Capella faces challenges
Capella Education reported fourth-quarter and year-end numbers Tuesday that were roughly within expectations of analyst Jeffrey Meuler of Baird Equity Research. Fourth-quarter revenue of $107 million was 2.7 percent less than the fourth quarter last year but "slightly better" than Meuler had expected. The company's critical measure of new student starts was roughly as expected. Meuler told the Star Tribune: "Considering the challenges in the higher-education industry, Capella's fourth quarter was solid." He was less enthused about Capella's guidance for 2013. Meuler lowered his 2013 EPS estimate for the company from $2.48 per share to $2.36 per share and maintained his "neutral" rating. Capella shares dropped 41 cents to close at $32.03 on Friday.
TCF buyout rumors
David Bugajski, financial services analyst for San Francisco-based Discern Analytics, speculated on a buyout possibility at TCF Financial. The Wayzata-based regional bank frequently sees its name mentioned in acquisition talks. Bugajski's headline for his Jan. 31 research report went straight to the point: "If there's an offer, they should take it."
Patrick Kennedy
