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Friday, February 08, 2013 9:21:04 PM
ER 130208 CSTR LNKD AOL ATVI SPWR ORLY GMCR RL ZNGA CMG YUM
Friday, Feb. 8
Redbox owner Coinstar sees shares fall 8%(9:53 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Coinstar Inc. (CSTR: news, chart, profile) shares fell 8% Friday, to $47.88 after the operator of the Redbox DVD rental kiosks gave a disappointing first-quarter forecast. Late Thursday, Coinstar said it expects to earn between 77 cents and 92 cents a share, on revenue of $568 million to $593 million. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had forecast Coinstar to earn $1.22 a share, on $628.8 million in revenue for the quarter. Coinstar officials said the company's results would be impacted by a fewer new releases on the schedule for the quarter, as well as investments in the company's Redbox Instant video-streaming service.
LinkedIn, AOL lead strong gains for tech stocks(9:48 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Tech stocks saw strong early gains on Friday morning, led by big surges at LinkedIn and AOL Inc. after the two Internet brands reported positive results for the December quarter. LinkedIn (LNKD: news, chart, profile) shares jumped more than 18% to a new all-time high of $146.90, while AOL (AOL: news, chart, profile) shares rose nearly 12% to $35.04. Videogame publisher Activision Blizzard (ATVI: news, chart, profile) jumped more than 9% following its own results. One notable decliner was Riverbed Technology (RVBD: news, chart, profile) , down nearly 15% after reporting a sharp drop in profits and disappointing outlook. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP: news, chart, profile) rose 0.8% to 3,189 while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX: news, chart, profile) rose by 1% in early trades.
Activision shares jump on results, upgrades(9:40 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Shares of Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI: news, chart, profile) jumped nearly 10% to $13.22 in early trades on Friday morning after the videogame publisher reported better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter, driven mainly by its "Call of Duty" and "Skylanders" franchises. Analysts from Macquarie Capital and Sterne Agee upgraded the stock to the equivalent of buy ratings before the opening bell, citing the results. "With the initial 2013 guidance now official, continued strength in core franchises, a solid pipeline of new IP, and the increased likelihood of a more shareholder-friendly capital structure, the next catalysts for Activision are likely positive, in our view," wrote Ben Schachter of Macquarie in a note to clients.
AOL shares rise 9% after strong results(9:32 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- AOL Inc. (AOL: news, chart, profile) shares climbed 9%, to $34.24 in early trading Friday after the online media company reported upbeat fourth-quarter results prior to the market open. AOL said it earned 41 cents a share, on $599.5 million in revenue, up from earnings of 23 cents a share on sales of $576.8 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had forecast AOL to earn 41 cents a share on $573.7 million in revenue. Sales were led by a 13% increase in advertising revenue. AOL said it was the first year-over-year revenue increase for the company in eight years.
LinkedIn shares jump 10% pre-market after earnings(8:35 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of LinkedIn Corp. (LNKD: news, chart, profile) rallied 10% in premarket trade after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates. The professional-social-media company said profit rose 66% to $11.5 million, or 10 cents a share, from $6.9 million, or six cents a share. It said revenue rose to $303.6 million from $167.7 million and forecast first-quarter sales of between $305 million and $310 million.
Thursday, Feb. 7
SunPower reports Q4 loss, but beats expectations(4:44 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Solar-panel firm SunPower Corp. (SPWR: news, chart, profile) reported late Thursday a fourth-quarter net loss of $144.8 million, or $1.22 a share, versus a loss of $93 million, or 94 cents a share, a year ago. Excluding one-time items, SunPower reported a net income of 18 cents a share, compared with 4 cents. It was a "difficult year for the industry," SunPower President Chief Executive Tom Werner said, but the company enjoyed increased customer demand. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 reached $678.5 million. Analysts polled by FactSet expected per-share earnings of 15 cents on revenue of $772.2 million. SunPower shares declined 0.1% in after-hours trade.
Republic Services posts lower profit (4:30 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Republic Services Inc. (RSG: news, chart, profile) reported late Thursday its quarter profit fell to $127 million, or 35 cents a share, from $191 million, or 51 cents a share, a year ago. Excluding one-time items, the company's per-share earnings fell to 37 cents from 53 cents. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 was nearly unchanged at $2.03 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet had predicted the Phoenix, Ariz.-based waste management company would earn 43 cents a share on $2 billion in revenue. The company said it expects 2013 adjusted per-share earnings of $1.86 to $1.91 a share and sales growth of 2% to 2.5%. Republic Services stock is up 7% over the past 12 months.
