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 93%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 7.73%. It has EPS annual growth over the past 5 fiscal years of 27.3% when sales declined -4.9. It reported 8.7% sales growth, and 22.9% EPS growth in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $9.83, up 41.48% from 52-week low of $7. The stock trades down -7.74% from its peak of $10.87 and 0.92% above the consensus price target of $9.92. Its volume clocked up at 24.98 million shares which is higher than the average volume of 19.7 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $12.50B.

Analysts are weighing in on how Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED), might perform in the near term. Wall Street analysts have a unfavorable assessment of the stock, with a mean rating of 3.4. The stock is rated as buy by 0 analysts, with 0 outperform and 11 hold rating. The rating score is on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strong buy and 5 stands for strong sell.

For the current quarter, the 8.00 analysts offering adjusted EPS forecast have a consensus estimate of $0.72 a share, which would compare with $0.77 in the same quarter last year. They have a high estimate of $0.80 and a low estimate of $0.61. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $2.79B from $2.79B the year-ago period.

For the full year, 18.00 Wall Street analysts forecast this company would deliver earnings of 3.99 per share, with a high estimate of $4.12 and a low estimate of $3.90. It had reported earnings per share of $4.08 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $12.46B versus 12.55B in the preceding year.

The analysts project the company to maintain annual growth of around 1.89% percent over the next five years as compared to an average growth rate of 6.71% percent expected for its competitors in the same industry.

Among the 13 analysts Data provided by Thomson/First Call tracks, the 12-month average price target for ED is $69.65 but some analysts are projecting the price to go as high as $79.00. If the optimistic analysts are correct, that represents a 3 percent upside potential from the recent closing price of $76.54. Some sell-side analysts, particularly the bearish ones, have called for $64.00 price targets on shares of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED).

In the last reported results, the company reported earnings of $0.77 per share, while analysts were calling for share earnings of $0.63. It was an earnings surprise of 22.20%percent. In the matter of earnings surprises, the term Cockroach Effect is often implied. Cockroach Effect is a market theory that suggests that when a company reveals bad news to the public, there may be many more related negative events that have yet to be revealed. In the case of earnings surprises, if a company is suggesting a negative earnings surprise it means there are more to come.

Consolidated Edison, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.4 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of Queens and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,700 customers in parts of Manhattan. The company owns 62 area distribution substations and various distribution facilities; 39 transmission substations and 62 area stations; electric generation facilities with an aggregate capacity of 724 megawatts that run on gas and fuel oil; 4,348 miles of mains and 369,791 service lines for natural gas distribution; and 1 steam-electric generating station and 5 steam-only generating stations. It also supplies electricity to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York, and in adjacent areas of northern New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania; and gas to approximately 0.1 million customers in southeastern New York and adjacent areas of northeastern Pennsylvania. The company operates 572 circuit miles of transmission lines; 14 transmission substations; 86,794 in-service line transformers; 3,994 pole miles of overhead distribution lines; and 1,889 miles of underground distribution lines, as well as 1,867 miles of mains and 105,482 service lines for natural gas distribution. In addition, it is involved in the sale and related hedging of electricity to retail customers; and provision of energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers. Further, the company develops, owns, and operates renewable and energy infrastructure projects, as well as invests in transmission companies. It primarily sells electricity to industrial, commercial, residential, and governmental customers. Consolidated Edison, Inc. was founded in 1884 and is based in New York, New York.

Ashford Hospitality Prime Inc (NYSE:AHP) received a stock rating upgrade from Robert W. Baird on Mar-29-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Neutral rating and hiked the target price on the stock from $10 to $11. The analysts previously had an Underperform rating on the stock.

Analysts have a consensus target price of $12.00 in the 12-month period. The price objective is 4.62% higher than the recent closing price of $11.47. The 52-week price range is $8.37-$17.02 and the company has a market capitalization of $326.67 billion. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Hold rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 5 has assigned a hold rating, 0 says it’s a buy, and 1 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

On March 28, 2016 Sessa Capital, owner of 8.2% of the outstanding common shares of Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (AHP) continues to fight for the right of all Ashford Prime shareholders to have a fair election at the upcoming Company annual meeting, which the Company’s lawyers claim will be held the week of June 6, 2016. Sessa announced that it has filed a motion to dismiss Ashford, Inc.’s (“Ashford”) lawsuit filed against Sessa on March 22, 2016 in the District Court of Dallas County, Texas. Sessa filed this motion under two Texas rules, including the Texas Citizens Participation Act, Texas’ anti-SLAPP law that allows expedited dismissal of retaliatory lawsuits intended to intimidate and silence parties from speaking out on matters of public concern.

Ashford’s lawsuit is the third lawsuit against Sessa in the past five weeks, each filed by an entity controlled by Ashford group Chairman Monty Bennett. Sessa believes the latest lawsuit, which makes a series of laughable accusations, is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself and its nominees. Ashford and Ashford Prime, where Monty Bennett serves as CEO and Chairman of each, have formed what Sessa believes is a group to pursue a litigation strategy with the goal of entrenching Ashford Prime’s incumbent directors. Sessa will not be intimidated by the collective actions of the Ashford group to prevent Sessa from asserting its rights to participate in a fair election.

John Petry, Sessa’s Founder and Managing Partner, stated, “It was apparently not enough for Ashford Prime’s Chairman, Monty Bennett, to use the shareholder resources of one public company in what we believe is an attempt to thwart shareholder democracy. Now, he is using a second public company in his campaign to cling to power and evade scrutiny. We will continue to fight these meritless claims.”

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ASML Holding NV (ADR) (NASDAQ:ASML) received a stock rating downgrade from Exane BNP Paribas on Mar-31-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued an Underperform rating. The analysts previously had a Neutral rating on the stock.

Analysts have a consensus target price of $104.56 in the 12-month period. The price objective is 4.15% higher than the recent closing price of $100.39. The 52-week price range is $77.17-$114.14 and the company has a market capitalization of $43.37 billion. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Strong Buy rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. Zero analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 3 has assigned a hold rating, Zero says it’s a buy, and 5 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

ASML Holding NV (ADR) (ASML) on February 22, 2016 announced a partnership with Nippon Control System Corporation (NCS) to integrate their products from optical proximity correction (OPC) to mask data preparation (MDP) on a common platform, delivering improvements in mask tape-out productivity and patterning performance in wafer fabrication. Semiconductor manufacturers will now be able to deploy ASML`s computational lithography products and NCS` MDP products into a seamless process flow for a faster and more accurate design to mask (D2M) solution.

The collaboration addresses the challenges customers are facing in mask tape-out and wafer patterning driven by growing mask complexity with shrinking process nodes in both multiple patterning and EUV applications. Specific integration examples and benefits include:

• A complete MDP flow to identify and improve mask accuracy required for pattern fidelity, critical dimension uniformity (CDU) and overlay performance;


• A seamless processing and handling of large volumes of data between OPC and MDP operations to reduce cycle time and optimize productivity, while maximizing utilization of available computing resources.

“By connecting ASML`s OPC and NCS` MDP in an integrated tape-out flow, we have efficiently utilized computing clusters and greatly reduced our design to mask cycle time,” said Laurent Tuo, Fellow and Technical Director at TSMC. “Such connectivity also enables mask process enhancements based on OPC output to deliver better imaging performance and more robust process window.”

An integrated OPC and MDP solution is of greater importance for EUV lithography. “Mask proximity effects are stronger with electron back scattering from the multi-layer mask stack composed of heavy metal elements,” said Nobuyasu Horiuchi, President of NCS. “An integrated EUV MDP solution flow will help accurately model and correctly handle mask making and wafer imaging processes that impact CDU in EUV lithography.”

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Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. SVP Finance, CFO, MOYLAN JAMES E JR sold 1,000 shares for $17.86 via one transaction Feb 10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 441,810 shares in total, priced at $8522514.9 as of Tuesday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Feb 04. MOYLAN JAMES E JR acquired 1,000 shares at an average price of $19.00 for a total of $288,514. Moreover, Rothenstein David M carried out a sale of 1,500 shares at $19.00 each on Feb 04. The transaction amounted to $288,514. Sr VP Chief Technology Officer ALEXANDER STEPHEN B sold 3,500 shares for $17.86 through one transaction Jan 15. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 166,535 shares, priced at $3212460.15 as of Tuesday.

The stock has experienced a total of 28 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 20 sell activities and 8 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 144 times by insiders. In 126 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 18 instances.

On February 16, 2016 Ciena Corporation (CIEN) announce results for its fiscal first quarter ended January 31, 2016 on Thursday, March 3, 2016 before the open of the financial markets. The press release also will be available on Ciena’s website at www.ciena.com.

In conjunction with the announcement, Ciena’s management will host a live audio web broadcast beginning at 8:30 AM (Eastern) on March 3, 2016 accessible via www.ciena.com.

Rebroadcast Information

For those listeners unable to participate in the live web broadcast, an archived version of the conference call will be available shortly following the conclusion of the live call in the Investor Relations/Events section of Ciena’s website at www.ciena.com.

Ciena Corporation (Ciena) is a provider of communications networking equipment, software and services that support the transport, switching, aggregation and management of voice, video and data traffic. The Company operates in four segments: converged packet optical, packet networking, optical transport, and software and services. Its service provider customers include regional, national and international, wire line and wireless carriers.

PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 21, 2016. The company earned $1.31 per share on revenue of $3.67B. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $1.3 with $3.67B in revenue.

PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes coatings, specialty materials, and glass products. It operates in three segments: Performance Coatings, Industrial Coatings, and Glass. The Performance Coatings segment provides coatings products for automotive and commercial transport/fleet repair and refurbishing; light industrial and specialty coatings for signs; coatings, sealants, and transparencies for commercial, military, regional jet and general aviation aircraft, and transparent armor for specialty applications; and chemical management services. This segment also offers protective and marine coatings and finishes for the protection of metals and structures to metal fabricators and heavy duty maintenance contractors, as well as to the manufacturers of ships, bridges, and rail cars; architectural coatings used by painting and maintenance contractors, and consumers for decoration and maintenance of residential and commercial building structures; and purchased sundries to painting contractors and consumers.

PPG Industries, Inc. earnings per share showed an increasing trend of 30.5% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 699%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 9.84%. It has EPS annual growth over the past 5 fiscal years of 17.2% when sales grew 2.7. It reported 0.3% sales growth, and 10.6% EPS growth in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $107.68, up 31.29% from 52-week low of $82.93. The stock trades down -7.96% from its peak of $118.69 and 15.16% above the consensus price target of $124. Its volume clocked up at 1.81 million shares which is higher than the average volume of 1.35 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $28.89B.

Flextronics International Ltd (NASDAQ:FLEX) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. Chief Executive Officer, MCNAMARA MICHAEL M sold 250,000 shares for $2,529,525 via one transaction Feb 10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 2,934,091 shares in total, priced at $30837296.41 as of Tuesday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Feb 03. MCNAMARA MICHAEL M sold 250,000 shares at an average price of $10.00 for a total of $2,498,975. Moreover, GLENVIEW CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L, 10% Owner carried out a sale of 272,500 shares at $10.21 each on Feb 02. The transaction amounted to $2,783,315. Director, WATKINS WILLIAM D sold 30,000 shares for $330,153 through one transaction Dec 09. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 54,629 shares, priced at $574150.79 as of Tuesday.

The stock has experienced a total of 8 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 5 sell activities and 3 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 111 times by insiders. In 77 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in thirty four instances.

On February 3, 2016, Enable Injections Inc., has entered into a product development and manufacturing partnership with Flextronics International Ltd (FLEX), the global sketch-to-scale solutions company that designs and builds intelligent products for a connected world.

As part of the deal, Enable Injections and Flex will collaborate on the design, development and production of customized wearable injector systems for pharmaceutical company products and clinical trials.

In Separate news, on January 28, 2016, Flextronics International Ltd (FLEX) announced results for its third quarter ended December 31, 2015.

Flex’s net sales for the third quarter ended December 31, 2015 were approximately $6.8 billion, at the high end of its previously provided revenue guidance range of $6.2 billion to $6.8 billion. The Company’s adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.35 was above the Company’s previously provided guidance range of $0.28 to $0.34 and represents the all – time highest quarterly adjusted EPS for the Company.

Third quarter adjusted operating income increased 20% sequentially, and 14% year-over-year, to $236 million and was above the guidance range of $195 to $235 million. Adjusted operating margin expanded 40 basis points sequentially, and 60 basis points year-over-year, to 3.5%.

Flextronics International Ltd. (FLEX) is a leading sketch-to-scale™ solutions company that designs and builds intelligent products for a connected world. With approximately 200,000 professionals across 30 countries and a promise to help the world Live smarter™, the company provides innovative design, engineering, manufacturing, real-time supply chain insight and logistics services to companies of all sizes in various industries and end-markets.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. (NYSE:SKT) received a stock rating downgrade from Citigroup on Apr-04-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Neutral rating. The analysts previously had a Buy rating on the stock.

The 52-week price range is $ 29.46 – 36.79 and the company has a market capitalization of $ 3.46B. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Hold rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. 1 analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 4 has assigned a hold rating, zero says it’s a buy, and 1 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. (SKT) announced on March 17, 2016 that its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 will be released Tuesday evening, April 26, 2016 after the market close.  The company will host its conference call for analysts, investors and other interested parties on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

To access the conference call on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, listeners should dial 1-877-277-5113, conference ID # 7901236.

Alternatively, a live audio webcast of this call will be available to the public on Tanger’s Investor Relations website investors.tangeroutlet.com, hosted by SNL IR Solutions.  SNL subscribers may also access the webcast via the SNL database at www.snl.com.

A telephone replay of the call will be available from April 27, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time through 11:59 p.m on May 11, 2016 by dialing 1-855-859-2056, conference ID # 7901236.  An online archive of the webcast will also be available through May 11, 2016.

Inanother news Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. (SKT) on March 16, 2016 announced plans for a new Tanger Outlet Center serving the greater Fort Worth/Denton and adjacent metro areas.  The new center will be a signature retail component of Fine Line Diversified Development’s Champions Circle, a 279-acre commercial mixed-use real estate development adjacent to the Texas Motor Speedway.  When complete, this new retail destination is expected to contain approximately 350,000- square-feet of retail space and feature over 70 upscale brand name and designer outlet retailers.

Tanger has attracted and signed leases with top name brand retailers including Nike, Levi’s, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, Express, Skechers, Carter’s and Oshkosh.   In addition, Tanger is presently negotiating leases with numerous other leading designer/retailers seeking to secure space in this dynamic location.

“With a proven track record for developing best in class outlet centers and long standing retailer partnerships, Tanger Outlets is the company to get this project done and executed at a superior level of quality.  They create lifestyle destination centers that not only provide a first-class retail experience, but also celebrate the culture of the communities in which they operate.  Tanger is the ideal partner to make the vision for Champions Circle everything we had hoped. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them on a world class project at this premier intersection,” said Bill Boecker, President and CEO of Fine Line Diversified Development.

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PACCAR Inc (NASDAQ:PCAR) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. Executive Chairman, PIGOTT MARK C sold 73,671 shares for $ 3,848,028 via one transaction Nov 09. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 2,886,445 shares in total, priced at $ 148247815.2 as of Tuesday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Nov 06. PIGOTT MARK C sold 73,672 shares at an average price of $ 53.82 for a total of $ 3,964,865. Moreover, ANDERSON DAVID C carried out a sale of 100 shares at $ 50.25 each on Feb 10. The transaction amounted to $ 5,025. Vice President Davila Marco A. bought 645 shares for $ 34,540 through one transaction Nov 03. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 4,914 shares, priced at $ 252383.04as of Tuesday.

The stock has experienced a total of 47 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 1 sell activities and 46 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 105 times by insiders. In 21 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 84 instances.

PACCAR Inc (PCAR) on January 29, 2016 reported record annual revenues of $19.12 billion and record net income of $1.60 billion, an 8.4% after-tax return on revenues, for 2015. PACCAR achieved its 77th consecutive year of net income,” said Ron Armstrong, chief executive officer. “PACCAR’s financial results reflect the company’s premium-quality products and services and increased North American and European truck deliveries, complemented by excellent aftermarket parts and PACCAR Financial Services results. We are pleased to achieve record annual revenues and record net income in our milestone 110th year. I am very proud of our 23,000 employees who have delivered outstanding performance to our shareholders and customers.”

PACCAR’s North American and European customers are benefiting from good economic growth, strong freight tonnage, lower fuel prices and the superior operating efficiency of Kenworth’s, Peterbilt’s and DAF’s industry-leading trucks. U.S. and Canada Class 8 truck industry retail sales in 2015 of 278,000 vehicles were the highest since 2006. Europe above 16-tonne registrations in 2015 of 269,000 vehicles were the highest since 2008.

PACCAR’s excellent profits and strong cash flow have enabled the company to invest in future growth in its core markets while expanding its presence in emerging markets. “PACCAR is well-positioned for long-term growth with investments in new state-of-the-art DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles, innovative PACCAR engines, geographic expansion, aftermarket parts and service capabilities, factory enhancements, and truck technologies that increase fuel-efficiency and reliability,” added Armstrong. “Stockholders’ equity was a year-end record $6.94 billion at December 31, 2015.”

 

J M Smucker Co (NYSE:SJM) received a stock rating downgrade from Goldman on Apr-04-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Sell rating. The analysts previously had a Neutral rating on the stock.

