FT : Ex-rock star is third most popular candidate for Polish presidency


When he announced his independent and crowdfunded candidacy in January, journalists and politicians took it with a pinch of salt. But with the support of 11 per cent of voters in the final days of the campaign, drawn mainly from disgruntled mainstream parties, Mr Kukiz is the most popular anti-establishment candidate in Sunday’s elections.

“My conscience did not allow me to live comfortably as a musician, as I could not fight for dignity of Polish people with a microphone. I chose to beat the system instead of playing music,” the 51-year-old told the Financial Times, wearing thick black leather boots and a black sweatshirt bearing Poland’s national emblem.

Mr Kukiz, who is one of Poland’s most famous musicians and had a string of top 10 hits in the early 2000s, has one campaign pledge: to rip up the country’s political system.

“I want to bring Poland back to its citizens by introducing single-member constituency in general elections,” he said. “Today our country is in the hands of political clans, which have been beneficiaries of the proportional representation since 1989. People cannot vote for a citizen: they have to vote for political parties.”

Mr Kukiz will fight for third place on Sunday in a vote that is likely to be won by incumbent Bronislaw Komorowski, the candidate of the ruling Civic Platform party.

But the relative success of his candidacy, and support for other fringe candidates that support his anti-establishment message, has made constitutional reform a buzz topic of the election.

Mr Kukiz has also suggested he could team up with the radical rightwing politician Janusz Korwin-Mikke, who draws around 4 per cent support in recent polls, in the country’s general election in October.

“I would join even a farmers’ housewives association, if they had a single-member constituency in their programme,” he said. “My participation in this run is only one step towards a new constitution. Regardless the result, I have already won: I have sparked the faith that together we can change the existing rules.”

But the question remains whether Poland would elect a man who once sung in a band called “Kukiz and the Breasts” as their head of state.

“Americans trusted an actor, and he succeeded,” he said. “[Ronald] Reagan loved his fatherland and this is the only rule I want to follow.”

>>> Philip Morris International reaffirms guidance for FY15 (Dec), sees EPS of $

Philip Morris International reaffirms guidance for FY15 (Dec), sees EPS of $4.32-4.42 vs. $4.39 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate

This forecast includes incremental spending versus 2014 for the deployment of PMI's Reduced-Risk Product, iQOS. The spending, which is skewed towards the second half of the year, will support plans for national expansion in Japan and Italy, as well as pilot or national launches in additional markets, later in 2015. This forecast does not include any share repurchases in 2015. This forecast excludes the impact of any future acquisitions, unanticipated asset impairment and exit cost charges, future changes in currency exchange rates and any unusual events.

>>> Choice Hotels misses by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS below consensus;

Choice Hotels misses by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS below consensus; guides FY15 EPS below consensus
Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.37 per share, $0.01 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.38; revenues rose 9.7% year/year to $175.25 mln vs the $166.2 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q2, sees EPS of approximately $0.58 vs. $0.64 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. Co issues downside guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $2.14-2.21 vs. $2.23 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.

>>> SodaStream beats by $0.13, reports revs in-line -->2.7% pre open

SodaStream beats by $0.13, reports revs in-line (18.89)
Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.35 per share, excluding restructuring an impairment charges (GAAP EPS -$0.39), $0.13 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.22; revenues fell 24.7% year/year to $126.5 mln vs the $127.14 mln consensus.
  • The decrease in revenue compared to the fourth quarter 2013 was mainly due to lower demand for sparkling water makers and flavors in the U.S. during the holidays, partially as a result of the elimination of discounting and promotional activities that took place in the same period in 2013, and also reflects an adverse foreign currency exchange rate impact of $7.6 million, primarily due to the weakening of the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rate by 7%.
  • "As we announced, in conjunction with our growth plan, we have begun to reform our operational and organizational structure to better support our new strategy and drive improved efficiencies. While our actions will impact our near-term performance, we believe they will put us on stronger footing for delivering long-term profitable growth and increased shareholder value."

- SodaStream announces the launch of the SodaStream Power Sparkling Water Maker, its latest innovation, which enhances its Source with touch-button technology
- trimmed presence at WMT, M, SHLD as expected and is focusing on expansion of new product lines
- says it will still refrain from providing specific guidance (co did not provide guidance last quarter either)
- was asked about US profitability; co said less mix and more volume will drive profits; co says expects to return to growth in H2 2015 followed by profitability gains; sees FY15 gross margins in line with last year

