Market News

Walgreen (WAG)

Walgreen Co. said today it has definitively agreed to acquire Duane Reade Holdings Inc., operator of a chain of 257 New-York-area drugstores, from affiliates of Oak Hill Capital Partners. The deal price is nearly $1.08 billion, including assumption of debt.
Walgreen, which called the deal "a compelling strategic acquisition," will now have a leadership position in nation’s largest retail and drugstore market.

Feb 17 · 9:02:00 AM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Larry Etter

Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM)

The Board of Directors of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today declared a cash dividend of 15 cents per share on the Company’s stock payable March 11, 2010, to Stockholders of record February 18, 2010. This is an increase of one cent a share.
This is ADM’s 313th consecutive quarterly payment, a record of 78 years of uninterrupted dividends.

Feb 11 · 2:37:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Philip Morris (PM)

Full-year reported diluted earnings per share of $3.24 versus $3.31 in 2008. Fourth-quarter reported diluted earnings per share of $0.80 versus $0.71 in 2008. Forecasts 2010 full-year reported diluted earnings per share to be in a range of $3.75 to $3.85. Announced a new share repurchase program of $12 billion over 3 years to commence in May 2010. Net revenues of $25.0 billion were down by 2.6% for the full-year 2009, due to unfavorable currency of $2.6 billion. Excluding currency, net revenues increased by 7.5% for the full year, driven by favorable pricing of $2.0 billion across all business segments,
This report was a home run. Although sales were relatively flat for the year, earnings were up. Plus, the forecast for 2010 is impressive. And the stock repurchase program shows the company has a lot of confidence.

Feb 11 · 2:13:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Pepsico (PEP)

PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today reported solid results for 2009 driven by healthy gains in its worldwide snacks and international beverage businesses, balanced investments in value and innovation in key markets and cost discipline across its operations. For the full year, reported EPS grew 17 percent to $3.77 and core constant currency EPS increased 6 percent. For the fourth quarter, reported EPS was $0.90.
For fiscal 2010, the company is targeting an 11 to 13 percent growth rate for core constant currency EPS off of its fiscal 2009 core EPS of $3.71.

Feb 11 · 9:08:00 AM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

CVS Caremark (CVS)

CVS Caremark announced net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009, increased $1.7 billion to $25.8 billion, up from $24.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008. For fiscal year 2009, total revenue increased 12.9% to a record $98.7 billion, compared to $87.5 billion in fiscal year 2008.
Tom Ryan, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We made good progress in 2009 in solidifying our position as the largest pharmacy health care provider in the nation with the broadest capabilities. We continued to make investments and forge strategic alliances that will enable us to capitalize on the evolving health care landscape and further differentiate our offerings in the marketplace. At the same time, we delivered financial performance ahead of our initial plan for the year, including the solid quarter we announced today. I'm very pleased to report continued industry-leading performance in our retail pharmacy business and solid performance in our PBM, which resulted in double-digit EPS growth and significant free cash flow generation."

Feb 10 · 1:59:00 PM
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by Rich Pike

Campbell's Soup (CPB)

Campbell's announced the launch of three Pace® specialty salsas in foodservice. The new varieties include: * Tequila Lime Salsa, featuring real tequila from blue agave; * Pico de Gallo, made with fresh jalapeños and onions, and * Salsa Verde, featuring hand-picked jalapeños and tomatillos.
According to Campbell's press release, salsa is America's favorite condiment. Americans consume nearly 170 million pounds of Pace salsa each year, and one quarter of U.S. households have a bottle of Pace salsa in their homes. Now consumers can enjoy their favorite retail varieties of Pace specialty salsas in delectable dishes and dips in their favorite restaurants.

Feb 10 · 1:31:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Colgate (CL)

Colgate recently announced it will increase its quarterly dividend by 20%. The increase will be effective as of the second quarter, 2010. The new rate of $.53 per share is up from $.44. In addition, The Board of Directors also authorized a new share repurchase program. The Company plans to purchase 40 million common shares over the next two years.
Wow, talk about a company that is feeling good about itself! In this environment to raise the dividend 20% and announce a huge stock repurchase program is pretty darn impressive. Then again, the Company has paid uninterrupted dividends on its common stock since 1895. 1895!!

Feb 10 · 1:23:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

Avon Products (AVP)

Avon Products announced a 5% increase in its regular quarterly dividend. The new dividend rate will be $.22 per common share, up from $.21 per share, beginning with the first-quarter dividend payable March 1, 2010, to shareholders of record February 23, 2010.
At today's stock price of $29.40, Avon currently yields 3.0%.

Feb 10 · 1:16:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

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