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Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Square Jumped ~14% Today
In the fourth quarter last year, American financial technology firm Square’s (SQ) stock disappointed investors with a massive loss of 43.3%.
HealthcareAnalyzing ABMD, BR, and TFX Stocks
Abiomed’s (ABMD) net income has grown at a three-year and five-year average of 95.1% and 120.4%, respectively.
Company & Industry OverviewsInside Exelixis’s Label Expansion Collaborations for Cabozantinib
As a part of the broader lifecycle management for Cabometyx, Exelixis is exploring the drug in combination with other immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Company & Industry OverviewsEdwards Lifesciences: Expected to Report Robust Revenues in 2017
Edwards Lifesciences (EW) is confident that it will report total revenue growth in excess of its previous expectations of 10%–14% for 2017.
Company & Industry OverviewsNorth America: The Critical Market For Under Armour
In 2013, the company had 117 factory-house stores and 6 brand stores in North America. Store rollout is up and is expected to be stronger going forward.
Company & Industry OverviewsVarian’s Halcyon Reaches Milestone Achievements
Halcyon is the company’s new treatment platform for cancer patients that visually enhances and simplifies image-guided radiotherapy treatments (or IMRT).
Company & Industry OverviewsBioMarin’s Strong Pipeline Could Be a Long-Term Growth Driver
After success in the company’s phase 1/2 trial with BMN 270, an investigational gene therapy for hemophilia A, BioMarin Pharmaceuticals (BMRN) is expected to start phase 3 trials.
Company & Industry OverviewsCan Edwards Intuity Elite Boost Edwards Lifesciences’ Revenues?
With the Edwards Intuity Elite valve system, Edwards Lifesciences aims to offer a minimally invasive therapy to complex aortic stenosis patients.
Earnings ReportWhat Analysts Are Recommending for Southwest Airlines
Of the 18 analysts tracking Southwest Airlines (LUV), six (33.3%) have rated the stock a “strong buy,” and another six (33.3%) have recommended a “buy.”
Company & Industry OverviewsAbiomed Is Focused on Expanding Impella’s International Presence
In the last quarter of fiscal 2017, Abiomed (ABMD) reported international market revenue of nearly $10.7 million, a year-over-year (or YoY) rise of ~58%.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Analysts Recommend for BioMarin Pharmaceuticals
A total of 20 analysts were analyzing BioMarin Pharmaceuticals in July 2017. Six analysts recommended a “strong buy,” while nine analysts suggested a “buy.”
MiscellaneousShake Shack’s Valuation Multiple Compared to Its Peers
Goldman Sachs downgraded Shake Shack from “neutral” to “sell” and gave a negative same-store sales growth forecast of 2.5% for 2Q17.
MiscellaneousSusquehanna: Under Armour Changes Are ‘Temporary Pause’ to Growth
UAA is covered by 34 Wall Street analysts who together rate the company a 2.9 on a scale of 1.0 for “strong buy” to 5.0 for “sell.”
MiscellaneousHas Chipotle’s Stock Price Bottomed Out?
After posting better 1Q17 earnings on April 25, Chipotle’s stock price rose to $496.14 by May 16, 2017. Since then, it has experienced downward momentum.
Company & Industry OverviewsMedicaid Business—A Key Revenue Driver for WellCare Health Plans in 2017
In 1Q17, WellCare Health Plans’ (WCG) Medicaid business reported revenues close to $2.6 billion, which equals year-over-year growth of ~11.8%.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat’s Really Driving Zoetis’s Margins in 2017?
Zoetis (ZTS) expects to generate savings of over $300 million in 2017 through its operational efficiency program.
Earnings ReportWhy Baskin-Robbins Had Negative Same-Store Sales Growth in 1Q17
In 1Q17, Baskin-Robbins, which operates under the umbrella of Dunkin’ Brands (DNKN), had SSSG of -2.4% in the United States and -2.0% in international markets.
Earnings ReportUnder Armour up Top: Underneath the Slowing Revenues in 1Q17
UAA’s top line expanded 22% YoY (year-over-year) in fiscal 2016 to $4.8 billion, as compared to its 30% average top-line growth between fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2015.
Earnings ReportWhat Do Analysts Recommend for Marriott ahead of 4Q16 Results?
According to a Reuters consensus, of the 28 analysts tracking Marriott (MAR), five of them (18.0%) have a “strong buy” for the stock.
