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Friday, February 16, 2007

Biggest Stock Decliners Friday

TCHC, APPB, CPKI, CAPA, CECO, KO, STZ, DENN, GT, HRL, IM, KNDL, LOOK, MSFT, MLS, BAM, PACT, QDEL, SNIC, STC


21st Century Holding Co. (NasdaqGM:TCHC - News) has withdrawn its forecast of financial results for 2006, due to "a series of accounting issues." The Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., company reiterated its earnings forecast for 2007 at $4.50 per share. The company said the 2006 accounting changes include additional assessments from the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association and Citizens Property Insurance Corp. for the funding of insolvency at other insurers in Florida, and for a strengthening of liability reserves.
Applebee's International (NasdaqGS:APPB - News) was cut to neutral from buy at UBS after the company announced its board has hired advisers to assess strategic alternatives. "There is still a significant amount of risk for Applebee's-as well as the casual dining industry-due to ongoing significant sales and traffic declines, and this is likely to continue until comparisons get easier in the second quarter of 2007," the broker said.
California Pizza Kitchen Inc. (NasdaqGS:CPKI - News) said fourth-quarter net income was $3.73 million, or 19 cents a share, compared with $3.48 million, or 17 cents a share, for the same period a year ago. Reporting after the close, the company said revenue was $146 million vs. last year's $125.4 million.
Captaris (NasdaqGM:CAPA - News) shares tumbled after the Bellevue, Wash.-based software company reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $2.25 million, or 8 cents a share, vs. $44,000, or breakeven a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 2% to $25.2 million from $24.7 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 6 cents on revenue of $26 million.
Career Education Corp. (NasdaqGS:CECO - News) said fourth-quarter net income fell, as revenue declined, to $20.7 million, or 21.5 cents a share, from $70.3 million, or 70.1 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. Analysts had expected per-share income of 37 cents.
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs. The broker said recent results demonstrate the company's ability to weather challenges in key developed profit centers and still deliver strong global profit.
Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ - News) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Goldman Sachs. "Valuation remains inexpensive and the company looks well-positioned in growth segments like premium wine and imported beer. However, we believe upcoming guidance is likely to be uninspiring and a recovery in the U.K. and Australia is likely at least a year away," the broker said.
Denny's Corp. (NasdaqCM:DENN - News) said it swung to net income in the fourth-quarter of $2.27 million, or 2 cents a share, as operating costs and expenses declined. During the same period in the prior year, the restaurant operator reported a net loss of $4.5 million, or 5 cents a share.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:GT - News) said its fourth-quarter loss widened to $358 million, or $2.02 a share, from $51 million, or 29 cents a share in the year-earlier period. The Akron, Ohio, tire maker said its loss included a $367 million charge for a strike at 16 of its North American tire plants, $184 million in charges for restructuring and a one-time gain of $153 million for a favorable tax change. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast a loss, on average, of 40 cents a share. The company said the strike reduced fourth quarter sales by $363 million and tire volume by 2.8 million units. Sales in the three months ended Dec. 31 rose 1% to $4.98 billion from $4.93 billion.
Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE:HRL - News) said fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 9% to $75.3 million, or 54 cents a share, from $69.3 million, or 50 cents a share, a year earlier, helped by its specialty foods segment, international business and refrigerated foods. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, first-quarter earnings of 54 cents a share on revenue of $1.49 billion. The Austin, Minn., maker of consumer-brand food and meat products said revenue rose 6.2% for the period ended Jan. 28, to $1.5 billion from $1.42 billion in the year-ago period. The company expects fiscal second-quarter earnings of 47 to 53 cents a share and backed its fiscal 2007 outlook of $2.15 a share to $2.25 a share.
Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM - News) reported a fiscal fourth-quarter profit of $91.7 million, or 53 cents a share, on revenue of $8.85 billion. During the same period a year ago, the technology products distributor earned $84.4 million, or 51 cents a share, on $7.96 billion in revenue.
Kendle Inc. (NasdaqGS:KNDL - News) swung to a fourth-quarter net loss of $4.7 million, or 32 cents a share, after an $8.2 million asset impairment charge and other charges. Last year, the company reported a profit of $3.7 million, or 26 cents a share. On an adjusted basis, earnings per share for the quarter totaled 18 cents. Analysts had been expecting the company to post earnings of 33 cents a share according to data compiled by Thomson Financial. Revenue rose to $118.1 million, from $66.5 million a year ago.
LookSmart Ltd. (NasdaqGM:LOOK - News) said its fourth-quarter loss narrowed to $896,000, or 4 cents a share, from $3.77 million, or 17 cents a share, a year earlier as revenue rose 51%. The San Francisco Internet directory service's revenue grew to $15 million from $9.97 million in the year-ago period. On average, analysts expected a per-share loss of 8 cents on revenue of $15.5 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial. For the first quarter, the company expects revenue to grow 24% to 26%. For the year the company expects revenue to climb 20% to 25%.
Microsoft (NasdaqGS:MSFT - News) shares fell after CEO Steve Ballmer tempered the expectations of analysts at an event Thursday, telling them their predictions for sales of the company's new operating system are too high, while those for its operating expenses may be too low.
Mills Corp. (NYSE:MLS - News) has agreed to be acquired by Simon Property Group Inc. and hedge fund Farallon Capital Management for $25.25 a share in cash. The group had earlier offered to acquire Mills for $24 a share, topping a previous bid from Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (NYSE:BAM - News) of $21 a share. The deal is valued at about $7.9 billion with debt, Mills said in a statement. Mills said it terminated its previous merger agreement with Brookfield after determining the Simon/Farallon offer was "more favorable to its stockholders."
Pacificnet (NasdaqGM:PACT - News) said in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that Joseph Levinson has resigned as chief financial officer, effective immediately.
Quidel Corp. (NasdaqGM:QDEL - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $18.3 million, or 54 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $9.6 million, or 28 cents a share. The latest results include a gain of $5.9 million, or 17 cents a share, from an income tax benefit. On an adjusted basis, the San Diego maker of rapid diagnostic tests earned $11.6 million, or 34 cents a share, in the December quarter. The company said its gross margin slipped to 60% for the quarter from 62% a year ago due to charges in product mix, and continued investments in manufacturing process improvements and quality control.
Sonic Solutions (NasdaqGS:SNIC - News) reported preliminary third-quarter net revenue of $39.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial are currently forecasting revenue of $41 million for the period. The Novato, Calif.-based software company said its selected results and outlook may be adjusted as a result of a possible options-related restatement of results. The company said it hasn't determined the amount of non-charges for stock-based compensation expense it expects to incur, but plans to file restated results as soon as possible. Additionally, Sonic said it sees fourth-quarter net revenue of between $37 million and $41 million.
Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE:STC - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose to $10.7 million, or 59 cents a share, from $9.1 million, or 50 cents a share. Revenue rose 3% to $646 million, the title insurer said. Three analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 71 cents a share.

