Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Amazon.com (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News) matched earnings expectations on Wednesday afternoon with $0.48 EPS. AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Burger King (NYSE:BKC - News) reports earnings on Thursday morning before the bell, with traders looking for $0.32 EPS. BKC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL - News) is looking to announce $0.89 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. CL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Analysts will be watching for L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) to announce $1.61 EPS tomorrow morning before the bell. LLL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When Mastercard (NYSE:MA - News) reports earnings early Thursday morning, watch for $0.72 EPS. MA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Mattel T looks set to report $0.73 EPS tomorrow morning. MAT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
MBIA (NYSE:MBI - News) is projected to announce -$2.98 EPS tomorrow morning before the market opens. MBI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: AMZN, BKC, CL, Hot Stocks, LLL, MA, MBI

General Dynamics (GD), Alliant Techsystems (ATK), L-3 communications (LLL), Raytheon (RTN), Lockheed Martin (LMT) Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Faced with the prospect of an economic slowdown, investors should look to defense stocks which "are the darlings of Wall Street…regardless of how the economy is doing." Political considerations won't affect the stocks, since Republicans like to spend on defense and Democrats want to look strong. Cramer concentrated on RTN since his prior recommendations, GD, ATK, LLL, LMT and NOC have all gone up. Cramer thinks RTN can easily beat its lukewarm guidance and notes the company's "fabulous" buyback and international growth.
ConcoPhillips (COP)
The oils have crept down on news of new taxes for oil companies and are low at least compared to rising crude costs. Cramer would use any dip as a buying opportunity for a long-term investment because "there's a simple case for oil … We're running out of it." He prefers COP because it is inexpensive, sells natural gas (which Cramer believes is consistently undervalued) and is not exposed to corrupt Third World regimes.
Related: Kurt Wulff comments on COP's low price and strong cash flow.
CEO Interview: T.J. Rodgers Cypress Semiconductor (CY), Sunpower (SPWR)
Cramer said Cypress is a good stock for those nervous about semiconductors, and Rodgers discussed the company's "extraordinarily flexible" chip that can be used in an e-bike, a Nordic track and an iPod. CY recently reported a "blockbuster" quarter and is seeing an upswing in demand for its products. In addition, CY owns half of Sunpower and plans to find a way to allow shareholders to benefit from this holding after tax restrictions are removed. Cramer said CY is the "cheap way" to own Sunpower.
Related: Eric Savitz asks if Cypress'core value worth is less than nothing.
MBIA (MBI), MGIC Investment (MTG)
Cramer would be wary of making too much money at once, an indication that an investor is not diversified enough. He suggests anyone who profited from the rise in MTG and MBI last week should sell the stocks, since they are not going higher.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ATK, COP, CY, GD, Jim Cramer, LLL, LMT, Mad Money, MBI, MTG, NOC, RTN, SPWR

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and is based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
ICO Incorporated (NasdaqGM:ICOC - News). ICOC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Metalico (NYSE:MEA - News) & Dentsply International (NasdaqGS:XRAY - News). MEA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8, and XRAY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News). LLL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Andrew Corporation (NasdaqGS:ANDW - News). ANDW's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
iShares MSCI Brazil Index (NYSE:EWZ - News). EWZ's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Bearish
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.
LJ International (NasdaqGM:JADE - News). JADE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ANDW, EWZ, Hot Stocks, ICOC, JADE, LLL, MEA, XRAY

Bullish
Diana Shipping (DSX)-
Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI)- Need to get the merger done to go up.
Baidu.com (BIDU)-
Celgene (CELG)- This is the name.
L-3 Communications (LLL)-
Becton Dickinson (BDX)-
Lowe's (LOW)- Is low and likes retail here.
Union Pacific (UNP)- Has better breadth
Barrick Gold (ABX), Yamana Gold (AUY), Goldcorp (GG), Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)- Likes all gold.
Wyndham Worldwide (WYN)- They reported a good quarter.

