Melco Crown Reports Robust Earnings in Second Quarter

Melco Crown Entertainment announced solid second quarter results that were above analysts expectations and consensus estimates. Revenue increased 38% to $1.3 billion (above consensus of $1.2 billion) and adjusted EBITDA increased 62% to $330 million (well above consensus of $283 million), as the company’s City of Dreams casino on the Cotai Strip continued to take share from casinos on the Macau peninsula. Adjusted EBITDA margins … Continue reading Melco Crown Reports Robust Earnings in Second Quarter

FB Nasdaq FB Facebook

BAER Finishes Off Strong 2Q

Baer’s reported net income for the first half of CHF 114 million includes a significant amount of acquisition, integration, and one-off items. On an underlying basis, the bank’s net profit was CHF 261 million for the first half, up 26% from the year-ago half, as the bank benefited from higher assets under management and increased client activity. The bank’s underlying return on equity was about … Continue reading BAER Finishes Off Strong 2Q

PBOC Announces Elimination of the Original Lending Rate Floor

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced the elimination of the original lending rate floor of 30% discount to benchmark, allowing banks to lend at any discount to benchmark lending rates as they see fit. The PBOC scrapped the cap on lending rates in 2004, and this move will fully liberalize lending rates for banks. Greater pricing flexibility will enable the banks to retain their … Continue reading PBOC Announces Elimination of the Original Lending Rate Floor

PBCT Loan Segment Shows Growth

People’s United Financial reported net income of $62.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2013 compared with $64.8 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2012. Loans across all categories showed strong growth during the quarter, increasing at an annualized rate of 13%. The net interest margin declined to 3.33% for the second quarter compared with … Continue reading PBCT Loan Segment Shows Growth

British American Tobacco Reports Continued Growth Behind Strength of Vype

As reported by StreetWise Tech, British American Tobacco’s Interim Management Statement for the nine months ended Sept. 30 shows that the group’s Global Drive Brands continue to perform well and that the firm’s newly launched eCig brand, Vype, is off to an encouraging start. We continue to believe that the firm’s wide economic moat is bolstered by its popular brands, global reach, and addictive product … Continue reading British American Tobacco Reports Continued Growth Behind Strength of Vype

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