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Monday, October 29, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Tuesday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Applebee's (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) missed earnings on Monday afternoon, announcing $0.25 EPS versus expectations of $0.26 EPS. APPB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Actuate (NasdaqGM:ACTU - News) beat earnings expectations with $0.09 EPS over an expected $0.08 EPS. ACTU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Volcom (NasdaqGS:VLCM - News) beat expectations on Monday after the close with $0.59 EPS versus a consensus of $0.56 EPS. VLCM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Automatic Data (NYSE:ADP - News) reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.43 EPS. ADP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
When Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL - News) announces earnings tomorrow morning, analysts will be watching for $0.85 EPS. CL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Goodyear Tire (NYSE:GT - News) is expected to report $0.52 EPS on Tuesday before the market opens. GT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Analysts are watching for Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ - News) to report $0.70 EPS on Tuesday morning. LIZ's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Today

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
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.
Seabridge Gold (NYSE:SA - News). SA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL - News). TOL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Applebee's International (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) & Disney (NYSE:DIS - News). APPB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4, and DIS's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Big Lots (NYSE:BIG - News) & Jos A Bank Clothiers (NasdaqGS:JOSB - News). BIG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2, and JOSB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
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.
Take-Two Interactive Software (NasdaqGS:TTWO - News). TTWO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

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Monday, July 16, 2007

Stock Market Wrapup July 16th

The major market averages were mixed today, with the Dow Jones once again setting a new all-time closing high. The S&P and Nasdaq, meanwhile, traded lower. Oil remained high on investor minds as the price of crude traded above $74 a barrel. Investors are awaiting a bevy of earnings reports from some big names later this week.
On the economic front, the Federal Reserve Bank of NY said its general economic index rose to 26.5 from 25.8 the prior month. Any reading above zero marks expansion.
On the M&A front, IHOP (NYSE: IHP - News) agreed to buy casual-dining chain Applebee's International (Nasdaq: APPB - News) for $25.50 a share, or $2.1 billion. The deal is unique given IHOP's smaller market cap. It plans to finance the deal by franchising the vast majority of Applebee's 508 company restaurants. The deal includes a modest 4.6% premium to Applebee's closing price on Friday.
On the earnings front, shares of toy maker Mattel (NYSE: MAT - News) rose 2.5% on the session after the company reported net income of $43.1 million, or 11 cents a share. Revenue rose 7% to $1.02 billion on increased international sales. Burger giant McDonald's (NYSE: MCD - News) reported this morning that same-store sales in restaurants opened at least 13 months rose 7.4% in the second quarter and 8.4% in June. The quarterly rise was the biggest in three years. The world's largest restaurant chain now expects to post earnings of 71 cents a share excluding items, compared to analyst estimates of 68 cents a share. Shares of McDonald's rose 0.4%. Subscribers can read our analysis of McDonald's in today's issue.
In other news, shareholders of Lear (NYSE: LEA - News) rejected plans for a $2.9 billion buyout led by billionaire Carl Icahn. Earlier this month, Icahn's American Real Estate Partners (NYSE: ACP - News) raised its bid to $37.25 a share, but shareholders felt the offer was inadequate. Icahn who already owns 24% of Lear will be granted a termination fee totaling $25 million in cash and stock.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

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Thursday, May 31, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Today

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.
Applebee's (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) & Celgene Corporation (NasdaqGS:CELG - News). APPB's PowerRating is 7, and CELG'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.
Qualcomm (NasdaqGS:QCOM - News). QCOM'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.
Baxter International (NYSE:BAX - News) & McDonald's (NYSE:MCD - News). BAX's PowerRating is 6, and MCD's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW - News). MPW'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.
Graco Incorporated (NYSE:GGG - News). GGG's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

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Friday, February 16, 2007

Biggest Stock Decliners Friday

TCHC, APPB, CPKI, CAPA, CECO, KO, STZ, DENN, GT, HRL, IM, KNDL, LOOK, MSFT, MLS, BAM, PACT, QDEL, SNIC, STC


21st Century Holding Co. (NasdaqGM:TCHC - News) has withdrawn its forecast of financial results for 2006, due to "a series of accounting issues." The Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., company reiterated its earnings forecast for 2007 at $4.50 per share. The company said the 2006 accounting changes include additional assessments from the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association and Citizens Property Insurance Corp. for the funding of insolvency at other insurers in Florida, and for a strengthening of liability reserves.
Applebee's International (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) was cut to neutral from buy at UBS after the company announced its board has hired advisers to assess strategic alternatives. "There is still a significant amount of risk for Applebee's-as well as the casual dining industry-due to ongoing significant sales and traffic declines, and this is likely to continue until comparisons get easier in the second quarter of 2007," the broker said.
California Pizza Kitchen Inc. (NasdaqGS:CPKI - News) said fourth-quarter net income was $3.73 million, or 19 cents a share, compared with $3.48 million, or 17 cents a share, for the same period a year ago. Reporting after the close, the company said revenue was $146 million vs. last year's $125.4 million.
Captaris (NasdaqGM:CAPA - News) shares tumbled after the Bellevue, Wash.-based software company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $2.25 million, or 8 cents a share, vs. $44,000, or breakeven a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 2% to $25.2 million from $24.7 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 6 cents on revenue of $26 million.
Career Education Corp. (NasdaqGS:CECO - News) said fourth-quarter net income fell, as revenue declined, to $20.7 million, or 21.5 cents a share, from $70.3 million, or 70.1 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. Analysts had expected per-share income of 37 cents.
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs. The broker said recent results demonstrate the company's ability to weather challenges in key developed profit centers and still deliver strong global profit.
Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ - News) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Goldman Sachs. "Valuation remains inexpensive and the company looks well-positioned in growth segments like premium wine and imported beer. However, we believe upcoming guidance is likely to be uninspiring and a recovery in the U.K. and Australia is likely at least a year away," the broker said.
Denny's Corp. (NasdaqCM:DENN - News) said it swung to net income in the fourth-quarter of $2.27 million, or 2 cents a share, as operating costs and expenses declined. During the same period in the prior year, the restaurant operator reported a net loss of $4.5 million, or 5 cents a share.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:GT - News) said its fourth-quarter loss widened to $358 million, or $2.02 a share, from $51 million, or 29 cents a share in the year-earlier period. The Akron, Ohio, tire maker said its loss included a $367 million charge for a strike at 16 of its North American tire plants, $184 million in charges for restructuring and a one-time gain of $153 million for a favorable tax change. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast a loss, on average, of 40 cents a share. The company said the strike reduced fourth quarter sales by $363 million and tire volume by 2.8 million units. Sales in the three months ended Dec. 31 rose 1% to $4.98 billion from $4.93 billion.
Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE:HRL - News) said fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 9% to $75.3 million, or 54 cents a share, from $69.3 million, or 50 cents a share, a year earlier, helped by its specialty foods segment, international business and refrigerated foods. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, first-quarter earnings of 54 cents a share on revenue of $1.49 billion. The Austin, Minn., maker of consumer-brand food and meat products said revenue rose 6.2% for the period ended Jan. 28, to $1.5 billion from $1.42 billion in the year-ago period. The company expects fiscal second-quarter earnings of 47 to 53 cents a share and backed its fiscal 2007 outlook of $2.15 a share to $2.25 a share.
Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM - News) reported a fiscal fourth-quarter profit of $91.7 million, or 53 cents a share, on revenue of $8.85 billion. During the same period a year ago, the technology products distributor earned $84.4 million, or 51 cents a share, on $7.96 billion in revenue.
Kendle Inc. (NasdaqGS:KNDL - News) swung to a fourth-quarter net loss of $4.7 million, or 32 cents a share, after an $8.2 million asset impairment charge and other charges. Last year, the company reported a profit of $3.7 million, or 26 cents a share. On an adjusted basis, earnings per share for the quarter totaled 18 cents. Analysts had been expecting the company to post earnings of 33 cents a share according to data compiled by Thomson Financial. Revenue rose to $118.1 million, from $66.5 million a year ago.
LookSmart Ltd. (NasdaqGM:LOOK - News) said its fourth-quarter loss narrowed to $896,000, or 4 cents a share, from $3.77 million, or 17 cents a share, a year earlier as revenue rose 51%. The San Francisco Internet directory service's revenue grew to $15 million from $9.97 million in the year-ago period. On average, analysts expected a per-share loss of 8 cents on revenue of $15.5 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial. For the first quarter, the company expects revenue to grow 24% to 26%. For the year the company expects revenue to climb 20% to 25%.
Microsoft (NasdaqGS:MSFT - News) shares fell after CEO Steve Ballmer tempered the expectations of analysts at an event Thursday, telling them their predictions for sales of the company's new operating system are too high, while those for its operating expenses may be too low.
Mills Corp. (NYSE:MLS - News) has agreed to be acquired by Simon Property Group Inc. and hedge fund Farallon Capital Management for $25.25 a share in cash. The group had earlier offered to acquire Mills for $24 a share, topping a previous bid from Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (NYSE:BAM - News) of $21 a share. The deal is valued at about $7.9 billion with debt, Mills said in a statement. Mills said it terminated its previous merger agreement with Brookfield after determining the Simon/Farallon offer was "more favorable to its stockholders."
Pacificnet (NasdaqGM:PACT - News) said in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that Joseph Levinson has resigned as chief financial officer, effective immediately.
Quidel Corp. (NasdaqGM:QDEL - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $18.3 million, or 54 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $9.6 million, or 28 cents a share. The latest results include a gain of $5.9 million, or 17 cents a share, from an income tax benefit. On an adjusted basis, the San Diego maker of rapid diagnostic tests earned $11.6 million, or 34 cents a share, in the December quarter. The company said its gross margin slipped to 60% for the quarter from 62% a year ago due to charges in product mix, and continued investments in manufacturing process improvements and quality control.
Sonic Solutions (NasdaqGS:SNIC - News) reported preliminary third-quarter net revenue of $39.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial are currently forecasting revenue of $41 million for the period. The Novato, Calif.-based software company said its selected results and outlook may be adjusted as a result of a possible options-related restatement of results. The company said it hasn't determined the amount of non-charges for stock-based compensation expense it expects to incur, but plans to file restated results as soon as possible. Additionally, Sonic said it sees fourth-quarter net revenue of between $37 million and $41 million.
Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE:STC - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose to $10.7 million, or 59 cents a share, from $9.1 million, or 50 cents a share. Revenue rose 3% to $646 million, the title insurer said. Three analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 71 cents a share.

