Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Fossil (NasdaqGS:FOSL - News) reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell; look for $0.67EPS. FOSL's Short Term PowerRating is 6.
Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS - News) is expected to report $0.41 EPS on Tuesday before the stock markets open. MHS's Short Term PowerRating is 6.
Analysts are watching for Medtronic (NYSE:MDT - News) to announce $0.62 EPS before the bell rings on Tuesday morning. MDT's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
When OfficeMax (NYSE:OMX - News) reports quarterly results on Tuesday before the bell, look for $0.52 EPS. OMX's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Marvel Enterprises (NYSE:MVL - News) is set to report $0.29 EPS before the market opens on Tuesday. MVL's Short Term PowerRating is 6.
Steve Madden (NasdaqGS:SHOO - News) is looking to report $0.18 EPS on Tuesday before the market opens. SHOO's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are expecting Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT - News) to announce $1.02 EPS before the market opens on Tuesday. WMT's Short Term PowerRating is 6.

Labels: FOSL, Hot Stocks, MDT, MHS, MVL, OMX, SHOO, WMT

The Dow closed down 218 points and the Nasdaq fell 43 points on Monday. Finerman sees storm clouds are everywhere and the Goldman downgrade of Citigroup (C) really hurt the markets. Najarian had a fun day trading. He also thinks the financial sector is in big trouble and he is extremely worried about General Motors (GM) which fell below $27.
Louise Yamada, a highly ranked technician on Wall Street, joined the show to discuss her analysis on the technicals of the market. She is currently worried that the S&P 500 could break 1406, which would signal to her an end of the longer-term uptrend. Yamada is still bullish on Cisco Systems (CSCO) and she would look to buy pullbacks on the name. She looked at the chart on Broadcom (BRCM) calling it a sell because it hasn't followed through after a false break-out. The chart on Coca-Cola (KO) is initiating an uptrend according to Yamada, so she would be a buyer of KO. Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY) should be sold.
Retail
Nordstrom (JWN) reported a 22% rise in third-quarter profits helped by an extra week of sales.
Sears Holdings (SHLD) disclosed it has taken a 13.7% stake in Restoration Hardware (RSTO) and the possibility of proposing an acquisition.
Target (TGT) is set to report earnings Tuesday before the opening bell.
Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) clocked a 28% jump in profits off of strong notebook sales.
Medtronic (MDT) reported a 2% decline in profits, but the stock trades 3% higher after hours.
Lowe's (LOW) dropped 7% after reporting a 10% decline in profits due to the weak housing market.
Celgene (CELG) bought Pharmion (PHRM) for $2.9 billion. Adami thinks that Phizer must make a similar acquisition.
EchoStar (DISH) shares exploded higher Monday after Citigroup said there was a 65% chance that AT&T (T) will buy DISH.
Ultimate Fighting is now the fasting growing spectator sport in the United States. Macke says look for growth in cable companies and satellite companies like Viacom (VIA) and EchoStar. He also thinks makers of energy drinks like Coca-Cola will benefit. He said avoid the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) because the UFC is taking share. Lastly, Macke speculated that Anheuser-Busch (BUD) could be near a beverage deal with the UFC.
Pops & Drops
Pops - Xerox (XRX) traded up 2%.
Intercontinental Exchange traded up 3%
VeriSign (VRSN) traded up 2%.
Drops - E*TRADE (ETFC) fell 13% even with speculation of a takeover by Ameritrade (AMTD)
Wynn Resorts (WYNN) fell 7%
Genesco (GCO) plunged 24%.
Disney (DIS) fell 4%
General Motors (GM) fell 8% after the automaker announced plans for year-end discounts to clear out inventory.
Dillard's (DDS) fell 5%.
Tween Brands (TWB) fell 13%
Final Trade
Macke would purchase Dicks Sporting Goods (DKS) and Target on any selloff Tuesday
Najarian advises buying EchoStar (DISH) on a pullback under $44.
Finerman is long Goldman Sachs Group (GS) and short Lehman Brothers Holdings (LEH).
Adami recommends Vodafone Group (VOD) for a play on China.

