Market News

Southwest Airlines (LUV)

Southwest Airlines shares gained 0.6% on Friday, upon the release of the carrier’s Feb-2010 traffic results according to the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation. Southwest stated weather-related flight cancellations during the month reduced passenger revenues by an estimated USD15 million. Comparatively, Continental and US Airways have estimated losses of USD25 million and USD30 million, respectively, due to the February storms, which caused airlines to cancel thousands of flights and resulted in delays to many others.
However, the low cost carrier's (LCC) passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) is estimated to have increased in the 16-17% range in the month (although these results were partially a result of the cancelled services). Southwest has reported strong growth in unit revenue since Sep-2009, with Feb-2010’s PRASM levels the highest since Southwest emerged from PRASM declines in Aug-2009.

Mar 8 · 2:16:00 PM · Source: Center for Asia Pacific Aviation
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by Steve Wieczorek

Coca-Cola (KO)

The main trade association representing Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc., and other beverage companies plans to release a report Monday showing that sales of soda and other drinks in U.S. secondary schools have dropped sharply since 2004, in a sign that efforts to improve nutrition in schools are progressing. Sales volume of beverages shipped to schools from bottlers fell 72% between the first semester of the 2004-05 school year and the first semester of the current academic year, according to the report, which was compiled for the American Beverage Association by economic research firm Keybridge Research LLC. The report showed a 95% decline in sales volume of full-calorie soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, and a 94% decline in juice drinks. Full-calorie soft drinks accounted for just 6.8% of beverage volume shipped to schools last semester, while they made up 40% of the product mix in 2004.
This is great news for the health of kids in the country. I wouldn't worry too much about the sales decline for Coke and Pepsi - over time they will figure out how to sell more healthier drinks in the schools.

Mar 8 · 1:20:00 PM · Source: Wall Street Journal
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by Rich Pike

Cablevision (CVC)

Cablevision said it would agree to government calls for binding arbitration with ABC Disney in order to immediately return ABC to Cablevision customers. ABC Disney pulled ABC off Cablevision as negotiations continued on a new agreement, removing the channel from more than 3 million New York area homes. The channel was reinstated Sunday night in time for the Oscars.
Cablevision has been able to reach agreement with every other major broadcaster in New York, and has proposed to ABC Disney terms for ABC that are as good or better than the terms in all these agreements.

Mar 8 · 1:11:00 PM · Source: Reuters.com
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by Rich Pike

Ford (F)

With the rapid convergence of in-car technology and the Internet, Ford said today it is offering a suite of security features to protect the personal information of millions of Ford owners from the threat of computer hackers and viruses. Ford's popular SYNC system allows owners to connect digital media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones to their vehicle's entertainment system and operate them with voice commands. The mobile phone also is a gateway to a number of Internet "cloud" services through SYNC's Traffic, Directions and Information application that provides turn-by-turn directions, business searches and more.
Ford is adapting methods and technologies most often associated with the fast-paced IT world to secure its mobile device-to-car connections from unwanted entry. Think firewalls, virus protection and password-controlled access.

Mar 8 · 1:05:00 PM · Source: Reuters.com
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by Rich Pike

McDonald's (MCD)

McDonald's Corporation today announced global comparable sales growth of 4.8%in February. Performance by segment was as follows: U.S. up 0.6%; Europe up 5.4%; Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa up 10.5%.
In Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), comparable sales rose 10.5% for February, led by strong results in Japan, China and Australia. The celebration of Chinese New Year in many markets contributed to the month's performance. Throughout APMEA, consumers continued to respond favorably to the region's compelling value offerings, great tasting premium menu selections and relevant convenience.

Mar 8 · 12:59:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Rich Pike

UAL Corp. (UAUA)

UAL Corporation (NASDAQ:UAUA), parent company of United Airlines, announced today that it has named Dana Sacks vice president - Human Resources Partners and Talent Acquisition. Sacks will be responsible for leading the HR support team for the company's business leaders and for talent acquisition. Most recently Sacks served as vice president of Human Resources for PepsiAmericas.
Sacks will report to Marc Ugol, senior vice president - Human Resources. "Having Dana join the team reinforces our commitment to further driving a performance culture, and to attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce," said Ugol. "We continue to invest in developing a world class Human Resources organization to help drive our business performance."

Mar 5 · 2:43:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Steve Wieczorek

AMR (AMR)

The Transport Workers Union, which represents 28,000 workers at American Airlines (NYSE: AMR) and regional carrier American Eagle, has several bargaining units in contract negotiations with American, according to TradingMarkest.com. American has said it hopes to negotiate contracts that help the company be more productive and competitive.
Under the Railway Labor Act, which governs collective bargaining in the airline industry, unions cannot strike without first asking the mediation board to declare an impasse to seek release from negotiations. If the board decides to release the union from mediation, a 30-day cooling-off period must expire before a strike or a lockout can begin.

Mar 5 · 2:26:00 PM · Source: TradingMarkets.com
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by Steve Wieczorek

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW)

Boeing Awards Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAWW) Long-Term Contract to Operate Dreamlifter Fleet in Support of 787 Dreamliner Program. Beginning toward the latter part of 2010, Atlas Air will operate Boeing’s Dreamlifter fleet of four 747-400 aircraft that have been modified to transport major assemblies for the 787 Dreamliner from suppliers around the world to Boeing production facilities in the United States.
The parties have structured the nine-year agreement under which Atlas Air will receive contractually determined revenues for the operation of the Dreamlifter aircraft, with Boeing assuming responsibility for certain direct costs, including fuel. Under the CMI arrangement, Boeing will provide and maintain ownership of the aircraft assets.

Mar 5 · 12:03:00 PM · Source: Company Press Release
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by Steve Wieczorek


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