Paul Ausick

Recent Articles

Home Builders Weaker Than They Look (XHB, KBH, LEN, TOL)

By Paul Ausick

Defying all logic, shares in some home builders jumped in 2009. The government incentives to home buyers and the low mortgage interest rates certainly contributed most to that rise. The SPDR Homebuilders ETF (XHB) gained 27.7% in 2009. But KB Home (KBH) reported a loss in the first quarter of 2010 nearly equal to its loss in the first quarter of 2009. Lennar Homes (LEN) reduced its year-over-year losses in the quarter by nearly 90%, putting a little glow back in the industry. Another builder with headaches is Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL).

Apple’s iPhone Coming to Verizon Wireless

By Paul Ausick

Shares in Apple Inc. (AAPL) hit a new 52-week high this morning on a report from the Wall Street Journal that the company will introduce a CDMA-compatible version of the iPhone in late summer 2010. If the report pans out, the big winner will be Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications (VZ) and Vodafone. The big loser will be AT&T (T).

China’s Largest Oil Refiner Doubles Profit as Oil Prices Rise

By Paul Ausick

China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. (SNP), better known as Sinopec, reported its 2009 annual earnings this morning and the results are much better than a year ago. EPS more than doubled to $0.10 although revenues fell by nearly $200 billion compared with 2008.

Heavy Demand Delays iPad

By Paul Ausick

Depending on when a customer ordered a new iPad from Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL), that customer will be able to pick up her new iPad on April 3rd, as planned, or will have to wait until April 12th. It appears that Apple has changed the ship date in response to heavy demand for the new tablet.

Are Consumers Buying Home Furnishings Again?

By Paul Ausick

A week ago Williams-Sonoma Inc. (WSM) reported strong fourth quarter 2009 earnings and the share price jumped more than $3. The stock hit a 52-week high the day after an analyst downgraded Williams-Sonoma shares from 'Buy' to 'Hold'. Bed Bath and Beyond Inc. (BBBY) will release fourth quarter earnings next week.

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