Jim Cramer Blog

The banks and the homebuilders won't go down, Jim Cramer said on CNBC's "Stop Trading!" segment Tuesday.
"These companies continue to attract investors," he said. He pointed to Standard Pacific's (SPF) ability to raise capital today.
Cramer said this news is broadly bullish for the homebuilders, who may receive further capital infusions from hedge funds. "If you're emboldened, you'll come and buy another homebuilder," he said. He said National City (NCC) had shown similar ability to raise capital earlier this year.
Cramer: Housing Relief Is in Sight

On the other hand, Cramer expressed concern about Bank of America's (BAC) decision to buy a bigger stake in China Construction Bank. "I threw my hands up with this one," he said. He pointed out that Bank of America already has its hands full with its intended acquisition of Countrywide Financial (CFC). "I see a dividend I'm worried about," he said.
Cramer said $130 "seems to be this iron floor" in the PHLX Housing Sector Index, Cramer said. "March to April shows when you cut numbers people buy," Cramer said, indicating that there may be a bottom in this space.
Cramer ended the segment by pointing out that Apple (AAPL) and MasterCard (MA) are the "momentum plays of a lifetime."
Published By TheStreet.com

Labels: AAPL, CFC, Jim Cramer, MA, NCC, SPF, Stop Trading

The Federal Reserve finally got it right by cutting its target rate 50 basis points, Jim Cramer said on CNBC's "Stop Trading!" segment Wednesday.
"There's no interpretation, this was just positive," Cramer said. "We have money flush from the sidelines." He believes that the financials will mount a recovery based on the Fed's move. "Bank of America (BAC) will want to buy Countrywide (CFC)."
"Fifty basis points is good," Cramer continued. He anticipates a market recovery thanks to the rate cut.
Cramer observed that some positive results are already visible. "People bought the WaMu (WM)preferred. That's good. ... This is a huge positive, and the market should react. ... It's huge. ... GM's (GM) breaking out. The GM preferred ... is a fantastic piece of paper."
Investors should get in now, although "perhaps they'll give you something that is negative to give you another chance," Cramer said.
In Cramer's view, the export economy is "red hot." He said he was "raising numbers on all financials."
"All is forgiven," Cramer said of his previous animosity toward the Federal Reserve. "Financials should be bought."
Cramer added that playing the agriculture boom is still a smart move. "Oil's going to $100. ... I think you can still own Bunge (BG) upgraded. ... Archer Daniels (ADM) is good."
On the overall economy, Cramer declared, "I am bullish. ... I'm not going to change my mind ... [the Fed] did it right."

Labels: ADM, BAC, BG, CFC, GM, Jim Cramer, Stop Trading, WM

Countrywide Financial Corp., the nation's largest mortgage lender, said Tuesday it swung to a loss in the fourth quarter due to rising loss provisions and impairment charges as more borrowers fell behind on mortgage payments. The earnings fell well short of Wall Street estimates.
The Calabasas, Calif.-based company lost $422 million, or 79 cents per share, during the fourth quarter, compared with earnings of $622 million, or $1.01 per share, during the same period the previous year.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, forecast a loss of 30 cents per share for the quarter.

Labels: CFC, Countrywide Financial Corp.

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
SanDisk (NasdaqGS:SNDK - News) beat earnings expectations on Monday afternoon, reporting $0.69 EPS over a consensus of $0.64 EPS. SNDK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
JDA Software (NasdaqGM:JDAS - News) also beat earnings with $0.35 EPS over an expected $0.34 EPS. JDAS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
3M (NYSE:MMM - News) reports earnings on Tuesday before the market opens, with traders looking for $1.17 EPS. MMM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
American Electric (NYSE:AEP - News) is expected to report $0.50 EPS on Tuesday before the bell. AEP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH - News) is set to report $0.88 EPS before the market opens on Tuesday morning. CAH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Anaylsts are watching for Countrywide (NYSE:CFC - News) to announce -$0.30 EPS on Tuesday before the bell. CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
When Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY - News) announces quarterly results early Tuesday morning, be watching for $0.89 EPS. LLY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Labels: AEP, CAH, CFC, Hot Topic, JDAS, LLY, MMM, SNDK

Stick with agriculture and recession stocks, Jim Cramer said on CNBC's "Stop Trading!" segment Friday.
"Mosaic (MOS) is terrific. ... I think Agrium (AGU) is a catch-up ... to Mosaic," Cramer said. "You're going to do better with that than ... betting against Procter (PG)."
More broadly, Cramer believes the market is frantic as shorts try to cover their bets on the bond insurers. "Today's a big short-squeeze day. 'Let's short squeeze Ambac (ABK) and MBIA (MBI).'"
In the financial sector, Cramer expects more take-unders like Bank of America's (BAC) purchase of Countrywide (CFC). He foresees Washington Mutual (WM) on the auction block, adding that CEO "Kerry Killinger is doing his best to do a bad job. ... Washington Mutual at $15 is like Countrywide at $8."
Cramer encouraged investors to play conservatively. "I would be partial to Coke (KO)," he said, adding that he was encouraged that commodity prices are down for the soft-drink company. Pepsi (PEP) is another good pick, he added.
Published By TheStreet.com

Labels: AGU, BAC, CFC, CNBC's Stop Trading, Jim Cramer, KO, MBI, MOS, PEP, PG, WM

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News) rallied 47% on reports that Bank of America (NYSE:BAC - News) is in advanced talks to buy the biggest U.S. mortgage lender. CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7, and BAC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
AnnTaylor (NYSE:ANN - News) fell 15% after reporting a drop in same-store sales for the holiday season and cutting its earnings forecast. ANN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
IHS (NYSE:IHS - News) beat earnings expectations on Thursday afternoon, reporting $0.47 EPS over a consensus of $0.43 EPS. IHS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Shuffle Master (NasdaqGS:SHFL - News) matched earnings expectations on Thursday afternoon with $0.10 EPS. SHFL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Synnex (NYSE:SNX - News) also beat earnings estimates, reporting $0.61 EPS over $0.53 EPS. SNX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Infosys (NasdaqGS:INFY - News) reports earnings on Friday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.51 EPS. INFY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Labels: ANN, BAC, CFC, Hot Stocks, IHS, INFY, SHFL, SNX

Consolidation in key industries may help investors in this oversold market, Jim Cramer said on CNBC's "Stop Trading!" segment Thursday.
Cramer commented on the overall economic condition, prodded by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech today: "We are at the precipice. ... We need shotgun marriages."
Bank of America (BAC) helped the odds of one such marriage today by announcing a deal with beleaguered mortgage lender Countrywide (CFC).
"This is what happens at the bottom," Cramer said. "I just don't know why the Fed would say you got to pay a premium for Countrywide." He added that "They don't want Countrywide to go out of business, because the servicing thing would play havoc." Cramer believes that Wachovia (WB) and Wells Fargo (WFC) will respond well to a rate cut: "These stocks go down every day."
Berkshire Hathaway's (BRKA) overtures to bond insurers Ambac (ABK) and MBIA (MBI) yesterday also indicated there may be hope in the troubled financial markets, Cramer said.
Airline stocks were treated to a similar rebound today, Cramer noted. Calling American Airlines operator AMR (AMR) "worth a lot," Cramer said that in a month, he will be recommending the group.
Cramer continues to recommend the agricultural sector. "I love the ag guys because ag is so good," he said. "That Mosaic (MOS) was down yesterday was just the shorts pressing their bets again."
Published By TheStreet.com

Labels: ABK, AMR, BAC, BRKA, CFC, Jim Cramer, MBI, MOS, Stop Trading, WB, WFC

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Leap Wireless (NasdaqGS:LEAP - News) beat earnings on Thursday afternoon, announcing -$0.09 EPS versus -$0.15 EPS. LEAP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Novell (NasdaqGS:NOVL - News) also beat earnings, reporting $0.06 EPS over $0.04 EPS. NOVL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Quiksilver (NYSE:ZQK - News) missed earnings on Thursday, with $0.51 EPS versus $0.52 EPS. ZQK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
CDC Corporation (NasdaqGM:CHINA - News) reports earnings on Friday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.08 EPS. CHINA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Amtech Systems (NasdaqGM:ASYS - News) dropped more than 25% on Thursday after announcing Q1 projections which did not meet analyst expectations. ASYS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News) fell more than 5% on Thursday after announcing that foreclosures doubled in November and late payments continue to rise. CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News) jumped 7% today after announcing plans to allow Kuwait to buy half of Dow's plastics division for $9.5 billion. DOW's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: ASYS, CFC, CHINA, DOW, Hot Stocks, LEAP, NOVL, ZQK

Amback (ABK), Wachovia (WB), Countrywide Financial (CFC), MGIC (MTG), Washington Mutual (WM), Fannie Mae (FNM), Freddie Mac (FRE), Pepsico (PEP), Colgate (CL), Procter and Gamble (PG), Diageo (DEO)
Cramer said the Fed's liquidity strategy is going to make banks suffer more and noted the bad performance of ABK, WB, CFC, MTG, WM, FNM and FRE. He said favorite defensive stocks PEP, CL, PG and DEO were thriving. Cramer called on the Fed to vacate its Ivory Tower and find out what is really going on in the market.
Apple (AAPL), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Google (GOOG), Research in Motion (RIMM), Intel (INTC), Nvidia (NVDA), Texas Instruments (TXN), Sigma Designs (SIGM), AT &T (T)
Cramer commented if the Fed had cut half a point, there would be more stocks to recommend, but with a quarter point interest rate reduction, it looks like slim pickings, except for tech. His perennial favorites in the sector: AAPL, HPQ, GOOG, RIMM, INTC, NVDA, TXN are in great shape, Cramer said.
In addition, Cramer singled out Sigma Designs as a play on the decline of cable companies and as comparable services are provided by telephone companies. AT &T announced it is spending $5 billion on its U-verse TV service, and Sigma, which designs the chips for service, will benefit. Analysts raised their price targets after Sigma reported a fantastic quarter, and the company has a high quality problem of not making enough chips to meet demand. Cramer suggests letting SIGM come down a bit before buying.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AAPL, ABK, CFC, CL, DEO, FNM, FRE, GOOG, HPQ, INTC, Jim Cramer, Mad Money, MTG, NVDA, PEP, PG, RIMM, TXN, WB, WM

Bullish calls:
CVS Caremark (CVS): 'I think it's unbelievably strong ... you should get in right here. ... CVS remains one of my favorite stocks in this environment.'), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ): 'That was a monster-good quarter. That was an All-Aboard quarter. ... That company is smoking. ... It's not done. I wanna own Hewlett-Packard ... and so should you.' Monster Worldwide (MNST): 'I thought that the new management team would turn things around ... Monster, I still think, is being set up to be bought.' St. Jude Medical (STJ): 'If you want to be in that cohort, it's gotta be S-T-J.' Freeport-McMoran (FCX): 'I'm willing to have you in Freeport (FCX - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr - Rating), cause that's copper and gold.' Transocean (RIG): 'This is a great opportunity. ... In the last three days ... Transocean went from $138 to $127 because they did financing.' Schlumberger (SLB) Raytheon (RTN) Wolverine World Wide (WWW) Nike (NKE) Vimpel Communications (VIP) Shaw Group (SGR) Countrywide Financial (CFC): 'It's a very technical situation. ... If the Fed cuts 50 basis points, Countrywide will work.'
Bearish calls:
Sysco (SYY): 'It's OK ... as long as the consumer's out there spending ... going to a lot of restaurants ... the problem is they're not going to restaurants as much. Don'tBuy.' Boston Scientific (BSX): 'Let me be very clear. I have disliked Boston Scientific for more than 10 points.' Titanium Metals (TIE) Taser (TASR): 'In this market, it's too hard for me. ... I do not want to buy Taser here. Don'tBuy.'