Earnings ReportCould Marriott’s Dividends Rise in the Second Half of 2016?
Marriott’s cash dividend ratio was 3.0x at the end of 3Q16, which indicates its ability to sustain dividend payouts.
Earnings ReportPanera 2.0 Continues to Boost Same-Store Sales Growth in 4Q16
Same-store sales growth Same-store sales growth (or SSSG), expressed as a percentage, is a measure of the rise in revenue from a company’s existing restaurants over a certain period of time. SSSG is driven by ticket size and traffic. 4Q16 performance Panera Bread (PNRA) posted systemwide SSSG of 0.7%, with company-operated restaurants posting SSSG of […]
Earnings ReportWhat Hampered Under Armour’s 4Q16 Profitability?
In 4Q16, Under Armour’s adjusted earnings per diluted share stood at $0.23, which was $0.02 lower than what analysts were expecting.
MiscellaneousWhat Does Wall Street Think about Under Armour?
Under Armour’s (UAA) Class A shares are rated 2.3 on a scale of 1.0 for “strong buy” to 5.0 for “sell.” Class C shares have a higher rating of 1.0.
Earnings ReportUnder Armour Plans to Expand Its International Presence
International sales account for about 15.0% of UAA’s total sales compared to less than 6.0% in fiscal 2013. It has plans to further expand that business.
Earnings ReportHow Does Wendy’s Valuation Multiple Compare to Its Peers?
For the next four quarters, analysts are expecting Wendy’s to post EPS growth of $0.40, which represents a decline of 4.2% from the corresponding quarters of the previous year.
Earnings ReportCan 3Q16 Results Boost SHAK’s Valuation Multiple?
Since the announcement of its 2Q16 results on August 10, 2016, Shake Shack (SHAK) EV-to-sales multiple has fallen from 5.1x to 3.7x.
Earnings ReportWill Starbucks’ 4Q16 Earnings Boosts Its Share Price?
Starbucks, a company that operates coffeehouse chains across the world, is scheduled to post its fiscal 4Q16 earnings results after the market closes on November 3, 2016.
Earnings ReportEdwards Lifesciences Updates 2016 Guidance after 3Q16 Earnings
Edwards Lifesciences revised its 2016 guidance after reporting a strong 3Q16. The company maintained its sales guidance for the year at the high end of the $2.7 billion–$3 billion range.
Earnings ReportWeak 3Q16 Earnings Lowered Chipotle’s Valuation Multiples
Analysts expect Chipotle to post EPS growth of 146% in the next four quarters. Its current share price might have factored in the growth rate.
Earnings ReportHere’s Why Under Armour Stock Fell on October 25
Under Armour’s massive fall was a result of a warning that came from the company’s management regarding a slowdown in sales growth over the next two years.
Earnings ReportPanera Needs Its 3Q Earnings to Be in Line with Higher Guidance
Panera Bread (PNRA), a fast-casual restaurant chain, is set to announce its 3Q16 earnings after the market closes on October 25, 2016.
Earnings ReportAre Analysts as Excited about Under Armour as Its Customers?
Under Armour (UA) has witnessed a rise in its debt over the last few years. The company was recently penalized for its rising debt levels and high valuations.
Earnings ReportUA Investors Enjoy These Pros, Frown upon These Cons
Among Under Armour’s primary strengths is its strong business model, which shows substantial potential for further growth.
Earnings ReportHow International Sales Are Driving Under Armour’s Top Line
Under Armour’s products are sold in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America. Its revenue came in at $1 billion in 2Q16.
Earnings ReportHow Chipotle’s Valuation Multiple Compares with Peers’
Valuation multiple Investors should look at valuation multiples when deciding whether to buy or sell a stock. Valuation multiples are driven by perceived growth, risk and uncertainties, and investors’ willingness to pay for a stock. Analysts use various multiples to evaluate a stock. In this article, we’ll use the PE (price-to-earnings) ratio due to its […]
MiscellaneousChorizo Is Now Available at All Chipotle Restaurants
On October 3, 2016, Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) announced that chorizo would be available in all its US restaurants as of October 4, 2016.
Earnings ReportWhat Analysts Recommend for DRI ahead of Its Fiscal 1Q17 Earnings
As of September 27, 2016, Darden Restaurants was trading at $61.5. This price may already have priced in the estimates we’ve discussed in this series.
Earnings ReportWhy Analysts Expect DRI to Post Positive Same-Store Sales Growth
Analysts are expecting Darden Restaurants (DRI) to post systemwide same-store sales growth of 1.6% in fiscal 1Q17 compared to 3.4% in fiscal 1Q16.
Basic MaterialsInternational Flavors and Fragrances to Acquire David Michael
On September 13, International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire food flavor company David Michael.
Company & Industry OverviewsEW Poised to Carve Out More Prosthetic Heart Valve Market Share
Edwards Lifesciences’ SHV Therapy segment contributed approximately 26% to the company’s total sales in 2Q16.
Earnings ReportKey Drivers Behind Burlington Stores’ 2Q16 Margin Expansion
Burlington Stores’ gross margin, based on total revenue, improved by about 40 basis points to 39.9% in 2Q16 due to higher initial markup.
Basic MaterialsWhy FMC’s Health and Nutrition Segment’s Revenue Fell in 2Q16
In 2Q16, FMC Corporation’s (FMC) Health and Nutrition segment reported revenue of $195 million, representing 24.1% of FMC’s total revenue.
Company & Industry OverviewsALNY Completes Enrollment for Patisiran’s Phase 3 Trial in 2016
In 1Q16, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) completed enrollment of clinical subjects for its Phase 3 trial, Apollo. This trial aims to study the efficacy and safety of Patisiran as a treatment for hereditary ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy
Earnings ReportCan Constellation Brands Afford Margin Expansion in Fiscal 1Q17?
In fiscal 4Q16, which ended on February 29, 2016, Constellation Brands’ gross margin expanded by 100 basis points to 45.1%, driven by the company’s premiumization efforts.
Company & Industry OverviewsAnalyzing Foot Locker’s Historical Capital Returns Performance
Foot Locker (FL) has earned above-average returns on its capital investments over the past five years.
Company & Industry OverviewsFoot Locker’s e-Commerce Sales Growth: Potential and Prospects
Foot Locker (FL) operates several e-commerce websites under the Foot Locker and other store banners. It reports e-commerce sales under the direct-to-customer segment.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat is Chipotle Doing to Win Back Its Customers’ Loyalty?
The E. coli outbreak seriously dented Chipotle Mexican Grill’s (CMG) image.
Company & Industry OverviewsReturns Performance: The Rise of Skechers’ Stock
After being a loss-making company in 2011, Skechers (SKX) has engineered a resurgence in financial performance from 2012 to the present.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Does Skechers Manage Its Inventory and Distribution?
In recent years, Skechers has reported improved working capital metrics. The company’s inventory turnover (or ITR) rose from 2.9x in 2013 to 3.2x in 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Coty’s Stock Price Isn’t Showing Much Momentum
On June 13, 2016, Coty’s (COTY) stock price was trading at $26.36. The stock price has risen 5.7% year-to-date (or YTD) and 29.0% since January 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsA Brief Look at Dentsply Sirona’s Business Model
Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) offers a broad portfolio of dental equipment and consumables that have urological and surgical applications.
ConsumerWill Strong Sales Growth Propel LULU’s Future Earnings?
Lululemon Athletica’s guidance assumes a slightly higher tax rate compared to the prior year and no share repurchases in fiscal 2017.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhich Fast-Food and Pizza Company Leads the Pack in Retail Space Utilization?
In 1Q16, seven of our eight fast-food restaurant companies under review generated a median revenue of $167 per square foot.
ConsumerSales Expectations: Why e-Commerce Upside Is Important for LULU
In fiscal 1Q17, LULU expects revenue ranging from $483 million–$488 million, an implied growth rate of 14%–15.2% over fiscal 1Q16.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Does Intuitive Surgical’s Business Model Look Like?
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) defines its business model as a “razor/razor blade” model. What does this mean?
Earnings ReportWhat Do Analysts Expect from Ross Stores’ Fiscal 1Q16 Earnings?
Off-price retailer Ross Stores (ROST) is scheduled to announce its results for fiscal 1Q16 on May 19. In fiscal 4Q15, Ross Stores’ adjusted EPS increased by 10% to $0.66.
Earnings ReportMedivation Sees Growth in Xtandi: A Major Oncology Drug
Medivation (MDVN) is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company, and Xtandi as its only approved drug.
Earnings ReportCan Nordstrom’s Productivity Efforts Give Higher 1Q16 Margins?
