: iStockAnalyst.com Symbols Feed

Looking For Solid, Growing Companies In A Recession

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:33:44 GMT

In dedication to my recent posts on value investing vs. trading strategies, I decided to focus this week’s screen to the market’s favorite word: growth. Specifically, the criteria used was positive revenue growth for the next fiscal year. Of course, this does not translate to earnings growth but management teams should have figured out there’s (...)[More...]

The Meek Continue To Dominate Equities

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:49:10 GMT

Early in April after a month long run off the bottom I posted a list of equities that gained at least 60% in the preceding 4 weeks (Apr 5: The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth: 92 Stocks Over $10 Returning 60%+) The list was a whose who of beaten down merchandise. Generally, by week 4-5 of an oversold rally these type of names begin to peter out but the ramp has been relentless in lower quality, low price stocks. My gut tells me quant (and other varieties) of hedge funds have been shorting these names, using fundamental reasons - expecting some pullback after huge runs - only to be run over again and again even in week 6 and 7 of this rally. All it takes nowadays is saying "business has stabilized at the worst levels we've seen in decades" to elicit glee and massive short covering rallies. While the market was flattish last week, I[More...]

Analyst Comments: Align Tech, DeVry, Eni SpA, Finisar, Hospira, McDonald, Cleveland-Cliffs, Marlin Biz, Mobile TeleSystems, Salix Pharma, Potash Corp

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:42:00 GMT

We believe a difficult U.S. economy and higher marketing expenses will hamper Align Tech, Inc.?s (ALGN) topline growth and margins. Strong international growth and foreign exchange gains will help offset this. In the near-term, we think earnings quality could become an issue as the management finds it difficult to meet growth targets. Meaningful earnings growth will be pushed out to fiscal 2009 and 2010. We are reiterating the current Hold recommendation. We have adjusted our models to reflect the current economic environment. We expect fiscal 2008 sales growth of 10%, in-line with the management?s guidance of $309 million - $314 million. Heavier marketing spending may be necessary to drive GP channel penetration required to achieve management s growth targets. As a result, margin pressure can be expected, possibly leading to earnings quality issues.[More...]

FedEx, Financials, & Oil Prices

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:17:31 GMT

Good morning. Continuing the trend this week, investors are sorting through a number of headlines and not many of them are positive.[More...]

NASDAQ Technical Picture - Narrow Range Ahead of FED

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:06:27 GMT

Another choppy, mixed day ahead of the FED. Experts are calling for 0.25 BP cut and a statement discussing potential pause. I don't expect markets to rally on that news, but we'll soon see.[More...]

Analyst Comments: Hoku Scientific, Canadian Solar, PMC-Sierra, Lawson Software

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:57:49 GMT

Hoku Scientific, Inc.'s (HOKU) $1.5 billion of poly-silicon order backlog for up to 10 years from four solar companies represents a great growth story. However, its poly-silicon plant will not be operational before 2009, and will not achieve full capacity until 2010. Until then, the company will have to depend upon its PV [photovoltaic, or solar power] system installation business. This, along with a diminishing significance of fuel cells, increasing O&M [operations & maintenance] expenses leading...[More...]

Analyst Comments - Dec 20 2007 10:29AM

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:24:28 GMT

The following excerpts explain why Zacks senior electronic industry analyst Steve Biggs, CFA remains neutral on Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd. (MC), the electronic products manufacturer:'Matsushita has established itself as a global company that uses leading-edge technology to manufacture electronic and electrical products, systems, and components. The company's management initiatives are also helping to develop competitive and value-oriented products. 'While...[More...]

Jobs Report - Dec 7 2007 10:12AM

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:06:59 GMT

Good morning. The jobs report came in above expectations with 94,000 jobs and a reading of 4.7% unemployment with upward revisions of prior months. So far the reaction in premarket futures is a positive one although it does put in a large Fed rate cut next week in jeopardy. Premarket gainers: IMAX, [More...]

