Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Skechers (NYSE:SKX) missed earnings on Wednesday afternoon, reporting $0.26 EPS versus a cAnalysts are watching for Baidu.com (NasdaqGS:BIDU) to report late in the day on Wednesday afternoon. BIDU's Short Term PowerRating is 3.
Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI) reports earnings on Thursday before the market opens, with traders looking for $1.93 EPS. DAI does not have a Short Term PowerRating due to volume constraints.
When Comcast (NasdaqGS:CMCSA) announces results tomorrow morning before the bell, look for $0.17 EPS. CMCSA's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are looking for Goodyear Tire (NYSE:GT) to report $0.42 EPS tomorrow before the bell. GT's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Watch for Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE:IRto announce $0.97 EPS on Thursday morning. IR's Short Term PowerRating is 3.
Marriott (NYSE:MAR) is poised to announce $0.62 EPS on Thursday before the stock market opens. MAR's Short Term PowerRating is 4.onsensus of $0.29 EPS. SKX's Short Term PowerRating is 3.

Labels: BIDU, CMCSA, DAI, GT, Hot Stocks, IR, MAR, SKX

Stocks rallied after two-consecutive down days, fueled by strong economic data and anticipation that the Fed will again cut rates when it meets next week. The Dow ended the day up 196 points to close at 13,445. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq was up 1.8% at the bell to end at 2,666, and the S&P posted a 1.5% gain to close at 1,485. Oil prices finished lower in trading with light, sweet crude settling at $87.49 for January delivery. Treasury prices eased, and gold prices fell to $803.70 an ounce. The dollar was up against the euro and the yen.
On the economic front, a report by ADP Employer Services showed that the private sector added 189,000 jobs in November. Forecasts were calling for a gain of 50,000 jobs. A separate report from the Labor Department showed worker productivity grew at an annual rate of 6.3% in the third quarter, far better than anticipated and representing the fastest growth in four years. A third report showed a reading of the ISM services index fell to 54.1 in November, down from 55.8 in October. Any reading over 50 represents expansion in the sector. Economists were expecting a drop to 55.0.
In earnings news, shares of Guess? (NYSE: GES - News) were up 5.3% in trading after the company reported a surge in third-quarter profits after Tuesday's close. For the quarter, the jeans maker posted net income of $58.3 million, or 62 cents per share, up 32% from $44 million, or 48 cents per share, last year. Quarterly revenue rose to $469.1 million, up 43% from $328.8 million a year earlier. On average, analysts were looking for earnings of 57 cents per share on $424.5 million in revenue.
Meanwhile, late yesterday Chico's (NYSE: CHS - News) posted a drop in third-quarter profit to $23.5 million, or 13 cents per share, down -44% from $42.1 million, or 24 cents per share, a year ago. Results included a 2-cent gain stemming from an asset sale. Revenue for the quarter grew to $416 million, up from $402 million last year. Analysts were expecting a profit of 11 cents per share on revenue of $421 million. Chico's stock tumbled -12.5% on the day.
In corporate news, shares of Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA - News) were off -12.3% at the bell after the conglomerate said revenue from its cable arm would grow slower than expected this year, as the company battles increased competition and a lagging economy.
Elsewhere, Jones Soda (Nasdaq: JSDA - News) announced today that its founder and CEO, Peter van Stolk, will step down as the head of the company by year-end. The move comes amid a string of disappointing results for the company including a November announcement that it swung to a third-quarter loss. Jones Soda stock was up 7.2% at the bell.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: CHS, CMCSA, GES, JSDA

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.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (NasdaqGS:RRGB - News). RRGB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
3M Company (NYSE:MMM - News). MMM'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.
TOP Tankers (NasdaqGS:TOPT - News). TOPT'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.
Overstock.com (NasdaqGM:OSTK - News). OSTK's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
OGE Energy (NYSE:OGE - News). OGE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Comcast (NasdaqGS:CMCSA - News). CMCSA'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.
Noven Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGS:NOVN - News). NOVN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CMCSA, Hot Stocks, MMM, NOVN, OGE, OSTK, RRGB, TOPT

Stocks Crushed In Broad Sell-Off
1 The Dow and S&P 500 fell 2.3%, their worst losses since the Feb. 27 sell-off that sparked the last market correction. The NYSE composite tumbled 2.8% and the Nasdaq 1.8% as investors fled risk. That was after indexes pared losses in the final hour. Volume spiked up. Only 4 out of IBD's 197 industry groups rose.
Credit Market Fears Intensifying
2 The 10-year Treasury yield sank 12 basis points to 4.78%, the lowest since May as investors reprice risk worldwide. Brazil pulled a regular debt sale and Tyco Electronics a $1.5 high-grade bond sale, both citing market conditions. Bear Stearns seized assets of 1 near-worthless hedge fund. An Aussie hedge fund halted withdrawals from 2 funds on subprime losses.
New-Home Sales Plunge 6.6%
3 June sales fell to an annualized 834,000 units, far below views and just over March's 7-year low. Prices fell and the supply of homes grew. Several builders posted Q2 losses. Also, durable goods orders rose 1.4% in June, a little below views. And orders ex transportation and core capital goods orders fell, a bad sign for the factory and investment recoveries.
Exxon Misses, Shell Profit Rises
4 Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM - News), the world's largest publicly traded oil company, said Q2 profit rose 6.4% to $1.83 a share, missing views by 13 cents. Revenue dipped 0.7% to 98.35 bil. Weaker natural gas prices and soft demand in Europe. Rival Royal Dutch Shell said Q2 net profit rose 18% to $8.67 bil. Sales rose 2% to $84.9 bil. Refinery margins helped both firms. Exxon shares fell 5%. Shell lost 2%.
Dems Accuse Gonzales Of Lying
5 Four Dems on the Senate Judiciary Committee claim Att'y Gen'l Alberto Gonzales gave conflicting testimony and asked Solicitor General Paul Clement to launch a perjury probe. Meanwhile, Sen. Patrick Leahy said he'll subpoena Bush aide Karl Rove to testify about his role in the dismissal of 8 federal prosecutors. Bush has rejected similar subpoenas, citing executive privilege.
Comcast's Web Growth Slows
6 The No. 1 U.S. cable TV provider's Q2 profit met views for a 27% gain to 19 cents a share. Comcast's (NasdaqGS:CMCSA - News) revenue rose 31% to $7.7 bil, just ahead of forecasts. Digital video subscribers soared 144%. But basic video subscribers and smaller growth in high-speed Internet disappointed investors. Comcast also didn't raise views. Shares fell 5%.
Envoy: Surge Curbing Iraq Unrest
7 Deploying 30,000 extra troops to Iraq has curbed violence there, U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said. "The surge has done very well," he told the AP. "There's no question." In Baghdad, though, a powerful car bomb killed at least 28 and hurt 95. Meantime, House Dems plan a new effort calling for Bush to pull out troops in 2 months.
ICE Profit Up On Futures Growth
8 The electronic energy market and soft commodity exchange said its Q2 profit rose 63.5% to 85 cents ex items, beating views by 10 cents. Revenue jumped nearly 86% to $136.7 mil, above views. Strong volume growth in its futures business boosted Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE - News)'s result. ICE shares rose 2% on a bad day for stocks.
Shoemakers Stepped It Up In Q2
9 Crocs' (NasdaqGS:CROX - News) EPS jumped 305% to 58 cents, 14 cents above forecasts. Sales rose 162% to $224 mil. The maker of trendy plastic footwear sees Q3 EPS of 58-62 cents, well over views. Deckers (NasdaqGS:DECK - News), maker of Ugg boots, said profit fell 5% to 20 cents, but that beat views by 9 cents. Sales grew 26% to $52.7 mil, beating views. Deckers also raised guidance. Shares of both firms surged late.
Ford Beats, Swings To Q2 Profit
10 The No. 2 U.S. automaker reported its first profit in 2 years. Ford (NYSE:F - News) swung to Q2 EPS of 13 cents ex items, beating views by 48 cents. Revenue grew 5.5% to $44.2 bil. The company's cost cutting in troubled U.S. operations helped. But the solid results could make it harder for Ford to win concessions with the UAW union in talks that began this week. Ford shares rose 1.5%.
Published By IBD

Labels: CMCSA, CROX, DECK, F, ICE, XOM

Bullish calls:
Zimmer (NYSE: ZMH): 'The stock has 14% growth. It sells for mid-20x's multiple. Do you mind if I say that we wait until it goes under $80, before we absolutely back up the truck? Right now, I'd take a small position - a little schnitzel.'MasterCard (NYSE: MA): 'MA goes to $175 before it gets to be too expensive, and stop worrying about the Visa IPO. We will deal with that when it comes time... MA... Way up!'Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM): 'Most of the growth comes from China ... YUM is still, still cheap. $67 goes to $75. At $75, we're going to take a little off the table but, until then, superior growth, superior attitude.'Reliance Steel (NYSE: RS): ' ... has a wholesale metal working business that I like.'Weight Watcher's (NYSE: WTW): 'I say yes to that. Great secular growth... I'm sticking with it. Under $50, I'm backing up the truck...'Nastech Pharmaceutical (NasdaqGM: NSTK)Time Warner (NYSE: TWX)Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA): ' I think CMCSA is phenomenally undervalued here.'
Bearish calls:
Trump Entertainment Resorts (NasdaqGM: TRMP): 'I think that this company gets a bid, but I don't think you make any money... So I am going to have to 'sell, sell, sell!'Mediacom Communications (NasdaqGS: MCCC): 'MCCC is a little speculative for my taste.'

Labels: CMCSA, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, MA, Mad Money, MCCC, NSTK, RS, TRMP, TWX, WTW, YUM, ZMH

Stocks slid today amid concerns raised by the release of the minutes from the most-recent Federal Reserve Board meeting, which made clear fighting inflation remained the board's top priority. The major stock averages all closed lower as a negative bias firmly took hold, with declining stocks leading advancers by a 2-to-1 margin on both the NYSE and Nasdaq exchanges. Crude oil futures edged higher, while the 10-year Treasury note slipped.

The notes released by the Fed made clear that its governors were unanimous in their belief that fighting inflation should remain their No. 1 priority and that rate increases might be needed, even as the board's members acknowledged pressures from a slowing economy leads to a clamor for rate cuts. A change in the language of the Fed's interest rate announcement following its March meeting initially started a rally on the belief that near-term rate cuts were possible. Now, most private economists expect the central bank to leave the benchmark Federal Funds rate at 5.25% when it meets next in May.
In other downbeat economic news, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday it expects the median price of homes to fall this year for the first time since it began tracking sales nearly 40 years ago. In its most recent forecast, the industry trade group said it expects median prices to fall -0.7% in 2007. Previously, it had forecasted a modest increase of 1.2%.
Earnings season got under way yesterday evening when aluminum producer Alcoa (NYSE: AA - News) reported strong Q1 profits driven higher by growth in the global building, construction, and aerospace markets, which offset weakness from the U.S. automotive sector. Alcoa's shares rose on the news, but it did not translate into gains elsewhere as investors wait to see a fuller picture of corporate profits. The only other big company set to report this week is General Electric (NYSE: GE - News). The season will begin in earnest next week.
In corporate news, Citigroup (NYSE: C - News), as expected, announced job cuts of 17,000 and other cost-reduction measures such as moving some jobs to lower-cost overseas venues, but the plan appeared to disappoint some investors looking for deeper cuts. The stock closed down -1.2%, though it did bounce back somewhat from its lowest point of the day. The bank said its efforts will save the company over $2 billion this year and more in years to come. Subscribers can read detailed analysis of Citigroup's plan in today's issue.
On the telecom/cable front, Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA - News) moved higher as CEO Brian Roberts told Bloomberg that the business was "on fire" and that he was confident the company's spending was needed to maintain its growth. One of Comcast's chief competitors, Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ - News) closed lower. Blackberry maker Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM - News), meanwhile, fell -1.5% in advance of its earnings report, and was trading weakly after reporting earnings that met estimates.
Shares of video game retailer GameStop (NYSE: GME - News) continued the advance that began when the company reported a more than 50% increase in quarterly earnings on March 27th. The shares have added nearly 22% from the stock's March 26th closing price. Janco Partner also reaffirmed its "buy" rating on the stock today and increased its target price.

By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AA, C, CMCSA, GE, GME, RIMM, VZ

Triple Deal for Triple Play? Charter Communications (NasdaqGM: CHTR), Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA)
While Cramer recently doubted his sanity for having recommended CHTR, which hasn't budged since February, he heard some news that makes him bullish on CHTR once again. CMCSA announced plans to take over Insight Communications' assets in Indiana and Illinois for $4583 per subscriber, 12% higher than CHTR's rate of $4017. In addition, CMCSA made a deal with New Jersey based Patriot Media for $5,963 per subcriber. Cramer sees CHTR as a very attractive takeover target for Comcast, which is willing to pay a substantial fee for subscribers. Although CHTR has some debt, it is currently in a virtuous cycle of refinancing and is cheap. In addition, CHTR is based in fast-growing areas like Nevada and California and is a great triple play stock, comments Cramer.
All Cedant's Children: Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN - News)
Cramer notes that, after Cedant's breakup, its children are growing up "real fast", a total of 32% since the breakup. However, the ugly duckling seems to be WYN, which owns Ramada Hotels and timeshares and "is a great play on cheapskate baby boomers" who want fancy ski vacations but don't like to pay fancy prices. At $34.50, WYN is only $2 above where it was when Cedant spun it off, and Cramer sees more upside. He is not worried about its $2.9 billion debt, since it works like a bank, lending money at high interest rates. WYN is a takeover target, according to Cramer and is "way too cheap."
Makeover for Harsco (NYSE: HSC - News)
Cramer likes the way Harsco is reinventing itself and regrets referring to HSC as a manufacturing company. Instead, Cramer describes HSC as a "miniconglomerate of industrial services and products" and notes it is "taking the lead in industrial outsourcing." It is aggressively taking market share in mills and access services, businesses that "didn't exist ten years ago." Now the company is "beating the Chinese and everyone else as well." Cramer is bullish on HSC because it is "brilliantly creating a niche for itself."
Michael Farrell, Chairman and CEO of Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY - News)
Michael Farrell explained why his company wasn't devastated by the subprime lending fiasco, and credits the company's thirty year experience in spotting trends; "I don't pretend to have a crystal ball ... but the bottom line is that it was unsustainable." Farrell said it is too early to pick up the pieces and the crisis, which has yet to reach the third inning, needs time to play itself out. "The flight to quality that's going to happen with triple-A assets is still there," Farrell continued, and stated the relative safety or danger will depend on the asset class. Cramer remarked that he regrets ever doubting the stock, and called NLY and Michael Farrell winners.
Published by SeeingAlpha

