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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Stock Recap Feb 12th

Cleveland Cliffs (CLF), BHP Billington (BHP), Freeport-McMoran (FCX), Boeing (BA), Potash (POT), Deere (DE), Schlumberger (SLB), XTO Energy (XTO)
Tuesday saw the return of Cramer's five long-term bull markets: aerospace, minerals and mining, oil and oil service, agriculture and infrastructure, and those who believe that recovery is coming ruled the day. Aerospace was lifted by BA's news that, after several delays, the delivery of the long-awaited 787 Dreamliner may come on time. News of coal and copper shortages was good for BHP Billington and Freeport-McMoran. Cramer also recommended Cleveland Cliffs. Potash rallied after a bullish interview with CEO Bill Doyle. Cramer also mentioned his favorite ag stocks, Deere, and suggested investors buy more rather than worry about the sector on the next down day. Oil is well after Bear Stearns' upgrade of SLB and XTO's strong earnings. Infrastructure got a lift from Buffett's bid to rescue bond insurers, but Cramer warned that all of these gains could disappear, given how quickly the market has been moving.
CEO Interview: David Novak, Yum! Brands (YUM)
Cramer said Yum is one of the most pro-shareholder and pro-growth companies he has seen and is impressed by YUM's aggressive moves into China. In 2007, one new store was opened in China every day and three a day were opened in December 2007. Novak said the company's performance reminds him of how McDonalds began its initial expansion in the States. Domestic growth has not been forgotten, said Novak, adding the company will concentrate on desserts, healthier offerings and new beverages.
Published By SeekingAlpha

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Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Stock Recap Nov. 20th

On Tuesday's show Cramer gave out 5 rules for investing in the stock market. His first rule is that there is a market for everything, including the stocks themselves. He said an example was how ethanol stocks were very hot about a year ago, and then several IPOs came on the market, so there was an oversupply of ethanol stocks on the market and the entire sector went down. So the ethanol business and news didn't matter because there were too many ethanol stocks available. Cramer said another example was his recommendation of Sealy (ZZ) at its IPO where he liked the stock, but didn't realize that there was a glut of IPOs, so the IPO market was saturated and the stock tanked.
Cramer took soma calls. The first caller asked how you can know whether an IPO is a good investment or not, and Cramer said that the key is the offering price for the shares. Another caller asked if there are any sectors that Wall Street overlooks, and Cramer said that you should look for a sector that used to have 10 analysts and only has 1 or 2 now and consider that sector for a turnaround. The next caller asked about the Vonage (VG) IPO, and Cramer said that this IPO was overhyped and that they should not have let the company sell stock to its customers.
Cramer's second rule is to know what you own. Sectors don't always matter since stocks within a sector can rally without others. Industries within a sector are the key to rallies, not the sector itself. An example occurred a couple years ago when he called for a tech rally and recommended Cisco (CSCO) and Microsoft (MSFT) because they were the big tech stocks, and he should have been thinking more specifically about the gadget industry within tech, since stocks like Apple (AAPL) were up big. He also said that he wants you to do at least 1 hour of homework each week for each stock you own. He thinks you should give your money to a mutual fund if you don't have enough time.
A caller asked why you don't see big rallies in the biotech sector, and Cramer explained that biotech stocks are moved by FDA rulings, not broader industry moves. The next caller asked how to find the pin action within a sector that Cramer talks about, and he used an example where Boeing (BA) reported a great quarter, and you should look to see who makes the components of the planes they make, since their sales will rise with Boeing's. The next caller asked how to predict performance if a sector is split, like Internet search with Yahoo! (YHOO) and Google (GOOG), and Cramer said that you need to look at management and other company specific factors in that case.
Cramer's third rule is that Latin America should always be treated as a shorter term trade since Wall Street has preconceived notions about the region that prevent it from being a long term investment, and they are the ones who move the market. You should always take profits as a Latin American stock moves up so you don't get caught when the big investors move out of their trade. A caller asked how important our economy is to Chinese stocks, and Cramer said that he doesn't like to recommend Chinese stocks because he doesn't trust their economy. The other caller asked about stocks like Wal-mart (WMT) and Starbucks (SBUX) that are expanding in China, and Cramer said that Starbucks could be the next Yum! Brands (YUM) which doubled their stock price after they doubled their stores in China.
Cramer's next rule is that being a lemming is ok, but he still wants you to go your homework, but if you agree with the moves that big investors are making, then it's good to go with the momentum.
His last rule was to not be afraid to say that something is too difficult to invest or trade on. His example is restaurant same store sales, which he has been crushed on in the past since there are so many factors that contribute to the number and the reaction. He said you aren't being weak, but smart by focusing your time someplace where you can make money.

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Friday, October 19, 2007

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Stock Recap Oct. 18th

Cramer continued his Back to School Tour today at Georgia Tech. He began by talking about InterContinental Exchange (ICE), which is up 131% since Cramer recommended it last March, and he thinks it still has room to go up since it profits off the volatility in the commodity markets. Cramer also thinks that this exchange might be bought out by NYSE EuroNext (NYX) which will bail him out of his NYX recommendation, which has been killing him all year. He believes NYX could pay up to $200 per share for the company. Cramer then took some questions from the audience. The first question was about exchanges investing in China, and Cramer said that he thinks Coca-Cola (KO) and Yum! Brands (YUM) are the best ways to play China.
Cramer then interviewed the CEO of Coca-Cola (KO), and they talked about the earning prospects for the stock and its international growth plans. Cramer is bullish on the stock, and is a fan of the CEO.
After the lightning round Cramer went over some stock picks with the Georgia Tech investment club. Nokia (NOK): Cramer thinks this stock is a winner. Grant Prideco (GRP): Cramer likes TransOcean (RIG), Halliburton (HAL), Schlumberger (SLB) and National Oilwell Varco (NOV) are better stocks. J Crew (JCG): Cramer said to back up the truck and buy this stock. Fossil (FOSL): Cramer doesn't like it as much as J Crew, and that he is worried about retailers that have had good runs recently.
Finally, Cramer ended the show by spending some time talking to students about the stock market and the economy.

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Monday, October 08, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Tuesday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
YUM! Brands (NYSE:YUM - News) beat earnings on Monday afternoon, announcing $0.50 EPS over an expected $0.45 EPS. YUM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Commerce Bancshares (NasdaqGS:CBSH - News) reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.80 EPS. CBSH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB - News) announces quarterly earnings on Tuesday morning, watch for $1.95 EPS. MTB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM - News) is looking to announce $0.46 EPS tomorrow morning. OXM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK - News) fell 26% today, on a Barron's report that the company may be overstating earnings and inventories. LDK does not have a PowerRating (for Traders) due to the company's short trading history.
Earnings season for Q4 starts tomorrow afternoon when Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) announces earnings after the bell; watch for $0.66 EPS. AA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News) closed above $600 a share for the first time today. GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

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Sunday, October 07, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Monday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday:
Merix (NasdaqGM:MERX - News) reports earnings on Monday morning before the bell; watch for -$0.08 EPS.
Qmed (NasdaqCM:QMED - News) announces quarterly results on Monday afternoon, with analysts looking for -$0.54 EPS.
YUM! Brands (NYSE:YUM - News) is expected to report $0.45 EPS on Monday afternoon after the market closes. YUM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) officially kicks off the last earnings season of the year, when the company reports earnings on Tuesday afternoon. AA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News) gained over 2.5% on Friday to $593.80, after Bear Stearns analysts predicted the company's stock will reach $700 by the end of 2008. GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
MetroPCS Communications (NYSE:PCS - News) fell nearly 10% after missing analyst new subscriber estimates; rival Leap Wireless International (NYSE:LEAP - News) also fell 8% on the news. LEAP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

