Wall Street

by Alan Fein

Online Stock Market Trading Coca-Cola reported earnings of 50 cents for the 4th quarter Wednesday compared to 38 cents in the same period last year, beating analysts expectations.If you would like to receive late breaking business news covered by AXcess News then you need to subscribe. By joining, you can stay ahead of the pack and receive the latest news in your email in-box first.

Jan 28, 2005 (AXcess News) Microsoft Corp. ( MSFT) earnings were more than double the street's forecast Thursday fueled by Halo 2 sales. Earnings for the period ended Dec. 31 rose to $3.46 billion, or 32 cents a share, based compensation expenses. A year earlier, the company reported earnings of $1.55 billion, or 14 cents a share.Microsoft's second quarter results were boosted by strong sales of its server software and its popular "Halo 2" video game for its Xbox console.Sales rose 6.5 percent to $10.82 billion from $10.15 billion. A weak dollar also added two percentage points to its international sales growth, or about $253 million.Investors applauded the news, pushing Microsoft's shares up 7 cents to close Friday at $26.18. based compensation, Microsoft had forecast 28 cents a share in earnings on sales of $10.3 to $10.5 billion.

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Tom Huntington DivX, Inc. 0672 DivX, Inc. Announces Preliminary Results for First Quarter of 2007> San Diego, - April 9, - DivX, Inc. ( DIVX) today announced that, based on preliminary information, tax earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 will be higher than previous guidance. The Company expects that revenue for the quarter will be between $19.8 million and $20. tax earnings will be flat to up compared with the fourth quarter of 2006. On February 8, 2007, the Company had said that it expected first quarter revenue to be between $17.3 million and $19. tax earnings flat to slightly down compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company plans to report complete quarterly results after the market closes on May 1, 2007.

Stock Market Game Feb 16, 2005 (AXcess News) Atlanta - Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) reported earnings of 50 cents for the 4th quarter Wednesday compared to 38 cents in the same period last year. Excluding one-time items, Coke earned 46 cents per share which beat analysts expectations of 40 cents.For the year, Coke reported earnings of $2.00 per share compared to $1.77 in 2003. While Coke's cash reserves climbed 9 percent, toping the $6 billion mark. What impact Coke's results most was worldwide growth in consumption, raising unit case volume globally by 2 percent for the full year. Though the company was disappointed in those figures and believes that it can do better.

Will Tuesday be Yahoo's Independence Day — or its Battle of Little Bighorn Analysts say Yahoo' quarter earnings results could be the Web portal's last hope to remain an independent company or wrangle a higher bid from suitor Microsoft. Substantial growth from Yahoo' ad businesses for the quarter that ended March 31 might also provide a silver lining for investors looking for some upside from the foundering company.

Stock Investing Game Coke's CEO Neville Isdell commenting on the company's full-year results said, "We are not satisfied with our performance in 2004. By most measures, we did not perform to our potential or the expectations of our shareowners. On the whole, I believe 2004 will be remembered as the beginning of an important transition for The Coca-Cola Company. We are making the necessary course correction that will enable us to fulfill our enormous potential, accelerate growth and create value for shareowners over the long-term." Coke beat its previous earnings estimates by 6 cents per share. Those improved results were attributed to, 3 cents for currency fluctuations in the company's favor and improved operating results in fourth quarter. Coke also said it faired better on taxes and North American gallon sales, which gave earnings an additional 3 cent boost.Advertisement

Nuance reported revenues of $75.6 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2005, a 25 percent increase over revenues of $60.6 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2004. On a GAAP basis, Nuance recognized a net loss of $4.9 million, or $(0.03) per share, in the quarter ended December 31, 2005, compared with net income of $3.1 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

Journal Prime Rate Street Wall Coke also repurchased $1.7 billion worth of its common stock during the year, or approximately 37.5 million shares. The world's largest soft drink maker said it plans on continuing its share buy-back program in 2005 and has earmarked at least $2 billion for that.With cash from operations climbing 9 percent from $5.5 billion to $6 billion that number would have been substantially higher had it not invested the $1.7 billion in buying back shares in 2004.

Wall Street has been expecting earnings per share of $1.25, excluding items, on sales of $989.3 million. In February, year forecast for earnings of $1.20 to $1.26 per share, based compensation. Chief Executive E. Scott Beattie said that organizational improvements in Europe and Asia, particularly China, would contribute to revenues and earnings next year.

Stock Market News Dividends were also increased in 2004 by 14 percent over the prior year, paying out $2.4 billion to shareholders in 2004.

Stock Investing Basics Some investors following Coca-Cola Co. believe Isdell may be eyeing acquisitions this year. Though results contradict that thinking with higher dividend payouts and a more aggressive stance in 2005 in share buy backs.Still, Isdell's company managed to up its cash by $500 million and Coke's board may still be looking closely at foreign market acquisitions, especially in the Asian markets where higher population densities can benefit a consumer goods business like Coca Cola Co.Long-time competitor PepsiCo is expected to release results at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona February 24th. Pepsi (NYSE: PEP), whose portfolio carries 16 brands, is more diverse than competitor Coca Cola and could give a strong showing for the year. PepsiCo's key brands include, Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods.

Stock Investing Software Smaller competitor, Cadbury Schweppes PLC (NYSE: CSG) gross margins are 100%, compared to Coke's 64.88% and PepsiCo's 54.19%. Yet its operating margins are the smallest at 11.1%, compared to PepsiCo's 17.97% and Coke's 24.88%.

Stock Market Trading Coca Cola was trading up 99 cents, or 2.32 percent, at $43.64 by 11:50am ET Wednesday. PepsiCo was trading down 16 cents, or .29 percent, at $54.48 and Cadbury Schweppes last traded at $38.60, down 40 cents, or 1.03%.

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