Jim Cramer Blog

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Palm (NasdaqGS:PALM - News) beat earnings estimates on Monday afternoon, announcing $0.09 EPS over an expected $0.08 EPS. PALM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Pepsi Bottling (NYSE:PBG - News) should report $0.89 EPS on Tuesday before the market opens. PBG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Citigroup (NYSE:C - News) and UBS (NYSE:UBS - News) both announced major profit warnings for Q3 of this year, as the subprime mortgage effects continue to reverberate in the margin. C speculated that profit would fall 60% from last year, while UBS said it would probably lose about $3.4 billion. Despite the news, both companies were up on the day. C's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4, and UBS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Nokia (NYSE:NOK - News) announced plans to buy digital-map provider Navteq for $8.1 billion. NOK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Walgreen (NYSE:WAG - News) lost 15% on Monday, after missing analyst earnings estimates by a long-shot before the market opened. WAG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Acxiom (NasdaqGS:ACXM - News) announced that its $2.2 billion buyout by private firms has cancelled. ACXM will be awarded a $65 million termination fee, but the stock fell about 20% on the news. ACXM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.

Labels: ACXM, Hot Stocks, NOK, PALM, Palm Inc., PBG, UBS, WAG

Shares of drugstore chain Walgreen Co. tumbled Monday after the usually solid retailer's fourth-quarter fell sharply short of expectations, causing its first earnings decrease in nearly a decade.
Shares sank more than 15 percent, on pace to be the largest single-day decrease in roughly 20 years, before recovering slightly.
Walgreen, one of the nation's biggest drugstore chains, blamed its poor performance on higher expenses and lower reimbursements for popular generic medications. Meanwhile, executives warned its problems would likely persist.

Labels: WAG, Walgreen Co.

Sun Microsystems (JAVA): Cramer thinks it's finally turned the corner, but it's still too cheap.
Potash (POT): Cramer says that rankings in the agriculture sector are Agrium (AG), Mosaic (MOS), Sociedad Quimica (SQM), and then Potash since it moved too much.
Nuance (NUAN): "Don't buy. Don't buy."
Cheesecake Factory (CAKE): Thinks it's too cheap. Not giving up on it yet.
Rite-Aid (RAD): Giving CEO one more quarter. He thinks that CVS (CVS) and Walgreens (WAG) are doing much better.
China Mobile (CHL): This is a China stock that he still likes, along with Baidu.com (BIDU).
VF Corp. (VFC): Cramer thinks it's one of the better names in the apparel sector.
Western Refining (WNR): If you want to buy a refining stock, buy Valero
(VLO), or Sunoco (SUN) instead of WNR.
Energy Conversion Devices (ENER): Lose it and go with First Solar (FSLR)
Lockheed Martin (LMT): Start buying. Cramer thinks the stock is going even higher.
Starbucks (SBUX): "Don't buy, Don't buy."
Marvell (MRVL): Cramer thinks it's toxic.
First Horizon National (FHN): It's a cheap bank stock, and Cramer likes that.
Coeur d'Alene Mines (CDE): Cramer thinks this is one of the worst mining companies around, and that Barrick Gold (ABX) is the best play, and you can go with Pan American Silver (PAAS) if you want a silver stock.
DivX (DIVX): "There is nothing there to buy."
GameStop (GME): Wants the stock lower. Cramer thinks you should take some profits now, and buy more if the stock drops below $55.
Exxon Mobil (XOM): Cramer's price target for this stock is now $100.
Haynes (HAYN): It's played out for now.

Labels: CAKE, CHL, CVS, JAVA, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money Lightning Round, NUAN, POT, RAD, SQM, VFC, WAG, WNR

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday from TradingMarkets.com:
Walgreen (NYSE:WAG) reports earnings before the bell on Monday; look for $0.53 EPS. WAG's PowerRating is 5.
Synnex (NYSE:SNX) announces earnings after the close on Monday, with analysts watching for $0.44 EPS. SNX's PowerRating is 6.
The IPO of private equity firm Blackstone (NYSE:BX) raised $4.1 billion on Friday, which saw the company open +15% higher than its initial pricing around $31 a share. BX does not have a PowerRating due to its short trading history.
eBay (NasdaqGS:EBAY) gained around 2% on Friday, on reports that the company is set to return to the Chinese auction market this summer. EBAY's PowerRating is 5.
Major companies reporting on Tuesday include: Apollo Group (NasdaqGS:APOL), Kroger (NYSE:KR) and Lennar (NYSE:LEN). APOL's PowerRating is 5, KR's PowerRating is 6 and LEN's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: APOL, BX, Ebay, Hot Stocks, KR, LEN, SNX, WAG