Labels: CHTR, CMCSA, Hot Stocks, HSC, Jim Cramer, Mad Money, NLY, WYN

Bullish calls:
Sears (NasdaqGS: SHLD)Monsanto (NYSE: MON - News): 'The bears and the analysts refuse to get behind this stock ... They think it's overvalued as a chemical stock. It's part of the ag play ... hybrid corn seeds, in a world where we are short corn seeds. MON is not done going up. I would be an aggressive buyer right here at $59. ('mon-back sound).'Agrium (NYSE: AGU - News)Deere (NYSE: DE - News)Spartan Motors (NasdaqGS: SPAR):' I want you in SPAR. That's the one to pull the trigger on right now.'Virgin Media (NasdaqGS: VMED): 'I want VMED to be bought here! VMED is the play for cable in Europe, in London... It has been stalled here ... I think you want to pull the trigger on VMED. I like it as much as ever. All aboard.'Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News): 'Other cable companies - notably CMCSA and TWX - have started to move back up.'Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA) Research In Motion (NasdaqGS: RIMM): 'RIMM hit a 52-week high today ... Almost no other tech stock I follow has done that. I think it's a sign of strength ... I bet RIMM is having a great quarter. They have survived every single war imaginable. I'm not backing away. I still like the stock. I would still be a buyer. Buy, buy, buy!'Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News): 'The stock is stuck... It's been hurt by weak sales of Tundra - their F-150 competitor... It's also been hurt by a strong yen ... That's a mistake. $126? Come on. I'm doing a triple buy.'Hexcel (NYSE: HXL - News): 'HXL is engineered product. That stock is down more than 20% from its high? That's a colossal mistake. Buy, buy, buy!'Allegheny Technologies (NYSE: ATI - News): 'Did you know that ATI - my stock of the year last year - another new high today! That one's a winner.'Foster Wheeler (NasdaqGS: FWLT): 'FWLT is the way to play construction. They've got the best order book.'Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News)L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL - News)General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News)Theravance (NasdaqGM: THRX): 'THRX was the stock that stumped me last week, and one of the reasons why it stumped me is that it's moving up very rapidly ... The stock had a big run but, you know what? I think it's really got that great bloodline now... So I like THRX.'
Bearish calls:
Hudson City Bancorp (NasdaqGS: HCBK): ' ... with the yield curve... with the 10-year at 4.75%, and the short rates higher, that's a nightmare for any regional bank ... Don't buy, don't buy.'Force Protection (NasdaqCM: FRPT): 'I believe that SPAR, which then gives the products to FRPT, is the better play.'Veraz Networks (NasdaqGM: VRAZ): 'This one I got behind. It is not working. That is worrisome to me. When they don't work like this, I've got to pull my situation, and do more work.'XM Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: XMSR): 'XMSR is very problematic ... The FCC and congress have made this dea (merger with Sirius Satellite Radio) too difficult ... I want to sell XMSR.'Crystallex (AMEX: KRY - News): 'KRY has been creeping up ... I would recommend sell at $4 and change. I'll buy it back at $2 and change. I do not trust this Chavez. You can't either.'CDW (NasdaqGS: CDWC)Washington Group (NYSE: WNG - News): 'I like the construction group, but you know my favorite has not been WMG, but it's been FWLT.'SAIC (NYSE: SAI - News): 'I don't want to be linked to government spending right now, because I think it's not trustworthy... '
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: AGU, ATI, BBY. RIMM, CMCSA, DE, FWLT, GD, HXL, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLL, LMT, Mad Money, MON, SHLD, SPAR, THRX, TM, TWX, VMED

