Total System Services Sees Profits Soar in Q3

Total System Services, or TSYS, delivered a 38% year-on-year increase in adjusted third-quarter profits, reflecting the completion of a recent acquisition. On a GAAP basis, earnings rose 7% to $64.4 million, or $0.34 per share, from $60.3 million, or $0.32 per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Excluding acquisition-related intangible amortization, stock compensation and merger expenses,…

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Airgas Earnings Come in Below Analysts’ Projections

Airgas reported second-quarter results that were below analyst’s projections, and the firm subsequently lowered its 2014 earnings guidance.  Although reported revenue increased 4% (2% organic and 2% from acquisitions) compared with the year-ago period, the core business environment was more subdued. The 2% organic sales consisted of pricing up 3% and volume down 1%. Gross margins…

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Polaris Continues to Surge; Results Beat Street Estimates

Polaris continues to deliver better-than-expected results, benefiting from persistent demand in response to well-received product launches and healthy growth in recently acquired businesses. While our narrow moat is predicated on strength in the firm’s brand and traditional product categories, we believe acquisitions and expansion into adjacent businesses could act as a major catalyst for earnings…

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Lower Copper and Gold Prices Weigh on Freeport-McMoRan’s Quarter

Stronger-than-expected oil and gas volume highlighted Freeport-McMoRan’s third quarter on the operating front. However, lower copper and gold prices pressured cash flow and net debt rose in the quarter. We expect still-lower prices and continue to doubt Freeport can meaningfully deleverage unless it undertakes significant asset sales and cuts its dividend. Production and cost figures…

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Kimberly-Clark Withstands Pressure, Posts Adequate Earnings Results in Quarter

With a portfolio of leading brands and an expansive global distribution network, Kimberly-Clark continues to withstand the challenges resulting from intense competitive activity and lackluster macro conditions. Management raised the lower end of its full-year adjusted earnings per share expectations to $5.65-$5.75 (from $5.60 and compared with our forecast of $5.71), partly reflecting a lower…

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Anixter Posts Disappointing Q3 Revenue

Anixter reported third-quarter revenue and net income that imply 2013 results will be below street expectations, primarily because of emerging-market customer (13% of quarterly sales) project delays into the fourth quarter and early 2014.  Additionally, heavy-truck manufacturing customers have delayed their anticipated business improvement into 2014, relative to prior expectations for strong sales in late…

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