DailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comDailyFinance.comhttp://o.aolcdn.com/os/df/2013/img/2-dailyfinance_logo_m.pngDailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comen-usCopyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Super Bowl Squares: How Much Are Your Numbers Worth?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/02/01/super-bowl-squares-worth-value-betting/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/02/01/super-bowl-squares-worth-value-betting/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/02/01/super-bowl-squares-worth-value-betting/#commentsFiled under:

Super Bowl Squares are the second most popular office sports betting tradition in the United States (No. 1: March Madness brackets), maybe because the outcome is based entirely on luck. Here's how it usually works:

Players pay a fixed amount and write their name somewhere in a 10 x 10 grid. After all 100 spaces are filled, the digits 0 to 9 are randomly assigned to rows and columns. Payouts are based on the last digit of the score of each team at the end of the first quarter, half, third quarter, and game.

So now that you know your numbers, what are they worth? The folks at Minyanville did a comprehensive calculation and came up with the following chart. The numbers are based on a $50 a square game, with a $625 payout for the 1st and 3rd quarters, a $1,250 payout for halftime, and a $2,500 payout for the end of the game. (The cells are colored green for valuable, red for not valuable, and yellow for middle, with gradations.)

Super Bowl Squares value per square

In this example, if a square is worth more than $50, it's better than average. Less, and you probably won't be leaving your Super Bowl party with some extra money in your pocket.

To see how your squares hold up for each quarter, and to read more on the methodology of the creation of the above chart, see the complete article about Super Bowl Squares on Minyanville.

Good luck!

See more on stories on Minyanville:


Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Footballfootball squaresgamblingoffice betting poolprop betssportsSuper Bowlsuper bowl betsSuper Bowl BettingSuper Bowl SquaresSuper Bowl Squares oddsMinyanvilleFri, 01 Feb 2013 16:10:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Skechers Has Fresh Spring in Its Stephttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/21/stock-upgrades-skechers-has-fresh-spring-in-its-step/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/21/stock-upgrades-skechers-has-fresh-spring-in-its-step/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/21/stock-upgrades-skechers-has-fresh-spring-in-its-step/#commentsFiled under:

SkechersOn a day alleged bookkeeping hanky panky at Autonomy Software made Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) easily the Dow's (^DJI) poorest performer, the top NYSE stock was Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD), up 23.47% and itself no stranger to cooking the books.

Qihoo 360 Technology (QIHU) jumped 2.11% after reporting a remarkably robust set of numbers. As a Chinese Internet company, at least its financial data is utterly above reproach. And if potato chip producer Diamond Foods (DMND), which dropped another 1.87% to a lifetime low, casts accounting aspersions on anyone, well, that really would be the pot calling the Kettle black.

An analyst upgrade sent Zipcar (ZIP) surging 7.11%, and on the day ZipRealty (ZIPR) rose 7.63%. Bill Clinton, a longstanding member of the "Zipper Club," must be beaming. (No silly, not that kind - the cardiac kind. As such, Bubba doubtless feels the pain at Sunshine Heart (SSH), which ended off 1.5% after being up some 17.8% before the opening bell.)

It's a relatively busy morning in economics ahead of tomorrow's market close. The University of Michigan's final figure for November consumer confidence is out at 9:55 a.m. Eastern, and October leading indicators arrive at 10:00 a.m. Corporate earnings are expected out of China Resources Enterprise (CRHKY), Deere (DE), and Donaldson (DCI).

British Land (BTLCY): Morgan Stanley moves the stock to Overweight from Equal Weight, sending it up in overseas trading this morning.

First Republic Bank (FRC): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Buy from Hold.

Greenlight Capital (GLRE): Shares get upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS based amid solid book value per share growth. The price target is also taken up, to $27 from $25.50.

Inergy (NRGY): The name is now Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird, which issues a $21 target price.

Lloyds Banking Group (LYG): Shares of the financial firm are up in London trading today after an Equal Weight from Underweight boost by Morgan Stanley, which highlights lessened risk regarding asset quality.

Lukoil (LUKOY): Credit Suisse upgrades the Russian energy giant to Outperform from Market Perform.

Penn National Gaming (PENN): PENN is now Buy from Neutral at Lazard Capital.

Repsol (REPYY): The Spanish energy outfit gets a Buy-from-Hold hoist at brokerage boutique Kepler.

Skechers USA (NYSE:SKX): Impressed by both valuation and product momentum, Susquehanna takes the footwear firm to Positive from Neutral. The new price objective is $22, a $3 increase.

Webster Financial (WBS): Morgan Stanley moves the stock to Equal-Weight from Overweight.

Read more: http://www.minyanville.com/trading-and-investing/stocks/articles/255EDJI-upgrades-downgrades-initiations-stock-market/11/21/2012/id/46027#ixzz2Cs8LDdDU

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleWed, 21 Nov 2012 10:30:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Fast Money Piles Into Zipcarhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/20/stock-upgrades-fast-money-piles-into-zipcar/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/20/stock-upgrades-fast-money-piles-into-zipcar/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/20/stock-upgrades-fast-money-piles-into-zipcar/#commentsFiled under:

Zipcar in New YorkStocks enjoyed their best day in two months on ever higher hopes for a fiscal cliff agreement between the White House and Capitol Hill, never mind that President Obama is in Asia and Congress on its Thanksgiving break. The mere hint of our leaders finally talking turkey sent chicken titan Tyson Foods (TSN) up 10.90% to top the entire S&P 500 Index (^GSPC).

Apple Inc. (AAPL) enjoyed its single best session since the spring after an analyst characterized a recent sell off in the American institution as "insanely insane". (And we all know what kind of people populate institutions.) Its shares, up 7% in a day and down 7% in a month, could certainly be labeled skitzo. Elsewhere Intel (INTC), where Only the Paranoid Survive is falling 1.63% before the bell on a ratings reduction and the surprise departure of its CEO.

Grupo Casa Saba (SAB), a Mexican drug stock - - no, not that kind; it's a pharmacy chain - founded in 1892 advanced 11.34%. There must have been something in the air back then as Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), also 120 years old, followed last week's 29.66% surge by adding on another 7.17%.

It's a fairly tepid Tuesday in economic data but Fed head Ben Bernanke speaks at the Economic Club of New York at 12:15 p.m. Eastern. On the corporate front, earnings announcements are expected out of American Woodmark (AMWD), Best Buy (BBY), Campbell Soup (CPB), Chico's FAS (CHS), easyJet (ESYJY), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), H. J. Heinz (HNZ), Hormel Foods (HRL), Medtronic (MDT), salesforce.com (CRM), Signet Jewelers (SIG), and Zale (ZLC).

AK Steel (AKS): The recently slumping commodity company is now Neutral from Sell at Goldman Sachs.

American Axle (AXL): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Hold from Underperform.

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform by BMO Capital.

Boardwalk Pipeline (BWP): The limited partnership gets lifted to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse.

Expedia (EXPE): The online travel outfit is taken to Equal-Weight from Underweight by Barclays.

Joy Global (JOY): Citing a strengthening Chinese economy, BMO Capital boosts the equity to Market Perform from Underperform and takes its target up by $15 to $64.

ING Groep (ING): Société Générale upgrades its fellow European financial firm to Buy from Hold.

InterContinental Hotels (IHG): Shares are higher in London this morning on the back of an Overweight-from-Equal Weight upgrade by Barclays.

Merck (MRK): The Dow (^DJI) member is moved to Buy from Neutral at MKM Partners.

NCR Corp. (NCR): JPMorgan adds the stock to its Focus List of favored equities.

Penn National Gaming (PENN): Goldman Sachs gives the stock a Neutral-from-Sell upgrade.

Pentair (PNR): Shares are now Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird, which takes its target to $60 from $52.

Realty Income (O): Janney Montgomery Scott raises its rating on the retail REIT to Buy from Hold.

Research In Motion (RIMM): RIMM is raised to Hold from Underperform at Jefferies, as checks indicate carriers have a better perception of the new BlackBerry 10.

Riverbed Technology (RVBD): Shares are upgraded to Outperform at Northland Securities.

SVB Financial (SIBV): The company is taken to Buy from Hold at Citigroup.

Subsea 7 (SUBCY): Shares are now Neutral from Sell at Credit Suisse.

