Weekly Upbeat Guidance Newsbytes (Nov.2-Nov.6)

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Yet another busy week of earnings is over. Following are few of the companies, which issued upbeat projections during the week ended November 6.

GEO Group - A sound outlook

GEO Group Inc. (GEO), which reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit Monday, reaffirmed its fourth-quarter earnings outlook and increased its full-year guidance on the strength of its sound operational and financial results across its diversified business units.

The company provides private corrections and detention management, health, and mental health services to federal, state and local government agencies.

For the fourth-quarter, GEO expects earnings, excluding items, to range between $0.38 and $0.39 per share, on revenue of $313 million-$318 million. The fourth-quarter earnings outlook excludes $0.08 per share in a one-time, after-tax charge related to the early extinguishment of debt as well as $0.03 per share in after-tax start-up/transition expenses. Wall Street analysts have earnings estimate pegged at $0.39 per share and revenue at $311.51 million.

Looking ahead to full-year 2009, GEO boosted its pro forma earnings guidance to a range of $1.40-$1.41 per share, up from its previous revised outlook of $1.37- $1.39 per share. Analysts have revised their projections within the past seven days, pushing the consensus earnings estimate by 4 cents to $1.41 per share.

The company also increased its revenue forecast for 2009 to a range of $1.143 billion-$1.148 billion from its prior outlook of $1.113 billion-$1.123 billion. Wall Street analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $1.14 billion.

GEO gained more than 2% over the past five days to close Friday's trading at $21.59.

Valeant Pharma Intl. - A healthy dose of optimism

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX), which posted better-than-expected adjusted third-quarter earnings helped by 31% revenue growth Monday, also increased its 2009 cash earnings per share outlook.

For 2009, the company now expects cash earnings per share to range between $2.10 and $2.20, up from its prior guidance of $1.90-$2.10 per share.

Valeant's pipeline candidates include Retigabine for the treatment of epilepsy and pain, Taribavirin of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, and dermatology compounds.

Retigabine is being developed in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline plc. (GSK). The company completed both the New Drug Application and the Marketing Authorisation Application submissions for Retigabine on October 30, 2009.

VRX, which gained over 10% in the past five days, closed Friday's trade at $32.48.

Clorox Co. - A new formulation

Clorox Co. (CLX), which reported a 23% rise in first-quarter fiscal 2010 earnings topping analysts' estimates, helped by demand for disinfectants amid flu concerns Monday, also raised its profit outlook for fiscal 2010.

Looking ahead to 2010, the company now expects earnings to range between $4.05 and $4.20 per share, up from its prior outlook of $4.00-$4.15 per share. The revised outlook compares with analysts' estimate of $4.19 per share and $3.81 per share reported in fiscal 2009.

The company backed its sales growth outlook of 1%-2% for fiscal 2010 and also boosted its gross margin improvement forecast to 100-150 basis points from its previous outlook of 50-100 basis points improvement. In fiscal 2009, sales grew 3% to $5.5 billion.

CLX gained more than 1% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $59.93.

Sykes Enterprises Inc. - Setting new horizons

Sykes Enterprises Inc. (SYKE), whose third-quarter profit fell from last year despite higher revenues, hurt by a strong dollar, raised its 2009 outlook again Monday.

Sykes provides customer contact management solutions and services in the BPO (business process outsourcing) arena primarily to companies in the communications, financial services, healthcare, technology and transportation and leisure industries.

For the fourth-quarter ending December 31, 2009, the company expects earnings to range between $0.32 and $0.35 per share on revenue of $213 million-$215 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to earn $0.34 per share, on revenue of $213.76 million.

Looking ahead to full-year 2009, Sykes boosted its earnings outlook for the second time to $1.49-$1.52 per share, up from its prior revised outlook of $1.33-$1.39 per share. Analysts have revised up their earnings estimate for the year by 13 cents to $1.51 per share in the past seven days.

The company also lifted its annual revenue outlook for the second time to $839 million-$841 million range from its prior revised outlook of $833 million-$837 million. Wall Street analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $839.49 million.