Analysts have a consensus target price of $ 134.91 in the 12-month period. The price objective is 5.75% higher than the recent closing price of $ 127.57. The 52-week price range is $ 103.01 – 132.64 and the company has a market capitalization of $ 14.96B. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Buy rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. zero analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 9 has assigned a hold rating, zero says it’s a buy, and 4 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

J M Smucker Co (SJM) on March 8, 2016 announced a series of key executive promotions following the recently announced executive leadership transitions designed to position the Company for continued growth and success.

The Company’s Board of Directors approved the following changes effective May 1, 2016:

• Jeannette L. Knudsen will assume the role of Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Knudsen currently serves as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Ms. Knudsen has been with the Company for 13 years.


• David J. Lemmon will assume the role of President, Canada and International. Mr. Lemmon is currently Vice President and Managing Director, Canada and International. Mr. Lemmon has been with the Company for 21 years.


• Jill R. Penrose will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications. Ms. Penrose is currently Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications. Ms. Penrose has been with the Company for 11 years.


• Geoff E. Tanner will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Growth and Innovation. Mr. Tanner is currently Vice President, Growth and Innovation. Mr. Tanner has been with the Company since the 2015 acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands where he held leadership roles for 11 years with Big Heart and Del Monte Foods, Inc.

The above executive leadership team members will report directly to Mark Smucker, newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2016. Also reporting to Mr. Smucker at that date will be Mark Belgya, Vice Chair and Chief Financial Officer; Steven Oakland, Vice Chair and President, U.S. Food and Beverage; Barry Dunaway, President, Pet Food and Pet Snacks; and Denny Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Logistics and Operations Support.

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Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. Director, MEHRA SANJEEV K bought 328shares for $10,572 via one transaction Feb 04. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 1,436,590 shares in total, priced at $43528677 as of Friday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Feb 04. MEHRA SANJEEV K Sold 328 shares at an average price of $32.23 for a total of $10,572. Moreover, MCKEE LYNN carried out a sale of 60,000 shares at $32.33 each on Dec 18. The transaction amounted to $1,939,998. EVP, Human Resources MCKEE LYNN sold 15,000 shares for $486,935 through one transaction Dec 17. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 355,199 shares, priced at $10762529.7 as of Friday.

The stock has experienced a total of 53 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 19 sell activities and 34 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 158 times by insiders. In 59 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 99 instances.

Aramark (ARMK) On February 10, 2016 announced that it reported first quarter fiscal results.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• GAAP sales of $3.7 billion, up 3% on an organic basis;


• Adjusted operating income of $262 million, an increase of 7%1. GAAP operating income of $214 million;


• Adjusted earnings per share of $0.50, an increase of 9%1. GAAP EPS of $0.38;


• Adjusted operating income margin increased to 7.1%, a 30 basis point improvement1. GAAP operating income margin of 5.8%.


• Full year adjusted EPS expectations unchanged, $1.65 to $1.75.

Aramark provides food, facilities, and uniform services to education, healthcare, business and industry, sports, leisure, and corrections clients in North America and internationally. The company’s managed services include dining, catering, food service management, convenience-oriented retail operations, grounds and facilities maintenance, custodial, energy and construction management, and capital project management. It also provides non-clinical support services, such as patient food and nutrition, and retail food services; and facilities services comprising clinical equipment maintenance, environmental, laundry and linen distribution, plant operations, strategic/technical, energy and supply chain management, purchasing, and central transportation. In addition, the company offers on-site restaurants, catering, convenience stores, and executive dining services; coffee and vending services; and facility management services comprising housekeeping, plant operations and maintenance, energy management, laundry and linen, grounds keeping, landscaping, transportation, capital program management and commissioning, and other facility consulting services. Further, it provides facility and business support services for mining and oil operations; and concessions, banquet and catering, retail and merchandise sales, recreational and lodging, and facility management services for sports, entertainment, and recreational facilities.

 

Analysts are weighing in on how Welltower Inc (NYSE:HCN), might perform in the near term. Wall Street analysts have a much less favorable assessment of the stock, with a mean rating of 2.6. The stock is rated as buy by 3 analysts, with 3 outperform and 14 hold rating. The rating score is on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strong buy and 5 stands for strong sell.

For the full year, 18.00 Wall Street analysts forecast this company would deliver earnings of 4.57 per share, with a high estimate of $4.61 and a low estimate of $4.52. It had reported earnings per share of $4.38 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $4.20B versus 3.86B in the preceding year.

The analysts project the company to maintain annual growth of around 4.07% percent over the next five years as compared to an average growth rate of 15.73% percent expected for its competitors in the same industry.

Among the 17 analysts Data provided by Thomson/First Call tracks, the 12-month average price target for HCN is $70.53 but some analysts are projecting the price to go as high as $83.00. If the optimistic analysts are correct, that represents a 15 percent upside potential from the recent closing price of $72.15. Some sell-side analysts, particularly the bearish ones, have called for $60.00 price targets on shares of Welltower Inc (NYSE:HCN).

In the last reported results, the company reported earnings of $1.09 per share, while analysts were calling for share earnings of $1.08. It was an earnings surprise of 0.90%percent. In the matter of earnings surprises, the term Cockroach Effect is often implied. Cockroach Effect is a market theory that suggests that when a company reveals bad news to the public, there may be many more related negative events that have yet to be revealed. In the case of earnings surprises, if a company is suggesting a negative earnings surprise it means there are more to come.

Welltower Inc. is an independent equity real estate investment trust. The firm engages in acquiring, planning, developing, managing, repositioning and monetizing of real estate assets. It primarily invests in the real estate markets of the United States. The firm primarily invests in senior living and health care properties. It invests across the full spectrum of health care real estate, including senior living communities, medical office buildings, inpatient and outpatient medical centers and life science facilities. The firm conducts in-house research to make its investments. It was formerly known as Health Care REIT, Inc. Welltower Inc. was founded in 1970 and is based in Toledo, Ohio with additional offices in Brentwood, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas.

Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE:BBG) received a stock rating downgrade from Canaccord Genuity on Mar-30-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Hold rating and the target price on the stock of $6. The analysts previously had a Buy rating on the stock.

The 52-week price range is $2.19-$11.72 and the company has a market capitalization of $291.18 billion. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Buy rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 7 has assigned a hold rating, 0 says it’s a buy, and 6 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

Bill Barrett Corporation (BBG) on March 1, 2016 reported fourth quarter and year-end 2015 results and provides 2016 operating guidance, including these highlights:

• 2015 production sales volumes of 6.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”), exceeded high-end of guidance and was 16% above the mid-point of original guidance


• Denver-Julesburg (“DJ”) Basin production for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased 55% year-over-year


• 2015 lease operating expense (“LOE”) of $43 million, 7% below the mid-point of guidance and 10% below the mid-point of original guidance


• Fourth quarter LOE of $4.70 per Boe, represents a 17% sequential decrease


• 2015 capital expenditures of $287 million, 10% below the mid-point of guidance


• Exhibited cost discipline as current extended reach lateral (“XRL”) well costs of $4.75 million are approximately 42% lower compared to wells drilled in the fourth quarter of 2014


• Entered 2016 with $129 million of cash and an undrawn credit facility of $375 million


• 2016 operating plan has projected capital expenditures of $100-$150 million, approximately 55% below 2015 levels, with total production of 5.8-6.2 MMBoe

Chief Executive Officer and President Scot Woodall commented, “This past year presented numerous challenges for the energy sector as oil prices fell to levels not witnessed in over a decade. We responded to these challenges and successfully executed on our operational objectives by focusing on the items within our control. We have taken a number of proactive steps to reset our operating cost and G&A structure and will realize tangible benefits during 2016, as evidenced by our cost guidance. Our priority for this year is to protect our balance sheet as we entered 2016 with a financial position consisting of $129 million of cash, an undrawn credit facility, and a strong 2016 hedge position.”

Mr. Woodall continued, “In response to current commodity prices, we have set our 2016 capital budget at $100-$150 million. This level of spending allows us to sustain production at levels similar to 2015, pro forma for asset divestitures completed during 2015, while spending approximately 55% less capital than 2015 at the mid-point. Based on the uncertainty of an oil price recovery during 2016, we are making the decision to curtail drilling activity to preserve capital and will monitor industry conditions to determine the appropriate time to resume drilling. Accordingly, we recently released the sole rig we were operating.  Although this results in the deferral of production during the second half of the year, we believe it is the appropriate action to take in this commodity price environment as it allows us to retain operational and financial flexibility.”

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FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ:FORM) received a stock rating downgrade from Stifel on Mar-30-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Hold rating. The analysts previously had a Buy rating on the stock.

