Durable Goods

A survey of companies released Wednesday by the Institute for Supply Management showed that service sectors of the United States moved back into growth territory in December, with the ISM non-manufacturing index rising to 50.5% from 49.8% in December.

Feb 3 · 10:49:00 AM
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by Larry Etter

Apple (AAPL)

Apple Unveils IPad

Apple has introduced iPad, a revolutionary device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading e-books and much more. iPad's responsive high-resolution Multi-Touch display lets users physically interact with applications and content. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds- thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for the iPad, and will run almost all of the over 140,000 apps in the App Store. iPad will be available in late March starting at the breakthrough price of just $499.

Feb 3 · 10:40:00 AM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Larry Etter

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

GE (GE)

GE Profit Tops Analysts' Estimates

General Electric's quarterly earnings topped Wall Street expectations, as it kept costs in line despite sluggish demand for jet engines, railroad locomotives and other heavy equipment.

The largest U.S. conglomerate said Friday that fourth-quarter profit attributable to common shareholders fell 19 percent to $2.94 billion, or 28 cents per share, from $3.65 billion, or 35 cents per share, a year earlier.
Chief Executive Jeff Immelt said the company's 2010 financial "framework," which calls for 2010 earnings to be about equal to 2009 results, "quite achievable."

Jan 22 · 7:23:00 AM · Source: CNBC.com
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by Rich Pike

IBM (IBM)

IBM Reports 9% Rise in Earnings

IBM reported fourth-quarter net income was $4.8 billion, or $3.59 per share, compared with $4.4 billion, or $3.27 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 9 percent. Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 of $27.2 billion increased 1 percent (down 5 percent, adjusting for currency) from the fourth quarter of 2008.
Revenues beat street expectations.

Jan 21 · 2:24:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Larry Etter

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

HP (HPQ)

HP To Donate $500K To Haiti Relief Effort

The Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation today announced that it has committed $500,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to support relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake that devastated the country this week. The HP Company Foundation also announced that it has committed up to $250,000 to match eligible contributions by employees of HP in support of the earthquake relief efforts.

Jan 19 · 11:29:00 AM
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by Larry Etter