http://www.stockbloghub.com a VitalStocks Blog Setup Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:06 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en It’s time to put some money to work immediately. I don’t profess to know when the markets will turn, or how long it will take, but I do profess to know that there are quality companies out there that are begging to be purchased, if only in small increments at the ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001906/2008/10/09/rick-time-to-go-shopping-3-stocks-i%e2%80%99m-buying-today Under Armour, Inc. (UA) just signed a 5-year $17.5 million dollar deal with the University of Maryland as it approaches its Oct 28 earnings announcement. The company has been beat up in the past couple weeks and is now trading at a fair PEG ratio near 1.0.Company DescriptionUnder Armour is ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001905/2008/10/09/ua-under-armour-footwear-segment-is-expanding-rapidly-with-revenues-growing-129-year-over-year Greenhill & Co. (GHL) continues to distinguish itself from its Wall Street brethren by avoiding risky bets and growing its earnings. The company's share price has been rallying since July.Company DescriptionGreenhill & Co., with its subsidiaries, operates as an independent investment banking firm in North America and Europe. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001903/2008/10/09/ghl-greenhill-co-estimates-have-continued-to-rise-in-spite-of-all-the-volatility-engulfing-the-financial-sector Terra Industries Inc. (TRA) has seen its stock crushed in the market downturn as the fertilizers moved out of favor on fears of a commodities crash. The company is now incredibly cheap, trading at only 2.8x projected earnings, yet fundamentals remain intact.TRA has surprised on estimates the prior 2 quarters ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001902/2008/10/09/tra-terra-industries-analysts-still-expect-year-over-year-earnings-growth-of-15249 Amedisys, Inc. (AMED) continues to aggressively pursue acquisitions nation-wide. The company is coming off of a record quarter and earnings estimates are rising heading into its next earnings announcement on Oct 28.Company DescriptionAmedisys provides home health care and hospice services. The home health segment includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001901/2008/10/09/amed-amedisys-announced-the-completed-acquisition-of-6-home-health-and-hospice-agencies-2 Cash America International (CSH) recently announced that it will acquire an 80% ownership interest in a 100 store chain of pawnshops in Mexico. CSH noted that this transaction would allow it to acquire what is believed to be the second largest privately owned pawn chain in Mexico through a majority ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001900/2008/10/09/csh-cash-america-international-improvement-in-our-operating-income-margins-generating-the-56-increase-in-earnings-2 Laclede Group, Inc. (LG) just posted a new 52-week and all-time high, as the company continues to benefit from higher energy prices. Analyst estimates have continued to rise over the last several months.Company DescriptionThe Laclede Group, Inc. is a utility holding company that engages in the retail distribution and sale ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001899/2008/10/09/lg-laclede-group-fourth-time-in-the-last-four-quarters-that-the-company-has-surprised-and-beaten-estimates-by-87-on-average-2 Bucyrus (BUCY) has seen its stock pummeled in the commodities sell-off and market rout. Shares tumbled from a high on June 17 of $79.50 to $28.77 on Oct 6. The markets are acting as if all worldwide mining will grind to a halt.But Bucyrus' fundamentals are solid and the stock ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001898/2008/10/09/bucy-bucyrus-surprised-on-estimates-4-consecutive-quarters-by-an-average-of-2583-2 Trina Solar Limited (TSL) has seen analysts hike earnings forecasts for this year and next. Additionally, Wall Street is projecting year-over-year earnings per share growth of 131% for 2008.Company DescriptionTrina Solar manufactures mono and multicrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules. The company’s high-quality PV modules provide clean and reliable solar electric power ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001897/2008/10/09/tsl-trina-solar-limited-projecting-year-over-year-earnings-per-share-growth-of-131-2 Massey's (MEE) fundamentals signal growth, and the company is growing through coal mine acquisitions. Massey recently announced the acquisition of a metallurgical coal mine in West Virginia. The company noted that it can add significant metallurgical coal production almost immediately with relatively low start-up costs.Company DescriptionMassey Energy Company, which is ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001896/2008/10/09/mee-massey-year-over-year-increase-of-38-for-produced-coal-revenue-2 Brink's (BCO) stock has fallen along with the rest of the market in recent weeks. However, fundamentals remain solid. Revenue rose 20% in the second quarter. It has surprised on estimates 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 27.69%. Brink's has a forward P/E of 13.13.Company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001894/2008/10/09/bco-brinks-easily-surprised-on-estimates-by-30-2 Solera Holdings, Inc. (SLH) recently finished a solid fiscal 2008 and continue to project solid growth into 2009. Analysts are forecasting earnings growth of 52% for the next year, which starts this quarter.Company DescriptionSolera Holdings is an integrated group of leading automotive claims solutions companies with the vision to continuously ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001893/2008/10/09/slh-solera-holdings-analysts-are-forecasting-earnings-growth-of-52 McDonald's Corp. (MCD), which recently boosted its dividend by 33%, has been consistently outperforming