CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Zacks
Equity Research highlights News Corporation (Nasdaq: NWSA)
as the Bull of the Day and Western Union Co. (NYSE: WU)
the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides
analysis on Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB),
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW)
and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2678.
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:
Bull
of the Day:
News Corporation (Nasdaq: NWSA)
reported better-than-expected second-quarter 2010 results on the heels
of an improved advertising environment, and significant cost-cutting
initiatives taken by management to combat the downturn.
The company's quarterly earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of
$0.20 per share by 25%. We believe the company will perform better in
the coming quarters as the steps taken by the publishing industry in
2009 to combat the economic carnage are expected to start bearing fruit
in 2010.
Furthermore, the company's strong international presence is encouraging
and should drive growth. We have an Outperform rating on the stock.
Bear
of the Day:
We are initiating coverage on Western Union Co. (NYSE: WU)
with an Underperform rating. The company's fourth quarter earnings
narrowed compared to the prior-year quarter as a result of lower
transaction volumes due to ongoing market challenges and the dilutive
effects of recent acquisitions.
We believe that the company's strong brand name, network expertise and
financial strength will position it well for long-term profitability.
However, given the slow pace of economic recovery, we would have to wait
for some time to see any significant improvement.
Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst
Blog:
Campbell's Beats Zacks Consensus
Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB)
reported results for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 with earnings of
74 cents per share, well above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents.
Quarterly earnings were up 15.6% year-over-year.
Net sales for the quarter increased marginally by 1.5% year-over-year to
$2.2 billion, attributable to a 2% decline in volume and mix and a 2%
decline from increased promotional spending, which was partially offset
by 4% favorable currency translation and 1% gain from price and sales
allowances.
Sales of the U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages segment contracted 5% as
sales of condensed soups were flat year-over-year, while ready-to-serve
soups declined 18%. However, Swanson broth sales grew 1%.
Sales of the Baking and Snacking segment increased 11%, primarily due to
strong sales of Pepperidge Farm biscuits, continued growth in the
cookies and crackers business, especially Goldfish snack crackers. In
Australia, the growth was strong driven by favorable currency
translation and continued growth in Arnott's.
In the International Soups and Sauces business, sales grew 12% due to
increased sales in Europe, driven by positive currency translation and
higher sales in Belgium and France, partially offset by lower sales in
Germany. Sales also increased in Asia-Pacific due to favorable currency
translation and gains in Japan. Favorable currency translations in
Canada also contributed to a positive top line.
Lowe's Beats Expectations
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW),
the world's second largest home improvement retailer, recently reported
better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2009 results, showing signs of
improvement with consumers now willing to spend on remodeling projects.
The shares of Lowe's rose in pre-market trading, but has since fallen 9
cents per share to $23.04 by mid-day.
The quarterly earnings of 14 cents a share came ahead of the Zacks
Consensus Estimate of 12 cents, and climbed 27.3% from 11 cents posted
in the prior-year quarter. Lowe's said that it expects first-quarter
2010 earnings in the range of 27 cents to 29 cents a share, and fiscal
year 2010 earnings between $1.30 and $1.42 per share.
The company's first-quarter 2010 guidance fell short of the current
Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents a share. Over the last 30 days, the
Zacks Consensus Estimate has shown a marginal improvement of 3.1% with 4
out of 27 analysts covering the stock raising their estimates.
Las Vegas Sands Reports In-Line
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS)
reported fourth quarter earnings of 3 cents per share, a penny over the
Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company had incurred a loss of 4 cents in
the year-ago period. Results reflected the strong performance of its
Macau business and the benefits of its cost-containment measures, though
business in Las Vegas remained weak.
However, on a GAAP basis, the company has narrowed its loss in the
quarter. Sands incurred a loss of $113.9 million or 17 cents a share,
compared to a loss of $136.5 million or 27 cents in the year-ago
quarter, primarily reflecting an increase in operating income and a
decrease in interest expense.
For full year 2009, Sands reported a loss of $540.1 million or 82 cents
per share, compared to a loss of $188.8 million or 48 cents in 2008.
Though net revenue was up 3.9% to $4.56 billion, the increase in loss
was primarily due to increases in non-cash impairment losses and losses
on early retirement of debt.
Get the full analysis of all these stocks by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.
About the Bull and Bear of the Day
Every day, the analysts at Zacks Equity Research select two stocks that
are likely to outperform (Bull) or underperform (Bear) the markets over
the next 3-6 months.
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