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Thursday, February 15, 2007

Jim Cramer's Wall Street Confidential Feb. 14


Daimler Chrysler (NYSE: DCX - News), Toyota (NYSE: TM - News), Ford (NYSE: F - News), General Motors (NYSE: GM - News), Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI - News), Lear (NYSE: LEA - News), Applebee's (NasdaqGS: APPB), Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG - News)
Cramer told Gregg Greenberg, host of Wall Street Confidential, that he was flabbergasted by the media's negative spin on Fed chairman Ben Bernanke's remarks: "Our short rates are way, way too high and totally out of whack," Cramer said. "It is driving me crazy to see the conventional wisdom reading him negatively. There will be a cut in May." Concerning the deep cuts at DCX, Cramer comments that many companies can't make cars profitably to meet the high demand, that DCX's move to join Ford and GM in focusing on profits rather than market share is "remarkable" and notes that the three, along with TM are "flying." However, Cramer thinks it is wiser to get into auto parts, and he sees JCI reaching above $100 and Lear to $41 or $42. "Applebee's is the kind of deal that will cause a backlash," says Cramer and does not think the restuaurant should put itself up for sale.; "The cash flow can be turned off on a dime here. I really don't like this deal." He adds that he does like Chipotle Mexican Grill.


Published By SeekingAlpha

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Thursday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Applebee's (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) beat earnings on Wednesday afternoon, announcing $0.27 EPS over an expected $0.23 EPS. AAPB's PowerRating is 5.

Guess (NYSE:GES - News) beat earnings expectations on Wednesday after the close, with $0.99 EPS over a consensus of $0.93 EPS. GES's PowerRating is 4.
Agilent (NYSE:A - News) reports quarterly earnings on Thursday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.34 EPS. A's PowerRating is 5.
Advance Auto Parts AP announces earnings Thursday before the market opens; watch for $0.33 EPS. AAP's PowerRating is 7.
Foundation Coal Holdings (NYSE:FCL - News) is expected to announce $0.23 EPS on Thursday morning. FCL's PowerRating is 5.
When Molson Coors Brewing (NYSE:TAP - News) reports earnings on Thursday morning, watch for $0.94 EPS. TAP's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are looking for Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL - News) to report $0.16 EPS on Thursday morning.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

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Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Stock Market Wrapup

RTP, BHP, AA, CVS, CMX, ESRX, APPB, KBH, MMC, Express Scripts Inc., CVS Corp.
Takeover talk spurred a rally among Blue Chip stocks today that pushed the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 to solid gains. Technology stocks as measured by the Nasdaq composite also traded positively, but the advance was less robust. Today's rally appeared to be driven by M&A news, and not necessarily by a change in the cautious sentiment that has characterized recent trading. The day's economic picture was painted by government figures that revealed a record U.S. trade deficit in 2006. While the amount of U.S. exports increased, America's appetite for high-priced oil and foreign goods was even greater. Crude oil prices added over $1 a barrel in today's trading, while the 10-year Treasury note fell.

