Alcoa Beats Estimates; Waiting for Global Growth
October 10, 2012
Integrated aluminum company Alcoa (click ticker for report: ) kicked off earnings season Tuesday afternoon, reporting a surprise profit for the third quarter. Revenues fell 9% year-over-year to $5.8 billion, which was stronger than consensus estimates. Earnings increased to $0.03—adjusted for one-time items—down from $0.15 per share during the same period last year, but a few cents better than the consensus expected. Perhaps the most unusual fact about the firm’s revenue growth was that volumes remained relatively strong despite fears of a global slowdown. Weakness came from pricing, as realized alumina prices fell 17% and realized metal prices dropped 20%. CEO Klaus Kleinfeld noted that the supply/demand situation for aluminum remained fairly balanced, with inventories declining. On its conference call,
Yum! Brands Avoids Getting Hammered in China
October 10, 2012
Though sentiment was incredibly negative heading into the quarter, Yum reported better than expected results. Yet, shares are fairly valued at this time.
Can’t Make Our Presentation This Weekend? Download the Materials
October 9, 2012
A number of members of the Valuentum Team will be presenting at the Chicago chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors this coming Saturday, October 13, 2012. If you’re interested in attending but can’t make it, you can still download our presentation materials in this article.
Did Square Stick a Fork in VeriFone?
October 9, 2012
We think concerns about Square are overblown, though profits at VeriFone may be lower in the long run. Shares remain cheap.
Finish Line Might Catch Up to Footlocker
October 9, 2012
Shares of Finish Line have lagged competitors, but we think that may change. We examine why.
Food Products Firms May Not Be As Safe As You Think
October 8, 2012
We walk through the competitive positions of three large food products firms: Archer-Daniels-Midland, Tyson, and ConAgra.
Constellation Brands Posts Better Than Expected Results But Shares Are Fairly Valued
October 8, 2012
Diversified alcohol firm Constellation Brands reported better than expected earnings in light of sluggish revenue growth. We aren’t interested in its shares.
Owens-Illinois: A Cheap Container Company
October 8, 2012
Though sales in Europe have taken a toll on results, we think shares of Owens-Illinois are inexpensive.
Informatica Blames Europe for Third Quarter Weakness
October 5, 2012
Informatica will report a weak third quarter, with Europe to blame.
Zynga’s Forecast Suggests Further Weakness Ahead
October 5, 2012
Zynga warned about its full-year outlook. We wouldn’t touch shares.
