business

The company stated that it expects 2011 third quarter earnings per share to be $0.17 to $0.22 compared to record earnings per share of $0.18 per share last year.

Ltd Brands (NYSE:LTD) has a potential upside of 27.7% based on a current price of $34.34 and an average consensus analyst price target of $43.87.

Limited Brands (NYSE:LTD) reported Q2 EPS of $0.48, better than analyst estimates of $0.46 per share Revenues for the quarter rose 9.6% to $2.46 billion, better than consensus estimates of $2.44 billion.

Chico's FAS (NYSE:CHS) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Boston Proper, which is a direct-to-consumer retailer of distinctive women's apparel and accessories.

Patterson has a potential upside of 27.6% based on a current price of $29.16 and an average consensus analyst price target of $37.2.

Patterson is currently below its 50-day moving average (MA) of $31.56 and below its 200-day MA of $32.04.

UBS lowered its price target for Patterson Cos. (NASDAQ:PDCO) to $32 from $37 and maintained its neutral rating on the stock.

The bank sees 2011 EPS of $3.89 and 2012 EPS of $4.25.

Hospira has a potential upside of 31.8% based on a current price of $45.1 and an average consensus analyst price target of $59.45.

Citigroup upgraded Hospira (NYSE:HSP) to hold from sell and lifted its price target to $49 from $43.

The bank sees 2011 EPS of $2.74, down from $2.85 per share, and 2012 EPS of $2.71, down from $2.90 per share.

Analog Devices has a potential upside of 34.6% based on a current price of $31.47 and an average consensus analyst price target of $42.37.

Citigroup lowered its price target for Analog Devices (NYSE:ADI) to $42 from $43 and maintained its buy rating on the stock.

Wells Fargo will consider about 1,535 eligible homeowners in the state for loan modifications as part of the agreement, and will also provide Connecticut with $741,465 to support the state's foreclosure efforts.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) has a potential upside of 44.3% based on a current price of $24.68 and an average consensus analyst price target of $35.6.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) has formed an agreement with Connecticut over the alleged deceptive marketing of mortgage products by Wachovia and Golden West Financial.

In the past 52-weeks, shares of Microsoft have traded between a low of $23.32 and a high of $29.46 and are now at $25.35, which is 8.7% above that low price.

Microsoft is currently below its 50-day moving average (MA) of $25.78 and below its 200-day MA of $26.28. In the last five trading sessions, the 50-day MA has climbed 0.3% while the 200-day MA has remained constant.

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) initiated at Outperform at Bernstein. The stock closed yesterday at $25.35 on volume of 54,203,375 shares, below the average daily volume of 70,797,741.

Citi Trends has a potential upside of 7.1% based on a current price of $12.37 and an average consensus analyst price target of $13.25.

Citi Trends is currently below its 50-day moving average (MA) of $14.74 and below its 200-day MA of $20.33.

Citi Trends (NASDAQ:CTRN) reported a Q2 loss of $0.69 per share, wider than consensus estimates for a loss of $0.64 per share. Revenues for the quarter rose 0.9% year-over-year to $130.2 million, missing consensus estimates of $13

Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer said, "Bolstered by yet another quarter of record results, John Deere remains on track for a year of exceptional achievement. Our success reflects strong demand for the company

Deere (NYSE:DE) reported Q3 EPS of $1.69, ahead of consensus estimates of $1.67 per share. Revenues for the quarter rose 24.1% year-over-year to $7.72 billion, topping consensus estimates of $7.54 billion.

Shortall advised the Board of Directors Unilife that he intends to purchase up to an additional $500,000 of the company's common stock between now and September 30.

In a statement, Shortall said, "I believe that this is an excellent time to purchase shares in Unilife, and to further align my own personal interests to that of my fellow shareholders.

Unilife Corporation (NASDAQ:UNIS) announced that its CEO, Alan Shortall, intends to purchase $500,000 in shares of the company common stock over the next week.