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.
Amazon.com Oct 100 Calls (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Research in Motion Dec 70 Puts (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News). RIMM'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.
Google Oct 640 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Nov 95 Puts (NYSE:DECK - News). DECK'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.
Rediff.com (NasdaqGM:REDF - News). REDF'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.
La-Z-Boy (NYSE:LZB - News). LZB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG - News). HOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMZN, DECK, GOOG, HOG, LZB, REDF, RIMM, stock options

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

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 Underpriced 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.
Pozen Inc. Sep 22.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:POZN - News). POZN's PowerRating is 7.
Most Underpriced 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.
Frontline Ltd. Aug 50 Puts (NYSE:FRO - News). FRO's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Baidu.com Aug 210 Calls (NasdaqGS:BIDU - News). BIDU's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Southern Copper Aug 110 Puts (NYSE:PCU - News). PCU's PowerRating 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.
Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE:DOW - News). DOW's PowerRating 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.
Whole Foods Market Inc. (NasdaqGS:WFMI - News). WFMI's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BIDU, DECK, DOW, FRO, Hot Stock Options, PCU, POZN, WFMI

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 Underpriced 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.
IPSCO Inc. Aug 160 Calls (NYSE:IPS - News). IPS' PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced 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.
Apple Inc. July 130 Puts (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Corp. Aug 110 Calls (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Bear Sterns Aug 125 Puts (NYSE:BSC - News). BSC's PowerRating 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.
Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE:S - News). 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 suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Financial Select Sector SPDR (AMEX:XLF - News). XLF'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.
Centex Corp. (NYSE:CTX - News). CTX's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, BSC, CTX, DECK, Hot Stock Options, IPS, S, XLF

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 Underpriced 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.

Deere & Co. July 130 Calls (NYSE:DE). DE's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced 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.
Mastercard Inc. July 160 Puts (NYSE:MA). MA's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Aug 110 Calls (NasdaqGS:DECK). DECK's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Baidu.com Aug 165 Puts (NasdaqGM:BIDU). BIDU's PowerRating is 1.
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.
Netease.com (NasdaqGS:NTES). NTES' PowerRating is 4.
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.
None Today
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.
Starbucks Corp. (NasdaqGS:SBUX). SBUX's PowerRating is 4.
Amgen Inc. (NasdaqGS:AMGN). AMGN's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMGN, BIDU, DE, DECK, MA, NTES, SBUX, stock options

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 Underpriced 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.

Baidu.com June 140 Calls (NasdaqGM:BIDU). BIDU's PowerRating is 3.
Most Underpriced 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.
Deckers Outdoor May 75 Puts (NasdaqGS:DECK). DECK's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange May 570 Calls (NYSE:CME). CME's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Google Inc. June 430 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG). GOOG's PowerRating 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.
Dendreon (NasdaqGM:DNDN). DNDN's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Deere & Coompany (NYSE:DE). DE's PowerRating 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.
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index (AMEX:EEM). EEM's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BIDU, CME, DE, DECK, DNDN, EEM, GOOG, stock options

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.
Dendreon Corp. Apr 15 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 1.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Apr 70 Puts (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Intuitive Surgical Apr 135 Calls (NasdaqGS:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 4.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Apr 30 Calls (NasdaqGS:VRTX - News). VRTX's PowerRating is 3.
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.
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Jun 110 Puts (AMEX:EEM - News). EEM's PowerRating 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.
Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:PXD - News). PXD's PowerRating is 3.
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.
None Today
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.
Atherogenics Inc. (NasdaqGM:AGIX - News). AGIX's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AGIX, DECK, DNDN, EEM, ISRG, PXD, stock options, VRTX

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.
Dendreon Corp. Apr 15 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 1.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Apr 70 Puts (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating is 6.
Baidu.com Apr 90 Puts (NasdaqGM:BIDU - News). BIDU's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Intuitive Surgical Apr 135 Calls (NasdaqGS:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 5.
Apple Inc. May 105 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL'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.
Sears Holding Jun 165 Puts (NasdaqGS:SHLD - News). SHLD's PowerRating 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.
None Today
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.
None Today
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.
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NasdaqGS:TTWO - News). TTWO's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, BIDU, DECK, DNDN, ISRG, SHLD, stock options, TTWO

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.
Cephalon May 80 Calls (NasdaqGS:CEPH - News). CEPH's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Apr 70 Puts (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK'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. Apr 500 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 6.
Dendreon Corp. May 12.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 1.
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.
Mastercard Inc. May 95 Puts (NYSE:MA - News). MA'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.
Wachovia Corp. (NYSE:WB - News) . WB'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 suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None Today
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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS' PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CEPH, DECK, DNDN, GOOG, MA, stock options, UPS, WB

