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Showing posts with label 2017 at 02:10AM. Show all posts
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Tuesday, October 31, 2017

#BoardOfDirectors PerkinElmer Elects Pascale Witz to its Board of Directors – Business Wire (press release) http://bit.ly/2luKKPB

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#BoardOfDirectors Incyte Names New Member to Its Board of Directors – Business Wire (press release) http://bit.ly/2ygB9lG

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#BoardOfDirectors Sprouts Farmers Market Adds Joseph O’Leary to Its Board of Directors – Nasdaq http://bit.ly/2lu1LJK

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Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Top 10 Stocks Under $20

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Here at Zacks, we don’t generally classify stocks as “cheap” or “expensive”, and rather than looking at the stock’s face value, we have a system that puts an emphasis on earnings estimate revisions to find stocks that will hopefully be winners for investors.

That being said, low-priced stocks can be attractive to smaller investors that can’t necessarily afford large stakes in companies with higher priced stocks. When looking at these low-priced stocks, we can look at the same trends in growth, value, and momentum and apply the Zacks Rank to properly analyze the potential that these companies have.

Today we’ve highlighted ten stocks that are currently trading for under $20 per share. All of these stocks currently have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and a variety of other factors make these companies stand out as having strong upside potential.

1.       LG Display Co. (LPL)

Prior Close: $15.60

LG Display primarily manufacturers and sells thin film transistor LCD panels. The company is the largest LCD panel maker in the world. This stock is a value investor’s dream, as its “A” grade for Value is underscored by its better-than-industry-average P/B, P/E/, and P/CF ratios. We are also expecting to see strong earnings growth from LG Display this year. Indeed, the current Zacks Consensus Estimate would represent EPS growth of nearly 85%. Investors should also note that LPL falls into a category of businesses that currently sit in the top 36% of the Zacks Industry Rank.

 

2.       Orange SA (ORAN)

Prior Close: $16.84

Orange, formerly known as France Telecom, is a provider of telecommunications services and one of the largest mobile providers in all of Europe. Earnings estimate revision activity has been favorable for the company, as its Zacks Consensus Estimates for the current and next fiscal year have both moved five cents higher over the past 60 days. Also, its current-year consensus estimate would represent staggering EPS growth of nearly 500%. Furthermore, the stock’s “A” grades for Value and Momentum highlights its fundamental strength and prove that this could be a good pick for several types of trend-focused investors.

 

3.       Air France (AFLYY)

Prior Close: $12.32

Air France is a global airline company, servicing hundreds of international destinations, with a focus on major transportation hubs in France. This is another company seeing strong estimate revision activity, as its full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate has moved 35 cents higher over the last 60 days. This is a solid growth pick too; current estimates are calling for the company to post EPS growth of about 25% this year and next year. This stock also has an “A” grade for Value—boosted by its impressive (even for an airline) P/E ratio of 6.73—and an overall VGM grade of “A”—lifted by its strong fundamental metrics across all of our Style Scores categories.

 

4.       ARI Network Services (ARIS)

Prior Close: $6.08

ARI Network Services is a provider of business-to-business Internet e-commerce solutions for manufacturers with shared distribution and service networks. The company has witnessed positive revisions to its current-quarter, full-year, and next-year earnings estimates as recently as the past week, and it is now expected to post EPS growth of 20% and sales growth of 11% this year. Also, this is a stock that is soaring into new highs, which could intrigue some momentum-focused investors. In fact, the stock has an “A” grade in our Momentum category, as well as a “B” grade in our overall VGM category.

 

5.       Conn’s, Inc. (CONN)

Prior Close: $19.50

Conn’s is a specialty regional retailer, operating electronics, furniture, mattress, and appliance stores in the Texas and Louisiana area. Despite sluggish sales and a weak retail environment, Conn’s has shed costs and is expected to post EPS growth of 265% this year and 150% next year. The company has also been able to surpass the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings by an average of nearly 81% in each of the trailing four quarters. The stock is also sporting solid fundamentals, including “B” grades for Value and VGM, as well as “A” grade for Growth and Momentum.

 

6.       StealthGas Inc. (GASS)

Prior Close: $3.22

StealthGas is a provider of international seaborne transportation services, carrying petroleum and petrochemical gas products to LPG producers and users. This fiscal year promises to be one of aggressive earnings growth for the company, as our current consensus estimate calls for EPS to skyrocket more than 400%. The stock is also a nice value pick, as evidenced by its “A” grade in that category. In fact, this stock also has an “A” grade for Momentum and VGM. What’s more, near-term potential looks good, as the company’s current-quarter earnings estimate has gained six cents over the last 60 days and it is now expected to post a profit.