>>> GMCR : Rumor of Coca Cola Interest again...Article here (Prime Retailer

Time pressures Coca-Cola with the Keurig acquisition
March 11, 2015

In February 2014, Keurig Green Mountain Inc. announced an unexpected partnership with Coca-Cola, where the beverage giant acquired a 10% minority stake in Green Mountain. The deal was essentially a strategic agreement for bringing Keurig beverage system to consumers around the world, including „Keurig Cold“, which would compete in the cold beverage market.
In May 2014, the company announced that Coca-Cola had already made a move to increase its stake in Green Mountain shares by an additional 6%, bringing KO’s stake up to 16%. The increased stake in Green Mountain by Coca-Cola was accelerated through an advanced purchase agreement through Credit Suisse.
However, growing number of industry analysts have stated that Coca-Cola is spending too much on advertising and not diversifying enough through acquisitions. The Coke brand is known worldwide and advertising dollars spent over the years have not increased sales of their product, so it makes perfect sense to grow through acquisition. If Coca-Cola were to acquire Keurig in the near term, they would quickly develop a powerhouse for both hot and cold bewerages by using their international sales channels.
Coca-Cola has a good history of moving quickly to take over companies that it has developed a majority stake in over the years and since 1995 deal for root beer giant Barq’s, it has focused on buyouts outside of its carbonated beverage stronghold. Coca-Cola acquired Odwalla in 2001 to expand into fruit juices and smoothies. It was a big year in 2007 when it snapped up iced tea specialist Fuze and Glaceau, the company behind fortified water leader vitaminwater.
Simply partnering with companies does not mean any real growth for Coca-Cola and its shareholders are well aware of that. It is anticipated that the takeover bid would come rather sooner than later, as there is over a year passed since Coca-Cola announced a stake. Since Keurig is showing solid growth rate, continues to expand operations and increase its earnings power, time is working against Coca-Cola. It is clear that Green Mountain is moving forward for growth and waiting just means for Coca-Cola that the company comes with a higher price tag.

>>> US Gapping down

Gapping down
In reaction to disappointing earnings/guidance: ANAD -24.6%, NDLS -22.3%, ZU -20.1%, TTGT -13%, SKUL -11.8%, TNET -8.5%, TRUP -7.6%, VSI -6.6%, EVOL -6.1%, ENPH -5.8%, OCLR -5.3%, ATRS -4.3%, CERS -3.8%, RUBI -3.6%, CRNT -2.9%, NFX -2.7%, NWPX -2.6%, SM -2.6%, CTLT -2.3%, MIFI -2.1%, CLMT -2.1%, NYMT -2%, SAFT -1.9%, XXIA -1.9%, MYGN -1.6%, SUPN -1.6%, KGC -1.6%, AGU -1.6%, SODA -1.6%, GRPN -1.5%, SAND -1.5%, SCMP -1.4%, DDD -1.2%, WTW -1.1%, CLH -1%, SLRC -0.9%, CLUB -0.9%, AVA -0.9%, MPO -0.9%, PAA -0.8%

M&A news: ALXN -3.7% (acquired GEVA for consideration of $115 in cash and 0.6581 ALXNshares)


Other news: ARDX -26.7% (announces results from its Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating Tenapanor in Chronic Kidney disease patients; trial did not meet the primary endpoint of decreasing the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio in treated patients ), WLT -17.4% (discussed Going concern issues in 10-Q), ATRS -4.3% ( announces proposed public offering of common stock), ANTM -2.1% (announces a proposed public offering of $900 mln in equity units; units issued at $50/unit will consist of contract to purchase on share of common stock in the future and an interest in subordinated notes ), ACHC -2% (priced 4.5 mln share public offering of common stock at $66.50 per share)

Analyst comments: ENPH -5.8% (downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at BofA/Merrill), WSH -2.2% (downgraded to Sell from Neutral at Goldman), CTB -1.7% (downgraded to Sell from Neutral at Goldman), AMTD -0.9% (downgraded to Neutral from Buy at BofA/Merrill)

>>> Eurogroup chief Dijsselbloem: Reiterates that progress is being made with Gr

Eurogroup chief Dijsselbloem: Reiterates that progress is being made with Greece in negotiations but no agreement likely at Monday's Eurogroup meeting 
- Greece exit from EMU has not been discussed- If Greece completes it current bailoutprogram then group could do more on its debt
- Greece 2012 debt sustainability pledge remains valid- Yield movement in periphery has been relatively smal
l- Follow up 08:50 ET German Fin Min Schaeuble: Europe, Germany or IMF are not to be blamed for Greece's problems
- Greece has failed to get financial aid from Russia
- Follow Up: Reports that Greece and its creditors are moving closer to an agreement on VAT and tax collection and privatization list

>>> L.B. Foster beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY15 EPS below consensus,

L.B. Foster beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY15 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus

Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.40; revenues rose 23.8% year/year to $137.9 mln vs the $131.38 mln consensus.
  • Co issues mixed guidance for FY15, sees EPS of $3.20-3.30 vs. $3.33 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees FY15 revs of $770.0-780.0 vs. $736.03 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.
  • "Overall market conditions are expected to be favorable across our business segments in 2015 with the exception of certain areas in the energy market which are likely to experience short term volatility. Capital spending plans for many of the pipeline customers we serve have remained in place, while the E&P firms reduced capital spending aimed at drilling operations appear to have reached a conclusion for 2015. We are also reducing expectations for sales to Union Pacific Railroad based on the ongoing litigation over concrete tie warranty claims. In addition, headwinds from a strong dollar are likely to have a negative impact on sales."