Apple Inc. (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News) Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook reiterated that the company remains on track to release its iPhone mobile-phone product in June, and that Apple expects to sell 10 million of the devices in 2008.
Audible Inc. (NasdaqGM:ADBL - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $700,000, or 3 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $2.18 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue at the Newark, N.J.-based provider of Internet audio content rose to $23.3 million in the latest quarter from $18.3 million a year ago. The stock was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies & Co.
BEA Systems (NasdaqGS:BEAS - News) was upgraded to peer perform from underperform at Bear Stearns.
CDC Corp. (NasdaqGM:CHINA - News) lifted its financial outlook for 2007, saying it now expects adjusted net income of $57 million to $62 million, above its prior forecast of $55 million to $60 million. The company expects revenue of $415 million to $420 million for the year, a boost from its previous estimate of $401 million to $411 million.
Ciena (NasdaqGS:CIEN - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral by J.P. Morgan, as the broker said the recovery in the optical market is greater than it first expected.
Deckers Outdoor Corp.'s (NasdaqGS:DECK - News) preliminary fourth-quarter results indicate net income nearly doubled to $23.5 million, or $1.82 a share, from $12.1 million, or 94 cents a share, a year earlier. The Goleta, Calif., maker of outdoor footwear and apparel said net sales increased 37% to $124.4 million from $91 million a year ago.
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (NYSE:DTG - News) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $2.7 million, or 11 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $8.2 million, or 31 cents a share. The latest results include 10 cents a share in transition costs related to the outsourcing of information technology services and a charge of 5 cents a share from a decrease in the fair value of derivatives, while last year's performance reflects a gain of 11 cents a share from an increase in the fair value of derivatives. Revenue rose 11.5% in the three months ended Dec. 31 to $392.8 million from $352.4 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a loss of a penny per share in the December period. The company said the latest results reflect a very strong pricing environment, as well as significantly higher vehicle depreciation and interest costs compared to last year. Looking ahead, the Tulsa, Okla., car rental company sees earnings of $2.50 to $2.90 a share in 2007. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of $2.62 a share for the year.
Dollar Tree Stores Inc.'s (NasdaqGS:DLTR - News) fiscal fourth-quarter net income rose to $97.6 million, or 96 cents a share, from $86.5 million, or 81 cents a share, a year ago. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, predicted earnings of 94 cents a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. The Chesapeake, Va., discount retailer's net sales for the quarter ended Feb. 3 rose 22% to $1.32 billion from $1.08 billion a year ago, boosted by an extra sales week in the current quarter. The company expects first-quarter earnings of 32 cents to 35 cents a share on sales of $935 million to $955 million.
Dycom Industries Inc. (NYSE:DY - News) shares rose after the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based engineering and construction services provider reported fiscal second-quarter net earnings of $5.59 million, or 14 cents a share, up from $3.87 million, or 10 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $258.3 million from $237.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 13 cents on revenue of $253.4 million. Dycom forecast fiscal third-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 23 cents to 28 cents a share on revenue of $275 million to $295 million. Analysts are looking for a per-share profit of 24 cents on revenue of $275 million.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:GT - News) plans to record a charge of $65 million in the first quarter of 2007 for changes to its benefit and pension plans. The Akron, Ohio-based tire maker said, among other changes, current and future salaried retirees will contribute more toward the cost of their medical benefits and that the company would freeze its defined benefit pension plan for current salaried employees, replacing it with 401(k) retirement accounts. The changes will be phased in over a two-year period, and Goodyear expects savings of $80 million to $90 million in 2007, $100 million to $110 million in 2008, and $80 million to $90 million in 2009 and beyond.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP - News) reported a nearly 80% jump in fourth quarter profit Wednesday on higher product volumes, higher prices and favorable currency exchange. The company earned $47.4 million, or 30 cents a share, on the period - up from $26.6 million, or 16 cents. On an adjusted basis, Hospira said it would have earned 43 cents a share, vs. 32 cents in the last three months of 2005. Revenue came in at $706.5 million, a gain of 9.3%. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for Hospira to earn 38 cents a share on $674 million in revenue.
Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. (NYSE:KCP - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $7.99 million, or 39 cents a share, up 6.9% from $7.48 million, or 37 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue in the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose to $122.4 million from $119.8 million.
King Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:KG - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $37 million, or 15 cents a share, up from a year-ago loss of $95 million, or 39 cents a share. Excluding items, such as charges from asset impairment and an arbitration settlement, the company earned $98.8 million, or 41 cents a share, in the latest quarter. Revenue rose in the three months ended Dec. 31 to $512.9 million from $423.3 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 37 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $480.6 million.