 

7.       Nobilis Health Corp. (HLTH)

Prior Close: $1.90

Nobilis Health owns and manages ambulatory and acute care facilities, as well as ambulatory surgery centers, acute care hospitals, imaging centers and urgent care clinics. Like many companies on this list, Nobilis is set to post a nice bump in earnings and revenues this year. Indeed, our current consensus estimates call for EPS growth of 27% and sales growth of 17%. The stock also has better-than-industry-average P/E, P/B, and PEG ratios, making it an interesting value pick. We’ve also seen Nobilis record better margins than its industry peers, and its industry is actually in the top 23% of the Zacks Industry Rank right now.

 

8.       J. Jill, Inc. (JILL)

Prior Close: $13.45

J. Jill is a specialty retailer of women’s apparel, operating a number of stores and an e-commerce business that sell clothing and accessories. In defiance of the retail slump, the company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by more than 33% last quarter, and it looks to continue that momentum towards the end of the fiscal year, which it is expected to record EPS growth of 25% in. That growth is expected to continue into next year too, with EPS growth projections sitting at 17% for that period. And that’s on the back of solid sales growth, especially for a retailer. Our current consensus estimates call for sales growth of 11% and 9%, respectively. This stock also has an “A” grade for Value, as well as a “B” grade for VGM.

 

9.       Navios Maritime Partners (NMM)

Prior Close: $1.67

Navios Maritime is an international owner and operator of dry cargo vessels, engaging in the transportation of dry-bulk commodities like iron ore and coal. While this will be a tough period for year-over-year growth comparisons, we are seeing the company’s earnings estimates increase a bit thanks to three positive revisions for the current quarter, next quarter, full year, and next year within the past 60 days. Indeed, recent performance and updated estimates now indicate that it will be a profitable year for Navios. This is also another solid fundamental stock, as it has an “A” grade for Value and a “B” grade in the overall VGM category.

 

10.   Freightcar America, Inc. (RAIL)

Prior Close: $17.32

Freightcar America manufactures railroad freight cars, with particular expertise in coal-carrying railcars. This stock is yet another low-priced stock that should intrigue value investors. It has an “A” grade for Value, as well as P/B and P/S ratios that are better than its industry peers. The stock also has an overall VGM grade of “B,” and the company is coming off an earnings beat of more than 350%. Shares are now up 15% year-to-date, and they could keep climbing higher if the company can outperform on earnings again.

 

Want more stock market analysis from this author? Make sure to follow @Ryan_McQueeney on Twitter!

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don’t buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Air France-KLM SA (AFLYY): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Freightcar America, Inc. (RAIL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
StealthGas, Inc. (GASS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Navios Maritime Partners LP (NMM): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
LG Display Co., Ltd. (LPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
ARI Network Services, Inc. (ARIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Nobilis Health Corp. (HLTH): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
J.Jill, Inc. (JILL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Conn’s, Inc. (CONN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Orange (ORAN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

June 14, 2017 at 02:01AM

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from Ryan McQueeney

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Dollar Tree (DLTR) Stock in Trouble: Growth Plans to Help?

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Major discount-store retailer, Dollar Tree, Inc. DLTR is on track with its long-term growth strategies, including store expansions, cost-containment efforts and focus on integration of Family Dollar.

Let’s see if these strategic endeavors can help the company regain investors’ confidence that has been dwindling of late.

Why Is DLTR Falling?

Well, the company’s shares have plunged 11% in the last six months, underperforming the Zacks categorized Retail – Discount & Variety industry’s dip of 1.4%. More recently, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has slipped 3.5%, since it reported first-quarter fiscal 2017 results last month.

Dollar Tree’s earnings missed our estimate in the quarter, after posting back-to-back surprises in the last two. Though sales improved year over year, it was somewhat impacted by delay in tax refunds and cycling of reduced SNAP benefits from last year.

Reduction in SNAP benefits has been a concern for Dollar Tree for a while now, and with chances of President Donald Trump’s proposed food stamp cut getting passed, the situation could get worse. Trump has suggested reducing food stamps program by $193 billion, which is approximately 25% of the budget for the program. Cut in SNAP benefits is likely to hamper Dollar Tree’s performance, as people with low income will have less money to spend and could restrict their spending to low margin products.

