Earnings - 29th April 2009 (1)

8:04AM Barrick Gold misses by $0.02, beats on revs (ABX) 28.97 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.34 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.36; revenues fell 6.7% year/year to $1.83 bln vs the $1.76 bln consensus. Q1 was a lower production and higher cost quarter as expected due to planned mine sequencing. Higher production is expected in subsequent quarters and lower cash costs anticipated in the second half of the year as higher grades are accessed at a number of operations and with the benefit of new production from Buzwagi. The Company is on track with its full year production guidance of 7.2-7.6 mln ounces of gold at net cash costs of $360-$385 per ounce or total cash costs of $450-$475 per ounce. The Company is on track with full year copper production guidance of 375-400 mln pounds at total cash costs of $1.25-$1.35 per pound. Q1 copper production was 95 mln pounds at total cash costs of $1.32 per pound. The Company benefited from its copper hedge position, realizing $2.93 per pound, $1.37 per pound higher than the average spot price.

8:01AM Silicon Labs beats by $0.09, beats on revs; guides Q2 revs above consensus (SLAB) 29.02 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.22 per share, excluding non-recurring items,$0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $0.13; revenues fell 14.7% year/year to $83.7 mln vs the $77.8 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q2, sees Q2 revs of $92-97 mln vs. $81.24 mln consensus.

7:35AM Reynolds American beats by $0.05, misses on revs; guides FY09 EPS in-line (RAI) 20.36 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.00 per share, excluding items, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.95; revenues fell 6.6% year/year to $1.92 bln vs the $1.97 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $4.15-4.45, excluding items but including negative impact from $0.40 increase in pension expense, vs. $4.38 consensus.

7:33AM General Dynamics beats by $0.08, beats on revs (GD) 50.61 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.54 per share, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $1.46; revenues rose 18.0% year/year to $8.26 bln vs the $7.82 bln consensus. "Revenues grew at double-digit rates in all four segments of the company, with double-digit organic growth in our defense businesses, demonstrating the continued strength of demand among government customers for the products and services we deliver. The growth in Aerospace revenues is attributable to the acquisition late last year of Jet Aviation... Looking ahead, we remain confident that General Dynamics is well-positioned to maximize the value of our $71 bln backlog as we continue to focus on excellent program execution and value creation for our shareholders." Funded backlog at the end of first-quarter 2009 increased 23 percent from one year ago, to $49.2 bln. The company's total backlog at the end of the quarter was $71.1 bln, 43% higher than the $49.8 bln total backlog reported at the end of the year-ago period. In addition to the backlog, the estimated potential contract value, which represents management's estimate of value under unfunded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts and unexercised options, was $17.9 bln at the end of first-quarter 2009.

7:31AM Southern Co beats by $0.01, beats on revs (SO) 30.03 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.42 per share, ex-items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.41; revenues fell 0.3% year/year to $3.67 bln vs the $3.5 bln consensus.

7:31AM Hess beats by $0.09 (HES) 54.89 : Reports Q1 (Mar) loss of $0.18 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.27); revenues fell 35.8% year/year to $6.87 bln vs the $5.66 bln consensus.

7:07AM Burger King reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides Q4 EPS in-line; guides FY09 EPS in-line (BKC) 17.11 : Reports Q3 (Mar) earnings of $0.34 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.34; revenues rose 1.0% year/year to $600 mln vs the $607.1 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $0.34-0.37 vs. $0.37 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $1.39-1.42, includes $0.10/share negative impact due to movements in currency exchange rates, vs. $1.41 consensus.

7:07AM Wyndham Worldwide beats by $0.06, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line; reaffirms FY09 EPS guidance, revs guidance (WYN) 8.76 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.41 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.35; revenues fell 11.0% year/year to $901 mln vs the $838.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.36-0.41, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.36 consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $1.61-1.85, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.60 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $3.5-3.9 bln vs. $3.44 bln consensus. In constant currency, 1Q09 system-wide RevPAR decreased 11.3%, reflecting declines of 13.4% and 5.5% in domestic and international RevPAR, respectively. Including the impact of foreign currency, system-wide RevPAR declined 14.0% in 1Q09.

7:03AM FTI Consulting beats by $0.08, beats on revs (FCN) 49.97 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.60 per share, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $0.52; revenues rose 13.3% year/year to $347.9 mln vs the $341.2 mln consensus.

7:03AM Jones Apparel beats by $0.18, beats on revs (JNY) 8.06 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.28 per share, $0.18 better than the First Call consensus of $0.10; revenues fell 8.6% year/year to $891 mln vs the $875.3 mln consensus. "Given the overall economic environment, we were satisfied with our first quarter results, which reflect the actions we have taken to control expenses and manage our capital. Our wholesale jeanswear segment performed well; however, our other wholesale businesses were impacted by reduced orders and higher markdown support in the continuing promotional environment. Our own chain of retail stores was impacted by the slowing retail sales trend and promotional environment and registered a 10.6% decrease in comparable store sales during the quarter... We remain cautious in our outlook for 2009, and as the year progresses, our focus will be on financial stability, maintaining our market share and positioning the Company for the ultimate recovery."

6:34AM SPX Corp beats by $0.06, reports revs in-line (SPW) 46.55 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.81 per share, excluding restructuring charges and tax benefit and includes F/X fluctuations, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.75; revenues fell 13.9% year/year to $1.16 bln vs the $1.17 bln consensus.

6:33AM Medco Health Solutions reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY09 EPS in-line (MHS) 43.66 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.63 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.63; revenues rose 14.4% year/year to $14.83 bln vs the $13.71 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $2.67-2.77 vs. $2.73 consensus. Co said, "Looking forward, the 2010 selling season has already yielded meaningful early wins, including Coventry's commercial and workers compensation business - an incremental win to the Coventry Medicare business, which we installed successfully on January 1, 2009. This brings our total annualized new-named sales for 2010, at this early date, to $2.0 billion".

