Jim Cramer Blog

Six Flags (NYSE: SIX - News): 'We are big fans of Mark Shapiro... I like the advanced ticket sales. I like what he's doing. I am bullish on SIX, but I have to believe that you don't want to pull the trigger until it is below $6.'Ford (NYSE: F - News): 'People are believing in Alan Mulally [CEO}, and it's about time. He's shrinking the company ... we have heroes on Wall Street, not just villains, and Alan is one of the heroes!'Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC - News): 'Best in show bank. 14x multiple. Unbelievable. WFC is good - don't buy, don't buy - but I want you to pull the trigger on GS!'Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS - News): ' ... at $225, and I think it's going to $350... I want you to pull the trigger on GS.'Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU - News)Chemed (NYSE: CHE - News)Charter Communications (NasdaqGM: CHTR) 'CHTR's going higher! CHTR is now up almost a dollar from where we recommended it.'J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP - News)Kohl's (NYSE: KSS - News)Saks (NYSE: SKS - News): 'Somebody upgraded it today. They're finally getting on board. I like that one too!'Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS - News)Lowe's (NYSE: LOW - News)Federated Department Stores (NYSE: FD - News): 'That stock has gotten too cheap. I'd like to buy that. Buy, buy, buy.'Sears (NasdaqGS: SHLD): ' ... is a stock that everybody now hates... (buzzer sounds)... Meanwhile, I say, c'mon. The guy's making money. Give him the BOD - give him the benefit of the doubt!'Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT - News): ' ... why would you not buy Caterpillar instead, which is best in show, much too low versus the rest of the group.'Joy Global (NasdaqGS: JOYG): 'I like JOYG, but it is to CAT that I am pointing you to...'Syneron Medical (NasdaqGS: ELOS): 'We're still sticking with ELOS ... We like the lasers. We believe in the dental laser. Has it taken off yet? Not yet, but we still like it. I would stick with ELOS.'China Medical (NasdaqGS: CMED): 'The stock is good... A very strange combination of hospice and Roto Rooter... I am sticking by CMED. I would take a little off, because ... hogs get slaughtered... but CMED was a good one and it remains so.'New York Stock Exchange/Euronext (NYSE: NYX - News): '.... was so ugly today that... I've never seen such a bear raid on a stock ... The Euronext numbers that came out were great!'
Bearish calls:
Consol Energy (NYSE: CNX - News): 'Keep looking! Don't pull the trigger! Don't buy, don't buy.'Massey Energy (NYSE: MEE - News): ' ... that one is just awful! House of pain...'DivX (NasdaqGM: DIVX): 'I cannot get behind DIVX. That was one of the ugliest quarters out of the chute that I've ever seen... I cannot do the right thing when management screws up. I am not getting behind DIVX. No way, no how!'Big Lots (NYSE: BIG - News): 'BIG is not a favorite of mine.'Sport Chalet (NasdaqGM: SPCHB)Central Garden & Pet (NasdaqGS: CENT): 'Pass on CENT... Inconsistent. Not a great company. Way too levered to whether we have a good garden season, which is really bad. Sell, sell, sell!'

Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: BIG, BTU, CAT, CHE, CHTR, CNX, DKS, F, FD, GS, JCP, Jim Cramer, KSS, Lightning Round, LOW, NYX, SIX, SKS, WFC

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Applied Materials (NasdaqGS:AMAT) beat earnings on Tuesday after the close, announcing $0.34 EPS over an estimated $0.28 EPS. AMAT's PowerRating is 5.
Jack In The Box (NYSE:JBX) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning, so be looking for $0.70 EPS. JBX's PowerRating is 5.
Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT) announces earnings on Wednesday morning before the market opens; watch for $1.56 EPS. MT's PowerRating is 5.
Deere (NYSE:DE) reports quarterly earnings before the bell on Wednesday, with analysts looking for $2.41 EPS. DE's PowerRating is 5.
Watch for Federated Department Stores (NYSE:FD) to announce $0.19 EPS before the action begins on Wednesday. FD's PowerRating is 5.
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) and Longs Drug (NYSE:LDG) both report after the close on Wednesday, so watch for heightened price action and volume ahead of the bell. HPQ's PowerRating is 5, and LDG's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AMAT, DE, FD, Hot Stocks, HPQ, JBX, LDG, MT

