Jim Cramer Blog

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.
Phase Forward (NasdaqGM:PFWD - News). PFWD'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.
MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM - News). MGM'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.
Bunge (NYSE:BG - News). BG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Diana Shipping (NYSE:DSX - News). DSX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Leap Wireless (NasdaqGS:LEAP - News). LEAP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
Tidewater (NYSE:TDW - News). TDW's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
U.S. Global Investors (NasdaqCM:GROW - News). GROW's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BG, DSX, GROW, Hot Stocks, LEAP, MGM, PFWD, TDW

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.
Mastercard Oct 175.0 Calls (NYSE:MA - News). MA's PowerRating is 3.
American International Group Oct 70.0 Calls (NYSE:AIG - News). AIG's PowerRating is 4.
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.
MGM Mirage Sep 80.0 Puts (NYSE:MGM - News). MGM's PowerRating is 3.
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 Oct 145.0 Calls (NYSE:AAPL - News). AAPL'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 Oct 450.0 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.
Plains Exploration & Production Company (NYSE:PXP - News). PXP'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.
Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC - News). NSC's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of www.PowerRatings.net

Labels: AAPL, AIG, GOOG, MA, MGM, NSC, PXP, stock options

Throughout the day, the S&P 500 was on record watch as it remains 3.34 away from a record close. For a short time today, it actually rose above the record close, but while both the S&P and the Dow were up late, both ended up closing down on the day. However, this was not before the DJIA set a record for an intraday high. The Nasdaq, on the other hand, closed up almost half a percent. As investors waited for news from the China conference and for economic indicators, the Dow floated up and down on a day of unsure trading. However, acquisitions continued to make front-page news.

The United States government's NOAA released its hurricane report for this season, in which the prediction was not good. The report predicted higher-than-normal storm activity for the season and that the Gulf Coast might be in the path of some of those storms. With refineries and drilling units in the Gulf of Mexico still not having fully recovered from Katrina, there is doubt as to whether or not another storm would completely dismantle the production capabilities of the region. It is expected that prices at the pump will rise; however, today the price of oil decreased as contracts set to expire were unloaded and the U.S weekly inventory report was set to be released.
In M&A news, MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News) and other casino stocks rose today as Kirk Kerkorian expressed an interest in MGM's Las Vegas properties. Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. is also the majority shareholder for MGM Mirage, holding 56% of the stock, and is looking to explore options in that regard. Shares of the stock closed up 27.1%.
Fremont General Corp (NYSE: FMT - News) a subprime mortgage lender, announced that it would sell its commercial real estate division to IStar Financial Inc. (NYSE), another real estate lending company, for $1.9 billion. It also plans to oust its top executives and sell a minority stake in the remaining business for $80 million. The cash infusion will allow the firm to stay in business after suffering losses when the subprime market collapsed. Fremont shares rose 40.7%
In earnings news, BJ's Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ - News) released its first-quarter earnings today, the first full quarter in which CEO Herb Zarkin was back at the helm. The company suffered an -11% drop in profits, and earnings per share fell -2 cents to 21 cents. However, net sales were up 8% and same-store sales rose 2.3%. The stock finished up 1.8%.
Office supply retailer Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS - News) released its first-quarter earnings today as well. Unlike BJ's, it was able to report increased profits and sales both in North America and internationally. Sales rose 8%, but missed the consensus. Year over year, net income rose 12%. A cautious outlook and sluggish sales sent shares -2.4% lower.

By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: BJ, FMT, MGM, SPLS

Symbol
Name
Last Trade
Change
Volume
Related Info
FMT
FREMONT GENERAL CP
10.24 1:47PM ET
3.13 (44.02%)
13,910,125

