Jim Cramer Blog

The Dow fell -293.00 , the Nasdaq Composite -58.30, and the S&P 500 -32.32.
Here are 7 stocks to watch...
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) reported a 42% decline in first quarter profit, but beat estimates by $0.42. MS' Short Term PowerRating is 3.
Shares of Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE) jumped 9% after reporting earnings of $0.48, beating estimates by $0.03. ADBE's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
On its market debut, shares of Visa (NYSE:V) surged 28.4% on the NYSE. Visa's IPO was the largest in U.S. history.
Merrill Lynch (NYSE:MER) filed a lawsuit against XL Capital Assurance in an attempt to force the bond insurer to honor $3.1 billion of guarantees on CDOs. MER's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
After the close, Nike (NYSE:NKE) reported third quarter earnings of $0.92, beating estimates by $0.11. NKE's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Before the market open, Carnival (NYSE:CCL) is expected to report earnings of $0.29 per share. CCL's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Also before the open, FedEx (NYSE:FDX) is scheduled to report, with analysts looking for $1.22. FDX's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Do you think FedEx will close up or down on Friday? Go to TradingMarkets.com to play our Up or Down Daily Stock Contest for the chance to win $1000 every month by predicting the direction of a stock.

Labels: ADBE, CCL, FDX, Hot Stocks, MER, MS, NKE, V

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE - News) reports earnings on Monday before the bell, with traders looking for $0.48 EPS. ADBE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When Spartech (NYSE:SEH - News) announces quarterly results on Monday morning, analysts will be watching for $0.01 EPS. SEH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Black & Decker (NYSE:BDK - News) fell over 6% on Friday, after lowering its profit forecast for Q4 and the full year. BDK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
CDC Corporation (NasdaqGM:CHINA - News) plummeted 17% after missing analyst earnings estimates on Friday morning. CHINA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Evergreen Solar (NasdaqGM:ESLR - News) ralled 12% after announcing plans to purchase enough refined silicon to produce 1,000 megawatts of modules by 2012. ESLR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
JA Solar Holdings (NasdaqGM:JASO - News) also rallied 12% after projecting the company will beat analyst estimates for Q4. JASO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Quiksilver (NYSE:ZQK - News) fell 10% on Friday after missing earnings estimates on Friday morning.

Labels: ADBE, BDK, CHINA, ESLR, Hot Stocks, JASO, SEH, ZQK

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and is based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Goldcorp (NYSE:GG - News) & Petrochina (NYSE:PTR - News). GG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8, and PTR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Blue Coat Systems (NasdaqGM:BCSI - News). BCSI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Esterline Technology (NYSE:ESL - News). ESL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Apple (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE - News). ADBE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Bearish
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Jo-Ann Stores (NYSE:JAS - News). JAS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, ADBE, BCSI, CG, ESL, JAS, PTR, Trading Ideas

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE - News) beat earnings on Tuesday afternoon, announcing $0.45 EPS over an expected $0.41 EPS. ADBE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
The European Union announced it had denied Microsoft's (NasdaqGS:MSFT - News) appeal to a negative anti-trust suit, forcing MSFT to pay a $497 million euro fine. MSFT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
AutoZone (NYSE:AZO - News) reports earnings on Tuesday morning, with analysts looking for $3.25 EPS. AZO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Best Buy (NYSE:BBY - News) should announce $0.44 EPS when the company reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell. BBY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Kroger (NYSE:KR - News) is looking to report $0.34 EPS on Tuesday morning. KR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Analysts are watching for Lehman Brothers (NYSE:LEH - News) to announce $1.52 EPS Tuesday before the market opens. LEH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Watch for Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI - News) to report $0.70 EPS on Tuesday morning. DRI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADBE, Adobe Systems Inc., AZO, BBY, DRI, Hot Stocks, KR, LEH, MSFT