Bullish calls:
Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA): ' I think that CMCSA is done going down. It's a very good stock to own in a slowdown. Pull the trigger multiple times on CMCSA. There!'Fuel Tech (NasdaqGM: FTEK): 'It's one of the few companies on alternative energy that are actually maknig money. I like that! Pull the trigger FTEK - get back in!'American Tower (NYSE: AMT - News): ' ... the tower business is a good business. It's just a great generator of cash, so I like it.'Intuitive Surgical (NasdaqGS: ISRG): 'I think that ISRG, AKAM and HOLX are the three high-growth stocks that the momentum crowd is going to gravitate to.'Hologic (NasdaqGS: HOLX)Akamai Technologies (NasdaqGS: AKAM)Continental (NYSE: CAL - News): 'We're going with CAL.'World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE - News): 'I've liked it. The stock has done absolutely nothing, but you do get that 6% yield while you wait for something to happen, particularly overseas.'GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK - News): ' one of the few drugs stocks that I actually like. It has a very good generic, over-the-counter business.'
Neutral calls:
Melco PBL Entertainment (NasdaqGM: MPEL): 'You know, I'm hurting with this MPEL ... Now, the problem is the Macau - no one wants to do anything with China, because China's now in trouble... I have been saying back up the truck on this MPEL down here. I don't want to back away from that, but I have to tell you that this stock - if it goes back to $18-19 - we're going to re-evaluate. '
Bearish calls:
Jefferies (NYSE: JEF - News): ' ... when you miss a quarter in this game, and a lot of other brokerage houses didn't, I think you've got to just wait ... Don't buy, don't buy.'Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG - News): 'They missed the quarter. They've become the punching bag of the shorts ... I've got so many companies that have so-called made the quarter, I don't need to step down in quality. HOG? Don't buy, don't buy.'Fastenal (NasdaqGS: FAST): ' You've got a stock at a 52-week low that, frankly, I don't like. I'm sorry, but boy are we being tough in this post-416 decline. Again, don't buy.'Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM - News): 'This is one of the best... you know, it's a commodity semiconductor. It's been doing incredibly well. It's at a 52-week high. You know I don't really like the semi-conductor index. This stock - I would honestly - even though it yields 3% - let's take some money off the table. I'm not crazy about TSM right here.'ExpressJet (NYSE: XJT - News)
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AMT, CAL, CMCSA, FAST, GSK, HOG, ISRG, JEF, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money, MPEL, TSM, WWE, XJT

Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA): In spite of a selloff on Thursday and the 4% drop because of concerns that it will spend more money, CMCSA is a buy, according to Cramer. He is confident that CEO Brian Roberts' network expansion and customer acquisition strategies will yield a rate of return which is "better than buying back stock.
Under Armor (NYSE: UA - News): Although Cramer still likes UA, he commented on the 7% drop on its lackluster guidance and added that it trades at a superpremium multiple, which will cause people to "freak out" when its earnings outlook is not raised at every opportunity. Cramer said that UA may be a buy at $43 or $44
Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG): Cramer is still bullish on Google, but said that "it isn't done going down" because investors are disappointed in its revenue growth. However, he predicts that GOOG still could reach $600 from $488, but with a stop at $450.

