Jim Cramer Blog

All three major indices posted modest gains after a volatile session, as investors absorbed news of more mortgage-related losses and a Fed liquidity plan. The Dow added 41 points to end the day at 13,479. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P each closed up for the session to finish at 2,671 and 1,487, respectfully. Light, sweet crude prices surged higher to settle at $94.39 a barrel. Treasury prices tumbled, while gold prices gained to end at $818.80 an ounce. The dollar fell against the euro, but gained against the yen.
The Federal Reserve announced today that it will mount a joint effort with other central banks to inject billions of dollars of liquidity into the financial system in order to combat the credit crunch. The plan calls for the central bank to conduct four special auctions that will allow banks to bid for the opportunity to borrow directly from the Fed. The first two auctions will take place next week and will be for up to $20 billion each. The amounts of the remaining two auctions will be decided in January 2008.
In other economic news, a report from the Commerce Department showed that the U.S trade deficit widened in October. A reading of the report showed that imports exceeded exports by $57.8 billion, up from a gap of $57.2 billion September. Economists had predicted the gap would be $57 billion.
In corporate news, shares of Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News) fell -2.7% on the day after the company disclosed in a regulatory filing that it expects fourth-quarter write-downs to exceed the -$3 billion it had predicted last month but was uncertain how big the write-down would be. The bank also said it expects to set aside $3.3 billion in loan-loss provisions in the fourth quarter, which is approximately $1.3 billion more than the previous period. The company expects to remain profitable in the fourth quarter.
Elsewhere, 3M Co. (NYSE: MMM - News), the maker of Scotch tape and Post-it notes, said it expects earnings growth of at least 10% for the full year 2008 fueled by overseas sales and exchange rates. The company said it expects 2008 earnings per share to be between $5.44-$5.47 per share. Analysts, on average, were looking for earnings growth of 9%, or EPS of $5.43 per share. 3M's stock was up 2.4% for the day.
Also today, shares of Sallie Mae (NYSE: SLM - News) tumbled -10.8% after the company slashed its earnings guidance for the fourth quarter and full-year 2008. The student lender also disclosed that it has failed to renegotiate a buyout offer from an investor group that balked at its original offer of $25 billion several months ago. For the quarter, Sallie expects to earn between 52-57 cents per share. On average, analysts were looking for fourth-quarter earnings of 71 cents per share, which is down from previous estimates of 74 cents last month. The company lowered its earnings guidance for 2008 to be between $2.60-$2.80 per share, down from $3.25 per share.
In M&A activity, software giant Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) announced today that it had acquired U.K.-based Multimap, a provider of location and mapping technology. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Microsoft said the mapping technology could be used to complement several of its current offerings and may be integrated with future products. Shares of Microsoft were up 1.1% on the day.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: BAC, MMM, MSFT, SLM

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Ruby Tuesday (NYSE:RT - News) fell 14% on Thursday, after announcing that future revenues (2008) will miss projections by a long shot. RT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
During market hours on Thursday, SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM - News) missed earnings, announcing $0.70 EPS over an expected $0.73 EPS. Despite missing numbers, SLM fell only fractionally. SLM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT - News) rose about 3.4% on Thursday, after guiding higher for Q3 profit. WMT's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
General Electric (NYSE:GE - News) reports earnings on Friday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.50 EPS. GE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
JP Morgan cut its Q3 revenue forecasts for Baidu.com mid-day, resulting in an industry-wide selloff; Baidu.com (NasdaqGS:BIDU - News) fell -10% on the negative news. BIDU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
J.C. Penney (NYSE:JCP - News) fell about 7% after missing estimates for September sales, while Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN - News) fell just over 7% on similar bad news. JCP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5, and JWN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Labels: BIDU, GE, Hot Stocks, JCP, JWN, RT, SLM, WMT

