AutoNation (AN)

AutoNation Reports 2009 4th Qtr and 2009 Results

AutoNation reported 2009 fourth quarter GAAP net income from continuing operations of $62 million or $0.36 per share, compared to $73 million or $0.42 per share for the prior year. Fourth quarter 2009 revenue totaled $2.8 billion, compared to $2.6 billion in the year-ago period, an 8% increase.

For the full year ended December 31, 2009, the Company reported GAAP net income from continuing operations of $234 million or $1.32 per share, compared to a GAAP net loss from continuing operations of $1.2 billion or $6.82 per share for the prior year. The Company's revenue for the full year ended December 31, 2009 totaled $10.8 billion, down 20% compared to $13.4 billion in the prior year.
The results look okay until you take a close look at the fact that revenue was down 20% in 2009 from 2008. AutoNation's CEO stated that planning assumption for 2010 industry new unit sales is 11.5 million units with a gradual increase in the selling rate over the course of the year.

Feb 11 · 2:00:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Expedia (EXPE)

Expedia Reports 4th Qtr and Full 2009 Results

Expedia's press release is confusing and hard to follow, which does not instill confidence. Here's their section on their cash flow, which might just be the most important thing to look at "Net cash provided by operating activities in 2009 was $676 million and free cash flow was $584 million. Both measures include $207 million from net changes in operating assets and liabilities, primarily driven by an improvement in our merchant hotel bookings in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 2008. Free cash flow increased $223 million in 2009 primarily due to growth in our merchant hotel business, lower capital expenditures and higher OIBA, partially offset by occupancy tax assessments and an increase in cash paid for interest and income taxes."
Also, Expedia’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share of outstanding common stock to be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 11, 2010, with a payment date of March 31, 2010.

Feb 11 · 1:50:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Amazon (AMZN)

Amazon 4th Qtr Sales up 42% to $9.5 Billion

Amazon.com recently announced financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. Operating cash flow was $3.29 billion in 2009, compared with $1.70 billion in 2008. Free cash flow increased 114% to $2.92 billion in 2009, compared with $1.36 billion in 2008.
This is a startling quote: "Millions of people now own Kindles," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "And Kindle owners read, a lot. When we have both editions, we sell 6 Kindle books for every 10 physical books. This is year-to-date and includes only paid books -- free Kindle books would make the number even higher. It's been an exciting 27 months."

Feb 10 · 1:08:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

McDonald's (MCD)

McDonald's Comp Store Sales Increase

McDonald's announced today that global comparable sales increased 2.6% in January.
U.S. was down 0.7%. Europe was up 4.3%. Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa was up 4.3%. That has been the trend lately - relatively flat in the U.S. and growth outside the U.S.

Feb 10 · 1:04:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Disney (DIS)

Disney Reports $0.44 EPS for 1st Qtr 2010

The Walt Disney Company today reported earnings for its first fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2010. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $0.44 compared to $0.45 in the prior-year quarter. EPS for the current and prior-year quarter include the items discussed in the following paragraph. Excluding these items, EPS for the quarter increased 15% to $0.47 compared to $0.41 in the prior-year quarter.
“We are pleased with our first quarter results and are excited about our creative pipeline, from upcoming movies like Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3 to new attractions at our Parks and Resorts,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “Our unique ability to deliver outstanding experiences to consumers across platforms, markets and businesses gives us a strong competitive advantage and positions us well for long-term growth.”

Feb 10 · 12:58:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

McDonald's (MCD)

McDonald's Announces 4th Qtr Results

McDonald's Corporation today announced strong results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009, driven by global comparable sales growth.

Fourth quarter highlights included: - Global comparable sales increase of 2.3%, with all segments reporting positive results.

- Operating income increases in the U.S. 5%, Europe 20% (10% in constant currencies) and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 51% (28% in constant currencies).

- Earnings per share of $1.11, including an $0.08 per share benefit primarily due to the resolution of certain liabilities retained in connection with the 2007 Latin America developmental license transaction. Currency translation also benefited earnings by $0.07 per share.

- On January 21, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share of common stock, payable on March 15, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2010.
"McDonald's 2009 results reflect the broad-based strength of our global business," said McDonald's Chief Executive Officer, Jim Skinner. "Our in-demand food and beverages, unparalleled convenience and superior value at every level of our menu enabled us to serve 60 million customers per day during 2009, up 2 million per day over the prior year. In addition, McDonald's profitability increased as we marked our sixth consecutive year of positive comparable sales in every geographic segment and generated higher global revenues, operating income and earnings per share in constant currencies - all tremendous accomplishments given the tough global economy."

Jan 22 · 11:36:00 AM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Frisch's Restaurants (FRS)

Frisch's Reports Higher 2nd Qtr Earnings

Frisch's Restaurants reported higher earnings for its 12-week fiscal second quarter ended December 15, 2009. Net earnings for the quarter increased 6.9% to $2,369,217 compared to $2,215,787 last year. Diluted earnings per share increased to $.46 per share, from $.43 per share last year. Sales declined 1.7% to $67,898,586 from $69,093,061 in last year's second quarter.
Craig F. Maier, President and CEO, said, "Same store sales at our Big Boy Restaurants decreased a modest 0.4% in the second quarter. The sluggish economy and continuing high unemployment have driven down customer traffic in our restaurants."

Jan 20 · 12:42:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Ruby Tuesday (RT)

Ruby Tuesday Partners with Penske Racing

Ruby Tuesday has established a new partnership with Penske Racing for the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Ruby Tuesday will serve as primary sponsor for six races on the No. 22 Dodge driven by series standout Brad Keselowski.
The specific races where Ruby Tuesday will serve as primary sponsor of the car have yet to be determined, but the No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge is expected to make its debut as primary sponsor at the Richmond International Raceway race on April 30. Ruby Tuesday will be an associate sponsor of the team for the remaining 2010 Nationwide Series races.

Jan 20 · 12:26:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike