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.
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News). ANF's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Laboratory Corporation (NYSE:LH - News). LH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Valueclick (NasdaqGS:VCLK - News). VCLK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX - News). BSX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
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.
Ryerson (NYSE:RYI - News). RYI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-day RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
NovaStar Financial (NYSE:NFI - News). NFK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Krispy Kreme (NYSE:KKD - News). KKD's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ANF, Boston Scientific Corp., BSX, Hot Stocks, KKD, LH, NFI, Novastar Financial Inc., Ryerson, RYI, Valueclick Inc., VCLK

24/7 Real Media Inc. (NasdaqGM:TFSM - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $227,000, or breakeven per share, compared with net earnings of $1.4 million, or 3 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $60 million from $41.7 million.
Amgen Inc. (NasdaqGS:AMGN - News) disclosed it's received an informal inquiry from the Securities and Exchange Commission seeking more information about a Danish study of the company's Aranesp anemia drug.
Avocent Corp. (NasdaqGS:AVCT - News) revised its previously-announced fourth-quarter earnings down by $0.7 million and its revenue by $2.8 million after becoming aware that several previously recorded transactions did not meet revenue recognition criteria. The firm also said certain royalties earned by its LANDesk unit should have been recorded prior to the closing of its acquisition. Avocent said it now doesn't expect to pay the previously accrued contingent consideration of $27 million related to the acquisition. Taking account of the revision, Avocent said fourth-quarter revenue rose 55% to $166.1 million and operating income per share was 59 cents in the quarter, compared to 49 cents a year ago.
Ciena (NasdaqGS:CIEN - News) said it swung to a first-quarter profit of $11.1 million, or 12 cents a share, after revenue jumped 37% to $165 million. Excluding amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation and other items, it would've earned 22 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected earnings of 23 cents a share on revenue of $164 million. "As bandwidth demands escalate across multiple traffic types, service provider and enterprise customers alike are increasingly looking for solutions that allow them to transition their networks toward powerful converged network architectures capable of delivering any service at any time," said Gary Smith, CEO, in a statement.
Circuit City Stores (NYSE:CC - News) was downgraded to market perform from outperform at Piper Jaffray.
Comfort Systems USA Inc. (NYSE:FIX - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $7.5 million, or 18 cents a share. During the year-ago period, the company posted a net loss of $17.6 million, or 44 cents a share. Revenue at the Houston-based provider of commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation and air conditioning services rose to $268.1 million from $233.7 million.
Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ - News) said it expects earnings of $1.21 to $1.31 a share for fiscal 2008. On a comparable basis, excluding items, the Fairport, N.Y., alcohol producer and marketer forecast earnings of $1.30 to $1.40 a share. It sees a net sales decrease of 12% to 14% for the year, citing the impact of using the equity method to report the results of its Crown Imports joint venture. The company expects free cash flow of between $140 million and $160 million for fiscal 2008. Constellation also said its board has approved the buyback of up to $500 million worth of its common stock. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for a profit of $1.83 a share in fiscal 2008. As for fiscal 2007, the company expects earnings of $1.34 to $1.39 a share. On a comparable basis, it sees a profit of $1.65 to $1.70 a share for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for earnings of $1.67 a share for the year. It sees net sales growth in the low double digit to low teens for fiscal 2007. The company also said it expects its Svedka vodka acquisition to close in mid-March.
Corrections Corp. of America (NYSE:CXW - News) said its chief financial officer, Irving Lingo, will retire. The Nashville, Tenn. correctional facility operator said it has selected Todd Mullenger, currently the company's Treasurer, as the new CFO, effective March 16.
Douglas Emmett Inc. (NYSE:DEI - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $20.6 million, or 18 cents a share. The Santa Monica, Calif.-based real estate investment trust posted total revenue of $87 million for quarter, which ended Dec. 31.
Energy Partners Ltd. (NYSE:EPL - News) posted a loss of $52.5 million, or $1.35 a share, for the fourth quarter, down from a year-ago profit of $28.1 million, or 69 cents a share. The New Orleans-based oil and natural gas exploration company attributed the majority of its loss in the latest period to $77.9 million in pre-tax non-cash costs related to property impairments. On an adjusted basis, the company said its earnings would have been $4.9 million, or 13 cents per basic share, in the latest quarter.
Focus Media Holding Ltd. (NasdaqGM:FMCN - News) agreed to acquire Allyes Information Technology Co., a China-based Internet, for $70 million in cash and $155 million of stock.
Goodman Global (NYSE:GGL - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $11.2 million, or 16 cents a share, up from a year-ago loss of $803,000, or 2 cents a share. Excluding items, the Houston-based maker of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products posted an adjusted profit of $13 million in the year-ago period. Looking ahead, the company forecast earnings of $1.30 to $1.40 a share for 2007. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of $1.30 a share for the year.
Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HTZ - News) said it will eliminate 1,350 jobs in a new restructuring initiative intended to save $125 million in yearly compensation.
IndyMac Bancorp (NYSE:NDE - News) said it sees tough conditions ahead for loan originations and credit, and warned earnings in 2007 will be lower than 2006. In a letter to shareholders, the company forecast a return on equity (ROE) of 10%-15% for the year. "Our ROEs for the early quarters of the year will be at the low end of the range above; however, during the second half of the year, if we execute on our plans as we expect, and with a little luck, our ROEs could be at or even somewhat above the high end of the range," the company said.
Input/Output Inc. (NYSE:IO - News) shares tumbled after the Houston-based provider of seismic acquisition equipment and software reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $13.7 million, or 15 cents a share, vs. $16.1 million, or 17 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $166.2 million from $131 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 15 cents. Input/Output forecast 2007 earnings of 45 cents to 60 cents a share on revenue of $610 million to $670 million.
Intevac (NasdaqGM:IVAC - News) was downgraded to market weight from overweight at Thomas Weisel Partners.
Laboratory Corp. of America (NYSE:LH - News) said it expects 2007 earnings will be reduced by 4-12 cents a share after Aetna Inc. (NYSE:AET - News) cancelled its contract with the company, effective July 1. "We are disappointed with Aetna's decision but we are confident in our strategy for profitable growth," CEO David King said in a release.
Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE:LTD - News) said its profit fell in the latest quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, which was lifted by favorable onetime gains.
Medicis Inc. (NYSE:MRX - News) reported fourth-quarter net income of $17.9 million, or 27 cents a share, compared with $37.3 million, or 56 cents a share, for the same quarter last year. Revenue rose to $99.1 million, from $80.7 million last year. Medicis also said it expects to post earnings of 12 cents a share and revenue of $95 million for the first quarter 2007. For 2007, the company sees earnings of $1.12 a share, on revenue of $455 million.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AET, AMGN, AVCT, CC, CIEN, CXW, DEI, EPL, FIX, FMCN, GGL, HTZ, IO, IVAC, LH, LTD, MRX, NDE, STZ, TFSM

