Jim Cramer Blog

Target (NYSE:TGT) reported earnings today before the open, beating analyst estimates by three cents. The Short Term PowerRating for TGT is 4.
An analyst report suggesting that Chinese demand for metals lead to lower prices for shares of stocks like Alcoa (NYSE:AA), which was down more than 3% on the day. The Short Term PowerRating for AA is 2.
Home Depot (NYSE:HD) announced earnings beat lowered estimates but failed to truly impress traders and investors, who sent the stock lower by more than 5% on Tuesday. The Short Term PowerRating for HD is 5.
Solarfun Power (NasdaqGM:SOLF) reports earnings Wednesday morning before the open, with analysts expecting EPS of $1.12. The Short Term PowerRating for SOLF is 1.
Expanding its services to allow customers to watch content downloaded from the Internet on their televisions, Netflix (NasdaqGS:NFLX) was up by more than 3% in Tuesday trading. The Short Term PowerRating for NFLX is 5.
Added to Goldman Sachs "conviction buy list" today, Humana (NYSE:HUM) was one of the largest gainers in the S&P 500 today. The Short Term PowerRating for HUM is 3.
Discounts on women's clothing and accessories did not prevent Saks (NYSE:SKS) from missing analyst estimates in its earnings report on Tuesday. Saks finished the day down more than 6%. The Short Term PowerRating for SKS is 4.

Labels: AA, HD, Hot Stocks, HUM, NFLX, SKS, SOLF, TGT

Falling markets in Europe and Asia led to an early selloff in the U.S., with disappointing retail sales data and credit worries setting the tone. However, an afternoon rally erased the losses and stocks closed higher.
The Dow rose +35.50, the Nasdaq Composite +19.74, and the S&P 500 +6.71.
Here are 7 stocks to watch...
The Wall Street Journal reported Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC) is "facing increasingly tough trading conditions." BSC was the biggest decliner in the S&P 500, falling nearly 8%. BSC's Short Term PowerRating is 7.
Aspect Medical Systems (NasdaqGS:ASPM) plunged more than 45% after a report in the New England Journal of Medicine said the company devices were ineffective.
Humana (NYSE:HUM) gained more than 10%, after losing nearly 14% yesterday. HUM's Short Term PowerRating is 8.
After the close, Aeropostale (NYSE:ARO) beat earnings estimates by $0.05. ARO's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Before the market open, AnnTaylor Stores (NYSE:ANN) is expected to reports earnings of $0.20. ANN's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Electronic Arts went hostile in its takeover bid for Take Two Interactive Software (NasdaqGS:TTWO ), offering shareholders $26 per share. TTWO's Short Term PowerRating is 8.
Do you think Electronic Arts (NasdaqGS:ERTS) will close up or down on Friday? ERTS' Short Term PowerRating is 4. Go to TradingMarkets.com to play our Up or Down Daily Stock Contest for the chance to win $1000 every month by predicting the direction of a stock.

Labels: ANN, ARO, ASPM, BSC, ERTS, Hot Stocks, HUM, TTWO

On Friday Cramer bagan by talking about a recommendation he made on Thursday in the Lightning Round that he wants to correct. He had said that St. Jude Medical (STJ) was a sell, and after giving it some thought, he realized that it should be a buy. His reasons were that Medtronic (MDT) had a recall in a market where these two companies are the only players, health care stocks are good defensive plays, and it is trading at just over 1X its growth rate.
Then Cramer went to the phonelines. The first caller asked about Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Cramer said that it is a safe play in a slowing economy, plus Warren Buffet is buying shares. Second caller asked about Humana (HUM), and Cramer said that he doesn't know why the analysts don't like the stock, and that it is a cheap stock. He also said that he likes UnitedHealth (UNH) better, partially because Warren Buffet is buying this as well. Another caller asked about Hansen Medical (HNSN), and Cramer said that he thinks it has run its course and he doesn't want anything to do with it. The last caller asked about Beijing Medical (BJGP), and Cramer said that he won't recommend this Chinese stock since they are so risky.
Cramer came back and talked to (CSX) CEO Michael Ward who talked about their stock buyback, upcoming earnings, and why a hedge fund has been asking for a change in leadership. Cramer concluded that this stock is a buy.
In Cramer's "Game Plan" for next week, he said that he won't be recommending any individual stocks because the big investors are unsure right now, so they are unpredictable. Cramer said that Wells Fargo (WFC) gave a very negative report on the housing market and they are one of the best banking stocks out there, so the bad banking stocks must be really suffering. He said to get out of Countrywide (CFC), Washington Mutual (WM), Downey Financial (DSL), E*Trade (ETFC), Standard Pacific (SPF), Pulte Homes (PHM), Centex (CTX), and Beazer (BZH), and buy defensive stocks like Coca-Cola (KO), Altria (MO), Colgate (CL), Clorox (CLX), Avon (AVP), and Medco Health (MHS). Cramer said that things have gotten much worse for the economy recently, and the Fed can't let the economy fall apart, so they will have to take action soon.
Cramer went over his mining picks that have been doing well: BHP Billiton (BHP), C.V.R.D. (RIO), and Freeport McMoran (FCX), and then talked with the CEO of one that hasn't: Lundin Mining (LMC). It is down since they didn't have a very good quarter and he wants to know whether it is time to give up on the stock or buy more. The CEO was optimistic, but Cramer said that he wants you to wait until they report another quarter before buying more.
Lastly, Cramer did a review of the week and ended the show.