Whole Foods (WFM): The stock gets upgraded to Buy from Hold at Goldman, which cites margin expansion, and comparative growth. The price objective is also increased, $106 from $105.

Zipcar (NASDAQ:ZIP): Shares are up before the bell on a boost to Buy from Neutral at Goldman, which is impressed by a broadening geographic reach. The new target is $8.75, up from $8.00.

Read more: http://www.minyanville.com/trading-and-investing/stocks/articles/255EDJI-upgrades-downgrades-initiations-stock-market/11/20/2012/id/45986#ixzz2CmLAlR1z

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleTue, 20 Nov 2012 11:20:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Baker Flowers Foods Rolling in Doughhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/19/stock-upgrades-baker-flowers-foods-rolling-in-dough/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/19/stock-upgrades-baker-flowers-foods-rolling-in-dough/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/19/stock-upgrades-baker-flowers-foods-rolling-in-dough/#commentsFiled under:

Flower FoodsFacebook (FB) jumped 23.65%, enjoying its best week as a public company and causing investors to do a double-take, since experts assured us that a massive share lock up expiration would instead trigger heavy selling. Indeed conventional wisdom has had better weeks, what with John Chambers - a CEO commonly assumed to be toast - seeing his Cisco Systems (CSCO) surge 6.96% to top all Dow (^DJI) stocks. The IMF chief said of Athens, "It ain't over till the fat lady sings," but Europe preferred instead to skinny, and double, dip in its ever increasing debt pool. The financially troubled continent's week ended, appropriately enough, with Spain being bounced by Czechs after failing to produce any net profits.

Today in economics, October existing home sales are expected to come in essentially unchanged at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. In earnings action, Agilent (A), Bob Evans Farms (BOBE), Brocade (BRCD), Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL), Dycom Industries (DY), Jack in the Box (JACK), Lowe's (LOW), New Jersey Resources (NJR), Qihoo 360 Technology (QIHU), Tyson Foods (TSN), and Urban Outfitters (URBN) are all due to report results.

Actuant (ATU): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Keybanc.

Agilent Technologies (A): Goldman Sachs gives the stock a Buy-from-Neutral boost.

Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM): The commodity company is increased to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital.

Altria Group (MO): MO gets moved to Buy from Neutral at UBS amid reduced promotional spending. The target price is taken up to $36 from $35, and shares are up ahead of the open.

Anglo American Platinum (AGPPY): The firm gets raised to Neutral from Reduce at Nomura.

Associated British Foods (ASBFY): Société Générale hoists the stock to Buy from Hold.

Astoria Financial (AF): AF is upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at Sterne Agee due to a favorable valuation. Its price objective is $9.

athenahealth (ATHN): Shares are upgraded to Strong Buy from Market Perform at Raymond James on expectations for strong business fundamentals.

Bank of America (BAC): The Dow (^DJI) member is moved to Buy from Hold at Stifel Nicolaus to reflect the decline in operating expenses over the next two years and a potential dividend increase. The objective is $11.

Barclays (BCS) Shares in the British financial firm are up sharply in London this morning on the back of a Buy-from-Neutral boost at Goldman Sachs. A "compelling risk/reward" scenario "could offer sector-leading upside", analysts wrote in a note.

Computer Sciences (CSC): The name is upgraded to Buy from Hold at Deutsche Bank on account of a faster than expected turnaround. The target is taken to $46 from $38.

Dean Foods (DF): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman, which cites an improving balance sheet. The target is taken to $22 from $20.

Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO): Shares, up 16.19% last week, are today boosted to Buy from Hold at KeyBanc based on improving industry fundamentals and share gains following the expected Hostess Brands liquidation. The target is $25.

E*TRADE Financial (ETFC): ETFC is upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Evercore.

Halliburton (HAL): Macquarie hoists HAL to Outperform from Neutral with a $38 target to reflect reduced capex expectations.

Infineon Technologies (IFNNY): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Hold from Underperform.

National Cinemedia (NCMI): The stock is now Outperform from Perform with a $17 price objective at Barrington Research, which highlights a renewed focus on ad rates.

Old National Bancorp (ONB): Shares are upgraded to Strong Buy from Outperform at Raymond James amid improved operating trends. The target is $14.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK): Boutique brokerage Drexel Hamilton takes the truck maker to Hold from Sell.

PetSmart (PETM): Barclays boosts the equity to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Rambus (RMBS): RMBS gets raised to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan.

Randgold Resources (GOLD): GOLD gets upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital.

Skyworks (SWKS): Bank of America-Merrill Lynch adds the stock to its US 1 list of favored equities.

Spectra Energy (SEP): The limited partnership is lifted to Buy from Hold at Citigroup.

Suncor Energy (SU): SU is upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan.

Williams-Sonoma (WSM): Bank of America-Merrill Lynch lifts the Pottery Barn owner by an unusual 180 degrees, to Buy from Underperform.


Read more: http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/markets/articles/upgrades-downgrades-initiations-stock-market-analyst/11/19/2012/id/45949#ixzz2CghIoJlx

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleMon, 19 Nov 2012 11:00:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Casual Friday Suits The Gap Just Finehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/16/stock-upgrades-casual-friday-suits-the-gap-just-fine/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/16/stock-upgrades-casual-friday-suits-the-gap-just-fine/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/16/stock-upgrades-casual-friday-suits-the-gap-just-fine/#commentsFiled under:

Casual Friday suits The Gap just fineChina's once-in-a-decade leadership reshuffle saw Zhang Dejiang, who studied economics at Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang, promoted to its Politburo. Because, naturally, North Korea can teach us so much about how to efficiently run an economy. To be fair, this is shaping up to be a decent day for Banana Republic owners, what with Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS) just upgraded and surging some 5.17% before the opening bell.

Wal-Mart (WMT), whose 2.1 million strong workforce is second worldwide only to Beijing's People's Liberation Army, declined 3.63% to lead Dow (^DJI) laggards after losing a big earnings battle. Diamond Foods (DMND) tumbled 21.23% after it announced a massive restatement on Wednesday resulting from an accounting scandal. (Surely it deserves synergistic kudos for cooking the books on very day America's most famous chefs rang the opening bell.) And Time Warner Cable (TWC) bucked a bad tape to climb 1.71% after an analyst hoisted his rating. To slightly misquote Hamlet, a certain Star Trek actor has just been hoist by his own Picard.

It's a fairly quiet Friday for economic data, but earnings announcements are expected out of Casual Male Retail Group (CMRG), Cyberonics (CYBX), Foot Locker (FL), Hibbett Sports (HIBB), J.M. Smucker (SJM), and London Stock Exchange Group (LDNXF).

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASX): Citing an increasingly attractive valuation, Sanford Bernstein boosts the stock to Outperform from Market Perform.

AtriCure (ATRC): Piper Jaffray juices its recommendation to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Bayer (BAYRY): The aspirin maker gets moved to Overweight from Equal Weight with JPMorgan

Cheniere Energy Partners (CQP): CQP is upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight by Barclays.

China Petroleum (SNP): Shares are boosted to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup.

CIT Group (CIT): The stock is now Buy from Neutral at Nomura.

GameStop (GME): GME gets upgraded to Buy from Above Average at Caris.

Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) The stock, surging 5.17% ahead of the opening bell, is hoisted to Hold from Sell at Canaccord Genuity, which also takes its target up by $4 to $35. Sustained same store sales momentum and improved gross margins offer encouragement.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters: (GMCR): Shares get upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Dougherty, whose target price is $33.

Heartland Payment Systems (HPY): HPY gets an Outperform-from-Perform hoist with Wells Fargo.

KT Corp. (KT): HSBC Securities takes the South Korean telecom services stock to Overweight from Neutral.

LG Display (LPL): Shares are lifted to Overweight from Neutral at HSBC.

Mortgage Stocks: Wells gives Outperform-from-Perform upgrades to Annaly Capital (NLY), Capstead Mortgage (CMO), MFA Mortgage (MFA), and Invesco Mortgage (IVR).

NetApp (NTAP): Yesterday's high flier is upgraded to Buy from Hold at Argus amid an improving revenue and margin outlook. The price objective is $36.

OSI Systems (OSIS): Oppenheimer upgrades OSIS to Outperform from Perform.

Quicksilver Resources (KWK): The oil outfit gets moved to Neutral from Underperform at Macquarie.

