More than 1,200 Immunizing Rite Aid Pharmacists Offer Flu and Other Vaccinations Throughout the Year Flu and Other Vaccinations Offered Year-Round at In-Store Clinics at Select Rite Aid Pharmacies

Free Diabetes Guide Developed with the American Diabetes Association Now Available at All Rite Aid Pharmacies New Rite for Diabetes Program with dLife to Offer Valuable Lifestyle Resources to Patients Rite Aid Pharmacists Going the Distance to Help Find a Cure for Diabetes through American Diabetes Association's "Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes" Program All Stores Will Raise Funds for Diabetes Research and Cure by Selling $1 American Diabetes Association Pin-Ups During November, Diabetes Awareness Month

September Same Store Sales in Core Rite Aid Stores Up 3.2 Percent Front-End Same Store Sales in Acquired Brooks Eckerd Stores Increase 4.5 Percent; Acquired Stores' Pharmacy Sales Continue Positive Trend

Retail Stocks Open Lower; Rite Aid Bounces On Sept. Sales

Visit StreetInsider.com at http://www.streetinsider.com/news.php?st=p&id=4034513 for the full story.

Rite Aid Posts 1.7% Rise In September Same-store Sales

Walgreen's revenue and earnings growth stand out in a market full of losses and excuses.

Market-trouncing returns could be written in this 4-star.

Filed under: Earnings reports, Walgreen Co (WAG), CVS Corp (CVS), Rite Aid Corp (RAD)

Walgreen (NYSE: WAG), a drugstore chain which competes with CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) and Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD), dropped the ball in the fourth quarter, at least as far as analyst estimates are concerned. On a GAAP basis, Walgreen increased its earnings per share by a nickel, coming in at 45 cents.

That would be pretty cool if there were no adjustments to be made. Unfortunately, there is one. It relates to an adjustment for vacation-time accrual, which added almost $80 million to the bottom line. Take that away, and you get no earnings growth, as earnings per share would have been 40 cents, meaning non-GAAP number missed expectations by 5 cents.

I think Walgreen is a strong brand in its space. However, with the economic meltdown continuing its dire course, I would imagine that the chain is going to become affected by it, strong brand or not. Drug prescriptions certainly might be considered a defensive element in such an environment, but keep in mind that Walgreen doesn't just make its money on prescription sales. It sells a whole host of items in every location. And I'd have to imagine that the consumer is going to be scaling back. Yep, get ready for the good ole negative wealth effect.

Continue reading Walgreen stumbles in Q4

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Filed under: Earnings reports, General Electric (GE), 3M Corporation (MMM), AutoZone Inc (AZO), Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY), Chevron Corp (CVX), Circuit City Stores (CC), Research in Motion (RIMM), NIKE, Inc'B' (NKE), KB HOME (KBH), Lennar Corp'A' (LEN), Rite Aid Corp (RAD)

The quarter is winding down, and here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (NYSE: APD) lowered its guidance for the current quarter.
• AutoZone Inc. (NYSE: AZO) missed Q4 earnings estimates despite a modest increase in profits.
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) reported disappointing Q2 results that met analysts' expectations.
• Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) faces earnings declines if the Paulson plan fails, says Jim Cramer
• Circuit City Stores Inc. (NYSE: CC) earnings declines finally led to the ouster of CEO Schoonover.
• Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) beat Q3 expectations despite charges and reserves.
• General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) lowered its Q3 and full-year forecast due to financial sector woes.
• KB Home (NYSE: KBH) reported a greater-than-expected loss for Q3, and yet shares rose.
• Lennar Corp. (NYSE: LEN) posted significantly smaller Q3 losses on cost cutting.
• McCormick & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MKC) topped Q3 expectations due to the sale of a brand.
• Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) posted better-than-expected Q1 results despite a decline in net income.
• Research in Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) posted strong Q2 results accompanied by a weak forecast.
• Rite Aid Corp. (NYSE: RAD) Q2 net loss more than doubled and revenues were flat
• Secure Computing Corp. (NASDAQ: SCUR) missing estimates didn't stop a deal with McAfee (NYSE: MFE).
• 3Com Corp. (NASDAQ: COMS) Q1 results topped both analysts estimates and previous guidance.
• 3M Co. (NYSE: MMM) faces significant earnings declines if the Paulson plan fails, says Jim Cramer.

