Jim Cramer Blog

By TradingMarkets Research
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
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.
R.H. Donnelley (NYSE:RHD) & WebMD Health Corporation (NasdaqGS:WBMD). RHD's PowerRating is 7, and WBMD's PowerRating 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.
Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD) & Gigamedia (NasdaqGM:GIGM). SFD's PowerRating is 5, and GIGM'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.
Domino's Pizza (NYSE:DPZ). DPZ's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ). LIZ's PowerRating is 2.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Best Buy (NYSE:BBY). BBY's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BBY, DPZ, GIGM, Hot Stocks, LIZ, RHD, SFD, WBMD

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
ADC Telecom (NasdaqGS:ADCT) beat earnings on Wednesday afternoon, announcing $0.35 EPS over an expected $0.23 EPS. ADCT's PowerRating is 5.

Science Applications International (NYSE:SAI) missed earnings on Wednesday; analysts were looking for $0.20 EPS, but SAI announced $0.18 EPS. SAI does not have a PowerRating due to its short trading history.
DSW (NYSE:DSW) beat earnings on Wednesday afternoon, with $0.54 EPS over an expected $0.47 EPS. DSW's PowerRating is 5.
CRA International (NasdaqGS:CRAI) reports earnings on Thursday before the market opens; look for $0.53 EPS. CRAI's PowerRating is 5.
When Pathmark Stores (NasdaqGM:PTMK) reports quarterly earnings tomorrow morning, analysts will be watching for -$0.04 EPS. PTMK's PowerRating is 6.
Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD) should report $0.34 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. SFD's PowerRating is 6.
Analysts expect UTI Worldwide (NasdaqGS:UTIW) to report $0.18 EPS tomorrow morning. UTIW's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADCT, CRAI, DSW, Hot Stocks, PTMK, SAI, SFD, UTIW