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Friday, September 21, 2007

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Stock Recap Sept. 20th

Goldman Sachs (GS): Cramer said they proved today that they're the only broker to own. Goldman Sachs proved itself during a downturn by shorting the mortgage market, Cramer said: "When you're right quarter after quarter after quarter, it isn't luck." They are underestimated by Wall Street, who believes that all brokers are the same, but Cramer says why settle for less when you can have GS for $230? He thinks they will be "dragged" into a higher multiple, but they deserve to sell at $300.
Yum! Brands (YUM): Cramer asked CEO David Novak how they have stayed consistent. Novak pointed out their "global portfolio" including Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. Their diversity gives them earnings power and tremendous opportunities to expand around the world. Yum! is the No. 1 retail developer in the world, ahead of McDonald's (MCD) and Starbucks (SBUX). Yum! is building one restaurant per day in China and continues to grow elsewhere, Novak said. Cramer asked Novak what he though about YUM being an unhealthy brand. Novak: Out food tastes good and people are looking for taste. Also, their menu's are getting broader and their growth has been exceptional.
Lululemon Lowdown: (LULU)
Cramer: If you are looking for the next Crocs (CROX) or Under Armor (UA), look at LULU. It's a yoga-apparel company who’s stock is up 28% from when Cramer recommended it two months ago. It has growth potential as a woman’s apparel play; 51% of the population. Cramer spoke to lululemon CEO Robert Meers on the show. Meers thinks it's a global opportunity and that people will pay for their quality products and services. He also said they operate well in college towns. Cramer asked about their lack of stores. Meers said their brand "cachet" is very important and that the right thing to do "is be special." Meers also mentioned their 800 number that operates for home delivery.
Sell Block: Cramer was asked why the sudden switch to Wachovia (WB)? Cramer said Wachovia struggled before the rate cut, but it's going to perform better now that interest rates are lower. "Its value will increase" and investors need to change with new events. He added, "It's more important to be consistent with reality than you were before the world changed."
Sudden Death:
Bullish: Nastech (NSTK), Qwest (Q), China Mobile (CHL), Paccar (PCAR) and NVIDIA (NVDA).
Bearish: Qiao Xing (XING) and Acadia (ACAD).

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Hot Stock Options to Watch Today

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.
Advanced Magnetics Inc. Aug 65 (NasdaqGM:AMAG - News). AMAG's PowerRating is 6.
InterContinental Exchange, Inc. Aug 145 Calls (NYSE:ICE - News). ICE's 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.
Yum Brands! Aug 35 Puts (NYSE:YUM - News). YUM'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.
Manitowac Co. Aug 80 Calls (NYSE:MTW - News). MTW'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.
Hub Group Aug 40 Puts (NasdaqGS:HUBG - News). HUBG's PowerRating is 5.
Avid Technology Aug 40 Puts (NasdaqGS:AVID - News). AVID'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.
None today
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.
Corus Bankshares Inc. (NasdaqGS:CORS - News). CORS' PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

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Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) Profit Up 12 Percent

Fast-food giant Yum Brands Inc. said Wednesday that its second-quarter profit rose by 12 percent, beating Wall Street projections, on the strength of sizzling international sales that offset an essentially flat U.S. performance.
The operator of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut reported double-digit operating profit growth in its China and international divisions. Based on its strong overseas performance, Yum raised its full-year forecast for growth in earnings per share to 12 percent from 11 percent.
In the United States, Taco Bell had another sluggish performance, though it was an improvement from the prior quarter as the chain rebounds from two setbacks -- an E. coli outbreak at some of its East Coast restaurants last year and a rat infestation in a franchise KFC/Taco Bell store in New York City in February. Yum predicted steady improvement for the chain in coming months.
For the three months ended June 16, Yum posted net income of $214 million, or 39 cents per share, compared with $192 million, or 34 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Revenue grew 9 percent to $2.37 billion from $2.18 billion a year earlier.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had forecast a profit of 36 cents per share.

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Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Hot Stocks to Watch Wednesday

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Wednesday from TradingMarkets.com:
AAR Corporation (NYSE:AIR) reports earnings Wednesday morning, with analysts looking for $0.41 EPS. AIR's PowerRating is 5.
When Acergy (NasdaqGS:ACGY) announces quarterly earnings on Wednesday before the bell, watch for $0.31 EPS. ACGY's PowerRating is 6.
Wolverine World Wide (NYSE:WWW) should announce $0.28 EPS before the market opens on Wednesday morning. WWW's PowerRating is 4.
When Genentech (NYSE:DNA) announces earnings on Wednesday afternoon, analysts will be looking for $0.71 EPS. DNA's PowerRating is 4.
Analysts are watching for Ruby Tuesday (NYSE:RT) to report $0.47 EPS on Wednesday after the bell. RT's PowerRating is 4.
Chaparral Steel (NasdaqGS:CHAP) and YUM! Brands (NYSE:YUM) both report after the close on Wednesday, so watch for heightened price action and volatility ahead of the bell. CHAP's PowerRating is 5, and YUM's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

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Jim Cramer's Stop Trading July 9th

Paccar (NasdaqGS: PCAR - News) and Cummins Engine (NYSE: CMI - News): A Bear Stearns' upgrade of outperform from neutral brought CMI up 11% and PCAR to 6% on Monday. Cramer says these companies have further to rise.
Olin (NYSE: OLN - News) and PPG (NYSE: PPG - News): Acquisitions in the chemicals sector could mean that "cheap" plays OLN and PPG could be bought, according to Cramer.
Brinker (NYSE: EAT - News), Buffalo Wild Wings (NasdaqGS: BWLD - News), Chipotle (NYSE: CMG - News), McDonald's (NYSE: MCD - News) and Yum (NYSE: YUM - News): A Morgan Stanley report which indicates private equity's reluctance to rescue EAT may send restaurant stocks down. Cramer chose a select few worth buying including BWLD, CMG and international plays MCD and YUM.
Published by SeekingAlpha

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Friday, June 15, 2007

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Lightning Round June 14th

Bullish calls:
Zimmer (NYSE: ZMH): 'The stock has 14% growth. It sells for mid-20x's multiple. Do you mind if I say that we wait until it goes under $80, before we absolutely back up the truck? Right now, I'd take a small position - a little schnitzel.'MasterCard (NYSE: MA): 'MA goes to $175 before it gets to be too expensive, and stop worrying about the Visa IPO. We will deal with that when it comes time... MA... Way up!'Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM): 'Most of the growth comes from China ... YUM is still, still cheap. $67 goes to $75. At $75, we're going to take a little off the table but, until then, superior growth, superior attitude.'Reliance Steel (NYSE: RS): ' ... has a wholesale metal working business that I like.'Weight Watcher's (NYSE: WTW): 'I say yes to that. Great secular growth... I'm sticking with it. Under $50, I'm backing up the truck...'Nastech Pharmaceutical (NasdaqGM: NSTK)Time Warner (NYSE: TWX)Comcast (NasdaqGS: CMCSA): ' I think CMCSA is phenomenally undervalued here.'
Bearish calls:
Trump Entertainment Resorts (NasdaqGM: TRMP): 'I think that this company gets a bid, but I don't think you make any money... So I am going to have to 'sell, sell, sell!'Mediacom Communications (NasdaqGS: MCCC): 'MCCC is a little speculative for my taste.'

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Monday, June 11, 2007

Jim Cramer's Stop Trading June 8th

Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM):Yum is p 20% since the rat incident in a Greenwich Village Taco Bell, and Cramer agrees with Deutsche Bank's upgrade of the company, because KFC is "the dominant food in China." He predicts Yum will reach $76 from $66.83.
Nastech (NasdaqGM: NSTK), Acadia (NasdaqGM: ACAD), Sanofi (NYSE: SNY): On the subject of the upcoming week's biotech conferences, Cramer says he likes Nastech for its obesity drug and Acadia for its Parkinsons and schizophrenia treatments. He would trade Sanofi off of the FDA's decision on its weight loss treatment, since the FDA is "under great pressure" on the growing obesity problem.