Adobe Systems Inc. reported Monday that its third-quarter profit more than doubled from last year, setting a record revenue and easily exceeding Wall Street's expectations as the software company comes off its biggest-ever product launch.
Net income for the three months ending August 31 was $205.2 million, or 34 cents a share, surging 117 percent from $94.4 million, or 16 cents a share, in the same quarter of last year.
Third-quarter sales were a record $851.7 million, up 41 percent from $602.2 million in the third quarter of 2006.
Excluding costs for expenses, such as stock-based compensation and restructuring charges related to the December 2005 acquisition of Macromedia Inc., profit was $269.4 million, or 45 cents per share, compared with $171.5 million, or 29 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.
Analysts were expecting Adobe to earn $246.6 million, or 40 cents per share, on revenue of $789.3 million, according to a Thomson Financial survey.

Labels: ADBE, Adobe Systems Inc.

PepsiCo (P'EP), Kellogg (NYSE: K - News), Nova Chemicals (NYSE: NCX - News), Schering-Plough (NYSE: SGP - News) and Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG - News), EMC (NYSE: EMC - News)
In the aftermath 0f last week's carnage, Cramer urged investors to search in the rubble for damaged stocks but not damaged companies. One indicator that the damage is only skin deep is if the companies reported great quarters right before the selloff. However, financial and housing stocks are simply no good, according to Cramer. While Pepsi and Kellogg both reported great quarters, Pepsi jumped and then gave back its gain while Kellogg went flat. He prefers Pepsi to Coke and thinks this $66 stock is really worth $80. Cramer predicted Kellogg will have a great quarter. He considers both stocks to be an antidote for a slowing economy. Concerning NCX, Cramer said the quarter was strong and he thinks the company will be taken over. Cramer likes SGP and CELG, even though the latter stock is up. Cramer liked EMC's quarter so much, he bought the stock, and he says the company's spinoff of VMWare will be VMware "the sexiest initial public offering of the year."
Boeing (NYSE: BA - News) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News)Cramer predicts BA and LMT will go to $120, since both had been at $80 and are now around the $100 mark. BA is producing fuel-efficient planes which hold more passengers and is not affected by the domestic economy. Cramer would buy a maximum of 100 shares incrementally. He adds LMT is a good play on the Iraq War, since the defense budget is "huge." Cramer added LMT is a good international stock and is a "buyback king."
Adobe (NasdaqGS: ADBE - News)
Cramer feels secure about the tech because the sector usuallly does well in the late summer and it has the least exposure to housing ills. He likes ADBE right now even more than Microsoft because he thinks the third and fourth quarter will benefit from sales of Creative Suite 3, the "best software for publishing."
Mad Mail: Transocean (NYSE: RIG - News) and Omniture (NasdaqGM: OMTR - News)
Cramer calls RIG the most creditworthy company apart from Schlumberger, but he would recommend selling some gains. He adds that he hopes those who saw a $4 jump for OMTR sold some stock.

Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ADBE, BA, CELG, EMC, Jim Cramer, K, Mad Money, NCX, OMTR, RIG, SGP

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.

Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE) & Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU). ADBE's PowerRating is 6, and CCU's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
King Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:KG) & Ultra Petroleum (NYSE:UPL). KG's PowerRating is 6, and UPL's PowerRating is 6.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Wendy's International (NYSE:WEN). WEN's PowerRating is 8.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Krispy Kreme Donuts (NYSE:KKD). KKD's PowerRating is 3.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB). USB's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADBE, CCU, Hot Stocks, KG, KKD, UPL, USB, WEN

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE) beat earnings on Thursday after the close, announcing $0.37 EPS over an expected $0.36 EPS. ADBE's PowerRating is 5.
Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO) reports earnings on Friday morning before the bell; watch for $0.49 EPS. WGO's PowerRating is 3.
Steel Dynamics (NasdaqGS:STLD) announced plans to buy The Techs, a steel galvanizing company, for $360 million. STLD's PowerRating is 6.
Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) announced a stock buyback plan of 100 million share over the next 24 months. PGR's PowerRating is 5.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC) both reported earnings on Thursday morning, which were affected by the broad fallout of the subprime mortgage meltdown. GS's PowerRating is 5, and BSC's PowerRating is 4.
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL) announced that counterfeit Colgate toothpaste was discovered in 4 different states. CL's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADBE, BSC, C, GS, Hot Stocks, PGR, STLD, WGO