NATCO Group (NYSE:NTG - News) shares fell after the company said it now sees earnings of $2.30 to $2.50 a share in fiscal 2007 on revenue of between $560 million and $580 million. Wall Street's consensus view is for a profit of $2.55 a share for the year.
NCI Building Systems (NYSE:NCI - News) shares fell after the Houston-based maker of metal products for the nonresidential building industry reported fiscal first-quarter net earnings of $10.5 million, or 49 cents a share, down from $12.9 million, 62 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $359.3 million from $293.3 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 53 cents on revenue of $347.6 million. The company forecast fiscal second-quarter net earnings of 50 cents to 55 cents a share, and 2007 earnings of $4.55 to $4.80 a share. Analysts are looking for a second-quarter per-share profit of 89 cents and a 2007 per-share profit of $4.56.
Northwest Airlines Corp.'s (Other OTC:NWACQ.PK - News)loss for December 2006 was $30 million, on revenue of $967 million in the month, the airline operator said in a monthly statement with the bankruptcy court. For January, Northwest's loss grew to $349 million, mostly from a $307 payment for a claim to Pinnacle Airlines (NasdaqGM:PNCL - News). In January, the Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest said revenue fell to $892 million. Northwest, which filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in September 2005, is awaiting a March 26 hearing for court approval of its bankruptcy-exit plan.
Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT - News) said it would delay the filing of its 2006 annual report, and that it will need to restate results for 2004, 2005 and the first nine months of 2006. The Toronto telecommunications equipment company said it had found errors through discussions with its pension actuaries, and through its efforts to correct internal control deficiencies. The company expects the restatement to increase earnings for the first nine months of 2006 by $15 million and revenue by $24 million. Net losses should increase by $87 million for 2005 and by $42 million for 2004.
Pacific Ethanol Inc. (NasdaqGM:PEIX - News) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $3.1 million, or 11 cents a share, narrower than the prior year's loss of $5.1 million, or 18 cents a share. The Sacramento, Calif.-based marketer and producer of ethanol generated quarterly revenue of nearly $80.6 million, up from $36.1 million in the final three months of 2005. The company paid preferred stock dividends of nearly $1.1 million in the latest quarter; no such dividends were paid in the year-ago period. There were some 37% more weighted average shares outstanding in the 2006 fourth quarter than a year earlier. Pacific Ethanol said gross profit jumped to about $11.7 million in the latest quarter, up from $1.3 million a year earlier, as gross margin widened to 14.6% from 3.7%. The company also said its Boardman, Ore., plant is on schedule for completion by the end of the second quarter.
PetSmart Inc. (NasdaqGS:PETM - News) said that fourth-quarter net earnings climbed to $76.9 million, or 56 cents a share, compared with $70.9 million, or 50 cents a share, for the same period a year ago. Sales were $1.17 billion vs. last year's $1.05 billion, the company said in a press release after the close.
PICO Holdings (NasdaqGM:PICO - News) said it's agreed to sell about 2.823 million new common shares for $37 each. The La Jolla, Calif., company anticipates net proceeds of about $100.2 million from the offering.
Plug Power (NasdaqGM:PLUG - News) posted a fourth-quarter loss of $13.3 million, or 15 cents a share, narrower than a year-ago loss of $16.5 million, or 19 cents a share.
Pride International (NYSE:PDE - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $68.9 million, or 40 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $40.6 million, or 24 cents a share. The latest results include expenses of 8 cents a share related to the early termination of certain relationships with rigs in Brazil, a charge of 2 cents a share from an ongoing investigation by the company's audit committee, and a charge of a penny per share related to the impairment of certain rigs. Revenue rose 21% in the three months ended Dec. 31 to $669.2 million from $551 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 48 cents a share in the December period. Looking ahead, the Houston-based drilling contractor said it expects earnings of 57 to 60 cents a share in the first quarter. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of 64 cents a share in the March period. Pride said the outlook reflects current softness in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico market.
Restore Medical (NasdaqGM:REST - News) shares dropped after the company posted sales of $1.1 million for the fourth quarter, down from $1.6 million in the same period a year earlier. RBC Capital Markets lowered its rating on the stock to sector perform from outperform, citing the sales decline. The firm also cut its price target on shares of the St. Paul, Minn., maker of a sleep apnea treatment to $5 from $7.