LinkedIn beats Street estimates, shares jump(4:23 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - LinkedIn Corp. (LNKD: news, chart, profile) on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter profit of $11.51 million, or 10 cents a share, compared with a profit of $6.92 million, or 6 cents a share, for the year-earlier period. Revenue was up $303.62 million, from $167.74 million. Adjusted profit was 35 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet on average were expecting the professional social networking company to report a profit of 19 cents a share, on revenue of $279.93 million. LinkedIn shares were up more than 9% in after-hours trading.
Activision beats Street targets; shares rise(4:21 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Activision Blizzard Inc. reported a sharp jump in earnings for the fourth quarter, beating Wall Street's estimates thanks to strong sales of videogame titles like "Call of Duty: Black Ops 2." For the period ended Dec. 31, Activision (ATVI: news, chart, profile) reported net income of $354 million, or 31 cents per share, on revenue of $1.77 billion, compared to net income of $99 million, or 8 cents per share, on revenue of $1.4 billion for the same period the previous year. Adjusted for the deferred revenues from certain game titles, the company said it earned 78 cents a share on $2.6 billion in revenue for the recent period. Analysts were expecting adjusted earnings of 72 cents a share on revenue of $2.4 billion, according to consensus estimates from FactSet. The company's shares jumped more than 3% in after-hours trades following the results.
Coinstar shares fall after-hours on weak forecast(4:15 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Coinstar Inc. (CSTR: news, chart, profile) on Thursday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $22.9 million, or 75 cents a share, on revenue of $564.1 million, compared with earnings of $31.5 million, or $1.04 a share, on $466 million in sales in the year-ago period. Analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had forecast Coinstar to earn 74 cents a share on $577 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 31. For its first-quarter, Coinstar, which operates the Redbox line of DVD rental kiosks, expects to earn between 77 cents and 92 cents a share, on revenue in a range of $568 million to $593 million. Analysts had forecast Coinstar to earn $1.22 a share on $628.8 million in sales for its first quarter. Coinstar's shares gave up as much as 10% in after-hours trading following the results and forecast.
O'Reilly Automotive surges 9.5% on earnings (10:28 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- O'Reilly Automotive Inc. (ORLY: news, chart, profile) shares jumped nearly 10% at the open Thursday after handing investors strong quarterly results. After the close Wednesday, the car parts retailer said it earned $132.8 million, or $1.14 a share in the fourth quarter, up from $123 million, or 94 cents a share, a year ago. The results topped the $1.08 EPS analysts surveyed by FactSet had been looking for. Same-store sales rose to 4.2% from 3.3% while revenue was up 7% at $1.49 billion. The company said it expects to earn from $5.57 to $5.67 a share in 2013, also topping the $5.52 analysts were expecting. O'Reilly shares were last up 9.5% at $101.38, making them the top gainer Thursday in the S&P 500 and extending their advance over the past 12 months to 21%.
Noble shares down 0.7% after earnings release(9:55 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Noble Energy Inc. (NBL: news, chart, profile) shares declined 0.7% in early trading Thursday after the company swung to a profit in the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations, and projected first-quarter production below Wall Street forecasts. Excluding one-time items, Noble reported fourth-quarter per-share earnings of $1.65, compared with $1.55 a year ago. Production rose 9% in 2012 year-on-year. The company trades at a discount despite "superior growth outlook," analysts at UBS said in a note. UBS has a $126 price target on the stock, which traded at $112.7.
Akamai shares plunge on weak sales, forecast(9:54 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Akamai Technologies Inc. (AKAM: news, chart, profile) shares plunged by more than 18% Thursday, to $33.91, as investors slammed the Internet content-delivery technology company for its disappointing revenue results and outlook. Late Wednesday, Akamai said it earned 54 cents a share, on $378 million in revenue, while analysts had forecast the company to earn 50 cents a share on $381 million in sales. Analysts at Janney Capital Markets and Jefferies cut their ratings on Akamai's stock following the results. For its first quarter, Akamai said it expects to earn 50 cents to 52 cents a share, on revenue in a range of $352 million to $362 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had previously forecast Akamai to earn 47 cents a share on $370.1 million in sales for the quarter.
Wednesday, Feb. 6
Visa net earnings per share up 29%(4:59 pm ET)
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Visa Inc. (V: news, chart, profile) on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $1.29 billion, or $1.93 a share, compared with $1.03 billion, or $1.49 a share, for the same period a year ago. Sales for the Foster City, Calif.-based credit card giant were $2.85 billion against last year's $2.55 billion. The company said its net income included a one-time gain of 11 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had forecast earnings of $1.79 a share on sales of $2.8 billion. The company predicted earnings per share growth for full-year 2013 in the "high teens." Shares ended the regular session up nearly 1% to $160.82.