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.
eBay (NasdaqGS:EBAY) & Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN). EBAY's PowerRating is 6, and TXN's PowerRating is 7.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO). KO'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.
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) & FelCor Lodging Trust (NYSE:FCH). MDT's PowerRating is 7, and FCH'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.
Swift Energy (NYSE:SFY). SFY's PowerRating is 4.
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.
Walgreen (NYSE:WAG). WAG's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: Ebay, FCH, Hot Stocks, KO, MDT, SFY, TXN, WAG

Jockeying for Position: Dynegy (NYSE: DYN - News), Brocade Communications (NasdaqGS: BRCD), Qwest (NYSE: Q - News)
Cramer suggested three "horse racing stocks" under $10 to keep investors interested. These are just temporary plays and should be sold when they reach $12. He notes DYN was "trashed" because of its former CEO Chuck Watson, but has been rescued by current CEO Bruce Williamson. He notes that DYN could be an attractive takeover target. "Brocade has momentum but is scary -- which is exciting," Cramer said about his second-favorite pick, which recently bought out its competitor and is in a position to raise prices. Cramer's favorite "horse" is Qwest which is around $9, but should be the first to reach the finish line at $12, because of its big federal contract.
Blue Stocking Stocks: Walgreen (NYSE: WAG - News), Grainger (NYSE: GWW - News) and Automatic Data Processing (NYSE: ADP - News)
Cramer discussed his favorite "aristocrat" stocks which pay solid dividends and provide protection when the economy is rough. He considered three "aristocrats," and eliminated WAG because it might have to stop raising its dividend to buy Express Scripts. While he expects GWW to boost its dividend, Cramer thinks the stock is too cyclical. Cramer's favorite artistocrat stock is ADP; "If there is such a thing as a blue chip, ADP is it." First, by spinning off its unprofitable brokerage service business, ADP may see 12-13% revenue growth. Secondly, Cramer likes ADP's "gigunda" $750 million buyback, and comments that ADP doesn't just have the history of raising its dividend, it has the money to continue dividend increases.
Mad Mail: Lundin Mining (AMEX: LMC - News), Dean Foods (NYSE: DF - News), Incyte Corporation (NasdaqGM: INCY)
Cramer told a viewer not to get discouraged with LMC because it is buying up mines. He would pick up more LMC on any pullback. He commented DF is "going back to where it was before it paid the dividend" of $15, and says the company is well-managed and pro-shareholder. When asked to defend his recommendation of INCY, which has no phase III drugs, over a company like Osiris Therapeutics with products in the pipeline, Cramer responded the best strategy for dealing with biotech is to avoid companies in the headlines and to find a biotech like INCY which has " its whole future ahead of it."
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: ADP, DF, DYN, GWW, Hot Stocks, Jim Cramer, LMC, Mad Money, Q, WAG

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 Inc. Apr 540 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Apple Inc. Apr 95 Puts (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL'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.
Dendreon Corp. May 17.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 1.
Intuitive Surgical Apr 140 Calls (NasdaqGS: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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Apr 30 Puts (NasdaqGS:VRTX - News). VRTX's PowerRating is 3.
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.
St. Jude Medical (NYSE:STJ - News). STJ'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.
Walgreen Co. (NYSE:WAG - News). WAG's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, DNDN, GOOG, ISRG, STJ, stock options, VRTX, WAG

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.
Google Inc. Apr 540 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Apple Inc. Apr 95 Puts (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL'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.
Dendreon Corp. May 17.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 1.
Intuitive Surgical Apr 140 Calls (NasdaqGS: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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Apr 30 Puts (NasdaqGS:VRTX - News). VRTX's PowerRating is 3.
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.
St. Jude Medical (NYSE:STJ - News). STJ'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.
Walgreen Co. (NYSE:WAG - News). WAG's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, DNDN, GOOG, STJ, stock options, VRTX, WAG

Walgreen Co. said Monday that its second-quarter earnings climbed 24.5 percent as sales increased on the strength of a robust retail prescription business.
The nation's biggest drugstore chain by revenue earned $651।9 million, or 65 cents per share, for the three months ended Feb. 28, up from $523.5 million, or 51 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Revenue grew 14.6 percent to $13.93 billion from $12.16 billion last year, beating Wall Street expectations.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected net income of 61 cents on revenue of $13.89 billion.

