Tiffany Issues Weak First-Quarter Results; Cuts Full-Year Outlook
May 25, 2012
Tiffany reported disappointing first-quarter results that showed decent revenue expansion but weak bottom-line performance. Though we expect to ratchet down our near-term earnings expectations, we don’t expect to make a material change to our fair value estimate.
Hewlett Packard’s Second-Quarter Results Exceed Expectations; Major Changes on the Way
May 24, 2012
Hewlett-Packard posted strong second-quarter results that came in better than consensus expectations. We’re optimistic on HP’s restructuring plans as well as the company’s dirt cheap valuation. However, peers like Intel and Microsoft look like much more attractive investments with better growth potential and near-term catalysts. Both companies also provide investors with better, safer yields, as we think both are best-in-class in chips and enterprise software, respectively.
Dell’s First-Quarter Performance Weighed Down by Encroaching Tablet Competition
May 23, 2012
Dell reported terrible first-quarter results, and we are putting our fair value estimate of the computer maker under review. Though we expect to lower it materially, we maintain that the firm’s shares are significantly underpriced at today’s levels. However, we prefer Apple in the portfolio of our Best Ideas Newsletter.
Ralph Lauren Posts Another Strong Quarter, Doubles Dividend
May 23, 2012
Ralph Lauren posted strong fiscal fourth-quarter results and doubled its dividend. However, the shares are fairly valued, in our opinion, and its annual yield is not yet large enough to get us excited.
Medtronic Gaining Share in the US Drug-Eluting Stent Market
May 22, 2012
Medtronic posted strong fiscal fourth-quarter results and offered a solid outlook for its fiscal 2013. We’re big fans of the medical device maker’s dividend-growth profile and expect the company to continue to return cash to shareholders.
Why We Like Ford More than General Motors
May 22, 2012
General Motors may have an improved balance sheet and a tremendous opportunity in China, but we still feel Ford is the better risk-adjusted way to play the recovery in global automotive demand.
Lowe’s Losing Share to Home Depot; Cuts Full-Year Outlook
May 21, 2012
Lowe’s reported decent first-quarter results, but same-store sales performance revealed that Home Depot may be stealing share from its smaller competitor. Lowe’s also cut its full-year outlook, and we expect continued valuation downside to the low-$20s per share.
Our Thoughts on Facebook’s IPO
May 18, 2012
Facebook’s initial public offering will be met with much interest, but we have concerns about taking a stab in its shares after it begins trading.
Walmart’s Fiscal First-Quarter Results Show US Performance Improving
May 17, 2012
We liked Walmart’s first-quarter results and don’t think the firm’s alleged bribery scandal at its Mexican division will materially impact the trajectory of its earnings outlook or dividend.
Strong First-Quarter Results from Dick’s Sporting Goods Bode Well for Athletic Apparel
May 17, 2012
Dick’s Sporting Goods posted strong first-quarter results, but the potential impact from encroaching online competition remains unclear. We think Nike is a much better idea for investors looking to gain exposure to the athletic retail space.
