Jim Cramer Blog

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

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

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Nike (NYSE:NKE - News) beat earnings on Wednesday afternoon, reporting $0.71 EPS over an expected $0.66 EPS. NKE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Paychex (NasdaqGS:PAYX - News) also beat earnings on Wednesday, with $0.40 EPS over $0.39 EPS. PAYX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC - News) reports quarterly earnings on Thursday morning before the bell, with traders looking for -$1.79 EPS. BCS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When Carnival (NYSE:CCL - News) announces quarterly results on Thursday before the bell, look for $0.43 EPS. CCL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
FedEx (NYSE:FDX - News) is looking to report $1.50 EPS on Thursday morning. FDX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Anaylsts will be watching for Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD - News) to report -$0.07 EPS on Thursday morning before the market opens. RAD's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR - News) expects to announce -$0.24 EPS tomorrow morning. PIR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: BSC, CCL, FDX, Hot Stocks, NKE, PAYX, PIR, RAD

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.
Carnival (NYSE:CCL - News). CCL'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.
Pharmaceutical HOLDRS (AMEX:PPH - News). PPH'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.
L1 Identity Solutions (NYSE:ID - News). ID's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Apogee Enterprises (NasdaqGS:APOG - News). APOG's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
RCN Corporation (NasdaqGS:RCNI - News). RCNI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 1.
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.
Campbell Soup (NYSE:CPB - News). CPB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
LJ International (NasdaqGM:JADE - News). JADE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: APOG, CCL, CPB, Hot Stocks, ID, JADE, PPH, RCNI

First caller asking whether the tech sector is still the best place to be? Cramer says drop out of tech right now and wait for the pullback.
Second caller inquired on stock splits and asked if Cramer thinks a stock split is forthcoming for Apple (AAPL). Cramer said he wouldn't be surprised.
Third called asking if EMC is a better value than VZW. Cramer said he likes EMC.

Cramer's getting bullish on companies taking a "no bull" approach to business. He looked at companies that started in U.S. but have expanded. U.S. is no longer a growth country. Cramer says invest in companies with growing international exposure. Best Buy (BBY): Creating value with through the Canadian loon and expanding elsewhere globally. International sales are huge with Best Buy. Circuit City is shrinking its business. Cramer stated the success and future potential of Best Buy's Geek Squad.

Next, Cramer talked about the fact that the US economy is not in great shape, so we should look abroad for investment opportunities. He specifically mentioned Carnival Cruises (CCL) as a buy, and thinks that it will beat Royal Caribbean (RCL) in the growing European cruise market.

Airgas (ARG): Cramer spoke to the CEO of Airgas about its excellent performance. Cramer thinks this is another stock to buy after the pullback.
Lowe's (LOW): Finally, Cramer mentioned that Lowes was hurt in the market downturn. He reiterated his pullback theory, saying retail will lead the way down, followed by tech.

Labels: AAPL, AMZN, ARG, BBY, CCL, EMC, GOOG, Jim Cramer, LOW, Mad Money, Mad MOney Recap, RIMM

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Comtech Telecommunications (NasdaqGS:CMTL - News) beat earnings on Wednesday afternoon, announcing $0.63 EPS versus estimates of $0.44 EPS. CMTL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS - News) fell over 2% on Wednesday after missing earnings, reporting a 7% decline in profit from last year. MS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC - News) reports earnings on Thursday morning, with analysts looking for $1.78 EPS. BSC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
When Carnival (NYSE:CCL - News) announces earnings on Thursday before the bell, be watching for $1.62 EPS. CCL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Circuit City NYSE:CC is expected to announce a loss of -$0.12 EPS on Thursday morning. CC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
Analysts are watching for Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS - News) to report $4.37 EPS tomorrow morning before the market opens. GS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
FedEx (NYSE:FDX - News) reports earnings early tomorrow morning; watch for $1.53 EPS. FDX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BSC, CCL, CMTL, FDX, GS, Hot Stocks, MS

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that gap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
NVIDIA Corporation (NasdaqGS:NVDA - News). NVDA's PowerRating is 5.
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
U.S. Global Investments (NasdaqCM:GROW - News). GROW's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Station Casinos (NYSE:STN - News). STN'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.
Celanese (NYSE:CE - News). CE'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.
AZZ Incorporated (NYSE:AZZ - News). AZZ's PowerRating is 9.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Carnival (NYSE:CCL - News). CCL's PowerRating 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.
Cnet Networks (NasdaqGS:CNET - News). CNET's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AZZ, CCL, CE, CNET, GROW, Hot Stocks, NVDA, STN

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Actuant Corporation (NYSE:ATU) reports earnings on Tuesday morning, with analysts looking for $0.93 EPS. ATU's PowerRating is 5.
When Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell, watch for $0.50 EPS. BBY's PowerRating is 4.
Carnival (NYSE:CCL) should announce $0.47 EPS when the company announces earnings tomorrow morning. CCL's PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are watching for FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS) to announce $0.51 EPS before the bell on Tuesday. FDS's PowerRating is 5.
Progress Software (NasdaqGS:PRGS) is looking to report $0.41 EPS on Tuesday morning. PRGS's PowerRating is 5.
Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI) and Clarcor (NYSE:CLC) both report after the close on Tuesday, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the bell. DRI's PowerRating is 4, and CLC's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ATU, BBY, CCL, CLC, DRI, FDS, Hot Stocks, PRGS

Carnival Corp. (CCL, 45.61) reported a higher first quarter profit, as strong growth in the company's European cruise brands offset pricing weakness in the Caribbean. The news helped lift shares of the Miami-based company more than 2% in early market trading.
Amid concerns about higher fuel costs and weaker Caribbean bookings, Carnival saw its stock fall about 8% in 2006. Although it continues to face some near-term economic uncertainty, we believe the longer-term prospects remain intact, given the company's position as the world's leading cruise operator and favorable demographic trends in the U.S. and abroad. With shares still off their recent highs, we would be buyers of the stock at current levels.
For the latest period, net income increased to $283 million, or $0.35 per share, from $251 million, or $0.31 per share, a year earlier. Revenue of $2.69 billion was up 9.1% year/year, driven by a 7.4% increase in cruise capacity and a 1.7% increase in gross cruise revenue yields. Analysts on average were expecting the company to post a lower profit of $0.34 per share on revenue of $2.61 million.
Carnival said strong growth in cruise revenue yields from its European business helped offset pricing weakness in the Caribbean, continuing the trend seen in recent quarters. Meanwhile, net cruise costs increased 1.3% compared to costs for the same period last year, as higher fuel prices continued to weigh on results.
For the full year, the company expects net revenue yields to be flat to up slightly compared to 2006, and projected earnings per share in a range of $2.90 to $3.10. That is inline with analysts' expectations for earnings of $3.02 per share.
--Richard Jahnke, Briefing.com

Labels: Carnival Corp., CCL

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Aeropostale (NYSE:ARO - News) beat earnings Thursday, with $1.00 EPS over an expected $0.99 EPS. ARO's PowerRating is 5.
True Religion Apparel (NasdaqGM:TRLG - News) missed earnings expectations Thursday; analysts were looking for $0.22 EPS, but TRLG only announced $0.21 EPS. TRLG's PowerRating is 5.
Pacific Sunwear (NasdaqGS:PSUN - News) matched earnings expectations on Thursday afternoon with $0.37 EPS. PSUN's PowerRating is 5.
AnnTaylor (NYSE:ANN - News) reports earnings Friday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.29 EPS. ANN's PowerRating is 4.
Carnival (NYSE:CCL - News) is looking to report $0.34 EPS on Friday morning before trading begins. CCL's PowerRating is 6.
When Kellwood (NYSE:KWD - News) reports earnings Friday morning, look for $0.42 EPS. KWD's PowerRating is 5.
After the close Friday, Medifast (NYSE:MED - News) will report earnings, with analysts watching for $0.05 EPS. MED's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ANN, ARO, CCL, Hot Stocks, KWD, MED, PSUN, TRLG

Mad Mergers: Sirius Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: SIRI) and XM Radio (NasdaqGS: XMSR)
Cramer smells "desperation" in the intended merger between SIRI and XMSR, and predicts that there will be a spate of anticompetitive mergers ahead of the possibility of a Democrat winning the White House, an event which would discourage future monolopistic mergers. Cramer dedicated the program to discussing ten likely scenarios.
10. Kroger (NYSE: KR - News) and Safeway (NYSE: SWY - News)9. Laboratory Corp. (NYSE: LH - News) and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX - News): Cramer notes that these two companies have been "locked in a ferocious price war to win the HMO business." Their slashed prices have meant less profits, and "it is time for them to get on the anticompetitive bus."8. Carnival (NYSE: CCL - News) and Royal Carribbean (NYSE: RCL - News)7. Office Depot (NYSE: ODP - News) and Office Max (NYSE: OMX - News)6. Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH - News) and McKesson (NYSE: MCK - News): Cramer notes that drug distributors have "been at war for wages" hurting themselves by lowering prices. He sees some major mergers in the sector for the next couple of years.5. BP (NYSE: BP - News) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX - News): BP would do well to merge with CVX, according to Cramer, because of CVX's excellent management.4. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) and Northrop Grunman (NYSE: NOC - News): Cramer notes that this merger is likely because the Pentagon doesn't want a lot of vendors.3. Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA) and Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News)2. Gannett (NYSE: GCI - News) and McClatchy (NYSE: MNI - News): Cramer believes that this merger is essential because it could "save the newspaper business."1. Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP - News) and Burlington Northern (NYSE: BNI - News): Cramer says that this is his favorite possible merger.
Cramer also sees Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC - News) and CSX (NYSE: CSX - News) pairing up, and describes all of these possibilities as "a wave of mergers that will be great for profits."

Labels: BNI, BP, CAH, CCL, CVX, DGX, Jim Cramer, KR, LH, LMT, Mad Money, MCK, ODP, OMX, RCL, SIRI, SWY, TWX, UNP, XMSR

Abiomed Inc. (NASDAQ:ABMD - News) said it has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for its new intra-aortic balloon, a technology designed to enhance blood flow to the heart and other organs. The Danvers, Mass.-based medical product company said a combination console platform to support the balloon, the iPulse, is currently under regulatory review and pending approval. Abiomed expects to begin shipping its new integrated iPulse console outside the U.S. during fourth quarter. Following FDA approval of the pre-market application supplement to the existing console, Abiomed's initial introduction of the iPulse is expected in the summer of 2007.
Accenture (NYSE:ACN - News) reported first-quarter earnings of 46 cents a share, compared with 36 cents in the year-earlier period.
American Greetings Corp. (NYSE:AM - News) third-quarter net income rose to 83 cents a share from 19 cents in the year-earlier period. Net sales fell to $512.2 million from $552 million. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 35 cents on revenue of $516 million. For fiscal 2007, the company still expected to earn 80 cents to $1 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expect it to earn 81 cents a share for the year.
Anika Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:ANIK - News) said it obtained FDA approval for its cosmetic tissue augmentation. Anika said the product is an injectable soft-tissue filler for facial wrinkles, scar remediation and lip augmentation.
Best Buy Co. (NYSE:BBY - News) was upgraded to outperform from neutral by Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter, on the belief that investors overreacted to third-quarter results, which fell shy of expectations.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY - News) said it's reached an initial agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Mass. to settle several probes of its drug pricing, sales and marketing practices. In a statement, the drug company said it will pay $499 million and enter a corporate integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services. The deal is not yet final and must be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Bristol-Myers said it's raising the reserves set aside to cover the cost of the probes by $353 million, to be recorded in the fourth quarter. The company said it expects to take a $220 million pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter. The company now expects 2006 earnings to range from 72 to 77 cents, down from a prior outlook of 97 cents to $1.02. Excluding special items, it's still expecting earnings of $1.02 to $1.07, however.
Carnival Corp. (NYSE:CCL - News) said fourth-quarter earnings rose to $416 million, or 51 cents a share, from $336 million, or 41 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased 9.2% to $2.81 billion from last year's $2.57 billion, helped by 5.5% growth in cruise capacity and a 2.3% rise in net revenue yields. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of 47 cents a share and revenue of $2.79 billion, on average. Looking ahead, the Miami cruise operator said it expects first-quarter earnings of 33 to 35 cents a share, below analyst forecasts of 36 cents a share. Revenue yields are projected to be flat to up slightly, while net cruise costs are expected to rise between 2% and 3%.
Chubb Corp. (NYSE:CB - News) said it'll pay $17 million as part of a settlement with the attorneys general of New York, Connecticut and Illinois, resolving all issues arising out of investigations of property-casualty insurance bid rigging. Chubb has agreed to contribute $15 million to a settlement fund set up for customers and make a $2 million payment for costs of the investigation. Chubb said it will discontinue paying contingent commissions on all U.S. insurance lines beginning in 2007, replacing them with a supplemental compensation program.
Coastal Financial (NASDAQ:CFCP - News) shares surged after BB&T Corp. (NYSE:BBT - News) said it has agreed to buy the company in a deal valued at $394.6 million. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based BB&T said it will pay 0.385 shares for each Coastal Financial share, equal to $17.04 a share based on BB&T's closing price Wednesday. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.
ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE:CAG - News) second-quarter profit rose to 43 cents a share from 29 cents in the year-earlier period. Excluding profit from discontinued operations, earnings came to 40 cents a share. Analysts' average estimate stood at 33 cents, according to Thomson First Call. Sales rose 2.9% to $3.09 billion, ahead of analysts' view for $3.02 billion. The Omaha, Neb., packaged-food company raised its full-year outlook, excluding items, to a range of $1.28 to $1.33 a share, up from a prior target of $1.15 to $1.20. Analysts' estimate stands at $1.25 a share.
Delta Air Lines Inc.'s (Other OTC:DALRQ.PK - News) official creditors' committee said it supported the carrier's decision to file its proposed reorganization plan, but said the committee "will continue to consider potential alternatives in order to maximize the ultimate recoveries for the unsecured creditors in the Delta bankruptcy."
Finish Line Inc. (NASDAQ:FINL - News) said it swung to a third-quarter net loss of 6 cents a share from net income of 2 cents a share in the year-earlier period.
General Mills (NYSE:GIS - News) second-quarter earnings rose $1.08 a share from 97 cents in the year-earlier period. Revenue increased to $3.47 billion from $3.29 billion, with unit volume growing 3%. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of $1.03 a share and revenue of $3.42 billion, on average. Looking ahead, the Minneapolis packaged foods company raised its fiscal 2007 earnings forecast to $3.09 to $3.13 a share from $3.03 to $3.08 a share.
Herman Miller Inc. (NASDAQ:MLHR - News) reported second-quarter earnings of 56 cents a share, compared with 40 cents in the year-earlier period, on the back of record-high orders.
Horizon Health (NASDAQ:HORC - News) shares rose after Psychiatric Solutions said it'll pay $20 a share in cash to buy the Lewisville, Texas owner of behavioral health facilities, a 24% premium over its $16.13 closing price on Wednesday. Psychiatric Solutions, (NASDAQ:PSYS - News)a Franklin, Tenn. operator of 74 owned or leased psychiatric facilities, expects the purchase to add 17 to 20 cents a share to its net income.
LifePoint Hospitals (NASDAQ:LPNT - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel Nicolaus, which cited valuation and comfort with the company's bad debt levels.
National HealthCare Corp. (AMEX:NHC - News) and National Health Realty Inc. (AMEX:NHR - News) have agreed on a merger, the companies said. Terms call for each outstanding National Health Realty common share to be converted into one share of National HealthCare Series A convertible preferred stock plus $9 in cash, and National Health Realty shareholders will receive a special dividend for the period from Jan. 1 until the deal closes, which is expected to happen in the second quarter of 2007. Each preferred share will entitle the holder to annual preferred dividends of 80 cents a share and will have a liquidation preference of $15.75. Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based National HealthCare spun off National Health Realty as a real-estate investment trust in 1997.
Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE - News) fiscal second-quarter profit rose to $1.28 a share from $1.14 in the year-earlier period.
Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX - News) reported second-quarter earnings of 35 cents a share, compared with 30 cents in the year-earlier period, on the back of strong revenue from its human-resource-services segment.
Pointer Telocation Ltd. (NASDAQ:PNTR - News) lifted its estimate of 2006 operating profit to a range of $4.8 million to $5.2 million from a previous estimate of $3.5 million. Revenue should range $41.3 million to $42.1 million compared with a previous estimate of $40 million, Pointer said in a statement. The company also estimated 2007 operating profit at $4.5 million to $5.6 million on revenue of $46 million to $47.5 million. The company said it expects the increases as it acquires companies in areas it serves, expands to new territories, and broadens its service offerings in each territory. The estimates exclude the impact of potential acquisitions, "although we believe such transactions will materialize," Pointer Chief Executive Danny Stern said in the statement.
Praecis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:PRCS - News) shares rocketed up after GlaxoSmithKline said it's agreed to buy the company $54.8 million, or $5 a share in cash.
Raytheon Co. (NYSE:RTN - News)confirmed it's agreed to sell its aircraft-making unit to Goldman Sachs Capital Partners (NYSE:GS - News) and Onex Partners for $3.3 billion. It plans to buy back $750 million in stock and retire $1 billion in debt. It expects earnings from continuing operations of $2.35 to $2.45 a share in 2006 on sales between $20 billion and $20.5 billion, and $2.75 to $2.90 a share on revenue between $21.3 billion and $21.8 billion in 2007. It previously forecast 2006 earnings from continuing operations between $2.70 and $2.80 on sales between $23.1 billion to $23.6 billion, and earnings of $2.95 to $3.05 a share from continuing operations on revenue of $24.6 billion to $25.1 billion in 2007.
Repros Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:RPRX - News) said that interim results of a U.S. phase 2 study of Proellex, an oral drug being developed to relieve symptoms of uterine fibroids, suggest that treatment with Proellex results in a statistically highly significant improvement in multiple symptoms. The company has closed enrollment in the trial at 128 patients.
Rite Aid Corp. (NYSE:RAD - News) reported third-quarter net income of $1.1 million, but posted a loss of 1 cent on a per share basis, after paying out a preferred stock dividend. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 2 rose to $4.32 billion from $4.15 billion. Analysts, on average, expected it to lose 2 cents a share on revenue of $4.28 billion, according to Thomson First Call. Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least one year rose 3.4% during the third quarter, consisting of a 4.3% increase in pharmacy same-store sales and a 1.9% increase in front-end same-store sales. The number of prescriptions filled in comparable drugstores increased 2.3%. Prescription sales accounted for 64.3% of total sales, and third party prescription sales represented 95.5% of pharmacy sales. Rite Aid backed its fiscal 2007 forecast. Sales are expected to be between $17.4 billion and $17.65 billion, with same-store sales expected to improve 2% to 4%. It expects to post between a net loss of 7 cents a share to net income 2 cents.
Siemens AG's (NYSE:SI - News) Medical Solutions unit said it will begin clinical trials under an investigational new-drug application submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for an imaging biomarker that could potentially identify Alzheimer's disease prior to the onset of noticeable symptoms.
Sky Financial Group Inc. shares surged after the Bowling Green, Ohio-based company and Huntington Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:HBAN - News) late Wednesday agreed to a merger valued at $3.6 billion
SkyWest Inc. (NASDAQ:SKYW - News) said Midwest Airlines had chosen SkyWest Airlines to fly up to 25 regional jets. The first 15 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in April 2007 and will come from SkyWest's current CRJ200 fleet. SkyWest, based in St. George, Utah, flies connecting routes for United Airlines and Delta Air Lines .
Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN - News) shares rose in London after a report suggested that the private-equity group that has just acquired Biomet (NASDAQ:BMET - News) might have its sights set on Smith & Nephew as well.
Tower Semiconductor, (NASDAQ:TSEM - News) said the board nominated Dov Moran chairman. Moran is co-founder and was chairman and chief executive of M-systems Ltd., the flash-memory developer that was recently acquired by SanDisk. (NASDAQ:SNDK - News)Moran succeeds Udi Hillman, who continues as a director of Tower.
-MarketWatch

Labels: ABMD, ACN, ANIK, BBY, BMET, BMY, CAG, CCL, CFCP, FINL, GIS, GS, HORC, LPNT, MLHR, NKE, PAYX, PNTR, PSYS, RAD

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Asta Funding (NASDAQ:ASFI - News) reports quarterly earnings on Thursday before the bell; look for $0.77 EPS. ASFI's PowerRating is 5.
Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC - News) is set to report $3.36 EPS on Thursday morning before the open. BSC's PowerRating is 6.
When Carnival (NYSE:CCL - News) announces quarterly earnings Thursday morning, expect $0.47 EPS. CCL's PowerRating is 6.
Analysts are looking for Costco (NASDAQ:COST - News) to announce $0.50 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. COST's PowerRating is 6.
Ciena (NASDAQ:CIEN - News) is expected to announce $0.11 EPS on Thursday morning. CIEN's PowerRating is 5.
Look for Lehman Brothers (NYSE:LEH - News) to report $1.68 EPS in quarterly earnings tomorrow morning before the open. LEH's PowerRating is 5.
When Winnebago (NYSE:WGO - News) reports quarterly earnings tomorrow morning, look for $0.32 EPS. WGO's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ASFI, BSC, CCL, CIEN, COST, Hot Stocks, LEH, WGO