Rambus Inc. (RMBS) posted first quarter 2013 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 9 cents, comprehensively beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 3 cents per share. Adjusted EPS excludes other patent royalties received, acquisition costs and retention bonus, amortization, costs of restatement and related legal activities but includes stock-based compensation expenses. Revenues [...]

Wisdom Tree Investments (WETF) has seen some strong net inflows over the past few quarters and has dramatically increased its assets under management of late. As a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it is the Bull of the Day. Inflows For the ETF Industry One look at the annual net inflows for the ETF Industry and you will see that the growth [...]

On Apr 17, we downgraded the world’s largest wine company, Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ), to Neutral following a weak bottom-line performance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Moreover, the stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Why Neutral? A fall in the Zacks Consensus Estimate was witnessed after the company reported dismal bottom-line [...]

Associated Banc-Corp’s (ASBC) first-quarter 2013 earnings came in at 27 cents per share, marginally surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 25 cents. This also compares favorably with the year-ago earnings of 24 cents. On a year-over-year basis, a reduction in top line was more than offset by a fall in operating expenses. Moreover, improved asset [...]

Pool Corp.'s (POOL) first-quarter 2013 earnings per share of 7 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.7% but were 12.5% lower than the year-ago level. The year-over-year decline in the bottom line was mainly due to muted top-line growth and lower gross margin. Net sales in the reported quarter increased only 2% year over year [...]

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (ADS) reported adjusted earnings of $2.55 per share for first quarter 2013, comfortably beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.43. Results augmented approximately 7% year over year. Including stock compensation expenses of $13 million, amortization of purchased intangibles of $33.3 million, non-cash interest expense of $27.3 million, non-cash mark-to-market gain on [...]

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Encouraging reports on housing combined with better-than-expected earnings from a couple of companies helped benchmarks finish in the green. Meanwhile, weak Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Industrial Production data added weight to the Federal Reserve’s argument of continuing monetary stimulus to accelerate economic growth. All the top ten S&P 500 industry groups registered gains, among [...]

On Apr 11, 2013, we downgraded independent refiner Tesoro Corp. (TSO) to Neutral from Outperform, concerned by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed new gasoline standards. Our revised investment thesis is supported by a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Why the Downgrade? In an effort to tighten fuel emission norms, the environmental watchdog has asked refiners [...]

Monday, April 15, 2013 The China GDP ‘miss’ provides the backdrop for today’s trading action, raising doubts that the recovery in that country’s economy may not be that strong. Earnings also remain in focus today, with this morning’s better received Citigroup (C) report providing a contrast to how the market responded to Friday’s J.P. Morgan [...]