Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Brightpoint (NasdaqGS:CELL - News) beat earnings estimates on Thursday, reporting $0.31 EPS over a consensus of $0.26 EPS. CELL's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
McAfee (NYSE:MFE - News) also beat earnings on Thursday, with $0.46 EPS over expectations of $0.45 EPS. MFE's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE:ALU - News) reports quarterly earnings on Friday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.14 EPS. ALU's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Coventry Health Care (NYSE:CVH - News) announces results on Friday morning; look for $1.18 EPS. CVH's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY - News) reports earnings before the bell on Friday morning, with traders and analysts watching for $0.35 EPS. WY's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are watching for Fannie Mae (NYSE:FNM - News) to report -$1.29 EPS on Friday before the bell. FNM's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
When Lubrizol (NYSE:LZ - News) reports earnings on Friday morning, look for $0.71 EPS. LZ's Short Term PowerRating is 5.

Labels: ALU, CELL, CVH, FNM, Hot Stocks, LZ, MFE, WY

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and is based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC - News) & Covance (NYSE:CVD - News). NOC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6, and CVD'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.
Halliburton (NYSE:HAL - News). HAL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Donaldson (NYSE:DCI - News). DCI'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.
Brightpoint (NasdaqGS:CELL - News). CELL'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.
Chemtura (NYSE:CEM - News). CEM'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.
Genesco (NYSE:GCO - News). GCO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CELL, CEM, CVD, DCI, GCO, HAL, Hot Stocks, NOC

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.
China Finance Online (NasdaqGM:JRJC - News). JRJC's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE:COL - News) & Sun Healthcare (NasdaqGM:SUNH - News). COL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7, and SUNH'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.
Brightpoint (NasdaqGS:CELL - News). CELL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Eaton Vance (NYSE:EV - News). EV's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Netflix (NasdaqGS:NFLX - News). NFLX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
Bearish
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.
Medis Technologies (NasdaqGM:MDTL - News). MDTL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.

Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CELL, COL, EV, Hot Stocks, JRJC, MDTL, NFLX, SUNH

Najarian: the weak dollar is bullish for technology stocks, which will benefit off of global growth. Finerman: buying S&P 500 and Russell put options to hedge her portfolio.
Oil was above $83 again for the fourth record close in a row. Finerman suggests buying ConocoPhillips (COP). Najarian says to buy oil service stocks like Baker-Hughes (BHI), Halliburton (HAL) and Schlumberger (SLB).
Word on the Street
Goldman Sachs (GS): Record numbers on Thursday. Najirian would sell on the news.
FedEx (FDX): reported a 4% rise in profits, but cut forecasts. Macke thinks FedEx's problems are company-specific. He also reminded investors to never own a stock where the CEO blames the economy on a bad quarter, which FedEx did. Adami said Fed Ex isn't at the level he would buy, but it's getting close.
Oracle (ORCL): traded up after hours on strong earnings and revenue. Macke thinks Oracle is a very good company hitting on all cylinders. Adami and Najarian like the acquisitions that Oracle has made recently.
Cree (CREE) and Brightpoint (CELL): Najarian saw huge monster volume on the CREE September $35 calls and the CELL April $20 calls.
Nike (NKE): reported bullish earnings and revenues after the close on Thursday. Finerman thinks the news gives a buy signal for Brown Shoe (BWS), which sells a lot of Nike shoes. Macke disagreed. Najirian says to watch Under Armor (UA), because if they are doing well than Nike will do well.
PC Growth: Morgan Stanley raised PC growth forecasts by 4%. This adds momentum for technology stocks and will be bullish for Dell (DELL), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Apple (AAPL), Intel (IMTC), and AMD (AMD).
Stem Cell: Najarian says the pure play in the stem cell space is Geron (GERN). For other big caps look at Celgene (CELG), Amgen (AMGN) and AstraZeneca (AZN).
Dubai announced on Thursday a 20% stake in both the NASDAQ and London Stock Exchange. Higher oil prices have left the Gulf state flush with cash. Macke says look at Tiffany's (TIF) and Saks (SKS) and get ahead of the possibility of Dubai taking a stake in these firms. Adami says buy Fluor (FLR) and McDermott (MDR). Finerman would play the exchange names like NASDAQ (NDAQ), NYMEX (NMX), and NYSE (NYX).
POPS & DROPS
POPS: Athenahealth (ATHN), Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR), Carnival Cruise (CCL), Motorola (MOT).
Drops: CKE Restaurants (CKR), Pier One Imports (PIR), Lowe's (LOW), Infosys (INFY), Pacific Ethanol (PEIX).
Face2Face
First writer said, "Lee Raymond, the former CEO of Exxon Mobil (XOM) has said that the price of oil shouldn't be $80 per barrel. If so, perhaps there is no "real" inflation at all. Finerman disagrees with the idea that speculators can control prices in the longer term.
Another writer asked why EMC Corp (EMC) hasn't broken out of its current trading range, while VMware (VMW). Adami recalls that traders sold EMC to buy VMW, but those traders will be coming back to EMC. He expects EMC to go over $20.
Final Trade
Macke: Added to his position in Activision (ATVI).
Adami: says buy Oracle (ORCL) as long as it stays above $20.50.
Finerman: going long on BEA Systems (BEAS).
Najarian: buy Sohu.com (SOHU)