6:30AM Range Resources beats by $0.03, misses on revs (RRC) 41.13 : On 4.28 co reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.24 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.21; revenues fell 33.9% year/year to $203.2 mln vs the $252.9 mln consensus. Co anticipatea exiting 2009 at a net Marcellus production rate of 80 - 100 Mmcfe per day and expects to double production in 2010.

6:14AM Praxair beats by $0.01, misses on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line; guides FY09 EPS in-line, revs below consensus (PX) 71.47 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.93 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.92; revenues fell 20.3% year/year to $2.12 bln vs the $2.38 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.95-1.00 vs. $1.00 consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.85-4.15 vs. $3.99 consensus; sees FY09 revs of ~$9 bln vs. $10.01 bln consensus.

6:08AM Aetna beats by $0.03, beats on revs; reaffirms FY09 EPS guidance (AET) 24.40 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.96 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.93; revenues rose 10.5% year/year to $8.62 bln vs the $8.49 bln consensus. Coreaffirms guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.85-3.95 vs. $3.85 consensus.

5:09AM Medifast beats by $0.05, beats on revs (MED) 5.65 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.17 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.12; revenues rose 33.7% year/year to $33.7 mln vs the $31.4 mln consensus. The gross margins increased to 76.1% during the first quarter of 2009 versus 75.8% a year ago.

5:08AM Baker Hughes beats by $0.06, beats on revs (BHI) 33.94 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.82 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.76; revenues fell 0.1% year/year to $2.67 bln vs the $2.58 bln consensus.

2:27AM Arcelor Mittal misses by $0.39, misses on revs (MT) 24.06 : Reports Q1 (Mar) loss of $0.78 per share, $0.39 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.39); revenues fell 49.3% year/year to $15.12 bln vs the $15.95 bln consensus. Total steel shipments for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were 16.0 mln metric tonnes as compared with steel shipments of 17.1 mln metric tonnes for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 29.2 mln metric tonnes for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease year-on-year resulted from reduced steel production in response to falling demand amid the global economic crisis. Total steel shipments in the Flat Carbon Americas segment were 3.6 mln metric tonnes for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared with steel shipments of 3.9 mln metric tonnes for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The decrease is due to the deterioration of global steel markets and the continuation of production cuts into Q109. Sales also declined to $3.2 bln for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared with sales of $4.5 bln for the three months ended December 31, 2008, due to both lower volumes and prices (a 25.4% decrease in average steel selling price). For Q209, co expects EBITDA of $1.2-1.5 bln.

12:59AM Massey Energy misses by $0.02, beats on revs (MEE) 12.53 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.51 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.53; revenues rose 19.2% year/year to $768.1 mln vs the $738.7 mln consensus. In response to the current market conditions, Massey has taken meaningful action to reduce overall costs and expects to see measurable cost improvement going forward. These actions include the idling of several higher cost mines, limitation of overtime, selective general and administrative cost reductions, renegotiation of supply contracts, and the implementation of significant wage and benefit reductions beginning on May 1, 2009. Additional cost cutting initiatives are under way. Co projects produced coal shipments for FY09 will be 38-41 mln tons, with average produced coal realization between $60-63 per ton. Guidance for average cash cost per ton in 2009 remains unchanged and is expected to be between $50-53. Other income is expected to be between $40-80 mln. For 2010, Massey presently has approx 20 mln tons of coal sold and priced, 2 mln tons sold with pricing collars and 8 mln tons sold but currently unpriced. Based on management's current market views, Massey's produced coal shipments for 2010 are currently expected to be in the range of 35-40 mln tons, with average sales prices in the range of $60-65 per ton. Cash cost per ton is anticipated to be in the range of $48-52. Co also anticipates significantly reducing capital expenditures to a range of $100-200 mlnfor the FY10. With results in these ranges, co believes it would generate solid positive free cash flow for the year.

Earnings - 12th Feb 2009

6:35PM United Stationers beats by $0.23, beats on revs (USTR) 28.31 +0.30 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.95 per share, $0.23 better than the First Call consensus of $0.72; revenues rose 2.3% year/year to $1.15 bln vs the $1.12 bln consensus. Co says, "Business customers are reacting to the recessionary environment by reducing spending and employment, and we are seeing the effects in declining sales. First quarter revenues to date are down about 8%, and we expect the market to remain difficult throughout 2009. We have responded by accelerating cost reduction initiatives and adjusting staffing levels." Cost reduction actions announced in January included eliminating 250 positions, or 4% of the workforce." The co expects to take a charge of $2.5-3.5 mln in the first quarter as a result. Savings in 2009 before the charge are expected to be ~$13 mln . Other cost reductions targeting labor-related and other expenses are expected to save an additional $10 mln in 2009. Further savings are expected from ongoing War on Waste initiatives.

5:55PM Panera Bread beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line; guides FY09 EPS in-line (PNRA) 49.05 +2.62 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.86 per share, excluding $0.02 in non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.84; revenues rose 18.9% year/year to $357.8 mln vs the $352.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.53-0.59, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.56 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $2.55-2.71, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.61 consensus.

4:17PM Cephalon beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q1 revs in-line; guides FY09 revs in-line (CEPH) 78.27 +0.76 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.46 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $1.36; revenues rose 20.0% year/year to $540.1 mln vs the $527.9 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $1.30-1.40, may not be comparable to $1.34 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $510-530 mln vs. $533.52 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $6.50-6.60, may not be comparable to $5.66 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $2.175-2.225 bln vs. $2.25 bln consensus. Q4 Drug Sales: Actiq $38.8 mln vs. $54 mln First Call Consensus; Fentora $38.6 mln vs. $41 mln First Call Consensus; Provigil $281.2 mln vs. $267 mln First Call Consensus; Treanda $36.2 mln vs. $32 mln First Call Consensus.