Bearish
Navios Maritime (NM)- Not his favorite shipper
Sohu.com (SOHU)- "no, no, no"
Genentech (DNA)- Had to give up.
AuthenTec (AUTH)- Had a big run, but likes L-3
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI) - Likes UNP better.
Las Vegas Sands (LVS)-

Labels: BDX, BIDU, CELG, DSX, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLL, LOW, Mad Money Lightning Round, SIRI, UNP

Bullish:
PepsiCo (PEP), BEA Systems (BEAS), General Motors (GM), RRSat Global Communications Network (RRST), Zumiez (ZUMZ), Superior Offshore International (DEEP), Oshkosh Truck (OSK), Northrop Grumman, L-3 Communications (LLL), Lockheed Martin (LMT), General Dynamics (GD), Cisco Systems (CSCO), XTO Energy (XTO), GMX Resources (GMXR), Siemens (SI), Transocean (RIG), Schlumberger (SLB), Prudential Financial (PRU), MetLife (MET) and Halliburton (HAL).
Bearish:
Smart Balance (SMBL), Parametric Technology (PMTC), DirecTV (DTV), Parker Drilling (PKD) and Assurant (AIZ).

Labels: BEAS, CSCO, DEEP, GD, GM, GMXR, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLL, LMT, Mad Money, OSK, PEP, PRU, RIG, RRST, SI, SLB, XTO, ZUMZ

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.
Frontline (NYSE:FRO - News) . FRO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News). LLL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Medarex (NasdaqGM:MEDX - News). MEDX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Amrep (NYSE:AXR - News). AXR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
Genentech (NYSE:DNA - News). DNA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Pioneer Drilling (NYSE:PDC - News). PDC'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.
American Oriental Bioengineering (NYSE:AOB - News). AOB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 2.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AOB, AXR, DNA, FRO, Hot Stocks, LLL, MEDX, PDC

Bucyrus International (NasdaqGS: BUCY): 'These companies sell 'round the world. ... So I say ... buy BUCY down here.'Gilead Sciences (NasdaqGS: GILD)Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG): 'It's at 64. I think it goes to 74.'Fuel-Tech (NasdaqGM: FTEK): 'This is a speculative stock, but it is speculative Friday, so I will endorse it.'Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN)Qualcomm (NasdaqGS: QCOM)Textron (NYSE: TXT)L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL)Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)Raytheon (NYSE: RTN)Halliburton (NYSE: HAL): 'I think that it's better to go with the drillers. ... King Hal ... that's what I want you in.'Molson Coors Brewing (NYSE: TAP)Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO)PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP)Edison International (NYSE: EIX): 'One of the great utilities. ... It is at a 52-week high. ... Let's take a little off the table and let the rest run.'McDonald's (NYSE: MCD): 'McDonald's and Disney are my two favorite stocks to buy for kids.'Disney (NYSE: DIS): ' Bob Iger has done a remarkable job. I think people who didn't like that quarter, I think they're nuts. ... I'm sticking with Iger. I think the stock is an up stock.'
Bearish calls:
Amgen (NasdaqGS: AMGN): 'I still think there's another 3 or 4 downside points to Amgen.'Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)Infineon Technologies (NYSE: IFX): 'second-rate tech company... we don't like the semiconductor group.'Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD ): 'They've got real major problems. ... Their numbers are high ... 'Comtech Telecommunications (NasdaqGS: CMTL): 'I've been looking at this stock for a long time, and it just goes up and up ... Ring the register.'Rayonier (NYSE: RYN): 'I'm not gonna jump up and down about it.'
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Labels: BUD, DIS, EIX, HAL, IFX, Jim Cramer, JNJ, KO, Lightning Round, LLL, Mad Money, MCD, PEP, RTN, RYN, TAP, TXN, TXT

Brother, Can You Spare a Nickel? North American Palladium Ltd. (AMEX: PAL - News)
Although PAL is known for its palladium, Cramer thinks this $10 stock is a great way to play nickel consolidation. PAL is not yet a well-loved stock, is not covered by any analysts, and if it gets a takeover bid for its nickel, Cramer comments he "can't even imagine how high this orphan stock would jump." He notes nickel prices are rising while PAL's production costs are falling and the company produced 2.7 million pounds of nickel last year. He believes it will get a bid, but warns that it is a speculative stock and investors should use limit orders when buying.
"Statement Buying": L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LLL - News)
Cramer calls insider buying which occurs when a company is at or near its 52-week high "statement buying" since it is a good indication of an upward move. Insiders cannot buy and sell rapidly like regular investors, but according to SEC rules, they must hold for a specified amount of time. Cramer discussed insider buying at LLL, the "archetypal high-tech defense contractor" which specializes in communications and sensor equipment. Insider buying may be due to the conviction the company will be taken over after the passing of founder Frank Lanza, or because those in the company feel the bears are wrong in believing the Democrats will undermine the war effort. Cramer believes sooner or later the analysts will "break" and upgrade LLL. Right now, however, he thinks the company is sandbagging in an effort to underpromise and overdeliver.

Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD - News)
The second stock close to its 52-week high with aggressive insider buying is EPD, which manages pipes for transporting natural gas. Chairman Dan Duncan, the 34th richest person in America from a list of 400, bought up a large amount of stock while it was at its high, which is an indication the company is undervalued, says Cramer. He concludes EPD is a conserative stock with a great dividend and gives it a triple buy.
Mad Mail: Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT), Yahoo (NasdaqGS: YHOO), Sun Microsystems (NasdaqGS: SUNW), Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO - News), Abercrombie & Fitch(NYSE: ANF - News), JC Penney (NYSE: JCP - News) Federated (NYSE: FD - News)
When a viewer asked if MSFT will buy YHOO or SUNW, Cramer said he doesn't see MSFT taking over SUNW and YHOO is very expensive and hasn't performed well. He imagines some upside if CEO Terry Semel or Sue Decker will leave, since the problem with the stock is a "hall of shame management issue." Another viewer asked about ARO and Cramer commented its is hard to predict where stocks like ARO and ANF will go from one month to the next. He suggests looking at JCP or FD, but only after a Thursday's report, since he doesn't think same-store sales will be good.
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: ANF, FD, JCP, Jim Cramer, LLL, Mad Money, MSFT, PAL, YHOO

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Arch Coal (NYSE:ACI) reports earnings on Monday before the bell; watch for $0.16 EPS. ACI's PowerRating is 8.
Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is expected to report $0.00 (flat) EPS on Monday before the market opens. HAS's PowerRating is 5.
When Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB) announces earnings on Monday morning, be looking for $1.01 EPS. KMB's PowerRating is 5.
When L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) reports earnings before the bell Monday, watch for $1.28 EPS. LLL's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are watching for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) to report $0.82 EPS before the market opens on Monday. NVS's PowerRating is 5.
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) and Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) both report earnings after the bell on Monday, so watch for heightened price action and volume ahead of the close. BSX's PowerRating is 4, and TXN's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ACI, BSX, HAS, Hot Stocks, KMB, LLL, NVS, TXN

