Stocks in Focus: RIMM, AAPL, NOK, CF, and RNOW

Strategic Insights -

As the Zacks Equity Research team analyzes the latest market trends and economic conditions, several stocks have garnered attention for their Q4 2008 results and guidance updates. Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nokia (NYSE: NOK), CF Industries Holdings (NYSE: CF), and RightNow Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNOW) are among the stocks featured in the Analyst Blog, highlighting key takeaways from their financial reports and management statements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Research In Motion (RIMM) updated its guidance for Q4 2009, with net subscriber account additions expected to be over 20% higher than its previously forecasted 2.9 million, reflecting a significant increase in demand for its Blackberry devices.
  • CF Industries Holdings (CF) reported a 26% increase in net sales for Q4 2008, driven by higher prices for all products, with nitrogen net sales reaching $705.6 million, up 23% from the same period in 2007.
  • RightNow Technologies, Inc. (RNOW) outperformed estimates in Q4:FY08 with lower revenue and GAAP earnings exceeding analyst estimates, with a net gain of $0.7 million or $0.02 per diluted share on a GAAP basis.
  • RIMM, AAPL, and NOK are competing in the mobile device market, with RIMM's Blackberry facing increasing competition from Apple's iPhone and Nokia's PDAs.
  • CF Industries' switch to a subscription-based model is paying dividends, with recurring revenues growing 9.9% year over year and service revenues growing 46.2% year over year.

Statistics:

  • RIMM's Q4 2008 net subscriber account additions are estimated to be over 20% higher than its previous forecast of 2.9 million.
  • CF Industries' Q4 2008 net sales reached $1.07 billion, a 26% increase over the same period in 2007.
  • RNOW's Q4:FY08 GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.02, exceeding analyst estimates.
  • RNOW's recurring revenues grew 9.9% year over year, while service revenues grew 46.2% year over year.
  • RIMM sold over 50 million Blackberry devices in Q4 2008.

Sources:

  • Zacks.com
  • Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM)
  • Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)
  • Nokia (NYSE: NOK)
  • CF Industries Holdings (NYSE: CF)
  • RightNow Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNOW)