Jim Cramer Blog

Here are seven stocks for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com.
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News), the hip retailer is scheduled to report before the open on Wednesday. Analysts are expecting third quarter EPS of 1.28. ANF's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Whole Foods Markets (NYSE:WFMI - News) announced a 15% drop in quarterly net profits, due in part to costs related to the company's acquisition of Wild Oats Markets. Sales at WFMI, however, did top analyst estimates, boosting the stock in Tuesday trading. WFMI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Gap (NYSE:GPS - News), is also slated to provide earnings news to investors on Wednesday. Expectations for Gap point to EPS of 0.29. GPS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Analysts are expecting earnings of 0.46 per share from The Children's Place (NYSE:PLCE - News), which will report before the bell on Wednesday. PLCE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Patterson Dental (NYSE:PDCO - News) is expected to announce earnings per share of 0.40 when they report Wednesday morning before the market opens. PDCO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Footlocker (NYSE:FL - News) reported third quarter 2007 losses of 22 cents per share after the bell on Tuesday. FL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Pacific Sunwear of California (NYSE:PSUN - News) announced losses of 29 cents per share after the close on Tuesday, citing store-related writedowns and other charges. PSUN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Labels: ANF, FL, GPS, Hot Stocks, PDCO, PLCE, PSUN, WFMI

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
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.
Celgene (NasdaqGS:CELG - News). CELG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News). ANF'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.
Everest Re Group (NYSE:RE - News) & Mastercard (NYSE:MA - News). RE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7, and MA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Jinpan International (NYSE:JST - News) & Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB - News). JST's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8, and SLB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Bearish
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-day RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Steve Madden (NasdaqGS:SHOO - News). SHOO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 1.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ANF, CELG, Hot Stocks, JST, MA, RE, SHOO, SLB

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.
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News). ANF's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Laboratory Corporation (NYSE:LH - News). LH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Valueclick (NasdaqGS:VCLK - News). VCLK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
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.
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX - News). BSX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
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.
Ryerson (NYSE:RYI - News). RYI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-day RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
NovaStar Financial (NYSE:NFI - News). NFK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
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.
Krispy Kreme (NYSE:KKD - News). KKD's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ANF, Boston Scientific Corp., BSX, Hot Stocks, KKD, LH, NFI, Novastar Financial Inc., Ryerson, RYI, Valueclick Inc., VCLK

Bullish:
Cisco (CSCO): if you want to be in tech.
J.C. Penney (JCP): He thinks that this stock is undervalued and is a buy at this price.
Integrated oil companies like ConocoPhillips (COP), Chevron (CVX), and Exxon Mobil (XOM) are better plays.
American Eagle (AEO), Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) or Aeropostale (ARO), in that order.
Kellogg (K): Cramer is bullish on Kellogg, as well as General Mills (GIS) and ConAgra (CAG).
Cramer is sticking with Baidu.com (BIDU) as the best China play.
Cramer likes NVIDIA (NVDA), Texas Instruments (TXN), and Intel (INTC)

Bearish:
Xerox (XRX)
American Capital Strategies (ACAS): Cramer's undecided on the stock, so he's avoiding it.
Tesoro (TSO): Cramer thinks gas prices aren't high enough to be in a refiner,
Luxottica (LUX): "Don’t buy!"
Hot Topic (HOTT)
Aluminum Corp. of China (ACH)
American Superconductor (AMSC)

Labels: ACAS, AEO, ANF, ARO, BIDU, CAG, COP, CSCO, CVX, GIS, INTC, JCP, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money Lightning Round, NVDA, TXN, XOM, XRX

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News) beat earnings expectations on Wednesday afternoon, announcing $0.88 EPS over an expected $0.87 EPS. ANF's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Children's Place (NasdaqGS:PLCE - News) reports earnings on Thursday before the bell; watch for -$0.95 EPS. PLCE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL - News) should announce $0.41 EPS before the market opens on Thursday morning. HRL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
When New York & Company (NYSE:NWY - News) reports earnings Thursday morning, analysts will be looking for $0.05 EPS. NWY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Analysts are watching for Stein Mart (NasdaqGS:SMRT - News) to report $0.05 EPS before the bell on Thursday. SMRT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Aeropostale (NYSE:ARO - News) and bebe stores (NasdaqGS:BEBE - News) both report on Thursday after the close, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the bell. ARO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4, and BEBE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ANF, ARO, BEBE, Hot Stocks, HRL, NWY, PLCE, SMRT

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.
Disney (NYSE:DIS) & Ceridian (NYSE:CEN). DIS's PowerRating is 6, and CEN's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) & Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF). EAT's PowerRating is 6, and ANF'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.
Sun Healthcare (NasdaqGM:SUNH) & Alcon (NYSE:ACL). SUNH's PowerRating is 7, and ACL's PowerRating is 6.
Bearish
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.
Cymer Incorporated (NasdaqGS:CYMI). CYMI's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ACL, ANF, CEN, CYMI, DIS, EAT, Hot Stocks, SUNH

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Excel Maritime Carriers (NYSE:EXM) missed earnings after the close on Tuesday; analysts were looking for $0.64 EPS, but EXM only announced $0.61. EXM's PowerRating is 7.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) beat earnings expectations, announcing $0.66 EPS over an expected $0.62 EPS. MDT's PowerRating is 7.
Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE:DKS) announces earnings before the bell on Wednesday; look for $0.37 EPS. DKS's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are looking for Eaton Vance (NYSE:EV) to report $0.21 EPS before the market opens on Wednesday morning. EV's PowerRating is 4.
Gamestop (NYSE:GME) reports quarterly earnings tomorrow before the market opens, with analysts looking for $0.16 EPS. GME's PowerRating is 4.
Target (NYSE:TGT) should announce $0.71 EPS when the company reports earnings before the bell on Wednesday morning. TGT's PowerRating is 5.
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF) reports Wednesday after the bell, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the close. ANF's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ANF, DKS, EV, EXM, GME, Hot Stocks, MDT, TGT

Brother, Can You Spare a Nickel? North American Palladium Ltd. (AMEX: PAL - News)
Although PAL is known for its palladium, Cramer thinks this $10 stock is a great way to play nickel consolidation. PAL is not yet a well-loved stock, is not covered by any analysts, and if it gets a takeover bid for its nickel, Cramer comments he "can't even imagine how high this orphan stock would jump." He notes nickel prices are rising while PAL's production costs are falling and the company produced 2.7 million pounds of nickel last year. He believes it will get a bid, but warns that it is a speculative stock and investors should use limit orders when buying.
"Statement Buying": L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LLL - News)
Cramer calls insider buying which occurs when a company is at or near its 52-week high "statement buying" since it is a good indication of an upward move. Insiders cannot buy and sell rapidly like regular investors, but according to SEC rules, they must hold for a specified amount of time. Cramer discussed insider buying at LLL, the "archetypal high-tech defense contractor" which specializes in communications and sensor equipment. Insider buying may be due to the conviction the company will be taken over after the passing of founder Frank Lanza, or because those in the company feel the bears are wrong in believing the Democrats will undermine the war effort. Cramer believes sooner or later the analysts will "break" and upgrade LLL. Right now, however, he thinks the company is sandbagging in an effort to underpromise and overdeliver.

Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD - News)
The second stock close to its 52-week high with aggressive insider buying is EPD, which manages pipes for transporting natural gas. Chairman Dan Duncan, the 34th richest person in America from a list of 400, bought up a large amount of stock while it was at its high, which is an indication the company is undervalued, says Cramer. He concludes EPD is a conserative stock with a great dividend and gives it a triple buy.
Mad Mail: Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT), Yahoo (NasdaqGS: YHOO), Sun Microsystems (NasdaqGS: SUNW), Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO - News), Abercrombie & Fitch(NYSE: ANF - News), JC Penney (NYSE: JCP - News) Federated (NYSE: FD - News)
When a viewer asked if MSFT will buy YHOO or SUNW, Cramer said he doesn't see MSFT taking over SUNW and YHOO is very expensive and hasn't performed well. He imagines some upside if CEO Terry Semel or Sue Decker will leave, since the problem with the stock is a "hall of shame management issue." Another viewer asked about ARO and Cramer commented its is hard to predict where stocks like ARO and ANF will go from one month to the next. He suggests looking at JCP or FD, but only after a Thursday's report, since he doesn't think same-store sales will be good.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ANF, FD, JCP, Jim Cramer, LLL, Mad Money, MSFT, PAL, YHOO

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Krispy Kreme (NYSE:KKD - News) missed earnings on Thursday afternoon, announcing -$0.39 EPS when analysts were looking for $0.01 EPS. KKD's PowerRating is 5.
General Electric (NYSE:GE - News) announces earnings before the open on Friday; look for $0.44 EPS. GE's PowerRating is 5.
Infosys (NasdaqGS:INFY - News) reports earnings before the market opens on Friday, with analysts looking for $0.40 EPS. INFY's PowerRating is 5.
Advanced Magnetics (NasdaqGM:AMAG - News) announced positive test results for a new iron-replacement drug. AMAG's PowerRating is 3.
Retailers Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News) and Dillards (NYSE:DDS - News) both announced positive same-store sales results for March. ANF's PowerRating is 5, and DDS's PowerRating is 5.
MedImmune (NasdaqGS:MEDI - News) announced that the board has granted management authority to explore the sale of the company. MEDI's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AMAG, ANF, DDS, GE, Hot Stocks, INFY, KKD, MEDI

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News) fourth-quarter profit rose 20% as sales climbed 18% but the New Albany, Ohio, teen-wear retailer warned that first-half results would be pressured. Same-store sales in the quarter dropped 3%.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings available to common- share holders of $1.59 a share, compared with $1.18 in the year-earlier period. Revenue at the Cleveland producer of iron-ore pellets rose to $622.6 million from $468.9 million.
EDO Corp. (NYSE:EDO - News) said its fourth-quarter net profit fell 44% to $4.2 million, or 22 cents a share, from $7.4 million, or 37 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue for the period ending Dec. 31 rose 29.4% to $258.7 million, due to acquisitions including engineering group CAS Inc. and Impact Science & Technology. Organic growth slipped 8.8% due to lower sales in its electronic-force-protection division, as margins and profit were hit by one-time items including legal costs and write-offs. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of 45 cents a share on revenue of $261 million. EDO said it expects 2007 revenue, excluding the impact of acquisitions, to be between $960 million and $1.01 billion.
EMC Insurance Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:EMCI - News) reported fourth-quarter net income fell 40% on 2.7% lower revenue. Earnings were $11.5 million, or 84 cents a share, against $19 million, or $1.40, in the year-earlier period. Operating earnings were 78 cents compared with $1.34. Revenue fell to $114.8 million from $118 million. Premiums earned decreased 3.7% to $102.8 million. Investment income increased 8.3%to $11.9 million. For 2007, EMC expects operating earnings of $2.25 to $2.50 a share, compared with the $3.70 posted for 2006.
G-III Apparel Group Ltd. (NasdaqGM:GIII - News) said it expects fiscal 2007 earnings of 90 cents to 95 cents a share on revenue of $425 million to $428 million.
ICT Group Inc. (NasdaqGM:ICTG - News) reported fourth-quarter net income of $5.1 million, or 32 cents a share, up from $4 million, or 30 cents, earned in the last three months of 2005. Quarterly revenue generated by the Newtown, Pa.-based services outsourcing company reached $117.2 million from the prior year's $110.4 million. Analysts, on average, had been looking for earnings of 32 cents a share on revenue of $116 million, according to estimates compiles by Thomson Financial. For 2007, ICT Group said it's shooting for earnings in a range of $1.43 to $1.50 a share; analysts' average stands at $1.49 a share. However, the company pegged first-quarter earnings at 20 cents to 23 cents a share, compared to a 30-cent average estimate among analysts who follow ICT Group.
Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE:NEW - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $223 million, or 50 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $62 million, or 14 cents a share. On a continuing operations basis, Denver-based Newmont earned $215 million, or 48 cents a share, in the latest quarter, up from last year's equivalent profit of $69 million, or 16 cents a share. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $1.46 billion from $1.29 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 40 cents a share in the December period. Newmont said its consolidated gold sales for the fourth quarter reached 2 million ounces at costs applicable to sales of $322 per ounce and an average realized price of $619 per ounce. Looking ahead, the company said it expects capital spending of between $1.8 billion and $2 billion for 2007.
Patterson Cos. (NasdaqGS:PDCO - News)reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of 43 cents a share, up from 39 cents in the year-earlier period. The latest results reflect an income tax benefit of a penny a share and stock-based compensation expense of a penny a share. Sales rose 4% to $709.5 million from $682.4 million. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was profit of 44 cents.
Quicksilver Resources Inc. (NYSE:KWK - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 24 cents a share, down from 43 cents in the year-earlier period. The Fort Worth, Texas, oil and gas company posted revenue of $102 million vs. $102.9 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had forecast earnings of 27 cents a share on revenue of $104 million.
Reddy Ice Holdings Inc.'s (NYSE:FRZ - News)fourth-quarter net loss widened to 23 cents a share from 20 cents while revenue rose 1.2% to $61.6 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected a loss of 17 cents on revenue of $61 million. Reddy said it expects 2007 revenue to range $360 million to $370 million. Net income is expected to range 87 cents to $1.06 a share. The company also said Jimmy Weaver will succeed William Brick as CEO. Brick will become executive chairman.
Rogers Corp. (NYSE:ROG - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 72 cents a share, up from 62 cents in the year-earlier period. Revenue at the Rogers, Conn., maker of specialty material-based products rose to $122.7 million from $98 million. The company expects first- quarter earnings of 48 cents to 52 cents a share on revenue of $108 million to $112 million.
Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc. (NasdaqGS:RUTH - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings more than doubled to 46 cents a share from 18 cents in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose 51% to $88 million.
Salesforce.com Inc. (NYSE:CRM - News) fourth-quarter profit fell 91%, while revenue surged 58%, roughly in line with expectations.
Safeway Inc.'s (NYSE:SWY - News) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings rose 77% to $307.9 million or 69 cents a share, from $173.5 million, or 39 cents a share, boosted by 8-cents a share in favorable tax items. The year-earlier quarter was hampered by a net of 10 cents a share because of store-exit activities, employee buyouts that were only partially offset by favorable tax items. The Pleasanton, Calif., food and drug retail chain said Thursday that revenue grew 3.8% to $12.5 billion from $12.05 billion in the year-earlier quarter. Identical-store sales, or sale at stores open for more than a year, climbed 3.5%.
Symbion Inc. (NasdaqGS:SMBI - News) said fourth quarter earnings fell to $4.5 million, or 21 cents a share, from $5.6 million, or 25 cents a share, a year earlier. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial predicted fourth quarter earnings of 22 cents a share. Revenue rose 10% to $78.9 million from $71.5 million as same-store net patient service revenue climbed 8%.
Synopsys Inc.'s (NasdaqGS:SNPS - News) fiscal first-quarter net income surged to 16 cents a share from a penny a share in the year-earlier period. The Mountain View, Calif., software company's revenue for the quarter ended Jan. 31 increased 15% to $300.2 million.
Toll Brothers, (NYSE:TOL - News) the Horsham, Pa., luxury-home builder, reported fiscal first-quarter net income fell 67% on 19% lower revenue.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: ANF, CLF, CRM, EDO, EMCI, FRZ, GIII, ICTG, KWK, NEW, PDCO, ROG, RUTH, SMBI, SNPS, SWY, TOL

Shares in Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF, 82.00) were down close to 3% in premarket trade Thursday after the clothing retailer reported fourth quarter earnings of $2.14 per share, in line with consensus of $2.14. Revenues rose 18.5% year over year to $1.14 bln versus consensus of $1.13 bln. The company also offered up guidance that was slightly below the mid point of expectations, noting an increase in payroll-related costs.
Total company sales climbed 18% to $1.14 bln while same-store sales dropped 3%. The company issued guidance of $1.47 to $1.52 per share for the first half of 2007. That compared to consensus of $1.52. The company also said costs of opening a store in London along with difficult comparisons to last year's tax rate would keep its earnings growth in the mid-single digit range in the first quarter.
ANF said minimum wage increases occurring in several states could cost it $6 mln in the second half of the year. Both the U.S. House and Senate have passed bills that would raise the hourly minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 over two years.We've noted in the past that margin trends could be key for ANF. The company's gross profit rate for the quarter was 66.4%, decreasing 10 basis points compared to last year. The decline in the gross profit rate was attributed in part to a slightly higher markdown rate versus last year. For fiscal 2006, the gross profit rate was 66.6% versus 66.5% last year.
--Christine Marie Nielsen, Briefing.com

Labels: Abercrombie and Fitch Co., ANF

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday:
Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM - News) beat earnings Wednesday after the bell, with $0.10 EPS over a consensus of $0.07 EPS. CRM's PowerRating is 7.
Abercrombie (NYSE:ANF - News) matched earnings expectations Wednesday after the market closed, announcing $2.14 EPS. ANF's PowerRating is 6.
Whole Foods (NasdaqGS:WFMI - News) missed earnings on Wednesday afternoon barely missing with $0.38 EPS versus an expected $0.40 EPS. WFMI signed an agreement to acquire Wild Oats Markets (NasdaqGM:OATS - News) after hours on Wednesday. WFMI's PowerRating is 5.
Ballard Power (NasdaqGM:BLDP - News) is expected to report -$0.15 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. BLDP's PowerRating is 3.
JC Penney (NYSE:JCP - News) announces quarterly earnings on Thursday morning; watch for $1.97 EPS. JCP's PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are looking for Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE - News) to report $1.13 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. SRE's PowerRating is 6.
When Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM - News) reports quarterly earnings on Thursday morning, look for $0.38 EPS. NEM's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ANF, BLDP, CRM, Hot Stocks, JCP, NEM, OATS, SRE, WFMI

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF - News) said a special litigation committee established by the board found that there is no evidence to support claims asserted in certain derivative lawsuits brought against current and former directors and management, including Chairman and Chief Executive Michael Jeffries.
AMB Property Corp. (NYSE:AMB - News) said its board has raised the quarterly cash dividend 8.7% to 50 cents per share. The dividend is payable April 16 to shareholders as of April 6.
Bare Escentuals Inc. (NasdaqGS:BARE - News) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to offer 12 million shares. The beauty products company said it's offering 575,000 of the shares, while selling stockholders are offering an additional 11.4 million shares.
Gilead Sciences Inc. (NasdaqGS:GILD - News) said the Food and Drug Administration has granted priority review status to its new drug application for ambrisentan, a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Harley-Davidson Motor Co. (NYSE:HOG - News) said it has reached a tentative labor agreement with representatives of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 in York, Pa. The motorcycle manufacturer said the agreement is subject to membership ratification, adding that it expects members to vote the week of Feb. 19. If approved, the agreement would end a strike by 2,800 unionized employees in York that began Feb. 2.
K2 Inc. (NYSE:KTO - News) said it has named J. Wayne Merck president, chief executive, and board member. The provider of sporting and recreational products said Merck, who has been president and chief operating officer since November of 2003, succeeds Richard Heckmann as CEO.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE:KKD - News) said it has closed a new senior secured credit facility of $160 million, made up of a $50 million revolving credit facility and a $110 million term loan. The doughnut retailer said proceeds of the term loan were used to repay about $107 million outstanding balance under the company's prior credit facility, and to pay fees and expenses related to the new financing and the retirement of the prior facility.
Power-One Inc. (NasdaqGM:PWER - News) said Chief Financial Officer Paul Ross plans to resign to accept another position. The maker of power conversion products named Jeffrey Kyle to succeed Ross as CFO.
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (NYSE:SMG - News) said its board has declared a one-time cash dividend of $8 per share. The dividend is payable March 5 to shareholders as of Feb. 26.
Don Ackerman, chairman of WCI Communities Inc. (NYSE:WCI - News), said Carl Icahn's plans to run his own slate of candidates for the WCI Board "would be highly disruptive to our company and not in the best interests of all our shareholders."
Xerox (NYSE:XRX - News) said it expects 2007 operating cash flows to fall to a range of $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion from $1.6 billion last year. The forecast confirms an estimate for cash flows made at an investor meeting in November.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AMB, ANF, BARE, GILD, HOG, KKD, KTO, PWER, SMG, WCI, XRX