Fueling the Blue Chip rally was a report in The Times of London that two Australian-based mining concerns, Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP - News) and BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP - News), were each considering bids for U.S. aluminum giant Alcoa (NYSE: AA - News) valued at approximately $40 billion. None of the companies involved would comment on the report, but Alcoa added 6% on the day, down from an intraday gain of 10%. Many analysts doubted that Alcoa was a target of either mining company, suggesting Alcoa's packaging and consumer products business was of little interest to these pure mining operations.
In other M&A news, drug-store operator CVS (NYSE: CVS - News) raised the post-merger dividend it offered to pay shareholders for approving its bid for the pharmacy benefits company Caremark RX (NYSE: CMX - News). Caremark rose 3% on the news that CVS would triple the special dividend payable to shareholders after the merger from $2 per share to $6. The added dollars raised the CVS bid to $25.7 billion, but it is still below Caremark's market cap and shy of a competing offer from Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX - News). Caremark's board has consistently supported the CVS bid, but several institutions have voiced opposition. Another roadblock appeared later in the day when a Delaware judge ordered Caremark to delay the vote to give shareholders more time to study the offers.
Casual dining restaurant operator Applebee's International (Nasdaq: APPB - News) jumped 9% after the company announced it was exploring strategic opportunities, including the possible sale of the company. Management was under pressure from a major stakeholder to improve operations. The company has been hurt by reduced consumer spending at casual dining chains and by increased competition.
In earnings news, homebuilder KB Home (NYSE: KBH - News) reported a loss of -$50 million, or -64 cents per share, in the fiscal Q4 ended November 30th. That compares to a profit of $304 million, or $3.44 per share, during the same period last year. The stock nonetheless gained 3% as investors looked toward a possible rebound later in the year. The company said it expects continued pressure in the current and following quarter until it clears out more of its backlog of unsold homes, which is one of the largest in the industry. KB Homes has cut prices sharply and is using other incentives to stimulate buyers.
Marsh & Mclennan (NYSE: MMC - News), the world's largest insurance broker, declined -2% on profit taking after the company reported a substantial profit increase for Q4. It earned $226 million, or 40 cents a share, against $35 million, or 6 cents a share, a year before. Growth came from the company's consulting and risk-management units. The company acknowledged that its core insurance-brokerage business remained under pressure from declining prices in the commercial insurance market.

By Bullmarket.com Staff

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Applebee's International Inc. (APPB) Stock Jumps on Buyout Rumors

Applebee's International Inc., APPB
Applebee's International Inc.'s stock rose as much as 13 percent Tuesday after the company said it will look at options -- including a sale of the company -- to increase shareholder value.
Around 3 p.m., the stock (Nasdaq: APPB - News) was trading at $26.30, up $2.07, or 8.5 percent, on volume of 9.8 million shares, according to Yahoo Finance. The stock's average daily volume the past three months is 1.2 million shares.

In a release before the market opened, the Overland Park-based restaurant chain said that its board had formed a committee of independent directors to explore strategic moves aimed at increasing shareholder value, "including a possible recapitalization or sale of the company." Applebee's said that the committee has retained Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as a financial adviser and that the company has retained Banc of America Securities LLC in a similar role.
Legal advisers for the process, according to the release, are Cravath Swaine & Moore LLP of New York and Kansas City-based Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP.
Although the company said there is no guarantee that the process will result in a transaction, Applebee's is withdrawing its financial forecast for the 2007 fiscal year. In November, the company had forecast 2007 earnings of $1.15 to $1.20 a share.
Twenty-two analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call reported a consensus earnings estimate of $1.18 a share for 2007.
Applebee's announcement comes a day before the company is scheduled to announce its results for the fourth quarter and all of 2006. Twenty analysts' consensus estimate for 2006 earnings is $1.13 a share, according to Thomson First Call. Twenty-two analysts reported a consensus earnings estimate of 23 cents a share for the fourth quarter.
In the past few months, Applebee's has been under pressure from shareholders to improve return to investors. Applebee's shares have fallen more than 13 percent during the two years that ended Feb. 12, from $28.03 on Feb. 11, 2005, to $24.23 on Monday.
Breeden Capital Management LLC, an investment fund based in Greenwich, Conn., that owns 5.25 percent of Applebee's common stock, has criticized the company's performance in a series of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Breeden has contended that Applebee's should reduce company-owned restaurants by re-franchising those restaurants, cease further capital expenditures to open or renovate company-owned restaurants and use the resulting cash to increase cash flow to shareholders.
Applebee's franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar brand, the largest casual dining concept in the world. There are 1,942 Applebee's restaurants in 49 states and 17 countries outside the United States.
Published February 13, 2007 by the Kansas City Business Journal

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Tuesday's Biggest Stock Gainers

NDN, MMM, AA, RTP, APPB, BHP, CEPH, CEN, CCE, CVS, CMX, CYNO, FADV, FWRD, GM, GWR, HIMX, ICLR, ILMN, KBH
99 Cents Only Stores (NYSE:NDN - News) announced preliminary third-quarter results and the delay of the release of its third quarter Form 10-Q and the continued delay of its 2006 Form 10-K and Form 10-Qs for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2007. For the fiscal third quarter, net sales increased 8.3% to $302.1 million. Sales at stores open longer than a year rose 1.9%. The company said it expects to report net income of about 12 cents a share, compared to 10 cents a share in the year-ago period.

3M (NYSE:MMM - News) said it plans to buy back up to $7 billion of its own stock over the next two years, its biggest buyback program ever. Also, Soleil Securities upgraded the company to buy.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) was in focus following a report in The Times of London that the Dow component may be a takeover target. The article mentioned BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP - News) and Rio Tinto (NYSE:RTP - News) as the likely suitors.
Applebee's International Inc. (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) said its board formed an independent committee of directors to explore strategic options for the company, including a possible recapitalization or sale. Overland Park, Kan.-based Applebee's said there is no assurance that the process will result in any specific transaction. However, it said that certain strategic alternatives could affect its previously-issued guidance. As a result, the company withdrew its fiscal year 2007 forecast. The committee has hired Citigroup Global Markets and Banc of America Securities as financial advisors. Legal advisors are Cravath, Swaine & Moore of New York, and Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin of Kansas City.
Cephalon Inc. (NasdaqGS:CEPH - News) said it swung to a fourth-quarter net loss of $4.91 million, or 8 cents a share. In the same period last year, the biopharmaceutical company posted net earnings of $18.1 million, or 30 cents a share.
Ceridian Corp. (NYSE:CEN - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 6.2% to $49.6 million, or 35 cents a share, from $46.7 million, or 32 cents, a year earlier, helped by its Comdata business, higher margins at Human Resources Solutions and a lower effective tax rate. The Minneapolis-based information-services company said revenue rose 6.5% to $404 million from $379.5 million in the year-ago period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, fourth-quarter earnings of 33 cents a share on revenue of $409.5 million. The company expects 2007 earnings of $1.25 to $1.35 a share, excluding costs related to the election of directors, on revenue of $1.65 billion and $1.7 billion. The company also said it's retained Greenhill & Co. as its financial advisor as it explores strategic options.
Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE:CCE - News) said its fourth-quarter loss widened, due to a $2.92 billion impairment charge to reduce the book value of its North American franchise license intangibles, a $14 million restructuring charge and a $14 million legal settlement. The Atlanta drink marketer and distributor had a fourth-quarter loss of $1.71 billion, or $3.59 a share, compared with a loss of $57 million, or 12 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding the impairment and restructuring charges and the legal settlement, the company earned 20 cents a share, compared with 14 cents a share a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 16 cents a share on revenue of $4.65 billion. Analyst earnings forecasts typically exclude unusual items. Coca-Cola Enterprises said it plans to cut 5% of its workforce, or about 3,500 jobs, as part of a restructuring of its North American and European operations. The restructuring will result in a $300 million charge, with the majority of the expense recognized in 2007 and 2008. In addition, the company said it expects 2007 earnings to be down 5% to 10% from 2006 results, due to higher prices for aluminum cans and high fructose corn syrup.
CVS Corp. (NYSE:CVS - News) increased the value of its offer for Caremark Rx Inc. (NYSE:CMX - News), saying Caremark shareholders will now receive a special cash dividend of $6 a share, up from the previously planned dividend of $2 a share. The dividend will be paid upon or shortly after completion. The other terms of the agreed deal remain unchanged. Under the terms Caremark shareholders will receive 1.67 shares of the merged company for each Caremark share they own. The increased dividend comes as Express Scripts is also attempting to acquire Caremark and after proxy firm Glass Lewis & Co. recommended Caremark shareholders reject the CVS deal.
Cynosure (NasdaqGM:CYNO - News) shares jumped after the Westford, Mass.-based maker of aesthetic treatment systems reported a fourth-quarter net profit of $1.53 million, or 13 cents a share, down from $2.53 million, or 29 cents a share, last year. Excluding certain items, Cynosure posted earnings of $2.51 million, or 21 cents a share, compared with $1.09 million, or 12 cents a share, last year. Revenue rose to $24.6 million from $16.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 16 cents on revenue of $20.9 million.
First Advantage Corp. (NasdaqGS:FADV - News) shares gained after the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based provider of risk mitigation services late Monday reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $18.2 million, or 31 cents a share, up from $16.2 million, or 29 cents a share, last year. Revenue rose to $206.1 million from $170.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 22 cents on revenue of $194.7 million
Forward Air Corp. (NasdaqGS:FWRD - News) said its fourth-quarter net earnings slipped to $12.17 million, or 40 cents a share, from $12.2 million, or 38 cents a share, in the same period last year, amid a "challenging freight environment."
General Motors (NYSE:GM - News) was upgraded to buy from sell at Merrill Lynch. The firm cited its increased belief that the automaker will use its liquidity and legacy assets, specifically in its pension, "to affect positive change." Analyst John Murphy is also establishing a $50 stock price target. The stock, a component of the Dow industrials, was last up 1.2% at $36.15 in pre-open trading. Murphy noted that GM's pension fund is over-funded by $17 billion, that pressure is mounting for change in the company's healthcare plan, and that the company's legacy assets are likely to be leveraged further. "The resulting sentiment is increasingly more optimistic and is trumping our previous expectation of pressure early in 2007," Murphy said in a research note. "Valuation is near bottom and illustrates the leverage."
Genesee & Wyoming (NYSE:GWR - News) posted a 32.5% rise in fourth quarter net income to $14.3 million, or 34 cents a share, from $10.8 million, or 26 cents a share, a year ago. Analysts were expecting the company to post earnings of 30 cents a share, according to data compiled by Thomson Financial. GWI said that its board has authorized the repurchase of up to 2 million shares of common stock. It's planning to continue an active acquisition program and is currently pursuing a number of international and domestic opportunities. Revenue rose 20% to $124 million in the quarter, primarily due to acquisitions.
Himax Technologies (NasdaqGS:HIMX - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings rose to $29.4 million, or 15 cents per American depository share, from $17 million, or 9 cents per ADS. The Tainan, Taiwan, maker of semiconductors said revenue rose 26% to $220.9 million from $177.3 million. The company expects first-quarter earnings of 8 cents to 9 cents a share and revenue to decline about 16% to 18%.
Icon (NasdaqGS:ICLR - News) said that its fourth-quarter net income rose to $11.4 million, or 39 cents a share, from $7 million, or 24 cents a share, a year ago. Analysts were expecting the company to post earnings per share of 36 cents, according to data compiled by Thomson Financial. Sales at the provider of services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device markets rose 46% to $129 million, following strong growth at the company's clinical operations. The company said that, with a record backlog of $872 million, it's looking forward with confidence.
Illumina (NasdaqGM:ILMN - News) priced $350 million in convertible senior notes, to pay interest semiannually at a 0.625% annual rate, with can be exchanged for 22.9029 shares for each $1,000 principal amount held. That's equal to a conversion price of approximately $43.66 a share. It will buy back $202 million of shares in privately negotiated deals. In addition, approximately $41 million of the proceeds from the transactions will be used to fund the net cost of the convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions.
KB Home (NYSE:KBH - News) swung to a loss of $49.6 million, or 64 cents a share in the fourth quarter driven by previously announced land charges of $343.3 million. In a statement, Chief Executive Jeffrey Mezger said during the second half of 2006, "an oversupply of unsold new and resale homes, reduced affordability, and greater caution among potential homebuyers heightened competition among homebuilders and sellers of existing homes, prompting the aggressive use of price concessions and sales incentives." The result was pressure on profit margins, while results "were further affected by declining land values and the resulting charges we recorded in the fourth quarter to reflect lower land values," the CEO added.

