Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Christopher & Banks (NYSE:CBK - News) reports earnings after the bell on Thursday, with traders looking for $0.28 EPS. CBK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Verifone (NYSE:PAY - News) is expecting to report $0.38 EPS on Thursday afternoon after the bell. PAY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 1.
Target (NYSE:TGT - News) fell over 2% today after announcing that December sales may decline following a weak post-Thanksgiving period. TGT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Macy's (NYSE:M - News) fell nearly 6% on the retail sales warning from Target. M does not have a PowerRating (for Traders) due to its short trading history.
Big Lots (NYSE:BIG - News) dropped nearly 6%, in line with an industry-wide decline. BIG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Evergreen Solar (NasdaqGM:ESLR - News) rallied over 9% today after China announced plans to pursue and develop alternative energy sources. ESLR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Amazon.com (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News) rallied over 2% today after announcing that the company has managed its best holiday season to date this year. AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: AMZN, BIG, CBK, ESLR, Hot Stocks, M, PAY, TGT

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.

Apollo Group (NasdaqGS:APOL) & Pharmaceutical HOLDRS (NYSE:PPH). APOL's PowerRating is 7, and PPH's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Ford (NYSE:F). F'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.
Humana Incorporated (NYSE:HUM) & Gentex Corporation (NasdaqGS:GNTX). HUM's PowerRating is 6, and GNTX'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.
Christopher & Banks (NYSE:CBK). CBK'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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS). UPS's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: APOL, CBK, F, GNTX, Hot Stocks, HUM, PPH, UPS

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Research In Motion (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News) matched earnings Wednesday afternoon with $0.99 EPS. RIMM's PowerRating is 5.
Christopher & Banks (NYSE:CBK - News) beat earnings Wednesday afternoon, with $0.05 EPS over an expected $0.04 EPS. CBK's PowerRating is 6.
Genentech (NYSE:DNA - News) beat earnings Wednesday after the close, announcing $0.74 EPS over an estimated $0.67 EPS. DNA's PowerRating is 5.
Fastenal (NasdaqGS:FAST - News) announces earnings Thursday before the open; watch for $0.35 EPS. FAST's PowerRating is 4.
MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG - News) reports quarterly earnings Thursday morning, with analysts looking for $1.71 EPS. MTG's PowerRating is 4.
When Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD - News) announces earnings Thursday before the bell, expect $0.03 EPS. RAD's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are watching for Vimpel Communications (NYSE:VIP - News) to announce $1.20 EPS tomorrow morning. VIP's PowerRating is 7.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CBK, DNA, FAST, Hot Stocks, MTG, RAD, RIMM, VIP

AGL Resources (NYSE:ATG - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $47 million, or 60 cents a share, and said it expects a profit of $2.75 to $2.85 a share for fiscal 2007. The Atlanta-based energy services provider also said its board has approved an 11% hike in its annual dividend rate to $1.64 a share.
Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK - News) reported third-quarter earnings rose 8.8% on 17% higher revenue. Earnings reached $51.2 million, or $1.53 a share, from $47.1 million, or $1.26, in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose to $900.3 million from $770 million. A survey of analysts by Thomson Financial produced consensus estimates of $1.32 a share on revenue of $844 million. ATK lifted its estimate of earnings for fiscal 2007 to $5.10 to $5.15 a share, from its previous estimate of $4.95 to $5.05. And it now estimates sales at $3.5 billion, up from an earlier estimate of more than $3.45 billion.
American Standard Cos. Inc. (NYSE:ASD - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $114.3 million, or 56 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $64.4 million, or 30 cents a share. On an adjusted basis, excluding certain items, the company earned $104.5 million, or 51 cents a share, in the latest quarter. Sales at the Piscataway, N.J., maker of air conditioning systems as well as bath and kitchen products rose to $2.7 billion in the three months ended Dec. 31 from $2.55 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 51 cents a share in the December period. Looking ahead, the company forecast adjusted earnings of $3.15 to $3.25 a share for fiscal 2007 on sales growth of about 8%. For the first quarter, it sees adjusted earnings of 48 to 52 cents a share with sales rising about 6%. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of $3.08 a share for the year and 48 cents a share in the March period. The company also announced a restructuring plan calling for the separation of its three businesses.
Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM - News) said higher prices for the biofuel offset rising corn costs in its fiscal second quarter. Overall corn processing operating profits rose $99 million for the quarter to $335 million. "Increased starch, sweetener and ethanol selling prices contributed to the earnings improvement and were partially offset by increasing net corn costs," the company said. The Decatur, Ill.-based company also said fiscal second-quarter earnings rose to $441.3 million, or 67 cents a share, from $367.7 million, or 56 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter ending December increased 18% to $10.98 billion from last year's $9.3 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had been expecting earnings of 60 cents a share and revenue of $9.52 billion, on average.
Armor Holdings Inc. (NYSE:AH - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose to $37.8 million, or $1.02 a share, from $37.6 million, of $1.04 a share, during the same period in the prior year.
AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN - News) announced plans to cut 3,000 jobs over the next three years. It will take $500 million in charges, of which $300 million will be in cash, the drugmaker said. The company also reported that its fourth-quarter profit before tax jumped 25% to $2.1 billion, after sales climbed 14% to $7.15 billion. The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical said sales of its top five growth products -- Nexium, Seroquel, Crestor, Arimidex and Symbicort -- rose 23% to $3.7 billion. It hikes its dividend 32% for the year to $1.72 a share and plans to buy back $4 billion in shares during 2007. AstraZeneca said 2007 earnings are seen in the range of $3.80 to $4.05 a share, excluding the impact of U.S. sales of Toprol XL and any productivity initiatives.
Brink's Co. (NYSE:BCO - News) reported fourth-quarter net income more than doubled due to earnings from discontinued operations. Fourth-quarter net reached $126.6 million, or $2.71 a share, from $47.7 million, or 83 cents, in the year-earlier period. Shares outstanding fell 19% to 46.7 million. Earnings from continuing operations were 71 cents a share against 11 cents as profit and revenue rose in both of Brink's operating units. Revenue rose 14% to $755.9 million from $663.1 million. A survey of analysts by Thomson Financial produced consensus estimates of 62 cents of profit on $723 million of revenue.
Carbo Ceramics (NYSE:CRR - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $15 million, or 61 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $10.4 million, or 43 cents a share. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $87 million from $63.6 million a year earlier.
Celgene (NasdaqGS:CELG - News) fourth-quarter earnings rose to $22.9 million, or 6 cents a share, from $3.93 million, or a cent a share, a year earlier. The company said adjusted earnings rose to $74.5 million, or 18 cents a share, from $10.2 million, or 3 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, fourth-quarter earnings of 18 cents a share on revenue of $268.4 million. The Summit, N.J., pharmaceutical company said total revenue rose 84% to $275 million from $149.3 million in the year-ago period, helped by sales of Revlimid and Thalomid. Product sales rose to $251.9 million from $128.7 million.
Children's Place Retail Stores (NasdaqGS:PLCE - News) said it earned $38 million in the third quarter as sales rose 25% to $550.4 million, according to preliminary data. The figures may be revised as the company continues to work on a restatement of past results to correct the accounting for stock option grants. Same-store sales rose 14% in the quarter, the Secaucus, N.J. retailer said in a statement. Thomson Financial was looking for sales of $548.5 million. The company said it now expects net income of $45 to $48 million in the fourth quarter. For January, same-store sales are expected to decline at a mid-single digit rate at its Children's Place stores and rise at a pace in the mid-twenties at Disney stores. For fiscal 2007, the company is expecting earnings of $3.55 to $3.65 a share.
Christopher & Banks Corp. (NYSE:CBK - News) said it expects earnings of 7 to 8 cents a share for the fourth quarter, below Wall Street's consensus estimate for a profit of 14 cents a share. The Minneapolis-based women's clothing retailer said aggressive markdowns in the quarter led to lower average unit retails.
Clorox (NYSE:CLX - News) said its second-quarter earnings rose 16%, boosted by record sales of its Fresh Step cat litter, higher sales of Kingsford grilling products and increased shipments of home-care products in Mexico and Argentina.
Concur Technologies Inc. (NasdaqGM:CNQR - News) reported first-quarter net earnings of $993,000, or 2 cents a share, up 53% from $648,000, or 2 cents a share, during the year-ago period. There were 40.2 million shares outstanding during the quarter compared with 36.5 million a year ago.