Labels: BBBY, BRCM, CELG, Citigroup Inc., CNBC, CNBC's Fast Money, CSCO, DISH, Dow Jones, Fast Money Recap, GM, HPQ, JWN, KO, LOW, MDT, Nasdaq, PHRM, SHLD, TGT

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

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

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Campbell's Soup (NYSE:CPB - News) reports earnings on Monday morning before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.71 EPS. CPB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When Lowe's (NYSE:LOW - News) announces earnings on Monday, be watching for $0.41 EPS. LOW's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Valspar (NYSE:VAL - News) is set to report $0.40 EPS on Monday morning. VAL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Tween Brands (NYSE:TWB - News) should announce $0.46 EPS before the bell rings on Monday. TWB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ - News), Medtronic (NYSE:MDT - News) and Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN - News) all report earnings after the close on Monday, so watch for heightened volatility ahead of the bell. HPQ's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5, and MDT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5 and JWN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: CPB, Hot Stocks, HPQ, JWN, LOW, MDT, TWB, VAL

Bulls were in a buying mood today after investors picked up stocks in anticipation of more deals coming to Wall Street. At the end of trading, all three major averages gained more than 1%. Leading the advance was the tech-laden Nasdaq, which gained 1.3%. Over in the energy sector, oil continued to sell off, ending the session at $69.26, down -31 cents.
The nation's four largest money center banks, Citigroup (NYSE: C - News), JP Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM - News), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News), and Wachovia (NYSE: WB - News) all reported today that they borrowed $500 million each from the Federal Reserve's discount window on behalf of clients. The move was aimed at showing confidence amid a spreading credit crunch. The borrowing event comes after the Fed cut the discount rate by 50 basis points last Friday.
Staying on the topic of the recent credit crunch, shares of tax services company H&R Block (NYSE: HRB - News) fell -1.8% after it had to draw down bank credit lines when its Block Financial Unit was locked out of the commercial paper market. The company said it took down a net of $650 million in working capital lines.
On the news front, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE - News) said it hired Frank D'Amelio to serve as its chief financial officer (CFO) replacing Alan Levin, who announced his resignation in May. D'Amelio recently served as SVP and chief administrative officer of Paris-based Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU - News).
Shares of energy exchange NYMEX Holdings (NYSE: NMX - News) rose 6.1% after the company officially announced that it is in talks with potential parties regarding a business combination. It also said it could cut 150 jobs and sell its Manhattan headquarters, which it thinks could fetch north of $500 million. Meanwhile, rumors swirled that Ameritade (Nasdaq: AMTD - News) and E*Trade (Nasdaq: ETFC - News) could merge following a report in The Wall Street Journal that the two sides were in talks.
Lastly, on the earnings front, medical device maker Medtronic (NYSE: MDT - News) said net income rose 13% to $675 million, or 59 cents a share, up from $599 million, or 51 cents a share, last year. Sales increased 8% to $3.13 billion. Excluding one-time items, it reported earnings of $711 million, or 62 cents a share, in line with what analysts had expected. Shares fell -0.4%.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: ALU, AMTD, BAC, C, ETFC, HRB, JPM, MDT, NMX, pfe, WB

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Analog Devices (NYSE:ADI - News) beat earnings expectations on Tuesday afternoon, announcing $0.37 EPS over an expected $0.36 EPS. ADI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT - News) matched earnings after the bell on Tuesday with $0.62 EPS. MDT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Eaton Vance (NYSE:EV - News) reports earnings on Wednesday before the market opens; look for $0.42 EPS. EV's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Frontline (NYSE:FRO - News) should announce $1.08 EPS before the bell on Wednesday. FRO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When Regis (NYSE:RGS - News) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning, watch for $0.57 EPS. RGS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL - News) should report $0.05 EPS on Wednesday morning before the market opens. TOL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
WCI Communities (NYSE:WCI - News) is expected to announce -$1.13 EPS Wednesday morning. WCI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADI, EV, FRO, Hot Stocks, MDT, RGS, TOL, WCI

Stocks went on a roller-coaster ride today following large losses yesterday. Towards the close, the selling intensified, with the Dow ending down -208 points, the Nasdaq losing -37, and the S&P 500 finishing the session -24 points lower. Upbeat GDP data could not revive stock prices as investors did not want to hold stocks heading into the weekend. Oil, meanwhile, rose $2.07 to close at $77.02.
In economic news, the Commerce Department said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose a better-than-expected 3.4% in the second quarter. Wall Street economists were expecting a gain of 3.2%. The personal expenditure index, a key gauge of inflation, rose 4.3% in the second quarter. Adding to the economic data was the Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Confidence Index, which rose to 90.4 from 85.3 in June.
Corporate earnings continued to filter in on the last day of trading for the week. Oil giant Chevron (NYSE: CVX - News) reported that its second-quarter profit climbed 24% to $5.38 billion, or $2.52 cents a share, up from $4.35 billion, or $1.97 cents a share, last year. Revenues hit $56.09 billion, up from $53.54 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Excluding a gain from the sale of Dynegy (NYSE: DYN - News) stock and a loss related to debt redemption, EPS would have been $2.37, which on that basis would have beat consensus estimates by 7 cents.
Elsewhere, Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO - News) said net income came in at $232 million, or $1.48 a share, down -6% from the $247.8 million, or $1.63 a share, it recorded last year. The decline was attributable to a tax-related gain last year. Excluding a restructuring charge, EPS was $1.53, which handedly beat analyst estimates of $1.44. Net sales rose 4% to $2.35 billion on strength of Spirits and its golf business. Shares rose 1.5% on the session.
In M&A, medical technology company Medtronic (NYSE: MDT - News) agreed to acquire Kyphon (Nasdaq: KYPH - News) for $3.9 billion, or $71 a share. The deal represents a premium of 36% over where Kyphon's stock closed yesterday. The deal will help Medtronic expand its growing spinal treatment business.
In other news, shares of clothing retailer Gap (NYSE: GPS - News) rose 5.2% after the company announced that it has hired Glen Murphy as CEO. Murphy is a veteran of the food and drug industry. He will replace Robert Fisher.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: CVX, DYN, FO, GPS, KYPH, MDT

Medtronic Inc. said Friday it will acquire Kyphon Inc. for $71 a share in cash, or about $3.9 billion.
Minneapolis-based Medtronic's (NYSE:MDT - News) purchase price represents a 32 percent premium over Sunnyvale-based Kyphon's (NASDAQ:KYPH - News) closing stock price on July 26 of $53.68, and a 35 percent premium over Kyphon's 30-day average trading price of $52.76 per share.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
"We expect our combination with Kyphon to help accelerate the growth of Medtronic's existing spinal business by extending our product offerings into some of the fastest growing product segments and enabling us to provide physicians with a broader range of therapies for use at all stages of the care continuum," said Art Collins, chairman and CEO of Medtronic.
The two companies said their product lines and geographic presence are complementary. While both companies have expertise in minimally invasive, highly effective treatments, Medtronic's spinal surgery focus has been on providing treatment options for younger patients who are suffering from scoliosis and degenerative disc disease in the cervical and lumbar spine. Kyphon's focus has been on treating older patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures and spinal stenosis.
Staffing and other details were not disclosed.
Kyphon on Friday reported second quarter net income of $11 million or 23 cents a share, up from $9.5 million or 21 cents a share in the same period last year.
Kyphon said worldwide revenue was $144.3 million, an increase of 43 percent over the $101.1 million reported for the second quarter of 2006. Total U.S. revenue for the quarter increased 36 percent to $110.7 million over the same period in 2006, while total international revenues increased 73 percent to $33.6 million. Kyphon's core spinal fracture management and repair product revenue grew 19 percent to $120.6 million.
Excluding items, the company would have earned 26 cents a share, compared to non-GAAP earnings of 21 cents a share a year ago.
Published July 27, 2007 by the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal

Labels: KYPH, Kyphon Inc., MDT, Medtronic Inc.

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Medtronic July 55 Calls (NYSE:MDT - News). MDT's PowerRating is 6.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
JA Solar Holdings June 22.5 Puts (NasdaqGM:JASO - News). JASO's PowerRating is currently unavailable due to short trading history.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Research in Motion July 190 Calls (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News). RIMM's PowerRating is 4.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Google Inc. July 430 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Jabil Circuit (NYSE:JBL - News). JBL's PowerRating is 3.
Biogen Idec (NasdaqGS:BIIB - News). BIIB's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT - News). KFT's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BIIB, GOOG, JASO, JBL, KFT, MDT, RIMM

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Deutsche Bank July 155 Calls (NYSE:DB). DB's PowerRating is 6.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Medtronic July 50 Puts (NYSE:MDT). MDT's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Research in Motion July 185 Calls (NasdaqGS:RIMM). RIMM's PowerRating is 3.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Google Inc. July 430 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG)GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Palm Inc. (NasdaqGS:PALM). PALM's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
SiRF Technology Holdings (NasdaqGS:SIRF). SIRF's PowerRating is 5.
International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM). IBM's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: DB, GOOG, IBM, MDT, PALM, RIMM, SIRF, stock options