Medical Tech Misses Company-Specific

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:48:10 GMT

With third quarter earnings well underway, we were interested in finding out what the results are looking like so far in particular industries. Joining us today is senior medical devices and supplies industry analyst Greg Aurand, CFA to give us his take on the companies under his coverage. First of all, how are earnings results for your group thus far? Well, they've been generally OK to date. However, the third quarter is typically the weakest of the four quarters in the medical device space, primarily due to the summer seasonality. Particularly in Europe - if there's a European focus for the company there tends to be a lot of vacation time, and they tend to have their softer quarters in the third quarter, [which is] during the summer months. But we've also seen a couple of pretty large misses, actually, relative to expectations. It's not, in my opi[More...]

Valuation Upgrade on ALGN Shares

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:23:57 GMT

Zacks senior healthcare analyst Gregory Aurand, CFA has recently upgraded the shares of cosmetic dentistry company Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) from a Sell to a Hold. Here are some of the reasons why:'Given the post-Q3 earnings stock sell-off that reached our price target, our rating moves to Hold from Sell. In our opinion, the Q307 flat ortho and GP utilization suggests the company may have fully tapped the former OrthoClear customer base, as well...[More...]

The Brualdi Law Firm, P.C. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Align Technology, Inc.

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:46:00 GMT

The Brualdi Law Firm, P.C. announces that a lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of purchasers of Align Technology, Inc. stock during the period between January 30, 2007 and October 24, 2007 for violations of the federal securities laws.[More...]

Brower Piven Encourages Investors Who Have Losses in Excess of $100,000 From Investment in Align Technology, Inc. to Inquire About the Lead Plaintiff Position in Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Before the October 13, 2009 Lead Plaintiff Deadline

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:03:00 GMT

BALTIMORE, MD -- -- 08/20/09 -- Brower Piven, A Professional Corporation announces that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of purchasers of the common stock of Align Technology, Inc. during the period between January 30, 2007 and October 24, 2007, inclusive .[More...]

Shalov Stone Bonner & Rocco LLP Announces Class Action Against Align Technology, Inc.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:03:00 GMT

NEW YORK, NY -- -- 08/18/09 -- Shalov Stone Bonner & Rocco LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Align Technology, Inc. common stock between January 30, 2007 and October 24, 2007, inclusive . The suit is pending in the Northern District of California against Align and Thomas M. Prescott, Align's President and Chief Executive Officer.[More...]

Align Technology Announces Settlement with Ormco to End Patent Litigation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:14:00 GMT

Align Technology, Inc. today announced that it has reached a settlement with Ormco Corporation , a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation , to end all pending litigation between the parties and to begin a new strategic collaboration. As part of the settlement, Align will make a cash payment of approximately $13 million to Ormco and issue approximately 7.6 million shares of Align's Common Stock to Danaher Corporation, Ormco's ultimate parent, that after issuance will be equal to approximately ten percent ownership interest in Align. Based on the closing price of Align's Common Stock on Friday, August 14, 2009 the value of the shares is approximately $77 million. The issuance of a portion of the shares is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. For a summary of the terms of the transaction, please refer to the Company's Form 8-K filed today.[More...]

Ormco and Align Agree to Enter Into Strategic Collaboration and Settle Patent Litigation

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:57:00 GMT

Ormco Corporation, a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation today announced that Ormco and Align Technology, Inc. have agreed to enter into an exclusive collaboration arrangement to jointly develop and market an orthodontic product offering that will provide orthodontic patients a treatment solution that involves a combination of Align's Invisalign system and Ormco's Insignia custom orthodontic bracket and arch wire system. Align will also grant to Danaher an equity stake in Align common stock that after issuance will be equal to an approximately 10% ownership interest in Align . The issuance of a portion of the shares to be issued is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.[More...]

Align Technology Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:57:00 GMT

Align Technology, Inc. today reported financial results for the second quarter, ended June 30, 2009. Total net revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were $76.3 million compared to $70.1 million reported in the first quarter of 2009 and compared to $79.9 million reported in the second quarter of 2008 . Invisalign case shipments for Q2 09 were 53.0 thousand, compared to 50.1 thousand in Q1 09 and compared to 54.9 thousand in Q2 08. Net profit for Q2 09 was $4.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. This is compared to net profit of $2.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in Q1 09 and net profit of $4.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share in Q2 08. Stock-based compensation expense included in Q2 09 net profit was $4.3 million compared to $3.7 million in Q1 09 and $4.8 million in Q2 08. 'Overall, we had a good quarter with better than expected results across the board, including record gross margins and continued profitability,' said Thomas M. Prescott, president and CEO of Align Technology. 'Second quarter revenues increased 9% sequentially to $76.3 million on case shipments of 53.0 thousand, driven by strong international growth and continued uptake of Invisalign Teen.'To supplement our consolidated financial statements, we use the following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP operating expense, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net profit and non-GAAP earnings per share. For Q2 09, the non-GAAP financial measures excluded the impact of the Company's restructuring plan announced previously. A detailed reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP information is contained in the tables following the financial tables of this release.Non-GAAP net profit for Q2 09 was $4.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. This is compared to non-GAAP net profit of $3.2 million, or $0.05 per diluted share in Q1 09. In Q2 08, there was no difference between GAAP and non-GAAP net profit.Q2 09 Operating Results[More...]

Align Technology Provides Update on Patent Litigation With Ormco Corporation

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:48:00 GMT

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Align Technology, Inc. today provided an update on the a lawsuit brought by Ormco Corporation (Ormco) against Align Technology, Inc. (Align) in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (District Court), which was tried by jury June 9 through June 25, 2009.
Ormco alleged that Align infringed claims of Ormco's 6,616,444 patent.
On July 13, 2009, Ormco filed a motion for permanent injunction against Align seeking to enjoin the sale of the Invisalign System through the January 2010 expiration of the 6,616,444 patent, as well as other injunctive relief including the destruction of all material, including software, created by Align from September 2003 to the present, the discontinuation of certification programs and the decertification of doctors certified from September 2003 to the present and the destruction of sales representatives' records developed during this time period.

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David Nagel Joins Align Technology Board of Directors

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:55:00 GMT

Align Technology, Inc. today announced that it has appointed David C. Nagel, Ph.D. to its board of directors. Dr. Nagel will serve as a member of the compensation committee and as chair of the technology committee. Dr. Nagel also serves on the board of directors of Leapfrog Enterprises Inc., Openwave Systems, Inc., and Tessera Technologies, Inc. 'Dr. Nagel's extensive technical knowledge and senior leadership experience in consumer technology companies with strong global brands such as Apple, AT&T and Palm is a tremendous asset for Align,' said Thomas M. Prescott, president and CEO of Align Technology, Inc. 'Dr. Nagel is a great addition to our board of directors and we are honored to have him chair our technology committee. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to create the next generation of Invisalign and drive adoption worldwide.'Dr. Nagel was most recently president and CEO of PalmSource, now known as ACCESS Systems Americas, Inc., a subsidiary of ACCESS which develops the Palm OS PDA operating system. Nagel also served as a member of the Palm board of directors. Prior to joining Palm, Nagel was the chief technology officer at AT&T and president of AT&T Labs. Earlier in his career, Nagel was senior vice president at Apple Computer where he led the worldwide research and development group responsible for Mac OS software, Macintosh hardware, imaging and other peripheral products development. Before joining Apple, Nagel was head of NASA human factors research at NASA's Ames Research Center. Nagel holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in engineering and a Ph.D. in perception and mathematical psychology, all from UCLA.About Align Technology, Inc.Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998. Today, the Invisalign product family includes Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign Assist, Invisalign Express, and Vivera Retainers. To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE. Investor Relations Contact Press Contact[More...]

Align Technology to Announce Second Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results on July 23, 2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:57:00 GMT

Align Technology, Inc. , the inventor of Invisalign, announced today that the Company will report second quarter 2009 financial results on Thursday, July 23, 2009 after the close of market. Financial results will be released over PR Newswire and First Call and will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investor.aligntech.com.[More...]

Align Technology Announces Jury Verdict in Patent Litigation With Ormco Corporation

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:26:00 GMT

Align Technology, Inc. today announced that a jury delivered a verdict against Align in a lawsuit brought by Ormco Corporation against Align Technology, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California . Ormco alleged that Align infringed claims of Ormco's 6,616,444 patent. Align claimed non-infringement, invalidity, as well as unenforceability of the patent.[More...]