Earnings - 27th April 2009

6:02PM eFuture reports EPS of $0.89; revs grew 47.8% to $10.5 mln (EFUT) 8.40 +0.40 : Co expects its 2009 total revenues to be in the range of ~US$27-28 mln, representing annual growth of 33-38% over 2008. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) is expected to be in the range of ~ !US$4.9 mln to US$5.9 mln.

5:50PM SW Energy beats by $0.05, beats on revs (SWN) 33.47 -0.96 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.36 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.31; revenues rose 3.2% year/year to $540.8 mln vs the $450.3 mln consensus. Gas and oil production totaled 63.9 Bcfe in Q1 of 2009, up from 39.1 Bcfe in Q1 of 2008, and included 50.2 Bcf from the co's Fayetteville Shale play, up from 23.6 Bcf in Q1 of 2008. SWN has increased its production guidance for the remainder of 2009. Co sees Bcfe of 289-292, up from prior estimate of 280-284

5:02PM Compass Minerals Intl misses by $0.29, misses on revs (CMP) 51.54 -0.48 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.85 per share, $0.29 worse than the First Call consensus of $2.14; revenues fell 18.7% year/year to $309.1 mln vs the $384.5 mln consensus. Co says, "Looking forward, we believe our essential products, diverse end uses and competitive advantages, including our leadership positions, advantaged assets and lower operating costs, position us to continue to generate value for our stakeholders as we navigate through this challenging environment. Sulfate of potash prices should continue to be well above year-ago levels. However, we expect the current potash demand trend to extend into the second quarter, and we expect full-year sales volumes to be below normal with the second half of the year somewhat stronger than the first half. We also expect a more balanced supply and demand environment for highway deicing salt for the upcoming winter season. While salt demand is heavily influenced by weather, highway deicing products are essential to public safety and we expect a typical highway deicing bid season in 2009."

5:01PM Baidu.com beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q2 revs above expectations (BIDU) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.86 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.76; revenues rose 41.5% year/year to $118.6 mln vs the $116 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees Q2 revs of $157-161 mln vs. $145.92 mln consensus.

4:59PM U.S. Steel misses by $2.15, misses on revs, slashes dividend (X) 27.71 -1.32 : Reports Q1 (Mar) loss of $3.84 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $2.15 worse thanthe First Call consensus of ($1.69); revenues fell 47.1% year/year to $2.75 bln vs the $3.14 bln consensus. Co says weak customer demand for flat-rolled products, coupled with customers' efforts to reduce inventories, has resulted in very low order rates and further downward pressure on prices for its Flat-rolled and US Steel Europe segments. Its tubular operations have also experienced a severe downturn primarily as a result of reduced drilling activity due to lower oil and gas prices, high inventory levels and unprecedented levels of unfairly traded and subsidized tubular imports from China. Co says it continues to face an extremely difficult global economic environment. Co expects an operating loss in Q2 as its order book remains at low levels and idled facility carrying costs continue to be incurred. Co says extremely short lead times coupled with the uncertainty surrounding financial markets and key steel-consuming industries such as automotive and construction make it difficult to forecast beyond a very short horizon. Co also cuts quarterly dividend to $0.05/sh from $0.30/sh.

4:17PM Health Management beats by $0.03, beats on revs (HMA) 4.05 +0.23 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.15 per share, excluding non-recurring gains, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.12; revenues rose 3.1% year/year to $1.19 bln vs the $1.17 bln consensus. HMA's provision for doubtful accounts, or bad debt expense, was $144.0 mln, or 12.1% of net revenue, for Q1 compared to $129.0 mln, or 11.2% of net revenue, for the same quarter a year ago. Co said, "HMA continues to deleverage its balance sheet by improving hospital operations and generating strong operating cash flow. HMA's total debt to EBITDA ratio and interest coverage ratio as of March 31, 2009 are well within the requirements of our loan agreements at 4.87x and 2.69x, respectively."

4:16PM Rent-A-Center beats by $0.11, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 revs below consensus (RCII) 21.59 -0.10 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.65 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.11 better than the First Call consensus of $0.54; revenues fell 3.8% year/year to $728.2 mln vs the $733.9 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q2, sees Q2 revs of $679-694 mln vs. $706.91 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidancefor FY09, sees EPS of $2.18-2.32 vs. $2.14 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $2.78-2.84 bln vs. $2.85 bln consensus.

4:10PM Plum Creek beats by $0.01, misses on revs; expects Q2 results to be approximately breakeven; guides FY09 EPS in-line (PCL) 34.90 -1.45 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.95 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.94; revenues rose 29.5% year/year to $470 mln vs the $506.4 mln consensus. For Q2 the co expects results to be approx breakeven. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $1.20-$1.45 vs. $1.45 consensus. Manufacturing results are expected to remain weak as the company manages production to match current demand. Given the severity of the downturn in lumber demand, the company is rationalizing and consolidating its lumber operations. During the second quarter, the company will permanently close one lumber mill.

4:09PM Grand Canyon Education beats by $0.05, beats on revs; guides Q2 revs above consensus; guides FY09 above consensus (LOPE) 16.00 +0.46 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.15 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.10; revenues rose 65.1% year/year to $59.0 mln vs the $56.9 mln consensus. For Q2, co sees EPS of $0.10 vs. $0.10 consensus; sees Q2 revs of $58.0 mln vs. $56.5 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $0.60-0.64 vs. $0.55 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $254-258 mln vs. $252.5 mln consensus.