Regions Financial (RF): RF is raised to Outperform from Perform at Robert W. Baird.

Roper Industries (ROP): Citi boosts the stock to Buy from Hold.

RPC Inc. (RES): The oil & gas outfit is increased to Hold from Sell at Dahlman Rose, which sees an improved risk-reward profile after a recent share price decline.

Timberland Bancorp (TSBK) Raymond James takes TSBK to Outperform from Market Perform.

W.W. Grainger (GWW): The stock gets an Outperform-from-Perform perk up at Oppenheimer.

Read more:

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleFri, 16 Nov 2012 09:45:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Cisco on a Route to Richeshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/14/stock-upgrades-cisco-on-a-route-to-riches/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/14/stock-upgrades-cisco-on-a-route-to-riches/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/14/stock-upgrades-cisco-on-a-route-to-riches/#commentsFiled under: ,

CiscoA new study showed Samsung (SSNLF) handily beat Apple Inc. (AAPL) in smartphone sales so have no fear, for dummies can continue to text away while missing out on world class art. Ah, art, the ultimate recession-proof industry. The very day Lehman went to the dogs auction records were shattered, and last night Sotheby's (BID) sold a record-breaking $375 million worth of paintings. Andy Warhol was typically well represented, his silkscreen "Suicide" going for $16.32 million. He was, of course, well acquainted with Campbell's (CPB), thus would have enjoyed that stock gaining 2.26% to a fresh 52-week peak as the EU and IMF went to war over Greek debt. (Sales of Alphabet Soup, you see, continue to go gangbusters.)

Today in economics, September business inventories are out at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, and we get minutes to the Federal Open Market Committee's October 23 meeting at 2:00 p.m. In earnings action, Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), Limited Brands (LTD), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MTU), NetApp (NTAP), PetSmart (PETM), Staples (SPLS), Tyco International (TYC), and Williams-Sonoma (WSM) are all due to report results.

Cimarex (XEC): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Overweight at U.S. Capital Advisors.

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO): The provider of Internet routers and switches, a key Dow (^DJI) component, is upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform at Pacific Crest. Catalysts include improving margins, relative stability, cash position, and valuation.

Credicorp (BAP): HSBC Securities hoists the company to Neutral from Underweight.

Hub Group (HUBG): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird, whose price objective is $38.

Oasis Petroleum (OAS): OAS is upgraded to Buy from Neutral at SunTrust.

PacWest Bancorp (PACW): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold with Wunderlich, which cites its accretive acquisition of First California Financial Group.

Response Genetics (RGDX): Ladenburg moves the microcap to Buy from Neutral based on cost reductions.

Royal Caribbean (RCL): The cruise company gets a Buy-from-Hold hoist at Argus, which is impressed by both higher yields and new ship profitability.

Weatherford International (WFI): The oil services outfit is up 2.2% before the bell on an upgrade to Hold from Underperform at Jefferies and to Hold from Sell at Société Générale.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleWed, 14 Nov 2012 10:50:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Sherwin-Williams Set to Paint the Town Redhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/13/stock-upgrades-sherwin-williams-set-to-paint-the-town-red/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/13/stock-upgrades-sherwin-williams-set-to-paint-the-town-red/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/13/stock-upgrades-sherwin-williams-set-to-paint-the-town-red/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sherwin-Williams store If the fifth lightest trading volume of 2012 was like watching paint dry, you won't find Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW) complaining. The stock climbed 5.84% in its best showing for 14 months, and scored an analyst upgrade this morning. Titanium Metals (TIE) jumped 42.61% to easily top the entire S&P 500 (^GSPC) but the news wasn't nearly as good for Molycorp (MCP), maker of yttrium, niobium, tantalum, gallium, indium, rhenium, and zirconium. It lost 4.40% to a new lifetime-low and was just slashed at Morgan Stanley (MS). Tom Lehrer would say their shares are going for a song.

Firearms firm Smith & Wesson (SWHC), up another 4.09%, continued its post-election surge but on Veterans' Day the pen mercifully proved mightier than the sword, as A.T. Cross (ATX) advanced 10.34%. The Post Office, which long ago reached a $15 billion debt limit to plunge off its own fiscal Cliff Clavin, took the day off along with all other hard-working government agencies, thus missing out on an impressive 3.24% increase in Stamps.com (STMP).

There's no top-tier economic data due this morning but quarterly earnings continue apace, with retailers increasingly coming to the fore. Aecom Technology (ACM), Cisco Systems (CSCO), Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS), E.ON (EONGY), Home Depot (HD), Michael Kors (KORS), Saks Inc (SKS), TJX Companies (TJX), Vivendi (VIVHY), and Vodafone (VOD) are all due to release results today.

Albemarle (ALB): Citing expectations that its Polymer Solutions business will stabilize in 2013 among other catalysts, Goldman Sachs gives the stock a Buy-from-Neutral boost. The price objective is also increased, by $5 to $67.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate (ARI): ARI is upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at JMP Securities.

Chemical Companies: Air Products (APD), Dow Chemical (DOW), and Kraton Performance Polymers (KRA) all get Buy-from-Neutral boosts at Goldman Sachs.

Eaton Vance (EV): The money manager is lifted to Neutral from Sell at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

F5 Networks (FFIV):Goldman Sachs gives the application software outfit a Buy-from-Neutral boost.

Laboratory Corp. of America (LH): LH gets hoisted to Buy from Hold with WallachBeth, which cites both the recent share-price pullback and President Obama's reelection. The target is also taken up, to $97 from $91.

NuSTAR Energy (NS): The limited partnership is lifted to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse amid an attractive valuation. Its price objective is $44.

Rockwood Holdings (ROC): ROC is showing strength before this morning's opening bell after getting raised to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW): Crédit Agricole upgrades the paint powerhouse, a strong performer yesterday, to Outperform from Underperform. Its new target is $170, up from $145.

Stratasys (SSYS): Shares are upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Piper Jaffray.

3D Systems (DDD): Piper takes the stock to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>3D Systems CorpA. T. Cross CompanyAECOM Technology CorpApollo Commercial Real Estate Finance IncBarack ObamaCisco SystemsCrédit AgricoleCredit Suisse Group AGDicks Sporting Goods IncDow Chemical CoEaton Vance CorpF5 Networks IncFinanceGoldman Sachs Group IncHome Depot IncLaboratory Corp Of America HoldingsMerrill LynchMolycorpMorgan StanleyPiper Jaffray CosRockwood Holdings IncSaks IncSherwin Williams CoSherwin-WilliamsSmith & WessonStamps.com IncStratasys IncTJX Companies IncVeterans DayVivendiVodafone Group PLCMinyanvilleTue, 13 Nov 2012 10:20:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Cinderella Story for Disneyhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/12/stock-upgrades-cinderella-story-for-disney/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/12/stock-upgrades-cinderella-story-for-disney/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/12/stock-upgrades-cinderella-story-for-disney/#commentsFiled under: ,

cinderella disneyNot only was he not fired - a distinct possibility some seven days ago - but Ben Bernanke emerged from Wall Street's worst week for five months with his reputation arguably enhanced. This after the $607 billion "fiscal cliff" were the words on everyone's post-election lips. You see, that unforgettable phrase was coined - and boy, our indebted country can currently use all the coins it can get - by the Fed head at a congressional hearing on February 29. (Leap Day being an especially opportune time to jump off the precipice.) Cliff Barnes, the erstwhile oilman of Dallas also had a fine time as crude ended at $86.07 a barrel, up 1.4% in five days. Mount Thor in Canada, plunging over 4,000 feet, is generally accepted as the largest purely vertical cliff drop on Earth, but Thor Industries (THO) scaled the peaks, advancing 8%. And AMC Networks (AMCX), home to Mad Men, bucked a brutal tape to add 4.5%. Yet after some $6 billion was spent on political ads to exactly zero effect, surely it's time to unceremoniously dump Don Draper. It's Veterans' Day, meaning banks and the bond market are both closed.

Noteworthy economic data is also conspicuous by its absence this morning, although quarterly earnings announcements are expected out of Ambow Education (AMBO), Beazer Homes (BZH), Cubic Corp (CUB), D.R. Horton (DHI), Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (BAGL), Hologic (HOLX), Inergy Midstream (NRGM), Jacobs Engineering Group (JEC), National Bank of Greece (NBG), Spanish Broadcasting System (SBSA), Weatherford International (WFT), and Zoom Technologies (ZOOM).

