Jim Cramer Blog

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.

ImClone Systems (NasdaqGS:IMCL - News). IMCL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Verigy (NasdaqGS:VRGY - News). VRGY'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.
InterOil (NYSE:IOC - News). IOC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Kellwood (NYSE:KWD - News). KWD's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Marvel Entertainment (NYSE:MVL - News). MVL'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.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT - News). HOT'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.
Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC - News). BSC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.

Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BSC, HOT, Hot Stocks, IMCL, IOC, KWD, MVL, VRGY

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.
ImClone Systems (NasdaqGS:IMCL - News). IMCL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Verigy (NasdaqGS:VRGY - News). VRGY'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.
InterOil (NYSE:IOC - News). IOC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Kellwood (NYSE:KWD - News). KWD's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Marvel Entertainment (NYSE:MVL - News). MVL'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.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT - News). HOT'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.
Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC - News). BSC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BSC, HOT, Hot Stocks, IMCL, Imclone Systems Inc., IOC, KWD, Marvell Technology Group Ltd., MVL, Verigy Ltd., VRGY

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.
Meyers Industries (NYSE:MYE - News). MYE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
Pilgrim's Pride (NYSE:PPC - News). PPC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Silicom (NasdaqCM:SILC - News). SILC'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.
Starwood Hotels (NYSE:HOT - News). HOT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Yahoo (NasdaqGS:YHOO - News). YHOO'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.
AES Corporation (NYSE:AES - News). AES's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Dillard's (NYSE:DDS - News). DDS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AES, DDS, HOT, Hot Stocks, MYE, PPC, SILC, YHOO

Equity prices continued their rally from Friday's strong showing as investors more or less banked that the Fed will cut interest rates when they meet on September 18th. Helping fuel the gains were technology and financial related names. At the close, all three major market averages rose on the session, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq leading the way with a gain of 1.30%. The Dow ended with a gain of 92 points, while the S&P 500 added 15.5 points. In the energy sector, oil rose $1.04 to $75.08 as investors worried over increased hurricane activity in the tropics.
On the economic front, manufacturing grew at the slowest pace in more than five years in August as companies reduced orders after borrowing costs rose. The Institute for Supply Managers (ISM) index fell to 52.9 from 53.8 in July. In other economic news, the Commerce Department said that construction spending unexpectedly fell -0.4% in July.
U.S. auto makers reported sales figures for the just completed month of August. Ford Motor (NYSE: F - News) said sales plunged -14% in the month, which marked the 10th straight monthly decline as demand for its cars plummeted -34%. For the month, Ford sold 218,332 vehicles. Analysts were looking for a -12% slide in overall U.S. sales. On the flip side, General Motors (NYSE: GM - News) reported a 5% sales increase in the month as it sold 388,168 vehicles, up from 368,776 in the same period a year ago.
In deal news, Metro PCS Communications (NYSE: PCS - News) proposed to buy rival Leap Wireless International (Nasdaq: LEAP - News) in an all-cash merger valued at $5.5 billion. Under the terms of the proposed deal, PCS wants to exchange 2.75 of its shares for every one share of Leap's, which would represent a premium of just 3% to where the shares traded on Friday. The combined company would create a new national wireless carrier. Leap shares surged 15% on a belief that investors would get a higher offer price. Metro PCS shares rose 5% on the session.
In other news, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: HOT - News) hired Frits van Paasschen to become CEO of the hotel operator. Today's hiring ends the five month long search for a new CEO. Paasschen will replace interim CEO Bruce Duncan. Elsewhere in the "E" suite, Sony Ericsson's Miles Flint will step down as President of the company and will be replaced by Hideki Komiyama, who is currently the Chairman of Sony Electronics in the U.S. Komiyama will join Sony Ericsson on November 1st.
Investment research firms were busy upgrading technology related names today, among them was Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO - News) whose shares surged 5.5% after Bear Stearns named the company a "top pick." Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck said the company could be a takeover candidate at significantly higher levels, and sees the stock trading at $30 by the end of the year without a takeover. Subscribers can read our analysis of Yahoo in today's issue.
Also making waves today was Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL - News) after technology research firm ISuppli said Apple's iPhone was the best selling phone in the U.S. in the month of July. ISuppli also expects the company to sell 4.5 million iPhones in 2007, and more than 30 million by 2011. A Piper Jaffray analyst also offered bullish comments, helping the company's shares jump 4.1%.
By The BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AAPL, F, GM, HOT, LEAP, PCS, YHOO