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Fastenal (NasdaqGS:FAST - News) reports earnings on Thursday morning before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.42 EPS. FAST's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB - News) should report $1.94 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. MTB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Analysts are watching for SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM - News) to announce $0.73 EPS when the company reports tomorrow morning. SLM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
PepsiCo (NYSE:PEP - News) is looking to announce $0.96 EPS on Thursday before the bell. PEP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
When Safeway (NYSE:SWY - News) reports quarterly results on Thursday morning, watch for $0.44 EPS. SWY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO - News) looks set to report $0.41 EPS tomorrow morning. WGO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Popular (NasdaqGS:BPOP - News) reports earnings after the close on Thursday, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the bell. BPOP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: BPOP, FAST, Hot Stocks, MTB, PEP, SLM, SWY, WGO

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.
Sigma Designs (NasdaqGM:SIGM - News). SIGM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
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.
J2 Global Communications (NasdaqGS:JCOM - News). JCOM'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.
Interoil Corporation (NYSE:IOC - News). IOC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM - News). SLM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Advanced Medical Optics (NYSE:EYE - News). EYE's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
LSI Corporation (NYSE:LSI - News). LSI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
NYSE Euronext (NYSE:NYX - News). NYX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.

Labels: EYE, IOC, JCOM, LSI, NYSE Euronext, NYX, SIGM, Sigma Designs Inc., SLM

Stocks continued their march higher today, despite more weak housing data. The Nasdaq led the way gaining 11 points, while the Dow and S&P were also finished in the green. Oil traded strongly, rising $2.58 to $82.88 a barrel, while natural gas fell. Gold rose on the day.
On the economic front, the Commerce Department announced that GDP grew at a revised 3.8% annual rate for the quarter ended in June. It was the economy's strongest showing in a little over a year. The National Association for Business Economic is predicting growth of 2.4% for the current quarter ending September. Meanwhile, new home sales fell to the lowest level in seven years for the month of August, dropping -8.3%. The median sales price fell -7.5% to $225,700, the biggest drop in 37 years. Despite the housing woes, fewer workers filed for jobless benefits last week, with claims dropping by -15,000 to 298,000.
In earnings news, retailer Bed Bath & Beyond (Nasdaq: BBBY - News) posted net income of $147 million, or 55 cents a share, compared to $145.5 million, or 51 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding a one-time tax benefit, EPS came in at 52 cents, in line with analyst estimates. Revenue rose 10% to $1.77 billion, while same-store sales climbed 2.2%. The stock fell -1.1%.
Like most homebuilders, KB Homes (NYSE: KBH - News) wasn't able to turn a profit when it announced earnings this morning, swinging to a loss of -$35.6 million, or -46 cents per share, compared to a profit of $153.2 million, or $1.90 per share, in the year-ago period. The sale of the company's French division helped the bottom line, as its loss from continuing operations came in at -$478.6 million, or -$6.19 per share. Revenue plummeted -32% to $1.54 billion from $2.28 billion a year ago, as unit deliveries dropped -28% and the average selling price fell -7%. The company had two large writedowns on the value of unsold inventory and joint-venture holdings.
Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD - News) shares tumbled -4.2% after the pharmacy reported a wider loss and cut revenue and earnings guidance. For Q2, Rite Aid recorded a loss attributable to common shareholders of -$78.2 million, or -10 cents per share, versus a loss of -$8.2 million, or -2 cents per share, last year. The quarter included a one-time financing commitment charge of $12.9 million. Revenue rose nearly 54% from $4.29 billion to $6.6 billion, but fell just short of the $6.8 billion consensus. The company also cut its full-year guidance to a loss of -$78 million to -$161 million on revenue of $24.5-$25.1 billion. Previously, the company had forecasted a loss of -$47 million to -$129 million on revenue of $25.3-$26 billion.
In other corporate news, Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - News) announced that it is looking to increase its staff by a third over the next several years. Before you get that resume ready, though, note that most of the news jobs will be for engineers located in Europe. If you're willing to relocate across the pond, note that British Airways (OTC: BAIRY - News) today ordered $8.2 billion in new aircraft from Boeing (NYSE: BA - News) and Airbus, making it the airline's largest purchase in more than a decade. The news was considered a mixed bag for Boeing, as previously it was the exclusive large passenger plane provider for British Airways. The planes are expected to be delivered between 2010 and 2014. Boeing shares rose 1.0%.
In M&A news, a group led by JC FLowers said that it would not go through with its $26 billion purchase of Sallie Mae (NYSE: SLM - News). The student lender said it would take legal action, as the group has no basis for breaking the merger agreement.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: BA, BAIRY, BBBY, Boeing Co., GOOG, Google Inc., KB Homes, KBH, RAD, Rite Aid Corp., Sallie Mae, SLM

