If you're feeling good about the market, you're not alone. Take my hand as we go over some of this week's more uplifting headlines.
1. A blockbuster three years in the making
I guess this recession sometimes brings out the best in certain companies. IMAX
This could be just the beginning.
"While one quarter does not make a trend, we believe this quarter is an early indication of the benefits of our new business model and that the pieces are in place to continue to deliver revenue growth and profitability for fiscal 2009," CEO Richard Gelfond claims.
That's financial speak for, "bring the popcorn, the movie's just starting."
2. Sirius gains by subtraction
For the second consecutive quarter, Sirius XM Radio
The three months ending in June could have been worse. New fees for online streaming and higher rates on secondary receivers for family kicked in back in mid-March. Discretionary income didn't get any looser. However, Sirius XM came through by meeting Wall Street's expectations, before boosting its adjusted operating income outlook for all of 2009.
Sirius XM is no longer a growth stock story. Revenue inched 1% higher than last year's second quarter. The subscriber count is actually lower today than it was a year ago. However, the company's cash flow continues to improve as it cuts expenses and offers new premium services. It's time to follow Sirius XM's bottom line, for a change.
3. Couch potatoes are free to move around the loveseat
Speaking of satellites, satellite television superstar DirecTV
TV Everywhere -- the open-ended brainchild of Comcast
4. OpenTable and shut case
There's an unwritten rule among IPOs: You don't disappoint in your first quarter.
It's like a first date. You don't want to show up smelling rancid and wearing the wrong clothes if you want a shot at a lasting relationship. Market debutantes need to prove that they weren't just gabbing up an underwriter as an exit strategy.
Well, OpenTable
Actual eateries may seem like a dubious sector in a recession, but independent restaurants are flocking to OpenTable as a way to help fill empty tables.
5. Be fruitful and multiply, like a two-by-four
Shares of Lumber Liquidators
The fast-growing chain is holding up better than larger home improvement superstores. Comps actually rose last year, and fell by a mere 1.8% during this past quarter. Net sales rose 12%, with earnings climbing 18% higher.
Can your orange apron do that?