Stock News

Staples Inc. share price up, to close 140 of its North America stores in 2014 due to increasing online competition

Staples Inc, the world’s largest office-supply retailer, said in a statement today that it intends to shut about 140 of its stores in North America this year as increasing online and big-box chains competition hurt its sales. Mr. Ron Sargent, who is the companys Chief Executive Officer, said: “Were accelerating growth in our delivery businesses […] Read more

Lowe’s Companies Inc. share price down, posts upbeat Q2 earnings, lowers growth guidance

Lowes, the worlds second-top home improvement retailer, posted its earnings report for the second quarter ended August 1 today, revealing robust sales growth. Despite the upbeat operational results, however, the company lowered its full-year sales growth projection, pressuring shares some 3% down in premarket trade. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based company reported $16.59 billion in revenue, […] Read more

Heineken NV share price up, first-half profit increases, expects moderate growth in the second half

The third-largest brewer in the world – Heineken NV announced in a statement that its first-half profit beat analysts estimates and projected moderate growth for the remainder of the year. Heinekens Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jean-Francois van Boxmeer said in a statement, cited by the Wall Street Jounal: “We are confident that our strong brand […] Read more

Glencore Plc share price up, announces a $1-billion stock buyback as first-half profit increases

Glencore Plc said in a statement today that it has decided to hold a $1-billion share buyback program after its profit over the first six months of the fiscal year increased by 8% due to higher production of copper, coal and oil, and strong performance of the companys marketing arm. According to Glencores statement, the […] Read more

Balfour Beatty Plc’ share price down, rejects increased merger bid from Carillion

Balfour Beatty Plc, the largest construction contractor in the UK, rejected an improved merger offer by Carillion Plc, saying that the proposed business plan is too risky. Carillion upped its bid for Balfour Beatty, aiming to form the largest builder in the UK, with market capitalization of some £3 billion (~$5 billion), and over 80 […] Read more

FTSE 100 index retreats from 3-week high; Fed, BoE minutes eyed

Britains blue-chip index fell on Wednesday after settling at a three-week high on Tuesday as investors awaited cues from central banks. Receding, but persisting geopolitical tensions in several hot regions kept equity gains in check. The FTSE 100 index was down 0.31%, or 21.01 points, at 6 758.30 points at 8:16 GMT, having shifted in […] Read more

Apple Inc.’s share price record high as investors eye new releases

Apple Inc. shares closed at an all-time high on Tuesday, pricing the worlds most valuable company at some $600 billion, as markets expect the release of new products set to push the companys revenue growth, and stock, even higher. Tuesdays close of $100.53 beat the previous, September 19 2012, record of $100.30. Analysts commented that […] Read more

Home Depot Inc. share price climbs, posts encouraging Q2 results, ups guidance

Home Depot Inc., the largest US home-improvement retailer, posted earnings for Q2 earlier today, to reveal a sizable increase in both sales and net income, while also increasing its full-year profit guidance. Second quarter revenue was logged at $23.81 billion, up 5.7% on an annual basis, while net income added 13.8% at $2.1bn. A $3.5bn […] Read more

Imperial Tobacco Group Plc share price up, reports a smaller nine-month net revenue decline due to improving European market

Europes second-largest tobacco company – Imperial Tobacco Group Plc reported a smaller decline in its nine-month net revenue in comparison to analysts estimates. The company said the improving European market helped offset a “significant deterioration” in Russia. Imperial Tobacco Group reported a 1% sales decline to 4.75 billion pounds ($7.95 billion) over the nine months […] Read more

AP Moeller-Maersk A/S share price up, raises 2014 full-year profit projection due to solid performance of its container-shipping unit

AP Moeller-Maersk A/S increased its full-year profit projection as its container-shipping line posted increasing earnings thanks to higher freight volumes and lower expenses. According to the companys statement, its earnings excluding impairment losses, divestment gains and discontinued operations are expected to amount to $4.5 billion in comparison to the previously raised forecast of $4 billion […] Read more