Charlie Gasparino joined the "Fast Money" crew to discuss his take on the Bear Stearns (BSC) and rumos that Warren Buffett is part of a group of investors considering a 20% stake in BSC. He believes that Bear Stearns is going to be taken private. Guy Adami suggests that it makes no sense at all for Buffett to acquire Bear. According to Adami, Buffet's expertise is in value plays and Bear isn't a value play. Najarian declares that all brokers are back in play and recommends buying Lehman (LEH). Finerman agrees.
An American Icahn
Carl Icahn: Wants to see BEA Systems (BEAS) sold. Motorola (MOT): Bullish on their risk rewards.
GM On The Road Again
General Motors (GM) ended its two-day strike after making a health care agreement with the United Auto Workers. This changes the tune for General Motors, according to Jeff Macke. He advises buying auto parts suppliers like Lear (LEA), Visteon (VC) and BorgWarner (BWA). Adami suggests looking at Ford (F). Najarian prefers Goodyear Tires (GT).
No Deal
Sallie Mae (SLM) made news on Wednesday as a private-equity group pulled out of a deal to buy it for $25.3 billion. Macke: "stick a fork in it." Najarian disagrees and believes the deals are just being re-shifted down. Finerman isn't surprised the deal fell through. One potential deal that has her interest is Genesco (GCO).
Tech Rally
Technology stock leaders are still shining Google (GOOG), Amazon (AMZN), Hewlett Packard (HP), Cisco (CSCO) and Apple (AAPL) with 52 week highs.
Word on the Street
Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY): Macke advises selling.
Monsanto (MON): Selling at twice its growth rate.
Newmont Mining (NEM): Dropped 6%.
Pops & Drops
Pops: Deere (DE) traded up 3%. Pier One Imports (PIR) popped 11%. China BAK Battery (CBAK) exploded by 46%. Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) traded up 4%.
Drops: Under Armour (UA) fell 6%. Timberland (TBL) dropped 8%.

Final Trade
Macke: recommends selling Bear Stearns (BSC).
Finerman: is positive that BEA Systems (BEAS) is going higher.
Najarian: top pick is Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS).
Adami: prefers NYSE Euronext (NYX)

Labels: AAPL, AMZN, BEAS, BSC, BWA, CNBC, CSCO, F, Fast Money, GCO, GM, GOOG, GT, HP, LEA, LEH, MOT, SLM

Sallie Mae (NYSE: SLM), JP Morgan (NYSE: JPM), First Marblehead (NYSE: FMD), Citibank (NYSE: C): Cramer urged investors to take notice of JPM's role in the SLM buyout, and predicts that JPM may "pretty much have a monopoly" in the area of student loans. Cramer believes in JPM CEO Jamie Dimon, and thinks the stock is cheap. He noted FMD declined on worries that it will lose business from JPM and Bank of America while they are occupied with the Sallie Mae deal. Concerning Chris Flowers, who is initiating the buyout, Cramer says, "I worked with him at Goldman Sachs and he's one of the most exacting people I've ever seen. He only gets involved when there are real home runs, not doubles or triples." Cramer also thinks SLM's smaller competitor in the student loan business, Citibank, is another takeover target. Moving from the financial sector, Cramer comments that if Freeport-McMoRan had not bought Phelps Dodge, it would have been taken over by a private equity firm. "One of the things we see over and over again are these 8, 9 10, 11 times earnings companies being bought by private equity," he commented. "Money is being printed everywhere and that is causing lots of people to buy lots of different things. It's interesting that the inflation side of the equation has vanished for now."
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: C, FMD, Jim Cramer, JPM, SLM, Wall Street Confidential