Sears Holding Corp. (NasdaqGS:SHLD - News) reported a jump in fourth quarter profit Thursday as higher margins helped offset sagging same-store sales and flat overall revenue. Sears earned $820 million, or $5.33 a share, on the period - up from $648 million, or $4.03 a share in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Revenue came in at $16.3 billion, up from $16.1 billion, with the help of an extra week in the most recent quarter. Domestic same-store sales -- those at stores open more than a year -- declined 3.1% with Sears down 4.9% and Kmart off 0.9%. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial had been for the company to earn $5.18 a share on revenue of $15.95 billion.
Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD - News) said fiscal third-quarter net income slipped to $60.4 million, or 54 cents a share, from $71 million, or 63 cents a share. The pork and beef producer attributed 4 cents a share of this year's third quarter net income to a lower estimate of its annualized income tax rate. Last year's results include an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of 4 cents a share. Sales rose to $3.28 billion from $2.93 billion. Analysts, on average, expected it to earn 51 cents a share on revenue of $3.15 billion, according to Thomson Financial. The Smithfield, Va.-based company said the rise in corn and other grain prices will have a "significant" impact on the business.
Sonus Networks Inc. (NasdaqGS:SONS - News) said fourth-quarter revenue was $79 million. The Chelmsford, Mass., maker of voice and data communications hardware and software didn't report earnings because it hasn't completed its restatement of certain financial reports. Sonus said the audit committee completed its investigation of the company's stock option practices and accounting, and found no improper conduct or violation of company policies by any member of management.
Southwestern Energy Co. (NYSE:SWN - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $33.8 million, or 20 cents a share, down from $48.9 million, or 29 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 slipped to $214 million from $220 million a year ago.
Staples Inc. (NasdaqGS:SPLS - News) reported net income of $336.5 million, or 46 cents a share, for the fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, up from $276.7 million, or 37 cents, earned in the same period a year earlier. Quarterly sales reached $5.29 billion from $4.46 billion for the office-products retailer, which said it generated $370 million in sales during an extra week in the latest quarter. Analysts, on average, had been looking for Staples to earn 45 cents a share on revenue of $5.19 billion for the latest quarter, according to estimates compiled by Thomson Financial. As for the current year, Staples is forecasting profit growth of 15% to 20% on an adjusted basis, equating to a range of $1.43 to $1.49 a share; analysts' average view stands at $1.49 a share.
Steven Madden Ltd.'s (NasdaqGS:SHOO - News) fourth-quarter net income rose to $10 million, or 45 cents a share, from $7.44 million, or 34 cents a share, a year ago. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, predicted earnings of 44 cents a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. The Long Island City, N.Y., fashion footwear maker's net sales rose 25% to $114.1 million from $91.4 million a year ago. Steven Madden expects first-quarter earnings of 40 cents to 43 cents a share on sales that are flat with the same period last year, due in part to weaker-than-anticipated performance in boots in both wholesale and retail and sports fusion product in Steve Madden Men's, and Betsey Johnson handbags in Daniel M.
St. Mary Land & Exploration Co. (NYSE:SM - News) said President Tony Best was named to additional position of chief executive, effective Feb. 23.
Take-Two Interactive Software (NasdaqGS:TTWO - News) reported a net loss for the 2006 fiscal year on Wednesday afternoon. For the year ended Oct. 31, the video game publisher said net loss came in at $184.9 million, or $2.60 per share, compared with earnings of $35.3 million, or 50 cents a share, for the previous year. Revenue for the year was $1.04 billion compared to $1.2 billion the previous year.
Universal Health Services Inc.'s (NYSE:UHS - News) fourth-quarter net income more than doubled to $34.2 million, or 63 cents a share, from $12.3 million, or 23 cents a share, a year earlier. The King of Prussia, Pa., hospital operator's revenue grew to $1.07 billion from $967.2 million.
Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA - News) fourth-quarter earnings more than tripled to $480.8 million, or 69 cents a share, from $129.5 million, or 17 cents a share, a year earlier, as filmed entertainment revenue doubled to $1.57 billion. The company had adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 65 cents a share, compared with 37 cents a share a year earlier. The New York media company said Thursday that total revenue rose 32% to $3.59 billion from $2.72 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, expected earnings of 58 cents a share on revenue of $3.15 billion.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: NCI, NT, NTG, PDE, PEIX, PETM, PICO, PLUG, PNCL, REST, SFD, SHLD, SHOO, SM, SONS, SPLS, SWN

