Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Applied Materials (NasdaqGS:AMAT) beat earnings on Tuesday, with $0.23 EPS over expectations of $0.20 EPS. AMAT's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Watts (NYSE:WTS) beat earnings expectations on Tuesday afternoon, announcing $0.58 EPS over a consensus of $0.54 EPS. WTS's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
AES Corporation (NYSE:AES - News) reports earnings on Wednesday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.26 EPS. AES's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Daktronics (NasdaqGS:DAKT) is expected to announce $0.11 EPS on Wednesday morning. DAKT's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are watching for Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT) to report $1.79 EPS before the bell on Wednesday. MT's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
When Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday before the bell, be watching for $0.55 EPS. KO's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
Vonage (NYSE:VG) should report -$0.10 EPS early Wednesday morning. VG's Short Term PowerRating is 5.

Labels: AES, AMAT, DAKT, Hot Stocks, KO, MT, VG, WTS

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
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.
Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT - News) & Mastercard (NYSE:MA - News). MT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7, and MA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Diamond Offshore (NYSE:DO - News) & Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). DO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7, and GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Gamestop (NYSE:GME - News). GME'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.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (NYSE:CME - News). CME's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Bearish
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Celgene (NasdaqGS:CELG - News). CELG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published By Tradingmarkets.com

Labels: CELG, CME, DO, GME, GOOG, MA, MT, Trading Ideas

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
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap 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 gap 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.
Eaton Vance (NYSE:EV - News). EV's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Crocs (NasdaqGS:CROX - News). CROX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Dominion Resources (NYSE:D - News). D'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.
Zoltek Companies (NasdaqGM:ZOLT - News). ZOLT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
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.
Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT - News). MT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: 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.
Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL - News). ALL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
NovaStar Financial (NYSE:NFI - News). NFI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 1.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ALL, CROX, D, EV, Hot Stocks, MT, ZOLT

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG - News) beat earnings estimates after Tuesday's close. The company reported $0.60 EPS versus estimates of $0.44 EPS. CMG's PowerRating is 5.
Whole Foods Markets Inc. (NasdaqGS:WFMI - News) reported $0.35 EPS versus estimates of $0.33 EPS after the close on Tuesday. WFMI's PowerRating is 5.
Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT - News) is expected to announce $1.82 EPS on Wednesday morning. MT's PowerRating is 6.
Cigna Corp. (NYSE:CI - News) is looking to report $0.88 EPS when the company announces earnings on Wednesday morning. CI's PowerRating is 6.
Mastercard Inc. (NYSE:MA - News) should report $1.32 EPS early Wednesday. MA's PowerRating is 6.
Time Warner (NYSE:TWX - News) is looking to have EPS of $0.20 on Wednesday before the market opens. TWX's PowerRating is 5.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NasdaqGS:TEVA - News) should report $0.55 earnings per share early Wednesday. TEVA's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CI, CMG, Hot Stocks, MA, MT, TEVA, TWX, WFMI

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Applied Materials (NasdaqGS:AMAT) beat earnings on Tuesday after the close, announcing $0.34 EPS over an estimated $0.28 EPS. AMAT's PowerRating is 5.
Jack In The Box (NYSE:JBX) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning, so be looking for $0.70 EPS. JBX's PowerRating is 5.
Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT) announces earnings on Wednesday morning before the market opens; watch for $1.56 EPS. MT's PowerRating is 5.
Deere (NYSE:DE) reports quarterly earnings before the bell on Wednesday, with analysts looking for $2.41 EPS. DE's PowerRating is 5.
Watch for Federated Department Stores (NYSE:FD) to announce $0.19 EPS before the action begins on Wednesday. FD's PowerRating is 5.
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) and Longs Drug (NYSE:LDG) both report after the close on Wednesday, so watch for heightened price action and volume ahead of the bell. HPQ's PowerRating is 5, and LDG's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AMAT, DE, FD, Hot Stocks, HPQ, JBX, LDG, MT

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ - News) beat earnings Tuesday after the bell, with $0.65 EPS over a consensus of $0.62 EPS. HPQ's PowerRating is 5.
Chemed (NYSE:CHE - News) beat earnings Tuesday after the market closed, announcing $0.73 EPS over an expected $0.57 EPS. CHE's PowerRating is 2.
Euronet (NasdaqGS:EEFT - News) reports earnings on Wednesday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.29 EPS. EEFT's PowerRating is 4.
Jack In The Box (NYSE:JBX - News) is expected to report $0.81 EPS on Wednesday before the market opens. JBX's PowerRating is 5.
Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS - News) announces quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning; watch for $0.79 EPS. MHS's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are looking for Arcelor Mittal (NYSE:MT - News) to report $1.38 EPS on Wednesday before the market opens. MT's PowerRating is 3.
When TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX - News) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday morning, look for $0.51 EPS. TJX's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CHE, EEFT, Hot Stocks, HPQ, JBX, MHS, MT, TJX