In April 2016, Nordstrom announced certain operating model improvements to generate savings of about $60 million in fiscal 2016.
Earnings ReportWhy Did Papa John’s Revenue Decline in 1Q16?
With unit growth expected to dominate the second part of 2016, analysts are expecting Papa John’s to register a revenue growth of 3.4% from $1.6 billion in 2015 to $1.7 billion in 2016.
Company & Industry OverviewsXyrem: Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Key Product
Xyrem is the only FDA-approved drug for both cataplexy and EDS (excessive daytime sleepiness) with narcolepsy.
Company & Industry OverviewsBehind Buffalo Wild Wings’ Investments in Emerging Brands
To diversify, Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) has invested in PizzaRev, a fast-casual pizza restaurant, and R Taco, a fast-casual taco restaurant.
Company & Industry OverviewsXtandi: A Major Prostate Cancer Drug
Xtandi’s oncology prescriptions grew annually by ~40% in fiscal 2015. Similarly, the drug’s overall treatment duration over past three years has grown significantly.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Are Analysts’ Recommendations for Edwards Lifesciences?
As of April 12, 2016, about 73.1% of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg rated Edwards Lifesciences as a “buy.”
ConsumerWhat Is Wall Street Projecting for Under Armour’s 1Q16 Revenue?
According to the Wall Street analyst consensus, Under Armour is expected to post revenues of $1.04 billion in the quarter, an increase of 28.8% over 1Q15.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Do Analysts Recommend for Fast Casual Restaurants?
In this article, we’ll discuss analysts’ revised estimates and recommendations for fast casual companies following the companies’ 4Q15 results.
Company & Industry OverviewsCan the Southwest Effect Help Grow Traffic?
Southwest Airlines (LUV) still has some edge over legacy carriers, such as its recent entry into international markets using the Southwest Effect.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow is Chipotle Rebuilding Its ‘Food With Integrity’ Image?
Chipotle declared its intention of regaining its customers’ loyalty and to establish testing and safety protocols that ensure the quality of its products. It conducted a comprehensive reassessment of its supply chain and restaurant practices and implemented a variety of measures.
Earnings ReportNordstrom Missed 4Q15 Sales Guidance on Weak Full-Line Store Sales
The 4Q15 sales of upscale department store Nordstrom (JWN) came in at $4.19 billion, missing the consensus analysts’ estimate of $4.22 billion. In this series, we will discuss the company’s earnings, store growth plans, planned capital spending, and the outlook for fiscal 2016.
Earnings ReportHow Is Panera Bread Planning to Expand Its Business?
In fiscal 2016, Panera Bread (PNRA) is set open 90–100 new restaurants, with the majority of new openings being company-operated restaurants. The company has set to convert 200 of its company-operated restaurants to Panera 2.0.
Earnings ReportWill Increasing Scale and Diversification Boost Centene’s Revenues?
After the closure of Centene-Health Net Deal, Centene expects to benefit from increased scale of operations and diversification of revenue base.
Earnings ReportWhy Does Coty Use Acquisitions to Expand Geographically?
Coty (COTY) markets its beauty and cosmetic products in more than 130 countries and territories. Coty derives its revenue from three geographical regions.
Company & Industry OverviewsMacy’s Stock Rises on News of Productivity Initiatives
The stock market reacted positively to news of Macy’s (M) productivity initiatives. Macy’s stock rose 2% on January 7, a day after the announcement.
MiscellaneousNewell Rubbermaid–Jarden Deal: Strategic Rationale
Strategic rationale of the deal Both Newell Rubbermaid (NWL) and Jarden (JAH) are US-based consumer products conglomerates operating in diverse industries, with presences in several global markets. Both companies have strong portfolios of leading brands that are number one or number two in their categories. The combined company will have a concentrated portfolio of brands, […]
MiscellaneousNewell Rubbermaid–Jarden Deal: Acquirer versus Target
Newell Rubbermaid’s sales for the year ending December 2014 stood at $5.7 billion. Jarden’s sales for the same period stood at $8.3 billion.
Earnings ReportNordstrom’s Stock Underperformed Other Off-Price Retailers
As of November 4, Nordstrom’s stock price has fallen by 11.3% to $66.42 since the announcement of the company’s 2Q15 results on August 13.