Labels: CMCSA, GOOG, Jim Cramer, Jim Cramer's Stop Trading, UA

8x8 Inc. (NasdaqCM:EGHT - News) shares slid after the Santa Clara, Calif.-based provider of internet-based telephony products posted a fiscal third-quarter net loss of $3.06 million, or 5 cents a share, vs. a net loss of $6.79 million, or 12 cents a share, for the same period last year. Excluding stock-based compensation, the company posted a loss of 4 cents a share. Revenue rose to $13.2 million from $8.48 million.
Alliance Data Systems Corp. (NYSE:ADS - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $39.6 million, or 48 cents a share, from $31.3 million, or 38 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Andrew Corp. (NasdaqGS:ANDW - News) swung to fiscal first-quarter loss of $2.55 million, or 2 cents a share, from year-earlier net income of $14.8 million, or 9 cents a share. The maker of communications systems said loss for the latest quarter reflects an aggregate charge of 10 cents a share for restructuring, amortization, litigation costs and a provision for a quality issue. First-quarter total sales increased to $522.2 million from $514.7 million, as wireless-infrastructure sales increased 3% to $499 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, expected the Westchester, Ill., company to earn 12 cents a share on sales of $552.4 million for the first quarter ended Dec. 31. Analysts' estimates typically exclude unusual items.
Applebee's International Inc. (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) said its January system-wide domestic sales at restaurants open at least one year fell 5.8%. Comparable sales for domestic franchise restaurants decreased 5.5% for the four-week period ended Jan. 28.
Apache (NYSE:APA - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell to $520.8 million, or $1.56 a share, from $788.2 million, or $2.35 a share, a year ago, reflecting lower gas prices. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, expected earnings of $1.60 a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items.
Archstone-Smith (NYSE:ASN - News), the Denver real-estate investment trust focused on apartments, reported fourth-quarter net income fell 5.8% on 30% higher revenue. Earnings were $306.6 million, or $1.36 a share, compared with $325.4 million, or $1.52, in the year-earlier period. Per-share funds from operations reflecting gains and losses rose 5% $1.46 from $1.39. In 2007, the company expects to earn $2.20 to $2.50 a share and report FFO of $2.24 to $2.38.
Comcast Corp. (NasdaqGS:CMCSA - News) said fourth-quarter net income for the three months ended Dec. 31 nearly tripled to $390 million or 18 cents a share, from $133 million, or 6 cents a share in the year-ago period. Income from continuing operations rose to 20 cents a share from 5 cents a share. Adjusted income in the latest quarter was 21 cents a share. Operating cash flow increased to $2.59 billion from $2.04 billion. Revenue climbed to $7.03 billion from $5.42 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial forecast earnings of 24 cents a share and revenue of $7.13 billion. For 2007, Comcast (NasdaqGS:CMCSK - News) forecasts consolidated revenue growth of at least 11% on an adjusted basis and consolidated operating cash flow growth of at least 13%.
CRM Holdings Ltd. (NasdaqGS:CRMH - News) said it expects fourth-quarter earnings of 23 to 27 cents a share for the fourth quarter, including charges of 11 cents a share and gains totaling 14 cents a share. For the year ended Dec. 31, the company sees earnings of 87 to 89 cents a share. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for a profit of 24 cents a share in the December quarter.
Gevity HR (NasdaqGS:GVHR - News) shares slipped after the company said it expects revenue of about $156 million for the fourth quarter, lower than a previous forecast for revenue of between $167 million and $177 million due to higher client attrition and lower client production than anticipated.
Goodrich Corp. (NYSE:GR - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $98.9 million, or 78 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $69.6 million, or 56 cents a share. Sales rose in the latest three months to $1.54 billion from $1.4 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 67 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $1.49 billion. Looking ahead, the Charlotte, N.C., aerospace and defense systems provider lifted its outlook for fiscal 2007 to earnings of $2.95 to $3.15 a share from a prior projection of $2.90 to $3.10 a share. It sees sales of between $6.2 billion and $6.4 billion for the year. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for earnings of $3.06 a share in 2007.
Hanesbrands (NYSE:HBI - News) said net income in the quarter ending Dec. 30 fell 78% to $23.8 million as sales fell 4.3% to $1.13 billion. The company said the fall in profit was largely due to a higher interest expense, reduced operating profit and higher income tax. Revenue was down due to weakness in the innerwear segment and the intentional discontinuance of low-margin product lines. The company said its results also include items associated with restructuring and its spin-off as an independent company. Hanesbrands was previously a division of Sara Lee Corp.
Hartes-Hanks Communications (NYSE:HHS - News) was downgraded to neutral from outperform at Robert W. Baird.
JDS Uniphase (NasdaqGS:JDSU - News) shares slid after the fiber optics networking company said it swung to income in the second quarter of $23.2 million or 10 cents a share. During the same period in the prior year, the San Jose, Calif.-based company reported a net loss of $42.1 million, or 20 cents a share. Before items, quarterly per-share income was 13 cents. In the prior year's period, the pro forma per-share loss was 2 cents. JDSU said quarterly revenue rose to $366.3 million from $312.9 million in the prior year. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were looking for $363 million. For the third quarter, the company sees revenue of $333 million to $353 million, while Wall Street is looking for $351 million.
Shares of NeuroMetrix Inc. (NasdaqGM:NURO - News) fell after the Waltham, Mass.-based medical device company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $1.21 million, or 9 cents a share, up from $805,451, or 6 cents a share, last year. Excluding items, the company posted a per-share profit of 14 cents compared with 7 cents. Revenue rose to $14.2 million from $10.3 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 12 cents on revenue of $15.7 million.
Playboy Enterprises (NYSE:PLA - News) was downgraded to sector perform from outperform at RBC Capital Markets.
QuickLogic (NasdaqGM:QUIK - News) shares fell after the company posted a non-GAAP loss of $7.7 million, or 27 cents a share, for the fourth quarter, down from a year-ago equivalent profit of $3.9 million, or 14 cents a share. Revenue at the Sunnyvale, Calif., provider of programmable logic memory products dropped 28% to $34.9 million in the latest three months. Wall Street's consensus estimate was for a loss of 5 cents a share in the March period.
Rofin-Sinar Technologies (NasdaqGS:RSTI - News) shares slid after the Plymouth, Mich.-based maker of laser beam sources reported fiscal first-quarter net earnings of $11.49 million, or 75 cents a share, up slightly from $11.36 million, or 75 cents a share, last year. Revenue rose to $111.7 million from $95.4 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 76 cents on revenue of $105.1 million.
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (NYSE:SMI - News) swung to a fourth-quarter profit, boosted by an 80% decline in operating expenses and a $41.7 million gain on the sale of properties. The Shanghai semiconductor foundry on Tuesday posted net income of $1.33 million, or less than a penny per ADS, from a year-earlier loss of $14.8 million, or about 4 cents per ADS. Semiconductor Manufacturing said quarterly revenue rose 15% to $383.8 million from $333.1 million in the year-earlier period. Operating expenses fell to $10.6 million from $51.8 million a year earlier. Semiconductor said it expects continued growth and improved profitability in 2007. The company said it expects controlled capital expenditures of about $720 million in 2007.
SI International (NasdaqGS:SINT - News) was downgraded to market perform from outperform at Wachovia Securities.
SRA International Inc. (NYSE:SRX - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $16.7 million, or 29 cents a share, compared with $15.9 million, or 28 cents a share, in the same period the prior year, on the back of higher revenue.
Telular Corp. (NasdaqGM:WRLS - News) said its first-quarter loss widened to $2.1 million, or 12 cents a share, from a year-ago loss of $1.3 million, or 8 cents a share. The latest results included amortization and goodwill charges of $2 million.
TJX Cos. (NYSE:TJX - News) said January same-sales rose 4%, helped by growth in most of its smaller divisions and Marmaxx's in-line performance and it expects fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 48 cents to 50 cents a share. The Framingham, Mass., clothing retailer said total sales for the four weeks ended Jan. 27, increased 8% to $1 billion from $900 million a year earlier. The company also anticipates a fourth-quarter charge of about 1 cent a share related to an unauthorized intrusion into its computer system process. The company said it doesn't yet have enough information to estimate losses related to the intrusion.
Tractor Supply Co. (NasdaqGS:TSCO - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $29.5 million, or 72 cents a share, compared with $30.9 million, or 75 cents a share, in the same period last year, as expenses rose.
Ultralife Batteries (NasdaqGM:ULBI - News) said it expects to report an operating loss of about $1.5 million for the fourth quarter on revenue of between $30 million and $30.5 million. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call is for a profit of 7 cents a share in the December period.
Under Armour (NYSE:UA - News) shares fell after the company posted a fourth-quarter profit of $11.9 million, or 24 cents a share, up from year-ago earnings of $7 million, or 8 cents a share. The latest results included a tax credit-related gain of $1 million, or 2 cents a share. Revenue rose 55% in the three-month period to $135.3 million from $87.3 million a year earlier. Wall Street's consensus estimate was for earnings of 25 cents a share.
Verso Technologies (NasdaqCM:VRSO - News) disclosed a $2 million private placement of common shares and five-year warrants.
W.P. Stewart & Co. (NYSE:WPL - News) said Chairman William Stewart is returning to the chief executive officer post at the company, replacing John Russell, who served in the role on an interim basis. In addition, Merrill Lynch downgraded the stock to sell from neutral, citing a drop in assets under management.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: ADS, ANDW, APA, APPB, ASN, CMCSA, CRMH, EGHT, GR, GVHR, HBI, HHS, JDSU, NURO, PLA, QUIK, WRLS