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

1.
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 99*. Casino and resort operator recently announced the advancement of its Hengqin International Convention and Resort project. Mutual fund ownership has risen to 173 funds from 137 three quarters ago. 3-year EPS growth rate: 111%
2.
Goldman Sachs (GS) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 99. The investment banker is pulling back after recent all-time highs. Its private equity arm recently agreed to buy insurance broker USI Holdings for $993 million. 3-year EPS growth rate: 45%
3.
Infosys Technologies (INFY) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 99. Indian IT services firm’s Q3 earnings jumped 50% to 39 cents a share. Banc of America Securities upgrades stock to buy from neutral. 3-year EPS growth rate: 40%
4.
Wipro Ltd. (WIT) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 99. Indian consulting firm said fiscal third-quarter profit jumped 50% to 12 cents a share. Sales growth rose 49%, the most in eight quarters. 3-year EPS growth rate: 39%
5.
Research In Motion (RIMM) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 98. Mutual fund ownership of the BlackBerry device maker rises to 292 funds from 264 three quarters ago. 3-year EPS growth rate: 115%
6.
Google (GOOG) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 98. Internet search giant will report earnings on Jan. 31. Analysts see profit rising 88% to $2.90 a share. 3-year EPS growth rate: 105%
7.
American Movil (AMX) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 97. Deutsche Securities upgrades Mexican wireless service provider to buy from hold. 3-year EPS growth rate: 115%
8.
Company Vale Do Rio (RIO) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 96. Brazilian mining firm is world’s largest iron ore producer. Owns a return on equity of 52%. 3-year EPS growth rate: 63%
9.
Lehman Brothers (LEH) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 96. Investment banker agreed to buy Australia’s Grange Securities for undisclosed sum. Planning Asian expansion. 3-year EPS growth rate: 27%
10.
Mittal Steel (MT) - View IBD Stock Checkup

Composite Rating 92. Steel producer’s earnings growth rebounded sharply after five quarters of declining growth. 3-year EPS growth rate: 33%
Published by Investor's Business Daily

Labels: AMX, GOOG, GS, INFY, LEH, LVS, MT, RIMM, RIO, WIT

1. Las Vegas Sands (LVS)
Composite Rating 99*. Casino and resort operator recently announced the advancement of its Hengqin International Convention and Resort project. Mutual fund ownership has risen to 173 funds from 137 three quarters ago. 3-year EPS growth rate: 111%

2. Goldman Sachs (GS)
Composite Rating 99. The investment banker is pulling back after recent all-time highs. Its private equity arm recently agreed to buy insurance broker USI Holdings for $993 million. 3-year EPS growth rate: 45%

3. Infosys Technologies (INFY)
Composite Rating 99. Indian IT services firm’s Q3 earnings jumped 50% to 39 cents a share. Banc of America Securities upgrades stock to buy from neutral. 3-year EPS growth rate: 40%

4. Wipro Ltd. (WIT)
Composite Rating 99. Indian consulting firm said fiscal third-quarter profit jumped 50% to 12 cents a share. Sales growth rose 49%, the most in eight quarters. 3-year EPS growth rate: 39%

5. Research In Motion (RIMM)
Composite Rating 98. Mutual fund ownership of the BlackBerry device maker rises to 292 funds from 264 three quarters ago. 3-year EPS growth rate: 115%

6. Google (GOOG)
Composite Rating 98. Internet search giant will report earnings on Jan. 31. Analysts see profit rising 88% to $2.90 a share. 3-year EPS growth rate: 105%

7. American Movil (AMX)
Composite Rating 97. Deutsche Securities upgrades Mexican wireless service provider to buy from hold. 3-year EPS growth rate: 115%

8. Company Vale Do Rio (RIO)
Composite Rating 96. Brazilian mining firm is world’s largest iron ore producer. Owns a return on equity of 52%. 3-year EPS growth rate: 63%

9. Lehman Brothers (LEH)
Composite Rating 96. Investment banker agreed to buy Australia’s Grange Securities for undisclosed sum. Planning Asian expansion. 3-year EPS growth rate: 27%

10. Mittal Steel (MT))
Composite Rating 92. Steel producer’s earnings growth rebounded sharply after five quarters of declining growth. 3-year EPS growth rate: 33%
Source: IBD

