OK, time to roll up the sleeves.. earnings are pouring in today.  This morning I just have time to highlight the 3 highest rated companies reporting, but will try and post an update later this morning and list stocks that are moving as a result of their earnings report.

[27/30]

Coach (COH), the high end retailer, posted a very strong quarter again this morning and beat estimates by a penny. Earnings growth improved 53% over the year ago quarter as margins continue to rise, while revenues increased 30% for the same period.  In addition the company has raised guidance for next quarter and the full year.  The stock is currently holding steady above support of the 200 day moving average and in process of carving out a base.  Today’s earnings report should spark the stock into a significant move up the right side of a base,  The stock is up nearly 5% in premarket trading.

Chicago Mercantile (CME), the derivative market operator for futures and options, beat by a penny as earnings grew 29% per share with revenue growth 22%.  That’s a strong quarter for any company, but when your stock has risen more than 100% in a year and eight fold since its IPO in 2002, anything less than a blow out quarter can lead to some profit taking.  The stock is down just a bit after hours.  It should be noted that the stock has a history of selling off after earnings, but bounces back quickly. 

Chicago

turned it around in 2001, but really ramped up its growth in 2004.  However the company is showing some signs of slowing down.  The stock broke out from a base back in the middle of December and is currently marching higher after testing the 50 day moving average. What stock will hit 400 first?  Google or Chicago?

LCA Vision (LCAV) Blow Out Earnings!, the leader in laser eye surgery centers, posted earnings of .37/share which smashed estimates of .30/share.  That’s quarter over quarter growth of 118% as revenue grew 51%.  Margins increased in the period and the company raised ’05 guidance significantly.  After an amazing run in which the stock price nearly quadrupled in a year, the stock has been carving out a base since July and is currently breaking out of the downtrend to form the right side of a base.  That breakout will continue with force today – the stock is up 15% in premarket trading.