Estee Lauder has not been swayed by slowing global economic growth or competitive pressures, as evidenced by its continued top-line growth and margin expansion. Fourth quarter sales popped 7% (excluding foreign currency movements)–even more impressive as it came on top of 12% growth in the year-ago period. Investors were encouraged the firm is decentralizing innovation efforts to ensure its products resonate with consumers around the … Continue reading Estee Sees Sales Increase 7% in Quarter

Arrium’s share price was pushed up by 17% on the day of their earnigns results though many analysts do not share the market’s enthusiasm. Adjusted profit increased from AUD 143 million to AUD 168 million but quality remains poor. Profit was boosted by an interest rate on sizable, mainly U.S dollar denominated debt, of less than 5%, a reported tax rate on adjusted pretax profit … Continue reading Arrium Sees Jump in Share Price Despite Weak Earnings

Maxim Integrated announced this week that it will acquire Volterra Semiconductor for $23 per share or $605 million in total (or $450 million after excluding Volterra’s cash on hand). Analyst’s initial take is that the deal will be made at a reasonable, but not especially cheap, valuation, but it does allow Maxim to expand into the server power management chip business and the acquisition of … Continue reading Maxim Integrated to Acquire Volterra Semiconductor for $23 Per Share

On Wednesday afternoon, MarkWest Energy announced second-quarter results that were lower than last year, though roughly in line with expectations. Contending with meager gas and NGL prices, net income was cut by more than half to $84 million from $187 million last year, and though processing volumes actually increased dramatically by 53% over last year, weak commodity prices prevented a commensurate profit increase. Distributable cash … Continue reading MarkWest Energy Reports Lower Q2 Results

Atmos Energy reported solid third-quarter earnings per share from continued operations of $0.42, compared with $0.32 in the year-ago quarter. Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2013 EPS forecast range of $2.45-$2.55 per share. The company will pay a $1.40 per share dividend in fiscal 2013, a 1.4% increase from 2012. Natural gas distribution gross profit rose sharply, up $44 million or 23%. Roughly 65% of the … Continue reading Atmos Energy Benefits from Natural Gas Profits in Q3

U.K.-based fund manager Henderson Group reported an impressive underlying profit before tax of GBP 101 million for first-half 2013, up 22% on first half 2012 and in line with our expectations and guidance. Diluted earnings per share of 8 pence per share increased 14% on 7 pence in first-half 2012. Assets under management increased 3.5% from GBP 66 billion at December 2012 to GBP 68 … Continue reading Henderson Group Reports Impressive Underlying Profit