Analysts have a consensus target price of $11.68 in the 12-month period. The price objective is 60.44% higher than the recent closing price of $7.28. The 52-week price range is $5.73-$9.66 and the company has a market capitalization of $428.94 billion. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Strong Buy rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. Zero analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, Zero has assigned a hold rating, 1 says it’s a buy, and 3 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

FormFactor, Inc. (FORM) on March 29, 2016 announced that its first-quarter 2016 results will be below prior guidance. The company expects revenue of between $53 million to $54 million, non-GAAP gross margin of 22% to 24%, and non-GAAP loss per share of $0.10 to $0.12.

This revision is the result of two timing-related factors. First and primarily, to meet a doubling in demand for SoC probe cards by a key customer, the company increased capacity, although at a rate slower than originally planned. The company holds record backlog for this product line, and expects to continue to produce at record levels through the remainder of 2016. Second, the company experienced push-outs of DRAM probe card deliveries by certain customers from the first quarter to the early part of the second quarter. This SoC and DRAM demand is secured by firm customer purchase orders.

In addition, the company provided preliminary second quarter revenue guidance of $72 million to $80 million.

“With the strong demand acceleration for the company’s SoC probe cards, and the gradual increase in DRAM new-design activity, we remain confident that we will grow annual revenues for the fourth consecutive year,” commented Mike Slessor, FormFactor’s Chief Executive Officer.

FormFactor, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and supports semiconductor probe card products worldwide. Its probe cards are used to perform wafer test, which is the testing of the semiconductor die or chips on the semiconductor wafer. The company’s probe cards are used to test DRAM chips, including LPDDR2, LPDDR3, LPDDR4, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, SDRAM, PSRAM, and graphic DRAM; NOR, PCM, and NAND flash memory chips; and system-on-chip (SoC) devices, such as microprocessors, mobile application processors, microcontrollers, graphic processors, RF, analog and mixed-signal devices, and chipsets. It markets and sells its products through direct sales force and distributors to semiconductor chip manufacturers in the DRAM, flash, and SoC markets. FormFactor, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Livermore, California.

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KeyCorp. (NYSE:KEY) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 21, 2016. The company earned $0.22 per share on revenue of $1.04B. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $0.25 with $1.04B in revenue.

CLEVELAND, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — KeyCorp (KEY) announced first quarter net income from continuing operations attributable to Key common shareholders of $182 million, or $.22 per common share, compared to $224 million, or $.27 per common share, for the fourth quarter of 2015, and $222 million, or $.26 per common share, for the first quarter of 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, Key incurred merger-related expense totaling $24 million, or $.02 per common share, compared to $6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Excluding merger-related expense, earnings per common share were $.24 for the first quarter of 2016.

“While the operating environment remains challenging, our results reflect continued momentum in our core businesses and progress on our strategic initiatives,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Beth Mooney. “Excluding merger-related expense, we generated positive operating leverage relative to the same period last year, driven by a 3% increase in revenue and well-controlled expenses. Net interest income was up 6% from last year, benefiting from growth in average loans of 5%.  Noninterest income reflects positive trends in several of our core fee-based businesses where we have continued to make investments, such as consumer and commercial payments. Our market sensitive businesses were impacted this quarter by the industry-wide slowdown in capital markets activity.  Expenses also reflect the lower level of market-related activity and our ongoing efforts to improve efficiency.”

KeyCorp. earnings per share showed an increasing trend of 1.2% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 132%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 11.05%. It has EPS annual growth over the past 5 fiscal years of 17.6% when sales declined -5.1. It reported 7.4% sales growth, and -15.9% EPS decline in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $12.82, up 31.54% from 52-week low of $9.88. The stock trades down -16.3% from its peak of $15.7 and 10.76% above the consensus price target of $14.2. Its volume clocked up at 13.96 million shares which is higher than the average volume of 12.78 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $10.85B.

NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI) received a stock rating downgrade from JP Morgan on Mar-29-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Neutral rating and also issued the target price on the stock of $24. The analysts previously had an Overweight rating on the stock.

The 52-week price range is $ 15.80 – 23.42 and the company has a market capitalization of $ 7.41Bbillion. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Buy rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. zero analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 5 has assigned a hold rating, zero says it’s a buy, and 4 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

NiSource Inc. (NI) on March 24, 2016 announced that on March 22, 2016 its Board of Directors elected Wayne S. DeVeydt to the Board.

DeVeydt currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Indiana-based Anthem, Inc., a position he’s held since 2007. Prior to his role as Anthem’s CFO, he served as senior vice president and chief accounting officer at Anthem and before that was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

“Wayne brings a strong complement of financial and leadership acumen to our already-experienced Board of Directors,” said NiSource Board Chairman Richard L. Thompson. “Wayne’s experience in a regulated industry, including significant experience in capital markets, corporate governance, risk management and strategic planning will be a great asset as NiSource executes on its robust long-term utility investment programs that continue to deliver enhanced value for customers and shareholders.”

DeVeydt is a board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Cancer Support Community, Central Indiana. He is also a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Board of Governors. He previously served as a board member for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

DeVeydt received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri in St. Louis.

As part of NiSource’s commitment to contemporary governance practices, shareholders elect members of the NiSource Board of Directors for one-year terms at the company’s annual shareholders meeting. All current directors, including DeVeydt, will be up for re-election at this year’s NiSource annual shareholders meeting.

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Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 20, 2016. The company earned $1.18 per share on revenue of $1.31B. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $1.1 with $1.32B in revenue.

Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) announced financial results for the quarter ended March 27, 2016 (the “March 2016 quarter”).

Highlights for the March 2016 quarter were as follows:

• Shipments of $1,446 million and revenue of $1,314 million.


• GAAP gross margin of 43.5%, GAAP operating margin of 14.5%, and GAAP diluted EPS of $0.82.


• Non-GAAP gross margin of 45.1%, non-GAAP operating margin of 18.4%, and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.18.

U.S. GAAP Financial Results

For the March 2016 quarter, revenue was $1,314 million, gross margin was $571 million, or 43.5% of revenue, operating expenses were $381 million, operating margin was 14.5% of revenue, and net income was $143 million, or $0.82 per diluted share on a GAAP basis. This compares to revenue of $1,426 million, gross margin of $627 million, or 43.9% of revenue, operating expenses of $388 million, operating margin of 16.8% of revenue, and net income of $223 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 27, 2015 (the “December 2015 quarter”).

Non-GAAP Financial Results

For the March 2016 quarter, non-GAAP gross margin was $593 million or 45.1% of revenue, non-GAAP operating expenses were $350 million, non-GAAP operating margin was 18.4% of revenue, and non-GAAP net income was $203 million, or $1.18 per diluted share. This compares to non-GAAP gross margin of $648 million or 45.5% of revenue, non-GAAP operating expenses of $352 million, non-GAAP operating margin of 20.8% of revenue, and non-GAAP net income of $270 million, or $1.57 per diluted share for the December 2015 quarter.

Lam Research Corporation earnings per share showed an increasing trend of 2.2% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 687%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 13.03%. It has EPS annual growth over the past 5 fiscal years of 6.5% when sales grew 19.8. It reported -5.7% sales drop, and -29.2% EPS decline in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $82.81, up 36.39% from 52-week low of $61.2. The stock trades down -1.22% from its peak of $84.39 and 14.47% above the consensus price target of $94.79. Its volume clocked up at 2.57 million shares which is lower than the average volume of 2.64 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $13.24B.

Lennox International, Inc. (NYSE:LII) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 18, 2016. The company earned $0.6 per share on revenue of $715.2M. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $0.55 with $723.61M in revenue.

Lennox International, Inc. (LII) on April 18, 2016 reported financial results for the first quarter of 2016.

Revenue for the first quarter was $715 million, up 4% from the prior-year quarter including the negative impact from foreign exchange. At constant currency, revenue was up 6%. Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations were a first-quarter record $0.60, up 62% from the prior-year quarter. On a GAAP basis, earnings per share from continuing operations were a first-quarter record $0.56, up 81% from the prior-year quarter.

“Lennox International realized strong revenue growth and margin expansion across all three of our businesses in the first quarter,” said Chairman and CEO Todd Bluedorn. “For the company overall, total segment profit rose 50% from the prior-year quarter to a new first-quarter high, and profit margin expanded 200 basis points to a first-quarter record of 6.5%. In our Residential business, segment profit was up 23% on 5% revenue growth at constant currency. Residential margin rose 160 basis points to a first-quarter record of 10.2%. In our Commercial business, segment profit rose 84% to a new first-quarter high. Commercial revenue was up 8% at constant currency, and segment margin expanded 350 basis points to a new first-quarter high of 8.3%. In Refrigeration, revenue was up 6% at constant currency, led by double-digit growth in North America. Refrigeration profit rose 125% as segment margin expanded 300 basis points to 5.4%.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue: Revenue for the first quarter was $715 million, up 4% from the prior-year quarter. At constant currency, revenue was up 6%. Volume was up, and price/mix was flat on a revenue basis from the prior-year quarter.