Sykes plans to further increase its net seat additions in 2009 on a consolidated basis to between 2,200 and 2,300 from its previous upwardly-revised forecast of 1,700 to 1,900. The 600 to 700 incremental seat additions expected in the fourth quarter, on top of the net 1,600 seats added year-to-date through September 30, 2009, are planned mostly for the Americas region.

SYKE gained more than 7% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $25.50.

HealthSouth Corp. - Heading north

HealthSouth Corp. (HLS) reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit, helped by higher revenue and raised its 2009 outlook, citing the strength and sustainability of its business.

The provider of inpatient rehabilitative healthcare services now expects adjusted earnings for the year to range between $1.45 and $1.50 per share, up from its prior guidance of $1.15-$1.25 per share. In response to the revised outlook, brokerage analysts have raised their earnings estimates for 2009 by 16 cents to $1.48 per share within the past seven days.

The company has also upped its adjusted consolidated EBITDA guidance for 2009 to a range of $375 million-$380 million from $354 million-$362 million range.

HLS gained over 15% in the past five days to close Friday's trade at $16.91.

Catalyst Health Solutions Inc. - Finds new impetus

Catalyst Health Solutions Inc. (CHSI), which reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit Tuesday, helped by higher revenues due to increase in prescription volume and price inflation on brand drugs, also forecast 25% net income growth in 2010.

Looking ahead to 2010, the company expects net income to grow 25% over the expected 2009 results, helped by new sales commitments, trends in prescription utilization and proven results from various business initiatives. As previously announced, Catalyst Health foresees earnings to range between $1.45 and $1.50 per share for 2009. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.49 per share.

For 2010, the company forecast net income between $81.0 million and $84.0 million, which equates to earnings per share of $1.80 to $1.88 per share. Catalyst Health expects revenue in 2010 to range between $3.3 billion and $3.6 billion. Wall Street analysts have earnings estimate pegged at $1.83 per share and revenue estimate at $3.36 billion.

CHSI gained 4.46% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $32.77.

Solera Holdings Inc. - Making healthy claims

Solera Holdings Inc. (SLH), which reported better-than-expected fiscal 2010 first-quarter profit Tuesday, raised its outlook for full fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, well above analysts' estimates.

The provider of software and services for the automobile claims processing industry boosted its outlook for the year, citing its better efficiencies in the business as a result of continued discipline on eliminating waste and focusing on global operations.

For fiscal 2010, the company now expects adjusted net income of $132 million to $138 million, up from its previous outlook of $124 million to $128 million. On a per share basis, the revised adjusted net income outlook equates to $1.89 - $1.97 per share, up from the prior guidance of $1.76-$1.83 per share. The revised outlook is well above analysts' consensus earnings estimate of $1.82 per share. In fiscal 2009, the company earned adjusted net income of $109.0 million or $1.61 per share.

Solera also boosted its revenue forecast for fiscal 2010 to $627 million-$632 million range from its earlier guidance of $594 million-$602 million. The company reported revenue of $557.7 million in fiscal 2009.

The company has also approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0625 per share payable on December 21, 2009 to stockholders and restricted stock unit holders of record at the close of business on November 23, 2009.

SLH gained more than 10% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $35.49.

ONEOK Inc. - A spirited outlook

ONEOK Inc. (OKE), which reported lower third-quarter profit, hurt by lower revenue Tuesday, increased its earnings outlook for 2009 for the second time, citing better operating income performance expected from its distribution and energy services segments.

Looking ahead to 2009, the diversified energy company boosted its net income guidance to a range of $2.65 to $2.85 per from its previous revised guidance of $2.40-$2.70 per share. Following the revised outlook, analysts have also responded by pushing the consensus estimate up by 10 cents to $2.73 per share. In fiscal 2008, the company earned $2.95 per share on revenue of $16 billion.

The company said it continues to benefit from its investment in its subsidiary ONEOK Partners, which successfully completed more than $2 billion in capital investments at the end of the third quarter, providing the company with solid earnings and cash flow growth.

