Month: January 2015

Canada’s largest energy firm Suncor Energy’s ( SU ) chief financial officer – Alister Cowan – expects oil price to recover within three to four years. Hence, the firm has no intention to defer its profitable long-term developments. […]

The entry of generic competition for key products always deals a major blow to the branded company’s financials. Usually, the innovator company explores different avenues to reduce the impact of genericization of key products. […]

On Jan 21, 2015, we issued an updated research report on Ball Corporation ( BLL ). This manufacturer of metal and plastic packaging for beverages and foods reported a 10% year-over-year improvement in its third-quarter 2014 adjusted earnings per share to $1.10. […]

We have updated our research report on Integrys Energy Group, Inc. ( TEG ) on Jan 23, 2015. The company’s strong regulated utility mix provides it with a stable earnings base […]

Duke Energy Corp. ( DUK ) continues to expand its renewable portfolio. The company announced that it will build a 13-megawatt (“MW”) (AC) solar facility at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Onslow County, NC. […]

Pipeline updates are highly awaited events in the pharma/biotech sector 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 into the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized. […]

Canadian Solar Inc. ( CSIQ ) announced that it has sold the 10-megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) solar power plant, Glenarm, to an affiliate of Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF) Infrastructure III for $49 million (C$60 million). The solar farm is located at Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada […]

Shares of Zillow Inc. ( Z ) and Trulia Inc. ( TRLA ) gained over 8.2% and 9.8%, respectively, on Jan 23 on reports that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved the long pending merger of the two companies […]

Fertilizer maker Agrium ( AGU ) has bumped up its target dividend payout ratio as it sees strong cash flow generation following the completion of its production capacity expansion projects this year. The Canada-based company said that it has raised its dividend payout ratio to 40% to 50% of free cash flow from its earlier targeted payout of 25% to 30%. Agrium also added that the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has accepted its ‘Notice of Intention’ to make a normal course issuer bid, pursuant to which, the company plans to purchase up to 5% (around 7.2 million) of its issued and outstanding shares from time to time over the next 12 months […]

The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited and Protective Life Corporation ( PL ) announced new developments on the plan of a merger between the two. The final and the most crucial step in concluding the transaction has been reached, with regulatory authorities in the United States and Japan giving necessary approvals to the merger. Now, the merger is expected to close on Feb 1, 2015 and each outstanding share of Protective common stock will be converted into the right to receive $70.00 in cash […]

Spectra Energy Corporation ( SE ) and Spectra Energy Partners ( SEP ) announced that they have entered into an agreement with ConocoPhillips Company ( COP ) through their affiliate – Spectra Energy Transmission II, LLC (“SET”). Per the agreement, the duo would wholly acquire the equity interests in Brazoria Interconnector Gas Pipeline, LLC (“BIG”) from Conoco. […]

The U.S. Energy Department's weekly inventory release showed that crude stockpiles recorded a massive build – the largest increase in at least 14 years – on lower refinery runs and continued strength in production. […]

Leggett & Platt Incorporated ( LEG ) appears strong as it embraces the earnings season with favorable stock price movement, a strong earnings surprise history, positive estimate revisions and an optimistic outlook. The home furnishings retailer’s stock performance remained impressive throughout 2014, as is evident from its 52% year-over-year jump. […]

On Jan 23, 2014, we issued an updated research report on Vornado Realty Trust ( VNO ). The New York-based company, from the REIT-Equity Trust-Others industry, continues with streamlining the business structure, and concentrating exclusively on core office assets. Notably, few days back, Vornado completed the spin-off of Urban Edge Properties, which holds stake in 79 strip shopping centers, 3 malls and one Warehouse Park. […]

On Jan 22, 2015, we issued an updated research report on PetMed Express ( PETS ). PetMed posted a mixed fiscal third quarter with earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues beating the mark. This nationwide pet pharmacy presently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). […]