Labels: WAG, Walgreen Co.

Bullish calls:
Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS - News): 'The stock itself is a screaming buy. It's a buy, buy, buy! They have bought back - one of the biggest buybacks ... This stock goes higher. I would buy it right here. Buy, buy, buy!'Clearwire (NasdaqGS: CLWR): 'They priced this deal badly with everybody in it, they got hurt. But they have no shame... I think CLWR is a long-term winner, because they have Craig McCaw... We are not going to make money now, because all the flippers are in it... Shame on them. It remains a buy.'Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP - News): 'Warren Buffet likes it. I like it. I hadn't realized that that stock had come down that much... At $55? You know, this thing is growing at 10%. It sells at 14x earnings...Hey, you know what? AMP - Buy, buy, buy!!'Savient Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM: SVNT): 'They've got a phase III deal coming. I never liked SVNT for the earnings. I liked it for all the stuff in the pipe.'Genzyme (NasdaqGS: GENZ)Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG): 'CELG is on the move. That is the one to buy right here!'Gilead Sciences (NasdaqGS: GILD)Transocean (NYSE: RIG - News): 'We like RIG, which I said was going to go to $75, and it did today. It will be back Friday, if you missed it.'Halliburton (NYSE: HAL - News)GlobalSantaFe (NYSE: GSF - News): 'We like GSF, another offshore driller.'Foster Wheeler (NasdaqGS: FWLT): 'If you want to be in that business, you consistently ... go buy FWLT. And the reason is that they don't have a lot of overruns. And I think you absolutely have to fear overruns more than anything else in that group. I think that FWLT is the play.'Walgreen (NYSE: WAG - News): ' ... anytime you can get that stock below $45, you pull the trigger... That is one of the best-run... the best safety in the retail business.'Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY - News): ' ... we want to be in AUY! That's the gold company.'
Bearish calls:
Patterson-UTI Energy (NasdaqGS: PTEN): 'No, the other day we talked about this... The other day we said we are not going to buy domestic drillers ... because we are offshore. PTEN is wrong.'Washington Group (NasdaqGS: WGII)Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC - News): 'I took Cherkasky [CEO] off the 'Wall of Shame,' because he's trying his best, but there's no earnings momentum there. They need a new guy there, or they should sell themselves.'Kinross Gold (NYSE: KGC - News): 'No! KGC is a sale! We don't want no stinking KGC!'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AMP, AUY, CLWR, DIS, GSF, HAL, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, Mad Money, RIG, WAG

Bullish calls:
Covance (NYSE: CVD - News): 'This is one of those companies that is the arms provider to biotech and pharma... Yeah, they do the tests. You've got a two thumbs up, way up.'Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL - News)Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD - News): ' ... an analyst downgraded RAD, and it sent the stock down 31 cents, where I want to back the truck up ... Mary Sammons runs RAD, and is going to be on the show when that deal closes, and that is going to be a phenomenal one!'International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE: IFF - News)JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM - News): 'I am going to suggest that you buy JPM, because Jamie Dimond did a good call.'Capital One Financial (NYSE: COF - News): 'If you want a little risk, and big reward, you go with COF.'Level 3 Communications (NASDAQ: LVLT - News): 'I 'm reiterating my by for LVLT... If you want to be in fiber, you go into LVLT.'Best Buy (BBY): 'If you want to be in big-screen TVs, you go into BBY, and that's all there is to it.'AT&T (NYSE: T - News): 'I am so much a T man, so swap out of the Fair Point Commuications, and go into T.'Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News): 'I was a huge buyer of TM 10 points ago, for my charitable trust, and I'm reiterating my buy right here. I recommended TM, and it is only up a quick 15 points, and I'm not backing away, because they make good cars. 'Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI - News): 'This thing was downgraded by another analyst this week, and it was not even a glancing blow. It didn't even the guy, because the stock finished at or near its high. Why is that? Because the 'total access' program is working. He made us money - he's a guy we like. And BBI is a keeper.'Valero (NYSE: VLO - News): 'The refining game - if you want to get in that - I'm always going to send you to... VLO.'
Bearish calls:
JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU - News): 'Very tough. After the close tonight, they announce two resignations, including a guy that seemed pretty important from the sales and marketing side. I want to see the smoke clear ... and then I still don't want to buy it.'Bare Escentuals (NASDAQ: BARE - News): 'I said sell that stock at $31-32. It's at $34-35. I don't regard that as being anything that you missed. And I suggested instead that you buy IFF at $42. It went to $49. I say no on your bear - Sell, sell, sell. 'Sky Financial (NASDAQ: SKYF - News): 'Ring the register, my friend! You're getting Huntington Bank - not one of my favorite banks, because that company's already been taken over. It is time to sell, sell, sell.'Western Refining (NYSE: WNR - News): 'I do not like the refining stocks this quarter; I think that you'll get hurt, but they represent some great value longer term ...- I am not going to pull the trigger just yet on any refining company... 'Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS - News): 'No, no! Everyone's all excited about ERTS ... They don't have that much ... I don't trust ERTS here. Mid-40's - only then, pull the trigger.'FairPoint Communications (NYSE: FRP - News): ' Oh, this is that spinoff, right? They split the company up? You know what? I know they've got that good yield - I am so much a T man, so swap out of the FRP, and go into T.'Wal-Mart: (NYSE: WMT - News): 'sell, sell, sell!'Walgreen (NYSE: WAG - News): 'Now, at $46, I'm not as strong on WAG.'Corning (NYSE: GLW - News): 'I'm stuck with GLW. I have said that it's okay, but it's flatlined right here at $19, in part, because there's a glut of big-screen TVs; in part, because my national fiber shortage hasn't really started yet.'
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: BARE, BBI, CAL, CVD, ERTS, FRP, IFF, JBLU, Jim Cramer, JPM, LVLT, Mad Money, RAD, SKYF, T, TM, VLO, WAG, WMT, WNR

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.
PNC Financial Services (NYSE:PNC - News). PNC's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Credence Systems (NASDAQ:CMOS - News). CMOS'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.
Rostelecom Telecommunications (NYSE:ROS - News). ROS's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Walgreen (NYSE:WAG - News). WAG'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.
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX - News). BSX'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.
Amylin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:AMLN - News). AMLN's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net
Published by TradingMarkets Research

Labels: AAPL, AMLN, BSX, CMOS, PNC, ROS, WAG

Stocks opened lower today in light trading as Wall Street wound down for the three-day holiday weekend. The day's economic reports suggested again that the economy is slowing.
The Commerce Department said durable goods orders rose 1.9% in November, which was better than expected, but when non-defense items are excluded, the results were weak, declining -1.4%, on top of a -3.9% drop in October. Even with data suggesting inflation is under control, the durable goods figures were enough to dampen the spirit of those traders that were still at their desks this morning. The bond market also opened weakly, with the 10-year Treasury note down sharply.
There was some good news on the earnings front, however. Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG - News) jumped at the opening bell after the nation's largest drug store chain reported a 25% increase in its FQ1 profit. Same-store sales rose 9.7% in the quarter ended November 30th, while the company's prescription drug business, which accounted for nearly 66% of its total sales, grew by 19%. Walgreen said it earned $432 million, or 43 cents a share, against last year's profit of $346 million, or 34 cents per share. The results beat analyst EPS estimates by 2 cents.
Red Hat Inc. (NYSE: RHT - News), the top provider of the open source Linux operating system, reported reduced profit for its fiscal Q3 after yesterday's close, but the shares still rose more than 15% in early trading because results beat expectations.
Red Hat's profit dropped -37% in the quarter ended November 30th, but the declines were largely due to stock option expenses and tax provisions. Its reported earnings were only 7 cents a share, down from 12 cents a share in the corresponding quarter a year ago.
Excluding one-time costs, Red Hat's profit was $29.6 million, or 14 cents per share, which topped analyst expectations of flat operating results. Citigroup upgraded the company from "sell" to "hold," while First Albany upgraded the stock to "buy."
In other actions by Wall Street analysts this morning, former McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD - News) unit Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG - News) rose more than 2% in early trading after being upgraded to "outperform" by RBC Capital Markets. Blackberry maker Research In Motion Ltd. (Nasdaq: RIMM - News) was upgraded to "outperform" by Bear Stearns after reporting solid results. Keefe Bruyette & Woods downgraded two stocks in the banking sector. Countrywide Financial Corp. (NYSE: CFC - News) opened higher despite the downgrade to "underperform." Washington Mutual Inc. (NYSE: WM - News) was cut to "market perform."
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: CFC, CMG, MCD, RHT, RIMM, WAG, WM