Also, are analysts' expectations for the the coming year too optimistic?

Upcoming quarterly reports include Circuit City (NYSE: CC), Walgreen (NYSE: WAG), Pepsi Bottling Group (NYSE: PBG), Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), Family Dollar Stores (NYSE: FDO).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

 

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Filed under: Earnings reports, General Electric (GE), 3M Corporation (MMM), AutoZone Inc (AZO), Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY), Chevron Corp (CVX), Circuit City Stores (CC), Research in Motion (RIMM), NIKE, Inc'B' (NKE), KB HOME (KBH), Lennar Corp'A' (LEN), Rite Aid Corp (RAD)

The quarter is winding down, and here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (NYSE: APD) lowered its guidance for the current quarter.
• AutoZone Inc. (NYSE: AZO) missed Q4 earnings estimates despite a modest increase in profits.
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) reported disappointing Q2 results that met analysts' expectations.
• Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) faces earnings declines if the Paulson plan fails, says Jim Cramer
• Circuit City Stores Inc. (NYSE: CC) earnings declines finally led to the ouster of CEO Schoonover.
• Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) beat Q3 expectations despite charges and reserves.
• General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) lowered its Q3 and full-year forecast due to financial sector woes.
• KB Home (NYSE: KBH) reported a greater-than-expected loss for Q3, and yet shares rose.
• Lennar Corp. (NYSE: LEN) posted significantly smaller Q3 losses on cost cutting.
• McCormick & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MKC) topped Q3 expectations due to the sale of a brand.
• Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) posted better-than-expected Q1 results despite a decline in net income.
• Research in Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) posted strong Q2 results accompanied by a weak forecast.
• Rite Aid Corp. (NYSE: RAD) Q2 net loss more than doubled and revenues were flat
• Secure Computing Corp. (NASDAQ: SCUR) missing estimates didn't stop a deal with McAfee (NYSE: MFE).
• 3Com Corp. (NASDAQ: COMS) Q1 results topped both analysts estimates and previous guidance.
• 3M Co. (NYSE: MMM) faces significant earnings declines if the Paulson plan fails, says Jim Cramer.

Also, are analysts' expectations for the the coming year too optimistic?

Upcoming quarterly reports include Circuit City (NYSE: CC), Walgreen (NYSE: WAG), Pepsi Bottling Group (NYSE: PBG), Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), Family Dollar Stores (NYSE: FDO).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

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Filed under: Earnings reports, Walgreen Co (WAG), CVS Corp (CVS), Rite Aid Corp (RAD)

Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD), a drugstore brand that competes with Walgreen (NYSE: WAG) and CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS), reported results for the second quarter on Thursday. Unfortunately, they did not meet the expectations of analysts. Revenues were basically flat at $6.5 billion. The net loss more than doubled to $0.27 per diluted share, compared to $0.10 per diluted share one year ago. According to this item, Wall Street was hoping that Rite Aid might be able to deliver a loss of $0.15 per diluted share. Furthermore, that news source states that guidance for the fiscal year is worse than the consensus. The consensus believed that Rite Aid might bleed about $0.51 per share in red ink. The loss will at least be $0.56 per share, according to management. It might even go as high as $0.67.

So, I just gave out all the nasty stuff. Is there anything encouraging from the release? Let me put on my look-on-the-bright-side glasses. Net cash from operations was positive during the quarter. Over $96 million was generated. Last year, operations required almost $140 million. I dig cash, no doubt about it. But I really love free cash flow. If you add back sale-leaseback transactions, there was some free cash, but I can't say it changes my general stance on Rite Aid. I mean, overall same-store sales are weak, and the stock is currently priced at less than a buck. It's done horribly year-to-date according to the AOL Finance snapshot taken at the time of this writing. Down 67%. Not encouraging.

Rite Aid's shares aren't so much stock certificates as they are lottery tickets. Do you like playing the lottery? If so, go buy one of those scratch-off deals. You might have better luck with them than you would with Rite Aid.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.

