Cisco Reports. But Wait, This Stock Was Halted After Hours!

Stocks were slightly higher, but traders were
cautious ahead of Cisco’s report.  After the close, Cisco
reported in-line at 0.22. Net income nearly doubled, revenue rose 12%. Margins
and revenues were at the low end of guidance.

Oil is at a one-month low. The dollar is at a 2-month high vs. the Yen.

McDonald’s
(
MCD |
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PowerRating) reported same store sales +4%.

Marriot
(
MAR |
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PowerRating) reported better than expected earnings but guided
lower for 2005.

Many homebuilders are at historic highs. Toll Brothers
(
TOL |
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Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
reported a 7200-home backlog–the highest in the company’s history.

Look for pricing on the FTD IPO tonight–13.1 million shares between
$12-$14.

After the close, Occidental Pete
(
OXY |
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PowerRating) raised Q4 guidance. Bob
Evans Farms
(
BOBE |
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PowerRating) lowered its guidance after reporting same store
sales that were way off. The stock was halted after hours.

Today is Fat Tuesday, which marks the end of

Mardi
Gras.

Stocks in the News

Taser
(
TASR |
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Chart |
News |
PowerRating) profit rose by 77%, but still missed by 0.03. Shares
are lower pre-open.

Alcan
(
AL |
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Chart |
News |
PowerRating) reported 0.30 vs 0.52.

Activision reported
(
ATVI |
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Chart |
News |
PowerRating) 0.63 vs 0.56.