OKE gained 3.89% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $37.62.

Grand Canyon Education Inc. - Hoping for better grades

Grand Canyon Education Inc. (LOPE), which reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit Tuesday, on 68% revenue growth, expects to achieve strong results for the fourth-quarter too.

The operator of Grand Canyon University expects to earn $0.26 per share on revenue of $79.0 million. Analysts are looking for earnings of $0.26 per share and revenue of $79.62 million.

The company foresees enrollment to grow by 46% to 36,000 in the fourth-quarter from 24,600 at December 31, 2008.

Looking further ahead to 2010, Grand Canyon expects net income per share to be between $1.15 and $1.23 per share. Analysts are bullish on Grand Canyon's earnings prospects for 2010 and they have revised their projections within the past seven days pushing the consensus earnings estimate up by 20 cents to $1.19 per share.

The company foresees net revenues for 2010 to range between $390 million and $400 million while analysts polled by Thomson Reuters have a consensus revenue estimate of $396.48 million.

The enrollment for the year ending December 31, 2010 is anticipated to be between 47,000 and 49,000.

LOPE gained nearly 12% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $18.13.

Blackboard Inc. - Chalking up higher scores

Blackboard Inc. (BBBB), whose third-quarter profit rose nearly five-fold on 18% revenue growth Tuesday, issued its fourth-quarter outlook and revised up its guidance for full-year of 2009, on the strength of solid demand for its products and services and a growing sales pipeline.

For the fourth-quarter, the educational software developer expects GAAP net income of $4.2 million to $6.4 million and non-GAAP adjusted net income of $13.3 million- $15.5 million. On a per share basis, GAAP earnings outlook equates to $0.12 to $0.19 and non-GAAP adjusted earnings guidance equates to $0.40 to $0.46.

The company anticipates revenue of $96.7 million to $99.7 million for the fourth-quarter.

Wall Street analysts are looking for earnings of $0.43 per share and revenue of $98.44 million for the fourth-quarter. In the year-ago fourth-quarter, the company earned non-GAAP adjusted net income of $0.28 per share and revenue of $85.0 million.

Looking ahead to full-year of 2009, Blackboard boosted its GAAP net income forecast to $4.4 million-$6.5 million range from its prior forecast of $700,000- $4.7 million. On a per share basis, the GAAP earnings outlook equates to $0.13-$0.20, up from its prior guidance of $0.02 to $0.15.

The company now expects non-GAAP adjusted earnings for the year to range between $44.1 million and $46.3 million, up from its prior outlook of $41.0 million- $45.1 million. On a per share basis, the revised non-GAAP adjusted earnings outlook equates to $1.34-$1.41, up from its previous outlook of $1.26-$1.38.

Analysts are bullish on Blackboard's earnings prospects for 2009 and they have revised their projections within the past seven days pushing the consensus earnings estimate up by 4 cents to $1.37 per share.

Blackboard now anticipates revenue of $373.6 million-$376.6 million range, up from its previous forecast of $369.0 million-$375.0 million. Wall Street analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $375.56 million.

In 2008, Blackboard reported non-GAAP adjusted earnings of $0.81 per share and revenue of $312.1 million.

BBBB gained 15% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $40.80.

STERIS Corp. - Hoping for a clean break

STERIS Corp. (STE) reported better-than-expected second-quarter fiscal 2010 profit Tuesday, despite a 3% decline in revenue and upped its earnings outlook for full fiscal year based on current anticipated trends.

The company provides infection prevention, decontamination and health science technologies, products and services.

For full fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, the company raised its earnings outlook to a range of $1.90-$2.05 per share, up from its previous guidance of $1.80-$2.00 per share.

Analysts are bullish on the company's earnings prospects for fiscal 2010 and within the past seven days have revised up their estimates by 8 cents to $1.97 per share.

Bolstered by its strong cash position, STERIS has authorized a regular quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share and a special dividend of $2.00 per share. The combined dividend is payable December 22, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 24, 2009.