>>> US Gapping up

Gapping up
In reaction to strong earnings/guidance: HLF +15.6%, JNP +12.7%, PACB +12.3%, ( achieves second development milestone in clinical diagnostics agreement with Roche (RHHBY); $10 mln milestone payment brings total funding to date from RHHBY up to $55 Million), KOPN +12.1%, ICUI +11.6%, ACLS +10%, AXTA +9.7%, ZEN +9.4%, ZAGG +8%, WD +7.2%, FOLD +7%, LC +6.7%, POWR +6.5%, WIX +6.4%, PZZA +6.3%, CMLP +6.3%, MM +5.6%, QNST +5.1%, WPX +5%, EA +4.8%, STEM +4.7%, TXMD +4.4%, CSTE +4.1%, CYH +3.8%, VRNG +3.6%, ATHM +3.5%, RCPT +3.4%, REXX +2.6%, EXAM +2.4%, GDP +2%, ZLTQ +1.9%, PERI +1.9%, TSRA +1.5%, COUP +1.4%, EGAN +1.4%, DVN +1.3%, CHK +1.3%, QGEN +1.1%, HFC +1%, ARP +1%

M&A news: GEVA +130.8% (to be acquired by Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) for consideration of $115 in cash and 0.6581 ALXN shares, implying a total per share value of $230 in $8.4 bln deal), BRDR +105% (Borderfree to be acquired by Pitney Bowes (PBI) for $14.00 per share in cash or ~$395 mln ), PTBI +35.8% (announces agreement to acquires Abeona Therapeutics for ~3.98 mln PTBI common stock shares and up to $9 mln in performance milestones), MGI +23.2% (seeing reports that Western Union (WU) is in early talks to acquire the company), PLCE +1.4% (has hired bankers to consider sale amid activist pressure, according to NY Post), CRM +1.4% (following late move higher on MSFT bid speculation)

Select EU financial related names showing strength: NBG +5.5% (reported progress in Greek negotiations), DB +1.7%, SAN +1.6%, HSBC +1.4%


Select oil/gas related names showing strength: SDRL +4.3%, RIG +1.9%, PBR +1.2%

Other news: LOCM +13.6% (disclosed amendment to Google Services Agreement ), PACB +12.3% (achieved second development milestone in clinical diagnostics agreement with Roche (RHHBY); $10 mln milestone payment brings total funding to date from RHHBY up to $55 mln), CYTX +5.6% (confirmed FDA Orphan Drug Designation for RE-024 for the treatment of Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration), RTRX +4.3% (confirmed FDA Orphan Drug Designation for RE-024 for the treatment of Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration), NOK +3.6% (rebounding form yday), BMRN +3.6% (in symp with GEVA M&A news), DDD +3.3% (entered into a reseller agreement with HK 3D, a supplier of 3D printers and additive manufacturing in the UK and Ireland), ALU +3.2% (rebounding form yday), ARIA +3.2% (announced that ARIAD has granted Gen Ilac exclusive rights to distribute Iclusig in Turkey, for patients with Philadelphia-positive leukemias), JUNO +2.8% (Juno and Fate Therapeutics (FATE) announce a strategic research collaboration regarding Juno's genetically-engineered T cell product candidates; includes a Juno purchase of FATE stock), ONCY +2.7% (confirms receipt of Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for Reolysin, to treat gastric cancers), MYCC +2.5% (prices 12,000,000 shares of its common stock at $20.75 per share by selling shareholders), GWPH +2.2% (announces the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical study of Cannabidivarin to treat Epilepsy), HQY +1.4% (prices 3,850,000 shares of common stock at $25.90 per share; shares sold by co and selling shareholders)

Analyst comments: SRPT +5.1% (upgraded to Outperform at Robert W. Baird), ITCI +4.9% (initiated with a Buy at Sun Trust Rbsn Humphrey; tgt $50), YNDX +2.5% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS), SCHW +1.6% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill), AXP +1.2% (upgraded to Outperform from Mkt Perform at Bernstein), GLMD +0.8% (initiated with a Buy at Sun Trust Rbsn Humphrey)