Low Coal Prices Drive Huaneng Earnings in Quarter

Huaneng Power International reported 2013 third-quarter earnings of $1.52 per ADR compared with $0.92 per ADR in 2012’s third quarter. The reported results included an asset impairment charge and loss on disposal of noncurrent assets that reduced reported earnings by roughly $0.24 per ADR. Low market coal prices continue to drive strong earnings. We are reaffirming our narrow moat and stable moat trend ratings and … Continue reading Low Coal Prices Drive Huaneng Earnings in Quarter

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

Nokia Earnings Show Some Bright Spots

Nokia’s second-quarter earnings report had a couple of bright spots but was mostly concerning as the firm’s mobile phone business continues to languish.  The favorable view of Nokia’s pending acquisition of the remainder of its Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) joint venture is mostly offset by a rapidly deteriorating basic phone market and only modest Windows Lumia phone adoption to date. Nokia sold 7.4 million Lumia … Continue reading Nokia Earnings Show Some Bright Spots

MAT Adapting to Consumers

Mattel MAT continues to adapt to children’s demands, innovating new products tailored to changing tastes. With a number of new franchises coming on line in 2013 (including Ever After High and Max Steel), the company will maintain the wide brand recognition it has captured over numerous decades, keeping its narrow rating intact. While second-quarter results fell short of expectations,  the rest of the year will … Continue reading MAT Adapting to Consumers

Smith & Nephew Counters Soft 1Q Reconstructive Sales with Strength in Wound Management

Smith & Nephew SNN posted first-quarter results that were largely consistent with our expectations, and we are standing behind our fair value estimate of $58 per share. As we had suspected, the growth of reconstructive products slowed considerably as Smith & Nephew’s new product cycle is waning just as competitors are launching new products. Nonetheless, the firm plans to launch its new knee system later … Continue reading Smith & Nephew Counters Soft 1Q Reconstructive Sales with Strength in Wound Management

Abbott Shows Strong Growth in Emerging Markets

Abbott Laboratories ABT reported solid second-quarter performance that underscored the strength of its presence in emerging markets, where robust growth continues. While second-quarter results have not spurred a change in projections for the rest of this year or 2014, we may see $40 per share, which was primarily driven by a lower cost of equity assumption. Considering the breadth of new Abbott’s remaining businesses, the … Continue reading Abbott Shows Strong Growth in Emerging Markets