Jim Cramer Blog

On Wednesday the Dow closed up 76 points as the strength from the Fed rate cut continued to spill. Najarian: investors should look at the volatility in the S&P 500, which is moving back to normal. Reported unusual options activity on Cree (CREE). Could be being bought by General Electric (GE).
Macke: market bears are instant messaging him with more short ideas than any other time in his most recent memory.
Adami: Friday could be a funky day with options expiration on tap. He took a trip to the UPS Center in New York City to find out what is going on at the packaging giant. Adami likes United Parcel (UPS) for three reasons: international growth, energy hedging and union contracts. He also predicted that Fedex (FDX) will rally on Thursday and investors should sell into the strength.
Emerging Markets Trade: The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM) hit a record high on Wednesday. Their stocks around the globe shot up after the Fed cut. Tim Seymour, of Red Star Asset Management suggests investors buy Tenaris (TS). Seymour recommended Vimpel-Communications (VIP), Mobile Telesystems (MBT) and Mechel OAO (MTL) as liquidity plays.
Shoe Companies: Collective Brands (PSS) and Brown Shoe Company (BWS) have taken double digit hits. CEO of Payless and the company blamed the decline on weather and the increased demand for products out of competitor Crocs (CROX). Finerman hates when companies use weather as an excuse, but she thinks investors can buy PSS, BWS and Limited Brands (LTD).
Goldman Sachs (GS): Dick Bove, an analyst for Punk Ziegel, is the only analyst on Wall Street who is telling investors to sell GS. GS holds are overvalued with $700 billion in securities. He thinks hedge fund trading business is declining.
Word on the Street: TD Ameritrade (AMTD) and Najirian's pick: NASDAQ (NDAQ). Najarian sees no options activity in Oracle (ORCL) ahead of the quarter.
Gartman: time to get out of Suncor (SU) and all his Canadian Tar Sands plays. Instead he would get into U.S. multi-nationals like ConocoPhillips (COP).
Macke says you can buy Kellogg's (K), Kraft (KFT) and Safeway (SWY) off the strong General Mills (GIS) quarter.
Pops & Drops:
Pops: Countrywide Financial (CFC), Blackstone (BX), Fortress Investment Group, The Warnaco Group (WRNC)
Drops- Carmax (KMX), Comcast (CMSCA), Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) and XM Radio (XMSR)
Final Trade
Macke-Oracle (ORCL)
Adami- Goldman Sachs (GS)
Najarian- Titanium Metals (TIE)
Finerman- Play Victoria Secret with Limited Brands (LTD)

Labels: CNBC, CREE, EEM, Fast Money, FDX, GE, GS, LTD, MBT, MTL, TS, UPS, VIP

UPS Inc., the world's largest shipping carrier, reported Tuesday a 4.1 percent rise in second-quarter earnings on a modest increase in sales. The results narrowly beat Wall Street expectations.

Executives said they were mostly pleased with the results, considering a slowdown in the U.S. small package delivery market.
"The first half of 2007 has been challenging to our small package business," Chief Financial Officer Scott Davis said during a conference call with analysts and investors. He said the U.S. market should improve toward the end of the year.
Growth in UPS' international business has helped the company's overall results.
"Simply put, our global opportunities are compelling," Chief Executive Mike Eskew said.
For the three months ending June 30, the Atlanta-based company said it earned $1.10 billion, or $1.04 a share, compared to a profit of $1.06 billion, or 97 cents a share, for the same period a year ago.

Labels: UPS, UPS Inc.

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.
Merck (NYSE:MRK) & Acorda Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:ACOR). MRK's PowerRating is 7, and ACOR's PowerRating is 8.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
EchoStar Communications (NasdaqGS:DISH). DISH'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.
Becton, Dickinson & Company (NYSE:BDX). BDX's PowerRating is 6.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Medifast (NYSE:MED) & W&T Offshore (NYSE:WTI). MED's PowerRating is 2, and WTI's PowerRating is 3.
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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS). UPS's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ACOR, BDX, DISH, Hot Stocks, MED, MRK, UPS, WTI

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.

Apollo Group (NasdaqGS:APOL) & Pharmaceutical HOLDRS (NYSE:PPH). APOL's PowerRating is 7, and PPH'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.
Ford (NYSE:F). F'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.
Humana Incorporated (NYSE:HUM) & Gentex Corporation (NasdaqGS:GNTX). HUM's PowerRating is 6, and GNTX's PowerRating is 7.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Christopher & Banks (NYSE:CBK). CBK's PowerRating is 3.
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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS). UPS's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: APOL, CBK, F, GNTX, Hot Stocks, HUM, PPH, UPS

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.

