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Friday, November 16, 2007

Stock Market Wrapup Nov. 16th

Stocks climbed higher in afternoon trading to end a volatile week on a high note, as Wall Street did its best to absorb earnings reports, banking sector concerns, and the overall direction of the economy. The Dow was up 67 points at the bell to finish the week at 13,177. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P ended higher to close at 2,637 and 1,459, respectively. Light, sweet crude traded down on the day to close at $94.85 per barrel for December delivery. Treasury prices traded flat on the day, while gold prices advanced to close at $787.00 an ounce. The dollar dipped against the euro, but gained slightly versus the yen.
On the earnings front, shares of Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX - News) tumbled -3.9%, as the company cut its fiscal-year 2008 guidance and reported its first-ever decline in traffic at its U.S. stores. The warning came as the company posted a 35% jump in fourth-quarter profit. For the period, Starbucks reported net earnings of $158.5 million, or 21 cents per share, versus $117.3 million, or 15 cents per share, last year. Quarterly revenue was up to $2.44 billion, from $2 billion a year earlier. Analysts were looking for earnings of 21 cents per share on revenue of $2.43 billion. The company expects 2008 EPS to be between $1.02-$1.05, representing growth of 17-21% and down from previous earnings growth estimates of 20-22%.
Shares of Jack in the Box (NYSE: JBX - News) soared 17.3%, as the fast-food chain reported a better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit. Net income for the period came in at $27 million, or 43 cents per share, down from $33.2 million, or 46 cents per share, last year. Results reflect a 2-for-1 stock split. Revenue rose in the quarter to $678.4 million, up 5% from $648.5 million, a year ago. On average, Wall Street was expecting earnings per share of 39 cents on $684.4 million in revenue. Subscribers can read our take on Jack in the Box in today's edition.
In other corporate news, Garmin (Nasdaq: GRMN - News) announced today that it was withdrawing its bid to acquire digital map maker Tele Atlas NV, and instead signed a long-term data agreement with Navteq (NYSE: NVT - News). Garmin had previously offered $3.3 billion for Tele Atlas, but was recently outbid by rival TomTom. Shares of Garmin surged on the news, and were up 16.1% at the bell.
Shipping giant FedEx (NYSE: FDX - News) said that it was lowering its second-quarter and fiscal-year guidance, citing higher energy prices and a weaker freight sector. For Q2, the company now expects to earn $1.45-$1.55 per share, compared with previous guidance of $1.60-$1.75 per share. For the fiscal year, FedEx lowered guidance to be between $6.40-$6.70 per share, down from a range of $6.70-$7.10 per share. On average, analysts were looking for second-quarter earnings of $1.71 per share and fiscal-year 2008 earnings of $6.87 per share. FedEx's stock was off -4.5% on the day. Subscribers can read our take on FedEx in today's edition.
Elsewhere, Cisco Systems (Nasdaq: CSCO - News) upped its buyback program by an additional $10 billion, bringing the total amount now available to repurchase shares to $62 billion. The company had approximately 6.09 billion shares outstanding as of September 7th. Shares of Cisco were up 2.2% in trading.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: CSCO, FDX, GRMN, JBX, NVT, SBUX

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Friday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Kohl's (NYSE:KSS - News) beat earnings on Thursday afternoon with $0.61 EPS over an expected $0.60 EPS. KSS' PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Autodesk (NasdaqGS:ADSK - News) reported better than expected earnings, announcing $0.49 EPS over $0.48 EPS. ADSK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Intuit (NasdaqGS:INTU - News) beat earnings expectations with -$0.10 EPS. INTU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Agilent (NYSE:A - News) matched earnings expectations on Thursday with $0.46 EPS. A's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
AnnTaylor NN reports earnings on Friday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.60 EPS. ANN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
When Jack In the Box (NYSE:JBX - News) announces quarterly results tomorrow before the bell, analysts will be looking for $0.39 EPS. JBX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Qiao Xing Mobile (NYSE:QXM - News) is set to report $0.32 EPS tomorrow morning before the market opens. QXM does not have a PowerRating (for Traders) due to its short trading history.