Mad Mergers: Sirius Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: SIRI) and XM Radio (NasdaqGS: XMSR)
Cramer smells "desperation" in the intended merger between SIRI and XMSR, and predicts that there will be a spate of anticompetitive mergers ahead of the possibility of a Democrat winning the White House, an event which would discourage future monolopistic mergers. Cramer dedicated the program to discussing ten likely scenarios.
10. Kroger (NYSE: KR - News) and Safeway (NYSE: SWY - News)9. Laboratory Corp. (NYSE: LH - News) and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX - News): Cramer notes that these two companies have been "locked in a ferocious price war to win the HMO business." Their slashed prices have meant less profits, and "it is time for them to get on the anticompetitive bus."8. Carnival (NYSE: CCL - News) and Royal Carribbean (NYSE: RCL - News)7. Office Depot (NYSE: ODP - News) and Office Max (NYSE: OMX - News)6. Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH - News) and McKesson (NYSE: MCK - News): Cramer notes that drug distributors have "been at war for wages" hurting themselves by lowering prices. He sees some major mergers in the sector for the next couple of years.5. BP (NYSE: BP - News) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX - News): BP would do well to merge with CVX, according to Cramer, because of CVX's excellent management.4. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) and Northrop Grunman (NYSE: NOC - News): Cramer notes that this merger is likely because the Pentagon doesn't want a lot of vendors.3. Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA) and Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News)2. Gannett (NYSE: GCI - News) and McClatchy (NYSE: MNI - News): Cramer believes that this merger is essential because it could "save the newspaper business."1. Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP - News) and Burlington Northern (NYSE: BNI - News): Cramer says that this is his favorite possible merger.
Cramer also sees Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC - News) and CSX (NYSE: CSX - News) pairing up, and describes all of these possibilities as "a wave of mergers that will be great for profits."

Labels: BNI, BP, CAH, CCL, CVX, DGX, Jim Cramer, KR, LH, LMT, Mad Money, MCK, ODP, OMX, RCL, SIRI, SWY, TWX, UNP, XMSR

Deere (NYSE: DE - News), Qwest (NYSE: Q - News), Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC - News), Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT - News), Safeway (NYSE: SWY - News), Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP - News) and CSX Corp (NYSE: CSX - News): Cramer listed DE, Q, NSC, CAT and SWY as underappreciated "buys", adding that he sees no reason why DE will stop at $113. He observes that rails are on a "gigantic tear," but notes that although NSC is "delivering its numbers" it is his least favorite railroad stock. He prefers UNP, says that rumors of its guiding down are "nonesense" and predicts that it will reach $125 from $103. He also likes CSX, which is raising its dividend and buying back stock. Concerning Safeway, Cramer likes its gift card business, which he says is worth around $7 billion.
Aetna (NYSE: AET - News), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY - News), United Health (NYSE: UNH - News), Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (NYSE: LH - News), Schering Plough (NYSE: SGP - News): Cramer comments that the entire healthcare sector is "exploding" because Warren Buffett took a stake in UNH, and LH reported strong numbers. He likes AET, but says "No" to big pharma, especially LLY. While Cramer is bullish on SGP, he would take a breather since it has gone from $17 to $24 "in a straight line."

Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AET, CAT, CSX, DE, Jim Cramer, Jim Cramer's Stop Trading, LH, LLY, NSC, Q, SGP, SWY, UNH, UNP