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Jim Cramer's Stop Trading May 17

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT - News): Cramer thinks the downgrade of CAT was mistaken, because it is not levered to housing, but to BRIC as well as the Middle East and Asia. He predicts machinery stocks are this era's growth stocks and will benefit form the weak dollar because of international exposure.
Crocs Inc. (NasdaqGS: CROX): People keep asking Cramer how long to hold CROX, and he suggests hanging on until the last firm rolls out coverage. "Once it's sponsored by everybody, then you've got to vamoose," he said.
Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM - News): Despite some yucky incidents, like the ecoli outbreak and rat infestation in a New York City KFC, YUM is up 11 points. "When I see it happen, I am supposed to stop shopping? Nobody else did." Cramer says the stock is "screaming higher" to $70.
Published by SeekingAlpha

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Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Hot Stock Options to Watch

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.
Mastercard June 130 Calls (NYSE:MA - News). MA's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Amazon.com May 60 Puts (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN'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 May 17.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN - News). DNDN's PowerRating is 6.
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.
None today
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.
Mirant Corp. (NYSE:MIR - News). MIR's PowerRating is 7.
Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM - News). YUM'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.
Harley Davidson (NYSE:HOG - News). HOG's PowerRating is 5.
Momenta Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:MNTA - News). MNTA's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

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Friday, March 30, 2007

Jim Cramer's Mad Money Lightning Round Mar. 29

Bullish calls:
Chemed (NYSE: CHE - News): 'I prefer CHE, when I want to do hospice.'Brush Engineered (NYSE: BW - News): 'We caught a double in this one. You know I like high-performance materials.'Allegheney Technologies (NYSE: ATI - News): 'I also reiterate right here, ATI, $107. Going higher.'FactSet Research (NYSE: FDS - News): 'Fabulous, fabulous quarter. This company seems to be doing everything Cheesecake Factory (NasdaqGS: CAKE)Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG - News)TD Ameritrade (NasdaqGS: AMTD): 'I didn't know that stock was below $15... You know, that's attractive here. Wow. Below $15? ... That's too cheap.'Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q - News):'I think this company is just part of a major ramp. You know that I think Dick Notebart is the best of an industry ... I'd like to buy even more.'Gmarket (NasdaqGM: GMKT): 'Look, I think the worst is over ... I just did a terrible job with it. I said take a little profit on it. I should have said take it all ... But down here, no. I would never back away from it down here, but if it gets back to $20, sell, sell, sell! All right?'eBay (NasdaqGS: EBAY)Marvell Technology (NasdaqGS: MRVL): 'They still can't get their financials out because of this darn options probe ... I don't want to sell it at $16. There's too much upside, because I just believe it's a coiled spring. I think it could go back to the $30s when they get it right ... I'm really mad at them. Memo to Marvell Tech: You guys should be ashamed!'Kinder Morgan Energy (NYSE: KMP - News): 'You are so in the house of pleasure, with a 6% dividend, with monster-good management, with a shareholder-friendly outfit... with a stock that just kind of perks along, that is the kind of thing I want you to stay with.'
Neutral calls:
Brocade (NasdaqGS: BRCD): 'I 'm waiting for the news out of the meeting, because I think that BRCD is suffering from the same incredible, unbelievable bear market that tech is in right now ... I still thought BRCD could be a good trade. Let me get more intel about how that meeting's going before I slam it here, because I like the stock.'
Bearish calls:
Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM - News): 'I am concerned about YUM ... it didn't go down enough after the Taco Bell incident... I think that you should get out of YUM.'Stride Rite (NYSE: SRR - News): 'The quarter wasn't that good ... they've got to show some growth in the core, regular Stride Rite shoes, and they didn't do it. I think that stock is not going up here. Sell, sell, sell.'Nvidia (NasdaqGS: NVDA): 'I am not a fan of graphic chips. It's too expensive. I fear that almost every single semiconductor company that I recommend on this show goes bad. I'm saying take profits on NVDA.'