Komag (NasdaqGS:KOMG - News) shares rose after American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu lifted his rating on the hard-disk maker's stock to neutral from sell. Wu said Komag is benefitting from more sales to its largest customer, Seagate Technology , which accounts for 37% of Komag's revenue. However, Wu warned that Komag faces other fundamental challenges as it deals with rising costs and competition involving a shift to newer disk-recording technologies.
L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) was upgraded to neutral from underweight by J.P. Morgan, with the brokerage saying the stock should have limited downside given its high free cash flow yield. "We believe 2007 could be a more challenging year for defense stocks, and given L-3's more modest valuation, we no longer expect it to underperform the group," the broker said.
Leap Wireless International (NasdaqGS:LEAP - News) shares advanced after the San Diego-based provider of wireless communications services reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $39.4 million, or 60 cents a share. In the same quarter last year, the company posted a net profit of $4.95 million, or 8 cents a share. Revenue rose to $315.5 million from $228.9 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share loss of 35 cents on revenue of $316 million. Leap said it added 262,000 net new customers in the fourth quarter, and expects to add 260,000 to 320,000 net new customers in the first quarter.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE:MSO - News) said fourth-quarter net income jumped to $16.2 million, or 31 cents a share, from $2.9 million, or 6 cents a share in the year-ago period. Total revenue rose to $97 million from $84.6 million. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 25 cents a share on revenue of $95 million, according to Thomson Financial. For 2007, the company is expecting revenue in the range of $330 million to $340 million, operating income in the range of $5.5 million to $8.5 million and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $32 million to $35 million, including an investment of $8 million in "Blueprint" magazine.
Medical Action Industries (NasdaqGS:MDCI - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Sidoti & Co.
Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK - News) said it expects its first-quarter profit will be 63 to 67 cents a share, excluding restructuring charges related to site closures and position eliminations, and targets reported first-quarter earnings per share of 58 cents to 64 cents. Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck cited early revenue trends across Merck's range of products. The company also raised its anticipated 2007 earnings forecast range to $2.55 to $2.65 a share, excluding items related to site closures and position eliminations, and its full-year 2007 reported earnings range to $2.40 to $2.55 a share. Analysts, on average, expect it to earn 60 cents a share for the first quarter and $2.62 a share for the year, according to Thomson Financial. Merck said its forecasts do not reflect the establishment of any reserves for any potential liability relating to the Vioxx litigation.
Midwest Air Group Inc. (AMEX:MEH - News) , citing its own growth forecasts, urged its shareholders again Wednesday to reject a takeover offer from AirTran Holdings Inc. "AirTran's low-cost carrier business model is in trouble. By virtually any metric, AirTran's business is deteriorating," according to a letter Midwest sent to its shareholders.
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Agilysis Inc. (NasdaqGS:AGYS - News) said third-quarter earnings rose 32%, boosted by higher sales of server and storage hardware and software. The Boca Raton, Fla., computer-technology company reported third-quarter earnings of $20 million, or 64 cents a share, up from $15.2 million, or 49 cents a share, a year earlier.
Amkor Technology (NasdaqGS:AMKR - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at American Technology Research.
Argonaut Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:AGII - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $31.4 million, or 92 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $25.4 million, or 76 cents a share. Total revenue rose 14.5% at the San Antonio specialty insurer in the three-month period to $243.1 million from $212.4 million in the same period a year earlier.
Asyst Technologies Inc. (NasdaqGM:ASYT - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at American Technology Research.
Barnes & Noble (NYSE:BKS - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at Prudential Equity Group. The firm said the launch of the final Harry Potter book could be a catalyst to improve lackluster sales. "In addition, for each of the last three Harry Potter books, Barnes & Noble shares have performed nicely in the six months leading up to the release date," Prudential said. The broker added that, like other retailers, Barnes & Noble is offering steep discounts on the book, which is due to be released on July 21. "It seems fair to say, with these massive discounts, that none of these retailers will make any money on the book itself. Historically, however, the release has driven significant traffic into the bookstores," it said.
B/E Aerospace (NasdaqGS:BEAV - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell to $21.7 million, or 28 cents a share, from $62.1 million, or 96 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of 26 cents a share and sales of $299.1 million. The Wellington, Fla., maker of airplane seats and interiors said its sales in the three months ended Dec. 31 rose 44% to $321.6 million from $222.9 million. B/E Aerospace forecast 2007 earnings of $1.40 to $1.42 a share and sales of $1.4 billion. Its 2008 forecast is for $2 a share in earnings and its 2009 profit is forecast to grow 25%.