Furthermore, management curtailed its earnings outlook for fiscal 2017, while it slightly twisted its sales view. The company now forecasts net sales for fiscal 2017 (which will contain an additional week) in the band of $21.95–$22.25 billion, compared with the old projection of $21.94–$22.33 billion.

Earnings per share for fiscal 2017 are now expected to be in the range of $4.17–$4.43, which includes an impairment charge of 13 cents recorded in the first quarter. Earlier, management projected earnings in a band of $4.20–$4.56 per share in fiscal 2017.

Apart from hurting investors’ sentiments, these factors also caused a downtrend in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second quarter and fiscal 2017. Evidently, estimates for the quarter and the fiscal have dropped to 87 cents and $4.45 from 90 cents and $4.47, respectively in the last 30 days.

Dollar Tree, Inc. Price and Consensus
 

Dollar Tree, Inc. Price and Consensus | Dollar Tree, Inc. Quote

The Better Side of the Story

Nevertheless, both the top and bottom lines grew year over year in the quarter. Also, the company posted its 37th straight quarter of comps growth, driven by higher customer count and average ticket. Additionally, reduced merchandise and freight expenses helped gross margin expansion. These factors provided some respite to the otherwise dull scenario.

Other than this, we remain confident of Dollar Tree’s growth strategies, which include store expansion strategies, enhancement of store productivity, creating new store formats, tapping of new markets and incorporating innovative sales channels to serve its patrons better. Also, in order to improve the operating margin, Dollar Tree is focusing on imported goods, supply chain efficiency and aggressive cost cuts.

The company is also well on track with Family Dollar’s integration, which it had acquired last year. With the completion of the integration, the company is likely to become a mega U.S. discount retailer that can single handedly counter competition from retail bellwethers in the dollar-discount store segment.

Further, the company will be strongly positioned to reach out to more value-seeking consumers, offering multiple assortments at more compelling prices. Also, it will be in a better position to negotiate with suppliers, which is expected to enhance its purchasing power. While cannibalization is expected to hurt Dollar Tree’s performance throughout the re-banner process, synergies from Family Dollar’s acquisition should benefit the company in the long run.

Thus, it remains to be seen if the aforementioned efforts can bring a turnaround in Dollar Tree’s stock performance.

Where to Place Bets?

Until then, investors can safely place their bets on Dollar General Corp. DG, Burlington Stores, Inc. BURL and Target Corp. TGT, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Dollar General has delivered back-to-back positive earnings surprise in the last two quarters. The stock also has a long-term growth rate of 10.6%.

Burlington, with long-term earnings per share growth rate of 15.9%, has delivered positive earnings surprise consistently in the last four quarters.

Target has a long-term growth rate of 8.2%. Also, the company has an average positive earnings surprise of 16.5% in the trailing four quarters.

Zacks’ 2017 IPO Watch List

Before looking into the stocks mentioned above, you may want to get a head start on potential tech IPOs that are popping up on Zacks’ radar. Imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the current scoop on 5 that may go public at any time.

One has driven from 0 to a $68 billion valuation in 8 years. Four others are a little less obvious but already show jaw-dropping growth. Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Dollar General Corporation (DG): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

June 14, 2017 at 02:01AM

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from Zacks Equity Research

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Globalization and the Shift in Chinese Consumerism

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It’s clear that globalization, or the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked by free trade, free flow of capital, and cheaper foreign labor markets, has done a great deal for China, as the country was isolated from the world until the late 1970s.

Since China opened its markets to the world, foreign brands, as well as counterfeit versions of those products, have gradually flooded the marketplace (also read: Here’s How Trade Drives China’s Economy). Foreign jewelry, clothing, technology, and restaurants have spread throughout the nation, and as a result, companies and enterprising individuals have reaped notable rewards.

The China Business Review discussed how consumer trends vary by generation. Many Chinese who were born before 1960 are sensitive toward changes in consumer prices, due to the comparatively difficult times in which they were raised. The older working demographic in China (think those in their 40s now) grew up during the Cultural Revolution, and still largely gravitate towards saving money. However, this group is a bit more willing to pay premiums on foreign products.

Consumers currently in their 20s and 30s grew up in more unrestrictive times, and have a different mindset than their parents and grandparents. These age groups save less and spend more on entertainment, and often shop online. Although habits become more conservative as individuals in these categories start families, they are still more impulsive than those in older age groups. Younger generations spend less time cooking, buy more tech gadgets, and are helping drive the slow, but steady rise in car ownership.