Labels: AMX, GOOG, GS, INFY, LEH, LVS, MT, RIMM, RIO, WIT

Arcelor Mittal, (NYSE:MT - News) said Wednesday it's buying Mexico's Sicartsa from Grupo Villacero for $1.44 billion. It's also entered into a 50-50 joint venture with Villacero to distribute Arcelor Mittal's long products in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.
BCE Inc. (NYSE:BCE - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral by Merrill Lynch, which said said the Canadian telecommunications company is pushing its price leadership strategy further and faster than it had expected. The broker told clients this should help offset continuing strong cable phone inroads. Merrill added that while it sees substantial risk that Industry Canada will set aside wireless spectrum for new entrants, it sees offsetting upside, not widely acknowledged, if BCE and Telus Corp. were to integrate their wireless networks in the future.
Bowne & Co. (NYSE:BNE - News) said it's agreed to buy St Ives Financial, a financial printing company, from St Ives . Though Bowne didn't reveal terms, St Ives in its own statement said it will receive $8 million in cash for the business that lost 1.5 million pounds ($2.9 million) in the year ending July 28.
BRE Properties Inc., (NYSE:BRE - News) a real estate investment trust focusing on apartment communities, sees 2007 per-share profit of $1.05 to $1.20 and funds from operations of $2.55 to $2.70.
CarMax Inc. (NYSE:KMX - News) said third-quarter net income rose to $45.4 million, or 42 cents a share, from $22.9 million, or 22 cents a share. Earnings for the third quarter of both years included share-based compensation costs of 3 cents a share, and earnings for the prior year's third quarter included a benefit of 3 cents a share from favorable auto finance items. Net sales rose to $1.77 billion from $1.42 billion. Same-store used unit sales rose 13% in the quarter. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 25 cents a share on revenue of $1.63 billion, according to Thomson First Call. For the fiscal year ending February 28, 2007, CarMax now expects same-store used unit sales performance in the range of 8% to 9% and raised its earnings per share to a range of $1.75 to $1.85 from $1.55 to $1.65 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expect it to earn $1.64 a share for the year, on average.
Christopher & Banks Corp. (NYSE:CBK - News) reported third-quarter net income of 24 cents a share, matching both the year-earlier result and analysts' expectations.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:CTB - News) named Roy Armes president, chief executive and a director. Armes succeeds Byron Pond, who has served as interim CEO since August.
Darden Restaurants' (NYSE:DRI - News) fiscal second-quarter profit rose 12%, buoyed by restaurant openings and lower expenses at its Olive Garden chain.
Ferro Corp. (NYSE:FOE - News) filed its third-quarter report and became current on its Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Profit for the period fell to $5.5 million, or 12 cents a share, from $6.9 million, or 15 cents, in the year-earlier period.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F - News) was upgraded by KeyBanc to hold from sell, the automaker's second analyst upgrade in as many days. Analyst Brett Hoselton said that while fundamentals aren't expected to show any meaningful improvement in 2007, the earnings deterioration should begin to taper off. Hoselton thinks the implementation of cost cuts, capacity rationalization actions and production cuts will help reduce excessive inventory levels resulting from slowing demand. Meanwhile, he believes Ford's new financing plan will raise borrowing costs and hurt results at its financial services business. As a result, Hoselton increased his 2006 loss estimate to $1.26 a share from 99 cents, and raised his 2007 loss forecast to $1.29 a share from 60 cents.
FPL Group Inc.'s (NYSE:FPL - News) FPL Energy will purchase the Point Beach Nuclear plant in Two Rivers, Wis., its fuel and associated inventories for around $1 billion from Wisconsin Energy Corp.'s (NYSE:WEC - News) Wisconsin Electric Power Co. unit. The companies also entered a long-term agreement under which FPL Energy will sell 100% of the output of Point Beach to Wisconsin Electric Power.
Harrah's Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:HET - News) agreed to be bought by a pair of private equity groups for $90 a share in cash plus assumption of $10.7 billion in debt.
Honeywell (NYSE:HON - News) was upgraded to buy from above average by Caris & Co, which said the company's operating plan through 2008 reflects strong trends for air travel, safety, security, and energy needs. The driving force for demand in Honeywell's aerospace and automation and controls units "will remain well in place in 2008 (and beyond), as commercial aircraft and [business jet] builds continue to advance, flying hours continue to grow, US residential construction revives and non-residential growth extends."
Hydril Co. (NASDAQ:HYDL - News) the maker of oil and gas drilling products, sees fourth-quarter per-share earnings of about $1.05 or higher, above its prior view.
Innovo Group Inc. (NASDAQ:INNO - News) said it has closed around $3.6 million of new equity financing through a private placement. The company said it sold 6.8 million shares at 53 cents a share in the placement, along with warrants to purchase an additional 2.1 million shares at an exercise price of 58 cents a share.
Jack in the Box, (NYSE:JBX - News) expects to accept for purchase 2.3 million, or 6.5%, of its common shares at $61 each under a Dutch-auction tender offer. The company will lay out $142.5 million for the shares.
John H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH - News) agreed to be acquired by M&F Worldwide Corp. (NYSE:MFW - News) for $1.7 billion, or $52.75 a share in cash. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2007. M&F Worldwide is 38% owned by MacAndrews & Forbes, a company controlled by financier Ron Perelman. M&F Worldwide owns two operating companies, Mafco Worldwide, a maker of licorice products, and Clarke American, a provider of checks, check-related products and direct marketing. Decatur, Ga.-based John H. Harland is a sells printed products and software and related services to the financial institution market, including banks, credit unions, thrifts, brokerage houses and financial software companies.
Kosan Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:KOSN - News) announced a license agreement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE - News) for its motilin agonist program.
Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (NASDAQ:MXIM - News) said John Gifford, founder and chief executive, will retire for health reasons. Gifford will remain part-time as an adviser.
National City Corp. (NYSE:NCC - News) will buy back as many as 30 million common shares, subject to a limit of $1.2 billion.
NexCen Brands Inc., (NASDAQ:NEXC - News) the New York brand-acquisition and -management company, definitively agreed to acquire the designer-apparel company Bill Blass Holding Co. for $54.6 million plus as much as $16.2 million additional based on the company meeting business targets.
Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ:NDSN - News) fourth-quarter net income was about flat with the year-earlier period. Profit per share rose to 82 cents from 80 cents as shares outstanding fell 2.6%.
Redback Networks (NASDAQ:RBAK - News) agreed to be acquired by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC - News) for $2.1 billion in cash.
Smart Modular Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SMOD - News) first-quarter net income rose to 3 cents a share from 17 cents in the year-earlier period. Analysts had expected 21 cents.
Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX - News) third-quarter net income tripled from the year-earlier period, to 33 cents a share.
Telus (NYSE:TU - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral by Merrill Lynch, which said concerns over heavy wireline spending and wireless competition are now more than reflected in the share price. The broker told clients that management has trimmed wireless subscriber guidance for 2006, acknowledging increased pressure from discount brands. "We suspect this situation will lead Telus to respond with sharper pricing or promotions but we see no long-term value impairment," Merrill concluded.
Tupperware Brands Corp. (NYSE:TUP - News) named Simon Hemus president and chief operating officer.
WebMethods (NASDAQ:WEBM - News) named Ken Sexton as its chief financial officer, effective Jan. 2. Sexton replaces Mark Wabschall, who announced his plans to retire in September.
-Marketwatch