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Monday, February 05, 2007

Monday's Biggest Decliners

Longview Fibre Co. (NYSE:LFB - News) shares rose after Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM - News) agreed to acquire the company in a deal worth $2.15 billion, including assumed debt. The consideration values Longview shares at $24.75 each, compared to Friday's closing price of $21.01, up 21 cents. Brookfield noted that it currently owns about 3.04 million Longview shares, roughly 4.6% of the company's outstanding stock. Brookfield expects the deal for Longview, whose assets include 588,000 acres of timberlands in Washington and Oregon, to close in the second quarter.
Shares of The Mills Corp. (NYSE:MLS - News) surged after Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE:SPG - News) and private equity firm Farrallon Capital Management LLC disclosed a joint proposal to acquire the company for $24 per share. At present, Mills has an agreement in place to be acquired by Brookfield Asset Management Inc. for $21 per share. Farralon manages funds that currently own roughly 10.9% of Mills' outstanding common stock.
NetRatings' (NasdaqGM:NTRT - News) shares jumped after Nielsen Co. said it plans to acquire the 40% of NetRatings Inc. it doesn't already own for $21 a share in cash, or $327 million. The price represents a 44.1% premium over NetRatings' closing price on Oct. 6, 2006. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of this year.
Novatel Wireless (NasdaqGM:NVTL - News) shares gained after the San Diego-based provider of wireless broadband access products said it expects fourth-quarter earnings to be in the range of or above its previous outlook of 2 cents to 4 cents a share, on revenue of $76 million. Excluding items, the company forecast a fourth-quarter profit of 13 cents to 14 cents a share. For 2007, Novatel forecast earnings excluding items of 55 cents to 65 cents a share on revenue of $330 million to $350 million.
Potlatch Corp. (NYSE:PCH - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $44.1 million, or $1.13 a share, up from a year-ago profit of $9.9 million, or 34 cents a share. The latest results included a gain of $24 million, or 62 cents a share, related to the company's share of the negotiated settlement of the softwood lumber trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada, as well as an income tax adjustment of $3.9 million, or 10 cents a share, stemming from an asset transfer. Spokane, Wash.-based Potlatch attributed the higher profit in the latest quarter to improved results for its Resource and Pulp and Paperboard business segments. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 24 cents a share in the December period on revenue of $395.6 million.
Rambus (NasdaqGS:RMBS - News) shares gained after the company was ordered by the Federal Trade Commission to license some of its computer memory-chip technology and set maximum royalty rates it can collect for licensing. Those memory chip technologies include so-called SDRAM and DDR SDRAM. DRAM chips are widely used in personal computers, servers, printers, and cameras. In addition, the FTC barred Rambus from making misrepresentations or omissions to technology standard-setting groups. In June 2002, the FTC had charged Rambus with violating U.S. antitrust laws. Rambus said it plans to appeal the order.
Sun Healthcare Group (NasdaqGM:SUNH - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel Nicolaus.
Triad Hospitals Inc. (NYSE:TRI - News) agreed to go private in a buyout valued at $6.4 billion including debt. The company also said it expects to report a fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations of about 42 to 44 cents a share on revenue of approximately $1.4 billion. Analysts, on average, have been looking for the company to post a fourth-quarter profit of 55 cents a share on revenue of nearly $1.43 billion, according to estimates compiled by Thomson Financial. The company cited a higher allowance for doubtful accounts in the quarter, which reduced earnings by 24 cents a share, as well as a 21-cent hit due to a reduction of its estimate of collection rates on accounts receivable and a 3-cent hit related to increases in self-pay receivables. Triad said it also experienced a reduction in medical-malpractice reserves of about 18 cents a share, reflecting improved trends in its claims experience.
Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE:WMT - News) reported a gain of 2.2% in comparable-store sales for the first month of the year, putting it on track to deliver the lowest annual same-store sales growth in more than 25 years. The results topped the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer's prediction that sales in U.S. stores open for at least one year would rise annually by 1% to 2% in the five-week period, ending Feb. 2.
Published By MarketWatch

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Hot Stock Options Thursday

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 Under Priced 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.
The Mills Corp. Feb 22.5 Calls (NYSE:MLS - News). MLS' PowerRating is 2.
Most Under Priced 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.
Companhia Sidergurgica Nacional Mar 30 Puts (NYSE:SID - News). SID'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.
Google Feb 530 Calls (NASDAQ:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Diamond Offshore Drilling Feb 75 Calls (NYSE:DO - News). DO'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.
Business Objects (NASDAQ:BOBJ - News). BOBJ'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.
Countrywide Finanacial (NYSE:CFC - News). CFC's PowerRating is 6.
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.
National Oilwell Varco (NYSE:NOV - News). NOV's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Today's Biggest Advancers