Labels: BSX, CFC, CVS, FCX, HPQ, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money, MNST, NKE, RIG, RTN, SGR, SLB, STJ, SYY, TASR, TIE, VIP, WWW

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

Stocks rose unevenly Friday, largely extending the week's rally after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke gave investors more reason to believe further interest rate cuts are on the way.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose more than 60 points after earlier rising about 120 points. But the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index didn't join in the rally after weak quarterly results from Dell Inc.
In a speech late Thursday, Bernanke said persistently tight credit conditions, the housing slump and high energy prices will probably create some "headwinds for the consumer in the months ahead," and the central bank will have to be "exceptionally alert and flexible."
The Fed meets again Dec. 11, and a rate cut could help reinvigorate the slowing economy. Evidence of a more reticent consumer came Thursday in a Commerce Department report that showed consumer spending rising a modest 0.2 percent in October, the slowest pace in four months.
Once the Fed meets and after the cut has happened, expect this stock to shoot right back up to $20 a share. Currently, all the boutique mortgage lenders are going out of business because of the current credit crisis. The stocks to watch are the ones that will be able to push through this tough time. Countrywide Financial will be one of those issues. Today is the start of a 10 point rally for this stock.

Labels: CFC, Countrywide Financial Corp.

Shares of mortgage lenders soared Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled his willingness to slash interest rates again to prop up wobbly financial markets.
Bernanke, in a speech late Thursday, said the Fed will be "exceptionally alert and flexible" to find posThis echoes comments from other central bank officers in the past few days suggesting a cut in interest rates next month.
The Federal Reserve's task is to balance growth against inflation by setting an interest rate target that ensures the economy grows neither too quickly nor too sluggishly.
The Fed cut its target rate in September to 4.75 percent from 5.25 percent, and cut the rate further at the end of October to 4.5 percent. Paul J. Nolte, director of investments at Hinsdale Associates, said based on the rally in stocks this week people appear to expect the Fed will cut rates again.
Lower interest rates make it cheaper for mortgage lenders to raise cash and more enticing for people to buy homes. Presumably, they may also lure buyers back into the market for risky mortgage debt, although Nolte said he does not think interest rates will necessarily accomplish this.sible remedies for the housing slump and decaying mortgage credit quality.

Labels: Ben Bernanke, CFC, DFC, IMB, IMH, NFI, TMA, WFC, WM

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.
Morgan Stanley Jan 65 Calls (NYSE:MS - News). MS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
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.
Wal-Mart Stores Dec 45 Puts (NYSE:WMT - News). WMT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
E*TRADE Financial Jan 5 Calls (NYSE:ETFC - News). ETFC'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.
Goldman Sachs Dec 185 Puts (NYSE:GS - News). GS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR - News). NBR'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.
Nexen (NYSE:NXY - News). NXY'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.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News). CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CFC, ETFC, GS, MS, NBR, NXY, stock options, WMT

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.
Kendle International (NasdaqGS:KNDL - News). KNDL'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.
Horizon Lines (NYSE:HRZ - News). HRZ'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.
National Instruments (NasdaqGS:NATI - News) . NATI'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.
Immucor (NasdaqGS:BLUD - News). BLUD'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.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News) & Lennary (NYSE:LEN - News). CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4, and LEN's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Abbot Laboratories (NYSE:ABT - News). ABT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ABT, BLUD, CFC, Hot Stocks, HRZ, KNDL, LEN, NATI

After two-straight lackluster days, stocks were in rally mode on Friday spurred by Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) explosive earnings report and Countrywide's (NYSE: CFC - News) forecasted return to profitability. The Dow posted a triple-digit gain to close at 13,807, up 135 points for the day. The Nasdaq and S&P also gained ground to finish the week at 2,804 and 1,535, respectively. Oil prices showed no signs up slowing with the cost per barrel closing at $91.90 for December delivery. Treasury prices rose on the day, and gold also finished up, ending at $783 an ounce for the week.

