Month: January 2015

Early into the New Year, investors are once again making predictions regarding how the year will unfold. These speculations are mainly based on historical data and key issues that are expected to leave a mark on public and personal life. […]

TPG Real Estate announced the acquisition of a high-yielding loan portfolio from the Germany-based Deutsche Bank AG’s ( DB ) Special Situations Group. The former will own 75% stake in the $2.5 billion portfolio, while the latter retains the remaining 25%. For the purpose of the acquisition, a new REIT, under the name TPG Real Estate Finance Trust (TRT), has been formed which will include 11 origination and risk-management professionals from Deutsche Bank’s Special Situations Group. […]

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc ( RBS ), the banking and insurance holding company largely owned by the U.K. government, is contemplating the sale of majority of its corporate banking business in Asia, as reported by Bloomberg. […]

United Continental Holdings Inc. ( UAL ), the parent company of United Airlines, reported a marginal increase in its Dec 2014 traffic. […]

Investors in the pharma/biotech sector eagerly wait for pipeline updates as they play an important role in deciding whether or not to invest in a particular company. These updates provide information on experimental drugs and at times give an insight on the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized. Novartis ( NVS ) recently announced positive top-line results from phase III trials on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) drugs Ultibro Breezhaler 110/50 mcg and Seebri Breezhaler 50 mcg. […]

Alcoa ( AA ) has done it again: another impressively big beat on both the top and bottom lines, this time for Q4 2014. America's biggest aluminum producer posted revenues of $6.38 billion — a 6% beat over top-line expectations — and earnings per share of 33 cents, representing a 27% positive earnings surprise for the quarter. […]

On Jan 9, 2014, we issued an updated research report on Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ( HST ). The Bethesda, MD-based REIT-Equity Trust-Others is continuing with its focus on the premium assets across vibrant markets. […]

Leading provider of electronic payment solutions, VeriFone Systems, Inc. ( PAY ) recently announced its latest solution to ease online transaction via smart devices. […]

Shares of shipping company Star Bulk Carriers Corp. ( SBLK ) plummeted to a 52-week low of $4.90 on Jan 9. The stock ended the day’s trading session at $5.02, down 23.12%. […]

On Jan 9, 2015, we issued an updated research report on Watts Water Technologies, Inc. ( WTS ), manufacturer and seller of various water safety and flow control products. Watts Water Technologies’ third-quarter 2014 adjusted earnings increased 21% year over year to $0.70 per share, driven by increased volumes in America, cost savings and more stable manufacturing in its lead free foundry […]

Range Generation Next (“RGNext”), a joint venture (“JV”) of Raytheon Company ( RTN ) and General Dynamics Corp. ( GD ), has won a $1.5 billion contract with a one-year base period and nine one-year options from the U.S. […]

A wholly owned subsidiary of American Water Works Company, Inc. ( AWK ), New Jersey American Water, has filed a rate hike request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”). The petition considers the reimbursement of water and wastewater investments made by this subsidiary in the last couple of years or more. […]

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( AMAG ) provided preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year 2014 as well as its 2015 financial guidance. The outlook includes the company’s recently concluded acquisition of privately held company Lumara Health Inc. […]

Argos Therapeutics Inc. ( ARGS ) announced disappointing top-line results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study on its investigational immunotherapy, AGS-004, for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic HIV-1 infection. The company’s shares plunged 32.3% following the announcement […]

In an attempt to recoup and give itself a major facelift, J. C. Penney Company, Inc. […]

Shares of Urban Outfitters Inc. ( URBN ) gained roughly 3% following the strong holiday season performance of this specialty retailer of fashion apparel and accessories. […]