Brother, Can You Spare a Nickel? North American Palladium Ltd. (AMEX: PAL - News)
Although PAL is known for its palladium, Cramer thinks this $10 stock is a great way to play nickel consolidation. PAL is not yet a well-loved stock, is not covered by any analysts, and if it gets a takeover bid for its nickel, Cramer comments he "can't even imagine how high this orphan stock would jump." He notes nickel prices are rising while PAL's production costs are falling and the company produced 2.7 million pounds of nickel last year. He believes it will get a bid, but warns that it is a speculative stock and investors should use limit orders when buying.
"Statement Buying": L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LLL - News)
Cramer calls insider buying which occurs when a company is at or near its 52-week high "statement buying" since it is a good indication of an upward move. Insiders cannot buy and sell rapidly like regular investors, but according to SEC rules, they must hold for a specified amount of time. Cramer discussed insider buying at LLL, the "archetypal high-tech defense contractor" which specializes in communications and sensor equipment. Insider buying may be due to the conviction the company will be taken over after the passing of founder Frank Lanza, or because those in the company feel the bears are wrong in believing the Democrats will undermine the war effort. Cramer believes sooner or later the analysts will "break" and upgrade LLL. Right now, however, he thinks the company is sandbagging in an effort to underpromise and overdeliver.

Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD - News)
The second stock close to its 52-week high with aggressive insider buying is EPD, which manages pipes for transporting natural gas. Chairman Dan Duncan, the 34th richest person in America from a list of 400, bought up a large amount of stock while it was at its high, which is an indication the company is undervalued, says Cramer. He concludes EPD is a conserative stock with a great dividend and gives it a triple buy.
Mad Mail: Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT), Yahoo (NasdaqGS: YHOO), Sun Microsystems (NasdaqGS: SUNW), Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO - News), Abercrombie & Fitch(NYSE: ANF - News), JC Penney (NYSE: JCP - News) Federated (NYSE: FD - News)
When a viewer asked if MSFT will buy YHOO or SUNW, Cramer said he doesn't see MSFT taking over SUNW and YHOO is very expensive and hasn't performed well. He imagines some upside if CEO Terry Semel or Sue Decker will leave, since the problem with the stock is a "hall of shame management issue." Another viewer asked about ARO and Cramer commented its is hard to predict where stocks like ARO and ANF will go from one month to the next. He suggests looking at JCP or FD, but only after a Thursday's report, since he doesn't think same-store sales will be good.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ANF, FD, JCP, Jim Cramer, LLL, Mad Money, MSFT, PAL, YHOO

Lights, Camera, Auction: Sotheby's (NYSE: BID)
Even though it has doubled from where he recommended it last year, Cramer still likes BID as an inflation stock and as a play on conspicuous consumption. When an inflation threat looms, it is time to pick up gold and collectibles, comments Cramer, and this auction house has seen a dramatic run up of 31% in four weeks, strong earnings growth, with numbers on the low end. While some may suspect that the huge auction in May is already priced into the stock, Cramer thinks the market is not behaving rationally, and would buy BID, sell it when the auctions begin on May 8, and pick it up again on a weakness for those who want BID as an investment.
Fertile Hopes: Mosaic (NYSE: MOS) and CF Industries (NYSE: CF)
Cramer commented the rest of the world is leaving the US behind when it comes to nuclear energy, and urged investors take a look at MOS or CF as speculative stocks. Both companies have the technology to turn phosphates from fertilizer into uranium. Although they have not been discussing this technology openly, Cramer thinks MOS and CF are being "coy" and will want to profit from uranium's rise to $113 per pound. Although Cramer wouldn't mind buying CF even after its big move, he prefers MOS, since "Mosaic is the largest producer of phosphate on earth," Cramer said. He thinks both companies are worth buying as long as uranium stays over $50 and would invest soon "before the market starts to price in the new uranium upside" for them.