Yelp reports quarterly loss, revenue jumps(4:24 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Yelp Inc. posted a net loss with a strong jump in fourth-quarter revenue on Wednesday afternoon. For the period ended Dec. 31, Yelp (YELP: news, chart, profile) reported a net loss of $5.3 million, or 8 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $9.1 million, or 56 cents per share, for the same period the previous year. Revenue jumped to $41.2 million from $24.9 million in last year's fourth quarter. Analysts were expecting a net loss of 4 cents a share on revenue of $40.2 million, according to consensus estimates from FactSet. The company projected first-quarter revenue in the range of $44 million to $44.5 million, which would represent 62% growth. Analysts had been expecting revenue of $43.8 million, according to FactSet.
News Corp. profits more than double(4:21 pm ET)
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Media conglomerate News Corp. (NWS: news, chart, profile) (NWS.A: news, chart, profile) said its fiscal second-quarter earnings jumped to $2.38 billion, or $1.01 a share, from $1.06 billion, or 42 cents a share, on gains from buying additional stakes in Fox Sports Australia and Fox Star Sports Asia as well as gains from a stock buyback conducted by partly held British Sky Broadcasting. Excluding those gains, as well as $65 million in costs mostly related to hacking allegations at its British newspapers, earnings rose to 44 cents a share from 39 cents a share. Revenue rose 5% to $9.43 billion, led by growth from its cable network programming. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected earnings of 43 cents a share on revenue of $9.26 billion. News Corp. owns Dow Jones & Co., which holds MarketWatch, the publisher of this report.
Green Mountain adjusted EPS net grows 27%(4:12 pm ET)
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. [s:gmcr] said Wednesday that first-quarter net income was $107.6 million, or 70 cents a share, compared with $104.4 million, or 66 cents a share, for the same period a year ago. Sales for the Waterbury, Vt.-based maker of coffee products were $1.34 billion against last year's $1.16 billion. Adjusted earnings were 76 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected the company to report earnings of 65 cents a share on sales of $1.33 billion. The company raised its full-year forecast to adjusted income of $2.72 to $2.82 a share, up from a range of $2.64 to $2.74. The FactSet analyst consensus calls for $2.68 a share. Shares ended the day up more than 3% to $48.94.
Ralph Lauren surges on strong holiday quarter (10:21 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL: news, chart, profile) shares surged as much as 7% at the open Wednesday, leading percentage gainers on the S&P 500 after reporting a surprising 28% jump in fiscal third-quarter profit. The fashion house and retailer also said its gross profit margin rose 2.2% to 59.3% in the three months ended Dec. 29. Third-quarter per-share earnings were $2.31, topping the $2.20 analysts had expected. The results showed the holiday season had been stronger than expected for the company, recovering from a slump that sent its share price as low as $134.29 in July. Ralph Lauren shares were last up 6.2% at $175.12.
Expedia shares off; RBC analyst cuts rating(9:50 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Expedia Inc. (EXPE: news, chart, profile) shares slipped by 1.6% to $66.52 in early trading Wednesday shortly after RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney cut his rating on the online travel company to sector perform, or the equivalent of neutral, from outperform. In a research note, Mahaney said Expedia "is likely now to enter a period of growth deceleration" due to tough comparable outlooks for bookings, revenue and hotel-room nights. Mahaney's downgrade came a day after Expedia reported fourth-quarter earnings and sales that improved from a year ago.
CVS Caremark 4th-quarter profit rose 6.1%(8:02 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS: news, chart, profile) said on Wednesday fourth-quarter net income rose 6.1% to $1.13 billion, or 90 cents per share, from $1.06 billion, or 84 cents per share, in the year-ago period. The Woonsocket, R.I.-based drugstore chain said adjusted earnings were $1.14 per share. Quarterly net revenue rose to $31.39 billion from $28.32 billion a year ago. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected earnings of $1.10 per share on revenue of $31.14 billion.
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Aflac posts higher profit, misses analyst target(4:53 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Insurer Aflac Inc. (AFL: news, chart, profile) on Tuesday said its fourth-quarter net profits rose to $581 million, or $1.24 a share, compared with $538 million, or $1.15 a share, a year earlier. Revenues for the quarter rose 6.6% to $6.38 billion, compared with $5.98 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet were looking for per-share earnings of $1.47. The company said it expects U.S. sales to be flat to up 5% this year. Aflac shares declined 0.9% in after-hour trading.
C.H. Robinson doubles profit on acquisitions(4:43 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Freight and shipping company C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW: news, chart, profile) , citing higher volumes from recent acquisitions, reported late Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit rose to $256.4 million, or $1.58 a share, from $109.2 million, or 67 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter rose nearly 16% to $2.97 billion from $2.57 billion. Adjusted to exclude one-time items, the company earned 68 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet, who typically cite adjusted income, had predicted the Minneapolis, Minn.-based company would earn 70 cents a share on $2.88 billion in revenue. C.H. Robinson shares were up 7 cents at $67.08 in after-hours trade. The stock is up 4% over the past 12 months.