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
TomoTherapy (NasdaqGM:TTPY) missed earnings on Wednesday after the bell, announcing $0.15 EPS versus expectations of $0.17 EPS. TTPY does not have a PowerRating due to volume constraints.

Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC) reports quarterly earnings on Thursday before the bell; watch for $3.51 EPS. BSC's PowerRating is 4.
Del Monte (NYSE:DLM) should announce $0.22 EPS on Thursday morning before the market opens. DLM's PowerRating is 6.
When Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) reports earnings on Thursday before the bell, watch for $4.76 EPS. GS's PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are watching for Global Crossing (NasdaqGM:GLBC) to report -$2.49 EPS when the company reports on Thursday morning. GLBC's PowerRating is 3.
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE) and Smith & Wesson (NasdaqGS:SWHC) both report after the bell on Thursday, so watch for heightened price action and volume ahead of the close. ADBE's PowerRating is 5, and SWHC's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADBE, BSC, DLM, GLBC, GS, Hot Stocks, TTPY

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that gap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.

SWS Group (NYSE:SWS). GTN's PowerRating is 7.
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Avon Products (NYSE:AVP). SMRT's PowerRating is 8.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE - News). ARRY's PowerRating is 7.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Marvel Entertainment (NYSE:MVL) & Sears Holding Corporation (NasdaqGS:SHLD). MDVN's PowerRating is 8, and AMAG's PowerRating is 6.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Bea Systems (NasdaqGS:BEAS). ODP's PowerRating is 4.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY). AFN's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ADBE, AVP, BEAS, Hot Stocks, KEY, MVL, SHLD, SWS

Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE - News) beat earnings Tuesday, with $0.30 EPS over an expected $0.29 EPS. ADBE's PowerRating is 5.
Oracle (NasdaqGS:ORCL - News) also beat earnings on Tuesday after the close. ORCL reported $0.25 EPS versus expectations for $0.22 EPS. ORCL's PowerRating is 4.
Halliburton (NYSE:HAL - News) reported in Tuesday's session that they expect first-quarter earnings to come in below analyst forecasts. HAL dropped 6% in today's session. Watch for further price deterioration.
Cintas (NasdaqGS:CTAS - News) missed earnings Tuesday afternoon reporting EPS of $0.48, while expectations were for $0.52 EPS. CTAS's PowerRating is 5.
Federal Express (NYSE:FDX - News) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning before the bell, with analysts looking for $1.33 EPS. FDX's PowerRating is 5.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS - News) announces earnings on Wednesday morning; watch for $1.88 EPS. MS's PowerRating is 5.
Ross Stores (NasdaqGS:ROST - News) is set to announce its quarterly report before the bell; look for $0.66 earnings per share. ROST's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ADBE, CTAS, FDX, HAL, Hot Stocks, MS, ORCL, ROST

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday:
Adobe Systems (ADBE) beat earnings Tuesday, with $0.30 EPS over an expected $0.29 EPS. ADBE's PowerRating is 5.
Oracle (ORCL) also beat earnings on Tuesday after the close. ORCL reported $0.25 EPS versus expectations for $0.22 EPS. ORCL's PowerRating is 4.
Halliburton (HAL) reported in Tuesday's session that they expect first-quarter earnings to come in below analyst forecasts. HAL dropped 6% in today's session. Watch for further price deterioration.
Cintas (CTAS) missed earnings Tuesday afternoon reporting EPS of $0.48, while expectations were for $0.52 EPS. CTAS's PowerRating is 5.
Federal Express (FDX) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning before the bell, with analysts looking for $1.33 EPS. FDX's PowerRating is 5.
Morgan Stanley (MS) announces earnings on Wednesday morning; watch for $1.88 EPS. MS's PowerRating is 5.
Ross Stores (ROST) is set to announce its quarterly report before the bell; look for $0.66 earnings per share. ROST's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADBE, CTAS, FDX, HAL, Hot Stocks, MS, ORCL, ROST

