Category: Analysis

Analysis, BioTech, Commodities, Diversified Tech, Finance, Global Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Semiconductors, Services Sector, Software, software, Tech IPO

Still-Weak European Paper Demand Weighed on UPM’s 1Q Results

Despite relatively steady performance from the energy and pulp segments, UPM’s quarterly EBITDA contracted 20% year over year; EBITDA from the paper business was nearly halved over the same period. As the world’s largest producer of graphic paper, UPM remains highly dependent on its paper business, where volume continues to decline–European magazine papers fell 6%, newsprint fell 3%, and fine papers fell 6%–and present significant … Continue reading Still-Weak European Paper Demand Weighed on UPM’s 1Q Results

John MeadyLeave a comment
Analysis, BioTech, Diversified Tech, Finance, Financial

Idexx Labs’ Salesforce Integration Highlights Solid Quarter

Idexx Laboratories posted solid third-quarter results that fell squarely within expectations. The firm has made progress in its remodeling of its salesforce structure to a new configuration that makes it easier for customers to interact with a single point of access at Idexx, and we expect this reorganization should manifest itself in further growth over the next few quarters. We are keeping our narrow-moat rating … Continue reading Idexx Labs’ Salesforce Integration Highlights Solid Quarter

Adam KeintzelLeave a comment
Analysis, Consumer Goods, Finance

Diageo Reports Solid Sales Numbers Across North America

Diageo issued a brief interim management statement for the three months ended Sept. 30. Overall, the company’s organic net sales climbed 3.1% in the period, led by North America (up 5.1%) and Latin America and Caribbean (up 10.9%). Analysts continue to believe that over the next decade Diageo will grow revenue by almost 6% per year and earnings per share by roughly 8% to 9% … Continue reading Diageo Reports Solid Sales Numbers Across North America

Jason KnoxLeave a comment
Analysis, Diversified Tech, Finance

Steel Dynamics Delivers Strong Sequential Growth in Quarter

In the third quarter of 2013, Steel Dynamics delivered improved sequential operating results. Companywide operating income increased 64% to $113 million in the third quarter from a base of $69 million in the second quarter. While shipment volume increased across nearly every product line, steel operating income per ton increased to $94, which amounts to the company’s best result since the third quarter of 2011. … Continue reading Steel Dynamics Delivers Strong Sequential Growth in Quarter

Mark DeFranceLeave a comment
Analysis, Diversified Tech, Finance

Dupont Meets Expectations but Chemicals Business Struggles

On Tuesday, DuPont reported third-quarter results that generally matched our expectations. DuPont experienced year-over-year operating earnings improvement in all of its segments except performance chemicals. We’re raising our fair value estimate to $57 per share from $55 to account for slight modifications to our forecast and the effect of the time value of money since our last update. We are maintaining our narrow moat rating … Continue reading Dupont Meets Expectations but Chemicals Business Struggles

Kristen BartonLeave a comment
Analysis, Finance, Financial

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

Mark DoerrLeave a comment