4:08PM Aaron's reports Q1 EPS of $0.65 vs $0.52 First Call consensus; revs $474.0 mln vs $458.17 mln First Call consensus (AAN) 28.68 +0.02 : Co sees Q2 EPS of $0.45-0.50 vs $0.46 First Call consensus; sees revs of $430 mln vs $441.04 mln First Call consensus. Co increases FY09 EPS guidance to $1.90-2.05 vs $1.82 First Call consensus; increases rev guidance to $1.80 bln vs $1.77 bln First Call consensus. "Our business has been especially strong in recent quarters as more consumers are finding it extremely attractive to use the Aaron's option of obtaining basic home furnishings necessities with no credit checks and the ability to return the merchandise at any time. Although we have done well through the years in different economic environments, both good and challenging, we believe the current conditions have helped accelerate the number of customers coming into our stores. We currently see no indication that this trend will diminish in the foreseeable future."

4:06PM Edwards Lifesciences beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line; guides FY09 EPS in-line, revs in-line (EW) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.70 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.69; revenues rose 5.6% year/year to $313.5 mln vs the $309.4 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.73-0.77, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.76 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $2.95-3.03 (a $0.02 increase of low end from prior guidance) vs. $2.97 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $1.24-1.30 bln vs. $1.28 bln consensus.

4:05PM Heartland Finl beats by $0.32, beats on revs (HTLF) 11.75 -0.81 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.32 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.03). Earnings for the first quarter of 2009 were positively affected by increased net interest income, loan servicing income, securities gains and gains on sale of loans. Nonperforming loans were $67.1 mln or 2.85% of total loans and leases at March 31, 2009, compared to $78.0 mln or 3.24% of total loans and leases at December 31, 2008. The first quarter 2009 provision for loan losses was $6.7 mln compared to $1.8 mln for the first quarter 2008. Nonperforming loans were $67.1 mln or 2.85% of total loans and leases at March 31, 2009, compared to $78.0 mln or 3.24% of total loans and leases at December 31, 2008. Net charge-offs during the first quarter 2009 were $5.0 mln compared to $1.1 mln during the first quarter 2008. Co says, "Realizing that we are far from being out of the woods, we are encouraged that the rate of increase in our nonperforming assets slowed during the first quarter of 2009. We remain cautious, however, and are continuing to actively work with stressed borrowers to find solutions to their debt problems and are diligently working to find buyers for our repossessed real estate."

4:04PM Tyler Tech beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides FY09 EPS in-line, revs in-line (TYL) 15.10 -0.43 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.16 per share, $0.04 better thanthe First Call consensus of $0.12; revenues rose 17.2% year/year to $69.6 mln vs the $67.8 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $0.66-0.72 vs. $0.69 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $292-298 mln vs. $292.94 mln consensus. "Broad economic conditions and the related effects on local government budgets remain a concern, and we are closely monitoring market conditions and the potential impact on our business, especially in the second half of the year. While we have not seen a significant effect on our results to date, the leading indicators that we follow are somewhat mixed, and our current annual guidance for 2009 is unchanged from that provided earlier this year."

4:01PM Int. Intelligence beats by $0.05, misses on revs (ININ) 11.06 -0.39 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.16 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.11; revenues rose 98.8% year/year to $29.5 mln vs the $29.9 mln consensus.

8:16AM Inverness Medical beats by $0.04, misses on revs (IMA) 27.62 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.61 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.57; revenues rose 22.8% year/year to $443.9 mln vs the $455.9 mln consensus.

7:47AM Travelzoo beats by $0.07, beats on revs (TZOO) 7.10 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.02 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.05); revenues rose 12.0% year/year to $23.4 mln vs the $20.1 mln consensus. Co says, "Travelzoo reports record revenue. The number of subscribers to our publications grew during the first quarter by 866,000, or 6%, to 15.5 million. This is the fastest quarter-over-quarter growth rate in subscribers that we have seen since 2005."

7:44AM Timken beats by $0.09, misses on revs; guides FY09 EPS below consensus (TKR) 16.85 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.07 per share, excluding non-recurring items,$0.09 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.02); revenues fell 33.1% year/year to $960.4 mln vs the $1.08 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $(0.15)-0.15, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.78 consensus. Co now expects the impact of the global recession to continue through the rest of the year with sales in most of its market sectors being down significantly from last year.

6:09AM Humana beats by $0.04, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS above consensus; guides FY09 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (HUM) 27.36 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.22 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $1.18; revenues rose 10.8% year/year to $7.71 bln vs the $7.65 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $1.65-1.70 vs. $1.50 consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $6.10-6.20 vs. $5.90 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $30.0-32.0 bln vs. $30.84 bln consensus. Higher FY09 EPS guidance range reflects improved Government Segment operating performance partially offset by lower expected investment income and commercial membership. The increase in premiums and administrative services fees primarily reflects an increase in average membership for the co's Medicare Advantage and commercial medical products together with continued pricing discipline across all of the co's lines of business. Benefit expenses:  The Q109 consolidated benefit ratio (benefit expenses as a percent of premium revenues) was lower than that for the prior year's quarter, as expected. The Q109 consolidated benefit ratio of 83.9% compares to 86.7% in Q108. This 280 basis point decrease was primarily driven by a 320 basis point decrease in the Government Segment benefit ratio together with a 210 basis point decrease in the Commercial Segment benefit ratio. For FY09, co anticipates Medicare Advantage revenue of $16.0-16.5 bln and Medicare stand-alone PDP revenue of approx $2.4 bln. Co predicts $1.2-1.4 bln in cash flow from operations.