Adobe Systems Inc. reported flat first-quarter sales but easily exceeded Wall Street expectations with a 37 percent surge in profit, prompting bullish executives to raise guidance Tuesday as the software company prepares its biggest-ever product launch.
Net income for the three months ended March 2 was $143.9 million, or 24 cents a share, up from $105.1 million, or 17 cents a share, in the same quarter of last year.
Quarterly sales were $649.4 million, down less than 1 percent from $655.5 million in the first quarter of 2006.
Excluding costs for expenses, such as restructuring charges related to the December 2005 acquisition of Macromedia Inc., profit was $182.3 million, or 30 cents per share.
On that basis, analysts were expecting Adobe to earn $172.4 million, or 29 cents per share, on revenue of $655.6 million, according to a Thomson Financial survey.

Labels: ADBE, Adobe Systems Inc.

Adeza Biomedical Corp. (NasdaqGS:ADZA - News) agreed to be bought by Cytyc Corp. (NasdaqGS:CYTC - News) for $24 a share, or approximately $450 million, Cytyc will fund the purchase through existing cash, the cash on Adeza's balance sheet, and existing credit facilities. The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed before the end of March. Cytyc said that, excluding one-time costs related to the acquisition, it expects the acquisition to be break-even to earnings in 2007 and at least accretive by 5 cents to 2008 earnings per share.
Adobe Systems (NasdaqGS:ADBE - News) was upgraded to buy from Oppenheimer & Co., which cited valuation.
Align Technology (NasdaqGM:ALGN - News) shares rose after Piper Jaffray upgraded the teeth misalignment treatment company to outperform from market perform, citing evidence of growing demand for its Invisalign product. Analyst Raj Denhoy also raised his stock price target to $21 from $15, his forecast for 2007 revenue from orthodontists to $85 million from $79 million. "Overall, orthodontists expect their use of Invisalign to increase by approximately 13.4% over the next 12 months; we had previously modeled just 10.6%," Denhoy said in a research note.
Apogee Enterprises (NasdaqGS:APOG - News) lifted its outlook for fiscal 2007, saying it now sees earnings of $1.04 to $1.10 a share. Its previous projection was for a profit of 98 cents to $1.04 a share for the year. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for a profit of $1.01 a share in 2007. The Minneapolis-based glass products maker anticipates it will post revenue growth near the top of its prior range of 12% to 15%. For fiscal 2008, Apogee forecast earnings of $1.20 to $1.30 a share on revenue growth of 8% to 11%. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of $1.19 a share in fiscal 2008.
Apple Inc. (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Citigroup, which cited several meaningful product catalysts and expectations of significant gross market upside due to declines in flash memory and DRAM (dynamic random access memory) pricing. Analyst Richard Gardner kept his 12-month price target at $105.
Asta Funding (NasdaqGS:ASFI - News) agreed to acquire a portfolio with a face value of $6.9 billion for a purchase price of $300 million. Asta said the portfolio is made up of primarily credit card accounts.
Brush Wellman (NYSE:BW - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings jumped to $30.3 million, or $1.48 a share, from $4.1 million, or 93 cents a share, a year earlier, boosted by a $21.3 million benefit related to the reversal of the company's deferred tax valuation allowance. The Cleveland supplier of metal products and engineered material systems said excluding the allowance, the company earned 44 cents a share. Revenue rose 48% to $207.8 million from $140.6 million a year ago. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 41 cents a share on revenue of $189 million. Analyst earnings forecasts typically exclude unusual items. In addition, Brush Engineered said it expects 2007 sales to rise 25% to 30%to $950 million to $1 billion, with earnings of $3 to $3.75 a share, including a $1-per-share benefit from the sale of inventory.
Cell Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:CTIC - News) said it plans to form a new company, Aequus BioPharma, Inc., and spin it off. The company didn't provide details of whether the spin-off will be in the form of an initial public offering or a dividend to its shareholders.
Ciena Corp. (NasdaqGS:CIEN - News) was upgraded by Credit Suisse to outperform from neutral, citing the networking company's strong competitive position in the rebounding optical infrastructure market. Analyst Paul Silverstein also lifted his stock price target to $36 from $29.25, his 2007 earnings estimate to 93 cents a share from 91 cents and his 2007 revenue forecast to $715 million from $710 million. The stock was up 2.2% at $28.90 in pre-open trading. "We expect to see further sustained increase in demand due to increasing bandwidth consumption and the concomitant need for network re-architecture driven primarily by increasing amounts of video on service provider and enterprise networks," Silverstein said in a research note.