Cutera (NasdaqGS:CUTR - News) shares rose after the Brisbane, Calif.-based company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $7.12 million, or 50 cents a share, up from $5.81 million, or 41 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding items, earnings came in at 55 cents a share. Revenue rose to $30.5 million from $24 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of 41 cents a share on revenue of $30.2 million. The company expects first-quarter earning of 21 cents a share, or 28 cents a share excluding items, on revenue of $26 million, and 2007 earnings of $1.30 a share, or $1.57 a share excluding items, on revenue of $126 million.
Dell (NasdaqGS:DELL - News) named company founder Michael Dell chief executive effective immediately, to replace Kevin Rollins. The Round Rock, Texas, computer company said Dell will retain his duties as chairman.
Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at Prudential Equity, which cited expectations for earnings growth of around 10% over the next four years as well as an attractive current valuation. "Due to low generic exposure and what we believe is an increasingly stable base business, we see Eli Lilly growing earnings at above average rates for the next several years," Prudential said.
Elizabeth Arden (NasdaqGS:RDEN - News) posted a fiscal second-quarter profit of $26.2 million, or 92 cents a share, as sales rose 18.8% to $410.8 million. Looking ahead, the New York-based beauty products provider lifted the lower end of its outlook for fiscal 2007 earnings to $1.15 to $1.20 a share from the prior projection of $1.10 to $1.20 a share.
Gilead Sciences Inc. (NasdaqGS:GILD - News) swung to a fourth-quarter loss of $1.67 billion, or $3.62 a share. In the same period the year before, the company posted net earnings of $281.6 million, or 59 cents a share.
Green Mountain Coffee (NasdaqGS:GMCR - News) shares jumped after the company reported first-quarter earnings of $2.4 million, or 30 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $3 million, or 38 cents a share. On a non-GAAP basis, the Waterbury, Vt.-based coffee provider earned $3.7 million, or 46 cents a share, in the latest quarter. Looking ahead, Green Mountain sees non-GAAP earnings of $2.11 to $2.17 a share in fiscal 2007.
Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP - News) reported first-quarter earnings of $110.8 million, or $1.06 a share, on operating revenue of $386.4 million. In the same period a year earlier, the company earned $50.8 million, or 48 cents a share, on revenue of $255.4 million. The latest results include a gain of 15 cents a share from the sale of portfolio securities, while last year's report reflects 2 cents a share in similar gains.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: ADM, AH, ASD, ATG. ATK, AZN, BCO, CBK, CELG, CLX, CNQR, CRR, CUTR, DELL, GILD, GMCR, HP, LLY, PLCE, RDEN

Arcelor Mittal, (NYSE:MT - News) said Wednesday it's buying Mexico's Sicartsa from Grupo Villacero for $1.44 billion. It's also entered into a 50-50 joint venture with Villacero to distribute Arcelor Mittal's long products in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.
BCE Inc. (NYSE:BCE - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral by Merrill Lynch, which said said the Canadian telecommunications company is pushing its price leadership strategy further and faster than it had expected. The broker told clients this should help offset continuing strong cable phone inroads. Merrill added that while it sees substantial risk that Industry Canada will set aside wireless spectrum for new entrants, it sees offsetting upside, not widely acknowledged, if BCE and Telus Corp. were to integrate their wireless networks in the future.
Bowne & Co. (NYSE:BNE - News) said it's agreed to buy St Ives Financial, a financial printing company, from St Ives . Though Bowne didn't reveal terms, St Ives in its own statement said it will receive $8 million in cash for the business that lost 1.5 million pounds ($2.9 million) in the year ending July 28.
BRE Properties Inc., (NYSE:BRE - News) a real estate investment trust focusing on apartment communities, sees 2007 per-share profit of $1.05 to $1.20 and funds from operations of $2.55 to $2.70.