the market during the recent turbulence and over the long-term. In addition to the higher income and technical growth, the company’s fundamentals also reflect strong growth. Therefore, it is not too surprising that analysts have been ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001892/2008/10/09/mcd-mcdonalds-company-continues-to-hold-up-well-amid-the-recent-market-mayhem-3 Capital Federal Financial (CFFN) is distinguishing itself from its financial brethren by avoiding risky assets and producing solid earnings growth. Shares of Capital Federal are up over 30% on the year.Company DescriptionCapital Federal Financial is the holding company of Capital Federal Savings Bank, a regional bank servicing the state of ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001891/2008/10/09/cffn-capital-federal-financial-does-not-have-any-concerns-about-its-loan-portfolio ONEOK Partners recently confirmed its higher 2008 earnings guidance despite Hurricane Ike impacting some facilities in the Gulf Coast region as commodity prices stay elevated. The partnership also increased its distribution for the 10th consecutive quarter.ONEOK has surprised on earnings 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 24.16%. It has ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001890/2008/10/09/oks-oneok-partners-surprised-on-earnings-4-consecutive-quarters-by-an-average-of-2416-3 Fuel Systems Inc (FSYS) is reaping the benefits of the global push for more environment-friendly sources of fuel. The company has reported 3 consecutive earnings surprise and estimates continue to climb.Company DescriptionFuel Systems Solutions Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets systems that allow engines to operate cleaner. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001889/2008/10/09/fsys-fuel-systems-consensus-estimates-are-projecting-a-282-increase-in-annual-earnings-3 General Dynamics (GD), which recently received a $46.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy, declared a regular quarterly dividend of 35 cents per share. GD noted that the dividend is payable November 14 to shareholders of record on October 10. The company’s second-quarter revenue result came in 10.8% higher than ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001888/2008/10/09/gd-general-dynamics-more-growth-forecasted-for-the-future-3 Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) is proving that even when the economy slows, consumers will still pull over to purchase such novelties as chewing gum and fountain soda. The company's share price has been rallying since mid July.Casey General Stores, Inc. operates 1,468 convenience stores in the Midwest. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001887/2008/10/09/casy-caseys-general-stores-grocery-and-other-merchandise-same-store-sales-were-up-3 Fossil is still running on all cylinders despite the challenging economic environment. Can Fossil buck the dreary outlook for retail?Its watch sales, especially in Europe, continue to be strong. The company has surprised on earnings 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 38.46%. Fossil is trading at 10.9x forward earnings.Company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001886/2008/10/09/fosl-fossil-provides-third-quarter-guidance-3 ENGlobal Corp (ENG) avoided major damage from hurricane Ike and just broke out of a bearish trend. Current-year estimates are projecting a 87% increase in earnings, but the company remains fairly priced with a PEG of 0.8.Company DescriptionENGlobal Corporation provides engineering, automation systems, field inspection, and land management and regulatory ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001885/2008/10/09/eng-englobal-projecting-a-87-increase-in-earnings-with-peg-of-08-4 Diamond Foods, Inc. (DMND) has increased sales and earnings is a brutal market. The company acquired a major brand to increase its exposure as it continues to pressure the new 52-week high. Diamond is showing impressive growth rates while maintaining a 0.66 PEG ratio.Company DescriptionDiamond Foods is a branded food ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001884/2008/10/09/dmnd-diamond-foods-impressive-growth-rates-while-maintaining-a-066-peg-ratio-4 CSX Corp. (CSX) boasts a solid record of exceeding Wall Street forecasts, and analysts are upbeat on earnings going forward. The company’s earnings per share are expected to grow by 17%, ahead of the industry average of 14%. CSX is rewarding shareholders with a dividend yield of 1.6%.Company DescriptionCSX Corp. ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001883/2008/10/09/csx-csx-corp-earnings-per-share-are-expected-to-grow-by-17-ahead-of-the-industry-average-of-14-4 Perrigo Co. (PRGO) has been performing well in a down market, and analysts have been boosting forecasts. Fiscal full-year earnings estimates are up 2% in just the past week. The company announced record fiscal fourth-quarter results in mid-August.Company DescriptionPerrigo is the nation's largest manufacturer of store brand over-the-counter (non-prescription) pharmaceutical ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001882/2008/10/09/prgo-perrigo-profit-increased-by-46-from-demand-for-its-consumer-health-care-products-4 Sykes Enterprises, Inc. (SYKE) is experiencing strong growth from its international markets while cutting costs, a potent one-two punch that enabled the company to deliver strong second quarter results. The company's share price has been rallying since lat July.Company DescriptionSykes Enterprises provides outscored customer contact management solutions and services both ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001881/2008/10/09/syke-sykes-enterprises-customer-contact-management-solutions-and-services-4 Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI) is weathering the current economic storm in commendable fashion. The company reported strong second-quarter results on Aug 6, forecasted a bullish full-year earnings projection and bears the favor of an accelerating share price.Company DescriptionAlbany Molecular Research provides contract services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001880/2008/10/09/amri-albany-molecular-research-earnings-of-24-cents-per-share-far-ahead-of-analyst-estimates-of-10-cents-4 Collective Brands keeps selling shoes despite the economic downturn as it focuses on designer brands. The company has surprised 3 out of 4 quarters by an average of 28.14%. Collective Brands has a forward P/E of 12.87.Company DescriptionCollective Brands Inc. (PSS) is a national shoe retailer that is the largest ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001879/2008/10/09/pss-collective-brands-beats-wall-street-estimates-for-2q-by-8621-4 Shanda Interactive Entertainment is tapping into China's emerging middle class with online games and entertainment. The company has surprised on estimates 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 13.45%. Shanda trades at only 9.7x projected earnings.Company DescriptionShanda Interactive Entertainment Limited (SNDA) is a Chinese-based media company that offers a variety ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001878/2008/10/09/snda-shanda-interactive-entertainment-surprised-on-estimates-4-consecutive-quarters-4 DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE) just announced a stock split after fantastic second-quarter results. Shares have been steadily climbing throughout the year and are a bargain with a PEG ratio of 0.6.Company DescriptionDXP Enterprises, Inc., in conjunction with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution, operation and maintenance of industrial equipment to ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001877/2008/10/09/dxpe-dxp-enterprises-inc-peg-ratio-of-06-5 L-3 Communications (LLL) surprised on estimates for 4 straight quarters by an average of 2.93%. Analysts expect 2008 year-over-year earnings growth of 20%. L-3 declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share in early July, which translates into a dividend yield of 1.2%, well above the industry average.Company DescriptionL-3 ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001876/2008/10/09/sai-lll-l-3-communications-plans-to-retain-a-logistics-support-contract-with-the-us-special-operations-command-5 99 Cents Only Stores (NDN) battled through a tough second quarter in which inflationary pressures pushed their earnings for the period into the red. But in spite of the loss, analysts are projecting strong earnings growth, and the company's share price has been locked into a very nice rally for ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001875/2008/10/09/ndn-99-cents-only-stores-108-earnings-growth-projection-5 The9 is tapping China's gaming obsession for big profits. The company grew revenues 69% in the second quarter. It has surprised on earnings 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 33.60%. The9 has a forward P/E of only 8.93.Company DescriptionThe9 Limited (NCTY) develops online games for ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001874/2008/10/09/ncty-the9-limited-surprised-on-earnings-3-out-of-the-last-4-quarters-by-an-average-of-3360-5 RadioShack Corporation (RSH) has recently posted its fourth earnings surprise in the last four quarters. The announcement has produced huge gains over the past month. The company has also announced a plan to repurchase $200 million worth of common shares.Company DescriptionRadioShack Corporation is a widely known retailer of electronic goods ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001873/2008/10/09/rsh-radioshack-200-million-share-buy-back-program-5 Amedisys, Inc. (AMED) continues to aggressively pursue acquisitions nation-wide. The company is coming off of a record quarter and earnings estimates are rising heading into its next earnings announcement on Oct 28.Company DescriptionAmedisys provides home health care and hospice services. The home health segment includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001872/2008/10/08/amed-amedisys-announced-the-completed-acquisition-of-6-home-health-and-hospice-agencies Cash America International (CSH) recently announced that it will acquire an 80% ownership interest in a 100 store chain of pawnshops in Mexico. CSH noted that this transaction would allow it to acquire what is believed to be the second largest privately owned pawn chain in Mexico through a majority ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001871/2008/10/08/csh-cash-america-international-improvement-in-our-operating-income-margins-generating-the-56-increase-in-earnings Laclede Group, Inc. (LG) just posted a new 52-week and all-time high, as the company continues to benefit from higher energy prices. Analyst estimates have continued to rise over the last several months.Company DescriptionThe Laclede Group, Inc. is a utility holding company that engages in the retail distribution and sale ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001870/2008/10/08/lg-laclede-group-fourth-time-in-the-last-four-quarters-that-the-company-has-surprised-and-beaten-estimates-by-87-on-average Bucyrus (BUCY) has seen its stock pummeled in the commodities sell-off and market rout. Shares tumbled from a high on June 17 of $79.50 to $28.77 on Oct 6. The markets are acting as if all worldwide mining will grind to a halt.But Bucyrus' fundamentals are solid and the stock ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001869/2008/10/08/bucy-bucyrus-surprised-on-estimates-4-consecutive-quarters-by-an-average-of-2583 Trina Solar Limited (TSL) has seen analysts hike earnings forecasts for this year and next. Additionally, Wall Street is projecting year-over-year earnings per share growth of 131% for 2008.Company DescriptionTrina Solar manufactures mono and multicrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules. The