Electronic Data Systems (EDS) agrees to be acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) for $25 per share, or an enterprise value of about $13.9 billion. Terms have been unanimously approved by HPQ and EDS boards of directors. HPQ expects deal will be accretive to fiscal year 2009 non-GAAP EPS and accretive to fiscal year 2010 GAAP EPS. Ahead of formal announcement, and following sharp rise late Monday in EDS shares on unconfirmed report of this deal, S&P said the deal makes sense; reiterated hold.
Hewlett-Packard says preliminary non-GAAP EPS were $0.87 in the second quarter, ahead of $0.84 consensus view. HPQ raises fiscal year 2008 revenue guidance to $114.2-$114.4 billion from $113.5-$114 billion, non-GAAP EPS view to $3.54-$3.58 from $3.50-$3.54. It will release second quarter final results on May 20. S&P reiterated buy.
Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) posts $0.76, vs. $0.68 a year ago, first quarter EPS on 2.9% total U.S. same-store sales rise without fuel, 3.3% rise with fuel, 10% total sales rise. Sees second quarter U.S. same-store sales rise between flat to 2%, $0.78-$0.81 EPS, which toward lower end of estimates.
Fluor (FLR) posts $1.50, vs. $0.94, first quarter EPS on 32% revenue rise. Consensus EPS view was $1.27. Raises 2008 EPS guidance to $6.25-$6.55. S&P reiterates buy.
Beazer Homes USA (BZH) restates results for several prior-year periods, says it swung to a loss in its fourth quarter fiscal year 2007 amid steep drop in revenue, home closings. Posts $4.03 fourth quarter fiscal year 2007 loss, vs. $1.99 restated EPS, on 40% lower revenue. For fiscal year 2007 (September), posts $10.70 loss, vs. $8.44 restated fiscal year 2006 EPS, on 35% lower revenue. BZH also says it expects to report financial results and file quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended Dec. 31, 2007 and Mar. 31, 2008 on, or prior to, May 15, 2008.
Chiquita Brands International (CQB) agrees to sell its wholly-owned German distribution business, Atlanta AG, for net proceeds of at least $85 million at current exchange rates to UNIVEG Fruit and Vegetables BV. Says with $1.2 billion in revenues from non-Chiquita products in 2007, Atlanta's operating results have not been significant to its overall operating income in recent periods.
Liz Claiborne (LIZ) posts $0.16 first quarter GAAP loss per share, vs. $0.10 EPS (both from continuing operations), on 4.9% sales rise (excluding sales from discontinued operations). It cuts $1.50-$1.70 2008 adjusted EPS guidance to $1.40-$1.60.
LDK Solar (LDK) posts $0.45 first quarter earnings per ADS, vs. $0.44 EPADS in the fourth quarter, on 21% sequential revenue rise. Says gross profit margin for first quarter was 27.7%, compared to 30.1% in the fourth quarter 2007. Sees second quarter revenue of $278-$288 million with wafer shipments between 136 MW to 146 MW. Now sees 2008 revenue of $1.08-$1.18 billion, wafer shipments of 560 MW to 580 MW; gross margin of 23%-28%. Gross margin forecast seen weaker than expected.
Canadian Solar (CSIQ) posts $0.61 first quarter EPS, vs. $0.14 loss, on sharp revenue rise. Sees second quarter revenue of $185-$190 million, reiterates 2008 revenue guidance of $650-$750 million (excludes e-Module shipments).
Kemet (KEM) posts $0.02 fourth quarter loss per share, vs. $0.10 EPS a year ago, as higher raw material prices, higher fuel costs offset 54% revenue rise. Says it is approaching its sales objective of $1 billion annually, as presented in its plan three years ago; however, says the bottom-line is not where it needs to be.
Nuance Communications (NUAN) posts $0.13 first quarter GAAP loss per share, vs. $0.01 EPS a year ago, despite 54% GAAP revenue rise. Non-GAAP results in-line with Street view. Reportedly sees third quarter GAAP loss of $0.07-$0.09.
CKX (CKXE) Says it received a revised takeover offer from 19X Inc. of $12 per share, and 19X requested an extension of the outside deadline for closing the deal to 9/30/08. A special committee of CKXE board is reviewing the revised offer. Separately, posts $26.6 million, vs. $14.0 million, first quarter operating income before depreciation, amortization and non-cash compensation (OIDBAN) on 31% higher revenue. Notes its results exclude costs related to the distribution of common stock of FX Real Estate and Entertainment and the proposed merger with 19X Inc.
First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) reports sale of about $50 million in student loans in April and May 2008, recognizing a before income tax premium of about $1.5 million, similar to amounts recorded in the second quarter 2007. Due to recent legislative changes and turmoil in liquidity markets, FFIN doubts that it will be able to recognize the sales and premiums it has experienced in the past.