07:56 ET MBNA Corp estimates cut at Goldman (KRB) 16.50: Goldman Sachs trims 2003-04 ests below consensus, saying Jan managed credit quality data signals a somewhat weaker new year's pattern in credit than previously anticipated; trims 2003 est to $1.63 from $1.65 and 2004 to $1.80 from $1.85 (consensus is $1.67 and $1.88).
07:54 ET Semi Equip book-to-bill ratio falls to 0.92 (openx) : The semiconductor capital equipment book-to-bill ratio for January came in at 0.92. This represents a decline from December's b-to-b ratio of 0.94. Morgan Stanley's industry analyst's previous estimates were in the range of 0.93-0.98 for this indicator. The analyst believes this announcement to be a "non-event" despite missing his forecasts for January.
07:52 ET Micron reduces workforce by 10% (MU) 7.17:
07:48 ET Nokia cut to Mkt Perform from Outperform at Wachovia (NOK) 14.26: Based on firm's most recent Global Handset Sentiment Index, Wachovia is concerned that demand for replacement handsets could be weaker than expected over the next qtr. Leads firm to reduce its Q1 est to Eur 0.18 from Eur 0.20. Lowers 2003 view to Eur 0.88 from Eur 0.91. Firm does not expect shares to advance much until there is a rebound in replacement handset demand particularly in Europe.
07:47 ET Anadigics upped to Mkt Perform from Underperform at Wachovia (ANAD) 1.95: Firm expects ANAD to trade in the $1.90-$2.10 range based on its est of $2.00 in net cash per share at yr-end 2003.
07:44 ET Newfield Expl upped to Buy from Neutral at Merrill Lynch (NFX) 32.83:
07:42 ET Dell Computer initiated as In-Line at Goldman (DELL) 26.49: Goldman Sachs initiates coverage with an In-Line rating, saying in the near-term DELL's premium valuation "does not appear to leave enough on the table" given both geopolitical overhangs and a slower seasonal period for both PCs and the tech mkt in general.
07:39 ET CAT and IR upgraded to Buy at UBS : UBS upgrades Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) and Ingersoll-Rand (IR) to BUY from Neutral based on belief that 2003 could mark an inflection pt in domestic non-tech related capital spending, plus signs of a slight increase in pricing power in the machinery marketplace and firm's continued belief that the machinery stocks should be better than market performers over the next few months.
so much for the barrons push for ala, lu, et al...
07:35 ET FCC chief Powell faces rebellion on telecom overhaul - FT : The Financial Times reports that FCC Chairman Michael Powell was facing the prospect last night of being thwarted in his efforts to overhaul the regulation of the US telecom industry; 3 of the 5 members of the commission were preparing a ruling that would exclude a provision which would attempt to limit the ability of state regulators to determine the extent of competition in telecom networks, which Powell believes is vital to any effective overhaul of telecom regulation. The Baby Bells (SBC, VZ, BLS) have lobbied strongly for the removal of the current competition policy, known as UNE-P.
07:21 ET Semi stocks upgraded by Morgan Stanley: INTC, XLNX, TXN : Morgan Stanley raises its view on the Semiconductor group to Attractive from In-Line on view that the reward to risk parameters have become more attractive during the last few months. Firm expects the universe of semiconductor stocks to outperform the overall market during the next 12-18 months. Upgrades INTC, TXN, and XLNX to OVERWEIGHT from Equal-weight. |