Labels: CELL, CNBC, COP, DELL, Fast Money, FDX, GS, HAL, HPQ, IMTC, Jim Cramer, NKE, ORCL, SLB

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Cambrex Corporation (NYSE:CBM - News). CBM's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ - News). LIZ's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Take-Two Interactive Software (NasdaqGS:TTWO - News). TTWO's PowerRating is 9.
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.
Brightpoint (NasdaqGS:CELL - News). CELL'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.
Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ - News). STZ's PowerRating is 3.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-day RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU - News). SU'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.
Omnivision Technologies (NasdaqGS:OVTI - News). OVTI's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CBM, CELL, Hot Stocks, LIZ, OVTI, STZ, SU, TTWO

Actions Semiconductor Co. (NasdaqGM:ACTS - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, with unit shipments at an all-time high, to $21.3 million, or 25 cents per American Depositary Share, from $19.9 million, or 24 cents per ADS, during the same period in the prior year.
Atmos Energy Corp. (NYSE:ATO - News) reported first-quarter net earnings of $81.3 million, or 97 cents a share, compared with $71 million, or 88 cents a share, in the same period last year, as the cost of purchased gas dropped.
Atwood Oceanics Inc. (NYSE:ATW - News) reported first-quarter net earnings of $21.1 million, or 67 cents a share, up from $14.5 million, or 47 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The Houston-based drilling contractor posted revenue of $88.8 million vs. $55.4 million.
Blackboard Inc. (NasdaqGS:BBBB - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $201,000, or a penny a share, down from $23.1 million, or 79 cents a share, during the year-ago period.
Brightpoint Inc. (NasdaqGS:CELL - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as wireless devices handled gained, to $9.74 million, or 19 cents a share, from $8.85 million, or 18 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. (NYSE:CBG - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, buoyed by "strong" leasing activity, to $125.1 million, or 53 cents a share, from $95.4 million, or 41 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Cheesecake Factory (NasdaqGS:CAKE - News) said its fourth-quarter income was off from the prior year's levels, but the casual dining restaurateur's sales climbed 18%, thanks to increased traffic at its Grand Lux outlets.
Computer Sciences Corp. (NYSE:CSC - News) said that net income for its fiscal third-quarter fell 78%, and the company is delaying filing a full earnings report with regulators until it has completed an ongoing internal review of stock options grant practices.
CPI International Inc. (NasdaqGM:CPII - News) reported first-quarter net earnings of $5.84 million, or 33 cents a share, up from $2.22 million, or 15 cents a share, during the year-ago period.
Equity Residential Properties Trust (NYSE:EQR - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $465.1 million vs. $225.9 million during the year-ago period. Net income available to common shareholders was $457.6 million, or $1.54 a share, compared with $215.2 million, or 74 cents a share, a year ago.
FEI Co. (NasdaqGM:FEIC - News) said it swung to net income in the fourth-quarter, as bookings remained solid and operating expenses declined, of $14.7 million, or 36 cents a share. During the same period in the prior year, the net loss was $30.7 million, or 92 cents a share.

Fidelity National Information Services Inc. said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $75.1 million, or 39 cents a share, from $45.5 million, or 35 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
FMC Corp. (NYSE:FMC - News) said fourth-quarter net income fell, as restructuring charges rose, to $12.9 million, or 33 cents a share, from $25.3 million, or 64 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Kforce Inc. (NasdaqGS:KFRC - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue per billing day gained, to $9.26 million, or 22 cents a share, from $6.86 million, or 17 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE:NBR - News) posted a big jump in its fourth-quarter earnings as lofty energy prices and strong international demand put a premium on the company's drill rigs and oilfield services.
Nalco Holding Co. (NYSE:NLC - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $37.9 million, or 26 cents a share, up 50% from $25.2 million, or 17 cents a share, during the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were $193 million vs. $163 million a year ago.
Pioneer Natural Resources Co. (NYSE:PXD - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $27.7 million, or 22 cents a share, compared with $140.8 million, or $1.08 a share, in the same period last year, as oil and gas revenue dropped.
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:RL - News) said it has named John Alchin, Comcast Corp.'s (NYSE:CCT - News) co-chief financial officer, to its board.
RenaissanceRe Holdings (NYSE:RNR - News) reported a huge quarterly profit, but the reinsurer cut its 2007 premium forecast citing softening prices and the impact of a new Florida insurance law.

Labels: ACTS, ATO, ATW, BBBB, CAKE, CBG, CCT, CELL, CPII, CSC, EQR, FEIC, FMC, KFRC, NBR, NLC, PXD, RL, RNR

Active Power Inc. (NASDAQ:ACPW - News) said it's conducting an internal review of the company's historical stock option grants and related procedures and accounting. This review will cover all option grants made since the time of its initial public offering in August 2000 to the present. This review will be supervised by a committee of the company's board. The company also has voluntarily disclosed, or self reported, that it is undertaking this review to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company currently anticipates that this review should be completed before the due date for its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006.
Adaptec (NASDAQ:ADPT - News) shares slumped after the Milpitas, Calif., storage technology products provider forecast a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) loss of 2 to 5 cents a share for the third quarter on revenue of between $60 million and $61 million. The company said the revenue view was lower than expected due to a significant decrease in revenue from IBM (NYSE:IBM - News), its largest original equipment manufacturer customer.
ArthroCare Corp. (NASDAQ:ARTC - News) said it expects fourth-quarter earnings of 29 cents a share on revenue of $69.7 million.
Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE:AHT - News) was downgraded to underweight from equal-weight at Morgan Stanley.
Bp Plc (NYSE:BP - News) shares dipped after Bear Stearns lowered its rating on the company to peer perform from outperform.
Brightpoint (NASDAQ:CELL - News) was downgraded to hold at Jefferies & Co. The firm also cut its price target on the stock to $12.50 from $17.
Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX - News) warned that lower commodity prices and a decline in production and refining margins will hurt fourth-quarter earnings for the nation's No.2 oil company.
E-Z-EM Inc. (NASDAQ:EZEM - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $1.8 million, or 16 cents a share, up 18% from $1.53 million, or 14 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The manufacturer of contrast agents for gastrointestinal radiology posted revenue of $34.2 million vs. $33.8 million.
Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS - News) announced a series of management changes in its Gap and Old Navy divisions. Denise Johnston, president of Gap Adult, is leaving the company, effective Friday, the company said. Gap Brand North America President Cynthia Harriss will oversee the business until Johnston's successor is named. In addition, Karyn Hillman was named senior vice president of merchandising for Gap Adult. Hillman was previously senior vice president of apparel merchandising for Gap's Banana Republic division. Separately, San Francisco-based Gap said Ivy Ross, Old Navy's executive vice president of product design, will leave the company effective Jan. 17. The design team will report to Old Navy President Dawn Robertson while the company searches for Ross' replacement.
Guitar Center Inc. (NASDAQ:GTRC - News) said it expects fourth-quarter income to be short of its prior outlook for $1.14 to $1.20 a share because of weaker-than-expected sales. Analysts' average estimate stands at $1.16 a share, according to Thomson First Call. For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, the Westlake Village, Calif., company said net sales rose 11.7% to $628.5 million. In November, Guitar Center forecast sales of $638 million to $650 million. Analysts' average estimate stands at $643 million in sales.
IBM shares slid after A.G. Edwards downgraded the Dow component to hold from buy, citing long-term sales growth potential and valuation. "In particular, we are concerned about IBM's recent lack of growth in bookings in its services business," Analyst David Wong said in a research note to clients.
Investment Technology Group (NYSE:ITG - News) said its December U.S. trading volume was 3.4 billion shares compared to 2.6 billion shares a year ago. Average daily volume in December rose to 171 million shares from 123 million shares in December 2005. The results fell from November 2006, when total volume was 3.7 billion shares and average daily volume was 175 million shares. "We continue to see strong momentum in our trading volumes as we enter 2007. In addition, our European revenues were higher than initially expected for the (fourth) quarter," CFO Howard Naphtali said.
J2 Global Communications (NASDAQ:JCOM - News) shares dropped after the company said in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it expects revenue of between $217 million and $229 million for fiscal 2007. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call is for revenue of $233.4 million for the period.
J. Crew Group (NYSE:JCG - News) filed to sell 7.5 million shares of its stock with a value of $283.3 million based on its Tuesday closing price of $37.77 a share. Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns are underwriters of the offering. None of the proceeds of the deal will go toward the company. TPG Advisors, an entity aligned with private equity firm Texas Pacific Group, will be selling the stock.
Kenexa Corp. (NASDAQ:KNXA - News) said it expects to meet or slightly exceed its previously issued guidance for revenue and non-GAAP operating income in the quarter ended Dec. 31. Kenexa also said it intends to file a prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to an underwritten public offering of 3.75 million shares.
LeCroy (NASDAQ:LCRY - News) shares dropped after the company lowered its outlook for fiscal 2007 to reflect slower than expected order activity in December, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., provider of serial test data products said it now sees revenue of $155 million to $160 million for fiscal 2007, compared to its previous projection for revenue of $170 million to $180 million.
NuCO2 (NASDAQ:NUCO - News) shares fell after the Stuart, Fla.-based company forecast fiscal 2007 earnings of 50 cents to 55 cents a share, down from its previous outlook of 80 cents to 85 cents a share. NuCO2 also forecast fiscal 2007 cash earnings of $1.15 to $1.20 a share and revenue of $130 million to $132 million. For 2008, the company forecast per-share earnings of 85 cents to 90 cents, or cash earnings of $1.65 to $1.70, and revenue growth of 7% to 8%. NuCO2, which supplies bulk CO2 systems and services, said it is putting in place a new strategic growth plan, and the company expects to see material benefits by the quarter ending June 30 and even more significantly in fiscal 2008.
Oxford Industries Inc. (NYSE:OXM - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $12.2 million, or 68 cents a share, compared with $11 million, or 57 cents a share, in the same period last year, as sales rose. The Atlanta-based maker of private label apparel posted revenue of $291 million, up 4.7% from $277.9 million.
Ramtron International Corp. (NASDAQ:RMTR - News) shares tumbled after the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based semiconductor maker late Tuesday cut its fourth-quarter product revenue forecast to a range of $9.1 million to $9.2 million. The company had previously forecast product revenue of $10.2 million and $11.2 million. The company said the reduced forecast was largely due to an earthquake in Taiwan and severe weather in Colorado at the end of December, which impacted product shipments.
Shares of SLM Corp. (NYSE:SLM - News) fell as U.S. lawmakers prepared to introduce bills that would cut interest rates in half on student loans.A House vote is expected as early as Jan. 17. "Such legislation will be moving forward and its $6 billion price tag will be funded by the lenders who participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program," Stanford Group Company analyst Jaret Seiberg wrote in a note Wednesday. That includes SLM Corp., the former government-sponsored enterprise commonly known as Sallie Mae.
Synnex Corp. (NYSE:SNX - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $15.6 million, or 48 cents a share, from $12.8 million, or 41 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. Before items, quarterly per-share income rose to 50 cents from 41 cents in the prior year.
Tiffany & Co. (NYSE:TIF - News) said worldwide comparable store sales increased 7% during the period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. U.S. comparable store sales rose 8%. Total net sales increased 15% to $818 million. U.S. retail sales increased 12% to $432.4 million. The New York based jewelry retailer said the results exceeded expectations. The company predicts 2006 earnings of $1.82-$1.85 a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of $1.82 a share, on average. The company expects 13%-15% growth in earnings per share in 2007 and low double-digit net sales growth.
WD-40 Co. (NASDAQ:WDFC - News) said first-quarter net earnings fell to $5.69 million, or 33 cents a share, from $7.51 million, or 45 cents a share, in the same period last year, as marketing and other expenses rose. The company posted revenue of $72 million, up 7% from $67.2 million last year.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: ACPW, ADPT, ARTC, BP, CELL, CVX, EZEM, GPS, GTRC, IBM, ITG, JCG, JCOM, KNXA, LCRY, NUCO, SLM, SNX, TIF, WDFC

