Jim Cramer Blog

Bullish:
PepsiCo (PEP), BEA Systems (BEAS), General Motors (GM), RRSat Global Communications Network (RRST), Zumiez (ZUMZ), Superior Offshore International (DEEP), Oshkosh Truck (OSK), Northrop Grumman, L-3 Communications (LLL), Lockheed Martin (LMT), General Dynamics (GD), Cisco Systems (CSCO), XTO Energy (XTO), GMX Resources (GMXR), Siemens (SI), Transocean (RIG), Schlumberger (SLB), Prudential Financial (PRU), MetLife (MET) and Halliburton (HAL).
Bearish:
Smart Balance (SMBL), Parametric Technology (PMTC), DirecTV (DTV), Parker Drilling (PKD) and Assurant (AIZ).

Labels: BEAS, CSCO, DEEP, GD, GM, GMXR, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LLL, LMT, Mad Money, OSK, PEP, PRU, RIG, RRST, SI, SLB, XTO, ZUMZ

InfoUSA Inc. (NasdaqGS:IUSA - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $11 million, or 20 cents a share, from $8 million, or 15 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Mack-Cali Realty Corp. (NYSE:CLI - News) said it has agreed to sell 4.65 million shares of common stock through an underwritten public offering.
Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (NasdaqGS:NBIX - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $14.7 million, or 39 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $23.9 million, or 65 cents a share, during the year-ago period.
The NYSE Group (NYSE:NYX - News) said fourth-quarter net income for the three months ended Dec. 31 rose to $45.5 million, or 29 cents a share, compared to a loss of $20.3 million, or 18 cents a share in the year-ago period. Breaking out $34 million in merger costs and other items, adjusted earnings rose twelve-fold to $70.8 million, or 45 cents a share, from $5.1 million, or 3 cents a share in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $658.5 million from $425.5 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial forecast earnings of 46 cents a share, on average. The year-ago period included only the operations of the New York Stock Exchange prior to the March 7, 2006 acquisition of Archipelago.
Occam Networks (NasdaqGM:OCNW - News) shares tumbled after the Santa Barbara, Calif.-based provider of equipment to telecommunications companies reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $863,000, or 4 cents a share, compared with $443,000, or three cents a share, in the same quarter last year. Excluding certain items, the company posted a per-share profit of 8 cents. Revenue rose to $20.1 million from $12.9 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 6 cents on revenue of $19.9 million.
Oshkosh Truck (NYSE:OSK - News) reported fiscal first-quarter net income fell 22% on 27% higher revenue. For the first quarter ended Dec. 31, net was $41.2 million, or 55 cents a share, compared with $53.1 million, or 72 cents, in the year-earlier period. Revenue reached $1.01 billion from $790.3 million. A survey of analysts by Thomson First Call produced consensus estimates of 59 cents of profit on $1 billion of revenue. Dilution from the acquisition of JLG Industries Inc. was 13 cents a share, compared with the company's estimate of 15 cents. Oshkosh Truck also increased its fiscal 2007 earnings view to $3.15 to $3.25 a share, including 10 cents that JLG should add for the fiscal year. The company had estimated $3.05 to $3.15 for the year. Thomson First Call estimates $3.40 a share.
Rackable Systems (NasdaqGS:RACK - News) shares dropped after the company said fourth-quarter net income fell 92% to $563,000, or 2 cents a share, from $7.31 million, or 32 cents a share, a year earlier, on sharply increased research and development expense. The company recorded adjusted per-share net income, excluding stock-based compensation and other items, of 19 cents, compared with 33 cents a year earlier. The Milpitas, Calif., computer servers and data storage company's revenue rose 29% to $106.9 million from $83.1 million a year earlier. Research and development expenses rose to $5.52 million from $853,000 a year earlier. On average, analysts expected adjusted per-share earnings of 18 cents on revenue of $106.2 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial. For the full year, the company expects per-share results between a loss of 10 cents and a profit of 20 cents, or adjusted per-share earnings of 75 cents to $1.05, on revenue of $450 million to $525 million.
The Street expects 2007 adjusted per-share earnings of $1.02 on revenue of $490.9 million.
SigmaTel Inc. (NasdaqGS:SGTL - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $98.7 million, or $2.78 a share. During the same period a year ago, the company posted net earnings of $4.65 million, or 12 cents a share.
Sonic Solutions (NasdaqGS:SNIC - News) said an ongoing review has found the company lacks sufficient documentation for certain option grants, adding that their measurement dates may need to be adjusted.
Viad Corp. (NYSE:VVI - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $1.8 million, or 9 cents a share, a reversal from the company's year-earlier profit of $3.7 million, or 17 cents a share. The Phoenix-based operator of trade shows and exhibition services generated quarterly revenue of $154.3 million, off from the prior year's $158.6 million. Viad incurred net impairment losses totaling $4 million in the latest quarter, and its loss from continuing operations amounted to 14 cents a share. A survey of two analysts who follow Viad yielded an average projected loss of 15 cents a share, according to estimates compiled by Thomson Financial.
W-H Energy Services Inc. (NYSE:WHQ - News) said its fourth-quarter profit almost doubled to $32 million, or $1.04 a share, from $16.2 million, or 55 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. Revenue for the quarter rose 38% to $238.3 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had been expecting earnings of $1.05 a share on revenue of $247 million. The company said it expects earnings for the quarter ending March 31 to be in the range of $1.02 to $1.08 a share.
YRC Worldwide Inc. (NasdaqGS:YRCW - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $46.5 million, or 80 cents a share, compared with $76.8 million, or $1.30 a share, in the same period last year, as revenue fell.

