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.
DRS Technologies (NYSE:DRS) & Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN). DRS's PowerRating is 6, and TXN's PowerRating is 7.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP). HSP's PowerRating 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.
Central European Media Enterprises (NasdaqGS:CETV) & Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income (NYSE:FAX). CETV's PowerRating is 6, and FAX's PowerRating is 6.
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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH). BZH's PowerRating 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.
Steve Madden (NasdaqGS:SHOO). SHOO's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: BZH, CETV, DRS, FAX, Hot Stocks, HSP, SHOO, TXN

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.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP) & Hologic (NasdaqGS:HOLX). HSP's PowerRating is 6, and HOLX's PowerRating 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.
Oriental Express Hotels (NYSE:OEH). OEH's PowerRating 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.
Novellus Systems (NasdaqGS:NVLS) & NuStar GP Holdings (NYSE:NSH). NVLS's PowerRating is 7, and NHS's PowerRating is 8.
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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Jackson Hewitt (NYSE:JTX). JTX's PowerRating 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.
Conseco (NYSE:CNO). CNO's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CNO, HOLX, Hot Stocks, HSP, JTX, NSH, NVLS, OEH

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Cisco Systems (NasdaqGS:CSCO) beat earnings Tuesday after the close, announcing $0.34 EPS over an expected $0.33 EPS. CSCO's PowerRating is 5.
Electronic Arts (NasdaqGS:ERTS) beat earnings Tuesday, with $0.06 EPS over a consensus of $0.02 EPS. ERTS's PowerRating is 4.
DirecTV (NYSE:DTV) announces earnings on Wednesday before the bell, with analysts watching for $0.30 EPS. DTV's PowerRating is 5.
Edison International (NYSE:EIX) reports quarterly earnings tomorrow morning; watch for $0.64 EPS. EIX's PowerRating is 4.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP) should report $0.52 EPS before the market opens on Wednesday morning. HSP's PowerRating is 6.
When Precision Castparts (NYSE:PCP) announces earnings on Wednesday morning, look for $1.26 EPS. PCP's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts expect Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL) to report $0.42 EPS Wednesday before the bell. TOL's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CSCO, DTV, EIX, ERTS, Hot Stocks, HSP, PCP, TOL

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.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AAPL, ADBL, BEAS, CHINA, CIEN, DECK, DLTR, DTG, DY, GT, HSP, KCP, KG, KOMG, LEAP, LLL, MDCI, MEH, MRK, MSO

AdvancersAircastle Ltd. (NYSE:AYR - News) agreed to acquire 38 aircraft from certain units of Guggenheim Aviation Investment Fund LP for about $1.595 billion. The company said it plans to finance the purchase with common equity and debt financing. It expects the aircraft to be bought in a series of closings between this month and February of 2009. It anticipates closing on the purchase of 28 of the 38 aircraft in 2007. Aircastle also said it's boosted the capacity of its senior secured warehouse facility to $1.25 billion and its senior secured revolving credit facility to $450 million.
A.O. Smith Corp. (NYSE:AOS - News), a manufacturer or water-heating equipment, said fourth-quarter net income rose 18% to $18.9 million, or 61 cents a share, from $16 million, or 52 cents a share, a year earlier, partly helped by lower tax costs. Earnings from continuing operations came in at 62 cents a share compared to 52 cents a share. Sales climbed 25% to $543.6 million. The company sees 2007 earnings in the range of $2.75 to $2.85 a share.
Arotech (NASDAQ:ARTX - News) shares rose after the company said its Simulation and Training unit recently received more than $2.8 million in contract awards for weapon simulation products.
Shares of AT&T (NYSE:T - News) edged higher after Merrill Lynch upgraded the telecommunications services company to buy from neutral, citing the belief that the revenue environment for the company, and the telecommunications industry in general, is improving, which should also boost valuations. Analyst David Janazzo raised his earnings estimate for 2007 to $2.65 a share from $2.60 and for 2008 to $3 a share from $2.89, and his average revenue per unit growth forecast for its Cingular wireless unit to 1% from zero.
Avalon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:AVRX - News) said it's reached terms to raise about $10 million through a private placement. The company has agreed to sell three million common shares for $3.34 each to institutional investors.
Bebe Stores (NASDAQ:BEBE - News) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Cowen & Co. The firm cited valuation for the move.
Career Education Corp. (NASDAQ:CECO - News) shares rose after the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company said it has been notified by the Department of Education that it has lifted restrictions imposed in June of 2005 that had "prevented the company from domestic acquisitions of schools and had restricted its ability to open additional domestic campuses." "We will be carefully and selectively evaluating other expansion opportunities and look forward to pursuing those opportunities in cooperation with the department," said Robert Dowdell, interim chairman and chief executive, in a statement.
Chelsea Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CHTP - News) said it's received orphan drug designation for Droxidopa, its candidate for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients with primary autonomic failure, from the Food and Drug Administration. The company plans to conduct a phase III trial of Droxidopa in the U.S. and Europe in the second half of 2007.
E-Future Information Technology (NASDAQ:EFUT - News) shares jumped after the Beijing-based software company announced a new contract with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ - News) to provide supply chain management software in China. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
ElkCorp (NYSE:ELK - News) said the Carlyle Group has lifted its tender offer to acquire the company to $42 per share in cash from a prior proposal of $40.50 per share. The parties have amended their merger agreement to reflect the higher tender offer, which began on Jan. 18 and will expire on Feb. 14. ElkCorp said the $42 per share offer is worth a total of roughly $1.1 billion, including the assumption of about $173 million in debt.
Futuremedia plc (NASDAQ:FMDAD - News) shares jumped after the company regained compliance with the listing requirements for the Nasdaq exchange.
Halliburton (NYSE:HAL - News) agreed to acquire Ultraline Services Corp. from Energy Services Corp. for $177 million. Halliburton, based in Houston, said Ultraline provides wireline services in Canada. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hanger Orthopedic (NYSE:HGR - News) shares leapt after the company was upgraded to overweight at Lehman Bros.
Hoku Scientific (NASDAQ:HOKU - News) shares soared after the company said its materials unit has signed a deal to pay up to 21 million euros to Graeber Engineering Consultants and MSA Appartus Construction for polysilicon reactors. Hoku said the deal is for the purchase and sale of hydrogen reduction reactors and hydrogenation reactors used in the production of polysilicon, and related engineering and installation services.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Merrill Lynch.
IPG Photonics Corp. (NASDAQ:IPGP - News) rose as a number of analyst firms began coverage of the company. Lehman Bros. started with an equal-weight rating and a $25 price target, Needham & Co. began with a buy rating and a $30 price target, Merrill Lynch opened up with a buy rating and $32 price target, and Thomas Weisel Partners started its coverage at overweight.
Johnson Controls' (NYSE:JCI - News) shares got a lift after Banc of America Securities lifted its price target on the stock to $110 from $91.
Kohlberg Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:KCAP - News) was initiated with an overweight rating at Lehman Bros. The firm set a $20 price target on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus also started coverage of the company with a buy rating and a $19 price target.
Lodgian Inc. (AMEX:LGN - News) has hired Goldman Sachs and Genesis Capital LLC to explore "strategic alternatives" for the hotel company. Lodgian, Atlanta, manages a portfolio of 69 hotels in 28 states and Canada.
Novell (NASDAQ:NOVL - News) shares surged after the company was upgraded to buy from neutral at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Analyst Terry Tillman cited anticipated revenue growth for Novell stemming from the company's open-source software distribution agreement with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT - News). Under that agreement, Microsoft is obligated to distribute coupons to corporate customers that can be used to acquire and run Novell's open-source software simultaneously with Microsoft products. Shares of Novell were up nearly 1% in early trading Monday.
Omni Energy Services Corp. (NASDAQ:OMNI - News) agreed to acquire BMJ Industrial Investments LLC and its Charles Holston Inc. subsidiary for $23 million, including $18 million in cash and $5 million in three-year, 5% convertible promissory notes, convertible at $9.24 per share. Carencro, La.-based Omni, a provider of drilling and environmental services to the oil and gas industry, expects the deal to have an "immediate positive impact" on its operations and profitability. For 2006, the businesses being acquired had revenue approaching $30 million, and pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of more than $5 million, Omni said.
SigmaTel (NASDAQ:SGTL - News) shares rose after the Austin, Texas-based semiconductor company said its SGTV5800 TV audio chip has been adopted by Samsung Electronics . Samsung televisions with SigmaTel audio technology are expected to begin shipping during the first quarter of 2007. "We are thankful for our design win at Samsung; collaborating with the largest television manufacturer is a great opportunity for SigmaTel's TV audio product line," said Phil Pompa, SigmaTel's interim chief executive, in a statement.
SteelCloud (NASDAQ:SCLD - News) shares surged after the company received an order worth an estimated $500,000 from an undisclosed "major federal integrator." The company said the deal calls for it to provide servers for deployment in harsh industrial environments.
Swift Transportation (NASDAQ:SWFT - News) entered into a definitive merger agreement with an entity formed by Jerry Moyes, the company's largest shareholder, a current director, and former chairman of the board and CEO of Swift, to be acquired by Moyes and certain of his family members in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $2.74 billion, including the assumption of approximately $332 million of net debt.
Published by Michael Baron at MarketWatch

Labels: AOS, ARTX, AVRX, AYR, BEBE, CECO, CHTP, EFUT, ELK, FMDAD, HOKU, HSP, IPGP, JCI, JNJ, KCAP, MSFT, NOVL, T

Aircastle Ltd. (NYSE:AYR - News) agreed to acquire 38 aircraft from certain units of Guggenheim Aviation Investment Fund LP for about $1.595 billion. The company said it plans to finance the purchase with common equity and debt financing. It expects the aircraft to be bought in a series of closings between this month and February of 2009. It anticipates closing on the purchase of 28 of the 38 aircraft in 2007. Aircastle also said it's boosted the capacity of its senior secured warehouse facility to $1.25 billion and its senior secured revolving credit facility to $450 million.
A.O. Smith Corp. (NYSE:AOS - News), a manufacturer or water-heating equipment, said fourth-quarter net income rose 18% to $18.9 million, or 61 cents a share, from $16 million, or 52 cents a share, a year earlier, partly helped by lower tax costs. Earnings from continuing operations came in at 62 cents a share compared to 52 cents a share. Sales climbed 25% to $543.6 million. The company sees 2007 earnings in the range of $2.75 to $2.85 a share.
Arotech (NASDAQ:ARTX - News) shares rose after the company said its Simulation and Training unit recently received more than $2.8 million in contract awards for weapon simulation products.
Shares of AT&T (NYSE:T - News) edged higher after Merrill Lynch upgraded the telecommunications services company to buy from neutral, citing the belief that the revenue environment for the company, and the telecommunications industry in general, is improving, which should also boost valuations. Analyst David Janazzo raised his earnings estimate for 2007 to $2.65 a share from $2.60 and for 2008 to $3 a share from $2.89, and his average revenue per unit growth forecast for its Cingular wireless unit to 1% from zero.
Avalon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:AVRX - News) said it's reached terms to raise about $10 million through a private placement. The company has agreed to sell three million common shares for $3.34 each to institutional investors.
Bebe Stores (NASDAQ:BEBE - News) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Cowen & Co. The firm cited valuation for the move.
Career Education Corp. (NASDAQ:CECO - News) shares rose after the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company said it has been notified by the Department of Education that it has lifted restrictions imposed in June of 2005 that had "prevented the company from domestic acquisitions of schools and had restricted its ability to open additional domestic campuses." "We will be carefully and selectively evaluating other expansion opportunities and look forward to pursuing those opportunities in cooperation with the department," said Robert Dowdell, interim chairman and chief executive, in a statement.
Chelsea Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CHTP - News) said it's received orphan drug designation for Droxidopa, its candidate for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients with primary autonomic failure, from the Food and Drug Administration. The company plans to conduct a phase III trial of Droxidopa in the U.S. and Europe in the second half of 2007.
E-Future Information Technology (NASDAQ:EFUT - News) shares jumped after the Beijing-based software company announced a new contract with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ - News) to provide supply chain management software in China. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
ElkCorp (NYSE:ELK - News) said the Carlyle Group has lifted its tender offer to acquire the company to $42 per share in cash from a prior proposal of $40.50 per share. The parties have amended their merger agreement to reflect the higher tender offer, which began on Jan. 18 and will expire on Feb. 14. ElkCorp said the $42 per share offer is worth a total of roughly $1.1 billion, including the assumption of about $173 million in debt.
Futuremedia plc (NASDAQ:FMDAD - News) shares jumped after the company regained compliance with the listing requirements for the Nasdaq exchange.
Halliburton (NYSE:HAL - News) agreed to acquire Ultraline Services Corp. from Energy Services Corp. for $177 million. Halliburton, based in Houston, said Ultraline provides wireline services in Canada. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hanger Orthopedic (NYSE:HGR - News) shares leapt after the company was upgraded to overweight at Lehman Bros.
Hoku Scientific (NASDAQ:HOKU - News) shares soared after the company said its materials unit has signed a deal to pay up to 21 million euros to Graeber Engineering Consultants and MSA Appartus Construction for polysilicon reactors. Hoku said the deal is for the purchase and sale of hydrogen reduction reactors and hydrogenation reactors used in the production of polysilicon, and related engineering and installation services.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Merrill Lynch.
IPG Photonics Corp. (NASDAQ:IPGP - News) rose as a number of analyst firms began coverage of the company. Lehman Bros. started with an equal-weight rating and a $25 price target, Needham & Co. began with a buy rating and a $30 price target, Merrill Lynch opened up with a buy rating and $32 price target, and Thomas Weisel Partners started its coverage at overweight.
Johnson Controls' (NYSE:JCI - News) shares got a lift after Banc of America Securities lifted its price target on the stock to $110 from $91.
Kohlberg Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:KCAP - News) was initiated with an overweight rating at Lehman Bros. The firm set a $20 price target on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus also started coverage of the company with a buy rating and a $19 price target.
Lodgian Inc. (AMEX:LGN - News) has hired Goldman Sachs and Genesis Capital LLC to explore "strategic alternatives" for the hotel company. Lodgian, Atlanta, manages a portfolio of 69 hotels in 28 states and Canada.
Novell (NASDAQ:NOVL - News) shares surged after the company was upgraded to buy from neutral at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Analyst Terry Tillman cited anticipated revenue growth for Novell stemming from the company's open-source software distribution agreement with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT - News). Under that agreement, Microsoft is obligated to distribute coupons to corporate customers that can be used to acquire and run Novell's open-source software simultaneously with Microsoft products. Shares of Novell were up nearly 1% in early trading Monday.
Omni Energy Services Corp. (NASDAQ:OMNI - News) agreed to acquire BMJ Industrial Investments LLC and its Charles Holston Inc. subsidiary for $23 million, including $18 million in cash and $5 million in three-year, 5% convertible promissory notes, convertible at $9.24 per share. Carencro, La.-based Omni, a provider of drilling and environmental services to the oil and gas industry, expects the deal to have an "immediate positive impact" on its operations and profitability. For 2006, the businesses being acquired had revenue approaching $30 million, and pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of more than $5 million, Omni said.
SigmaTel (NASDAQ:SGTL - News) shares rose after the Austin, Texas-based semiconductor company said its SGTV5800 TV audio chip has been adopted by Samsung Electronics . Samsung televisions with SigmaTel audio technology are expected to begin shipping during the first quarter of 2007. "We are thankful for our design win at Samsung; collaborating with the largest television manufacturer is a great opportunity for SigmaTel's TV audio product line," said Phil Pompa, SigmaTel's interim chief executive, in a statement.
SteelCloud (NASDAQ:SCLD - News) shares surged after the company received an order worth an estimated $500,000 from an undisclosed "major federal integrator." The company said the deal calls for it to provide servers for deployment in harsh industrial environments.
Swift Transportation (NASDAQ:SWFT - News) entered into a definitive merger agreement with an entity formed by Jerry Moyes, the company's largest shareholder, a current director, and former chairman of the board and CEO of Swift, to be acquired by Moyes and certain of his family members in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $2.74 billion, including the assumption of approximately $332 million of net debt.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AOS, ARTX, AVRX, AYR, BEBE, EFUT, ELK, FMDAD, HAL, HOKU, HSP, IPGP, JNJ, KCAP, LGN, MSFT, NOVL, OMNI, SCLD, SWFT