Alltel Corp. (NYSE:AT - News) was downgraded to sector perform from outperform at RBC Capital Markets.
Atherogenics (NASDAQ:AGIX - News) shares after the company said it plans to release data from a key clinical trial of its proposed treatment for coronary artery disease later than previously expected.
Bankrate (NASDAQ:RATE - News) was initiated with a buy rating and a $45 price target at Kaufman Bros.
Blackbaud (NASDAQ:BLKB - News) was initiated with a hold rating at Jefferies & Co. The firm set a $29 price target.
Borders Group Inc. (NYSE:BGP - News) expects fourth-quarter earnings per share below its prior outlook of $1.80 to $2. The book retailer, which cited factors such as lower-than-expected sales, added that annual per-share profit will also miss its outlook.
BP plc (NYSE:BP - News) shares slid after the company said it expects flat production for the fourth quarter.
Brightpoint (NASDAQ:CELL - News) was downgraded to sector performer from sector outperformer at CIBC World Markets.
Brookfield Homes Corp. (NYSE:BHS - News) said it closed 1,993 homes and lots in 2006, compared with 2,824 in 2005. Backlog at Dec. 31 was 247 homes, down 208 from a year earlier. The stock was also downgraded to sell at JMP Securities.
Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ:CELG - News) said its preliminary 2006 revenue reached $890 million, and adjusted per-share profit almost tripled. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call are looking for annual revenue of $897 million. The Summit, N.J., pharmaceutical concern added that it expects 2007 revenue of $1.3 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1. Wall Street is looking for 2007 revenue of $1.38 billion, and per-share profit of $1.09.
Shares of CA Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (NYSE:VNT - News) dropped following the announcement by the country's president, Hugo Chavez, of plans to nationalize the company.
Emageon Inc. (NASDAQ:EMAG - News) said it expects 2007 per-share profit of 24 cents to 29 cents and revenue from current business of $136 million to $140 million. The provider of enterprise medical information technology systems sees annual earnings per share excluding charges for depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation of 79 to 87 cents.
Emcore Corp. (NASDAQ:EMKR - News) said it swung to fourth-quarter profit of $78.1 million, or $1.47 a share, boosted by the sale of the company's electronics materials and device unit and its interest in GELcore LLC. In the same period last year, the Somerset,N.J.-based maker of semiconductor components posted a net loss of $4.61 million, or 10 cents a share. Excluding the gain from the sale of the GELcore interest and the electronics and device unit, among other items, the company reported a net loss of $8.9 million vs. a net loss of $5.1 million last year. Revenue for the period rose 5.7% to $35.4 million from $33.5 million. Emcore expects first-quarter revenue of $38 million.
Escala Group (NASDAQ:ESCL - News) shares dropped after the New York-based collectibles company said it has received notification that the Nasdaq will delist its stock at the open of business Wednesday. The delisting is a result of the company's failure to file its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2006. Escala said it's committed to regaining compliance with Nasdaq's filing requirements and, if its appeal to the exchange is unsuccessful, the company said it plans to try to list its stock on another national securities exchange.
Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN - News) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Merrill Lynch. The firm said it expects the company to lose market share as a barrage of new global positioning devices are introduced.
Gehl & Co. (NASDAQ:GEHL - News) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Sidoti & Co. The firm lowered its price target to $30 from $37.
Gentiv Health (NASDAQ:GTIV - News) was downgraded to equal weight from overweight at Lehman Bros. due to valuation concerns.
Greenbrier Cos. (NYSE:GBX - News) reported fiscal first-quarter earnings fell 77% on 32% higher revenue. For the quarter ended Nov. 30, earnings were $1.9 million, or 12 cents a share, compared with $8 million, or 51 cents, in the year-earlier period. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call produced a consensus estimate of 12 cents. Revenue reached $246.6 million from $186.4 million. The company said that a number of factors knocked 40 cents off the latest share earnings. Half that 40 cents was tied to thinner-than-expected profit margins from new rail-car and marine production. Another dime of the 40 cents stemmed from sales deferred to later quarters and from the timing of revenue on a marine order. Greenbrier also cut its full-year estimate to a range of $2.15 to $2.40 a share. It had estimated $3.10 to $3.40. First Call was expecting $2.92.
Helen of Troy (NASDAQ:HELE - News) said fiscal third-quarter earnings rose to $22.8 million, or 72 cents a share, from $22.7 million, or 72 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased to $213.4 million from last year's $197.5 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of 85 cents a share and revenue of $204.6 million, on average. The El Paso, Tex. personal care products company said earnings were hurt by gross margin pressure in its personal care and housewares businesses, as well as by expenses associated with the OXO warehouse transition. For the fiscal fourth quarter, the company expects earnings of 25 to 30 cents a share, vs. analyst forecasts of 36 cents a share, and revenue of $135 million to $140 million.