MGM
M G M MIRAGE
79.66 1:47PM ET
16.71 (26.54%)
15,957,142
CSLMF
CONS MERCANTILE
1.3199 10:18AM ET
0.2599 (24.52%)
999

AVNC
ADVANCIS PHARMA CP
3.28 1:52PM ET
0.55 (20.15%)
14,457,533

HOTJ
HOUSE OF TAYLR JEWLR
2.0600 1:52PM ET
0.3700 (21.89%)
158,112

MVE
SMART MOVE, INC.
3.65 1:41PM ET
0.51 (16.25%)
87,700

AGIX
ATHEROGENICS INC
2.63 1:51PM ET
0.39 (17.41%)
4,265,697

EDAP
EDAP TMS SA ADR
6.98 1:48PM ET
0.98 (16.33%)
272,796

NRVN
NATURE VISION INC
2.61 1:27PM ET
0.14 (5.67%)
901


GPIC
GAMING PARTNERS INTL
11.60 1:52PM ET
1.41 (13.84%)
438,687

BHIP
NATURAL HEALTH TREND
3.35 1:47PM ET
0.39 (13.18%)
254,164

RDNT
RADNET INC
6.71 1:51PM ET
0.76 (12.83%)
288,774

HEM
HEMOSENSE INC.
8.89 1:37PM ET
1.04 (13.25%)
117,600

ENG
ENGLOBAL CORP
10.31 1:47PM ET
0.94 (10.03%)
894,250
NGEN
NANOGEN INC
1.48 1:50PM ET
0.13 (9.63%)
612,773

XNL
XETHANOL CORPORATION
1.41 1:47PM ET
0.13 (10.33%)
228,000

ASEI
AMER SCI ENGR
53.21 1:52PM ET
5.23 (10.91%)
786,032

SPSN
SPANSION INC.
11.41 1:52PM ET
0.97 (9.29%)
18,019,511
IMB
INDYMAC BNCP INC
35.80 1:47PM ET
3.03 (9.25%)
2,894,600

Labels: AGIX, ASEI, AVNC, BHIP, CSLMF, EDAP, ENG, FMT, GPIC, HEM, HOTJ, IMB, MGM, MVE, NGEN, NRVN, RDNT, SPSN, XNL

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS - News) barely beat earnings on Wednesday afternoon, announcing $0.32 EPS over an expected $0.31 EPS. LVS's PowerRating is 6.
Symantec (NasdaqGS:SYMC - News) beat earnings on Wednesday, with $0.24 EPS over a consensus of $0.20 EPS. SYMC's PowerRating is 4.
International Paper (NYSE:IP - News) announces earnings on Thursday morning; watch for $0.40 EPS. IP's PowerRating is 5.
MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM - News) should report $0.63 EPS in quarterly earnings on Thursday before the market opens. MGM's PowerRating is 6.
Analysts will be watching for OfficeMax (NYSE:OMX - News) to report $0.94 EPS on Thursday morning. OMX's PowerRating is 6.
When Reliant Energy (NYSE:RRI - News) announces quarterly earnings on Thursday morning, look for -$0.06 EPS. RRI's PowerRating is 6.
Noble Energy (NYSE:NBL - News) is expected to report $1.00 EPS tomorrow morning. NBL's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: Hot Stocks, IP, LVS, MGM, NBL, OMX, RRI, SYMC

Bullish calls:
First Solar (NasdaqGM: FSLR): 'I want you to go First Solar.'ING (NYSE: ING - News): 'It is a premier bank, but it did miss the quarter. Below 40, you have a nice yield.'Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL)Staples (NasdaqGS: SPLS): 'Flat-lining ... but all is well, there's nothing wrong, business is .'Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS - News): 'Reported a monster good quarter. ... I think that stock is going to 60.'DaVita (NYSE: DVA - News): 'Everybody keeps thinking it has this Medicaid problem. ... DVA should be purchased. I'm reiterating buy.'MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News): 'Inexpensive casino stock.'Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS - News)Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW - News)Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY - News): 'I am going to recommend ... Yamana Gold.'
Bearish calls:
Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL - News): 'Swap out of Trini Lopez Solar, and I want you to go First Solar.'Pre-Paid Legal Services (NYSE: PPD - News): ' I don't think you can buy this stock or sell it, because of its odd trading pattern.'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AUY, DKS, DVA, ING, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LVS, Mad Money, MGM, PPD, SLW, TSL

Bullish calls:
First Solar (NasdaqGM: FSLR): 'I want you to go First Solar.'ING (NYSE: ING - News): 'It is a premier bank, but it did miss the quarter. Below 40, you have a nice yield.'Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL)Staples (NasdaqGS: SPLS): 'Flat-lining ... but all is well, there's nothing wrong, business is .'Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS - News): 'Reported a monster good quarter. ... I think that stock is going to 60.'DaVita (NYSE: DVA - News): 'Everybody keeps thinking it has this Medicaid problem. ... DVA should be purchased. I'm reiterating buy.'MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News): 'Inexpensive casino stock.'Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS - News)Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW - News)Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY - News): 'I am going to recommend ... Yamana Gold.'
Bearish calls:
Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL - News): 'Swap out of Trini Lopez Solar, and I want you to go First Solar.'Pre-Paid Legal Services (NYSE: PPD - News): ' I don't think you can buy this stock or sell it, because of its odd trading pattern.'
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: AUY, DKS, DVA, ING, Jim Cramer, LVS, Mad Money, MGM, PPD, SLW, TSL