United Parcel Service July 75 Calls (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS' PowerRating is 4.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Electronic Arts Jun 50 Puts (NasdaqGS:ERTS - News). ERTS' 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.
Apple Inc. July 115 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 2.
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.
Deere & Co. May 115 Puts (NYSE:DE - News). DE's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Titanium Metals Corp. (NYSE:TIE - News). TIE'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.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index (AMEX:EEM - News). EEM's PowerRating is 5.
Retail HOLDRs (AMEX:RTH - News). RTH's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, DE, EEM, ERTS, RTH, stock options, TIE, UPS

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.

United Parcel Service July 75 Calls (NYSE:UPS). UPS' PowerRating is 4.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Sotheby's June 50 Puts (NYSE:BID). BID'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.
Apple Inc. July 115 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL). AAPL's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Dendreon May 17.5 Puts (NasdaqGM:DNDN). DNDN's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA). AA's PowerRating is 5.
Cisco Systems (NasdaqGS:CSCO). CSCO's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
BHP Billiton Ltd. (NYSE:BHP). BHP's PowerRating is 4.
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
None today
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, AAPL, BHP, bid, CSCO, DNDN, stock options, UPS

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Illumina (NasdaqGM:ILMN - News) beat earnings on Tuesday afternoon, with $0.22 EPS over a consensus of $0.09 EPS. ILMN's PowerRating is 3.

Amazon.com (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News) beat earnings on Tuesday after the close, announcing $0.26 EPS over an expected $0.15 EPS. AMZN's PowerRating is 6.
Allegheny Tech (NYSE:ATI - News) reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday before the bell; look for $1.83 EPS. ATI's PowerRating is 4.
Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI - News) should announce $1.10 EPS before the market opens on Wednesday. BHI's PowerRating is 5.
When Boeing (NYSE:BA - News) reports Wednesday morning, analysts will be looking for $1.01 EPS. BA's PowerRating is 5.
Analysts are watching for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP - News) to report $1.90 EPS early Wednesday. COP's PowerRating is 6.
Watch for UPS (NYSE:UPS - News) to report $0.96 EPS on Wednesday before the market opens. UPS's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AMZN, ATI, BA, BHI, COP, Hot Stocks, ILMN, UPS

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.
Cephalon May 80 Calls (NasdaqGS:CEPH - News). CEPH'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.
Deckers Outdoor Apr 70 Puts (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Google Inc. Apr 500 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 6.
Dendreon Corp. May 12.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 1.
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.
Mastercard Inc. May 95 Puts (NYSE:MA - News). MA's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Wachovia Corp. (NYSE:WB - News) . WB's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None Today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS' PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CEPH, DECK, DNDN, GOOG, MA, stock options, UPS, WB

Bullish
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
CSX Corporation (NYSE:CSX - News). CSX's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT - News). NT's PowerRating is 9.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Swift Energy (NYSE:SFY - News). SFY's PowerRating is 3.
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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS's PowerRating is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-day RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Netflix (NasdaqGS:NFLX - News) & SanDisk (NasdaqGS:SNDK - News). NFLX's PowerRating is 3, and SNDK's PowerRating 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.
Coldwater Creek (NasdaqGS:CWTR - News). CWTR's PowerRating is 2.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CSX, CWTR, Hot Stocks, NFLX, NT, SFY, SNDK, UPS

Bullish
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that gap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Cogent Communications (NasdaqGM:CCOI - News). CCOI's PowerRating is 4.
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
iShares MSCI Australia Index (NYSE:EWA - News). EWA's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Intermune (NasdaqGM:ITMN - News). ITMN's PowerRating is 9.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
3M Company (NYSE:MMM - News) & Office Depot (NYSE:ODP - News). MMM's PowerRating is 4, and ODP's PowerRating is 3.
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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Hot Topic (NasdaqGS:HOTT - News). HOTT's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CCOI, EWA, Hot Stocks, HOTT, ITMN, MMM, ODP, UPS

Stocks closed out Friday by extending a weeklong slide that was interrupted by only one brief uptick driven by mid-week bargain hunting. There was little in the way of news to spark significant buying interest today and given the tone of the week, the continued bearish sentiment wasn't surprising. Selling, in fact, accelerated beginning in the mid-afternoon hours. Oil prices retreated to under $61 a barrel, and the 10-year Treasury note once again attracted the attention of investors seeking the safety of bonds as the yield fell to 4.51%.
One week after Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) lost a patent-infringement judgment in a suit filed by Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU - News), the software maker's fortunes were better in yet another suit filed by the network equipment maker. A federal judge in Seattle late Thursday tossed out a claim by Alcatel-Lucent that the software maker had infringed on a patent for technology that converts speech into text. Last week, a federal jury awarded Alcatel-Lucent $1.52 billion in compensatory damages from Microsoft for infringing on patents that form the basis for the MP3 digital music format. Both rulings are expected to be appealed.
While tech stocks were generally lower, beleaguered PC maker Dell (Nasdaq: DELL - News) found buyers today despite a weak profit report last night. Dell's profits for its fiscal Q4 that ended February 2nd fell -33% to $673 million, or 30 cents a share, compared with $1.01 billion, or 43 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue fell -4% to $14.4 billion. Dell did not host a conference call to discuss its results and focused on its restructuring plans. The company said its annual report will be delayed and that the figures it released are preliminary as a result of an ongoing probe of its finances by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Attorney's office in New York City. Dell's report did weigh on the principal makers of PC semiconductors, Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD - News) and Intel (Nasdaq: INTC - News)
Dean Foods (NYSE: DF - News) and American International Group (NYSE: AIG - News) solidly bucked the downdrafts today. Dean Foods added 4% after announcing that it will pay shareholders a special one-time dividend of $15 a share, returning an estimated $2 billion to its stockholders. Insurance giant AIG rose 3% after reporting a seven-fold increase in Q4 profits. The company said it plans to begin increasing its dividend by 20% annually under "normal" circumstances, and will buy back some $5 billion of its shares this year.
Aircraft maker Boeing (NYSE: BA - News) began to take steps to shut down production of the C-17 military cargo plane, known as the Globemaster III. The company cited a lack of interest from the U.S. government and no orders from overseas. The shutdown could result in the loss of 7,000 jobs by 2009. In other aviation news, the super-jumbo jet planned by European rival Airbus suffered another setback as United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS - News) canceled an order for 10 cargo versions of the giant Airbus 380. Airbus postponed work on the A380F to focus on delivering the passenger version to customers.

Labels: AIG, ALU, AMD, BA, DELL, DF, INTC, MSFT, UPS

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.

Nordic American Tanker Shipping Apr 35 Calls (NYSE:NAT - News). NAT's PowerRating is 6.
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.
United Parcel Service Mar 75 Puts (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS' 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.
Rio Tinto Mar 220 Calls (NYSE:RTP - News). RTP'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.
Focus Media Holding Ltd. Mar 70 Puts (NasdaqGM:FMCN - News). FMCN's PowerRating is 8.
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.
CSX Corp. (NYSE:CSX - News). CSX'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.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:ALXN - News). ALXN'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.
NovaStar Financial (NYSE:NFI - News). NFI's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ALXN, CSX, FMCN, NAT, NFI, RTP, stock options, UPS

National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV - News): Cramer hails NOV as a buy "right here, right now," since the company has a "sanctioned monopoly" on the oil rig business and is printing money "like the U.S. Mint." Cramer predicts that NOV, which rose $4 to $64 on Tuesday to reach $70 "in a heartbeat."
FedEx (NYSE: FDX - News) and UPS (NYSE: UPS - News):Cramer comments that this "best in show" stock is rather inexpensive and that it will profit from UPS' difficulties. He predicts that the stock will rise 30% from $114.
Countrywide (NYSE: CFC - News):On the news of bankruptcy in the subprime lending sector, Cramer would buy best-of-breed CFC which should sieze market share.
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: CFC, FDX, Jim Cramer, NOV, UPS

Wave of mergers has been unable to push stocks higher to start the trading week. A number of multi-billion dollar deals have benefited some individual stocks, but the broader market has stayed close to the flat line Monday. Same-store sales news from Wal-Mart (WMT) and a major order for Boeing (BA) have kept the Dow ($INDU) in the black, but not by much. WMT announced that same-store sales rose 2.2 percent in January, above its prior forecast. The retailing giant didnt go into details, preferring to wait until the official report on Thursday. Nonetheless, WMT shares are up more than one percent on the session. Retailers will be in focus this week as they provide January sales data. The S&P Retail Index ($RLX) is trading slightly in the red in midday action.Boeing shares are up almost one percent Monday as well following a major order from UPS (UPS). BA received an order for 27 Boeing 767-300ER freighters at a list price of $3.9 billion. BA shares have done quite well this past year, up 27 percent. The stock has advanced 12 percent in the past three months alone. In merger news, State Street Corp (STT) has agreed to buy Investors Financial Services (IFIN) for $4.5 billion in stock. IFIN shareholders will receive 0.906 shares of STT for each share of IFIN they own. This values IFIN shares at $65, which is $18 above its closing price on Friday. IFIN shares are up nearly 30 percent on the news. STT shares, as is usually the case, are down more than 5 percent. Other deals include Triad Hospitals (TRI) decision to go private in a deal valued at $6.4 billion. This news has pushed TRI shares up 15 percent on the session. Hanover Compressor (HC) and Universal Compressor (UCO) agreed to merge in a deal valued at $3.8 billion. Both stocks are up sharply on the news at 16 percent and 13 percent respectively.The chip sector has been a story Monday on a downgrade of Micron (MU) and earnings news from KLA-Tencor (KLAC). MU was downgraded to Hold from Buy at Jefferies & Company with the broker not liking the state of deteriorating memory prices. MU shares are down about one percent. KLAC shares are up three percent Monday despite announcing earnings that fell short of expectations. The company has restated past financial dealing with stock option grants and now believes it is not at risk of delisting on the Nasdaq. Overall, the Philly Semiconductor Index ($SOX) is up only slightly on the session.
By Jody Osborne

