Disney Outshines Amid Turmoil

Zacks.com submits: The Walt Disney Company (DIS) recently posted first-quarter 2011 results that beat the Zacks Consensus. The quarterly earnings of 68 cents a share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents, and surged 45% from 47 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.

Zacks.com submits: Time Warner Inc. (TWX), the diversified media conglomerate, posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2010 results on the heels of an increase in advertising and subscription revenues. The company also hiked its quarterly dividend and boosted its share repurchase program.

Zacks.com submits: Chemical giant The Dow Chemical Company (DOW) earned 37 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2010, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 35 cents as well as last year’s 8 cents. However, including one-time charges, the company earned 47 cents compared with 18 cents in the year-ago quarter.

Zacks.com submits: Major oilfield services provider Halliburton Co. (HAL) reported better-than-anticipated first-quarter 2011 results. This was helped by the strength and sustainability of the all-important North American onshore activity levels (to which the company is heavily exposed through its market-share-leading pressure-pumping business).

By Zacks.com: Big Lots Inc. (BIG), a broad line closeout retailer in the United States, is slated to report its third-quarter 2011 financial results before the opening bell on Friday, December 2, 2011. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 10 cents a share. For the quarter to be reported, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is $1,120 million.

By Zacks.com: The Kroger Company (KR) , one of the largest grocery retailers, recently posted second-quarter 2011 results. Street analysts had ample time to ponder on the company’s scores.

By Valuentum: Walt Disney (DIS) reported solid fiscal fourth-quarter results last week that showed significant earnings expansion led by strength at its media networks and increased consumer spending at its parks and resorts. We’re sticking with our $36 fair value estimate and think the company remains fairly valued at these levels (our report can be found here).

Zacks.com submits: The New York Times Company (NYT) recently posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2010 results. The quarterly earnings of 46 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents, and rose 4.5% from 44 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.