CarMax Inc. (NYSE:KMX - News) said third-quarter net income rose to $45.4 million, or 42 cents a share, from $22.9 million, or 22 cents a share. Earnings for the third quarter of both years included share-based compensation costs of 3 cents a share, and earnings for the prior year's third quarter included a benefit of 3 cents a share from favorable auto finance items. Net sales rose to $1.77 billion from $1.42 billion. Same-store used unit sales rose 13% in the quarter. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 25 cents a share on revenue of $1.63 billion, according to Thomson First Call. For the fiscal year ending February 28, 2007, CarMax now expects same-store used unit sales performance in the range of 8% to 9% and raised its earnings per share to a range of $1.75 to $1.85 from $1.55 to $1.65 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expect it to earn $1.64 a share for the year, on average.
Christopher & Banks Corp. (NYSE:CBK - News) reported third-quarter net income of 24 cents a share, matching both the year-earlier result and analysts' expectations.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:CTB - News) named Roy Armes president, chief executive and a director. Armes succeeds Byron Pond, who has served as interim CEO since August.
Darden Restaurants' (NYSE:DRI - News) fiscal second-quarter profit rose 12%, buoyed by restaurant openings and lower expenses at its Olive Garden chain.
Ferro Corp. (NYSE:FOE - News) filed its third-quarter report and became current on its Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Profit for the period fell to $5.5 million, or 12 cents a share, from $6.9 million, or 15 cents, in the year-earlier period.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F - News) was upgraded by KeyBanc to hold from sell, the automaker's second analyst upgrade in as many days. Analyst Brett Hoselton said that while fundamentals aren't expected to show any meaningful improvement in 2007, the earnings deterioration should begin to taper off. Hoselton thinks the implementation of cost cuts, capacity rationalization actions and production cuts will help reduce excessive inventory levels resulting from slowing demand. Meanwhile, he believes Ford's new financing plan will raise borrowing costs and hurt results at its financial services business. As a result, Hoselton increased his 2006 loss estimate to $1.26 a share from 99 cents, and raised his 2007 loss forecast to $1.29 a share from 60 cents.
FPL Group Inc.'s (NYSE:FPL - News) FPL Energy will purchase the Point Beach Nuclear plant in Two Rivers, Wis., its fuel and associated inventories for around $1 billion from Wisconsin Energy Corp.'s (NYSE:WEC - News) Wisconsin Electric Power Co. unit. The companies also entered a long-term agreement under which FPL Energy will sell 100% of the output of Point Beach to Wisconsin Electric Power.
Harrah's Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:HET - News) agreed to be bought by a pair of private equity groups for $90 a share in cash plus assumption of $10.7 billion in debt.
Honeywell (NYSE:HON - News) was upgraded to buy from above average by Caris & Co, which said the company's operating plan through 2008 reflects strong trends for air travel, safety, security, and energy needs. The driving force for demand in Honeywell's aerospace and automation and controls units "will remain well in place in 2008 (and beyond), as commercial aircraft and [business jet] builds continue to advance, flying hours continue to grow, US residential construction revives and non-residential growth extends."
Hydril Co. (NASDAQ:HYDL - News) the maker of oil and gas drilling products, sees fourth-quarter per-share earnings of about $1.05 or higher, above its prior view.
Innovo Group Inc. (NASDAQ:INNO - News) said it has closed around $3.6 million of new equity financing through a private placement. The company said it sold 6.8 million shares at 53 cents a share in the placement, along with warrants to purchase an additional 2.1 million shares at an exercise price of 58 cents a share.
Jack in the Box, (NYSE:JBX - News) expects to accept for purchase 2.3 million, or 6.5%, of its common shares at $61 each under a Dutch-auction tender offer. The company will lay out $142.5 million for the shares.
John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH - News) agreed to be acquired by M&F Worldwide Corp. (NYSE:MFW - News) for $1.7 billion, or $52.75 a share in cash. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2007. M&F Worldwide is 38% owned by MacAndrews & Forbes, a company controlled by financier Ron Perelman. M&F Worldwide owns two operating companies, Mafco Worldwide, a maker of licorice products, and Clarke American, a provider of checks, check-related products and direct marketing. Decatur, Ga.-based John H. Harland is a sells printed products and software and related services to the financial institution market, including banks, credit unions, thrifts, brokerage houses and financial software companies.
Kosan Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:KOSN - News) announced a license agreement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE - News) for its motilin agonist program.
Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (NASDAQ:MXIM - News) said John Gifford, founder and chief executive, will retire for health reasons. Gifford will remain part-time as an adviser.