Labels: BCE, BNE, BRE, CBK, CTB, DRI, F, FOE, FPL, HET, HON, HYDL, INNO, JBX, JH, MFW, MT, RBAK, WEBM, WEC

Stock in U.S. steel makers rose on Monday after the world's biggest manufacturer said price weakness in North America had bottomed-out and 2007 profits were expected to surge.
Analysts also pointed to recent comments by Jim Cramer, a stock commentator on cable TV's CNBC, who was bullish on steel makers and processors. The biggest gainer among steel manufacturers was Nucor Corp. (NUE.N: Quote, Profile , Research), whose stock rose $4.53, or 7.73 percent, to $63.17 on the New York Stock Exchange in afternoon trading. US Steel Corp. (X.N: Quote, Profile , Research) was up 2.75 percent and Mittal Steel Co. NV (MT.N: Quote, Profile , Research) rose 1.29 percent. On the Nasdaq, Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD.O: Quote, Profile , Research) rose 5.66 percent. Earlier in Amsterdam, Arcelor Mittal's (CELR.PA: Quote, Profile , Research)(ISPA.AS: Quote, Profile , Research) Chief Financial Officer, Aditya Mittal, told a conference the company expects to be able to increase profits in 2007 and that it would be better than 2006. He said price weakness in the United States in the fourth quarter had already bottomed out, while prices in Europe should start to recover in the first quarter of 2007. Mittal said he believed the steel sector as a whole would have a good year in 2007, given strong demand, solid economic growth and higher prices for steel used in making cars.
Also rising on Monday were the stocks of specialty metals and steel processing companies and analysts suggested it was a result of the positive steel comments. Also they cited the announcement by Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile , Research) that it would go ahead with a new model of the A350 airliner, which will use lighter materials, including titanium and other metals. Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI.N: Quote, Profile , Research) , which last week said it expects strong growth in the specialty metals sector, saw its stock rise $4.86, or 5.52 percent, to $92.92 on the NYSE on Monday afternoon. Titanium Metals Corp. (TIE.N: Quote, Profile , Research) stock rose 4.13 percent and RTI International Metals Inc. (RTI.N: Quote, Profile , Research) was up 3.4 percent.
Source: Reuters.com

Labels: ATI, CELR, EAD, Hot Stocks, ISPA, Metal, MT, NUE, RTI, Steel, STLD, Stock Market, TIE, X