Earnings ReportWhy Motorola Solutions Expects a YoY Revenue Decline in 4Q15
In 4Q15, Motorola expects its revenues to decline by 6–8% YoY compared to 4Q14, assuming an unfavorable foreign currency impact of $65 million.
Earnings ReportGauging the Foreign Currency Exchange Impact on Motorola’s 3Q15
Motorola’s revenues declined by 1% YoY primarily due to unfavorable currency exchanges. Its sales, however, increased by 3% on a constant currency basis.
Earnings ReportMotorola Solutions’ 3Q15 Results: Stock Reaction to Low Guidance
On November 4, Motorola reported its 3Q15 revenues at $1.4 billion, a 1% YoY decrease including $54 million from unfavorable foreign currency exchange.
Earnings ReportKellogg Company’s Outlook for Fiscal 2016
On October 23, the Kellogg Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.50 per share on the company’s common stock.
Company & Industry OverviewsCoty’s Efforts to Grow Its Geographic Footprint
In fiscal 2015, Coty clocked global sales of $4.4 billion, with the highest geographic exposure coming from the EMEA region.
Company & Industry OverviewsAnalyzing Coty’s Level of Competition
High-end companies like Coty rely on repeat customers and mainly compete on the basis of product quality and product differentiation.
Company & Industry OverviewsCan Keurig Kold Add Some Fizz to Keurig’s Sales?
Keurig’s sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 ended June 27, 2015, declined by 5.2% to $969.6 million, due to declines in brewer sales and pod sales.
Earnings ReportKey Department Store Stocks Underperform in the Market
As of September 4, department store stocks for Macy’s fell by 11.1% since the start of 2015. Despite 1H15 sales growth, Nordstrom’s stock also fell by 7%.
Earnings ReportNordstrom Steals Thunder from Department Store Peers in 1H15
Nordstrom reported a 9.4% rise in total revenue for 1H15. The sales growth was due to growth from full-line stores, online businesses, and off-price stores.
Company & Industry OverviewsDr Pepper’s Prospects in Other Non-Carbonated Beverages
Dr Pepper Snapple adopted a strong strategy by acquiring an 11.7% stake in BodyArmor. But it could grow more in other non-carbonated beverage categories.
Fund ManagersBlue Harbour Ups its Stakes in Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
Blue Harbour raised its stakes in Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (MDRX) in 4Q14. The company accounts for 5.91% of the fund’s portfolio in 4Q14.
Fund ManagersBlue Harbour Sells Key Positions in 4Q14
Blue Harbour Group manages capital on behalf of pension funds, endowments, and other institutional investors.
Fund ManagersAllison Transmission Gets a 79% Boost in TPG-Axon’s 4Q Portfolio
TPG-Axon boosted its holdings in Allison Transmission Holdings (ALSN) in 4Q14, increasing the number of shares a whopping 79%.
Fund ManagersTPG-Axon Opens a New Position in Axalta Coating
TPG-Axon Management initiated a new position in Axalta Coating Systems Ltd (AXTA) by purchasing 2,409,701 shares of the company, representing 4.7% of the fund’s 4Q14 portfolio.
Fund ManagersMagnetar Purchases New Stake in Restaurant Brands International
Magnetar Capital added new stake in Restaurant Brands International (QSR) in 4Q14. The position represented 0.73% of its holdings at the end of the year.
Fund ManagersHighfields Capital Adds Zoetis to Its 4Q14 Portfolio
Zoetis (ZTS) is the animal health business that Pfizer (PFE) spun off in June 2013.
Earnings ReportWhy Under Armour Had Back-To-Back Acquisitions
Under Armour’s (UA) back-to-back acquisitions this year could help it claim the top position from the market leader—NIKE.
Earnings ReportExpanding Product Platforms Drive Armour’s Revenue Gains
Under Armour’s footwear revenues grew 41.8% to $0.3 billion in Q1–Q3 2014. Under Armour is a much newer entrant in the NIKE-dominated footwear space.
Company & Industry OverviewsCoach Acquires Stuart Weitzman In Line With Broader Strategy
Stuart Weitzman is a vertically integrated high-profile footwear manufacturer. The company sells footwear targeted at the premium women’s market.
Company & Industry OverviewsUnder Armour’s Cost Profile And Outlook
Under Armour, Inc.’s cost of goods sold margins have been fairly steady over the years. SG&A costs are likely to trend higher in the near to medium term.