National City Corp. (NYSE:NCC - News) will buy back as many as 30 million common shares, subject to a limit of $1.2 billion.
NexCen Brands Inc., (NASDAQ:NEXC - News) the New York brand-acquisition and -management company, definitively agreed to acquire the designer-apparel company Bill Blass Holding Co. for $54.6 million plus as much as $16.2 million additional based on the company meeting business targets.
Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ:NDSN - News) fourth-quarter net income was about flat with the year-earlier period. Profit per share rose to 82 cents from 80 cents as shares outstanding fell 2.6%.
Redback Networks (NASDAQ:RBAK - News) agreed to be acquired by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC - News) for $2.1 billion in cash.
Smart Modular Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SMOD - News) first-quarter net income rose to 3 cents a share from 17 cents in the year-earlier period. Analysts had expected 21 cents.
Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX - News) third-quarter net income tripled from the year-earlier period, to 33 cents a share.
Telus (NYSE:TU - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral by Merrill Lynch, which said concerns over heavy wireline spending and wireless competition are now more than reflected in the share price. The broker told clients that management has trimmed wireless subscriber guidance for 2006, acknowledging increased pressure from discount brands. "We suspect this situation will lead Telus to respond with sharper pricing or promotions but we see no long-term value impairment," Merrill concluded.
Tupperware Brands Corp. (NYSE:TUP - News) named Simon Hemus president and chief operating officer.
WebMethods (NASDAQ:WEBM - News) named Ken Sexton as its chief financial officer, effective Jan. 2. Sexton replaces Mark Wabschall, who announced his plans to retire in September.
-Marketwatch

Labels: BCE, BNE, BRE, CBK, CTB, DRI, F, FOE, FPL, HET, HON, HYDL, INNO, JBX, JH, MFW, MT, RBAK, WEBM, WEC

Accredited Home Lenders Holding (NASDAQ:LEND - News) was upgraded to outperform from peer perform at Bear Stearns. The firm set a year-end 2007 price target of $32.
Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE - News) reported its fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 16%, as an investment gain and higher sales of its business and creative software offset charges related to its acquisition of smaller rival Macromedia.
Applica Inc. (NYSE:APN - News) said it's reached a merger agreement with affiliates of Harbinger Capital Partners. The deal calls for Harbinger to increase its bid to acquire the shares of Applica that it doesn't already own for $6.50 per share. Harbinger currently owns about 40% of Applica's common stock. The higher bid follows Applica's receipt of an unsolicited acquisition offer from NACCO Industries. Shares of Applica, a Miramar, Fla., maker of small household appliances, closed Thursday at $5.76, up 3 cents.
Bear Stearns Cos. (NYSE:BSC - News) said it has increased its share buyback program to $2 billion from $1.5 billion.
CalAmp (NASDAQ:CAMP - News) shares rose after the company said its Dataradio unit has received a contract worth about $1.3 million from Michigan's Genesee County E-911 Consortium. The deal calls for Dataradio to replace the Consortium's existing mobile data public safety network for first responders.
ChipMOS Technologies (NASDAQ:IMOS - News) lifted its revenue outlook for the fourth quarter to $176 million to $181 million from a prior projection ranging from $168 million to $172 million. For November, the Taiwan provider of semiconductor testing and assembly services said its revenue totaled $61.5 million, an increase of 1.9% from October and 40% from a year ago. The company also raised its gross margin forecast to 29% to 32% for the fourth quarter from a prior view of 26% to 29%.
Christopher & Banks (NYSE:CBK - News) said it has pushed forward the effective date for Matthew Dillon to become president and chief executive to Jan. 1. Previously, Dillon, who is president and chief merchandising officer, was scheduled to become CEO on March 1.
Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ:CIEN - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.
Culp Inc. (NYSE:CFI - News) said it plans to consolidate its U.S. upholstery fabrics manufacturing facilities and outsource its specialty yarn production, resulting in the elimination of 185 jobs. Culp said it will close its weaving plant in Graham, N.C., and its yarn plant in Lincolnton, N.C.
DRS Technologies (NYSE:DRS - News) was upgraded to equal-weight from undereweight at Morgan Stanley.