Labels: A, ADSK, Hot Stocks, INTU, JBX, KSS, QXM

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Wednesday

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

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

Monday, May 14, 2007

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Stock Recap May 11th

Time Heals all Wounds: Kinetic Concepts (NYSE: KCI - News) and Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN - News)
Although Cramer usually prefers medical stocks which are a "pastiche," he likes KCI as a speculative stock even though it is levered only to wound-care and therapeutic service products. He is not concerned about the "nasty beating" KCI has taken, since the bulls and bears tend to fight it out over companies like KCI, and Cramer thinks the bulls will win. Another concern is KCI has reached 90% saturation in wound care and now has to compete for market share with SNN which recently acquired Blue Sky Medical. Cramer believes KCI has many competitive advantages, its 3% drop was "overdone," and only 10% of its revenue comes from bandages. He is confident KCI will bounce back.
On the Mend: Micrus Endovascular (NasdaqGM: MEND), Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX - News) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ - News)
While those holding the stock may be in the "House of Pain" after MEND failed to get approval in China for its cerebral aneurysm treatment, Cramer thinks its $2 fall is a good opportunity to buy. He believes approval has been postponed and not cancelled, and would sell into strength once the treatment is approved. Cramer is not worried about large competitors BSX and JNJ. He also notes MEND could be a takeover target; "It either makes you money or it will get bought out." Cramer would buy the stock in increments andwould use limit orders.
Game Plan for the Coming Week: Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO - News), J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP - News), Kohl's (NYSE: KSS - News), Home Depot (NYSE: HD - News), TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX - News), Jack in the Box (NYSE: JBX - News), Deere (NYSE: DE - News)
Cramer would look into buying scientific-instruments producer TMO before its analyst meeting on Tuesday. He also likes retailers JCP, KSS which report Thursday, and he thinks the downside has been priced into the stocks. Cramer is currently bullish on retail, and would buy half a position in HD before its Tuesday report, since he believes its management is developing "retail-savvy." Tuesday is also the day Cramer believes investors will see a "terrific" report from TJX and a "gigantic beat" from JBX, and he would buy ahead. However, Cramer would wait until after DE's report on Wednesday before buying, because the stock has increased, and he would wait for a selloff and a price drop.
CEO Interview: Mark Shapiro, Six Flags (NYSE: SIX - News)
Mark Shapiro is looking forward to an "extremely good summer season" given the number of group sales and season passes SIX has already sold. Meanwhile, the company has been investing in more aggressive marketing, employee training and recruiting. Although the weather is an unknown variable, Shapiro's aim is to "increase value proposition for our guests." Cramer remarks Shapiro is "good to go" and is sticking with Six Flags.

Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: BSX, DE, HD, JBX, JCP, Jim Cramer, JNJ, KCI, KSS, Mad Money, SIX, SNN, TJX, TMO

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Wednesday's Biggest Stock Advancers

ABN, AMSG, AAPL, CRI, CHE, DLIA, EPIQ, FOSL, HL, HSIC, JBX, JBLU, JUPM, LOJN, MHS, NTBK, NICE, ODSY, ORB, OC

ABN Amro (NYSE:ABN - News) shares gained after Merrill Lynch added the firm to its Europe 1 list of most preferred stocks and reiterated its buy rating on the firm. "If the company delivers on its headline earnings per share target of 2.30 euros, we think it will have broken the earnings downgrade cycle and the EPS momentum should continue to improve. If management fails, we consider that takeover speculation around the stock will increase," the broker said.

AmSurg Corp. (NasdaqGS:AMSG - News) fourth-quarter earnings rose 13% to $9.6 million, or 31 cents a share. Excluding share-based compensation expense, the company posted fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 36 cents. The Nashville ambulatory-care company's revenue rose 17% to $118.9 million.
Shares of Apple Inc. (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News) surged after Prudential Equity Group lifted its earnings estimate for the company's March quarter following a meeting with senior management last week. The firm, which also cited a recent round of channel checks with industry contacts in the Mac and iPod supply chains, boosted its view by 4 cents to 68 cents a share for the March quarter, a level it said was 7 cents ahead of Wall Street's current average estimate. "Our checks suggest a solid MarQ with seasonal iPod weakness being more than offset by stronger Mac sales and higher margins due to a favorable component cost environment," Prudential told clients. The firm maintained its neutral rating and $100 price target on the stock. Within its research note, Prudential also provided some information about the iPhone, stating that management said the product will be sold exclusively through its own stores, Web site and Cingular stores. The company expects the majority of iPhone sales to occur in its own stores, Prudential said, because of its belief that consumers will want Apple to demonstrate the device's features.
Carter's Inc.'s (NYSE:CRI - News) fourth-quarter net income increased to 45 cents a share from 28 cents in the year-earlier period. The Atlanta apparel marketer reported adjusted per-share earnings of 47 cents. Sales increased 7.7% to $377.5 million. Carter's expects adjusted per-share earnings of 14 cents for the first quarter and $1.42 to $1.49 for fiscal 2007.
Central Parking Corp. agreed to go private in a transaction that values it at $22.53 a share. The stock closed Tuesday at $21.22, up 4.2%. The Nashville, Tenn., provider of parking and transportation-related services said the consideration represents a premium of about 30.8% from its closing price on Nov. 27, just before it announced plans to evaluate its strategic options. The company is being acquired by KCPC Holdings Inc., a company formed by affiliates of Kohlberg & Co., Lubert-Adler, L.P., and Chrysalis Capital Partners, L.P. Central Parking expects the deal to close in the second calendar quarter of 2007.
Chemed Corp. (NYSE:CHE - News) reported fourth-quarter net income quadrupled to 67 cents a share from 16 cents in the year-earlier period. Revenue increased 11% to $271.9 million.
Delia's Inc. (NasdaqGM:DLIA - News) said late Tuesday Chief Financial Officer John Holowko has resigned to pursue other interests. The New York-based apparel and accessories retailer named Stephen Feldman CFO, effective Feb. 26. Feldman served as CFO of Urban Brands Inc. from 2004 to 2006.
Epiq Systems (NasdaqGS:EPIQ - News) shares surged after the Kansas City-based provider of technology products and services to the legal profession reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $2.09 million, or 11 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $4.05 million or 22 cents a share, last year. Excluding certain items, the company posted a per-share profit of 15 cents vs. 25 cents in the year-ago quarter. Total revenue rose to $46.4 million from $30 million.
Fossil (NasdaqGS:FOSL - News) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wachovia.
Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL - News) reported earnings of $68.6 million, or 57 cents a share, for 2006, a performance the Coeur D'Alene, Idaho gold and silver producer said exceeded its next best year by 20%. For the fourth quarter, the company earned $20.4 million, or 17 cents a share, on revenue of $70.3 million. The company also said it's agreed to sell its interest in the Hollister Development Block gold project in Nevada for $60 million.
Henry Schein Inc.'s (NasdaqGS:HSIC - News) fourth-quarter net income rose 30% to $63 million, or 70 cents a share, from $48.6 million, or 55 cents a share, a year earlier. The provider of healthcare products said Wednesday the latest quarter includes one extra week of business. The Melville, N.Y., company's fourth-quarter sales increased 12% to $1.5 billion from $1.34 billion. The company said it experienced sales growth in each of its business groups. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected, on average, fourth-quarter earnings of 67 cents a share and revenue of $1.57 billion. For 2007, Henry Schein expects to earn $2.51 to $2.57 a share and to distribute about 20 million doses of flu vaccine.
Jack In The Box, (NYSE:JBX - News) reported fiscal first-quarter net income rose to $1.03 a share from 70 cents in the year-earlier period. A survey of analysts by Thomson Financial produced an estimate of 81 cents. Revenue rose to $857 million from $813 million. The board authorized a buyback of 3.3 million shares during 2007. Second-quarter earnings are seen between 67 and 70 cents a share. For the fiscal year, earnings are seen between $3.27 and $3.33 a share.
JetBlue (NasdaqGS:JBLU - News) revised first quarter and 2007 forecast to incorporate material changes in its projections due to the service disruptions resulting from the Feb. 14 New York metropolitan area ice storm and related recovery period. For the first quarter, JetBlue now expects to report an operating margin between negative 4% and negative 2%, based on an assumed aircraft fuel cost per gallon of $1.89, net of hedges. The company's pre-tax margin is expected to be between negative 10% and negative 8% percent for the first quarter. The company also received an upgrade to buy from Merrill Lynch.
Jupitermedia (NasdaqGS:JUPM - News) shares rose following a published report that the company is in advanced talks to be acquired by Getty Images Inc. . A report in the New York Post, citing unnamed sources, said Getty could offer more than $11 a share for Jupitermedia in a deal worth more than $450 million including debt. Darien Conn.-based Jupitermedia is a provider of images, online information and research.
LoJack Corp. (NasdaqGS:LOJN - News) said it expects net income growth of 27% to 30% for fiscal 2007 with diluted earnings per share projected to increase 30% to 33%. Revenue is anticipated to increase between 9% and 11%. The Westwood, Mass., vehicle theft protection technology company also posted fourth-quarter net income of $2.9 million, or 15 cents a share, as revenue rose 10% to $51.1 million.
Medco Health Solutions Inc. (NYSE:MHS - News) reported a 29% rise in fourth-quarter profit to $228.8 million, or 77 cents a share, raised its earnings estimate for 2007 and lifted its share buyback by $3 billion. Excluding amortization charges, the pharmacy-benefits manager earned 86 cents a share. Revenue rose 1.2% to $10.93 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected earnings of 79 cents a share on revenue of $11.09 billion.
Netbank (NasdaqGM:NTBK - News) said it swung to a fourth-quarter loss of $86.3 million, or $1.86 a share. The Atlanta bank, reporting preliminary results as Porter Keadle Moore was recently hired to be its auditor, said increased provisions on its decision to close the non-conforming mortgage channel and $21.3 million in restructuring costs hurt results. It expects its first-quarter loss at the bottom end of an analyst range from 8 cents to 24 cents a loss.
Nice Systems Ltd., (NasdaqGS:NICE - News) reported fourth-quarter net income fell 38% on 29% higher revenue and raised its earnings estimates for the year. On an adjusted basis, Nice earned 37 cents against 28 cents. Adjusted revenue rose 34% to $120.4 million. A survey of analysts by Thomson Financial produced consensus estimates of 34 cents of profit and $118 million of revenue.
Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (NasdaqGS:ODSY - News) swung to fourth-quarter net income of 5 cents a share from a loss of 5 cents in the year-earlier period. The Dallas hospice-care company reported per-share profit from continuing operations, excluding items, of 7 cents. Revenue fell 6% to $96.9 million.
Orbital Sciences Corp. (NYSE:ORB - News)fourth-quarter net income per share was flat at 12 cents. On an adjusted basis, the Dulles, Va., company earned 20 cents a share in the latest quarter. Revenue reached $215.8 million, up 8%, reflecting strength in the satellites and space systems business. Analysts, on average, were looking for Orbital Sciences to earn 6 cents a share on revenue of $211 million, according to estimates compiled by Thomson Financial.
Owens Corning (NYSE:OC - News) reported earnings of $7.7 billion for the three months ended Dec. 31, up from $338 million in the year-ago equivalent period. The latest figures include gains related to the settlement of certain asbestos liabilities and fresh-start accounting adjustments stemming from the company's emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. On an adjusted basis, excluding items, the company posted earnings from operations of $143 million for the three-month period, which it designated as its fiscal fourth quarter, down 4% from $149 million in last year's period. Owens Corning, which is based in Toledo, Ohio, disclosed plans to evaluate strategic options for siding solutions business and the Fabwel unit of its composites business. This decision follows the company's announcement late Tuesday of a joint venture with Saint-Gobain to combine their reinforcements and composites businesses. The joint venture is to be 60% owned by Owens and 40% owned by Saint-Gobain with Owens Corning holding an option to purchase Saint-Gobain's minority stake. That deal is expected to close in mid-2007. Also, Owens Corning said its board has approved the buyback of up to 5% of its outstanding common stock. For 2007, the company said it expects the continued slowdown in U.S. housing starts to be reflected in its first-quarter results.

Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AAPL, ABN, AMSG, CHE, CRI, DLIA, EPIQ, FOSL, HL, HSIC, JBLU, JBX, JUPM, LOJN, MHS, NICE, NTBK, OC, ODSY, ORB

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Wednesday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ - News) beat earnings Tuesday after the bell, with $0.65 EPS over a consensus of $0.62 EPS. HPQ's PowerRating is 5.
Chemed (NYSE:CHE - News) beat earnings Tuesday after the market closed, announcing $0.73 EPS over an expected $0.57 EPS. CHE's PowerRating is 2.
Euronet (NasdaqGS:EEFT - News) reports earnings on Wednesday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.29 EPS. EEFT's PowerRating is 4.
Jack In The Box (NYSE:JBX - News) is expected to report $0.81 EPS on Wednesday before the market opens. JBX's PowerRating is 5.
Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS - News) announces quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning; watch for $0.79 EPS. MHS's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are looking for Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT - News) to report $1.38 EPS on Wednesday before the market opens. MT's PowerRating is 3.
When TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX - News) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning, look for $0.51 EPS. TJX's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CHE, EEFT, Hot Stocks, HPQ, JBX, MHS, MT, TJX

Monday, February 19, 2007

Stock Market Preview for this Week

For earnings hounds, the abbreviated work week is going to be made even shorter. Aside from the Q4 earnings season tapering off, market movers of note are limited with Tuesday and Wednesday being the headliners. Key reports include Home Depot (HD), Wal-Mart (WMT) and Hewlett Packard (HPQ).For economic watchdogs, Wednesday will be in the spotlight. Last week’s less influential PPI came in “just right” in matching expectations, so traders will be focused on what inflation at the consumer level ushers in. With relief over dovish Fed testimony last week, the report should prove to be a market mover. Stronger price readings would likely generate out-the-gate profit taking, as the primary catalyst behind last week’s triumphant rise would be deemed suspect. With the Fed still maintaining a vigilant watch over inflation, a turn in investor psychology isn’t a stretch with strong profits on the table. On the other hand, benign data would confirm investors’ newfound convictions over a more Street-friendly Fed. That being said, while a rallying point might be expected, a sell the news response at this juncture still seems more likely, unless the evidence presented is truly persuasive to bulls and bears alike.Elsewhere, the wild card of energy prices and the influence of index component sectors (XLE, OIH) might get a bit more interesting. Twelve sessions of mostly lateral testing slightly below the $60-a-barrel level and key moving averages should be nearing a technical conclusion. Milder temperatures late last week had bears breaking lateral supports in Thursday’s trading. However, an intraday reversal and follow-through in Friday’s session sent the March contract rallying back towards resistance within the established trading range.
Tuesday
Economic: NA
Earnings: Alltel (AT), Boyd (BYD), Home Depot (HD), Wal-Mart (WMT), Century Aluminum (CENX), Hewlett Packard (HPQ), Medtronic (MDT), Ultra Petrol (UPL), Sealy (ZZ), Powerwave (PWAV)
Wednesday
Economic: CPI & Core (.1%, .2%), Leading Indicators (.2%), Weekly Crude, FOMC Minutes
Earnings: Jack Box (JBX), Mittal (MT), Nice Systems (NICE), Orbital (ORB), Perficient (PRFT), TASER (TASR), Abercrombie (ANF), Agnico Mines (AEM), Analog Devices (ADI), Gen Maritime (GMR), Oceaneering Intl (OII), Pan Am Silver (PAAS), Salesforce (CRM), Whole Foods (WFMI)
Thursday
Economic: Weekly Claims (320K)Earnings: Barrick (ABX), Berry Petrol (BRY), JC Penney (JCP), K-Swiss (KSWS), Newmont (NEM), OfficeMax (OMX), Patterson (PDCO), Toll Bros (TOL), Aventine (AVR), Cabela’s (CAB), Dynamic Matls (BOOM), GFI Group (GFIG), H & R Block (HRB)
Friday
Economic: NA
Earnings: Clear Channel (CCU), Domino’s (DPZ), Lowe’s (LOW), NICOR (GAS)