Digital Music Group (NasdaqGM:DMGI - News) signed a revenue-sharing content agreement with YouTube. The deal calls for certain components of Digital Music's video and music catalog to be made available by YouTube. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Diversa Corp. (NasdaqGM:DVSA - News) shares gained after the San Diego-based maker of specialty enzymes said it has agreed to merge with privately held Celunol Corp, a developer of technology for producing ethanol from cellulosic biomass feedstocks. Under the terms of the deal, Diversa will issue 15 million shares to acquire the outstanding equity of Celunol. Diversa will also provide Celunol with up to $20 million in debt financing to fund its operations prior to the closing of the transaction. Diversa stockholders will own roughly 76% of the combined company, and Celunol stockholders and option holders will own 24%. The deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter.
Express Scripts (NasdaqGS:ESRX - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies & Co. The firm boosted its price target on the stock to $90 from $77.
Grubb & Ellis Co. (NYSE:GBE - News) said its second-quarter net income rose to $6.1 million, or 23 cents a share, from $4.9 million, or 36 cents, a year earlier. The average earnings estimate of four analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial was 9 cents a share. The Chicago real-estate services company said revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 rose to $145.8 million from $140.6 million.
Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD - News) said its board has decided to evaluate strategic alternatives for its HD Supply business, including a possible sale, spin-off or initial public offering. The Atlanta-based retailer said there can be no assurance that any deal will occur or its timing. Home Depot said it hired Lehman Brothers as its financial advisor and it does not expect to update its progress or disclose developments with respect to the exploration of HD Supply strategic alternatives unless the board of directors has approved a definitive transaction.
Hydril (NasdaqGS:HYDL - News) shares leapt after the manufacturer of pressure control products for oil and gas production agreed to be acquire by Tenaris S.A. for $97 a share in cash. The offer represents a premium of roughly 17% to Hydril's closing share price last Friday. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter. Certain members of the Seaver family have agreed to vote Hydril shares, representing roughly 22% of the combined votes rights, in favor of the merger, Luxembourg-based Tenaris said.
Infineon AG (NYSE:IFX - News) was approached by at least three private equity groups in the last six months, according to a report in the Financial Times newspaper. The firm's management do not want a deal, but some potential bidders remain hopeful a deal could still be possible this year, the newspaper said, citing a person familiar with the situation. If Infineon, which has a market capitalization of 8 billion euros ($10.4 billion), were bought, it would be the largest private equity deal ever in Germany, the FT added.
Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT - News) was upgraded to neutral from reduce at UBS.
Kronos Inc. (NasdaqGS:KRON - News) was upgraded to strong buy from buy at Needham & Co. The firm lifted its price target on the stock to $50.
Lamson & Sessions (NYSE:LMS - News) said its board hired Perella Weinberg Partners as financial adviser to explore "a range of strategic and financial alternatives" for the company. The Cleveland thermoplastics company said the potential actions include the sale of certain assets or the entire company, formation of joint ventures, a change to the company's capital structure, or a continuation of the company's business plan.
LCA-Vision Inc. (NasdaqGS:LCAV - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $7.1 million, or 34 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $6.6 million, or 30 cents a share. Revenue jumped 26% in the latest three months to $58.8 million from $46.8 million a year ago. The Cincinnati-based provider of laser vision correction services also said it's increased its quarterly dividend by 50% to 18 cents a share from 12 cents. Looking ahead, LCA-Vision forecast earnings of $2.05 to $2.15 a share for 2007 on revenue growth of 20% to 25%.
Published By Michael Baron of MarketWatch