Symbol
Name
Last Trade
Change
Volume
Related Info
SOLF
SOLARFUN POWER HOLDI
17.68 4:00PM ET
4.64 (35.58%)
5,172,978

FMT
FREMONT GENERAL CP
8.88 4:01PM ET
1.83 (25.96%)
13,079,492

RBY
RUBICON MINERALS COR
2.5099 3:59PM ET
0.5099 (25.50%)
2,429,400

MDII
MDI INC
2.15 3:59PM ET
0.43 (25.00%)
3,879,305

CSIQ
CANADIAN SOLAR INC.
13.50 4:00PM ET
2.66 (24.54%)
1,509,564

ADL
AMDL, INC
3.99 4:00PM ET
0.74 (22.77%)
82,500

QTWW
QUANTUM FUEL SYS
1.51 3:59PM ET
0.28 (22.76%)
4,037,725

EPCT
EPICEPT CORPORATION
2.25 3:58PM ET
0.39 (20.97%)
460,591

RCCC
RURAL CELLULAR CP
23.00 4:00PM ET
3.98 (20.93%)
1,745,353

AGEN
ANTIGENICS INC
4.43 4:00PM ET
0.76 (20.71%)
12,493,046

CPSL
CHINA PREC. STEEL
5.1201 4:00PM ET
0.8301 (19.35%)
3,092,994

PRLS
PEERLESS SYSTEMS
2.9501 4:00PM ET
0.4701 (18.96%)
1,073,064

SLM
SLM CORPORATION
55.05 4:51PM ET
8.29 (17.73%)
71,990,327

OMTL
OMTOOL LTD
1.74 3:58PM ET
0.26 (17.57%)
9,622

TSL
TRINA SOLAR LTD ADR
68.60 4:01PM ET
10.10 (17.26%)
FMT-P
FREMONT CP I9 TOPRS
22.40 3:59PM ET
3.20 (16.67%)
91,000

JASO
JA SOLAR HOLDINGS
28.20 4:00PM ET
4.00 (16.53%)
7,027,468

STKR
STOCKERYALE INC
1.80 3:59PM ET
0.25 (16.13%)
359,382

TRBM
TERABEAM INC
2.38 3:58PM ET
0.33 (16.10%)
458,315

GLDDW
GRT LKS DRG DK WTS
2.80 3:59PM ET
0.38 (15.70%)
77,590

ACEL
ALFACELL CORP
2.87 4:00PM ET
0.38 (15.26%)
2,400,867

Labels: ACEL, ADL, AGEN, CPSL, CSIQ, EPCT, FMT, GLDDW, JASO, MDII, OMTL, PRLS, QTWW, RBY, RCCC, SLM, SOLF, STKR, TRBM, TSL

Stocks advanced solidly today, aided by some upbeat news on consumer spending and some better-than-expected profit reports from U.S. corporations. Investors were encouraged by a government report that showed consumer spending resulted in a March retail sales gain of 0.7%. The start of the trading week also saw a slight drop in crude oil prices and firming by the 10-year Treasury note.
The Commerce Department's report on March retail sales was above expectations as well as an improvement over the revised 0.5% increase recorded in February. The government had originally reported a meager 0.1% increase in February retails sales. The Commerce Department also said business inventories rose 0.3% in March, which was more than the 0.2% Wall Street was expecting, but investors shrugged off the gain.
Today's earnings news began with a Q1 report from Citigroup (NYSE: C), the nation's largest bank. Investors were pleased by top-line results that exceeded expectations, pushing the shares up 2.6%. The banking giant's bottom-line results were hurt by charges associated with the cost-cutting measures the company recently announced. Citigroup reported net income of $5 billion, or $1.01 a share, which represented an -11% decline from the $5.64 billion, or $1.12 a share, it earned a year earlier. Excluding charges, the bank would have reported a profit of $1.18 a share. Revenue jumped 15%. Subscribers can read our analysis of Citi's Q1 performance in today's issue.
Citi's results helped boost the shares of several money center banks. Rising today were the shares of Wachovia (NYSE: WB), J.P. Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC). J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, along with two private-equity funds, also agreed today to purchase SLM (NYSE: SLM), the student-loan provider widely known as "Sallie Mae." The company's shares jumped 18.4%. The group will pay $60 a share, or $25 billion, for the company.
Elsewhere in the financial sector, California-based mortgage lender Fremont General (NYSE: FMT) surged 26% after the company announced it had found a buyer for its subprime business. Fremont says it has a signed letter of intent for its subprime portfolio, but did not disclose the purchaser.
The report from drugmaker Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) reflected a similar scenario to that of Citigroup, with similar results for its shares. The stock closed up 2.7% despite the fact that Lilly reported a -39% decline in its Q1 profits. Revenue, however, was up 14%. Lilly's bottom line was hurt by charges associated with acquisition costs, plant closings, and a licensing deal with OSI Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: OSIP) for an experimental drug. Lilly raised its full-year forecast.
Toy maker Mattel (NYSE: MAT) said strong sales of its Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, and Matchbox products helped boost revenue 19% to $940. Profits, however, dropped -60% against last year's Q1, which was aided by 15-cent a share tax benefit.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: BAC, C, FMT, JPM, LLY, MAT, OSIP, SLM, WB