Gross Profit: Gross profit in the first quarter was $184 million, up 13% from $163 million in the prior-year quarter. Gross margin was 25.7%, up 190 basis points from 23.8% in the prior-year quarter. Gross profit was positively impacted by higher volume, lower material costs, and higher productivity, with partial offsets from negative price/mix and unfavorable foreign exchange.

Income from Continuing Operations: Adjusted income from continuing operations in the first quarter was $27.0 million, or $0.60 per share, compared to $16.8 million, or $0.37 per share, in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2016 excludes $2.1 million in after-tax charges: $1.2 million for special legal contingency charges and $0.9 million, net, for other items.

On a GAAP basis, income from continuing operations for the first quarter was $24.9 million, or $0.56 per share, compared to $14.0 million, or $0.31 per share, in the prior-year quarter.

Lennox International, Inc. earnings per share showed a decreasing trend of -4.1% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 753%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 17.64%. It has EPS annual growth over the past 5 fiscal years of 15.6% when sales grew 6. It reported 4.3% sales growth, and 81% EPS growth in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $137.35, up 30.36% from 52-week low of $105.65. The stock trades down -4.08% from its peak of $143.19 and 5.04% above the consensus price target of $144.27. Its volume clocked up at 0.51 million shares which is higher than the average volume of 0.39 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $5.97B.

American Capital Agency Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. SVP and Chief Accounting Off., Bell Bernice sold 10 shares for $177 via one transaction Feb 16. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 24,943 shares in total, priced at $ 448974 as of Thursday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Feb 02. Bell Bernice sold 2,385 shares at an average price of $16.96 for a total of $ 40,450. Senior VP, Kuehl Christopher sold 17 shares for $3.25 via one transaction Sep 04. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 315,966 shares in total, priced at $ 5687388 as of Thursday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Sep 01. Kuehl Christopher sold 1,567 shares at an average price of $19.06 for a total of $ 29,867.

The stock has experienced a total of 3 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 2 sell activities and 1 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 26 times by insiders. In 17 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 9 instances.

On February 11, 2016, American Capital Agency Corp.(AGNC) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share of common stock for February 2016.  The dividend is payable on March 8, 2016 to common stockholders of record as of February 29, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of February 25, 2016.

The Company also announced its estimated net book value of $22.40 per share of common stock as of January 31, 2016.  The estimated net book value per common share is the Company’s total estimated stockholders’ equity after deducting the Company’s common stock dividend declared on January 14, 2016, which was paid on February 8, 2016, less the preferred stock liquidation preference, divided by the number of common shares outstanding as of month end.  The estimated net book value is unaudited and has not been verified or reviewed by any third party.  The Company’s current net book value may also be materially different from its estimated net book value as of January 31, 2016.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise its estimated net book value.

Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. VP-Corp. Controller, HUNT MARSHA L sold 300 shares for $95.36 via one transaction Feb 11. Another notable insider trading was done by Di Leo Allen Bruno V on Nov 16, who is the Director. The insider acquired 1,500 shares at an average price of $99.52. Moreover, an insider selling of 1,958 shares was carried out by Talaulicar Anant, VP & President – Components, on May 22. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 16,895 shares in total. ROSE MARYA M ROSE MARYA M sold 4,500 shares for $143.21 through one transaction May 14. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 15,544 shares, priced at $1541809.36 as of Tuesday.

The stock has experienced a total of 1 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 1 sell activities and Zero buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 62 times by insiders. In 31 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 31 instances.

On February 16, 2016 Cummins Inc. (CMI) announced that the company is reorganizing its manufacturing operations, as part of its plan to adjust to weak global demand for power generation equipment. These moves will help best position the company for long-term success.

Over the next 24 months, Cummins plans to relocate its generator set assembly operations located in Kent, U.K. to Daventry, U.K., Phaltan, India and Wuhan, China. The footprint of the Cummins Kent site will be reduced as it is transformed into an important regional distribution and logistics center.

“By relocating our U.K. generator assembly operations to other locations, we can better balance our capacity with demand, and leverage our global supply chain strengths,” said Rich Freeland, Chief Operating Officer, Cummins Inc. “We believe that making these changes will improve our manufacturing capabilities and processes, enhance our customer service, and generate efficiencies by further integrating our power generation and engine supply chains.”

For nearly 50 years, Cummins has had operations in the U.K. and currently has eight manufacturing facilities and 4,500 employees across 23 sites in 17 cities.

“Cummins remains committed to our strong presence in the U.K.,” Freeland continued, “We are working to implement changes across the globe that create a stronger and more competitive Cummins and underscore our mission and values.”

 

Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. Director, J BRUCE ROBINSON bought 1,000 shares for $34,193 via one transaction Feb 16. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 1,875 shares in total, priced at $68156.25 as of Wednesday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Aug 05. J BRUCE ROBINSON acquired 575 shares at an average price of $36.17 for a total of $20,798. Moreover, miller Jeffrey Benjamin carried out a sale of 20,000 shares at $49.55 each on Jun 16. The transaction amounted to $991,034. Director WASSERMAN REUBEN bought 7,500 shares for $370,546 through one transaction Jun 11.

The stock has experienced a total of 1 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 0 sell activities and 1 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 8 times by insiders. In 6 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 2 instances.

Cognex Corporation (CGNX) on February 10, 2016 announced that its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015. In Table 1 below, selected financial data for the quarter and year are compared to the third quarter of 2015, the fourth quarter of 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2014.

“2014 was a tremendous year for Cognex and that strong momentum continued into the first half of 2015,” said Robert J. Willett, Chief Executive Officer of Cognex. “However, the order rate slowed during the second half of 2015. Despite that, we remain very positive about the long-term potential for machine vision and continue to invest in technology and sales.”

Statement of Operations Highlights – Fourth Quarter of 2015

• Revenue for Q4 2015 decreased 1% from Q4 2014 and 9% from Q3 2015. Business trends slowed substantially in Q4 2015 as the industrial markets that Cognex serves deteriorated across most major geographic regions. In constant currency, revenue increased 4% year-on-year and decreased 9% sequentially.


• Gross margin was 76% for both Q4 2015 and Q3 2015, and 78% for Q4 2014. Gross margin decreased year-on-year due to the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations on reported revenue. A significant amount of revenue is denominated in euros, while inventories are predominantly purchased in U.S. dollars.


• Research, Development & Engineering (RD&E) expenses increased 23% from Q4 2014 and 3% from Q3 2015. RD&E increased, both year-on-year and sequentially, due to Cognex’s continued investment in long-term growth initiatives such as engineering resources and new product development. In constant currency, RD&E increased 26% year-on-year and 3% sequentially.


• Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses were flat with Q4 2014 and increased 5% from Q3 2015. SG&A was flat year-on-year as Cognex’s investment in its sales and support organization was offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates on the company’s international operations and lower commissions. SG&A increased on a sequential basis due to higher personnel-related costs. In constant currency, SG&A increased 4% year-on-year and 6% sequentially.

 

The shares of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSE:WFT)currently has mean rating of 2.1 while 16 analyst have recommended the shares as ‘BUY’ ,8 recommended as ‘OUTPERFORM’ and 9 recommended as ‘HOLD’.The rating score is on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strong buy and 5 stands for sell

The mean price target for the shares of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSE:WFT)is at $7.93 while the highest price target suggested by the analysts is $13.00 and low price target is $4.00. The mean price target is calculated keeping in view the consensus of 31 brokerage firms.

The company’s mean estimate for sales for the current quarter ending Jun 16 is 1.44B by 28 analysts. The means estimate of sales for the year ending Dec 16 is 5.98B by 32 analysts.

The average estimate of EPS for the current fiscal quarter for West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSE:WFT)stands at $-0.29 while the EPS for the current year is fixed at $-1.05 by 35.00 analysts

The next one year’s EPS estimate is set at -0.48 by 37.00 analysts while a year ago the analysts suggested the company’s EPS at $-1.05. The analysts also projected the company’s long-term growth at -33.37% for the upcoming five years

In its latest quarter ended on 31 Mar 2016 , West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSE:WFT)reported earnings of $-0.29. The posted earnings missed the analyst’s consensus by $-0.03 with the surprise factor of -11.50%. In the matter of earnings surprises, the term ‘Cockroach Effect’ is often implied. Cockroach Effect is a market theory that suggests that when a company reveals bad news to the public, there may be many more related negative events that have yet to be revealed. In the case of earnings surprises, if a company is suggesting a negative earnings surprise it means there are more to come.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSE:WFT) traded down -0.88% during trading on Friday, hitting $7.00 . The stock had a trading volume of 35.8 M shares. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $6.38 and a 200-day moving average of $7.25. The stock has a market cap of $6.05B. On Jun 17, 2015 the shares registered one year high at $14.09 and the one year low was seen on May 20, 2016.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (TSE:WFT) on June 8, 2016  announced amendments with respect to the previously announced offers (the “Tender Offers”) by Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Weatherford Bermuda”), and Weatherford International, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda (“Weatherford Delaware” and, together with Weatherford Bermuda, the “Offerors”) to purchase for cash Weatherford Delaware’s 6.35% senior notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”) and Weatherford Bermuda’s 6.00% senior notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), 9.625% senior notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”) and 5.125% senior notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes” and, together with the 2017 Notes, 2018 Notes and 2019 Notes, the “Notes”) (as amended, the “Amended Tender Offers”).

The amendments provide for:

(i)  an increase in the aggregate maximum purchase price (excluding accrued interest) of Notes the Offerors are offering to purchase from $1.1 billion (the “Initial Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price”) to $2.1 billion (the “Amended Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price”);

(ii)  an increase in the consideration offered per $1,000 principal amount of the 2018 Notes, the 2019 Notes and 2020 Notes as shown in the table below (as increased, with respect to each series of Notes, the “Amended Tender Offer Consideration” or the “Amended Total Consideration”);

(iii)  an elimination of the $250.0 million cap on the aggregate principal amount of 2019 Notes Weatherford Bermuda is offering to purchase;

(iv)  an increase in the aggregate principal amount of 2020 Notes Weatherford Bermuda is offering to purchase from $100.0 million to $275.0 million (as increased, the “Amended 2020 Tender Cap”);

(v)  an extension of the period during which validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) Notes are eligible to receive the Early Tender Premium described below from 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 14, 2016 to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 16, 2016 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the “Early Tender Date”);

(vi)  an extension of the period during which tendered Notes may be withdrawn from the Amended Tender Offers from 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 14, 2016 to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 16, 2016 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the “Withdrawal Deadline”); and

(vii)  an extension of the expiration date of the Amended Tender Offers from 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day on June 28, 2016 to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day on June 30, 2016 (the “Expiration Date”).

Additionally, since the financing condition to which the Tender Offers were previously subject has been satisfied, the Offerors announced that the increase in the Amended Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, the removal of the cap on the 2019 Notes and the Amended 2020 Tender Cap are now conditioned upon Weatherford Bermuda having closed by the Early Settlement Date an offering of senior notes, in one or more tranches and with terms and conditions satisfactory to Weatherford Bermuda (the “Senior Notes Offering”), that provide gross proceeds of at least U.S.$1.0 billion (the “Amended Financing Condition”).

ArcelorMittal SA (ADR) (NYSE:MT) received a stock rating upgrade from Berenberg on Mar-31-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued a Buy rating. The analysts previously had a Hold rating on the stock.

Analysts have a consensus target price of $4.06 in the 12-month period. The 52-week price range is $2.93-$11.95 and the company has a market capitalization of $13.49 billion. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Hold rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. Zero analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 5 has assigned a hold rating, 0 says it’s a buy, and 0 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

ArcelorMittal SA (ADR) (MT) on February 5, 2016 announced results for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2015.

Highlights:

• Health and safety performance improved in FY 2015 with annual LTIF rate of 0.81x as compared to 0.85x in FY 2014


• FY 2015 EBITDA of $5.2 billion; EBITDA of $1.1 billion in 4Q 2015, 18.4% lower as compared with 3Q 2015


• FY 2015 net loss of $7.9 billion including $4.8 billion of impairments (primarily due to mining impairments) and $1.4 billion of exceptional charges


• Excluding these exceptional and non-cash items, FY 2015 adjusted net loss was $0.3 billion as compared to adjusted net income of $0.4 billion in FY 2014


• Net debt lower at $15.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 as compared to $16.8 billion as of September 30, 2015; net debt was $0.1 billion lower as compared to December 31, 2014


• Liquidity stood at $10.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 as compared to $9.6 billion as of September 30, 2015


• Giving effect to the announced sale of ArcelorMittal`s stake in Gestamp for €875 million, liquidity would be $11.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 and net debt $14.7 billion


• FY 2015 steel shipments of 84.6Mt (-0.6% YoY); 4Q 2015 steel shipments of 19.7Mt down -6.8% versus 4Q 2014


• FY 2015 iron ore shipments of 62.4Mt (-2.0% YoY), of which 40.3Mt shipped at market prices (+1.4% YoY); 4Q 2015 iron ore shipments of 15.6Mt (-4.2% YoY), of which 9.9Mt shipped at market prices (-0.5% YoY)


• FY 2015 iron ore unit cash costs reduced by 20% YoY, exceeding the 15% target for 2015

Commenting, Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, ArcelorMittal Chairman and CEO, said:

“2015 was a very difficult year for the steel and mining industries.  Although demand in our core markets remained strong, prices deteriorated significantly during the year as a result of excess capacity in China.  Throughout the year we have rigorously focused on implementing a series of measures aimed at reducing costs and ensuring the business is adapted for these tough market conditions.  As a result of these measures we succeeded in ending the year with net debt slightly below the end of 2014 despite significantly lower EBITDA.

See also: A Peek Inside Donald Trump’s Financials Shows How He Takes Advantage Of A Little Known Income Stream That’s Available To Everyone!

 

The shares of XL Group plc (NYSE:XL)currently has mean rating of 2.2 while 9 analyst have recommended the shares as ‘BUY’ ,3 recommended as ‘OUTPERFORM’ and 7 recommended as ‘HOLD’.The rating score is on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strong buy and 5 stands for sell

The mean price target for the shares of XL Group plc (NYSE:XL)is at $38.94 while the highest price target suggested by the analysts is $43.00 and low price target is $34.00. The mean price target is calculated keeping in view the consensus of 17 brokerage firms.

The company’s mean estimate for sales for the current quarter ending Jun 16 is 2.42B by 6 analysts. The means estimate of sales for the year ending Dec 16 is 9.58B by 6 analysts.

The average estimate of EPS for the current fiscal quarter for XL Group plc (NYSE:XL)stands at $0.64 while the EPS for the current year is fixed at $2.24 by 18.00 analysts

The next one year’s EPS estimate is set at 3.48 by 19.00 analysts while a year ago the analysts suggested the company’s EPS at $2.24. The analysts also projected the company’s long-term growth at 13.52% for the upcoming five years

In its latest quarter ended on 31 Mar 2016 , XL Group plc (NYSE:XL)reported earnings of $0.35. The posted earnings missed the analyst’s consensus by $-0.15 with the surprise factor of -30.00%. In the matter of earnings surprises, the term ‘Cockroach Effect’ is often implied. Cockroach Effect is a market theory that suggests that when a company reveals bad news to the public, there may be many more related negative events that have yet to be revealed. In the case of earnings surprises, if a company is suggesting a negative earnings surprise it means there are more to come.

XL Group plc (NYSE:XL) traded up +1.30% during trading on Friday, hitting $33.62 . The stock had a trading volume of 4.1 M shares. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $33.98 and a 200-day moving average of $35.84. The stock has a market cap of $9.56B and a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.45. On Dec 30, 2015 the shares registered one year high at $40.48 and the one year low was seen on Aug 24, 2015.

XL Group plc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an insurance and reinsurance company. The company provides property, casualty, and specialty products to industrial, commercial, professional, and insurance companies, as well as other enterprises worldwide. The company operates in two segments: Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment offers casualty programs comprising primary and excess casualty, environmental liability, excess and surplus lines, construction, and surety insurance products, as well as property programs; professional lines, such as directors’, officers’, errors and omissions, employment practices, crime, fiduciary, technology, and cyber liability coverages; and specialty lines, including the aviation and satellite, marine, fine art and specie, equine, livestock and aquaculture, crisis management, political risk, trade credit and life, and accident and health products. The Reinsurance segment provides casualty reinsurance products, including general and professional liability, and automobile and workers’ compensation; property reinsurance products comprising property catastrophe, property risk excess of loss, and property proportional; property catastrophe; specialty reinsurance products, such as energy, marine, aviation, and space; and other reinsurance products, including fidelity, surety, trade credit, accident and health, mortgage, and political risk. The company also writes whole account capital gearing quota share contracts on select syndicates at Lloyd’s. The company markets its products and services through international, national, and regional producers, acting as the brokers and representatives of policyholders; and through general agents. XL Group plc was founded in 1986 and is based in Dublin, Ireland.

 

Analysts are weighing in on how Northern Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:NTRS) , might perform in the near term. Wall Street analysts have a unfavorable assessment of the stock, with a mean rating of 3.1. The stock is rated as buy by 3 analysts, with 1 outperform and 11 hold rating. The rating score is on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strong buy and 5 stands for strong sell.

