| U.S. Railroads Well Positioned for Upturn, Moody’s Says Research Recap submits: Railroads should pick up market share from trucking companies as economy improves. Moody’s appears to concur with major investor Warren Buffett’s long-term view of the US railroad industry (or is it the other way around?). On the heels of further reducing Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK.A) holdings in the ratings agency, Buffet is making a huge bet on the railroad industry through Berkshire’s acquisition of Burlington Northern (BNI).Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Stoneridge, Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript Stoneridge, Inc. (SRI)Q4 2009 Earnings CallComplete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Earnings Preview: Harley-Davidson theflyonthewall.com submits: Harley-Davidson (HOG) is expected to report Q1 earnings before the market open on Tuesday, April 20 with a conference call scheduled for 9:00 am ET. GuidanceAnalysts are looking for a profit of 24c on revenue of $1.02B. The consensus range is 3c-39c for EPS, and revenue of $914.3M-$1.21B, according to First Call. In January, the company forecast motorcycle shipments down 5%-10% for FY10, and said it expects to ship 201,000-212,000 motorcycles this year. CEO Keith Wandell noted that the company expects 2010 will continue to be a challenging year. Harley-Davidson was also the subject of LBO speculation this quarter, and Breakingviews said Kohlberg Kravis was named as a potential suitor. Breakingviews believes the idea of KKR or another buyout firm looking into Harley-Davidson "isn’t entirely crazy." Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Why FedEx and UPS Don't Reflect the Overall Economy Michael Shulman submits: Strong earnings and increased forecasts from UPS (UPS) and Federal Express (FDX) lifted hopes of the economic bulls. Sorry. They are gaining market share on other carriers, online retailers are gaining market share and companies are running leaner inventories and using “just right now” shipping to keep inventories lean. · The freight forwarding and air cargo business has a great many smallish companies that are flexible, nimble, and cater to certain industries such as pharmaceuticals. They are going out of business due to the recession and a pullback in credit lines. Go back through industrial directories and yellow pages and you will see the proof.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Is There an Echo in Here? Ian Wyatt submits: One of the first signs of a recovering economy is a pickup in the movement of goods and materials. With demand increasing, companies need to get products made and delivered, and put the machinery in motion for a blossoming of growth. This year, the slow, inconsistent global economic recovery has propelled the transportation industry forward in fits and starts - a bumpy road since the recession put a stranglehold on expansion a few years back.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |