Month: February 2014

On Feb 21, 2014, we issued an updated research report on TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation ( AMTD ). The company, which operates in the investment brokerage space, recently reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2013 results with increased revenues, partially offset by higher operating expenses. Though the company’s strong balance sheet and rising daily average client trades are encouraging, we remain cautious given the macroeconomic headwinds across the industry. […]

Fertilizer maker Agrium 's ( AGU ) Board has cleared an expansion at its Borger, TX-based nitrogen facility. The expansion will enable the company to cut its dependence on existing ammonia distribution channels and offer it greater flexibility to address changes in demand by product and region. The expansion involves addition of a new urea production unit with a capacity of roughly 610,000 tons, of which, around 100,000 tons will be Diesel Emission Fuel (DEF) grade urea. […]

In an effort to make retirement investment more attractive and comprehensible for its customers, Prudential Annuities – the domestic annuity business of Prudential Financial Inc. ( PRU ) has announced the launch of a new website called IncomeCertainty.com. […]

Calgon Carbon Corporation ( CCC ) has been awarded with a granular activated carbon (GAC) supply contract by DaeWoo Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. […]

On Tuesday, Moody's Investors Service, the ratings arm of Moody’s Corp. ( MCO ), downgraded its outlook on First Republic Bank ( FRC ) to ‘Negative’ from ‘Stable.’ The downward revision was propelled by the uncertainty over First Republic Bank’s capability in meeting prudent underwriting standards while maintaining significant loan growth. […]

Aluminum giant Alcoa Inc. ( AA ) and the Government of Quebec have signed an agreement to improve the competitiveness of the former’s three smelters in Quebec. […]

Tulsa, OK-based publicly traded energy pipeline partnership Magellan Midstream Partners LP ( MMP ) announced the pricing of senior notes worth $250 million. The notes, carrying an interest rate of 5.15%, are expected to mature in 2043. These notes are an addition to the series which was offered last year on Oct 10. […]

On successfully completing the first phase of development, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. ( IFF ) extended its collaboration with Amyris, Inc. ( AMRS ) into the second phase for the development of specific renewable fragrance ingredients. […]

TeleTech Holdings Inc. ( TTEC ), a premier global analytics and technology-enabled customer engagement solutions provider, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sofica Group, Bulgaria's leading independent customer management outsourcing services company, for an undisclosed amount. Per the agreement, Sofica’s operations will be integrated into TeleTech's Customer Management Services segment […]

The board of directors of Infinity Property and Casualty Corp. ( IPCC ) approved a 20% increase in its quarterly cash dividend. […]

Air Products ( APD ) touched a new 52-week high of $120 on Feb 25, above its previous high of $119.23. Its shares clocked $119.67 at the end of the trading session on that day. […]

Albemarle Corporation ( ALB ) has increased its quarterly dividend 15% to 27.5 cents per share from the prior payout of 24 cents a share. The raised dividend will be paid on Apr 1, 2014, to stockholders of record as of Mar 14, 2014. The recent revision marked the company’s 20th straight quarterly dividend increase […]

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. ( UTX ), recently announced that Milestone Aviation Group has placed an order for additional eight units of the S-92 helicopters. […]

At its fourth quarter 2013 conference call, B&G Foods, Inc. ( BGS ) announced that its balance sheet is in excellent health at the end of the quarter. The strong cash position allowed B&G Foods to announce yet another increase in its quarterly dividend […]

Qualcomm Inc. ( QCOM ) has decided to collaborate with Germany’s leading mobile operator Deutsche Telekom, to test run LTE-Direct technology. LTE Direct is an innovative device-to-device technology that enables continuous discovery of devices and services in the proximity (around 500 meter), while maintaining privacy and battery efficiency. […]