Labels: bjgp, CNBC, CSX, HNSN, HUM, Jim Cramer, JNJ, Mad Money, Mad MOney Recap, MDT, STJ, UNH

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Syntax-Brillian (NasdaqGM:BRLC - News) missed earnings on Wednesday, announcing $0.11 EPS versus expectations of $0.12 EPS. BRLC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR - News) reports earnings on Thursday before the market opens; look for -$0.44 EPS. PIR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Amgen (NasdaqGS:AMGN - News) rose over 4% on Wednesday after Merrill Lynch and UBS upgraded the drug company on the heels of a favorable FDA decision for an anemia drug. AMGN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Diana Shipping (NYSE:DSX - News) fell 5% on Wednesday, after the company announced plans to issue 10 million additional stock shares to the public. DSX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Humana (NYSE:HUM - News) rose over 5% Wednesday on news that the U.S. Congress may drop plans to cut Medicare payments for certain children's health insurance programs. HUM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Sirius (NasdaqGS:SIRI - News) gained just under 4% on speculation that the proposed XM Satellite (NasdaqGS:XMSR - News) merger could be approved by October. XMSR was up just over 4%. SIRI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4, and XMSR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMGN, BRLC, DSX, HUM, PIR, SIRI, Stocks to Watch, XMSR

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Archer-Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM - News) reports earnings on Monday before the bell; watch for $0.59 EPS. ADM's PowerRating is 5.
Cameco (NYSE:CCJ - News) looks to report $0.42 EPS on Monday morning before the bell. CCJ's PowerRating is 6.
Humana (NYSE:HUM - News) is expected to announce $1.39 EPS on Monday morning. HUM's PowerRating is 6.
Monster Worldwide (NasdaqGS:MNST - News) is looking to report $0.34 EPS when the company announces earnings on Monday morning. MNST's PowerRating is 7.
RadioShack (NYSE:RSH - News) should report $0.24 EPS early Monday. RSH's PowerRating is 7.
CF Industries (NYSE:CF - News) and Titanium Metals (NYSE:TIE - News) both report after the bell on Monday. Watch for heightened price and volume. CF's PowerRating is 9 and TIE's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADM, CCJ, CF, HUM, MNST, RSH, TIE

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Archer-Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM - News) reports earnings on Monday before the bell; watch for $0.59 EPS. ADM's PowerRating is 5.
Cameco (NYSE:CCJ - News) looks to report $0.42 EPS on Monday morning before the bell. CCJ's PowerRating is 6.
Humana (NYSE:HUM - News) is expected to announce $1.39 EPS on Monday morning. HUM's PowerRating is 6.
Monster Worldwide (NasdaqGS:MNST - News) is looking to report $0.34 EPS when the company announces earnings on Monday morning. MNST's PowerRating is 7.
RadioShack (NYSE:RSH - News) should report $0.24 EPS early Monday. RSH's PowerRating is 7.
CF Industries (NYSE:CF - News) and Titanium Metals (NYSE:TIE - News) both report after the bell on Monday. Watch for heightened price and volume. CF's PowerRating is 9 and TIE's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADM, CCJ, CF, Hot Stocks, HUM, MNST, RSH, TIE

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.

Apollo Group (NasdaqGS:APOL) & Pharmaceutical HOLDRS (NYSE:PPH). APOL's PowerRating is 7, and PPH's PowerRating 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.
Ford (NYSE:F). F'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.
Humana Incorporated (NYSE:HUM) & Gentex Corporation (NasdaqGS:GNTX). HUM's PowerRating is 6, and GNTX's PowerRating 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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Christopher & Banks (NYSE:CBK). CBK'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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS). UPS's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: APOL, CBK, F, GNTX, Hot Stocks, HUM, PPH, UPS

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.
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL - News) & Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News). CL's PowerRating is 6, and DOW's PowerRating 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.
Ryerson (NYSE:RYI - News). RYI's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Humana (NYSE:HUM - News) & Progress Energy (NYSE:PGN - News). HUM's PowerRating is 7, and PGN'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.
Coldwater Creek (NasdaqGS:CWTR - News). CWTR'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.
KB Home (NYSE:KBH - News). KBH's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CL, CWTR, DOW, HUM, KBH, PGN, RYI

Stocks traded indifferently before closing lower on mixed economic data. The government reported weak consumer spending in March, but an important inflation measure was flat. Technology stocks suffered more today than the Blue Chips as investors weighed the consumer spending news. Crude oil prices declined 75 cents a barrel in New York trading, while the 10-year Treasury note advanced.
The Commerce Department reported consumer spending grew by a slower-than-expected 0.3% in March compared to February, when spending increased at a revised 0.7%. After adjusting for price increases and taking spending for energy out of the equation, consumer spending actually declined -0.2% last month. The price index for personal consumption expenditures, an inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve, was flat in March when food and energy costs are excluded.
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ - News) closed up 0.8% after reporting its Q1 revenue rose but its net income declined -8.4% to $1.5 billion. The drop was attributed to the loss of income from assets sold in the past year, offset by growth in its Verizon Wireless unit and from its new fiber-optic high-speed service offering TV, voice, and Internet. Revenue grew 6.4% to $22.6 billion. The results beat Wall Street forecasts.
Shares of health insurer Humana (NYSE: HUM - News) lost -2.6% after the company reported a -15% drop in its Q1 profit. The company's results beat expectations, and it raised its outlook for the full year. The company said enrollment in its Medicare Advantage plans grew 50% compared with the year-ago period, and was up 11% since year-end to exceed 1.1 million. The drop in shares was attributed to profit taking.
Investors cheered the results posted by packaged food maker Kellogg (NYSE: K - News), pushing the stock to a 52-week high. The maker of Eggo waffles and Keebler cookies reported a 17% increase in Q1 net income on a 9% increase in revenue. Excluding one-time gains, Kellogg beat analyst estimates. The company also boosted its full-year guidance. Meat processor Tyson Foods (NYSE: TYN - News), meanwhile, returned to profitability in its fiscal Q2. Tyson reported a profit of $68 million, or 19 cents per share, against a year-ago loss of -$127 million, or -37 cents per share, and also raised its earnings outlook. The stock initially jumped on the news but faded in the afternoon.
In other news, German stock market operator Deutsche Boerse said it agreed to buy U.S.-based options exchange International Securities Exchange (NYSE: ISE - News) for $2.8 billion in cash. ISE's stock jumped 45.9%. The German exchange offered $67.50 a share, which is a 48% premium over Friday's closing price. Deutsche Boerse has been shopping for acquisition candidates since it lost out to NYSE Group (NYSE: NYX - News) in a bid to acquire Europe's Euronext market.
Finally, shares of Citigroup (NYSE: C - News) moved higher after a news report in London suggested the company could come under pressure to break itself into smaller pieces from activist hedge funds. Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO - News) closed lower after announcing it would buy the 80% of advertising exchange operator Right Media it did not already own.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: C, HUM, ISE, K, NYX, TYN, VZ, YHOO

Altria (NYSE: MO), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), UnitedHealth (NYSE: UNH), Humana (NYSE: HUM), Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Motorola (NYSE: MOT)
Cramer lamented that it is "too hard" to invest during earnings season, and had been faced with several disappointments, including Altria's "crummy" quarter which it tried to explain away by citing problems in Germany and Japan; "You buy the stock off the dividend and off the fact that its valuation is so low. But there's no masking a crummy quarter when you've got one," he said, and commented that KO was the winner in this space. Cramer was "flabbergasted" that UNH "totally missed execution" and while it can make money because it has a low mulitple, UNH is no longer a good company, he said. Although UNH blamed high medical costs, Cramer noted Humana is dealing with the same problem and yet is going up. Nokia is doing well only because MOT is doing badly, and while Nokia's quarter wasn't great, Cramer predicts it will go from $24 to $30. He added: "One of the most disheartening things about trying to invest in this environment is that Nokia looked bad, but you had to buy it, and Motorola tried to look good, but you had to sell it."
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: HUM, Jim Cramer, KO, MO, MOT, NOK, UNH, Wall Street Confidential

Signs that tensions were easing between Iran and Britain over captured British sailors sparked a sharp drop in crude oil prices today and helped spur a rally on Wall Street. Investors were also encouraged by a report that indicated home sales might be picking up. Trading was light, however, on a day that marks the start of Passover. The 10-year Treasury note closed lower.
The National Association of Realtors reported that pending sales of existing homes increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 0.7% in February compared with January. The industry group tracks signed contracts for used homes. Its index is still -8.5% below year-ago levels. In the oil markets, comments from a senior Iranian diplomat that the dispute over 15 British sailors and marines Iran says it captured trespassing in its waters would be resolved soon helped to cool a recent rise in futures prices.
Health insurers spiked today on a surprise announcement from the federal government that it would increase payments to firms operating private Medicare benefits plans by a greater amount than was expected. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said preliminary payments to companies that run Medicare Advantage programs will increase 3.5% in 2008. The market was looking for increases of between 2% and 3%. Among the shares rising today was Aetna (NYSE: AET - News). Also gaining today was Humana (NYSE: HUM - News), up 3.6%; Wellcare Healthplans (NYSE: WCG - News), which added 2.2%; and Coventry Health Care (NYSE: CVH - News), which closed 1.9% higher.
American automakers continued to fall short of efforts to post market share gains. Ford Motor (NYSE: F - News) reported a -9% drop in March vehicle sales; General Motors (NYSE: GM - News) said its sales declined -7.7%; and the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX - News) reported a -4% decline. Japan's Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News), meanwhile, continued its assault on Detroit, posting a 12% gain in U.S. sales during the same period. Despite the advance, Toyota has not yet overtaken Ford as the No. 2 U.S. automaker.
Shares of Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - News) rose 3.1% after it announced a deal with EchoStar Communications (Nasdaq: DISH - News) to create a system for auctioning advertising time over EchoStar's satellite TV network. Under the deal, Google will develop an online auction system, with advertisers bidding on the amount of money they are willing to pay per thousand households watching each commercial. Google has undertaken similar efforts in the radio and newspaper ad markets.
The planned merger of the two Chicago exchanges is on hold. Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings (NYSE: CME - News) announced it was postponing an April 4th shareholder meeting to vote on its proposed acquisition of CBOT Holding (NYSE: BOT - News). CBOT previously postponed a shareholder vote on the CME bid so its board could consider a competing offer from Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE - News). ICE is reported to have submitted a bid that is as much as $1 billion more than the $8 billion CME offered for its Chicago rival.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AET, BOT, CME, CVH, DISH, F, GM, GOOG, HUM, ICE, TM, WCG

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Under Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Intuitive Surgical Apr 125 Calls (NasdaqGS:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Humana Mar 55 Puts (NYSE:HUM - News). HUM'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.
Mastercard Feb 115 Calls (NYSE:MA - News). PowerRating not available due to less than 200 days of trading history.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Diamond Offshore Feb 85 Puts (NYSE:DO - News). DO's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Powershares WilderHill Clean Energy (AMEX:PBW - News) . PBW's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
SLM Corp. (NYSE:SLM - News). SLM'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.
Rackable Systems (NasdaqGS:RACK - News). RACK's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: DO, HUM, ISRG, MA, PBW, RACK, SLM, stock options

