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
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.
Overstock.com (NasdaqGM:OSTK - News) & AeroVironment (NasdaqGM:AVAV - News). OSTK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 10, and AVAV's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH - News). PH'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.
EDO Corporation (NYSE:EDO - News). EDO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Ascent Solar Technologies (NasdaqGM:ASTI - News). ASTI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Bearish
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Barnes & Noble (NYSE:BKS - News) & Nutrisystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News). BKS's
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ASTI, AVAV, BKS, EDO, NTRI, OSTK, PH, Trading Ideas

Here are 7 options to watch for today.
Most Under-Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual calls.
Amazon.com Oct 100 Calls (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Most Under-Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual puts.
Baidu.com Oct 240 Puts (NasdaqGS:BIDU - News). BIDU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual calls.
Research in Motion Oct 115 Calls (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News). DISH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual puts.
MasterCard Nov 125 Puts (NYSE:MA - News). MA's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
Travelzoo (NasdaqGS:TZOO - News). TZOO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
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.
NutriSystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News). NTRI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Beazer Homes USA (NYSE:BZH - News). BZH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: Amazon.com Inc., AMZN, BIDU, NTRI, NutriSystem Inc., Research in Motion Ltd., RIMM, stock options, Travelzoo, TZOO

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.
Nutrisystem June 65 Calls (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News). NTRI's PowerRating is 2.
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.
Apple Inc. May 95 Puts (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Dendreon May 20 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 7.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Google Inc. June 430 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Microsoft (NasdaqGS:MSFT - News). MSFT's PowerRating is 5. Sepracor (NasdaqGS:SEPR - News) . SEPR's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Amazon.com (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating is 2.
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.
None Today
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, AMZN, DNDN, GOOG, MSFT, NTRI, SEPR, stock options

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.
Intuitive Surgical June 140 Calls (NasdaqGS:ISRG). ISRG'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.
Google Inc. June 460 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG). GOOG'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.
Dendreon May 15 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN). DNDN'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.
Lexmark May 60 Puts (NYSE:LXK). LXK's PowerRating is 5.
NutriSystem May 50 Puts (NasdaqGS:NTRI). NTRI'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.
Whirlpool Corp. (NYSE:WHR). WHR's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None Today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
SiRF Technology Holdings (NasdaqGS:SIRF) . SIRF's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: DNDN, GOOG, ISRG, LXK, NTRI, SIRF, stock options, WHR

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.
Research In Motion June 155 Calls (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News). RIMM's PowerRating is 6.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Advanced Magnetics May 70.0 Puts (NasdaqGM:AMAG - News). AMAG'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.
Dendreon May 15 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 7.
USANA Health Sciences May 45 Calls (NasdaqGS:USNA - News). USNA's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
NutriSystem June 45 Puts (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News). NTRI's PowerRating is 4.
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index June 115 Puts (AMEX:EEM - News). EEM'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.
None Today
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.
Starbucks Corp. (NasdaqGS:SBUX - News). SBUX's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMAG, DNDN, EEM, NTRI, RIMM, SBUX, stock options, USNA

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.
PalmOne (NasdaqGS:PALM - News). PALM's PowerRating 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.
Vanda Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:VNDA - News). VNDA's PowerRating is 7.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Safeco (NYSE:SAF - News) & Northstar Realty Finance (NYSE:NRF - News). SAF's PowerRating is 7, and NRF's PowerRating is 6.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
LHC Group (NasdaqGM:LHCG - News). LHCG's PowerRating is 7.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ - News). JNJ's PowerRating is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
NutriSystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News). NTRI's PowerRating is 1.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: Hot Stocks, JNJ, LHCG, NRF, NTRI, PALM, SAF, VNDA

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.
Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News). DOW's PowerRating is 6.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Vanda Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:VNDA - News) & Advance America (NYSE:AEA - News). VNDA's PowerRating is 8, and AEA's PowerRating is 6.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Stride Rite (NYSE:SRR - News). SRR's PowerRating is 7.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Allergan (NYSE:AGN - News). AGN's PowerRating is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Quest Diagnostic (NYSE:DGX - News). DGX's PowerRating 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.
NutriSystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News). NTRI's PowerRating is 2.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AEA, AGN, DGX, DOW, Hot Stocks, NTRI, SRR, VNDA