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (NasdaqGS:CTSH - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose 21% to $69.5 million, or 46 cents a share, from $57.7 million, or 39 cents a share, a year ago. Excluding stock-based compensation expenses, the provider of information-technology services said Monday it earned 50 cents a share in the latest fourth quarter. Fourth-quarter revenue rose 65% to $424.4 million from $256.9 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, expected the Teaneck, N.J., company to earn 43 cents a share on revenue of $405.5 million for the latest fourth quarter.
Crocs Inc. (NasdaqGS:CROX - News) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Robert W. Baird.
Deckers Outdoor (NasdaqGS:DECK - News) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Piper Jaffray. The firm lifted its price target on the stock to $65 from $54.
Shares of Dell Inc. (NasdaqGS:DELL - News) rose after Credit Suisse upgraded the PC maker to outperform from neutral. Analyst Robert Semple said the upgrade was based on the belief that Dell will augment its technology with acquisitions, reduce its cost structure and possibly revise its distribution philosophy for certain products. Semple also thinks the company's core U.S. corporate market has bottomed out, and that the reward vs. risk profile in the shares is positive. He raised his stock price target to $28 from $25.
Hanover Compressor Co. (NYSE:HC - News) and Universal Compression Holdings Inc. (NYSE:UCO - News) said their boards have approved a merger that will create a combined company with a market capitalization of $3.8 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Hanover shareholders will receive 0.325 shares of the new company for each share they own, while Universal stockholders will receive 1 share for each of their shares. The companies said they anticipate that Hanover stockholders will initially own 53% of the new company. The companies added that the deal is expected to boost earnings for stockholders of both companies in 2008 and will achieve annualized pre-tax cost savings of around $50 million.
Hercules Offshore (NasdaqGS:HERO - News) said it returned to a fourth-quarter profit after not having tax expenses related to its initial public offering and on international demand for jackup rigs and liftboats. Fourth-quarter net income totaled $35.5 million, or $1.09 a share, while revenue rose to $114.7 million from $48.0 million.
Hewitt Associates Inc. (NYSE:HEW - News) reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $30.1 million, or 27 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $31.5 million, or 29 cents a share. The latest results included a pre-tax severance charge of $16 million and $6 million in higher compensation expense, according to the Lincolnshire, Ill., provider of human resources outsourcing and consulting services. Reported net revenue rose 4% in the latest three months to $726.6 million from $701 million a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 24 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $701 million. The company's board has approved the buyback of up to $750 million worth of its outstanding common shares over the next 24 months.
Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ - News) said it plans to withdraw the listing of its stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market to reduce costs of exchange listing fees and administrative burdens related to being listed in two exchanges. The Dow component also agreed to acquire Bristol Technnology, a private company that provides technology to monitor business transactions.
Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM - News) said its fourth-quarter net profit more than doubled to $155 million, or 92 cents a share, from $61.8 million, or 37 cents a share. Revenue for the period rose 53.6% to $5.46 billion, helped by strong growth in Medicare membership. Analysts at Thomson Financial had forecast earnings of 88 cents a share on revenue of $5.74 billion. The firm also raised its earnings guidance for 2007 to a range of $4.00 to $4.20 a share, from its previous forecast of $3.90 to $4.10 a share.
Kindred Healthcare (NYSE:KND - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel Nicolaus.
KLA-Tencor Corp. (NasdaqGS:KLAC - News) reported fiscal second-quarter earnings of $90 million, or 44 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $76.6 million, or 38 cents a share. The latest results include pre-tax charges totaling $117 million from asset write-downs, acquisitions, net stock-based compensation and restatement activities. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $649.3 million from $487.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 71 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $663.1 million.
Kulicke & Soffa Industries (NasdaqGM:KLIC - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at American Technology Research.
Lear Corp. (NYSE:LEA - News) shares rallied after the automotive parts supplier said billionaire financier and top shareholder Carl Icahn has made an offer to buy all of the company's outstanding stock. The $36-a-share offer from Icahn represents a 3.8% premium over the stock's Friday closing price.
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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.
Capital One Financial Feb 80 Calls (NYSE:COF - News). COF's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Apple Inc. Feb 85 Puts (NASDAQ:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Intuitive Surgical Feb 100 Calls (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 4.
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 Feb 75 Calls (NYSE:DO - News). DO's PowerRating 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.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS - News). LVS' PowerRating 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.
Deckers Outdoor (NASDAQ:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating 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.
Novellus Systems (NYSE:NVLS - News). NVLS' PowerRating is 7.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AAPL, COF, DECK, DO, ISRG, LVS, NVLS, stock options