Fortress Investment Group, Sears Holdings (NasdaqGS: SHLD) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS - News)
Cramer comments that Fortress Investments, which will become the first publicly traded hedge fund on Friday, will serve as a yardstick for Sears which is really an investment, rather than a retail, business. Cramer calls Sears' CEO Eddie Lampert "one of the best money managers in history," but because there were no publicly traded hedge funds up until now, there has been no way to gauge SHLD's worth. "Fortress' multiple, which will probably be 17 times earnings, tells us what we should pay for Sears' investment business," Cramer said, and noted that investors will realize that Sears is cheap. While some think that Fortress could also be a gauge for GS, Cramer does not agree, since GS is more than a hedge fund. He predicts that SHLD will rise to at least $237 a share from $180.81.
State Street (NYSE: STT - News), Investors Financial Services (NasdaqGS: IFIN), DST Systems (NYSE: DST - News), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News), SunTrust (NYSE: STI - News)
Cramer says that asset management firms like DST "should have gone up huge" when STT made a bid to acquire IFIN. This didn't happen, and Cramer thinks it is "wrong" but would use the opportunity to buy DST, which he believes is the next takeover target. He thinks potential buyers may be BAC or STI, and even if DST doesn't get bought, it had a "blowout" quarter, is still cheap and has good fundamentals. Although DST is not worth as much as Investors Financial, it should increase from $71.94 to $88.
Sell Block: Avon (NYSE: AVP - News), Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC - News), Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS - News), Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF - News), Circuit City (NYSE: CC - News), Best Buy (NYSE: BBY - News)
Cramer said he regretted placing Andrea Jung on his bad CEO list, because Avon recently reported a great quarter; "the company showed real growth afte a long time," he said. Although Cramer has liked WFC for "seemingly forever" he would sell since he feels it is expensive. Cramer said it isn't necessary to drop one's entire position, but would swap some into GS. Cramer would take profits in ANF, would sell CC and would buy BBY.
Mad Mail: Altria (NYSE: MO - News), Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS - News), Diageo (NYSE: DEO - News), Level 3 Communications (NasdaqGS: LVLT)
Cramer commented that MO and DEO have solid dividends and do not resemble LVS which is a "high-rolling, conceivably one-month shortfall of a Macau stock." Cramer sees a turnaround in LVLT, which is taking care of its debt, but he suggested doing homework and checking out the company's conference call before buying.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ANF, AVP, BAC, BBY, CC, DEO, DST, GS, Jim Cramer, LVS, Mad Money, MO, SHLD, STI, STT, WFC