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Thursday, February 01, 2007

Biggest Decliners Monday

8x8 Inc. (NasdaqCM:EGHT - News) shares slid after the Santa Clara, Calif.-based provider of internet-based telephony products posted a fiscal third-quarter net loss of $3.06 million, or 5 cents a share, vs. a net loss of $6.79 million, or 12 cents a share, for the same period last year. Excluding stock-based compensation, the company posted a loss of 4 cents a share. Revenue rose to $13.2 million from $8.48 million.
Alliance Data Systems Corp. (NYSE:ADS - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $39.6 million, or 48 cents a share, from $31.3 million, or 38 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Andrew Corp. (NasdaqGS:ANDW - News) swung to fiscal first-quarter loss of $2.55 million, or 2 cents a share, from year-earlier net income of $14.8 million, or 9 cents a share. The maker of communications systems said loss for the latest quarter reflects an aggregate charge of 10 cents a share for restructuring, amortization, litigation costs and a provision for a quality issue. First-quarter total sales increased to $522.2 million from $514.7 million, as wireless-infrastructure sales increased 3% to $499 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, expected the Westchester, Ill., company to earn 12 cents a share on sales of $552.4 million for the first quarter ended Dec. 31. Analysts' estimates typically exclude unusual items.
Applebee's International Inc. (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) said its January system-wide domestic sales at restaurants open at least one year fell 5.8%. Comparable sales for domestic franchise restaurants decreased 5.5% for the four-week period ended Jan. 28.
Apache (NYSE:APA - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell to $520.8 million, or $1.56 a share, from $788.2 million, or $2.35 a share, a year ago, reflecting lower gas prices. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, expected earnings of $1.60 a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items.
Archstone-Smith (NYSE:ASN - News), the Denver real-estate investment trust focused on apartments, reported fourth-quarter net income fell 5.8% on 30% higher revenue. Earnings were $306.6 million, or $1.36 a share, compared with $325.4 million, or $1.52, in the year-earlier period. Per-share funds from operations reflecting gains and losses rose 5% $1.46 from $1.39. In 2007, the company expects to earn $2.20 to $2.50 a share and report FFO of $2.24 to $2.38.
Comcast Corp. (NasdaqGS:CMCSA - News) said fourth-quarter net income for the three months ended Dec. 31 nearly tripled to $390 million or 18 cents a share, from $133 million, or 6 cents a share in the year-ago period. Income from continuing operations rose to 20 cents a share from 5 cents a share. Adjusted income in the latest quarter was 21 cents a share. Operating cash flow increased to $2.59 billion from $2.04 billion. Revenue climbed to $7.03 billion from $5.42 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial forecast earnings of 24 cents a share and revenue of $7.13 billion. For 2007, Comcast (NasdaqGS:CMCSK - News) forecasts consolidated revenue growth of at least 11% on an adjusted basis and consolidated operating cash flow growth of at least 13%.
CRM Holdings Ltd. (NasdaqGS:CRMH - News) said it expects fourth-quarter earnings of 23 to 27 cents a share for the fourth quarter, including charges of 11 cents a share and gains totaling 14 cents a share. For the year ended Dec. 31, the company sees earnings of 87 to 89 cents a share. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for a profit of 24 cents a share in the December quarter.
Gevity HR (NasdaqGS:GVHR - News) shares slipped after the company said it expects revenue of about $156 million for the fourth quarter, lower than a previous forecast for revenue of between $167 million and $177 million due to higher client attrition and lower client production than anticipated.
Goodrich Corp. (NYSE:GR - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $98.9 million, or 78 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $69.6 million, or 56 cents a share. Sales rose in the latest three months to $1.54 billion from $1.4 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 67 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $1.49 billion. Looking ahead, the Charlotte, N.C., aerospace and defense systems provider lifted its outlook for fiscal 2007 to earnings of $2.95 to $3.15 a share from a prior projection of $2.90 to $3.10 a share. It sees sales of between $6.2 billion and $6.4 billion for the year. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for earnings of $3.06 a share in 2007.
Hanesbrands (NYSE:HBI - News) said net income in the quarter ending Dec. 30 fell 78% to $23.8 million as sales fell 4.3% to $1.13 billion. The company said the fall in profit was largely due to a higher interest expense, reduced operating profit and higher income tax. Revenue was down due to weakness in the innerwear segment and the intentional discontinuance of low-margin product lines. The company said its results also include items associated with restructuring and its spin-off as an independent company. Hanesbrands was previously a division of Sara Lee Corp.
Hartes-Hanks Communications (NYSE:HHS - News) was downgraded to neutral from outperform at Robert W. Baird.
