By Michael Bogan Standard & Poor’s Global Investment Policy Committee issued its outlook for U.S. markets, recommending lightening up on equities and raising cash. In its July 21 report, S & P stated, “Heightened volatility, caused by plunging Treasury yields, global economic growth concerns, and sovereign debt worries, increase the range of investment outcomes, and [...]

Talks of a takeover between Sanofi-Aventis SA and biotech company Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ) are in progress, according to Reuters. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday that Sanofi-Aventis is searching for a large acquisition, lifting shares 15% on the news. Facing lower revenue streams from patent expirations on some of its big [...]

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) posted a large turnaround in profit in the second quarter, citing strong passenger demand. The world’s largest airline said its latest quarterly profit is the largest in 10 years. Net income rose sharply to $467 million, or 55 cents per share, compared with a loss of $257 million, or a [...]

International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM) posted steady numbers for the second quarter, raising full-year guidance on prospects of its new products and “higher-value” business offerings. For the second quarter, revenue totaled $23.72 billion, compared with $23.25 billion for the second quarter last year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected $24.17 in revenue. Net income increased [...]

By Michael Bogan Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG) posted sharply higher second-quarter revenue and profits after the closing bell on Thursday, but fell short of Wall Street’s estimate. Google reported higher employee costs as the company strives to maintain its lead in online search and enters new revenue opportunities. Google generates most of its revenue from [...]

CSX Corp. (NYSE: CSX) posted a second-quarter profit, citing improved automobile sales led to a rise in rail shipments. The third-largest U.S. railroad said net profit increased 36% to $414 million, or $1.07 per share, compared with a $305 million profit, or 77 cents per share, for the equivalent period last year. Analysts polled by [...]

Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) posted its largest quarterly net profit in a decade, benefiting from a stronger computer market and more high-tech manufacturing facilities. In contrast with the first quarter, Intel reported stronger demand from large corporations for upgraded computers. The trend to put off purchases of workers’ computers reversed during the second quarter, according [...]