Consumer Staples

JP Morgan provided color on the protein sector. In a research report published today, the rating agency stressed it believes Smithfield (NYSE: SFD) has the best chance to beat Q2 expectations. In the report, JP Morgan States, “We think that the company most likely to beat the Street over...

Owens Corning Inc (NYSE: OC) is expected to report its Q2 EPS at $0.57 on revenue of $1.38 billion. Time Warner Inc (NYSE: TWX) is estimated to report its Q2 earnings at $0.56 per share on revenue of $6.81 billion. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) is projected to report its Q2 EPS at $0.41 on...

On CNBC's Mad Money, Jim Cramer said during the Lightning Round that Lorillard (NYSE: LO) may “have a good yield, but I like growth in yield. That's why I suggest Philip Morris (NYSE: PM) instead.” For HCA Holdings (NYSE: HCA), Jim said, “If a company relies on the government as a payer for its...

Some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are: Wall Street expects Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) to report its Q2 EPS at $4.22 on revenue of $1.55 billion. Mastercard shares gained 0.27% to $299.30 in after-hours trading. CBS Corp (NYSE: CBS) reported its Q2 profit at $395...

Stocks trading at or near 52-week highs and lows provide excellent trading opportunities, as volatility tends to increase at such levels and exit/entry points become more clearly defined. The following stocks hit new 52-week highs in Monday's trading session (listed from highest total volume to...

Shares of Safeway (NYSE: SWY) are lower on the session by 3.44%, trading at $19.25. Overall put volume is now running at 7.65x the daily average, with 90% of all puts traded being purchases on the offer. 7,504 contracts have traded on the session so far. Safeway Inc. is a food and drug retailer...

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) announces its next round of earnings this Friday, August 5, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Procter & Gamble's fourth quarter earnings report. Earnings and Revenue: Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 82 cents/...

Molson Coors Brewing Co. (NYSE: TAP) reported earning this morning that fell 6% in the second quarter, as they company's key demographic is struggling with high unemployment. The company reported earnings of $1.18 per share on $933.6 million in revenues. Wall Street analysts were expecting $1.29...

There have been a handful of companies that I have missed, or chosen to stay out of, the past few years - and Herbalife (HLF) is one of them.  Nutrion/weight loss companies have a history of big runs (Nutrisystem was the last darling of this sector) and then blow ups but Herbalife has prevailed for...

Jefferies is out with its report today on Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE: ADM), maintaining Buy. In its report, Jefferies writes, "ADM reported F4Q EPS of $0.58, well below the $0.83 Street estimate. Importantly, the F4Q tax rate came in at 50%, almost 2X the 27% run rate and implied guidance. Ex...

Archer Daniels Midland Co (NYSE: ADM) reported a decline in its fiscal fourth-quarter profit. Archer Daniels Midland reported its quarterly profit at $381 million, or $0.58 per share, down from $446 million, or $0.69 per share, in the year-earlier period. Analysts were expecting earnings of $0.85...

Scotia Capital is out with a research report on Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) and it has a Sector Outperform rating and a $82 price target on shares. In a note to clients, Scotia Capital writes, "Strong results from Agribusiness and Food & Ingredients. Market volatility and strong demand for grains...

Citi reiterated its Hold rating on Supervalu (NYSE: SVU). At the same time, the rating agency left its price target on the company's stock unchanged at $9. On Monday, SVU closed the day at $8.35.

JP Morgan reiterated its Neutral rating on Dean Foods (NYSE: DF). At the same time, the rating agency left its price target on the company's stock unchanged at $13. On Monday, DF closed the day at $10.83.

Jefferies is out with its report today on Winn-Dixie Stores (NASDAQ: WINN), maintaining Buy. In its report, Jefferies writes, "Winn-Dixie posted better-than-expected 4Q11 sales, suggesting building top-line momentum as our research has indicated steadily improving trends and signs of better...