Precision Castparts Posts Record Sales in Second Quarter

Precision Castparts reported record sales of $2.36 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, a 23% increase including 6% organic. The surprise, once again, was the 170-basis-point increase in operating margins to 27.5%, as the company has quickly brought Titanium Metals’ midteens operating margins closer to Precision’s mid-20s levels, leaving no doubt regarding the execution ability. Solid commercial aerospace build rates, strong spares, the shipment … Continue reading Precision Castparts Posts Record Sales in Second Quarter

INFA Reports Strong Quarter Despite Macro Headwinds

Informatica reported solid first-quarter results with revenue growth slightly exceeding expectations, as increased hiring and investment weighed on margins.  The firm grew revenue 9.3% from the year-ago period to $214.3 million, 5% ahead of our model. Informatica changed the way it reports revenues by giving more details, which we find helpful. Service revenue was strong, gaining 14.8% year over year to $126.4 million. The Consulting … Continue reading INFA Reports Strong Quarter Despite Macro Headwinds

Silgan Posts Dismal Quarter; Lowers Full Year Guidance

After reviewing Silgan’s disappointing third-quarter results, we are maintaining our $42 per share fair value estimate as well as our narrow economic moat rating. We are, however, reducing our full-year EPS estimate to $2.78 after management lowered guidance to $2.75-$2.85 from $3.00-$3.15. Our longer-term thesis on Silgan is that, while the company currently possesses a meaningful low-cost manufacturing advantage in its metal food can segment, … Continue reading Silgan Posts Dismal Quarter; Lowers Full Year Guidance

Blackstone Reports Net Income Increase in Third Quarter

Despite facing difficult year-over-year comparisons, narrow-moat rated Blackstone reported positive results for the third quarter, with economic net income, or ENI, rising 3% on a 1% increase in revenue. Total assets under management, or AUM, reached a record $248 billion, up 21% when compared with third quarter 2012, with double-digit gains reported in each of its investment operations. Fee-earning AUM rose just 12% year over … Continue reading Blackstone Reports Net Income Increase in Third Quarter

BB&T Profits Plummet 43% in Quarter

Third-quarter profits fell a steep 43% at BB&T, to $268 million, or $0.37 per share, from $469 million, or $0.66 per share, a year earlier. However, the decline was due to an unusual tax item, without which profits would have come to $503 million, or $0.70 per share. The 7% increase in adjusted profits was due to sharply lower provisioning for loan losses and a … Continue reading BB&T Profits Plummet 43% in Quarter

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Buckeye Announces Acquisition of Hess’ Terminal Assets

Last week, Buckeye announced it has agreed to acquire Hess’ terminal assets spanning the East Coast and Caribbean for $850 million. The addition of 39 million barrels of storage increases Buckeye’s storage capacity by more than 50% to 112 million barrels and complements the partnership’s existing wide-moat footprint very well, in our view. In particular, Buckeye will gain 15 million barrels of capacity in the … Continue reading Buckeye Announces Acquisition of Hess’ Terminal Assets