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.

Mattel (NYSE:MAT - News). MAT's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Pediatrix Medical (NYSE:PDX - News). PDX'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.
Windstream Corporation (NYSE:WIN - News) & Carmax (NYSE:KMX - News). WIN's PowerRating is 6, KMX's PowerRating is 8.
Bearish
Gaps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that gap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that gap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM - News). SLM's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Intuit (NasdaqGS:INTU - News). INTU's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ - News). JNJ's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: Hot Stocks, INTU, JNJ, KMX, MAT, PDX, SLM, WIN

Symbol
Name
Last Trade
Change
Volume
Related Info
DYAX
DYAX CORP
5.97 4:00PM ET
1.97 (49.25%)
46,624,648

RCCC
RURAL CELLULAR CP
19.02 4:00PM ET
4.93 (34.99%)
779,237

JDO
JED OIL INC
2.31 4:00PM ET
0.51 (28.33%)
1,916,000

COT
COTT CP
16.10 4:03PM ET
3.16 (24.42%)
3,949,200

COMV
COMVERGE, INC.
22.31 4:00PM ET
4.31 (23.94%)
6,144,482

FCSX
FCSTONE GROUP, INC.
44.20 4:00PM ET
8.26 (22.98%)
1,827,049

CBUK
CUTTER & BUCK INC
14.17 3:59PM ET
2.54 (21.84%)
1,052,246

ASTIW
ASCENT SOLAR TECH
3.90 3:59PM ET
0.59 (17.83%)
415,145

PAE
PEACE ARCH ENT GRP B
1.66 3:59PM ET
0.25 (17.73%)
758,900

UXG
U S GOLD CORP
6.67 4:03PM ET
0.93 (16.20%)
2,854,700

IHT
INNSUITES HOSP SBI
1.22 3:58PM ET
0.16 (15.09%)
27,000

SLM
SLM CORPORATION
46.76 4:01PM ET
6.01 (14.75%)
36,284,208

ASTIZ
ASCENT SOLAR TECH
2.70 3:59PM ET
0.34 (14.41%)
544,656

GGBM
GIGABEAM CORP
4.05 3:59PM ET
0.51 (14.41%)
373,410

MEA
METALICO INC
6.3899 3:59PM ET
0.7899 (14.11%)
673,900

DHOM
DOMINION HOMES INC
4.90 3:59PM ET
0.59 (13.69%)
113,241

KELYB
KELLY SERVICES CL
35.84 11:12AM ET
4.30 (13.63%)
100

PSIT
PSI TECH HLDGS ADS
1.94 3:52PM ET
0.23 (13.40%)
4,289

BPG
BPI ENERGY HLDGS
1.27 3:59PM ET
0.15 (13.39%)
371,600

Labels: ASTIW, ASTIZ, BPG, CBUK, COMV, COT, DHOM, DYAX, FCSX, GGBM, IHT, JDO, KELYB, MEA, PAE, PSIT, RCCC, SLM, UXG

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Under Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Intuitive Surgical Apr 125 Calls (NasdaqGS:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 3.
Most Under Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Humana Mar 55 Puts (NYSE:HUM - News). HUM'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.
Mastercard Feb 115 Calls (NYSE:MA - News). PowerRating not available due to less than 200 days of trading history.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Diamond Offshore Feb 85 Puts (NYSE:DO - News). DO's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Powershares WilderHill Clean Energy (AMEX:PBW - News) . PBW'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.
SLM Corp. (NYSE:SLM - News). SLM's PowerRating 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.
Rackable Systems (NasdaqGS:RACK - News). RACK's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: DO, HUM, ISRG, MA, PBW, RACK, SLM, stock options

