(Source: Business Wire)
Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Morton's Restaurant Group (NYSE: MRT), Cytori Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CYTX), Big 5 Sporting Goods (NASDAQ: BGFV), DeVry, Inc. (NYSE: DV) and Sonic Innovations (NASDAQ: SNCI).
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Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:
Morton's Cash Flow in the Red
The recession is eroding traffic and earnings at Morton's Restaurant Group (NYSE: MRT). We've noted in the past that the extreme reliance of Morton's on corporate spending (80% of diners are on expense accounts), and moderate financial leverage (debt is 42% of capital) will work in reverse as the economy slows down.
With operating cash flow declining into the red, MRT has used debt (42% of capital) to open new units, refurbish others and, incredibly, buy back stock. We expect a continued rise in leverage, fueled by negative free cash flow.
Buy CYTX Before the Street Notices
This is clearly an exciting time for Cytori Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CYTX), as the company has begun to record product sales revenues from early-adopter Celution System placements in Europe and Asia.
Additionally, sales of StemSource cell banking are also now beginning to ramp. Ultimately, the clinical data will determine the pace at which the ramp continues in the next several years.
Big 5 Sporting Goods Maintains
Big 5 Sporting Goods (NASDAQ: BGFV) operates as a sporting goods retailer in the western U.S. The company operates 381 stores in 11 states under the Big 5 Sporting Goods name. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California.
BGFV reported 4th quarter earnings of $0.17 per share, which beat the company's pre-announced range of $0.13-$0.16. The company issued first quarter EPS guidance of $0.01 to $0.07, but did not provide guidance for full-year 2009.
DeVry Helps Fulfill Potential
Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, DeVry, Inc. (NYSE: DV) is a provider of post-secondary education in North America. The company is the holding company for DeVry University (including the Keller Graduate School of Management), Ross University, Chamberlain College of Nursing, Becker Professional Review and Advanced Academics.
Management continues to execute well with the company reporting positive enrollment trends since its turnaround in fiscal 2006.