Next Week's Game Plan: Saks (NYSE: SKS - News), Federated Department Stores (NYSE: FD ), Steel Dynamics Inc. (NasdaqGS: STLD), Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO), Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) and Washington Mutual Inc. (NYSE: WM), Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY), United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), eBay Inc. (NasdaqGS: EBAY), American Standard Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ASD), Harley Davidson (NYSE: HOG - News), Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), Schering-Plough Corp. (NYSE: SGP), intuitive Surgical Inc. (NasdaqGS: ISRG), Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB), Grey Wolf (AMEX: GW)
While SKS and FD are down because of disappointing quarters, Cramer reiterated his suggestion to give the companies the benefit of the doubt and would buy them on Monday. He commented STLD is in a "sweet spot" and is the perfect takeover target which would buy under $45. A "total breakout quarter" is in store for KO on Tuesday, according to Cramer, who points out that KO is an ideal weak dollar stock with good prospects in Japan, and he suggests paying up to $50.85. Cramer is wary of WM and WFC which have mortgage exposure and would hedge by picking up NLY. He admits UTX "humiliated" him when it rose as he was bearish, and now that he is impressed with the stock, Cramer calls it a "gift" below $65. On Wednesday, Cramer's "favorite internet stock" and value play, Ebay reports. Cramer would buy ASD before it splits next quarter and would not be intimidated by CEO Fred Poses' selling of the stock, since the move was planned. On the other hand, HOG has too much inventory, and Cramer calls it a heartbreaking stock. Thursday a "really big day,"Cramer commented, adding Quest Diagnostics has gone up, but is still cheap. He believes the takeover rumors and says, " I don't think you can afford not to be in DGX." Cramer also likes SGP which he believes is going to $30. He sees a "blowout" coming for ISRG because of its advanced surgery technology. Finally, Cramer would get into SLB if it is below $75 on Friday, because he predicts a "monster quarter." He would own SLB for a trade up to $80. In his "Mad Mail" segment, Cramer called the land driller GW "no good" and said "You have to be offshore."
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ASD, bid, CF, DGX, Ebay, FD, GW, HOG, Jim Cramer, KO, Mad Money, MOS, SGP, SKS, SLB, STLD, UTX, WFC, WM

The outlook for consumer spending turned hazy Thursday as warnings of weak sales ahead overshadowed better-than-expected March sales at many of the nation's big retailers.
Analysts said rising gasoline prices and the possibility of higher interest rates could lead shoppers to curtail their spending in the coming months. And Wal-Mart Stores Inc., whose customers cut back on shopping when gas prices were high last year, warned that April's selling environment will be tough, while Federated Department Stores Inc. said its first-quarter sales will come in at the low end of expectations. Cooler weather in recent days has stifled sales of spring clothing. And the slowing economy, particularly the weakening housing market, could challenge shoppers in the coming months.
An immediate concern is rising gas prices. Gas and oil climbed Wednesday and Thursday after the government reported a steeper-than-expected decline in gasoline inventories, and there are predictions of $3-a-gallon gasoline by summer. Meanwhile, minutes from the Federal Reserve's most recent meeting showed the central bank is not ruling out an interest rate hike to contain inflation. Higher rates mean consumers will be paying more on their credit card balances, and they can further hurt the already weak housing market.
One of the big pillars for consumer spending has been the solid job market. The Labor Department reported earlier this month that employers added 180,000 jobs in March; the unemployment rate slipped to 4.4 percent, matching a five-year low. But that could weaken if the housing market continues to slump, Perkins said.

Labels: consumer spending, FD, Oil, WMT

Altria (NYSE: MO - News), Level 3 Communications (NasdaqGS: LVLT), NYSE Group (NYSE: NYX - News)
Cramer revisited his top 3 stock picks for 2007, noting MO is down and NYX hasn't moved yet, but reiterating his bullishness on all three. He explained NYX is crushed because of arbitrage pressure, since investors have been selling NYX and buying Euronext to make an "itsy bitsy" profit from the merger. But with next week's closing on the deal, NYX will be "kicking and screaming" and those "bum analysts" will have to raise estimates. Cramer would buy NYX before the analysts capitulate and ahead of a short squeeze. "At $93 and change, I see NYX jumping back to at least its 52-week high of [more than] $110 a share," he said.
Benefit of the Doubt: Myron Ullman of J. C Penney (NYSE: JCP - News), Terry Lungren of Federated Department Stores (NYSE: FD - News)
Continuing his series on CEOs who deserve the benefit of the doubt, Cramer said those who believed Myron Ullman when he said JCP would recover from its troubled quarter made some money, as the stock was downgraded to $77, but has recently bounced to $81. He believes JCP is "heading to new highs" and suggests staying with the stock the next time it gives a lackluster number. When Terry Lungren said FD's big miss last year would not happen again, Cramer was "wracked with indecision" and eventually abandoned the stock. However, those who were loyal to Lungren profited.
Harris Stratex Networks (NasdaqGM: HSTX) and Harris (NYSE: HRS - News)
Cramer did some homework when asked about HSTX and he said the parent company, HRS is a better stock, suggested selling the child and buying the parent, which has a mix of very strong businesses, including government communications systems, RF communications and broadcast. Recently HRS was awarded a $600 million contract from the U.S. Census Bureau for field data collection automation and is the "best play on Earth for the penetration of HDTV," Cramer said.
CEO Interview: Vincent Sollitto, the CEO of Syntax-Brillian (NasdaqGM: BRLC)
Vincent Sollitto said business is "booming" with the company's Target sales and marketing campaign, and product reviews which are creating demand. When Cramer asked if BRLC is being hurt by housing, Sollitto responded that since people are holding onto their homes, they are more likely to remodel and there has been "tremendous" activity in the home theatre market; "I think it is a great time for us." Cramer is bullish but declined to give two thumbs up because BRLC is very speculative.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: BRLC, FD, HRS, HSTX, JCP, Jim Cramer, Mad Money, NYX