Active Power Inc. (NASDAQ:ACPW - News) said it's conducting an internal review of the company's historical stock option grants and related procedures and accounting. This review will cover all option grants made since the time of its initial public offering in August 2000 to the present. This review will be supervised by a committee of the company's board. The company also has voluntarily disclosed, or self reported, that it is undertaking this review to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company currently anticipates that this review should be completed before the due date for its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006.
Adaptec (NASDAQ:ADPT - News) shares slumped after the Milpitas, Calif., storage technology products provider forecast a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) loss of 2 to 5 cents a share for the third quarter on revenue of between $60 million and $61 million. The company said the revenue view was lower than expected due to a significant decrease in revenue from IBM (NYSE:IBM - News), its largest original equipment manufacturer customer.
ArthroCare Corp. (NASDAQ:ARTC - News) said it expects fourth-quarter earnings of 29 cents a share on revenue of $69.7 million.
Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE:AHT - News) was downgraded to underweight from equal-weight at Morgan Stanley.
Bp Plc (NYSE:BP - News) shares dipped after Bear Stearns lowered its rating on the company to peer perform from outperform.
Brightpoint (NASDAQ:CELL - News) was downgraded to hold at Jefferies & Co. The firm also cut its price target on the stock to $12.50 from $17.
Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX - News) warned that lower commodity prices and a decline in production and refining margins will hurt fourth-quarter earnings for the nation's No.2 oil company.
E-Z-EM Inc. (NASDAQ:EZEM - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $1.8 million, or 16 cents a share, up 18% from $1.53 million, or 14 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The manufacturer of contrast agents for gastrointestinal radiology posted revenue of $34.2 million vs. $33.8 million.
Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS - News) announced a series of management changes in its Gap and Old Navy divisions. Denise Johnston, president of Gap Adult, is leaving the company, effective Friday, the company said. Gap Brand North America President Cynthia Harriss will oversee the business until Johnston's successor is named. In addition, Karyn Hillman was named senior vice president of merchandising for Gap Adult. Hillman was previously senior vice president of apparel merchandising for Gap's Banana Republic division. Separately, San Francisco-based Gap said Ivy Ross, Old Navy's executive vice president of product design, will leave the company effective Jan. 17. The design team will report to Old Navy President Dawn Robertson while the company searches for Ross' replacement.
Guitar Center Inc. (NASDAQ:GTRC - News) said it expects fourth-quarter income to be short of its prior outlook for $1.14 to $1.20 a share because of weaker-than-expected sales. Analysts' average estimate stands at $1.16 a share, according to Thomson First Call. For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, the Westlake Village, Calif., company said net sales rose 11.7% to $628.5 million. In November, Guitar Center forecast sales of $638 million to $650 million. Analysts' average estimate stands at $643 million in sales.
IBM shares slid after A.G. Edwards downgraded the Dow component to hold from buy, citing long-term sales growth potential and valuation. "In particular, we are concerned about IBM's recent lack of growth in bookings in its services business," Analyst David Wong said in a research note to clients.
Investment Technology Group (NYSE:ITG - News) said its December U.S. trading volume was 3.4 billion shares compared to 2.6 billion shares a year ago. Average daily volume in December rose to 171 million shares from 123 million shares in December 2005. The results fell from November 2006, when total volume was 3.7 billion shares and average daily volume was 175 million shares. "We continue to see strong momentum in our trading volumes as we enter 2007. In addition, our European revenues were higher than initially expected for the (fourth) quarter," CFO Howard Naphtali said.
J2 Global Communications (NASDAQ:JCOM - News) shares dropped after the company said in a Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it expects revenue of between $217 million and $229 million for fiscal 2007. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call is for revenue of $233.4 million for the period.