Amtech Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:ASYS - News) said that it is planning to offer $15 million of its stock in a public offering. The offer proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Applica Inc. (NYSE:APN - News) shares rose after Nacco Industries Inc. (NYSE:NC - News) said it has increased its tender offer price for Applica to $7 from $6.50 a share. In October, Applica, a Miramar, Fla.-based home appliance maker, agreed to be acquired by affiliates of Harbinger for $6.50 a share.
Bally Technologies said that it sold around 9,000 gaming devices in the first half of fiscal 2007, up from 6,500 at the same point a year ago. Gross margins are expected to improve in 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. Richard Haddrill, chief executive officer of the technology solutions company, said: "In the first half of our fiscal 2007, we are beginning to see the benefits of our efforts." The company also said that it has filed its form Form 10-Qs for the quarters ended September 30 and December 31, 2005. It expects to file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and for the year ended June 30, 2006 before March 15, 2007. It anticipates reporting a net loss per share of between 66 cents and 76 cents for the year to June 30, 2006.
Cabot Corp. (NYSE:CBT - News) shares rose after the chemical company was upgraded to neutral from underweight by J.P. Morgan, which cited improving earnings growth as raw materials costs fall. J.P. Morgan said it expects net gains due to falling raw materials costs and selling price increases to be around $26 million, or 27 cents a share in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.
Cheniere Energy Inc. (AMEX:LNG - News) shares rose after its subsidiary Cheniere Energy Partners L.P. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to $301.9 million in its initial public offering.
El Paso Corp. (NYSE:EP - News) said it sold ANR Pipeline Co., its Michigan storage assets and its 50% interest in Great Lakes Gas Transmission to TransCanada Corporation and TC PipeLines LP for $4.14 billion, including $744 million of debt. El Paso said the deal would be neutral to slightly positive for earnings and would result in after-tax proceeds of $3.3 billion.
Exelixis Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL - News) said that it has initiated a Phase II clinical trial of its XL880 drug in patients with gastric cancer. As previously announced, a Phase II trial of XL880 in patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma was initiated in June 2006. XL880 is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor.
Hutchison Telecom International (NYSE:HTX - News) said it's received approaches from multiple parties for its 67% stake in Hutchison Essar, an Indian mobile operator. Vodafone Group (NYSE:VOD - News) said it's interested in buying a controlling stake in the Indian operator.
IMS Health (NYSE:RX - News) said it has approved a buyback of up to 10 million shares under a new stock repurchase program.
Memory chip maker Micron Technology (NYSE:MU - News) tripled its profit on 16% sales growth.
Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ:ONCY - News) said it has begun patient enrolment in its U.K. Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of Reolysin in combination with low-dose radiation in patients with advanced cancers.
Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (NASDAQ:PNCL - News) shares shot up after it announced a deal to fly for Northwest Airlines Corp. (Other OTC:NWACQ.PK - News) through 2017 and analyst upgrades of hte regional carrier. The Amex Airlines Index gained 0.3% to 57.37 points, with Mesa Air Group climbing on a plan to form a regional airline in China with Shenzen Airlines.
Software maker Red Hat (NYSE:RHT - News) reported a stronger-than-forecast 45% sales growth.
Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM - News) reported a 47% profit rise on 49% sales growth.
Resources Connection Inc. (NASDAQ:RECN - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $14.7 million, or 29 cents a share, compared with $16 million, or 31 cents a share, in the same period last year. Excluding stock-based compensation expense, among other items, the Costa Mesa, Calif. -based provider of professional services posted per-share earnings of 36 cents. Revenue rose 16% to $182.8 million from $158.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected per-share earnings of 27 cents, on revenue of $177 million.
SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SCLN - News) and Sigma-Tau said that a large phase 2 trial treating patients with stage IV malignant melanoma, showed positive interim survival data. Data from the first four arms of this ongoing five-arm trial showed that the addition of 3.2 mg of ZADAXIN to standard dacarbazine chemotherapy increased the median survival to 10.2 months, the companies said.
Shuffle Master (NASDAQ:SHFL - News) reported fiscal fourth-quarter net earnings of $4.9 million, or 14 cents share, down from $8.2 million and 23 cents a year ago. Revenue rose 39% to $46.1 million. The per-share profit figure includes 7 cents of charges and 3 cents for stock-option expensing; the average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call had been for Shuffle Master to earn 19 cents a share on revenue of $44 million. Shares ended the day down slightly at $26.22 but jumped more than 5% in after-hours action.
Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:TM - News) said it expects 2007 world-wide sales will rise 6% to 9.3 million autos. The company expects world-wide sales of its Toyota brand autos to rise 6% to 8.4 million units. Toyota forecast combined overseas sales for its Toyota, Daihatsu and Hino brands will grow 8% to 6.9 million autos, and combined sales in Japan to rise 1% to 2.4 million units.
Walgreen Co. (NYSE:WAG - News) said first-quarter income rose 25% to $432 million, or 43 cents a share, from $346 million, or 34 cents, a year ago. Sales for the three months ended Nov. 30 gained 17% to $12.71 billion from $10.9 billion, while same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, rose 9.7%. Analysts, on average, forecast earnings of 41 cents a share on sales of $12.55 billion.
Wet Seal Inc. (NASDAQ:WTSLA - News) said a secondary offering of 16 million Class A common shares was priced $6 each. The Foothill Ranch, Calif., specialty retailer said the shares are being sold by affiliates of Prentice Capital Management LP, Capital Associates LLC and GMM Capital LLC. The offering's underwriters received an over-allotment option to buy up to 2.4 million shares.
-MarketWatch