Rackable Systems (NASDAQ: RACK - News), Intel (NASDAQ: INTC - News), Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT - News), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO - News), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL - News)
Cramer says that investors should be selling tech because seasonality is working against the sector, and that RACK's problem has more to do with the time of year than its component shortage and competition. Concerning Intel, Cramer explains its new chip will not reach a 90% to 95% acceptance rate this year, and since gross margins will not rise until then, Intel "cannot be owned" right now. However, the problems with RACK and Intel do not alter Cramer's prediction that tech will outperform in 2007. Cramer would buy HPQ because it will benefit from Microsoft's Vista. Cramer would also pick up Cisco down at $26 or $25 because of the incredible ramp in cable; "If you have a product cycle, I think you can ride out the seasonable weakness," Cramer said. Apple transcends seasonality because it is a "secular growth story and and a product cycle story." He would take advantage of any decline to buy Apple.
JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM - News), Capital One Financial (NYSE: COF - News)
Cramer is bullish on JP Morgan because of its credit card growth and added that COF is one of the most hated stocks, noting that there is a tremendous January $75 put to buy COF. If the company reports a lackluster quarter, the puts will act as a trampoline. Cramer says that it is worth investing in airlines again, and would take profits and buy them again.
UPS (NYSE: UPS - News), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG - News), Colgate (NYSE: CL - News), Kellogg (NYSE: K - News), General Mills (NYSE: GIS - News), Oil Service HOLDRs (AMEX: OIH - News), Caremark (NYSE: CMX - News), Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD - News), Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA - News), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News)
Cramer is bullish on UPS and likes rails, which are a buy on any decline because the trucking sector is suffering. He added that Goldman Sach's upgrade of PG was worth noting and, if it weren't for a strike, the stock could reach $67 or $69. He attributes the success of PG and CL to investor's desire to look for other soft goods that are not dependent on corn prices. However, since cereal is only 3% to 4% corn, Cramer thinks selling Kellogg and General Mills is premature. Concerning oil, Cramer thinks that OIH has been a reliable barometer for oil prices and is heading toward a bottom, but he hesitates to recommend it because it is an "easily manipulated index." Cramer would ring the register on Caremark, and of all the drugstores, he would own only RAD. Finally, Cramer predicted that Comcast is "headed dramatically higher" and said that, at $22, Time Warner is undervalued.

Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AAPL, CL, CMCSA, CMX, COF, CSCO, GIS, HPQ, INTC, Jim Cramer, JPM, K, MSFT, OIH, PG, RACK, RAD, TWX, UPS, Wall Street Confidential

A lack of compelling economic or corporate news, combined with light pre-holiday volume, prevented the stock market from sustaining an early rally that saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average briefly push past its record close. Stocks ultimately reversed course, and the major indices closed moderately lower for the day. Crude oil futures rose while the 10-year Treasury note ended unchanged.
FedEx (NYSE: FDX - News) topped the day's earnings news by delivering an 8% profit increase in its fiscal second quarter ended November 30th. Those solid results were overshadowed, in Wall Streets' view, by the company's cautious outlook for FQ3. While the company did suggest that a slowing U.S. economy would impact domestic sales in the current quarter, its global view was robust. The stock declined sharply in the morning, but recovered some lost ground to close down -2%. Its chief shipping rival, United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS - News), stepped back -1%. Subscribers can read our analysis of quarterly results from FedEx in today's issue.
A divided Federal Communications Commission voted today to make it easier for telephone companies to enter local television markets. Telecom giants AT&T (NYSE: T - News) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ - News) have been lobbying heavily to simplify access to markets dominated by cable leaders like Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA - News). The announcement appears to have generated little interest among investors, possibly because the debate is far from over. The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, sent a letter to the FCC on Tuesday that questioned whether the agency had the authority to impose new rules he believes are the purview of Congress.
On the merger front, Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson (Nasdaq: ERICY - News) announced it would buy Redback Networks (Nasdaq: RBAK - News) for $2.1 billion. Analysts said the deal would improve Ericsson's competitive position versus Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU - News) and Siemens (NYSE: SI - News), while also helping Redback compete with larger broadband equipment makers like Cisco Systems (Nasdaq: CSCO - News). Elsewhere, shareholders of food-service provider Aramark (NYSE: RMK - News) voted overwhelmingly in favor of a $6.3 billion leveraged buyout plan. It is the second time in the company's history that it has gone private.
In today's analyst ratings changes, biotech Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD - News) was upgraded to a "buy" today by Caris & Company, while Goldman Sachs resumed coverage of the firm, also giving it a "buy" rating. Earlier this week, the company filed for Food & Drug Administration approval of its hypertension treatment ambrisentan, which it acquired as part of its purchase of Myogen last month. GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK - News) owns the marketing rights to ambrisentan outside of the U.S.

Labels: ALU, CMCSA, CSCO, ERICY, FDX, GILD, GSK, RBAK, RMK, SI, T, UPS, VZ

Growth versus Value: Verizon (NYSE: VZ - News), AT&T (NYSE: T - News), Bell South (NYSE: BLS - News), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News) and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA - News)
Cramer used four stocks as examples to illustrate the difference between value and growth stocks. First, Verizon and T are value stocks which "preserve capital" and pay generous dividends. Although these stocks are "not defined by their growth" they coud grow "decently." However, it is their dividend yields which prevent a downside and protects their share prices. Since Cramer suggests that investors stay diversified, he wouldn't buy both stocks, but prefers T because its market share will increase when its deal with Bell South goes through, and although its dividend is 3.8% compared to Verizon's 4.5%, T will be in a good position to raise its yield in the near future. When looking at a growth stock, Cramer tells investors "you have to see if it's accelerating." Cramer likes cable companies because they should have accelerated revenue growth, but notes that profits are also important. Although Comcast looks like a better option because it is a good company with solid management and is a pure play, Cramer says he would prefer to invest in TWX which is a "hated company," but he believes that CEO Dick Parsons should "turn it around." He adds that its AOL division should do well and that when it comes to capital appreciation "it's Time Warner's time to shine now."

CEO Interview: David Lesar, Halliburton (NYSE: HAL - News)
When asked about his company's lackluster performance compared with that of the oil sector in general, David Lesar commented that there has been an overeaction to gas prices in North America, and that although currently declines exceed production, this problem will correct itself. He says that the company will continue to look for acquisitions and will buy back stock "to put a statement out there that we are long-term believers of where the market is." Cramer says that Halliburton is the cheapest stock in the sector and he's staying with it.

Labels: BLS, CMCSA, HAL, Jim Cramer, Mad Money, T, TWX, VZ

Rumors aren't something we base investment decisions on, but besides being fun to comment on, they also often hold up an interesting if somewhat distorted mirror to Wall Street's thoughts on corporate America. One rumor cited at the New York Post today hints that Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO - News) CEO Terry Semel could be the guy about to take over NBC, the TV unit of General Electric (NYSE: GE - News).
That Semel's name came up isn't that farfetched. He has a Hollywood pedigree, serving as co-CEO at Warner Bros. prior to taking the helm at Yahoo. More importantly, Yahoo recently bounced off a multi-year low in part on speculation that the company is a takeover target for firms like Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) and Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA - News), or perhaps even Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ - News). Rumors of a new job for Semel fit into this speculation to the extent that we wouldn't expect him to stick around in the event of a Yahoo takeover.

Labels: CMCSA, GE, MSFT, Terry Semel, VZ, Yahoo Inc., YHOO