Arch Coal (ACI): ACI is increased to Market Perform by BMO Capital.

Catamaran (CTRX): Morgan Stanley movers the stock to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Comerica (CMA): The name is now Neutral from Sell at Citigroup.

Dril-Quip (DRQ): Shares get a Buy-from-Neutral boost at Global Hunter.

Hibbett Sports (HIBB): HIBB is hoisted to Buy from Neutral at Needham, which cites strong business trends and the prospect of positive earnings surprises.

Intercontinental Hotels (IHG): BNP Paribas boosts the accommodation outfit to Outperform from Neutral.

KLA-Tencor (KLAC): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Underperform at RBC Capital.

Merck (MRK): The Dow (^DJI) member is moved to Outperform from Market Perform at BMO Capital Markets.

Nelnet (NNI): NNI is now Outperform from Market Perform at Credit Suisse.

Ryman Hospitality (RHP): Goldman Sachs raises its recommendation on RHP to Buy from Neutral.

SL Green Realty (SLG): Bank of America-Merrill Lynch boosts the stock to Buy from Neutral.

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM): TSM is added to the Conviction Buy list at Goldman.

Telephone & Data (TDS): Shares are taken to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup.

US Cellular (USM): Citi moves the stock to Buy from Neutral.

TripAdvisor (TRIP): TRIP is taken to Overweight from Equal Weight with Morgan Stanley.

Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) The Dow component, which fell sharply on Friday, is today taken to Buy from Hold at Citigroup.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleMon, 12 Nov 2012 09:45:00 ESTFinancial Planning for Same-Sex Couples: 5 Tips You Can't Afford to Ignorehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/financial-planning-same-sex-couples-tips-advice/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/financial-planning-same-sex-couples-tips-advice/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/financial-planning-same-sex-couples-tips-advice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Same-sex married couple By Stephanie Taylor Christensen

Though same-sex couples are currently afforded the right to be legally wed or enter into civil unions in 13 U.S. states, federal rights that traditional married couples enjoy don't apply to such unions, and they certainly aren't extended to unmarried same-sex partners. As such, estate planning for same-sex couples is critical to ensuring that control over finances, assets, health-related matters, and even children, remains in the hands of the person you intend it to. Here are critical aspects of estate planning that all same-sex couples should attend to, regardless of their incomes or asset levels.

1. Create a Will

Though laws vary by state and jurisdiction, the bulk of assets are generally granted to a surviving spouse in the absence of a will. In lieu of a legal spouse, distribution goes to children, parents, grandparents, next of kin, or possibly, the state, based on the specific situation.

In the states that legally recognize gay marriage, surviving same-sex spouses are granted the same rights as heterosexual married couples, including distributions of assets when a will isn't in place. In those that currently recognize same-sex civil unions (Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island), most of the same rules apply.

But because spouses and blood descendants are considered next in line for assets when a legal will doesn't exist, members of gay couples who haven't entered into either arrangement and don't have a will risk leaving everything to parties they never intended. Financial expert Cathy Pareto, founder of Cathy Pareto & Associates in Miami, says that "partners may inadvertently get disinherited, and do not automatically have a share in the estate."

If you're one of the estimated two-thirds of Americans without a legal will, make one without delay. Not only does a valid will help the surviving partner avoid costly probate and legal battles, it should address ownership of other assets, like deposit accounts, private pensions, survivor insurance benefits, and even guardianship of children, that may not be automatically granted to a surviving same-sex partner.

2. Arm Your Partner With Power of Attorney

According to the 2011 Healthcare Equality Index, an annual report from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation which measures hospital policies, "only 49% of respondents have an explicitly inclusive visitation policy granting equal access for same-sex couples, and just 52% have such a policy inclusive of same-sex parents." In other words, same sex couples who aren't legally wed or armed with valid power of attorney for one another and their children could be legally denied access if a loved one is hospitalized.

A durable power of attorney will effectively grant same-sex partners the ability to make decisions around medical care and finances as soon as it is signed. Both partners can also request Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act release forms from health-care providers, which will authorize access to one another's medical information in the event it is needed.

3. Learn the Rules About Taxes and Titles

Because same-sex marriage is not recognized at the federal level, even legally wed gay couples must complete two separate sets of income tax documents. Further, health insurance coverage that members of same-sex couples may receive through their spouse's employer plan is considered taxable income by the federal government, even if the tax on it is waived by the state. The "two"-tax issue becomes even more complex when, for example, a same-sex couple applies for a mortgage together or education-related financial aid for a child.

Estate taxes at the federal level also play a significant role. By law, traditional married couples are allowed to defer some estate taxes if a spouse dies. Not so for same-sex nonmarried couples, says Pareto. "Any assets above $5 million are subject to 35% taxation rate." The same issue applies to property and asset transfers. Unlike traditionally married couples, same-sex partners are subject to a federal gift tax if it appears that one partner "gifted" more than $13,000 annually to the other, less some exceptions for medical and educational costs.

Property that is shared by same-sex couples creates a complex issue as well. If the title to property is in the name of one partner only, the other risks losing the property if rights to it are challenged in probate court after the death of the owning partner. While a "Joint Tenants With Rights of Ownership" agreement can establish shared ownership between same-sex couples, there are major tax burden scenarios, not the least of which might include hefty estate taxes on the entire value of the property if the surviving partner cannot prove having made contributions worth at least 50% of the property's fair market value.

4. Don't Take Retirement Plan Policies for Granted

While an increasing number of plans now allow a surviving partner to receive assets from a 401(k) and convert them into an inherited IRA to minimize taxes, a federally recognized marriage is still required to defer distributions. Likewise, Social Security benefits are not available to surviving partners in a same-sex relationship. Providers vary in their policies around beneficiary designations and benefits, so make certain you are aware of the rights you have with all retirement and investment plan providers, including employer-sponsored 401(k)s and private pensions.

Sponsored Links
5. Hire a Money Manager Who Understands Your Situation

Estate planning isn't limited to the wealthy, or even to those who plan to leave property behind. Working specifically with a wealth advisor who specializes in assisting same-sex couples can also help to ensure that plans and documents appropriately address your needs and are kept current throughout the rapidly changing political policies surrounding same-sex rights.

Interview potential advisors at smaller firms to understand exactly what the interest level and experience with planning for gay clients has been to date. If you opt to work with larger financial institutions, there are some with programs that are specifically tailored to same-sex couples. For example, Bank of America (BAC) specifically trains its US Trust and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management advisors to meet the unique financial needs of LGBT clients. In January of this year, Chicago-based Northern Trust (NTRS) also announced a "LGBT and Non-Traditional Family Practice" designed to address the different financial needs of same-sex couples and their families.

Two years ago, the College for Financial Planning, through a partnership Wells Fargo (WFC), announced a new professional education program and designation for money managers who completed a course in wealth planning for domestic partnerships -- ADPA, or Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor. To find a financial planner with the special designation, visit the CFFP site.

For more from Minyanville:



Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>401kAccredited Domestic Partnership Advisorcivil unionsestate planningEstate taxesgay marriageHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability ActHealthcare Equality IndexHIPAAinherited IRAJoint Tenants With Rights of Ownershiplegal willLGBTPower of Attorneyretirementsame sex marriagesame-sex couplesSocial SecurityTaxesWillMinyanvilleFri, 09 Nov 2012 13:12:00 ESTStock Upgrades: 3M Is in the Money, Money, Moneyhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/stock-upgrades-3m-is-in-the-money-money-money/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/stock-upgrades-3m-is-in-the-money-money-money/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/stock-upgrades-3m-is-in-the-money-money-money/#commentsFiled under: ,

3MDow (^DJI) member McDonald's (MCD) fell 1.99% after announcing its first decline in monthly sales since the spring of 2003. Ah, that innocent age when our biggest beef with Europe centered on freedom fries. This election week, no one was asking "where's the beef?" with Wendy's (WEN), with the coiner of that iconic phrase bucking a brutal tape to gain 3.05%.

On what would have been the 112th birthday of Margaret Mitchell, Windstream (WIN) was Gone With The Wind, nose-diving 9.66% to a new multi-year low. Energy drink maker Monster Beverage (MNST) is in an identical position after dropping another 1.27%. Its products are apparently causing the army sleepless nights, and military academy owner American Public Education (APEI) will do the same to any soldiers unfortunate enough to own the stock after it imploded 8.58%.