Bullish calls:
Sears (NasdaqGS: SHLD)Monsanto (NYSE: MON - News): 'The bears and the analysts refuse to get behind this stock ... They think it's overvalued as a chemical stock. It's part of the ag play ... hybrid corn seeds, in a world where we are short corn seeds. MON is not done going up. I would be an aggressive buyer right here at $59. ('mon-back sound).'Agrium (NYSE: AGU - News)Deere (NYSE: DE - News)Spartan Motors (NasdaqGS: SPAR):' I want you in SPAR. That's the one to pull the trigger on right now.'Virgin Media (NasdaqGS: VMED): 'I want VMED to be bought here! VMED is the play for cable in Europe, in London... It has been stalled here ... I think you want to pull the trigger on VMED. I like it as much as ever. All aboard.'Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News): 'Other cable companies - notably CMCSA and TWX - have started to move back up.'Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA) Research In Motion (NasdaqGS: RIMM): 'RIMM hit a 52-week high today ... Almost no other tech stock I follow has done that. I think it's a sign of strength ... I bet RIMM is having a great quarter. They have survived every single war imaginable. I'm not backing away. I still like the stock. I would still be a buyer. Buy, buy, buy!'Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News): 'The stock is stuck... It's been hurt by weak sales of Tundra - their F-150 competitor... It's also been hurt by a strong yen ... That's a mistake. $126? Come on. I'm doing a triple buy.'Hexcel (NYSE: HXL - News): 'HXL is engineered product. That stock is down more than 20% from its high? That's a colossal mistake. Buy, buy, buy!'Allegheny Technologies (NYSE: ATI - News): 'Did you know that ATI - my stock of the year last year - another new high today! That one's a winner.'Foster Wheeler (NasdaqGS: FWLT): 'FWLT is the way to play construction. They've got the best order book.'Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News)L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL - News)General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News)Theravance (NasdaqGM: THRX): 'THRX was the stock that stumped me last week, and one of the reasons why it stumped me is that it's moving up very rapidly ... The stock had a big run but, you know what? I think it's really got that great bloodline now... So I like THRX.'
Bearish calls:
Hudson City Bancorp (NasdaqGS: HCBK): ' ... with the yield curve... with the 10-year at 4.75%, and the short rates higher, that's a nightmare for any regional bank ... Don't buy, don't buy.'Force Protection (NasdaqCM: FRPT): 'I believe that SPAR, which then gives the products to FRPT, is the better play.'Veraz Networks (NasdaqGM: VRAZ): 'This one I got behind. It is not working. That is worrisome to me. When they don't work like this, I've got to pull my situation, and do more work.'XM Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: XMSR): 'XMSR is very problematic ... The FCC and congress have made this dea (merger with Sirius Satellite Radio) too difficult ... I want to sell XMSR.'Crystallex (AMEX: KRY - News): 'KRY has been creeping up ... I would recommend sell at $4 and change. I'll buy it back at $2 and change. I do not trust this Chavez. You can't either.'CDW (NasdaqGS: CDWC)Washington Group (NYSE: WNG - News): 'I like the construction group, but you know my favorite has not been WMG, but it's been FWLT.'SAIC (NYSE: SAI - News): 'I don't want to be linked to government spending right now, because I think it's not trustworthy... '
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Labels: AGU, ATI, BBY. RIMM, CMCSA, DE, FWLT, GD, HXL, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLL, LMT, Mad Money, MON, SHLD, SPAR, THRX, TM, TWX, VMED

Apple Inc. (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News) Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook reiterated that the company remains on track to release its iPhone mobile-phone product in June, and that Apple expects to sell 10 million of the devices in 2008.
Audible Inc. (NasdaqGM:ADBL - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $700,000, or 3 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $2.18 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue at the Newark, N.J.-based provider of Internet audio content rose to $23.3 million in the latest quarter from $18.3 million a year ago. The stock was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies & Co.
BEA Systems (NasdaqGS:BEAS - News) was upgraded to peer perform from underperform at Bear Stearns.
CDC Corp. (NasdaqGM:CHINA - News) lifted its financial outlook for 2007, saying it now expects adjusted net income of $57 million to $62 million, above its prior forecast of $55 million to $60 million. The company expects revenue of $415 million to $420 million for the year, a boost from its previous estimate of $401 million to $411 million.
Ciena (NasdaqGS:CIEN - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral by J.P. Morgan, as the broker said the recovery in the optical market is greater than it first expected.
Deckers Outdoor Corp.'s (NasdaqGS:DECK - News) preliminary fourth-quarter results indicate net income nearly doubled to $23.5 million, or $1.82 a share, from $12.1 million, or 94 cents a share, a year earlier. The Goleta, Calif., maker of outdoor footwear and apparel said net sales increased 37% to $124.4 million from $91 million a year ago.
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (NYSE:DTG - News) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $2.7 million, or 11 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $8.2 million, or 31 cents a share. The latest results include 10 cents a share in transition costs related to the outsourcing of information technology services and a charge of 5 cents a share from a decrease in the fair value of derivatives, while last year's performance reflects a gain of 11 cents a share from an increase in the fair value of derivatives. Revenue rose 11.5% in the three months ended Dec. 31 to $392.8 million from $352.4 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a loss of a penny per share in the December period. The company said the latest results reflect a very strong pricing environment, as well as significantly higher vehicle depreciation and interest costs compared to last year. Looking ahead, the Tulsa, Okla., car rental company sees earnings of $2.50 to $2.90 a share in 2007. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of $2.62 a share for the year.
Dollar Tree Stores Inc.'s (NasdaqGS:DLTR - News) fiscal fourth-quarter net income rose to $97.6 million, or 96 cents a share, from $86.5 million, or 81 cents a share, a year ago. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, predicted earnings of 94 cents a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. The Chesapeake, Va., discount retailer's net sales for the quarter ended Feb. 3 rose 22% to $1.32 billion from $1.08 billion a year ago, boosted by an extra sales week in the current quarter. The company expects first-quarter earnings of 32 cents to 35 cents a share on sales of $935 million to $955 million.
Dycom Industries Inc. (NYSE:DY - News) shares rose after the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based engineering and construction services provider reported fiscal second-quarter net earnings of $5.59 million, or 14 cents a share, up from $3.87 million, or 10 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $258.3 million from $237.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 13 cents on revenue of $253.4 million. Dycom forecast fiscal third-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 23 cents to 28 cents a share on revenue of $275 million to $295 million. Analysts are looking for a per-share profit of 24 cents on revenue of $275 million.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:GT - News) plans to record a charge of $65 million in the first quarter of 2007 for changes to its benefit and pension plans. The Akron, Ohio-based tire maker said, among other changes, current and future salaried retirees will contribute more toward the cost of their medical benefits and that the company would freeze its defined benefit pension plan for current salaried employees, replacing it with 401(k) retirement accounts. The changes will be phased in over a two-year period, and Goodyear expects savings of $80 million to $90 million in 2007, $100 million to $110 million in 2008, and $80 million to $90 million in 2009 and beyond.
Hospira (NYSE:HSP - News) reported a nearly 80% jump in fourth quarter profit Wednesday on higher product volumes, higher prices and favorable currency exchange. The company earned $47.4 million, or 30 cents a share, on the period - up from $26.6 million, or 16 cents. On an adjusted basis, Hospira said it would have earned 43 cents a share, vs. 32 cents in the last three months of 2005. Revenue came in at $706.5 million, a gain of 9.3%. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for Hospira to earn 38 cents a share on $674 million in revenue.
Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. (NYSE:KCP - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $7.99 million, or 39 cents a share, up 6.9% from $7.48 million, or 37 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue in the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose to $122.4 million from $119.8 million.
King Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:KG - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $37 million, or 15 cents a share, up from a year-ago loss of $95 million, or 39 cents a share. Excluding items, such as charges from asset impairment and an arbitration settlement, the company earned $98.8 million, or 41 cents a share, in the latest quarter. Revenue rose in the three months ended Dec. 31 to $512.9 million from $423.3 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 37 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $480.6 million.
Komag (NasdaqGS:KOMG - News) shares rose after American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu lifted his rating on the hard-disk maker's stock to neutral from sell. Wu said Komag is benefitting from more sales to its largest customer, Seagate Technology , which accounts for 37% of Komag's revenue. However, Wu warned that Komag faces other fundamental challenges as it deals with rising costs and competition involving a shift to newer disk-recording technologies.
L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) was upgraded to neutral from underweight by J.P. Morgan, with the brokerage saying the stock should have limited downside given its high free cash flow yield. "We believe 2007 could be a more challenging year for defense stocks, and given L-3's more modest valuation, we no longer expect it to underperform the group," the broker said.
Leap Wireless International (NasdaqGS:LEAP - News) shares advanced after the San Diego-based provider of wireless communications services reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $39.4 million, or 60 cents a share. In the same quarter last year, the company posted a net profit of $4.95 million, or 8 cents a share. Revenue rose to $315.5 million from $228.9 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share loss of 35 cents on revenue of $316 million. Leap said it added 262,000 net new customers in the fourth quarter, and expects to add 260,000 to 320,000 net new customers in the first quarter.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE:MSO - News) said fourth-quarter net income jumped to $16.2 million, or 31 cents a share, from $2.9 million, or 6 cents a share in the year-ago period. Total revenue rose to $97 million from $84.6 million. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 25 cents a share on revenue of $95 million, according to Thomson Financial. For 2007, the company is expecting revenue in the range of $330 million to $340 million, operating income in the range of $5.5 million to $8.5 million and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $32 million to $35 million, including an investment of $8 million in "Blueprint" magazine.
Medical Action Industries (NasdaqGS:MDCI - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Sidoti & Co.
Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK - News) said it expects its first-quarter profit will be 63 to 67 cents a share, excluding restructuring charges related to site closures and position eliminations, and targets reported first-quarter earnings per share of 58 cents to 64 cents. Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck cited early revenue trends across Merck's range of products. The company also raised its anticipated 2007 earnings forecast range to $2.55 to $2.65 a share, excluding items related to site closures and position eliminations, and its full-year 2007 reported earnings range to $2.40 to $2.55 a share. Analysts, on average, expect it to earn 60 cents a share for the first quarter and $2.62 a share for the year, according to Thomson Financial. Merck said its forecasts do not reflect the establishment of any reserves for any potential liability relating to the Vioxx litigation.
Midwest Air Group Inc. (AMEX:MEH - News) , citing its own growth forecasts, urged its shareholders again Wednesday to reject a takeover offer from AirTran Holdings Inc. "AirTran's low-cost carrier business model is in trouble. By virtually any metric, AirTran's business is deteriorating," according to a letter Midwest sent to its shareholders.
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Labels: AAPL, ADBL, BEAS, CHINA, CIEN, DECK, DLTR, DTG, DY, GT, HSP, KCP, KG, KOMG, LEAP, LLL, MDCI, MEH, MRK, MSO