Bullish calls:
MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News): '... Look, it's the 2nd-largest casino, it's very well-run, we know that the casino business is consolidating... but we're so worried about China now that the stock's had a pullback... You know what? It's had enough of a pullback. MGM works. I want to own the stock.'Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI - News): ' ... we have recommended - and continue to recommend - BBI as the play, because they're moving aggressively into NFLX's turf, and I think they're doing a great job.'Infosys Technologies (NasdaqGS: INFY): The stock has taken a hit here. Indian outsourcing is a powerful concept that is not going away ... I actually want to buy it here right now. It's ridiculously low. It's earnings are great. Let's put some on our sheets.'IAC/InterActive Corp (NasdaqGS: IACI): ' ... absolutely the biggest buyback I know.'Tyco International (NYSE: TYC - News): The company is worth more than $30 bucks! It's been just biding time ... I think the split-up will bring a lot of value. I think there's 25% upside, but you're going to have to wait for the split-up, because nobody's a believer except you and me.'Texas Roadhouse (NasdaqGS: TXRH): 'I like TXRH more [than SNS].'Sonic (NasdaqGS: SONC): 'I'm going to go with SONC.'Great Plains Energy (NYSE: GXP - News): 'It's got a great wholesale competitive business, it's got a 5% yield. It's hit my radar screen as something to buy. I'm going to encourage you to stay in that.'Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL): ' Your fine in AAPL. It's meandering. It's biding time. It's making its way toward a great base of $83-87.'Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG): ' GOOG was up $16 yesterday. It's come down a little. It's meandering now ... Below $440, I think it's the price to pull the trigger.'Yahoo! (NasdaqGS: YHOO): 'GOOG is now anointed, along with EBAY, along with YHOO - I think both those stocks make a ton of sense.'eBay (NasdaqGS: EBAY)Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News): 'I think BAC's incredibly well-run; it's got a big buyback. I think they've renounced the kind of acquisitions that have historically killed the stock.'Cognizant Technology (NasdaqGS: CTSH): 'This is another Indian company, although it's based in Teaneck [NJ] ... It has been a fantastic performer, and it will continue to be so.'Dean Foods (NYSE: DF - News): 'I like DF ahead of what I think is just a terrific buyback that they're doing for their company.'
Bearish calls:
Netflix (NasdaqGS: NFLX)Shutterfly (NasdaqGM: SFLY): 'SFLY's an okay dot-com. It does a little social stuff. I would rather see you in IACI.'Steak n Shake (NYSE: SNS - News): 'SNS is a not-great restaurateur ... I'm giving that a distinctive 'don't buy, don't buy.'First Marblehead (NYSE: FMD - News): 'It's had a big run. I would actually right here say let it go back under $40, before I want to buy it. Don't buy, don't buy.'Melco PBL Entertainment (NasdaqGM: MPEL): ' Macau is so close to China - like it is China - that MPEL - which has got the Chinese casino coming - is worrisome ... I'd rather fess up, be wrong than I would stick with something that I'm worried about.'Cal-Maine Foods (NasdaqGM: CALM): ' Uh, egg company. You know what? Just okay.'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AAPL, BAC, BBI, CALM, DF, FMD, GOOG, GXP, INFY, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money, MGM, MPEL, SNS, TYC