Today in economics, September wholesale trade is expected to tick up 0.4% at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. In earnings activity, Apollo Global Management (APO), Covidien (COV), Crédit Agricole (CRARY), and J.C. Penney (JCP) are all due to release results.

Alliant Techsystems (ATK): The world's largest ammunition outfit is upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman Sachs.

Bank of the Ozarks (OZRK): Shares are now Buy from Neutral at Sterne Agee.

Concho Resources (CXO): CXO gets upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.

Eagle Materials (EXP): The stock is added to Goldman's Conviction Buy List.

Fastenal (FAST): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird, which also takes its target price up by $1, to $51. They say there is outperformance potential over the next 1-2 years based on their mid-cycle slowdown thesis.

FleetCor (FLT): FLT is boosted to Buy from Hold at Citigroup.

Health Care Plan Providers: Health Net (HNT) and Molina Healthcare (MOH) are each upgraded to Hold at Jefferies.

HollyFrontier (HFC): HFC is hoisted to Overweight from Equal Weight by Barclays.

Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Perform at Cowen & Co.

3M Co. (NYSE:MMM): The Dow (^DJI) stock is upgraded to Neutral from Reduce at Nomura amid increased confidence in management's prioritization strategy. The price objective is now $96.

Marathon Oil (MRO): MRO is moved to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan, whose new target is $35

Pozen (POZN): Shares are up 5.3% before the bell on an upgrade to Strong Buy from Buy at Ascendiant Capital Markets.

Public Service Enterprise (PEG): Citing improved power markets, ING Group gives the stock a Hold-from-Sell hoist.

Ryland Group (RYL): RYL gets raised to Buy from Hold at KeyBanc.

Signet Jewelers (SIG): SIG is now Buy from Neutral at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

Société Générale (SCGLY): The stock is upgraded to Buy from Reduce at Nomura.

Starbucks (SBUX): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Argus, which cites strong Q4 results and guidance. Its target is $60.

Triangle Capital (TCAP): TCAP gets taken to Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>3MAlliant Techsystems IncAmerican Public EducationApollo ManagementBarclays PLCCitigroupConcho Resources IncCovidien LtdCrédit AgricoleDow Jones Industrial AverageEagle Materials IncEuropeExPFastenal CoFinanceFleetCorGoldman Sachs Group IncGone with the WindHealth NetING GroupIsis PharmaceuticalsJC Penney Co IncJPMorgan ChaseMarathon Oil CorpMargaret MitchellMcDonald'sMolina Healthcare IncNomuraPOZEN IncPublic Service Enterprise Group IncRyland GroupSociété GénéraleStarbucks CorpTriangle Capital CorpWendy'sWindstream CommunicationsMinyanvilleFri, 09 Nov 2012 10:50:00 ESTWhat Will $1 Million Get You in Retirement?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/what-will-1-million-get-you-in-retirement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/what-will-1-million-get-you-in-retirement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/09/what-will-1-million-get-you-in-retirement/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One Million DollarsBy Douglas Carey

I spend a lot of time helping people understand how much money they will need to meet their retirement goals. Today I want to look at that subject from another angle: What will $1 million actually get you in retirement?

This is an interesting question for two reasons: First, because many people believe that $1 million is a comfortable amount to meet their retirement goals; and seconds, because we can look at the different ways in which a couple can use this $1 million without running out of money.

Like any retirement calculation, this one involves many assumptions. But as long as our assumptions are reasonable -- say, 6% for annual equity returns rather than the 10% figure that many people used to use -- we can come up with a reasonable estimate for how much money one needs to retire comfortably.

Let's start with the assumptions I used for the couple we will look at:



Before we attempt to generate a retirement plan for this couple, the first thing we need to clear up is: What constitutes success? We live in a dynamic world, especially when it comes to investing. So I like to look at the probability of never running out of money in retirement using a system called Monte Carlo analysis, in which thousands of scenarios are run to determine the odds of various outcomes. In this case, returns on investment are treated as widely variable (because, as we all know, they are), with the possibility of shocking investment returns in every scenario in every year.

In this example, I'll define a plan as a success if it returns a probability of 80% or better that funds never run out in retirement.

Sponsored Links
Under the retirement plan above, I calculated the probability that the couple would never run out of money at 95%. This easily meets our definition of success. In fact, this couple could spend more than $50,000 a year and still succeed: If they spent $55,000 annually, they'd still have an 80% chance of never running out of money.

That leads naturally to another question: What could we do to change the plan so that the couple could spend that $55,000 a year, and still increase their odds of never running out of money?

There are really only two ways to do this since this couple is already retired (assuming they don't want to go back to work): They can find higher returning investments with the same level of volatility they currently have, or they can find investments that have the same returns, but less volatility.

My favorite way to reduce volatility while maintaining reasonable levels of return is to buy high-quality dividend-paying stocks that have a history of rising dividends over time. A few of my favorite dividend payers for retirement portfolios that have consistently raised their dividends over the years are Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Sysco (SYY), AT&T (T), Walmart (WMT), Coca-Cola (KO), and Eli Lilly (LLY).



In the scenario above, I replaced their Equity Value fund with the stocks listed above, equally weighted. I kept the same total return assumption, but lowered the level of volatility to the historical levels of these stocks. That is, I reduced the volatility level from about 16% to 13% per year.

The result: The probability of the couple never running out of money jumps from 80% to 88% -- solely due to the fact that they are now invested in more stable, solid dividend-paying stocks instead of an equity index fund.

Each person and every couple has a different situation, and might need to change a variety of things in their financial plan in order to meet their retirement goals. But it is usually impossible to tell whether or not you can retire when you want until you sit down and actually run through the numbers. At that point, you can begin running interesting scenarios that will tell you what you need to do to get to your goals.

More stories on Minyanville:






Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>dividend paying stocksdividendsEli Lillyequity index fundEquity ValueinvestingJohnson & Johnsonretirementretirement accountretirement calculationretirement goalsretirement planSysco CorpMinyanvilleFri, 09 Nov 2012 06:00:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Bank of America About to Bounce Back?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/08/stock-upgrades-bank-of-america-about-to-bounce-back/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/08/stock-upgrades-bank-of-america-about-to-bounce-back/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/08/stock-upgrades-bank-of-america-about-to-bounce-back/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bank of AmericaAs markets cratered amid concerns over a $607 billion fiscal cliff, there was a good 4.34% gain in Time Warner (NYSE:TWX), whose Road Runner High Speed Online service long paid homage to Looney Tune Wile E. Coyote and his unerring ability to plunge off the precipice.

The reelection of President Obama, a big believer in bullets both magic and silver, sent firearms firm Smith & Wesson (SWHC) surging 9.62% on an otherwise dire day. And Mitt Romney, accused by the President of promoting outsourcing at their Denver debate, would take consolation of sorts in seeing call center company StarTek, Inc. (SRT) jump 22.00% to top the entire NYSE.

This morning in economics, analysts anticipate an increase in the University of Michigan's preliminary November consumer sentiment survey at 9:55 a.m. Eastern, and September wholesale inventories arrive at 10:00 a.m. On the earnings front, results are expected out of Adidas (ADDYY), Commerzbank (CRZBY), Deutsche Telekom (DTEGY), Duke Energy (DUK), FirstEnergy (FE), Kohl's Corp. (KSS), Nordstrom (JWN), Public Storage (PSA), Repsol (REPYY), Siemens (SI), and Walt Disney (DIS).

Adtran (ADTN): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Mizuho, which takes its price target up to $22 from $10. It sees a possibility of modest 2013 improvement amid demand stabilization and improving margins.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) Yesterday's worst Dow (^DJI) stock, down 7.14%, is today boosted to Buy from Hold at ISI Group.

Chiquita Brands (CQB): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Janney Montgomery Scott.

Clearwire (CLWR): RBC Capital Markets raises its recommendation to Sector Perform from Underperform.

Cummins (CMI): The stock gets moved Outperform from Market Perform by BMO Capital.

Electric Utilities: Con Edison (ED) is upgraded to Sector Perform from Underperform at RBC Capital, which takes Southern Company (SO) to Outperform from Sector Perform.

Exelon (EXC): EXC is now Neutral from Sell at UBS.

