Jim Cramer Blog

Fortress Investment Group (NYSE:FIG) reported a loss for the fourth quarter, missing estimates by a wide margin. FIG's Short Term PowerRating is 3.
Shares of Penn National Gaming (NasdaqGS:PENN) rose after Fortress Investment Group said it still plans to buyout the casino operator. PENN's Short Term PowerRating is 3.
Monsanto (NYSE:MON) jumped 9.9% after the company raised its 2008 full-year earnings guidance. MON's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG) fell 7.9% after the mortgage insurer needed to raise $745 million via a stock and debt sale. The company reported a record loss in Q4. MGIC's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
The Wall Street Journal reported the $19 billion deal to take Clear Channel (NYSE:CCU) private was near collapse, due to the credit crisis. CCU's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Yahoo! (NasdaqGS:YHOO) rose after Citigroup issued a "buy" note in expectation of a higher bid from Microsoft. YHOO's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
After the close, Jabil Circuit (NYSE:JBL) beat estimates by $0.02 but lowered guidance for the third quarter. JBL's Short Term PowerRating is 6.

Labels: CCU, FIG, Hot Stocks, JBL, MON, MTG, PENN, YHOO

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and is based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
UltraShort Financials ProShare (NYSE:SKF - News). SKF's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Seabridge Gold (NYSE:SA - News). SA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE:ALU - News). ALU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Rediff.com (NasdaqGM:REDF - News) & Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU - News). REDF's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2, and CCU's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Amgen (NasdaqGS:AMGN - News). AMGN'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.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News). CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ALU, AMGN, CCU, CFC, Hot Stocks, REDF, SA, SKF

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Cisco Systems (NasdaqGS:CSCO - News) beat earnings estimates on Wednesday, announcing $0.40 EPS over an expected $0.36 EPS. CSCO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
j2 Global (NasdaqGS:JCOM - News) also beat earnings, reporting $0.38 EPS versus a consensus of $0.37 EPS. JCOM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Clear Channel (NYSE:CCU - News) reports earnings on Thursday morning, with analysts looking for $0.38 EPS. CCU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Dean Foods (NYSE:DF - News) is looking to announce $0.15 EPS on Thursday morning before the market opens. DF's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Analysts are watching for Ford Motors (NYSE:F - News) to report -$0.48 EPS on Thursday morning. F's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK - News) should announce $1.06 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. ROK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Vonage (NYSE:VG - News) is expected to report -$0.12 EPS tomorrow morning. VG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Labels: CCU, CSCO, DF, F, Hot Stocks, JCOM, ROK, VG

Here are 7 options to watch for today.
Most Under-Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual calls.

American International Group Dec 70 Calls (NYSE:AIG - News). AIG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Most Under-Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual puts.
Harrah's Entertainment Jan 90 Puts (NYSE:HET - News). HET's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual calls.
Apple Jan 230 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual puts.
Amazon.com Jan 70 Puts (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Wind River Systems (NasdaqGS:WIND - News). WIND's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU - News). CCU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
NovaStar Financial (NYSE:NFI - News). NFI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.

Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, AIG, AMZN, CCU, HET, NFI, stock options, WIND

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI - News) reports earnings on Friday before the bell; watch for $1.11 EPS. BHI's PowerRating is 6.
Chevron (NYSE:CVX - News) hopes to report $2.28 EPS on Friday morning before the bell. CVX's PowerRating is 6.
Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU - News) is expected to announce $0.43 EPS on Friday before the market opens. CCU's PowerRating is 6.
Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG - News) is looking to report $0.74 EPS when the company announces earnings on Friday morning. CEG's PowerRating is 7.
Fortune Brands (NYSE:FO - News) should report $1.44 EPS early Friday. FO's PowerRating is 4.
Anaylsts expect Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE:IR - News) to report $0.95 EPS Friday morning. IR's PowerRating is 7.
When Lubrizol (NYSE:LZ - News) announces quarterly earnings tomorrow morning, look for $1.13 EPS. LZ's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BHI, CCU, CEG, CVX, FO, Hot Stocks, IR, LZ

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

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

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

Clear Channel Communications Inc. said Thursday its board of directors has rejected a private equity group's modified buyout offer for the radio and billboard company, and there already are enough shareholder votes against the existing $19.35 billion bid to defeat it.
The new offer from the group led by Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Bain Capital Partners LLC contemplated an increase in the payment to unaffiliated shareholders from $39 to $39.20 per share. Under the new proposal, shareholders could have chosen to receive cash or shares in the newly private company.

Labels: CCU, Clear Channel Communications Inc.

Clear Channel Communications Inc. agreed to a private equity group's sweetened $19.35 billion bid, an almost 4 percent increase aimed at mollifying shareholders who think the billboard and radio company is being sold for too little.
But two of the largest shareholders, Fidelity Management & Research and Highfields Capital Management LP, will continue to oppose the deal even at the higher price, two people familiar with the firms' positions told The Associated Press Wednesday. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of pending shareholder votes.

Labels: CCU, Clear Channel Communications Inc.

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.
American Oriental Bioengineering (NYSE:AOB - News). AOB's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Cornell Companies (NYSE:CRN - News). CRN's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Aetna (NYSE:AET - News). AET'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.
Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU - News). CCU's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Empire Resorts (NasdaqGM:NYNY - News). NYNY's PowerRating is 8.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
China Medical Technologies (NasdaqGS:CMED - News). CMED's PowerRating 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.
International Asset Holdings (NasdaqCM:IAAC - News). IAAC's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AET, AOB, CCU, CMED, CRN, Hot Stocks, IAAC, NYNY

Market sentiment continued to be bearish at the close of the week as stocks finished modestly lower on the day. Oil prices put some pressure on the stock market today as crude climbed to its highest closing price this year, ending the day above $61 a barrel. Treasury prices also advanced, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note falling to 4.67%.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was hurt by weakness in Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News), which lost a ruling yesterday involving two patents related to the MP3 music format that are owned by Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU - News). A federal jury in San Diego ordered the software maker to pay Alcatel-Lucent $1.5 billion for infringing on patents that are at the heart of the boom in online digital music. Alcatel-Lucent filed the suit in 2003 contending it was owed royalty payments by Microsoft. The telecom equipment maker's Bell Laboratories unit, which along with Germany's Frankhofer Institute developed the data compression technology, holds the patents in question. The MP3 format powers the boom in downloadable music and is used by many companies, including Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL - News) for its iTunes music store and iPod players, other makers of digital music players, and by online service providers like Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO - News). Microsoft said it would ask the judge to reduce the jury award and that it would likely appeal the decision.
Home improvement retailer Lowe's (NYSE: LOW - News) reported a -12% drop in its fiscal Q4 earnings, but the stock added 4% on the company's upbeat outlook for the second half of the year. The company's results in the quarter ended February 3rd were hurt by tough comparisons against the 2005 final quarter, which was beefed up by post-Hurricane Katrina spending, and the slump in the housing market. The company suggested sales declines have bottomed, and forecasted same-store sales for the full year will be flat to up 2%, although current-quarter same-store sales are expected to be down about -3%.
Clear Channel Communications (NYSE: CCU - News), the nation's largest operator of radio stations, said its Q4 net income dropped -54% to $211 million, or 43 cents per share, from $462 million, or 86 cents per share, a year earlier. The company blamed the profit drop on higher expenses, some related to an accounting change. Clear Channel did not host an earnings conference call because it has an $18.7 billion buyout offer on the table from a group of private equity investors led by Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners.
Financial stocks took another hit today from worries over weakness in the subprime lending sector. Lender NovaStar Financial (NYSE: NFI - News) suffered its third-consecutive sharp drop, losing -9% today. NovaStar closed on Tuesday at $17.57, but lost -42% of its value on Wednesday after the company reported a loss of -$14.4 million, or -39 cents a share, in Q4 and said it was considering changing its status as a real-estate investment trust. Subprime lender New Century Financial (NYSE: NEW - News) was also down sharply this week, losing another -6% today.
Big banks weren't immune to the gloom surrounding the subprime sector. Among the day's decliners were J.P. Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM - News), Wachovia (NYSE: WB - News), and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News), though their declines were nowhere near as steep as those of the subprime lenders.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AAPL, ALU, BAC, CCU, JPM, LOW, MSFT, NEW, NFI, WB, YHOO

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK - News) beat earnings Thursday after the close, with $0.90 EPS over an expected $0.76 EPS. CHK's PowerRating is 4.
Cabela's (NYSE:CAB - News) beat earnings on Thursday after the bell, announcing $0.80 EPS over a consensus of $0.77 EPS. CAB's PowerRating is 5.
Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU - News) announces earnings on Friday before the open, with analysts watching for $0.41 EPS. CCU's PowerRating is 6.
Lowe's (NYSE:LOW - News) is expected to announce $0.37 EPS on Friday before the bell. LOW's PowerRating is 6.
Mediacom Communications (NasdaqGS:MCCC - News) announces quarterly earnings Friday morning; look for -$0.07 EPS. MCCC's PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are looking for Nicor (NYSE:GAS - News) to announce $0.98 EPS on Friday morning. GAS's PowerRating is 6.
When Weingarten Realty (NYSE:WRI - News) reports quarterly earnings tomorrow morning, watch for $0.72 EPS. WRI's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CAB, CCU, CHK, GAS, Hot Stocks, LOW, MCCC, WRI

Clear Channel Communications Inc., the nation's biggest radio station owner, said Thursday it has agreed to be acquired for about $18.7 billion by an investment group.
The transaction would be one of the biggest deals in which a company has been taken private, and showcases the vast sums that buyout groups have been able to assemble to acquire public companies.
An investor group led by Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Bain Capital Partners LLC is paying $37.60 in cash for each share of Clear Channel, a 10.2 percent premium over its closing price on Wednesday.
The buyers are also assuming about $8 billion in debt in the deal.

Labels: AAPL, CCU, Clear Channel Communications Inc., HCA