5:03AM Smith Intl misses by $0.05, misses on revs (SII) 27.77 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.52 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.57; revenues rose 1.7% year/year to $2.41 bln vs the $2.56 bln consensus.

12:57AM Gulfmark Offshore misses by $0.01, misses on revs (GLF) 29.56 : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.32 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $1.33; revenues rose 30.5% year/year to $108.8 mln vs the $112.1 mln consensus. Commenting on the results, Bruce Streeter, President and CEO, said, "This year, as in most past years, we anticipated lower first quarter demand in the North Sea. We took advantage of the seasonal weakness through a number of actions designed enhance the North Sea fleet position for future periods including: (1) mobilization of two vessels back to the North Sea from Egypt; (2) maintenance actions on two vessels; (3) completion of three planned dry docks; (4) upgrade of two vessels to DP2 (dynamic positioning); and (5) the completion of DP1 installation on a third vessel. Although we experienced a slight improvement in the consolidated average day rate as compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, the impact of currency and the actions mentioned above resulted in a minor reduction in the North Sea average day rate. In the Gulf of Mexico, contract cover allowed rates and utilization to hold until late in the quarter when day rates and utilization opportunities for the smaller PSVs and the FSV/crewboats came under significant pressure. We took delivery of two vessels during the quarter: the Swordfish, a Gulf of Mexico crewboat that we announced in the last earnings release; and late in the quarter we took delivery of the Cherokee, a 250 foot AHTS vessel that went immediately on a long term contract in Southeast Asia. In addition, we took delivery of the Blacktip, a 181 foot FSV, in mid-April that went immediately to work in the Gulf of Mexico..."

Earnings - 9th Feb 2009

5:29PM Comstock misses by $0.09, misses on revs (CRK) 40.27 -0.63 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.22 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.09 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.31; revenues rose 4.9% year/year to $100.2 mln vs the $106.8 mln consensus. Comstock also announced that it is reducing its 2009 drilling budget from $450 million to $366 million in response to weak natural gas prices.

4:36PM Zoltek misses by $0.11, misses on revs (ZOLT) 8.65 +0.44 : Reports Q1 (Dec) earnings of $0.02 per share, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.13; revenues fell 3.7% year/year to $38.6 mln vs the $50.3 mln consensus. Co says, "We normally expect to be impacted by customers' year-end production curtailment and seasonal inventory adjustments in the last quarter of each calendar year the first quarter of our fiscal year. This year our results were further affected by customer reaction to increasingly serious global economic uncertainties. Customers in the computer and automotive markets, along with one of our wind turbine customers, postponed or cancelled some orders. While this is certainly disappointing, we believe it represents a temporary lull in the strong growth profile that Zoltek has established in recent years. Although our business is not immune to the global economic turndown, as well as the effects of currency fluctuations and extreme variations in cost of energy and raw materials, there is no evidence of change in the long-term demand from commercial applications for low-cost carbon fibers or the outlook for our business."

4:35PM Correction: Compass Minerals Intl beats by $0.24, beats on revs (CMP) : Earlier we reported the incorrect revenue actual for Q4. We have deleted that story. CMP reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $2.44 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.24 better than the First Call consensus of $2.20; revenues rose 19.1% year/year to $388.3 mln vs the $381.4 mln consensus. Co says, "In 2008, our salt segment continued to show robust volume, pricing and earnings growth in both winter and non-winter applications. Our specialty fertilizer segment was transformed during the year as strong market fundamentals allowed for unprecedented price gains and margin expansion. As we begin 2009, specialty potash pricing has remained strong, though demand has continued to be soft, driven by the global financial and credit issues that affect the broader agriculture market. Our salt segment is continuing its momentum, aided by severe winter weather, previously established price increases and more moderate shipping costs. Together, our strong business segments should continue to provide shareholders with profitable growth in the coming year."

4:11PM Zhongpin sees FY08 revs below consensus; guides FY09 EPS and revs above consensus (HOGS) 10.83 -0.17 : Co sees revs of $540.00 mln vs $565.10 mln First Call consensus. Revenue was slightly lower than the company's guidance of $550 million to $570 million due to lower than anticipated sales volume and selling prices during the fourth quarter of 2008, partly resulting from the impact of the global economic downturn on the Chinese economy. The company expects its 2008 fiscal year gross margin and net margin to be in line with the company's previous guidance. Co issues upside FY09 guidance, sees FY09 EPS of $1.50-1.63 vs $1.49 First Call consensus; sees revs $780-810 mln vs $720.42 mln First Call consensus. Management expects strong revenue growth in 2009 due to anticipated growth from new markets and additional capacity from the company's new chilled and frozen pork and prepared meat facilities as they ramp up to target utilization levels in the first half of 2009. Gross margin for the full year 2009 is expected to be approximately 12.0% with net margin of at least 6.0%. Due to the adverse impact on China's meat processing industry caused by the global economic slowdown, and the company's primary focus on rapidly expanding its market share, management expects margins for fiscal year 2009 to be slightly below the 2008 levels.

4:09PM American Fincl beats by $0.07; guides FY09 EPS above consensus (AFG) : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.97. Co issues upside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.70-4.00 vs. $3.55 consensus. "Looking into 2009, we expect to produce strong underwriting profits, and forecast an overall combined ratio in the 88% to 91% range. Because of our strong underwriting culture, we will continue to focus on maintaining adequate rates; our objective is to achieve a flat to slight increase in the Specialty Group's overall average renewal rates in 2009. We expect our specialty P&C net written premiums to be down a mid-teen percentage from 2008 levels. This is primarily the result of expected increased reinsurance cessions under our crop quota share agreement and lower spring commodity prices. Absent these changes, which do not affect overall volume of business, our expectation is that the reduction will be in the two to five percent range."

4:07PM K12 beats by $0.02, beats on revs; reaffirms FY09 revs guidance (LRN) 16.44 -0.21 : Reports Q2 (Dec) earnings of $0.12 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.10; revenues rose 42.6% year/year to $77.6 mln vs the $76.7 mln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY09, sees FY09 revs of $310-320 mln vs. $322.17 mln consensus.

4:06PM American Science & Engineering beats by $0.22, beats on revs (ASEI) 79.40 : Reports Q3 (Dec) earnings of $1.13 per share, $0.22 better than the First Call consensus of $0.91; revenues rose 53.3% year/year to $65.3 mln vs the $62.8 mln consensus. "Revenue growth in the quarter was driven by a robust demand for our Z Backscatter Vans, AS&E's proprietary cargo products, and field services. Operating income significantly increased in the quarter with improved gross margins from higher revenues, significant improvement in cargo margins, and continued focus on controlling overhead and expenses."

8:12AM AGCO Corp beats by $0.07, misses on revs; guides FY09 EPS in-line, revs in-line (AG) 25.04 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.08 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $1.01; revenues fell 0.6% year/year to $2.16 bln vs the $2.36 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.00-3.25 vs. $3.22 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $7.5-7.8 bln vs. $7.74 bln consensus.

7:34AM Lorillard beats by $0.16, beats on revs (LO) 62.26 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.53 per share, $0.16 better than the First Call consensus of $1.37; revenues rose 13.7% year/year to $1.09 bln vs the $0.93 bln consensus. The increase in gross profit reflects an increase in net sales, partially offset by higher manufacturing costs and higher costs related to the State Settlement Agreements.

7:04AM Energy Conversion beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q3 revs below consensus; guides FY09 revs below consensus (ENER) 25.75 : Reports Q2 (Dec) earnings of $0.33 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.31; revenues rose 82.8% year/year to $103.1 mln vs the $101.8 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees Q3 revs of $95-110 mln vs. $120.17 mln consensus. Co issuesdownside guidance for FY09, sees FY09 revs of $395-440 mln vs. $450.61 mln consensus.

3:14AM Sohu.com beats by $0.19, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS above consensus, revs below consensus (SOHU) 45.61 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.35 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.19 better than the First Call consensus of $1.16; revenues rose 86.2% year/year to $121.6 mln vs the $121 mln consensus. Co issuesmixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $1.05-1.10, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.01 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $111.5-115.5 mln vs. $117.41 mln consensus. Co reports non-GAAP operating margin of 43%, compared with 38% in Q308. Non-GAAP net margin excluding income tax adjustments $6.0 mln increased to 44% for Q408, compared with 35% in Q308. Sohu estimates brand advertising revenues for Q109 to be between $39.0-41.0 mln. Sohu estimates online game revenues for Q109 to be between $58.0-60.0 mln.

1:54AM Ctrip.com beats by $0.09, beats on revs (CTRP) 21.50 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.33 per ADS, excluding non-recurring items, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $0.24; revenues rose 19.0% year/year to $58.1 mln vs the $57.1 mln consensus. Operating margin was 30% in Q408, compared to 36% in the same period in 2007. Excluding share-based compensation charges (non-GAAP), operating margin was 38%, compared to 42% during the same period in 2007. Gross margin was 77% during Q408, compared to 81% in the same period in 2007. For Q109, co expects to continue the year-on-year net revenue growth at a rate of approx 5-10%.

Earnings - 28th July 2008

CMP: Compass Minerals International Inc. reported its first second-quarter profit, and sales rose 27 percent compared with the same period last year. In a release after the market closed on Monday, the Overland Park-based company (NYSE: CMP) reported earnings of $1.6 million, or 5 cents a share, for the quarter that ended June 30. This compares with a loss of $3.2 million, or 10 cents a share, last year. The company typically records a loss in the second quarter, when it builds rock salt inventories for the winter season. Five analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call reported a consensus earnings estimate of 26 cents a share for the quarter. “This significant achievement illustrates the success of our strategies to strengthen our non-winter, non-seasonal applications coupled with the company’s minimal exposure to economic cycles,” company CEO Angelo Brisimitzakis said in the release. Sales for the quarter were $162 million, up from $127.5 million last year. Four analysts reported a consensus revenue estimate of $158 million for the quarter. Compass ranks No. 18 on the Kansas City Business Journal’s list of area public companies

6:38PM SL Green Rlty beats by $0.29, beats on revs (SLG) 78.90 -4.10 : Reports Q2 (Jun) funds from operations of $2.00 per share, $0.29 better than the First Call consensus of $1.71; revenues rose 21.4% year/year to $305.8 mln vs the $262.4 mln consensus.

