With a portfolio of leading brands and an expansive global distribution network, Kimberly-Clark continues to withstand the challenges resulting from intense competitive activity and lackluster macro conditions. Management raised the lower end of its full-year adjusted earnings per share expectations to $5.65-$5.75 (from $5.60 and compared with our forecast of $5.71), partly reflecting a lower…
Amphenol delivered solid results that were within our range of expectations. Sales grew to $1.15 billion in the third quarter, a 5% increase year over year. Revenue rose across the board relative to the year-ago quarter through a combination of organic and inorganic growth. On the operating front, gross margins expanded by 40 basis points, to…
Linear Technology reported decent fiscal first-quarter earnings but gave investors a disappointing forecast for the December quarter, as a seasonal dip in chip demand and the mere threat of a looming U.S. debt ceiling crisis may weigh on upcoming chip orders. We will maintain our fair value estimate and wide moat rating for the firm….
Noble reported solid third-quarter results. Total revenue increased slightly to $1.08 billion from $1.02 billion in the prior quarter, thanks mainly to the commencement of operations for two new ultra-deep-water rigs. The company also benefited from lower operational downtime, which fell to 4.6% from 5.2% in the prior quarter, essentially flat operating costs, and fewer…
Nokia’s second-quarter earnings report had a couple of bright spots but was mostly concerning as the firm’s mobile phone business continues to languish. The favorable view of Nokia’s pending acquisition of the remainder of its Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) joint venture is mostly offset by a rapidly deteriorating basic phone market and only modest Windows…
Woodside Petroleum reported reduced second-quarter production, after planned shutdowns of the Pluto LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant and North West Shelf (NWS) Train 2. However, production was below expectations after a subsequent unplanned shutdown at Pluto. Processing has since resumed, but not before a revision to 2013 group production guidance of 1% to 10%, from…