Henry Schein Inc. (NASDAQ:HSIC - News) was downgraded to equal-weight from overweight at Lehman Bros.
Kenneth Cole Productions (NYSE:KCP - News) was downgraded to neutral from outperform at Cowen & Co.
Lawson Software Inc. (NASDAQ:LWSN - News) swung to a second-quarter loss of 2 cents a share from net income of 6 cents in the year-earlier period. Excluding items, the company earned 3 cents against 8 cents. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected profit of 4 cents. Revenue more than doubled to $184.5 million from $89 million, while analysts had expected $180 million. For the third quarter, the St. Paul, Minn., enterprise software company estimated revenue of $181 million to $189 million, excluding $2 million of deferred revenue. Lawson sees the quarterly per-share result ranging from a 1-cent loss to break-even, or adjusted earnings of 2 cents to 3 cents. Wall Street is looking for third-quarter revenue of $194 million and per-share profit of 6 cents.
Mills Corp. (NYSE:MLS - News) shares dropped after the company said it's completed an internal investigation into accounting errors that will result in the restatement of its financial statements for 2001 to 2004, as well as the first three quarters of 2005. The retail property developer said in a regulatory filing that its probe revealed several cases in which its personnel "failed to recognize" the implications of certain "transactions, events or other facts." It also found that the company's fast growth, and its complex financial structure, "exacerbated" such errors. Mills said it would not know the full impact of the restatements until corrective measures have been implemented and the results are audited by Ernst & Young LLP. The company also said it is continuing to cooperate with a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into its accounting practices.
Natus Medical Inc. (NASDAQ:BABY - News)said it expects first-quarter earnings of 7 cents to 8 cents a share. The average estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call is 11 cents. The San Carlos, Calif., health-care products company said it expects revenue for the quarter at $25.5 million to $26 million. Natus expects 2007 revenue to range from $114 million to $116 million, and earnings to range from 47 cents to 51 cents. The average earnings estimate of analysts is 51 cents for 2007.
New York & Co. (NYSE:NWY - News) said it expects fourth-quarter earnings at the low end of its estimated range of 37-46 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call are forecasting earnings of 40 cents a share, on average. The retailer said it'll report an increase in gross margin for the fourth quarter due to improved merchandise margins. But it's facing higher-than-anticipated non-recurring litigation expenses pf 2 cents a share and increased costs related to marketing and store payroll to drive holiday sales.
Repsol (NYSE:REP - News) was downgraded to sell from hold at Deutsche Bank.
ScanSource (NASDAQ:SCSC - News) shares fell after the Greenville, S.C.-based distributor of specialty technology products said Monday it expects sales of $467 million to $475 million in its fiscal second quarter ended Dec. 31. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call are forecasting second-quarter sales of $485 million. ScanSource posted sales of $408.5 million in the same period last year.
Spectrum Control (NASDAQ:SPEC - News) reported fourth-quarter net income rose to 15 cents a share, from 8 cents in the year-ago period.
Sprint (NYSE:S - News) said it's on track to meet its financial targets for 2006. But the No. 3 U.S. wireless carrier plans to cut 5,000 jobs as it forecast sluggish sales growth, lower profit and higher capital expenditures this year.
Supervalu, Inc. (NYSE:SVU - News) said third-quarter net income rose 51% to $113 million, or 54 cents a share, from $75 million, or 53 cents a share, a year earlier. Results for the most recent quarter included 8 cents a share in one-time charges. Sales for the quarter improved to $10.7 billion from $4.7 billion. Analysts, on average, expected Supervalu to earn 56 cents a share on revenue of $10.53 billion, according to Thomson First Call. For the fourth quarter, the company expects earnings in the range of 59 cents to 66 cents a share after adjustments. For fiscal 2007, the company estimates sales of $37 billion and earnings in the range of $2.34 to $2.41 a share. Supervalu also announced a $1.2 billion capital program for 2008 to invest in new stores and refurbishing.
Tween Brands Inc. (NYSE:TWB - News) lowered its view for fourth-quarter earnings per share to a range of 85 cents to 88 cents. Previously, the specialty retailer had estimated 95 cents to $1. Tween said comparable-store sales should rise 3% to 4%, compared with its prior outlook for growth in the mid-single digits.
West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST - News) was downgraded to underweight from equal weight at Lehman Bros. The firm cited concerns about the company's margin outlook.
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