Dividend Growth Gem Medtronic Posts a Decent First Quarter
Medical heart-rhythm device maker Medtronic posted solid first-quarter results. The company remains an attractive dividend growth idea.
Brian Nelson
Best Idea Altria Raises Guidance
Results of a debt tender offer were lower than expected, leading the firm to upwardly revise earnings estimates.
Best Buy on Its Way to Becoming a Value Stock
Best Buy continues to struggle, but we think it will become a value stock–just not yet.
Is Growth Back at Urban Outfitters?
We dig into the retailer’s strong second quarter, but we’re not fans of shares here.
Footlocker Rides Nike to Strong Second Quarter Results
Footlocker continues to capitalize on Nike’s strong product offerings, but we think shares are fairly valued.
Lowe’s Second Quarter Disappoints; Outlook Slashed
Home improvement heavyweight Lowe’s reported a poor second quarter, substantially lagging Home Depot. We continue to stay away from the shares.
Aetna Nabs Coventry
Consolidation continues in the health insurer space, as Aetna acquires Coventry, a company leveraged to Medicaid.
Alert: Best Idea Apple Hits All-Time High
Best idea Apple is setting another all-time price high today. We continue to expect upside to over $800 per share.
The Gap is Back…But We’re Not Chasing It Here
Retailer Gap (click ticker for report: ) shrugged off sluggish international demand to post another strong quarter Thursday. For its second quarter, the retailer grew sales 6% from the same period a year ago, to $3.6 billion, north of consensus expectations. Earnings per share increased 40% to $0.49, which was also better than consensus estimates. The firm hiked its 2012 bottom-line earnings per share guidance range to $1.95-$2.00, a meaningful increase from its previous range of $1.78-$1.83. Other than its international segment, Gap is firing on all cylinders. Systemwide same-store sales grew 4% year-over-year, despite a 5% decline in the international division. Though Gap North America and Banana Republic lapped negative comparisons, both segments grew 7%. Management noted trends regarding … Read more
Is Sears the Ultimate Value Stock?
We don’t think so, but we assess the retailer after its weak second quarter results and bullish commentary from Bruce Berkowitz.