company’s high-quality PV modules provide clean and reliable solar electric power ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001866/2008/10/07/tsl-trina-solar-limited-projecting-year-over-year-earnings-per-share-growth-of-131 Massey's (MEE) fundamentals signal growth, and the company is growing through coal mine acquisitions. Massey recently announced the acquisition of a metallurgical coal mine in West Virginia. The company noted that it can add significant metallurgical coal production almost immediately with relatively low start-up costs.Company DescriptionMassey Energy Company, which is ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001865/2008/10/07/mee-massey-year-over-year-increase-of-38-for-produced-coal-revenue Brink's (BCO) stock has fallen along with the rest of the market in recent weeks. However, fundamentals remain solid. Revenue rose 20% in the second quarter. It has surprised on estimates 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 27.69%. Brink's has a forward P/E of 13.13.Company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001863/2008/10/07/bco-brinks-easily-surprised-on-estimates-by-30 Solera Holdings, Inc. (SLH) recently finished a solid fiscal 2008 and continue to project solid growth into 2009. Analysts are forecasting earnings growth of 52% for the next year, which starts this quarter. Company Description Solera Holdings is an integrated group of leading automotive claims solutions companies with the vision to continuously ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001833/2008/10/07/slh-solera-holdings-analysts-are-forecasting-earnings-growth-of-52-2 Capital Federal Financial (CFFN) is distinguishing itself from its financial brethren by avoiding risky assets and producing solid earnings growth. Shares of Capital Federal are up over 30% on the year. Company Description Capital Federal Financial is the holding company of Capital Federal Savings Bank, a regional bank servicing the state of ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001831/2008/10/07/cffn-capital-federal-financial-does-not-have-any-concerns-about-its-loan-portfolio-2 QUALCOMM Inc. (QCOM) continues to boast strong fundamentals that signal growth, and analysts keep raising forecasts. Wall Street is projecting earnings of 51 cents per share for the fiscal fourth quarter, up from last month’s 50 cents. For the year ending September 2008, analysts are expecting earnings of $1.95 per ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001810/2008/10/07/qcom-qualcomm-return-on-equity-roe-of-20-is-well-above-the-industry-average-of-2-4 Covidien Ltd. (COV) has been driving its revenue higher from robust sales in its international markets, which all recorded double-digit sales growth in the most recently reported quarterly results. The next-year estimate is bullish, and the company's stock price is in rally mode, hitting a new 52-week and all-time high ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001677/2008/10/07/cov-covidien-sales-were-up-14-from-last-year-5 Despite falling energy prices, estimates on oil explorer Penn Virginia continue to trend higher. The company beat Wall Street estimates by 28.21% in the second quarter while reporting record production. The company trades with a forward P/E of 13.16. Company Description Penn Virginia Corporation (PVA) is an oil and gas exploration and ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001666/2008/10/07/pva-penn-virginia-consensus-estimates-rise-for-third-quarter-and-the-full-year-4 Steris Corp.'s (STE) share price has been on a nice rally since the company reported impressive first-quarter results in late July. Analyst estimates are up, and Steris looks well positioned for future growth as the healthcare industry continues to bear the favor of strong demand. Steris Corp. develops products and provides ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001652/2008/10/07/ste-steris-second-time-in-two-quarters-that-steris-has-handily-beaten-estimates-having-done-so-last-quarter-by-18-4 Northwest Bancorp. (NWSB) reported impressive second-quarter results in July that included a big jump in earnings from last year. Analysts have raised their guidance in response to the strong performance, and the company's share price recently broke above a key short-term level of resistance. Northwest Bancorp, Inc. operates as a holding ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001607/2008/10/07/nwsb-northwest-bancorp-great-job-of-shielding-itself-from-risky-investments-that-have-been-problematic-for-other-financial-institutions-4 Encore Acquisition saw revenues soar 96% in the second quarter on the back of record crude prices. But even as crude prices have retreated, the company isn't a one quarter wonder. It has surprised on estimates 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 16.44%. Encore's forward P/E is 10.07. Company Description Encore ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001606/2008/10/07/eac-encore-acquisition-surprised-on-estimates-4-consecutive-quarters-by-an-average-of-1644-4 Peabody Energy (BTU) saw higher earnings forecasts from analysts after delivering a record second quarter. Current full-year estimates of $2.87 per share increased from $2.70 over the past 60 trading days. Company Description Peabody Energy is the world's largest private-sector coal company, with 2007 sales of 238 million tons and $4.6 billion ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001597/2008/10/07/btu-peabody-energy-earnings-per-share-are-expected-to-grow-by-35 Massey Energy Co. (MEE) has seen analysts lift full-year 2008 earnings estimates from last month’s projection of $3.21 per share to $3.58. The most accurate forecast is a more bullish $3.70. Company Description Massey Energy Company, which is the fourth largest coal company in the United States based on produced coal revenue, ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001568/2008/10/07/mee-massey-energy-exceeding-the-consensus-estimate-by-42-3 Whiting Petroleum Corp. (WLL) continues to reap big profits from higher energy prices. The company's recently reported second-quarter results were awesome, analysts are projecting strong earnings growth into the next-year period and its share price is trading at a big discount to the overall market. Whiting Petroleum Corp. engages in the ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001566/2008/10/07/wll-whiting-petroleum-next-year-estimate-is-bullish-as-well-pegged-at-933-per-share-a-13-earnings-growth-3 ManTech International Corp. (MANT) reported a 45% year-over-year increase in net income last quarter and has also raised full-year guidance for 2008. In August the company won a contract from the United States Army that could reach a value of $820 million. Company Description ManTech International Corp. provides a variety of information ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001563/2008/10/07/mant-mantech-intl-net-income-up-45-4 By Rob Fraim of Mid-Atlantic Securities Everybody and their brother (and their sister) has weighed in on the proposed “bailout” or financial institution relief plan. Smarter folks than I have given their opinions and it has be hashed and rehashed ad infinitum/ad nauseum. That of course will not stop me from adding ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001789/2008/10/07/let%e2%80%99s-get-seized-up-banking-back-on-track Downright awful! That is about all one can say about the performance numbers for measurement periods until September 30. As pointed out in a post at the beginning of the month, September, on average, has historically been the worst month. And the past month truly lived up to its ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001788/2008/10/07/stock-market-performance-round-up-in-the-grip-of-the-bear When leaving Cape Town for a business trip to Europe a few days ago, I did not in my wildest dreams anticipate spending every free moment of my visit glued to television screens to try to stay abreast of the dramatic events in financial markets. I will start the long ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001739/2008/10/07/fear-grips-global-markets Barry Ritholtz* has put pen to paper to write the following memo, spelling out in no uncertain terms the role that Uncle Sam played in enabling the current financial mess. To: Washington, D.C. From: Wall Street Re: Credit Crisis Dear D.C. WOW, WE’VE MADE QUITE A MESS OF THINGS here on Wall Street: Fannie and ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001737/2008/10/07/uncle-sam-the-enabler-%e2%80%93-memo-found-in-the-street In an attempt to put the current financial crisis into perspective, Chart of the Day offered the fascinating chart below. As illustrated, the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers dwarfs all previous US bankruptcies. “The US government has taken the approach that some companies are ‘too big to fail’ as failure could have ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001687/2008/10/07/picture-du-jour-10-largest-us-bankruptcies Eoin Treacy of Fullermoney points out that if any further evidence of a bearish climax was needed, one should look no further than the poignant cover of the most recent Economist. Eoin adds the following commentary that also conveys my current thinking: ”Making decisions is stressful. It is much easier to ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001686/2008/10/07/economist-cover-%e2%80%93-a-bearish-climax The decline in the oil price over the past two months might not have surprised everyone but the severity thereof was certainly not widely expected. One analyst who got it right was Rob Fraim of Mid-Atlantic Securities. With crude down by almost 40%, a new report on energy has just ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001592/2008/10/07/rob-fraim%e2%80%99s-energy-call Of all the market commentators I regularly quote on this blog, Donald Coxe, Global Portfolio strategist of BMO Financial Group, has turned out to be one of the most popular. And rightly so, as Donald has been on the right side of the “big picture” investment outlook more often than ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001551/2008/10/07/donald-coxe%e2%80%99s-investment-recommendations-september-2008 This post is a guest contribution by Bennet Sedacca*, President of Atlantic Advisors Asset Management Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends. We’re so glad you could attend. Come inside! Come inside! There, behind a glass, is a real blade of grass, be careful as you pass. Move along! Move along! Cold and misty ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001738/2008/10/07/the-new-biggest-risk-of-all-%e2%80%93-deflation Still on the topic of the bail-out plan, guest contributor Bill King (The King Report) offers his ideas on how to put a more credible plan together. His thoughts are insightful and deserve the urgent attention of the powers that be. Premises • The US credit system is broken. • The Paulsen-Bernanke Bailout ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001735/2008/10/07/bill-king%e2%80%99s-bail-out-plan The following observation comes from Bespoke. “As the scarecrows (’if I only had a brain’) in Washington bicker over partisan politics, the life blood of our economy is no longer flowing. Each hour that passes that a deal doesn’t get done, a tick of GDP washes away. By the time legislation ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001734/2008/10/07/bank-and-broker-default-risk-soars This post is a guest contribution by Richard Berner, Jim Caron, Sophia Drossos, David Greenlaw and Gregory Peters of Morgan Stanley. The Treasury’s sweeping new plan to stabilize the financial system and dramatic efforts by the Fed to support money markets promise to reduce sharply the downside “tail” risks to the ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001733/2008/10/07/bail-out-plan-will-it-work-and-how-will-markets-react McDonald's Corp. (MCD), which recently boosted its dividend by 33%, has been consistently outperforming the market during the recent turbulence and over the long-term. In addition to the higher income and technical growth, the company’s fundamentals also reflect strong growth. Therefore, it is not too surprising that analysts have been ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001832/2008/10/07/mcd-mcdonalds-company-continues-to-hold-up-well-amid-the-recent-market-mayhem-2 ONEOK Partners recently confirmed its higher 2008 earnings guidance despite Hurricane Ike impacting some facilities in the Gulf Coast region as commodity prices stay elevated. The partnership also increased its distribution for the 10th consecutive quarter.ONEOK has surprised on earnings 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 24.16%. It has ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001830/2008/10/07/oks-oneok-partners-surprised-on-earnings-4-consecutive-quarters-by-an-average-of-2416-2 Fuel Systems Inc (FSYS) is reaping the benefits of the global push for more environment-friendly sources of fuel. The company has reported 3 consecutive earnings surprise and estimates continue to climb.Company DescriptionFuel Systems Solutions Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets systems that allow engines to operate cleaner. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001829/2008/10/07/fsys-fuel-systems-consensus-estimates-are-projecting-a-282-increase-in-annual-earnings-2 General Dynamics (GD), which recently received a $46.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy, declared a regular quarterly dividend of 35 cents per share. GD noted that the dividend is payable November 14 to shareholders of record on October 10. The company’s second-quarter revenue result came in 10.8% higher than ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001828/2008/10/07/gd-general-dynamics-more-growth-forecasted-for-the-future-2 Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) is proving that even when the economy slows, consumers will still pull over to purchase such novelties as chewing gum and fountain soda. The company's share price has been rallying since mid July.Casey General Stores, Inc. operates 1,468 convenience stores in the Midwest. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001827/2008/10/07/casy-caseys-general-stores-grocery-and-other-merchandise-same-store-sales-were-up-2 Fossil is still running on all cylinders despite the challenging economic environment. Can Fossil buck the dreary outlook for retail?Its watch sales, especially in Europe, continue to be strong. The company has surprised on earnings 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 38.46%. Fossil is trading at 10.9x forward earnings.Company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001826/2008/10/07/fosl-fossil-provides-third-quarter-guidance-2 ENGlobal Corp (ENG) avoided major damage from hurricane Ike and just broke out of a bearish trend. Current-year estimates are projecting a 87% increase in earnings, but the company remains fairly priced with a PEG of 0.8.Company DescriptionENGlobal Corporation provides engineering, automation systems, field inspection, and land management and regulatory ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001825/2008/10/07/eng-englobal-projecting-a-87-increase-in-earnings-with-peg-of-08-3 Diamond Foods, Inc. (DMND) has increased sales and earnings is a brutal market. The company acquired a major brand to increase its exposure as it continues to pressure the new 52-week high. Diamond is showing impressive growth rates while maintaining a 0.66 PEG ratio.Company DescriptionDiamond Foods is a branded food ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001824/2008/10/07/dmnd-diamond-foods-impressive-growth-rates-while-maintaining-a-066-peg-ratio-3 CSX Corp. (CSX) boasts a solid record of exceeding Wall Street forecasts, and analysts are upbeat on earnings going forward. The company’s earnings per share are expected to grow by 17%, ahead of the industry average of 14%. CSX is rewarding shareholders with a dividend yield of 1.6%.Company DescriptionCSX Corp. ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001823/2008/10/07/csx-csx-corp-earnings-per-share-are-expected-to-grow-by-17-ahead-of-the-industry-average-of-14-3 Perrigo Co. (PRGO) has been performing well in a down market, and analysts have been boosting forecasts. Fiscal full-year earnings estimates are up 2% in just the past week. The company announced record fiscal fourth-quarter results in mid-August.Company DescriptionPerrigo is the nation's largest manufacturer of store brand over-the-counter (non-prescription) pharmaceutical ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001822/2008/10/07/prgo-perrigo-profit-increased-by-46-from-demand-for-its-consumer-health-care-products-3 Sykes Enterprises, Inc. (SYKE) is experiencing strong growth from its international markets while cutting costs, a potent one-two punch that enabled the company to deliver strong second quarter results. The company's share price has been rallying since lat July.Company DescriptionSykes Enterprises provides outscored customer contact management solutions and services both ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001821/2008/10/07/syke-sykes-enterprises-customer-contact-management-solutions-and-services-3 Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI) is weathering the current economic storm in commendable fashion. The company reported strong second-quarter results on Aug 6, forecasted a bullish full-year earnings projection and bears the favor of an accelerating share price.Company DescriptionAlbany Molecular Research provides contract