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

LCA-Vision Inc. (NasdaqGS:LCAV - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $7.1 million, or 34 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $6.6 million, or 30 cents a share. Revenue jumped 26% in the latest three months to $58.8 million from $46.8 million a year ago. The Cincinnati-based provider of laser vision correction services also said it's increased its quarterly dividend by 50% to 18 cents a share from 12 cents. Looking ahead, LCA-Vision forecast earnings of $2.05 to $2.15 a share for 2007 on revenue growth of 20% to 25%.
Lions Gate (NYSE:LGF - News) reported third-quarter net earnings of $20.5 million, or 17 cents a share, compared with $3.14 million, or 3 cents a share, in the same period last year, driven by revenue from the company's "Saw III" and "Employee of the Month" films.
Loews Corp. (NYSE:LTR - News) reported consolidated net income of $746.5 million, or $1.11 a share, for the fourth quarter, up from a year-ago equivalent profit of $127.6 million, or 8 cents a share. This performance includes contributions from both Loews Group and Carolina Group, whose net income rose to $137.1 million, or $1.26 per Carolina Group share, in the quarter, from $81.6 million, or $1.11 a share, a year earlier. On a continuing operations basis, Loews earned $633.4 million, or $1.15 per share, in the latest quarter. Loews attributed its higher earnings to improved results at CNA Financial , its 89%-owned subsidiary, and Diamond Offshore Drilling , its 54%-owned subsidiary.
Municipal Mortgage & Equity LLC (NYSE:MMA - News) said it knows of no reason why recent trading in the stock has resulted in a decrease in price. Since Monday, shares of the real estate debt and equity financing concern have dropped almost 15%. MuniMae management noted that it is not engaged in sub-prime or any other single family mortgage lending activities, and that its outlook for the multifamily rental sector is positive.
Novelis was in focus after the company agreed to be acquired by Hindalco Industries Ltd. in a deal worth $6 billion, including debt assumption. The consideration values Novelis at $44.93 a share.
OmniVision (NasdaqGS:OVTI - News) unveiled a 5.17 megapixel auto-focus camera module for mobile handsets based on its OV5623 CameraChip sensor. The company also unveiled its TrueFocus camera with Wavefront Coding technology for the mobile handset market.
Onyx Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:ONXX - News) soared after the company and Bayer (NYSE:BAY - News) said a Phase 3 trial of Nexavar to treat advanced liver cancer was closed early due to a positive outcome. Bayer and Onyx will stop the trial and allow all patients enrolled in this trial access to Nexavar. Given that there are limited approved systemic therapies for this disease, the companies will continue discussions with health authorities worldwide, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European health authorities regarding the next steps in filing for approval for the treatment in advanced liver cancer. Nexavar is currently approved in nearly 50 countries, including the United States and in the European Union, for the treatment of patients with advanced kidney cancer.
Shares of Panera Bread Co. (NasdaqGS:PNRA - News) edged higher after Raymond James upgraded the bakery-café chain to strong buy from outperform, citing valuation. The company reported Friday fourth-quarter earnings that rose over year-earlier levels but fell shy of expectations, according to Thomson Financial, and provided an outlook that was slightly below forecasts. Analyst Bryan Elliott noted that the stock traded up most of the day before turning lower at the close. "We believe that that this reflects intermediate and longer-term capital that has been on the sideline waiting for 2007 guidance to be released," Elliott said in a research note. "We believe there is sufficient interest from this class of investor to keep Panera Bread under accumulation for at least the next several months."
R.H. Donnelly (NYSE:RHD - News) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at J.P. Morgan.
Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD - News) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wachovia Securities. The firm cited expectations about the benefits of recent acquisitions.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV - News) was upgraded to outperform at Bear Stearns.
Triple Crown Media Inc. (NasdaqGM:TCMI - News) said it swung to a fiscal second-quarter net profit of $418,000, or 8 cents a share. The company, which owns and operates local newspapers and runs a collegiate marketing business offering sports marketing services, reported a loss of $802,000 or 16 cents a share in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue for the quarter jumped to $48.1 million from $12.3 million, driven by the acquisition of the marketing business from Bull Run Corp.
Vodafone Group (NYSE:VOD - News) agreed to acquire Hutchison Telecom's (NYSE:HTX - News) 67% stake in Indian mobile operator Hutchison Essar for $11.1 billion and the assumption of $2 billion in debt.
WCI Communities (NYSE:WCI - News) said it's retained Goldman Sachs to assist it in identifying ways to increase shareholder value. The Bonita Springs, Fla. homebuilder said that it expects to generate $1 billion in free cash flow in 2007, and will look at asset sales to help reduce debt. Once the balance sheet is improved, the company will review strategic alternatives, including possible share repurchases are a sale of the company.
Witness Systems' (NasdaqGS:WITS - News) shares rallied after the company agreed to be acquired by Verint Systems (Other OTC:VRNT.PK - News), a unit of Comverse Technology (Other OTC:CMVT.PK - News), for $27.50 a share, or roughly $950 million.
Zoltek Cos. (NasdaqGM:ZOLT - News) shares rose after the St. Louis-based materials reported a fiscal first-quarter net loss of $5.66 million, or 23 cents a share. The quarter included a charge of $8.4 million related to convertible debt and warrant issuances. In the same quarter last year, the company posted net earnings of $6.29 million, or 3 cents a share. Revenue rose to $30.3 million from $15.6 million.
Published By Michael Baron of MarketWatch

Labels: BAY, CMVT, HTX, LCAV, LGF, LTR, LUV, MMA, ONXX, OVTI, PNRA, RHD, SFD, TCMI, VOD, VRNT, WCI, WITS, ZOLT

Bullish calls:
Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News): 'I like the stock very much here ... good yield, nice growth path, is not going to set the world on fire. ... I say buy Bank of America.'Level 3 Communications (NASDAQ: LVLT - News): 'Some people think I run hot and cold. ... I like LVLT. ... I endorse LVLT ... gonna close a deal soon with Broadwing (NASDAQ: BWNG - News). I am going to stay behind that thing with a TripleBuy.'ConAgra (NYSE: CAG - News): ' ... run, don't walk, into ConAgra, which is one that we nailed nine ways to Sunday.'Quest Software (NASDAQ: QSFT - News): 'The jury is still out. ... I like the core business. I want you to stick with it.'ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP - News)Denny's (NASDAQ: DENN - News): 'For pecking order, I like Denny's, Brinker Darden ... 'Safeway (NYSE: SWY - News): ' I can't get behind a supermarket other than Safeway.'
Bearish calls:
CBOT Holdings (NYSE: BOT - News): 'We don't need to put any more money in those stocks. We are now in the 'don't buy' mode until that deal [with the Chicago Merc] closes.'FedEx (NYSE: FDX - News): 'I've been let down by FedEx. ... I thought you were having an Internet Christmas. ... even stuck my neck out ... We are done recommending FedEx on this show.'Scottish Power (SPI): 'Ring the register. ... Declare victory, nice investing, well done.'Smithfield Foods (NYSE: SFD - News): 'I want you to sell Smithfield Foods.'American Oriental Bioengineering (NYSE: AOB - News): 'Do not buy ... 'Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM - News): 'Tough situation, obviously, they had that Taco Bell problem ... For pecking order, I like Denny's, Brinker, Darden ... and then, only then, do I like Yum.'Winn-Dixie (NASDAQ: WINN - News): 'Just came out of bankruptcy ... I can't get behind a supermarket other than Safeway.'Skyworks Solutions (SKWS): 'Ixnay on the Skyworksnay.'Harrah's (NYSE: HET - News): 'You just struck it rich! You go out and you ring the register!'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AOB, BAC, BOT, BWNG, CAG, COP, DENN, FDX, HET, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LVLT, Mad Money, QSFT, SFD, SWY, WINN, YUM

Bullish calls:
Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News): 'I like the stock very much here ... good yield, nice growth path, is not going to set the world on fire. ... I say buy Bank of America.'Level 3 Communications (NASDAQ: LVLT - News): 'Some people think I run hot and cold. ... I like LVLT. ... I endorse LVLT ... gonna close a deal soon with Broadwing (NASDAQ: BWNG - News). I am going to stay behind that thing with a TripleBuy.'ConAgra (NYSE: CAG - News): ' ... run, don't walk, into ConAgra, which is one that we nailed nine ways to Sunday.'Quest Software (NASDAQ: QSFT - News): 'The jury is still out. ... I like the core business. I want you to stick with it.'ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP - News)Denny's (NASDAQ: DENN - News): 'For pecking order, I like Denny's, Brinker Darden ... 'Safeway (NYSE: SWY - News): ' I can't get behind a supermarket other than Safeway.'
Bearish calls:
CBOT Holdings (NYSE: BOT - News): 'We don't need to put any more money in those stocks. We are now in the 'don't buy' mode until that deal [with the Chicago Merc] closes.'FedEx (NYSE: FDX - News): 'I've been let down by FedEx. ... I thought you were having an Internet Christmas. ... even stuck my neck out ... We are done recommending FedEx on this show.'Scottish Power (SPI): 'Ring the register. ... Declare victory, nice investing, well done.'Smithfield Foods (NYSE: SFD - News): 'I want you to sell Smithfield Foods.'American Oriental Bioengineering (NYSE: AOB - News): 'Do not buy ... 'Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM - News): 'Tough situation, obviously, they had that Taco Bell problem ... For pecking order, I like Denny's, Brinker, Darden ... and then, only then, do I like Yum.'Winn-Dixie (NASDAQ: WINN - News): 'Just came out of bankruptcy ... I can't get behind a supermarket other than Safeway.'Skyworks Solutions (SKWS): 'Ixnay on the Skyworksnay.'Harrah's (NYSE: HET - News): 'You just struck it rich! You go out and you ring the register!'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AOB, BAC, BOT, BWNG, CAG, COP, DENN, FDX, HET, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LVLT, Mad Money, QSFT, SFD, SWY, WINN, YUM

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
DSW (NYSE:DSW - News) beat earnings on Wednesday after the close, with $0.36 EPS vs an expected $0.26 EPS. DSW's PowerRating is 7.
Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS - News) beat earnings after the bell Wednesday, announcing $0.21 EPS vs an expected $0.19 EPS. SNPS's PowerRating is 7.
Brown-Forman reports earnings before the bell on Thursday; look for $0.98 EPS. BF's PowerRating is 5.
Del Monte (NYSE:DLM - News) announces quarterly earnings before the open Thursday; analysts expect $0.14 EPS. DLM's PowerRating is 5.
HJ Heinz (NYSE:HNZ - News) reports Thursday morning, with analysts looking for $0.60 EPS. HNZ's PowerRating is 6.
Expect $0.46 EPS when Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD - News) reports Thursday morning. SFD's PowerRating is 4.
When Vimpel Communications (NYSE:VIP - News) reports quarterly earnings Thursday before the open, expect $1.05 EPS. VIP's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: DLM, HNZ, SFD, SNPS, VIP