 

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Filed under: Earnings reports, Walgreen Co (WAG), CVS Corp (CVS), Rite Aid Corp (RAD)

Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD), a drugstore brand that competes with Walgreen (NYSE: WAG) and CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS), reported results for the second quarter on Thursday. Unfortunately, they did not meet the expectations of analysts. Revenues were basically flat at $6.5 billion. The net loss more than doubled to $0.27 per diluted share, compared to $0.10 per diluted share one year ago. According to this item, Wall Street was hoping that Rite Aid might be able to deliver a loss of $0.15 per diluted share. Furthermore, that news source states that guidance for the fiscal year is worse than the consensus. The consensus believed that Rite Aid might bleed about $0.51 per share in red ink. The loss will at least be $0.56 per share, according to management. It might even go as high as $0.67.

So, I just gave out all the nasty stuff. Is there anything encouraging from the release? Let me put on my look-on-the-bright-side glasses. Net cash from operations was positive during the quarter. Over $96 million was generated. Last year, operations required almost $140 million. I dig cash, no doubt about it. But I really love free cash flow. If you add back sale-leaseback transactions, there was some free cash, but I can't say it changes my general stance on Rite Aid. I mean, overall same-store sales are weak, and the stock is currently priced at less than a buck. It's done horribly year-to-date according to the AOL Finance snapshot taken at the time of this writing. Down 67%. Not encouraging.

Rite Aid's shares aren't so much stock certificates as they are lottery tickets. Do you like playing the lottery? If so, go buy one of those scratch-off deals. You might have better luck with them than you would with Rite Aid.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.

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Wow, Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD) shares hit $1.48 this morning after reporting a Q1 2008 loss of $156.6 million. So take the Pepsi Challenge, buy a 16 oz. soda from any vending machine or for a few pennies less, invest in Rite Aid?

In the past year, RAD shares have lost 75% of their value. 

read more

Two Veteran Wall Street Analysts Review the March 28, 2008 Edition of the Value Line Investment Survey

Two Veteran Wall Street Analysts Review the December 28, 2007 Edition of the Value Line Investment Survey

It's almost Christmas and then New Year's and right into 2008.  By 2010 we'll all be on a space odyssey to Jupiter talking to our robot friend HAL-9000 and exploring the new Planet Starbucks (since corporations will now be into deep space exploration).

But until that time, let's take a look at a few stocks that could bounce back in the coming week. 

Let's get to some of the stocks that are under $10, right off the bat -- Rite Aid (RAD).  Rite Aid Corp. wet the bed yesterday when they reported Q3 earnings. The stock is now trading just under $3 a share down from a 52-week high of $6.47.  The Masters wrote about Rite Aid yesterday so for more details on their financial performance, here's the article - Rite Aid Corp. now selling for $3 a share 

All RAD needs is a little love from Wall Street, one good article written by somebody important and this stock will jump 10% in a heartbeat.  They've got over 3,000 stores, and even if we fall into a recession sooner than later, people need their drugs and prescriptions.  Rite Aid will weather the storm.

Then there's Micron Technology (MU) this stock is just a paper weight that can't move.  Now it's less than a Dime above it's 52-week low, trading around $7.50 a share.  Micron got another thumbs down from Wall Street today, Robert W Baird reiterated their "outperform" rating on Micron while reducing their estimates for the company. The target price has been reduced from $17 to $13.  Still $13 is a huge leap from where shares currently stand, and for a 1 year estimate, the stock could jump 50 cents before the HAL-9000 or better yet the AWESOM-O 4000 makes your latte or inserts your suppository.

Executives at Micron Technology Inc. (MU) said Thursday they are looking at partnership opportunities for their DRAM memory business, where a difficult environment of rapid price declines is rattling the market.

Micron thinks a partnership could be particularly beneficial in allowing it to share development costs with any partners, although it would also expect benefits in manufacturing capacity. Demand for DRAM and NAND memory products are strong, driven by the PC and mobile-phone markets. And sharply higher unit shipments enabled Micron to achieve 7% revenue growth from the fourth quarter. However, a supply glut has pushed prices down precipitously, leading Micron to post losses.  Come on Micron, let's get a bounce before Butters needs another suppository.