STE gained nearly 16% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $33.93. The stock set a new 52-week high of $34.46 during the week.

Goldcorp Inc. - Adding sheen

Goldcorp Inc. (GG), whose third-quarter profit fell 62% in the absence of one-time gains Wednesday, boosted its gold production guidance for the year, in light of continued strength in production at many of its key gold mines.

The gold miner now expects gold production for 2009 to be approximately 2.4 million ounces, up from its prior forecast of 2.3 million ounces.

The company also slashed the estimated total cash cost for the year to $300 per ounce of gold on a by-product basis compared to previous guidance of $365 per ounce, citing its stronger operating performance. On a co-product basis, total cash costs are now expected to be less than $400 per ounce compared to previous guidance of $400 per ounce.

GG gained 12% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $41.25.

Given Imaging Ltd. - Predicts clear visibility

Given Imaging Ltd. (GIVN), which reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit, helped by 13% revenue growth Wednesday, lifted its profit outlook for the full year of 2009.

The Israeli company -- well-known for PillCam capsule endoscope, raised its GAAP per share earnings outlook for 2009 to $0.42-$0.46 range from its prior guidance of $0.20-$0.28 per share.

The company now foresees non-GAAP earnings for the year to range between $0.64 and $0.68 per share, up from its previous outlook of $0.46-$0.54 per share. Analysts are looking for earnings of $0.32 per share.

The company is slated to launch its second generation PillCam COLON Video Capsule Endoscope at the GASTRO 2009 meeting in London later this month and plans to begin marketing the product in Europe in early 2010.

GIVN gained more than 5% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $15.

American Medical Systems Holdings Inc. - Looks ahead with hope

American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (AMMD), which reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit Wednesday, on higher revenues, raised its outlook for full year of 2009, citing the strong results.

For the fourth-quarter, the medical device maker anticipates non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share to range between $0.29 and $0.33 per share and revenue in the range of $136 million-$142 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters have earnings estimate pegged at $0.32 per share and revenue at $139.68 million.

Looking ahead to full-year of 2009, American Medical raised its non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share outlook to $1.10-$1.14 from its prior forecast of $1.00-$1.10 per share. Within the past seven days, analysts have revised up their earnings estimate for the year by 7 cents to $1.13.

The company now foresees revenue for the year in the range of $509 million to $515 million, up from its earlier guidance of $495 million to $510 million. Analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $513.05 million.

AMMD gained over 13% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $17.48. The stock set a new 52-week high of $17.50 during the week.

Santarus Inc. - Soothing issues

Santarus Inc. (SNTS), which finished its third-quarter in the black, reversing a year-ago loss, helped by nearly 23% revenue growth Wednesday, also raised its outlook for the year.

The biopharmaceutical company attributed the revenue growth of its ulcer drug Zegrid and diabetes medication Glumetza, expected lower overall expenses, and the signing of its licensing agreement to develop and commercialize immediate-release Zegrid products in Europe for the boosted outlook.

For the full year of 2009, Santarus now anticipates net income for the year to be at least $10 million, up from its prior guidance of breakeven to $1 million. Analysts are looking for earnings of $0.14 per share.

In 2008, the company incurred a net loss of $18.5 million or $0.36 per share.

The company also raised its revenue outlook for the year to $150 million from its previous guidance of $145 million. Santarus now expects product-related revenue for the year to be at least $141 million, up from its prior estimate of $138 million. Wall Street analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $151.66 million.

In 2008, the company reported $130.2 million in total revenue and $101.2 million in net product sales.

Santarus foresees research and development expenses for the year to be reduced to approximately $16 million-$18 million, from its prior expectations of $19 million-$20 million.

In addition, if Merck (formerly Schering-Plough) receives FDA approval of its New Drug Application for OTC Zegrid, Santarus will earn a $20 million regulatory milestone. Santarus' financial outlook will be positively impacted this year, should the drug be approved. The NDA for OTC Zegrid, which was submitted by Schering-Plough in March 2008, was issued a complete response letter by the FDA in January of this year. Schering-Plough is working with the regulatory agency to secure approval of OTC Zegrid.

