Black & Decker BDK ended a challenging 2009 on a solid note, and its fourth quarter results indicated that demand in the majority of its end markets has largely stabilized. Revenue declined 6%, including a 4% positive impact from foreign currency translation Excluding the effects of currency translation, sales decreased about 9%, a significant improvement from the more than 20% plunges recorded during the first three quarters of the year 
Share:  <span class="sent">Black & Decker <span class="company">BDK</span> ended a challenging 2009 on a solid note, and its fourth quarter results indicated that demand in the majority of its end markets has largely stabilized. </span> Revenue declined 6%, including a 4% positive impact from foreign currency translation Excluding the effects of currency translation, sales decreased about 9%, a significant improvement from the more than 20% plunges recorded during the first three quarters of the year Tweet this 

Black & Decker Corporation ( BDK , Snapshot Report ) reported fourth quarter earnings of 55 cents per share compared to 72 cents in the fourth quarter of 2008. The reported quarter earnings include $588 million of pre tax expenses related to the proposed merger with The Stanley Works ( SWK , Analyst Report ), while 4Q08 earnings include a $208 million pre tax restructuring charge Excluding these one time charges, Black & Decker reported earnings of $124 for the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to $096 in the fourth quarter of 2008 
Share:  <span class="sent"><span class="company">Black</span> & Decker Corporation ( BDK , Snapshot Report ) reported fourth quarter earnings of 55 cents per share compared to 72 cents in the fourth quarter of 2008. </span> The reported quarter earnings include $588 million of pre tax expenses related to the proposed merger with The Stanley Works ( SWK , Analyst Report ), while 4Q08 earnings include a $208 million pre tax restructuring charge Excluding these one time charges, <span class="company">Black</span> & Decker reported earnings of $124 for the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to $096 in the fourth quarter of 2008 Tweet this 

The acquisition agreements for Stanley Works ' combination with Black & Decker and Berkshire Hathaway 's takeover of Burlington Northern Santa Fe have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission , and they both reinforce the themes that I highlighted on Tuesday in "2 Big Deals and the Search for an M.&A. Market." . The Stanley Works Black & Decker combination continues to be scripted as a merger of equals transaction. 
Share:  <span class="sent">The acquisition agreements for Stanley Works ' combination with <span class="company">Black</span> & Decker and Berkshire Hathaway 's takeover of Burlington Northern Santa Fe have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission , and they both reinforce the themes that I highlighted on Tuesday in "2 Big Deals and the Search for an M.&A. </span> Market." . The Stanley Works <span class="company">Black</span> & Decker combination continues to be scripted as a merger of equals transaction. Tweet this 

, Analysts at Barclays Capital downgrade Black & Decker (BDK) from "overweight" to "equal weight.".  
Share:  <span class="sent">, Analysts at <span class="analyst">Barclays Capital</span> downgrade <span class="company">Black & Decker</span> (BDK) from "overweight" to "equal weight.". </span> Tweet this 

, Analysts at Longbow Research upgrade Black & Decker (BDK) from "sell" to "neutral."  
Share:  <span class="sent">, Analysts at <span class="analyst">Longbow Research</span> upgrade Black & Decker (<span class="company">BDK</span>) from "sell" to "neutral." </span> Tweet this 

Executives said most of the savings will come from reducing corporate overhead and consolidating business units. There is little overlap in the companies' products, said James C. Lucas, managing director of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Stanley is a leader in consumer and industrial hand tools and security, and Black & Decker in power tools. While the companies haven't seen a sharp rebound in business, there have been signs that demand is stabilizing. That might be why both companies decided to combine now, said Morningstar analyst Anthony Dayrit. "I feel like both companies think there will be sunnier skies ahead," Dayrit said. 
Share:  <span class="sent">Executives said most of the savings will come from reducing corporate overhead and consolidating business units. There is little overlap in the companies' products, said James C. Lucas, managing director of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Stanley is a leader in consumer and industrial hand tools and security, and <span class="company">Black</span> & Decker in power tools. </span> While the companies haven't seen a sharp rebound in business, there have been signs that demand is stabilizing. That might be why both companies decided to combine now, said Morningstar analyst Anthony Dayrit. "I feel like both companies think there will be sunnier skies ahead," Dayrit said. Tweet this