On the economic front, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson downplayed the impact surging oil prices may be having on the economy, stating that the rise was "not a positive" but noting that employment and the economy were both still growing despite the recent increase in the price of oil.
Shares of Microsoft hit a six-year high today after the software giant blew past analyst estimates. In the most recent quarter, the company saw profit soar to $4.29 billion, or 45 cents per share, up 23% from $3.48 billion, or 35 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter climbed to $13.76 billion, up 27% from $10.81 billion in Q3 last year and besting analyst revenue expectations by more than $1 billion. On a per share basis, analysts had predicted earnings of 39 cents. The stock closed up 9.5% on the day. Subscribers can read our take on Microsoft in today's edition.
Countrywide Financial swung to a third-quarter loss, but shares of the company rebounded on better forecasts. For the period, the mortgage lender reported a loss of -$1.2 billion, or -$2.85 a share, versus a profit of $648 million, or $1.03 a share, a year earlier. The sharp decline was fostered by a -$1.31 billion write-down from its mortgage banking unit. On average, analysts were looking for a loss of -$1.28 per share. Looking forward, Countrywide said it expects to earn between 25-75 cents per share in the fourth quarter. Analysts had been predicting Q4 earnings per share of 21 cents, with some forecasting a per share loss. Countrywide's stock soared higher on the guidance, closing up 32.3% at the bell.
Chinese search engine company Baidu.com (Nasdaq: BIDU - News) said profits more than doubled in the third quarter led by a strong traffic numbers. The company announced quarterly profits of 181.7 million yuan ($24.2 million), up from 85.3 million yuan reported last year. On a per share basis, Baidu saw earnings of 5.23 yuan (70 cents), up from 2.46 yuan a year earlier. Excluding one-time charges, the company earned 5.38 yuan per share, or 72 cents. Revenue for the quarter increased to 496.5 million yuan ($66.3 million), up from 237.6 million yuan last year. Baidu shares traded 5.7% higher for the session.
In corporate news, shares of Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER - News) moved higher amid speculation that its CEO, Stanley O'Neal, may soon be exiting and that the firm may be considered a takeover target. The rumors were welcomed by investors who saw the company's stock drop after its weak earnings report earlier in the week that included a massive -$7.9 billion write-down. The stock finished up 8.2% on the day.

By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: Baidu.com Inc., BIDU, CFC, Countrywide Financial Corp., MER, Merrill Lynch and Co. Inc., Microsoft Corp., MSFT

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Microsoft (NasdaqGS:MSFT - News) beat estimates on Thursday, with $0.45 EPS over a consensus of $0.39 EPS. MSFT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Rackable Systems (NasdaqGS:RACK - News) beat estimates this afternoon, announcing $0.09 EPS over estimates of $0.02 EPS. RACK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Dynamic Materials (NasdaqGS:BOOM - News) beat earnings on Thursday afternoon, announcing $0.58 EPS over an expected $0.50 EPS. BOOM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI - News) reports earnings on Friday morning, with analysts looking for $1.22 EPS. BHI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE:IR - News) is expected to announce $0.87 EPS on Friday before the market opens. IR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Waste Management (NYSE:WMI - News) should report $0.59 EPS on Friday morning. WMI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Analysts are watching for Countrywide (NYSE:CFC - News) to report -$1.66 EPS on Friday before the market opens. CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.

Labels: Baker Hughes, BHI, BOOM, CFC, Countrywide Financial Corp., Dynamic Materials Corporation, Hot Stocks, Ingersol-Rand, IR, Microsoft Corp., MSFT, RACK, Waste Management, WMI

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.
Amazon.com Oct 100 Calls (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
priceline.com Oct 85 Puts (NasdaqGS:PCLN - News). PCLN'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.
Google Oct 640 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Las Vegas Sands Oct 540 Puts (NYSE:LVS - News). LVS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Dow Jones (NYSE:DJ - News). DJ'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.
Pediatrix Medical Group (NYSE:PDX - News). PDX'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.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News). CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMZN, CFC, DJ, GOOG, LVS, PCLN, PDX, stock options

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.
Hanesbrands (NYSE:HBI - News). HBI'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