Stocks drifted throughout a generally quiet trading day and finally closed mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted a slim gain, but the broader market averages closed lower. The 10-year Treasury note started off the week by moving higher, while crude oil and natural gas prices continued to climb as cold weather gripped a large portion of the nation.
Private equity investments were once again behind some of the day's sharpest gains. Triad Hospitals (NYSE: TRI - News) surged 15% after announcing that it had agreed to be acquired by CCMP Capital Advisors and GS Capital Partners for approximately $4.7 billion, excluding debt. Investor Carl Icahn, meanwhile, offered $2.8 billion for auto parts maker Lear (NYSE: LEA - News). Investors bid up the stock 11% on news of the $36 a share offer, but one current shareholder told The Wall Street Journal that the offer was "ridiculously low." Fellow auto parts makers like Tenneco (NYSE: TEN - News) and ArvinMeritor (NYSE: ARM - News) also closed higher.
In other merger news, State Street (NYSE: STT - News) announced that it would acquire Investors Financial Services (Nasdaq: IFIN - News) for $4.5 billion in an all-stock deal. Investors Financial shot up 27% on the announcement, but investors frowned on State Street, knocking its shares down -6% in the belief that it was overpaying. The companies each provide a variety of advisory and back-office services to institutional investors.
Health insurer Humana (NYSE: HUM - News) reported that Q4 earnings more than doubled, driven by strength in its Medicare business. The company reported profits of $155 million, or 92 cents per share, compared to $62 million, or 37 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Humana also raised its 2007 outlook. It now expects to earn $4.00-4.20 a share, up from its previous estimate of $3.90-4.10 per share. The nation's largest health insurer, in contrast, slipped today after UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH - News) cut its 2007 revenue forecast, citing slippage in its Medicare-related health plans.
Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT - News) rose after the company announced on Saturday that expected January same-store sales exceeded its earlier conservative forecast. Wal-Mart said same-store sales rose 2.2% last month, topping its estimate for an increase of 1-2%. Wal-Mart also said that starting with February's results, it will release same-store sales figures on the first Thursday of the following months, putting it on the same schedule as the majority of U.S. retailers.
Nursing home operator Kindred Healthcare (NYSE: KND - News) rose 5% after it was upgraded to a "buy" from "hold" by Stifel Nicolaus. Argonaut Group (Nasdaq: AGII - News), which underwrites specialty insurance products, gained 5% after releasing earnings and being upgraded to a "outperform" by Friedman Billings Ramsey. Argonaut reported a profit of $31 million, or 92 cents per share, in Q4, up from $25 million, or 76 cents per share, in the year-earlier quarter.
By Bullmarket.com Staff

Labels: AGII, ARM, HUM, IFIN, KND, LEA, STT, TEN, TRI, UNH, WMT

Health insurer Humana Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter profit more than doubled on the strength of its burgeoning Medicare business, capping a record year in revenue, profit and medical membership. Buoyed by the momentum, the company raised its earnings projections for 2007.
The company said revenue from its Medicare Advantage plans -- which offer comprehensive health care coverage -- nearly doubled in the quarter over the year-ago period. Its stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans generated another $882 million in new fourth-quarter revenue.
For the three months ended last Dec. 31, Humana posted net income of $155 million, or 92 cents per share, compared to nearly $61.8 million, or 37 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had projected 88 cents per share for the recently ended quarter.

Labels: HUM, Humana Inc.