services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001820/2008/10/07/amri-albany-molecular-research-earnings-of-24-cents-per-share-far-ahead-of-analyst-estimates-of-10-cents-3 Collective Brands keeps selling shoes despite the economic downturn as it focuses on designer brands. The company has surprised 3 out of 4 quarters by an average of 28.14%. Collective Brands has a forward P/E of 12.87.Company DescriptionCollective Brands Inc. (PSS) is a national shoe retailer that is the largest ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001819/2008/10/07/pss-collective-brands-beats-wall-street-estimates-for-2q-by-8621-3 Shanda Interactive Entertainment is tapping into China's emerging middle class with online games and entertainment. The company has surprised on estimates 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 13.45%. Shanda trades at only 9.7x projected earnings.Company DescriptionShanda Interactive Entertainment Limited (SNDA) is a Chinese-based media company that offers a variety ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001818/2008/10/07/snda-shanda-interactive-entertainment-surprised-on-estimates-4-consecutive-quarters-3 DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE) just announced a stock split after fantastic second-quarter results. Shares have been steadily climbing throughout the year and are a bargain with a PEG ratio of 0.6.Company DescriptionDXP Enterprises, Inc., in conjunction with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution, operation and maintenance of industrial equipment to ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001817/2008/10/07/dxpe-dxp-enterprises-inc-peg-ratio-of-06-4 L-3 Communications (LLL) surprised on estimates for 4 straight quarters by an average of 2.93%. Analysts expect 2008 year-over-year earnings growth of 20%. L-3 declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share in early July, which translates into a dividend yield of 1.2%, well above the industry average.Company DescriptionL-3 ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001816/2008/10/07/sai-lll-l-3-communications-plans-to-retain-a-logistics-support-contract-with-the-us-special-operations-command-4 99 Cents Only Stores (NDN) battled through a tough second quarter in which inflationary pressures pushed their earnings for the period into the red. But in spite of the loss, analysts are projecting strong earnings growth, and the company's share price has been locked into a very nice rally for ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001815/2008/10/07/ndn-99-cents-only-stores-108-earnings-growth-projection-4 The9 is tapping China's gaming obsession for big profits. The company grew revenues 69% in the second quarter. It has surprised on earnings 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 33.60%. The9 has a forward P/E of only 8.93.Company DescriptionThe9 Limited (NCTY) develops online games for ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001814/2008/10/07/ncty-the9-limited-surprised-on-earnings-3-out-of-the-last-4-quarters-by-an-average-of-3360-4 RadioShack Corporation (RSH) has recently posted its fourth earnings surprise in the last four quarters. The announcement has produced huge gains over the past month. The company has also announced a plan to repurchase $200 million worth of common shares.Company DescriptionRadioShack Corporation is a widely known retailer of electronic goods ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001813/2008/10/07/rsh-radioshack-200-million-share-buy-back-program-4 First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) has announced an expansion of its Ohio plant. A Zacks Analyst has also reiterated the buy recommendation and target price of $300 per share on September 22nd.Company DescriptionFirst Solar develops solar power technology, with the goal of making it a cost-effective, alternative to conventional energy resources. ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001812/2008/10/07/fslr-first-solar-annual-growth-rates-for-2008-are-currently-138-4 Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) recently declared a quarterly dividend of 19 cents per share. The company noted that the dividend will be paid out November 7 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 17. The dividend translates into a yield of 1.9%, which is well above ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001811/2008/10/07/yum-yum-brands-earnings-per-share-have-been-on-average-about-39-ahead-of-analyst-estimates-4 CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) is operating in a very hot segment of the market but still retains extremely attractive valuations, trading at a steep discount to the overall market. The analyst community is bullish on the long-term prospects of CF, with the next-year estimate projecting 31% earnings growth.Second-Quarter ResultsIn ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001809/2008/10/07/cf-cf-industries-holdings-next-year-estimate-projecting-31-earnings-growth-4 NN, Inc. (NNBR) has been able to produce impressive earnings growth in a very tough environment. The company has surprised and beaten analyst estimates in each of the last three quarters, and the analyst community is projecting 16% earnings growth in the next-year period.NN, Inc. manufactures precision bearing components for ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001808/2008/10/07/nnbr-nn-inc-bullish-projection-stock-looks-well-positioned-for-more-gains-4 Healthspring is weathering the Wall Street financial storm as revenues rose 47% in the second quarter. The company raised 2008 guidance on the back of strong Medicare premium revenues. Healthspring has a forward P/E of 9.40.Company DescriptionHealthspring, Inc. (HS) coordinates care plans in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001807/2008/10/07/hs-healthspring-beat-wall-street-estimates-for-the-second-quarter-by-60-4 CIRCOR is seeing big profits in the worldwide valve business as revenues