4:16PM American Phys beats by $0.20, beats on revs; guides FY09 EPS above consensus (ACAP) 44.95 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.24 per share, $0.20 better than the First Call consensus of $1.04; revenues fell 10.2% year/year to $39.7 mln vs the $38.3 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $4.25 vs. $4.24 consensus. APCapital's Board of Directors elected to increase its quarterly cash dividend by 10% to $0.11 per common share payable on March 31, 2009 to shareholders of record on March 13, 2009. Co says, "While premium rates have come down in recent years and reduced interest rates have lowered our investment return, we still believe 2009 will be another strong year. If the current trends in frequency, severity and pricing remain stable in our book of business, we expect to again exceed the benchmark of $4.25 earnings per diluted share in 2009." In the fourth quarter of 2008, APCapital repurchased 788,370 shares at an average cost of $37.64 per share. For the full year, APCapital repurchased 1,333,970 shares utilizing $53.2 mln of equity.

8:38AM Natural Resource beats by $0.08, beats on revs (NRP) 23.30 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.55 per share, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 32.3% year/year to $75.8 mln vs the $73.7 mln consensus. Metallurgical coal accounted for 30% of NRP coal royalty revenues and 22% of its production for the full year 2008. Co states, "Although the industry has seen drops in demand and pricing for metallurgical coal over the last few months, our lessees have approximately 90% of their steam coal under contract for 2009, in most cases at prices higher than 2008. As reported in our 2009 guidance released last month, in spite of the downturn in the economy, NRP anticipates that 2009 revenues will exceed our 2008 revenues."

8:28AM Teekay Shipping beats by $0.17, beats on revs (TK) 18.69 : Reports Q3 (Sep) earnings of $1.29 per share, ex-items, $0.17 better than the First Call consensus of $1.12; revenues rose 45.3% year/year to $672.5 mln vs the $643.7 mln consensus. During the third quarter of 2008, approximately 43% of the company's cash flow from vessel operations was generated from its fixed-rate businesses, compared to 83% in the third quarter of the prior year. This change is primarily due to the significant increase in spot tanker rates in the third quarter of 2008, partially offset by the continued growth of the Company's fixed-rate businesses.

8:26AM Martin Marietta misses by $0.03, misses on revs; guides FY09 EPS in-line (MLM) 79.94 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.80 per share, excluding non-recurring items,$0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.83; revenues fell 12.2% year/year to $414.5 mln vs the $484.2 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.70-4.30 vs. $4.12 consensus. Co says, "We expect 2009 aggregates volumes to range from down 9% to 12%, excluding the effect of the proposed economic stimulus plan. The rate of price increase for the aggregates product line will be in a range from 4% to 6%. expect incremental aggregates volume of 8 million to 10 million tons and net earnings per diluted share of $0.50 to $0.75 for 2009 from an economic stimulus plan."

8:04AM Olympic Steel misses by $0.11, beats on revs (ZEUS) 17.45 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.18; revenues rose 7.4% year/year to $253.6 mln vs the $241.8 mln consensus. Tons sold in the fourth quarter of 2008 decreased 21.5% to 229 thousand from 291 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2007. "We are pleased with our record 2008 sales and earnings performance, and our ability to gain market share, even with the rapid and deep economic downturn of the fourth quarter. We enter 2009 with a particularly strong balance sheet, and a significantly lower operating expense base aligned with the industry-wide decline in sales volumes... Given the challenging and uncertain economic and financial environment, prospects for a quick recovery in business levels are remote. We believe we are in a position of strength and can weather the difficult economic climate with our strong, low-leveraged balance sheet, a proven disciplined approach to working capital management, and aggressive cost reductions. We believe that we are favorably positioned to take advantage of the market when demand returns."

8:03AM Coca-Cola beats by $0.03, misses on revs (KO) 41.27 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.64 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.61; revenues fell 2.8% year/year to $7.13 bln vs the $7.52 bln consensus. Co said, "While certainly not crisis proof, as no company is, I do believe our global business model is relatively resilient, as we bring simple moments of pleasure to our consumers, nearly 1.6 billion times a day, for cents at a time. We recognize that 2009 will bring many unique challenges to us and our consumers, customers, and bottling partners. Yet, I believe that our solid brand and business fundamentals - together with a fundamentally sound balance sheet, robust cash generating model and strong global bottling system - provide a sound foundation for our management team to continue driving long-term sustainable growth."

7:34AM Foundation Coal beats by $0.39, reports revs in-line (FCL) 18.08 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.89 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.39 better than the First Call consensus of $0.50; revenues rose 24.3% year/year to $456.5 mln vs the $453.5 mln consensus. Coal sales revenues were $450.7 mln, up 27% from Q407 primarily due to a 29% increase in average per ton sales realizations. The increase in average per ton sales realizations reflects higher realizations in all active production regions. Fourth quarter average realizations per ton in Central and Northern Appalachia rose 59% and 9%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, while average realizations per ton in the PRB increased 15%. The increase in Q4 net income compared to Q407 is primarily attributable to a 0.9 mln ton increase in shipments from Northern Appalachia and substantially higher average realizations in all regions, somewhat offset by a 0.8 mln ton decrease in shipments from the Powder River Basin, a 0.3 mln ton decrease in shipments from Central Appalachia, and higher operating expenses.

