Stericycle Profits Rise Despite Revenue Declines

Stericycle reported stronger profitability in the third quarter despite experiencing slower top-line growth both year over year and sequentially. Seventeen acquisitions contributed toward an increase in revenue by 11.3% to $535 million in the quarter; however, consolidated internal growth of 6.5% was on the low end of Stericycle’s typical target range. In particular, domestic small quantity (SQ) revenue grew organically by 8%, and large quantity … Continue reading Stericycle Profits Rise Despite Revenue Declines

Low Coal Prices Drive Huaneng Earnings in Quarter

Huaneng Power International reported 2013 third-quarter earnings of $1.52 per ADR compared with $0.92 per ADR in 2012’s third quarter. The reported results included an asset impairment charge and loss on disposal of noncurrent assets that reduced reported earnings by roughly $0.24 per ADR. Low market coal prices continue to drive strong earnings. We are reaffirming our narrow moat and stable moat trend ratings and … Continue reading Low Coal Prices Drive Huaneng Earnings in Quarter

Airgas Earnings Come in Below Analysts’ Projections

Airgas reported second-quarter results that were below analyst’s projections, and the firm subsequently lowered its 2014 earnings guidance.  Although reported revenue increased 4% (2% organic and 2% from acquisitions) compared with the year-ago period, the core business environment was more subdued. The 2% organic sales consisted of pricing up 3% and volume down 1%. Gross margins increased 140 basis points to 56.1%, driven by a higher … Continue reading Airgas Earnings Come in Below Analysts’ Projections

Polaris Continues to Surge; Results Beat Street Estimates

Polaris continues to deliver better-than-expected results, benefiting from persistent demand in response to well-received product launches and healthy growth in recently acquired businesses. While our narrow moat is predicated on strength in the firm’s brand and traditional product categories, we believe acquisitions and expansion into adjacent businesses could act as a major catalyst for earnings over the next decade. Shares are up 54% year to … Continue reading Polaris Continues to Surge; Results Beat Street Estimates

KPN Meets Street Expectations in Third Quarter

KPN reported third-quarter results that were generally in line with our expectations, and we are maintaining our fair value estimate and moat rating for now. While the firm has chosen to classify E-Plus, the German operation it agreed to sell to Telefonica, as a discontinued operation, we are including the division as we think there is still a significant chance that European regulators will not … Continue reading KPN Meets Street Expectations in Third Quarter

Banco Bradesco Lowers Guidance on Slow Loan Growth

Banco Bradesco reported net income of BRL 3 billion (about $1.4 billion) for the third quarter. This was a 3.5% increase sequentially and 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. We are maintaining our narrow-moat rating and our fundamental outlook for the company at this time. Net interest income was BRL 11.7 billion, up 17% sequentially from BRL 10 billion and down 15% from BRL 13.8 billion … Continue reading Banco Bradesco Lowers Guidance on Slow Loan Growth