5:16PM Mosaic beats by $0.24, beats on revs (MOS) 122.66 +0.61 : Reports Q4 (May) earnings of $1.88 per share, excluding non $0.05 gain, $0.24 better than the First Call consensus of $1.64; revenues rose 105.8% year/year to $3.47 bln vs the $2.85 bln consensus. The average Q4 DAP price, FOB plant, was $754 per tonne, which is a $416 per tonne increase compared with a year ago and a $267 per tonne increase compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The average Q4 MOP price, FOB plant, was $335 per tonne, which is a $181 per tonne increase compared with a year ago and a $114 per tonne increase compared with Q3 of FY08. Co gives outlook saying, Sales volumes for the Phosphates segment are expected to range from 9.0-9.4 mln tonnes for FY09. Potash segment sales volumes are expected to range from 8.2-8.6 mln tonnes in FY09. Mosaic's realized DAP price, FOB plant, for Q1 of FY09 is estimated to be $1,020-1,080 per tonne. Co's Q1 FY09 average realized MOP price, FOB plant, is estimated to be $460-510 per tonne.

5:11PM Manitowoc beats by $0.12, beats on revs; raises bottom-end of FY08 EPS guidance (MTW) 28.98 -0.08 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.01 per share, ex items, $0.12 better than the First Call consensus of $0.89; revenues rose 28.1% year/year to $1.3 bln vs the $1.23 bln consensus. Co raises bottom-end of guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $3.30-3.40, from $3.20-3.40, ex items, vs. $3.42 consensus. "The company continues to see brisk global demand for its mobile telescopic, crawler, and high-capacity tower cranes; however, we are noticing slower demand for lower capacity tower cranes in western Europe. We expect to realize better-than- industry growth with Foodservice revenue increases in the mid-single-digits range and improving margins in the mid-teens," Co also noted that it is closely monitoring and managing the impact of higher steel and commodity costs across each of its businesses.

5:03PM Walter Inds beats by $0.37, beats on revs (WLT) 86.28 +1.77 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.94 per share, $0.37 better than the First Call consensus of $0.57; revenues rose 24.8% year/year to $370 mln vs the $304.7 mln consensus. Changes in metallurgical coal sales volumes between the third and fourth quarter reflect a change in the anticipated timing of shipments for approximately 100,000 tons versus prior expectations. The average metallurgical coal operating margin per ton is expected to improve by approximately $5 per ton in the fourth quarter compared to previously communicated expectations, driven largely by higher metallurgical coal sales prices. The coke sales outlook for the second half of the year also reflects a shift in tons between the third and fourth quarter as coke oven repairs in the third quarter will reduce tonnage volumes slightly that will be made up in the fourth quarter. The operating margin per ton ranges are consistent with prior expectations and reflect favorable spot sales prices, offset by higher coal input costs.

4:37PM CF Industries beats by $1.42, misses on revs (CF) 145.68 +1.96 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $5.02 per share, includes as $0.92 mark-to-market gain, $1.42 better than the First Call consensus of $3.60; revenues rose 36.8% year/year to $1.16 bln vs the $1.21 bln consensus. Average selling prices for all nitrogen products increased from both the year-earlier quarter and Q1 of 2008. For ammonia, the average selling price was $513 per ton, up from $390 in Q2 2007 and $428 in Q1 of 2008. For urea, average selling price was $417 per ton, up from $331 in the year-earlier quarter and $387 in 2008's Q1. For UAN, the average selling price was $313 per ton, up from $206 in the year-earlier quarter and $285 in Q1 2008. Co says, "Unfortunately, the cold, wet spring and flooding delayed planting or required replanting throughout large portions of the Corn Belt. It also limited the application of pre-plant and side-dress ammonia, used to maximize yield on corn... Fertilizer producers should begin seeing the positive effects of that acreage increase during this year's third and fourth quarters, as customers are expected to restock inventories in anticipation of a robust fall application season... while demand for this fall and the spring of 2009 appears strong, there are issues facing domestic producers, including uncertainty regarding export tax levels in China and the cost of sulfur. Co also noted that the impact of fertilizer prices on demand and U.S. ethanol policy bear watching."

4:12PM Advanced Analogic Tech misses by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides Q3 EPS, guides Q3 revs in-line with consensus (AATI) 4.27 -0.36 : Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of $0.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.02); revenues fell 17.8% year/year to $21.2 mln vs the $21.1 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for Q3, sees GAAP EPS of ($0.03)-(0.01), may not be comparable to $0.02 consensus; sees Q3 revs of $24-26 mln vs. $24.52 mln consensus.

4:09PM Atheros Communications beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line (ATHR) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.31 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.30; revenues rose 20.5% year/year to $121.5 mln vs the $120.8 mln consensus.

4:02PM AuthenTec beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS in-line, revs below consensus; guides FY08 revs in-line (AUTH) 9.90 -0.30 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.04 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.03; revenues rose 49.6% year/year to $18.4 mln vs the $17.4 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.04-0.05 vs. $0.05 consensus; sees Q3 revs of $19-20 mln vs. $20.22 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees FY08 revs of $72-78 mln vs. $77.08 mln consensus.

4:02PM Ladish misses by $0.11, misses on revs (LDSH) 21.99 -0.53 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.43 per share, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.54; revenues rose 4.8% year/year to $119 mln vs the $123.5 mln consensus.

8:39AM Wrigley beats by $0.06, beats on revs (WWY) 78.99 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.74 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.68; revenues rose 14.0% year/year to $1.57 bln vs the $1.53 bln consensus.