7:22AM Laboratory Corp beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides FY09 EPS in-line; reiterates FY09 rev growth (LH) 59.75 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.10 per share, excluding restructuring and other special items , $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $1.09; revenues rose 11.3% year/year to $1.12 bln vs the $1.11 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $4.75-4.95 vs. $4.84 consensus. The co continues to expect revenue growth of 2.0% to 4.0% which calculates to revs of $4.595-4.685 bln vs 4.641 bln.

7:13AM NRG Energy beats by $0.57, beats on revs (NRG) 23.49 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.98 per share, $0.57 better than the First Call consensus of $0.41; revenues rose 19.8% year/year to $1.66 bln vs the $1.25 bln consensus. NRG reaffirmed its 2009 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2.2 bln and cash from operations of $1.5 bln. These targets remain unchanged from its January 22, 2009 news release. Financial results for 2008 were favorably impacted by both strong plant operating performance and a proactive commercial operations strategy implemented during the second quarter of the year.

7:04AM Emergency Medical Services beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides FY09 EPS above consensus (EMS) 33.60 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.48 per share,$0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 10.5% year/year to $593.7 mln vs the $597.2 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $2.05-2.15 vs. $1.96 consensus. The increase in earnings is attributable primarily to the net impact of higher revenue on existing contracts, increased volume from net new contracts and acquisitions, and a decline in total expenses as a percentage of net revenue.

6:54AM Yucheng Technologies misses by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY09 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus (YTEC) 4.75 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.30; revenues rose 45.5% year/year to $34.2 mln vs the $32.9 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $0.86-0.90 vs. $0.93 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $117-122 mln vs. $115.44 mln consensus. Despite the current global financial and economic challenges and the general negative outlook for the Chinese economy, they believe that their growth will continue at a healthy rate of 18% to 23% in 2009. They are committed to growing their IT Solutions and Services business through their market leading products, which allow banks to serve customers more effectively and conveniently, and to manage their operations across multiple locations more efficiently. Co says, "Executive management is forgoing our 2008 bonuses and postponing a major portion of the performance-based shares due to us as selling shareholders to reflect our commitment to our existing shareholders and our confidence in the 2009 guidance despite challenging market conditions."

6:37AM Alexion Pharma beats by $0.15, beats on revs; guides FY09 EPS above consensus, revs below consensus (ALXN) 36.88 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.23 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.15 better than the First Call consensus of $0.08; revenues rose 128.3% year/year to $77.4 mln vs the $76.6 mln consensus. Co issuesmixed guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $1.00-1.05 vs. $0.87 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $360-375 mln vs. $381.63 mln consensus. Co says, "In 2008, the first full year of Soliris commercialization, Alexion achieved outstanding execution of its business initiatives and brought the clinical benefits of Soliris to patients in more than 18 countries."

6:32AM Strayer Education beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS slightly below consensus (STRA) 225.87 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.71 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $1.70; revenues rose 28.2% year/year to $114.3 mln vs the $113.5 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $1.96-1.98 vs. $1.99 consensus. Total enrollment at Strayer University for the 2009 winter term increased 22% to 45,697 students compared to 37,323 students for the same term in 2008. Across the Strayer University campus network, new student enrollments increased 20% and continuing student enrollments increased 23%. Global (out of area) online students increased 47%, while students taking 100% of their classes online (including campus based students) increased 25%. The total number of students taking any courses online (including students at brick and mortar campuses taking at least one online course) in the 2009 winter term increased 24% to 32,771.

6:06AM Aetna beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY09 EPS in-line (AET) 32.24 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.96 per share, excluding net realized capital losses and other items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.94; revenues rose 11.5% year/year to $7.98 bln vs the $7.96 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.85-3.95 vs. $3.87 consensus. Co said, "As we enter 2009, we are listening very closely to our customers to make sure we understand their needs and can respond appropriately... Our underlying business fundamentals remain strong because of our sound and flexible operating model and a value proposition that is resonating in the marketplace."

5:11AM New Oriental Education & Technology lowers Q309 revenue guidance (EDU)53.13 : Co issues downside guidance for Q3 (Feb), sees Q3 (Feb) revs of $62.0-65.0 mln vs. $67.36 mln First Call consensus. "The economic downturn in China has had a greater than anticipated effect on New Oriental's cash proceeds (cash collected from students in advance for course enrollments) over the past several weeks and we are therefore revising our third fiscal quarter 2009 revenue guidance downwards to reflect current expectations," said Louis T. Hsieh, CFO.

1:45AM Core Labs beats by $0.02, misses on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs below consensus (CLB) 63.91 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.66 per share, excluding gain from note repurchases and foreign exchange losses, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $1.64; revenues rose 14.1% year/year to $201.2 mln vs the $206.3 mln consensus. Co issuesmixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $1.30-1.40, including excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.37 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $180.0-185.0 mln vs. $196.38 mln consensus. Co reports 28.3% for operating margins, excluding the effects of currency translation exchange losses. Core states that it has benefited from its de-emphasis of Russian operations and its downsizing of Mexican, Venezuelan, and Nigerian operations over the past three years, as the co focused on development and production-related projects almost to the exclusion of volatile exploration-related activities. The 2009 capital expenditure total also will be below the expected 2009 annual depreciation total of approx $23.0 mln.

Earnings - 12th Jan 2009

4:52PM CSX Corp prelim Q4 EPS of $0.90, ex-items, vs $0.98 First Call consensus; revs of ~$2.7 bln vs $2.77 bln First Call consensus (CSX) 32.22 : The co announces preliminary fourth quarter earnings per share of 63 cents. These results include a noncash impairment charge of approximately 27 cents per share related to the write-down of its investment in The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Excluding this charge and insurance gains of 1 cent in the prior year quarter, comparable earnings per share would be approximately 90 cents, which represents a 6% increase over the prior year quarter. Overall revenues are expected to be approximately $2.7 billion for the quarter, up 4% from the prior year period. This was driven by higher yields and fuel recovery, which are expected to offset the impact of significantly lower volumes. Operating income, on a comparable basis, is estimated to increase 16% to $692 million, resulting in an operating ratio of approximately 74.1%. Given the current economic challenges, particularly the uncertainty facing U.S. manufacturing, the company is no longer affirming or providing long-term guidance.