FirstMerit (FMER): Shares are upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at Robert W. Baird, which cites an improved valuation.

General Moly (GMO): Bank of America-Merrill Lynch moves the industrial mining outfit to Neutral from Sell.

InterMune (ITMN): Shares get upgraded to Buy from Hold at Canaccord Genuity.

Juniper Networks (JNPR): JNPR is upgraded to Buy from Hold at Cantor Fitzgerald, which cites accelerated expense reductions and improving carrier spending.

Kinross Gold (KGC): KGC gets upgraded to Buy from Hold at Canaccord Genuity.

Linear Technology (LLTC): UBS lifts LLTC to Buy from Neutral.

Lloyds Banking Group (LYG): The British financial firm is upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform by Sanford Bernstein.

MetroPCS (PCS): PCS is moved to Outperform from Perform at Macquarie.

Parker-Hannifin (PH): PH is upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at BMO Capital.

Rosetta Resources (ROSE): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Citigroup.

Talisman Energy (TLM): TLM is upgraded to Buy from Hold at Canaccord Genuity.

Transocean (RIG): RIG is raised to Buy from Hold at Argus.





Gallery: 2012 Election Winners and Losers: Coal, Dividends, Health Care, Utilities, Oil and More

Alternative EnergyAutosBanksBig Dividend StocksBonds

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleThu, 08 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST15 Corporate Heroes, Antiheroes, and Villains of Hurricane Sandyhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/07/15-corporate-heroes-antiheroes-and-villains-of-hurricane-sandy/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/07/15-corporate-heroes-antiheroes-and-villains-of-hurricane-sandy/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/07/15-corporate-heroes-antiheroes-and-villains-of-hurricane-sandy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Citibank hurricane sandy relief
By Minyanville Staff

The real heroes in any disaster are the first responders, public servants, and neighbors who rush in to serve, saving lives. In the past few days, as New York and New Jersey have faced an unprecedented storm, private sector corporations have also stepped in, lending support and services to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Although their motivations might not always be pure, their actions deserve recognition.

As can be expected, however, the storm has also unveiled a few unsavory characters, merchants ready to profit from the storm or those looking for a way to promote a private agenda. As the Hurricane Sandy recovery and rescue efforts continue, here's a look at some of the emerging corporate heroes, antiheroes, and villains of the ongoing story.

Gallery: 15 Corporate Heroes, Antiheroes, and Villains of Hurricane Sandy

Corporate Hero:Corporate HeroCorporate HeroCorporate HeroCorporate Hero



Get info on stocks mentioned in this article:

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>American Apparel IncAmerican Express CoATM usage feesBank of AmericaBarack ObamaChris ChristieDavid LettermandBDonald TrumpForbesGoldman SachsHave I Got News for YouManhattanNew York CityNew York metropolitan areaT-MobileToronto-Dominion BankTriBeCaTwitterU-HaulUberUrban Outfitters IncVerizon Communications IncWall StreetWhole Foods Market IncMinyanvilleWed, 07 Nov 2012 13:00:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Chipotle Mexican Grill Shares Set to Head Northhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/06/stock-upgrades-chipotle-mexican-grill-shares-set-to-head-north/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/06/stock-upgrades-chipotle-mexican-grill-shares-set-to-head-north/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/06/stock-upgrades-chipotle-mexican-grill-shares-set-to-head-north/#commentsFiled under:

Chipotle Mexican GrillApple (AAPL), whose prescription for what currently ails it is clearly to take two tablets and call us in the morning, advanced 1.36% amid brisk sales of its latest iPad. Poison pills were the preferred medicine at Netflix (NFLX), a 1.74% gainer.

Primo Water (PRMW) skyrocketed 54.05%; send some stock options pronto to those brave souls currently "unwatering" the New York subway system. National Bank of Greece (NBG) gained 6.09%, providing a deserved reward for Europe's most overworked darlings as Athens embarks on its umpteenth general strike today. Elsewhere Dublin-based Ryanair (RYAAY) - which enabled the Irish to similarly play hooky this summer, much to Angela Merkel's disgust - rose 3.38% after reporting impressive Q2 results.

No top-tier economic data due today, but earnings announcements are expected out of AOL Inc. (AOL), BMW Group (BAMXY), CVS Caremark (CVS), InterContinental Hotels (IHG), News Corp (NWSA), NYSE Euronext (NYX), and Office Depot (ODP).

Apartment Investment & Management (AIV): AIV is upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform with Wells Fargo following the company's results.

China Mobile (NYSE:CHL): Shares are upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight by Barclays.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG): The company is upgraded to Buy from Hold at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, sending it up in today's pre-market trading.

Foxconn International (FXCNY): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Buy from Hold.

Home Properties (HME): HME gets hoisted to Buy from Neutral at Compass Point.

Lam Research (LRCX): Shares are lifted to Positive from Neutral at Susquehanna.

Republic Airways (RJET): Bank of America-Merrill moves the stock to Neutral from Sell.

Ryder System (R): R is added to the Top Pick List at FBR Capital as Hurricane Sandy is yielding commercial rental tailwinds. The target price is $60.

Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL): Shares are boosted to Buy from Hold at KeyBanc amid organic growth opportunities from new capacity. Its price objective is $88.

Swiss Banks: Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) is upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Barclays, which lifts UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) to Overweight from Underweight.

Tesco Corp. (TESO): TESO gets taken to Outperform from Market Perform at FBR Capital.

Tree.com (TREE): Shares are upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Stephens.

US Cellular (USM): The name is now Neutral from Underweight at JPMorgan due to valuation.







Gallery: Follow the Money: 5 Extremely Cash-Rich Stocks

AppleGoogleEMC CorporationIntelMicrosoft

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleTue, 06 Nov 2012 10:30:00 ESTStock Upgrades: The Force Is With Walt Disneyhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/05/stock-upgrades-the-force-is-with-walt-disney/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/05/stock-upgrades-the-force-is-with-walt-disney/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/05/stock-upgrades-the-force-is-with-walt-disney/#commentsFiled under: ,

Star WarsClocks and stocks both went back last week, with the Dow's (^DJI) daylight savings being depleted 0.11% as markets endured their first weather-related shutdown for 27 years. (An unimaginably distant age, back when 8-bit computer consoles were all the rage.) ACCO Brands (ACCO), which makes those other '80′s icon Trapper Keepers - able to hold "binders full of women" - surged some 26.41%, which should please the top of the GOP ticket. Wisconsin native Paul Ryan, meanwhile, will espy a looming power shift in that state's Generac (GNRC) gaining 31.06% to the highest level in its history in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The San Francisco Giants swept Detroit's Tigers in baseball's World Series, but Motown hero General Motors (GM) had the last laugh, rising 11% even as Bay Area heartthrob Facebook (FB) fell a further 3.5%. Taser (TASR) jumped 23.62%, its second straight big up week, but the 10-year old hit with its 50,000 volts could be forgiven for shorting the stun gun stock. And K-Swiss (KSWS), which does a fine line of running shoes, gained 35.2% even as the New York City Marathon was abruptly cancelled.

Today in economics, October's Institute for Supply Management services index is out at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. On the corporate front, quarterly earnings are expected out of Consolidated Edison (ED), Humana (HUM), IntercontinentalExchange (ICE), Sysco (SYY), Time Warner Cable (TWC), Toyota Motor (TM), Transocean (RIG), and Zillow (Z).

Aeropostale (ARO): ARO is upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform by FBR Capital, whose target is $16.

Amazon (AMZN): The stock is added to the Buy list at Evercore.

Brookfield Properties (BPO): BPO is upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital.

Cardtronics (CATM): Shares are now Buy from Neutral at Compass Point.

CBS Corp. (NYSE:CBS): CBS is upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Evercore.

El Paso Pipeline Partners (EPB): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Goldman Sachs.

Equity One (EQY): The stock is upgraded to Outperform from Perform at Raymond James.

Flagstar Bancorp (FBC): FBC is upgraded to Outperform from Perform at FBR Capital.

Foxconn International (FXCNY): Shares surged in Asia overnight on a Citigroup upgrade to Buy from Hold.

Genworth Financial (GNW): The insurance outfit gets upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Macquarie.

Hess (HES): HES is upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Global Hunter.

Mannkind (MNKD): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

Qualcomm (QCOM): The stock is upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Nomura.