JetBlue (NasdaqGS:JBLU - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs.
Knology (NasdaqGM:KNOL - News) was upgraded by UBS to buy from neutral ahead of the communication technology company's earnings next week. The fundamental outlook remains strong, free cash flow should grow significantly in 2007 and refinancing will substantially lower the cost of debt, the broker said.
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 17% to $103.7 million, or 81 cents a share, from $88.9 million, or 64 cents a share, a year earlier. The Burlington, N.C., provider of clinical laboratory services said that excluding $7.7 million in restructuring charges and other charges related to the retirement of the company's chief executive, the company earned $108.4 million, or 85 cents a share, compared with $93.1 million, or 67 cents a share, a year earlier. Laboratory Corp. said revenue for the quarter rose 9.3% to $898.6 million from $822.3 million a year ago. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 72 cents a share on revenue of $874 million. In addition, Laboratory Corp. said it expects 2007 revenue growth of 11% to 13% and earnings of $3.93 to $4.09 a share.
Macquarie Infrastructure Co. (NYSE:MIC - News) was initiated with a neutral rating and a $40 price target at Credit Suisse.
Medimmune (NasdaqGS:MEDI - News) was higher after the company reported favorable results of a study of the use of its FluMist vaccine with children under five years of age. In addition, on Wednesday, investor Carl Icahn and his Icahn Management L.P. affiliate disclosed that they had bought 2.8 million Medimmune shares.
Midland Co. (NasdaqGS:MLAN - News) said its fourth-quarter net income rose to $21.1 million, or $1.07 a share, from $20 million, or $1.03 a share, a year earlier. Excluding realized capital gains, the insurer earned $19.1 million, or 97 cents a share, for the latest period. Fourth-quarter revenue increased 13% to $207.4 million from $183.5 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, expected the Cincinnati company to earn 93 cents a share and generate revenue of $198.7 million for the latest fourth quarter. For 2007, Midland expects net income of $3.25 a share to $3.55 a share.
Molson Coors Brewing Co. (NYSE:TAP - News) reported sharply higher fourth quarter profit Thursday, buoyed by volume increases and an extra selling week. The company said it earned $99.2 million, or $1.15 a share, up from $22.4 million, or 26 cents, in the year ago period. Excluding various items, the company would have earned $108.4 million, or $1.24 a share, up from $53.9 million, or 63 cents. Sales net of excise taxes were $1.5 billion, a gain of 10%, while volume rose to 10.9 million barrels form 10.3 million. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial had been for Molson Coors to earn 94 cents a share on revenue of $1.42 billion.
Ness Technologies Inc. (NasdaqGS:NSTC - News) said it anticipates generating a profit of $1 to $1.05 a share for 2007, on revenue pegged in a range of $560 million to $570 million. The profit forecast includes about 7 per diluted share for one-time expenses, which the company expects will be taken against first-quarter results. Excluding these one-time expenses, Ness Technologies forecast the current quarter's earnings in a range of 21 cents to 23 cents a share on revenue of $123 million to $129 million. Analysts' average profit projections, as compiled by Thomson Financial, stand at 23 cents a share for the first quarter and $1.02 for 2007, with average revenue estimates of $129 million and $560 million, respectively.
Network Appliance (NasdaqGS:NTAP - News) shares gained after the storage-technology company reported third-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street analysts' estimates. The company earned $66.5 million, or 17 cents a share, on revenue of $729.3 million. Excluding one-time items, it would have earned $111.1 million, or 29 cents a share, while analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had forecast a profit of 28 cents a share on $703.8 million in revenue. Brokerage Friedman, Billings & Ramsey raised its rating on the stock to outperform from market perform.
Nutrisystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News) shares jumped after the company said fourth-quarter earnings rose to $19.6 million, or 53 cents a share, from a year-earlier profit of $6.27 million, or 17 cents a share. The Horsham, Pa., diet-food company said revenue nearly doubled to $133.6 million, from $69.6 million a year earlier. It also said its board has approved the buyback of up to $200 million worth of its common stock.
Nymex Holdings (NYSE:NMX - News) was upgraded to neutral at J.P. Morgan.
P.H. Glatfelter Co. (NYSE:GLT - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $15 million, or 33 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $26.9 million, or 61 cents a share. Excluding items, such as gains from the disposition of timberlands and shutdown and restructuring charges, the company posted a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) profit of $10 million, or 22 cents a share, in the latest quarter. Sales rose in the latest three months to $268.6 million from $143.2 million in the same period a year earlier. The York, Pa., specialty papers and engineered products maker noted that the latest results include the impact of its Lydney and Chillicothe acquisitions. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 15 cents a share in the December period.
Pool Corp. (NasdaqGS:POOL - News) said its fourth-quarter loss for the three months ended Dec. 31 widened to $5 million, or 10 cents a share, from a loss of $876,000, or 2 cents a share in the year-ago period. The Covington, La. pool distributor said sales increased 6% to $318.5 million in the wake of its acquisition of Wickham acquisition, growth in the Horizon business and a 1% increase in base business sales. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call forecast a loss of 9 cents a share, on average. Operating loss for the fourth quarter was $4.1 million compared to operating income of $2.3 million. For 2007, the company projects 15% to 20% earnings growth.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE:RS - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $74.6 million, or 98 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $60.6 million, or 91 cent a share. Sales surged 81% in the latest three months to $1.57 billion from $868.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The Los Angeles-based metals company said the latest results include a pre-tax LIFO expense of $37.9 million, or 31 cents a share. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of $1.22 a share in the December period on revenue of $1.56 billion. The company said its gross profit margins were slightly below its earlier expectations due to some inventory de-stocking that caused added competitive pressures. Reliance also said its LIFO expense in the latest quarter was "significantly higher" than anticipated.
Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD - News) said it expects earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 to come in a range of 53 to 56 cents a share, down from 63 cents a year ago. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for earnings of 41 cents a share. The company said a 'significant' decline in hog production earnings was partially offset by strong international earnings and 4 cents a share of tax adjustments.
Spartan Motors (NasdaqGS:SPAR - News) shares rose after the Charlotte, Mich.-based maker of chassis and vehicles reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $3.28 million, or 16 cents a share, up from $986,000, or 5 cents a share, last year. The 2006 fourth quarter included a non-cash charge of $2.1 million, 10 cents a share, related to a write-off of goodwill for Spartan's ambulance subsidiary, Road Rescue. Revenue rose to $123.6 million from $75.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 17 cents on $102.3 million.
State Auto Financial Corp. (NasdaqGS:STFC - News) said that fourth-quarter net income rose to $44.9 million, or $1.08 a share, from $29.5 million, or 71 cents a share, a year ago reflecting a disciplined underwriting policy. Analysts were expecting the property and casualty insurance holding company to post earnings of 85 cents a share, according to data supplied by Thomson Financial. The company's combined ratio for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 83.5, versus 90.5 a year ago. Revenue rose to $281.0 million, from $280.9 million in 2005. 2007 is expected to be a year of positive transition, the company said.
Stratasys (NasdaqGS:SSYS - News) shares jumped after the Minneapolis-based maker of rapid prototyping devices and 3-D printing systems reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $3.65 million, or 35 cents a share, up from $3.15 million, or 30 cents a share, last year. Excluding stock-based compensation expense, profit came in at 38 cents a share. Revenue rose to $29.7 million from $23.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 36 cents on revenue of $27.6 million. Stratasys forecast 2007 earnings of $1.28 to $1.40 a share, or $1.37 to $1.49 a share excluding items, on revenue of $105 million to $110 million.
Strayer Education (NasdaqGS:STRA - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose 7% to $16 million, or $1.11 a share, with revenue up 20% to $74.3 million. Excluding stock-bsed compensation costs, it would've earned $1.22 a share, up 18% from a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of $1.08 a share. The company estimated first-quarter earnings between $1.27 and $1.29 a share, and stock-based compensation expenses of 11 cents a share. Analysts on average see earnings of $1.27 a share in the first quarter.

Published By MarketWatch

Labels: GLT, JBLU, KNOL, LH, MEDI, MIC, MLAN, NMX, NSTC, NTAP, NTRI, POOL, RS, SFD, SPAR, SSYS, STFC, STRA, TAP