Nestle’s underlying sales increased 4.4% during the first nine months of fiscal 2013, driven by 3.0% volume growth and 1.4% higher prices. While concerns surrounding slowing growth in some emerging markets have circulated throughout the consumer products industry, Nestle’s performance was again skewed toward developing regions (up 8.8%, and about 45% of consolidated sales), while…
Heartland’s third-quarter consolidated top line fell 3% year over year, while revenue before fuel surcharges declined 4%; slightly behind our expected run rate for the full-year 2013. Management indicated that rates improved, but “inconsistent” freight demand, limited driver availability, and the government’s recently revised hours-of-service rules weighed on tractor utilization. We expect these factors to…
ASM Lithography reported third-quarter results that were within the range of our expectations. We are maintaining our fair value estimate and moat rating. For the quarter, revenue was EUR 1.32 billion, up 11% sequentially, and an increase from sales of EUR 1.23 billion in the year-ago quarter. Sales benefited from improved business conditions and a…
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….
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,…
Snap-on reported third-quarter 2013 earnings per share of $1.43, nearly in line with the $1.42 EPS Street consensus estimate. Once again, the company was able to expand consolidated operating margin, which was 14.8% versus 13.5% last year, despite challenging operating conditions from anemic European economic conditions and reduced defense spending in the U.S. Our $105…