AMR Corp. (NYSE:AMR - News) shares rose after Citigroup lifted its price target on the stock to $46 from $34 as part of a larger bullish call on the airline industry. The firm also boosted targets for JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU - News) and Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV - News).
Bio-Reference Laboratories (NASDAQ:BRLI - News) was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies & Co. The firm also boosted its price target on the stock to $30 from $26.
CDC Corp. (NASDAQ:CHINA - News) said it expects fourth-quarter software license revenue to rise approximately 37% to $13.8 million to $14.2 million from $10.2 million a year earlier. The Chinese business software company expects to report earnings estimates for the quarter ending December by early-February, with analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call forecasting earnings of 7 cents a share, on average.
Dendreon (NASDAQ:DNDN - News) shares rose after the Food and Drug Administration has granted priority review status to the company's prostate cancer drug candidate Provenge, meaning that the agency should make a decision on whether to approve the product within six months of receiving the company's market application. Dendreon said Tuesday it expects the FDA to render its decision by May 15. A biotechnology product, Provenge is for the treatment of asymptomatic, metastatic, hormone refractory prostate cancer.
ElkCorp (NYSE:ELK - News) disclosed an amendment to its previously disclosed merger agreement with private equity firm The Carlyle Group. The revised deal calls for Carlyle to commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding ElkCorp common shares for $40.50 each in cash on or before Thursday. The agreement, which values ElkCorp at about $1.05 billion, including the assumption of $173 million in debt, represents an increase of $2.50 per share from the $38 offer called for in the parties' original Dec. 18 agreement. ElkCorp's board is recommending that shareholders tender their stock to the Carlyle offer and reject a $40 per share cash tender offer from Building Materials Corp. of America.
Pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX - News) said it launched its exchange offer for all outstanding shares of larger rival Caremark Rx Inc. (NYSE:CMX - News) . Under the terms of the deal, St. Louis-based Express Scripts is offering to pay Caremark shareholders $29.25 in cash and 0.426 shares of Express Scripts for each share of Caremark held. Based on closing stock prices on Jan. 12, Express Scripts said its offer has a value of $56.87 per share, or about $25 billion, and gives Caremark stockholders a 7% premium to the current value of the rival offer from drugstore operator CVS Corp. (NYSE:CVS - News). The offer from Express Scripts and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire at midnight Eastern Standard Time on Feb. 13, subject to extension.
FairPoint Communications (NYSE:FRP - News) shares jumped after the company reached a deal with Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ - News) to combine certain assets in less populated areas of New England. The agreement calls for Verizon to spin off certain operations in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire and merge them with FairPoint. Verizon investors will receive 1 share of FairPoint for every 55 shares of Verizon held.
FedEx (NYSE:FDX - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at J.P. Morgan, citing valuation.
Genesis HealthCare Corp. (NASDAQ:GHCI - News) agreed to be acquired for $63 a share in cash by a joint venture between affiliates of Formation Capital LLC and JER Partners. The deal is valued at $1.7 billion, including the assumption of $450 million in debt, Genesis said. The company said the $63-a-share offer represents a 31% premium over its average share closing price over the past 30 days. The deal to take the company private must still be approved by shareholders. Kennett Square, Pa.-based Genesis provides healthcare and support services to the elderly.
GMH Communities Trust (NYSE:GCT - News) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Banc of America Securities on valuation.
HealthExtras (NASDAQ:HLEX - News) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Raymond James.
Highway Holdings (NASDAQ:HIHO - News) said it's received two initial original equipment manufacturer orders from U.S. based customers. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Infrasource Services (NYSE:IFS - News) lifted its outlook for the fourth quarter, saying it saw higher than expected revenue from the successful completion of several projects, increased customer demand for greater volumes of work and favorable weather. The Media, Pa., utility transmission network construction services provider now sees earnings of 15 to 17 cents a share for the fourth quarter on revenue of between $240 million and $250 million. Its previous outlook was for a profit of 11 to 13 cents a share on revenue ranging from $200 million and $210 million in the period.
Interpool Inc. (NYSE:IPX - News) said its board has received a $24 per share acquisition proposal from a group led by Martin Tuchman, its chief executive officer and chairman. Princeton, N.J.-based Interpool, a maker of transportation equipment, said the group includes other significant investors and an investment fund affiliated with Fortis Merchant Banking. Interpool said its board has formed a special committee to review and evaluate the proposal.
Masco (NYSE:MAS - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS.
Mercer International (NASDAQ:MERC - News) was upgraded to outperform from sector perform at RBC Capital Markets. The firm also lifted its price target on the stock to $14 from $12, citing a higher outlook for pulp prices.
Mills Corp. (NYSE:MLS - News) shares rose after current stockholder Farallon Partners said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that they've submitted a term sheet to Mills' financial advisors for a proposed acquisition of an additional $499 million worth of shares at a price of $20 each.

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Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Hot Stock Options to Watch Today

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 Under Priced 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.
Google Jan 500 Calls (NASDAQ:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Most Under Priced 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.
Intuitive Surgical Jan 90 Puts (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Baidu.com Mar 135 Calls (NASDAQ:BIDU - News). BIDU's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Diamond Offshore Drilling Feb 75 Calls (NYSE:DO - News). DO'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.
Global Santa Fe (NYSE:GSF - News). GSF'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.
The Mills Corp. (NYSE:MLS - News). MLS' PowerRating is 6.
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.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM - News). QCOM's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

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