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Excel Maritime Carriers (NYSE:EXM) missed earnings after the close on Tuesday; analysts were looking for $0.64 EPS, but EXM only announced $0.61. EXM's PowerRating is 7.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) beat earnings expectations, announcing $0.66 EPS over an expected $0.62 EPS. MDT's PowerRating is 7.
Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE:DKS) announces earnings before the bell on Wednesday; look for $0.37 EPS. DKS's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are looking for Eaton Vance (NYSE:EV) to report $0.21 EPS before the market opens on Wednesday morning. EV's PowerRating is 4.
Gamestop (NYSE:GME) reports quarterly earnings tomorrow before the market opens, with analysts looking for $0.16 EPS. GME's PowerRating is 4.
Target (NYSE:TGT) should announce $0.71 EPS when the company reports earnings before the bell on Wednesday morning. TGT's PowerRating is 5.
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF) reports Wednesday after the bell, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the close. ANF's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ANF, DKS, EV, EXM, GME, Hot Stocks, MDT, TGT

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.
eBay (NasdaqGS:EBAY) & Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN). EBAY's PowerRating is 6, and TXN's PowerRating is 7.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO). KO's PowerRating is 6.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) & FelCor Lodging Trust (NYSE:FCH). MDT's PowerRating is 7, and FCH's PowerRating is 6.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Swift Energy (NYSE:SFY). SFY's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Walgreen (NYSE:WAG). WAG's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: Ebay, FCH, Hot Stocks, KO, MDT, SFY, TXN, WAG

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.

Bear Sterns July 170 Calls (NYSE:BSC - News). BSC's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Altria Group Jun 70 Puts (NYSE:MO - News). MO's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Apple Inc. July 115 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Oil Services HOLDRs July 145 Puts (AMEX:OIH - News). OIH's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT - News). MDT's PowerRating is 6.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Neurochem Inc. (NasdaqGM:NRMX - News). NRMX's PowerRating is 8.
SunPower Corp. (NasdaqGM:SPWR - News). SPWR's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, BSC, MDT, MO, NRMX, OIH, SPWR, stock options

