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Stocks to Watch, Feb. 23: BEA Systems, CBS Corp. and Nordstrom

By MarketWatch
Published | Updated

SAN FRANCISCO – Among the companies whose shares are likely to see active trading on Thursday are BEA Systems Inc., CBS Corp. and Nordstrom Inc.

BEA Systems Inc. (BEAS) is expected to report earnings of 12 cents a share for the fourth quarter, according to analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call.

CBS Corp. (CBS) is seen posting earnings of 39 cents a share for the fourth quarter.

Gap Inc. (GPS) is expected to post a fourth-quarter profit of 39 cents a share.

H&R Block Inc. (HRB) is seen reporting a per-share profit of 26 cents for its fiscal third quarter.

Analysts expect Host Marriott Corp. (HMT) to report fourth-quarter earnings of 21 cents a share.

Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) is seen posting a profit of 68 cents a share for the fourth quarter.

Omnicare Inc. (OCR) is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of 67 cents a share.

Roper Industries Inc. (ROP) is seen posting earnings of 50 cents a share for the fourth quarter.

Safeway Inc.'s (SWY) earnings are expected to come in at 46 cents a share for the fourth quarter.

Toll Brothers Inc.'s (TOL) earnings are seen coming in at 92 cents a share for its fiscal first quarter.

After Wednesday's closing bell, Salesforce.com Inc. (CRM) said its quarterly profit surged 66% as revenue and subscriptions for its business software climbed. See full story.

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Aaron Rents Inc. (RNT) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $14.6 million, or 29 cents a share, compared with $13.8 million, or 27 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The Atlanta-based rental services company posted revenue of $296.2 million vs. $242.1 million. Additionally, Aaron Rents forecast first-quarter earnings of 38 cents to 41 cents a share on revenue in excess of $315 million. For 2006, the company expects per-share earnings of $1.45 to $1.55 on revenue in excess of $1.3 billion, excluding revenues of franchisees. The company also sees positive quarterly same-store revenue growth.

Bluefly Inc. (BFLY) said its fourth-quarter net loss $55,000, or 7 cents a share. During the same period last year, the company reported net income of $7,000, with a net per-share loss of 7 cents. Revenue at the online clothing retailer was $21.2 million, compared with $14.5 million last year.

CBOT Holdings Inc. (BOT) , parent company of the Chicago Board of Trade, said its board has decided not to pursue an organized sale of shares held by CBOT members.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. (CQB) said the fourth-quarter net loss was $19 million, or 45 cents a share. Last year, the fruit producer reported net earnings of $25.1 million, or 61 cents a share. Chiquita said the quarterly result includes costs of 55 cents a share from flooding in Honduras, as well as consolidation of fresh-cut fruit facilities in the Midwest. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected a loss of a penny a share. Chiquita said fourth-quarter revenue was $999.1 million, compared with $768.3 million last year. Analysts were looking for revenue of $1.06 billion.

CNet Networks Inc. (CNET) has hired investment banker Zander Lurie from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., a spokeswoman for the Internet company said Wednesday. Lurie advised Internet companies on mergers and acquisitions at J.P. Morgan. See full story.

EarthLink Inc. (ELNK) said it expects its 2006 net results to range from breakeven to a loss of $45 million on revenue of $1.3 billion. The company sees first-quarter net income of $2 million to $9 million on revenue of $310 million to $315 million. EarthLink also said it expects the number of subscribers at the end of the first quarter to stay level with the number of subscribers at the end of 2005. For 2006, EarthLink expects paying subscribers to be level with the 5.3 million subscribers reported at the end of 2005. EarthLink is looking for revenue growth of 10% to 15% compounded annually through 2009.

Pharmacy distribution firm Express Scripts (ESRX) said fourth-quarter net income jumped 37%, and the company offered a 2006 earnings forecast that put street estimates at the low end of its range. See full story.

Frontier Airlines (FRNT) said it has expanded a purchase agreement with Airbus through fiscal 2011. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Frontier said it had a firm order of six new A320 aircraft, and will exchange eight existing A319 aircraft for four A318 and four A320 aircraft orders. The carrier said the deal introduces the A320 to its fleet. Before the extension, the last delivery date was for March 2008, said Frontier. Airbus is 80% owned by EADS and 20% owned by the U.K.'s BAE Systems (BA) .

Offshore drilling contractor GlobalSantaFe Corp. (GSF) said a sharp rise in day rates for offshore drilling rigs and the sale of one of its drillships propelled it to a solid fourth-quarter profit, reversing a year-ago loss. See full story.

Ikon Office Solutions Inc.'s (IKN) board approved a $150 million increase of its share buyback program. The company is now authorized to repurchase up to $400 million of its shares.

R.R. Donnelley & Sons (RRD) swung to a fourth-quarter loss, weighed down by hefty impairment and restructuring charges. See full story.

Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) has agreed to acquire Amcor Ltd.'s (AMCR) White Cap closures business for 230 million euros ($280 million). The Hanover, Germany-based business supplies a range of metal closures to consumer goods packaging companies in the food and beverage industries. Silgan expects the transaction to add to its 2007 earnings, with additional opportunities as certain synergies and cost savings initiatives are realized.

Sina Corp. (SINA) said fourth-quarter net earnings were $13.8 million, or 24 cents a share, compared with $17.4 million, or 30 cents a share, last year. Pro forma earnings were 21 cents a share, compared with 31 cents a share last year. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected a profit of 22 cents a share. Sina, an online media company providing services in China, said revenue was $52 million, compared with $56.9 million last year. For the first quarter, Sina expects revenue of $44.5 million to $46.5 million, and pro forma income of $8.5 million to $9.5 million.

Viacom Inc. (VIA) (VIAB) said excluding results from the CBS Corp. (CBS) spinoff, its fourth-quarter profit declined on an unusual severance expense and the writedown of abandoned film projects. See full story.