Bullish calls:
Nymex Holdings (NYSE: NMX - News): 'This stock does nothing but go up. ... Stick with it.'Grainger (NYSE: GWW - News)Wesco (NYSE: WCC - News): 'Did you see the explosion in that stock this week off the quarter? ... Still very, very cheap. I am recommending it heartily.'Chevron (NYSE: CVX - News): 'Holy cow! ... I look for the dividend to go up. I look for another buyback. I think you should back up the truck. That's my favorite integrated oil.'Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN - News)Amgen (NasdaqGS: AMGN)Genentech (NYSE: DNA - News)Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG)Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News): ' ... is not just a PC assembler ... this is a technology company, run by Mark Hurd, who I think is the best. ... I need you to load up the boat, Hewlett-Pacakrd, that's best in show.'Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO - News): 'Not bad. ... it's a cheap stock ... 'Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM - News): 'If I want to refine these days, I'm gonna refine soybean or corn. I'm buying Archer Daniels Midland.'Amor Holdings (NYSE: AH - News)General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News)L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL - News)
Bearish calls:
1-800-Flowers.com (NasdaqGS: FLWS): 'It doesn't deserve to be owned. We're ixnaying.'Sirius Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: SIRI): 'You know that stock ain't going anywhere. ... I want you to sell it nine ways to Super Bowl Sunday. 'Medarex (NasdaqGM: MEDX): 'This is precisely what I'm railing against at this juncture.'Illumina (NasdaqGM: ILMN): 'Not a good quarter. Expenses are going to rise. ... I need you out of that stock, and I want you to sell it right now.'Force Protection (NasdaqCM: FRPT): 'I think you need to go with the majors here.'
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: ADM, AH, AMGN, CELG, CVX, DNA, DVN, FLWS, GD, GWW, HPQ, Jim Cramer, LLL, Mad Money, MEDX, NMX, SIRI, VLO, WCC

