Geithner, currently the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, is viewed by Democrats and Republicans alike as probably the most qualified candidate to succeed current Treasury Secretary Henry M. “Hank” Paulson Jr., since whoever fills this post will have to be able to step right in and make whatever moves are needed to fix a financial system that seems to get worse by the week. Geithner is actually viewed as perhaps the one candidate with the qualifications, personality and personality needed for success.

But there’s a problem.  The man chosen by President-elect Obama to run the U.S. Treasury failed to pay $34,000 in taxes over several years in the first half of the decade. This oversight, which relates to a period when Geithner worked as a senior official with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will complicate a Senate Finance Committee hearing into his nomination as U.S. treasury secretary, the online edition of the London (U.K.) Times reported. That issue – as well as a second, regarding the employment of a housekeeper without a work permit – emerged in papers released last week by the Senate Finance Committee.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were saying last week that they were still hoping Geithner could be confirmed, but with each passing day there are a growing number of critics, many of whom are calling for him to withdraw. The days ahead will tell us whether Geithner will be able to assume the post so many believe he’s just right for, or whether President Obama will have to settle for a less-than-perfect replacement.

As Obama prepares to take the historic oath of office as the 44th President of the United States tomorrow, he faces the worst financial and economic crises since the Great Depression.  He intends to hit the ground running and put his personal touches on the much discussed stimulus package.

Congressional Democrats revealed plans for the new administration’s stimulus, which has grown to $825 billion and which includes $275 billion in tax cuts.  For good measure, the Senate approved the release of the next $350 billion of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) money, but only after Obama pledged to place restrictions on banks that will be receiving funds.

Market Matters

A light week on the economic calendar gives way to more earnings reports as investors move beyond (depressed) financials and focus on other key corporate releases, including:

• International Business Machines (IBM) (Tuesday).
• Google Inc. (GOOG) (Thursday).
• Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) (Thursday).
• General Electric Co. (GE) (Friday).

Expectations are incredibly dire so any positive earnings surprises (no matter how low) should be well received.  The new Citigroup Inc. (C) will be worth watching as some analysts expect its downward spiral to continue and anticipate a similar fate as the bankrupt Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (LEHMQ).

Amid all the talk of recession and bailouts, foreclosures and bankruptcies, unemployment and deflation, bear markets and capitulation, there was actually an airline-related story that actually was the feel-good story of the week last week – and it involved perennial also-ran US Airways Group Inc. (LCC). On Thursday, in an incident that the New York governor has labeled as “Miracle on the Hudson” – and in a story that finally lifts the human spirit above the “gloom and doom” of the ongoing financial crisis – U.S. Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III made a series of split-second decisions and heroically ditched his Airbus jetliner in the Hudson River after a dual engine failure, saving the lives of all 150 passengers and crew.

Many folks didn’t even get their feet wet. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it will be studying this case as an example of all the things to do “right” during such a crisis – in stark contrast to most of its investigations, which look at the sometimes scandalous events that went wrong. Sullenberger, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot is also a skilled glider pilot, and is also the airlines’ expert on safety.

So while Vikram S. Pandit (Citigroup), Kenneth D. Lewis (Bank of America Corp. (BAC)), John Thain (Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. (MER)), G. Richard Wagoner Jr. (General Motors Corp. (GM)), and many others, shirk responsibility over corporate (and shareholder) losses, let’s not forgot that true heroes still exist and their leadership is not measured by the value of their stock options or investment portfolios, or the size of their (missed) bonuses. Thank you, Sully.

Bank of America, fresh on the heals of its first quarterly loss in 17 years, emerged as the initial beneficiary of new TARP dollars (and loan guarantees) to help absorb Merrill into its corporate umbrella (where it joined forces with another failing institution, (Countrywide Financial Corp). While BofA seemed to be embracing the “financial supermarket” concept made famous by Citigroup, the latter took the opposite approach and sold part of its Smith Barney brokerage unit to Morgan Stanley (MS) and divided its remaining operations into two entities (See related stories on both Citi and BofA in today’s issue of Money Morning.)