Labels: APN, ASYS, CBT, EP, EXEL, HTX, KAR, LNG, MU, NC, PNCL, RHT, RIMM, SCLN, SHFL, TM, VOD, WAG

Amtech Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:ASYS - News) said that it is planning to offer $15 million of its stock in a public offering. The offer proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Applica Inc. (NYSE:APN - News) shares rose after Nacco Industries Inc. (NYSE:NC - News) said it has increased its tender offer price for Applica to $7 from $6.50 a share. In October, Applica, a Miramar, Fla.-based home appliance maker, agreed to be acquired by affiliates of Harbinger for $6.50 a share.
Bally Technologies said that it sold around 9,000 gaming devices in the first half of fiscal 2007, up from 6,500 at the same point a year ago. Gross margins are expected to improve in 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. Richard Haddrill, chief executive officer of the technology solutions company, said: "In the first half of our fiscal 2007, we are beginning to see the benefits of our efforts." The company also said that it has filed its form Form 10-Qs for the quarters ended September 30 and December 31, 2005. It expects to file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and for the year ended June 30, 2006 before March 15, 2007. It anticipates reporting a net loss per share of between 66 cents and 76 cents for the year to June 30, 2006.
Cabot Corp. (NYSE:CBT - News) shares rose after the chemical company was upgraded to neutral from underweight by J.P. Morgan, which cited improving earnings growth as raw materials costs fall. J.P. Morgan said it expects net gains due to falling raw materials costs and selling price increases to be around $26 million, or 27 cents a share in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.
Cheniere Energy Inc. (AMEX:LNG - News) shares rose after its subsidiary Cheniere Energy Partners L.P. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to $301.9 million in its initial public offering.
El Paso Corp. (NYSE:EP - News) said it sold ANR Pipeline Co., its Michigan storage assets and its 50% interest in Great Lakes Gas Transmission to TransCanada Corporation and TC PipeLines LP for $4.14 billion, including $744 million of debt. El Paso said the deal would be neutral to slightly positive for earnings and would result in after-tax proceeds of $3.3 billion.
Exelixis Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL - News) said that it has initiated a Phase II clinical trial of its XL880 drug in patients with gastric cancer. As previously announced, a Phase II trial of XL880 in patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma was initiated in June 2006. XL880 is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor.
Hutchison Telecom International (NYSE:HTX - News) said it's received approaches from multiple parties for its 67% stake in Hutchison Essar, an Indian mobile operator. Vodafone Group (NYSE:VOD - News) said it's interested in buying a controlling stake in the Indian operator.
IMS Health (NYSE:RX - News) said it has approved a buyback of up to 10 million shares under a new stock repurchase program.
Memory chip maker Micron Technology (NYSE:MU - News) tripled its profit on 16% sales growth.
Oncolytics Biotech (NASDAQ:ONCY - News) said it has begun patient enrolment in its U.K. Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of Reolysin in combination with low-dose radiation in patients with advanced cancers.
Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (NASDAQ:PNCL - News) shares shot up after it announced a deal to fly for Northwest Airlines Corp. (Other OTC:NWACQ.PK - News) through 2017 and analyst upgrades of hte regional carrier. The Amex Airlines Index gained 0.3% to 57.37 points, with Mesa Air Group climbing on a plan to form a regional airline in China with Shenzen Airlines.