The newest generation (under 20) provides the starkest contrast to those previous, and is the most Westernized as well. These consumers are more individualistic, and have a heavy influence on their parents’ purchases.  Similar to younger generations in the U.S., social media is an effective way to market products to this demographic. The big players here are Tencent’s TCEHY WeChat and QQ, along with Sina Weibo, owned by Weibo Corp. WB.

The variation in spending habits among younger consumers is a product of both internet access—between 2000 and 2016, the number of Chinese internet users has skyrocketed, from 22.5 million to over 721 million—and globalization in general. Companies like Starbucks SBUX and Apple AAPL are a few of the many corporations that have cashed in on the new, outward-facing youth of modern day China.

Consumers will play an integral role in guiding China’s future growth, particularly as the nation continues to decrease its reliance on foreign interest. Foreign companies that aim to navigate the region will have to remain wary of government legislation. China’s government regulators play a big role in business ventures, and have a reputation for giving foreign companies a hard time. For example, regulators shut down Apple’s iBooks and iMovies services last summer, just six months after they were started there.

For a look at more investment opportunities in China, check out this special edition of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, where hosts Ryan McQueeney and Maddy Johnson are joined by Brendan Ahern, the Chief Investment Officer of KraneShares. KraneShares is a leading provider of China-focused ETFs and Chinese investment education.

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Zacks’ 2017 IPO Watch List

Before looking into the stocks mentioned above, you may want to get a head start on potential tech IPOs that are popping up on Zacks’ radar. Could you imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the current scoop on 5 that may go public at any time.

One has driven from 0 to a $68 billion valuation in 8 years. Four others are a little less obvious but already show jaw-dropping growth. Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Weibo Corporation (WB): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Tencent Holding Ltd. (TCEHY): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Apple Inc. (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

June 14, 2017 at 02:01AM

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from Zacks Research Staff

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Philippines Tax Reform Bill Passed: ETFs in Focus

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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s tax reform bill was passed by the lower house of the parliament after the third and final reading. This resulted in a landslide victory with 246 votes in favor and just 9 against with 1 in abstention.

The bill is expected to give a boost to tax revenue in order to fund Duterte’s infrastructure expansion goals. The administration has promised to increase infrastructure spending to 7.4% of GDP by 2020.

One of the primary issues the economy faces is low revenue generation, a goal the administration expects to achieve through this reform. Moreover, Moody’s affirmed the country’s credit rating at Baa2 on a stable outlook.

Per Philstar, the Department of Finance (DOF) has predicted that the complete package of the tax reforms would boost revenues by 2% of GDP by 2019. Moreover, measures to simplify tax bureaucracy are expected to add revenues of another 1% of GDP.

Although the bill has been passed in the house, there is still high uncertainty regarding the final bill being passed in due course by the senate. The administration targets to implement this new tax system in 2018. Under the new system, the revenue foregone owing to lower corporate taxes will be compensated by higher excise levies on oil, automobiles, beverages etc.

   
This has boosted confidence in the economy. Per Bloomberg, investors are pouring in money into Philippines stocks, as $399 million worth of inflows have been seen since April 1, 2017.

Let us now discuss the most popular ETF focused on providing exposure to Philippine equities.

iShares MSCI Philippines ETF EPHE

This fund seeks to provide exposure to Philippine stocks primarily in the large cap segment.

It has AUM of $199.72 million and charges a fee of 64 basis points a year. From a sector look, Real Estate, Industrials, and Financials are the top three allocations of the fund, with 24.03%, 23.48% and 22.59% exposure, respectively (as of June 9, 2017). Ayala Land Inc, SM Prime Holdings Inc, and BDO Unibank Inc are the top three holdings of this fund, with 9.50%, 9.35% and 7.50% exposure, respectively (as of June 9, 2017). The fund has returned 15.21% year to date but lost 0.79% in the last one year (as of June 9, 2017). It currently has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook.

We will now compare the fund’s performance to a broader South East Asia based ETF, ASEA.

Global X Southeast Asia ETF ASEA

This fund provides broad exposure to the five members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It is appropriate for investors looking for a diversified exposure to South East Asia (read: Bank Indonesia Leaves Rates Unchanged: ETFs in Focus).