Labels: CLI, IUSA, NBIX, NYX, OCNW, OSK, RACK, SGTL, SNIC, VVI, WHQ, YRCW

Hercules Inc. (NYSE:HPC - News) said net income for the fourth quarter swung to a profit of $242.1 million, or $2.14 a share. In the same period last year, the company posted a net loss of $79.2 million, or 73 cents a share.
Shares of Hovnanian Enterprises (NYSE:HOV - News) gained after Banc of America Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral. Analyst Daniel Oppenheim cited improving buyer traffic in the company's core markets, solid cash flow which could be used for future acquisitions, its strategy of using options to control land, and attractive valuation. "We think Hovnanian was among the most conservative builders in the way that it assessed write-downs," the analyst wrote in a Thursday research note.
I2 Technologies (NasdaqGM:ITWO - News) shares rose after the Dallas-based provide of supply chain management software reported fourth-quarter net earnings applicable to common stockholders of $14.3 million, or 54 cents a share, down from $69.4 million, or $2.69 a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue fell to $79.6 million from $96.6 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 27 cents on revenue of $72.2 million. For 2007, the company expects earnings of 90 cents to $1.10 a share. Excluding stock option expense and contract revenue, I2 forecast earnings of $1.25 to $1.45 a share.
L-1 Identity Solutions (NYSE:ID - News) confirmed an outlook for earnings of 2 to 4 cents a share in the fourth quarter on revenue of between $75 million and $80 million. For the year, the Stamford, Conn., personal identity protection and security products provider said it expects earnings of 8 to 12 cents a share on revenue ranging from $330 million to $340 million.
Landstar System (NasdaqGS:LSTR - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell 31% to $28.7 million, or 50 cents a share, from $41.8 million, or 70 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based transportation and logistics provider said accounting for stock-based compensation reduced its net income by 2 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of 47 cents a share and sales of $649 million. Landstar said its revenue fell 24% to $611.3 million.
Lehman Brothers (NYSE:LEH - News) increased its annual dividend by 25% to 60 cents a share from 48 cents a share. The dividend for the first quarter of 2007 is 15 cents a share, payable Feb. 21 to holders of record as of Feb. 12. Lehman Brothers also announced the continuation of its common stock repurchase program with up to 100 million shares of stock.
Magma Design Automation (NasdaqGM:LAVA - News) shares gained after the company received a favorable ruling in a patent dispute with Synopsys (NasdaqGS:SNPS - News) and IBM (NYSE:IBM - News). "We are extremely pleased with this ruling," said David Stanley, Magma corporate vice president, Corporate Affairs, in a statement. "It is a major step toward dismissal of infringement claims with regard to these two patents."
Monster Worldwide Inc. (NasdaqGS:MNST - News) disclosed selected financial targets for 2007, saying its ability to make a full forecast is hindered by legal fees and other potential costs associated with the inquiry into the company's stock-option practices. Among other things, revenue was pegged by management in a range of $330 million to $338 million for the first quarter and in a range of $1.36 billion to $1.41 billion for all of 2007. According to estimates compiled by Thomson Financial, analysts' average forecasts stand at $321 million and slightly more than $1.36 billion, respectively. The company also reported fourth-quarter net income of $39.1 million, or 30 cents a share, up from $36.1 million, or 28 cents, earned in the final three months of 2005. Quarterly revenue for the New York-based online employment clearinghouse reached $298.6 million from the prior year's $223.8 million. Earnings from continuing operations were 31 cents a share for the latest quarter, Monster Worldwide said. Analysts were looking for earnings of 33 cents a share on revenue of $296 million, according to estimates compiled by Thomson First Call.
Old Dominion Freight Line (NasdaqGS:ODFL - News) shares leapt after the Thomasville, N.C., motor carrier reported fourth-quarter earnings of $17.8 million, or 48 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $14.7 million, or 39 cents a share. Revenue rose 12% in the latest three months to $319.4 million from $285.2 million in the same period a year earlier. The performance was ahead of its outlook for a profit of 40 to 43 cents a share for the quarter.
ON Semiconductor (NasdaqGS:ONNN - News) shares jumped after the electronics chipmaker reported fourth-quarter profit quadrupled and surpassed Wall Street's targets. On Semi said fourth-quarter net income rose to $87.4 million, or 27 cents a share, compared with net income of $21.2 million, or 7 cents a share, a year ago. The latest quarter included an insurance settlement and real-estate sales, which added 3 cents a share. For the three months ended Dec. 31, sales rose 17% to $401.6 million from $341.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had estimated On Semi would report sales of $395 million and earnings of 17 cents a share. The Phoenix-based company makes audio and power management chips used in mobile phones, cars and computers. Its biggest customer in the quarter was Motorola Inc., which represented 7% of total sales.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. (NYSE:OSK - News) said its JLG Industries unit was awarded a $102.2 million contract by the Army for the purchase of military telescopic material handlers.
Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL - News) was initiated with a market weight rating at Thomas Weisel Partners.
Pulte Homes Inc. (NYSE:PHM - News) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $8.41 million, or 3 cents a share. During the same period a year ago, the company posted net earnings of $574.5 million, or $2.19 a share. The loss from continuing operations was $8.3 million, or 3 cents a share.
Sierra Wireless was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Piper Jaffray. The firm lifted its price target on the stock to $20 from $14.
Silgan Holdings Inc. (NasdaqGS:SLGN - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $20.8 million, or 55 cents a share, from $14 million, or 37 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year.
Snap-On Inc. (NYSE:SNA - News) reported better-than-expected earnings late Wednesday. It said fourth-quarter net income rose to $38 million, or 64 cents a share, up from $27.4 million, or 47 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Profit in the most recent quarter included 5 cents a share from lower income tax expense. The provider of tools and equipment for professionals said sales in the last three months of 2006 rose 16% to $656 million, helped by its November acquisition of ProQuest Business Solutions. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected earnings of 51 cents on revenues of $610.7 million.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE:HOT - News) said its fourth-quarter net income rose 27.7% to $203 million, or 93 cents a share, from $159 million, or 70 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue for the period ending Dec. 31 rose 3.7% to $1.57 billion. Excluding special items, the firm said earnings from continuing operations rose to 92 cents a share from 71 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of 73 cents a share on revenue of $1.58 billion. Starwood said growth was driven by an 11.4% rise in worldwide revenue per available room as well as growth in margins. Starwood also said it expects earnings per share for 2007 to be around $2.50.
Tollgrade Communications (NasdaqGS:TLGD - News) reported fourth-quarter non-GAAP earnings of 14 cents a share on revenue of $16.6 million, coming in at the high end of its previously disclosed outlook.
Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE:VLO - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.11 billion, or $1.80 a share, down from a year-ago profit of $1.35 billion, or $2.06 a share. The latest results include a pre-tax gain of $196 million, or 21 cent a share, related to an asset sale. Excluding items, the company earned $987 million, or $1.59 a share, in the latest quarter. Operating revenue fell in the latest three months to $19.79 billion from $25.89 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of $1.37 a share in the December period.
VeriSign Inc. (NasdaqGS:VRSN - News) posted fourth-quarter total revenue of $412.6 million, compared with $389.1 million during the year-ago period. The company did not report full results due to the previously announced review of its historical stock option grants, which it said is now substantially completed.
Webex Communications (NasdaqGS:WEBX - News) said that fourth-quarter earnings rose 23% to $16.7 million, or 33 cents a share, from $13.6 million, or 28 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items, the Santa Clara, Calif., provider of Internet services said earnings rose to 42 cents a share from 30 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected, on average, fourth-quarter earnings of 38 cents a share, excluding items, on revenue of $101.4 million. Revenue rose 22% to $101.9 million from $83.7 million in the year-ago period. The company expects first-quarter earnings of 29 cents to 31 cents a share on revenue of $105 million to $108 million.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: HOT, HOV, HPC, IBM, ID, ITWO, LAVA, LEH, LSTR, MNST, ODFL, ONNN, OSK, PHM, RL, SLGN, SNA, SNPS, TLGD, VLO