Citi lost more than $8 billion last quarter, despite its personal government bailout and initial TARP money.  Deutsche Bank AG (DB) warned of a $6 billion quarterly loss of its own, revealing that the financial debacle is not limited to the United States.  JP Morgan Chase & Co (JPM) recorded a slight profit last quarter, but added to its loan loss reserves as CEO James “Jamie” Dimon expressed “disappointment” over the results.

While the financials reported earnings (losses) early to avoid the painful waiting, the news from other sectors was not any better. Alcoa Inc. (AA) kicked off the earnings season by announcing worse-than-expected results, while Intel Corp. (INTC) lived up to its dire outlook by reporting a 90% drop in profits.

Though Thomson Research predicted a 14% decline in Standard & Poor’s 500 Index earnings for the quarter, that forecast may look optimistic after the initial reports.  In other corporate news, Nortel Networks Corp. (NT) filed for bankruptcy; Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) found a new CEO; Circuit City Stores Inc. (CCTYQ) moved into liquidation mode; and Apple Inc.(AAPL) will continue without Steve Jobs for the foreseeable future.

Oil plunged below $35 a barrel for a bit as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) each reduced their projections for global demand in 2009.  Stocks resumed their downward spiral (before rebounding slightly late in the week) as the banking sector proved that TARP was no easy fix and that the earnings season could be disastrous.  A horrific retail sales report (see below) added to the economic woes as investors searched long and hard for something to believe in.  Thanks again, Sully, for the welcome relief (no matter how temporary).

Weekly Economic Calendar

Alas, a Ben Bernanke sighting.  During the week, the U.S. Federal Reserve chairman expressed his concern that a new stimulus package might not be enough to provide a “significant boost” to the economy and confirmed that policymakers will “do their part” to promote recovery.  The Fed’s Beige Book depicted a domestic economy growing weaker by the day as conditions deteriorated within virtually all sectors across virtually all regions.  Fearful of a weakening labor picture, consumers disregarded the available (deep) discounts provided by the nation’s retailers and contributed to a very dismal holiday season.  In fact, retail sales plunged by 2.7% in December, more than twice the expected decrease in activity, and suffered the first annual decline on record (since 1992).

While the trade deficit dropped to its lowest level in five years, exports also fell as our international trading partners have lost their unlimited appetites for U.S.-made goods and services.  This bad news for domestic manufacturers will surely be reflected in corporate earnings in the quarters to come.  On that note, industrial production dropped by 2% in December, a far worse showing that analysts expected.  On the housing front, 30-year mortgage rates fell below 5%, though home purchases are still rare and borrowers with less than stellar credit face difficulties in refinancing loans in this environment.

The inflation picture offered a bit of a reprieve from the negativity (though naysayers continued touting deflation or worse).  Wholesale prices plummeted for the fifth consecutive month and experienced their first annual drop since 2001.  In December, gasoline prices fell by another 25% and even food costs suffered their largest decline since early 2006.  The less volatile core producer price index (PPI) – which excludes the “volatile” food and energy components – rose slightly in December, though most economists expect that the lower energy costs will soon impact other sectors of the economy, as well.  Consumer price index (CPI) data reflected another large decline in retail prices, and the smallest increase in annual inflation since 1954.

Unfortunately, few analysts even speak of the stimulus package that Americans have received at the pumps over the past few months as gas prices have plummeted far more than 50% since mid-summer (and this one won’t cost taxpayers a penny down the road).

Source: Could Tax Problems Trip up the Confirmation of the Best Candidate for Treasury Secretary?

Fortunately, the analyst consensus holds that the economy expanded at a faster pace than the 1% rate of the first quarter, putting us safely outside of recession territory. Investors get another view inside the struggling labor market where layoffs (mainly among financials) have resulted in overall job contractions for five consecutive months.

Economists hope for another positive showing for manufacturing from the ISM index, especially on the heels of last week’s strong durable goods data. Finally, Exxon-Mobil Corp. (XOM) and Chevron Corp. (CVX) headline this week’s installments in the ongoing earnings season as investors get a reprieve from the weak financial releases and see just how much record oil and gas prices have padded the pocketbooks of those energy-sector executives [Click here for additional insight on Chevron, in Money Morning’s new “Buy, Sell or Hold” feature.]