ASEA is less popular with an AUM of $12.03 million and charges a fee of 65 basis points a year. From a geographical perspective, the fund has 30.64% exposure to Singapore, 22.11% to Thailand, 21.77% to Malaysia, 20.24% to Indonesia and 5.23% to Philippines (as of March 31, 2017).  Financials, Telecommunication Services, and Industrials are the top three sectors of the fund, with 45.10%, 16.05% and 7.86% allocation, respectively (as of March 31, 2017. DBS Group Holdings Ltd, Oversea-Chinese Banking Ltd, and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd are the top three holdings of the fund, with 7.13%, 6.55% and 6.00% allocation, respectively (as of March 31, 2017). The fund has returned 17.79% year to date and 19.15% in the last one year (as of June 5, 2017). ASEA currently has a Zacks Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook (read: Malaysia Growth at 2-Year High: ETF in Focus).

Below is a chart comparing the year-to-date performance of the two funds.


 
Source: Yahoo Finance

Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?

Zacks’ free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >>

 

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
ISHARS-MS PHILP (EPHE): ETF Research Reports
 
GLBL-X SE ASIA (ASEA): ETF Research Reports
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research
 
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

June 14, 2017 at 02:01AM

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from Zacks Equity Research

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Here’s Why Kirkland’s (KIRK) Is a Risky Investment

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Kirkland’s, Inc. KIRK performance has been quite disappointing lately owing to waning store traffic and difficult consumer spending environment. Although the company has undertaken few initiatives to revive itself, they have yet to show any sturdy positive impacts.

Let’s now look deeper into the factors that have been holding down Kirkland’s performance, and also check if any remedial measures are put on track by the company to improve it.

Dismal First Quarter Results

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the company posted a loss of 9 cents per share, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate loss of 4 cents. The reported figure was also down from adjusted earnings of 6 cents in the prior-year quarter. Higher cost of sales, operating expenses and lower comparable store sales (comps) caused these losses. In fact, the company posted losses in three out of the trailing four quarters.

Net sales lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate and grew just 2.3% year over year, owing to an increase in the number of store count.

To further add to the company’s troubles, shares of Kirkland have fallen 30.1%, in the past year compared to the Zacks categorized Retail-Home Furnishings industry’s decline of 4.1%.

Major concerns

Kirkland’s has been incurring higher operating expenses for several quarters due to increase in store occupancy costs. These costs resulted from increased shipping, higher store payroll, benefits expense and planned increases in advertising costs and packaging expenses. All of the above factors have pressurized margins and the company’s bottom-line performance in the past few quarters.

Kirkland’s is reporting lower comparable store sales for the past few quarters as more people are resorting to online purchases. In order to match up with the trend, the company is also focusing on e-Commerce, but is still trailing way behind stronger performers such as Amazon.com AMZN. e-Commerce expansion related expenses also add to the ongoing trend of surged operating expenses for the company.

While the company is expanding its stores to boost sales, the move might be a risky venture as it is expected to increase store occupancy costs further. The company’s intention to expand the supply-chain capabilities would further raise costs.

Measures Undertaken

Kirkland’s is focused on upgrading its information system to maintain growth and momentum in its e-Commerce business. The company has redesigned and leveraged the rollout of new information systems to improve online purchase and planning execution.

Kirkland’s is closing the smaller underperforming stores in the malls and expects to open bigger off-mall stores at popular locations which are likely to boost sales in the forthcoming quarters. The company has also undertaken several initiatives to improve merchandise and lower the inventory levels.

Bottom Line

Given the greater number of cons impacting Kirkland’s performance, the company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). The improvement measures undertaken by the company are yet to deliver results and boost investor confidence. Dismal performance has also led the Zacks Consensus Loss Estimates for the second-quarter fiscal 2017 to widen in the past 30 days from a loss of 27 cents to a loss of 28 cents.

Key Picks

Investors may consider better-ranked stocks such as Best Buy Co., Inc. BBY and Burlington Stores, Inc. BURL each flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Best Buy delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 33.8% in the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.8%.

Burlington Stores delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 22.6% in the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 15.9%.

Zacks’ 2017 IPO Watch List

Before looking into the stocks mentioned above, you may want to get a head start on potential tech IPOs that are popping up on Zacks’ radar. Imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the current scoop on 5 that may go public at any time.

One has driven from 0 to a $68 billion valuation in 8 years. Four others are a little less obvious but already show jaw-dropping growth. Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

June 14, 2017 at 02:01AM

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from Zacks Equity Research

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Worldwide Service Provider Router Revenues Continue to Rise

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According to a recent report by IDC, the service provider router and carrier Ethernet switch industry has witnessed a successful first quarter of 2017. The success is primarily attributed to strong demand from cloud service providers and the digital transformation imperative. Revenues for the worldwide Ethernet switch market (Layer 2/3) were $5.66 billion, up 3.3% year over year.