Labels: AAPL, ADBE, ADZA, ALGN, APOG, ASFI, BW, CIEN, CTIC, CYTC, DMGI, DVSA, ESRX, GBE, HD, HYDL, IFX, KRON, LCAV, LMS

Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE - News) shares rose 5.8% Wednesday after the company named Mark Garrett, an EMC Corp. (NYSE:EMC - News) executive, as its new chief financial officer, more than two weeks after the software maker said it had completed an internal review of its stock-options practices.
Affymax Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFY - News) shares rose 6.1% after the company was initiated with an outperform rating at Cowen & Co. RBC Capital Markets also began coverage of the company with an outperform rating and set a $44 price target.
Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:ALB - News) shares added 6.6% after the company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $63 million, or $1.29 a share, compared with $32.2 million, or 67 cents a share, on the back of a $5.4 million tax benefit and lower costs of good sold.
Allegheny Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ATI - News) shares gained 5.6% after the company posted a 41% surge in fourth-quarter profit on the back of strong demand for titanium and nickel alloys from the aerospace and defense markets.
AmerisourceBergen Corp. (NYSE:ABC - News) shares rallied up 8.1% after the pharmaceutical services company posted a 26% rise in first-quarter profit and lifted its 2007 earnings outlook above Wall Street's forecast.
Ametek (NYSE:AME - News) shares advanced 6.4% after the Paoli, Pa., maker of electronic instruments posted a fourth-quarter profit of $47.8 million, or 45 cents a share, up from year-ago earnings of $36.9 million, or 35 cents a share. Sales rose 19% in the quarter to $480.7 million. The company sees earnings of $1.93 to $1.97 a share for fiscal 2007, surrounding Wall Street's current consensus estimate of $1.95 a share.
Artic Cat (NASDAQ:ACAT - News) shares rose 8.6% after the Thief River Falls, Minn., maker of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles reported third-quarter earnings of $8.2 million, or 43 cents a share, on sales of $228.1 million. These results include 2 cents a share in stock option expense and an income tax benefit of 3 cents a share.
Conolog Corp. (NASDAQ:CNLG - News) shares soared 86% after the company said its CM-100 direct substation communicator system has received final testing approval. The CM-100 is scheduled to ensure delivery to customers by the third quarter, the company said. Conolog makes electronic and electromagnetic components and subassemblies for telephones, radio and microwave transmissions.
Corning Inc. (NYSE:GLW - News) said it swung to a fourth-quarter net profit of $646 million, or 41 cents a share, from a year-ago loss of $33 million, or 2 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter rose 14.1% to $1.37 billion. Excluding one-off items, Corning said it earned $488 million, or 31 cents a share in the quarter, exceeding its own guidance and the 28 cents-a-share estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. The materials and fiber optics group said it expects the overall market for LCD glass substrate to grow in the mid-30 percent range, driven by continued demand for LCD televisions, and added its own LCD glass volume is expected to grow at the upper end of this range. The firm added it expects to see significant growth in its heavy-duty diesel products, due to new U.S. emissions regulations that became effective Jan. 1. Overall, Corning said it expects first quarter sales to be in the range of $1.26 billion to $1.31 billion, with earnings in the range of 24 to 27 cents a share.
EZCorp (NASDAQ:EZPW - News) shares jumped 12% after the Austin, Texas-based provider of credit and other financial services late Tuesday reported fiscal first-quarter net earnings of $9.76 million, or 23 cents a share, up from $6.76 million, or 17 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $91.7 million from $75.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had forecast a per-share profit of 20 cents on revenue of $85.5 million. The company expects fiscal second-quarter earnings of 23 cents a share, and fiscal 2007 earnings of 85 cents a share.