J. Crew Group (NYSE:JCG - News) filed to sell 7.5 million shares of its stock with a value of $283.3 million based on its Tuesday closing price of $37.77 a share. Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns are underwriters of the offering. None of the proceeds of the deal will go toward the company. TPG Advisors, an entity aligned with private equity firm Texas Pacific Group, will be selling the stock.
Kenexa Corp. (NASDAQ:KNXA - News) said it expects to meet or slightly exceed its previously issued guidance for revenue and non-GAAP operating income in the quarter ended Dec. 31. Kenexa also said it intends to file a prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to an underwritten public offering of 3.75 million shares.
LeCroy (NASDAQ:LCRY - News) shares dropped after the company lowered its outlook for fiscal 2007 to reflect slower than expected order activity in December, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., provider of serial test data products said it now sees revenue of $155 million to $160 million for fiscal 2007, compared to its previous projection for revenue of $170 million to $180 million.
NuCO2 (NASDAQ:NUCO - News) shares fell after the Stuart, Fla.-based company forecast fiscal 2007 earnings of 50 cents to 55 cents a share, down from its previous outlook of 80 cents to 85 cents a share. NuCO2 also forecast fiscal 2007 cash earnings of $1.15 to $1.20 a share and revenue of $130 million to $132 million. For 2008, the company forecast per-share earnings of 85 cents to 90 cents, or cash earnings of $1.65 to $1.70, and revenue growth of 7% to 8%. NuCO2, which supplies bulk CO2 systems and services, said it is putting in place a new strategic growth plan, and the company expects to see material benefits by the quarter ending June 30 and even more significantly in fiscal 2008.
Oxford Industries Inc. (NYSE:OXM - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $12.2 million, or 68 cents a share, compared with $11 million, or 57 cents a share, in the same period last year, as sales rose. The Atlanta-based maker of private label apparel posted revenue of $291 million, up 4.7% from $277.9 million.
Ramtron International Corp. (NASDAQ:RMTR - News) shares tumbled after the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based semiconductor maker late Tuesday cut its fourth-quarter product revenue forecast to a range of $9.1 million to $9.2 million. The company had previously forecast product revenue of $10.2 million and $11.2 million. The company said the reduced forecast was largely due to an earthquake in Taiwan and severe weather in Colorado at the end of December, which impacted product shipments.
Shares of SLM Corp. (NYSE:SLM - News) fell as U.S. lawmakers prepared to introduce bills that would cut interest rates in half on student loans.A House vote is expected as early as Jan. 17. "Such legislation will be moving forward and its $6 billion price tag will be funded by the lenders who participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program," Stanford Group Company analyst Jaret Seiberg wrote in a note Wednesday. That includes SLM Corp., the former government-sponsored enterprise commonly known as Sallie Mae.
Synnex Corp. (NYSE:SNX - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as revenue gained, to $15.6 million, or 48 cents a share, from $12.8 million, or 41 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. Before items, quarterly per-share income rose to 50 cents from 41 cents in the prior year.
Tiffany & Co. (NYSE:TIF - News) said worldwide comparable store sales increased 7% during the period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. U.S. comparable store sales rose 8%. Total net sales increased 15% to $818 million. U.S. retail sales increased 12% to $432.4 million. The New York based jewelry retailer said the results exceeded expectations. The company predicts 2006 earnings of $1.82-$1.85 a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of $1.82 a share, on average. The company expects 13%-15% growth in earnings per share in 2007 and low double-digit net sales growth.
WD-40 Co. (NASDAQ:WDFC - News) said first-quarter net earnings fell to $5.69 million, or 33 cents a share, from $7.51 million, or 45 cents a share, in the same period last year, as marketing and other expenses rose. The company posted revenue of $72 million, up 7% from $67.2 million last year.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: ACPW, ADPT, ARTC, BP, CELL, CVX, EZEM, GPS, GTRC, IBM, ITG, JCG, JCOM, KNXA, LCRY, NUCO, SLM, SNX, TIF, WDFC

