Liberty Media Initiated as Neutral

We initiate coverage for YRC Worldwide Inc. (YRCW) with a Neutral recommendation, which means the stock will perform mostly in line with the broader market. Net earnings in the second quarter 2010 were significantly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenue fell below it.

We initiate our coverage for DryShips Inc. (DRYS) with a Neutral recommendation, which means the stock will perform mostly in line with the broader market. The company’s second quarter 2010 financial results outperform the Zacks Consensus Estimates. Both dry bulk and drilling segments improve their respective top-line and operating margin.

Liberty Global’s $16 billion deal to buy British cable group Virgin Media will create one of the largest broadband companies in the world, and will pit Liberty mogul John Malone in a clash of the media titans against longtime rival Rupert Murdoch and his News Corp. conglomerate. The deal is further evidence that the media and tech mergers and acquisitions market is revving up to levels not seen since the financial crisis. Earlier this week computer giant Dell announced plans to go private in a $24.4 billion deal. Virgin Media is the number two pay-TV company in the U.K.

Liberty Global’s $16 billion deal to buy British cable group Virgin Media will create one of the largest broadband companies in the world, and will pit Liberty mogul John Malone in a clash of the media titans against longtime rival Rupert Murdoch and his News Corp. conglomerate. The deal is further evidence that the media and tech mergers and acquisitions market is revving up to levels not seen since the financial crisis. Earlier this week computer giant Dell announced plans to go private in a $24.4 billion deal. Virgin Media is the number two pay-TV company in the U.K.

By Zacks Investment Research: Intuit Inc. (INTU) reported third quarter 2012 adjusted earnings of $2.43 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.39. Despite the earnings beat, shares fell 1.25% in the day’s trade and 0.11% after hours. The share price indicates investor concern due to lowering of fiscal 2012 revenue and EPS guidance.

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.

Zacks.com submits: Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) reported net earnings of $171 million or $2.19 per share for the last quarter of 2010, showing marked improvement compared with $95 million or $1.24 per share reported during the same period last year.

We maintain our long-term Neutral recommendation for Nokia Corp. (NOK), which means the stock, will perform mostly in line with the broader market. Currently it is a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold) stock.