Market News

Calavo Growers (CVGW) announced that net income increased by 72 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter, helped by a better than expected avocado harvest. The company earned $6.2 million, or 42 cents per share, up from $3.6...

UnitedHealth (UNH) was downgraded by Deutsche Bank (DB) to hold from buy with a price target of $61 due to increasing price competition.

Citigroup (C) was upgraded by JMP Securities (JMP) to market perform from underperform, as continued economic growth should bolster the bottom line.

Family Dollar Stores (FDO) announced that net income dropped to $80.3 million, or 69 cents per share, for the last fiscal quarter. A year ago, the company earned $80.4 million. Analysts had expected earnings of 74 cents ...

In trading on Thursday, oil & gas refining & marketing shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.3%. Helping drag down the group were shares of Longwei Petroleum Investment Hol (LPH), down about 41.3% and...

Biogen Idec (BIIB) was downgraded by Piper Jaffray (PJC) to neutral from overweight, as the share price has been approaching the previously set $168 price target.

Align Technology (ALGN) was upgraded by Morgan Stanley (MS) to equal weight from underweight as better consumer trends and less competition should benefit the bottom line.

Bank of the Ozarks Incorporated (OZRK) announced its quarterly dividend of 15 cents per share, an increase of about 7% over its prior dividend in October of 14 cents. The dividend is payable January 25, 2013 to sharehold...

In trading on Thursday, textiles shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 1.8%. Leading the group were shares of Quicksilver (ZQK), up about 8.4% and shares of Kingold Jewelry (KGJI) up about 6.8% on the day.

Food packaging manufacturer Landec (LNDC) announced that second quarter profit more than doubled, and restated its first quarter results to account for an undervaluation of $2.9 million for its investment in Windset Hold...

Stock-market investors started the new year with a bang, after a last-minute budget accord in Washington.

Asian markets were mostly up with Australia touching a 19-month high due to relief over a fiscal-cliff deal. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.8%.

Zipcar may call its business "car-sharing," but really it is just another car-rental outfit. And that is why it should fit nicely with Avis Budget Group.

We have all heard of Black Friday. Last week, though, retailers had an awfully dark Wednesday--and not because Dec. 26 is also one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

After a surge in bonds backed by mortgages on commercial properties, some investors are finding cracks in the foundations.