Hyperion Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ:HYSL - News) shares moved up 18% after the company agreed to acquire privately held Decisioneering Inc. to gain access to its risk analysis software. Hyperion, a business management software maker, which employs 2,700 workers, plans to run Decisioneering, which employs 75 workers, as an independent unit in Denver. No job cuts are expected. Hyperion declined to disclose the terms of the deal, which is expected to close within the next month. The company also said its second-quarter earnings rose 34%, boosted by growth in software license and maintenance and service revenue. The company had second-quarter earnings of $21.5 million, or 36 cents a share, compared with $15.5 million, or 25 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 20% to $222.9 million from $185.5 million a year ago. Software license revenue rose 14% to $84.9 million, and maintenance and service revenue rose 24% to $138 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 44 cents a share on revenue of $212 million.
Integrated Device Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:IDTI - News) (NYSE:IDT - News)shares added 5.6% after the company reported a third-quarter net loss of $1.94 million, or a penny a share, down from $42.3 million, or 21 cents a share, during the year-ago period.
Introgen Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:INGN - News) shares moved up 7.9% after the company said Wednesday a preclinical study with INGN 241 in combination with Genentech Inc.'s (NYSE:DNA - News) Avastin showed "synergistic activity" resulting in "a curative therapeutic effect" in the treatment of lung cancer. The new data were published in the journal Molecular Therapy. Introgen said the study showed that the combination of INGN 241 and Avastin was "very effective" and blocked tumor angiogenesis. In the study, tumors completely regressed within the first four weeks of treatment and no additional growth was observed after cessation of therapy, the company said.
Level 3 Communications (NASDAQ:LVLT - News) shares gained 5.2% after the company was initiated with an outperform rating at Cowen & Co.
National Interstate's (NASDAQ:NATL - News) shares advanced 23% after the Richfield, Ohio-based insurance company late Tuesday forecast fourth-quarter net income in a range of 54 cents to 60 cents a share and full-year 2006 net income of $1.80 to $1.86 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call are looking for fourth-quarter earnings of 51 cents a share and 2006 earnings of $1.75 a share. The company expects gross premiums written of $61.5 million in the fourth quarter, and $305.5 million for 2006.
OSI Systems (NASDAQ:OSIS - News) shares added 6.5% after the company said it expects revenue of about $137 million for the second quarter, a level that would represent growth of 17% from year-ago levels. The company also disclosed plans for a restructuring, saying it will reduce its global workforce by 8% and consolidate certain facilities. It's targeting annual cost savings of between $15 million and $17 million from these moves. OSI expects to record a charge of between $31 million and $34 million in the second quarter from asset impairment and the recording of additional inventory reserves. Excluding items, it sees a breakeven performance in the quarter on an operating basis. Hawthorne, Calif.-based OSI withdrew its earnings outlook for fiscal 2007 but backed a forecast for revenue of between $535 million and $545 million for the year.
Shares of Parametric Technology Corp. (NASDAQ:PMTC - News) rose 7.2% after the business software maker reported that its fiscal first quarter earnings doubled compared to the year-earlier period. PTC said GAAP net income rose to $15.2 million, or 13 cents per diluted share, compared to $7.5 million, or seven cents per diluted share in the year-earlier period. Revenue grew 15% to $221.7 million, the company said, while total software license revenue grew 14% to $66.6 million.