U.S.-listed shares of Chinese companies plunged in the wake of the overnight sell-off in Shanghai. Shares of Mindray Medical (NYSE:MR - News), Guangshen Railway Company Ltd. (NYSE:GSH - News), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL - News), China Southern Airlines (NYSE:ZNH - News) and Aluminum Corp. China (NYSE:ACH - News) all fell on heavier-than-average volume.
Shares of 11 exchange traded funds based on Asian markets fell sharply Tuesday, reflecting fears of economic upset after the Shanghai stock market fell almost 9% overnight. ETFs such as iShares:FTSE/Xinhua (NYSE:FXI - News), PowerShares Golden Dragon (AMEX:PGJ - News) and iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund (AMEX:EWS - News) were hit hard.
Apple Inc. (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News) shares slumped after the company said Monday it would delay the release of its AppleTV set-top box product until mid-March. The AppleTV had originally been scheduled to be shipped in February, but an Apple spokeswoman said, "Wrapping up AppleTV is taking a few weeks longer than we projected."
AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:AZO - News) said second-quarter net income for the three months ended Feb. 10 rose 6.2% to $103 million, or $1.46 a share, from $97 million, or $1.25 a share in the year-ago period. Sales rose to $1.3 billion from $1.25 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial forecast earnings of $1.45 a share and revenue of $1.3 billion, on average.
Blockbuster Inc.'s (NYSE:BBI - News) fourth-quarter profit dropped sharply on higher corporate expenses, the video rental company said Tuesday. Blockbuster earned $12.9 million, or 5 cents a share, down from $18 million, or 9 cents, in the fourth quarter of 2005. On an adjusted basis, the company said it would have earned $20.4 million, or 9 cents a share, vs. $25.0 million, or 12 cents. Revenue came in up 1.4% to $1.51 billion on an increase in worldwide same-store merchandise sales -- sales at stores open more than a year -- and favorable currency. The average estimate of analyst polled by Thomson Financial had been for Blockbuster to earn 5 cents a share on revenue of $1.47 billion.
Cabela's Inc. (NYSE:CAB - News) said it is filing a preliminary prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding a public offering of 4.1 million shares.
CBRE Realty Finance Inc. (NYSE:CBF - News) shares dropped after the Hartford, Conn.-based commercial real estate finance company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $3.5 million, or 12 cents a share, up from $1.73 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted funds from operations rose to $5.9 million, or 19 cents a share, from $2.5 million, or 13 cents a share, last year. Revenue rose to $25.6 million from $8.78 million. For fiscal 2007, CBRE expects earnings of 86 cents to 96 cents a share and adjusted funds from operations of $1.10 to $1.20 a share.
Centennial Communications Corp. (NasdaqGS:CYCL - News) said certain affiliates of the Blackstone Group have agreed to sell 10 million shares of Centennial's common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price of $8.05 per share. Wall, N.J.-based Centennial, a provider of wireless and communications services, will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares. Following the completion of the offering, the Blackstone Group affiliates will own 15.17 million shares of Centennial's common stock. Centennial shares fell 8.4% to $8.04 in Tuesday morning trade.
Covanta Holding Corp. (NYSE:CVA - News) reported fourth-quarter net income doubled to 8 cents a share as revenue rose to $317.9 million from $303.4 million.
Delphi Corp. (Other OTC:DPHIQ.PK - News) said fourth-quarter losses widened to $853 million from $828 million a year ago. The loss for the quarter ending December includes $200 million in impairment charges. Revenue fell to $6.4 billion from last year's $6.8 billion, while non-General Motors revenue was flat at $3.7 billion. For all of 2006, the bankrupt Troy, Mich. maker of auto parts lost $5.5 billion, which includes $3 billion in charges related to the attrition of more than 20,000 employees.
Dillard's Inc. (NYSE:DDS - News) said fourth-quarter earnings rose to $155 million, or $1.90 a share, from $98.5 million, or $1.24 a share, a year earlier. Results for the quarter ending Feb. 3 include an interest credit of 8 cents a share and a tax benefit of 79 cents a share. Excluding these non-recurring items, earnings would have been $1.03 a share. Revenue increased 3.3% to $2.46 billion from last year's $2.38 billion, while same-store sales declined 4%. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had been expecting earnings of $1.09 a share and revenue of $2.42 billion, on average. Shares of the Little Rock, Ark. department store chain closed Monday down 3 cents at $34.97.
DTE Energy Co. (NYSE:DTE - News) reported fourth-quarter net income fell to 79 cents a share from $2.14 a share in the year-earlier quarter.
Dynegy Inc. (NYSE:DYN - News)said it swung to a fourth-quarter net loss of $58 million, or 12 cents a share. The firm reported a profit of $293 million, or 74 cents a share a year earlier, which included a $690 million gain from discontinued operations. Revenue for the quarter fell 36.2% to $397 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected a loss of 4 cents a share. The firm said its proposed combination with LS Power remains on track for completion at the end of the first quarter of 2007. The deal is expected to provide more predictable cash flows, the company noted. It added its Midwest and Northeast regions delivered a stronger performance due to higher prices realized, though volumes were lower. The company cut its 2007 operating cash flow estimate to a range of $500 million to $600 million from a range of $600 million to $700 million due to a change in the timing of forward sales receipts. It maintained its forecast for 2007 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of $1.02 billion to $1.13 billion.
Federated Department Stores Inc. (NYSE:FD - News) turned in higher fourth-quarter earnings that included hefty charges, including a loss on the sale of bridal group businesses, but offered a sharply lower-than-expected forecast. But the retailer attempted to upstage that news with a plan to change its corporate name to Macy's Group Inc. At the same time, Federated also upped its share buyback program and announced a quarterly dividend.
Focus Media Holding Ltd., (NasdaqGM:FMCN - News) the Shanghai advertising company, reported fourth-quarter net income more than tripled as revenue nearly tripled to $68.3 million.

Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AAPL, ACH, AZO, BBI, CAB, CBF, CVA, CYCL, DDS, DTE, DYN, EWS, FD, FMCN, FXI, GSH, MR, PGJ, TSL, ZNH

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Focus Media (NasdaqGM:FMCN - News) beat earnings Monday afternoon, announcing $0.64 EPS over an expected $0.63 EPS. FMCN's PowerRating is 5.
Cogent (NasdaqGS:COGT - News) missed earnings on Monday after the bell; analysts expected $0.15 EPS, but the company announced $0.14 EPS. COGT's PowerRating is 4.
Target (NYSE:TGT - News) announces earnings on Tuesday before the bell, with analysts looking for $1.27 EPS. TGT's PowerRating is 6.
El Paso (NYSE:EP - News) should report $0.19 EPS on Tuesday before the market opens. EP's PowerRating is 6.
When Federated Department Stores (NYSE:FD - News) reports quarterly earnings Tuesday morning, watch for $1.57 EPS. FD's PowerRating is 6.
Analysts are watching for Harrah's Entertainment (NYSE:HET - News) to report $0.65 EPS on Tuesday before the market opens. HET's PowerRating is 6.
Heinz (NYSE:HNZ - News) is looking to report $0.61 EPS tomorrow morning. HNZ's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: COGT, EP, FD, FMCN, HET, HNZ, Hot Stocks, TGT