4:36PM Rogers Corp lowers Q4 EPS and revs guidance (ROG) 22.71 -0.50 : Co lowers guidance for Q4 (Dec), sees EPS of $0.43-0.49, excluding $0.38 charge, down from $0.50-0.56, vs. $0.39 First Call consensus; sees Q4 (Dec) revs of $78-79 mln, down from $88-92 mln, vs. $85.00 mln consensus. "Based on what has been happening recently in the global economy, we expected at some point that our sales might contract. Although we were unable to predict the exact timing of this, we had begun to prepare ourselves for this possibility. Our inventories are low and at a manageable level, accounts receivable days outstanding are very good and we have ~$60 mln in cash and no debt. Also, co has implemented plans to manage production to match incoming orders. Going forward, Rogers will continue to focus efforts on new product development and new product introductions."

4:14PM Alcoa misses by $0.18, beats on revs, says its liquidity remains solid (AA)10.06 -0.75 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.28 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.18 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.10); revenues fell 19.1% year/year to $5.69 bln vs the $5.26 bln consensus. Co says it is taking wide-ranging measures to address the economic downturn, including streamlining its portfolio to focus on businesses where Alcoa is the recognized leader, curtailing production to adjust to weakened demand, reducing headcount, and achieving significant savings in key raw materials. Co suffered from a historic 56% price decline in aluminum over the last five months and saw a sharp drop in orders. Co says its liquidity remains solid. (currently halted, no resumption time)

11:32AM Celgene confirms 2009 outlook (CELG) 49.49 -0.78 : Co confirms downside guidance for FY09 (Dec), sees EPS of $2.05-2.15 vs. $2.27 First Call consensus; sees FY09 (Dec) revs of $2.6-2.7 bln vs. $2.93 bln consensus. The co also gave 2009 corporate objectives: To maximize the clinical, regulatory and commercial potential of REVLIMID, VIDAZA, Global THALOMID/Thalidomide and Pomalidomide into nearly 75 countries. Execute launch of VIDAZA in higher-risk MDS and AML in European Union. Submit REVLIMID regulatory filing for multiple myeloma and Del 5Q MDS in Japan. Gain REVLIMID reimbursement approvals in UK, Canada, Australia and other countries. Secure REVLIMID approvals in Russia, Turkey, Middle East and Latin America and submit data to FDA to evaluate REVLIMID as treatment for NDMM... The co confirmed FY08 total revenue for 2008 of approximately $2.233 bln and REVLIMID net product sales in 2008 to more than 71%. The co confirmed VIDAZA net product sales in the fourth quarter 2008 were approximately $70 mln and non-GAAP diluted EPS to $1.55 to $1.56.

9:19AM Kendle sees EPS of $2.12-2.20 vs. $2.20 First Call consensus, sees FY08 (Dec) revs of $475-480 vs. $488.02 mln consensus (KNDL) 20.78 : Co issues lowersguidance for FY08 (Dec), sees EPS of $2.12-2.20 vs. $2.20 First Call consensus down from previous guidance of $2.10-2.25; sees FY08 (Dec) revs of $475-480 vs. $488.02 mln consensus, down from previous guidance of $485-500 mln.

9:12AM A-Power Energy announces that GE Drivetrain Technologies signs LOIs to supply 900 wind turbine gearboxes and establish joint venture to build wind turbine assembly facility (APWR) 4.90 : GE Drivetrain Technologies, a unit of GE Transportation (GE), and A-Power Energy Generation Systems (Nasdaq: APWR) announce that they have signed two Letters of Intent , one for GE Drivetrain Technologies to supply APWR with 2.7 megawatt wind turbine gearboxes and a second to establish a Joint Venture partnership for a wind turbine gearbox assembly plant. The companies' joint venture agreement creates a wind turbine gearbox assembly business that will be majority owned by GE Drivetrain Technologies and operate under the name GE Transportation. The new assembly plant will bring multi-megawatt gearbox capacity to China and serve as GE Drivetrain Technologies' Southeast Asia manufacturing center from which it will serve its customers in the region beginning in mid-2010. The Joint Venture company will take advantage of APWR's knowledge of the local market, as well as of GE Drivetrain Technologies' process and quality expertise.

8:47AM Kennametal announces further Q4 cost reduction actions; lowers Q4 guidance to $0.34 vs $0.48 consensus (KMT) 20.39 : Co issues downside guidance for Q2 (Dec), sees EPS of $0.34, excluding excluding charges of approximately $0.14 per share relating to restructuring, vs. $0.48 First Call consensus. The additional actions announced today involve reducing the company's global salaried workforce by approximately 800 positions which is expected to generate annual pre-tax savings of approximately $70 mln. These employment reductions will be completed within the next three to six months. The company anticipates recording pre-tax cash charges related to these initiatives of approximately $40 mln. The co has also identified additional opportunities related to its restructuring program previously announced in April 2008. The ongoing annual pre-tax savings from these restructuring actions, which include a reduction in workforce of approximately 400 positions, are now expected to be approximately $30 mln once fully implemented over the next six to nine months. The co now expects to recognize approximately $50 mln of pre-tax charges related to this restructuring, including approximately $27 mln recorded through the December 2008 quarter. Approximately 90 percent of these charges are expected to be cash expenditures. In total, together with the previously announced restructuring is expected to produce ongoing annual pre-tax savings of approximately $100 mln including the total reduction in workforce of approximately 1,200 positions. The total pre-tax charges expected to be recognized are estimated to be approximately $90 mln, including approximately $27 mln recorded through the December 2008 quarter.