General Growth Properties (NYSE:GGP - News) was upgraded to neutral from reduce at UBS.
Genzyme Corp. (NasdaqGS:GENZ - News) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $268.2 million, or $1.02 a share, down from earnings of $106.6 million, or 39 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding items, most notably a charge related to its acquisition of AnorMed, the company posted non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings of $209 million, or 77 cents a share, for the fourth quarter. Revenue rose 17% in the latest three months to $854.2 million from $728.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 75 cents a share in the December period. Looking ahead, Genzyme forecast earnings of $1.90 to $2 per share for 2007. The company expects a non-GAAP profit of $3.05 to $3.15 a share for the year. It sees revenue of $3.6 billion to $3.8 billion for 2007. In the first quarter, the Cambridge, Mass., biotechnology company anticipates non-GAAP earnings in the low 70 cents range. Wall Street's current consensus estimates are for earnings of 73 cents a share in the March quarter and $3.17 a share for fiscal 2007.
Hanger Orthopedic Group (NYSE:HGR - News) posted fourth-quarter earnings of $4.9 million, or 17 cents a share, as sales rose 3.2% to $153.9 million. The performance was in line with Wall Street's consensus profit estimate.
Invitrogen (NasdaqGS:IVGN - News) posted quarterly results that beat Wall Street's expectations and agreed to sell its BioReliance Corp. unit, which provides biological safety testing, to Avista Capital Partners, a private equity firm, for $210 million.
Jarden Corp. (NYSE:JAH - News)reported fourth-quarter earnings of 52 cents a share, up from 4 cents in the year-earlier period. The Rye, N.Y., consumer-products company posted adjusted profit of 80 cents a share, up from 51 cents. Sales rose 9% to $1.1 billion. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was profit of 73 cents a share.
Journal Communications Inc. (NYSE:JRN - News) said its fourth-quarter net profit rose 39.9% to $23.4 million, or 33 cents a share, from $16.7 million, or 23 cents a share a year ago. The media company, which has operations in publishing, radio and television, said total revenue for the quarter rose 15.3% to $186.6 million, driven by strong growth at its broadcasting division after acquiring three television stations in December 2005. The firm also benefited from an extra week in the fourth quarter compared to a year ago. For the first quarter, the company said it expects publishing revenue to fall, reflecting continued challenges in automotive advertising.
Knight Capital Group (NasdaqGS:NITE - News) said January average daily dollar value traded fell 9.2% to $9.06 billion, from $9.97 billion in the year-ago period. However, January came in 17.3% ahead of December's average daily dollar value of $7.72 billion. Average daily U.S. equity trade volume in January 2007 was 1.1 million, up 1.1% from 1 million in the year-ago period and up 11.2% from 953,000 in December.
Kreisler Manufacturing (NasdaqCM:KRSL - News) shares surged after the Elmwood Park, N.J.-based maker of metal components and assemblies reported fiscal second-quarter net earnings of $607,000, or 33 cents a share, up from $289,794, or 16 cents a share last year. Revenue rose to $6.02 million from $4.43 million.
Macrovision Corp. (NasdaqGS:MVSN - News)reported fourth-quarter earnings of 31 cents a share compared with 9 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Excluding equity-based compensation charges and other items, the Santa Clara, Calif., software concern earned 43 cents vs. 36 cents. Revenue rose 22% to $74.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected earnings of 42 cents on revenue of $73 million. The company also said the U.S. Attorney's Office withdrew its subpoena related to Macrovision's stock-option review.
MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM - News) said fourth-quarter earnings more than doubled, boosted by a 13% increase in gaming revenue, an 8% increase in hotel revenue, its share of profits from the sale of Tower 2 condominium units at The Signature at MGM Grand and pretax income of $86 million from Hurricane Katrina insurance recoveries. The Las Vegas entertainment, hotel and gaming company had fourth-quarter earnings of $201.6 million, or 69 cents a share, compared with $97.8 million, or 33 cents a share, a year earlier. MGM Mirage said revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2006, rose 11% to $2.02 billion from $1.82 billion a year ago. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 48 cents a share on revenue of $1.81 billion. Analyst earnings forecasts typically exclude unusual items.
Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:MOH - News) fourth-quarter net income rose to 41 cents a share from 38 cents in the year-earlier period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected 41 cents. The managed care company's revenue increased to $549.5 million from $423.2 million; Wall Street was looking for $541 million. Molina backed its view for fiscal 2007 earnings per share of $1.75 to $1.90.
New York Times Co. (NYSE:NYT - News) and Monster Worldwide Inc. (NasdaqGS:MNST - News) formed a strategic alliance for help-wanted advertising. Under the agreement, 19 of the publishing company's Web sites, including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and newspapers throughout the Southeast and California, will co-brand online recruitment advertising Web sites with Monster.
P.F. Chang's China Bistro (NasdaqGS:PFCB - News)reported fourth-quarter earnings per share were flat at 34 cents a share. Revenue rose to $252 million from $213.8 million. The latest results reflect $1.5 million in equity-based compensation expense and $400,000 in additional pre-opening expenses. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was profit of 26 cents a share. Looking ahead, the Scottsdale, Ariz., restaurant operator sees earnings of $1.45 a share in fiscal 2007 with revenue increasing 19% to $1.1 billion. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is profit of $1.38 per share in 2007.
Sigma-Aldrich (NasdaqGS:SIAL - News) fourth-quarter profit rose to 53 cents a share from 42 cents in the year-earlier period. The chemicals maker's sales rose 13% to $464.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had forecast earnings of 47 cents on revenue of $449 million. The St. Louis company expects to earn $2.15 to $2.25 a share this year.
SPSS Inc. (NasdaqGS:SPSS - News) reported fourth-quarter net income dropped 66% to $2 million, or 10 cents a share, from $5.89 million, or 30 cents a share, a year earlier. The Chicago company said the latest quarter included a non-cash charge of $6.9 million related to an income tax expense, which cut earnings by 33 cents a share. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 34 cents a share. Analyst estimates typically exclude unusual items. Total net revenue jumped 14% to $71.1 million from $62.2 million a year ago, driven by increased sales across all product lines and major geographical regions. SPSS's operating income rose 36% to $11.7 million from $8.6 million a year ago. Looking ahead, SPSS expects first-quarter revenue of $68 million and $70 million, and earnings of 23 cents to 27 cents a share, excluding 6 cents a share for stock-based compensation. For 2007, the company expects revenue of $285 million to $295 million, and earnings of $1.20 to $1.30 a share, excluding 26 cents a share for stock-based compensation expense.
Total (NYSE:TOT - News) fourth-quarter adjusted net income declined 10% to 2.74 billion euros ($3.6 billion), or 1.20 euros a share. Sales slipped 6% to 36.4 billion euros after hydrocarbon production declined 2.5% in the quarter to 2.4 million barrels of oil equivalent a day. The output decline followed governments taking a bigger share of production plus asset divestments and security-related shutdowns in the Niger Delta. The French oil giant expects to raise hydrocarbon production by an average of more than 5% a year to 2010. Surplus cash flow will be used to buy back shares, Total said.
Unibanco (NYSE:UBB - News) said its 2006 net income rose 20.2% to 2.2 billion Brazilian reais ($1.04 billion). Operating income for the year rose 20.5% to 3.52 billion reais. Total assets reached 104 billion reais in December, up 13% from a year earlier. "Unibanco remains satisfied and confident with the ongoing results and the continuous improvement of its performance," the bank said in a statement.
Varian Semiconductor (NasdaqGS:VSEA - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS. The firm said it expects the company's share of the ion implant market to improve to around 48% from 39%. UBS said the decision by Applied Materials Inc. to cease future development of its beamline ion implant product will leave Varian as one of only two suppliers in the sector. As well as improved market share, Varian should also be able to benefit from better pricing in the sector as competition eases, UBS added.
Shares of Wolseley plc (NYSE:WOS - News) jumped following a report that Cinven is considering a 10 billion pound takeover offer for the building products company. The potential deal was reported in the CityAM newspaper, which cited unnamed sources.