Most Under Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Google Jan 510 Puts (NASDAQ:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 4.
Most Under Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Intuitive Surgical Jan 95 Puts (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG'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.
Baidu.com Mar 140 Calls (NASDAQ:BIDU - News). BIDU's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Diamond Offshore Drilling Mar 70 Calls (NYSE:DO - News). DO's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM - News). SLM'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 suggestsan extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Williams Sonoma (NYSE:WSM - News). WSM's PowerRating is 6.
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS - News). GPS' PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: BIDU, DO, GOOG, GPS, ISRG, SLM, WSM

Here are 7 stocks to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stocks Indicators page.
Stocks Ready to Surge: These are the stocks that today made new 10-day lows that are still in an uptrend as they are trading above their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term upside reversals.
Anheuser-Busch (NYSE:BUD - News). BUD's PowerRating is 6.
Low-Priced Stocks Ready to Surge: These are the stocks under $10/share that today made new 10-day lows that are still in an uptrend as they are trading above their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term upside reversals. Please note: All stocks carry risk and low-priced stocks usually come with even more risk. Always use caution.
Cincinnati Bell (NYSE:CBB - News). CBB's PowerRating is 7.
Pullbacks from Highs: Most successful momentum-based traders and money managers like to buy strong stocks after they pull back. TradingMarkets.com uses a proprietary mathematical model to identify up to 30 (in weak or choppy markets there will be fewer) of the strongest stocks that have pulled back from recent highs. These stocks should be considered potential candidates to resume their longer-term up trends.
Entertainment Properties (NYSE:EPR - News). EPR's PowerRating is 7.
Long Windows Candidates: These are stocks which are in a strong uptrend, as determined by a proprietary trend filter and whose current bar has its high below the 4-day moving average. Historically, these stock on average have had a larger than normal short-term upside reversals. In order to qualify as a "Trading Window" candidate, we must have a 10-period ADX reading of 30 or higher and a +DI reading above the -DI reading. Or we must have a 14-period +DI of 30 or higher (with no ADX reading required). "Single Windows" are the most common type of Windows. They are simply a single bar which has its high of the day below the 4-period moving average.
H.J. Heinz (NYSE:HNZ - News). HNZ's PowerRating is 6.
Stocks Ready to Drop: These are the stocks that today made new 10-day highs that are still in an downtrend as they are trading below their 200-day moving average. They are sorted in rank according to how over-extended they are vs. their 10-day moving average. For example, the top ranked stock is trading the furthest distance from its 10-day moving average on a percentage basis. Historically, these stocks on average have had larger than normal short-term downside reversals.
SLM Corp (NYSE:SLM - News). SLM's PowerRating is 4.
Pullbacks from Lows: Most successful momentum-based traders and money managers like to sell weak stocks after they pull back. TradingMarkets.com uses a proprietary mathematical model to identify up to 20 (in strong or choppy markets there will be fewer) weak stocks that have pulled back from recent lows. These stocks should be considered potential candidates to resume their longer-term downtrends.
Keystone Automotive (NASDAQ:KEYS - News). KEYS's PowerRating is 2.
Short Windows Candidates: These are stocks which are in a strong downtrend, as determined by a proprietary trend filter and whose current bar has its low above the 4-day moving average. Historically, these stock on average have had a larger than normal short-term downside reversals. In order to qualify as a "Trading Window" candidate, the 10-period ADX must be 30 or higher and the -DI must be greater than the +DI. Or we must have a 14-period -DI reading of above 30 (with no ADX reading required). "Single Windows" are the most common type of Windows. They are simply a single bar which has its low of the day above the 4-period moving average.
NCR Corp (NYSE:NCR - News). NCR's PowerRating is 4.

Labels: BUD, CBB, EPR, HNZ, Hot Stocks, KEYS, NCR, SLM