Published By SeekingAlpha

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Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM)

Yum! Brands Inc., YUM
Yum! Brands' (YUM, 60.78) consistency in generating double-digit earnings growth, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and returning value back to its shareholders remain its hallmarks. Despite a challenging quarter due to an E.coli outbreak at some of its Taco Bell locations, the company was able to generate a solid end to its fiscal year. A low tax rate and stronger than expected international growth, particularly in China due to its ongoing expansion, atoned for Taco Bell's drag on US profits.
Net income for the period rose only slightly to $232 mln or 83 cents per share, from $226 mln or 77 cents in the prior year. Still, earnings topped analysts' expectations by four cents. Revenues rose 4.0% year/year to $3.02 bln, also above expectations of $2.89 bln. Worldwide same-store sales rose 3% in the quarter.
YUM's financial position and growth outlook, piloted by China and Yum Restaurants International businesses, remain undeterred. The worst of the Taco Bell issue appears to be behind the company, which took the opportunity today to reaffirm its full year financial targets. It anticipates earnings of at least $3.21 per share equating to 10% growth vs. the consensus estimate of $3.22 per share. We would be buyers of the stock at current levels with shares trading at 20.9x forward earnings.
--Kimberly DuBord, Briefing.com

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Tuesday's Biggest Stock Decliners