Routers are telecom infrastructure devices used to deliver data packets from one network to another. These are located at gateways, places where two or more networks connect. Per the IDC estimate, in 2017, the aggregate market size of the service provider router and carrier Ethernet switch will surpass the 2016 figure of over $13 billion.

Phenomenal demand for 100 Gbps Ethernet ports was the main driving force for this record breaking revenue achievement. China played a major roll as cloud service providers of this country were busy installing backbone and data-center interconnect networks during the reported quarter. Several industry analysts have estimated that the global router market will reach $72 — $73 billion by 2022.

Massive growth in mobile device usage has heightened transportation of data traffic substantially. In order to manage this burgeoning demand for photo, video and online data services, telecom operators are required to install more routers to ensure smooth transfer of data packets.

In the U.S., the majority of demand for service provider router and carrier Ethernet switch are from large cloud service operators like Amazon Web Services of Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Azure of Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.

At present, Cisco Systems Inc. CSCO is the undisputed leader of worldwide Ethernet switching industry commanding 55.1% market share. It is followed by Huawei Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. HPE, Arista Networks Inc. ANET and Juniper Networks Inc. JNPR holding 6.3%, 6%, 5.1% and 4.3% market share, respectively. Arista currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank  stocks here.  Both Hewlett Packard and Juniper carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) while Cisco has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). 

Zacks’ 2017 IPO Watch List

Before looking into the stocks mentioned above, you may want to get a head start on potential tech IPOs that are popping up on Zacks’ radar. Imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the current scoop on 5 that may go public at any time.

One has driven from 0 to a $68 billion valuation in 8 years. Four others are a little less obvious but already show jaw-dropping growth. Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Juniper Networks, Inc. (JNPR): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research

June 14, 2017 at 02:01AM

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from Zacks Equity Research

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Sunday, June 11, 2017

Three U.S. soldiers killed in eastern Afghanistan attack: U.S. officials

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Three U.S. soldiers were killed and another wounded during an attack in eastern Afghanistan, according to three U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity. Read Full Story

The post Three U.S. soldiers killed in eastern Afghanistan attack: U.S. officials appeared first on ForexTV.

June 11, 2017 at 12:44AM

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from Reuters News

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Friday, June 9, 2017

Nordstrom and Alibaba jump while Urban Outfitters falls

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Nordstrom and Alibaba Group Holding advance while Urban Outfitters and Vail Resorts skid

June 09, 2017 at 02:00AM

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JPMorgan Chase COO Zames to leave; seen as Dimon successor

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Matt Zames, top executive at JPMorgan Chase once seen as a potential successor to Jamie Dimon will be leaving the company in the next few weeks, Dimon said in a memo to employees

June 09, 2017 at 02:00AM

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Thursday, June 8, 2017

OCC Addresses Bank Collaboration, Fintech in Vendor Risk FAQs

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Responding to several questions flagged by ABA, the OCC today issued a set of frequently asked questions to help bankers implement the agency’s 2013 guidance on managing risk associated with third-party relationships.

June 08, 2017 at 02:04AM

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from Evan Sparks

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FDIC Adopts Supervisory Guidance on Model Risk Management

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The FDIC today announced that it is adopting the supervisory guidance on managing “model risk” that was previously issued by the Federal Reserve and the OCC in 2011.

June 08, 2017 at 02:04AM

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from Evan Sparks

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Sessions Ends Controversial Third-Party Settlement Payments

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions today ended a controversial Department of Justice practice from the previous administration in which portions of settlement payments were directed to third-party nonprofit or advocacy groups.

June 08, 2017 at 02:04AM

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from Evan Sparks

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Consumer Credit Growth Slowed in April

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Consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.6% in April, down from a revised 6.2% rate in March. Total outstanding credit increased $8.1 billion during the month (compared with $19.6 billion in March) to $3.82 trillion. Revolving credit grew at an annual rate of 1.8% to $1.0 trillion, compared to a 6.5% …

June 08, 2017 at 02:04AM

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from Stephen Newton

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ABA Commends House Reg Reform Effort Ahead of Choice Act Vote

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As Congress prepares to vote on the Financial Choice Act, ABA today wrote to House leadership commending the House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) for his efforts to bring regulatory relief to the nation’s banks.

June 08, 2017 at 02:04AM

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from Monica C. Meinert

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017