Software maker Red Hat (NYSE:RHT - News) reported a stronger-than-forecast 45% sales growth.
Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM - News) reported a 47% profit rise on 49% sales growth.
Resources Connection Inc. (NASDAQ:RECN - News) reported second-quarter net earnings of $14.7 million, or 29 cents a share, compared with $16 million, or 31 cents a share, in the same period last year. Excluding stock-based compensation expense, among other items, the Costa Mesa, Calif. -based provider of professional services posted per-share earnings of 36 cents. Revenue rose 16% to $182.8 million from $158.1 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected per-share earnings of 27 cents, on revenue of $177 million.
SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SCLN - News) and Sigma-Tau said that a large phase 2 trial treating patients with stage IV malignant melanoma, showed positive interim survival data. Data from the first four arms of this ongoing five-arm trial showed that the addition of 3.2 mg of ZADAXIN to standard dacarbazine chemotherapy increased the median survival to 10.2 months, the companies said.
Shuffle Master (NASDAQ:SHFL - News) reported fiscal fourth-quarter net earnings of $4.9 million, or 14 cents share, down from $8.2 million and 23 cents a year ago. Revenue rose 39% to $46.1 million. The per-share profit figure includes 7 cents of charges and 3 cents for stock-option expensing; the average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call had been for Shuffle Master to earn 19 cents a share on revenue of $44 million. Shares ended the day down slightly at $26.22 but jumped more than 5% in after-hours action.
Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:TM - News) said it expects 2007 world-wide sales will rise 6% to 9.3 million autos. The company expects world-wide sales of its Toyota brand autos to rise 6% to 8.4 million units. Toyota forecast combined overseas sales for its Toyota, Daihatsu and Hino brands will grow 8% to 6.9 million autos, and combined sales in Japan to rise 1% to 2.4 million units.
Walgreen Co. (NYSE:WAG - News) said first-quarter income rose 25% to $432 million, or 43 cents a share, from $346 million, or 34 cents, a year ago. Sales for the three months ended Nov. 30 gained 17% to $12.71 billion from $10.9 billion, while same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, rose 9.7%. Analysts, on average, forecast earnings of 41 cents a share on sales of $12.55 billion.
Wet Seal Inc. (NASDAQ:WTSLA - News) said a secondary offering of 16 million Class A common shares was priced $6 each. The Foothill Ranch, Calif., specialty retailer said the shares are being sold by affiliates of Prentice Capital Management LP, Capital Associates LLC and GMM Capital LLC. The offering's underwriters received an over-allotment option to buy up to 2.4 million shares.
-MarketWatch

Labels: APN, ASYS, CBT, EP, EXEL, HTX, KAR, LNG, MU, NC, PNCL, RHT, RIMM, SCLN, SHFL, TM, VOD, WAG

Walgreen Co., the nation's largest drugstore chain by revenue, on Friday said fiscal first-quarter profit grew 25 percent as prescription sales rose.
Net income for the quarter ended Nov. 30 totaled $431.7 million, or 43 cents per share, compared with a profit of $345.6 million, or 34 cents per share, during the same period last year. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected a profit of 41 cents per share.
Revenue grew 17 percent to $12.71 billion from $10.9 billion last year. Analysts predicted revenue of $12.55 billion.
Same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least one year, a key measure of retail industry performance, rose 9.7 percent.

Labels: WAG, Walgreen Co.

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Micron (NYSE:MU - News) beat earnings on Thursday afternoon; MU announced $0.25 EPS over a consensus of $0.21 EPS. MU's PowerRating is 5.
Red Hat (