Published By Michael Baron of MarketWatch

Labels: GENZ, GGP, HGR, IVGN, JAH, JRN, KRSL, MGM, MNST, MOH, MVSN, NITE, NYT, PFCB, SIAL, SPSS, TOT, UBB, VSEA, WOS

Labels: MGM, MGM Mirage

Bullish calls:
Denny's (NASDAQ: DENN - News): ‘ is so right ... a restructuring story ... paying off debt ... earnings going to go up. Getting to where it should have been two years ago. Two thumbs up, way up.’Mentor (NYSE: MNT - News): ‘There's room for Mentor, but it is not as good as AGN.’Allergan (NYSE: AGN - News)MasterCard (NYSE: MA - News): ‘Pull the trigger [buy] . ... There's nothing wrong, we just found out JPMorgan had 17% growth in the credit card business ... I'm staying bullish ... been bullish for 50 points ... not backing away.’Immucor (NASDAQ: BLUD - News): ‘This company does terrific laboratory work. ... Well-run, it's a good company ... fabulous growth. Sells about one times earnings. What's not to like?’Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL - News): ‘You know, I like this company. You know, it's an Internet play ... hit 52-week high ... but I'm not backing away.’Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK - News): ‘They've restructured the company ... so well-run ... I like the utilities here, and Duke is one of the best in the country.’Genentech (NYSE: DNA - News)
Bearish calls:
Ship Finance International (NYSE: SFL - News):‘Too many very large carriers being built. That could drive the rates down. They may not be able to pay the dividend. Put me in the Don'tBuy" camp.’Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO - News): ‘Mutual funds are piling out of Valero. ... Even though it's dirt cheap, I don't want you to buy Valero.’MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News): 'Ring the Register!’MGI Pharma (NASDAQ: MOGN - News)

Labels: AGN, BLUD, DENN, DNA, DUK, GSOL, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, MA, Mad Money, MGM, MNT, MOGN, SFL, VLO

Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. said Thursday it increased its stake in MGM Mirage, the world's second largest casino company after Harrah's Entertainment (HET), from approximately 55.8% to 55.9%.
Tracinda said it bought 444,466 MGM shares in its recently completed tender offer. The company made an offer for the shares back in November, offering $55 per share, a then 12% premium to the stock's price.
The announcement by Tracinda demonstrates its confidence in MGM and its management, and further underscores our bullish opinion on the stock. MGM's prospects are bolstered by its continued strong fundamentals and positive growth outlook, with several high-profile projects underway.
Separately, Briefing.com currently has a Market Weight rating on the Consumer Discretionary sector, and we continue to favor the casino and gaming group.
--Richard Jahnke, Briefing.com

Labels: MGM, MGM Mirage, Tracinda Corp.

Bullish calls:
Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News): 'This was going to be my stock of the year... It's taking big share from GM and F. I think the stock, ultimately, could go to $200 ... Let's wait until it goes down below $130, and then we pull the trigger.'Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE - News): ' If you got this through the Duke spinoff, I would tell you to keep buying it. I think it's going to be one of the best natural gas distribution stocks out there and those yield a lot and have very, very steady dividend increases (sound of truck doing a 'mon-back).'Kinder Morgan Energy (NYSE: KMP - News): 'Richard Kinder is the smartest man in the oil business.'Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO - News): ' We are just so solemnly behind CSCO, that we are not going to even think about being in another stock.'Saks (NYSE: SKS - News)Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News)Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News): 'I want you to buy HPQ.'
Bearish calls:
Yamana Gold (AMEX: AUY - News): ' I happen to think that AUY is the best gold stock but, if I'm right about commodities, gold is about to have a leg down ... only at $10, do you pull the trigger.'Ultra Petroleum (AMEX: UPL - News): 'That house of pain is absolutely going to continue for some time ... I suggest that you take a long-term view, but understand that there could be 15% more downside in UPL.'Deere (NYSE: DE - News): 'Coming down a little. The stock was an unbelievable performer last year ... Let's ring the register. Those who want to be in DE... I may suggest that $85 is where I'd feel comfortable recommending it.'EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK - News): ' ... you have to understand, it's really speculative, and that terrific CEO just died of cancer. So the stock has kind of lost its way.'Cleveland Cliffs (NYSE: CLF - News): ' ... the problem here, is that all the mineral stocks are in free fall in America, but CLF has 8% growth. Its stock is just too cheap. If you can wait until the cycle turns - it may be 18 months - you can hold onto CLF. But, if you bought it much lower, ring the register, because it's going to have some downside.'Amylin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AMLN - News): 'We rang the register at $47 and we said stay away, and I mean stay away. Sell, sell, sell!'AngioDynamics (NASDAQ: ANGO - News): ' ... the news that came out this week ... - is a fantastic opportunity to take profits. I want to distance myself from that speculative stock right now.'Sonus Networks (NASDAQ: SONS - News): 'That's had a good run. Let's take it off the table.'Shanda Interactive (NASDAQ: SNDA - News): 'Don't get me in that cauldron ... I say take the profit. Make the money. I've had enough of it. Sell, sell, sell.'Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: SUNW - News): ' No, no, no. Sell that. I want you to buy HPQ.'Harrah's Entertainment (NYSE: HET - News): 'You already won. Ring the register. Let's move on. Sell, sell, sell.'MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News): 'Take the win. Sell, sell, sell!'
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Labels: AMLN, ANGO, AUY, CLF, CSCO, DE, ELNK, HET, HPQ, KMP, MGM, SE, SKS, SNDA, SONS, SUNW, TM, TWX, UPL