Disney first-quarter earnings fall 6% to $1.38 bln(4:25 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Walt Disney Co. (DIS: news, chart, profile) said late Tuesday that its fiscal first-quarter earnings fell at $1.38 billion, or 77 cents a share, from $1.46 billion or 80 cents a share in the year-ago period. Excluding charges, the media giant would have reported earnings of 79 cents a share. Revenue rose to $11.34 billion from $10.78 billion last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet estimated a quarterly profit of 76 cents a share on revenue of $11.21 billion. Whispernumber.com, which uses unpublished estimates, expected earnings of 78 cents a share.
Panera Bread posts 34% higher profit (4:18 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Panera Bread Co. (PNRA: news, chart, profile) reported late Tuesday its fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 34% to $51.6 million, or $1.75 a share, from $38.6 million, or $1.31 a share a year ago. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 25 rose 15% to $571.5 million while same-store sales rose 4.9%. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected the St. Louis, Mo.-based bakery chain to post earnings of $1.74 a share on $574.6 million in revenue. Panera Bread shares rose as much as 4.4% in after-hours trade to $170.
Zynga narrows loss with big revenue beat(4:14 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Zynga Inc. narrowed its net loss as revenues for the fourth quarter came in well ahead of Wall Street's expectations, driving the social game maker's shares up more than 5% in after-hours trades on Tuesday. For the period ended Dec. 31, Zynga (ZNGA: news, chart, profile) reported a net loss of $48.6 million, or 6 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $435 million, or $1.22 per share, in the same period last year. The company said it earned 1 cent per share on a non-GAAP basis for the recent quarter. Revenue was mostly flat at $311.2 million. Analysts were expecting an adjusted loss of 3 cents a share on revenue of $212.1 million, according to consensus estimates from FactSet.
Expedia reports 10% earnings increase(4:13 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Online travel company Expedia Inc. (EXPE: news, chart, profile) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings that rose 10% from a year ago. Expedia said that for the quarter ended Dec. 31, it earned $88.9 million, or 63 cents a share, on revenue of $975 million. During the same period a year ago, Expedia earned $80.6 million, or 58 cents a share, on $787 million in sales. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had forecast Expedia to earn 65 cents a share on revenue of $933 million. Expedia also reported $7.53 billion in gross bookings, a 19% increase for the fourth quarter in 2011. Expedia shares rose more than 4% in after-hours trading following the release of the results.
Chipotle fourth-quarter profit rises to $61.4 mln(4:09 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG: news, chart, profile) said late Tuesday that its fourth quarter earnings rose to $61.4 million, or $1.95 a share, from $57 million, or $1.81 a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue increased to $699.2 million from $596.7 million last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet estimated a quarterly profit of $1.96 a share on revenue of $696.3 million.
Take-Two earnings jump in third fiscal quarter(4:05 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (TTWO: news, chart, profile) posted a significant jump in earnings for its third fiscal quarter on Tuesday afternoon. For the period ended Dec. 31, Take-Two reported net income of $71.4 million, or 66 cents per share, on revenue of $415.8 million. That compares with net income of $14.1 million or 16 cents a share on revenue of $236.3 million in the same period last year. Adjusted for deferred revenues from certain game sales, Take-Two said it earned 67 cents per share on revenue of $405 million for the recent period. Analysts were expecting adjusted earnings of 55 cents a share on revenue of $363.9 million, according to consensus estimates from FactSet.
Estee Lauder shares rise as U.S. spending rebounds(11:25 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Estee Lauder Cos. (EL: news, chart, profile) surged 5.8% on Tuesday to $64.59, the second-biggest gain on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX: news, chart, profile) . The beauty-products company said Tuesday morning its fiscal second-quarter earnings rose 13% as revenue increased, boosted by a rebound in U.S. spending and sales increases in the Asia/Pacific region's emerging markets. Estee Lauder said quarterly profit rose to $447.5 million, or $1.13 cents per share, from $396.7 million, or $1 a share, in the year-ago period. It raised its 2013 profit forecast to between $2.51 and $2.59 a share.