Bullish calls:
Nymex Holdings (NYSE: NMX - News): 'This stock does nothing but go up. ... Stick with it.'Grainger (NYSE: GWW - News)Wesco (NYSE: WCC - News): 'Did you see the explosion in that stock this week off the quarter? ... Still very, very cheap. I am recommending it heartily.'Chevron (NYSE: CVX - News): 'Holy cow! ... I look for the dividend to go up. I look for another buyback. I think you should back up the truck. That's my favorite integrated oil.'Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN - News)Amgen (NasdaqGS: AMGN)Genentech (NYSE: DNA - News)Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG)Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News): ' ... is not just a PC assembler ... this is a technology company, run by Mark Hurd, who I think is the best. ... I need you to load up the boat, Hewlett-Pacakrd, that's best in show.'Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO - News): 'Not bad. ... it's a cheap stock ... 'Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM - News): 'If I want to refine these days, I'm gonna refine soybean or corn. I'm buying Archer Daniels Midland.'Amor Holdings (NYSE: AH - News)General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News)L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL - News)
Bearish calls:
1-800-Flowers.com (NasdaqGS: FLWS): 'It doesn't deserve to be owned. We're ixnaying.'Sirius Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: SIRI): 'You know that stock ain't going anywhere. ... I want you to sell it nine ways to Super Bowl Sunday. 'Medarex (NasdaqGM: MEDX): 'This is precisely what I'm railing against at this juncture.'Illumina (NasdaqGM: ILMN): 'Not a good quarter. Expenses are going to rise. ... I need you out of that stock, and I want you to sell it right now.'Force Protection (NasdaqCM: FRPT): 'I think you need to go with the majors here.'

Labels: ADM, AH, CVX, DNA, DVN, FLWS, FRPT, GD, GWW, HPQ, ILMN, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLL, Mad Money, MEDX, NMX, SIRI, VLO, WCC

Biomet Inc. said it was being acquired in a deal valued at $10.9 billion by a private equity group that includes Blackstone Group, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. As part of the deal, each Biomet share will be sold for $44 each, which represents a 4.8% premium to Friday's closing price of $42.
Delta Air Lines (Other OTC:DALRQ.PK - News) may file as soon as Tuesday a bankruptcy-reorganization valuing the carrier higher than a hostile merger offer from U.S. Airways does, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Imax Corp. (NASDAQ:IMAX - News) said it determined that a sale or merger of the company will not enhance shareholder value. The Toronto entertainment company said it will instead focus on the growth of its network and on strategic business initiatives.
L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) shares fellafter it said the loss of a contract to provide linguistic services to the U.S. Army in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba will cost it about 15 cents a share in 2007 earnings. The company lowered its 2007 profit forecast to $5.45 to $5.55 a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of $5.73 a share, on average.
Mannatech Inc. (NASDAQ:MTEX - News) will replace American Italian Pasta Co. (NYSE:PLB - News) in the S&P SmallCap 600 after trading closes on Tuesday.
Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (NASDAQ:NDAQ - News) approved a new employment contract for President and Chief Executive Robert Greifeld, extending his deal through Dec. 31, 2010.
Power Integrations Inc. (NASDAQ:POWI - News) said it informed the Nasdaq that it will not meet a Dec. 18 deadline to become current in its filings. The company expects its shares to be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market as of the start of trading on Dec. 19.
Southwestern Energy Co. (NYSE:SWN - News) said late Friday its 2007 capital investment program is for $1.34 billion, up 45% from $925 million expected in 2006. For 2007, the natural gas company is looking for oil and gas production to rise 45% to 50% from the prior year.
Terex Corp. (NYSE:TEX - News) will replace Navistar International Corp. (NYSE:NAV - News) in the S&P 500 after the close of trading Tuesday.
Youbet.com (NASDAQ:UBET - News) said it will sell 6.2 million shares of its common stock at $3.25 a share. The Woodland Hills, Calif. online horse racing betting company said it plans to use the proceeds, which are estimated to be $18.5 million, to repay debt used to acquire United Tote, and for other general corporate purposes.