HSBC (NYSE: HBC - News), JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM - News), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News), ING (NYSE: ING - News), New Century (NYSE: NEW - News), Accredited Home Lenders (NasdaqGS: LEND), Countrywide (NYSE: CFC - News)
There is a British Invasion of Banks as HSBC moves in and takes business from BAC, JPM and causes concerns about the mortgage market. Cramer contrasted the strategies of ING, which has the "best, most sophisticated online approach" with HSBC which "is trying to buy your business by being the lender of last resort." Cramer adds that HSBC made a big mistake in not buying another major American bank. In addition, there are worries about NEW's 25% yield and that LEND is going to have more defaults than expected. However, Cramer says CFC is "right" but would wait until a bottom in the sector before buying.
J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP - News), Saks (NYSE: SKS - News), Federated Department Stores (NYSE: FD - News), Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN - News) and Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL - News)
Cramer says that "the winners keep winning" in retail, except for JCP. He adds that SKS had a "monster month," FD is recovering, and JCP has "a lot of things going for it." Meanwhile, high-end retailers JWN, SKS and RL are "on fire." Although there is a large short position on RL, Cramer says its brands are fantastic, it has great accelerated revenue growth and it is a major momentum stock for 2007.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: BAC, CFC, FD, HBC, ING, JCP, Jim Cramer, JPM, JWN, LEND, NEW, RL, SKS, Wall Street Confidential

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.
NYMEX Holdings Jan 135 Calls (NYSE:NMX - News) . PowerRating not available due to less than 200-day trading history.
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.
Intuitive Surgical Jan 95 Puts (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG'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.
Sears Holdings Jan 175 Calls (NASDAQ:SHLD - News). SHLD'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.
Harman International Jan 100 Puts (NYSE:HAR - News). HAR'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.
Veritas (NYSE:VTS - News). VTS' 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.
NeoPharm Inc. (NASDAQ:NEOL - News). NEOL'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.
Federated Department Stores (NYSE:FD - News). FD's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: FD, HAR, ISRG, NEOL, NMX, SHLD, stock options, VTS

Jones Soda (NASDAQ: JSDA - News), National Beverage (AMEX: FIZ - News) and Hansen Natural (NASDAQ: HANS - News)
Hansen Natural "ran out of fizz last summer," says Cramer, who now likes Jones Soda since it is "just beginning to run." Although the stock has been doing well, it is not too late to buy, and Cramer says he would pick some up on Monday afternoon after Thursday's buyers throw it back. Jones is a "relatively unknown stock" and the two analysts who cover Jones give it a "neutral" rating, but Cramer thinks that the company will have 100% earnings-per-share growth by next year thanks to the fact that retailers like Jones for its high premiums. Cramer thinks that Jones is a good regional to national story and has a "cultlike following" which is growing. Finally, Jones' winning deal with National Beverage will save Jones money. Cramer likes this company because it not only knows how to make a good soda, it also knows how to distribute its product.
Riverbed Technology (NASDAQ: RVBD - News)
Since Riverbed has climbed 80% since Cramer's recommendation in October, he suggests investors ring the register a bit, but to hold their position. The company "has a product that saves businesses a lot of money on their bandwidth costs and infrastructure costs," and while it is not a "hot" stock, since of the nine analysts that cover it, there are six holds and three buys, Cramer believes "they will be pressured to change their view." He predicts Riverbed will earn 25 cents a share as its market grows and comments that it has a 90% win rate with its WAN contracts. In addition, the company has beaten its estimates every quarter since its IPO.
Sell Block: Federated Department Stores (NYSE: FD - News), Activision (NASDAQ: ATVI - News), Gmarket (NASDAQ: GMKT - News), Nuance Communications (NASDAQ: NUAN - News), HealthSouth (NYSE: HLS - News)
Cramer regrets having recommended FD and says that it is a sell. Since ATVI is up 7%, he would ring the register. Cramer would take a "schnitzel," or sell a portion of a stock while retaining a position, on Gmarket, since it is up 20%, but "under no circumstances" should anyone buy Nuance, since it is moving into speech recognition, and Cramer does not think this is a good business. HealthSouth which is selling off its divisions to fund its core business is "selling off its winners to fund its loser," and Cramer would get rid of the stock.

CEO Interview: Douglas Brooks of Brinker International (NYSE: EAT - News)
When asked if people should be worried about his company, Douglas Brooks replied, "It has been a tough macroeconomic environment," Brooks responded. "But what we've tried to emphasize is innovation ... and we've been trying to work on value." He went on to discuss the company's share buyback program, its dividend increase, and new restaurants opening nationally and internationally. Cramer says that Brinker has a "limited" downside and would buy the stock.

Labels: ATVI, EAT, FD, FIZ, GMKT, HANS, HLS, Jim Cramer, JSDA, Mad Money, NUAN, RVBD

blockquote> Focus: Retail Stocks: Although Cramer does not recommend buying all of these retail stocks now, he has listed the top ten to watch and to buy when they bottom out. While these stocks may be a bit more costly on a valuation basis, Cramer says that they are consistently strong and are the retail stocks most likely to yield an excellent profit:
Best Buy (NYSE: BBY - News): Cramer says that BBY is "The best hard goods retailer in the US ... make that the world," and dominates big-screen TV and electronics retail sales. BBY should excel in sales of new Apple iPod products.Lowe's (NYSE: LOW - News): "Smaller than Home Depot...but there is a lot of room to grow."Costco (NASDAQ: COST - News):"Cheapest and best-run of all the big warehouse stores." Cramer likes COST better than Wal-Mart, and notes that it now sells electronics, appeals to wealthy customers and pays its employees well.Men's Warehouse (NYSE: MW - News): 'They keep rolling out concept after concept."Federated Department Stores (NYSE: FD - News): This company owns Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Lord Taylor. "FD has the opportunity to turn a bunch of middle-of-the-road stores they bought from May into high-end Macy's and Bloomingdales."Sears Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD - News): Cramer sees potential for "a big turnaround," has confidence in CEO Eddie Lampert because of his success on Wall Street, and sees SHLD as a real-estate as well as a retail play.JC Penney Corporation (NYSE: JCP - News): "Great management, terrific attention to detail and they've got all the brands you want." Cramer particularly likes JCP because of the addition of Sephora cosmetics.Coldwater Creek (NASDAQ: CWTR - News): "it's a regional-to-national story...a lot of room to grow."Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX - News): They have expanded in the U.S. sufficiently, but are looking at China: "Twenty percent of Starbucks' sales will be pouring out of China 2 years from now."Commerce Bancorp (NYSE: CBH - News): This bank is "run like a retailer...will benefit bigtime from all of those Banks of NY that are going to JP Morgan... (NYSE: CBH - News) capitalizes opportunistically on the disruption."

Labels: BBY, CBH, COST, CWTR, FD, JCP, Jim Cramer, LOW, Mad Money, MW, SBUX, SHLD

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.
Paccar Inc. (NASDAQ:PCAR - News) Jan 65.0. PCAR's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS - News) Jan 195.0. GS' 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.
Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:PCU - News) Jan 55.0. PCU'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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX - News) Jan 40.0. VRTX's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Federated Department Stores (NYSE:FD - News). FD'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.
Indevus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:IDEV - News). IDEV'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.
OSI Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:OSIP - News). OSIP's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: FD, GS, IDEV, OSIP, PCAR, PCU, stock options, VRTX

Here's what Jim Cramer had to say about some of the stocks that callers offered up during the "Mad Money Lightning Round" Friday evening:
Build-A-Bear (BBW): "You, my friend ... you are right. Build-A-Bear has got the mojo going into Christmas."
"Manulife Financial (MFC) is best of breed."
Medarex (MEDX): "C'mon, you're preaching to the converted ... antibody-based therapeutics to fight cancer. Nothing wrong with that story."
JPMorgan Chase (JPM): "That stock is sleepwalking between 45 and 48. ... The yield's good ... I'd like to see you in Goldman Sachs." Cramer has Goldman in his Action Alerts PLUS charitable trust.
Federated Department Stores (FD): "I think the stock should have moved. ... I think Federated is going to deliver a good Christmas. It belongs up there with J.C. Penney (JCP) and Kohl's (KSS ). Pull the trigger. There should be great pin action with the department stores alone."
MasterCard (MA): "How long have I been telling people to back the truck* up on MasterCard? ... I'm sticking by MasterCard. I think it goes even higher."
Valero Energy (VLO): "You need to be concerned that that stock hasn't kept place with the other oils. Valero is a laggard. I want you in Chevron (CVX). ... Secondarily, if you're more of a risk-taker, go with Devon (DVN)."
Hain Celestial (HAIN) is the natural way to play Whole Foods (WFMI), which I no longer really like."
L-1 Identity (ID): "This is a very good homeland security company."
Cramer also was bearish on La-Z-Boy (LZB) and Bank of America (BAC),

Labels: BAC, BBW, CVX, DVN, FD, HAIN, ID, JCP, Jim Cramer, JPM, KSS, Lightning Round, LZB, MA, Mad Money, MEDX, MFC, VLO, WFMI