8:31AM Aetna sees FY08 $3.90-3.95 vs $3.93 First Call consensus; co expects FY09 EPS growth to be 12-14%, ex-items (AET) 29.20 : The co announces Chairman and CEO Ronald Williams will make a presentation today during which he intends to reaffirm the company's full-year 2008 operating earnings per share guidance of $3.90 to $3.95. Aetna also will update its preliminary guidance on certain 2009 performance metrics, including full-year 2009 operating earnings per share. Aetna currently projects full-year 2009 operating earnings per share growth to be 12-14% excluding the projected year-over-year increase in pension expense, consistent with Aetna's prior guidance. Including the projected year-over-year increase in pension expense of $.54 per share, Aetna projects full-year 2009 operating earnings per share to be slightly lower than 2008. Aetna's projected 2008 operating earnings per share include approximately $.15 per share of pension benefit. As a result of the significant decline in equity markets experienced during 2008, Aetna's projected 2009 operating earnings per share include a pension expense of approximately $.39 per share, or a projected year-over-year increase of $.54 per share. Aetna's previous guidance provided on October 29, 2008, included a year-over-year increase in pension expense range of $.30 to $.40 per share; but since that time, the equity markets and interest rates have declined, resulting in an additional increase in Aetna's net pension obligations as of the December 31, 2008 measurement date.

8:06AM Abbott Labs sees FY08 EPS of $3.31-3.33 vs $3.32 First Call consensus; sees FY09 EPS of $3.65-3.70 vs $3.66 First Call consensus (ABT) 51.17 : The co announces its full-year earnings-per-share guidance for 2009 and confirming its previously issued 2008 earnings-per-share guidance of $3.31 to $3.33, excluding specified items. For 2009, the company expects earnings per share of $3.65 to $3.70 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and on a non-GAAP basis. The midpoint of this 2009 guidance reflects double-digit growth over the midpoint of 2008 earnings-per-share guidance. Abbott's 2009 outlook includes the acquisition of Advanced Medical Optics as announced today. Abbott expects the AMO transaction to be neutral to ongoing earnings per share in 2009 and accretive in 2010, both before one-time transaction-related costs, which will be provided at a later date.

7:35AM Digital Ally revenues for the year ended December 2008 increased over 65% to approximately $32.5 mln; raises 2009 rev guidance to $50 mln from $41.9 mln (DGLY) 2.92 : Co's revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased over 65% to approximately $32.5 mln, compared with revenues of $19.4 mln in 2007. The Co expects to report record earnings in 2008, exclusive of non-recurring income tax benefits recorded in 2007, Co issues upside guidance for FY09 (Dec), sees FY09 (Dec) revs of $50 mln vs. $41.90 mln First Call consensus. "During our internal budgeting process, we carefully analyzed the current global economic environment, including the possible budget cuts confronting many federal, state and local government agencies... Based upon information currently available, we believe the continued success of our DVM-500 In-Car Digital Video System Integrated into a Rear View Mirror, combined with the anticipated impact of new products on our sales volumes, should allow Digital Ally to increase its 2009 revenues to at least $50.0 mln, when compared with record 2008 revenues of approximately $32.5 mln. To illustrate our confidence in this projection, all officers and directors at Digital Ally have agreed to defer 25% of their 2009 monetary compensation until year-to-date sales reach the $50 mln threshold."

7:31AM LaserCard announces $5.4 mln follow-on order for Saudi Arabia National ID card program (LCRD) 4.10 : Co announced a follow-on purchase order valued at $5.4 million to supply secure credentials for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's National Identity Card program.

7:13AM Hologic: Further color on guidance (HOLX) 10.90 : The co also reports although first quarter revenues are expected to fall three percent below initial expectations, they expect non-GAAP adjusted EPS for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to meet or exceed initial expectations and be in a range of $0.30 to $0.31 (consensus is $0.29), as a result of a number of cost reduction initiatives the company implemented in the first quarter. This compares to prior Company guidance for non-GAAP adjusted EPS issued on November 11,2008 of $0.29 to $0.30. Non-GAAP adjusted EPS excludes approx $50 mln of amortization of intangibles which on an after-tax basis (at an effective tax rate of 34%) would reduce GAAP EPS by $0.13. The estimated GAAP EPS would then be in a range of $0.17 to $0.18.

7:02AM Hologic will report it expects Q1 2009 revs to be 3% below previously issued guidance (HOLX) 10.90 : Co lowers guidance for Q1 (Dec), sees Q1 (Dec) revs of $428-429 mln, down from $441-443 mln, vs. $437.04 mln First Call consensus.The three percent decline in anticipated revenues from its initial guidance is principally due to reductions in revenues in Hologic's Breast Health segment. The Company attributes this decline primarily to cost pressures faced by hospitals, due to the worldwide economic instability which has resulted in longer sales processes and delays of capital equipment purchases.

7:01AM Cubist Pharma reports FY08 total revs above consensus (CBST) 24.56 : Co reports FY08 prelim revs of $433.6 vs $434.50 mln First Call consensus. Co reports U.S. net product revenues of $120.1 mln for the fourth quarter of 2008 for its antibiotic product CUBICIN (daptomycin for injection). This result represents an increase of 43%, or $36.2 mln, from fourth quarter 2007 U.S. CUBICIN net product revenues. Full year 2008 U.S. CUBICIN net product revenues were $414.7 mln. This result represents an increase of 45%, or $129.6 mln, from full year 2007 U.S. CUBICIN net product revenues. Cubist's share of full year 2008 international net product revenues was $7.4 mln. This represents an increase of $2.1 mln from full year 2007. Included in the full year 2008 total net revenues is $9.4 mln of service revenue relating to Cubist's exclusive agreement with AstraZeneca to sell and provide other support in the United States for MERREM I.V. (meropenem for injection).

