The Fool Looks Ahead

Monday
The new trading week kicks off with a handful of Chinese companies reporting, including semiconductor specialist Vimicro (Nasdaq: VIMC  ) .

Vimicro has attracted the attention of value investors, given its huge cash mattress. A lack of consistent profitability has kept Vimicro's stock in check, but at least analysts see a narrowing deficit this time around.

Tuesday
Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI  ) presents its quarterly report card on Tuesday. Wall Street is targeting a profit of $0.40 a share from the post-secondary educator, ahead of the $0.32 it rang up a year ago.

Wednesday
Krispy Kreme (NYSE: KKD  ) and Zumiez (Nasdaq: ZUMZ  ) report on Wednesday. Doughnuts and extreme-sports participants have little in common, though occasionally they're both glazed.

Of the two, Zumiez will be the better one to watch. Net income is pegged to more than double at the sporty-apparel retailer. Krispy Kreme will be lucky to break even.  

Thursday
Supermarket giant Kroger (NYSE: KR  ) and beauty retailer Ulta Salon (Nasdaq: ULTA  ) are Thursday's hopefuls. Thankfully for investors, both chains are expected to post modest bottom-line growth.

Friday
The week closes out with the last of four major banks from our neighbors to the north reporting. The pros are targeting a profit of $0.93 a share out of Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS  ) . It earned $0.77 a share during the same quarter last year.

Until next week, I remain,

Rick Munarriz