Bullish calls:
Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News): 'This was going to be my stock of the year... It's taking big share from GM and F. I think the stock, ultimately, could go to $200 ... Let's wait until it goes down below $130, and then we pull the trigger.'Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE - News): ' If you got this through the Duke spinoff, I would tell you to keep buying it. I think it's going to be one of the best natural gas distribution stocks out there and those yield a lot and have very, very steady dividend increases (sound of truck doing a 'mon-back).'Kinder Morgan Energy (NYSE: KMP - News): 'Richard Kinder is the smartest man in the oil business.'Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO - News): ' We are just so solemnly behind CSCO, that we are not going to even think about being in another stock.'Saks (NYSE: SKS - News)Time Warner (NYSE: TWX - News)Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News): 'I want you to buy HPQ.'
Bearish calls:
Yamana Gold (AMEX: AUY - News): ' I happen to think that AUY is the best gold stock but, if I'm right about commodities, gold is about to have a leg down ... only at $10, do you pull the trigger.'Ultra Petroleum (AMEX: UPL - News): 'That house of pain is absolutely going to continue for some time ... I suggest that you take a long-term view, but understand that there could be 15% more downside in UPL.'Deere (NYSE: DE - News): 'Coming down a little. The stock was an unbelievable performer last year ... Let's ring the register. Those who want to be in DE... I may suggest that $85 is where I'd feel comfortable recommending it.'EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK - News): ' ... you have to understand, it's really speculative, and that terrific CEO just died of cancer. So the stock has kind of lost its way.'Cleveland Cliffs (NYSE: CLF - News): ' ... the problem here, is that all the mineral stocks are in free fall in America, but CLF has 8% growth. Its stock is just too cheap. If you can wait until the cycle turns - it may be 18 months - you can hold onto CLF. But, if you bought it much lower, ring the register, because it's going to have some downside.'Amylin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AMLN - News): 'We rang the register at $47 and we said stay away, and I mean stay away. Sell, sell, sell!'AngioDynamics (NASDAQ: ANGO - News): ' ... the news that came out this week ... - is a fantastic opportunity to take profits. I want to distance myself from that speculative stock right now.'Sonus Networks (NASDAQ: SONS - News): 'That's had a good run. Let's take it off the table.'Shanda Interactive (NASDAQ: SNDA - News): 'Don't get me in that cauldron ... I say take the profit. Make the money. I've had enough of it. Sell, sell, sell.'Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: SUNW - News): ' No, no, no. Sell that. I want you to buy HPQ.'Harrah's Entertainment (NYSE: HET - News): 'You already won. Ring the register. Let's move on. Sell, sell, sell.'MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM - News): 'Take the win. Sell, sell, sell!'

Labels: AMLN, ANGO, AUY, CLF, CSCO, DE, ELNK, HET, HPQ, KMP, Lightning Round, MGM, SE, SKS, SNDA, SONS, SUNW, TM, TWX, UPL