Labels: BA, HC, IFIN, KLAC, MU, RLX, STT, TRI, UCO, UPS, WMT

Stocks climbed higher today, as investors shrugged off a sharp rise in crude oil prices and whatever anxiety they may have about the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates, which is due tomorrow. Investors have for the most part resigned themselves to the fact the Fed is unlikely to cut interest rates in the near term; for now they will settle for a continuation of the central bank's steady-as-she goes policy of not raising them further. The 10-year Treasury note also found buyers in advance of the Fed's announcement.
Ordinary Americans, for their part, were upbeat about the state of the economy in January, a period when wages were moving up and oil prices were going down, according to the private Conference Board's monthly consumer confidence survey. Oil futures, however, rose more than $2 a barrel today on a report in The Wall Street Journal that Saudi Arabia would cut its production another 168,000 barrels a day starting February 1st, or almost 1 million barrels a day from last summer. Natural gas prices were also up sharply as artic cold settled in across the Midwest.
In earnings news, U.S. Airways Group (NYSE: LCC - News) swung to a profit in Q4, earning $12 million, or 13 cents per share, against a loss of -$261 million, or -$3.27 a share, during the corresponding 2005 quarter. The results included several special items, which if excluded, meant the company would have earned $86 million, or 91 cents a share. The stock dropped -2% despite the positive results. Fuel prices are the company's largest cost component, and today's increase in oil prices contributed to the selling pressure. Rival JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU - News) also declined, falling -4% after it reported a return to profitability in Q4, earning $17 million, or 10 cents a share, against a year-earlier loss of -$42 million, or -25 cents a share.
Proctor & Gamble (NYSE: PG - News) reported a 12% increase in profits amid strong sales of razors and other high-margin products, and it increased its full-year guidance. Meanwhile, transportation bellwether United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS - News) reported results that were in line with expectations, but it issued soft guidance for the current quarter and full year.
In the pharmaceutical sector, Merck (NYSE: MRK - News) said acquisition costs and the loss of patent protection for its anti-cholesterol drug Zocor cut its Q4 profit by -58%. Revenue, however, was up 5% on sharply increased sales of vaccines. Merck's profit dropped to $474 million, or 22 cents a share, from $1.1 billion, or 51 cents per share, a year earlier. Included in the results was a charge of -$466 million related to Merck's purchase of biotechnology company Sirna Therapeutics. Wyeth (NYSE: WYE - News), meanwhile, said its profits rose 17% on strong sales of its vaccine Prevnar and arthritis drug Enbrel, but its results were below analyst forecasts. Wyeth co-markets Enbrel Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN - News).
Electronics retailer Radio Shack (NYSE: RSH - News) rose 5% after being upgraded from "sell" to a "buy" by Goldman Sachs, which called the company a "classic turnaround opportunity." Wireless phone maker Motorola (NYSE: MOT - News) also rose sharply, jumping 7% on news that activist investor Carl Icahn has taken a 1.4% stake in the company and was seeking a seat on its board. Motorola, the world's #2 cell phone maker, recently reported a -48% drop in its Q4 profits as prices for its popular Razr phones have plummeted. The stock has been trading near its 52-week low.

Labels: AMGN, JBLU, LCC, MOT, MRK, PG, RSH, UPS, WYE

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.
Diamond Offshore Drilling Mar 85 Calls (NYSE:DO - News). DO'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.
Allegheny Technologies Feb 95 Puts (NYSE:ATI - News). ATI's PowerRating is 3.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Intuitive Surgical Feb 100 Calls (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 4.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Google Feb 440 Puts (NASDAQ:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Medis Technologies (NASDAQ:MDTL - News). MDTL's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG - News). BG'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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS' PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ATI, BG, DO, GOOG, ISRG, MDTL, stock options, UPS

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.
Diamond Offshore Drilling Mar 85 Calls (NYSE:DO - News). DO'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.
Allegheny Technologies Feb 95 Puts (NYSE:ATI - News). ATI's PowerRating is 3.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Intuitive Surgical Feb 100 Calls (NASDAQ:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating is 4.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Google Feb 440 Puts (NASDAQ:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Medis Technologies (NASDAQ:MDTL - News). MDTL's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG - News). BG'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.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - News). UPS' PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ATI, BG, DO, GOOG, ISRG, MDTL, UPS