7:32AM Simon Properties beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides FY08 FFO above consensus (SPG) 90.59 : Reports Q2 (Jun) funds from operations of $1.56 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $1.49; revenues rose 7.8% year/year to $922.9 mln vs the $885 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY08, sees FFO of $6.45-6.52, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $6.44 consensus.

7:28AM Verizon beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line (VZ) 34.45 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.67 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.65; revenues rose 3.7% year/year to $24.12 bln vs the $24.18 bln consensus. Co reports Q2 net adds of 1.5 mln customers, with 68.7 mln total customers. Co reports 1.12% total churn and 0.83% retail post-paid churn. Co reports 176k net new FiOS TV customers and 187k net new FiOS Internet customers. Co reports 10.4% increase in consumer ARPU in legacy telecom markets and 18.7% increase in Verizon Business strategic services revenue.

7:08AM Kraft Foods beats by $0.08, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS above consensus (KFT) 29.38 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.58 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $0.50; revenues rose 21.4% year/year to $11.18 bln vs the $10.7 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of at least $1.92 vs. $1.89 consensus. The company continues to expect cumulative annualized savings from the restructuring program to reach approximately $1.0 bln by year-end and $1.2 bln by the end of 2009. To date, cumulative annualized savings from this cost restructuring program totaled approximately $927 mln, up from approximately $785 mlnat the end of 2007.

3:22AM Elbit Systems anticipates positive impact on Q208 results due to higher level of revenues from short-term delivery contracts (ESLT) 53.87 : Co announces that it anticipates an impact on its Q208 results of additional net after tax profit of approx $8-11 mln, due mainly to a higher level of revenues generated from short-term delivery contracts in the quarter. Conversely, the co notes, as indicated in its announcement on July 2, 2008, that its financial results for Q208 will also be negatively impacted in a net after tax amount of approx $10 mln, as a result of a recent court ruling in the U.S. Both developments will be reflected in Q208 results.

1:28AM Sohu.com beats by $0.25, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (SOHU) 82.82 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.92 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.25 better than the First Call consensus of $0.67; revenues rose 161.6% year/year to $102 mln vs the $96.5 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $1.00-1.05, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.71 consensus; sees Q3 revs of $112.0-116.0 mln vs. $106.75 mln consensus.

Earnings - 17th July 2008 (2)

4:34PM Skyworks beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q4 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (SWKS) 10.85 +0.55 : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $0.18 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.17; revenues rose 22.9% year/year to $215.2 mln vs the $210.6 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $0.20 vs. $0.19 consensus; sees Q4 revs of $225 mln vs. $222.07 mln consensus.

4:23PM Microsoft misses by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus; lowers Y09 guidance by $0.01 (MSFT) 27.52 : Reports Q4 (Jun) earnings of $0.46 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 18.4% year/year to $15.84 bln vs the $15.65 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.47-0.48 vs. $0.49 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $14.7-14.9 bln vs. $15.06 bln consensus. Co issues lowers EPS guidance for FY09 by $0.01, sees EPS of $2.12-2.18, compared to previous guidance of $2.13-2.19, vs. $2.16 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $67.3-68.1 bln, compared to previous guidance of $66.9-68.0 bln, vs. $67.29 bln consensus.

4:20PM Merrill Lynch reports wider than expected loss; confirms sale of Bloomberg stake (MER) 30.73 +2.73 : Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of $4.95 per share, $3.04 worse than the First Call consensus of ($1.91). Co confirms it completed the sale of its 20% ownership stake in Bloomberg, L.P. to Bloomberg Inc., for $4.425 bln, and as part of this transaction has entered into a long-term service agreement. Merrill Lynch is also in negotiations and has signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell a controlling interest in Financial Data Services, based on an enterprise value for FDS in excess of $3.5 bln... Amidst a challenging market environment, Merrill Lynch's core businesses continued to perform well; however, second quarter 2008 net revenues were negative $2.1 bln, compared with positive $9.5 bln in the prior-year period. The revenue decline was driven by net losses totaling $3.5 bln related to U.S. super senior ABS CDOs and credit valuation adjustments of negative $2.9 bln related to hedges with financial guarantors, about half of which related to U.S. super senior ABS CDOs. Other significant net losses included $1.7 bln in the investment portfolio of Merrill Lynch's U.S. banks, as well as $1.3 bln from certain residential mortgage exposures. Active efforts to reduce risk through asset sales combined with these net losses, resulted in meaningful exposure reductions for many of these asset classes. "Our core franchise continues to perform well despite the extremely challenging market environment... Against this backdrop, we increased our excess liquidity pool to a record level of $92 bln and significantly reduced our exposures in key asset classes. Importantly, with the transactions we announced today, we are bolstering our capital base and continue to move forward on our risk management and strategic growth initiatives." The firm's liquidity position remained strong with the holding company's excess liquidity pool at a record level of approximately $92 bln, up from $82 bln at the end of 1Q08 and well in excess of debt maturing in less than one year. At the end of the second quarter of 2008, estimated book value per share was $21.43, down from $25.93 at the end of the first quarter.

4:12PM Capital One misses by $0.10 (COF) 42.80 +5.52 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.21 per share, including discontinued operations, $0.10 worse than the First Call consensus of $1.31; co missed on revs reporting $3.35 bln vs $4.37 bln consensus. Charge-offs rose in the second qtr of 2008 to 6.26% from 5.85% in the first qtr of 2008, and from 3.56% in the second qtr of 2007. The company expects the charge-off rate to be in the low six% range in the third qtr, rising to around seven% in the fourth qtr. Delinquencies improved in the second qtr of 2008 to 3.85% from 4.04% in the previous qtr but rose from 2.98% in the year ago qtr. Credit performance in the qtr was largely in line with previous expectations and reflects expected continued weakening as suggested by US economic indicators. Available liquidity increased in the qtr by $3.0 bln to $33.0 bln. "Going forward, we will continue our 37.5 cent quarterly dividend while at the same time maintaining our TCE ratio above our long-term target range."