EYE, ADS, AVZ, CRK, ENPT, EXPD, F, GNTA, HANS, HUBG, ININ, IRBT,KNOT,  LQDT, Mac, MOSY, NDAQ, OMC, OSIR, YUM
Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (NYSE:EYE - News), the Santa Ana, Calif., producer of ophthalmic surgical devices and eye-care products, reported a fourth-quarter loss compared with a year-earlier profit, primarily because of "recall-related sales declines, product returns and costs, and the tax effect of these issues." The loss was $7.6 million, or 13 cents a share, compared with net income of $2.3 million, or 3 cents, in the year-earlier period. A survey of analysts by Thomson Financial produced a consensus estimate of a loss of 5 cents a share.
Alliance Data Systems Corp. (NYSE:ADS - News) was downgraded to neutral from overweight at J.P. Morgan.
Amvescap (NYSE:AVZ - News), the Anglo-American owner of the AIM and Invesco lines of mutual funds, swung to a fourth-quarter profit of $163.5 million, or 20 cents a share, with revenue up 20% to $879 million. The company was affected by a $76 million restructuring charge in the year-ago quarter. Assets under management at Dec. 31 rose 20% to $463 billion, though it saw $4.5 billion in net outflows during the quarter.
Comstock Resources Inc. (NYSE:CRK - News) reported net earnings of $8.41 million, or 19 cents a share, compared with $41.3 million, or 96 cents a share, in the same period last year, as expenses rose sharply. The Texas-based energy company said oil and gas sales rose 35% to $126.8 million from $93.4 million.
Delphi Corp. (Other OTC:DPHIQ.PK - News) said its third-quarter loss more than doubled to $2 billion, or $3.51 a share, from $788 million, or $1.40 a share, in the year-earlier period. Delphi, which is in Chapter 11 reorganization, said the 2006 third quarter included $1 billion related to U.S. employee attrition payments. Troy, Mich.-based Delphi said revenue in the three months ended Sept. 30 fell to $6 billion from $6.3 billion in the year-ago period. Quarterly revenue from sources other than automaker General Motors Corp. stayed "essentially flat" at $3.4 billion compared with the previous year's $3.3 billion, Delphi said.
En Pointe Technologies Inc. (NasdaqCM:ENPT - News) said it swung to first-quarter profit of $272,000, or 4 cents a share, as the cost of sales fell. In the same period last year, the provider of business-to-business information technology products posted a net loss of $997,000, or 14 cents a share.
Expeditors International of Washington (NasdaqGS:EXPD - News) said its fourth-quarter net income fell to $62.6 million, or 28 cents a share, from $74.3 million, or 34 cents a share, a year ago. The year-ago period included a tax benefit of $21.7 million, or 10 cents a share. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, predicted earnings of 31 cents a share for the quarter. Analysts estimates usually exclude items. The Seattle logistics company's revenue rose 13% to $1.24 billion from $1.10 billion a year ago.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F - News) was downgraded to sell from neutral at Merrill Lynch. The firm cited valuation concerns following a run-up of almost 30% from the stock's mid-December low.
Genta Inc. (NasdaqGM:GNTA - News) said its fourth-quarter loss widened to $17.3 million, or 11 cents a share, from $10.2 million, or 9 cents, a year earlier. The Berkeley Heights, N.J. biopharmaceutical company said Tuesday revenue rose to $117,000 from $97,000. Total costs increased to $18.8 million from $10.8 million. Results for the latest period included costs of $5.28 million for the settlement in principle of class action lawsuit and the write-off of a $1.27 million prepaid royalty payment.
Hansen Natural (NasdaqCM:HANS - News) was downgraded to neutral at Goldman Sachs.
Hub Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:HUBG - News) said fourth-quarter net income rose, as operating margin gained, to $13.5 million, or 34 cents a share, from $10.1 million, or 25 cents a share, during the same period in the prior year. Analysts had expected per-share income of 32 cents.
Interactive Intelligence (NasdaqGM:ININ - News) shares tumbled after the Indianapolis-based software developer reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $1.56 million, or 8 cents a share, down from $1.77 million, or 10 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $23.9 million from $17.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were forecasting a per-share profit of 9 cents on revenue of $22 million.
IRobot Corp. (NasdaqGM:IRBT - News) said it swung to a net loss in the fourth quarter of $1.78 million, or 8 cents a share, as operating expenses rose. During the same period in the prior year, net income was $15,000, or breakeven on a per share basis.
Knot (NasdaqGM:KNOT - News) shares lost ground after the New York-based media company and wedding services provider reported a fourth-quarter net profit of $14.6 million, or 45 cents a share, up from $1.48 million, or 6 cents a share, last year. The results for the fourth quarter of 2006 included a non-cash income tax benefit and a gain from the settlement of a legal action. Revenue rose to $21.7 million from $12.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a per-share profit of 11 cents on revenue of $21.8 million.
Liquidity Services Inc. (NasdaqGM:LQDT - News) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed secondary offering of roughly 5.6 million common shares. The Washington, D.C.-based online asset auction services provider plans to issue and sell 100,000 shares in the offering, while certain stockholders offer the remainder.
Macerich Co. (NYSE:MAC - News) said its fourth-quarter net income jumped to $147.9 million, or $1.98 a share, from $23.6 million, or 39 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter rose 14% to $233.8 million and funds from operations increased to $1.36 a share from $1.32 a share. The company said it benefited from strong occupancy levels and good tenant sales gains. It added it continued to improve its portfolio through the sale of three non-core assets and the acquisition of another East Coast mall.