RF Micro Devices (NASDAQ:RFMD - News) shares surged 14% after the company said fiscal third-quarter net income rose sharply to $59.3 million, or 26 cents a share, from $14.7 million, or 7 cents a share, a year earlier. The Greensboro, N.C., mobile communications technology company said results were driven by strength at the world's leading handset manufacturers, market share gains in RF semiconductors and high demand for the company's cellular transceivers and transmit modules. Results from the latest quarter included other income of $1.3 million, whereas the year-ago quarter included other income of $298,000. Excluding items such as share-based compensation, amortization, an impairment charge, a gain on sale of substantially all Bluetooth assets, and restructuring charges related to sale of substantially all Bluetooth assets RF Micro Devices earned 16 cents a share, up from 8 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 35% to $281.1 million from $208 million. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 13 cents a share on revenue of $273.2 million. Third-quarter results also beat the company's internal projections.
Rockwell Medical Technologies' (NASDAQ:RMTI - News) shares rose 11% after the Wixom, Mich.-based pharmaceutical company reported favorable results from pre-clinical safety studies for its iron-delivery product, soluble ferric pyrophosphate. Rockwell said it's preparing to begin human clinical trials consisting of a nine-month dose ranging study followed by a final clinical study. Upon favorable results, the company said it expects to receive Food and Drug Administration market approval for SFP sometime thereafter.
Seagate Technology (NYSE:STX - News) shares added 8.3% after the company said its fiscal second-quarter net income fell 51.2% to $140 million, or 23 cents a share, from $287 million, or 57 cents a share a year ago. Excluding a $76 million charge related to an acquisition of Maxtor and $29 million for the early retirement of 8% notes, earnings were $236 million, or 39 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 29 increased 30.3% to $3 billion from $2.3 billion a year earlier, said the Scotts Valley, Calif., provider of hard disc drives. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Financial predicted second-quarter earnings of 32 cents a share, on revenue of $2.93 million. Analyst estimates exclude integration and retention costs and amortization of intangibles.
Sun Micro (NASDAQ:SUNW - News) shares surged 8.5% after the hardware maker issued an upbeat fiscal second-quarter report and bullish forecast.
Transcend Services' (NASDAQ:TRCR - News) shares jumped 37% after the Atlanta-based company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $762,000, or 10 cents a share. In the same quarter last year, the company posted a net loss of $444,000, or 6 cents a share. Revenue rose to $8.95 million from $7.3 million. Transcend Services provides medical transcription services to the healthcare industry.
TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG - News) shares leapt 12% after the Cleveland-based maker of aircraft components forecast fiscal first-quarter net earnings of 43 cents a share, or adjusted earnings of 46 cents a share, on revenue of $123 million. TransDigm also said it now expects fiscal 2007 earnings of $1.68 to $1.80 a share, or adjusted earnings of $1.79 to $1.91 a share, on revenue of $500 million to $510 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call are forecasting 2007 earnings of $1.68 a share on revenue of $533 million.
TRM Corp. (NASDAQ:TRMM - News) shares rocketed up 50% after the company said it's sold its TRM Ltd. unit, which owns its ATM business in the U.K. and Germany, to NoteMachine Ltd. for 47.1 million pounds ($92.6 million). Portland, Ore.-based TRM said net proceeds from the sale were used to pay down debt. NoteMachine is a portfolio company of Rutland Partners LLP, a private equity partnership. "The sale of our European ATM business is a component of our ongoing efforts to simplify our business operations," said Jeff Brotman, TRM president and chief executive, in a statement.
Vertrue (NASDAQ:VTRU - News) shares rose 9.2% after the Norwalk, Conn.-based Internet marketer reported fiscal second-quarter net earnings of $8.7 million, or 74 cents a share, up from $7.66 million, or 66 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $178.6 million from $160.1 million. The company expects fiscal 2007 earnings of $3.30 to $3.40 a share on revenue of $748 million to $758 million.
Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO - News) shares added 7.5% after the company reported fourth-quarter profit plunged 61% from a year ago, when it booked a large one-time investment gain. The Internet bellwether was also hurt by higher costs for employee stock options.
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