Yum! stock skids on China chicken fallout(10:18 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM: news, chart, profile) shares fell 3.5% on Tuesday to $61.70, the third-worst performance on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX: news, chart, profile) . The fast-food chain said late Monday its earnings fell 5.3% in the fourth quarter as a Chinese government review of poultry supplies hurt same-store sales in China. The company said it doesn't expect earnings growth this year. Yum! Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, said profit fell to $337 million, or 72 cents a share, from $356 million, or 75 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Friday, Feb. 8
Redbox owner Coinstar sees shares fall 8%(9:53 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Coinstar Inc. (CSTR: news, chart, profile) shares fell 8% Friday, to $47.88 after the operator of the Redbox DVD rental kiosks gave a disappointing first-quarter forecast. Late Thursday, Coinstar said it expects to earn between 77 cents and 92 cents a share, on revenue of $568 million to $593 million. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had forecast Coinstar to earn $1.22 a share, on $628.8 million in revenue for the quarter. Coinstar officials said the company's results would be impacted by a fewer new releases on the schedule for the quarter, as well as investments in the company's Redbox Instant video-streaming service.
LinkedIn, AOL lead strong gains for tech stocks(9:48 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Tech stocks saw strong early gains on Friday morning, led by big surges at LinkedIn and AOL Inc. after the two Internet brands reported positive results for the December quarter. LinkedIn (LNKD: news, chart, profile) shares jumped more than 18% to a new all-time high of $146.90, while AOL (AOL: news, chart, profile) shares rose nearly 12% to $35.04. Videogame publisher Activision Blizzard (ATVI: news, chart, profile) jumped more than 9% following its own results. One notable decliner was Riverbed Technology (RVBD: news, chart, profile) , down nearly 15% after reporting a sharp drop in profits and disappointing outlook. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP: news, chart, profile) rose 0.8% to 3,189 while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX: news, chart, profile) rose by 1% in early trades.
Activision shares jump on results, upgrades(9:40 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Shares of Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI: news, chart, profile) jumped nearly 10% to $13.22 in early trades on Friday morning after the videogame publisher reported better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter, driven mainly by its "Call of Duty" and "Skylanders" franchises. Analysts from Macquarie Capital and Sterne Agee upgraded the stock to the equivalent of buy ratings before the opening bell, citing the results. "With the initial 2013 guidance now official, continued strength in core franchises, a solid pipeline of new IP, and the increased likelihood of a more shareholder-friendly capital structure, the next catalysts for Activision are likely positive, in our view," wrote Ben Schachter of Macquarie in a note to clients.
AOL shares rise 9% after strong results(9:32 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- AOL Inc. (AOL: news, chart, profile) shares climbed 9%, to $34.24 in early trading Friday after the online media company reported upbeat fourth-quarter results prior to the market open. AOL said it earned 41 cents a share, on $599.5 million in revenue, up from earnings of 23 cents a share on sales of $576.8 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had forecast AOL to earn 41 cents a share on $573.7 million in revenue. Sales were led by a 13% increase in advertising revenue. AOL said it was the first year-over-year revenue increase for the company in eight years.
LinkedIn shares jump 10% pre-market after earnings(8:35 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of LinkedIn Corp. (LNKD: news, chart, profile) rallied 10% in premarket trade after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates. The professional-social-media company said profit rose 66% to $11.5 million, or 10 cents a share, from $6.9 million, or six cents a share. It said revenue rose to $303.6 million from $167.7 million and forecast first-quarter sales of between $305 million and $310 million.
Thursday, Feb. 7
SunPower reports Q4 loss, but beats expectations(4:44 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Solar-panel firm SunPower Corp. (SPWR: news, chart, profile) reported late Thursday a fourth-quarter net loss of $144.8 million, or $1.22 a share, versus a loss of $93 million, or 94 cents a share, a year ago. Excluding one-time items, SunPower reported a net income of 18 cents a share, compared with 4 cents. It was a "difficult year for the industry," SunPower President Chief Executive Tom Werner said, but the company enjoyed increased customer demand. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 reached $678.5 million. Analysts polled by FactSet expected per-share earnings of 15 cents on revenue of $772.2 million. SunPower shares declined 0.1% in after-hours trade.
Republic Services posts lower profit (4:30 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Republic Services Inc. (RSG: news, chart, profile) reported late Thursday its quarter profit fell to $127 million, or 35 cents a share, from $191 million, or 51 cents a share, a year ago. Excluding one-time items, the company's per-share earnings fell to 37 cents from 53 cents. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 was nearly unchanged at $2.03 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet had predicted the Phoenix, Ariz.-based waste management company would earn 43 cents a share on $2 billion in revenue. The company said it expects 2013 adjusted per-share earnings of $1.86 to $1.91 a share and sales growth of 2% to 2.5%. Republic Services stock is up 7% over the past 12 months.
LinkedIn beats Street estimates, shares jump(4:23 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - LinkedIn Corp. (LNKD: news, chart, profile) on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter profit of $11.51 million, or 10 cents a share, compared with a profit of $6.92 million, or 6 cents a share, for the year-earlier period. Revenue was up $303.62 million, from $167.74 million. Adjusted profit was 35 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet on average were expecting the professional social networking company to report a profit of 19 cents a share, on revenue of $279.93 million. LinkedIn shares were up more than 9% in after-hours trading.