For the current quarter, the 18.00 analysts offering adjusted EPS forecast have a consensus estimate of $1.05 a share, which would compare with $1.01 in the same quarter last year. They have a high estimate of $1.11 and a low estimate of $0.98. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $1.22B from $1.26B the year-ago period.

For the full year, 19.00 Wall Street analysts forecast this company would deliver earnings of 4.22 per share, with a high estimate of $4.43 and a low estimate of $4.06. It had reported earnings per share of $3.90 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $4.89B versus 4.70B in the preceding year.

The analysts project the company to maintain annual growth of around 12.24% percent over the next five years as compared to an average growth rate of 10.61% percent expected for its competitors in the same industry.

Among the 19 analysts Data provided by Thomson/First Call tracks, the 12-month average price target for NTRS is $74.24 but some analysts are projecting the price to go as high as $83.00. If the optimistic analysts are correct, that represents a 15 percent upside potential from the recent closing price of $71.87. Some sell-side analysts, particularly the bearish ones, have called for $66.00 price targets on shares of Northern Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:NTRS) .

In the last reported results, the company reported earnings of $1.01 per share, while analysts were calling for share earnings of $0.96. It was an earnings surprise of 5.20%percent. In the matter of earnings surprises, the term Cockroach Effect is often implied. Cockroach Effect is a market theory that suggests that when a company reveals bad news to the public, there may be many more related negative events that have yet to be revealed. In the case of earnings surprises, if a company is suggesting a negative earnings surprise it means there are more to come.

Northern Trust Corporation, a financial holding company, provides asset servicing, fund administration, asset management, fiduciary, and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, families, and individuals worldwide. It operates through two segments, Corporate & Institutional Services (C&IS) and Wealth Management. The C&IS segment offers asset servicing and related services, including global custody, fund administration, investment operations outsourcing, investment management, investment risk and analytical services, employee benefit services, securities lending, foreign exchange, treasury management, brokerage services, transition management services, banking, and cash management services. This segment provides services to corporate and public retirement funds, foundations, endowments, fund managers, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors. The Wealth Management segment offers trust, investment management, custody, and philanthropic services; financial consulting; guardianship and estate administration; family business consulting; family financial education; brokerage services; and private and business banking. This segment serves high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, executives, professionals, retirees, and established privately-held businesses. The company also provides asset management services, such as active, passive, and engineered equity; active and passive fixed income; cash management; alternative asset classes comprising private equity and hedge funds of funds; and multi-manager advisory services and products through separately managed accounts, bank common and collective funds, registered investment companies, exchange traded funds, non-U.S. collective investment funds, and unregistered private investment funds. In addition, it offers overlay services and other risk management services. Northern Trust Corporation was founded in 1889 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

TCF Financial Corporation (NYSE:TCB) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 21, 2016. The company earned $0.26 per share on revenue of $211.66M. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $0.25 with $209.56M in revenue.

TCF Financial Corporation (“TCF” or the “Company”) (TCB) reported net income of $48.0 million for the first quarter of 2016, compared with net income of $39.8 million for the first quarter of 2015, and net income of $52.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2015. Diluted earnings per common share was 26 cents for the first quarter of 2016, compared with 21 cents for the first quarter of 2015, and 29 cents for the fourth quarter of 2015.

“TCF reported strong first quarter results as we continued to emphasize our four strategic pillars of diversification, profitable growth, operating leverage and core funding, in all areas of the organization,” said Craig R. Dahl, president and chief executive officer. “Our consistent and sustainable loan and lease origination capabilities, funded by a growing deposit base, continued to drive revenue growth and diversification. Meanwhile, credit quality showed additional improvement as net charge-offs, delinquencies as a percentage of portfolio and non-performing assets all decreased during the quarter. Finally, we took another step toward improving our operating efficiencies by announcing, as part of extending our retail banking relationship with Jewel-Osco, plans to close 33 in-store branches in Chicago, replacing them with full function, image-enabled ATMs.

TCF Financial Corporation earnings per share showed an increasing trend of 13.3% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 127%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 7.26%. It has EPS annual decline over the past 5 fiscal years of -0.2% when sales declined -1.7. It reported 5.7% sales growth, and 22.1% EPS growth in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $14.37, up 39.35% from 52-week low of $10.37. The stock trades down -15.18% from its peak of $17.29 and 0% below the consensus price target of $14.37. Its volume clocked up at 1.1 million shares which is lower than the average volume of 1.25 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $2.39B.

Aecom (NYSE:ACM) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Royer James R sold 100 shares for $2,504 via one transaction Mar 19. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 362,037 shares in total, priced at $9,438,304.6 as of Wednesday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Feb 11. Kadenacy Stephen M acquired 16,175 shares at an average price of $23.34 for a total of $55,807. Moreover, GRIEGO LINDA M carried out a sale of 10,000 shares at $23.29 each on Feb 11. The transaction amounted to $232,874. President Kadenacy Stephen M sold 16,175 shares for $375,357 through one transaction Feb 11. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 55,807 shares, priced at $1,454,888.5 as of Wednesday.

The stock has experienced a total of 28 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 17 sell activities and 11 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 59 times by insiders. In 47 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 12 instances.

Aecom (ACM) on February 9, 2016 reported first-quarter revenue of $4.3 billion. Net loss and loss per share were $20 million and $0.13 in the first quarter, respectively. On an adjusted basis, diluted earnings per share1 was $0.68. Better than expected performance on the resolution of acquisition related project and legal matters had a net $0.07 impact on our adjusted earnings per share.

“Our performance is supported by our broadly diversified mix of geographies and end-markets, as well as our differentiated ability to design, build, finance and operate critical infrastructure assets around the world,” said Michael S. Burke, AECOM’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We are energized by the recent passage of a 5-year surface transportation bill in the U.S., and the opportunities resulting from an expansion of the services we deliver through our global footprint.”

“We are driving operational performance through our investments in the best people and most advanced systems in our industry,” said Stephen M. Kadenacy, AECOM’s president. “We are committed to delivering on our financial and operational objectives through consistent performance and execution.”

Wins in the quarter of $4.4 billion were driven primarily by the building construction business within the Construction Services segment. The book-to-burn ratio3 was over 1.0. The Company’s total backlog of $40.2 billion increased slightly from the prior quarter after adjusting for currency fluctuations.

 

Analysts are weighing in on how ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ:ZIOP) , might perform in the near term. Wall Street analysts have a  assessment of the stock, with a mean rating of 3.0. The stock is rated as buy by 0 analysts, with 1 outperform and 3 hold rating. The rating score is on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strong buy and 5 stands for strong sell.

For the current quarter, the 6.00 analysts offering adjusted EPS forecast have a consensus estimate of $-0.11 a share, which would compare with $-0.11 in the same quarter last year. They have a high estimate of $-0.09 and a low estimate of $-0.12. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $1.76M from $272.00K the year-ago period.

For the full year, 6.00 Wall Street analysts forecast this company would deliver earnings of -0.43 per share, with a high estimate of $-0.38 and a low estimate of $-0.45. It had reported earnings per share of $-0.37 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenue for the period is expected to total nearly $7.07M versus 4.33M in the preceding year.

Among the 2 analysts Data provided by Thomson/First Call tracks, the 12-month average price target for ZIOP is $14.00 but some analysts are projecting the price to go as high as $21.00. If the optimistic analysts are correct, that represents a 212 percent upside potential from the recent closing price of $6.73. Some sell-side analysts, particularly the bearish ones, have called for $7.00 price targets on shares of ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ:ZIOP) .

In the last reported results, the company reported earnings of $-0.11 per share, while analysts were calling for share earnings of $-0.25. It was an earnings surprise of 56.00%percent. In the matter of earnings surprises, the term Cockroach Effect is often implied. Cockroach Effect is a market theory that suggests that when a company reveals bad news to the public, there may be many more related negative events that have yet to be revealed. In the case of earnings surprises, if a company is suggesting a negative earnings surprise it means there are more to come.

ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc., a biotechnology company, focuses on acquiring, developing, and commercializing a portfolio of cancer therapies that address unmet medical needs through synthetic immuno-oncology. The company, through its collaboration agreement with Intrexon Corporation, holds certain rights to Intrexons synthetic immuno-oncology platform for use in the field of oncology, which includes a clinical stage product candidate, Ad-RTS-IL-12 that is used with the oral activator veledimex and evaluated for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and unresectable recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. The synthetic immuno-oncology platform employs an inducible gene-delivery system that enables controlled in vivo expression of genes that produce therapeutic proteins to treat cancer. The company, under its license agreement with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, along with Intrexon hold license to certain technologies relating to novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, non-viral gene transfer systems, genetic modification and/or propagation of immune cells and other cellular therapy approaches, Natural Killer cells and T cell receptors. ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. COO G1.Innov.&Gwth,Eur.&Hill’s, GARCIA FABIAN T sold 137,647 shares for $ 9,051,804 via one transaction Feb 16. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 117,517           shares in total, priced at $ 7899492.74 as of Thursday. Another notable insider trading was done by the same insider on Feb 11. GARCIA FABIAN T sold 7,353 shares at an average price of $65.01 for a total of $ 478,033. Moreover, Verduin Patricia carried out a sale of 3,666 shares at $66.58 each on Feb 16. The transaction amounted to $ 244,082. Sr. VP Office of the Chairman HUSTON JOHN J sold 14,000 shares for $ 908,431 through one transaction Feb 11. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 86,438 shares, priced at $5810362.36 as of Thursday.