Redwood Trust (RWT): RWT is upgraded to Outperform from Perform with Wells Fargo.

Regional Banks: Northern Trust (NTRS) is upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Evercore, which increases State Street (STT) to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Strategic Hotels & Resorts (BEE): BEE is moved to Outperform from Market Perform at JMP Securities.

Target (TGT): Shares are up before the bell after being taken to Overweight from Equal Weight at JPMorgan.

Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS): The stock is now Buy from Hold at Argus, which likes its acquisition of Lucasfilm's Star Wars franchise. The price target is $60.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleMon, 05 Nov 2012 10:30:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Macy's Miracle on 34th Streethttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/02/stock-upgrades-macys-miracle-on-34th-street/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/02/stock-upgrades-macys-miracle-on-34th-street/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/02/stock-upgrades-macys-miracle-on-34th-street/#commentsFiled under:

Macy's storeMacy's (M) jumped 6.44% yesterday and near neighbor Madison Square Garden (MSG) minutes ago beat the Street by a nickel. The real Miracle on 34th Street, however, will be when its subway system works again.

British telecom titan BT Group (BT) surged 6.72% on its impressive rollout of "fibre." Fibre? Surely that should be "fiber." Anyhoo, it's not for us to quibble with how they spell across the Atlantic. Just be grateful Broadway is back in business so we can all enjoy the theater/theatre. (Although stay away from Annie Get Your Gun after Smith & Wesson (SWHC) slumped 6.78% on an otherwise stellar session in equities.)

On the day after the Day of the Dead, Walking Dead broadcaster AMC Networks (AMCX) advanced 3.84% to a new lifetime high. Elsewhere recent reports of the demise of Microsoft (MSFT) and Intel (INTC) appear a mite premature after they rose a respective 3.42% and 2.91%.

A week to the day after Crocs Inc. (CROX) so damaged plastic, Visa (V) - up 3.68% at an historic high - and Tupperware (TUP) - a 6.35% gainer after an upgrade - each redeemed the reputation of the organic polymer. And Prestige Brands (PBH), maker of Murine Ear wax removal, now costs a pretty penny following its 18.46% increase, although the company really ought to take more care in its placement of price tags.

Today in economics, analysts expect an improvement in September factory orders at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. Another peak earnings week comes to a close with Alpha Natural Resources (ANR), Chesapeake Energy (CHK), Chevron Corporation (CVX), Madison Square Garden (MSG), and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), and Washington Post (WPO) all due to release results.

Big 5 Sports (BGFV): Shares are upgraded to Strong Buy from Buy at Needham, which takes its price objective up to $15 from $13.

British Sky Broadcasting (BSYBY): The stock is up in London today after Goldman Sachs added it to its Conviction Buy List, citing attractive valuation.

CBOE Holdings (CBOE): The stock is upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Keefe Bruyette.

Iconix Brand (ICON): Benchmark boosts ICON to Buy from Hold.

Icon plc (ICLR): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird.

Mannkind (MNKD): JPMorgan moves MNKD to Neutral from Sell.

Mednax (MD): Shares are hoisted to Hold from Sell at Deutsche Bank.

Oil States International (OIS): The energy equity is increased to Outperform from Market Perform at Raymond James following yesterday's sell-off. The target is $85.

PC Connection (PCCC): Raymond James raises its rating to Market Perform from Underperform.

Priceline (PCLN): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Stifel Nicolaus amid a stabilizing European outlook. The price target is $760.

Rockwell Automation (ROK): ROK is raised to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) Shares, surging 8% before the bell, are boosted by Crédit Agricole to Buy from Outperform.

Symmetry Medical (SMA): The stock is upgraded to Buy from Hold at Benchmark.

Tanger Factory (SKT): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Buy from Hold.

TrueBlue (TBI): Deutsche Bank hoists the temporary staffing stock to Buy from Hold.

UBS AG (NYSE:UBS): Shares are up in Europe after Société Générale raised it to Buy from Hold.

US Cellular (USM): Citing a compelling valuation, Raymond James upgrades the name to Market Perform from Underperform.

Watson Pharmaceuticals (WPI): Shares are upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight with Piper Jaffray.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleFri, 02 Nov 2012 10:10:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Tupperware Can't Contain Its Excitementhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/01/stock-upgrades-tupperware-cant-contain-its-excitement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/01/stock-upgrades-tupperware-cant-contain-its-excitement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/01/stock-upgrades-tupperware-cant-contain-its-excitement/#commentsFiled under:

TupperwareFacebook (FB), which surged some 15% last week amid news its nemesis was arrested, slumped 3.79% yesterday after the less welcome freeing of a lockup. Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN) jumped 4.36% to an all-time best but it looks like the roof is once again about to cave in on our debt ceiling. And Citigroup (C), half a decade to the day after its Meredith Whitney-induced Halloween horror show, had much happier memories of the end of October this time after advancing 2.16%.

Today in economics, September construction spending and the Institute for Supply Management's October manufacturing index are each out at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. On the corporate front, earnings season rolls on with quarterly results expected out of American International Group (AIG), British Sky Broadcasting (BSYBY), Chesapeake Energy (CHK), Estée Lauder (EL), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Kellogg (K), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Newmont Mining (NEM), Pfizer (PFE), Sharp (SHCAY), and Starbucks (SBUX).

Cirrus Logic (CRUS): Shares get a Strong Buy-from-Buy boost at Needham, which takes its price objective up to $57 from $53. The company reported Q2 revenue which was some 7% above consensus estimates.

HCC Insurance (HCC): HCC gets hoisted to Outperform from Market Perform at Keefe Bruyette.

General Motors (NYSE:GM): The auto giant gets increased to Buy from Hold at Craig-Hallum, which is impressed by both new vehicle redesigns and efforts to stop European losses. Its new higher target is $30.

Joy Global (JOY): JOY gets upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight with Morgan Stanley.

Medidata Solutions (MDSO): Citing the company's sustainable revenue growth, Piper Jaffray juices its recommendation to Overweight from Neutral and takes its target price up by $23 to $54.

Public Storage (PSA): BMO Capital moves the equity to Market Perform from Underperform.

Riverbed Technology (RVBD): The equity gets raised to Buy from Hold at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Teleflex (TFX): Shares are taken to Outperform from Underperform with a new higher target of $74 at Crédit Agricole, which cites strong execution and margin growth.

Total S.A. (TOT): Société Générale takes the French oil giant to Buy from Hold.

Tupperware (NYSE:TUP) Morgan Stanley moves the maker of plastic containers to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Read more:

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleThu, 01 Nov 2012 10:25:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Happy Headlines for News Corphttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/31/stock-upgrades-happy-headlines-for-news-corp/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/31/stock-upgrades-happy-headlines-for-news-corp/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/31/stock-upgrades-happy-headlines-for-news-corp/#commentsFiled under:

News CorpEurope literally rewound the clock last week while its politicians metaphorically sent us back to the turn of the Millennium, again warning Microsoft (MSFT) about its browsers. Facebook (FB), up 15.5%, certainly partied like it was 1999 even as one of its analysts was unceremoniously fired after saying "This could get me into trouble. Shoot." (Surely a stun gun would have sufficed, especially after Taser (TASR) jumped 26.5%.) College costs continued to outpace inflation but - unless your name is Mark Zuckerberg - staying in school is still well worth it, to judge by Devry's (DV) 20.7% advance.

Today in economics, analysts expect an increase in October's Chicago Purchasing Managers Index at 9:45 a.m. Eastern. It's another frenetic session for third quarter earnings announcements, with results expected out of Anheuser-Busch (BUD), Barclays (BCS), Deutsche Lufthansa (DLAKY), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), MGM Resorts (MGM), MasterCard (MA), Panasonic (PC), and Time Warner Cable (TWC).

Artio Global Investors (ART): The small cap gets a Buy-from-Neutral boost at Citigroup.

Canadian Pacific (CP) FBR Capital raises the railroad to Market Perform from Underperform.

Copart (CPRT): Shares are now Outperform from Neutral at Robert W. Baird, whose price target is $33. As the leading auctioneer of salvage vehicles, CPRT stands to benefit from a surge in totaled vehicles in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Ctrip.com (CTRP): Goldman Sachs gives the Chinese travel stock a Buy-from-Neutral boost.