Activision beats Street targets; shares rise(4:21 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Activision Blizzard Inc. reported a sharp jump in earnings for the fourth quarter, beating Wall Street's estimates thanks to strong sales of videogame titles like "Call of Duty: Black Ops 2." For the period ended Dec. 31, Activision (ATVI: news, chart, profile) reported net income of $354 million, or 31 cents per share, on revenue of $1.77 billion, compared to net income of $99 million, or 8 cents per share, on revenue of $1.4 billion for the same period the previous year. Adjusted for the deferred revenues from certain game titles, the company said it earned 78 cents a share on $2.6 billion in revenue for the recent period. Analysts were expecting adjusted earnings of 72 cents a share on revenue of $2.4 billion, according to consensus estimates from FactSet. The company's shares jumped more than 3% in after-hours trades following the results.
Coinstar shares fall after-hours on weak forecast(4:15 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Coinstar Inc. (CSTR: news, chart, profile) on Thursday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $22.9 million, or 75 cents a share, on revenue of $564.1 million, compared with earnings of $31.5 million, or $1.04 a share, on $466 million in sales in the year-ago period. Analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had forecast Coinstar to earn 74 cents a share on $577 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 31. For its first-quarter, Coinstar, which operates the Redbox line of DVD rental kiosks, expects to earn between 77 cents and 92 cents a share, on revenue in a range of $568 million to $593 million. Analysts had forecast Coinstar to earn $1.22 a share on $628.8 million in sales for its first quarter. Coinstar's shares gave up as much as 10% in after-hours trading following the results and forecast.
O'Reilly Automotive surges 9.5% on earnings (10:28 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- O'Reilly Automotive Inc. (ORLY: news, chart, profile) shares jumped nearly 10% at the open Thursday after handing investors strong quarterly results. After the close Wednesday, the car parts retailer said it earned $132.8 million, or $1.14 a share in the fourth quarter, up from $123 million, or 94 cents a share, a year ago. The results topped the $1.08 EPS analysts surveyed by FactSet had been looking for. Same-store sales rose to 4.2% from 3.3% while revenue was up 7% at $1.49 billion. The company said it expects to earn from $5.57 to $5.67 a share in 2013, also topping the $5.52 analysts were expecting. O'Reilly shares were last up 9.5% at $101.38, making them the top gainer Thursday in the S&P 500 and extending their advance over the past 12 months to 21%.
Noble shares down 0.7% after earnings release(9:55 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Noble Energy Inc. (NBL: news, chart, profile) shares declined 0.7% in early trading Thursday after the company swung to a profit in the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations, and projected first-quarter production below Wall Street forecasts. Excluding one-time items, Noble reported fourth-quarter per-share earnings of $1.65, compared with $1.55 a year ago. Production rose 9% in 2012 year-on-year. The company trades at a discount despite "superior growth outlook," analysts at UBS said in a note. UBS has a $126 price target on the stock, which traded at $112.7.
Akamai shares plunge on weak sales, forecast(9:54 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Akamai Technologies Inc. (AKAM: news, chart, profile) shares plunged by more than 18% Thursday, to $33.91, as investors slammed the Internet content-delivery technology company for its disappointing revenue results and outlook. Late Wednesday, Akamai said it earned 54 cents a share, on $378 million in revenue, while analysts had forecast the company to earn 50 cents a share on $381 million in sales. Analysts at Janney Capital Markets and Jefferies cut their ratings on Akamai's stock following the results. For its first quarter, Akamai said it expects to earn 50 cents to 52 cents a share, on revenue in a range of $352 million to $362 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had previously forecast Akamai to earn 47 cents a share on $370.1 million in sales for the quarter.
Wednesday, Feb. 6
Visa net earnings per share up 29%(4:59 pm ET)
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Visa Inc. (V: news, chart, profile) on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $1.29 billion, or $1.93 a share, compared with $1.03 billion, or $1.49 a share, for the same period a year ago. Sales for the Foster City, Calif.-based credit card giant were $2.85 billion against last year's $2.55 billion. The company said its net income included a one-time gain of 11 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had forecast earnings of $1.79 a share on sales of $2.8 billion. The company predicted earnings per share growth for full-year 2013 in the "high teens." Shares ended the regular session up nearly 1% to $160.82.