jumped 25% in the second quarter. The company has surprised on earnings 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 4.25%. CIRCOR's forward P/E is 12.78.Company DescriptionCIRCOR International, Inc. (CIR) manufactures valves and related products ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001806/2008/10/07/cir-circor-manufactures-a-variety-of-valves-for-oil-gas-and-chemical-processing-applications-4 Big Lots, Inc (BIG) has been a safe haven for shoppers and investors in such a turbulent market. As the economy slows, shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their weakened dollars and are turning to discount retailers. The company has just reported another great quarter driven by record inventory ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001805/2008/10/07/big-big-lots-maintains-a-respectable-peg-ratio-of-10-while-its-competitors-average-16-5 McDonald's Corp. (MCD), which recently boosted its dividend by 33%, has been consistently outperforming the market during the recent turbulence and over the long-term. In addition to the higher income and technical growth, the company’s fundamentals also reflect strong growth. Therefore, it is not too surprising that analysts have been ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001803/2008/10/06/mcd-mcdonalds-company-continues-to-hold-up-well-amid-the-recent-market-mayhem ONEOK Partners recently confirmed its higher 2008 earnings guidance despite Hurricane Ike impacting some facilities in the Gulf Coast region as commodity prices stay elevated. The partnership also increased its distribution for the 10th consecutive quarter.ONEOK has surprised on earnings 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 24.16%. It has ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001801/2008/10/06/oks-oneok-partners-surprised-on-earnings-4-consecutive-quarters-by-an-average-of-2416 Whew – what a wild week! Global stock markets and commodities tumbled, whereas government bonds and the US dollar surged amid mounting fears that the ongoing turmoil in financial markets was foreshadowing a hard landing for the US and Europe. The first-ever trillion-dollar loss (as measured by the Dow Jones Willshire ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001793/2008/10/06/words-from-the-investment-wise-for-the-week-that-was-sept-29-%e2%80%93-oct-5-2008 The deed is done. The US Congress yesterday passed the government’s $700 billion bank rescue plan, and the legislation was immediately signed by President George W. Bush. The package gives the Treasury secretary extraordinary power to buy toxic assets from financial institutions, increase federal bank insurance and requires the government to ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001792/2008/10/06/poll-du-jour-will-bailout-plan-work a US taxpapyer, you are by implication an investor in the Strategery Fund - “the hedge fund of the people”. I realize the bailout is no laughing matter, but this should cause at least some temporary amusement. (Click the image below and then on the navigation buttons.) Hat tip: Barry Ritholtz’s ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001791/2008/10/06/the-hedge-fund-of-the-people One major international bank after the other is collapsing and is either being nationalized or sold off in sections. Although passed by the US Senate, the House of Representatives has yet to approve a bail-out plan for beleaguered banks. Globally there is a sudden shortage of US dollars in money markets. ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001790/2008/10/06/global-liquidity-crisis-what-now It’s been about two months now since I advocated selling your full position, if you had one, in SoundBite Communications (NASDAQ: SDBT), a provider of on-demand customer contact solutions. In those couple of months I’ve had time to reflect upon what went wrong with my investment thesis in SoundBite, what I learned ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001794/2008/10/06/tivo-where-did-i-go-wrong-with-soundbite-communications Fuel Systems Inc (FSYS) is reaping the benefits of the global push for more environment-friendly sources of fuel. The company has reported 3 consecutive earnings surprise and estimates continue to climb.Company DescriptionFuel Systems Solutions Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets systems that allow engines to operate cleaner. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001786/2008/10/02/fsys-fuel-systems-consensus-estimates-are-projecting-a-282-increase-in-annual-earnings General Dynamics (GD), which recently received a $46.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy, declared a regular quarterly dividend of 35 cents per share. GD noted that the dividend is payable November 14 to shareholders of record on October 10. The company’s second-quarter revenue result came in 10.8% higher than ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001785/2008/10/02/gd-general-dynamics-more-growth-forecasted-for-the-future Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) is proving that even when the economy slows, consumers will still pull over to purchase such novelties as chewing gum and fountain soda. The company's share price has been rallying since mid July.Casey General Stores, Inc. operates 1,468 convenience stores in the Midwest. The company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001784/2008/10/02/casy-caseys-general-stores-grocery-and-other-merchandise-same-store-sales-were-up Fossil is still running on all cylinders despite the challenging economic environment. Can Fossil buck the dreary outlook for retail?Its watch sales, especially in Europe, continue to be strong. The company has surprised on earnings 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 38.46%. Fossil is trading at 10.9x forward earnings.Company ... http://www.stockbloghub.com/001783/2008/10/02/fosl-fossil-provides-third-quarter-guidance