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. Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

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. CBOT Holdings (CBOT) & Sony (SNE)

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. American Superconductor (AMSC)

Bearish
5+ Consecutive Days Up
These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Blyth Incorporated (BTH)

2- Period RSI Above 98
These are stocks that have a 2-day RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. First State Bancorporation (FSNM)

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. NutriSystem (NTRI)
John Lee Associate Editor for TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADP, AMSC, BTH, CBOT, FSNM, Hot Stocks, NTRI, SNE

Labels: AMZN, DRI, Ebay, Jim Cramer, LU, Mad Money, MRT, NTRI, UNH

JetBlue (NasdaqGS:JBLU - News) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs.
Knology (NasdaqGM:KNOL - News) was upgraded by UBS to buy from neutral ahead of the communication technology company's earnings next week. The fundamental outlook remains strong, free cash flow should grow significantly in 2007 and refinancing will substantially lower the cost of debt, the broker said.
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 17% to $103.7 million, or 81 cents a share, from $88.9 million, or 64 cents a share, a year earlier. The Burlington, N.C., provider of clinical laboratory services said that excluding $7.7 million in restructuring charges and other charges related to the retirement of the company's chief executive, the company earned $108.4 million, or 85 cents a share, compared with $93.1 million, or 67 cents a share, a year earlier. Laboratory Corp. said revenue for the quarter rose 9.3% to $898.6 million from $822.3 million a year ago. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, earnings of 72 cents a share on revenue of $874 million. In addition, Laboratory Corp. said it expects 2007 revenue growth of 11% to 13% and earnings of $3.93 to $4.09 a share.
Macquarie Infrastructure Co. (NYSE:MIC - News) was initiated with a neutral rating and a $40 price target at Credit Suisse.
Medimmune (NasdaqGS:MEDI - News) was higher after the company reported favorable results of a study of the use of its FluMist vaccine with children under five years of age. In addition, on Wednesday, investor Carl Icahn and his Icahn Management L.P. affiliate disclosed that they had bought 2.8 million Medimmune shares.
Midland Co. (NasdaqGS:MLAN - News) said its fourth-quarter net income rose to $21.1 million, or $1.07 a share, from $20 million, or $1.03 a share, a year earlier. Excluding realized capital gains, the insurer earned $19.1 million, or 97 cents a share, for the latest period. Fourth-quarter revenue increased 13% to $207.4 million from $183.5 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, expected the Cincinnati company to earn 93 cents a share and generate revenue of $198.7 million for the latest fourth quarter. For 2007, Midland expects net income of $3.25 a share to $3.55 a share.
Molson Coors Brewing Co. (NYSE:TAP - News) reported sharply higher fourth quarter profit Thursday, buoyed by volume increases and an extra selling week. The company said it earned $99.2 million, or $1.15 a share, up from $22.4 million, or 26 cents, in the year ago period. Excluding various items, the company would have earned $108.4 million, or $1.24 a share, up from $53.9 million, or 63 cents. Sales net of excise taxes were $1.5 billion, a gain of 10%, while volume rose to 10.9 million barrels form 10.3 million. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial had been for Molson Coors to earn 94 cents a share on revenue of $1.42 billion.
Ness Technologies Inc. (NasdaqGS:NSTC - News) said it anticipates generating a profit of $1 to $1.05 a share for 2007, on revenue pegged in a range of $560 million to $570 million. The profit forecast includes about 7 per diluted share for one-time expenses, which the company expects will be taken against first-quarter results. Excluding these one-time expenses, Ness Technologies forecast the current quarter's earnings in a range of 21 cents to 23 cents a share on revenue of $123 million to $129 million. Analysts' average profit projections, as compiled by Thomson Financial, stand at 23 cents a share for the first quarter and $1.02 for 2007, with average revenue estimates of $129 million and $560 million, respectively.
Network Appliance (NasdaqGS:NTAP - News) shares gained after the storage-technology company reported third-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street analysts' estimates. The company earned $66.5 million, or 17 cents a share, on revenue of $729.3 million. Excluding one-time items, it would have earned $111.1 million, or 29 cents a share, while analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had forecast a profit of 28 cents a share on $703.8 million in revenue. Brokerage Friedman, Billings & Ramsey raised its rating on the stock to outperform from market perform.
Nutrisystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News) shares jumped after the company said fourth-quarter earnings rose to $19.6 million, or 53 cents a share, from a year-earlier profit of $6.27 million, or 17 cents a share. The Horsham, Pa., diet-food company said revenue nearly doubled to $133.6 million, from $69.6 million a year earlier. It also said its board has approved the buyback of up to $200 million worth of its common stock.
Nymex Holdings (NYSE:NMX - News) was upgraded to neutral at J.P. Morgan.
P.H. Glatfelter Co. (NYSE:GLT - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $15 million, or 33 cents a share, down from a year-ago profit of $26.9 million, or 61 cents a share. Excluding items, such as gains from the disposition of timberlands and shutdown and restructuring charges, the company posted a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) profit of $10 million, or 22 cents a share, in the latest quarter. Sales rose in the latest three months to $268.6 million from $143.2 million in the same period a year earlier. The York, Pa., specialty papers and engineered products maker noted that the latest results include the impact of its Lydney and Chillicothe acquisitions. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 15 cents a share in the December period.
Pool Corp. (NasdaqGS:POOL - News) said its fourth-quarter loss for the three months ended Dec. 31 widened to $5 million, or 10 cents a share, from a loss of $876,000, or 2 cents a share in the year-ago period. The Covington, La. pool distributor said sales increased 6% to $318.5 million in the wake of its acquisition of Wickham acquisition, growth in the Horizon business and a 1% increase in base business sales. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call forecast a loss of 9 cents a share, on average. Operating loss for the fourth quarter was $4.1 million compared to operating income of $2.3 million. For 2007, the company projects 15% to 20% earnings growth.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE:RS - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $74.6 million, or 98 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $60.6 million, or 91 cent a share. Sales surged 81% in the latest three months to $1.57 billion from $868.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The Los Angeles-based metals company said the latest results include a pre-tax LIFO expense of $37.9 million, or 31 cents a share. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of $1.22 a share in the December period on revenue of $1.56 billion. The company said its gross profit margins were slightly below its earlier expectations due to some inventory de-stocking that caused added competitive pressures. Reliance also said its LIFO expense in the latest quarter was "significantly higher" than anticipated.
Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD - News) said it expects earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 to come in a range of 53 to 56 cents a share, down from 63 cents a year ago. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for earnings of 41 cents a share. The company said a 'significant' decline in hog production earnings was partially offset by strong international earnings and 4 cents a share of tax adjustments.
Spartan Motors (NasdaqGS:SPAR - News) shares rose after the Charlotte, Mich.-based maker of chassis and vehicles reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $3.28 million, or 16 cents a share, up from $986,000, or 5 cents a share, last year. The 2006 fourth quarter included a non-cash charge of $2.1 million, 10 cents a share, related to a write-off of goodwill for Spartan's ambulance subsidiary, Road Rescue. Revenue rose to $123.6 million from $75.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 17 cents on $102.3 million.
State Auto Financial Corp. (NasdaqGS:STFC - News) said that fourth-quarter net income rose to $44.9 million, or $1.08 a share, from $29.5 million, or 71 cents a share, a year ago reflecting a disciplined underwriting policy. Analysts were expecting the property and casualty insurance holding company to post earnings of 85 cents a share, according to data supplied by Thomson Financial. The company's combined ratio for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 83.5, versus 90.5 a year ago. Revenue rose to $281.0 million, from $280.9 million in 2005. 2007 is expected to be a year of positive transition, the company said.
Stratasys (NasdaqGS:SSYS - News) shares jumped after the Minneapolis-based maker of rapid prototyping devices and 3-D printing systems reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $3.65 million, or 35 cents a share, up from $3.15 million, or 30 cents a share, last year. Excluding stock-based compensation expense, profit came in at 38 cents a share. Revenue rose to $29.7 million from $23.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 36 cents on revenue of $27.6 million. Stratasys forecast 2007 earnings of $1.28 to $1.40 a share, or $1.37 to $1.49 a share excluding items, on revenue of $105 million to $110 million.
Strayer Education (NasdaqGS:STRA - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose 7% to $16 million, or $1.11 a share, with revenue up 20% to $74.3 million. Excluding stock-bsed compensation costs, it would've earned $1.22 a share, up 18% from a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of $1.08 a share. The company estimated first-quarter earnings between $1.27 and $1.29 a share, and stock-based compensation expenses of 11 cents a share. Analysts on average see earnings of $1.27 a share in the first quarter.

