Jim Cramer Blog

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.
Bear Stearns Jan 130 Calls (NYSE:BSC - News). BSC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
Indymac Bancorp Nov 12.5 Puts (NYSE:IMB - News). IMB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Blue Nile Nov 80 Calls (NasdaqGS:NILE - News). NILE'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.
Lehman Brothers Dec 50 Puts (NYSE:LEH - News). LEH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Cablevision Systems (NYSE:CVC - News). CVC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT - News). NYT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Affiliated Computer Services (NYSE:ACS - News). ACS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ACS, BSC, CVC, IMB, LEH, NILE, NYT, 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.
Boeing (NYSE:BA - News). BA'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.
Cablevision (NYSE:CVC - News). CVC'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.
Plum Creek Timber (NYSE:PCL - News). PCL'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.
Sears Holding (NasdaqGS:SHLD - News). SHLD'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.
Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL - News). CAL's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Nicor (NYSE:GAS - News). GAS'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.
KB Home (NYSE:KBH - News). KBH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BA, CAL, CVC, GAS, Hot Stocks, KBH, PCL, SHLD

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Abraxis BioScience (NasdaqGS:ABBI - News) announces quarterly earnings on Monday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.15 EPS. ABBI's PowerRating is 4.
Cablevision (NYSE:CVC - News) is expected to report -$0.02 EPS when the company reports earnings Monday morning. CVC's PowerRating is 6.
Analysts are watching for Entercom Communications (NYSE:ETM - News) to announce $0.34 EPS on Monday before the market opens. ETM's PowerRating is 6.
When Ceradyne (NasdaqGS:CRDN - News) reports earnings on Monday before the bell, look for $1.19 EPS. CRDN's PowerRating is 5.
Marvel Entertainment (NYSE:MVL - News) is looking to announce $0.10 EPS early Monday. MVL's PowerRating is 4.
XM Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS:XMSR - News) should report -$0.72 EPS on Monday before the market opens. XMSR's PowerRating is 3.
Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN - News) reports after the close Monday, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the bell. JWN's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ABBI, CRDN, CVC, ETM, Hot Stocks, JWN, MVL, XMSR

One of the nation's largest banks reported strong earnings results, but mixed economic numbers that suggested it is unlikely the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in the foreseeable future put a damper on the market. Stocks traded unevenly for most of the day and ultimately closed lower. Technology stocks were particularly weak in today's action. After hitting a 20-month low early in the trading session, crude oil futures prices mounted a modest rally to close above $52 a barrel, while the 10-year Treasury note slipped.
The Federal Reserve said that industrial production rose by 0.4% in December after two-consecutive months of -0.1% declines. The Labor Department, meanwhile, reported that wholesale prices rose 0.9% in December, which was a stronger gain than the 0.6% increase Wall Street was expecting. Core producer prices, excluding food and energy, rose 0.2%, which was in line with expectations. The government's reports on consumer prices, housing starts, building permits, and leading economic indicators are all scheduled for release tomorrow.
The Fed also announced that its latest survey of economic activity around the country, known as the "beige book," revealed that most regions of the country are experiencing modest economic growth despite the weak housing market. The central bank's report, which reflects survey data collected from the regional Federal Reserve banks about business activity, is one of the tools the bank uses to formulate interest rate policy. The next Fed meeting on rates is set for January 30th and 31st.
On the earnings front, J.P. Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM - News) reported a 68% surge in net income. The nation's #3 bank said its Q4 net income rose to $4.5 billion, or $1.26 a share, from $2.7 billion, or 76 cents a share, a year earlier. The results included a $622 million after-tax gain on the sale of its corporate trust business along with another 10 cents a share from a tax-related gain. Strong results from investment banking activities offset a decline in retail banking. Despite the generally strong results, J.P. Morgan ended little changed, reflecting weakness in the banking sector as a whole.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq was weighed down by a -6% decline in Intel (Nasdaq: INTC - News), which reported results after yesterday's close. The semiconductor maker reported a -39% drop-off in its Q4 earnings on a -5% decline in revenue. The revenue results were better than analysts expected, but news that its ongoing price war with Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD - News) has yet to cease rattled investors. Also weighing on the stock was the company's projection that its closely watched gross profit margin would be lower in the current quarter than in Q4, which surprised investors.
In merger-related news, shares of Cablevision Systems (NYSE: CVC - News) added 3% after its board firmly rejected the latest bid from its controlling shareholders, the Dolan family. James Dolan is the company's CEO, while his father Charles serves as chairman. A two-person committee of outside directors, appointed to evaluate the Dolan's bid on behalf of non-family shareholders, said the family's latest $30-a-share offer still undervalues the company. The Dolans control 70% of the voting stock through a two-tier share system, so they can block any competing bid.
Caremark Rx (NYSE: CMX - News) added 4% after CVS (NYSE: CVS - News) sweetened its bid for the company. The drug store operator is adding a one-time cash dividend of $2 a share after the deal closes, and plans to retire about 10% of the combined company's outstanding stock, which amounts to a $5 billion buyback. CVS is trying fight off a challenge to its merger plan from Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX - News), which shows no signs of backing away from the fight.
After the bell, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL - News) reported that earnings for the quarter ended December 31st grew 78% to $1.0 billion, or $1.14 a share, soaring past estimates of 78 cents a share. Revenue rose 25% to $7.1 billion. iPod sales also easily surpassed expectations. Earnings and revenue guidance for the current quarter, however, were below Wall Street expectations. Soft guidance in prior quarters didn't hurt the stock, and with the stock up after hours, it appears that could be the case again this time around.

Labels: AAPL, AMD, CMX, CVC, CVS, ESRX, INTC, JPM

Here are 7 stocks to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stocks Indicators page.
Stocks Ready to Surge: These are the stocks that today made new 10-day lows that are still in an uptrend as they are trading above their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term upside reversals.
Fortune Brands (NYSE:FO - News). FO's PowerRating is 6.
Low-Priced Stocks Ready to Surge: These are the stocks under $10/share that today made new 10-day lows that are still in an uptrend as they are trading above their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term upside reversals. Please note: All stocks carry risk and low-priced stocks usually come with even more risk. Always use caution.
Indevus Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:IDEV - News). IDEV's PowerRating 7.
Pullbacks from Highs: Most successful momentum-based traders and money managers like to buy strong stocks after they pull back. TradingMarkets.com uses a proprietary mathematical model to identify up to 30 (in weak or choppy markets there will be fewer) of the strongest stocks that have pulled back from recent highs. These stocks should be considered potential candidates to resume their longer-term up trends.
Cablevision Systems (NYSE:CVC - News). CVC's PowerRating is 7.
Trading Where the Action Is: This list contains the most volatile stocks over the past 50 trading days. These stocks are only for the most aggressive traders who are willing to assume a high degree of risk in order to capture larger gains.
U.S. Global Investors (NasdaqCM:GROW - News). GROW's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks Ready to Drop: These are the stocks that today made new 10-day highs that are still in an downtrend as they are trading below their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term downside reversals.
Expeditors International of Washington (NasdaqGS:EXPD - News). EXPD's PowerRating is 3.
Pullbacks from Lows: Most successful momentum-based traders and money managers like to sell weak stocks after they pull back. TradingMarkets.com uses a proprietary mathematical model to identify up to 20 (in strong or choppy markets there will be fewer) weak stocks that have pulled back from recent lows. These stocks should be considered potential candidates to resume their longer-term downtrends.
Olympic Steel (NasdaqGM:ZEUS - News). ZEUS's owerRating is 2.
Short Windows Candidates: These are stocks which are in a strong downtrend, as determined by a proprietary trend filter and whose current bar has its low above the 4-day moving average. Historically, these stock on average have had a larger than normal short-term downside reversals. In order to qualify as a "Trading Window" candidate, the 10-period ADX must be 30 or higher and the -DI must be greater than the +DI. Or we must have a 14-period -DI reading of above 30 (with no ADX reading required). "Single Windows" are the most common type of Windows. They are simply a single bar which has its low of the day above the 4-period moving average.
EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG - News). EOG's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CVC, EOG, EXPD, FO, GROW, Hot Stocks, IDEV, ZEUS

The Dolan family has raised its bid for Cablevision Systems to $8.9 billion, representatives of the family said on Friday. The family, which owns a controlling stake in the Bethpage-based cable operator, said the proposal represents an 11% premium to its initial offer, and was its "best and final offer" to take the company private.
Shares of the Bethpage-based cable operator traded lower on the news, losing more than 3% in pre-market activity. The stock had been trading above $27 since October, as investors were anticipating a higher bid.
With many cable companies increasing their focus on bundling television, Internet, and phone services, cable prospects are looking brighter. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Cablevision's efforts to go private, the outlook for the company remains unclear and we would remain on the sidelines with the stock.
In October, the Dolans, who control 20% of the company's shares, offered $7.9 billion, or $27 per share, for all outstanding shares. The new offer implies an enterprise value of $20.1 billion, and represents a 25% premium to the stock's closing price on October 6, the day before the initial offer was made. However, it's only a 1.4% premium to Thursday's closing price of $29.60.
The Dolan family said that the ongoing uncertainty created by its efforts to take Cablevision private is potentially harmful to the company, and noted that the special transaction committee of the board of directors does not need any further information to make a decision.
--Richard Jahnke, Briefing.com

Labels: Cablevision Systems Corp., CVC

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD - News) shares fell 9.5% after it said it sees fourth-quarter revenue, excluding ATI, rising 3% sequentially. The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based chip company said it expects operating income in the quarter, excluding ATI and acquisition-related charges, to be "substantially" lower than in the third quarter due to lower microprocessor average selling prices.
CalAmp (NASDAQ:CAMP - News) shares dropped 7.7% after it reported third-quarter net earnings of $896,000, or 4 cents a share, down from $5.44 million, or 23 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The Oxnard, Calif.-based provider of wireless equipment posted revenue of $61.1 million vs. $64.5 million a year ago.
Cablevision Systems' (NYSE:CVC - News) shares slipped more than 4% following news that the company's founding family has lifted its bid to take the cable operator private. Charles and James Dolan, who say this is their final offer, are proposing to acquire the company's shares for $30 a share in cash, valuing the total equity at about $8.9 billion and representing a 25.4% premium to the closing price of Cablevision shares at the time of the previous offer. That proposal, made last October, was for $27 a share, or $7.9 billion. The latest offer expires at the close of business on Jan. 17.
Jewett-Cameron Trading Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ:JCTCF - News) shares dropped 23% after the company reported earnings of $287,883, or 18 cents a share, for the quarter ended Nov. 30, down from a profit of $550,391, or 36 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue fell 15% in the period to $15.5 million from $18.2 million last year, primarily due to lower market prices for structural products and lower volumes due to slowing in the recreational boating, transportation and laminated veneer lumber sectors.
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX - News) shares slipped more than 6% after it was downgraded to neutral from overweight at J.P. Morgan.
Northwest Airlines Corp. (Other OTC:NWACQ.PK - News) shares fell almost 13% after it filed a plan of reorganization with the bankruptcy court, a deal that would give the airline's unsecured creditors an unspecified amount of stock in the carrier, and said it would report a significant improvement in 2006 earnings.
Pool Corp. (NASDAQ:POOL - News) shares fell more than 10% after it lowered its outlook for fiscal 2006, saying it now expects earnings of $1.74 to $1.75 a share, below a prior projection for a profit of $1.82 per share. The Covington, La., distributor of swimming pool and backyard products attributed the shortfall to lower gross margins, flat base business sales growth, and a negative contribution from new stores.
RC2 Corp. (NASDAQ:RCRC - News) shares dropped about 12% after it said it expects annual per-share income to miss its prior outlook of $2.52 to $2.62 due to lower-than-expected sales and profit margins. The toy company said sales from continuing operations for the fourth quarter were flat to slightly down compared with a result of $154 million during the same period in the prior year.
Rogers Corp. (NYSE:ROG - News) shares slumped more than 6% after it said it now expects fourth-quarter earnings of 68 cents to 72 cents a share, down from its previous forecast of 90 cents to 93 cents a share. The Rogers, Conn.-based specialty materials manufacturer also said it now sees net sales for the quarter of about $122 million. The company's previously announced net sales outlook was $122 million to $126 million. Additionally, Rogers said it expects full-year per-share earnings of at least $2.64 on revenue of $454 million.
Terayon Communications (Other OTC:TERN.PK - News) shares fell more than 16% after it was downgraded to hold from buy at Jefferies & Co. The firm also cut its price target on the stock to $2.20 from $3.35, citing disappointing results for the third quarter.

Labels: AMD, CAMP, CVC, JCTCF, NFLX, NWACQ.PK, POOL, RCRC, ROG, TERN

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Under Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Intuitive Surgical Jan 100 Calls (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 6.
Most Under Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Harman International Industries Jan 100 Puts (NYSE:HAR - News). CME's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Google Inc. Feb 510 Calls (NASDAQ:GOOG - News). ACL's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Diamond Offshore Drilling Jan 75 Puts (NYSE:DO - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Kimberly Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB - News). GE's PowerRating 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 suggestsan extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Cablevision Systems (NYSE:CVC - News). NKE's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN - News). BZH's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CVC, DO, GOOG, HAR, ISRG, KMB, LEN, stock options