E-Trade Financial (NYSE:ET - News) said it will move its stock market listing to Nasdaq from the New York Stock Exchange to save money and more closely align the company with the activities of its trading customers. E-Trade's new listing will be effective on Dec. 27. The new ticker will be "ETFC."
Fibernet Telecom Group (NASDAQ:FTGX - News) was initiated with a buy rating at Merriman Curhan Ford.
GenVec (NASDAQ:GNVC - News) shares jumped after the company reported positive phase I human trials for an HIV vaccine that is based on its proprietary adenovirus vector technology.
ICON Plc (NASDAQ:ICLR - News) said it raised its 2006 earnings and revenue forecast to reflect a strong backlog and continued new business awards. The Dublin, Ireland provider of development services to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries said it now expects earnings of $1.28 to $1.30 a share and revenue of $448 million to $452 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of $1.29 a share and revenue of $448.5 million, on average. For 2007, the company expects earnings, including stock compensation expenses, to rise to $1.63 to $1.71 a share, and revenue to grow to $530 million to $550 million.
Immunicon Corp. (NASDAQ:IMMC - News) shares soared after the company said Veridex LLC has received Food and Drug Administration clearance for the CellSearch circulating tumor cell kit as an aid in monitoring patients with metastatic breast cancer. Veridex, a unit of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ - News).
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU - News) agreed to acquire Electronic Clearing House Inc. (NASDAQ:ECHO - News) for $142 million. Intuit will pay $18.75 per Electronic Clearing share, including shares issuable upon exercise of options.
Lattice Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:LSCC - News) lowered its view for fourth-quarter revenue, and now expects sequential sales to drop 2% to 4%. Previously, the company forecast sequential revenue to range from matching the prior quarter's results to growing 4%.
Monsanto (NYSE:MON - News) shares rose after the company was upgraded to buy at Goldman Sachs.
Natural Resource Partners (NYSE:NRP - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Citigroup Investment Research. The firm also lifted its price target on the stock to $60 from $55.
Northern Trust (NASDAQ:NTRS - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Merrill Lynch. The firm cited strong global capital market returns in the fourth quarter for the move.
Quiksilver Inc. (NYSE:ZQK - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $65.3 million, or 51 cents a share, from $33.6 million, or 27 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. The Huntington Beach, Calif.-based apparel company said quarterly revenue rose to $778.4 million from $637.4 million.
Safeguard Scientifics Inc. (NYSE:SFE - News) said Christopher Davis has resigned as chief financial officer to pursue other interests. The investment firm said it has named Stephen Zarrilli, co-founder of the Penn Valley Group, as acting CFO.
Servidyne (NASDAQ:SERV - News) shares rallied after the company posted earnings of $355,951, or 10 cents a share, for its fiscal second quarter, up from a year-ago loss of $22,914, or a penny per share. The company also said it's sold a shopping center in Morton, Ill., for $3.55 million. This transaction will result in a gain of $3.1 million to be recorded in the January quarter.
Shoe Carnival (NASDAQ:SCVL - News) approved the buyback of up to $50 million of its shares. The repurchase authorization is valid through Dec. 31, 2008, the Evansville, Ind.-based footwear and accessories retailer said.
Star Gas Partners (NYSE:SGU - News), a distributor of heating oil, said its fiscal fourth-quarter net loss narrowed to $21.6 million, or 28 cents per limited partner unit, from $46.5 million, or $1.30 cents per unit. Revenue for the quarter rose 0.5% to $151.5 million as the impact of higher selling prices more than offset an 11.9% reduction in home heating oil volume. The company also announced that it would delay filing its 10-K form for the year ended Sept. 30 as it is still assessing its accounting treatment of certain derivatives transactions. Star Gas said it may have to make material adjustments to its historical financial statements if it finds it does not meet the accounting requirements for those derivatives transactions. However, it added it does not expect any restatement to have an effect on its liquidity or business.
State Street (NYSE:STT - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Merrill Lynch.
Temple-Inland (NYSE:TIN - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank. The firm also lifted its price target on the stock to $55 from $40.
Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank with a price target boost to $80 from $65.
-MarketWatch

Labels: ADBE, APN, BSC, CBK, CFI, CIEN, DRS, ECHO, ET, FTGX, GNVC, ICLR, IMMC, IMOS, INTU, JNJ, LEND, LSCC, SERV, SGU