JDS Uniphase (NasdaqGS:JDSU - News) shares slid after the fiber optics networking company said it swung to income in the second quarter of $23.2 million or 10 cents a share. During the same period in the prior year, the San Jose, Calif.-based company reported a net loss of $42.1 million, or 20 cents a share. Before items, quarterly per-share income was 13 cents. In the prior year's period, the pro forma per-share loss was 2 cents. JDSU said quarterly revenue rose to $366.3 million from $312.9 million in the prior year. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were looking for $363 million. For the third quarter, the company sees revenue of $333 million to $353 million, while Wall Street is looking for $351 million.
Shares of NeuroMetrix Inc. (NasdaqGM:NURO - News) fell after the Waltham, Mass.-based medical device company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $1.21 million, or 9 cents a share, up from $805,451, or 6 cents a share, last year. Excluding items, the company posted a per-share profit of 14 cents compared with 7 cents. Revenue rose to $14.2 million from $10.3 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 12 cents on revenue of $15.7 million.
Playboy Enterprises (NYSE:PLA - News) was downgraded to sector perform from outperform at RBC Capital Markets.
QuickLogic (NasdaqGM:QUIK - News) shares fell after the company posted a non-GAAP loss of $7.7 million, or 27 cents a share, for the fourth quarter, down from a year-ago equivalent profit of $3.9 million, or 14 cents a share. Revenue at the Sunnyvale, Calif., provider of programmable logic memory products dropped 28% to $34.9 million in the latest three months. Wall Street's consensus estimate was for a loss of 5 cents a share in the March period.
Rofin-Sinar Technologies (NasdaqGS:RSTI - News) shares slid after the Plymouth, Mich.-based maker of laser beam sources reported fiscal first-quarter net earnings of $11.49 million, or 75 cents a share, up slightly from $11.36 million, or 75 cents a share, last year. Revenue rose to $111.7 million from $95.4 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 76 cents on revenue of $105.1 million.
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (NYSE:SMI - News) swung to a fourth-quarter profit, boosted by an 80% decline in operating expenses and a $41.7 million gain on the sale of properties. The Shanghai semiconductor foundry on Tuesday posted net income of $1.33 million, or less than a penny per ADS, from a year-earlier loss of $14.8 million, or about 4 cents per ADS. Semiconductor Manufacturing said quarterly revenue rose 15% to $383.8 million from $333.1 million in the year-earlier period. Operating expenses fell to $10.6 million from $51.8 million a year earlier. Semiconductor said it expects continued growth and improved profitability in 2007. The company said it expects controlled capital expenditures of about $720 million in 2007.
SI International (NasdaqGS:SINT - News) was downgraded to market perform from outperform at Wachovia Securities.
SRA International Inc. (NYSE:SRX - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $16.7 million, or 29 cents a share, compared with $15.9 million, or 28 cents a share, in the same period the prior year, on the back of higher revenue.
Telular Corp. (NasdaqGM:WRLS - News) said its first-quarter loss widened to $2.1 million, or 12 cents a share, from a year-ago loss of $1.3 million, or 8 cents a share. The latest results included amortization and goodwill charges of $2 million.
TJX Cos. (NYSE:TJX - News) said January same-sales rose 4%, helped by growth in most of its smaller divisions and Marmaxx's in-line performance and it expects fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 48 cents to 50 cents a share. The Framingham, Mass., clothing retailer said total sales for the four weeks ended Jan. 27, increased 8% to $1 billion from $900 million a year earlier. The company also anticipates a fourth-quarter charge of about 1 cent a share related to an unauthorized intrusion into its computer system process. The company said it doesn't yet have enough information to estimate losses related to the intrusion.
Tractor Supply Co. (NasdaqGS:TSCO - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $29.5 million, or 72 cents a share, compared with $30.9 million, or 75 cents a share, in the same period last year, as expenses rose.
Ultralife Batteries (NasdaqGM:ULBI - News) said it expects to report an operating loss of about $1.5 million for the fourth quarter on revenue of between $30 million and $30.5 million. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call is for a profit of 7 cents a share in the December period.
Under Armour (NYSE:UA - News) shares fell after the company posted a fourth-quarter profit of $11.9 million, or 24 cents a share, up from year-ago earnings of $7 million, or 8 cents a share. The latest results included a tax credit-related gain of $1 million, or 2 cents a share. Revenue rose 55% in the three-month period to $135.3 million from $87.3 million a year earlier. Wall Street's consensus estimate was for earnings of 25 cents a share.
Verso Technologies (NasdaqCM:VRSO - News) disclosed a $2 million private placement of common shares and five-year warrants.
W.P. Stewart & Co. (NYSE:WPL - News) said Chairman William Stewart is returning to the chief executive officer post at the company, replacing John Russell, who served in the role on an interim basis. In addition, Merrill Lynch downgraded the stock to sell from neutral, citing a drop in assets under management.
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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

