Month: February 2013

The Labor Department announced that first-time jobless benefits claims fell by 5,000 to 366,000 this past week. Initial claims for unemployment benefits dropped to 366,000 from 371,000.

Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) maintained its quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on March 12, 2013, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 25, 2013.

Akamai Tech (AKAM) was downgraded by Jefferies (JEF) from buy to hold with a $40 price target due to a difficult short term outlook. Shares are lower by about 16.6 percent.

In trading on Thursday, education & training services shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 5.9%. Leading the group were shares of Devry (DV), up about 21.2% and shares of Itt Educational Services (ESI) up about 11.1% on the day.

Sprint (S) announced that it lost $1.3 billion during the fourth quarter, roughly the same as the same period last year. The loss amounted to 44 cents per share versus 43 cents per share a year earlier.

The Labor Department coming out with positive unemployment numbers this morning, signifying a recovery in the job market. The number of American filing for jobless claims fell last week by 5,000, to 366,000. Although this was higher than what analysts h

Marathon Oil (MRO) announced that it earned 55 cents per share, below estimates of 68 cents per share, for the most recent fiscal quarter versus 78 cents per share in the same period last year. Revenues were $4.236 billion, higher by 11.2% versus the same period last year, and beating estimates of $3.772 billion.

Shares of Boise Cascade (BCH) rose by more than 24 percent in their first day of trading, indicating a thaw in the IPO market. The strong demand for shares in the wood and building product maker may also be an indication that the housing market may be recovering as the unemployment rate drops and interest rates remain low.

Kellogg (K) had its estimates and price target increased by BMO (BMO) due to improving North American sales trends. A $63 price target was issued with a market perform rating.

Arch Coal (ACI) was downgraded by JP Morgan (JPM) to neutral as the company is employing a high amount of leverage. Shares are higher by about 1.5 percent.