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Caterpillar, on which I recommended a put Dec. 29, reported a mixed quarter this morning.  The headline adjusted earnings were 85c versus an estimate of 67c. However, revenue dropped 13% and was $200 million less than expected. Guidance for 2017 was weak- $2.90 versus current estimates of $3.07 and sales… Read More

Trade: Buy to open the March 17, 2017 call on H&E Equipment (HEES) with a strike price of $30 at 65c or lower (Symbol:HEES170317C30) Event: Fourth quarter earnings on or around Feb.25. Conference call  information to follow. Rationale: Oil rig counts have increased faster and more dramatically than… Read More

Profit Catalyst Alert holding Brunswick, and put option position Caterpillar, will both report before the open on Thursday Jan. 26. Later that same day, Integrated Device Technologies and call option position PayPal report earnings after the close. I’ll be issuing updates regarding any significant earnings updates for all positions. Camping… Read More

Acuity BrandsAcuity Brands (NYSE: AYI) missed first-quarter (ending November) estimates by 8% on Jan. 9. The stock dropped 15% before rebounding on the buy recommendations of brokerage firms. Management noted a marked drop in orders from small customers in November, primarily from those skittish about the election. Labor shortages for… Read More

Navigating the market these days feels like walking a tightrope. One day the market is ebullient because wages are rising and productivity is improving, and the next it’s sinking into the doldrums. Retailers, buried after reporting dismal holiday sales and earnings, soar 24 hours later on take-over scuttlebutt. Drug stocks,… Read More

Buy Ichor Systems (NSDQ: ICHR)Ichor is riding the wave of huge spending by chip companies on 3D NAND equipment. Ichor’s biggest customers, Lam Research and Applied Material, are estimated to sell roughly 20% more equipment in 2017 even after a record 2016. Demand for equipment using Ichor’s gas and liquid… Read More

Apogee Enterprises (NSDQ: APOG) is up 36% since our purchase last March. We are taking the gain, especially considering the messy trading in other building material companies that have noted a slow down from small customers.We still love Apogee’s unique position to benefit from building booms but think it’s wise… Read More

Acuity Brands (NYSE: AYI) missed first quarter (ending November) estimates by 8% on in a report issued Jan. 9. I think the 15% drop in the stock is overdone but emblematic of investors’ fears regarding a slowdown in U.S. building. Management noted a marked drop in orders from small customers… Read More