General Motors (hereafter, GM) -- presently, Motors Liquidation Company (MTLQQ) -- posted a narrower loss in the third quarter (Jul 10 - Sep 30) compared with the results depicted by "Old GM" in the first quarter, before the company was transformed by a stay in Chapter 11. GM, which began operations as a new company on July 10, 2009, has revealed a net loss of $1.2 billion for the quarter, significantly less than $6 billion it lost in the first quarter. The company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) before special items for the period were negative at $261 million. GM’s North American market showed a loss of $651 million while GM International Operations recorded a profit of $238 million. The improvement was attributed to incentive programs including "Cash for Clunkers" and stability in the international market, especially China, Brazil, India and Russia (BRIC). In particular, ...

Altria Group (MO) reported strong third-quarter results, with earnings of 48 cents per share. Earnings were 2 cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and up 4.3% year-over-year. Profits were primarily driven by the company’s cost savings efforts and growth in the cigar unit. Net revenues increased 20.3% year-over-year to $6.3 billion, primarily driven by cigar segment results that increased 56.1%. The cigarette segment revenues increased only 10.7% for the quarter, as it was impacted by higher pricing related to the Apr 1, 2009, federal excise tax (FET) increase. Altria’s smokeless products segment posted revenues of $352 million. Altria had acquired UST and its smokeless tobacco business, USSTC, on Jan 6, 2009. (As a result, financial results are from Jan 6 through Sep 30, 2009). Total industry cigarette shipments declined approximately 10%, as expected, while cigarette shipments for the company declined 16.4% after adjustments in trade inventories. ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 29, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights NTT DoCoMo (DCM) as the Bull of the Day and Altria Group (MO) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on United Health Care (UNH), Aetna (AET) and Humana (HUM).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2676

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

We maintain our Buy recommendation and the same valuation target for NTT DoCoMo (DCM), the largest mobile service provider in Japan, ahead of first quarter of fiscal 2010 financial results. The company currently maintains a leading 50% share of the Japanese wireless market.

DCM upgraded 98% of its total coverage area with 3G HSDPA technologies and emerging 4G LTE networks are planned for deployment through 2010. DCM's decisions to focus

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Altria Group (MO) recently reported strong second-quarter results, as adjusted earnings increased 8.7% to 50 cents from 46 cents in the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by the smokeless tobacco category.

Net revenues increased 33% year-over-year to $6.7 billion, driven by cigarette segment results that increased 22.5%. The company was able to pass on the increase in federal taxes by raising prices, which, in turn, raised segment revenue. The acquisition of UST and cigars (up 16.8%) also contributed favorably to the top line.

Total industry cigarette shipments declined 7%, as expected, while cigarette shipments for the company declined 10.4% after adjustments in trade inventories and calendar differences. Volume for the company's core brand Marlboro also declined 5.7% and its market share declined 0.6 points. Competitors stepped up promotional activity in April and May, widening the price gap between Marlboro and the lowest priced brands by about 50%. Virginia Slims, Parliament, and

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Philip Morris International (PMI) entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of privately owned Colombian cigarette manufacturer Productora Tabacalera de Colombia, Protabaco Ltda. (Protabaco), for $452 million. Protabaco is the second largest tobacco company in Colombia, with an estimated volume of 6.1 billion cigarettes and an approximate market share of 31.8% in 2008, with leading brands such as Mustang, Premier and President. The acquisition is believed to be a strategic business fit, in order to build on the company’s business in Columbia. The deal is expected to be marginally accretive to PM’s earnings and is expected to close in the second half of 2009. However, final approvals are still pending. In 2005, the company had acquired another Columbian company, Compañía Colombiana de Tabaco S.A. (Coltabaco). In addition, with increasing regulation over tobacco, there has been a shift towards smoke free tobacco products ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 9, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights MIPS Technologies (MIPS) as the Bull of the Day and Altria Group (MO) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Citigroup (C), Bank of America (BAC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2676.

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

MIPS Technologies (MIPS) develops embedded processors and intellectual property for use in performance-oriented markets such as digital entertainment, wired and wireless communications (including broadband access), office automation, security and automotive markets.

The firm continues to drive bottom-line margins higher in a very difficult environment. The valuation on MIPS has become very compelling as the stock has shed significant value from its 52-week high and the

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The End for Fannie and Freddie Shareholders? A government takeover of Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) could be announced as early as today, with shareholders of the common stock facing the grim prospect of having their equity completely erased along with other major executive changes at the companies in a move to stabilize the mortgage market and housing recession. Altria Acquires a Taste for Smokeless Tobacco: Shares of smokeless tobacco company UST surged 25% on Friday on word that Altria (MO) will buy its smaller rival for $10 billion with a deal expected as early as tomorrow morning. Lehman Interest from the Far East? Japan-based Nomura Holdings may consider a strategic investment in Lehman Brothers (LEH), pending a review of the investment bank's operating results as early as this week. Boeing and machinists work to avert ...