By John Kell Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Quarterly earnings reports are due from a handful of solar companies and while many of the major players are expected to report revenue growth, the industry has seen solar cell and module prices slide over the past few months. Members of the monetary policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee will meet Tuesday and offer statements that will broadly address the economic outlook. A handful of Republican presidential hopefuls are expected to attend the first Iowa debate of the season on Thursday, as the candidates aim to build momentum ahead of the Ames Straw Poll. Solar Firms To Post Latest Quarterly Results Results are due from a handful of solar companies next week and while the major players are all expected to report strong top line growth, the industry has seen solar cell and module prices slid over the past few months following cuts to government-backed solar subsidies in Italy, France and Germany, and as Chinese manufacturers have continued expanding production. U.S.-based First Solar Inc. (FSLR) on Thursday reported a 62% drop in its second-quarter profit, due to lower selling prices and increased spending on research and development. The results badly missed analysts' expectations. Some firms expected to report their latest results next week include SunPower Corp. (SPWRA), JA Solar Holdings Co. (JASO), LDK Solar Co. (LDK) and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. (YGE). Earnings Reports Due From Cisco, Walt Disney, MGM Earnings season quiets down a bit next week, but results are still expected from a handful of recognizable names, including Internet company AOL Inc. (AOL), Las Vegas-focused casino operator MGM Resorts International (MGM), media giant Walt Disney Co. (DIS) and Internet-connectivity equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO). Analysts will closely watch results from Cisco, which in May warned of weakness for the latest quarter and announced it would cut jobs as the company aims to lower operating costs amid a massive restructuring. Disney, which has benefited from a rebound in the television advertising market, is expected to report modest top and bottom line growth. Members Of Monetary Policy-Setting FOMC To Meet Members of the monetary policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee will meet Tuesday and offer statements that will broadly address the economic outlook, as well as the target range for the federal funds rate. It will be the FOMC's first meeting on record since global markets have soured in recent weeks amid concerns about euro-zone debt woes and the debt-ceiling debate in the U.S. Presidential Hopefuls To Debate Ahead Of Iowa's Straw Poll A handful of Republican presidential hopefuls are expected to attend the first Iowa debate of the season on Thursday, as the contenders aim to build more momentum for their campaigns ahead of the Ames Straw Poll on Aug. 13. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.) and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty are among the candidates eligible to participate. Market Turmoil Could Depress Next Week's IPO Calendar With the markets taking a beating in recent days, the near term outlook for initial public offerings isn't great, as IPOs are considered a higher-risk bet than established stocks and investors aren't inclined to take more chances during times of broader market turmoil. There are nine IPOs on the calendar for next week and if all of them were to price, it would be the highest level of new stocks seen this year. But if current conditions persist, it isn't likely all will make it to the market. Lehman Brothers To Update NY Bankruptcy Court The trustee winding down Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.'s (LEHMQ) U.S. brokerage on Tuesday will update the New York bankruptcy court on the status of the process. Meanwhile, liquidating bookstore chain Borders Group Inc. (BGPIQ) on Wednesday will ask the New York bankruptcy court to sign off on its bid to auction its brand name and website. The company, which began liquidating last month after failing to find a buyer to keep its stores open, wants to auction off its intellectual property on Sept. 14. South Korea's BOK, Finance Regulators To Meet Sunday South Korea's finance ministers intend to step up the Asian nation's monitoring of financial markets amid heightened volatility stemming from concerns about the economies of the U.S. and Europe. Officials from the Bank of Korea, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and others are scheduled to meet Sunday to discuss market conditions and necessary policy responses. Conferences Among the significant conferences next week are the Pacific Crest Securities Technology Leadership Forum Sunday through Tuesday in Vail, Colo., Morgan Keegan Technology Conference on Monday and Tuesday in New York City, Canaccord Genuity Global Growth Conference Tuesday through Thursday in Boston, Jefferies & Co. Global Industrial and A&D Conference Tuesday through Thursday in New York City, Oppenheimer & Co. Technology & Communications Conference Tuesday and Wednesday in Boston, and the Raymond James Bank Conference on Wednesday in Chicago. -By John Kell, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2480; john.kell@dowjones.com --Marie Beaudette, along with Lynn Cowan and other Dow Jones Newswires staff, contributed to this article.
