Footlocker Retains STRONG Foothold and 4 Stocks Enjoying 52-Week Highs

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL): The focus of the continuing patent battle between Apple and Samsung Electronics Co. (SSNLF) has become focused on damages, as the trial in San Jose, CA began its final days, according to the Wall Street Journal. One of Samsung’s lawyers delivered a testimony and evidence intended to lower the possible bill the company may face if the jury decides that Samsung devices are in violation of Apple patents. Apple, argues that it is owed more than $2.5 billion in damages based on a host of Samsung devices infringing upon numerous patents. The shares closed at $648.11, up $11.77 or 1.85% on the day. They have traded in a 52-week range of $354.24 to $644.00.

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Agrium Inc. (NYSE:AGU): According to Saskatchewan Economy Minister Bill Boyd , he predicts that BHP Billiton PLC (NYSE:BHP) will continue with the construction of its potash mine, with a possible announcement coming within days, reports The Globe and Mail. The shares closed at $99.89, down $0.48 or 0.48% on the day. They have traded in a 52-week range of $60.15 to $100.65.

Ann Inc’s (NYSE:ANN) FY12 gross margin rate performance is predicted to be about 55 percent, and total SG&A expenses are expected to reach about $1.140 billion. The effective annual tax rate of the company is should be approximately 40 percent, and capital expenditures are expected to total nearly $160 million. The company’s total weighted average square footage for FY12 should see a slight increase, reflecting the opening of about 65 new stores, and partially offset by the impact of downsizes at Ann Taylor stores and nearly 30 store closures. The Company expects to possess about 985 stores at fiscal year-end. The shares closed at $33.89, up $5.75 or 20.43% on the day. They have traded in a 52-week range of $20.40 to $29.81.

Cincinnati Financial (NASDAQ:CINF) announced that the executive committee of its board has declared a 40.75c per share regular quarterly cash dividend, which is higher than the previous 40.25c per share rate for the dividend which was paid on July 16. The dividend will be payable October 15 to shareholders of record as of September 19. At its new level, the indicated annual dividend is about $1.63 per share. During 2011, cash dividends paid were $1.6025 per share and dividends declared were $1.605 per share. The shares closed at $39.53, up $0.27 or 0.69% on the day. They have traded in a 52-week range of $24.66 to $39.26.

Footlocker Inc (NYSE:FL) climbs after it reported stronger Q2 results than expected, and noted that its comparable sales had seen 9.8 percent boost during the quarter. Also, the company reported that its comparative sales have been rising by double digit percentage levels so far during the month. Foot Locker indicated that its European business has also seen some improvement, with same-store sales in Europe rising by mid single digit percentage levels so far in August. “Our business remains solid in the U.S. Canada, and Australia, and it seems to be picking up in Europe,” stated Foot Locker CEO Ken Hicks. Although the outlook appears positive, Foot Locker predicts that its comparative sales will rise only at the high end of mid single digit percentage levels during the second half of its fiscal year. The retailer also believes that its gross margin will see a slight increase during its fiscal year’s second half. In mid-morning trading, Foot Locker increased 59c, or 1.71 percent, to $35.08. The shares closed at $35.09, up $0.6 or 1.74% on the day. They have traded in a 52-week range of $17.77 to $34.92.

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