Published By MarketWatch

Labels: GLT, JBLU, KNOL, LH, MEDI, MIC, MLAN, NMX, NSTC, NTAP, NTRI, POOL, RS, SFD, SPAR, SSYS, STFC, STRA, TAP

Labels: CHRW, EXPD, FIG, GS, HAL, HCBK, Jim Cramer, KBR, Lightning Round, Mad Money, MPEL, NFI, NTRI, QCOM, RIG, SHLD, SUNW, TMO

Bullish calls:
Qualcomm (NasdaqGS: QCOM): 'QCOM has finally gotten it together. There are tremendous buyers of this stock right here ... Cramer says this thing is finally go into the mid-40s and then let's make a judgment.'Transocean (NYSE: RIG - News): 'Holy cow, this business is on fire. I would actually swap out of BJS and I would go into RIG... It's just much, much cheaper.'Melco PBL Entertainment (NasdaqGM: MPEL): 'Finally we got this thing bouncing. This stock has been actually a living, breathing nightmare ... Opportunity is finally knocking. I would hold onto it.'C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NasdaqGS: CHRW): 'I liked the quarter from CHRW, and I think right now, you should swap out of EXPD and go into CHRW.'Halliburton (NYSE: HAL - News): 'I have been patient. They had the spinoff of KBR and, if they don't use that to buy back in a self tender or very high price a lot of stock, then I will have to eat my hat.'Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS - News)Sears (NasdaqGS: SHLD) Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO - News): 'We recommended this stock a couple of smackers ago. It has been going up - it pulled back from $50 ... I think you've got to not only stick with it, I think you've got to buy more [back up the truck sound].'Sun Microsystems (NasdaqGS: SUNW): 'I am starting to warm up to that.'
Bearish calls:
BJ Services (NYSE: BJS - News): ' Let me tell you how hard this business has become ... I don't like BJS as much as RIG. I would actually swap out of BJS and I would go into RIG... It's just much, much cheaper.'Hudson City Bancorp (NasdaqGS: HCBK): 'We want to get behind it, because it is the best lender in the Northeast. We can't do it until we see cuts. Don't buy, don't buy. But I am warming up to it.'Expeditors International of Washington (NasdaqGS: EXPD): ' You know, I didn't like that quarter. I liked the quarter from CHRW, and I think right now, you should swap out of EXPD and go into CHRW.'NutriSystem (NasdaqGS: NTRI): 'I didn't like what they did. They did first the lowball a couple of weeks ago...Then today they surprised to the upside on the lowball, taking the stock up 8 points in the after hours. I want to ring the register. I've had enough with NTRI. I'm about the money, and I've had enough of these guys.'Fortress (NYSE: FIG - News)Teva Pharmaceutical (NasdaqGS: TEVA): 'No. I don't like the generics.'Novastar (NYSE: NFI - News): 'No, not a chance. Not a chance my friend. I'm staying away from that group.'
Published by SeeingAlpha

Labels: BJS, CHRW, EXPD, FIG, GS, HAL, HCBK, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money, MPEL, NFI, NTRI, QCOM, RIG, TMO

NutriSystem Inc. said Wednesday that fourth-quarter earnings more than tripled as revenue doubled, with a men's diet plan helping to drive the bottom line.
The Horsham-based weight loss company reported a net income of $19.6 million, or 53 cents a share, in the quarter compared with $6.3 million, or 17 cents, in the same period a year earlier.