Market Matters

The Federal Communications Commission late Friday approved the $3.3 billion merger of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR), a move that means the still-nascent industry might actually be able to operate at a profit. [Please click here for a complete news story on this satellite radio merger posted elsewhere in this issue of Money Morning.]

With the immediate threat of a Freddie Mac (FRE)/Fannie Mae (FNM) failure looking less and less likely, investors were able to focus more on the heart of earnings season. Thus far, the results have been mixed (or confusing) at best. Of course, financials took top priority (again) as the nation’s largest bank by asset size, Bank of America Corp. (BAC), saw its profits decline by more than 40%, much to the delight – that’s right, delight – of investors who feared much worse. Wachovia Corp. (WB) followed up with a trifecta of bad news:

• A greater than expected loss.
• A dividend cut.
• And some employee pink slips.

And yet, its stock price was up for the week as investors began to believe the worst of the news may be behind us (a feeling that will only last until the next bit of bad news hits).

Outside of the financial world, investors had plenty of reasons to grin. Heavy equipment-maker Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), oil giant ConocoPhillips (COP), communications staple AT&T Corp. (T) and the world’s biggest drugmaker Pfizer Inc. (PFE) each announced strong earnings. Even Internet retailer Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) shrugged off prospects for weak consumer activity and raised its year-end forecast. Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) accomplished what none of its competitors could do by reporting its 69th consecutive profitable quarter, thanks to some “ingenious” hedging moves. On the downside, US Airways Group Inc. (LCC), UAL Corp. (UAUA), and JetBlue Airways Corp. (JBLU) suffered along with the rest of their winged brethren; Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) showed that even discounters can struggle during dire times (apparently consumers can’t afford bulk purchases); and Ford Motor Co. (F) posted its worst quarter – ever. [Please click here for a “Buy, Sell or Hold” analysis of Ford shares elsewhere in today’s issue of Money Morning.]

United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) had trouble dealing with the higher gasoline costs, while Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN) lowered its outlook for the year. Some reports required a tad bit more analysis. While Apple Inc. (AAPL) rejoiced over its “best June quarter for revenue and earnings” in its history, it disappointed investors with a weaker-than-expected end-of-year forecast.

Toymaker Hasbro Inc. (HAS) benefited from strong demand for “Iron Man” products, though management worried about the holidays as the company finds itself forced to pass along higher gas prices to consumers. Merger talks resurfaced (another sign of business optimism) as drugmaker Roche Holding Ltd. (OTC ADR: RHHBY) will acquire the remaining shares in Genentech Inc. (DNA) it doesn’t already own. Finally, Carl Icahn will have more say in the future of Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) deals as he and his “cronies” will be given three seats on that “infamous” board.

Consumers got an even greater reprieve from recent energy woes as oil prices continued their decline, and crude even dropped below $123 for the first time in several weeks. Likewise, gas prices declined to just above $4 a gallon nationally (a drop of 10 cents per gallon) as the higher weekly inventory report revealed a continued slide in demand, and as service stations owners looked to regain those gas-guzzling customers.

While investors tried to make sense over the recent earnings reports, some took solace in the lower energy prices, and hope the “trend” continues as summer travel winds down and the holiday shopping season approaches.

A surprisingly weak housing report put a damper on the newfound optimism from the oil decline and prompted some late-week selling that moved the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index into the red for the week. Still, the general mood seems to be changing, as investors are more willing to dip their toes back into the equity pool – though let’s hope they do so without badly stubbing their toe in the process.

NEW HIGHS OF NOTE LAST WEEK

Halliburton (HAL)… oil services
Patterson-UTI (PTEN)… oil services
Carbo Ceramics (CRR)… oil services
Atwood Oceanics (ATW)… oil services
Key Energy Services (KEG)… oil services
National Oilwell Varco (NOV)… oil services
Spectra Energy (SE)… gas pipelines
U.S. Steel (X)… you guessed it
Schnitzer Steel (SCHN)… scrap steel
Fluor (FLR)… infrastructure
Quanta Services (PWR)… infrastructure
Crude oil, Natural gas, Gasoline, Corn, Soybeans, Cocoa