DineEquity (DIN): The owner of Applebee's and International House of Pancakes is upgraded to Strong Buy from Outperform at Raymond James.

Dominion Resources (D): Citing an increasingly attractive valuation, Argus increases the stock to Buy from Hold. Its price objective is $57.

Ericsson (ERIC): The Swedish telecom titan is taken to Outperform from Neutral at Cowen.

Ford Motor (F): Shares are boosted to Buy from Hold at Craig Hallum.

Forest Oil (FST): RBC Capital raises its recommendation to Outperform from Market Perform.

Nanometrics (NANO): NANO is now Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan, which also takes its target up by $1.50 to $16.00.

News Corp (NASDAQ:NWSA) The media empire is upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Macquarie.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB): Miller Tabak moves the stock to Buy from Hold.

Ruth's Hospitality Group (RUTH): Raymond James raises its rating to Outperform from Market Perform with a $7.50 target price. Catalysts include a solid quarterly report and good comparative sales growth.

Stewart Information Services (STC): STC gets an Outperform-from-Perform lift at FBR Capital Markets.

Team Health Holdings (TMH): Piper Jaffray takes TMH to Overweight from Neutral.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>MinyanvilleWed, 31 Oct 2012 10:40:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Expedia Is Going Placeshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/26/stock-upgrades-expedia-is-going-places/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/26/stock-upgrades-expedia-is-going-places/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/26/stock-upgrades-expedia-is-going-places/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ExpediaMINYANVILLE ORIGINAL Apple (AAPL) fell 1.18% ahead of its earnings announcement, which revealed weak fourth quarter iPad sales of only 14 million. The tablet device is clearly suffering from a send-in-the-clowns - sorry, clones - syndrome, with competitors including Kindle and Galaxy continuing to grab market share.

Arch rival Microsoft (MSFT) meanwhile gave up 0.08% before its own big introduction of Windows 8, unveiled at a gala event on Manhattan's Pier 57. (The same place the Titanic was supposed to arrive at; just sayin'.)

Carrie Bradshaw and Imelda Marcos each recoiled in horror as Crocs Inc. (CROX), disowned and unloved, tumbled 21.19% to a new low, while fellow footwear firm Deckers Outdoor (DECK) is skidding 16.34% before today's opening bell. A fine time, then, for the world's biggest shoe store to open. Today in economics, at 9:55 a.m. Eastern we get the University of Michigan's final figure for October consumer confidence.

A frenzied week for quarterly earnings announcements comes to a close with China Life Insurance (LFC), Comcast (CMCSA), Ericsson (ERIC), First Solar (FSLR), Legg Mason (LM), Merck (MRK), Moody's (MCO), NTT Docomo (DCM), Petrobras (PBR), Statoil (STO), and Weyerhaeuser (WY) all due to report results.

Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM): AEM gets upgraded to Sector Perform from Underperform at CIBC World Markets.

AllianceBernstein (AB): Morgan Stanley moves the stock to Equal-Weight from Underweight.

CarMax (KMX): Shares are increased to Outperform from Market Perform at Credit Suisse.

Cerner (CERN): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Buy from Hold, sending shares up before the bell.

CME Group (CME): CME is raised to Outperform from Market Perform at Raymond James.

Coinstar (CSTR) Shares are boosted to Buy from Neutral with a new $50 price objective Compass Point, which highlights pricing power, rising market share, and substantial cash generation capabilities.

Dime Community Bancshares (DCOM): DCOM is upgraded to Outperform from Underperform at Raymond James.

Essex Property (ESS): The residential REIT is raised to Buy from Neutral at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE): Raymond James raises its recommendation on the online travel outfit to Outperform from Market Perform with a $70 target price. Among its catalysts are strong international bookings and upgraded technology platforms. Shares are surging some 17.1% before this morning's opening bell.

Expeditors International (EXPE): The equity gets added to Goldman Sachs' list of Conviction Buys.

Hercules Offshore (HERO): The small cap gets a Buy-from-Hold hoist at Dahlman Rose, whose price objective is $6.50. The Gulf of Mexico jackup market is expected to continue to strengthen in upcoming quarters.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN): HBAN is upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup.

Liquidity Services (LQDT): Shares are taken to Buy from Neutral at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

Marathon Petroleum (MPC): MRO is moved to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse, which takes its target up by $5 to $75.

Mylan Labs (MYL): Canaccord Genuity gives a Buy-from-Hold lift to MYL.

NetSuite (N): N is now Outperform from Market Perform at Northland Securities, which issues a $70 price objective.

Owens-Illinois (OI): Shares get lifted to Buy from Neutral at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

PulteGroup (PHM): The homebuilder is hoisted to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital.

Rogers Communications (RCI): Shares are now Neutral from Sell at Goldman Sachs.

SAP AG (SAP): Bank of America-Merrill moves the German enterprise software giant to Buy from Neutral.

StellarOne (STEL): STEL is upgraded to Strong Buy from Outperform at Raymond James.

Target (TGT): Shares are taken to Buy from Neutral by Buckingham.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ExpediaMinyanvilleFri, 26 Oct 2012 09:30:00 ESTStock Upgrades: Zynga Out of the Doghouse?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/25/stock-upgrades-zynga-out-of-the-doghouse/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/25/stock-upgrades-zynga-out-of-the-doghouse/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/25/stock-upgrades-zynga-out-of-the-doghouse/#commentsFiled under:

zynga stock"The Scream," a painting of pure panic from 1896, descended on New York yesterday. Thankfully the Dow (^DJI), which arrived on the scene the same year, avoided the sort of existential angst it suffered 24-hours earlier. Stocks still ended off again however, and some shares were especially hit.

WALL-E was inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame but iRobot's (IRBT) invitation was unceremoniously revoked after it nosedived 19.08% to a new low in propping up all Nasdaq (^IXIC) issues. March of the Penguins perfectly described the situation at Netflix (NFLX), where a flock of analysts concurrently queued up to cut price targets and sent it tumbling 11.88%. A new study showed the glass ceiling starts early and there is a debt ceiling to worry about at glass panel giant Corning (GLW), which cratered 9.40%.

Today in economics, September pending home sales are out at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. It's another frenetic session for earnings announcements, with Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), AstraZeneca (AZN), Banco Santander (SAN), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Daimler (DDAIY), Luxottica (LUX), Novartis (NVS), Procter & Gamble (PG), Sprint (S), and Unilever (UN) all expected to report results.

Akamai Technologies (AKAM): Shares are upgraded to Buy from Hold at Canaccord Genuity.

AllianceBernstein (AB): Keefe Bruyette moves the money manager to Outperform from Market Perform.

Angie's List (ANGI): The name is now Outperform Market Perform at Barrington Research, which assigns a price objective of $13. Catalysts include revenue visibility and differentiated offerings.

Boston Properties (BXP): BXP is boosted to Buy from Hold at Stifel Nicolaus, whose target price is $120.

Ciena Corp. (CIEN): Shares are upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at FBR Capital.

Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR): Shares are now Neutral from Underperform at Sterne Agee on account of recent relative under-performance. The target is $54.

EnCana (ECA): ECA is increased to Outperform from Perform at BMO Capital.

Equinix (EQIX): Shares are now Buy from Neutral at Citigroup.

FMC Technologies (FTI): Jefferies juices its recommendation to Hold from Underperform.

Honeywell (HON): HON is hoisted to Outperform from Market Perform by Sanford Bernstein amid margin expansion and secular tailwinds. The target is also taken up, to $76 from $72.

Hormel Foods (HRL): Citing strong earnings and an impressive balance sheet, Stephens upgrades the Spam maker to Overweight from Equal Weight. Its price objective is also increased, by $4 to $34.

Newfield Exploration (NFX): NFX is now Market Perform from Underperform at Raymond James.

Prosperity Bancshares (PB): PB is upgraded to Outperform at Keefe Bruyette.

Skyworks (SWKS): Shares are upgraded to Strong Buy from Outperform at Raymond James.

Wynn Resorts (WYNN): The casino company is now Neutral from Sell at Compass Point.

Zynga (NASDAQ:ZNGA) The social-gaming stock famous for its dog logo gets a Buy-from-Hold hoist at Needham. Key positives are a buyback and cost-cutting initiatives, and its target is $4. Shares are surging 17% before the bell
.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ZyngaMinyanvilleThu, 25 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST