Jim Cramer Blog

Stocks took a breather following a two-day rally, as Wall Street demonstrated caution ahead of next week's Fed meeting. The Dow posted a 6-point gain to close at 13,626 for the week. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P were just off at the bell to end at 2,706 and 1,505, respectfully. Light, sweet crude traded lower on the day to settle at $88.28 for January delivery. Treasury prices dropped, while gold prices fell to close at $800.20 for February delivery. The dollar traded higher against the yen, but eased versus the euro.
In economic news, a Labor Department report showed that 94,000 jobs were added to payrolls in the month of November. Analysts had estimated 70,000 new jobs would be added. The report also showed that the unemployment rate remained unchanged in October at 4.7%. Economists had predicted a rise to 4.8%. In a separate report, the University of Michigan said its consumer confidence index fell to 74.5 in early December, down from 76.1 in November. Economists had predicted a drop to 75.0.
On the earnings front, shares of Synopsys (Nasdaq: SNPS - News) surged 9.3% on the day after the maker of semiconductor design automation software said profits jumped on higher license revenues. For the quarter, the company posted earnings of $41 million, or 27 cents per share, up from $10.1 million, or 7 cents per share, last year. Excluding one-time items, Synopsys earned $60 million, or 40 cents per share, versus $30.7 million, or 22 cents per share, a year ago. Quarterly revenue rose to $315.2 million, up 11.2% from $283.4 million in last year's period. On average, analysts were looking for earnings of 36 cents per share.
In corporate news, billionaire Rubert Murdoch named new leaders at Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ - News), the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, one week before his media empire, News Corp (NYSE: NWS - News), is set to close its acquisition of the company. Les Hinton will become the new CEO at Dow Jones following a shareholder vote. Murdoch also appointed his son, James, as News Corp's chairman and chief executive for Europe and Asia. The move has fueled speculation that James will eventually succeed his father as CEO of News Corp. Shares of Dow Jones were off slightly in trading, while News Corp's stock posted a small gain.
After the bell yesterday, Palm (Nasdaq: PALM - News) warned that it would swing to a loss in the second quarter and lowered its sales guidance citing a product launch delay. The smart-phone maker said it now expects to post a loss of -22 to -24 cents per share, off from previous estimates of a loss of -1 to -3 cents per share. Excluding one-time items, Palm expects to report a loss between -8 to -10 cents per share. The company said it now expects sales to be between $345-$350 million, down from previous guidance of $370-$380 million. On average, analysts were calling for a profit of 4 cents per share on sales of $376 million. Shares of Palm plunged in trading and were off -12.9% at the bell.
In M&A news, Macrovision (Nasdaq: MVSN - News) has agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide (Nasdaq: GMST - News) in a cash and stock deal worth $2.8 billion. According to terms, Gemstar-TV Guide shareholders will receive $6.35 in cash or 0.2548 of a share in a new holding company that owns both Macrovision and Gemstar-TV Guide. Meanwhile, Macrovision stockholders will own one share of the new holding company for each share held when the deal closes. Under the terms of the deal, the cash exchange will not exceed $1.55 billion. Upon completion of the takeover, Macrovision shareholders will own a 53% stake in the newly formed company, with former shareholders of Gemstar-TV Guide holding a 47% stake. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of next year. Shares of Macrovision plummeted -21.4% on the day, while Gemstar-TV Guide's stock tumbled to close off -16.6% at the bell.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: DJ, GMST, MVSN, NWS, PALM, SNPS