4:11PM Evergreen Solar beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (ESLR) 10.32 : Reports Q2 (Jun) loss of $0.08 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.10); revenues rose 47.8% year/year to $22.8 mln vs the $22.1 mln consensus. ESLR guides Q3 gross margin is expected to be in the range of 6% to 8%. Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of ($0.10) vs. ($0.08) consensus; sees Q3 revs of $24.5-25.5 mln vs. $26.51 mln consensus. Operating expenses, excluding factory startup costs, are expected to be approximately $12.0 mln to $12.5 mln. Factory startup costs are expected to be in the range of $8.0 mln to $8.5 mln, including approximately $2.7 mln of accelerated depreciation associated with the Marlboro ramp down.

4:09PM PMC-Sierra beats by $0.01, beats on revs (PMCS) 7.93 +0.62 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.13 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.12; revenues rose 33.5% year/year to $139.8 mln vs the $137.3 mln consensus. "In the second quarter, we experienced strong demand for our fiber to the home products in Asia as well as growth in our wireline infrastructure products... We are very focused on product execution in the second half of the year to further penetrate the enterprise storage and communications markets."

4:08PM Stryker reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY08 EPS in-line, revs below consensus (SYK) 68.41 -0.08 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.73 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.73; revenues rose 17.0% year/year to $1.71 bln vs the $1.68 bln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.88 vs. $2.88 consensus. The financial forecast for 2008 remains unchanged, with a constant currency net sales increase in the range of 11% to 13%, equates to $6.661-6.781 bln vs. $6.85 bln consensus, as a result of growth in shipments of Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment. If foreign currency exchange rates hold near June 30, 2008 levels, the Company anticipates a favorable impact on net sales of approximately 2.5% to 3% in the third quarter of 2008 and a favorable impact on net sales of approximately 3% to 3.5% for the full year of 2008.

4:06PM Google misses by $0.11, reports revs in-line (GOOG) 533.44 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $4.63 per share, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $4.74; revenues after deducting TAC rose 43.2% year/year to $3.9 bln vs the $3.87 bln consensus. Co reports Q2 Paid Clicks increased ~19% yr/yr, compares to Q1 yr/yr increase of ~20%. Co said, "Strong international growth as well as sustained traffic increases on Google's web properties propelled us to another strong quarter, despite a more challenging economic environment... As we continue to focus on innovating in our core business of search, ads and apps, we also look forward to enhancing the experience of our users and expanding the reach of our advertisers and partners with new technologies and formats, particularly as our integration of DoubleClick gains momentum and creates new opportunities in display advertising and elsewhere."

9:06AM Nucor beats by $0.11, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus (NUE) 67.26 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.94 per share, $0.11 better than the First Call consensus of $1.83; revenues rose 70.1% year/year to $7.09 bln vs the $6.37 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $1.80-1.85 vs. $1.95 consensus. Co expects continued strength in its sheet, plate, beam and bar businesses due to the solid global demand for steel. Although downstream businesses will be challenged by rising steel prices, the co expects continued good results from this segment. Note, the Q3 guidance an increase in the diluted share count by 6% vs Q2 due to Nucor's recent stock offering on May 29.

9:04AM Sherwin-Williams beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS in-line; reaffirms FY08 EPS guidance (SHW) 47.95 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.45 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $1.38; revenues rose 1.4% year/year to $2.23 bln vs the $2.19 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $1.20-1.45 vs. $1.20 consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $3.60-4.10 vs. $3.79 consensus.

9:04AM Safeway beats by $0.01, misses on revs; guides FY08 EPS in-line (SWY) 30.01 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.53 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.52; revenues rose 3.0% year/year to $10.12 bln vs the $10.25 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.25-2.35 vs. $2.28 consensus. Safeway revised guidance for identical-store sales growth, excluding fuel, from a range of 2.0% to 2.3% to a range of 1.0% to 2.0%.

8:58AM Reliance Steel beats by $0.02, slight miss on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus (RS) 71.79 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $2.12 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $2.10; revenues rose 10.5% year/year to $2.10 bln vs the $2.12 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $1.80-1.90 vs. $1.94 consensus. Co says Q2 turned out to be quite a bit better than originally anticipated primarily as a result of higher carbon steel prices, which resulted in higher gross profit margins as the co quickly passed through the increases to its customers. The price increases were larger than anticipated. Looking at Q3, the co expects pricing to be slightly above Q2 levels. While the co does not expect any unusual changes in demand, it does expect normal seasonal softness. As a result, the co expects volume to decrease slightly and its gross margin to be a bit lower because the rate of carbon steel price increases will be below that of Q2.