Aaron Rents Inc. (NYSE:RNT - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 35 cents a share, up from 29 cents in the year-earlier period. The Atlanta rental-services company posted revenue of $339.9 million vs. $296.2 million. Aaron Rents expects first-quarter earnings of 45 cents to 49 cents a share on revenue exceeding $390 million. For 2007, the company said it should earn $1.55 to $1.65 on revenue in excess of $1.5 billion, excluding revenue of franchisees.
American Capital Strategies (NasdaqGS:ACAS - News) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Banc of America Securities.
Anglo American (NasdaqCM:AAUK - News) said its 2006 net profit rose 76% to $6.2 billion and that it's planning to return another $3 billion shares through a buyback program. The miner said that the results followed a strong performance from platinum, base metals, ferrous metals and gold operations, with record production levels achieved in the period. The company said that its interest in gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti now stands at 42%, having realized $1 billion through its exit strategy to date. The company said that it expects a modest decline in global growth from 2006, which should provide a supportive climate for commodities in the near term.
BTU International (NasdaqGM:BTUI - News) shares tumbled after the supplier of thermal processing equipment late Tuesday reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $1.02 million, or 11 cents a share, down from $2.09 million, or 25 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue fell to $16.6 million from $19.3 million. BTU said it expects results for the first quarter of 2007 to be similar to those of the fourth quarter of 2006.
First Marblehead Corp. (NYSE:FMD - News) said its board increased the quarterly dividend to 15 cents from 12 cents. The Boston, Mass., educational lender said the dividend is payable March 12, to shareholders of record March 5.
FTD Group Inc. (NYSE:FTD - News) said its board initiated a quarterly dividend at 16.25 cents, or an annual rate of 65 cents. The Downers Grove, Ill., floral products company said the dividend is payable April 2 to shareholders of record March 19. The company also plans a secondary offering of 6 million common shares. The shares are being sold by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners LP and certain members of FTD management.
Group 1 Automotive Inc. (NYSE:GPI - News) said fourth-quarter earnings fell 8.5% to $14.8 million, or 61 cents a share, from $16.2 million, or 66 cents a share, a year earlier, hurt by a charge of 6 cents a share related to fixed-asset write-offs and franchise-rights impairment charges. Excluding the items, the company posted earnings of 67 cents a share. The Houston-based automotive retailer said revenue rose 5.7% to $1.51 billion from $1.43 billion in the year-ago period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, fourth-quarter earnings of 77 cents a share on revenue of $1.53 billion. The company expects 2007 earnings of $4 to $4.25 a share, excluding certain items.
Hana Biosciences' (NasdaqGM:HNAB - News) shares slid after the South San Francisco, Calif.-based company said it has discovered "small amounts of precipitated material" in batches of its Zensana oral spray which may require an adjustment to the formulation or the manufacturing process. Hana said the issue is likely to delay Food and Drug Administration approval of Zensana beyond the expected action date of April 30. Zensana is used to prevent nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ - News) posted a 26% rise in first-quarter earnings, boosted by sales at the unit that sells personal computers and related hardware. Sales in the imaging and printing group were also higher.
Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT - News) reported higher third-quarter earnings and revenue, with a rise in sales of its stents but lower sales of its implantable cardiac defibrillators.
Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK - News) plans to suspend its lobbying campaign for the mandatory vaccination of Gardasil, which protects against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, according to a report on The Wall Street Journal's Web site.
Motorola (NYSE:MOT - News) was downgraded to equal-weight from overweight by Lehman Bros. "We believe handset margins are recovering slower than expected - following checks at 3GSM and in channel - and thus Motorola's recovery story may extend into 2008. As the shares are trading in line with peers following our EPS trim, we adopt a neutral stance. We believe RAZR/KRZR average selling prices continue to decline, limiting its scope to launch new product with materially higher prices," the broker said.
NovaStar Financial (NYSE:NFI - News) said it's considering whether to change its real estate investment trust status after the subprime-mortgage lender reported a fourth-quarter net loss. REITs have to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends.
Pharmacyclics (NasdaqGM:PCYC - News) shares dropped after the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company said it has received a refuse to file letter from the Food and Drug Administration for the company's new drug application for Xcytrin injection. Xcytrin is a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases. According to the company, the FDA said in the letter that Pharmacyclics' application is not "sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review based on clinical studies that failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences between treatment arms in the primary endpoints."
Possis Medical (NasdaqGS:POSS - News) shares fell after the Minneapolis-based medical device maker reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $174,000, or a penny a share, vs. $342,000, or 2 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding stock-based compensation expense, earnings came in at 5 cents a share compared with 6 cents a share last year. Revenue rose 4.5% to $15.8 million from $15.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 3 cents on revenue of $16.5 million. Possis lowered its fiscal 2007 revenue forecast to a range of $66 million to $69 million, and forecast earnings of 9 cents to 18 cents a share, or 25 cents to 34 cents a share excluding items.
Stec Inc. (NasdaqGM:STEC - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 19 cents a share, up from 2 cents in the year-earlier period. The Santa Ana, Calif., computer-memory company posted revenue of $114.3 million vs. $63.3 million.
TJX Cos.' (NYSE:TJX - News) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings fell 29% to $205.5 million, or 43 cents a share, from $288.7 million, or 60 cents a share, a year earlier, as the company recorded a $38.1 million loss from discontinued operations and expenses climbed. The fourth quarter included a charge of a penny a share related to a computer-system breach reported in January. Excluding year-ago tax benefits, the Framingham, Mass., discount retail chain had adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 52 cents a share, up from 45 cents a share, a year earlier. The company also said it now believes the previously announced unauthorized intrusion into its computer systems occurred as early in July 2005 and on various subsequent dates in 2005. The Framingham, Mass., off-price retailer previously believed the intrusion took place only from May 2006 to Jan. 2007. The company believes there was no compromise of customer data after mid-December 2006.
Zale Corp. (NYSE:ZLC - News) said fiscal second-quarter profit rose to $88.1 million, or $1.80 a share, from $87.8 million, or $1.78 a share. On an adjusted basis, it earned $1.94 a share, excluding adjustments for derivative accounting and a change in methodology in revenue recognition for lifetime jewelry protection plans. Total revenue rose to $1 billion from $993.7 million. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn $1.89 a share on revenue of $1.02 billion, according to Thomson Financial. Sales at stores open at least one year fell 1.4%. The Dallas-based company projects a fiscal third quarter same-store sales decrease of 2% to 3% and earnings per share in the range of nil to 4 cents. For the fiscal fourth quarter, Zale sees same-store sales coming in flat to slightly positive and a per-share loss of 1 to 5 cents a share. For the fiscal year, it expects to earn $1.46 to $1.52 a share. The company's guidance excludes the impact of derivative accounting and the change to its jewelry protection plan offering and related revenue recognition.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: AAUK, ACAS, BTUI, FMD, FTD, GPI, HNAB, HPQ, MDT, MOT, MRK, NFI, PCYC, POSS, RNT, STEC, TJX, ZLC

Medical device maker Medtronic Inc. said third-quarter earnings rose 6 percent on strong overseas sales, but revenue for some heart devices dropped and the company appeared to push back the date its drug-coated stent will be sold in the U.S.
The company earned $710 million, or 61 cents per share, in the period ended Jan. 26, compared with $670 million, or 55 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue of $3.05 billion was up 10 percent from $2.77 billion a year ago.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected profit of 58 cents per share on revenue of $3.07 billion.

Labels: MDT, Medtronic Inc.

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