Ameriprise and Chipotle second-quarter earnings beats, Universal Electronics moves from Buy to Hold, and today’s buying opportunity.
Ameriprise Beats All Analysts’ Second Quarter Earnings Estimates
Ameriprise Financial (AMP – yield 2.3%) reported second-quarter operating earnings per diluted share of $2.80 yesterday afternoon when the market was expecting $2.62, with a range of $2.56 to $2.70. Quarterly revenue of $3.0 billion surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.9 billion. Ameriprise offers financial products and services, including insurance and annuities, to retail and institutional investors. Read the earnings press release here.
AMP launched out of a trading range a few weeks ago, and rose another 3.5% this morning. The price chart is extremely bullish. AMP could rise into the 160s and still not be overvalued. Buy.
Chipotle Handily Beats Second Quarter Expectations
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) reported second-quarter earnings per diluted share of $2.32 yesterday afternoon when the market was expecting $2.18, with a range of $1.89 to $2.62. Quarterly revenue of $1.17 billion came in just shy of the expected $1.2 billion. Profitability was enhanced by a reduction in promotional pricing and selective menu price increases. Read the earnings press release here.
I had not realized that there are people who thought Chipotle’s recent norovirus problem had involved some or many of its store locations. In reality, one sick employee came to work in one store in Virginia, against company rules, and caused the illnesses and share price fallout that took place in recent days. Frankly, a sick employee could cause that problem at literally any food establishment in the world, and it’s very bad luck that it happened at Chipotle on the heels of the 2015 foodborne illness problem at the retail chain.
The share price seems to have bottomed. As the rebound commences in the coming weeks, there’s some upside price resistance at 395. So if you’re a trader who’s buying today, that’s your exit point. Hold.
Universal Electronics Moves from Buy to Hold
Universal Electronics (UEIC) joined the Buy Low Opportunities Portfolio in November 2016, after the stock fell a ridiculous amount on minor bad news. UEIC started this week with a big jump. Now that there’s less than 10% upside to my price target, I’m moving UEIC from Buy to Hold. I plan to sell near 79, where it last traded in August 2016. Hold.
Today’s Buying Opportunity
Quanta Services (PWR) is down 4% this morning on low volume for no apparent reason. Take advantage of the share price and buy today. There’s short-term upside price resistance at 38.5, which the stock could surpass in 2017. Strong Buy.