Labels: AT, BOOM, BYD, CENX, CRM, GAS, HD, HPQ, JBX, MDT, MT, NICE, ORB, PAAS, PWAV, UPL, WMT, ZZ

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Wednesday's Biggest Advancers

Arcelor Mittal, (NYSE:MT - News) said Wednesday it's buying Mexico's Sicartsa from Grupo Villacero for $1.44 billion. It's also entered into a 50-50 joint venture with Villacero to distribute Arcelor Mittal's long products in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.
BCE Inc. (NYSE:BCE - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral by Merrill Lynch, which said said the Canadian telecommunications company is pushing its price leadership strategy further and faster than it had expected. The broker told clients this should help offset continuing strong cable phone inroads. Merrill added that while it sees substantial risk that Industry Canada will set aside wireless spectrum for new entrants, it sees offsetting upside, not widely acknowledged, if BCE and Telus Corp. were to integrate their wireless networks in the future.
Bowne & Co. (NYSE:BNE - News) said it's agreed to buy St Ives Financial, a financial printing company, from St Ives . Though Bowne didn't reveal terms, St Ives in its own statement said it will receive $8 million in cash for the business that lost 1.5 million pounds ($2.9 million) in the year ending July 28.
BRE Properties Inc., (NYSE:BRE - News) a real estate investment trust focusing on apartment communities, sees 2007 per-share profit of $1.05 to $1.20 and funds from operations of $2.55 to $2.70.
CarMax Inc. (NYSE:KMX - News) said third-quarter net income rose to $45.4 million, or 42 cents a share, from $22.9 million, or 22 cents a share. Earnings for the third quarter of both years included share-based compensation costs of 3 cents a share, and earnings for the prior year's third quarter included a benefit of 3 cents a share from favorable auto finance items. Net sales rose to $1.77 billion from $1.42 billion. Same-store used unit sales rose 13% in the quarter. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 25 cents a share on revenue of $1.63 billion, according to Thomson First Call. For the fiscal year ending February 28, 2007, CarMax now expects same-store used unit sales performance in the range of 8% to 9% and raised its earnings per share to a range of $1.75 to $1.85 from $1.55 to $1.65 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expect it to earn $1.64 a share for the year, on average.
Christopher & Banks Corp. (NYSE:CBK - News) reported third-quarter net income of 24 cents a share, matching both the year-earlier result and analysts' expectations.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:CTB - News) named Roy Armes president, chief executive and a director. Armes succeeds Byron Pond, who has served as interim CEO since August.
Darden Restaurants' (NYSE:DRI - News) fiscal second-quarter profit rose 12%, buoyed by restaurant openings and lower expenses at its Olive Garden chain.
Ferro Corp. (NYSE:FOE - News) filed its third-quarter report and became current on its Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Profit for the period fell to $5.5 million, or 12 cents a share, from $6.9 million, or 15 cents, in the year-earlier period.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F - News) was upgraded by KeyBanc to hold from sell, the automaker's second analyst upgrade in as many days. Analyst Brett Hoselton said that while fundamentals aren't expected to show any meaningful improvement in 2007, the earnings deterioration should begin to taper off. Hoselton thinks the implementation of cost cuts, capacity rationalization actions and production cuts will help reduce excessive inventory levels resulting from slowing demand. Meanwhile, he believes Ford's new financing plan will raise borrowing costs and hurt results at its financial services business. As a result, Hoselton increased his 2006 loss estimate to $1.26 a share from 99 cents, and raised his 2007 loss forecast to $1.29 a share from 60 cents.
FPL Group Inc.'s (NYSE:FPL - News) FPL Energy will purchase the Point Beach Nuclear plant in Two Rivers, Wis., its fuel and associated inventories for around $1 billion from Wisconsin Energy Corp.'s (NYSE:WEC - News) Wisconsin Electric Power Co. unit. The companies also entered a long-term agreement under which FPL Energy will sell 100% of the output of Point Beach to Wisconsin Electric Power.
Harrah's Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:HET - News) agreed to be bought by a pair of private equity groups for $90 a share in cash plus assumption of $10.7 billion in debt.
Honeywell (NYSE:HON - News) was upgraded to buy from above average by Caris & Co, which said the company's operating plan through 2008 reflects strong trends for air travel, safety, security, and energy needs. The driving force for demand in Honeywell's aerospace and automation and controls units "will remain well in place in 2008 (and beyond), as commercial aircraft and [business jet] builds continue to advance, flying hours continue to grow, US residential construction revives and non-residential growth extends."
Hydril Co. (NASDAQ:HYDL - News) the maker of oil and gas drilling products, sees fourth-quarter per-share earnings of about $1.05 or higher, above its prior view.
Innovo Group Inc. (NASDAQ:INNO - News) said it has closed around $3.6 million of new equity financing through a private placement. The company said it sold 6.8 million shares at 53 cents a share in the placement, along with warrants to purchase an additional 2.1 million shares at an exercise price of 58 cents a share.
Jack in the Box, (NYSE:JBX - News) expects to accept for purchase 2.3 million, or 6.5%, of its common shares at $61 each under a Dutch-auction tender offer. The company will lay out $142.5 million for the shares.
John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH - News) agreed to be acquired by M&F Worldwide Corp. (NYSE:MFW - News) for $1.7 billion, or $52.75 a share in cash. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2007. M&F Worldwide is 38% owned by MacAndrews & Forbes, a company controlled by financier Ron Perelman. M&F Worldwide owns two operating companies, Mafco Worldwide, a maker of licorice products, and Clarke American, a provider of checks, check-related products and direct marketing. Decatur, Ga.-based John H. Harland is a sells printed products and software and related services to the financial institution market, including banks, credit unions, thrifts, brokerage houses and financial software companies.
Kosan Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:KOSN - News) announced a license agreement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE - News) for its motilin agonist program.
Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (NASDAQ:MXIM - News) said John Gifford, founder and chief executive, will retire for health reasons. Gifford will remain part-time as an adviser.
National City Corp. (NYSE:NCC - News) will buy back as many as 30 million common shares, subject to a limit of $1.2 billion.
NexCen Brands Inc., (NASDAQ:NEXC - News) the New York brand-acquisition and -management company, definitively agreed to acquire the designer-apparel company Bill Blass Holding Co. for $54.6 million plus as much as $16.2 million additional based on the company meeting business targets.
Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ:NDSN - News) fourth-quarter net income was about flat with the year-earlier period. Profit per share rose to 82 cents from 80 cents as shares outstanding fell 2.6%.
Redback Networks (NASDAQ:RBAK - News) agreed to be acquired by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC - News) for $2.1 billion in cash.
Smart Modular Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SMOD - News) first-quarter net income rose to 3 cents a share from 17 cents in the year-earlier period. Analysts had expected 21 cents.
Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX - News) third-quarter net income tripled from the year-earlier period, to 33 cents a share.
Telus (NYSE:TU - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral by Merrill Lynch, which said concerns over heavy wireline spending and wireless competition are now more than reflected in the share price. The broker told clients that management has trimmed wireless subscriber guidance for 2006, acknowledging increased pressure from discount brands. "We suspect this situation will lead Telus to respond with sharper pricing or promotions but we see no long-term value impairment," Merrill concluded.
Tupperware Brands Corp. (NYSE:TUP - News) named Simon Hemus president and chief operating officer.
WebMethods (NASDAQ:WEBM - News) named Ken Sexton as its chief financial officer, effective Jan. 2. Sexton replaces Mark Wabschall, who announced his plans to retire in September.
-Marketwatch

