Diamonds and Dogs

3/6/19

J.Jill (JILL) has a special dividend for shareholders. The women's apparel company is up 12% following lackluster earnings. Revenues fell 9.4% to $170.9 million. J. Jill issued downside guidance for the first quarter, but upside guidance for the full year. The best news was a $1.15 a share special dividend to shareholders. Management said, given the cash balance, J. Jill is pleased to be in a position to return value to our shareholders. The special dividend would be a 17% one time return. Not bad.

GE (GE) roller coaster ride continues. GE is down 6% today on a downgrade after dropping 4% yesterday following an analyst meeting. Yesterday, CEO Larry Culp warned that free cash flow from the conglomerate's industrial division is likely to be negative this year after generating $4.5 billion in cash last year. The sobering outlook reminded investors that the company's troubles are far from over. Today the analyst at JP Morgan said her $6 price target now looks generous.