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF - News) fourth-quarter profit rose 20% as sales climbed 18% but the New Albany, Ohio, teen-wear retailer warned that first-half results would be pressured. Same-store sales in the quarter dropped 3%.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings available to common- share holders of $1.59 a share, compared with $1.18 in the year-earlier period. Revenue at the Cleveland producer of iron-ore pellets rose to $622.6 million from $468.9 million.
EDO Corp. (NYSE:EDO - News) said its fourth-quarter net profit fell 44% to $4.2 million, or 22 cents a share, from $7.4 million, or 37 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue for the period ending Dec. 31 rose 29.4% to $258.7 million, due to acquisitions including engineering group CAS Inc. and Impact Science & Technology. Organic growth slipped 8.8% due to lower sales in its electronic-force-protection division, as margins and profit were hit by one-time items including legal costs and write-offs. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of 45 cents a share on revenue of $261 million. EDO said it expects 2007 revenue, excluding the impact of acquisitions, to be between $960 million and $1.01 billion.
EMC Insurance Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:EMCI - News) reported fourth-quarter net income fell 40% on 2.7% lower revenue. Earnings were $11.5 million, or 84 cents a share, against $19 million, or $1.40, in the year-earlier period. Operating earnings were 78 cents compared with $1.34. Revenue fell to $114.8 million from $118 million. Premiums earned decreased 3.7% to $102.8 million. Investment income increased 8.3%to $11.9 million. For 2007, EMC expects operating earnings of $2.25 to $2.50 a share, compared with the $3.70 posted for 2006.
G-III Apparel Group Ltd. (NasdaqGM:GIII - News) said it expects fiscal 2007 earnings of 90 cents to 95 cents a share on revenue of $425 million to $428 million.
ICT Group Inc. (NasdaqGM:ICTG - News) reported fourth-quarter net income of $5.1 million, or 32 cents a share, up from $4 million, or 30 cents, earned in the last three months of 2005. Quarterly revenue generated by the Newtown, Pa.-based services outsourcing company reached $117.2 million from the prior year's $110.4 million. Analysts, on average, had been looking for earnings of 32 cents a share on revenue of $116 million, according to estimates compiles by Thomson Financial. For 2007, ICT Group said it's shooting for earnings in a range of $1.43 to $1.50 a share; analysts' average stands at $1.49 a share. However, the company pegged first-quarter earnings at 20 cents to 23 cents a share, compared to a 30-cent average estimate among analysts who follow ICT Group.
Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE:NEW - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of $223 million, or 50 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $62 million, or 14 cents a share. On a continuing operations basis, Denver-based Newmont earned $215 million, or 48 cents a share, in the latest quarter, up from last year's equivalent profit of $69 million, or 16 cents a share. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $1.46 billion from $1.29 billion in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of 40 cents a share in the December period. Newmont said its consolidated gold sales for the fourth quarter reached 2 million ounces at costs applicable to sales of $322 per ounce and an average realized price of $619 per ounce. Looking ahead, the company said it expects capital spending of between $1.8 billion and $2 billion for 2007.
Patterson Cos. (NasdaqGS:PDCO - News)reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of 43 cents a share, up from 39 cents in the year-earlier period. The latest results reflect an income tax benefit of a penny a share and stock-based compensation expense of a penny a share. Sales rose 4% to $709.5 million from $682.4 million. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was profit of 44 cents.
Quicksilver Resources Inc. (NYSE:KWK - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 24 cents a share, down from 43 cents in the year-earlier period. The Fort Worth, Texas, oil and gas company posted revenue of $102 million vs. $102.9 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had forecast earnings of 27 cents a share on revenue of $104 million.
Reddy Ice Holdings Inc.'s (NYSE:FRZ - News)fourth-quarter net loss widened to 23 cents a share from 20 cents while revenue rose 1.2% to $61.6 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected a loss of 17 cents on revenue of $61 million. Reddy said it expects 2007 revenue to range $360 million to $370 million. Net income is expected to range 87 cents to $1.06 a share. The company also said Jimmy Weaver will succeed William Brick as CEO. Brick will become executive chairman.
Rogers Corp. (NYSE:ROG - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 72 cents a share, up from 62 cents in the year-earlier period. Revenue at the Rogers, Conn., maker of specialty material-based products rose to $122.7 million from $98 million. The company expects first- quarter earnings of 48 cents to 52 cents a share on revenue of $108 million to $112 million.
Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc. (NasdaqGS:RUTH - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings more than doubled to 46 cents a share from 18 cents in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose 51% to $88 million.
Salesforce.com Inc. (NYSE:CRM - News) fourth-quarter profit fell 91%, while revenue surged 58%, roughly in line with expectations.
Safeway Inc.'s (NYSE:SWY - News) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings rose 77% to $307.9 million or 69 cents a share, from $173.5 million, or 39 cents a share, boosted by 8-cents a share in favorable tax items. The year-earlier quarter was hampered by a net of 10 cents a share because of store-exit activities, employee buyouts that were only partially offset by favorable tax items. The Pleasanton, Calif., food and drug retail chain said Thursday that revenue grew 3.8% to $12.5 billion from $12.05 billion in the year-earlier quarter. Identical-store sales, or sale at stores open for more than a year, climbed 3.5%.
Symbion Inc. (NasdaqGS:SMBI - News) said fourth quarter earnings fell to $4.5 million, or 21 cents a share, from $5.6 million, or 25 cents a share, a year earlier. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial predicted fourth quarter earnings of 22 cents a share. Revenue rose 10% to $78.9 million from $71.5 million as same-store net patient service revenue climbed 8%.
Synopsys Inc.'s (NasdaqGS:SNPS - News) fiscal first-quarter net income surged to 16 cents a share from a penny a share in the year-earlier period. The Mountain View, Calif., software company's revenue for the quarter ended Jan. 31 increased 15% to $300.2 million.
Toll Brothers, (NYSE:TOL - News) the Horsham, Pa., luxury-home builder, reported fiscal first-quarter net income fell 67% on 19% lower revenue.
Published By MarketWatch

Labels: ANF, CLF, CRM, EDO, EMCI, FRZ, GIII, ICTG, KWK, NEW, PDCO, ROG, RUTH, SMBI, SNPS, SWY, TOL

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

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

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Dress Barn (NASDAQ:DBRN - News) beat earnings on Tuesday afternoon, announcing $0.40 EPS vs an expected $0.37 EPS. DBRN's PowerRating is 5.
Chico's (NYSE:CHS - News) matched earnings on Tuesday after the bell with $0.24 EPS. CHS's PowerRating is 6.
Restoration Hardware (NASDAQ:RSTO - News) beat earnings Tuesday after the close, with -$0.15 EPS vs a consensus of -$0.16 EPS. RSTO's PowerRating is 7.
DSW (NYSE:DSW - News) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday before the close; look for $0.26 EPS. DSW's PowerRating is 7.
Opsware (NASDAQ:OPSW - News) announces earnings Wednesday morning, with analysts looking for $0 EPS. OPSW's PowerRating is 7.
Tiffany (NYSE:TIF - News) reports earnings on Wednesday before the bell; expect $0.16 EPS. TIF's PowerRating is 6.
Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS - News) reports earnings on Wednesday afternoon, so watch for action leading up to the announcement. SNPS's PowerRating is 7.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CHS, DBRN, DSW, OPSW, RSTO, SNPS, TIF