Labels: IMAX, LLL, MTEX, NAV, NDAQ, PLB, POWI, SWN, TEX, UBET

Bullish calls:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News): 'You cannot stop defense stocks! ... and the cheapest and the best, right here, right now, is LMT!'L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL - News)Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC - News)Boeing (NYSE: BA - News): 'First of all, after the close, a 17% dividend boost. Is there anything this company doesn't do? ... I think that BA is going to $100. Big orders ... That is one of my favorite companies in the DOW.'NYSE (NYSE: NYX - News): ' No one is championing this stock except for me! I'm all alone, and that makes me like it even more! Could this stock go to $200? Mark my words, I think it will!'DivX (NASDAQ: DIVX - News): 'I think that DIVX goes higher. I like the stock. I'm not dissuaded by the fact that it's near its 52-week high. I think it goes back to $31 before year end.'Disney (NYSE: DIS - News): ' I recommened that stock at $32. It should not have gone down, after it reported that quarter. It is inching its way up to $38.'Coldwater Creek (NASDAQ: CWTR - News): 'Look, I know that people are saying, 'hold it, Cramer.' He blew that CWTR. All I can say is, sometimes stocks get put on sale, when they go from regional-to-national. And, here's what I'm doing (backing up the truck) CWTR.'Arris Group (NASDAQ: ARRS - News): 'Don't, don't give up ... I just wish they hadn't done that convertible deal - they hurt me.'BEA Systems (NASDAQ: BEAS - News): 'We are going to wake up one day, and BEAS is going to be appreciably higher. It has obviously been hurt by the options ugly stick (backdating)... But BEAS should not be punished ... if they don't get the stock up, will be purchased by Oracle.'VeriSign (NASDAQ: VRSN - News): 'You wait until it goes back to $22 or $23, and then you buy a little more. It's an up stock that's doing really well, that's got a lot of momentum with good earnings power. I say stick with it.'Phelps Dodge (NYSE: PD - News): 'Steve Cohen - one of the best investment managers - has said that that bid that it's gotten is too low. I'm with Steve. This stock should be bought ...There's another 20 points,'Verizon (NYSE: VZ - News): ' VZ is a good, cheap stock with a good dividend.'Yamana Gold (AMEX: AUY - News): 'It remains my favorite gold stock. Two thumbs up, way up.'
Bearish calls:
Brocade Communications (NASDAQ: BRCD - News): I'm worred about BRCD ... I like the long-term story, but ... Don't buy, don't buy. I am not clear about BRCD and cannot recommend it on this very show.'Panacos Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: PANC - News): 'Oh man, now you're talking about dicey ... I cannot bless a company that has no revenues to speak of in the last two quarters and no earnings ... Don't buy, don't buy.'Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD - News): ' I keep thinking that's opportunity knocking, but everytime I do it, I feel like (whipping sound). Here's the problem: they are in a price war - and a price war nobody wins!'Intel (NASDAQ: INTC - News): 'INTC and AMD have thin margins and I don't want to buy them! Don't buy, don't buy.'Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: SUNW - News): 'I think that this is just one of those stocks that was way too high, went down a lot, and is now just trying to find itself - $5-6, $5-6. In other words, stay away.'Hansen Natural (NASDAQ: HANS - News)New York Community Bancorp (NYSE: NYB - News)Toro (NYSE: TTC - News): 'You missed it. It had a big run. I'd rather ring the register. Nice dividend boost though.'
-Miriam Metzinger

Labels: AMD, ARRS, AUY, BA, BEAS, CWTR, DIS, DIVX, INTC, Jim Cramer, <