Agilysis Inc. (NasdaqGS:AGYS - News) said third-quarter earnings rose 32%, boosted by higher sales of server and storage hardware and software. The Boca Raton, Fla., computer-technology company reported third-quarter earnings of $20 million, or 64 cents a share, up from $15.2 million, or 49 cents a share, a year earlier.
Amkor Technology (NasdaqGS:AMKR - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at American Technology Research.
Argonaut Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:AGII - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $31.4 million, or 92 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $25.4 million, or 76 cents a share. Total revenue rose 14.5% at the San Antonio specialty insurer in the three-month period to $243.1 million from $212.4 million in the same period a year earlier.
Asyst Technologies Inc. (NasdaqGM:ASYT - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at American Technology Research.
Barnes & Noble (NYSE:BKS - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at Prudential Equity Group. The firm said the launch of the final Harry Potter book could be a catalyst to improve lackluster sales. "In addition, for each of the last three Harry Potter books, Barnes & Noble shares have performed nicely in the six months leading up to the release date," Prudential said. The broker added that, like other retailers, Barnes & Noble is offering steep discounts on the book, which is due to be released on July 21. "It seems fair to say, with these massive discounts, that none of these retailers will make any money on the book itself. Historically, however, the release has driven significant traffic into the bookstores," it said.
B/E Aerospace (NasdaqGS:BEAV - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell to $21.7 million, or 28 cents a share, from $62.1 million, or 96 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of 26 cents a share and sales of $299.1 million. The Wellington, Fla., maker of airplane seats and interiors said its sales in the three months ended Dec. 31 rose 44% to $321.6 million from $222.9 million. B/E Aerospace forecast 2007 earnings of $1.40 to $1.42 a share and sales of $1.4 billion. Its 2008 forecast is for $2 a share in earnings and its 2009 profit is forecast to grow 25%.
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (NasdaqGS:CTSH - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose 21% to $69.5 million, or 46 cents a share, from $57.7 million, or 39 cents a share, a year ago. Excluding stock-based compensation expenses, the provider of information-technology services said Monday it earned 50 cents a share in the latest fourth quarter. Fourth-quarter revenue rose 65% to $424.4 million from $256.9 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, expected the Teaneck, N.J., company to earn 43 cents a share on revenue of $405.5 million for the latest fourth quarter.
Crocs Inc. (NasdaqGS:CROX - News) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Robert W. Baird.
Deckers Outdoor (NasdaqGS:DECK - News) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Piper Jaffray. The firm lifted its price target on the stock to $65 from $54.
Shares of Dell Inc. (NasdaqGS:DELL - News) rose after Credit Suisse upgraded the PC maker to outperform from neutral. Analyst Robert Semple said the upgrade was based on the belief that Dell will augment its technology with acquisitions, reduce its cost structure and possibly revise its distribution philosophy for certain products. Semple also thinks the company's core U.S. corporate market has bottomed out, and that the reward vs. risk profile in the shares is positive. He raised his stock price target to $28 from $25.
Hanover Compressor Co. (NYSE:HC - News) and Universal Compression Holdings Inc. (NYSE:UCO - News) said their boards have approved a merger that will create a combined company with a market capitalization of $3.8 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Hanover shareholders will receive 0.325 shares of the new company for each share they own, while Universal stockholders will receive 1 share for each of their shares. The companies said they anticipate that Hanover stockholders will initially own 53% of the new company. The companies added that the deal is expected to boost earnings for stockholders of both companies in 2008 and will achieve annualized pre-tax cost savings of around $50 million.
Hercules Offshore (NasdaqGS:HERO - News) said it returned to a fourth-quarter profit after not having tax expenses related to its initial public offering and on international demand for jackup rigs and liftboats. Fourth-quarter net income totaled $35.5 million, or $1.09 a share, while revenue rose to $114.7 million from $48.0 million.
Hewitt Associates Inc. (NYSE:HEW - News) reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $30.1 million, or 27 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $31.5 million, or 29 cents a share. The latest results included a pre-tax severance charge of $16 million and $6 million in higher compensation expense, according to the Lincolnshire, Ill., provider of human resources outsourcing and consulting services. Reported net revenue rose 4% in the latest three months to $726.6 million from $701 million a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 24 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $701 million. The company's board has approved the buyback of up to $750 million worth of its outstanding common shares over the next 24 months.
Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ - News) said it plans to withdraw the listing of its stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market to reduce costs of exchange listing fees and administrative burdens related to being listed in two exchanges. The Dow component also agreed to acquire Bristol Technnology, a private company that provides technology to monitor business transactions.
Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM - News) said its fourth-quarter net profit more than doubled to $155 million, or 92 cents a share, from $61.8 million, or 37 cents a share. Revenue for the period rose 53.6% to $5.46 billion, helped by strong growth in Medicare membership. Analysts at Thomson Financial had forecast earnings of 88 cents a share on revenue of $5.74 billion. The firm also raised its earnings guidance for 2007 to a range of $4.00 to $4.20 a share, from its previous forecast of $3.90 to $4.10 a share.
Kindred Healthcare (NYSE:KND - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel Nicolaus.
KLA-Tencor Corp. (NasdaqGS:KLAC - News) reported fiscal second-quarter earnings of $90 million, or 44 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $76.6 million, or 38 cents a share. The latest results include pre-tax charges totaling $117 million from asset write-downs, acquisitions, net stock-based compensation and restatement activities. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $649.3 million from $487.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 71 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $663.1 million.
Kulicke & Soffa Industries (NasdaqGM:KLIC - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at American Technology Research.
Lear Corp. (NYSE:LEA - News) shares rallied after the automotive parts supplier said billionaire financier and top shareholder Carl Icahn has made an offer to buy all of the company's outstanding stock. The $36-a-share offer from Icahn represents a 3.8% premium over the stock's Friday closing price.
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BE Aerospace (NasdaqGS:BEAV - News) announces earnings on Monday before the open, with analysts looking for $0.26 EPS. BEAV's PowerRating is 4.
Cognizant Tech (NasdaqGS:CTSH - News) is looking to report $0.43 EPS before the market opens on Monday. CTSH's PowerRating is 5.
Hewitt Associates (NYSE:HEW - News) is expected to announce $0.24 EPS on Monday morning. HEW's PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are watching for Humana (NYSE:HUM - News) to report $0.88 EPS on Monday morning before the market opens. HUM's PowerRating is 5.
Watch for PMI Group (NYSE:PMI - News) to announce $1.19 EPS when the company reports quarterly earnings Monday morning. PMI's PowerRating is 5.
Regal-Beloit (NYSE:RBC - News) should report $0.68 EPS on Monday morning. RBC's PowerRating is 4.
When Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL - News) announces quarterly earnings, watch for $0.20 EPS. RCL's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

