New ETF Book by Larry Connors - Click here to read more
Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579
Here are highlights from Tuesday's Analyst Blog:
Burger King with Big Opportunities
We are maintaining our Buy rating on shares of Burger King (NYSE: BKC). The company has resumed unit growth after four years of negative or no growth, during which time it repurchased and/or closed more than 1,000 underperforming franchises while reinvigorating its brand.
Moreover, we think BKC shares offer investors an excellent opportunity to participate in the fast-growing economies of Asia and South America, which are central to the company's expansion plans and where it has a very small presence relative to McDonald's (NYSE: MCD), the category leader.
AGN's Wrinkles Need Smoothing
Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) recently announced that it has completed a top-line analysis of its two phase III clinical trials exploring the use of Botox for the prophylactic treatment of headache in adults suffering from chronic migraine.
Although the shares reacted positively to the recently released top-line results on Botox for the treatment of migraine, we believe that several issues are likely to keep a lid on the share price in the near-term. These issues include safety concerns surrounding the use of Botox and a subpoena from the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, related to promotional, educational and other activities for Botox. We maintain a Hold rating on the stock with a price target of $62.
AutoZone Sales Improve
AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) is one of the nation's leading specialty retailers of automotive replacement parts and accessories, and operates in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) retail, Do-It-for-Me (DIFM) commercial and other customer markets. As of August 30, 2008, the company operated 4,092 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and 148 stores in Mexico.
On September 22, AutoZone reported results for the fourth quarter ended August 30, 2008. Diluted earnings per share of $3.88 for the fourth quarter of 2008 were up 20.1% from the year-ago quarter. Net sales of $2.2 billion for the fourth quarter of 2008 increased 10.4% from the fourth quarter 2007. Sales were up 4.1%.
Hudson City Mired in Difficulties
Hudson City Bancorp (Nasdaq: HCBK | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) operates in a traditional thrift model; it is a community and customer-oriented retail savings bank offering traditional deposit products, residential real estate mortgage loans, and consumer loans. The firm is now the third-largest thrift in the nation, based on either assets or market capitalization. Hudson City now operates 121 branches throughout New Jersey, eastern New York, and Fairfield County, Connecticut.
As a result of the meltdown in the housing and credit markets, the company's direct or indirect exposure to mortgages have suffered the greatest negative affects. Consumer lending, the bread-and-butter of many regional and local institutions, will continue to face significant headwinds to revenue growth, as the mortgage banking remains under pressure in 2008.
Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2677
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4580.
Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
SOURCE: Zacks.com
Zacks.com Mark Vickery Web Content Editor 312-265-9380 Visit: www.zacks.com
More News:
Market Updates |
Stock Alerts |
All Trading News |
Stock Index
About TradingMarkets | Contact | Advertise | Careers | Link to Us | Site Map | Help | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Return Policy | Testimonials | Feedback
The Connors Group, Inc. ("Company") is not an investment advisory service, nor a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer and does not purport to tell or suggest which securities or currencies customers should buy or sell for themselves. The analysts and employees or affiliates of Company may hold positions in the stocks, currencies or industries discussed here. You understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities and/or currencies. The Company, the authors, the publisher, and all affiliates of Company assume no responsibility or liability for your trading and investment results. Factual statements on the Company's website, or in its publications, are made as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice.
It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable or that they will not result in losses. Past results of any individual trader or trading system published by Company are not indicative of future returns by that trader or system, and are not indicative of future returns which be realized by you. In addition, the indicators, strategies, columns, articles and all other features of Company's products (collectively, the "Information") are provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Examples presented on Company's website are for educational purposes only. Such set-ups are not solicitations of any order to buy or sell. Accordingly, you should not rely solely on the Information in making any investment. Rather, you should use the Information only as a starting point for doing additional independent research in order to allow you to form your own opinion regarding investments. You should always check with your licensed financial advisor and tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment.
HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN INHERENT LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING AND MAY NOT BE IMPACTED BY BROKERAGE AND OTHER SLIPPAGE FEES. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT ACTUALLY BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER- OR OVER-COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN.
The Connors Group, Inc.
15260 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 2200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
© Copyright 2009 The Connors Group, Inc.