Yelp reports quarterly loss, revenue jumps(4:24 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Yelp Inc. posted a net loss with a strong jump in fourth-quarter revenue on Wednesday afternoon. For the period ended Dec. 31, Yelp (YELP: news, chart, profile) reported a net loss of $5.3 million, or 8 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $9.1 million, or 56 cents per share, for the same period the previous year. Revenue jumped to $41.2 million from $24.9 million in last year's fourth quarter. Analysts were expecting a net loss of 4 cents a share on revenue of $40.2 million, according to consensus estimates from FactSet. The company projected first-quarter revenue in the range of $44 million to $44.5 million, which would represent 62% growth. Analysts had been expecting revenue of $43.8 million, according to FactSet.
News Corp. profits more than double(4:21 pm ET)
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Media conglomerate News Corp. (NWS: news, chart, profile) (NWS.A: news, chart, profile) said its fiscal second-quarter earnings jumped to $2.38 billion, or $1.01 a share, from $1.06 billion, or 42 cents a share, on gains from buying additional stakes in Fox Sports Australia and Fox Star Sports Asia as well as gains from a stock buyback conducted by partly held British Sky Broadcasting. Excluding those gains, as well as $65 million in costs mostly related to hacking allegations at its British newspapers, earnings rose to 44 cents a share from 39 cents a share. Revenue rose 5% to $9.43 billion, led by growth from its cable network programming. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected earnings of 43 cents a share on revenue of $9.26 billion. News Corp. owns Dow Jones & Co., which holds MarketWatch, the publisher of this report.
Green Mountain adjusted EPS net grows 27%(4:12 pm ET)
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. [s:gmcr] said Wednesday that first-quarter net income was $107.6 million, or 70 cents a share, compared with $104.4 million, or 66 cents a share, for the same period a year ago. Sales for the Waterbury, Vt.-based maker of coffee products were $1.34 billion against last year's $1.16 billion. Adjusted earnings were 76 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected the company to report earnings of 65 cents a share on sales of $1.33 billion. The company raised its full-year forecast to adjusted income of $2.72 to $2.82 a share, up from a range of $2.64 to $2.74. The FactSet analyst consensus calls for $2.68 a share. Shares ended the day up more than 3% to $48.94.
Ralph Lauren surges on strong holiday quarter (10:21 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL: news, chart, profile) shares surged as much as 7% at the open Wednesday, leading percentage gainers on the S&P 500 after reporting a surprising 28% jump in fiscal third-quarter profit. The fashion house and retailer also said its gross profit margin rose 2.2% to 59.3% in the three months ended Dec. 29. Third-quarter per-share earnings were $2.31, topping the $2.20 analysts had expected. The results showed the holiday season had been stronger than expected for the company, recovering from a slump that sent its share price as low as $134.29 in July. Ralph Lauren shares were last up 6.2% at $175.12.
Expedia shares off; RBC analyst cuts rating(9:50 am ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Expedia Inc. (EXPE: news, chart, profile) shares slipped by 1.6% to $66.52 in early trading Wednesday shortly after RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney cut his rating on the online travel company to sector perform, or the equivalent of neutral, from outperform. In a research note, Mahaney said Expedia "is likely now to enter a period of growth deceleration" due to tough comparable outlooks for bookings, revenue and hotel-room nights. Mahaney's downgrade came a day after Expedia reported fourth-quarter earnings and sales that improved from a year ago.
CVS Caremark 4th-quarter profit rose 6.1%(8:02 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS: news, chart, profile) said on Wednesday fourth-quarter net income rose 6.1% to $1.13 billion, or 90 cents per share, from $1.06 billion, or 84 cents per share, in the year-ago period. The Woonsocket, R.I.-based drugstore chain said adjusted earnings were $1.14 per share. Quarterly net revenue rose to $31.39 billion from $28.32 billion a year ago. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected earnings of $1.10 per share on revenue of $31.14 billion.
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Aflac posts higher profit, misses analyst target(4:53 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Insurer Aflac Inc. (AFL: news, chart, profile) on Tuesday said its fourth-quarter net profits rose to $581 million, or $1.24 a share, compared with $538 million, or $1.15 a share, a year earlier. Revenues for the quarter rose 6.6% to $6.38 billion, compared with $5.98 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet were looking for per-share earnings of $1.47. The company said it expects U.S. sales to be flat to up 5% this year. Aflac shares declined 0.9% in after-hour trading.
C.H. Robinson doubles profit on acquisitions(4:43 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Freight and shipping company C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW: news, chart, profile) , citing higher volumes from recent acquisitions, reported late Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit rose to $256.4 million, or $1.58 a share, from $109.2 million, or 67 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter rose nearly 16% to $2.97 billion from $2.57 billion. Adjusted to exclude one-time items, the company earned 68 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet, who typically cite adjusted income, had predicted the Minneapolis, Minn.-based company would earn 70 cents a share on $2.88 billion in revenue. C.H. Robinson shares were up 7 cents at $67.08 in after-hours trade. The stock is up 4% over the past 12 months.