7 Hot Stocks To Watch Today

Stocks Ready to Surge: These are the stocks that today made new 10-day lows that are still in an uptrend as they are trading above their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term upside reversals.
Applebee's International (NASDAQ:APPB - News). APPB's PowerRating is 6.
Low-Priced Stocks Ready to Surge: These are the stocks under $10/share that today made new 10-day lows that are still in an uptrend as they are trading above their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term upside reversals. Please note: All stocks carry risk and low-priced stocks usually come with even more risk. Always use caution.
Qwest Communications (NYSE:Q - News). Q's PowerRating is 7.
Pullbacks from Highs: Most successful momentum-based traders and money managers like to buy strong stocks after they pull back. TradingMarkets.com uses a proprietary mathematical model to identify up to 30 (in weak or choppy markets there will be fewer) of the strongest stocks that have pulled back from recent highs. These stocks should be considered potential candidates to resume their longer-term uptrends.
Cross Country Healthcare (NASDAQ:CCRN - News). CCRN's PowerRating is 7.
Long Windows Candidates: These are stocks which are in a strong uptrend, as determined by a proprietary trend filter and whose current bar has its high below the 4-day moving average. Historically, these stock on average have had a larger than normal short-term upside reversals. In order for us to be a buyer of a "Trading Window," we must have a 10-period ADX reading of 30 or higher and a +DI reading above the -DI reading. Or we must have a 14-period +DI of 30 or higher (with no ADX reading required). "Single Windows" are the most common type of Windows. They are simply a single bar which has its high of the day below the 4-period moving average. You will enter if the stock trades above yesterday's high.
Allegheny Energy (NYSE:AYE - News). AYE's PowerRating is 6.
Trading Where the Action Is: This list contains the most volatile stocks over the past 50 trading days. These stocks are only for the most aggressive traders who are willing to assume a high degree of risk in order to capture larger gains.
Rambus (NASDAQ:RMBS - News). RMBS's PowerRating is 2.
Explosion List: An inherent feature of all markets is that periods of lower-than-normal volatility are usually followed by periods of higher volatility. These stocks are trading at one-third or less of their normal volatility and therefore have a high likelihood of exploding within the next few trading days.
Quality Systems (NASDAQ:QSII - News). QSII's PowerRating is 7.
Stocks Ready to Drop: These are the stocks that today made new 10-day highs that are still in an downtrend as they are trading below their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term downside reversals.
Ciena (NASDAQ:CIEN - News). CIEN's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

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