BCE Inc. (NYSE:BCE - News) said it was selling its satellite services subsidiary, Telesat Canada, in a deal valued at C$3.42 billion (US$2.96 billion). The acquirer is a company formed by Loral Space & Communications and Canada's Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Loral and PSP said as part of the deal, they will acquire the stock of Telesat Canada for C$3.25 billion (US$2.8 billion), plus the assumption of C$172 million (US$148 million) in debt.
BioSante Pharmaceuticals (AMEX:BPA - News) shares soared on news that federal regulators had approved its menopause treatment Bio-E-Gel.
Caremark Rx Inc. (NYSE:CMX - News) shares rose after the company received a $26 billion cash-and-stock buyout offer from Express Scripts Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX - News) in an effort to break up the company's takeover deal with drug chain CVS Corp. (NYSE:CVS - News).
CenturyTel Inc. (NYSE:CTL - News) shares rose the company said it'll pay $830 million in cash and debt to buy Madison River Communications Corp., a provider of rural telephone and broadband services. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007.
Citigroup (NYSE:C - News) shares rose after Merrill Lynch upgraded the banking giant to buy from hold. Merrill cited several positive factors including revenue growth from an abating yield curve in 2007; Citi's "unparalleled" international presence; and less deal risk than its peers.
ConocoPhillips said Monday it signed an agreement to buy 376 ConocoPhillips fueling stations in six Eurpoean countries. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Conoco said it is selling 156 stations in Belgium, 49 in Finland, 44 in the Czech Republic, 30 in Hungary, 83 in Poland, and 14 in the Slovak Republic. The stations will be renamed Lukoil stations from Jet stations. ConocoPhillips also said it plans to increase its stake in Lukoil to 20% by the end of the year, as part of a strategic alliance unveiled in 2004.
ElkCorp (NYSE:ELK - News) shares surged after the company said it was being acquired in a deal valued at $1 billion by private equity firm the Carlyle Group. As part of the deal, Carlyle will pay $38 for each ElkCorp share outstanding, which represents a 6% premium to Friday's closing price of $35.85. The deal to buy the Dallas roofing company also includes the assumption of $173 million in debt. Separately, Carlyle is partnering with Hood Companies and its subsidiary Atlas Roofing Corp. When the acquisition of ElkCorp is completed, which is expected to be in the first quarter of 2007, Carlyle plans to merge ElkCorp and Atlas.
Exelixis Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL - News) said it agreed to collaborate with Bristol-Myers (NYSE:BMY - News) on discovery, development and commercialization of cancer treatments. Under the collaboration, Exelixis will use its drug discovery platform and will identify and be responsible for pre-clinical development of small molecule drug candidates. Bristol- Myers will have the right to select up to three Investigational New Drug (INDs) candidates against three different targets and will lead all global activities, although the parties will co-develop and co-commercialize the programs in the U.S. Bristol-Myers will pay to Exelixis an upfront payment of $60 million in cash, and Exelixis will also receive $20 million for each of up to three different drug candidates selected by Bristol-Myers.
Harrah's Entertainment (NYSE:HET - News) is on the verge of being sold for at least $90 a share to two private-equity firms, Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group, the online edition of The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
Icos Corp. (NASDAQ:ICOS - News) shares rose after Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY - News) said it raised its offer price for Icos $34 a share, or about $2.3 billion, up from the original offer price of $32 a share. "We are confident that ICOS shareholders will recognize the substantial value and the certainty that Lilly is offering," said Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman and chief executive.
Joy Global Inc. (NASDAQ:JOYG - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose to $85 million, or 71 cents a share, from $56 million, or 45 cents, a year earlier. The average earnings estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call was 66 cents a share. The Milwaukee mining technology company said sales for the three months ended Oct. 28 rose 21% to $689.3 million from $568.2 million.
MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM - News) shares rose after the company and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation said Monday they inked a pact to build a new MGM Grand hotel/casino resort adjacent to Foxwoods Resort Casino. The new $700 million MGM Grand at Foxwoods is expected to open in the spring of 2008. The two entities will also develop additional gaming and non-gaming projects, both at Mashantucket and outside of Connecticut. They have formed a jointly owned company, Unity Gaming LLC, to acquire or develop gaming and non-gaming enterprises, including Indian and non-Indian gaming, throughout the United States and abroad.
Realogy (NYSE:H - News) shares jumped after private-equity group Apollo Investment agreed to buy the real-estate brokerage group for about $6.6 billion.
Refco Inc. (Other OTC:RFXCQ.PK - News), the derivatives broker that collapsed in scandal last year, said its Chapter 11 plan was confirmed by a New York bankruptcy court, clearing the way for its businesses to be finally shut down and creditors repaid a portion of what they were owed.
SanDisk Corp. (NASDAQ:SNDK - News) said its board authorized the repurchase of up to $300 million of common shares over the next two years. SanDisk, Milpitas, Calif., is a supplier of flash storage card products. Under the program, share purchases will be made from time to time in the open market.
Shares of Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SGR - News) surged on news over the weekend that the company, in a joint venture with Westinghouse Electric Co., had landed a contract to build four nuclear power plants in China. The deal, which still needs to hammer out final details, is reportedly worth just over $5 billion.
Smith & Nephew PLC (NYSE:SNN - News) said it canceled its merger negotiations with Biomet Inc. (NASDAQ:BMET - News). Earlier Monday, Biomet unveiled an agreement to be acquired for $10.9 billion by a private equity group that includes Blackstone Group, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.
Smith & Wesson Corp. (NASDAQ:SWHC - News) said it was buying privately-held firearms maker Thompson/Center Arms for $102 million in cash. The deal, which is expected to close in January 2007, is expected to add 1 cent per share to 2007 earnings. The Springfield, Mass. firearms maker said it now expects 2007 earnings, which will include a 10-cents-a-share charge as a result of the deal, to be 27 cents a share. Previously, the company had estimated 2007 earnings, prior to the acquisition charge, of 36 cents a share. For 2008, the company raised its earnings forecast to 60 cents a share from 52 cents.
Statoil (NYSE:NHY - News) said it would buy the oil and natural-gas division of Norsk Hydro, creating the world's largest offshore operator. Holders of Statoil get 67.3% of the new company while Norsk Hydro holders get the rest. Norsk Hydro will continue to operate as an independent aluminum producer.
Weight Watchers (NYSE:WTW - News) said it has launched a self-tender offer for up to 8.3 million shares of its common stock. The New York weight management services company said it would pay between $47 and $54 for each share.
Zila Inc. (NASDAQ:ZILA - News) said Chief Financial Officer Andrew Stevens has resigned to pursue other opportunities. The Phoenix pharmaceutical company said Vice President and Treasurer Diane Klein will assume Stevens' responsibilities until a new CFO is hired.

Labels: BCE, BMET, BMY, BPA, C, CMX,