Stocks seesawed throughout most of the session before rallying into the close. At the end of the trading day, all the major market averages closed with solid gains, the second day in a row we've seen heavy buying late. Corporate earnings helped drive bears indoors as credit market jitters appeared to take a backseat.
Earning report cards from many of America's largest companies came out today, among them CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS - News) which saw profits rise 114% due to its recently completed merger with Caremark. Profits hit $724 million, or 47 cents a share, compared to $337.9 million, or 40 cents, in the year-ago period. Excluding merger-related charges, EPS would have been 48 cents a share. Revenues nearly doubled to $20.7 billion. The new company cited strength in its core retail pharmacy business as helping fuel increased profits. Shares rose 3.5%.
Hotel operator Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: HOT - News) said net income came in at $145 million, or 67 cents a share, down from $680 million, or $3.01 a share, last year when the company booked a one-time gain. Excluding special items, its EPS was 82 cents, up from 74 cents in the same period last year. The figures easily beat analyst estimates of 63 cents a share. Revenues rose 4.5% to $1.57 billion as revenue per available room (revpar) rose 8.4%. The company also raised its full-year EPS guidance to $2.78, up from $2.57 previously. Its shares rose 2.1%.
Shares of Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS - News) rose 1.6% after the media and theme park operator reported a third-quarter profit of $1.18 billion, or 57 cents a share, up from $1.13 billion, or 53 cents a share, last year. The 4.7% profit increase was attributed to higher advertising rates at its ABC television unit as well as merchandising from films. Revenues rose 6.7% to $9.05 billion. The company also said it acquired Club Penguin for $350 million in cash, as well as saying it could pay out an additional $350 million if certain profit goals are met.
Nokia (NYSE: NOK - News), the world's largest maker of mobile phones, said net income more than doubled to 2.82 billion euros, or 0.72 euros a share, up from 0.28 euros a share, last year. Excluding extraordinary items, it would have reported earnings of 0.32 euros a share, easily beating estimates of 0.28 euros. Sales rose 28% to 12.6 billion euros. The Finland-based company said it grabbed more market share in the second quarter. Shares surged 8.8%.
In other company news, Mattel (NYSE: MAT - News) shares fell -1.7% after the toymaker said it has recalled 1.5 million toys that are tainted with lead. It blamed the recall on a supply manufacturer in China.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: CVS, DIS, HOT, MAT, NOK

By TradingMarkets Research
Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS - News) beat earnings estimates after Tuesday's close. The company reported $0.58 EPS versus estimates of $0.55 EPS. DIS' PowerRating is 5.
Diana Shipping (NYSE:DSX - News) should report $0.40 EPS before the market opens on Thursday. DSX's PowerRating is 4.
Nokia (NYSE:NOK - News) is expected to announce $0.36 EPS on Thursday morning. NOK's PowerRating is 5.
NYSE Euronext (NYSE:NYX - News) is looking to report $0.63 EPS when the company announces earnings on Thursday morning. NYX's PowerRating is 4.
Starwood Hotels (NYSE:HOT - News) should report $0.63 EPS early Thursday. HOT's PowerRating is 6.
Verasun Energy (NYSE:VSE - News) is looking to have EPS of $0.15 on Thursday before the market opens. VSE's PowerRating is 4.
Viacom should report $0.50 earnings per share early Thursday. VIA.B's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: DIS, DSX, HOT, Hot Stocks, NOK, NYX, VSE

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.
Oil Services HOLDRs July 190 Calls (AMEX:OIH - News). OIH'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.
Intuitive Surgical June 135 Puts (NasdaqGS:ISRG - News). ISRG'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.
Google Inc. July 550 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG'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.
Research In Motion July 140 Puts (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News). RIMM'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.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE:HOT - News). HOT'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.
Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS - News). DIS' PowerRating is 6.
International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT - News). IGT's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: DIS, GOOG, HOT, IGT, ISRG, OIH, RIMM, stock options