MoSys Inc. (NasdaqGM:MOSY - News) said it swung to net income in the fourth-quarter of $567,000, or 2 cents a share, as royalty revenue increased. During the same period in the prior year, the net loss was $1.08 million, or 4 cents a share. Analysts had expected per-share earnings of 4 cents for the recent quarter.
Nasdaq Stock Market (NasdaqGS:NDAQ - News) said its fourth-quarter earnings rose to $63 million, or 43 cents a share, from $17.1 million, or 15 cents a share, a year earlier, as revenue rose 72%. The latest results included a post-tax gain of $29.4 million, or 19 cents a share, on foreign currency options contracts purchased to hedge the foreign exchange exposure on the failed bid for the London Stock Exchange. The quarter also included pretax charges of $4.6 million for restructuring and integration of INET. The New York electronic equities market said Tuesday that revenue grew to $447.3 million from $259.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, expected earnings of 24 cents a share on revenue of $424.8 million.
Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC - News) reported fourth-quarter net income of $277.2 million, or $1.62 a share, up from $252.6 million, or $1.41 a share, earned in the final three months of 2005. The New York-based advertising giant's quarterly revenue reached nearly $3.22 billion from the prior year's $2.94 billion, up more than 9%. Domestic revenue rose 7%, Omnicom said. Analysts were looking for earnings of $1.62 a share on revenue of nearly $3.21 billion, according to estimates compiled by Thomson First Call. Omnicom's operating profit improved to $474.2 million from $426.1 million.
Osiris Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:OSIR - News) shares fell after the Baltimore-based company announced six-month interim results in its evaluation of Chondrogen for the regeneration of meniscus in the knee. The company said Chondrogen met its primary endpoint; however the Phase I/II trial did not demonstrate that Chondrogen resulted in a statistically significant increase in the volume of meniscus as compared to placebo. Osiris added that an improvement in baseline cartilage and joint condition was noted in patients treated with the stem cell drug that was not seen in patients that received placebo.
Radyne Corp. (NasdaqGS:RADN - News) reported fourth-quarter earnings $3.6 million, or 19 cents a share, down from $4.3 million, or 24 cents a share, as revenue dropped and expenses rose.
R&G Financial Corp. (NYSE:RGF - News) shares fell after the New York Stock Exchange said it late Monday that it will suspend trading of the San Juan, P.R.-based financial holding company's shares due to its failure to file its 2005 10-K by an April 3 deadline. The NYSE will suspend trading of R&G shares on Feb. 22. R&G, which is completing restatements for 2002 through 2004, announced separately that it now expects the restatements to reduce stockholders' equity by $185 million to $200 million after-tax, up from the $168 million to $183 million it had previously estimated.
Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE:SGR - News) said Ernst & Young LLP has notified the company of its decision to resign as Shaw's independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young said it will resign effective upon the filing of Shaw's report for the quarter ending Feb. 28.
Ultra Clean Holdings Inc. (NasdaqGS:UCTT - News) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $4.65 million, or 22 cents a share, compared with $683,000, or 4 cents a share, in the same period last year, on higher sales from the acquisition of Sieger Engineering Inc.
WNS Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:WNS - News) said its fiscal third-quarter net profit rose 21% to $7.1 million, or 17 cents a share, from $5.9 million, or 17 cents a share a year ago after an increase in the number of shares in circulation. Revenue at the firm more than doubled to $102 million from $49.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting earnings of 17 cents a share. The firm said it has increased client contracts more quickly than previously expected and has exceeded internal expectations for revenue growth. Growth in profit lagged revenue growth due to $2.4 million of deferred revenue recognized in the year-ago quarter, WNS said. For 2007 the firm increased its revenue guidance to slightly above $213 million from slightly above $208 million. It also reaffirmed its guidance for 2007 net income in the range of $30.5 million to $32.5 million.
Yum Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM - News) posted a 2.7% increase in fourth-quarter profit as higher margins and international growth offset flat sales in the U.S. as well as the impact of an e. coli outbreak at its Taco Bell unit that sickened dozens last fall.

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Monday, February 12, 2007

Stock Market Outlook for the Week

Friday offered a fistful of convenient scapegoats for investors in need of excuses to take some profits. The damage thus far is minimal, but it will be interesting to see if the current shift in negative sentiment takes hold for more than one or two sessions. Emphasis for Wall Street should continue to shift away from earnings reports and on to the issue of growth, interest rates and energy prices. It will be back to work for economic watchdogs, after a rather light calendar in the week prior. The first half will be light, but the G-7 Summit wrapped up this past weekend might add some volatility as traders digest comments made on foreign exchange policies. Wednesday’s retail sales figures will be watched by traders for any clues that consumer spending trends have changed. That day, however, testimony by Bernanke will undoubtedly take center stage. With a string of data points suggesting that the economy is back on track, investors will be looking to find any signals from the Fed Chief that point towards an interest rate hike. Whether clues from Bernanke are offered will be interesting to see. If disappointed, investors can turn towards a slug of da