The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Research In Motion, Nokia, Apple, AT&T and Quicksilver Resources
CHICAGO, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Research In Motion Limited (Nasdaq:BBRY),Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK), Apple Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL), AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Quicksilver Resources Inc. (NYSE:KWK).
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)
Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513
Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:
BlackBerry Z10 Sales Slow in the Gulf
As per media reports, sales of Research In Motion Limited's (Nasdaq:BBRY) new BB10 operating system-based smartphone Z10 has slowed down after the initial good response in the gulf region. The news comes on the back of a poor response for the company's latest smartphone in the U.S. market, where it made its debut on Mar 22, 2013.
BBRY launched its much-awaited BB10 operating system (OS) based device on Jan 30, 2013 and started selling the phone in the Gulf region from Feb 10, 2013. Initially the device received a good response as it was one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of 2013. However, the initial momentum fizzled out after 15 days of the launch.
According to the Canadian handset manufacturers, the company has received good pre-orders for the phone and are working with its two distributers in the Gulf region to keep pace with the demand. However, one of the two distributors has sold only 300,000 Z10 phones since its launch while a couple of online retailers are selling the phone at a discount of 15%.
Historically, Gulf, which consists of six oil rich countries, is an important market for BBRY. At the end of 2012, BBRY became the leader for smartphones in the Gulf region, with a market share of 35%. The Canadian company has even left behind Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK), Apple Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Company of South Korea.
BBRY witnessed a similar fate in the most lucrative North American market, as the company failed to create any meaningful response when it launched the phone with AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) during last weekend.
Despite the negatives there are some reasons to cheer for Research In Motion Limited. Z10 is now available in 25 countries and according to recent report has done well in its home country. BBRY has also received a record single purchase order of one million handsets from a telecom partner. Furthermore, BBRY is yet to launch its QWERTY-based phone in the Gulf region, which is expected to be more appealing, particularly to business customers.
However, it remains to be seen how the company counters declining sales in the Gulf region particularly when Samsung Electronics will start shipping its Galaxy S4 smartphones from late Apr.
Research in Motion Limited currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Quicksilver Posts Revised Results
Quicksilver Resources Inc. (NYSE:KWK) declared its revised net income and revenue figures for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2012. The current figures came in higher than the numbers reported in late Feb 2013.
At the time of the fourth quarter and 2012 earnings release, the company did not take into account any hedge qualifying effects. Instead of deferring the unrealized derivative and losses, Quicksilver took into consideration these adjustments which trickled down to the financial statement.
Including these modifications, net loss for the fourth quarter comes to $548.0 million corresponding to a GAAP loss of $3.22 per share. In comparison, the previous net loss stood at $1.1 billion translating to a GAAP loss of $6.47 per share. On a pro forma basis, the revised earnings per share figure comes to 5 cents compared with a loss of a penny as per the prior report.
For 2012, the recalculated net loss comes to $2.35 billion compared with a net loss of $2.49 billion reported earlier. The modified GAAP loss figure stands at $13.83 per share, favorable than the previous loss of $14.61 per share. Adjusted loss for 2012 also came in lower at 5 cents compared with a loss of 27 cents posted during the release.
Revenue for the quarter shot up 25.1% to $224.0 million from the previous $179.1 million. For 2012, the modified revenue increased 5.7% to $709.0 million from $670.8 million reported earlier.
We believe these positive revisions in both the top and the bottom line will unlock greater value for the company's shareholders. With natural gas prices regaining its momentum and moving north, we believe independent oil and gas companies like Quicksilver will accrue substantial benefits, going forward. Moreover, the company's effective hedging program will lend a degree of constancy to its returns.
Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leon Zacks. As a PhD from MIT Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.
Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
Share this article