6:53AM Alnylam Pharma reaffirms their previously raised guidance of ending 2008 with a cash position of greater than $500 mln; expects net operating loss of $35-45 mln for FY09 (ALNY) 23.12 : ALNY reaffirms previously raised guidance of ending 2008 with a cash position of greater than $500 mln, excluding the upfront payment received as part of our Cubist RSV partnership announced last week. Co says, "In 2009, we expect a total non-GAAP cash net operating loss of approximately $35 to $45 mln and also expect to incur approximately $20 to $30 mln of other cash payments, including further investment in Regulus, cash tax payments, capital expenditures, and other potential strategic investments. We expect to finish 2009 with greater than $435 mln in cash." Co plans to continue to Progress ALN-RSV01 in Phase II Studies; advance ALN-VSP for the Treatment of Liver Cancers; expand Clinical Development Pipeline.

Earnings - 31st July 2008 (1)

7:04AM CONSOL Energy reports Q2 (Jun) results, beats on revs (CNX) 88.50 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.54 per share, may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $0.80; revenues rose 14.2% year/year to $1.21 bln vs the $1.16 bln consensus. Total revenue and other income for the second quarter 2008 was adversely impacted by an $11 million loss on mark-to-market adjustments for three free standing coal sales options that will reverse as coal is purchased under these options or as the options expire. Net income for the second quarter 2008 was down 34 percent compared with the same period a year earlier due to an asset sale and an asset exchange in the second quarter of 2007 that totaled $100 million in pretax income and approximately $59 million in net income which was recognized in last year's second quarter.

7:04AM Wyndham Wldwide beats by $0.06, misses on revs; issues Q3 EPS in-line, FY08 EPS in-line, revs below consensus (WYN) 17.48 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.53 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 2.9% year/year to $1.13 bln vs the $1.18 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q3 (Sep), sees EPS of $0.80-0.82 vs. $0.80 consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.18-2.32 vs $2.22 consensus; sees revenue of $4.53-$4.63 bln vs $4.76 bln consensus.

7:03AM Enbridge beats by $0.03; guides FY08 EPS in-line (ENB) 42.90 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.42 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.39. Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $1.85 to $1.95 vs. $1.86 consensus. "This performance causes us to increase our previously communicated 2008 guidance range from $1.80 to $1.90... and leaves us well positioned to meet our medium-term target of 10% average annual earnings per share growth over the 2008 to 2011 period."

7:03AM Natus Medical beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus; raises FY08 guidance (BABY) 23.00 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.15 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.14; revenues rose 41.0% year/year to $39.9 mln vs the $38.8 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q3 (Dec), sees EPS of $0.17-0.18 vs. $0.19 consensus; sees Q3 (Dec) revs of $42.2-43.2 mln vs. $41.54 mln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $0.68-0.71, up from $0.68-0.70 prior guidance, vs. $0.69 consensus; sees FY08 revs of $166-169 mln, up from $163-164 mln vs. $163.92 mln consensus.

7:00AM Intl Paper beats by $0.17, reports revs in-line (IP) 24.32 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.56 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.17 better than the First Call consensus of $0.39; revenues rose 9.8% year/year to $5.81 bln vs the $5.81 bln consensus.

7:00AM Altria beats by $0.01, beats on revs; reaffirms FY08 EPS guidance (MO) 21.70 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.46 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.45; revenues rose 4.0% year/year to $5.05 bln. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $1.63-1.67 vs. $1.67 consensus.

6:58AM American Electric beats by $0.02, beats on revs; reaffirms FY08 EPS guidance (AEP) 40.15 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.70 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.68; revenues rose 12.9% year/year to $3.5 bln vs the $3.2 bln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $3.10-3.30 vs. $3.21 consensus.
6:45AM Freeseas misses by $0.01, reports revs in-line (FREE) 6.05 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.20 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 324.4% year/year to $15.1 mln vs the $15.2 mln consensus.

6:34AM Chart Indust beats by $0.17, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (GTLS) 49.93 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.76 per share, $0.17 better than the First Call consensus of $0.59; revenues rose 18.0% year/year to $197.8 mln vs the $193.5 mln consensus. Co issues guides for FY08, sees EPS of $2.55-2.65 vs. $2.44 consensus; sees FY08 revs of $770-800 mln vs. $773.10 mln consensus.

6:34AM Gentiva Health Svcs beats by $0.09, beats on revs; raises FY08 guidance (GTIV) 22.41 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $0.32; revenues rose 12.7% year/year to $346.2 mln vs the $329.1 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $1.36-1.43, excluding non-recurring items, compared to previous guidance of $1.32-1.40, vs. $1.32 consensus; sees FY08 revs of $1.32-1.35 bln, compared to previous guidance of $1.28-1.32 bln, vs. $1.32 bln consensus.

6:32AM Magellan Health beats by $0.07, beats on revs; sees Y08 EPS in upper half of previous guidance; announces buyback (MGLN) 37.76 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.54 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 45.0% year/year to $656.9 mln vs the $647.9 mln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS in the upper half of previous guidance of $1.73-2.17, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.98 consensus. Co's Baord of Directors authorizes $200 mln share repurchase program.

6:16AM Dawson Geophys. beats by $0.14, beats on revs (DWSN) 54.30 : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $1.27 per share, $0.14 better than the First Call consensus of $1.13; revenues rose 23.2% year/year to $84.6 mln vs the $82.7 mln consensus.

6:09AM Hornbeck Offshore misses by $0.01, misses on revs; guides FY08 EPS in-line (HOS) 50.32 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.94 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.95; revenues rose 39.2% year/year to $104.5 mln vs the $106.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $3.72-4.20 vs. $3.98 consensus. Co reaffirms Ebitda guidance for FY08 to range between $220.0-$240.0 mln.

6:04AM Tyco beats by $0.21, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS above consensus (TYC) 42.51 : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $0.88 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.21 better than the First Call consensus of $0.67; revenues rose 10.9% year/year to $5.21 bln vs the $5.15 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.97-2.99 vs. $2.76 consensus.

6:01AM Aetna beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; reaffirms FY08 EPS guidance (AET) 40.32 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.94 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.93; revenues rose 15.2% year/year to $7.83 bln vs the $7.87 bln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $4.00 vs. $4.01 consensus.

5:52AM LKQ Corp beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS above consensus (LKQX) 17.81 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.22 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.18; revenues rose 107.6% year/year to $484.4 mln vs the $466.1 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $0.85-0.88, excluding restructuring expenses, vs. $0.78 consensus.

1:24AM CGGVeritas reports Q208 results (CGV) 37.03 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.56 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.56; revenues increased 14% year/year to $874.0 mln vs the $868.77 mln consensus.

12:57AM Buenaventura SA misses by $0.11, reports revs in-line (BVN) 27.61 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.48 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.59; revenues rose 15.2% year/year to $216.4 mln vs the $217.1 mln consensus.

12:47AM Hologic beats by $0.04, misses on revs; guides Q4 revs below consensus; guides FY08 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (HOLX) 22.85 : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $0.33 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.29; revenues rose 124.3% year/year to $429.5 mln vs the $435.8 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q4, sees Q4 revs of $438.0-439.0 mln vs. $452.56 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $1.18, includes dilutive effect of Third Wave, vs. $1.15 consensus; sees FY08 revs of $1.67 bln vs. $1.69 bln consensus.

Earnings - 19th June 2008

7:02PM PolyOne raises Q2 consolidated sales to increase by 7-9% (POL) 7.49 +0.26 : Co raises its Q2 outlook. The co expects Q2 consolidated sales to increase 7-9% compared with Q2 of 2007, despite challenging demand trends in the North American housing and automotive markets. This projection is slightly higher than the co's original estimate of 6-8% sales growth. Second-quarter 2008 earnings before special items are expected to show modest improvement over the same period a year ago earnings before special items and to increase sequentially from Q1 2008 earnings before special items. For PolyOne Distribution, the co anticipates meaningful increases in both sales and operating income during Q2 of 2008 compared with Q2 of 2007, with earnings impacted favorably by targeted growth efforts in key end markets. SunBelt earnings are projected to increase sequentially compared with Q1 of 2008, but decline compared with the Q2 of 2007. Strong chlor-alkali margins, driven by increasing caustic prices, are expected to be more than offset by weak end-market demand for chlorine derivatives compared with the same period last year.

4:14PM Lucas Energy reports FY08 comprehensive EPS $0.13 vs $0.05 last year; revs rose 136% YoY to $3.08 bln vs $3.50 mln single analyst est (LEI) 5.26 -0.49 : "We achieved a record increase in production and benefited from continued increases in commodity prices. Operating as a public company, we invested in building the appropriate infrastructure to support our future growth, which resulted in significant increases to our operating costs, many of which are non-recurring costs. Our balance sheet improvement was due in part to the successful equity raise allowing us to repay all our debt. We used the remaining portion of the proceeds to acquire key strategic properties, and today we sit with 11,274 net acres with 43 net wells and a portfolio of producing oil and gas assets with a reserve valuation of $90 mln... We had a very exciting and productive first year as a public company. We believe that the stage is set for continued growth in fiscal year 2009."

11:22AM Humana reiterates EPS guidance; sees Q2 EPS of $1.15-1.20 vs $1.18 First Call consensus and sees FY08 EPS of $4.15-4.35 vs $4.30 First Call consensus (HUM) 42.56 -2.25 : Co reaffirms guidance, sees Q2 EPS of $1.15-1.20 vs $1.18 First Call consensus and sees FY08 EPS of $4.15-4.35 vs $4.30 First Call consensus. "Our medical claim reserving methodology has consistently given consideration to differences in provider claim receipt patterns among our various product lines," said James H. Bloem, the company's senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. "Analysis of medical claims payments and receipts through May 2008 indicate no adverse prior period development for either full year 2007 or first quarter 2008 medical claims estimates. Additionally, our medical cost trend and medical expense ratio projections remain consistent with those described in our first quarter 2008 earnings release issued on April 28, 2008."

8:53AM Pantry reaffirms FY08 guidance; sees Q3 EPS above the First Call consensus of $0.23 (PTRY) 9.06 : The Company continues to expect merchandise and retail gasoline sales for fiscal 2008 to be within the ranges of $1.6 to $1.7 bln and 2.1 to 2.2 bln gallons, respectively. The merchandise gross profit margin is expected to be approximately 37%, with a retail gasoline margin between 10 and 12 cents per gallon. The Company also continues to expect that fiscal 2008 store operating and general and administrative expenses will be at the low end of the previously announced range of $615 to $630 mln.

8:25AM Aetna reaffirms Q2, Y08 guidance (AET) 42.60 : Co reaffirms guidance for Q2 (Jun), sees EPS of $0.93 vs. $0.94 First Call consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08 (Dec), sees EPS of $4.00 vs. $4.01 consensus. "The medical cost trend we are experiencing in the second quarter is in line with our expectations to date and consistent with our prior guidance of 7.5 percent, plus-or-minus 50 basis points. We will provide updated information on our second-quarter earnings call on July 31."