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Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Monday's session are Anadarko Petroleum Corp., Herbalife Ltd. and Hewitt Associates Inc.
Anadarko (NYSE:APC - News) is expected to report earnings per share of $1.26 for the fourth quarter, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
Cognizant Technology Solutions (NasdaqGS:CTSH - News) is expected to post fourth-quarter per-share earnings of 43 cents.
Hewitt Associates (NYSE:HEW - News) is expected to report first-quarter earnings of 24 cents per share.
Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM - News) is expected to report earnings of 88 cents per share for the fourth quarter.
KLA-Tencor Corp. (NasdaqGS:KLAC - News) is expected to post fourth-quarter per-share income of 61 cents.
Overstock.com Inc. (NasdaqGM:OSTK - News) is expected to report a per-share loss of 85 cents for the fourth quarter.
Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI - News) is expected to post fourth-quarter earnings of 77 cents per share.
Principal Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:PFG - News) is expected to report income of 88 cents per share for the fourth quarter.
Rent-A-Center Inc. (NasdaqGS:RCII - News) is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of 50 cents per share.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL - News) is expected to post income per share of 20 cents for the fourth quarter.
After Friday's closing bell, Herbalife (NYSE:HLF - News) said it has received an acquisition offer of $38 a share from Whitney V L.P. and its affiliates. The offer represents a 14.8% premium to the Herbalife's closing share price Friday of $33.10. Watch listBisys Group Inc. (NYSE:BSG - News) filed its Form 10-Q for the period ended Sept. 30, 2006, and reported net income of $14 million, compared with $13.4 million during the year-ago period. Revenue for the first fiscal quarter of 2007 was $211.5 million vs. $205.7 million.
E.On AG (NYSE:EON - News) raised its offer for Spanish Endesa S.A. to 38.75 euros a share ($50.22) from 34.5 euros a share. The final bid values all of Endesa's shares at 41 billion euros.
Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ - News) said it plans to withdraw the listing of its stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market to reduce costs of exchange listing fees and administrative burdens related to being listed in two exchanges.
Majesco Entertainment Co. (NasdaqCM:COOL - News) said its financial statements for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2006 contain a going concern modification. According to a Jan. 29 filing, the company's auditors have issued an opinion indicating that there is substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern because Majesco has incurred net losses for the years ended Oct. 31, 2005 and 2006.
Mediacom Communications Corp. (NasdaqGS:MCCC - News) said it has reached a retransmission consent agreement with Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:SBGI - News). Mediacom added that stations will be immediately restored on the Mediacom cable systems in 12 states.
Overstock.com Inc. said it has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco seeking damages of $3.48 billion against a group of companies it says control over 80% of the prime brokerage market.
Unitrin Inc. (NYSE:UTR - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $61.6 million, or 91 cents a share, down 29% from $86.7 million, or $1.26 a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue at the Chicago-based financial services company rose to $763.9 million from $755.9 million.
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