Labels: BCE, BNE, BRE, CBK, CTB, DRI, F, FOE, FPL, HET, HON, HYDL, INNO, JBX, JH, MFW, MT, RBAK, WEBM, WEC

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Jim Cramer's Stop Trading Dec. 6

Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM - News), Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG - News), Jack in the Box (NYSE: JBX - News): "Mexican is the new pizza" declares Cramer, noting that Yum Brands, the owner of Taco Bell, has been up in spite of restaurant closings caused by an E.Coli outbreak. He believes that YUM is well-run, notes that CMG is "on fire" and JBX is doing well after a similar E. coli scare a few years ago.
Halliburton (NYSE: HAL - News), Core Labs (NYSE: CLB - News) and Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI - News): Cramer bemoans the fact that HAL is "the most hated stock on Earth" while its competitors are moving up, and he comments that this disparity can't go on forever.
Ford (NYSE: F - News), Delphi (Other OTC: DPHIQ.PK - News), Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI - News) and Lear (NYSE: LEA - News): Cramer would get rid of Ford because a convertible offering will knock the common stock down from $7.40 to $6.50. "I'm giving common stock an F,"he said, and would also stay away from Delphi because its common stockholders will not reap the benefits of a comeback. If auto-parts thrive again, Cramer would get into JCI or LEA instead.

Labels: BHI, CLB, CMG, F, HAL, JBX, JCI, Jim Cramer, Jim Cramer's Stop Trading, LEA, YUM

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Jim Cramer's Stop Trading

Yum Brands (YUM) is a terrific way to play the rise of Mexican restaurants, Jim Cramer said Wednesday on CNBC's Stop Trading! segment.
Cramer said the owner of the Taco Bell chain has been up in recent days in spite of an E. coli outbreak that caused some of its restaurants to be shuttered briefly in New York and New Jersey. Cramer said Yum deserves to be up, though, because the chain is well run and it's poised to cash in on Americans' embrace of Mexican food.
"Mexican is the new pizza," Cramer said. He noted that Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) is "on fire" and says he also likes Jack in the Box (JBX), which has recovered from the effects of an E. coli outbreak in the Northwest years ago.
Cramer lamented that Halliburton (HAL) remains "the most hated stock on earth" even as rival oil services names from Core Labs (CLB) to Baker Hughes (BHI) enjoy a sharp rally. Cramer said he believes that divergence has to come to an end some time.
Cramer said he would sell Ford (F) common shares into a big convertible offering. He says the terms of the convert should push the common stock down to $6.50 from a recent $7.40. "I'm giving the common stock an F," Cramer said, playing principal for moment.
He also warned investors away from common shares of bankrupt auto-parts maker Delphi (DPHIQ), saying he fears holders of those securities won't participate in any success of the company's turnaround efforts. He said if there is an actual revival in the auto-parts business, rivals Johnson Controls (JCI) and Lear (LEA) are better bets.

Labels: BHI, CLB, CMG, DPHIQ, F, HAL, JBX, JCI, Jim Cramer, Jim Cramer's Stop Trading, LEA, YUM