8:37AM InSteel Industries beats by $0.33, beats on revs (IIIN) 19.72 : Reports Q3 (Jun) earnings of $0.97 per share, $0.33 better than the First Call consensus of $0.64; revenues rose 32.0% year/year to $104.3 mln vs the $92.9 mln consensus. "We expect business conditions to become increasingly challenging in view of the anticipated softening in nonresidential construction, particularly for commercial projects. In addition, we foresee further increases in raw material costs in the coming months driven by tight supply in the domestic market and limited availability of imports at competitive prices. It may become more difficult for us to pass on these additional costs depending upon the magnitude of the drop-off in demand and competitive dynamics. We also expect spreads and margins to narrow to more sustainable levels when the pricing for wire rod and our products levels out and the higher cost material begins to be reflected in cost of sales."

8:12AM PPG Industries beats by $0.08, beats on revs (PPG) 55.79 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.62 per share ex-items, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $1.54; revenues rose 41.8% year/year to $4.47 bln vs the $4.17 bln consensus. "Looking ahead, we expect our growth to be sustained, due in part to these same factors," Chairman and CEO, Bunch said. He added that announced price increases in the commodity chemicals business are being implemented, along with price actions in other businesses, with the intent of offsetting further inflationary pressures. "We expect our future operating results to remain solid and to compare favorably within our industry groups," Bunch concluded.

8:12AM Sonoco Products beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides Q3 EPS below consensus; guides FY08 EPS in-line (SON) 30.84 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.62 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.60; revenues rose 9.3% year/year to $1.09 bln vs the $1.08 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.63-0.65 vs. $0.66 consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.44-2.47 vs. $2.46 consensus.

8:12AM Cypress Semi beats by $0.07, beats on revs (CY) 26.47 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.28 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 58.9% year/year to $592.3 mln vs the $540 mln consensus. "Cypress achieved record quarterly revenue and exceeded guidance in both our core semiconductor and SunPower businesses. Despite a very challenging economic environment, our semiconductor business grew solidly across all divisions driven by the strength of our programmable solutions.... While we remain cautious about the macro economic environment for the second half of 2008, we anticipate strong sequential growth in our semiconductor business, driven mainly by our flagship programmable products, our PSoC Programmable-System-on-Chip solution and by our WestBridge peripheral controllers. Both of these products are expected to achieve record quarterly revenues in our seasonally strong Q3." Non-GAAP consolidated gross margin for the second quarter was 35.0%, up 0.8 percentage points from the previous quarter. Non-GAAP semiconductor gross margin for the second quarter was 50.7%, matching the previous quarter... Separately, the co announced that its Board of Directors has authorized management to proceed with a spin-off to Cypress's shareholders of the Class B common shares of SunPower (SPWR) held by Cypress, with the objective of having the transaction completed by the end of 2008, or sooner if possible. Cypress previously announced that on April 16, 2008, it had received a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to certain tax issues arising under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with a potential spin-off transaction. In connection with the proposed spin-off, the Cypress Board contemplates adjusting outstanding employee equity awards in a manner intended to preserve their intrinsic value as well as a possible tender offer for all or a portion of the company's outstanding 1.00% convertible senior notes due September 2009.

8:11AM ValueClick lowers Q2 rev and FY08 EPS and rev guidance; issues upside Q2 EPS (VCLK) 13.77 : Co issues mixed guidance for Q2 (Jun), sees EPS of $0.17-0.18 vs. $0.16 First Call consensus, up from $0.15-0.16 previously; sees Q2 (Jun) revs of $163-164 mln vs. $169.84 mln consensus, down from $166-170 mln previously. Co issues downside guidance for FY08 (Dec), sees EPS of $0.69-0.71 vs. $0.81 consensus, down from $0.81-0.83 previously; sees FY08 (Dec) revs of $655-675 mln vs. $738.52 mln consensus, down from $730-745 mln previously. "Due to increasing macroeconomic uncertainty, we no longer anticipate the seasonal strength in ad spending we typically see in the second half of the year. However, we continue to focus on gross margins and operating expenses such that we expect to maintain an adjusted-EBITDA margin for fiscal year 2008 that is consistent with our prior guidance. The Company currently has $101 million in authorization in its share repurchase program, and we plan to be actively buying back stock in the coming weeks."

8:07AM Illinois Tool beats by $0.04; guides Q3 EPS in-line (ITW) 46.55 : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $1.01 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.97; revenues rose 10.5% year/year to $4.57 bln vs the $4.58 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees EPS of 0.93-0.99 vs. $0.95 consensus. Co issues guidance for FY08, sees EPS of 3.40-3.52, includes 22 cent after-tax charge, may not be comparable to $3.64 consensus.

8:04AM Sunpower beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY08 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus; guides FY09 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (SPWR) : Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.61 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.51; revenues rose 120.3% year/year to $382.8 mln vs the $343.1 mln consensus. SPWR reported total gross margin of 26.4%, Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.53-0.57 vs. $0.57 consensus; sees Q3 revs of $340-355 mln vs. $346.86 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY08, sees EPS of $2.26-2.36 vs. $2.17 consensus; sees FY08 revs of $1.39-1.44 bln vs. $1.36 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $3.50 vs. $3.41 consensus; sees FY09 revs of $2.0-2.1 bln vs. $1.94 bln consensus.

8:02AM Compass Minerals Intl announces price increase on sulfate of potash specialty fertilizer (CMP) 72.28 : Great Salt Lake Minerals, a subsidiary of Compass Minerals (CMP), announces a $255 per-ton price increase on all sulfate of potash specialty fertilizer products effective with shipments on August 15, 2008. The new list price for standard, non-granulated S.O.P. will be $988 per short ton and granular SOP will be $1000 per short ton at the company's solar evaporation plant at Ogden, Utah.