Washington Mutual (WM) has made a mess of their company and now shares are trading in the high $13 range.  Thanks to their greed and subprime lending, their chance to ever get back to their 52-week high of $46 a share will take them at least 10 years but I'm betting they get bought out before then. Everyone hates WaMu and with the SEC investigating how they handled and reported on mortgage loans which may have been based on inflated home appraisals is yet another nail in the coffin.  I dare you to try a positive article written on WaMu these days, there's isn't one. Countrywide (CFC) is worse than WaMu, but these stocks will bounce on any good news.  The Masters will roll the dice on WM before CFC, corporate greed and karma made a great Christmas present for their employees.

Then you've got some riskier bets but I still like em:

Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc. (RUTH) now at $9 a share, they are going to be hurting for a long time but with the stock so low it could jump 25 cents in the next month or so.

The Finish Line, Inc. (FINL) at $2.84, for lack of a better term, this company sucks, but I like the odds under $3.

But how about some safer bets? That would be Eddie Lampert and Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) now at $100 a share, sounds pricey but it's not, you get what you pay for. 

My favorite stock right now is VASCO Data Security Intl, Inc. (VDSI), I can't say enough good things about that company.  With shares trading at $25 despite their 25% rally since hitting rock bottom in the last month, it's still a great buy. We've been pimping VDSI since it's big fall in Oct. - Nov. here an article we wrote last month: VASCO Data Security (VDSI) and the 50% Drop

Happy trading out there and take your gains when you have them, a recession is coming.  Even the HAL-9000 can't stop the American economy from sinking.  Turns out at theStockMasters HQ we have a HAL-9000 still running on our C64.  Our intern Dave asked HAL if he could tell us what Americans could do to prevent falling into a recession.  HAL's answer was the following:
"I'm Sorry, Dave. I'm Afraid I Can't Do That."

Like what you've read? Our real stock picks are just a click away, learn more .

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Article by Mark Cheshier 

Contributor at TheStockMasters.com

Disclaimer: The Author does not hold any positions or shares in the securities mentioned in this publication.

Rite Aid Corporation (Public, NYSE:RAD) shares are now trading at $3, that's a 50% drop in the last 6 months.  The slaughter on Wall Street continues and this time it's because investors are disappointed with Rite Aid's Q3 loss.

Rite Aid Corp. still holds the crown as the third-largest U.S. drugstore chain and today marked its stock worst fall in five years. RAD also reduced their 2008 forecast for the second time in three months on slowing sales of cold medicine and holiday items.

The net loss was $84.8 million, or 12 cents a share, for the third quarter through Dec. 1 because of costs related to the acquisition of the Brooks and Eckerd chains, the company said today in a statement. Analysts estimated a loss of 8 cents.

No of Outstanding Shares	Date	Share Price	Total Market Cap
795,130,000	12/19/2007	$4.08	$ 3,244,130,400.00
795,130,000	12/20/2007	$3.00	$ 2,385,390,000.00
1 Day Loss $858 Million			$    858,740,400.00

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Q3 results included $62.1 million of interest expense related to the Brooks and Eckerd purchase, integration costs of $53.3 million, an expense of $69.7 million for depreciation and amortization, and store closing and impairment costs of $16.7 million for the acquisition.

RAD commands a $2.4 billion market cap and if this company can't make a comeback in 2008, it's worthless.  The drop to $3 a share seems a bit much but then again, these days this seems like a typical reaction after reporting a dismal quarter and outlook for worried investors.  Despite all the negative news, RAD revenues increased 51% year-over-year to $6.52 billion. Same-store prescriptions, which account for some 68% of sales, increased 0.2%.  Those growth rates are unimpressive on their own, but even more so when compared with the likes of CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS).

For fiscal 2008, management anticipates deeper losses than initially forecast.  Losses per share are now expected to range from $0.27 to $0.31.  The company initially expected losses to range $0.15 to $0.27 per share.  Analysts forecast a loss of $0.21 per share.  The revision stems from lower sales during cold and flu season and slower holiday sales. 

The Masters will considering picking up some shares if RAD falls under $3, it could plunge lower as soon as the analyst downgrades come in.  All in all, tough day for Rite Aid.