Bullish calls:
Consolidated Edison (NYSE: ED - News): 'If you're going to go that route, I'd rather see you do ED.'WellPoint (NYSE: WLP - News)Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG)Gilead Sciences (NasdaqGS: GILD)Genzyme (NasdaqGS: GENZ)Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT - News): 'ABT has accelerated growth... because they got the best part of the Guidant deal... because they've got a couple of drugs that I think are still expanding... 'Marshall & Ilsley (NYSE: MI - News): 'I like what they did yesterday, very much... It split off its processing business ... MI is committed to be able to bring out value, even at a time when a lot of regional banks are not to be owned. I salute that management for being probably the only company in that whole industry that I think recognizes that you've got to do more than just play the yield curve, because they haven't done well. That's a good stock.'Dendreon (NasdaqGM: DNDN): 'I think DNDN has now had a major move ... I don't think it's done ... That is a very speculative stock though. It is not for those who want to buy it as a drug company ... Which is why I have not gone out with it on my show.'Starwood Hotels (NYSE: HOT - News): 'Steve Hayer must be a guy that nobody could work with, because, boy, he is an unbelievable turnaround guy... They just left him in the dust. The rumor is that they're going to be for sale. The stock could go to $90 if it's for sale ... I want to own HOT... I think that's a great selection.'
Bearish calls:
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE - News): 'You're too conservative ... I want more growth than that stock can give you.'Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY - News): 'This is a tough, tough, tough call, because LLY is very well-run, and it's done unbelievable work in the mental health business. The problem with LLY - and this is a problem I see with much of big pharma - it does not have the growth that I want ... I salute the management, but I don't want to buy the company.'MedImmune (NasdaqGS: MEDI): 'I think they're misguided. I do believe that this company should be sold to other people who can do a better job. They have great drugs. They have not succeeded in marketing them.'
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: ABT, DTE, ED, HOT, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLY, Mad Money, MEDI, MI, WLP

Hercules Inc. (NYSE:HPC - News) said net income for the fourth quarter swung to a profit of $242.1 million, or $2.14 a share. In the same period last year, the company posted a net loss of $79.2 million, or 73 cents a share.
Shares of Hovnanian Enterprises (NYSE:HOV - News) gained after Banc of America Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral. Analyst Daniel Oppenheim cited improving buyer traffic in the company's core markets, solid cash flow which could be used for future acquisitions, its strategy of using options to control land, and attractive valuation. "We think Hovnanian was among the most conservative builders in the way that it assessed write-downs," the analyst wrote in a Thursday research note.
I2 Technologies (NasdaqGM:ITWO - News) shares rose after the Dallas-based provide of supply chain management software reported fourth-quarter net earnings applicable to common stockholders of $14.3 million, or 54 cents a share, down from $69.4 million, or $2.69 a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue fell to $79.6 million from $96.6 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 27 cents on revenue of $72.2 million. For 2007, the company expects earnings of 90 cents to $1.10 a share. Excluding stock option expense and contract revenue, I2 forecast earnings of $1.25 to $1.45 a share.
L-1 Identity Solutions (NYSE:ID - News) confirmed an outlook for earnings of 2 to 4 cents a share in the fourth quarter on revenue of between $75 million and $80 million. For the year, the Stamford, Conn., personal identity protection and security products provider said it expects earnings of 8 to 12 cents a share on revenue ranging from $330 million to $340 million.
Landstar System (NasdaqGS:LSTR - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell 31% to $28.7 million, or 50 cents a share, from $41.8 million, or 70 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based transportation and logistics provider said accounting for stock-based compensation reduced its net income by 2 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of 47 cents a share and sales of $649 million. Landstar said its revenue fell 24% to $611.3 million.
Lehman Brothers (NYSE:LEH - News) increased its annual dividend by 25% to 60 cents a share from 48 cents a share. The dividend for the first quarter of 2007 is 15 cents a share, payable Feb. 21 to holders of record as of Feb. 12. Lehman Brothers also announced the continuation of its common stock repurchase program with up to 100 million shares of stock.
Magma Design Automation (NasdaqGM:LAVA - News) shares gained after the company received a favorable ruling in a patent dispute with Synopsys (NasdaqGS:SNPS - News) and IBM (NYSE:IBM - News). "We are extremely pleased with this ruling," said David Stanley, Magma corporate vice president, Corporate Affairs, in a statement. "It is a major step toward dismissal of infringement claims with regard to these two patents."
Monster Worldwide Inc. (NasdaqGS:MNST - News) disclosed selected financial targets for 2007, saying its ability to make a full forecast is hindered by legal fees and other potential costs associated with the inquiry into the company's stock-option practices. Among other things, revenue was pegged by management in a range of $330 million to $338 million for the first quarter and in a range of $1.36 billion to $1.41 billion for all of 2007. According to estimates compiled by Thomson Financial, analysts' average forecasts stand at $321 million and slightly more than $1.36 billion, respectively. The company also reported fourth-quarter net income of $39.1 million, or 30 cents a share, up from $36.1 million, or 28 cents, earned in the final three months of 2005. Quarterly revenue for the New York-based online employment clearinghouse reached $298.6 million from the prior year's $223.8 million. Earnings from continuing operations were 31 cents a share for the latest quarter, Monster Worldwide said. Analysts were looking for earnings of 33 cents a share on revenue of $296 million, according to estimates compiled by Thomson First Call.
Old Dominion Freight Line (NasdaqGS:ODFL - News) shares leapt after the Thomasville, N.C., motor carrier reported fourth-quarter earnings of $17.8 million, or 48 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $14.7 million, or 39 cents a share. Revenue rose 12% in the latest three months to $319.4 million from $285.2 million in the same period a year earlier. The performance was ahead of its outlook for a profit of 40 to 43 cents a share for the quarter.
ON Semiconductor (NasdaqGS:ONNN - News) shares jumped after the electronics chipmaker reported fourth-quarter profit quadrupled and surpassed Wall Street's targets. On Semi said fourth-quarter net income rose to $87.4 million, or 27 cents a share, compared with net income of $21.2 million, or 7 cents a share, a year ago. The latest quarter included an insurance settlement and real-estate sales, which added 3 cents a share. For the three months ended Dec. 31, sales rose 17% to $401.6 million from $341.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had estimated On Semi would report sales of $395 million and earnings of 17 cents a share. The Phoenix-based company makes audio and power management chips used in mobile phones, cars and computers. Its biggest customer in the quarter was Motorola Inc., which represented 7% of total sales.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. (NYSE:OSK - News) said its JLG Industries unit was awarded a $102.2 million contract by the Army for the purchase of military telescopic material handlers.
Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL - News) was initiated with a market weight rating at Thomas Weisel Partners.
Pulte Homes Inc. (NYSE:PHM - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $8.41 million, or 3 cents a share. During the same period a year ago, the company posted net earnings of $574.5 million, or $2.19 a share. The loss from continuing operations was $8.3 million, or 3 cents a share.
Sierra Wireless was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Piper Jaffray. The firm lifted its price target on the stock to $20 from $14.
Silgan Holdings Inc. (NasdaqGS:SLGN - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $20.8 million, or 55 cents a share, from $14 million, or 37 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Snap-On Inc. (NYSE:SNA - News) reported better-than-expected earnings late Wednesday. It said fourth-quarter net income rose to $38 million, or 64 cents a share, up from $27.4 million, or 47 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Profit in the most recent quarter included 5 cents a share from lower income tax expense. The provider of tools and equipment for professionals said sales in the last three months of 2006 rose 16% to $656 million, helped by its November acquisition of ProQuest Business Solutions. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected earnings of 51 cents on revenues of $610.7 million.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE:HOT - News) said its fourth-quarter net income rose 27.7% to $203 million, or 93 cents a share, from $159 million, or 70 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue for the period ending Dec. 31 rose 3.7% to $1.57 billion. Excluding special items, the firm said earnings from continuing operations rose to 92 cents a share from 71 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of 73 cents a share on revenue of $1.58 billion. Starwood said growth was driven by an 11.4% rise in worldwide revenue per available room as well as growth in margins. Starwood also said it expects earnings per share for 2007 to be around $2.50.
Tollgrade Communications (NasdaqGS:TLGD - News) reported fourth-quarter non-GAAP earnings of 14 cents a share on revenue of $16.6 million, coming in at the high end of its previously disclosed outlook.
Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE:VLO - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.11 billion, or $1.80 a share, down from a year-ago profit of $1.35 billion, or $2.06 a share. The latest results include a pre-tax gain of $196 million, or 21 cent a share, related to an asset sale. Excluding items, the company earned $987 million, or $1.59 a share, in the latest quarter. Operating revenue fell in the latest three months to $19.79 billion from $25.89 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of $1.37 a share in the December period.
VeriSign Inc. (NasdaqGS:VRSN - News) posted fourth-quarter total revenue of $412.6 million, compared with $389.1 million during the year-ago period. The company did not report full results due to the previously announced review of its historical stock option grants, which it said is now substantially completed.
Webex Communications (NasdaqGS:WEBX - News) said that fourth-quarter earnings rose 23% to $16.7 million, or 33 cents a share, from $13.6 million, or 28 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items, the Santa Clara, Calif., provider of Internet services said earnings rose to 42 cents a share from 30 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, fourth-quarter earnings of 38 cents a share, excluding items, on revenue of $101.4 million. Revenue rose 22% to $101.9 million from $83.7 million in the year-ago period. The company expects first-quarter earnings of 29 cents to 31 cents a share on revenue of $105 million to $108 million.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: HOT, HOV, HPC, IBM, ID, ITWO, LAVA, LEH, LSTR, MNST, ODFL, ONNN, OSK, PHM, RL, SLGN, SNA, SNPS, TLGD, VLO