NEW LOWS OF NOTE LAST WEEK

JetBlue (JBLU)… airline
US Airways (LCC)… airline
Continental Airline (CAL)… airline
MGM Mirage (MGM)… casinos
Boyd Gaming (BYD)… casinos
Wynn Resorts (WYNN)… casinos
Las Vegas Sands (LVS)… casinos
Monarch Casinos (MCRI)… casinos
Winnebago (WGO)… RVs
Thor Industries (THO)… RVs
Fleetwood Enterprises (FLE)… RVs
Goodyear Tire (GT)… tires
News Corp (NWS)… media
Hershey (HSY)… candy
Playboy (PLA)… eye candy
American Express (AXP)… credit cards
Capital One Financial (COF)… credit cards
International Gaming (IGT)… gambling machines
Circuit City (CC)… landfill stuffing continues to suffer
Veolia Environnement (VE)… world’s largest water stock
Honeywell (HON)… conglomerate
General Electric (GE)… conglomerate
United Technologies (UTX)… conglomerate
XM Satellite Radio (XMSR)… satellite radio
Legg Mason (LM)… asset management
Callaway Golf (ELY)… golf equipment
Whole Foods (WFMI)… expensive groceries
General Motors (GM)… read the letter from the Chairman
Lead, Nickel

Source: Brian Hunt’s Market Notes Monday, June 30, 2008

Continental’s management ended months of speculation by announcing that a merger with troubled United would do more harm than good, even with the intense pressure airlines are under due to record high oil prices and the competitive threat posed by the recent deal between Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) and Northwest Airlines Corp. (NWA).

“The risks of a merger at this time outweigh the potential rewards,” Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner said in a letter. “While some would prefer to see Continental pursue a merger, we strongly believe we have made the right decision.”

As for the niche carrier Eos, in grounding itself it joins Skybus Airlines, Aloha Airgroup Inc.’s Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines Inc., which have already ceased operations, as well as U.S. charter operator Champion Airlines, which announced plans to stop flying at the end of May.

Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc. (FRNT) also has filed for bankruptcy protection, but at this time plans to keep flying.

The Eos downfall was “no surprise,” Calyon Securities airline analyst Ray Neidl told The Associated Press. “We saw it happen with other smaller, undercapitalized airlines. Basically, there are too many airlines. We’re in a period of consolidation. The weaker guys, [facing] $120-a-barrel oil, are finally succumbing.”

With jet fuel the single largest expense for carriers, merging to capitalize on economies of scale makes sense. And as the world’s new largest carrier, the Delta/Northwest merger now has the competitive advantage.

But while Continental still might be able to go it alone – even against a stronger potential rival – United is in a much weaker financial position and needs a partner. The carrier wasted no time in turning its attentions to U.S. Airways Group Inc. (LCC).

“Consolidation is under way – ensuring you have the right partner is everything,” United Airlines Chief Executive Glenn Tilton said in a statement. “We will pursue all options to ensure a strong, sustainable future for our airline.”

While talks with U.S. Airways are not yet at the advanced stage United had reached with Continental, management is doing its best to accelerate discussions, hoping to finalize any deal before the end of the year – and before there’s a possible change in the political party in the White House.

When it comes to mega-mergers – and industry consolidations in which there might be a perceived decline in competition – the Bush administration is seen as being more of a proponent for deals that require Justice Department approval in order to proceed.

Analysts say that U.S. Airways and United could mesh well due to similar pay structures and complementary fleets. In addition, United and U.S. Airways are both members of the Star global marketing alliance.

Bigger is Better

Atlanta-based Delta announced it would buy the Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest for $3.63 billion, all in stock, creating a single carrier with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion.

Delta Chief Executive Richard Anderson will be chief executive officer of the combined company. Delta Chairman Daniel A. Carp will become chairman of the new Board of Directors.

The carriers decided to go ahead with a merger despite being their respective pilot’s unions being unable to come to agreement. Delta’s 7,000 pilots endorsed the deal by supporting a new labor agreement that includes an equity stake.

While Northwest’s 5,000 pilots will be asked to join a contract before the deal closes, the union is expected to oppose deal after the unions could not agree on how to assign pilot seniority – a key determinant of shifts, pay scale and what airplanes they fly – in the new organization.

It is expected that the Delta/Northwest merger will be approved later this year.