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News) said its January sales at stores open at least one year fell 6%. Analysts, on average, had expected it to post a same-store-sales drop of 1.9%, according to Thomson Financial. Net sales for the five weeks ended Feb. 3 rose 37% to $252.3 million. The New Albany, Ohio, clothing retailer said sales in its fiscal 2006 rose 19% to $3.32 billion from $2.79 billion.
Accuray (NasdaqGM:ARAY - News) shares rocketed up in company's initial public offering.
Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ACL - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $354.7 million, or $1.16 a share, compared with $60.7 million, or 19 cents a share, during the same quarter a year ago. Results from the year-ago period included $207.7 million in after-tax charges, or 66 cents a share.
Akamai Technologies Inc. (NasdaqGS:AKAM - News) said fourth-quarter net income fell, as costs and expenses rose, to $20.6 million or 12 cents a share, from $25.8 million, or 16 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. Before items, quarterly per-share income rose to 27 cents from 16 cents in the prior year.
Alkermes Inc. (NasdaqGS:ALKS - News) reported that net income for its fiscal third-quarter rose to $2.9 million, or 3 cents a share, from $1.4 million, or 1 cent a share, for the same quarter last year. Excluding items, Alkermes would have reported adjusted earnings of 11 cents a share.
AnnTaylor Stores (NYSE:ANN - News) said its January same-store sales fell 10.2% from a year earlier, assuming both periods include four weeks. The fashion-apparel retailer said Thursday net sales increased 21% to $149.9 million for the five weeks ended Feb. 3 from $123.9 million for the comparable four-week period a year ago. Same-store sales calculation for the latest January tracks performance for the four weeks ended Jan. 27 and its net sales calculation tracks results for the five weeks ended Feb. 3. Year-earlier results were for the four weeks ended Jan. 28. For fiscal 2006, AnnTaylor expects earnings of $1.95 a share to $1.98 a share.
Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NasdaqGS:ASPV - News) shares rose after the Victoria, British Columbia-based company late Wednesday reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $26 million, or 73 cents a share, up from $24.3 million, or 68 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $52.5 million from $45 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 66 cents. Aspreva forecast 2007 royalty revenue of more than $245 million.
Beckman Coulter (NYSE:BEC - News) reported fourth-quarter net income of $62.3 million, or 97 cents a share. Excluding one-time items, the company would have earned $1.03 a share compared to 73 cents a share a year ago. Revenue rose 8.6% to $712 million. The company said it sees 2007 adjusted earnings in the range of $3.10 to $3.25 a share. It expects revenue to increase by 7% to 9%.
BG Group (NYSE:BRG - News) said fourth-quarter profit dropped 18% to 410 million pounds, with revenue down 10% to 1.9 billion pounds. Though production rose 5% and it saw "strong" growth in the liquified natural gas business, lower gas prices, a weaker U.S. dollar and an increased North Sea tax rate. The company affirmed its earnings outlook to 2009, sees exploration and production volume growth of 5% to 7% a year to 2009, and is "more confident" of achieving higher levels of its 6%-to-10% volume growth view to 2012.
Bon-Ton Stores Inc. (NasdaqGS:BONT - News) said January same-store sales rose 6.4%. Total sales for the five weeks ended Feb. 3 increased 283%, to $240.6 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial forecast a same-store sales rise of 0.5%.
BorgWarner (NYSE:BWA - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings fell 37%, due in part to restructuring charges related to asset impairments in North America, supplemental to restructuring activities announced in the third quarter. The Auburn Hills, Mich. maker of automotive power train products had fourth-quarter earnings of $40.9 million, or 70 cents a share, compared with $64.6 million, or $1.12 a share, a year earlier. Excluding the restructuring charges and other items, the company had earnings of 99 cents a share. BorgWarner said revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 15% to $1.2 billion from $1.05 billion a year ago. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 95 cents a share on revenue of $1.11 billion. Analyst earnings forecasts typically exclude unusual items. In addition, the company said it expects 2007 earnings of $4.70 to $4.90 a share. BorgWarner had earlier forecast 2007 earnings of $4.60 to $4.80 a share. BorgWarner also reiterated its sales guidance, saying it expects sales growth of 7% to 9%.
Bunge (NYSE:BG - News) said its fourth quarter net profit rose 77% to $264 million, or $2.12 a share, from $149 million, or $1.25 a share in the year-earlier period. Net sales rose 14% to $7.68 billion amid signs of a turnaround in the Brazilian business and higher demand for core products related to the bio-fuels industry. The latest results included net gains of $74 million, or 60 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of $1.44 a share on revenue of $7.44 billion. The company said it expects earnings in 2007 to be in a range of $4.56 to $4.71 a share. Separately Bunge announced that its CFO William Wells will leave the company effective April 1. It added it has begun a search for a replacement.
Circuit City Stores (NYSE:CC - News) said it will close stores and shake up its merchandising team in a move to improve its financial performance.
Citi Trends Inc. (NasdaqGS:CTRN - News) said comparable store sales for the five weeks ended Feb. 3 rose 3.2%. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected growth of 0.2%. The apparel retailer said total January sales increased to $36.2 million from $20.9 million during the same period in the prior year.
Corrections Corp. of America (NYSE:CXW - News) said its fourth-quarter net profit rose 37.6% to $32.2 million, or 52 cents a share, from $23.4 million, or 39 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter ending Dec. 31 rose 10.2% to $349.6 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had been expecting earnings of 44 cents a share on revenue of $343 million. The company said its results were driven by strong demand for prison beds from both federal and state customers. The company said average compensated occupancy for the period rose to 96.6% from 93.1%. The company said it expects earnings in the first quarter to be in the range of 43 cents to 37 cents a share, with earnings for 2007 in the range of $1.95 to $2.05 a share.
Dollar Tree Stores (NasdaqGS:DLTR - News) said fourth-quarter sales rose 22.2% to $1.32 billion, helped by an extra week compared with the year-ago quarter. Analysts, on average, expected the Chesapeake, Va., variety-store chain to post quarterly sales of $1.3 billion. Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, rose 5.5% for the quarter.
DSW Inc. (NYSE:DSW - News) said fourth-quarter same-store sales rose 1%, with total sales increasing to $329.1 million from $283.8 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial forecast revenue of $315.2 million, on average.
Electronic Data Systems Corp. (NYSE:EDS - News) said fourth-quarter profit nearly doubled, while revenue grew 11%. Computer services giant EDS said its net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose to $217 million, or 40 cents a share, from $112 million, or 21 cents, a year earlier.
Exide Technologies (NasdaqGM:XIDE - News) reported adjusted EBITDA of $54.1 million for the third quarter, up 32% from last year's equivalent total of $41.1 million.
Express Scripts Inc. (NasdaqGS:ESRX - News) said increased generic drug use and lower costs resulted in a 32% surge in fourth-quarter profit and prompted the pharmacy benefits manager to boost its outlook for the full-year period.
Published By Michael Baron

Labels: ACL, AKAM, ALKS, ANF, ANN, ARAY, ASPV, BEC, BG, BONT, BRG, BWA, CC, CTRN, CXW, DLTR, DSW, EDS, ESRX, XIDE