Bullish calls:
Guidance Software (NasdaqGM: GUID): 'It's come back to 14 ... I am not backing away from it. ... if it goes back to 12 ... we're gonna have to back up the truck [ buy]'Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News): 'If you want to be in tech ... I am going to send you to Hewlett-Packard ... best beneficiary of Vista and declining chip costs.'Akamai Technologies (NasdaqGS: AKAM)Allegheny Technologies (NYSE: ATI - News)Arris (NasdaqGS: ARRS): ' ... move into Arris, which just did a real nifty acquisition.'Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: HOT - News): 'Incredibly high-end. ... I think Hilton and Starwood are both buys. ... Pull the trigger ahead of the spring and summer. HOT real hot and going higher.'Hilton Hotels (NYSE: HLT - News): 'I think Hilton and Starwood are both buys.'China Mobile (NYSE: CHL - News): 'We are gonna recommend China Mobile or Petrochina.'PetroChina (NYSE: PTR - News)Penn National Gaming (NasdaqGS: PENN): ' great play on gambling, I am not backing away ... I still want to own Penn National Gaming.'DuPont (NYSE: DD - News): 'do you mind if I ... go to DuPont?'Brunswick (NYSE: BC - News)
Bearish calls:
Buffalo Wild Wings (NasdaqGS: BWLD): 'I sit here and wonder how this stock became a human punching bag. ... You do not get three downgrades idly. Take advantage and SellSellSell.'ATMI (NasdaqGS: ATMI): 'I do not care for thin film equipment ... Ixnay, sell, you're done. If you want to be in tech.'WebEx Communications (NasdaqGS: WEBX): 'this is real-time interactive media. Does sell at almost twice its growth rate. ... I cannot bless.'Methanex (NasdaqGS: MEOH): 'Grows very slowly ... has a very low P/E ... does have fuel-cell applications which have given it some boost. I'm in the Don'tBuy camp.'Harmonic (NasdaqGM: HLIT): 'Ixnay on the Harmonic and move into Arris.'China Automotive Systems (NasdaqCM: CAAS)BASF (NYSE: BF - News): 'Good company, do you mind if I stick with Wilmington, Delaware, and go to DuPont instead of Ludwigshafen, Germany?'Turkcell Iletisim (NYSE: TKC - News): 'A challenged company, which is going to have very bad wireless competition, even though it's got that yield.'iRobot (NasdaqGM: IRBT): 'I said take the profit, take it off the table, and I never looked back.'Comtech (NasdaqGS: COGO)

Labels: ATI, ATMI, BC, BF, BWLD, CAAS, CHL, COGO, DD, HLIT, HLT, HOT, HPQ, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money, PTR, TKC, WEBX

Marvell (MRVL), Broadcom (BRCM), Seagate (STX), Level 3 (LVLT), Blockbuster (BBI), Goldman Sachs (GS): Cramer says that tech is okay for a trade until August, and he likes the wireless chip players because of the iPhone, Xbox and Playstation. Cramer adds that Marvell is 2 down because of its bad quarter, ten up, and mentions that he also likes BRCM and that STX is going higher. Cramer proclaims the death of the bears in speculative plays such as like LVLT, up 5% at $6.26, and Blockbuster, up 2% at $6.78. He predicts that GS, up 3% to $219 will make it to $300.
Marriott (MAR), Starwood (HOT), Hilton (HLT) and Trump (TRMP): Those who don't like hotel stocks "don't do their homework," said Cramer who is bullish on MAR, HOT and HLT, and says he is not afraid of buying TRMP, because it has dropped to $17.
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Labels: BBI, BRCM, GS, HLT, HOT, Jim Cramer, LVLT, MAR, MRVL, STX, TRMP