The stock has experienced a total of 25 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 23 sell activities and 2 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 108 times by insiders. In 80 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 28 instances.

On January 29, 2016, Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) reported worldwide Net sales of $3,899 million in fourth quarter 2015, a decrease of 7.5% versus fourth quarter 2014. Global unit volume was even with the year ago quarter. Excluding divested businesses, unit volume increased 1.0%. Pricing increased 4.0% and foreign exchange was negative 11.5%. Organic sales (Net sales excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 5.0%.

Net income (loss) and Diluted earnings (loss) per share in fourth quarter 2015 were $(458) million and $(0.51), respectively. Net income (loss) in fourth quarter 2015 included a $1,058 million ($1.18 per diluted share) aftertax charge resulting from a change in accounting for the Company’s Venezuelan operations (see discussion later in this press release) and $55 million ($0.06 per diluted share) of aftertax charges resulting from the implementation of the Company’s Global Growth and Efficiency Program (the “2012 Restructuring Program”) and a previously disclosed competition law matter in Australia.

Excluding the above noted items in both periods, Net income in fourth quarter 2015 was $655 million, a decrease of 6% versus fourth quarter 2014, and Diluted earnings per share in fourth quarter 2015 was $0.73, a decrease of 4% versus fourth quarter 2014. On a currency-neutral basis and excluding the above noted items in both periods, Diluted earnings per share increased double digit.

Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:FAST) insider has recently participated in insider trading activity. Interim CFO/CAO/Controller, Lisowski Sheryl Ann sold 10,000 shares for $433,914 via one transaction Feb 09. Another notable insider trading was done by SATTERLEE SCOTT on Feb 08, who is the Director. The insider acquired 2,500 shares at an average price of $44.04. Moreover, an insider selling of 12,500 shares was carried out by Jansen James C, Executive Vice President, on Feb 08. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 12,588 shares in total. CEO and President FLORNESS DANIEL L sold 60,000 shares for $2,589,960 through one transaction Feb 05. Following this sale, this insider’s stake in the company comprises 41,845 shares, priced at $1827789.6 as of Tuesday.

The stock has experienced a total of 10 insider trades in the past three months. These trades include 8 sell activities and 2 buy trades. Furthermore, over the past 12 months, the stock was traded 26 times by insiders. In 14 of these trades, the insider was a seller while an employee of the company was the buyer in just 12 instances.

Fastenal Company (FAST) on January 14, 2016 announced that it reported board of directors declared a dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid in cash on February 26, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 29, 2016.

Fastenal began paying annual dividends in 1991, semi-annual dividends in 2003, and then expanded to quarterly dividends in 2011. Our board of directors intends to continue paying quarterly dividends, provided that any future determination as to payment of dividends will depend upon the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and such other factors as are deemed relevant by the board of directors, such as income tax rates related to dividends.

• The total dividends paid amount includes the estimated impact from this announcement. The estimate is calculated using the 289.6 million shares outstanding at December 31, 2015.


• There was a supplemental dividend paid in December 2012, 2010, and 2008.


• All share and per share information reflects the two-for-one stock split in 2011.

Fastenal sells different types of industrial and construction supplies in the following product categories: threaded fasteners and miscellaneous supplies; tools; metal cutting tool blades and abrasives; fluid transfer components and accessories for hydraulic and pneumatic power; material handling; storage and packaging products; janitorial, chemical and paint products; electrical supplies; welding supplies; safety supplies; metals, alloys and materials; and office supplies.

 

Navient Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVI) reported earnings for the three months ended Mar2016 on April 19, 2016. The company earned $0.43 per share on revenue of $486M. Analysts had been modeling earning per share of $0.41 with $427.75M in revenue.

Navient Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVI) released its first-quarter 2016 financial results that include $1.5 billion of education loan purchases, two asset-backed securities (ABS) transactions and an extension of its $7.5 billion FFELP asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) facility to 2018.  Private education loan charge-offs were down 24 percent from the year-ago quarter.

“This quarter’s results benefited from the continued improvement in credit.  Our private education loans continue to demonstrate positive trends with lower delinquency rates and defaults. We have also seen an improving delinquency rate for the federal loans we service,” said Jack Remondi, Navient president and CEO.  “This quarter we returned to the FFELP asset-backed market even as the rating agency reviews remain open.  This demonstrates the strength of the collateral and structure of our deals as well as the attractiveness of the bonds to investors.  We continue on track to meet our plan targets across our business lines.”

For the first-quarter 2016, GAAP net income was $181 million ($0.53 diluted earnings per share), compared with $292 million ($0.72 diluted earnings per share) for the year-ago quarter.

Core earnings for the quarter were $147 million ($0.43 diluted earnings per share), compared with $194 million ($0.48 diluted earnings per share) for the year-ago quarter. The decrease is primarily the result of a $73 million reduction in net interest income. Excluding expenses associated with regulatory-related costs, first-quarter 2016 and 2015 diluted core earnings per share were $0.44 and $0.48, respectively. First-quarter 2016 operating expenses included $4 million ($0.01 diluted earnings per share) of regulatory-related costs.  There were no regulatory-related costs in the first quarter of 2015.

Navient reports core earnings because management makes its financial decisions based on such measures. The changes in GAAP net income are impacted by the same core earnings items discussed below, as well as changes in net income attributable to (1) restructuring and reorganization expense incurred in connection with the spin-off of Navient from SLM Corporation on April 30, 2014, (2) unrealized, mark-to-market gains/losses on derivatives and (3) goodwill and acquired intangible asset amortization and impairment. These items are recognized in GAAP results but have not been included in core earnings results. First-quarter 2016 GAAP results included gains of $54 million from derivative accounting treatment that are excluded from core earnings results, compared with gains of $166 million in the year-ago period. See “Differences between Core Earnings and GAAP” on page 14 for a complete reconciliation between GAAP net income and core earnings.

Federally Guaranteed Student Loans (FFELP)

In its FFELP loans segment, Navient acquires and finances FFELP loans.

Core earnings for the segment were $66 million in first-quarter 2016, compared with the year-ago quarter’s $85 million. This decrease was primarily the result of a $33 million decrease in net interest income due to declines in the balance of the portfolio and the net interest margin. This was partially offset by a decline in expenses.

The company acquired $1.5 billion of FFELP loans in the first-quarter 2016. At March 31, 2016, Navient held $95.0 billion of FFELP loans, compared with $102.4 billion of FFELP loans held at March 31, 2015.

Private Education Loans

In its private education loans segment, Navient acquires, finances and services private education loans.

Core earnings for the segment were $61 million in first-quarter 2016, compared with the year-ago quarter’s $77 million. This decrease is primarily the result of a $43 million decrease in net interest income due to declines in the balance of the portfolio and the net interest margin, partially offset by a $16 million decline in the provision for loan losses.

Core earnings first-quarter 2016 private education loan portfolio results vs. first-quarter 2015 are as follows:

•    Delinquencies of 90 days or more of 3.2 percent of loans in repayment, down from 3.6 percent.


•    Total delinquencies of 6.2 percent of loans in repayment, down from 6.9 percent.


•    Annualized charge-off rate of 2.4 percent of average loans in repayment, down from 2.9 percent.


•    Net interest margin of 3.56 percent, down from 3.74 percent.


•    Provision for private education loan losses of $104 million, down from $120 million.

At March 31, 2016, Navient held $25.5 billion of private education loans, compared with $29.0 billion of private education loans held at March 31, 2015.

Navient Corporation earnings per share showed a decreasing trend of -3.1% for the current fiscal year. The company’s expected EPS growth rate for next fiscal year is 199%.Analysts project EPS growth over the next 5 years at 2.7%. It has EPS annual decline over the past 5 fiscal years of 0% when sales declined 0. It reported -4.2% sales drop, and -26.5% EPS decline in the last quarter.

The stock is trading at $13.71, up 69.68% from 52-week low of $8.2. The stock trades down -27.11% from its peak of $19.6 and 20.35% above the consensus price target of $16.5. Its volume clocked up at 5.07 million shares which is higher than the average volume of 3.55 million shares. Its market capitalization currently stands at $4.46B.