SNTS gained nearly 23% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $3.80.

FTI Consulting - Pinning hopes on economic recovery

FTI Consulting (FCN), which reported better-than expected third-quarter profit on 7% revenue growth Wednesday, remains optimistic about its future, given that the majority of its business segments benefit from a growing economy.

The business advisory firm remains confident of delivering its target organic revenue growth rate of 10% to 12% next year.

The company's Board has authorized a new two year stock repurchase program of up to $500 million. FTI intends to execute a $250 million accelerated stock buyback with Goldman, Sachs & Co. as soon as practicable.

FCN gained over 11% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $45.40.

Amdocs Ltd. - Makes a good call

Amdocs Ltd. (DOX) reported slightly higher fourth-quarter profit helped by cost cuts, despite lower revenue Wednesday and provided an upbeat outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the provider of customer experience systems forecast GAAP earnings per share to range between $0.38 and $0.44.

On a non-GAAP basis, Amdocs anticipates earnings for the first quarter in a range of $0.51-$0.55 per share. The non-GAAP profit outlook excludes acquisition-related costs and approximately $0.04-$0.05 per share of equity-based compensation expense, net of related tax effects. Within the past seven days, analysts have revised up their projections, pushing the consensus earnings estimate by 2 cents to $0.52 per share.

Late last month, Amdocs acquired jNetX, a privately-held service delivery platform provider, for $50 million net of debt and cash to strengthen its position in the SDP market.

DOX gained nearly 6% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $26.68.

Enbridge Inc. - Sees growth ahead

Enbridge Inc. (ENB) (ENB.TO), which reported a more than two-fold rise in third-quarter net earnings Wednesday, reflecting strong operational performance across its liquids pipelines and natural gas businesses, raised its 2009 earnings outlook.

Looking ahead to 2009, the energy infrastructure company revised up its adjusted earnings per share outlook to C$2.30 to C$2.36 from its prior outlook of C$2.18 to C$2.32 per share. In 2008, the company reported adjusted earnings of C$677 million or C$1.88 per share.

Enbridge said it has more than $12 billion of commercially secured projects and have identified another $30 billion of organic growth opportunities.

ENB gained 2.27% in the last five days to close Friday's trading at $39.72.

Lumber Liquidators Inc. - Well-seasoned

Lumber Liquidators, Inc. (LL), which reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit on 14.2% higher sales Wednesday, raised its outlook for the full year of 2009, based upon year-to-date results and current visibility.

The specialty retailer of hardwood flooring now expects 2009 earnings per share to range between $0.90 and $0.95, up from its prior outlook of $0.85-$0.91 per share. Within the past seven days, analysts have revised up their projections, pushing the consensus earnings estimate by 5 cents to $0.95 per share.

The company also raised its sales forecast for the year to $535 million to $543 million range from its previous guidance of $528 million to $538 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters have a consensus revenue estimate of $541.28 million.

Lumber Liquidators also anticipates opening of a total of 34 to 36 new store locations this year.

LL gained over 17% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $24.95.

Skyworks Solutions Inc. - Clear skies ahead

Skyworks Solutions Inc. (SWKS), which reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on lower operating costs Thursday, issued its outlook for fiscal 2010 first-quarter, above analysts' estimates.

The semiconductor maker remains optimistic of the growing momentum of the mobile internet and increasing demand for always-on connectivity, particularly given the ubiquity of social networking applications and the proliferation of smart phones, notebooks, netbooks and embedded wireless devices.

For the first-quarter of fiscal 2010, Skyworks expects non-GAAP earnings of $0.25 per share, above analysts' earnings consensus estimate of $0.24 per share.

Based on its improving order visibility and backlog strength, the company expects revenue for the quarter in a range of $238 million to $242 million.

The company earned non-GAAP earnings of $0.17 per share on revenue of $210.2 million in the first-quarter of fiscal 2009.

SWKS gained more than 15% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $12.01.

SIRIUS XM Radio - Making a comeback?

SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. (SIRI), which narrowed its third-quarter loss helped by higher revenues Thursday, remains optimistic of growing subscribers, revenue, and cash flow next year regardless of the magnitude of any recovery.

The satellite radio services provider, which was considering filing for bankruptcy in February of this year, is making a comeback. The company has managed to grow revenue, grow ARPU, reduce operating costs, increase adjusted income from operations significantly, and refinance higher cost debt.

Looking ahead to 2009, SIRIUS XM backed its pro forma adjusted income from operations outlook of over $400 million.

For 2010, the company expects adjusted income from operations to increase approximately 20%. Based upon assumed 2010 automobile sales of 11.3 million units, SIRIUS XM expects to achieve positive full-year subscriber growth in 2010. The company also expects 2010 revenue growth of mid- to high-single digits, and growth in free cash flow compared to 2009.

SIRI gained over 7% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $0.63.

EnerNOC Inc. - First profit as public firm

EnerNOC Inc. (ENOC), which turned a profit in the third-quarter -- marking the first quarterly profit as a public company, helped by substantially higher revenues Thursday, raised its outlook for 2009 for the second time, citing the continuing operational efficiencies.

For the fourth-quarter of 2009, the smart grid software company expects GAAP loss of $0.71-$0.63 per share and non-GAAP loss of $0.57-$0.50 per share. Wall Street analysts are looking for the company to lose $0.66 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

EnerNOC anticipates fourth-quarter revenue of $23 million-$25 million. Analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $24.43 million.

Looking ahead to full year 2009, the company now anticipates GAAP loss per share of $0.38-$0.30, up from its earlier revised projection of a GAAP loss of $0.86-$0.76 per share.

On a non GAAP basis, the company now anticipates net income of $0.23-$0.30 per share for 2009. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters now expect the company to lose $0.34 per share. Previously, the company had forecast a non GAAP net loss per share of $0.24 to $0.14 for the year.

EnerNOC now expects revenue for the year to range between $187 million and $189 million, up from its prior revised outlook of $172 million-$185 million. Wall Street analysts have a consensus revenue estimate of $188.41 million.

ENOC gained more than 12% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $32.24.

NVIDIA Corp. - Paints rosy outlook

NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA), which posted a 74% rise in third-quarter net income and slightly higher revenues Thursday, forecast an upbeat fourth-quarter revenue.

The graphics chip maker sees healthy market demand in its PC, professional solutions and consumer businesses. According to the company, there has been growing enthusiasm for its Tesla platform for parallel computing in the server and cloud-computing markets.

For the fourth-quarter ending January 25, 2010, NVIDIA expects revenue to be up slightly, approximately 2% from the third quarter. That equates to revenue of $921.1 million. Wall Street analysts now have a consensus revenue estimate of $921.45 million, compared to their previous projection of $868.11 million.

NVDA, which gained more than 10% in the past five days, closed Friday's trading at $13.16.

IAMGOLD Corp. - Adds New Glitter

IAMGOLD Corp. (IAG), whose third-quarter profit more than tripled on higher average realized gold price and lower cash costs, has increased its production guidance for the year for the second time, buoyed by productivity increases at its Rosebel mine and extended life of its Doyon mine.

For 2009, IAMGOLD now expects production of about 940,000 to 950,000 ounces of gold, an increase of 30,000 ounces over previous guidance issued in June 2009, and 60,000 to 70,000 ounces over the original guidance issued in January 2009.

The company also forecast cash cost (cost of producing an ounce of gold) guidance for the year to average between $460 and $470 per ounce, unchanged from previous guidance and a decrease of $10 per ounce from the original guidance issued in January 2009. Lower the cash cost, greater will be the profit potential for a gold miner.

IAG gained over 25% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $16.46.

Starbucks Corp. - Brewing faith

Starbucks Corp. (SBUX), which reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit as lower operating costs and improving comparable store sales trends helped offset a decline in revenue Thursday, increased its fiscal 2010 earnings outlook.

For fiscal 2010, the coffee seller now expects non-GAAP EPS growth in the range of 15% to 20% from fiscal non-GAAP per share earnings of $0.80. Previously, the company projected non-GAAP EPS growth in the range of 13% to 18% over fiscal 2009 non-GAAP earnings per share.

The revised 15% to 20% growth implies fiscal 2010 non-GAAP arnings in the range of $0.92 to $0.96 per share. Over the last seven days, analysts have raised their earnings forecast for 2010 by 2 cents to $0.94 per share.

The company is targeting revenue growth in the low-to-mid single digits for the year, driven by modestly positive comparable store sales. Wall Street analysts' revenue growth estimate is 2.6%.

SBUX, which gained over 11% in the past five days, closed Friday's trading at $21.12.

Blue Nile Inc. - Adds a touch of sparkle

Blue Nile, Inc. (NILE), whose third-quarter profit and sales topped analysts' estimates Thursday, forecast its fourth-quarter outlook above analysts' estimates, citing the improving trends in the business.

For the fourth-quarter, the online retailer of diamond engagement rings and other jewelry expects earnings in the range of $0.35 -$0.39 per share. Over the last seven days, analysts have raised their earnings forecast by 5 cents to $0.38 per share.

The company foresees fourth quarter net sales between $100 million and $109 million. Analysts now have a consensus revenue estimate of $107.10 million.

In the fourth-quarter of 2008, the company reported net income of $3.5 million or $0.24 per share and revenue of $85.8 million.

With the Blue Nile brand resonating with consumers in the current environment and the company gaining market share, Blue Nile expects the positive momentum in the business to continue.

NILE gained 1.75% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $61.10.

AES Corp. - A power play

AES Corp. (AES), which reported higher third-quarter profit, helped by higher margins at its generation businesses in Chile and in the Philippines Friday, increased its earnings outlook for 2009 for the second time, citing the tremendous potential for growth in meeting demand for affordable and sustainable power throughout the world.

The power company with generation and distribution businesses now expects adjusted earnings per share for the year to range between $1.07 and $1.11 from its prior revised outlook of $1.05-$1.10 per share.

AES also revised up its earnings from continuing operations outlook for the year to a range of $1.20-$1.24 per share, up from its earlier revised forecast of $1.15-$1.20.

In order to fund growth opportunities and extend its global leadership in the power sector, AES has entered into a binding stock purchase agreement with a wholly-owned investment subsidiary of China Investment Corp. to raise $1.58 billion of new equity.

AES gained 7.35% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $14.03.

Central Vermont Public Service - Powering up

Central Vermont Public Service (CV), which reported lower third-quarter profit and revenue Friday, increased its earnings guidance for the year based on year-to-date results and forecast of the remaining quarter.

The independent, investor-owned company providing energy and energy-related services to customers throughout Vermont now expects 2009 earnings to range between $1.50 and $1.65 per share, up from its previous outlook of $1.40-$1.60 per share.

As part of a rate agreement approved by the Vermont Public Service Board, the company's allowed rate of return for 2009 is 9.77%, down from 10.71% last year.

CV lost 0.36% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $19.32.

ExlService Holdings Inc. - Seeking new opportunities

ExlService Holdings Inc. (EXLS), which posted a profit in the third-quarter and 3% higher revenue Friday, raised its revenue outlook for the year.

The outsourcing company now expects revenue for the year to range between $178.0 million and $180.0 million, up from its earlier projection of $170.0 million-$175.0 million.

For 2009, ExlService boosted its adjusted operating margin guidance to 13.0%- 13.5% from its prior forecast of 10.0%-12.0%.

ExlService has acquired the operations of American Express' travel business in Gurgaon, India for $30 million and the transaction is anticipated to close by the first quarter of next year. ExlService has also signed a new eight-year agreement to service the back-office operations of American Express Business Travel and expects to achieve over $160 million in revenues over the life of the contract.

EXLS gained over 24% in the past five days to close Friday's trading at $16.92. The stock set a new 52-week high of $17 on Nov.6.

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