Disney first-quarter earnings fall 6% to $1.38 bln(4:25 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Walt Disney Co. (DIS: news, chart, profile) said late Tuesday that its fiscal first-quarter earnings fell at $1.38 billion, or 77 cents a share, from $1.46 billion or 80 cents a share in the year-ago period. Excluding charges, the media giant would have reported earnings of 79 cents a share. Revenue rose to $11.34 billion from $10.78 billion last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet estimated a quarterly profit of 76 cents a share on revenue of $11.21 billion. Whispernumber.com, which uses unpublished estimates, expected earnings of 78 cents a share.
Panera Bread posts 34% higher profit (4:18 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Panera Bread Co. (PNRA: news, chart, profile) reported late Tuesday its fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 34% to $51.6 million, or $1.75 a share, from $38.6 million, or $1.31 a share a year ago. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 25 rose 15% to $571.5 million while same-store sales rose 4.9%. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected the St. Louis, Mo.-based bakery chain to post earnings of $1.74 a share on $574.6 million in revenue. Panera Bread shares rose as much as 4.4% in after-hours trade to $170.
Zynga narrows loss with big revenue beat(4:14 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Zynga Inc. narrowed its net loss as revenues for the fourth quarter came in well ahead of Wall Street's expectations, driving the social game maker's shares up more than 5% in after-hours trades on Tuesday. For the period ended Dec. 31, Zynga (ZNGA: news, chart, profile) reported a net loss of $48.6 million, or 6 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $435 million, or $1.22 per share, in the same period last year. The company said it earned 1 cent per share on a non-GAAP basis for the recent quarter. Revenue was mostly flat at $311.2 million. Analysts were expecting an adjusted loss of 3 cents a share on revenue of $212.1 million, according to consensus estimates from FactSet.
Expedia reports 10% earnings increase(4:13 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Online travel company Expedia Inc. (EXPE: news, chart, profile) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings that rose 10% from a year ago. Expedia said that for the quarter ended Dec. 31, it earned $88.9 million, or 63 cents a share, on revenue of $975 million. During the same period a year ago, Expedia earned $80.6 million, or 58 cents a share, on $787 million in sales. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had forecast Expedia to earn 65 cents a share on revenue of $933 million. Expedia also reported $7.53 billion in gross bookings, a 19% increase for the fourth quarter in 2011. Expedia shares rose more than 4% in after-hours trading following the release of the results.
Chipotle fourth-quarter profit rises to $61.4 mln(4:09 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG: news, chart, profile) said late Tuesday that its fourth quarter earnings rose to $61.4 million, or $1.95 a share, from $57 million, or $1.81 a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue increased to $699.2 million from $596.7 million last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet estimated a quarterly profit of $1.96 a share on revenue of $696.3 million.
Take-Two earnings jump in third fiscal quarter(4:05 pm ET)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (TTWO: news, chart, profile) posted a significant jump in earnings for its third fiscal quarter on Tuesday afternoon. For the period ended Dec. 31, Take-Two reported net income of $71.4 million, or 66 cents per share, on revenue of $415.8 million. That compares with net income of $14.1 million or 16 cents a share on revenue of $236.3 million in the same period last year. Adjusted for deferred revenues from certain game sales, Take-Two said it earned 67 cents per share on revenue of $405 million for the recent period. Analysts were expecting adjusted earnings of 55 cents a share on revenue of $363.9 million, according to consensus estimates from FactSet.
Estee Lauder shares rise as U.S. spending rebounds(11:25 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Estee Lauder Cos. (EL: news, chart, profile) surged 5.8% on Tuesday to $64.59, the second-biggest gain on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX: news, chart, profile) . The beauty-products company said Tuesday morning its fiscal second-quarter earnings rose 13% as revenue increased, boosted by a rebound in U.S. spending and sales increases in the Asia/Pacific region's emerging markets. Estee Lauder said quarterly profit rose to $447.5 million, or $1.13 cents per share, from $396.7 million, or $1 a share, in the year-ago period. It raised its 2013 profit forecast to between $2.51 and $2.59 a share.
Yum! stock skids on China chicken fallout(10:18 am ET)
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM: news, chart, profile) shares fell 3.5% on Tuesday to $61.70, the third-worst performance on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX: news, chart, profile) . The fast-food chain said late Monday its earnings fell 5.3% in the fourth quarter as a Chinese government review of poultry supplies hurt same-store sales in China. The company said it doesn't expect earnings growth this year. Yum! Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, said profit fell to $337 million, or 72 cents a share, from $356 million, or 75 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
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