Revenue came in at $133.6 million, up 92 percent from $69.6 million in the year-ago period.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial were forecasting earnings of 51 cents on revenue of $130.9 million.
After closing $2.34, or 5.6 percent, higher at $43.88 in trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market, shares of NutriSystem rose to $49.59 in after-hours trading, when the earnings report was released.

Labels: NTRI, NutriSystem Inc.

Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM - News) and Town Sports (NasdaqGM: CLUB)
Since many people make New Year's resolutions to lose a few pounds, the time period between January and March is a good time to own fitness companies, says Cramer who chooses LTM as his "No. 1, best-of-breed, health club pick." He prefers LTM to CLUB, because it has better operating margins, higher revenue per customer and is not costly. In addition, Cramer comments that LTM has better and larger clubs and a superior business model. In spite of Prudential's negative rating, Cramer believes that LTM is a buy, regardless of the money the company will have to spend as it expands into wealthier areas, since the gym then will be able to charge higher prices.
Yo-Yo Diet Stocks: NutriSystem (NasdaqGS: NTRI) and Weight Watchers (NYSE: WTW - News)
Cramer commented that NTRI has gotten "crushed" because of its awful guidance; it was "flying high, then got pounded." He says that this stock is not safe to buyand is a "one-hit wonder," since its customers tend to abandon the product after 10 weeks, and everyone knows about the company. Cramer prefers WTW for growth and customer loyalty.
Mad Mail: Waste Services (NasdaqGM: WSII)
When asked how to buy WSII with a limit order, Cramer gave guidelines on how to respond to his picks, and discouraged viewers from buying stocks on the night he discusses them. Day one, an investor should do homework, day two, wait for other investors to give up and throw away the stock, and day three, do a mon' back (buy).
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: CLUB, Jim Cramer, LTM, Mad Money, NTRI, WSII, WTW

DeclinersAcco Brands Corp. (NYSE:ABD - News) was downgraded to neutral from outperform at Credit Suisse.
Allstate (NYSE:ALL - News) reported a 17% increase in fourth-quarter profit, but the insurer's results missed analyst estimates and the company said it will stop giving profit forecasts.
Calumet Specialty Products (NasdaqGM:CLMT - News) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Goldman Sachs.
Celestica (NYSE:CLS - News) shares fell after the company said its fourth-quarter net loss widened to $60.8 million, or 27 cents a share, from $28.2 million, or 12 cents a share, as costs of sales rose. The most recent quarter's results include a $30 million net charge related to an increase in inventory at a Mexico facility and a $59 million restructuring charge. Excluding amortization of intangible assets, among other items, the Canada-based provider of electronics manufacturing services posted per-share earnings of 3 cents vs. 13 cents in the prior year. Revenue rose 9% to $2.26 billion from $2.08 billion. The company sees an adjusted first-quarter per-share loss of 4 to 15 cents, on revenue of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion. The company was also downgraded to underperform from peer perform at Bear Stearns.
U.S.-listed shares of Chinese companies fell, tracking steep losses in their home market after a senior legislator said the market may be overheated after a 130% gain in 2006. The comments by Cheng Siwei, vice-chairman of the standing committee of the National People's Congress, in an interview with the Financial Times, raised concerns the Chinese government may take official action to cool speculation after the market hit a record high last week. Chinese ADRs such as Guangshen Railway (NYSE:GSH - News), China Mobile (NYSE:CHL - News), Aluminum Corp. China (NYSE:ACH - News), China Life Insurance (NYSE:LFC - News) and Sinopec (NYSE:SNP - News) were all markedly lower.
Electronics For Imaging's (NasdaqGS:EFII - News) fourth-quarter earnings fell 38% to $7.08 million, or 12 cents a share, from $11.4 million, or 18 cents a share, a year earlier. On a non-GAAP basis, the Foster City, Calif., provider of digital controllers said earnings fell to $22.6 million, or 35 cents a share, from $23.1 million, or 36 cents a share. Revenue rose 5.8% to $153.9 million from $145.4 million in the year-ago period. The company expects to delay its Form 10-K filing for 2006 due to its ongoing stock-option grant investigation. The company sees first-quarter non-GAAP earnings of 25 to 27 cents a share on revenue of $140 million to $143 million.
Haemonetics' (NYSE:HAE - News) shares tumbled after the maker of automated blood processing systems provider forecast earnings of adjusted $2.05 to $2.17 per share for fiscal 2007 with revenue expected to rise between 7% and 9%. The company said this view reflect expectations for continued sales declines in its Japanese business.
Juniper Networks Inc. (NasdaqGS:JNPR - News) reported fourth-quarter revenue rose 4% to $595.8 million, from $575.5 during the same period one year ago. The sales figure slightly topped the estimates of Wall Street analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, who had forecast $593 million.
Key Tronic (NasdaqGM:KTCC - News) shares dropped after the Spokane, Wash., provider of electronic manufacturing services posted a second-quarter profit of $300,000, or 3 cents a share, down from a profit of $1 million, or 10 cents a share, last year. The latest results include a charge of $940,000 related to a customer unexpectedly declaring bankruptcy in December. Key Tronic also said that new customer programs weren't enough to offset reduced demand from certain existing customers in the latest quarter.
Manitowoc Co. (NYSE:MTW - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $43.9 million, or 69 cents a share, compared with $18.2 million, or 30 cents a share, in the same period last year, on strong revenues in the company's crane segment.
NutriSystem (NasdaqGS:NTRI - News) shares fell after the Horsham, Pa., provider of weight management and fitness products and services forecast first-quarter earnings of 82 to 86 cents a share on revenue of between $200 million and $210 million. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of 94 cents a share in March period on revenue of $214 million.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:REGN - News) was initiated with an average rating at Caris & Co.
Repros Therapeutics Inc. (NasdaqGM:RPRX - News) announced the pricing of its public offering of 2.61 million shares at $13.75 each. The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 390,000 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, the company said.
Saifun Semiconductor (NasdaqGS:SFUN - News) shares slumped after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $6.3 million, or 20 cents per share, down from a year-ago profit of $8.6 million, or 15 cents a share. Revenue at the Israeli chip company declined to $14 million in the quarter from $16.7 million a year ago.
SanDisk (NasdaqGS:SNDK - News) said it swung to a fourth-quarter loss from a year ago, hurt by acquisition-related charges, as sales surged amid increased demand for its NAND flash-memory storage chips used in consumer electronics.
Sepracor Inc. (NasdaqGS:SEPR - News) said fourth-quarter earnings rose to $99.1 million, or 85 cents a share, from $36.9 million, or 31 cents a share, a year earlier. The results include a 12 cents a share charge for stock-based compensation. Revenue increased to $357.2 million from last year's $311.1 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had been expecting earnings of 62 cents a share and revenue of $341.4 million, on average.
Selective Insurance Group (NasdaqGS:SIGI - News) was initiated with a market perform rating at Wachovia Securities, citing concerns about increasing competition.
Silicon Laboratories (NasdaqGS:SLAB - News) forecast revenue of $106 million to $111 million for the fiscal first quarter, below Wall Street's current consensus estimate for revenue of $113.5 million in the March period.
Tekelec (NasdaqGM:TKLC - News) was downgraded to hold at Jefferies & Co.
Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX - News) reported fourth-quarter net income of $1.75 billion, or 44 cents a share, up from $1.3 billion, or 28 cents, earned in the same period during 2005. Earnings from continuing operations improved to 43 cents a share from 28 cents, the New York-based media giant's results showed. Backing out one-time items, Time Warner said it would ha