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Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: E\|Markets\|BP\|CNQ\|XOM\|EC\|CVX\|PBR\|COP\|OXY\|SU\|APA\|IMO Title: 20 Biggest Oil and Gas Stocks Aren't So Hot Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-22 11:27:00 Article: I'm sure you've noticed that gasoline prices continue to climb across the country. From Exxon ([XOM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XOM&selected=XOM)) ) to Sunoco ([SUN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SUN&selected=SUN)) ) to BP ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ), prices are edging up once more -- about 80 cents higher than at this point in 2009. And after the shock of $4 a gallon gas in the peak driving months of 2008, you may be part of the growing American population that is cutting back spending in anticipation of higher costs at the pump.But experts say prices will stabilize soon and could possibly stay below the $3 a gallon benchmark all spring and into the summer. That's because the movement up in gasoline prices doesn't really correlate to a spike in crude oil demand like it did in 2008. The upwards movement for crude is due largely to a weaker dollar (comparatively) that has boosted commodity prices. The bottom line is that supply is strong and demand is weak. And that means that while oil companies may be commanding a decent price for crude, they are not selling nearly enough to make the big profits they did before the recession.As a result, my latest fundamental analysis of the 20 largest oil & gas companies on Wall Street shows only one worth buying: Columbia-based Ecopetrol ([EC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=EC&selected=EC)) ), which has seen strong demand due to its Latin American operations, gets a B or "Buy" recommendation in my Portfolio Grader database. The big players like Chevron ([CVX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVX&selected=CVX)) ) and Europe's Total ([TOT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TOT&selected=TOT)) ) get my worst grade: F or "Strong Sell."[Portfolio Grader, my FREE stock ranking tool](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) , offers updated recommendations each week on about 5,000 publicly traded stocks. Click on any company's ticker below to get my free fundamental analysis of each stock:****Related Articles:** - [Top 5 Emerging Market Airlines](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) - [Coke vs. Pepsi: And the winner is... Dr. Pepper!](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/coca-cola-ko-pepsi-pep-dr-pepper-snapple-dps-stocks.html)** - [Buys and Sells in the 50 Biggest Bank Stocks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/top-bank-stocks-financials-bac-wfc-c-jpm-gs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 18.0209 Stock Price 2 days before: 18.0544 Stock Price 1 day before: 17.9699 Stock Price at release: 18.0561 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0013	20.1113
Symbol: CYH Security: Community Health Systems, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: XAU\|Markets\|XLE\|BMY\|AIG\|TEVA\|SPX\|BA\|THC Title: Market in Slow Motion Type: News Publication: Unknown Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-23 08:02:00 Article: **Stocks rallied yesterday following a sharp pullback on the opening, as investors grappled with the late-night passing of major health care legislation and continuing problems with the economy of Greece. But it took just minutes after the opening bell for buyers to arrive on the scene.By the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( [DJI](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=dji) ) was up 0.4% and the S&P 500 ( [SPX](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=spx) ) had gained 0.5%. The Nasdaq ( [NASD](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=nasd) ) led the field again by rising 0.9%. Health care stocks, especially hospital stocks, were strongly boosted by the new legislation. Community Health Systems ( [CYH](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=cyh) ) rose 6.6%, and Tenet Healthcare ( [THC](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=thc) ) gained 9.04%, as a worst-case scenario for providers was avoided. Bristol-Myers Squibb rose 1.8%, St. Jude Medical ( [STJ](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=stj) ) gained 1.1%, and Teva Pharmaceutical ( [TEVA](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=teva) ) rose 2.2%.But Greece's economy continues to overshadow domestic gains. The U.S. dollar was strong early in the day following a statement from the German chancellor that "Greece doesn't need financial support," which was taken to mean that Greece rejected offers of help and was ready to "go it alone." Later, however, the dollar fell back to even and closed slightly lower.Boeing ( [BA](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=ba) ) rose 1.7% following a raise in rating by Oppenheimer. AIG ( [AIG](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=aig) ) fell 4.1% on news that its former CEO said that he would sell up to 10 million shares of his stock to UBS.At the close, the Dow gained 44 points to close at 10,786, the S&P 500 rose 6 points to 1,166, and the Nasdaq gained 21 points to 2,395.The NYSE traded 954 million shares with advancers over decliners by 3-to-1, while the Nasdaq crossed 631 million shares with advancers ahead by 5-to-2. Crude oil for May delivery rose 63 cents to $81.60 a barrel, while the U.S. dollar closed lower, and stocks higher. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ( [XLE](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=xle) ) fell 15 cents to $57.13.April gold fell $8.10 to $1,099.50 an ounce, and the PHLX Gold/Silver Sector Index ( [XAU](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=xau) ) rose 50 points, closing at 166.49. What the Markets Are Saying As a Wall Street Journal headline shouts "Dow Logs Ninth Gain in 10 Days," it is important to understand the context of this Dow run-up. MarketWatch's Michael Ashbaugh points out that the Dow had just completed the longest winning streak since 1996, when on Friday, the index fell 37 points. But, he notes that, "the winning streak amounted to just 227 points, which is no more than many single-day rallies." And Friday's reversal of 37 points took it back over 16% of the total rally. The rally, says Ashbaugh, "has genuinely pressed higher in slow motion."Yesterday, the market picked up where it left off on Thursday. The fully expected vote on health care resulted in a gain for the major indices, but with less than 1 billion shares trading on the NYSE. This is a very tired market that appears to be rolling over for a normal round of profit-taking.The initial support for the S&P 500 would be the tenacious breakout point at 1,150. Following that is the 20-day moving average at 1,135, and finally the 50-day moving average at 1,113. The CBOE Volatility Index ( [VIX](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=vix) ) fell to a low of 16.17 on Friday. The last time we saw a number on the VIX that low was in May of 2008, just prior to the fall from 13,000-pluss to 10,970.Raise cash and be defensive. Today's Trading Landscape**Earnings to be reported before the opening include: Carnival Corp., KB Home, Steelcase and Walgreens. Earnings to be reported after the close include: Adobe Systems, Darden Restaurants, Jabil Circuit, Progress Software and Sonic. Economic reports due: ICSC-Goldman Sachs store sales, Redbook, existing home sales (the consensus expects 5 million), and FHFA house price index. Related Articles: - [Ride the Greenback With This Dollar ETF](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/03/stock-picks-powershares-db-us-dollar-index-bullish-fund-uup.html) - [Spring Cleaning: 6 Stocks to Sell](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/stocks-to-short/2010/03/stocks-to-sell.html) - [10 Tips to Getting Started With Technical Analysis](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-ideas/gallery/technical-analysis-stock-getting-started.html) Top 5 Stocks for April These must-have companies are just hitting their stride and are poised to outperform the market in the short-term. Investing pro Louis Navellier reveals his top five picks for April in this free stock guide -- [download your FREE copy here](http://www.optionszone.com/order/?sid=XH3254) . Stock Price 4 days before: 37.7909 Stock Price 2 days before: 38.6676 Stock Price 1 day before: 38.7132 Stock Price at release: 40.8843 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0011	40.431
Symbol: NMM Security: Navios Maritime Partners L.P. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: A Beaten-Up Industry Poised for a Huge Comeback Type: News Publication: Carla Pasternak Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-24 07:33:00 Article: I grew up in New York City, not far from the waterfront. As a special treat, my father would take me to the piers off Atlantic Avenue in downtown Brooklyn.There we would stand and watch with amazement as forklifts unloaded heavy packages of cement and grains from gigantic ships that had just arrived from faraway places. This was my first contact with the shipping industry, and little did I know how big an impact shipping would have on the world -- and my income investing.Today, marine shipping is responsible for transporting an estimated 90% of world trade. And while shipping is an ancient form of transportation, it's being used more and more as world markets open up.During the past 40 years, total shipping has grown four-fold -- from just more than 8,000 billion metric-ton miles in 1968 to an estimated 32,000 billion metric ton-miles in 2008, according to Fearnleys Review.And in the economic downturn of the past two years, demand for shipping -- and the dividends paid by many shipping companies -- fell sharply. But now the industry has started to turn around, providing an early entry point for select high-yield shipping stocks.Specifically, freight rates, an indicator of the health of the shipping industry, have recovered from record lows for shippers of all stripes. Consider the following: - The Baltic Dirty Tanker Index ([BDTI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BDTI&selected=BDTI)) ), which tracks freight rates for crude oil transport on 12 routes, has nearly doubled from its September 2009 lows. - The Baltic Dry Index ([BDI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BDI&selected=BDI)) ), which measures freight rates for dry bulk cargo like coal and iron, has been volatile. But it's still up almost +30% off the September lows. - The Drewry Global Freight Rate Index for container ships, which carry consumer goods, has climbed +24% between July and November 2009, a trend of rising prices for the first time since mid-2008. So what do all these indices have to do with shipping stocks? The rates a shipper receives vary widely with the vessel size, routes, and contract terms, but higher freight rates generally translate to fatter profits.Consider Bermuda-based Knightsbridge Tankers (Nasdaq: VLCCF) . The shipper earned an average $36,900 per day for its oil supertankers and $44,300 per day for its dry bulk carriers in the fourth quarter of last year.That's up from $32,900 per day for the tankers and $39,200 per day for the dry bulk carriers in the prior quarter. Meanwhile, break-even for these vessels is $19,300 per day for the tankers and $16,900 per day for the dry bulk carriers, providing the shipper with a tidy profit that more often than not is distributed in the form of a high yield. **Volatile? Absolutely.With a global rebound in the works and strong demand from China, the shipping industry's outlook is optimistic -- shipping consultant Drewry forecasts a +3.4% increase in global container traffic this year versus rates from 2009. That will push up average container freight rates about +15%, Drewry says. But no matter how optimistic the forecasts, investors need to tread carefully in this sector. Shipping rates and stocks are nothing if not volatile.For example, Capesize dry bulk vessels commanded an all-time high of $233,988 per day in June 2008, only to fall to a decade-low of $2,316 per day six months later.Changing rates can lead to wild swings in the shares and dividends of some shippers. The problem is that some companies seek to maximize earnings by leasing out fleets under short-term charters at spot market rates. If rates rise, earnings -- and dividends -- rise in tandem, but the reverse is also true. Steady the Ship and Your Portfolio For investors seeking a steadier income stream, shippers with longer-term leases -- such as Navios Maritime ([NMM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NMM&selected=NMM)) )** -- are the way to go. Their vessels are leased out under long-term, fixed-rate contracts that provide stable cash flow and dividends despite fluctuations in the short-term spot market.One final note: It's also important to check out the balance sheet of a shipper before you invest. Since many of them pay out most of their free cash flow as dividends, they often go to the capital markets to finance growth. New ship purchases and acquisitions can cost millions of dollars. As such, shippers tend to bear heavy debt loads, but some have more cash flow than others to cover their debt and dividends, while also financing growth. This is one of the reasons many shippers saw their shares tumble in the financial crisis. Of course, with a rebound in both the global economy and shipping rates, now looks like an opportune time to pick up stable shippers at reasonable prices. [Image](http://www.streetauthority.com/images/hy/carla-sig-06-06.gif) Carla PasternakEditor: High-Yield Investing, High-Yield International, Dividend OpportunitiesP.S. -- Shippers are great for income investors, but you do have to be choosy about what you buy. That's why I covered the industry in my March issue of High-Yield International -- bringing to light two of my favorite plays (yielding as high as 8.4%). Follow this link to subscribe and read my latest issue...Disclosure: Carla Pasternak does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 17.0374 Stock Price 2 days before: 16.869 Stock Price 1 day before: 17.0488 Stock Price at release: 17.4953 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0012	19.5214
Symbol: GPRE Security: Green Plains Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: ISRG\|Markets\|AMZN\|MSTR\|ALCO\|DVN\|OSTK Title: 5 Stocks to Sell, 5 Stocks to Buy Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-24 12:42:00 Article: After a rough start to 2010, the markets have perked up in the last several weeks to send the Dow to a 17-month high. But before you sound the bull market rally cry, I have to warn you that the recent uptick in the markets is a classic "fake out" move. And you shouldn't buy it for a second.The reason I'm cautious about the rally is because first-quarter earnings will represent the last of the "easy earnings," and when reality hits, I expect the overall stock market's breadth and power to deteriorate. This is not a market crash or an environment where profits are impossible, but it will be a narrow market where owing the right stocks is paramount. To give you some context, the S&P 500's operating earnings are expected to decelerate rapidly from 63.5% in the first quarter to 33.2% in the second quarter to 24.9% in the third quarter. Let's face it, during the last year, we've seen some real low-quality, fundamentally unsound stocks rally, and upcoming earnings are about to create a huge rift between good stocks and bad.In this kind of market, it won't be enough to be a good stock: It will take a GREAT stock to gain traction.To make sure you're not caught on the wrong side of this divide, I've made a handy list of 5 stocks that make the grade and can do very well in this market environment and 5 stocks that are positioned for a painful decline. The 5 WORST Stocks to Own Right Now Health care stocks may be in for a bumpy road ahead, but ARYx Therapeutics Inc. ([ARYX](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=aryx)) ) is not only the worst health care stock on my list, it's one of the worst-ranked stocks in my entire [Portfolio Grader database of 5,000 stocks](http://navelliergrowth.investorplace.com/portfolio-grader/) . The company gets a D or F grade in just about any category and even managed to lose 10% of its value on Monday as the health care bill was passed.Natural gas stocks have suffered from lower demand and lowered industry outlooks, but the one stock you really need to avoid in this industry is Devon Energy Corp. ([DVN](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=DVN)) ). This company has a history of reporting earnings surprises, but on every other measure of strength, this stock simply doesn't make the grade. Alico Inc. ([ALCO](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=aryx)) ) is a consumer staples stock that one would think would do well in a tight economy and a narrow market, but this is not the case. In the last four quarters, the stock has missed earnings estimates by an average of 776%! While many stocks have benefited from the market's rally, this one is about flat in the last year and is not a good value for investors today. Overstock.com Inc. ([OSTK](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=OSTK)) ) could have been one of the big winners of the last year and of the narrow market ahead, but the company missed its chance. As frugal shoppers looked to find deals online, Overstock.com didn't become consumers' main destination for deals. Take the lead from shoppers and continue to avoid this stock. NutriSystem Inc. ([NTRI](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=NTRI)) ) was on an incredible run in late 2009 and into the early weeks of 2010. Climbing from under $15 to over $30, the stock seemed unstoppable�until it stopped. The declines seem to be coming ever since the acquisition of Nu-Kitchen, but like most people failed on their resolutions to lose weight so has the stock failed early in the year. And Now the 5 BEST Stocks to Own Right Now I showed you why you should avoid ARYX above, but there is one health care stock you can buy right now -- Intuitive Surgical ([ISRG](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=ISRG)) ). This stock has made it to the top of my [Emerging Growth](http://navelliergrowth.investorplace.com/emerging/) and [Quantum Growth](http://navelliergrowth.investorplace.com/quantum/) services because it represents the very best of the industry. From strong earnings and sales growth to incredible buying pressure and analyst revisions, this one has winner written all over it. Amazon.com ([AMZN](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=AMZN)) ) succeeded where Overstock.com failed. AMZN was able to lure in customers with incredible deals and got them to buy throughout the recession. This has been an A or B rated stock for the last 12 months, and I expect it will continue to be a great investment in the months to come. Integrated Silicon Solution Inc. ([ISSI](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=ISRG)) ) is what I call a bunny stock. It jumped 20% today on its first-quarter forecast numbers. I'm a little concerned about the increased costs the company will have to face in the coming quarters, but if you're a more active trader, this is stock could be a great play for you. MicroStrategy Inc. ([MSTR](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=MSTR)) ) is a software company that has been firing on all cylinders in the last year. Software is one of the sectors that I like right now and MSTR has the strong fundamentals you want in a company right now.Our list wouldn't be complete without an energy play. Right now, I like Green Plains Renewable Energy ([GPRE](http://www.investorplace.com/search/?q=GPRE)) ). You probably haven't heard of this one, and that's the point. The stock was just added to the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index and this will increase buying pressure and attention to the stock.I hope you've taken my words about where the market is headed and which stocks are good and bad buys to heart. This is important information that you need in order to keep your investments in the right areas as we enter the next phase of the market recovery.Louis Navellier owned shares of AMZN, ISRG, ISSI, GPRE and MSTR in personal or client portfolios as of this writing. ****Related Articles:** - [Top 5 Emerging Market Airlines](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) - [Coke vs. Pepsi: And the winner is... Dr. Pepper!](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/coca-cola-ko-pepsi-pep-dr-pepper-snapple-dps-stocks.html)** - [Buys and Sells in the 50 Biggest Bank Stocks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/top-bank-stocks-financials-bac-wfc-c-jpm-gs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 13.5128 Stock Price 2 days before: 13.6772 Stock Price 1 day before: 13.9969 Stock Price at release: 14.4344 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0012	14.8748
Symbol: CAL Security: Caleres, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|AMR\|DAL Title: Airline Pay Raise Demands: Not Just Pie in the Sky Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-25 09:25:00 Article: [Jim Delaney](http://www.marketstrategiesmgmt.com/) submits:During the depths of the credit crisis, when there were more homeowners defaulting on mortgages than lattes being sold at Starbucks, just about the only people flying were the Ryan Binghams of the world. [FYI: Bingham was the character played by George Clooney in "Up in the Air" who worked for a downsizing firm. (You're welcome.)]Things have turned a bit for the flyers of big silver birds as revenue began increasing around the turn of the year with Continental ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) reporting in early January that its December traffic was up 6% YoY for that month and that 83% of the seats on its planes were full. Hunter Keay, an airline analyst at Stifel Nicolaus Capital Markets, remarked, "It looks like the pace of recovery is gaining momentum. The question now is whether it's sustainable." The answer to Mr. Keay's question would appear to be yes as U.S. airlines more recently reported a 1.4% revenue rise in January compared to that same month in 2009 according to the Air Transport Association trade group. One of the key components of the ascent was a 3.4% elevation in trans-Atlantic traffic where the average price to fly an air-mile rose 0.6% YoY, the first such increase since November of 2008 according to the ATA.Jamie Baker, an analyst with J.P. Morgan wrote in a research note after the January figures were released that, "it gets easier from here." William Greene from Morgan Stanley was more specific noting that "international revenue growth now leads the recovery."Optimism is a rare commodity for an industry that seems to lose money more years than it makes it but given the brighter prospects, which we truly hope bear no similarity to Icarus, the Air Line Pilots Association has been quick to try to upgrade.After paring pay and benefits to the bone in order to stay alive over the past decade, airline workers at every level of the vertical are now vying for a bigger piece of the pie. Robert Mann, an airline consultant at R.W. Mann & Co., might have described it best when he said, "It's a feeding frenzy."The proof in Mr. Mann's pudding came when the largest union at AMR Corp. ([AMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMR&selected=AMR)) ) asked federal regulators to release it from mediated talks with the airline last Thursday setting the stage for the first strike at a major U.S. carrier since 2005. Adding gravitas to the AMR talks is the fact that more than 2/3rds of the industry's contracts are up for renewal of which 52 employee groups have already taken their grievances to the National Mediation Board, which oversees labor relations at airlines.Hoping to avert turbulence, CAL has taken the novel approach of offering its 4,300 pilots the same deal that pilots accepted at Delta Airlines Inc. ([DAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DAL&selected=DAL)) ), and even sweetening things a bit by adding $1/hr to the offer.Playing his cards pretty close to his vest, Capt. Jay Pierce, chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association said, "there was much to consider" before any commitment was made but also that, "we are obviously interested in any process by which we can legitimately avoid extended negotiations."If nothing else it would appear the global economic crisis has made even the unions a bit more rational.CAL's CDS/equity combo has performed in line with empirical theory since November of last year with the caveat that the rise in the stock has been much smoother than the drop in CDS levels. The stock bottomed at $11.32 on 11/2/2009 but the CDS did not peak until 11/30/2009 at 1585bps. Last night's levels were $22.23 and 960bps respectively but those numbers hide the combo's participation in the Jan/Feb correction. The story is similar for AMR if we add that the CDS is now at 2-year lows while the stock is about in the middle of its 2-year range.DAL, having settled with its pilots, has seen the best CDS/equity performance as last night's close had the stock at a 2-year high of $13.81 and the CDS at a 2-year low of 930bps. Disclosure: NoneSee also [BYD Offers Dual Mode Hybrid Cars to the Chinese Masses](http://seekingalpha.com/article/195471-byd-offers-dual-mode-hybrid-cars-to-the-chinese-masses?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 21.8937 Stock Price 2 days before: 22.2899 Stock Price 1 day before: 22.0959 Stock Price at release: 22.4152 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0012	22.04
Symbol: CAL Security: Caleres, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|AMR\|DAL Title: Airline Employee Pay Raise Demands: Not Just Pie in the Sky Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-25 09:25:00 Article: [Jim Delaney](http://www.marketstrategiesmgmt.com/) submits:During the depths of the credit crisis, when there were more homeowners defaulting on mortgages than lattes being sold at Starbucks, just about the only people flying were the Ryan Binghams of the world. [FYI: Bingham was the character played by George Clooney in "Up in the Air" who worked for a downsizing firm. (You're welcome.)]Things have turned a bit for the flyers of big silver birds as revenue began increasing around the turn of the year with Continental ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) reporting in early January that its December traffic was up 6% YoY for that month and that 83% of the seats on its planes were full. Hunter Keay, an airline analyst at Stifel Nicolaus Capital Markets, remarked, "It looks like the pace of recovery is gaining momentum. The question now is whether it's sustainable." The answer to Mr. Keay's question would appear to be yes as U.S. airlines more recently reported a 1.4% revenue rise in January compared to that same month in 2009 according to the Air Transport Association trade group. One of the key components of the ascent was a 3.4% elevation in trans-Atlantic traffic where the average price to fly an air-mile rose 0.6% YoY, the first such increase since November of 2008 according to the ATA.Jamie Baker, an analyst with J.P. Morgan wrote in a research note after the January figures were released that, "it gets easier from here." William Greene from Morgan Stanley was more specific noting that "international revenue growth now leads the recovery."Optimism is a rare commodity for an industry that seems to lose money more years than it makes it but given the brighter prospects, which we truly hope bear no similarity to Icarus, the Air Line Pilots Association has been quick to try to upgrade.After paring pay and benefits to the bone in order to stay alive over the past decade, airline workers at every level of the vertical are now vying for a bigger piece of the pie. Robert Mann, an airline consultant at R.W. Mann & Co., might have described it best when he said, "It's a feeding frenzy."The proof in Mr. Mann's pudding came when the largest union at AMR Corp. ([AMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMR&selected=AMR)) ) asked federal regulators to release it from mediated talks with the airline last Thursday setting the stage for the first strike at a major U.S. carrier since 2005. Adding gravitas to the AMR talks is the fact that more than 2/3rds of the industry's contracts are up for renewal of which 52 employee groups have already taken their grievances to the National Mediation Board, which oversees labor relations at airlines.Hoping to avert turbulence, CAL has taken the novel approach of offering its 4,300 pilots the same deal that pilots accepted at Delta Airlines Inc. ([DAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DAL&selected=DAL)) ), and even sweetening things a bit by adding $1/hr to the offer.Playing his cards pretty close to his vest, Capt. Jay Pierce, chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association said, "there was much to consider" before any commitment was made but also that, "we are obviously interested in any process by which we can legitimately avoid extended negotiations."If nothing else it would appear the global economic crisis has made even the unions a bit more rational.CAL's CDS/equity combo has performed in line with empirical theory since November of last year with the caveat that the rise in the stock has been much smoother than the drop in CDS levels. The stock bottomed at $11.32 on 11/2/2009 but the CDS did not peak until 11/30/2009 at 1585bps. Last night's levels were $22.23 and 960bps respectively but those numbers hide the combo's participation in the Jan/Feb correction. The story is similar for AMR if we add that the CDS is now at 2-year lows while the stock is about in the middle of its 2-year range.DAL, having settled with its pilots, has seen the best CDS/equity performance as last night's close had the stock at a 2-year high of $13.81 and the CDS at a 2-year low of 930bps. Disclosure: NoneSee also [Rising Shipping Rates: Another Sign of Recovery](http://seekingalpha.com/article/197222-rising-shipping-rates-another-sign-of-recovery?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 21.8937 Stock Price 2 days before: 22.2899 Stock Price 1 day before: 22.0959 Stock Price at release: 22.4152 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0012	22.04
Symbol: SD Security: SandRidge Energy, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|CNQ\|CHK\|OXY\|PXD\|RIG\|HES\|SU\|DVN\|FLR Title: What Can We Learn from an Oil Legend's Portfolio? Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-26 03:51:00 Article: T. Boone Pickens is the quintessential Texas oilman: outspoken, complex and savvy. He began his career as a "wildcatter," drilling in areas not known to contain oil, and eventually formed Mesa Petroleum in 1956, which would grow to be one of the largest independent oil producers in the world before being acquired by a private equity group and renamed Pioneer Natural Resources ([PXD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PXD&selected=PXD)) ) . During the course of his career, Pickens initiated headline-grabbing takeovers and amassed a fortune of about $3 billion.And whether it's his decidedly conservative political views, his calls for increased production of wind energy and the promotion of natural gas as an alternative to fossil fuels through the "Pickens Plan," or his belief in "peak oil," which claims that world oil production will soon cross the point of no return and begin declining, Pickens is not without his detractors. But one thing is for certain: The man knows oil. At 81, Pickens may have retired from the day-to-day operations of oil exploration, but when he speaks about energy, people listen. Now, just because people listen doesn't automatically make him an authority. But consider this: Pickens serves as the chairman of BP Capital Management, a hedge fund investing primarily in energy. Like many hedge funds, it caters to the well-heeled and charges exorbitant fees. The mere fact that wealthy individuals are willing to fork over 20% of profits to Pickens and his managers speaks volumes.Unfortunately, most of us do not have the $5 million minimum requirement to invest in the fund. What we do have, however, is the Securities and Exchange Commission . Let me explain: every institutional investor (hedge funds, mutual funds, pension plans, etc.) is required to disclose its holdings to the SEC quarterly in a 13F filing. These filings are available to the public and can level the playing field a bit for smaller investors willing to do a little digging.In order to spare you the headache of sifting through these filings, here's the most recent breakdown of BP Capital Management's holdings:Company (Ticker)% of PortfolioHolding ValueP/E [ RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG) [ HES](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HES&selected=HES) [ DVN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DVN&selected=DVN) [ OXY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=OXY&selected=OXY) [ MMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MMR&selected=MMR) [ CHK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CHK&selected=CHK) [ FST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FST&selected=FST) [ COG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COG&selected=COG) [ SD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SD&selected=SD) [ STR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=STR&selected=STR) [ WFT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFT&selected=WFT) [ SU](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SU&selected=SU) [ SII](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SII&selected=SII) [ APC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=APC&selected=APC) [ TAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TAT&selected=TAT) [ FLR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FLR&selected=FLR) [ GST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GST&selected=GST) [ CNQ](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CNQ&selected=CNQ)Total$224.5M The hedge fund had five new buys in its fourth-quarter 2009 filing, dated Feb. 16, 2010. Two of the new buys, Fluor ([FLR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FLR&selected=FLR)) ) and Foster Wheeler AG (Nasdaq: FWLT) stand out in particular. Both heavy construction companies stand to benefit from a global turnaround by winning contracts for oil and gas refineries, power plants and other infrastructure projects. So far, BP Capital's stake in McMoRan Exploration ([MMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MMR&selected=MMR)) ) has performed the best year-to-date, gaining +74%, mainly on the back of a major discovery in the Davy Jones field in the Gulf of Mexico.Pickens' largest holding, offshore oil driller Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) is perhaps the most compelling name in the portfolio. The economic downturn combined with falling oil prices led to a decrease in demand for offshore drilling and created a surplus of rigs that were coming online just as the downturn hit. The world's thirst for oil will likely return as soon as recovery sets in, but make no mistake, most of the oil left is deep offshore within the earth and will not be easy to extract. Transocean's massive, complex machinery, deployed in areas as far-reaching as the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Angola, will be needed to get it out.The company has a reputation as the biggest and best in the business: Its fleet of 70 drillships and semisubmersibles more than doubles the size of its next-largest competitor. It also has a $30 billion backlog locked up for the next five years, which provides a nice blanket of security.At just above $80 a share, Transocean is trading at half the level it was in 2008, when oil was at $150 a barrel. And while we may not see oil spike to the levels it did back then, it's all but certain that demand will increase as the global economy recovers, developing countries demand more fossil fuel and land reserves are depleted.Transocean changes hands for just seven times earnings, a -62% discount to the S&P's multiple of just under 19. Earnings are expected to grow +17% during the next five years, yet the stock commands a PEG of just 0.5. Add it all up, and Transocean appears to be a deep value that could reward patient shareholders with huge gains. [Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityP.S. Near-simultaneous news alerts coming out of OPEC and The Federal Reserve last week point to soaring oil prices in the near future. If you're looking for an easy way to cash in, you need to read this special report.Disclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 7.62259 Stock Price 2 days before: 7.7952 Stock Price 1 day before: 7.59325 Stock Price at release: 7.42245 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0011	7.76
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: 12 Biggest Health Providers Looking Fit Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-29 02:03:00 Article: Health care reform it's finally done and decided upon. And regardless of your personal feelings about healthcare reform, as an investor you need to make sure you leave your politics at the door and simply focus on the opportunity. And the biggest opportnity right now is in health insurance stocks and service providers - particularly in AmerisourceBergen Corp. ([ABC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ABC&selected=ABC)) ), Express Scripts ([ESRX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ESRX&selected=ESRX)) ), Humana Inc. ([HUM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HUM&selected=HUM)) ) and Medco Health Solutions ([MHS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MHS&selected=MHS)) ).My current fundamental analysis of the 12 largest health care providers and health services stocks (by market cap) shows not a single sell recommendation among this group of stocks. As a whole, this industry seems to have a number of stocks with big potential based on this week's latest Portfolio Grader rankings. Personally I would rather this reform hadn't happened - but I would also rather see U.S. unemployment about half of what it's at. Sometimes you have to play the hand you're dealt. On a broader note, one of the unintended consequences of the massive health care reform measure that was signed into law by President Obama last week will be that the U.S. economy must now must absorb the coming 2011 tax increase and a substantial 3.8% Medicare tax increase in 2013. This will impact both large and small businesses. As a result, the Fed is likely to keep interest rates low through at least 2014.But regardless of the longer term trends, the data my team of analsysts crunched over the weekend indicates that that the 12 largest health provider and service stocks as a group look very healthy indeed. The complete sector breakdown is below. [Portfolio Grader, my FREE stock ranking tool](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) , offers updated recommendations each week on about 5,000 publicly traded stocks. The database is updated every Monday morning to give you the latest info on the hottest Wall Street companies. TickerCompanyMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )Overall Grade [ ABC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ABC&selected=ABC) AmerisourceBergen $8.1 A - Strong Buy [AET](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AET&selected=AET) Aetna Inc. $14.8 C - Hold [CAH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAH&selected=CAH) Cardinal Health Inc. $12.8 B - Buy [CI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CI&selected=CI) CIGNA Corp. $9.8 B - Buy [DGX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DGX&selected=DGX) Quest Diagnostics Inc. $10.6 C - Hold [ESRX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ESRX&selected=ESRX) Express Scripts Inc. $27.7 A - Strong Buy [FMS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FMS&selected=FMS) Fresenius Medical Care $16.3 B - Buy [HUM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HUM&selected=HUM) Humana Inc. $8.0 A - Strong Buy [MCK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MCK&selected=MCK) McKesson Corp. $17.1 B - Buy [MHS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MHS&selected=MHS) Medco Health Solutions Inc. $30.9 A - Strong Buy [UNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UNH&selected=UNH) UnitedHealth Group Inc. $37.4 C - Hold [WLP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WLP&selected=WLP) WellPoint Inc. $28.4 B - Buy [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])Related Articles:**** [20 Biggest Oil and Gas Stocks Aren't So Hot](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/top-oil-stocks-energy-sector-xom-bp-cvx-sun-tot.html) [3 Prison Stocks Set for Release - CRN, CXW, GEO](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/prison-stocks-to-sell-geo-cxw-crn.html) [Buys and Sells in the 50 Biggest Bank Stocks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/top-bank-stocks-financials-bac-wfc-c-jpm-gs.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year?Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.6027 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.7764 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9386 Stock Price at release: 19.9455 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0011	20.4976
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Upgrades This Week: BAC, CAT, WAG Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-29 03:26:00 Article: Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Caterpillar Inc. ([CAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAT&selected=CAT)) ) and Walgreen Co. ([WAG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WAG&selected=WAG)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on March 29, 2010. Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ) recently made headlines with news that it likely will not have to pay federal income taxes for 2009 due to a loss for the full-year. Also, the company has announced it will be rolling out a plan to forgive up to 30% of the debt owed to it by 45,000 mortgage customers in danger of default. Caterpillar Inc. ([CAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAT&selected=CAT)) ) recently announced it would take a $100 million charge related to a new law that will lower the company's tax deductions. But the company is still growing strong, and announced last week it will invest $2.8 million and create dozens of jobs at its Caterpillar Track Components plant in Danville, Kentucky. Walgreen Co. ([WAG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WAG&selected=WAG)) ) reported strong earnings last week, including second-quarter profit that rose nearly 5% thanks to higher margins and prescription sales.About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) .SYMBOL COMPANY NAME SECTOR MARKET CAP ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) THIS WEEK LAST WEEK ACN Accenture Plc IT Services $26.8 A B BAC Bank of America Financial Services $154.8 C D BSY British Sky Broadcasting Media $15.5 B C CAT Caterpillar Inc. Machinery $39.0 C D CNI Canadian National Railway Road & Rail $28.3 C D COV Covidien PLC Health Care Equipment $24.7 B C CTL CenturyTel Inc. Telecommunications $10.6 B C DAL Delta Air Lines Inc. Airlines $11.4 B C ESRX Express Scripts Inc. Health Care Providers $27.7 A B GRMN Garmin Ltd. Household Durables $8.0 B C HSP Hospira Inc. Health Care Equipment $9.2 A F ISRG Intuitive Surgical Health Care Equipment $13.2 A B KUB Kubota Corp. Machinery $11.9 B C L Loews Corp. Insurance $15.8 C D MAR Marriott International Inc. Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure $11.1 C D MCK McKesson Corp. Health Care Providers $17.1 B C MHS Medco Health Solutions Health Care Providers $30.9 A B MTL Mechel OAO ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Metals & Mining $13.9 B C PSA Public Storage Real Estate Investment Trusts $15.5 B C SAP SAP AG ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Software $56.0 C D SNI Scripps Networks Media $7.3 B C TCK Teck Resources Ltd. Metals & Mining $23.7 A B V Visa Inc. IT Services $66.8 B C VIP Vimpel Communications Telecommunications $18.1 B C WAG Walgreen Co. Food & Staples Retailing $36.2 B C WLP WellPoint Inc. Health Care Providers $28.4 B C Stock Price 4 days before: 19.6053 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.7764 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9386 Stock Price at release: 19.9455 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0011	20.4976
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Downgrades This Week – COST, XOM, MS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-29 06:51:00 Article: Costco ([COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST)) ), Exxon Mobil ([XOM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XOM&selected=XOM)) ) and Morgan Stanley ([MS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MS&selected=MS)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks downgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on March 29, 2010. Costco ([COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST)) ) missed expectations in its March earnings report despite strong international sales. Costco didn't offer an outlook but said its fiscal second-quarter results were in line with internal projections. Costco was downgraded from "Buy" to "Sell." Exxon Mobil ([XOM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XOM&selected=XOM)) ) is making a $28.5 billion bet on natural gas even as most Wall Street experts are betting on prices falling, according to a Bloomberg news report. Exxon was downgraded from a "Sell" to a "Strong Sell."Morgan Stanley ([MS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MS&selected=MS)) ) recently has been chosen to underwrite and advise the government as the United States looks to sell its nearly 30% stake in Citigroup ([C](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=C&selected=C)) ). Morgan Stanley was downgraded from a "Sell" to a "Strong Sell."A complete look at this week's downgrades among widely held stocks is below. Also please check out this week's [stock upgrades](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-bac-bank-of-america-cat-caterpillar-wag-walgreens.html) .About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) .SYMBOL COMPANY NAME SECTOR MARKET CAP ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) THIS WEEK LAST WEEK ABX Barrick Gold Corp. Metals & Mining $36.8 F D ACH Aluminum Corp. of China Metals & Mining $13.6 F D ADI Analog Devices Inc. Semiconductors $8.5 C B AEM Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. Metals & Mining $8.7 F D AET Aetna Inc. Health Care Providers $14.8 C A AGN Allergan Inc. Pharmaceuticals $19.5 D C AMT American Tower Corp. Telecommunications $16.7 D C BAX Baxter International Inc. Health Care Equipment $35.1 C A BCR C.R. Bard Inc. Health Care Equipment $8.2 D C BMC BMC Software Inc. Software $7.0 D C BRCM Broadcom Corp. Semiconductors $16.4 C B BSX Boston Scientific Corp. Health Care Equipment $10.6 F D CA CA Inc. Software $12.1 D C CCI Crown Castle International Telecommunications $10.8 C B CHRW C.H. Robinson Worldwide Air Freight & Logistics $9.3 D C COST Costco Wholesale Corp. Food & Staples Retailing $26.5 C B CX Cemex S.A.B. Construction Materials $9.6 F D DGX Quest Diagnostics Inc. Health Care Providers $10.6 C B GENZ Genzyme Corp. Biotechnology $14.1 F D IR Ingersoll-Rand Plc Machinery $11.1 C B LOW Lowe's Cos. Specialty Retail $35.7 D C MS Morgan Stanley Capital Markets $39.3 F D NOV National Oilwell Varco Energy Equipment $16.7 F D PAYX Paychex Inc. IT Services $11.3 D C PGN Progress Energy Inc. Electric Utilities $11.0 D C PKX POSCO (ADR) Metals & Mining $35.8 D C PTR PetroChina Co. Oil Gas & Fuels $205.8 F D SPLS Staples Inc. Specialty Retail $17.3 D C UBS UBS AG Capital Markets $54.5 F D UNH UnitedHealth Group Health Care Providers $37.4 C A XOM Exxon Mobil Corp. Oil Gas & Fuels $314.5 F D ZMH Zimmer Holdings Inc. Health Care Equipment $11.7 C B Stock Price 4 days before: 19.6038 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.7764 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9386 Stock Price at release: 19.9455 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0011	20.4976
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: BG\|Markets\|XOM\|SWN\|NE\|CLF\|RIG\|TDW\|MUR\|ADM Title: Inside the Numbers: Undervalued Commodity Stocks Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-30 02:57:00 Article: [Shutterstock photo](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Shutterstock photoCommodities shape just about every aspect of our lives, from the cost of a tank of gas to the price of a gallon of milk. But instead of being subjected to the whims of volatile commodities, smart investors find a way to soften the blow. Let me explain... During the summer of 2008, when crude oil prices were near $150 a barrel, drivers felt a sting in their wallets. But while prices were high, companies like ExxonMobil ([XOM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XOM&selected=XOM)) ) raked in record profits. This example doesn't just apply to oil, either. Many other commodities traded near record highs during that time.Take corn. Thanks to ethanol subsidies, the price of corn flour in Mexico nearly quadrupled in a matter of months in the summer of 2007. And while that country's poor rioted over the cost of corn tortillas, companies like Archer Daniels Midland ([ADM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADM&selected=ADM)) ) made mounds of cash.During the subprime crisis in the United States, people began stripping abandoned homes of copper wiring, hoping to capitalize on high copper prices. And when metals prices were near their highs in 2008, stories began to pop up about some who even went as far as to steal manhole coverings to be melted down for their base value. This just didn't occur in one or two places -- it happened in cities around the world.I suppose theft is one way to go about profiting from commodities, but might I suggest something a little safer (and legal) for investors -- simply buy commodity stocks, namely ones that will do well when prices are high. With many commodity prices well off their highs, investors have a chance to pick up some world-class stocks on the cheap. And because of the boom-or-bust nature of commodities, many of them will be in a prime position when the time comes and prices rebound.Today's Inside the Numbers focuses on finding these bargains.Our StreetAuthority research team screened for stocks meeting the following criteria: - Energy, agriculture or metal stocks - Market cap greater than $500 million - PEG ratio below 1.0 - Debt/Equity under 100% Here's what turned up:Company Name (Ticker)IndustryPEGDebt/EquityEst. Long Term Growth [ XOM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XOM&selected=XOM) [ RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG) [ ADM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADM&selected=ADM) [ SWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SWN&selected=SWN) [ DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO) [ WFT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFT&selected=WFT) [ MUR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MUR&selected=MUR) [ NE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NE&selected=NE) [ CLF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CLF&selected=CLF) [ BG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BG&selected=BG) [ ESV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ESV&selected=ESV) [ PDE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PDE&selected=PDE) [ RDC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RDC&selected=RDC) [ TDW](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TDW&selected=TDW) Last week's Inside the Numbers identified stocks trading near their 52-week lows that are primed for a comeback. Not surprisingly, ExxonMobil makes another appearance here. The stock would appear to be priced slightly below earnings growth expectations (with a PEG of 0.80), but when we take the 2.4% yield into account, the stock is fairly priced. (P/E of 16.8 / Growth estimate of 14.4% + 2.4% yield). With that said, there's not a more obvious "can't miss" stock that will benefit from a spike in crude prices.Which brings me to my next point... notice any similarities in the table? With a few exceptions, all of these stocks are involved in the oil business.A few familiar names appear, such as Weatherford International ([WFT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFT&selected=WFT)) ) . The oil & gas equipment and services firm turned up when I examined the portfolio of legendary oilman T. Boone Pickens' hedge fund, BP Capital. Analysts expect the company to grow earnings +35% in the next five years, yet the stock is valued at a -38% discount to its growth potential (a PEG of 0.62). Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) , a deeply discounted offshore oil driller, is another Pickens holding worth looking at. Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) , Noble ([NE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NE&selected=NE)) ) , Ensco International ([ESV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ESV&selected=ESV)) ) and Pride International ([PDE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PDE&selected=PDE)) ) are other offshore drillers that have rebounded after crude prices fell from record highs. But with crude at $80 a barrel (compared with its summer 2008 peak of $150) and a global recovery beginning to take hold, nearly all of these drillers could benefit from higher prices.Diamond Offshore, in particular, is an interesting candidate for investors with an income bent. Where Transocean specializes in deepwater drilling of 10,000 feet or more, Diamond's niche is in the mid-water drilling business. Also different from Transocean, Diamond has held back from building new rigs and instead focused on buying older rigs from cash-starved competitors. This strategy has insulated Diamond from the build-out glut in the industry and helped support its generous 8.0% dividend. Going forward, Diamond will have to invest more in updating its fleet, but should keep paying a reasonably high dividend to shareholders. (Its dividend payout ratio is 81%).[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityDisclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 83.6014 Stock Price 2 days before: 85.722 Stock Price 1 day before: 85.7855 Stock Price at release: 86.2645 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0013	85.4509
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|RIG\|NE Title: How Obama Instantly Created $2.2 Billion in Investor Wealth Type: News Publication: Andy Obermueller Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-31 02:28:00 Article: With a stroke of his pen -- and after a hellacious fight with the Congress -- President Obama brought massive change to the health-care industry.He's doing the same with another industry today. The industry is different and he doesn't need Congressional approval. And the plan has already created $2.2 billion in wealth for investors. So what's going on?Would you be surprised if I told you it was politics?Presidential power, some would argue, is cumulative. It builds. Winning presidents tend to keep on winning; losing presidents tend to keep on losing. After more than a year in office, the verdict on whether Mr. Obama will turn out to be a perpetual winner like FDR or a chronic loser like Jimmy Carter has yet to be determined.Making such predictions is dinner-table sport inside the Beltway. Everyone has an opinion these days, but even the cagiest political operators should be loathe to make too bold a forecast. Today's supercharged political climate is full of surprises.The fact is no one knows how the Obama administration ultimately will be judged.But I can tell you what's coming next.As you know, health care was a cornerstone of the president's agenda. With the bill signed, Mr. Obama is wasting no time. He took a quick victory lap to Afghanistan to change the focus, came back and met with the French president for the same reason, and now he's ready for a new storyline. He's got it. If you saw the news today you know what it is.Mr. Obama is clearly moving on to another key element of vision: The environment.We've all heard stories about how smart Mr. Obama is. And though the president is undoubtedly very intelligent -- and calmly disciplined -- both of those labels undersell him. In addition to his brain power and temperament, Mr. Obama is also very shrewd.You see, though I would suspect he would agree that presidential power is cumulative, I think he also knows he can't just ram through another bill without any support from the other side of the aisle. That's not a purely political calculation, it's bowing to the unavoidable reality that Senate rules don't allow for another reconciliation process this year.But with the midterm elections coming up, it's unlikely that the White House would railroad through more legislation even if the option were available. Mr. Obama and his advisers know that if you engage your enemy in the same way too long, he will adapt to your tactics. So the president is switching gears. That's why he's been talking about bipartisanship again, going so far as to quote the old Ronald Reagan line about "disagreeing agreeably." It's also why he's been supporting the construction of new nuclear power plants, a key Republican energy priority. The fact is Mr. Obama is priming the political pump. And what's going to come through the pump next?Crude.The President is flip-flopping on a longstanding policy and opening up nearly 300 million acres -- or about 480,000 square miles -- for offshore oil exploration, some of it for the first time.The action added at least $1.5 billion in market value to the offshore drilling industry's major players. President George W. Bush might have been an oilman -- and, to be fair, he did try to open up some areas for drilling -- but it's Barack Obama who today snapped his fingers and added nearly $1 billion in market cap to Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) , the leading offshore drilling company.The president didn't stop with offshore drilling. To placate supporters who are bound to be aghast at the drilling, he threw environmentalists a bone and announced he will also increase the military's use of biofuels and add hybrid vehicles to the government's fleet. He made his announcement in front of a fighter jet that will run on biofuel -- not because that was the most important part of the announcement (it wasn't) but because he wanted a better visual on the news than offshore oil platforms, which would incense Greens.Investors who own offshore drillers should hang on to them. And all growth-oriented investors should consider them: Offshore drillers are trading at very low valuations -- Noble Corp. ([NE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NE&selected=NE)) ) sells for 6.5 times earnings; Transocean for 7.3. Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) for 9.0. Part of that is uncertainty: No one knew what the Administration was going to do, especially after Mr. Obama said in his State of the Union address that some hard choices about drilling were going to have to be made. Now that those decisions have been made, all three of those industry-leading companies are steals. That's not just because of their long-term prospects but also because of their recent performance.Transocean, for example, which operates 138 mobile offshore drilling rigs, grew its earnings from $0.22 a share in 2003 to an astonishing $12.48 last year, a gain of +5,572.7%. That's reflected in its historical earnings multiple, which is more than 40 times earnings for the past five years. That kind of earnings growth is possible again. The shares are up nearly +47% in the past year. Diamond Offshore has had similarly strong earnings growth, with an average price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of more than 30 during the past five years. Noble has had the most measured results, posting good steady growth, and should be able to regain its typical valuation of about 17 times earnings. Even before the president's landmark announcement today, Noble was worth $108 a share based on its current earnings. That's +157% upside even before new business juices earnings in the years to come.Investors should and must go into the oil patch with their eyes wide open. First, oil investors have to be comfortable with volatility -- there isn't a "safe" place to stand anywhere in the industry, which is subject to every kind of risk actuaries calculate, and then some. That's not to say there aren't great petroleum investments -- in fact, no sector has ever achieved a better return on equity than the oil business -- but understanding the risk is the first step toward understanding whether any investment is suitable for your portfolio.Second, even though the president reversed the moratorium instantaneously, the returns are going to take time. The intricate offshore survey work required to find suitable exploration sites will take months and years.For risk-tolerant investors looking to take advantage of Mr. Obama's bold new energy direction, the offshore drilling space is a great place to seek growth. The president has added billions to this sector today. It's likely just the beginning.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Disclosure: Andy Obermueller does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article.Andy ObermuellerEditor: Government-Driven InvestingP.S. Just to be clear, this is NOT About Politics... it's about profits... big profits. And I can assure you, government action can do a LOT for your portfolio. Every move Washington makes helps some business somewhere -- and tracking those government actions and which companies will be affected is what I do. I determine where government action is going to create soaring stock prices and I present those ideas to the subscribers of my premium newsletter -- Government-Driven Investing -- with specific recommendations to profit. This is the first and only publication devoted exclusively to helping you profit from the never-ending stream of policies, regulations, and cash pouring out of Washington. For example, this idea alone could mean a +200%-plus return in the next 12 months...Disclosure: Andy Obermueller does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 84.663 Stock Price 2 days before: 85.7855 Stock Price 1 day before: 86.2667 Stock Price at release: 86.13 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	82.5296
Symbol: AMSC Security: American Superconductor Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|KEP Title: Two Paths to Greener Pastures for this Stock Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-03-31 11:43:00 Article: There has been an increasing amount of distrust among investors about the clean energy sector in recent months, pushing share prices down across the board. This cynicism stems from an expectation that governments in Europe and the United States will reduce their clean energy subsidies in the face of rising budget deficits. If these concerns prove to be correct, logic would dictate that you'd want to stick with clean energy companies more closely tied to Asia, where funding is robust and growing. American Superconductor (Nasdaq: AMSC) , which derives the bulk of its revenue in China, is growing quickly on the back of wind deployments spreading throughout the interior of China. The stock has sold off in sympathy with the entire sector, suddenly making it more appealing. American Superconductor has long vexed investors with its promising highly-conductive electricity wire (known as superconducting wire). To assuage investors, management decided to enter the wind turbine space and now designs turbines and build the electronic systems that are the heart of every wind farm. The move paid off handsomely -- the wind business is now the key business driver.Much of the company's success in wind stems from a relationship with Sinovel, the largest wind player in China. Sinovel has used American Superconductor's equipment as it builds out massive wind farms. As a result, the company's backlog remains safely above the $500 million mark.To reduce its dependence on Sinovel -- a key investor concern -- American Superconductor is now pursuing deals in India, Korea and elsewhere in Asia. Based on the pace of those dialogues, management has been consistently boosting sales forecasts in recent quarterly conference calls. The company bagged $52 million in sales in fiscal 2006, and that figure jumped to $183 million in fiscal 2008. Management expects sales to top $300 million in the fiscal 2009 year ending this week and exceed $400 million in fiscal 2010.For investors, the question is whether China's wind development is just getting started. China still derives less than 5% of its power from wind farms, and has expressed goals to see that figure rise to 20% in the coming decade. Much of that business should go to Sinovel, and every time Sinovel inks another deal with American Superconductor, investors should grow less concerned that Sinovel will abandon this longstanding relationship.As an added twist, American Superconductor's long-struggling superconducting wire business, which accounts for less than 10% of sales, could finally be ready to ramp up. Korea Electric Power ([KEP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KEP&selected=KEP)) ) has turned to American Superconductor and its partner LS Cable to construct a 10-kilometer superconductor power cable. The project, which would consume 1.6 million meters of the company's cabling, would be quite expensive, and investors are taking a wait-and-see approach as to whether the project gets the green light. Here in the United States, American Superconductor may supply cable for the proposed Tres Amigas super-substation that would link three major power grids. Best-case scenario, the project would not move forward until at least 2012, and would not be operational before 2014, but the deal could net the company tens of millions of dollars in sales if approved.In the meantime, investors are more focused on American Superconductor's ability to ramp up profits after years of annual losses. Fiscal 2009 will mark the first year of profitability for the company, but investors were annoyed to learn that near-term results will be hit by a decision to take up spending in anticipation of further growth. Even with higher expenses, per share profits are expected to rise more than +60% in fiscal 2010. Shares are not cheap, trading at around 24 times projected 2010 profits, but that forward multiple is actually well below the 30 to 40 times projected profits that shares traded for at various times during the last few years. If the multiple rises back to 30 -- or around $34 a share, then investors are looking at a +25% gain.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 27.9801 Stock Price 2 days before: 27.8171 Stock Price 1 day before: 27.3299 Stock Price at release: 29.627 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	30.1193
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: XAU\|Markets\|XLE\|RIG\|SPX Title: Sellers May Take Back the Market Type: News Publication: Unknown Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-01 07:45:00 Article: **Yesterday, stocks started off lower and ended lower. The initial disappointment that soured the market was the ADP employment report. U.S. private sector jobs dropped by 23,000 this month, where economists had expected to see payrolls increase by 50,000. Just two days ahead of the government's non-farm payrolls report, this bad news prompted more sellers than buyers.Then another unpleasant economic surprise hit mid-morning with the release of the Chicago PMI, which came in at 58.8, when the consensus had called for 61 versus 62.6 in February. The only positive news of the day came at midday when the White House announced that offshore tracts would be released for oil and gas exploration. The energy sector saw a temporary bounce of 0.4%, and drillers Transocean ( [RIG](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=rig) ) and Diamond Offshore Drilling ( [DO](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=do) ) both jumped by almost 4%. The drillers as a group rose 2.6%. However, President Obama's announcement had little impact on the rest of the market.The only other major group to close with gains was the financials. Regional banks were up 1.4% and multiline insurers rose 1.5%.At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( [DJI](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=dji) ) was at 10,857, off 51 points. The S&P 500 ( [SPX](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=spx) ) fell 4 points to close at 1,169, and the Nasdaq ( [NASD](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=nasd) ) was off 13 points at 2,398.The NYSE traded 1.2 billion shares and the Nasdaq crossed 711 million shares, both with decliners ahead of advancers by 8-to-5.Crude oil (May contract) closed at $83.76 a barrel, up $1.39, and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ( [XLE](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=xle) ) closed at $57.52, up $1.44. June gold gained $8.80 to settle at $1,114.50 per ounce. The PHLX Gold/Silver Sector Index ( [XAU](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=xau) ) closed at $165.28, up $3.87. What the Markets Are Saying The first quarter of 2010 ends today, and what a ride it has been, culminating as of yesterday with 17 sessions up this month and just five sessions down. Despite the fact that the March advance ranks as one of the most persistent, it hardly shows on the record books when the percentage higher per quarter or average move per day are considered. That's because it has plodded along at an average rate of just under 20 points per day, on volume that would normally be considered too anemic to support new high prices.Michael Ashbaugh of MarketWatch theorizes that the reason for the slow plod up was the crash in September 2008. This month we have been moving through an open space created in one week in that month when the DJIA fell from 11,140 to 10,262 -- an 878-point blowout in a single week.If that assessment is accurate, then the current advance will soon pick up sellers. From June 27, 2008, to Sept. 12, 2008, the Dow traded heavy volume from Dow 12,000 to 11,000, and last night we closed at Dow 10,856, just 144 points from a significant mass of possible overhead (sellers).The reversal on March 25 was strengthened by yesterday's decline, so we remain mildly bullish but very defensive. Today's Trading Landscape**Earnings to be reported before the opening include: CarMax, Movado Group, NGP Capital Resources, Scholastic Corp and Worthington. Economic reports due: motor vehicle sales (the consensus expects 9 million), Monster Employment Index, Challenger job-cut report, jobless claims (the consensus expects 440,000), ISM manufacturing index (the consensus expects 56.3), construction spending (the consensus expects -1.1%), EIA natural gas report, Fed balance sheet and money supply. Related Articles: - [Grab a Slice of PZA](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/04/stock-picks-powershares-insured-national-municipal-bond-portfolio-fund-pza.html) - [Top 6 Stocks for April](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/stocks/2010/04/top-stocks-to-buy-for-april.html) - [Technical Analysis IQ Test](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-ideas/gallery/technical-analysis-iq-test.html) Going Global for World-Class Profits Countries such as Brazil, India and China are all forecasting GDP growth that surpasses that of the United States. This special report from CNBC's Maria Bartiromo shows you the best way to go after world-class profits now. [Download your FREE copy here.](http://www.optionszone.com/order/?sid=RO3186) Stock Price 4 days before: 84.7039 Stock Price 2 days before: 86.2645 Stock Price 1 day before: 86.2587 Stock Price at release: 89.3419 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	79.6102
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Upgrades This Week: BA, HIT, XRX, YUM Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-05 03:23:00 Article: Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ), Hitachi ([HIT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HIT&selected=HIT)) ), Xerox ([XRX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XRX&selected=XRX)) ) and Yum! Brands ([YUM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=YUM&selected=YUM)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 5, 2010.Aerospace an defense stock Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) has been flying high in 2010 thanks to the completion of its Dreamliner and improvement in future orders. [Boeing suppliers](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/boeing-ba-stock-supplier-lmt-col-mog-pcp-spr.html) have been lifted as well. The stock was upgraded from a a C grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy" this week. Japanese industrial giant Hitachi ([HMC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HMC&selected=HMC)) ) announced plans to double its railway business in six years. Along with continued strength from the recovery, HIT shares are improving. The stock was upgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to a C grade or "hold" this week. Xerox ([XRX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XRX&selected=XRX)) ) announced its turnaround leader Chairman Anne M. Mulcahy will be stepping down in May. This is a sign the company is past restructuring and moving on to growth. The stock was upgraded from "hold" to "buy."Yum! Brands ([YUM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=YUM&selected=YUM)) ), the fast-food giant behind Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, is expanding rapidly overseas in pursuit of new growth. [Taco Bell in India](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIMM&selected=RIMM) has proven to be a big growth area with potential. The stock was upgraded from "hold" to "buy."Don't miss Louis Navellier's [stock downgrades](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) for this week, which include calls on Fedex ([FDX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FDX&selected=FDX)) ), Honda ([HMC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HMC&selected=HMC)) ), Research in Motion ([RIMM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIMM&selected=RIMM)) ) and Royal Bank of Scotland ([RBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RBS&selected=RBS)) ).About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . SYMBOL COMPANY SECTOR MARKET CAP ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) THIS WEEK LAST WEEK AGN Allergan Inc. Pharmaceuticals $19.9 C D AEP American Electric Power Co. Electric Utilities $16.5 B C SAN Banco Santander-Chile Commercial Banks $12.6 A B BNS Bank of Nova Scotia Financials $51.8 B C BA Boeing Co. Aerospace & Defense $53.0 B C CP Canadian Pacific Railway Road & Rail $9.6 C D CAJ Canon Inc. Office Electronics $58.0 B C CELG Celgene Corp. Biotechnology $28.5 B C CHT Chunghwa Telecom Co. Telecommunication Services $19.1 C D CMCSA Comcast Corp. Media $53.5 C D BVN Compania de Minas Buenaventura Metals & Mining $8.3 C D COV Covidien PLC Health Care Equipment $25.2 A B ECL Ecolab Inc. Chemicals $10.5 C D ENB Enbridge Inc. Oil Gas & Fuels $18.3 A B FCX Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Metals & Mining $37.1 C D HIT Hitachi Ltd. Electronic Equipment $13.1 C D ITT ITT Corp. Aerospace & Defense $9.9 C D KMP Kinder Morgan Energy Partners Oil Gas & Fuels $19.6 A B KR Kroger Co. Food & Staples Retailing $14.0 C D KYO Kyocera Corp. Electronic Equipment $18.5 B C LIHR Lihir Gold Ltd. Metals & Mining $8.4 C D LTD Limited Brands Inc. Specialty Retail $8.0 A B LNC Lincoln National Corp. Insurance $9.5 B C MCK McKesson Corp. Health Care Providers $17.9 A B MU Micron Technology Inc. Semiconductors $8.6 B C NEM Newmont Mining Corp. Metals & Mining $26.0 C D NE Noble Corp. Energy Equipment $11.1 C D PWE Penn West Energy Trust Oil Gas & Fuels $9.1 B C PKX POSCO (ADR) Metals & Mining $36.7 C D PGN Progress Energy Inc. Electric Utilities $11.2 C D DGX Quest Diagnostics Inc. Health Care Providers $10.8 B C Q Qwest Communications International Telecommunication Services $9.0 C D RSG Republic Services Inc. Commercial Services & Supplies $11.1 B C RCI Rogers Communications Inc. Telecommunication Services $20.1 A B SI Siemens AG Industrial Conglomerates $89.0 C D SLT Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. Metals & Mining $16.1 B C TU TELUS Corp. Telecommunication Services $11.5 C D UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc. Health Care Providers $37.8 B C VALE Vale S.A. Metals & Mining $171.8 B C XRX Xerox Corp. Office Electronics $8.7 B C YUM Yum! Brands Inc. Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $18.4 B C ZMH Zimmer Holdings Inc. Health Care Equipment $12.2 B C [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])Related Articles:** [Why This Earnings Season is so Important](http://www.optionszone.com/market-commentary/daily-market-outlook/2010/04/market-analysis-why-this-earnings-season-is-so-important.html) [Emerging Markets ETF Could Explode](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/04/stock-picks-ishares-msci-emerging-markets-index-fund-eem.html) [March Video Game Sales May Pick Up (ATVI, ERTS, SNE, TTWO, NTDOY, MSFT)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-atvi-erts-sne-ttwo-ntdoy-msft.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year?Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108)** ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.6962 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.6867 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.7444 Stock Price at release: 19.7584 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	20.1841
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Downgrades This Week: FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-05 12:41:00 Article: FedEx ([FDX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FDX&selected=FDX)) ), Honda Motor Co. ([HMC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HMC&selected=HMC)) ), Research in Motion ([RIMM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIMM&selected=RIMM)) ) and The Royal Bank of Scotland ([RBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RBS&selected=RBS)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks downgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 5, 2010. FedEx ([FDX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FDX&selected=FDX)) ) spilled despite strong earnings last week as margins and cash flow remained poor in Navellier's latest fundamental analysis. The stock was downgraded from a B grade or "buy" to a C grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader. Honda ([HMC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HMC&selected=HMC)) ) posted strong sales growth for March, but it's 23% year-over-year gain was in line with the industry average and far behind leaders Toyota ([TM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TM&selected=TM)) ) and Ford ([F](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=F&selected=F)) ), which each gained over 40% on the month compared the last year.The stock was downgraded from "hold" to "sell."A ChangeWave Research survey last week indiciated that Research in Motion ([RIMM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIMM&selected=RIMM)) ) was [losing market share](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/google-goog-android-apple-aapl-iphone-rimm-blackberry.html) to the Android smart phone operating system by Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ), as well as facing continued competition from the Apple ([AAPL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AAPL&selected=AAPL)) ) iPhone. The stock was downgraded from "hold" to "sell."The Royal Bank of Scotland ([RBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RBS&selected=RBS)) ) finally completed its separation with Dutch bank ABN Amro last week. The company continues to suffer from bad commercial and residential real estate debt on its books.The stock was downgraded from "hold" to "sell."Don't miss Louis Navellier's [stock upgrades](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) for this week, which Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ), Hitachi ([HIT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HIT&selected=HIT)) ), Xerox ([XRX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XRX&selected=XRX)) ) and Yum! Brands ([YUM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=YUM&selected=YUM)) ).About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . SYMBOL COMPANY SECTOR MARKET CAP ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) THIS WEEK LAST WEEK ACE ACE Ltd. Insurance $17.8 C B CB Chubb Corp. Insurance $17.3 D C CRH CRH PLC ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Construction Materials $13.7 F D DB Deutsche Bank AG Capital Markets $48.7 D C FDX FedEx Corp. Air Freight & Logistics $28.8 C B FITB Fifth Third Bancorp Commercial Banks $10.8 C B GPS Gap Inc. Specialty Retail $16.0 C B HCP HCP Inc. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) $9.7 D C HMC Honda Motor Co. Ltd. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Automobiles $64.5 D C KUB Kubota Corp. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Machinery $11.9 C B LYG Lloyds Banking Group PLC ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Commercial Banks $62.5 D C L Loews Corp. Insurance $16.1 D C MAR Marriott International Inc. Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $11.4 D C PSA Public Storage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) $15.6 C B RIMM Research In Motion Ltd. Communications Equipment $38.0 D C RBS Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Commercial Banks $38.8 D C SHLD Sears Holdings Corp. Multiline Retail $12.5 C B TROW T. Rowe Price Group Inc. Capital Markets $14.4 C B VIP Vimpel Communications ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Diversified Telecommunication Services $19.1 C B Stock Price 4 days before: 19.7395 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.6867 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.7444 Stock Price at release: 19.8437 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	20.05
Symbol: IAG Security: IAMGOLD Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Unknown Title: The Best Way to Invest in Gold Type: News Publication: Unknown Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-08 07:45:00 Article: **The combination of a stronger U.S. dollar, weak economic numbers, and negative comments from Fed officials yesterday, led to the worst one-day decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( [DJI](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=dji) ) since Feb. 23. And selling became more intense when it became clear that stocks would again turn away from the psychologically important Dow 11,000 level.Weak economic activity in the euro zone in Q4 led to a flight to the dollar and gold yesterday. And continued concern over Greece's ability to finance its debt added to the rush to buy dollars. Greece said its 2009 deficit would be slightly higher than forecast, and sellers drove the country's 10-year bonds to their highest levels in more than 10 years. Fed Chairman Bernanke warned that, "the U.S. must start to prepare for challenges posed by an aging population with a credible plan to gradually reduce a soaring public debt" (Wall Street Journal). Bernanke was quoted as saying that, "the U.S. will ultimately have to decide between raising taxes, cutting Social Security or Medicare, or less spending on everything from education to defense."The market pullback picked up momentum following these comments and data from the Fed showing that consumer borrowing fell $11.5 billion in February, which was much less than expected. More than two-thirds of the economy is dependent upon consumer spending, so improvements must come from that sector if the economy is to revive.Monsanto ( [MON](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=mon) ) fell 2.1% following a 19% drop in fiscal Q2 earnings. But gold stocks were strong with Barrick Gold Corp. ( [ABX](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=abx) ), Goldcorp ( [GG](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=gg) ) and IAMGOLD Corp. ( [IAG](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=iag) ) all posting sharp gains.At the close, the Dow was down 72 points to 10,898, the S&P 500 ( [SPX](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=spx) ) lost 7 points to 1,182, and the Nasdaq ( [NASD](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=nasd) ) fell 6 points to 2,431.Downside volume on both major exchanges picked up moderately with the NYSE trading 1.2 billion shares and the Nasdaq trading 693 million shares. Decliners were ahead of advancers by about 9-to-5 on the NYSE and 7-to-6 on the Nasdaq. May crude oil fell 96 cents to $85.88 a barrel, and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ( [XLE](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=xle) ) lost 59 cents, closing at $58.99.Gold for June delivery gained $17 to settle at $1,153 an ounce, and the PHLX Gold/Silver Sector Index ( [XAU](http://moneycentral.msn.com/detail/stock_quote?symbol=xau) ) gained 3.47 points to 176.05. What the Markets Are Saying Yesterday's selling was a reaction to unfavorable economic news in a stock market that is very overbought. Technically, it was not a major reversal, but if downside volume picks up and the indices close below the 20-day moving averages of the major indices, stocks will probably be in for a serious correction.Here are the levels of the 20-day moving averages:Dow -- 10,800.86S&P 500 -- 1,167.05Nasdaq -- 2395.25.Now I'd like to pick up where we left off [yesterday](http://www.optionszone.com/market-commentary/daily-market-outlook/2010/04/market-analysis-confessions-of0a-non-gold-bug.html) in our discussion of gold.For thousands of years, gold and other precious metals have been the "safe haven" in time of economic, political and social unrest. In times of war and international instability, and when currencies lose value or inflation robs investors of their buying power, gold has always held its own and most often even appreciated. There are four ways to buy gold:1. Bullion (bars)2. Coins3. Mining companies' stocks4. Mutual funds or exchange-traded funds ([ETF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ETF&selected=ETF)) ) Bullion participates directly in the price of gold, but can be illiquid and expensive to own. Storage, carrying charges, and commission rule out bullion for all but the wealthiest investors.Coins are a choice if the investor wants to physically hold his gold and admire the beauty of it. But owning coins can be expensive with big spreads between buy and sell prices.Both bullion and coins are priced to only appreciate if gold appreciates. If gold were to remain stagnant for long periods of time, holding charges will cost the buyers of bullion and coins.In my opinion, common stocks of the world's largest mining companies are a good choice for owning an asset that appreciates with the price of gold. The stocks are not only liquid (they trade like any other stock), but the owner participates in the profits of the company, and the best companies also pay dividends, which when compounded over the lifetime of the investment, provide a superior return to owning either the metal or coins. The stocks of gold mining companies will often appreciate faster than the price of gold itself due to the efficiencies of the mining operation. But the reverse can also be true, i.e., when gold declines, the mining stocks often fall faster than the price of bullion. In addition, there is the company risk that comes with owning any stock. In the case of mining companies it could be mining disasters, poor management, and other unforeseen conditions that could inject volatility into the price structure of the investment.In the past decade, another form of stock ownership of gold has taken the lion's share of investors' attention, and for good reason. Gold and precious metals funds, both mutual funds and ETFs, provide a direct participation in the operations of the world's best managed mines. Thus, the risk of a disaster in one mine is mitigated by the diversity offered by the fund. And dividends are pooled and paid to investors or reinvested, providing for a type of dollar-cost-averaging. The cost of managing the funds is usually low, and the initial cost is no more than a standard stock commission.According to Jim Cramer, "When people think about what percentage of their portfolio should be insurance, they should think maybe 20% and do it with a gold stock.[See our Trade of the Day for an ETF that has met the test of time.](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/04/stock-picks-gabelli-global-gold-natural-resources-and-income-trust-ggn.html)Today's Trading Landscape**Earnings to be reported before the opening include: International Speedway, Pier 1 Imports and RPM. Economic reports due: chain store sales, jobless claims (the consensus expects 436,000), RBC CASH Index, EIA natural gas report, Fed balance sheet and money supply. Related Articles: - [Your Golden Ticket to Dividends and Growth](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/04/stock-picks-gabelli-global-gold-natural-resources-and-income-trust-ggn.html) - [A 'Golden' Opportunity for the Short or Long Term](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/04/stock-picks-barrick-gold-corp-abx.html) - [Technical Analysis IQ Test](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-ideas/gallery/technical-analysis-iq-test.html) The Options Trader's Guide to Technical Analysis In his latest report, learn how John Lansing leverages the power of technical analysis to identify the short window when a trade is set to go straight up or down. [Get your FREE copy here!](http://www.optionszone.com/order/?sid=HB3208) Stock Price 4 days before: 14.4547 Stock Price 2 days before: 14.4662 Stock Price 1 day before: 14.9253 Stock Price at release: 15.2954 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	17.7
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: ALL\|Markets\|PFG\|AIZ\|PPL\|AFL\|WHR\|EPS Title: Inside the Numbers: Finding Value for Dividend Lovers Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-09 03:03:00 Article: Everyone likes a good stock tip: a hot new Internet company, a disruptive technology, an acquisition rumor -- anything that gets the adrenaline pumping. This type of hearsay-based buying and selling can net investors a buck or two now and then, but rest assured, someone already knows what you know and has already made their move.The reality is that there simply aren't many shortcuts for individual investors. Most of the time, the path to positive returns winds through doing your homework and crunching the numbers. Luckily, number-crunching is one of our specialties at StreetAuthority.For investors who've read Inside the Numbers in the past, you've probably noticed that a certain ratio is used in many of our screens. There's a reason for that. Without a doubt, it's one of the easiest ways of measuring a company's true value.It's called the PEG ratio.On its face, a basic price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) can't tell you what a PEG ratio can. P/E ratios are useful in the right context: usually for comparing a stock to its historical valuation, its peers or the broader market. But for my money, the PEG is superior in a lot of ways.For those unfamiliar with PEGs, the calculation is fairly simple. You take a stock's P/E ratio and divide it by the stock's earnings growth estimate:PEG = P/E / Estimated Long-term Growth The beauty of this calculation is that it makes it possible to find the best of both worlds: an undervalued stock with a strong growth outlook.There's only one flaw with this calculation: it doesn't account for dividend yields. And for an income investor looking for a combination of reasonable growth and income, unfortunately, PEG just doesn't cut it. Luckily, we can fix that with a minor tweak: the PEGY ratio.Here's how it works:PEGY = P/E / Estimated Long-term Growth + Yield It's that simple. Say you have a stock with a P/E of 10, a long-term growth estimate of +15% and a yield of 5.0%. This means the stock has a PEGY of 0.5. As with regular PEG, any value under 1.0 is worth looking at. In this case, a value of 0.5 is extremely compelling.With these factors in mind, I recently asked the StreetAuthority research team to look for undervalued growth/yield value stocks with the following criteria: - Traded in the United States - Market cap of at least $250 million - Positive trailing twelve-month earnings per share ([EPS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=EPS&selected=EPS)) ) (to ensure profitability) - PEGY below 1.0 - Dividend yield beating the S&P 500's average of 1.8% Here's what turned up:When we talked about commodity bargains last week, Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) , was at the top of my list. The very next day, President Obama announced plans to open 480,000 square miles of costal waters for offshore oil exploration. Offshore drilling stocks (Diamond included) jumped and, thanks to rising oil prices, have rallied since then. (To read my analysis of Diamond, click here). Hudson City Bancorp (Nasdaq: HCBK) , the largest savings and loan bank in the United States, merits further investigation as well. In July last year, I called Hudson City "The Best-Managed Bank in America."Hudson City steered clear of the worst of the financial crisis by focusing on what it does best: writing "jumbo" mortgages for wealthy customers with low credit risk. A full 98% of its loans are secured by first liens, meaning it has first claim to the property should the mortgage holder default. Less than 2% of its loans are noncurrent, or haven't been paid in the last 90 days.Hudson City stayed away from subprime mortgages, car loans and credit cards -- it also took zero TARP money during the credit crisis. And for this commendable performance, shares rallied more than +60% after plunging to the $8.50 range in March 2009. That still leaves the stock off the $18 to $20 a share price tag it commanded in 2008. Hudson City has remained relatively flat during the overall market's recent rally, but could regain its previous levels once stability returns to the overall housing market. In the meantime, income investors can enjoy Hudson City's respectable 4.0% dividend yield .[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityDisclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 92.0205 Stock Price 2 days before: 91.7105 Stock Price 1 day before: 89.5952 Stock Price at release: 90.5889 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	72.7
Symbol: HOV Security: Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: DHI\|Markets\|TOL\|LEN\|XHB\|KBH Title: Is a Boom in U.S. Homebuilding Coming? Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-12 02:29:00 Article: [Chad Brand](http://www.peridotcapital.com/) Crazy headline, right? At first I thought the same thing. After all, with nearly 10% unemployment and a flood of foreclosed properties hitting the market, why would anybody need to dramatically boost new home construction anytime soon? Last week I saw a statistic from a former Goldman Sachs economist that estimated new home demand in the United States (from the combination of new household formation and the replacement of old homes) of approximately 1.5-1.6 million units per year. Given that the U.S. population is around 300 million, this figure does not really stand out as being unreasonable, and it is in-line with other forecasts I have seen.In the short term, current inventory combined with foreclosures, weak loan demand from the recession, and tighter credit standards all contribute to the fact that new housing starts in the U.S. today are near record low levels, coming in at an annualized rate of around 500,000 per year. At some point, however, it does seem likely to me that housing starts would have to begin to trend upward toward that 1.5 million figure, which is three times the current annual run rate. Before you dismiss this potential need for new homes as being years and years away, consider the graph below showing annual U.S. housing starts from 1991 through 2009. (Click to enlarge)[](http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/4/12/saupload_ushousingstarts1991_2009.PNG) You can easily see the effects of the housing bubble (from the early 2000's through the 2005 peak of more than 2 million units), which resulted in home construction far outstripping demand (by 400,000-500,000 units if you use the 1.5-1.6 million base demand estimate). However, we also see if we ignore the bubble period that housing starts of 1.5-1.6 million per year would simply put us back to the level housing starts were in the mid 1990's, when the U.S. population was much lower than today.Despite the foreclosure glut we have in many states nowadays, this chart makes me think that the current housing start rate of 500,000 or so per year really is not sustainable for any prolonged period of time. Such a thesis would lead one to consider analysing the leading homebuilding companies to try and find some attractive long term investment opportunities. Accordingly, I will share some data and thoughts on specific companies with you once I conclude my work on the leading publicly traded U.S. homebuilders. Do you have any favorites, or do you think this investment thesis is unattractive?See also [Real Recovery Nowhere in Sight](http://seekingalpha.com/article/200642-real-recovery-nowhere-in-sight?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 4.5952 Stock Price 2 days before: 4.79716 Stock Price 1 day before: 4.82497 Stock Price at release: 4.82589 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	7.45127
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Stock Upgrades: COST, LLY, RDS, WMT Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-12 02:40:00 Article: Costco ([COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST)) ), Eli Lilly ([LLY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LLY&selected=LLY)) ), Royal Dutch Shell ([RDS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RDS&selected=RDS)) ) and Walmart ([WMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WMT&selected=WMT)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 12, 2010.Warehouse retailer Costco ([COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST)) ) last week reported net sales of $7.14 billion for March, up 12% from $6.40 billion last year. The improvement in fundamentals helped the stock get upgraded from a a C grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy" this week. [Costco stock](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-costco-cost-exxon-mobil-xom-morgan-stanley-ms.html) was downgraded by Louis Navellier on March 29, but has bounced back quickly. Pharmaceutical stock Eli Lilly ([LLY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LLY&selected=LLY)) ) has been showing strength since a federal judge upheld one of the patents protecting its blockbuster cancer treatment Gemzar on April 1.The stock was upgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to a C grade or "hold" this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell.Energy stock Royal Dutch Shell ([RDS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RDS&selected=RDS)) ) announced today that it will in fact be exiting the retail business in 21 African nations, but speculation on this move started to form early last week and helped bolster Shell stock shares. As a result of this company news, the stock was upgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to a C grade or "hold" this week Walmart ([WMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WMT&selected=WMT)) ), has been cutting grocery sales to lure back customers, and [Walmart stock](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/paul_ausick/articles/walmart-lowers-prices-wmt-stock.html) has been improving as a result. The stock was upgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to a C grade or "hold" this wee in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis.About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) .SYMBOL COMPANY SECTOR MARKET CAP ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) THIS WEEK LAST WEEK AMT American Tower Telecommunications $17.1 C D APOL Apollo Group Inc. Consumer Services $9.6 C D BCH Banco de Chile Commercial Banks $8.5 A B BHP BHP Billiton Ltd. Metals & Mining $229.0 C D BCR C.R. Bard Inc. Health Care Equipment $8.2 C D CEO CNOOC Ltd. Oil Gas & Fuels $80.3 C D COST Costco Wholesale Food & Staples Retailing $27.0 B C DEO Diageo PLC Beverages $43.6 A B LLY Eli Lilly & Co. Pharmaceuticals $40.5 C D ETR Entergy Corp. Electric Utilities $15.6 C D GPS Gap Inc. Specialty Retail $16.8 B C GGB Gerdau S.A. Metals & Mining $16.6 B C HSY Hershey Co. Food Products $10.1 B C IR Ingersoll-Rand Plc Machinery $12.0 B C IP International Paper Paper & Forest Products $11.9 A B LYG Lloyds Banking Group Commercial Banks $63.5 C D MAR Marriott International Inc. Hotels & Restaurants $11.9 C D RL Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. Apparel & Luxury Goods $8.8 B C RBS Royal Bank of Scotland Commercial Banks $38.7 C D RDS.A Royal Dutch Shell (Class A) Oil Gas & Fuels $186.9 C D RDS.B Royal Dutch Shell Oil Gas & Fuels $78.8 C D SWY Safeway Inc. Food & Staples Retailing $9.9 B C SO Southern Co. Electric Utilities $27.8 C D SE Spectra Energy Corp. Oil Gas & Consumable Fuels $15.1 B C STJ St. Jude Medical Inc. Health Care Equipment $13.4 B C UMC United Microelectronics Corp. Semiconductors $9.8 C D GWW W.W. Grainger Inc. Trading Companies & Distributors $8.3 B C WMT Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Food & Staples Retailing $208.5 C D WM Waste Management Inc. Commercial Services & Supplies $16.9 B C WPPGY WPP Plc ADR Media $13.3 B C Stock Price 4 days before: 19.9422 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.1201 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.1179 Stock Price at release: 20.1179 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	20.117
Symbol: CPRX Security: Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|SNY Title: Catalyst Pharmaceutical: Fast Track to Big Rewards Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-12 02:42:00 Article: Joseph Krueger submits:Its first product, CPP-109, is a formulation of vigabatrin. Vigabatrin has been marketed over the past decade by Sanofi-Aventis ([SNY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNY&selected=SNY)) ) under the brand name Sabril, as a secondary treatment for adult epilepsy and as a primary treatment for the management of infantile spasms. Prior to just last year, Sabril® was not approved for any uses in the U.S. The FDA has been hesitant to approve vigabatrin for use in the U.S., citing concerns about reports of retinal damage in patients.This has been a hurdle for any new indications of vigabatrin. However, in August 2009, the FDA approved two NDAs from Ovation Pharmaceuticals (now Lundbeck ([HLUKY.PK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HLUKY.PK&selected=HLUKY.PK)) )) for Sabril for the treatment of infantile spasms and as add-on therapy for adult patients with refractory complex partial epileptic seizures. This change in FDA policy has opened the window for continued development of vigabatrin. Catalysts Pharmaceuticals version of vigabatrin, CPP-109, has been granted "Fast Track" status by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (([FDA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FDA&selected=FDA)) )) for the treatment of cocaine addiction. This indicates that the FDA has recognized the potential for CPP-109 to make a significant contribution towards treating addiction, without a safety blockade vigabatrin has experienced in the past. This is because Catalyst Pharmaceuticals has provided sufficient data that CPP-109 works without the apparent retinal damage side effects typically associated with vigabatrin. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (([NIDA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NIDA&selected=NIDA)) )) has proposed to give Catalyst nearly $10 million to conduct a U.S. Phase II(b) clinical trial evaluating CPP-109. Certainly this is a vote of confidence for a CPP-109.CPP-109 and vigabatrin works by indirectly lowering the level of dopamine in the brain; specifically, GABA - gamma-aminobutyric acid - a neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits the release of dopamine. Normally, the release of dopamine in the brain causes the "high" or exaggerated sense of pleasure associated with drug abuse. GABA, however, is broken down by GABA transaminase (GABA-T). Vigabatrin works by inhibiting GABA-T and consequently by increasing the level of GABA. This then lowers the level of dopamine and turns off the "high", and prevents drug use from being pleasurable to the user.Over the years, vigabatrin has shown success in early trials, suggesting it might be effective against stimulant addiction. Previous studies in established animal models of addiction, involving both rats and primates, have shown that vigabatrin interrupts the neural mechanisms essential for addiction. In preclinical studies, vigabatrin prevented the characteristic drug-seeking behavior of addicted animals. Three human trials of vigabatrin have been completed in patients addicted to cocaine or methamphetamine. Data from these three trials provide clinical evidence of vigabatrin's potential as a safe and effective treatment for patients with these addictions.Unlike alcohol and heroin, cocaine and speed have proven particularly resistant to treatment with other drugs designed to diminish craving. Since there are no FDA-approved medications for cocaine or methamphetamine addiction, current treatment strategy centers on cognitive and behavioral approaches.From NIDA's point of view, a drug that effectively reduced craving in abstinent cocaine and methamphetamine addicts would dramatically improve addiction treatment. From a pharmaceutical company's point of view, it would open up a potentially large and lucrative market. NIDA has been the major supportor of vigabatrin trials, sponsoring two major development programs for vigabatrin for the treatment of cocaine and/or methamphetamine addiction. NIDA's bet on Catalyst's CPP-109 :A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (([CRADA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CRADA&selected=CRADA)) )) is a legal agreement between a government entity and one or more non-government parties, such as private industry and academia. CRADAs offer both parties an opportunity to leverage each other's resources when conducting mutually beneficial research and development (R&D).In 2007, prior to its acquisition by Lundbeck, Ovation Pharmaceuticals signed a five-year CRADA with NIDA to study the use of vigabatrin for the treatment of cocaine and methamphetamine dependence. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (([FDA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FDA&selected=FDA)) )) has given Fast Track designation to vigabatrin. Under the CRADA, NIDA and Lundbeck (Ovation) were to jointly design and implement preclinical studies as well as clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of vigabatrin in cocaine and methamphetamine abusers. However, no direct funding by NIDA was provided, and no developments from this collaboration have been reported since this initial announcement. Lundbeck does not report a clinical development program for Sabril in this indication. The completed and ongoing trials for vigabatrin (NCT00506935, NCT00626834) are run by NIDA, not Lundbeck. This collaboration seems to have dissolved, as there have not been any clinical trials started nor updates in years.However, NIDA is proposing to actively support CPRX to conduct its U.S. Phase II(b) clinical trial evaluating CPP-109 for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Under the preliminary agreement, NIDA will provide the most substantial resources for the estimated $10 milllion cost of the trial. CPRX will contribute approximately $2.5 million in costs (including study medication, patient recruitment costs and certain trial expenses), and NIDA will supply the rest. Previous trials Much of the research on vigabatrin to treat addiction has emerged from work performed over the last 12 years at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Brookhaven holds various patents relating to its research findings. Catalyst has obtained from Brookhaven an exclusive worldwide license for nine patents in the United States for all rights to use or sell vigabatrin for the treatment of addiction to cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pain medications, heroin, nicotine and other addictive drugs. In addition, Catalyst's license includes rights to Brookhaven's foreign patents or patents pending in more than 30 countries. Catalyst also acquired worldwide rights to a related patent held by Northwestern University. Together, these patents place CPRX as the leader using vigabatrin-based therapy to treat addiction and a natural choice for NIDA to collaborate with.Catayst has run previous trials studying CPP-109 (trials NCT00527683, NCT00730522, and NCT00611130). However, in 2009 CPP-109 failed in a phase IIa trial for treatment for cocaine addiction. The results demonstrated that the drug did not help addicts stay cocaine-free. As a result, CPRX shares dropped from the $2 range to an all time low of 39 cents. Despite this disaster, Catalyst stated that it will continue to develop CPP-109 for the treatment of cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. After post-hoc analyses of CPP-109 levels in urine samples collected during the study, Catalyst concluded that less than 40% of the trial subjects were medication compliant (these are drug addicts after all, self-compliance is difficult). As a result, the study was inadequately powered to test the protocol-specified efficacy hypothesis . When corrected for poor medication compliance, the major metabolite of cocaine measured in urine collected from subjects were consistently lower in the CPP-109 treatment group, (an objective measure of daily cocaine usage); and the patients demonstrated 3.5 times reduction in cocaine usage days (an objective measure of dependence severity).This analysis makes the response ratios in these patients very significant, despite the failure in the overall pooled trial results (the results were published in The American Journal of Psychiatry). Catalyst's decision to continue the development of the drug for both indications was supported by a panel of experts who met and agreed with the company's conclusion that there was sufficient evidence of safety and efficacy to justify further development of CPP-109. Catalyst presented this post-hoc analysis to NIDA. NIDA supported this conclusion and as a result, has proposed to fund the majority of the phase IIb trial for CPP-109. Catalyst's plans for CPP-109 and other follow up drugs :Patrick J. McEnany, Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst, stated,Patrick J. McEnany is bullish about Catalyst's future, as any CEO should be, but there is great cause for his bullishness. With approval for CPP-109 for the treatment of cocaine addiction, the company would have a corner on the market-- a $1 billion corner. If it can gain FDA approval for this indication, others are likely to follow, given the general role of GABA aminotransferase in many types of addictions. With the support of the FDA and NIDA, it seems that Catalyst has the support it needs. When the company completes the trial and shows the efficacy it saw in compliant patients in the phase IIa trial; and CPP-109 is on the fast track to approval, literally. Although NIDA support will end after completion of this trial, it is obvious than any number of major pharmaceutical companies would be willing to partner with CPRX to support at phase III trial to gain approval. With a current PPS of about 80 cents and market cap of $15 million, CPRX is a whole lot of bang for very little buck.In 2010, CPRX will focus on developing CPP-109 for cocaine addiction. CPRX has stated that it believes that the Fast Track status from the FDA for CPP-109 for cocaine addiction may facilitate the regulatory approval process. Catalyst expects to execute a clinical trial agreement with NIDA in the near future, and to commence the trial in the summer of 2010. CPRX anticipates that an approximately 200 patient trial will take 18 months to complete. It will be conducted at eight leading addiction facilities across the United States. The clinical trial is designed to confirm the safety and efficacy of CPP-109 for the treatment of cocaine addiction. If successful, Catalyst believes it will qualify to be one of the adequate and well controlled trials to support approval of an NDA by the FDA. Pipeline In addition to CPP-109, earlier this year Catalyst also revealed the company's development plans for its novel drug CPP-115. CPP-115 will be tested for the treatment of epilepsy, including infantile spasms, and addiction. CPP-115 is a compound in a new class of therapies for a broad range of central nervous system illnesses that could benefit from the inhibition of GABA aminotransferase. CPP-115 has been shown to be at least 200 times more potent than vigabatrin. The increased potency could enable the development of superior or alternative dosage forms and routes of administration compared with Sabril. It may also have superior specificity to GABA aminotransferase and, possibly, a better side effects profile compared to Sabril. CPP-115 and other CPRX are the only known drugs currently in development having GABA aminotransferase inhibition as their primary mode of action. Catalyst is also seeking to develop additional therapies similar to CPP-115 for a broad range of central nervous system illnesses that could benefit from the inhibition of GABA aminotransferase.Over the next year, Catalyst plans to advance the development of CPP-115 by completing a series of non-clinical studies designed to demonstrate critical safety and efficacy characteristics of CPP-115. CPRX states that by the end of the third quarter of 2010, most of the safety studies for CPP-115 are expected to be completed. Furthermore, by the end of this year, Catalyst expects to complete animal studies for screening of CPP-115 as a potential treatment for both epilepsy and drug addiction. Catalyst presented data for CPP-115 at the 2010 Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference in February.Catalyst also announced last Friday that on April 16th, it will discuss data from its phase II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Catalyst's drug CPP-109 (Vigabatrin) for treating cocaine dependence at the American Society of Addiction Medicine's ([ASAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ASAM&selected=ASAM)) ) 41st Annual Medical-Scientific Conference in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Somoza was the Coordinating Principal Investigator for the trial and will discuss data from Catalyst's U.S. Phase II trial evaluating CPP-109 to treat cocaine addiction.For more information about the company and these events, go to [www.catalystpharma.com](http://www.catalystpharma.com/) /. Disclosure: I have no position in CPRXSee also [A New Approach to Hedge Fund Replication](http://seekingalpha.com/article/200473-a-new-approach-to-hedge-fund-replication?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 0.737468 Stock Price 2 days before: 1.04273 Stock Price 1 day before: 1.06044 Stock Price at release: 1.05912 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	1.23016
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Stock Downgrades: BAC, BA, PC, TM Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-12 03:06:00 Article: Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ), Panasonic ([PC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PC&selected=PC)) ) and Toyota ([TM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TM&selected=TM)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks downgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 12, 2010.Financial stock Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ) will announce first quarter 2010 earnings on April 16, and has been showing signs of weakness in anticipation of the report despite a [stock upgrade](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-bac-bank-of-america-cat-caterpillar-wag-walgreens.html) two weeks ago. The struggling fundamentals of BAC stock caused the stock to get a downgrade a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a D grade or "sell" this week. Aerospace and defense stock Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) was briefly [upgraded](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) last week, but has seen a stock downgrade now that reports indicate first-quarter deliveries declined 11%. .The stock was downgraded from from a B grade or "buy" last week to a C grade or "hold" this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell.Consumer electronics company Panasonic ([PC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PC&selected=PC)) ) has seen weakness lately in anticipation of its May 7 quarterly earnings report. PC stock was downgraded a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a D grade or "sell" this week in Portfolio GraderRecalls have weighed on auto stock **Toyota ([TM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TM&selected=TM)) ). Now, rumors of a [dividend cut](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/toyota-dividend-cut-tm-stock-recall.html) have undercut TM stock even more. The stock was downgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to a F grade or "strong sell" this week in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis.Also check out Louis Navellier's [Stock Upgrades: COST, LLY, RDS, WMT](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) .About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . SYMBOL COMPANY SECTOR MARKET CAP ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) THIS WEEK LAST WEEK AET Aetna Inc. Health Care Providers $14.2 D C AFL AFLAC Inc. Insurance $26.1 C B AMX America Movil S.A.B. de C.V. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Telecommunications $82.7 C B BAC Bank of America Corp. Financial Services $160.8 D C BNS Bank of Nova Scotia Banking $51.8 C B BBBY Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Specialty Retail $11.9 C B BLK Blackrock Inc. Capital Markets $12.8 C B BA Boeing Co. Aerospace & Defense $52.6 C B CNI Canadian National Railway Co. Road & Rail $28.7 D C CAJ Canon Inc. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Office Electronics $56.8 C B CME CME Group Inc. (Cl A) Financial Services $20.8 D C ED Consolidated Edison Inc. Multi-Utilities $12.6 D C DAL Delta Air Lines Inc. Airlines $11.4 C B DFS Discover Financial Services Consumer Finance $8.4 D C ECL Ecolab Inc. Chemicals $10.7 D C FLR Fluor Corp. Construction & Engineering $9.1 F D FRX Forest Laboratories Inc. Pharmaceuticals $8.5 C B TV Grupo Televisa Media $12.0 D C HIT Hitachi Ltd. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Electronic Equipment $13.2 D C ING ING Groep N.V. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Financial Services $20.8 F D ITT ITT Corp. Aerospace & Defense $9.9 D C JCI Johnson Controls Inc. Auto Components $21.6 C B LNC Lincoln National Corp. Insurance $9.6 C B NBG National Bank of Greece Commercial Banks $12.0 F D NOK Nokia Corp. (ADR) Communications Equipment $55.7 D C JWN Nordstrom Inc. Multiline Retail $9.3 C B PC Panasonic Corp. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Household Durables $31.6 D C PWE Penn West Energy Trust Oil Gas & Fuels $8.9 C B PBR Petrobras Petroleo Brasileiro Oil Gas & Fuels $198.4 F D PT Portugal Telecom Telecommunication Services $9.7 C B PFG Principal Financial Group Inc. Insurance $9.3 D C DGX Quest Diagnostics Inc. Health Care Providers $10.7 C B RSG Republic Services Inc. Commercial Services & Supplies $11.4 C B SLT Sterlite Industries (India) Metals & Mining $16.6 C B SLF Sun Life Financial Inc. Insurance $18.5 D C TLM Talisman Energy Inc. Oil Gas & Fuels $17.9 F D TM Toyota Motor Corp. ([ADS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADS&selected=ADS)) ) Automobiles $125.3 F D RIG Transocean Ltd. Energy Equipment & Services $27.5 F D UNH UnitedHealth Group Inc. Health Care Providers $37.0 C B VLO Valero Energy Corp. Oil Gas & Fuels $11.3 F D WAG Walgreen Co. Food & Staples Retailing $36.3 C B WBK Westpac Banking Commercial Banks $76.0 C B WF Woori Finance Holdings Commercial Banks $12.1 C B [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])**Related Articles:** [Stocks to Sell: Stock Downgrades on FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) [Stocks to Buy: Stock Upgrades on BA, HIT, XRX, YUM](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) [](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/trade-of-the-day/2010/04/stock-picks-ishares-msci-emerging-markets-index-fund-eem.html) [How Gold and the Dollar Index Are Fooling You](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/gold-prices-weak-dollar-us-dollar-index.html) [](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-atvi-erts-sne-ttwo-ntdoy-msft.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year?Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108)** ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.9433 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.1201 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.1179 Stock Price at release: 20.1179 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	20.117
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Unknown Title: Stocks to Buy and Sell: Ratings for the Top 50 Tech Stocks Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-12 05:05:00 Article: We are seeing a "tech renaissance" right now, with many information technology, software and personal electronics companies seeing rapid share appreciation in the last 12 months.It's no secret why: As the world gets more wired, communications have become a necessity and gadgets once thought of as fads are now necessary parts of doing business in the 21st century. I, for one, couldn't imagine getting anything done without my trusty Apple ([AAPL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AAPL&selected=AAPL)) ) iPhone and laptop with me 24/7. But this bullishness on the entire tech sector can be confusing for investors. Some technology stocks are getting a lot of hype that's deserved, but others are simply being lifted by a rising tide for technology firms right now.How can you tell the difference? Simple: Follow the fundamentals. My proprietary Portfolio Grader stock-ranking tool runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies every week. My team of analysts and I sift through the latest earnings forecasts, sales numbers, margin expansion percentages and a host of other figures. Our results are screened based on what's working best on Wall Street right now, and then Portfolio Grader outputs a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell."[Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . I strongly encourage you to check it out and screen your own holdings.But since tech is so hot right now, here's a complete rundown of the 50 biggest tech stocks (ranked by market cap) and how they stack up fundamentally. SymbolCompany NameSubsectorMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )PG Grade ABB ABB Ltd. Electrical Equipment $51.0 D - Sell ACN Accenture Plc IT Services $27.3 A - Strong Buy ATVI Activision Blizzard Inc. Software $15.6 D - Sell ADBE Adobe Systems Inc. Software $18.6 C - Hold A Agilent Technologies Inc. Electronic Equipment $11.9 B - Buy AAPL Apple Inc. Computers & Peripherals $219.1 A - Strong Buy AMAT Applied Materials Inc. Semiconductors $18.1 D - Sell ASML ASML Holding N.V. Semiconductors $15.6 B - Buy ADP Automatic Data Processing IT Services $22.3 D - Sell BIDU Baidu Inc. Internet Software & Services $21.7 A - Strong Buy BRCM Broadcom Corp. Semiconductors $17.0 C - Hold CA CA Inc. Software $11.8 D - Sell CAJ Canon Inc. Office Electronics $56.8 C - Hold CSCO Cisco Systems Inc. Communications Equipment $152.5 C - Hold CTSH Cognizant Technology Solutions IT Services $15.4 A - Strong Buy GLW Corning Inc. Electronic Equipment $30.5 D - Sell DELL Dell Inc. Computers & Peripherals $31.0 B - Buy EBAY eBay Inc. Internet Software & Services $34.5 B - Buy EMC EMC Corp. Computers & Peripherals $38.1 C - Hold EMR Emerson Electric Co. Electrical Equipment $38.2 C - Hold ERIC Ericsson ADR Communications Equipment $33.3 D - Sell GOOG Google Inc. Internet Software & Services $179.9 B - Buy HPQ Hewlett-Packard Co. Computers & Peripherals $126.5 B - Buy HIT Hitachi Ltd. Electronic Equipment $13.2 D - Sell INFY Infosys Technologies Ltd. IT Services $34.8 A - Strong Buy INTC Intel Corp. Semiconductors $124.5 B - Buy IBM International Business Machines Computers & Peripherals $168.1 C - Hold INTU Intuit Inc. Software $10.8 C - Hold JNPR Juniper Networks Inc. Communications Equipment $16.4 B - Buy LPL LG Display Co. Ltd. Electronic Equipment $13.6 C - Hold MRVL Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Semiconductors $13.1 B - Buy MA MasterCard Inc. IT Services $33.6 C - Hold MSFT Microsoft Corp. Software $267.3 A - Strong Buy MOT Motorola Inc. Communications Equipment $17.1 C - Hold NTAP NetApp Inc. Computers & Peripherals $12.2 A - Strong Buy NJ Nidec Corp. Electronic Equipment $14.7 A - Strong Buy NOK Nokia Corp. (ADR) Communications Equipment $55.7 D - Sell ORCL Oracle Corp. Software $131.0 B - Buy PAYX Paychex Inc. IT Services $11.3 D - Sell QCOM QUALCOMM Inc. Communications Equipment $70.6 D - Sell RIMM Research In Motion Ltd. Communications Equipment $38.9 D - Sell SAP SAP AG Software $58.1 C - Hold SYMC Symantec Corp. Software $13.8 C - Hold TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manuf. Semiconductors $55.0 D - Sell TXN Texas Instruments Inc. Semiconductors $30.9 B - Buy TEL Tyco Electronics Ltd. Electronic Equipment $13.3 B - Buy V Visa Inc. IT Services $68.4 B - Buy VMW VMware Inc. Software $22.0 C - Hold WU Western Union Co. IT Services $12.0 D - Sell WIT Wipro Ltd. IT Services $34.4 A - Strong Buy YHOO Yahoo! Inc. Internet Software & Services $24.6 D - Sell [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])Related Articles:** [Stock Downgrades: BAC, BA, PC, TM](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) [Stock Upgrades: COST, LLY, RDS, WMT](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) [How Gold and the Dollar Index Are Fooling You](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/gold-prices-weak-dollar-us-dollar-index.html) [](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-atvi-erts-sne-ttwo-ntdoy-msft.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year?Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108)** ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.9443 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.1201 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.1179 Stock Price at release: 20.1179 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	20.117
Symbol: OXM Security: Oxford Industries, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Trader calls a top in Oxford Industries Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-13 02:06:00 Article: Oxford Industries gapped lower last month on a weak forecast, and one investor is throwing in the towel. [OXM Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/oxmpre41310.png) optionMONSTER's tracking systems detected the sale of 6,900 April 20 calls for $2 against open interest of only 776 contracts. The trade pushed total option volume in the apparel stock to 18 times greater than average. OXM fell 0.32 percent to $21.53 yesterday. The stock had rallied more than 600 percent between March 2009 and late last year but has been unable to maintain upward momentum. It's been moving sideways since October and been making lower highs and lower lows, suggesting a possible correction lower.OXM plunged on March 30 after management's full-year profit forecast came in below analysts' estimates. It reversed after attempting to fill that gap yesterday, suggesting that a new resistance level has been established.The calls could have been sold by an investor looking to exit a position in the shares. The trade may have also been executed by a short seller who expects OXM to stay below $22 for the rest of the week.The transaction accounted for more than 90 percent of the options volume in the stock yesterday.(Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 21.4 Stock Price 2 days before: 21.6643 Stock Price 1 day before: 21.6791 Stock Price at release: 21.3918 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	22.0666
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: DIS\|Markets\|BCS\|BRK.B\|PEB\|NE\|GOOG\|RIG\|NWS\|TEVA Title: The Two Holdings Harvard Should Increase Type: News Publication: Andy Obermueller Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-14 10:16:00 Article: Harvard Management Co. has 120 securities in its publicly disclosed portfolio. Its top four holdings, representing 55% of the portfolio's $2.3 billion value, are internationally oriented exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on generating income in emerging markets, China, Brazil and South Korea, respectively.Given Harvard's clear preference for managing its risk through the diversity afforded by ETFs, I wanted to know which stocks the nation's wealthiest university endowment was holding. Seven equities comprise at least 1% of the portfolio as of its most recent filing. None are in the same industry, all except one has a multibillion-dollar market cap; most are megacaps valued at more than $40 billion. Three of the companies -- BJ Services, Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Marvel Entertainment -- have since been acquired.Here are the companies Harvard owns, what the university is betting on, and my take on the investment's prospects:The largest stock holding is Barclays PLC ([BCS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BCS&selected=BCS)) ) . This British bank has seen decent returns since Jan. 1, with a better than +27% gain, and a one-year return of more than +100%. Even so, the bank has lost nearly 50% of its value during the past five years as the global financial system weathered the Great Recession. Investors are still unwilling to pay much for bank assets, which isn't so surprising when you look at the strength of the asset pool that required 8.0 billion pounds in loss provisions in 2009 and 5.4 billion pounds the year before. Investors are only willing to pay 88 pence on the pound for assets, which effectively values the bank's underlying business at zero.As Barclays and other banks earn their way out of the bad loans they made, their earnings will inevitably rise, as the cash they were allocating to problem loans will flow instead to the bottom line . It's a waiting game. Harvard should keep at it. I'd hold this position. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Nasdaq: TEVA) is an Israeli drug maker that specializes in generics. Sales, earnings and book value have grown every year since 2000. The shares currently command 27 times earnings, a discount to its historical average of about 40. Future profits should be significantly enhanced by a recent acquisition of a German drug maker and by a spate of expiring U.S. patents. Owning Teva is a bet on cost-conscious consumers in the health-care sector, an economic segment that tends to grow faster than overall U.S. gross domestic product. As recent health-care legislation extends coverage to previously uninsured patients, drugs sales are likely to see an increase. The wager has been a good one so far. Teva has outpaced the S&P this year (Teva +11.4%, the S&P +7.0%) and the company has posted annualized returns of +14.3% for the past five years.Harvard would do well to increase this position. BJ Services ([BJS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BJS&selected=BJS)) ) is an oilfield services company, and owning it signifies a belief that drilling activity around the world will remain strong. As oil prices creep closer to the triple digits and each day seems to bring another announcement of a new crude discovery, that appears to be a good bet. The company was recently acquired by Baker Hughes ([BHI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BHI&selected=BHI)) ) , which trades near its 52-week high at a robust 35 times earnings, a richer valuation than Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG) .Baker Hughes is a storied company, and Wall Street likes the story. That's why its valuation has risen to historic highs even despite lackluster 2009 results and ho-hum forecasts for 2010. The longer-term prospects look good, but the company offers a less-than-compelling entry point at these prices.I see more potential value in offshore players like Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) , Noble Energy ([NE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NE&selected=NE)) ) and Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) , especially as the Obama administration has opened up previously protected U.S. waters for exploration.Harvard should have some individual-equity exposure to the petroleum sector, but Baker Hughes has limited upside. The offshore drillers are far more promising opportunities: Why buy a company at an inflated price hoping its earnings will rise to lower its earnings multiple when you can buy a company with similar growth prospects but a depressed valuation? Harvard should close this position. News Corp. (Nasdaq: NWS) Rupert Murdoch's media empire has about $30 billion a year in annual revenue, but its run of robust profits came to an end in 2009 when it posted a $5.6 billion loss. Yet even those earlier profits haven't done much for the stock, which has achieved an annualized gain of +0.7% in the past five years and an appalling -10.7% annualized loss during the past three years.Though News Corp. produces news and entertainment, it is primarily in the high cyclical advertising business. Its recent track record has been rocky, with 2009 earnings coming in below 2008, and its future doesn't look great, with 2010 earnings forecast to come in under 2009. So the fact that News Corp. is trading at 24 times trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $0.75 is curious. That's higher than the S&P 500, which, as a whole, should be able to grow faster than a $40 billion media company. Its valuation also exceeds the company's five-year average of 18.Here's the rub: If a company's earnings are worth more than the broader market, its assets ought to be, too. After all, the premium to book value represents the market's valuation of the business that's going to create those future earnings. But that's not the case. News Corp. trades at 1.9 times its net asset value , a discount to the broader market's 2.2. So News Corp. either needs to somehow erode shareholder equity to lower its book value (unlikely), or it needs to seriously juice its earnings. An increase in earnings, however, is already priced in.There's no upside to News Corp. Harvard should close this position. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust ([PEB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PEB&selected=PEB)) ) is an anomaly in Harvard's portfolio. It's a small real estate investment trust as opposed to a large international corporation. It went public in December 2009 and has so far only managed to post a small loss. The REIT received proceeds of nearly $400 million that it plans to "opportunistically" invest in the beaten-down hotel sector, which suffered a -16.7% decline in revenue per available room in 2009, one of the worst years for the industry. Any wager on hotels is clearly a bet on a strong economic recovery where businesses aren't afraid to spend money on travel and consumers become less discount-focused when booking rooms for vacations. This is an income play that has, of yet, produced no income. Better, more established yields are available.The last two stocks that made the list are Marvel Entertainment, which was acquired by Disney ([DIS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DIS&selected=DIS)) ) , and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, the railroad, which Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-B) bought. After approval by BNI shareholders -- with 70% voting in favor of the $26.4 billion deal -- Berkshire said 40% of Burlington shareholders wanted to be paid in cash and 43% wanted Berkshire stock.Which leaves one final question on this exam.Will the smartest university join forces with the world's smartest investor?To be sure, Harvard got it wrong the first time. The university turned Buffett down when he applied to its graduate business school in 1950. And if Harvard wants to see serious returns on its assets, then it might want to rethink its approach. After all, its investment managers achieved a stunning -27.3% loss on their portfolio in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, while Mr. Buffett, who, despite his Columbia MBA, ended 2009 with a +19.8% gain in Berkshire's book value.The long-term picture is even better with Buffett: He has delivered a +20.3% annualized return vs. Harvard's +11.7% annualized growth, which roughly matches the market. Here's the crib sheet for the exam: You have to generate some returns in excess of market gain if you're ever going to get ahead. Let's check the numbers: Invest $100 million with Buffett and you'll end up with $4 billion after 20 years. Invest with Harvard and you'll arrive at a $914 million balance during the same time period, less than 25% of what Buffett earned.Let's hope Harvard got it right this time and took the shares instead of cash. We'll find out in about a month, when the next filing is due. The cash would have earned nothing, but Berkshire has returned +22.1% year-to-date.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Disclosure: Andy Obermueller does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article.Andy ObermuellerEditor: Government-Driven InvestingDisclosure: Andy Obermueller does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 90.5473 Stock Price 2 days before: 91.3807 Stock Price 1 day before: 90.6697 Stock Price at release: 91.1412 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	70.7261
Symbol: PEB Security: Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Related Stocks/Topics: DIS\|Markets\|BCS\|BRK.B\|NE\|GOOG\|RIG\|NWS\|TEVA\|DO Title: The Two Holdings Harvard Should Increase Type: News Publication: Andy Obermueller Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-14 10:16:00 Article: Harvard Management Co. has 120 securities in its publicly disclosed portfolio. Its top four holdings, representing 55% of the portfolio's $2.3 billion value, are internationally oriented exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on generating income in emerging markets, China, Brazil and South Korea, respectively.Given Harvard's clear preference for managing its risk through the diversity afforded by ETFs, I wanted to know which stocks the nation's wealthiest university endowment was holding. Seven equities comprise at least 1% of the portfolio as of its most recent filing. None are in the same industry, all except one has a multibillion-dollar market cap; most are megacaps valued at more than $40 billion. Three of the companies -- BJ Services, Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Marvel Entertainment -- have since been acquired.Here are the companies Harvard owns, what the university is betting on, and my take on the investment's prospects:The largest stock holding is Barclays PLC ([BCS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BCS&selected=BCS)) ) . This British bank has seen decent returns since Jan. 1, with a better than +27% gain, and a one-year return of more than +100%. Even so, the bank has lost nearly 50% of its value during the past five years as the global financial system weathered the Great Recession. Investors are still unwilling to pay much for bank assets, which isn't so surprising when you look at the strength of the asset pool that required 8.0 billion pounds in loss provisions in 2009 and 5.4 billion pounds the year before. Investors are only willing to pay 88 pence on the pound for assets, which effectively values the bank's underlying business at zero.As Barclays and other banks earn their way out of the bad loans they made, their earnings will inevitably rise, as the cash they were allocating to problem loans will flow instead to the bottom line . It's a waiting game. Harvard should keep at it. I'd hold this position. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Nasdaq: TEVA) is an Israeli drug maker that specializes in generics. Sales, earnings and book value have grown every year since 2000. The shares currently command 27 times earnings, a discount to its historical average of about 40. Future profits should be significantly enhanced by a recent acquisition of a German drug maker and by a spate of expiring U.S. patents. Owning Teva is a bet on cost-conscious consumers in the health-care sector, an economic segment that tends to grow faster than overall U.S. gross domestic product. As recent health-care legislation extends coverage to previously uninsured patients, drugs sales are likely to see an increase. The wager has been a good one so far. Teva has outpaced the S&P this year (Teva +11.4%, the S&P +7.0%) and the company has posted annualized returns of +14.3% for the past five years.Harvard would do well to increase this position. BJ Services ([BJS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BJS&selected=BJS)) ) is an oilfield services company, and owning it signifies a belief that drilling activity around the world will remain strong. As oil prices creep closer to the triple digits and each day seems to bring another announcement of a new crude discovery, that appears to be a good bet. The company was recently acquired by Baker Hughes ([BHI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BHI&selected=BHI)) ) , which trades near its 52-week high at a robust 35 times earnings, a richer valuation than Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG) .Baker Hughes is a storied company, and Wall Street likes the story. That's why its valuation has risen to historic highs even despite lackluster 2009 results and ho-hum forecasts for 2010. The longer-term prospects look good, but the company offers a less-than-compelling entry point at these prices.I see more potential value in offshore players like Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) , Noble Energy ([NE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NE&selected=NE)) ) and Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) , especially as the Obama administration has opened up previously protected U.S. waters for exploration.Harvard should have some individual-equity exposure to the petroleum sector, but Baker Hughes has limited upside. The offshore drillers are far more promising opportunities: Why buy a company at an inflated price hoping its earnings will rise to lower its earnings multiple when you can buy a company with similar growth prospects but a depressed valuation? Harvard should close this position. News Corp. (Nasdaq: NWS) Rupert Murdoch's media empire has about $30 billion a year in annual revenue, but its run of robust profits came to an end in 2009 when it posted a $5.6 billion loss. Yet even those earlier profits haven't done much for the stock, which has achieved an annualized gain of +0.7% in the past five years and an appalling -10.7% annualized loss during the past three years.Though News Corp. produces news and entertainment, it is primarily in the high cyclical advertising business. Its recent track record has been rocky, with 2009 earnings coming in below 2008, and its future doesn't look great, with 2010 earnings forecast to come in under 2009. So the fact that News Corp. is trading at 24 times trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $0.75 is curious. That's higher than the S&P 500, which, as a whole, should be able to grow faster than a $40 billion media company. Its valuation also exceeds the company's five-year average of 18.Here's the rub: If a company's earnings are worth more than the broader market, its assets ought to be, too. After all, the premium to book value represents the market's valuation of the business that's going to create those future earnings. But that's not the case. News Corp. trades at 1.9 times its net asset value , a discount to the broader market's 2.2. So News Corp. either needs to somehow erode shareholder equity to lower its book value (unlikely), or it needs to seriously juice its earnings. An increase in earnings, however, is already priced in.There's no upside to News Corp. Harvard should close this position. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust ([PEB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PEB&selected=PEB)) ) is an anomaly in Harvard's portfolio. It's a small real estate investment trust as opposed to a large international corporation. It went public in December 2009 and has so far only managed to post a small loss. The REIT received proceeds of nearly $400 million that it plans to "opportunistically" invest in the beaten-down hotel sector, which suffered a -16.7% decline in revenue per available room in 2009, one of the worst years for the industry. Any wager on hotels is clearly a bet on a strong economic recovery where businesses aren't afraid to spend money on travel and consumers become less discount-focused when booking rooms for vacations. This is an income play that has, of yet, produced no income. Better, more established yields are available.The last two stocks that made the list are Marvel Entertainment, which was acquired by Disney ([DIS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DIS&selected=DIS)) ) , and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, the railroad, which Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-B) bought. After approval by BNI shareholders -- with 70% voting in favor of the $26.4 billion deal -- Berkshire said 40% of Burlington shareholders wanted to be paid in cash and 43% wanted Berkshire stock.Which leaves one final question on this exam.Will the smartest university join forces with the world's smartest investor?To be sure, Harvard got it wrong the first time. The university turned Buffett down when he applied to its graduate business school in 1950. And if Harvard wants to see serious returns on its assets, then it might want to rethink its approach. After all, its investment managers achieved a stunning -27.3% loss on their portfolio in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, while Mr. Buffett, who, despite his Columbia MBA, ended 2009 with a +19.8% gain in Berkshire's book value.The long-term picture is even better with Buffett: He has delivered a +20.3% annualized return vs. Harvard's +11.7% annualized growth, which roughly matches the market. Here's the crib sheet for the exam: You have to generate some returns in excess of market gain if you're ever going to get ahead. Let's check the numbers: Invest $100 million with Buffett and you'll end up with $4 billion after 20 years. Invest with Harvard and you'll arrive at a $914 million balance during the same time period, less than 25% of what Buffett earned.Let's hope Harvard got it right this time and took the shares instead of cash. We'll find out in about a month, when the next filing is due. The cash would have earned nothing, but Berkshire has returned +22.1% year-to-date.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Disclosure: Andy Obermueller does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article.Andy ObermuellerEditor: Government-Driven InvestingDisclosure: Andy Obermueller does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 20.2818 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.124 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.2172 Stock Price at release: 20.8921 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	19.0194
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: DELL\|Markets\|EBAY\|WIT\|INFY\|GOOG\|HPQ\|AAPL\|ACN\|EMR\|TXN\|QCOM\|IBM\|AMAT\|NTAP\|NOK\|GEN\|INTC\|ADBE\|MRVL\|CTSH\|LPL\|A\|INTU\|MSFT\|ASML\|ORCL\|BIDU\|SAP\|JNPR\|PAYX\|GLW\|CSCO\|WU\|TSM\|V\|ERIC\|ADP\|TEL\|MA Title: Stocks to Buy and Sell: Ratings for the Top 50 Tech Stocks Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-15 05:07:00 Article: We are seeing a "tech renaissance" right now, with many information technology, software and personal electronics companies seeing rapid share appreciation in the last 12 months.It's no secret why: As the world gets more wired, communications have become a necessity and gadgets once thought of as fads are now necessary parts of doing business in the 21st century. I, for one, couldn't imagine getting anything done without my trusty Apple ([AAPL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AAPL&selected=AAPL)) ) iPhone and laptop with me 24/7. But this bullishness on the entire tech sector can be confusing for investors. Some technology stocks are getting a lot of hype that's deserved, but others are simply being lifted by a rising tide for technology firms right now.How can you tell the difference? Simple: Follow the fundamentals. My proprietary Portfolio Grader stock-ranking tool runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies every week. My team of analysts and I sift through the latest earnings forecasts, sales numbers, margin expansion percentages and a host of other figures. Our results are screened based on what's working best on Wall Street right now, and then Portfolio Grader outputs a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell."[Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . I strongly encourage you to check it out and screen your own holdings.But since tech is so hot right now, here's a complete rundown of the 50 biggest tech stocks (ranked by market cap) and how they stack up fundamentally. ****Related Articles:**** - [Stock Downgrades: BAC, BA, PC, TM](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - [Stock Upgrades: COST, LLY, RDS, WMT](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - [How Gold and the Dollar Index Are Fooling You](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/gold-prices-weak-dollar-us-dollar-index.html) [](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-atvi-erts-sne-ttwo-ntdoy-msft.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.1179 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.2365 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.4446 Stock Price at release: 20.2982 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	20.8167
Symbol: IMAX Security: IMAX Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|DLB Title: This Unknown Stock is Leading the 3-D Revolution Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-15 11:39:00 Article: "Everything is better in 3-D" seems to be the mantra of media these days. It's not hard to see why. James Cameron's Academy Award-nominated movie Avatar may have shattered box office records, but it hasn't been the only 3-D box office success.It's hard not to geek-out over 3-D if you're a technophile: the visuals are stunning, the experience immersive. And if the movie is halfway decent, why, that's just a bonus. Not bad for $15 a ticket. These kinds of box office receipts have breathed new life into the major cinema chains and sent shares soaring. Now that 3-D technology has finally made a lasting mark on the silver screen, "everything is better in 3-D" should be words to live by for investors, too. One company that seems especially primed to benefit from this sea change is Dolby Labs ([DLB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DLB&selected=DLB)) ) . Dolby entered the 3-D projection business in 2007, and currently holds about 12% of market share . RealD, a privately held company, holds about 83% of market share. It may seem like RealD has a lock on the market, but there are several factors to consider.Demand for 3-D screens is surging. At the end of 2009, there were slightly more than 3,000 3-D screens in the United States -- 388 of them using Dolby projectors. But the company shipped more than 800 units alone in the first quarter of 2010 ending in January. The pie is also getting bigger: industry experts predict there could be as many as 15,000 3-D screens worldwide by the end of the year (roughly double the current number) and Dolby already has a significant share of the [global market](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/indexes) There's only one problem: Outfitting a single screen to show 3-D movies can turn into a $100,000 affair. The upfront cost for Dolby's projectors is slightly more expensive than RealD's (about $26,000 vs. about $20,000), but Dolby's projection technology allows theater operators to show both traditional 2-D and 3-D movies without having to spend money on a special silver screen for 3-D.And you can't have a 3-D movie without the glasses. Dolby faces a challenge in this area. RealD uses disposable glasses that cost about a dollar. Dolby's glasses aren't disposable and cost about $17.50. The company claims its 3-D glasses can be cleaned in-house and reused hundreds of times, thus lowering the cost. But it presents a marketing challenge nonetheless. Dolby must convince theater operators that its 3-D projection kits are cheaper in the long-run in order to gain business and continue growing. Given Dolby's sterling reputation for innovation and technical savvy, that shouldn't be a problem.Revenue from 3-D projectors is already propelling growth at Dolby. The majority of revenue comes from licensing Dolby's patented audio and home theater technologies, but about $47.7 million, or 21%, of $221 million in total revenue came from "product sales" in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared with just $17.9 million, or 9%, a year earlier. Most of these product sales are 3-D projectors. Revenue from this segment has more than doubled in a year and could be in the beginning stages of a long-term growth phase. More than 40 movies are expected to release in 3-D within the next three years compared to just a handful in 2008, so demand isn't going to dry up soon. Movie studios and theater chains may be gearing up for 3-D, but this is just the tip of the iceberg for Dolby. Companies like Panasonic ([PC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PC&selected=PC)) ) and Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) are making forays into 3-D televisions as well. The cable networks are getting involved too: ESPN is planning to showcase up to 25 World Cup soccer matches on a special 3-D channel along with a total of 85 sporting events in 2010 and a coalition of Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA) , Imax (Nasdaq: IMAX) and Sony also have plans to launch an as-yet unnamed 3-D network in 2011.This is the real wild card for Dolby. A 3-D television (with 3-D programming) becoming the next "necessity" for every home theater could mean tremendous upside for the company. Not only could Dolby use its experience in 3-D technology in this space, but the home theater market get a boost as a whole.The 3-D TV transition is still several years away, however. For one thing, 3-D TVs are expensive (north of $2,000, to be exact). It will also take cable providers and networks some time to roll out 3-D networks (they haven't even finished rolling out high-definition channels yet).At 29 times earnings, Dolby's shares appear expensive, but are actually in line with their long-term average. The company has few direct competitors, and has a unique business model of licensing, which makes for an almost-unheard-of operating margin of 47%. Given these factors, it's understandable why investors would place a premium on the shares. Dolby's stock is up +68% year-to-date, but appears to be on a long-term winning streak. As the 3-D revolution takes form, expect Dolby to create an irreplaceable and highly profitable niche for itself.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityDisclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 17.1421 Stock Price 2 days before: 16.7683 Stock Price 1 day before: 17.32 Stock Price at release: 17.9067 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0016	19.3186
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: BAC\|Markets\|MSFT\|KO\|MAT\|MS\|GS\|JNJ\|AXP\|FCX\|GCI Title: Market Wrap-Up for Apr.16 (GS, GE, BAC, FCX, MAT, MSFT, more) Type: News Publication: Dividend.com Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-16 04:14:00 Article: The market was sitting quietly on the downside this morning, until news broke that the SEC accused Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/investment-brokerage-national/gs-goldman-sachs/)) ) of defrauding investors.The market has been way overdue for a clock-cleaning and we got a triple-digit market drop. We almost forgot what that looked like! Some of today's early earnings winners had included names like Mattel ([MAT](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/toys-and-games/mat-mattel/)) ) and Gannett ([GCI](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/publishing-newspapers/gci-gannett/)) ) , but both companies saw the bulk of their early gains evaporate. Financials dropped alongside Goldman Sachs. The hardest hit names included Bank of America ([BAC](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/money-center-banks/bac-bank-of-america/)) ) , Morgan Stanley ([MS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/investment-brokerage-national/ms-morgan-stanley/)) ) and American Express ([AXP](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/credit-services/axp-american-express/)) ) . Elsewhere, commodity plays were weak. Some of the hardest hit names were Massey Energy ([MEE](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/industrial-metals-and-minerals/mee-massey-energy/)) ) , Freeport McMoran ([FCX](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/copper/fcx-freeport-mcmoran/)) ) , and Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/oil-and-gas-drilling-and-exploration/do-diamond-offshore/)) ) .As we look ahead to next week, we will preparing to hear results from the likes of Johnson & Johnson ([JNJ](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/healthcare/drug-manufacturers-major/jnj-johnson-and-johnson/)) ) , Coca-Cola ([KO](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/beverages-soft-drinks/ko-coca-cola-co/)) ) , Microsoft ([MSFT](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/technology/application-software/msft-microsoft/)) ) and Coach ([COH](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/textile-apparel-footwear-and-accessories/coh-coach-inc/)) ) . Be sure to check out our updated dividend stock watchlists this weekend on Dividend.com Premium.Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the [Best Dividend Stocks](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/best-dividend-stocks.php) , as well as a detailed explanation of [our ratings system here](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stock-rating-system.php) Created by Dividend.com Stock Price 4 days before: 90.7163 Stock Price 2 days before: 91.3041 Stock Price 1 day before: 92.9944 Stock Price at release: 90.2998 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	71.1036
Symbol: GCI Security: Gannett Co., Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: BAC\|Markets\|MSFT\|KO\|MAT\|MS\|GS\|JNJ\|AXP\|FCX\|DO Title: Market Wrap-Up for Apr.16 (GS, GE, BAC, FCX, MAT, MSFT, more) Type: News Publication: Dividend.com Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-16 04:14:00 Article: The market was sitting quietly on the downside this morning, until news broke that the SEC accused Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/investment-brokerage-national/gs-goldman-sachs/)) ) of defrauding investors.The market has been way overdue for a clock-cleaning and we got a triple-digit market drop. We almost forgot what that looked like! Some of today's early earnings winners had included names like Mattel ([MAT](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/toys-and-games/mat-mattel/)) ) and Gannett ([GCI](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/publishing-newspapers/gci-gannett/)) ) , but both companies saw the bulk of their early gains evaporate. Financials dropped alongside Goldman Sachs. The hardest hit names included Bank of America ([BAC](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/money-center-banks/bac-bank-of-america/)) ) , Morgan Stanley ([MS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/investment-brokerage-national/ms-morgan-stanley/)) ) and American Express ([AXP](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/credit-services/axp-american-express/)) ) . Elsewhere, commodity plays were weak. Some of the hardest hit names were Massey Energy ([MEE](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/industrial-metals-and-minerals/mee-massey-energy/)) ) , Freeport McMoran ([FCX](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/copper/fcx-freeport-mcmoran/)) ) , and Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/oil-and-gas-drilling-and-exploration/do-diamond-offshore/)) ) .As we look ahead to next week, we will preparing to hear results from the likes of Johnson & Johnson ([JNJ](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/healthcare/drug-manufacturers-major/jnj-johnson-and-johnson/)) ) , Coca-Cola ([KO](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/beverages-soft-drinks/ko-coca-cola-co/)) ) , Microsoft ([MSFT](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/technology/application-software/msft-microsoft/)) ) and Coach ([COH](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/textile-apparel-footwear-and-accessories/coh-coach-inc/)) ) . Be sure to check out our updated dividend stock watchlists this weekend on Dividend.com Premium.Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the [Best Dividend Stocks](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/best-dividend-stocks.php) , as well as a detailed explanation of [our ratings system here](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stock-rating-system.php) Created by Dividend.com Stock Price 4 days before: 17.7868 Stock Price 2 days before: 17.8131 Stock Price 1 day before: 17.9129 Stock Price at release: 18.575 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	15.7592
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Stock Downgrades: GOOG, LMT, SNE Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-19 03:07:00 Article: Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ), Lockheed Martin ([LMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LMT&selected=LMT)) ) and Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks downgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Internet stock Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ) announced first-quarter earnings on Friday, April 15. GOOG stock fell after the report on fears of increased spending even though Google reported strong growth in profits. GOOG stock was downgraded from its rating of a B grade or "buy" last week in Portfolio Grader to a C grade or "hold" this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. Aerospace and defense stock Lockheed Martin ([LMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LMT&selected=LMT)) ) was downgraded a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a D grade or "sell" this week in Portfolio Grader in anticipation of its Wednesday, April 21, earnings report. It's key competitor Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) was also [downgraded from "hold" to "sell](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) " the week before in the April 12 Portfolio Grader rankings.Electronics giant Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) was downgraded from its rating of a B grade or "buy" last week in to a C grade or "hold" this week in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis. [March video game sales](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-activision-atvi-electonic-arts-erts-sony-sne.html) showed strength for software, but weak hardware sales have caused trouble for Sony and it's PlayStation 3 console.Get a complete list of this week's stock downgrades below.Symbol Company Name Industry Market Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) Grade This Week Grade Last Week AGU Agrium Inc. Chemicals $9.9 D C AGN Allergan Inc. Pharmaceuticals $18.8 D C ACH Aluminum Corp. of China Metals & Mining $14.4 F D AEP American Electric Power Electric Utilities $16.1 C B AXP American Express Co. Consumer Finance $53.8 C B AON AON Corp. Insurance $11.5 D C AUO AU Optronics Corp. Electronic Equipment $9.8 D C BCS Barclays PLC Commercial Banks $65.4 D C BBT BB&T Corp. Commercial Banks $23.3 D C BHP BHP Billiton Ltd. Metals & Mining $220.3 D C BXP Boston Properties Inc. Real Estate Investment Trusts $10.5 D C BCR C.R. Bard Inc. Health Care Equipment $8.2 D C CUK Carnival PLC Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $8.7 C B CHA China Telecom Corp. Telecommunication Services $39.5 F D CI CIGNA Corp. Health Care Providers & Services $9.5 C B CEO CNOOC Ltd. Oil Gas & Fuels $78.3 D C DVN Devon Energy Corp. Oil Gas & Fuels $29.1 F D DOW Dow Chemical Co. Chemicals $35.1 C B LLY Eli Lilly & Co. Pharmaceuticals $40.2 D C ETR Entergy Corp. Electric Utilities $15.2 D C EXC Exelon Corp. Electric Utilities $28.8 F D GGB Gerdau S.A. Metals & Mining $15.8 C B GOOG Google Inc. Internet Software & Services $174.8 C B LYG Lloyds Banking Group Commercial Banks $64.1 D C LMT Lockheed Martin Aerospace & Defense $31.0 D C MFC Manulife Financial Insurance $33.7 F D MHP McGraw-Hill Cos. Media $11.0 D C MDT Medtronic Inc. Health Care Equipment $49.8 C B MOT Motorola Inc. Communications Equipment $16.9 D C NE Noble Corp. Energy Equipment & Services $10.6 D C RL Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. Textiles Apparel & Luxury Goods $8.9 C B PKX POSCO (ADR) Metals & Mining $36.2 D C RF Regions Financial Commercial Banks $9.9 D C RY Royal Bank of Canada @NA $85.8 C B SAP SAP AG Software $57.8 D C SI Siemens AG Industrial Conglomerates $83.6 D C SNE Sony Corp. Household Durables $35.7 C B SE Spectra Energy Corp. Oil Gas & Fuels $14.8 C B STJ St. Jude Medical Inc. Health Care Equipment $13.3 C B SYK Stryker Corp. Health Care Equipment $22.8 C B SYMC Symantec Corp. Software $13.4 D C TLK Telekomunikasi Indonesia Telecommunication Services $17.5 D C TS Tenaris S.A. Energy Equipment & Services $24.3 D C TEL Tyco Electronics Ltd. Electronic Equipment $13.1 C B USB U.S. Bancorp Commercial Banks $52.5 D C UMC United Microelectronics Semiconductors $9.4 D C VE Veolia Environnement Multi-Utilities $16.4 D C VNO Vornado Realty Trust Real Estate Investment Trusts $13.9 D C WM Waste Management Inc. Commercial Services $17.0 C B XRX Xerox Corp. Office Electronics $9.0 C B YZC Yanzhou Coal Mining Oil Gas & Fuels $11.7 C B ZMH Zimmer Holdings Inc. Health Care Equipment $12.4 C BAbout Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . Stock Price 4 days before: 20.2983 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.0322 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9736 Stock Price at release: 19.9741 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	20.0068
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Stock Upgrades: BA, BP, CS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-19 09:22:00 Article: BP Plc ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ), Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) and Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Energy stock BP Plc ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ) faced down shareholder protest over oil sands projects last week, and shares have firmed up as a result. BP stock was upgraded to a B grade or "buy" this week in Portfolio Grader from a C grade or "hold" in last week's rankings according to Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. BP reports earnings on April 27. Aerospace and defense stock Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) washas firmed up this week in anticipation of its Wednesday, April 21, earnings report. BA stock was upgraded from a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy" this week.Financial stock Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) was upgraded from its rating of a D grade or "sell" last week in to a C grade or "hold" this week in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis. Swiss funds returned over 2.3% in Q1, and investors are eager to see CS' earnings report this Thursday, April 22.Get a complete list of this week's [stock downgrades here](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) . For a complete list of upgrades, please view the table below.Symbol Company Name Industry Market Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) Grade This Week Grade Last Week AET Aetna Inc. Health Care Providers $13.5 C D NLY Annaly Capital Management Inc. Real Estate Investment Trusts $9.4 A B ADP Automatic Data Processing Inc. IT Services $22.3 C D BA Boeing Co. Aerospace & Defense $51.4 B C BP BP PLC Oil Gas & Consumable Fuels $187.2 B C BRCM Broadcom Corp. Semiconductors $17.4 B C CHRW C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. Air Freight & Logistics $9.8 C D CNI Canadian National Railway Co. Road & Rail $29.2 C D CAJ Canon Inc. Office Electronics $57.2 B C CB Chubb Corp. Insurance $17.2 C D CME CME Group Inc. (Cl A) Diversified Financial Services $20.8 C D ABV Companhia de Bebidas das Americas Beverages $60.0 A B ED Consolidated Edison Inc. Multi-Utilities $12.5 C D CS Credit Suisse Group Capital Markets $60.5 C D CSX CSX Corp. Road & Rail $21.4 C D D Dominion Resources Inc. Multi-Utilities $24.7 B C ETP Energy Transfer Partners L.P. Oil Gas & Consumable Fuels $8.7 B C FAST Fastenal Co. Trading Companies & Distributors $8.0 C D GFI Gold Fields Ltd. Metals & Mining $8.9 C D INTU Intuit Inc. Software $11.1 B C JCI Johnson Controls Inc. Auto Components $22.0 B C LIHR Lihir Gold Ltd. Metals & Mining $8.6 B C MRVL Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Semiconductors $14.1 A B MBT Mobile TeleSystems Telecommunications $21.5 C D JWN Nordstrom Inc. Multiline Retail $9.4 B C DCM NTT DoCoMo Inc. Telecommunications $67.7 A B PT Portugal Telecom SGPS S/A Telecommunications $9.8 B C PX Praxair Inc. Chemicals $26.6 C D SNN Smith & Nephew PLC Health Care Equipment $9.4 A B TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Semiconductors $56.2 C D TEVA Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Pharmaceuticals $55.3 A B TKC Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri Telecommunications $13.9 C D WBK Westpac Banking Corp. Commercial Banks $75.6 B C WF Woori Finance Holdings Commercial Banks $12.8 B CAbout Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . Stock Price 4 days before: 20.2982 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.0322 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9736 Stock Price at release: 19.9741 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	20.0068
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|MDT\|TS\|RY\|AXP\|PKX\|CUK\|USB\|MFC\|GEN\|BXP\|LMT\|AEP\|SAP\|SYK\|ETR\|CI\|GOOG\|SE\|NE\|TLK\|EXC\|RF\|XRX\|BCS\|AON\|DVN\|BHP\|VNO\|GGB\|LYG\|TEL\|UMC\|RL\|LLY\|WM Title: Stock Downgrades: GOOG, LMT, SNE Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-19 10:37:00 Article: Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ), Lockheed Martin ([LMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LMT&selected=LMT)) ) and Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks downgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Internet stock Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ) announced first-quarter earnings on Friday, April 15. GOOG stock fell after the report on fears of increased spending even though Google reported strong growth in profits. GOOG stock was downgraded from its rating of a B grade or "buy" last week in Portfolio Grader to a C grade or "hold" this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. Aerospace and defense stock Lockheed Martin ([LMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LMT&selected=LMT)) ) was downgraded a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a D grade or "sell" this week in Portfolio Grader in anticipation of its Wednesday, April 21, earnings report. It's key competitor Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) was also [downgraded from "hold" to "sell](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) " the week before in the April 12 Portfolio Grader rankings.Electronics giant Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) was downgraded from its rating of a B grade or "buy" last week in to a C grade or "hold" this week in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis. [March video game sales](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-activision-atvi-electonic-arts-erts-sony-sne.html) showed strength for software, but weak hardware sales have caused trouble for Sony and it's PlayStation 3 console.Get a complete list of this week's stock downgrades below.About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/12 stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Related Articles: - [5 Cheap Stocks Growing Fast](http://stage.investorplace.com/experts/nancy_zambell/articles/gallery/5-cheap-stocks-to-buy-eres-liox-mspd-rell-bjgp.html) - [Dividend Investing: When is it Time to Sell a Dividend Stock?](http://stage.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/when-to-sell-a-dividend-stock.html) - [7 Low-Risk Dividend Stocks to Lock In](http://stage.investorplace.com/experts/richard_band/articles/gallery/high-dividend-stocks-acn-xom-hpq-pcg-rweoy-tot-vod-part2.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.5163 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.0322 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9736 Stock Price at release: 20.1494 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	19.777
Symbol: XRX Security: Xerox Holdings Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|MDT\|TS\|RY\|AXP\|PKX\|CUK\|USB\|MFC\|GEN\|BXP\|LMT\|AEP\|SAP\|SYK\|ETR\|CI\|GOOG\|SE\|B\|NE\|TLK\|EXC\|RF\|BCS\|AON\|DVN\|BHP\|VNO\|GGB\|LYG\|TEL\|UMC\|RL\|LLY\|WM Title: Stock Downgrades: GOOG, LMT, SNE Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-19 10:37:00 Article: Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ), Lockheed Martin ([LMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LMT&selected=LMT)) ) and Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks downgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Internet stock Google ([GOOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOOG&selected=GOOG)) ) announced first-quarter earnings on Friday, April 15. GOOG stock fell after the report on fears of increased spending even though Google reported strong growth in profits. GOOG stock was downgraded from its rating of a B grade or "buy" last week in Portfolio Grader to a C grade or "hold" this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. Aerospace and defense stock Lockheed Martin ([LMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LMT&selected=LMT)) ) was downgraded a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a D grade or "sell" this week in Portfolio Grader in anticipation of its Wednesday, April 21, earnings report. It's key competitor Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) was also [downgraded from "hold" to "sell](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) " the week before in the April 12 Portfolio Grader rankings.Electronics giant Sony ([SNE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNE&selected=SNE)) ) was downgraded from its rating of a B grade or "buy" last week in to a C grade or "hold" this week in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis. [March video game sales](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/march-video-game-sales-activision-atvi-electonic-arts-erts-sony-sne.html) showed strength for software, but weak hardware sales have caused trouble for Sony and it's PlayStation 3 console.Get a complete list of this week's stock downgrades below.About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/12 stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Related Articles: - [5 Cheap Stocks Growing Fast](http://stage.investorplace.com/experts/nancy_zambell/articles/gallery/5-cheap-stocks-to-buy-eres-liox-mspd-rell-bjgp.html) - [Dividend Investing: When is it Time to Sell a Dividend Stock?](http://stage.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/when-to-sell-a-dividend-stock.html) - [7 Low-Risk Dividend Stocks to Lock In](http://stage.investorplace.com/experts/richard_band/articles/gallery/high-dividend-stocks-acn-xom-hpq-pcg-rweoy-tot-vod-part2.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 10.4779 Stock Price 2 days before: 10.32 Stock Price 1 day before: 10.2281 Stock Price at release: 10.42 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	9.74794
Symbol: XRX Security: Xerox Holdings Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Xerox sees bearish trade at highs Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 01:01:00 Article: Xerox tried to push above $11 today for the first time since October 2008, and one trader pounced on the name with a huge bearish bet.optionMONSTER's Depth Charge tracking system detected the purchase of about 20,000 October 11 puts for $1.12 at the same time a matching number of October 11 calls were sold for $0.76. Most of the trade occurred in blocks of 18,650 contracts in each strike. [XRX Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/xrx420.png) XRX rose 0.42 percent to $10.76 in midday trading after spiking as high as $11.06 shortly after the open. Unless it regains those highs later in the session, the activity will result in a so-called shooting-star candlestick--a potentially bearish reversal pattern.The activity is taking place before the imaging company's pre-market earnings release on Friday. The last time XRX issued results, on Jan. 21, the shares gapped higher on strong sales, cost cuts, and bullish guidance.Today's options trade, known as a risk reversal, cost about $0.36 and represents a leveraged bet on lower stock prices. The strategy will lose money if XRX closes above $11 at expiration, so it may have been implemented by a shareholder who's willing to exit the stock at that level in October and wishes to hedge against any declines before then.The transaction pushed overall options volume in XRX to eight times greater than average so far in today's session.(Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 10.437 Stock Price 2 days before: 10.2281 Stock Price 1 day before: 10.2281 Stock Price at release: 10.7227 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	9.41412
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Small Cap Stock Upgrades – ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 03:08:00 Article: Altera Corp. ([ALTR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ALTR&selected=ALTR)) ), Hudson City Bancorp Inc. ([HCBK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HCBK&selected=HCBK)) ), Randgold Resources Ltd. ([GOLD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOLD&selected=GOLD)) ), Waters Corp. ([WAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WAT&selected=WAT)) ), PartnerRe ([PRE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PRE&selected=PRE)) ) and Maxim Integrated Products Inc. ([MXIM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MXIM&selected=MXIM)) ) were among some of the small-cap stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Semiconductor stock Altera Corp. ([ALTR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ALTR&selected=ALTR)) ) was upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy"this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. Financial stock Hudson City Bancorp Inc. ([HCBK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HCBK&selected=HCBK)) ), which is in the Thrifts & Mortgage Finance subsector, was upgraded from its rating of a D grade or "sell" last week in Portfolio Grader to a C grade or "hold" on April 19.Metals and mining stock Randgold Resources Ltd. ([GOLD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOLD&selected=GOLD)) ) was upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week to a B grade or "buy"this week in Portfolio Grader.Small cap stock Waters Corp. ([WAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WAT&selected=WAT)) ), which specializes in life sciences products, was upgraded from a B grade or "buy" rating last week to a A grade or "strong buy" in Louis Navellier's latest fundamental stock analysis.Insurance and reinsurance provider PartnerRe ([PRE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PRE&selected=PRE)) ) upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week to a B grade or "buy" this week in Portfolio Grader's database.Another semiconductor small-cap stock, Maxim Integrated Products Inc. ([MXIM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MXIM&selected=MXIM)) ), was upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy" this week. View this week's small-cap stock upgrade list below. Remember that an A grade is a "Strong Buy," a B grade is a "Buy" and a C grade is "Hold."Symbol Company Name Industry Market Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) Grade This Week Grade Last Week ABVT AboveNet Inc. Telecommunication Services $1.3 A B ATU Actuant Corp. Machinery $1.5 C D AAP Advance Auto Parts Inc. Specialty Retail $4.2 C D AMG Affiliated Managers Group Inc. Capital Markets $3.5 C D AAI AirTran Holdings Inc. Airlines $0.8 C D ALK Alaska Air Group Inc. Airlines $1.5 A B ACV Alberto-Culver Co. Personal Products $2.7 B C Y Alleghany Corp. Insurance $2.7 B C ALE Allete Inc. Electric Utilities $1.2 B C LNT Alliant Energy Corp. Multi-Utilities $3.8 B C ALTR Altera Corp. Semiconductors $7.8 B C AMED Amedisys Inc. Health Care Providers $1.7 B C UHAL Amerco Road & Rail $1.2 C D AMOV America Movil S.A.B. de C.V. Telecommunications $1.2 B C ATR AptarGroup Inc. Containers & Packaging $2.9 B C ARBA Ariba Inc. Software $1.3 C D AZPN Aspen Technology Inc. Software $1.0 B C AF Astoria Financial Corp. Thrifts & Mortgage Finance $1.5 C D BCPC Balchem Corp. Chemicals $0.7 B C IRE Bank of Ireland Sponsored Commercial Banks $2.3 C D BIO Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. Life Sciences Tools & Services $3.0 B C BLKB Blackbaud Inc. Software $1.2 B C BBBB Blackboard Inc. Software $1.5 C D BWA BorgWarner Inc. Auto Components $4.5 C D BR Broadridge Financial Solutions IT Services $3.0 C D BKE Buckle Inc. Specialty Retail $1.8 C D BWLD Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $0.9 B C BKC Burger King Holdings Inc. Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $2.8 C D CCMP Cabot Microelectronics Corp. Semiconductors $0.9 B C CE Celanese Corp. (Series A) Chemicals $4.9 B C CBI Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. Construction & Engineering $2.4 B C CNL Cleco Corp. Electric Utilities $1.6 C D PSS Collective Brands Inc. Specialty Retail $1.5 B C STZ Constellation Brands Inc. Beverages $3.8 B C CZZ Cosan Ltd. Food Products $2.8 B C CY Cypress Semiconductor Corp. Semiconductors $2.0 B C CYT Cytec Industries Inc. Chemicals $2.4 B C DCI Donaldson Co. Inc. Machinery $3.6 C D DWA DreamWorks Animation SKG Media $3.5 A B DSW DSW Inc. Cl A Specialty Retail $1.2 A B DCP DynCorp International Inc. Aerospace & Defense $1.0 C D EDE Empire District Electric Co. Electric Utilities $0.7 B C ELS Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc. Real Estate Investment Trusts $1.7 C D FLIR Flir Systems Inc. Electronic Equipment $4.5 C D FMC FMC Corp. Chemicals $4.6 C D FL Foot Locker Inc Specialty Retail $2.5 C D FOSL Fossil Inc. Textiles Apparel & Luxury Goods $2.7 A B IT Gartner Inc. IT Services $2.2 B C GCO Genesco Inc. Specialty Retail $0.8 C D GNTX Gentex Corp. Auto Components $3.0 B C GTIV Gentiva Health Services Inc. Health Care Providers $0.9 B C GPN Global Payments Inc. IT Services $3.7 C D GLRE Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. Cl A Insurance $1.0 B C GFF Griffon Corp. Building Products $0.8 C D ASR Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Transportation Infrastructure $1.6 B C MLHR Herman Miller Inc. Commercial Services $1.1 C D HRC Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. Health Care Equipment $1.9 A B HPT Hospitality Properties Trust Real Estate Investment Trusts $3.2 B C HCBK Hudson City Bancorp Inc. Thrifts & Mortgage Finance $7.6 C D IDA IDACORP Inc. Electric Utilities $1.7 A B IDC Interactive Data Corp. Media $3.2 B C IFSIA Interface Inc. Commercial Services $0.8 A B ISIL Intersil Corp. Semiconductors $2.0 C D ITRI Itron Inc. Electronic Equipment $3.0 B C JCG J. Crew Group Inc. Specialty Retail $3.0 A B JBHT J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Road & Rail $4.7 C D JEF Jefferies Group Inc. Capital Markets $4.5 B C JLL Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. Real Estate Management & Dev. $3.2 B C LFL LAN Airlines S.A. Airlines $6.2 A B LSTR Landstar System Inc. Road & Rail $2.2 C D LPS Lender Processing Services Inc. IT Services $3.5 C D LTM Life Time Fitness Inc. Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $1.4 C D LINC Lincoln Educational Services Corp. Diversified Consumer Services $0.7 B C LORL Loral Space & Communications Inc. Communications Equipment $1.2 B C LUFK Lufkin Industries Inc. Energy Equipment & Services $1.3 B C MTA Magyar Telekom Telecommunications Telecommunication Services $4.3 B C ME Mariner Energy Inc. Oil Gas & Consumable Fuels $2.6 C D MKL Markel Corp. Insurance $3.7 B C MXIM Maxim Integrated Products Inc. Semiconductors $6.4 B C MFA MFA Financial Inc. Real Estate Investment Trusts $2.0 B C MCRS Micros Systems Inc. Software $2.8 B C NSM National Semiconductor Corp. Semiconductors $3.7 C D NTGR NETGEAR Inc. Communications Equipment $0.9 A B NJR New Jersey Resources Corp. Gas Utilities $1.6 C D NICE NICE-Systems Ltd. Software $2.0 C D NWE NorthWestern Corp. Multi-Utilities $1.0 B C NVLS Novellus Systems Inc. Semiconductors $2.6 B C NST NSTAR Multi-Utilities $3.9 C D OB OneBeacon Insurance Group Insurance $1.6 C D ONXX Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. Biotechnology $1.9 C D PKG Packaging Corp. of America Containers & Packaging $2.6 B C PRE PartnerRe Ltd. Insurance $6.6 B C PBT Permian Basin Royalty Trust Oil Gas & Consumable Fuels $0.9 B C PFWD Phase Forward Inc. Health Care Technology $0.7 C D PICO Pico Holdings Inc. Diversified Financial Services $0.9 C D PRA ProAssurance Corp. Insurance $1.9 C D PSYS Psychiatric Solutions Inc. Health Care Providers $1.7 B C QSFT Quest Software Inc. Software $1.6 C D GOLD Randgold Resources Ltd. Metals & Mining $7.2 B C ROLL RBC Bearings Inc. Machinery $0.7 C D REGN Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. Biotechnology $2.1 B C RGA Reinsurance Group of America Insurance $4.0 B C ROP Roper Industries Inc. Electrical Equipment $5.7 C D RDK Ruddick Corp. Food & Staples Retailing $1.6 B C SHS Sauer-Danfoss Inc. Machinery $0.8 B C SEIC SEI Investments Co. Capital Markets $4.5 B C SIGI Selective Insurance Group Inc. Insurance $0.9 C D SLGN Silgan Holdings Inc. Containers & Packaging $2.5 B C SIRO Sirona Dental Systems Inc. Health Care Equipment $2.1 A B SWKS Skyworks Solutions Inc. Semiconductors $2.8 B C SLM SLM Corp. Consumer Finance $6.1 B C SRX SRA International Inc. IT Services $1.3 B C SCS Steelcase Inc. Commercial Services $0.9 C D SVU SUPERVALU Inc. Food & Staples Retailing $3.6 C D SYNT Syntel Inc. IT Services $1.7 B C TLEO Taleo Corp. Software $1.1 B C TECH Techne Corp. Life Sciences Tools & Services $2.4 C D TE TECO Energy Inc. Multi-Utilities $3.5 B C TI.A Telecom Italia S.p.A. @NA $7.2 C D TFSL TFS Financial Corp. Thrifts & Mortgage Finance $4.3 C D THO Thor Industries Inc. Automobiles $1.8 B C TKR Timken Co. Machinery $3.1 C D TIVO TiVo Inc. Software $1.9 C D TTC Toro Co. Machinery $1.8 B C TSL Trina Solar Ltd. Electrical Equipment $1.8 A B TGI Triumph Group Inc. Aerospace & Defense $1.2 B C UTHR United Therapeutics Corp. Biotechnology $3.1 A B MTN Vail Resorts Inc. Hotels Restaurants & Leisure $1.6 C D VSEA Varian Semiconductor Equipment Semiconductors $2.6 C D WPC W.P. Carey & Co. Capital Markets $1.2 C D WFSL Washington Federal Inc. Thrifts & Mortgage Finance $2.3 C D WAT Waters Corp. Life Sciences Tools & Services $6.6 A B WSO Watsco Inc. Trading Companies & Distributors $1.9 C D WR Westar Energy Inc. Electric Utilities $2.5 C D WPRT Westport Innovations Inc. Auto Components $0.7 A B WWE World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. Media $1.3 B CAbout Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])More Portfolio Grader stock analysis:4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html)Related Articles: [Qualcomm QCOM Earnings Preview](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jon_markman/articles/earnings-qualcomm-qcom-tech-stock.html) [7 Costly Mutual Fund Mistakes to Avoid](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/dan_wiener/articles/gallery/7-mutual-fund-mistakes-to-avoid.html?cp=msn&cc=synd&cs=investorplace) [AT&T Getting Its Bell Rung](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/earnings-trades/2010/04/att-t-earnings-trade.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year? Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 20.4629 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9741 Stock Price at release: 19.937 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	19.1731
Symbol: XRX Security: Xerox Holdings Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Neutral play on Xerox (NYSE: XRX) calls for range-bound stock moves Type: News Publication: Jud Pyle Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 04:14:00 Article: Shares of Xerox Corp. (NYSE: XRX ) are relatively unchanged so far on the day Tuesday, and options action during morning trading suggests one straddle seller anticipates this stagnation to continue.XRX is currently trading up five cents to $10.76 without any news from the company today. XRX earnings figures are due on Friday before the market opens and analysts estimate earnings of 13 cents a share. On April 19, Brean Murray raised its price target to $13 from $11. At 10:57 a.m. EST, an investor sold 20,000 October 11 straddles for a net credit of $1.88 per spread. Investors sold the out-of-the-money ([OTM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=OTM&selected=OTM)) ) October 11-strike puts for $1.12 per contract, and simultaneously sold the October 11 calls for 76 cents per contract. The calls are home to current open interest of 1,200 contracts, while the puts are home to current open interest of just 303 contracts, indicating the investor most likely sold to open this short straddle position. This options action suggests the straddle seller is calling for volatility to come in and for the stock to trade between $9.12 to the downside and $12.88 to the upside. If XRX shares are trading in this $3.76-range, investors could make a maximum profit of the credit collected ($1.88 per spread). If volatility kicks in and moves the stock significantly in one direction or the other, this straddle seller could incur significant losses.Straddle selling activity such as this suggests this XRX investor is willing to take on more risk by capping any gains at the premium collected and betting that volatility will diminish throughout the later-term. Implied volatility of the October 11 calls and puts is 30% compared to the stock's 30-day historical volatility of 29%. These volatility levels are not too far off from each other, and it appears that this investor expects minimal movement to continue.Take a look at the profit/loss graph below for a visual of the risk/reward dynamics of this short straddle. I invite you to open a **** [Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png)virtual trading account today and gain access to tools essential to your stock and option trading.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Stock Price 4 days before: 10.4376 Stock Price 2 days before: 10.2281 Stock Price 1 day before: 10.2281 Stock Price at release: 10.7227 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	9.41412
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: 23 Airlines Stocks to Buy and Sell – UAUA, LCC, LUV, CEA, ZNH Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 04:29:00 Article: The airline industry has seen quite a shake-up in recent weeks. First, United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) and US Air ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) entered [airline merger talks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/united-us-air-merger-airline-stocks-uaua-lcc-amr-cal-dal-luv.html) … again. Then the eruption of an Iceland volcano crippled the skies over Europe. And by the way, consumer spending is still taking a toll on carriers while all this is going on.So how can you make sense of this mess in the airline industry? Are there actually any airline stocks to buy right now? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that domestic carriers are still largely bad news with the exception of Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ) and United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ), and the best airline stocks to buy are mostly in emerging markets like China and Latin America. China Eastern Airlines ([CEA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEA&selected=CEA)) ) and China Southern Airlines ([ZNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZNH&selected=ZNH)) ) are two [emerging market airline stocks to buy](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) .It's no secret as to why foreign airlines are doing well. Business is booming in emerging markets like China and Brazil, and that means booming business travel both from companies located there and U.S. companies traveling to these regions to get a piece of the pie. Also, consumer spending is stronger in markets like Latin America and Asia even as U.S. air travelers are pinching their pennies.Here's a complete sector breakdown of 23 airline stocks to buy and sell:SymbolCompany NameMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )Portfolio Grader Grade AAI AirTran Holdings Inc. $0.8 C - Hold ALK Alaska Air Group Inc. $1.5 A - Strong Buy ALGT Allegiant Travel Co. $1.1 D - Sell AMR AMR Corp. $2.9 D - Sell CEA China Eastern Airlines Corp. $2.3 B - Buy ZNH China Southern Airlines Co. $3.8 B - Buy CAL Continental Airlines Inc. $3.2 C - Hold CPA Copa Holdings S.A. $2.5 B - Buy DAL Delta Air Lines Inc. $10.9 C - Hold XJT ExpressJet Holdings Inc. $0.1 B - Buy GOL GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes $1.5 A - Strong Buy GIA Gulfstream International Group $0.0 F - Strong Sell HA Hawaiian Holdings Inc. $0.4 D - Sell JBLU JetBlue Airways Corp. $1.9 D - Sell LFL LAN Airlines S.A. $6.2 A - Strong buy PNCL Pinnacle Airlines Corp. $0.1 B - Buy RJET Republic Airways Holdings Inc. $0.2 D - Sell RYAAY Ryanair Holdings PLC $8.7 D - Sell SKYW SkyWest Inc. $0.8 D - Sell LUV Southwest Airlines Co. $9.9 B - Buy TAM TAM S/A $1.8 B - Buy UAUA UAL Corp. $3.8 B - Buy LCC US Airways Group Inc. $1.2 C - HoldAbout Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])More Portfolio Grader stock analysis:4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year?Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 20.4616 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9741 Stock Price at release: 19.937 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	19.1705
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: GFI\|Markets\|FAST\|PT\|TSM\|ED\|CME\|TEVA\|MRVL\|JWN\|WF\|BA\|SNN\|CSX\|D\|NLY\|CB\|ADP\|INTU\|JCI\|TKC\|BP\|CHRW\|CNI Title: Stock Upgrades: BA, BP, CS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 08:43:00 Article: BP Plc ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ), Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) and Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) were among some of the widely held stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Energy stock BP Plc ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ) faced down shareholder protest over oil sands projects last week, and shares have firmed up as a result. BP stock was upgraded to a B grade or "buy" this week in Portfolio Grader from a C grade or "hold" in last week's rankings according to Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. BP reports earnings on April 27. Aerospace and defense stock Boeing ([BA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BA&selected=BA)) ) washas firmed up this week in anticipation of its Wednesday, April 21, earnings report. BA stock was upgraded from a C grade or "hold" in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy" this week.Financial stock Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) was upgraded from its rating of a D grade or "sell" last week in to a C grade or "hold" this week in Portfolio Grader's fundamental stock analysis. Swiss funds returned over 2.3% in Q1, and investors are eager to see CS' earnings report this Thursday, April 22.Get a complete list of this week's [stock downgrades here](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) . For a complete list of upgrades, please view the table below.About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/12 stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Related Articles: - [Apple AAPL Earnings Preview](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jon_markman/articles/apple-aapl-earnings-preview-ipad-iphone.html) - [Top 10 High Yield Dividend Stocks in the Dow](http://www.investorplace.com/dividend-stocks/high-yield-dividend-stocks-dow-jones.html) - [5 High Yield Dividend Stocks Outside the U.S. (TEF, FLY, MBT, APSA, CPL)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/high-yield-dividend-stocks-telefonica-tef-mobile-telesystems-mbt-cpfl-energia-cpl.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.4616 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.9741 Stock Price at release: 19.937 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	19.173
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: TECH\|Markets\|ROP\|SEIC\|RGA\|JEF\|BWA\|MKL\|SWKS\|FOSL\|UTHR\|ATR\|W\|ACV\|GOLD\|JBHT\|STZ\|GNTX\|ITRI\|FMC\|TFSL\|WAT\|FL\|SLGN\|SLM\|GPN\|ALTR\|AAP\|CE\|JLL\|AMG\|PKG\|SVC\|BR\|TKR\|DCI\|LNT\|BIO Title: Small Cap Stock Upgrades - ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 10:24:00 Article: Altera Corp. ([ALTR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ALTR&selected=ALTR)) ), Hudson City Bancorp Inc. ([HCBK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HCBK&selected=HCBK)) ), Randgold Resources Ltd. ([GOLD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOLD&selected=GOLD)) ), Waters Corp. ([WAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WAT&selected=WAT)) ), PartnerRe ([PRE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PRE&selected=PRE)) ) and Maxim Integrated Products Inc. ([MXIM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MXIM&selected=MXIM)) ) were among some of the small-cap stocks upgraded by Louis Navellier in his latest fundamental stock analysis on April 19, 2010.Semiconductor stock Altera Corp. ([ALTR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ALTR&selected=ALTR)) ) was upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy"this week in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. Financial stock Hudson City Bancorp Inc. ([HCBK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HCBK&selected=HCBK)) ), which is in the Thrifts & Mortgage Finance subsector, was upgraded from its rating of a D grade or "sell" last week in Portfolio Grader to a C grade or "hold" on April 19.Metals and mining stock Randgold Resources Ltd. ([GOLD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GOLD&selected=GOLD)) ) was upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week to a B grade or "buy"this week in Portfolio Grader.Small cap stock Waters Corp. ([WAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WAT&selected=WAT)) ), which specializes in life sciences products, was upgraded from a B grade or "buy" rating last week to a A grade or "strong buy" in Louis Navellier's latest fundamental stock analysis.Insurance and reinsurance provider PartnerRe ([PRE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PRE&selected=PRE)) ) upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week to a B grade or "buy" this week in Portfolio Grader's database.Another semiconductor small-cap stock, Maxim Integrated Products Inc. ([MXIM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MXIM&selected=MXIM)) ), was upgraded from its rating of a C grade or "hold" last week in Portfolio Grader to a B grade or "buy" this week. View this week's small-cap stock upgrade list below. Remember that an A grade is a "Strong Buy," a B grade is a "Buy" and a C grade is "Hold."About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Related Articles: - [Qualcomm QCOM Earnings Preview](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jon_markman/articles/earnings-qualcomm-qcom-tech-stock.html) - [7 Costly Mutual Fund Mistakes to Avoid](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/dan_wiener/articles/gallery/7-mutual-fund-mistakes-to-avoid.html?cp=msn&cc=synd&cs=investorplace) - [AT&T Getting Its Bell Rung](http://www.optionszone.com/trading-picks/earnings-trades/2010/04/att-t-earnings-trade.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.5657 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.2668 Stock Price at release: 19.9408 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.74
Symbol: DAN Security: Dana Incorporated Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|BPOP\|F\|SNV\|RF Title: The next phase of the rebound Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 10:55:00 Article: An interesting headline from the credit markets caught my eye recently: "U.S. junk bonds post $417 million weekly inflows.""Why does this matter to us in the option market? The first reason is that money flowing in the credit market reduces volatility. That's why the VIX drifted lower as the mortgage bubble inflated between 2003 and 2007. Even more importantly, it confirms that the current recovery isn't merely a stimulus-fueled blip on the radar screen. Real healing has taken place in the world of credit, and that improvement will have knock-on positive effects across the market in coming months.Having a healthy financial system is a bit like having technology: It makes things possible that are otherwise unthinkable. For instance, before the Internet and cheap communications, businesses held huge amounts of inventory in warehouses because they never really knew what customer was going to want which product. Nor was it known when or where the items would be needed.Now with devices such as bar-code scanners and cash registers linked into central management systems, a company can control its supply chain all the way from China to Middle America to ensure the right merchandise is in the right place at the right time. Advances such as these are one of the main reasons that companies have been able to deliver huge profit margins despite big drops in revenue. [SNV Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/snv420.png) A functioning credit market has a similarly positive impact because it enables things that couldn't have been imagined in March 2009. For instance, if a company wants to borrow money to buy a competitor, that's now possible. If a company is facing a $500 million bond maturity in six months, it no longer needs to trade at $0.25.A lot of the stock market's gains over the last 13 months have resulted from the return a leverage, which has brought debt-heavy companies such as Ford Motor, Dana Holdings, and Boise back from near-bankruptcy levels. The week ending April 9 was the seventh in a row that money moved into high-yield bonds. Also noteworthy is that bank-loan funds had seen inflows for 19 straight weeks. Junk bonds and bank loans are the mother's milk for takeover artists, so we very well could be gearing up for a whole new cycle of leveraged buyouts.The other good thing about releveraging is that the process is clearly not over yet. Sure some stocks have rallied back more than 1,000 percent, but plenty more companies are still trading far below their 2008 levels. That's why I think we've seen so much bullishness in regional banks such as Regions Financial, Popular, and SunTrust.Look at the recent call roll on Synovus and the takeover speculation on DryShips. What do these two companies have in common? They're both leveraged, and they're both trading at less than half their price before Lehman Brothers went down.For much of 2009 the story was tech, which was rallying on true fundamentals. But as a bull market progresses, investors look for lower-quality "me too" names. This is exactly what happened in 2004 when second-rate junk stocks saw big run-ups because all the easy money had been made on higher-quality names.In 2010 the story is likely to be a hunt for value among companies that are still trading at deeply discounted levels. Investors will look for those to regain some of the lost ground. After all, strength in junk bonds means the "down in quality" risk trade is back on. Just as the calamity in credit during 2008 took a few weeks to leak into equities, look for these junk-bond inflows to continue manifesting themselves in the stock market.Potential ideas could also include a company like Georgia Gulf, which is still about 75 percent below its pre-crisis levels. Others I have liked on the same thesis include Patriot Coal and Century Aluminum.Disclosures: I own DRYS and PCX shares.(A version of this article appeared in optionMONSTER's Open Order newsletter of April 9.Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER.) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 13.4382 Stock Price 2 days before: 12.9595 Stock Price 1 day before: 12.9345 Stock Price at release: 13.0398 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	10.2217
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|GOL\|JBLU\|ALGT\|RYAAY\|CPA\|ALK\|HA\|CAL\|DAL\|SKYW\|LUV\|AMR Title: 23 Airlines Stocks to Buy and Sell - UAUA, LCC, LUV, CEA, ZNH Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 11:07:00 Article: The airline industry has seen quite a shake-up in recent weeks. First, United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) and US Air ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) entered [airline merger talks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/united-us-air-merger-airline-stocks-uaua-lcc-amr-cal-dal-luv.html) ... again. Then the eruption of an Iceland volcano crippled the skies over Europe. And by the way, consumer spending is still taking a toll on carriers while all this is going on.So how can you make sense of this mess in the airline industry? Are there actually any airline stocks to buy right now? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that domestic carriers are still largely bad news with the exception of Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ) and United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ), and the best airline stocks to buy are mostly in emerging markets like China and Latin America. China Eastern Airlines ([CEA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEA&selected=CEA)) ) and China Southern Airlines ([ZNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZNH&selected=ZNH)) ) are two [emerging market airline stocks to buy](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) .It's no secret as to why foreign airlines are doing well. Business is booming in emerging markets like China and Brazil, and that means booming business travel both from companies located there and U.S. companies traveling to these regions to get a piece of the pie. Also, consumer spending is stronger in markets like Latin America and Asia even as U.S. air travelers are pinching their pennies.Here's a complete sector breakdown of 23 airline stocks to buy and sell:About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.3225 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.089 Stock Price at release: 20.0172 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.748
Symbol: ALGT Security: Allegiant Travel Company Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|GOL\|JBLU\|RYAAY\|CPA\|ALK\|B\|HA\|CAL\|DAL\|SKYW\|LUV\|AMR Title: 23 Airlines Stocks to Buy and Sell - UAUA, LCC, LUV, CEA, ZNH Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 11:07:00 Article: The airline industry has seen quite a shake-up in recent weeks. First, United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) and US Air ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) entered [airline merger talks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/united-us-air-merger-airline-stocks-uaua-lcc-amr-cal-dal-luv.html) ... again. Then the eruption of an Iceland volcano crippled the skies over Europe. And by the way, consumer spending is still taking a toll on carriers while all this is going on.So how can you make sense of this mess in the airline industry? Are there actually any airline stocks to buy right now? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that domestic carriers are still largely bad news with the exception of Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ) and United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ), and the best airline stocks to buy are mostly in emerging markets like China and Latin America. China Eastern Airlines ([CEA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEA&selected=CEA)) ) and China Southern Airlines ([ZNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZNH&selected=ZNH)) ) are two [emerging market airline stocks to buy](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) .It's no secret as to why foreign airlines are doing well. Business is booming in emerging markets like China and Brazil, and that means booming business travel both from companies located there and U.S. companies traveling to these regions to get a piece of the pie. Also, consumer spending is stronger in markets like Latin America and Asia even as U.S. air travelers are pinching their pennies.Here's a complete sector breakdown of 23 airline stocks to buy and sell:About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 57.1018 Stock Price 2 days before: 56.2949 Stock Price 1 day before: 56.2649 Stock Price at release: 52.243 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	50.3832
Symbol: HA Security: Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|GOL\|JBLU\|ALGT\|RYAAY\|CPA\|ALK\|B\|CAL\|DAL\|SKYW\|LUV\|AMR Title: 23 Airlines Stocks to Buy and Sell - UAUA, LCC, LUV, CEA, ZNH Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 11:07:00 Article: The airline industry has seen quite a shake-up in recent weeks. First, United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) and US Air ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) entered [airline merger talks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/united-us-air-merger-airline-stocks-uaua-lcc-amr-cal-dal-luv.html) ... again. Then the eruption of an Iceland volcano crippled the skies over Europe. And by the way, consumer spending is still taking a toll on carriers while all this is going on.So how can you make sense of this mess in the airline industry? Are there actually any airline stocks to buy right now? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that domestic carriers are still largely bad news with the exception of Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ) and United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ), and the best airline stocks to buy are mostly in emerging markets like China and Latin America. China Eastern Airlines ([CEA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEA&selected=CEA)) ) and China Southern Airlines ([ZNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZNH&selected=ZNH)) ) are two [emerging market airline stocks to buy](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) .It's no secret as to why foreign airlines are doing well. Business is booming in emerging markets like China and Brazil, and that means booming business travel both from companies located there and U.S. companies traveling to these regions to get a piece of the pie. Also, consumer spending is stronger in markets like Latin America and Asia even as U.S. air travelers are pinching their pennies.Here's a complete sector breakdown of 23 airline stocks to buy and sell:About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 7.26325 Stock Price 2 days before: 7.1841 Stock Price 1 day before: 7.34908 Stock Price at release: 7.3512 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	6.79
Symbol: CAL Security: Caleres, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|GOL\|JBLU\|ALGT\|RYAAY\|CPA\|ALK\|B\|HA\|DAL\|SKYW\|LUV\|AMR Title: 23 Airlines Stocks to Buy and Sell - UAUA, LCC, LUV, CEA, ZNH Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 11:07:00 Article: The airline industry has seen quite a shake-up in recent weeks. First, United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) and US Air ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) entered [airline merger talks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/united-us-air-merger-airline-stocks-uaua-lcc-amr-cal-dal-luv.html) ... again. Then the eruption of an Iceland volcano crippled the skies over Europe. And by the way, consumer spending is still taking a toll on carriers while all this is going on.So how can you make sense of this mess in the airline industry? Are there actually any airline stocks to buy right now? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that domestic carriers are still largely bad news with the exception of Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ) and United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ), and the best airline stocks to buy are mostly in emerging markets like China and Latin America. China Eastern Airlines ([CEA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEA&selected=CEA)) ) and China Southern Airlines ([ZNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZNH&selected=ZNH)) ) are two [emerging market airline stocks to buy](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) .It's no secret as to why foreign airlines are doing well. Business is booming in emerging markets like China and Brazil, and that means booming business travel both from companies located there and U.S. companies traveling to these regions to get a piece of the pie. Also, consumer spending is stronger in markets like Latin America and Asia even as U.S. air travelers are pinching their pennies.Here's a complete sector breakdown of 23 airline stocks to buy and sell:About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 22.7953 Stock Price 2 days before: 22.1241 Stock Price 1 day before: 22.7895 Stock Price at release: 21.85 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.8923
Symbol: JBLU Security: JetBlue Airways Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|GOL\|ALGT\|RYAAY\|CPA\|ALK\|B\|HA\|CAL\|DAL\|SKYW\|LUV\|AMR Title: 23 Airlines Stocks to Buy and Sell - UAUA, LCC, LUV, CEA, ZNH Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-20 11:07:00 Article: The airline industry has seen quite a shake-up in recent weeks. First, United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) and US Air ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) entered [airline merger talks](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/united-us-air-merger-airline-stocks-uaua-lcc-amr-cal-dal-luv.html) ... again. Then the eruption of an Iceland volcano crippled the skies over Europe. And by the way, consumer spending is still taking a toll on carriers while all this is going on.So how can you make sense of this mess in the airline industry? Are there actually any airline stocks to buy right now? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that domestic carriers are still largely bad news with the exception of Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ) and United Airlines ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ), and the best airline stocks to buy are mostly in emerging markets like China and Latin America. China Eastern Airlines ([CEA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEA&selected=CEA)) ) and China Southern Airlines ([ZNH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZNH&selected=ZNH)) ) are two [emerging market airline stocks to buy](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/china-airline-stocks-latin-america-airline-stocks-cpa-lan-gol-cea-znh.html) .It's no secret as to why foreign airlines are doing well. Business is booming in emerging markets like China and Brazil, and that means booming business travel both from companies located there and U.S. companies traveling to these regions to get a piece of the pie. Also, consumer spending is stronger in markets like Latin America and Asia even as U.S. air travelers are pinching their pennies.Here's a complete sector breakdown of 23 airline stocks to buy and sell:About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - 4/5 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, HIT, XRX, YUM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/upgrades-boeing-ba-hitachi-hit-xerox-xrx-yum.html) - 4/5 large cap stock downgrades: [FDX, HMC, RIMM, RBS (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 6.59509 Stock Price 2 days before: 6.56229 Stock Price 1 day before: 6.7084 Stock Price at release: 6.70373 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	5.51
Symbol: APEI Security: American Public Education, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: WMT\|Markets\|TNDM\|PEG\|DECK\|TEVA Title: Inside the Numbers: Small-Cap Stocks Poised to Pop Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-21 05:17:00 Article: Fact: The S&P 500 is up more than +68% since the lows of March 2009. In light of this bit of information, it might be tempting for investors to become discouraged. After all, how much farther can the market rise?But looking at the past will only get you so far. What we're looking for are tomorrow's winners. And if we only stick with the "big dogs" on Wall Street, then we'll miss out on one of the market's most potentially lucrative spaces. I'm talking, of course, about small-capitalization stocks.In general, the market-cap range for small-cap stocks is considered to be between $150 million and $2 billion. It's easy to understand why some might be leery about these stocks -- a small, upstart company doesn't get the same amount of press that, say, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) or Wal-Mart ([WMT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WMT&selected=WMT)) ) does. Fewer analysts follow small caps, and share prices can also be more volatile than larger stocks -- but that isn't always a bad thing.Don't forget, Apple was once a small company, too. In fact, it was co-founder Steve Wozniak who built the first Apple computer by hand. And before Wal-Mart became the world's largest public company by revenue, founder Sam Walton's first store was called "Walton's Five and Dime."The point is, every successful company has humble beginnings. We aren't quite looking for companies in their infancy, mind you. But the earlier you can get in as an investor, the better. The goal of today's Inside the Numbers isn't necessarily to find the next Apple or Wal-Mart (although that would be nice), but rather to find small, established, financially healthy companies that are poised for substantial growth in the years ahead.StreetAuthority's research team got to work looking for small-cap winners using the following criteria: - Companies operating in the United States - Market cap between $150 and $2 billion - Price/Earnings-to-growth ratio ([PEG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PEG&selected=PEG)) ) ratio below 1.0 - Operating margins above 20% - Profitable last quarter and on a trailing twelve-month basis It's important to note that we narrowed our search down to small caps with PEGs below 1.0. This way, we're not paying an excess premium for growth -- we're actually getting a discount. Operating margins and profitability are important, too: we want small-cap companies that have already staked their claim and are just beginning to enter their prime. Here's what we found:All of the stocks in the table above make for compelling candidates worth investigating further, but let's take a look at a few of the standouts:-- Deckers Outdoor (Nasdaq: DECK) makes active wear and casual shoes. Its flagship line, UGGS Australia is responsible for about 85% of revenue. UGGS makes comfortable, casual (and pricey) sheepskin boots that can be worn throughout the year. Chances are, you've seen a few Hollywood starlets sport the boots when they're snapped by the paparazzi -- or at the very least your wife, girlfriend or daughter is familiar with the brand.There are a number of factors that make Deckers shares interesting: The stock trades for 15 times earnings, compared with an industry average of 29. Analysts expect the company to grow earnings more than +22% in the next five years. The stock could represent a solid growth bargain.-- True Religion (Nasdaq: TRLG) is another fashion brand. The company makes premium (read: expensive) jeans and casual wear sold in department stores and boutiques. Retailers were hit hard during the downturn, but you wouldn't know it by looking at True Religion's stock price, which has almost doubled in the past year. Earnings have been solid and analysts expect the company to continue to grow, yet investors are only assigning it a PEG of just under 0.5.-- Impax Labratories (Nasdaq: IPXL) is a generic drug maker specializing in controlled release medicines. I've made the bullish case for generic drug makers before, and it's the same for Impax: An aging population, plus more insured people, plus the impending patent cliff, plus an emphasis on controlling costs all equal more money spent on generic drugs. Impax markets a generic version of the attention deficit disorder drug Adderall XR and, in March, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market its generic version of the blockbuster drug Flomax, which treats enlarged prostates.Aside from long-term trends, the company has another factor working in its favor: size. It's just large enough to compete with the name-brand drug giants, but small enough to where it's still generating top-line growth with each new drug. And if that weren't enough, Big Pharma and large generic competitors like Teva Pharmaceuticals ([TEVA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TEVA&selected=TEVA)) ) have been on a buying spree lately. With each new Impax generic drug threatening to dethrone a blockbuster coming off patent protection, the company becomes more and more enticing as a takeover target.Analyst estimates were blown away when fourth-quarter sales grew by more than +400% from a year earlier to $176 million, while earnings grew by more than +300%. to $38 million. The company reports 2010's first-quarter earnings on May 4th -- don't be surprised to see more big numbers.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityDisclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 45.8104 Stock Price 2 days before: 45.8167 Stock Price 1 day before: 45.8684 Stock Price at release: 45.9063 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	42.2668
Symbol: NBR Security: Nabors Industries Ltd. Related Stocks/Topics: BP\|Markets\|RIG Title: Oil Up as European Airports Resume Operations, U.S. Inventories Seen Falling Type: News Publication: MTNewswires Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-21 07:52:00 Article: Oil is on the rise in early morning trade Wednesday, as demand for jet fuel rises after European airports resume operation nearly a week after volcanic ash from Iceland canceled over 95,000 flights worldwide.Traders are also buying ahead of the release of the latest oil inventories data from the U.S. Department of Energy on expectation that stockpiles will have fallen. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg on average expect a decline of 750,000 barrels to 354 million barrels in the latest week as imports fell and refiners increased operations. The data will be released at 1030 ET. At 0745 ET, Brent crude is up 0.6% at $85.29 a barrel, while light sweet crude is up 0.3% at $84.07 a barrel, and natural gas is down 0.5% t $3.95 a million British thermal units.About 12 workers are missing after an explosion at a BP plc ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ) oil rig run by Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) in the Gulf of Mexico which continues to be on fire, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Approximately 126 on the rig were evacuated, and those with critical injuries were flown to hospitals.In Venezuela, the country's finance and oil ministers both resigned Tuesday and speculation is growing that President Rafael Correa will announce a cabinet reshuffle that could support proposals to allow the state to rake in more mining and oil profits by changing tax laws. Natural Resources Minister Germanico Pinto, who was one of the ministers that quit, is currently the head of OPEC.On the corporate front, Nabors Industries Ltd. ([NBR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NBR&selected=NBR)) ) reported net income falling to $40.2 million, or 21 cents a share excluding one-time items, from $184.4 million, or 65 cents a shares, in the first quarter. The world's largest land rig contractor saw earnings tumble due to tough conditions across the globe.Meanwhile, Victoria Oil & Gas plc ([VOG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VOG&selected=VOG)) ) said it has completed drilling its second well in Cameroon, and data show that over 300 feet of gross pay may be found at the site. Gross pay is the portion of an oil reservoir that contains commercially viable oil. The company had reported in March that test results of its first Cameroonian well exceeded expectations. Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 19.5868 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.3882 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.7517 Stock Price at release: 20.5443 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	17.0896
Symbol: NBR Security: Nabors Industries Ltd. Related Stocks/Topics: BP\|Markets Title: Sector Update: Energy Type: News Publication: MTNewswires Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-21 08:17:00 Article: Energy shares are on the rise ahead of the opening bell Wednesday, as oil prices inch up following the resumption of European air travel. Land rig giant Nabors Industries ([NBR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NBR&selected=NBR)) ) reported first quarter net income falling to $40.2 million, or 21 cents a share excluding one-time items, compared to $184.4 million, or 65 cents a share, during the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, about 11 people are missing after an explosion at an oil rig operating off the coast of Louisiana. About 126 people on the rig contracted by BP ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ) have been evacuated, but the rig continues to be on fire, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Brent crude is trading up 0.5% at $85.23 a barrel on NYMEX. Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 19.5868 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.3882 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.7517 Stock Price at release: 20.5443 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	17.0896
Symbol: NBR Security: Nabors Industries Ltd. Related Stocks/Topics: BP\|Markets Title: Sector Update: Energy Lower, BP-Contracted Oil Rig Continues to Burn Type: News Publication: MTNewswires Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-21 08:42:00 Article: Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Index: 522.63 Tuesday regular session closeNYMEX Benchmark Crude: +0.52 (+0.61%) to 85.32Top Energy StocksXOM: -0.03%CVX: +0.11%SLB: -0.66%OXY: -0.03%COP: 0.00%Energy shares are mostly lower ahead of the opening bell Wednesday, even as oil prices inch up following the resumption of European air travel. Land rig giant Nabors Industries ([NBR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NBR&selected=NBR)) ) reported first quarter net income falling to $40.2 million, or 21 cents a share excluding one-time items, compared to $184.4 million, or 65 cents a share, during the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, about 11 people are missing after an explosion at an oil rig operating off the coast of Louisiana. About 126 people on the rig contracted by BP ([BP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BP&selected=BP)) ) have been evacuated, but the rig continues to be on fire, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 19.5868 Stock Price 2 days before: 19.3679 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.7517 Stock Price at release: 20.5443 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	17.0896
Symbol: PRDO Security: Perdoceo Education Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Bullish trade on Career Education Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-22 02:03:00 Article: Shares of Career Education have been trapped below $40 since 2006, but one trader is positioning for a pop above that level this summer.optionMONSTER's Heat Seeker tracking system detected the purchase of 3,800 July 40 calls for $1 at the same time that a block of 1,900 July 35 calls was sold for $2.80 against open interest. [CECO Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/cecopre422.png) The transaction apparently resulted from an investor unloading an existing position in the calls and rolling up to a higher strike. The strategy allowed him or her to recover $0.80 of premium while providing more exposure to a big move because the number of contracts doubled.CECO rose 5.65 percent to $35.70 yesterday and is up 51 percent this year. The for-profit education company has been ripping higher since Feb. 18, when its earnings and revenue beat forecasts and management issued a bullish growth outlook. It received a further boost on April 13 when Credit Suisse upgraded rivals including DeVry, citing an improved regulatory backdrop.The call roll on CECO will add leverage on a close above $45. If the shares rally to $50 by expiration, the new position will be worth $3.8 million while the old trade would have only been worth $2.85 million. At $55, the advantage will widen to $5.7 million versus $3.8 million.It's also possible that the sale of the July 35 calls didn't represent the close of an existing position. In that case it would be a backspread, another strongly bullish strategy.Overall options volume in CECO was 18 times greater than average yesterday, with calls accounting for 77 percent of the activity. (Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 0.0 Stock Price 2 days before: 0.0 Stock Price 1 day before: 0.0 Stock Price at release: 0.0 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	0
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: COP\|Markets\|RIG Title: Commodities Finish Mixed as Gold Declines, Oil Advances Type: News Publication: MTNewswires Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-22 03:24:00 Article: Commodities ended mixed Tuesday after gold futures closed down as crude oil futures erased losses to close higher.Gold for June delivery lost $5.90, or 0.5%, to finish at $1,142.90 an ounce. In other metals, silver futures were down 0.60%, or $0.10, to $17.97 while copper futures were down 1.21%, or $4.3, to $351.45 a pound. Crude oil for June delivery closed up $0.02 higher, or 0.02%, at $83.70 a barrel. Natural gas for May delivery gained $0.17 cents, or 4.4%, to end at $4.1280 per million British thermal units.Oil saw strength later in the day after the National Association of Realtors issued data that showed home purchases rose 6.8%.In energy stocks, the U.S. Coast Guard combed waters in the Gulf of Mexico overnight searching for 11 offshore oil workers missing after an explosion on a Transocean Ltd. ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) drilling rig. Transocean shares were down 0.43%, or $0.39, to $89.98.Meanwhile, Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) was down after the oil services company said first-quarter earnings fell to $290.9 million, or $2.09 a share, from $348.6 million, or $2.51 a share, in the year-ago period.Diamond Offshore shares were off 4.99%, or $4.51, to $85.79.Saudi Aramco "has asked for more time from bidders for deals to build its 400,000 barrels per day Yanbu refinery after partner ConocoPhillips ([COP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COP&selected=COP)) ) pulled out," Reuters reported, citing industry sources. ConocoPhillips shares were down 0.82%, or $0.47, to $56.75.In other commodities, hog futures were down from a 14-year high "on speculation that U.S. retail demand for pork will slow after wholesale prices reached the highest level since 2008," Bloomberg reported. Wholesale pork was at 88.41 cents a pound, the highest price since August 2008, U.S. Department of Agriculture data show, Bloomberg Reported. Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 86.7125 Stock Price 2 days before: 89.0318 Stock Price 1 day before: 91.3234 Stock Price at release: 88.5 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	70.6224
Symbol: NUS Security: Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Trader smooths Nu Skin strategy Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-23 08:03:00 Article: Nu Skin Enterprises has been ripping higher ahead of its earnings report next week, leading one investor to adjust the trade. [NUS Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/nuspre423.png) optionMONSTER's tracking systems detected the sale of about 1,675 May 30 calls, mostly for $3.52 to $3.58, against existing open interest. At the same time, a new position was opened in matching number of May 35 calls for $0.75 to $0.93. NUS rose 5.8 percent to close at a record high of $33.56 yesterday. Fueled by the launch of the new LOC product, the maker of anti-aging treatments beat analysts' forecasts the last time it reported results on Feb. 4. The next release is scheduled for the pre-market on April 28.The shares are up 37 percent in the last three months and just broke through the level where they traded in early 1997, shortly after going public.Yesterday's call-roll strategy allowed the investor to recover about $2.60 of premium while remaining long exposure to the stock. It also increased the gamma from 5 to about 12, which means that the position will become more sensitive to changes in NUS's price as the shares appreciate. (See our Education section) Overall option volume in the stock was 16 times greater than average in the session. Calls accounted for 95 percent of the activity.(Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 30.9544 Stock Price 2 days before: 31.4291 Stock Price 1 day before: 31.5734 Stock Price at release: 33.6615 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	27.9131
Symbol: BZH Security: Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Range-bound bet on Beazer Homes Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-23 08:07:00 Article: Beazer Homes rallied along with other homebuilders yesterday, but traders apparently don't think that it has much farther to run.optionMONSTER's tracking systems detected the sale of 3,000 November 5 puts for $0.70 and an equal number of November 7.50 calls for $0.63, generating a credit of $1.33. Volume was more than 4 times open interest in both strikes. [BZH Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/bzhpre423.png) BHZ rose 6.9 percent to $6.35 in the session and is up 55 percent in the last three months. The company reported better-than-expected results on Feb. 5, aided by an increase in new orders. The next release comes out before the bell on May 4.Yesterday's option trade, known as "selling a strangle," will make money as long as BZH stays between $3.67 and $8.83 by expiration. It will also profit from lower levels of implied volatility, which has climbed to 70 percent on the stock from 58 percent last week. (See optionMONSTER's Education section) Implied volatility, contributes to the price of the options sold short, often declines after a company reports earnings.Other investors sold more than 1,600 January 7.50 calls for $0.75 and $0.80, reflecting a belief the shares will remain below the $8.25 range through early next year.Overall options volume in BZH was 15 times greater than average, with sales contributing heavily to the activity. (Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 5.37273 Stock Price 2 days before: 5.7709 Stock Price 1 day before: 5.78092 Stock Price at release: 6.40573 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	5.14803
Symbol: PDFS Security: PDF Solutions, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: TSEM\|Markets\|M\|AXTI\|CNXT\|ACLS\|PRSO\|LSCC Title: 11 Hi-Tech Penny Stocks to Buy - LSCC, LTXC, TSEM, MTSN, CNXT, ACLS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-23 09:26:00 Article: Penny stocks in the semiconductor industry such as Lattice Semiconductor ([LSCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LSCC&selected=LSCC)) ), LTX-Credence ([LTXC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LTXC&selected=LTXC)) ), Tower Semiconductor ([TSEM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TSEM&selected=TSEM)) ), Mattson Technology ([MTSN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MTSN&selected=MTSN)) ), Conexant Systems ([CNXT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CNXT&selected=CNXT)) ) and Axcelis Technologies ([ACLS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ACLS&selected=ACLS)) ) are just a few names to watch.I expect robust inventory rebuilding by businesses and revitalized consumer spending (as the unemployment rate improves) to carry us through the balance of this year with continued positive earnings growth from many tech companies -- most notably semiconductor stocks. Semiconductor stocks are some of the prime movers of the tech sector, since they make the components that are crucial to so many electronic devices -- from the servers used at Fortune 500 offices to the iPod your teen totes to the mall to electronics components of automobiles and airplanes.That's why if you want to get in on the ground floor of the tech sector, you want to get into semiconductor stocks.And if you want to get in on the ground floor of semiconductor stocks, you'll want to take a look at these top 11 penny stocks. All of them are trading for around $5 a share and all of them are rated "Buy" or "Strong Buy" in my Portfolio Grader fundamental analysis database.One word of warning, however: I recommend that you use limit orders whenever buying stocks that are this small. I'm not talking about the share price, of course, but rather the average volume and market cap. Just buying a few hundred -- or even a few dozen -- shares could send prices soaring, so if you're going to buy any of these penny stocks I advise you set your entry price at 10 cents above the previous day's close and don't pay a penny more. You may have to string your purchase out over several days, but it is much better to enter at the right price in these penny stocks. Because of the low valuations, just a few cents difference can mean big profits or losses. So again, always use a limit order and under no circumstances place a market order.As of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own any of the stocks mentioned here in personal or client portfolios. About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock expert Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108). ****Related Articles: - [10 of the Worst Stocks Out There](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/michael_shulman/articles/stocks-to-sell-c-pfe-hov-zlc-fxb.html) - [7 Safe Stocks for June](http://www.investorplace.com/education/gallery/top-stocks-to-buy-investment-dps-mrk-bkcc-onp-wbmd-prst-stm.html) - [25 Highest Yield Dividend Stocks in the S&P 500](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/stock-investing-trading-strategies-best-stocks-to-buy-high-dividend-yield.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 4.34085 Stock Price 2 days before: 4.62481 Stock Price 1 day before: 4.71078 Stock Price at release: 5.00434 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	4.75909
Symbol: CIM Security: Chimera Investment Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Unknown Title: Calls are active as Chimera pops Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-26 02:42:00 Article: Chimera Investment spiked higher Friday, prompting a slew of call activity.Most of the trades resulted from investors selling about 8,937 December 5 contracts for $0.10 against open interest of just 67. There was also buying of the September 5 calls for $0.10 and $0.15, plus the June 5 calls for $0.05, although volume in both was below open interest. [CIM Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/cimpre426.png) Overall options volume in finance company was 23 times greater than average.CIM gapped higher on the open and closed up 2.99 percent to $4.13. The company, organized as a real-estate investment trust, makes money by owning mortgage-backed securities. It raised its dividend in December, resulting in a forward yield of 17 percent.The shares have been trapped between $3.50 and $4.25 since August. Friday's gains came despite a lack of apparent news, though some buyers may be targeting the stock amid improvement in the housing and home-lending sectors. Builders and mortgage-insurance companies have been rallying this month.While the call selling may initially appear bearish, it could also result from an investor writing CIM options to maintain a short position in volatility, which has fallen to 40 percent on the stock from 84 percent in November.CIM last reported earnings on Feb. 8 and hasn't yet indicated when the next release will be issued. (Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 3.97528 Stock Price 2 days before: 4.12954 Stock Price 1 day before: 4.16317 Stock Price at release: 4.16501 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	3.84721
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades – BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-26 03:54:00 Article: In the wake of the Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) bombshell, there have been a number of stock upgrades and stock downgrades to financial companies in the last week. GS stock was beaten down recently on news of a [civil fraud investigation of Goldman by the SEC](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/goldman-sachs-fraud-investigation-sec-abacus-mortgage-backed-securities.html) , and has sent shockwaves through the financial sector. Stock upgrades include Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ) and New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ). Stock downgrades include Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ), UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ) and Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ). Goldman Sachs itself also saw a stock downgrade.Here's a complete breakdown of the biggest financial stocks and bank stocks (by market capitalization) that were upgraded or downgraded last week. All of these stock upgrades and downgrades are current as of April 26, 2010: Financial Stock Upgrades - Bank of America, Brookfield Asset, TD AmeritradeFinancial stocks upgraded this week include Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ), New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ), Zions Bancorp ([ZION](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZION&selected=ZION)) ), and AllianceBernstein Holding ([AB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AB&selected=AB)) ). Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), a diversified financial services firm and one of the largest banks in the world, was upgraded to a C grade or a "hold" in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. The database is updated weekly, and these new stock upgrades and stock downgrades are current as of April 26. Last week the company was rated a D overall, or "sell." BAC stock has been firming up lately and is up over 20% year to date. Directors Frank Bramble and Charles Holliday are the leading contenders to become Bank of America's new chairman when BAC stock announces its new leader, probably sometime this week. Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), was also upgraded to a C grade or a "hold" in Portfolio Grader from a D grade or "sell" last week. BAM stock has also outperformed the market year-to-date, with a surge of about 18% since January 1. That's about twice the broader market. Brookfield Asset Management has been upgraded as a result. Looking forward to BAM earnings on May 6, Wall Street expects Brookfield Asset Management to report earnings of 17 cents a share on the quarter and full-year earnings of 67 cents. Last year, BAM earnings were 15 cents on sales of $2.7 billion, and last quarter Brookfield earnings were 15 cents a share, , topping estimates of 11 cents. TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ) was also upgraded this week in Portfolio Grader to "hold" from a "sell" last week. Zions Bancorp ([ZION](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZION&selected=ZION)) ) saw a similar stock upgrade from "sell" to "hold." New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ) was upgraded to a B grade or "Buy" from "Hold," and AllianceBernstein Holding ([AB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AB&selected=AB)) ) saw the same stock upgrade. Top 7 Bank Upgrades - ARE, AB, BAC, BAM, NYB, AMTD, ZIONHere are the complete list of financial stock upgrades this week. Remember that Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell."SymbolCompany NameFinancial SectorMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )Grade This WeekGrade Last Week ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Real Estate Investment Trusts $3.3 C - Hold D - Sell AB AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. Capital Markets $3.4 B - Buy C - Hold BAC Bank of America Corp. Diversified Financial Services $184.9 C - Hold D - Sell BAM Brookfield Asset Management Real Estate Management & Dev. $14.9 C - Hold D - Sell NYB New York Community Bancorp Thrifts & Mortgage Finance $7.2 B - Buy C - Hold AMTD TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. Capital Markets $12.0 C - Hold D - Sell ZION Zions Bancorp Commercial Banks $4.8 C - Hold D - Sell Financial Stock Downgrades - Wells Fargo, UBS, Goldman SachsFinancial stocks downgraded this week include Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ), Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ), UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ), and Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ). Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) was downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. On April 22, Credit Suisse reported earnings that were fairly impressive, including rising profits on a wealthier banking clientele. however, revenue failed to keep pace with top U.S. rivals so the stock was downgraded in Navellier's latest report on April 26. Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) was also downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader. GS stock troubles have been widely publicized lately, and the stock continues to slip. Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ) was also downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader on April 26, and UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ) was downgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to the worst grade - an F, or "strong sell."Top 10 Bank Downgrades - AMP, CS, GS, HCBK, MTU, NTRS, TROW, UBS, WFC, WBKHere are the complete list of financial stock downgrades this week. Remember that Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell."SymbolCompany NameFinancial SectorMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )Grade This WeekGrade Last Week AMP Ameriprise Financial Inc. Capital Markets $12.5 C - Hold B - Buy CS Credit Suisse Group Capital Markets $56.2 D - Sell C - Hold GS Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Capital Markets $81.1 D - Sell C - Hold HCBK Hudson City Bancorp Inc. Thrifts & Mortgage Finance $7.2 D - Sell C - Hold MTU Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Commercial Banks $76.3 F - Strong Sell D - Sell NTRS Northern Trust Corp. Capital Markets $13.6 F - Strong Sell D - Sell TROW T. Rowe Price Group Inc. Capital Markets $15.2 D - Sell C - Hold UBS UBS AG Capital Markets $56.7 F - Strong Sell D - Sell WFC Wells Fargo & Co. Commercial Banks $174.3 D - Sell C - Hold WBK Westpac Banking Corp. Commercial Banks $74.9 C - Hold B - Buy About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])More Portfolio Grader stock analysis:4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) [](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html)Are Your Investments Going to Fail You This Year?Designed to give stock analysis on nearly 5,000 stocks in easy-to-interpret A to F letter grades, Portfolio Grader is a great way to rank your current or future investments, and it's completely FREE! Put the power of Portfolio Grader to work for you now! - [get FREE access here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 20.0027 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.9426 Stock Price 1 day before: 21.0103 Stock Price at release: 21.0153 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.5633
Symbol: MLR Security: Miller Industries, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|HUM\|MA Title: The Humana Message Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-26 04:15:00 Article: [Michael Steinberg](http://clickbroker.blogspot.com/) submits:The Humana ([HUM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HUM&selected=HUM)) ) [conference call (4/26/2010)](http://seekingalpha.com/article/200907-humana-inc-q1-2010-earnings-call-transcript) was one of the most informative in recent memory. The market's early enthusiasm for the stock gave way well before the call concluded. Reversals of accruals and outsized premium increases accounted for much of the earnings. Commercial enrollment continued to fall while Medicare Advantage (([MA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MA&selected=MA)) )) increased 19% to 1.74M members. The company's unbalanced book continues to get worse, increasing its dependence on government programs further.Humana profoundly stated that healthcare reform is now the law, so they must adapt and become much more efficient. Only the large and dominant insurers will survive; the other smaller players will either merge or go out of business. The dominant players will vary by market. The company's perspective on the upcoming medical loss ratio ([MLR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MLR&selected=MLR)) ) regulations differed from other insurers' public statements. While others primarily focused on moving costs from admin to MLR, Humana was more concerned in how finely pools would be cut in calculating MLR. They believed they are close to the required 85% in large groups and 80% in small groups, but have too much administrative overhead and broker commissions in the individual market to meet the 80% mark.While Humana might be able to meet the benchmarks nationwide, MLR varies by plan pool, state and even metropolitan area. If every individual product is weighed by a fine geographical slice, Humana sees difficulty.While Medicare Advantage is in the process of almost completely engulfing the company, they say that their plans must be at least 15% more cost effective than traditional Medicare to survive under healthcare reform. This comes from the previous environment where MA providers were given a 15% premium over traditional Medicare. The path Humana sees to achieving this is disease management of their most costly seniors.Disease management could take both positive and negative paths. Chronic seniors with long life expectancies would receive extensive calls and home visits from Humana nurses to insure care regiments are adhered to. This is the positive side the company highlighted.The negative side of disease management is moving their entire MA population to managed care and making referrals cumbersome for the more frail seniors with short life expectancies and high end of life medical costs. This might be the private insurers' route to pulling the plug on grandma. Humana is accelerating its move into the individual market in preparation for the opening of the insurance exchanges in 2014. In another profound statement, the company sees an acceleration in employers dropping health insurance when the exchanges open. It will become much more efficient for employees to purchase coverage on the exchanges because only the most efficient insurers will survive the highly competitive exchange system.Allowing employees of larger companies to participate on the insurance exchanges is phased in during the years following 2014. I agree with Humana's analysis of the shift from employer to individual health insurance. I think it is truly a healthy trend as long as insurance regulation remains strong.The evaluation of Humana as a stock rests on whether you believe they can deliver on the efficiencies their new business plan requires. This quarter's success was built on onetime events and beating Medicare at its own game by 15% is difficult for me to imagine.Politico's ["Democrats move to blunt Citizens United ruling"](http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/36303.html) reveals that the Schumer, Van Hollen, Castle's campaign finance bill will prevent government contractors from spending money to influence elections. This legislation could be as profound to private health insurers as the healthcare bill recently signed by President Obama. All of the major insurers are large government contractors, so their influence on public policy could begin to wane.On the positive side, Humana has shown the wisdom to accept healthcare reform and is trying to adapt. However, I do not believe they will be successful. While they talk a good game, they more than hinted during the call that they are still counting on state insurance commissioners to prioritize insurer financial stability over lower premiums. Translation - they have not really convinced themselves that change is inevitable. Disclosure: Author is long HUM puts.See also [Through the Looking Glass: Thursday in Wonderland](http://seekingalpha.com/article/203363-through-the-looking-glass-thursday-in-wonderland?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 13.8793 Stock Price 2 days before: 14.7795 Stock Price 1 day before: 14.7078 Stock Price at release: 14.7013 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	14.4308
Symbol: AMTD Security: AMTD IDEA Group Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|BAC\|UBS\|AMP\|GS\|TROW\|ZION\|BAM\|ARE\|AB\|WFC\|NTRS\|B Title: Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-26 10:38:00 Article: In the wake of the Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) bombshell, there have been a number of stock upgrades and stock downgrades to financial companies in the last week. GS stock was beaten down recently on news of a [civil fraud investigation of Goldman by the SEC](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/goldman-sachs-fraud-investigation-sec-abacus-mortgage-backed-securities.html) , and has sent shockwaves through the financial sector. Stock upgrades include Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ) and New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ). Stock downgrades include Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ), UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ) and Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ). Goldman Sachs itself also saw a stock downgrade.Here's a complete breakdown of the biggest financial stocks and bank stocks (by market capitalization) that were upgraded or downgraded last week. All of these stock upgrades and downgrades are current as of April 26, 2010: Financial Stock Upgrades - Bank of America, Brookfield Asset, TD Ameritrade Financial stocks upgraded this week include Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ), New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ), Zions Bancorp ([ZION](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZION&selected=ZION)) ), and AllianceBernstein Holding ([AB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AB&selected=AB)) ). Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), a diversified financial services firm and one of the largest banks in the world, was upgraded to a C grade or a "hold" in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. The database is updated weekly, and these new stock upgrades and stock downgrades are current as of April 26. Last week the company was rated a D overall, or "sell." BAC stock has been firming up lately and is up over 20% year to date. Directors Frank Bramble and Charles Holliday are the leading contenders to become Bank of America's new chairman when BAC stock announces its new leader, probably sometime this week. Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), was also upgraded to a C grade or a "hold" in Portfolio Grader from a D grade or "sell" last week. BAM stock has also outperformed the market year-to-date, with a surge of about 18% since January 1. That's about twice the broader market. Brookfield Asset Management has been upgraded as a result. Looking forward to BAM earnings on May 6, Wall Street expects Brookfield Asset Management to report earnings of 17 cents a share on the quarter and full-year earnings of 67 cents. Last year, BAM earnings were 15 cents on sales of $2.7 billion, and last quarter Brookfield earnings were 15 cents a share, , topping estimates of 11 cents. TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ) was also upgraded this week in Portfolio Grader to "hold" from a "sell" last week. Zions Bancorp ([ZION](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZION&selected=ZION)) ) saw a similar stock upgrade from "sell" to "hold." New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ) was upgraded to a B grade or "Buy" from "Hold," and AllianceBernstein Holding ([AB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AB&selected=AB)) ) saw the same stock upgrade. Top 7 Bank Upgrades - ARE, AB, BAC, BAM, NYB, AMTD, ZION Here are the complete list of financial stock upgrades this week. Remember that Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." Financial Stock Downgrades - Wells Fargo, UBS, Goldman Sachs Financial stocks downgraded this week include Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ), Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ), UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ), and Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ). Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) was downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. On April 22, Credit Suisse reported earnings that were fairly impressive, including rising profits on a wealthier banking clientele. however, revenue failed to keep pace with top U.S. rivals so the stock was downgraded in Navellier's latest report on April 26. Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) was also downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader. GS stock troubles have been widely publicized lately, and the stock continues to slip. Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ) was also downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader on April 26, and UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ) was downgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to the worst grade -- an F, or "strong sell."Top 10 Bank Downgrades - AMP, CS, GS, HCBK, MTU, NTRS, TROW, UBS, WFC, WBK Here are the complete list of financial stock downgrades this week. Remember that Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - [](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.2171 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.3782 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.3453 Stock Price at release: 20.3345 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.07
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: AMTD\|Markets\|BAC\|UBS\|AMP\|GS\|TROW\|ZION\|BAM\|ARE\|AB\|WFC\|NTRS Title: Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-26 10:38:00 Article: In the wake of the Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) bombshell, there have been a number of stock upgrades and stock downgrades to financial companies in the last week. GS stock was beaten down recently on news of a [civil fraud investigation of Goldman by the SEC](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/goldman-sachs-fraud-investigation-sec-abacus-mortgage-backed-securities.html) , and has sent shockwaves through the financial sector. Stock upgrades include Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ) and New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ). Stock downgrades include Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ), UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ) and Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ). Goldman Sachs itself also saw a stock downgrade.Here's a complete breakdown of the biggest financial stocks and bank stocks (by market capitalization) that were upgraded or downgraded last week. All of these stock upgrades and downgrades are current as of April 26, 2010: Financial Stock Upgrades - Bank of America, Brookfield Asset, TD Ameritrade Financial stocks upgraded this week include Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ), New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ), Zions Bancorp ([ZION](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZION&selected=ZION)) ), and AllianceBernstein Holding ([AB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AB&selected=AB)) ). Bank of America ([BAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAC&selected=BAC)) ), a diversified financial services firm and one of the largest banks in the world, was upgraded to a C grade or a "hold" in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. The database is updated weekly, and these new stock upgrades and stock downgrades are current as of April 26. Last week the company was rated a D overall, or "sell." BAC stock has been firming up lately and is up over 20% year to date. Directors Frank Bramble and Charles Holliday are the leading contenders to become Bank of America's new chairman when BAC stock announces its new leader, probably sometime this week. Brookfield Asset Management ([BAM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BAM&selected=BAM)) ), was also upgraded to a C grade or a "hold" in Portfolio Grader from a D grade or "sell" last week. BAM stock has also outperformed the market year-to-date, with a surge of about 18% since January 1. That's about twice the broader market. Brookfield Asset Management has been upgraded as a result. Looking forward to BAM earnings on May 6, Wall Street expects Brookfield Asset Management to report earnings of 17 cents a share on the quarter and full-year earnings of 67 cents. Last year, BAM earnings were 15 cents on sales of $2.7 billion, and last quarter Brookfield earnings were 15 cents a share, , topping estimates of 11 cents. TD Ameritrade ([AMTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMTD&selected=AMTD)) ) was also upgraded this week in Portfolio Grader to "hold" from a "sell" last week. Zions Bancorp ([ZION](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ZION&selected=ZION)) ) saw a similar stock upgrade from "sell" to "hold." New York Community Bancorp ([NYB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NYB&selected=NYB)) ) was upgraded to a B grade or "Buy" from "Hold," and AllianceBernstein Holding ([AB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AB&selected=AB)) ) saw the same stock upgrade. Top 7 Bank Upgrades - ARE, AB, BAC, BAM, NYB, AMTD, ZION Here are the complete list of financial stock upgrades this week. Remember that Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." Financial Stock Downgrades - Wells Fargo, UBS, Goldman Sachs Financial stocks downgraded this week include Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ), Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ), UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ), and Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ). Credit Suisse ([CS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CS&selected=CS)) ) was downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Louis Navellier's database of stocks to buy and sell. On April 22, Credit Suisse reported earnings that were fairly impressive, including rising profits on a wealthier banking clientele. however, revenue failed to keep pace with top U.S. rivals so the stock was downgraded in Navellier's latest report on April 26. Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) was also downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader. GS stock troubles have been widely publicized lately, and the stock continues to slip. Wells Fargo ([WFC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WFC&selected=WFC)) ) was also downgraded from a C grade or "hold" to a D grade or "sell" in Portfolio Grader on April 26, and UBS ([UBS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UBS&selected=UBS)) ) was downgraded from a D grade or "sell" last week to the worst grade -- an F, or "strong sell."Top 10 Bank Downgrades - AMP, CS, GS, HCBK, MTU, NTRS, TROW, UBS, WFC, WBK Here are the complete list of financial stock downgrades this week. Remember that Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . ****More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) - 4/19 large cap stock downgrades: [GOOG, LMT, SNE (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-google-goog-lockheed-lmt-earnings-sony-sne.html) - 4/12 large cap stock upgrades: [COST, LLY, RDS, WMT (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-costco-cost-eli-lilly-lly-shell-rds-walmart-wmt.html) - 4/12 large cap stock downgrades: [BAC, BA, PC, TM (click for complete list of stocks to sell)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-downgrades-bac-ba-pc-tm.html) - [](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/downgrades-fedex-fdx-honda-hmc-rimm-rbs.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.1928 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.9426 Stock Price 1 day before: 21.0103 Stock Price at release: 21.0187 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.5344
Symbol: ODP Security: The ODP Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|WHR\|CAR Title: Monday Winners: High-Flying Hertz Flying too High? Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-26 12:25:00 Article: Shares of Hertz ([HTZ](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HTZ&selected=HTZ)) ) rose roughly +20% this morning after the world's largest car rental firm agreed to acquire rival Dollar Thrifty ([DTG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DTG&selected=DTG)) ) for a modest premium. Investors in Dollar Thrifty can't complain: shares are now up twenty-fold since plummeting to $2 during the economic crisis. The deal, which reduces competition, should give Hertz additional pricing power. And that's a plus for rival Avis Budget Group ([CAR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAR&selected=CAR)) ) as well, which also rose more than +10% on the buyout news.The spike in Hertz's shares is unusual for two reasons. First, acquirers rarely see their stocks bid up when a deal is announced, and usually suffer a modest pullback. Also, the deal is likely to only modestly improve Hertz's profits, probably well less than the +20% increase reflected in the share price. In this bullish market environment, even "less bad" is good. Office Depot ([ODP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ODP&selected=ODP)) ) continues to lose market share to rivals such as Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) , but the retailer's annual loss is set to shrink, according to Jefferies, which is talking up the stock ahead of Tuesday's quarterly earnings release. Shares, which rose nearly +8% on Monday, now trade at an 18-month high.Shares of Whirlpool ([WHR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WHR&selected=WHR)) ) also rose more than +10% in Monday trading and now trade close to an all-time high. The appliance maker saw first quarter sales rise +20% and expects to post banner results throughout the year. Rising demand in Asia and Latin America get much of the credit, while U.S. sales are expected to grow at a more moderate pace.But it may be time to take profits. Whirlpool now expects to earn $8 or $9 a share this year, which would top the company's record profits of $8.10 a share earned in 2007. But investors should note that profits throughout the past decade mostly ranged from $5 to $6 a share. The current strong run rate is surely attributable to a bounce back in global demand after a period of slack in 2008 and 2009. And since this is a cyclical earnings play, investors tend to seek the exit when the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) gets too high. Shares of Whirlpool now trade for about 13.5 times the mid-point of management's 2009 profit guidance. Peak-cycle profits on cyclical stocks typically merit a P/E ratio below 10.Whirlpool could go on to post solid results next year as well, and per-share profits could rise yet higher to around $10. But that still can't justify further gains in this current highflyer.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 8.0 Stock Price 2 days before: 8.48293 Stock Price 1 day before: 8.54678 Stock Price at release: 9.04753 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	5.96
Symbol: ADTN Security: ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: CRUS\|Markets\|AMAT\|WU Title: Tuesday Winners: Tellabs Brings the Focus to Telecom Stocks Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-27 11:17:00 Article: It's been an extended stretch of misery for companies that supply equipment to wireless and wireline telecom companies. The massive network buildout of the 1990s led to more tepid capital spending in the last decade. But we may be entering a robust new phase of industry spending, according to telco equipment supplier Tellabs (Nasdaq: TLAB) . The company this morning posted first-quarter results ahead of analyst forecasts, and also issued impressive second-quarter guidance. That helped push shares up nearly +10% in Tuesday trading. (In late February we looked at Tellabs' prospects here.) Shares of Tellabs have risen more than +50% since the start of the year, but it's not too late to join the party. That's because the renaissance in telecom equipment spending is just getting underway, which should yield steady sales gains for Tellabs in the years to come. And thanks to robust cost cuts over the last two years, profits may grow at a very fast clip. If you exclude the company's hefty $1.1 billion cash position, the Tellabs is valued at just $2.4 billion, or roughly 10 times the current run rate of annual cash flow. And as noted above, that cash flow looks set to rise at a solid clip over the next few years. Tellabs' key rival Adtran (Nasdaq: ADTN) posted similarly robust results earlier this month, echoing the bright industry outlook. Could investors be in for a similar treat when competitor ADC Telecom (Nasdaq: ADCT) weighs in late next week? Options investors think so, as call buying on ADC Telecom has ticked up recently."Thanks for nothing." That seems to be the message investors are sending to Western Union's ([WU](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WU&selected=WU)) ) CEO Christina Gold. Her retirement announcement sent shares up nearly 9% in Tuesday trading. Western Union's quarterly results were uninspiring, but the money transfer firm should see improving results if the global economy continues to get back on its feet. And shares, at about 13 times next year's projected profits, are reasonably priced for a company with a global footprint and strong brand name. To move shares higher from here, new management will need to articulate growth plans that help boost sales.Lastly, chip stocks continue to move back into vogue on the heels of stellar results from Cirrus Logic (Nasdaq: CRUS) and Cavium Networks (Nasdaq: CAVM) . Those stocks are up +15%, and +9%, respectively, in Tuesday morning trading. We recently highlighted Applied Materials (Nasdaq: AMAT) as an undervalued play on the industry's renewed growth prospects. Click here to see the story.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 27.6449 Stock Price 2 days before: 27.4518 Stock Price 1 day before: 27.5697 Stock Price at release: 27.4787 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	27.2656
Symbol: ODP Security: The ODP Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|PSBC Title: Tuesday Losers: Traders Skittish about Regional Banks after Recent Loan-Loss Reports Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-27 12:03:00 Article: We saw a host of regional banks report stubbornly high loan losses on Monday, and investors have grown skittish about the regional banks that still have yet to report quarterly results. Sterling Financial (Nasdaq: STSA ), Pacific State Bancorp (Nasdaq: PSBC) , Midwest Banc Holdings (Nasdaq: MBHI ), and W Holding ([WHI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WHI&selected=WHI)) ) all saw their shares fall by -15% to -20% in Tuesday trading. These banks all share a common trait: their market caps have shrunk to troubling low levels. The string of FDIC-induced bank closures may continue for a while.That would be good news for the healthier banks, which would have a chance to pick up their weakened brethren at fire-sale prices. Indeed many banks have traded up recently, as the Nasdaq Bank Index (Nasdaq: NAS) has risen nearly +25% in the last three months. Tuesday morning trading has not been kind to investors in home furnishing retailer Tuesday Morning (Nasdaq: TUES) , which is falling sharply for a second straight day after reporting tepid fiscal third-quarter results Monday. As the stock continues to drop, so does the interest . In these situations, it pays to monitor a stock, and hold off taking any action until shares have truly found a floor. For retailers like Tuesday Morning, an eventual decline in unemployment rates could be the catalyst to get investors focused on a potential increase in same-store sales - and profits.Analysts at Jefferies have a bit of egg on their face today after talking up shares of Office Depot ([ODP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ODP&selected=ODP)) ) on Monday. The analysts' bullish preview of first quarter results pushed shares up above $9 on Monday to a 52-week high on an intra-day basis. Shares gave back all of those gains - and more - in Tuesday trading, as sales and profits missed estimates. A lackluster outlook for the second quarter also weighed on shares.But this is a late cycle play on the economy, closely tied to the unemployment rate . As companies start to hire again, their need for office supplies will grow commensurately. So the analysts at Jefferies may ultimately prove correct but premature. When the business turns, the stock could prove to be a real bargain: Office Depot earned an average of $1.28 a share from 2004 to 2007. The company's foot print has shrunk somewhat since then, but earnings power of $1 a share is quite feasible when the economy turns. That's not a bad run rate for an $8 stock.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 8.36 Stock Price 2 days before: 8.54678 Stock Price 1 day before: 9.00121 Stock Price at release: 7.73 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	5.90123
Symbol: SA Security: Seabridge Gold Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Unknown Title: A case to be made for gold miners Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-28 08:50:00 Article: The meltdown in European nations has investors going for gold.Gold miners were one of the best sectors in yesterday's market as traders flocked to an industry that not only stands to benefit from sovereign distress but has also lagged the market so far this year.The numbers suggest a shift could potentially be underway: The Market Vectors Gold Miners exchange-traded fund ([GDX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GDX&selected=GDX)) ) climbed 0.31 percent to $48.28 yesterday, bucking a 2.34 percent drop for the S&P 500. Most of the gains came late in the session, reflecting activity by institutional investors. [Gold Miners Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/goldminerspre428.png) The move was a continuation of what's been quietly brewing this month, when GDX climbed 9 percent compared with the broader market's 1 percent gain. The recent strength marks a change from the first quarter, when GDX lagged with a 4 percent drop versus a 5 increase for the S&P 500.The gold-miner rally tracked the performance of the metal. The SPDR Gold Trust fund ([GLD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GLD&selected=GLD)) ) climbed 1.67 percent to $114.63 yesterday, its highest price since early December.The interesting thing about the price action in gold is that it comes at the same time that the U.S. dollar is gaining and the euro is weakening. This marks a contrast with the period before the financial crisis, when bullion was used as a general proxy for greenback weakness. The fact that gold is pushing higher regardless of correlations to individual currencies or other trends suggests it's in the midst of a true bull market.A fundamental case can also be made for the GDX because it's down 15 percent from its peak in March 2008 while the GLD is up about 16 percent over the same period. [GDX Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/gdxpre428.png) For full disclosure, I started getting long the miners in mid-April after noticing a bullish call roll in Barrick Gold. I liked how both ABX and GDX seemed to have minimal downside and were consolidating above their 200-, 50-, and 30-day moving averages. While many people cite the "end of the world" aspect of the gold trade--people fleeing to the one asset that will always hold some value--it's worth considering another explanation for its strength. Like most assets that are trending higher, gold is underowned.Think about it like this: At most other moments in human history, the average person of means owned gold in some form, whether in coins or via certificates. Now there are wealthy people with millions of dollars in assets who own no gold other than a few pieces of jewelry.As we revert to something resembling the long-term trend that has been in place since the walls first went up at Jericho, gold will likely become more widely held. We don't have to go all the way back to a gold economy; simply moving a few inches in that direction will keep the rally going.To that end, there is a stock that I have been watching for a long time in hope of a big rally: Seabridge Gold. This company claims to have more than 45 million ounces of indicated gold reserves, yet only has about 40 million shares outstanding. When you consider that the SA closed at $29.57 yesterday and gold is worth about $1,140 an ounce, it's not hard to see how the stock could be valued far above $100.Disclosures: I own GDX, ABX, and SA.(Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 28.7481 Stock Price 2 days before: 28.7422 Stock Price 1 day before: 28.8401 Stock Price at release: 29.8717 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	35.0609
Symbol: BCRX Security: BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: OC\|Markets Title: Wednesday Winners: Semis Continue Their Ascent Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-28 11:33:00 Article: Semiconductor stocks continue to deliver upside surprises. Integrated Silicon Solution (Nasdaq: ISSI) , is up nearly +20% today after topping estimates by a handy margin for the fourth straight quarter. Shares, which trade for less than 15 times projected 2010 profits, could see continued upside as management notes a swelling backlog and increasing design wins. Design wins are decisions by key customers to incorporate ISSI's specialized memory technology into new products that will often yield sales (and royalties to ISSI) when new products are released.------------------------------------You have to be impressed by a company that is doing well even as its end-markets remain depressed. Owens-Corning ([OC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=OC&selected=OC)) ) , which sells building materials into the residential and commercial construction market, delivered stellar first-quarter results, and management now thinks that per-share profits could nearly double this year to $2.00. Presumably, a healthier housing market in future years could spike profits sharply higher than that. Keep an eye out for analyst forecasts in this name, as the consensus profit estimates - especially for 2011 - are likely to spike far higher. How high they go will determine whether the stock looks like a bargain after today's +10% gain in the stock. ------------------------------------Gout, a form of arthritis that generally afflicts middle-aged men, has been one of the fastest growing ailments in the United States. But current treatments are often ineffective or bring debilitating side effects. In response, any drug that shows promise in treating gout is bound to attract attention. Biocryst Pharma (Nasdaq: BCRX) , which is among several drug companies testing various treatments, just announced that its BCX4208 drug has proven effective in Stage 2 clinical trials. There are still a few more years worth of regulatory hurdles to surmount, but Biocryst faces a potentially large opportunity: More than five million Americans suffer from gout, a figure that is rising +10% annually. Shares of Biocryst are up more than +10% in Wednesday trading, but still trade at -40% below their 52-week high.------------------------------------Looking to research other companies seeking a remedy for gout? Ardea Biosciences' (Nasdaq: RDEA) key drug, RDEA594, has worked well in conjunction with Allopuriol, an existing treatment that reduces uric acid in blood. Management hopes to secure FDA approval by the end of this year. You can also check out Savient Pharma (Nasdaq: SVNT) , which is expected to receive FDA approval for its Krystexxa drug late this year as well.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 7.38496 Stock Price 2 days before: 7.3517 Stock Price 1 day before: 7.18053 Stock Price at release: 7.78865 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	7.14716
Symbol: UIS Security: Unisys Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: WDC\|Markets\|STX Title: Wednesday Losers: Hutchinson Retreats at a Bad Time Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-28 11:59:00 Article: You'll often see all of the same companies within a similar sector trade in tandem. That's why many investors buy stock in company B after their rival, company A, blew past estimates. But that logic failed to hold for investors in Hutchinson Technology (Nasdaq: HTCH) , which supplies subcomponents to disk drive makers such as Seagate Technology ([STX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=STX&selected=STX)) ) and Western Digital ([WDC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WDC&selected=WDC)) ) . Those firms are seeing robust demand, as we previously noted. But Hutchinson had some manufacturing glitches that led its customers to shift business to other vendors, leading to an unexpected loss and a -20% swoon in its shares.Although management insists that Hutchinson's problems are short-term in nature, shares are likely to stay in the penalty box for at least a few more quarters. If you want exposure to the disk drive sector, you may as well stick with the names noted above, as they are also inexpensive when judged by traditional valuation metrics. ------------------------------------Whither our love affair with the buffalo wing? Even the most diehard fans of the ubiquitous pub grub need to take a break, and they did that in droves, as same-store sales at Buffalo Wild Wings (Nasdaq: BWLD) fell a few points in April, and foot traffic fell by more than -5%, from a year ago. That sent shares, which have long been favored by momentum investors, into a tailspin today, falling roughly -20%. That's great news for short investors, who had held nearly a quarter of the company's shares, according to recent data.Even after the price plunge, shares still don't look cheap, trading at more than 20 times likely 2010 earnings per share of around $1.90. To once again garner a loftier earnings multiple, management would need to deliver plans for renewed growth in store openings and same-store sales. And that may prove difficult in light of the near saturation of neighborhood bars selling buffalo wings.------------------------------------Unisys ([UIS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UIS&selected=UIS)) ) is giving us another lesson in trading strategies. Shares sharply fell Tuesday as quarterly results badly missed forecasts. A sudden drop tends to bring out value investors in the next trading session on hopes that the selling is done. But many times, it can take a large fund several days to exit an investment, which appears to be happening with Unisys. After falling -20% Tuesday, shares opened slightly higher this morning, but have been in freefall ever since and are now down more than -5%. Shares could remain under pressure until the current shareholder base of technology investors washes out and the new base of value investors rolls in. And that could take some time.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 38.6346 Stock Price 2 days before: 38.8989 Stock Price 1 day before: 33.2903 Stock Price at release: 28.399 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	23.3525
Symbol: ALX Security: Alexander's, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: New Dividend Stock Added to Database (ALX) Type: News Publication: Dividend.com Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-29 06:30:00 Article: We are adding a new dividend stock to our database of nearly 1600 dividend-paying stocks.Alexander's Inc. ([ALX](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/property-management/alx-alexanders-inc/)) ) - This company engages in leasing, managing, developing, and redeveloping properties in the greater New York City metropolitan area. The company's properties include office and retail properties, and shopping centers. As of December 31, 2009, it owned seven properties comprising six operating properties and one to be developed property. The company has elected to be treated as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As a REIT, it would not be subject to federal income taxes, provided it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders. The company was founded in 1955 and is based in Paramus, New Jersey. Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the [Best Dividend Stocks](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/best-dividend-stocks.php) , as well as a detailed explanation of [our ratings system here](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stock-rating-system.php) . Created by Dividend.com Stock Price 4 days before: 337.084 Stock Price 2 days before: 335.157 Stock Price 1 day before: 323.786 Stock Price at release: 323.917 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	324.238
Symbol: PRDO Security: Perdoceo Education Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Ratio call spread in Career Education (NASDAQ: CECO) Type: News Publication: Jud Pyle Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-29 07:22:00 Article: Following negative comments from a Department of Education member on Wednesday, shares of Career Education Corp. (NASDAQ: CECO ) are declining significantly on the day along with the rest of the education services sector. A look at options action suggests one investor expects the drop could be short-lived and expressed that bet by trading a moderately bullish ratio call spread.CECO shares are currently down $3.41 to $30, which is roughly 16% off their 52-week high of $35.88. CECO is due to announce earnings on May 5 after the market closes, and analysts polled at Thomson Reuters estimate earnings of 64 cents a share. A look at time and sales shows that around 11:15 EST, an investor traded the June 32-36 call one-by-three and paid a premium of zero dollars for each spread. In this costless spread, the investor bought 1,500 June 32-strike calls for $1.50 per contract ($150 per lot) and simultaneously sold three times as many June 36 calls for 50 cents per contract. The lower-strike calls are home to current open interest of zero contracts, while current open interest of the higher-strike calls is 3,400 contracts, indicating these ratio call spreads were most likely initiated to open. The investor who traded this call spread did not pay any premium, but could gain a total maximum profit of roughly $600,000 if the stock trades right at $36 at June expiration. If the stock climbs higher than $38, however, this ratio spread could theoretically incur unlimited losses as the stock rallies. If the stock stays lower than $32, this trade does not make returns or lose any money. For a visual of the risk/reward profile of this ratio call spread at June options expiration, consult the graph I made below. You can build your own graph, and gain access to other tools essential to stock and option trading, by opening a free [Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png)virtual trading account today.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Stock Price 4 days before: 0.0 Stock Price 2 days before: 0.0 Stock Price 1 day before: 0.0 Stock Price at release: 0.0 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	0
Symbol: IRBT Security: iRobot Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: BIDU\|Markets\|GOOG\|FSLR Title: Thursday Winners: IRobot Gets its Second Wind Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-29 11:10:00 Article: Every year, a handful of stocks emerge as intriguing high-growth stories that attract hordes of momentum investors. Shares of these hot stocks can climb and climb until the valuations move into the stratosphere. And then, inevitably, a company can become big enough that it becomes difficult to keep growing at a breakneck pace. Growth rates slow, momentum investors flee, and yesterday's hot stock becomes today's laggard.That's just what happened to iRobot (Nasdaq: IRBT) , which was the darling stock five years ago, but went on to see its shares fall roughly -80% during the next few years. But this maker of commercial and military self-controlled devices just jumped back into the spotlight. After a steady deceleration of sales growth over the last few years, management just announced a +67% jump in first quarter sales, far higher than analysts had been expecting. Over the course of the whole year, management believes sales can rise some +30% above 2009 levels. Not bad for a company that actually saw sales shrink in 2009. It's tempting to buy the stock, even after its nearly +30% spike in this morning's trading. But shares are not cheap at around 60 times likely 2010 profits. Some investors are likely to sell this winner once they see this quite-high price-to-earnings ratio (P/E). Any sell-off may create a better entry point for investors looking to get into this high-growth story.------------------------------------Shares of First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) also posted double-digit gains after the thin-film solar vendor posted solid first quarter results. (In a story last month we noted that First Solar was one of a number of companies that was heavily shorted at the time.) The results were boosted by robust demand for solar power equipment in Europe. Trouble is, those subsidies are winding down, and future results may not get the same tailwinds as cash-strapped governments throttle back their support for clean energy. Then again, any carbon-taxing legislation to come here in the United States could provide a tailwind. For now, you may want to book profits, especially since some of the gain is attributed to short-covering that won't last. And a new set of cynical investors may look to add fresh short positions now that shares have risen so quickly over the last few weeks. And that would add fresh selling pressure on the shares.------------------------------------You have to be impressed but the astounding ascent of Chinese search/web portal Baidu.com (Nasdaq: BIDU) , which is up another +14% today, capping a rise from $104 at the nadir of the economic crisis to more than $700 today. Google Inc.'s (Nasdaq: GOOG) much ballyhooed exit from the Chinese market earlier this year has given Baidu a virtual lock on the Chinese search market, which continues to grow at a torrid pace. Baidu earned around $2 a share in the first quarter, and is running at a pace of $8 in annual profits. Shares now trade for around 90 times that run rate. It feels like the dot.com boom of 1999 all over again. And we all know how that turned out.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 16.091 Stock Price 2 days before: 15.6561 Stock Price 1 day before: 15.248 Stock Price at release: 19.761 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	21.4593
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: CLX\|Markets\|M\|MRK\|GS\|CMI\|ITT\|HAL\|MA\|SPG Title: Market Wrap-Up for Apr.30 (GS, APC, SPG, ITT, CMI, HAL, more) Type: News Publication: Dividend.com Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-30 04:14:00 Article: Sellers showed up to the markets in a big way today and we saw the same growth stocks that spiked higher a few days back, give some of those gains right back.The selling started early with earnings plays, ITT Corporation ([ITT](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/industrial-goods/diversified-machinery/itt-itt-corporation/)) ) and Simon Property Group ([SPG](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/reit-retail/spg-simon-property-group/)) ) . There was a good amount of selling in commodity-related plays. Oil and Gas-related shares were hit hard, with Anadarko Petroleum ([APC](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/independent-oil-and-gas/apc-anadarko-petroleum/)) ) , Halliburton ([HAL](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/oil-and-gas-equipment-and-services/hal-halliburton/)) ) , and Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/oil-and-gas-drilling-and-exploration/do-diamond-offshore/)) ) some of the hardest hit. Elsewhere, there was a huge sell-off in shares of Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/investment-brokerage-national/gs-goldman-sachs/)) ) on the potential the SEC investigation will go much deeper than previously thought. Other well-known dividend plays deeply in the red by the end of the day, included Cummins Inc. ([CMI](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/industrial-goods/diversified-machinery/cmi-cummins-inc/)) ) , Aetna ([AET](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/healthcare/health-care-plans/aet-aetna/)) ) and Macy's ([M](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/department-stores/m-macys/)) ) . We removed another aggressive play from our recommended list today, so be sure to check out the link below if you did not read the e-mail alert we sent out earlier.As we look ahead to next week's earnings, there will be another slew of big names reporting. Some of the names include Merck ([MRK](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/healthcare/drug-manufacturers-major/mrk-merck/)) ) , Clorox ([CLX](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/cleaning-products/clx-clorox-co/)) ) , Mastercard ([MA](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/business-services/ma-mastercard/)) ) , and Kraft Foods ([KFT](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/food-major-diversified/kft-kraft-foods/)) ) . Be sure to check out this weekend's watchlist updates on Dividend.com Premium.Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the [Best Dividend Stocks](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/best-dividend-stocks.php) , as well as a detailed explanation of [our ratings system here](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stock-rating-system.php) . Created by Dividend.com Stock Price 4 days before: 85.7666 Stock Price 2 days before: 84.7255 Stock Price 1 day before: 85.4509 Stock Price at release: 82.5327 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	64.328
Symbol: LEG Security: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Bears calling a top in Leggett & Platt Type: News Publication: optionMONSTER Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-04-30 08:16:00 Article: Leggett & Platt surged its highest level in more than three years yesterday, and traders apparently think that it's reached a ceiling. [LEG Chart](http://www.optionmonster.com/cms/commentary/images/legpre430.png) optionMONSTER's tracking systems detected the sale of 4,895 September 25 calls for $1.20 to $1.25 against open interest of 148 contracts. The activity pushed overall options volume in the industrial stock to nine times greater than average. LEG rose 1.56 percent to $24.77 yesterday and is up 36 percent in the last three months. The company, which makes engineered products such as bed springs, reported better-than-expected sales and earnings on April 21 and raised its full-year guidance.The shares have now climbed to the top of a bearish gap that occurred on Oct. 20, 2006, which could cause some traders to expect resistance. LEG's all-time high was $30.68 in December 2004.Writing calls reflects a belief the shares will remain below $25 through expiration. Given the credit earned, the strategy will be profitable as long as they remain below about $26.20.The call selling accounted for 98 percent of the options activity in LEG yesterday.(Chart courtesy of tradeMONSTER) Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 24.0792 Stock Price 2 days before: 23.8897 Stock Price 1 day before: 24.5283 Stock Price at release: 24.7639 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	23.2946
Symbol: DHT Security: DHT Holdings, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|TNK Title: A Small Silver Lining to the Gulf Spill Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-02 04:42:00 Article: [Old Trader](http://seekingalpha.com/author/old-trader) submits:While there's little question that the Gulf oil spill will, in all likelihood, go onto the Top 10 list of enviromental disasters, there may well be a silver lining for some investors.Those who hold tanker stocks in their portfolio might well benefit according an article on Bloomberg.com. Quoting Jens Martin Jensen, CEO of Frontline's management unit, there's a very good possibilty that rules banning single hull tankers may be tightened. Oil tankers with single hulls are being phased out, this year, with a total ban in effect by 2015. This will have the effect of cutting current tonnage by 11% (presently, the global fleet of supertankers numbers 522, according to the article).Here, in the U.S., the Oil Oil Pollution Act of 1990, currently allows single hull tankers to offload at LOOP (Louisiana Offshore Oil Port), or at dedicated unloading areas out at sea, until 2015.Suezmax forward freight agreements for May have jumped by 10%, to 128 Worldscale points, and could rise even more, as tankers are diverted around the slick, leading to longer shipping times.Source: [Bloomberg](http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aTkZ18650PNE&pos=10)Disclosure: Long: TEEKAY Offshore ([TOO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TOO&selected=TOO)) ), TEEKAY Tankers ([TNK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TNK&selected=TNK)) ), DHT Maritime ([DHT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DHT&selected=DHT)) ) See also [What Business Is Wall Street In?](http://seekingalpha.com/article/204160-what-business-is-wall-street-in?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 4.5908 Stock Price 2 days before: 4.67167 Stock Price 1 day before: 4.72123 Stock Price at release: 4.76228 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	4.09317
Symbol: DHT Security: DHT Holdings, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|TNK Title: A Small Sliver Lining to the Gulf Spill Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-02 04:42:00 Article: [Old Trader](http://seekingalpha.com/author/old-trader) submits:While there's little question that the Gulf oil spill will, in all likelihood, go onto the Top10 list of enviromental disasters, there may well be a silver lining for some investors.Those who hold tanker stocks in their portfolio might well benefit according an article on Bloomberg.com. Quoting Jens Martin Jensen, CEO of Frontline's management unit, there's a very good possibilty that rules banning single hull tankers may be tightened. Oil tankers with single hulls are being phased out, this year, with a total ban in effect by 2015. This will have the effect of cutting current tonnage by 11% (presently, the global fleet of supertankers numbers 522, according to the article).Here, in the U.S., the Oil Oil Pollution Act of 1990, currently allows single hull tankers to offload at LOOP (Louisiana Offshore Oil Port), or at dedicated unloading areas out at sea, until 2015.Suezmax forward freight agreements for May have jumped by 10%, to 128 Worldscale points, and could rise even more, as tankers are diverted around the slick, leading to longer shipping times.Source: [Bloomberg](http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aTkZ18650PNE&pos=10)Disclosure: Long: TEEKAY Offshore ([TOO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TOO&selected=TOO)) ), TEEKAY Tankers ([TNK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TNK&selected=TNK)) ), DHT Maritime ([DHT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DHT&selected=DHT)) ) See also [The Time to Love Research In Motion Is Now](http://seekingalpha.com/article/202208-the-time-to-love-research-in-motion-is-now?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 4.5908 Stock Price 2 days before: 4.67167 Stock Price 1 day before: 4.72123 Stock Price at release: 4.76228 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	4.09317
Symbol: TNK Security: Teekay Tankers Ltd. Related Stocks/Topics: DHT\|Markets Title: A Small Silver Lining to the Gulf Spill Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-02 04:42:00 Article: [Old Trader](http://seekingalpha.com/author/old-trader) submits:While there's little question that the Gulf oil spill will, in all likelihood, go onto the Top 10 list of enviromental disasters, there may well be a silver lining for some investors.Those who hold tanker stocks in their portfolio might well benefit according an article on Bloomberg.com. Quoting Jens Martin Jensen, CEO of Frontline's management unit, there's a very good possibilty that rules banning single hull tankers may be tightened. Oil tankers with single hulls are being phased out, this year, with a total ban in effect by 2015. This will have the effect of cutting current tonnage by 11% (presently, the global fleet of supertankers numbers 522, according to the article).Here, in the U.S., the Oil Oil Pollution Act of 1990, currently allows single hull tankers to offload at LOOP (Louisiana Offshore Oil Port), or at dedicated unloading areas out at sea, until 2015.Suezmax forward freight agreements for May have jumped by 10%, to 128 Worldscale points, and could rise even more, as tankers are diverted around the slick, leading to longer shipping times.Source: [Bloomberg](http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aTkZ18650PNE&pos=10)Disclosure: Long: TEEKAY Offshore ([TOO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TOO&selected=TOO)) ), TEEKAY Tankers ([TNK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TNK&selected=TNK)) ), DHT Maritime ([DHT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DHT&selected=DHT)) ) See also [What Business Is Wall Street In?](http://seekingalpha.com/article/204160-what-business-is-wall-street-in?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 13.1325 Stock Price 2 days before: 12.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 12.7681 Stock Price at release: 12.8526 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	10.7802
Symbol: TNK Security: Teekay Tankers Ltd. Related Stocks/Topics: DHT\|Markets Title: A Small Sliver Lining to the Gulf Spill Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-02 04:42:00 Article: [Old Trader](http://seekingalpha.com/author/old-trader) submits:While there's little question that the Gulf oil spill will, in all likelihood, go onto the Top10 list of enviromental disasters, there may well be a silver lining for some investors.Those who hold tanker stocks in their portfolio might well benefit according an article on Bloomberg.com. Quoting Jens Martin Jensen, CEO of Frontline's management unit, there's a very good possibilty that rules banning single hull tankers may be tightened. Oil tankers with single hulls are being phased out, this year, with a total ban in effect by 2015. This will have the effect of cutting current tonnage by 11% (presently, the global fleet of supertankers numbers 522, according to the article).Here, in the U.S., the Oil Oil Pollution Act of 1990, currently allows single hull tankers to offload at LOOP (Louisiana Offshore Oil Port), or at dedicated unloading areas out at sea, until 2015.Suezmax forward freight agreements for May have jumped by 10%, to 128 Worldscale points, and could rise even more, as tankers are diverted around the slick, leading to longer shipping times.Source: [Bloomberg](http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aTkZ18650PNE&pos=10)Disclosure: Long: TEEKAY Offshore ([TOO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TOO&selected=TOO)) ), TEEKAY Tankers ([TNK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TNK&selected=TNK)) ), DHT Maritime ([DHT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DHT&selected=DHT)) ) See also [The Time to Love Research In Motion Is Now](http://seekingalpha.com/article/202208-the-time-to-love-research-in-motion-is-now?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 13.1325 Stock Price 2 days before: 12.9736 Stock Price 1 day before: 12.7681 Stock Price at release: 12.8526 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	10.7802
Symbol: MNKD Security: MannKind Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|LLY\|NVO Title: Mannkind's Afrezza: No Real Benefits for Diabetics or Investors Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-02 07:37:00 Article: Joseph Krueger submits:In my [last article](http://seekingalpha.com/article/201936-mannkind) about Mannkind's ([MNKD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MNKD&selected=MNKD)) ) Afrezza, I was critical about Afrezza's market acceptance given the checkered past of inhaled insulin products, its less-than-straightfoward regulatory path, and lack of improved benefit over inhaled insulin against the other injectable rapid acting insulins available. In essence, my conclusion was that although Afrezza may be a novel approach to enable diabetics to have more effective blood-glucose control, there are significant caveats to it being touted as a panacea for diabetics who need insulin and significant risks associated with its approval.In response to many comments made on the article, I felt it might be best to step back and take a look at the "big picture". In order to do this, first we must consider the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and the role of insulin in these diseases. Type 1 diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin, requiring the person to administer insulin to control their blood sugar. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is called insulin resistance, where the body fails to use insulin properly, requiring the person to administer extra insulin at times of greatest need (mealtime) and/or control blood sugar levels by taking drugs which increase the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas, or drugs which increase the sensitivity of the body to insulin, or drugs which decrease the rate at which glucose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In all these cases, the goal is to control glucose levels by preventing spikes and dips throughout the day and especially meal time. Mannkind states:Indeed. Mannkind is on the right track, as the most significant factor in determining how administered insulin regulates blood sugar levels is the pharmacokinetic profile (how quickly it enters the bloodstream and acts, and how long lasting the actions are). Since insulin helps the body lower blood glucose, you want high insulin at meal time as glucose enters the blood from digestion to avoid glucose spikes (hyperglycemia), and lower insulin post-meals to avoid glucose dips from too much insulin (hypoglycemia).So with all administered insulin, timing this balance is key to controlling blood sugar. Afrezza enters the blood stream quickly through the highly vascularized lungs, and acts quickly to control glucose for a short period of time. The three already marketed products which are in competition with Afrezza (inhaled insulin) are injected, rapid-acting froms of insulin from Eli Lilly ([LLY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LLY&selected=LLY)) ) (Humalog), Novo Nordisk ([NVO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NVO&selected=NVO)) ) (Novolog) and Sanofi Aventis ([SFY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SFY&selected=SFY)) ) (Apidra). These injectable forms accomplish the same goal of controlling meal time glucose levels through rapid action.It is also important to consider the primary measurements used to determine glucose control. Measurements of fasting glucose levels or glucose levels after meals are not the primary measurement of efficacy- glycated hemoglobin (HA1c) levels after prolonged treatment is the gold standard. This is the most critical measure, as during the normal three month life span of red blood cells, glucose in the blood reacts with the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, forming glycated hemoglobin (HA1c). Once a hemoglobin molecule is glycated, it remains that way until it is destroyed through natural turnover of red blood cells. A buildup of glycated hemoglobin therefore reflects the average blood glucose concentration over the previous three months. Thus, this measure is the primary outcome of all diabetes treatment trials.Chronic elevations in blood sugar (and therefore hA1c) is associated with all the problems of diabetes: Increased risk of coronary disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, blindness, erectile dysfunction, neuropathy, gangrene, and poor wound healing. Thus, it is well accepted by the medical community (and the FDA) that a measure of hA1c levels is a measure of controlling diabetes. Without this understanding of diabetes and its measures of efficacy, investors are ignoring the details and see Afrezza as trying to solve two "problems": 1) the elimination of needles and 2) providing better glucose control for both type I and type 2 diabetics. On the surface, Afrezza seems to accomplish this, but as always, the [devil is in the details](http://www.news.mannkindcorp.com/phoenix.zhtml?...) .First, Afrezza does not eliminate needles in type I diabetics. Even with Afrezza, type I diabetics still have to take long-lasting (basal) insulin (it would eliminate injected insulin at mealtime). Second, Afrezza does not provide better glucose control in type I diabetics.The primary outcome in the trial comparing Afrezza to fast-acting insulin at meal time showed equivalency/non-inferiority (no significant difference) to rapid acting injectible insulin in regulating glycated hemoglobin (hA1c) levels over the year-long study. There were improvements in the secondary outcomes: Post-mealtime and fasting glucose levels with Afrezza users; but again, this is not the primary measure of overall efficacy. The claims of weight loss are exaggerated: Afrezza users lost about a pound compared to injected insulin users who gained three pounds over one year. Therefore in type 1 diabetics, Afrezza does not prevent the use of needles and does not improve long term glucose control over long periods of time, with no other significant tangible benefits.For type 2 diabetics who require insulin at meal times, their choice is to use rapid acting injectable insulin or Afrezza at mealtime. Again all the diabetics in this study still used injected basal insulin at bedtime, thus the use of needles is not eliminated. Similar to the study in type I diabetics, Afrezza did not provide better long term glucose control as measured by hA1c levels during the year-long study (within ranges of error). Similar to the data with type 1 diabetics, there were improvements in the secondary outcomes: Lower post-mealtime and fasting glucose levels, as well as less frequent hypoglycemia incidence with Afrezza users; but again, this is not the primary measure of overall efficacy. Here there are no claims of weight loss- only a modest claim of prevention of weight gain- Afrezza users gained about two pounds compared to injected insulin users who gained five pounds over one year. Therefore in type 2 diabetics, Afrezza does not prevent the use of needles and does not improve long term glucose control over long periods of time, with no other significant tangible benefits.So I come back to my original conclusion in [the last article](http://seekingalpha.com/article/201936-mannkind) : Why bother? Apart from the fact that the insulin is inhaled (which carries all the marketing, acceptance, and potential pulmonary risks associated with inhaled insulin), Afrezza doesnt seem to offer any benefit over injectable fast-acting insulin. In fact, it provides a distinct risk for MNKD investors. Invest wisely. Disclosure: No position in MNKDSee also [What Business Is Wall Street In?](http://seekingalpha.com/article/204160-what-business-is-wall-street-in?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 6.52724 Stock Price 2 days before: 6.88625 Stock Price 1 day before: 6.93627 Stock Price at release: 6.96508 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	5.49965
Symbol: GLP Security: Global Partners LP Related Stocks/Topics: Markets\|SPH\|BKE\|T\|VZ Title: Inside the Numbers: Small Caps, Big Yields Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 02:35:00 Article: If you're anything like the average dividend investor, you want one thing: safe, reliable income. Sure, a large payout is nice, but at what cost? A high yield means nothing if it's here today, gone tomorrow.Maybe that's why investors shy away from stocks with a small market capitalization when looking for income. It's easy to think that, because a company is relatively diminutive, the payout isn't stable or the yield is small. In some cases, that's true. In others, that's a mistake. And investors could pay dearly by losing out on an entire group of well-paying, and sometimes fast-growing, stocks. All it takes to get in on the action is a little homework. The first thing we want to look for is obvious: small-cap stocks that pay dividends. Technically, these are stocks with a market cap under $2 billion. For our screening purposes, we'll also put a floor in at $100 million. Anything under that, and we're getting into micro-cap territory, which carries more risk than most dividend investors are willing to stomach. We also want to make the search for high yields worth our while, so we'll look for yields above 6.5%.But we can't just stop there. It's absolutely vital that a high yield is justified -- that is, supported by sustainable cash flow and not on the verge of being cut at the slightest downturn in business. One simple metric payout ratio .Say a company earned $500 million in a year and paid out $250 million in dividends. A little simple math (250/500 = 0.5) tells us that makes for a payout ratio of 50%, meaning the company paid half of its earnings as dividends. A good payout ratio depends on the industry, but anything above 100% means a company is paying out more than it earns. This should set off warning bells, because it means the company uses cash reserves to meet its current dividend obligations. That can't last long if business doesn't pick up, and the company will either continue bleeding cash or it will have to cut the dividend payment. Neither is particularly desirable.With these factors in mind, the StreetAuthority research staff came up with the following screen: - U.S. stocks with market caps between $100 million and $2 billion - Dividend yield above 6.5% - Posted positive earnings last quarter and on a trailing twelve month basis - Dividend payout ratio under 65% Here's what we found: There are two standouts in this table and one obvious red flag.Internet service provider Earthlink's (Nasdaq: ELINK) best days are behind it. Its customer base does churn out enough cash to support its 6.5% yield with room to spare, but macro factors are set to crush this small company. The company focuses on retaining existing dialup customers who have not switched to broadband Internet access because of either price or availability. But as the old adage goes, "If you're not growing, you're dying." Internet service is getting cheaper, faster and it's expanding into more parts of the world as we speak. Customers are growing to expect more bandwidth and competitors like AT&T ([T](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=T&selected=T)) ) and Verizon ([VZ](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VZ&selected=VZ)) ) will be all too happy to expand into the areas Earthlink services and seal this company's fate.The two standouts from this list are Buckle ([BKE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BKE&selected=BKE)) ) and International Shipholding ([ISH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ISH&selected=ISH)) ) .Buckle is a clothing retailer that sells simple, fashionable styles to the younger crowd, not the high-fashion type of retailer that might get left out if it misses the mark on evolving trends. When other retailers felt the hit of lower consumer spending during the downturn, Buckle turned in solid results in fiscal 2009, growing revenue and profits. The company has focused on steady growth over the years and pays out less than a quarter of its earnings, yet still yields 8.5%. (Note: The bulk of Buckle's payout is in the form of a "special" dividend based on earnings).Mobile, Alabama-based International Shipholding is a maritime transporter with a fleet of 41 vessels that transport everything form cars and trucks to military equipment. The Baltic Dry Index dropped like a rock when the economic downturn hit, reflecting the woes of the shipping industry. The index has staged a comeback of late, but it could be just the beginning. As for International Shipholding, the stock carries a price-to-sales ratio of just 0.6 and trades for just under five times earnings, suggesting it is extremely undervalued. And with a yield of close to 7.0% and a payout ratio of 34%, the dividend looks to be in good shape, too. [Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityDisclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 22.985 Stock Price 2 days before: 22.9773 Stock Price 1 day before: 22.7035 Stock Price at release: 22.6519 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	21.5793
Symbol: BKE Security: The Buckle, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: GLP\|Markets\|SPH\|T\|VZ Title: Inside the Numbers: Small Caps, Big Yields Type: News Publication: Brad Briggs Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 02:35:00 Article: If you're anything like the average dividend investor, you want one thing: safe, reliable income. Sure, a large payout is nice, but at what cost? A high yield means nothing if it's here today, gone tomorrow.Maybe that's why investors shy away from stocks with a small market capitalization when looking for income. It's easy to think that, because a company is relatively diminutive, the payout isn't stable or the yield is small. In some cases, that's true. In others, that's a mistake. And investors could pay dearly by losing out on an entire group of well-paying, and sometimes fast-growing, stocks. All it takes to get in on the action is a little homework. The first thing we want to look for is obvious: small-cap stocks that pay dividends. Technically, these are stocks with a market cap under $2 billion. For our screening purposes, we'll also put a floor in at $100 million. Anything under that, and we're getting into micro-cap territory, which carries more risk than most dividend investors are willing to stomach. We also want to make the search for high yields worth our while, so we'll look for yields above 6.5%.But we can't just stop there. It's absolutely vital that a high yield is justified -- that is, supported by sustainable cash flow and not on the verge of being cut at the slightest downturn in business. One simple metric payout ratio .Say a company earned $500 million in a year and paid out $250 million in dividends. A little simple math (250/500 = 0.5) tells us that makes for a payout ratio of 50%, meaning the company paid half of its earnings as dividends. A good payout ratio depends on the industry, but anything above 100% means a company is paying out more than it earns. This should set off warning bells, because it means the company uses cash reserves to meet its current dividend obligations. That can't last long if business doesn't pick up, and the company will either continue bleeding cash or it will have to cut the dividend payment. Neither is particularly desirable.With these factors in mind, the StreetAuthority research staff came up with the following screen: - U.S. stocks with market caps between $100 million and $2 billion - Dividend yield above 6.5% - Posted positive earnings last quarter and on a trailing twelve month basis - Dividend payout ratio under 65% Here's what we found: There are two standouts in this table and one obvious red flag.Internet service provider Earthlink's (Nasdaq: ELINK) best days are behind it. Its customer base does churn out enough cash to support its 6.5% yield with room to spare, but macro factors are set to crush this small company. The company focuses on retaining existing dialup customers who have not switched to broadband Internet access because of either price or availability. But as the old adage goes, "If you're not growing, you're dying." Internet service is getting cheaper, faster and it's expanding into more parts of the world as we speak. Customers are growing to expect more bandwidth and competitors like AT&T ([T](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=T&selected=T)) ) and Verizon ([VZ](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VZ&selected=VZ)) ) will be all too happy to expand into the areas Earthlink services and seal this company's fate.The two standouts from this list are Buckle ([BKE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BKE&selected=BKE)) ) and International Shipholding ([ISH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ISH&selected=ISH)) ) .Buckle is a clothing retailer that sells simple, fashionable styles to the younger crowd, not the high-fashion type of retailer that might get left out if it misses the mark on evolving trends. When other retailers felt the hit of lower consumer spending during the downturn, Buckle turned in solid results in fiscal 2009, growing revenue and profits. The company has focused on steady growth over the years and pays out less than a quarter of its earnings, yet still yields 8.5%. (Note: The bulk of Buckle's payout is in the form of a "special" dividend based on earnings).Mobile, Alabama-based International Shipholding is a maritime transporter with a fleet of 41 vessels that transport everything form cars and trucks to military equipment. The Baltic Dry Index dropped like a rock when the economic downturn hit, reflecting the woes of the shipping industry. The index has staged a comeback of late, but it could be just the beginning. As for International Shipholding, the stock carries a price-to-sales ratio of just 0.6 and trades for just under five times earnings, suggesting it is extremely undervalued. And with a yield of close to 7.0% and a payout ratio of 34%, the dividend looks to be in good shape, too. [Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Brad Briggs Staff Writer StreetAuthorityBrad BriggsStaff WriterStreetAuthorityDisclosure: Brad Briggs does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 39.1009 Stock Price 2 days before: 36.2517 Stock Price 1 day before: 36.3024 Stock Price at release: 36.325 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	34.9595
Symbol: TV Security: Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Related Stocks/Topics: SIRI\|Markets\|MORN\|IPG\|B\|LAMR Title: Media Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - SIRI, SNI, TWX, TV, CVC, BSY, IPG, MORN Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 03:20:00 Article: Changes in the media industry and company earnings have resulted in a number of upgrades and downgrades to newspaper, broadcast and internet communication stocks this week. Stock upgrades include Sirius XM Radio ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ), Scripps Networks Interactive ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ), Time Warner ([TWX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TWX&selected=TWX)) ), Grupo Televisa ([TV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TV&selected=TV)) ) and Cablevision Systens ([CVC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVC&selected=CVC)) ). Stock downgrades include British Sky Broadcasting Group ([BSY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BSY&selected=BSY)) ), Interpublic Group ([IPG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IPG&selected=IPG)) ) and Morningstar ([MORN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MORN&selected=MORN)) ).Here's a complete breakdown of the media stocks upgraded or downgraded last week in Louis Navellier's proprietary stock ranking database, Portfolio Grader. Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." All of these stock upgrades and stock downgrades are current as of May 3, 2010: Stock Upgrades - CVC, CJR, GSOL, TV, JRN, LAMR, MEG, SNI, SIRI, TWX**Sirius XM Radio ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ) was upgraded from a B grade or a "Buy" in Portfolio Grader last week to an A grade or "Strong Buy" this week in anticipation of its May 4 earnings report. Sirius XM is a satellite radio provider that has seen its SIRI stock soar about 50% since April 1. With analysts expecting earnings to pretty much break even, a small profit from SIRI stock this week could bode well for the stock's performance after earnings. Time Warner Inc. ([TWX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TWX&selected=TWX)) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's stock database. TWX stock is also set to report earnings this week, on Wednesday May 5. Time Warner has seen at least 7 upwards revisions to earnings estimates in the last month, resulting in the stock upgrade. Grupo Televisa ([TV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TV&selected=TV)) ), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a media company in Mexico and elsewhere internationally with a focus on Spanish language television. TV stock was upgraded this week to a C grade or "Hold" from a D grade or "Sell" last week. Cablevision ([CVC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVC&selected=CVC)) ), a regional television provider that serves 5 million households and businesses in the New York metropolitan area, saw its CVC stock upgraded this week from a B grade or a "Buy" in Portfolio Grader last week to an A grade or "Strong Buy" this week in anticipation of earnings. Cablevision reports earnings on Thursday, May 6. Scripps Network Interactive ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's stock database. in The SNI stock upgrade was in anticipation of earnings. Scripps Network Interactive also reports earnings on Thursday, May 6. Stock Downgrades - ASCMA, BSY, IPG, MORN, WPPGY****Morningstar Inc . ([MORN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MORN&selected=MORN)) ) was downgraded from a C grade or "Hold" to the worst grade in Portfolio Grader this week -- F, or "Strong Sell." Morningstar Inc. provides [investment research](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity) Market uncertainty in the wake of the Goldman Sachs scandal and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is weighing on retail investors and on MORN stock. This is why Morningstar was downgraded. British Sky Broadcasting ([BSY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BSY&selected=BSY)) ) provides pay television broadcast services in the United Kingdom and Ireland. BSY stock was downgraded this week to a C grade or "Hold" from a B grade or "Buy" last week. Interpublic Group ([IPG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IPG&selected=IPG)) ) provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. IPG stock reported poor earnings last week and was subsequently downgraded in Louis Navellier's stock ranking database. The company fell from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a D grade or "Sell." About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . **More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - [Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html) - [12 Hi-Tech Penny Stocks to Buy - LSCC, LTXC, TSEM, MTSN, CNXT, ACLS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/penny-stocks-semiconductor-lscc-ltxc-tsem-mtsn-cnxt-acls-vimc-ikan-mosy-fsii-pdfs-axti.html) - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.4655 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.761 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.9414 Stock Price at release: 20.958 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.7803
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: SIRI\|Markets\|MORN\|TV\|IPG\|LAMR Title: Media Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - SIRI, SNI, TWX, TV, CVC, BSY, IPG, MORN Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 03:20:00 Article: Changes in the media industry and company earnings have resulted in a number of upgrades and downgrades to newspaper, broadcast and internet communication stocks this week. Stock upgrades include Sirius XM Radio ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ), Scripps Networks Interactive ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ), Time Warner ([TWX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TWX&selected=TWX)) ), Grupo Televisa ([TV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TV&selected=TV)) ) and Cablevision Systens ([CVC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVC&selected=CVC)) ). Stock downgrades include British Sky Broadcasting Group ([BSY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BSY&selected=BSY)) ), Interpublic Group ([IPG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IPG&selected=IPG)) ) and Morningstar ([MORN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MORN&selected=MORN)) ).Here's a complete breakdown of the media stocks upgraded or downgraded last week in Louis Navellier's proprietary stock ranking database, Portfolio Grader. Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." All of these stock upgrades and stock downgrades are current as of May 3, 2010: Stock Upgrades - CVC, CJR, GSOL, TV, JRN, LAMR, MEG, SNI, SIRI, TWX**Sirius XM Radio ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ) was upgraded from a B grade or a "Buy" in Portfolio Grader last week to an A grade or "Strong Buy" this week in anticipation of its May 4 earnings report. Sirius XM is a satellite radio provider that has seen its SIRI stock soar about 50% since April 1. With analysts expecting earnings to pretty much break even, a small profit from SIRI stock this week could bode well for the stock's performance after earnings. Time Warner Inc. ([TWX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TWX&selected=TWX)) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's stock database. TWX stock is also set to report earnings this week, on Wednesday May 5. Time Warner has seen at least 7 upwards revisions to earnings estimates in the last month, resulting in the stock upgrade. Grupo Televisa ([TV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TV&selected=TV)) ), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a media company in Mexico and elsewhere internationally with a focus on Spanish language television. TV stock was upgraded this week to a C grade or "Hold" from a D grade or "Sell" last week. Cablevision ([CVC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVC&selected=CVC)) ), a regional television provider that serves 5 million households and businesses in the New York metropolitan area, saw its CVC stock upgraded this week from a B grade or a "Buy" in Portfolio Grader last week to an A grade or "Strong Buy" this week in anticipation of earnings. Cablevision reports earnings on Thursday, May 6. Scripps Network Interactive ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's stock database. in The SNI stock upgrade was in anticipation of earnings. Scripps Network Interactive also reports earnings on Thursday, May 6. Stock Downgrades - ASCMA, BSY, IPG, MORN, WPPGY****Morningstar Inc . ([MORN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MORN&selected=MORN)) ) was downgraded from a C grade or "Hold" to the worst grade in Portfolio Grader this week -- F, or "Strong Sell." Morningstar Inc. provides [investment research](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity) Market uncertainty in the wake of the Goldman Sachs scandal and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is weighing on retail investors and on MORN stock. This is why Morningstar was downgraded. British Sky Broadcasting ([BSY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BSY&selected=BSY)) ) provides pay television broadcast services in the United Kingdom and Ireland. BSY stock was downgraded this week to a C grade or "Hold" from a B grade or "Buy" last week. Interpublic Group ([IPG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IPG&selected=IPG)) ) provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. IPG stock reported poor earnings last week and was subsequently downgraded in Louis Navellier's stock ranking database. The company fell from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a D grade or "Sell." About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . **More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - [Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html) - [12 Hi-Tech Penny Stocks to Buy - LSCC, LTXC, TSEM, MTSN, CNXT, ACLS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/penny-stocks-semiconductor-lscc-ltxc-tsem-mtsn-cnxt-acls-vimc-ikan-mosy-fsii-pdfs-axti.html) - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 20.652 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.8123 Stock Price 1 day before: 21.0773 Stock Price at release: 21.0948 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	18.1608
Symbol: JBLU Security: JetBlue Airways Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: LUV\|Markets\|CAL\|SPR\|AMR\|SKYW\|DAL Title: United and Continental: Set for Take-Off, Part 1 Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 04:57:00 Article: [Vaughn Cordle](http://www.airlineforecasts.com/) submits:The following is a white paper by three industry experts making the case that the network airlines that provide essential access to global markets are in danger of slowly liquidating if they are not allowed to merge. Mergers provide a market-driven restructuring solution that effectively allows the network airlines to compete with the emerging low-cost carrier business model.By Vaughn Cordle, CFA, Paul Mifsud and Carlos BonillaThe US airline industry can only support three large network airlines. The announcement of a United ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) -Continental Airlines ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) merger renews interest in the legal, financial and political issues surrounding consolidation in the US airline industry. Perspectives on these issues among the many industry stakeholders - consumers, communities, investors, suppliers, labor, competitors and politicians - vary, but it is clear that the corporate and governmental policies applied to these subjects affect not only these stakeholders, but also the national economy and the trillion-dollar travel and tourism industry that relies so heavily on a healthy, reliable air transportation network.The purpose of this white paper, and those to follow, is to make the case for market restructuring of the US legacy airlines and the industry in general through consolidation and network restructuring. In the US, such consolidation provides an important network foundation that - with the right corporate, labor and political leadership - sets the path to sustained growth and US leadership in the development of the emerging 21st-century global air transport networks. Without this leadership and without further consolidation, we expect there will be at least one, and perhaps two, more failures among the network airlines, as well as several low-cost-airline failures.It is important to recognize that the airline industry is composed of a variety of business models that satisfy distinctly different, though often overlapping, transportation needs. For simplicity's sake we distinguish among network, low-cost and regional carriers.AA ([AMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMR&selected=AMR)) ), UA, DL ([DAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DAL&selected=DAL)) ), CO and US ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) are the major US network airlines. Using a broad mix of aircraft types, they gather passengers from small and large airports, domestic and international, and distribute passengers through hubs strategically located around the country. This model enables network airlines to accept passenger flows from other carriers' networks, so commercial relationships with regional carriers and international network carriers efficiently extend the network carriers' reach.The network airline model provides a vast number of communities, their business travelers, and visitors with global access to the world's markets. However, these network efficiencies come at the price: Complexity, legacy labor policies, outdated infrastructures, and poorly considered government policies (domestic and foreign) have resulted in lost efficiencies and higher costs for the network carriers. Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ), JetBlue ([JBLU](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JBLU&selected=JBLU)) ), AirTran ([AAI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AAI&selected=AAI)) ), Frontier and Spirit ([SPR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPR&selected=SPR)) ) are examples of low-cost carriers (LCCs). The low-cost model also operates from hubs (called "focus cities" by some), but LCCs tend to operate limited types of aircraft, to feature point-to-point services, and to operate only between high-density domestic and cross-border airport markets.Simplicity, newer fleets, and a younger labor force that began work in a low-cost environment, as well as quick turnaround times for their aircraft, provide efficiencies that result in low fares. However, this model does not lend itself to serving low-density or small communities.Moreover, the extension of this model internationally, beyond a few cross-border routes with Canada, Mexico, and a few Latin American destinations, has yet to be proven, although Southwest's large domestic market share makes it the most likely candidate to initiate long-haul international operations. We expect it to do so within the next five years.Regional airlines such as SkyWest ([SKYW](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SKYW&selected=SKYW)) ), Expresset ([XJT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XJT&selected=XJT)) ), Pinnacle ([PNCL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PNCL&selected=PNCL)) ), and Republic ([RJET](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RJET&selected=RJET)) ) (the last a hybrid airline that also operates Frontier as a branded business) are "fixed-fee for departure" airlines that use a modified LCC model and operate smaller aircraft suitable for low-density airports. They connect at the hubs of network partner airlines pursuant to contract conditions that are subject to the often strict limitations of the scope clauses in the collective bargaining agreements of the network carriers. These carriers are specifically structured to link the smallest communities that receive air service with the network hubs.All that said, in any discussion involving airline consolidation, there are a number of issues that should be put into perspective: · DOJ policies related to their analysis of market concentration, product definition and potential market power in the air transport industry were first developed in the years just after deregulation in 1978 and have not been modified since. Simply stated, the policies are dated and stuck in the past.· The years immediately following deregulation saw the proliferation of U.S. network carriers, most of which derived over 80% of their revenues from domestic air transportation. Combined, they provided a similar proportion of all U.S. domestic available seat miles (ASMs).· Today, there are only five major U.S. network carriers and 28 LCC and regional airlines in the U.S., so there has been a considerable alteration in the composition of domestic competition. This has resulted in destructive price competition.· The U.S. network carriers' share of the domestic market (excluding regional ASMs) has been shrinking annually In 2009, Southwest, the largest LCC, continuing its faster relative growth trends, provided 14.6% of total U.S. ASMs, while DL provided 16.1% after the NW merger in late 2008 [Figure 1].· UA and CO together provided 17.7% of the domestic ASMs in 2009. However, we ultimately expect to see a 5-10% reduction in combined capacity post-merger, which will reduce their market share and improve efficiencies. This outcome results because one of the major purposes of airline mergers is making routes more rational. For example, the pre-merger domestic shares of DL and NW, were 10.1% and 6.3%, respectively in 2008, but combined they had a 16.1% share in 2009. · Given what we consider an appropriate amount of domestic ASMs produced post-merger, a AA/US combination would be approximately 19.6%, which is somewhat larger than UA (+CO), DL(+NW), and Southwest.Figure 1:Our analysis of the trends over the last decade suggests that, without a new strategic direction and significant changes in the industry's structure, AA and US will continue on the slow liquidation path to failure. Corporate, labor and government policies that ignore these trends risk reshaping the competitive landscape and America's access to the global air transport network far more adversely for stakeholders than the current consolidation trend that naturally led to mergers between UA, CO, DL, and NW. Bad industry fundamentals: The prisoner's dilemma In game theory terms, the industry's problem represents the classic "prisoner's dilemma" because firm value, airline economics and passenger preferences provide strong incentives to cheat (by over producing to gain disproportionate market share and lower relative costs). These incentives are so great that the ability of the individual airline to profitably maintain seat production levels that optimally balance supply/demand is severely limited. The result is, collectively, the entire industry is laden with excess capacity. Excess capacity is at the heart of the industry's inability to earn its cost of capital.This is a confusing issue because, when one looks at uncomfortably high passenger load factors, the concept of excess capacity doesn't ring true. However, when both price and supply elasticity are thoroughly examined, the airlines' excess capacity can be measured and defined in economic, finance, and even strategic terms to show its role in the industry's financial struggles in cold, hard numbers. We have developed models that produce such numbers.We ran the numbers for every airline from 1977 through 2009 and calculated how much excess capacity was in the system and each region. Then we calculated the economic spread (in Economic Value Added terms) returns for the industry during each business cycle and for each airline. What we found was that, for the decade ending in 2009, the industry produced an average of 7% excess capacity, and this factor alone led to $70 billion in net losses (in 2009 $), or negative 5.7% in revenue. The elasticity of demand analysis concluded that the industry underpriced the product by 11% over the 10 years ending 2009. The only way the industry could have priced the product above its true economic cost would have been to reduce the 7% excess capacity by raising revenue to the required level. Of course, this was not possible because every airline had to grow market share in order to lower relative unit costs and expand valuation multiples. Growth results in lower relative costs because new employees are brought in at first-year pay and maintenance costs are lower when equipment is new. "Grow in order to lower relative costs" is a rational strategy for management at the individual-airline level but results in destructive price competition at the industry level.So the fundamental industry problem is that what appears to be perfectly rational for the individual airline is irrational at the industry level because it negatively impacts industry structure and market concentration in such a way that the individual airline cannot earn its cost of capital. Hence, bad industry fundamentals result in an industry unable to attract and maintain shareholder support.These bad industry fundamentals will not change without consolidation one way or another. For CO and UA, the best option is to merge because the alternative is to fail, and the same holds true for US and AA. Failure is not a good option for labor and other stakeholders, especially for the shareholders and for small communities, which can only be served if there are profitable and large network airlines. Network airlines must be able to afford to fly the thinly populated short haul flights utilizing small regional jets if small communities are to continue to receive air transportation service. The low-cost airline model is not designed to service these small communities.Our analysis suggests that the US market can support a maximum of only three major network carriers.Although we are forecasting profits for the U.S. majors in 2010 and 2011, these profits are inadequate to address the airline industry's continuing problem of excess capacity and destructive price competition that leads to inadequate earnings, especially in the domestic market. The projected levels of earnings do not address poor balance-sheet and earnings fundamentals such as equity, capital investment, and growth. Without improvement in the industry fundamentals, the airlines will remain unable to satisfy consumer expectations and investor and labor requirements, all of which must be defined in sufficient and certain value terms. Our financial models indicate that industry revenue must increase by 15-20% to offset over $20 billion in higher costs that are estimated to be in the pipeline. Although charging higher fares and ancillary fees would reduce demand and result in 10-12% of excess capacity that should be removed, this is not likely to happen without additional mergers. If the industry is not allowed to consolidate in the most rational manner, the result will be a continuation of the slow liquidation and the inevitable failure of US and AA, the two remaining network airlines in need of restructuring. The most likely outcome would be an AA bankruptcy and outright liquidation of US.While aviation is traditionally a cyclical industry, the current business cycle is different because the large network airlines have never been so weak or so over-leveraged. Capital expenditures have been inadequate for too long. Even if consolidation proceeds, the remaining legacy airlines must retain many years of earnings before they have a healthy capital structure.We estimate that network airlines have a $50 billion [book] equity deficit on the balance sheet. Growth and proper investment in equipment and human capital is not possible until this deficit has been addressed via retained earnings. And adequate retained earnings are not possible unless the market structure changes to increase market concentration. Succinctly stated, the industry has too many airlines and this does not allow the profitability required to properly invest in the business and satisfy key stakeholders. Disclosure: No positions [>> Continue to Part 2](http://seekingalpha.com/article/202489-united-and-continental-set-for-take-off-part-2) [>> Comment on this article](http://seekingalpha.com/article/202489-united-and-continental-set-for-take-off-part-2#comment) See also [The Myth of One Bad Trade](http://seekingalpha.com/article/204422-the-myth-of-one-bad-trade?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 5.91548 Stock Price 2 days before: 5.6176 Stock Price 1 day before: 5.67852 Stock Price at release: 5.6787 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	6.27711
Symbol: CAL Security: Caleres, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: LUV\|Markets\|SPR\|AMR\|JBLU\|SKYW\|DAL Title: United and Continental: Set for Take-Off, Part 1 Type: News Publication: SeekingAlpha Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 04:57:00 Article: [Vaughn Cordle](http://www.airlineforecasts.com/) submits:The following is a white paper by three industry experts making the case that the network airlines that provide essential access to global markets are in danger of slowly liquidating if they are not allowed to merge. Mergers provide a market-driven restructuring solution that effectively allows the network airlines to compete with the emerging low-cost carrier business model.By Vaughn Cordle, CFA, Paul Mifsud and Carlos BonillaThe US airline industry can only support three large network airlines. The announcement of a United ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) -Continental Airlines ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) merger renews interest in the legal, financial and political issues surrounding consolidation in the US airline industry. Perspectives on these issues among the many industry stakeholders - consumers, communities, investors, suppliers, labor, competitors and politicians - vary, but it is clear that the corporate and governmental policies applied to these subjects affect not only these stakeholders, but also the national economy and the trillion-dollar travel and tourism industry that relies so heavily on a healthy, reliable air transportation network.The purpose of this white paper, and those to follow, is to make the case for market restructuring of the US legacy airlines and the industry in general through consolidation and network restructuring. In the US, such consolidation provides an important network foundation that - with the right corporate, labor and political leadership - sets the path to sustained growth and US leadership in the development of the emerging 21st-century global air transport networks. Without this leadership and without further consolidation, we expect there will be at least one, and perhaps two, more failures among the network airlines, as well as several low-cost-airline failures.It is important to recognize that the airline industry is composed of a variety of business models that satisfy distinctly different, though often overlapping, transportation needs. For simplicity's sake we distinguish among network, low-cost and regional carriers.AA ([AMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AMR&selected=AMR)) ), UA, DL ([DAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DAL&selected=DAL)) ), CO and US ([LCC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LCC&selected=LCC)) ) are the major US network airlines. Using a broad mix of aircraft types, they gather passengers from small and large airports, domestic and international, and distribute passengers through hubs strategically located around the country. This model enables network airlines to accept passenger flows from other carriers' networks, so commercial relationships with regional carriers and international network carriers efficiently extend the network carriers' reach.The network airline model provides a vast number of communities, their business travelers, and visitors with global access to the world's markets. However, these network efficiencies come at the price: Complexity, legacy labor policies, outdated infrastructures, and poorly considered government policies (domestic and foreign) have resulted in lost efficiencies and higher costs for the network carriers. Southwest ([LUV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUV&selected=LUV)) ), JetBlue ([JBLU](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JBLU&selected=JBLU)) ), AirTran ([AAI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AAI&selected=AAI)) ), Frontier and Spirit ([SPR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPR&selected=SPR)) ) are examples of low-cost carriers (LCCs). The low-cost model also operates from hubs (called "focus cities" by some), but LCCs tend to operate limited types of aircraft, to feature point-to-point services, and to operate only between high-density domestic and cross-border airport markets.Simplicity, newer fleets, and a younger labor force that began work in a low-cost environment, as well as quick turnaround times for their aircraft, provide efficiencies that result in low fares. However, this model does not lend itself to serving low-density or small communities.Moreover, the extension of this model internationally, beyond a few cross-border routes with Canada, Mexico, and a few Latin American destinations, has yet to be proven, although Southwest's large domestic market share makes it the most likely candidate to initiate long-haul international operations. We expect it to do so within the next five years.Regional airlines such as SkyWest ([SKYW](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SKYW&selected=SKYW)) ), Expresset ([XJT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XJT&selected=XJT)) ), Pinnacle ([PNCL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PNCL&selected=PNCL)) ), and Republic ([RJET](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RJET&selected=RJET)) ) (the last a hybrid airline that also operates Frontier as a branded business) are "fixed-fee for departure" airlines that use a modified LCC model and operate smaller aircraft suitable for low-density airports. They connect at the hubs of network partner airlines pursuant to contract conditions that are subject to the often strict limitations of the scope clauses in the collective bargaining agreements of the network carriers. These carriers are specifically structured to link the smallest communities that receive air service with the network hubs.All that said, in any discussion involving airline consolidation, there are a number of issues that should be put into perspective: · DOJ policies related to their analysis of market concentration, product definition and potential market power in the air transport industry were first developed in the years just after deregulation in 1978 and have not been modified since. Simply stated, the policies are dated and stuck in the past.· The years immediately following deregulation saw the proliferation of U.S. network carriers, most of which derived over 80% of their revenues from domestic air transportation. Combined, they provided a similar proportion of all U.S. domestic available seat miles (ASMs).· Today, there are only five major U.S. network carriers and 28 LCC and regional airlines in the U.S., so there has been a considerable alteration in the composition of domestic competition. This has resulted in destructive price competition.· The U.S. network carriers' share of the domestic market (excluding regional ASMs) has been shrinking annually In 2009, Southwest, the largest LCC, continuing its faster relative growth trends, provided 14.6% of total U.S. ASMs, while DL provided 16.1% after the NW merger in late 2008 [Figure 1].· UA and CO together provided 17.7% of the domestic ASMs in 2009. However, we ultimately expect to see a 5-10% reduction in combined capacity post-merger, which will reduce their market share and improve efficiencies. This outcome results because one of the major purposes of airline mergers is making routes more rational. For example, the pre-merger domestic shares of DL and NW, were 10.1% and 6.3%, respectively in 2008, but combined they had a 16.1% share in 2009. · Given what we consider an appropriate amount of domestic ASMs produced post-merger, a AA/US combination would be approximately 19.6%, which is somewhat larger than UA (+CO), DL(+NW), and Southwest.Figure 1:Our analysis of the trends over the last decade suggests that, without a new strategic direction and significant changes in the industry's structure, AA and US will continue on the slow liquidation path to failure. Corporate, labor and government policies that ignore these trends risk reshaping the competitive landscape and America's access to the global air transport network far more adversely for stakeholders than the current consolidation trend that naturally led to mergers between UA, CO, DL, and NW. Bad industry fundamentals: The prisoner's dilemma In game theory terms, the industry's problem represents the classic "prisoner's dilemma" because firm value, airline economics and passenger preferences provide strong incentives to cheat (by over producing to gain disproportionate market share and lower relative costs). These incentives are so great that the ability of the individual airline to profitably maintain seat production levels that optimally balance supply/demand is severely limited. The result is, collectively, the entire industry is laden with excess capacity. Excess capacity is at the heart of the industry's inability to earn its cost of capital.This is a confusing issue because, when one looks at uncomfortably high passenger load factors, the concept of excess capacity doesn't ring true. However, when both price and supply elasticity are thoroughly examined, the airlines' excess capacity can be measured and defined in economic, finance, and even strategic terms to show its role in the industry's financial struggles in cold, hard numbers. We have developed models that produce such numbers.We ran the numbers for every airline from 1977 through 2009 and calculated how much excess capacity was in the system and each region. Then we calculated the economic spread (in Economic Value Added terms) returns for the industry during each business cycle and for each airline. What we found was that, for the decade ending in 2009, the industry produced an average of 7% excess capacity, and this factor alone led to $70 billion in net losses (in 2009 $), or negative 5.7% in revenue. The elasticity of demand analysis concluded that the industry underpriced the product by 11% over the 10 years ending 2009. The only way the industry could have priced the product above its true economic cost would have been to reduce the 7% excess capacity by raising revenue to the required level. Of course, this was not possible because every airline had to grow market share in order to lower relative unit costs and expand valuation multiples. Growth results in lower relative costs because new employees are brought in at first-year pay and maintenance costs are lower when equipment is new. "Grow in order to lower relative costs" is a rational strategy for management at the individual-airline level but results in destructive price competition at the industry level.So the fundamental industry problem is that what appears to be perfectly rational for the individual airline is irrational at the industry level because it negatively impacts industry structure and market concentration in such a way that the individual airline cannot earn its cost of capital. Hence, bad industry fundamentals result in an industry unable to attract and maintain shareholder support.These bad industry fundamentals will not change without consolidation one way or another. For CO and UA, the best option is to merge because the alternative is to fail, and the same holds true for US and AA. Failure is not a good option for labor and other stakeholders, especially for the shareholders and for small communities, which can only be served if there are profitable and large network airlines. Network airlines must be able to afford to fly the thinly populated short haul flights utilizing small regional jets if small communities are to continue to receive air transportation service. The low-cost airline model is not designed to service these small communities.Our analysis suggests that the US market can support a maximum of only three major network carriers.Although we are forecasting profits for the U.S. majors in 2010 and 2011, these profits are inadequate to address the airline industry's continuing problem of excess capacity and destructive price competition that leads to inadequate earnings, especially in the domestic market. The projected levels of earnings do not address poor balance-sheet and earnings fundamentals such as equity, capital investment, and growth. Without improvement in the industry fundamentals, the airlines will remain unable to satisfy consumer expectations and investor and labor requirements, all of which must be defined in sufficient and certain value terms. Our financial models indicate that industry revenue must increase by 15-20% to offset over $20 billion in higher costs that are estimated to be in the pipeline. Although charging higher fares and ancillary fees would reduce demand and result in 10-12% of excess capacity that should be removed, this is not likely to happen without additional mergers. If the industry is not allowed to consolidate in the most rational manner, the result will be a continuation of the slow liquidation and the inevitable failure of US and AA, the two remaining network airlines in need of restructuring. The most likely outcome would be an AA bankruptcy and outright liquidation of US.While aviation is traditionally a cyclical industry, the current business cycle is different because the large network airlines have never been so weak or so over-leveraged. Capital expenditures have been inadequate for too long. Even if consolidation proceeds, the remaining legacy airlines must retain many years of earnings before they have a healthy capital structure.We estimate that network airlines have a $50 billion [book] equity deficit on the balance sheet. Growth and proper investment in equipment and human capital is not possible until this deficit has been addressed via retained earnings. And adequate retained earnings are not possible unless the market structure changes to increase market concentration. Succinctly stated, the industry has too many airlines and this does not allow the profitability required to properly invest in the business and satisfy key stakeholders. Disclosure: No positions [>> Continue to Part 2](http://seekingalpha.com/article/202489-united-and-continental-set-for-take-off-part-2) [>> Comment on this article](http://seekingalpha.com/article/202489-united-and-continental-set-for-take-off-part-2#comment) See also [The Myth of One Bad Trade](http://seekingalpha.com/article/204422-the-myth-of-one-bad-trade?source=nasdaq) on seekingalpha.com Stock Price 4 days before: 22.5459 Stock Price 2 days before: 22.5796 Stock Price 1 day before: 23.2205 Stock Price at release: 23.2417 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	20.7956
Symbol: IART Security: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: CBOE\|Markets\|CLX\|SYY\|ARW\|GS\|CAL\|SPX\|PBI\|L Title: Opening View: DJIA Leaves April Behind, Looks to Higher Ground in May Type: News Publication: Schaeffer Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 07:57:00 Article: The Dow Jones Industrial Average's ([DJIA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DJIA&selected=DJIA)) ) eight-week winning streak came to an end last week, as a confluence of weak economic data, Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) fallout, a massive oil spill in the Gulf, and concern over European sovereign debt sent investors running for the sidelines. Still, the bulls claimed a couple small victories, as the DJIA held above the 11,000 level, marking its third consecutive positive monthly close, and the first monthly close above this region since August 2008. Look for support to hold in the area, while short-term resistance may manifest in the 11,150 area. The S&P 500 Index ([SPX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPX&selected=SPX)) ), meanwhile, is clinging to support in the 1,180 region, with potential resistance at 1,220. There appears to be a positive bias heading into the open, as the DJIA and the SPX are trading 32 points and 3.4 points above fair value, respectively. Finally, the CBOE Market Volatility Index ([VIX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VIX&selected=VIX)) ) soared nearly 20% on Friday, allowing the VIX to close the week above its 10-week and 20-week trendlines for the first time since early February. That said, the fear index is still staring up at its 10-month moving average, which the VIX has not closed a month above since March 2009.Headlining equity news this morning, Continental Airlines Inc. ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) and UAL Corp. ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) announced this morning that they are merging in an all-stock deal. Under terms of the agreement, CAL shareholders will receive 1.05 shares of United common stock for each Continental share they own. United shareholders will own roughly 55% of the combined company. The combined airline behemoth is expecting annual cost savings of $1 billion to $1.2 billion by 2013. Jeff Smisek, Continental's CEO, will head the combined company, while Glen Tilton, CEO of UAL, will serve as a non-executive chairman. The newly merged company will operate under the United Airlines name and the marketing brand will be a combination of both. Finally, Loews Corp. ([L](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=L&selected=L)) ) said it swung to a first-quarter net profit of $420 million, or 99 cents per share, from a net loss of $647 million, or $1.49 per share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue was $3.71 billion for the period. Analysts were expecting earnings of 96 cents per share. L shares were up fractionally heading into the open. Earnings Preview On the earnings front, The Clorox Co. ([CLX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CLX&selected=CLX)) ), Arrow Electronics Inc. ([ARW](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ARW&selected=ARW)) ), CNA Financial Corp. ([CAN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAN&selected=CAN)) ), Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. ([IART](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IART&selected=IART)) )., SYSCO Corp. ([SYY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SYY&selected=SYY)) ), Pitney Bowes Inc. ([PBI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PBI&selected=PBI)) ) and Yamana Gold Inc. ([AUY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AUY&selected=AUY)) ) are slated to release their quarterly earnings reports. Keep your browser at [SchaeffersResearch.com](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/) for more news as it breaks. Economic Calendar [ISM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ISM&selected=ISM)Market Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ([CBOE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBOE&selected=CBOE)) ) saw 1,691,760 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 1,029,855 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio arrived at 0.61, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.48. [Volatility indices](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov1.gif) [NYSE and Nasdaq summary](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov2.gif)The volume data shown above is from the Nasdaq and NYSE exchanges only. It does not include regional volume activity, which means that other daily volume quotes you see may be higher. [Dow, S&P and Nasdaq futures](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov3.gif) Every morning, our research staff analyzes the prior day and the overnight markets, and monitors the morning wires to give you an accurate preview of the day to come. If you enjoyed today's edition of Opening View, sign up [here](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=O&CODE=SIRG07D) for free daily delivery, straight to your inbox, before the opening bell. Overseas Trading Overseas trading is in poor shape this morning, as none of the 10 foreign indexes that we track are in positive territory. The cumulative average return on the collective stands at a loss of 0.53%. Trading in Asia finished in the red on fears that Greece will face stiff political challenges, while fresh steps by China to cool its economy added to near-term uncertainty. Turning to Europe, trading was weak on thin volume, with banks falling on concerns a massive bailout package for Greece may face political problems and on doubts about whether Greece can sustain the tough austerity measures. Markets in the U.K were closed for a holiday. Overseas market information comes to you courtesy of [Schaeffer's Daily Bulletin](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=D&CODE=UB08FREE14) . [Overseas markets](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov4.gif)Currencies and Commodities The U.S. dollar has gained ground on the euro in the wake of the $146 billion Greek aid package, as the deal was still not enough to assuage fears over European sovereign debt. In pre-market trading, the U.S. Dollar Index has gained 0.38% to trade at 82.18. As a result of the dollar's strength, gold futures are basically flat in London, adding a mere 30 cents to $1,181 an ounce. Finally, crude futures have edged 14 cents higher to $86.29 per barrel in pre-market trading. [Currencies and commodities](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov5.gif)**Unusual Put and Call Activity:For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our [Education Center](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/) topics on [Option Volume](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?ID=220#220) and [Open Interest Configurations](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?id=221) . [Unusual options activity - puts](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov6.gif) [Unusual options activity - calls](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov7.gif) [Click here for the new spring issue of SENTIMENT magazine](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/redirect.aspx?CODE=SIRMAG10DGENERAL&PAGE=1)** All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of any SIR publication is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 46.383 Stock Price 2 days before: 45.4439 Stock Price 1 day before: 45.2994 Stock Price at release: 45.3014 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	38.6262
Symbol: PBI Security: Pitney Bowes Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: CBOE\|Markets\|CLX\|SYY\|ARW\|GS\|CAL\|SPX\|IART\|L Title: Opening View: DJIA Leaves April Behind, Looks to Higher Ground in May Type: News Publication: Schaeffer Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 07:57:00 Article: The Dow Jones Industrial Average's ([DJIA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DJIA&selected=DJIA)) ) eight-week winning streak came to an end last week, as a confluence of weak economic data, Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) fallout, a massive oil spill in the Gulf, and concern over European sovereign debt sent investors running for the sidelines. Still, the bulls claimed a couple small victories, as the DJIA held above the 11,000 level, marking its third consecutive positive monthly close, and the first monthly close above this region since August 2008. Look for support to hold in the area, while short-term resistance may manifest in the 11,150 area. The S&P 500 Index ([SPX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPX&selected=SPX)) ), meanwhile, is clinging to support in the 1,180 region, with potential resistance at 1,220. There appears to be a positive bias heading into the open, as the DJIA and the SPX are trading 32 points and 3.4 points above fair value, respectively. Finally, the CBOE Market Volatility Index ([VIX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VIX&selected=VIX)) ) soared nearly 20% on Friday, allowing the VIX to close the week above its 10-week and 20-week trendlines for the first time since early February. That said, the fear index is still staring up at its 10-month moving average, which the VIX has not closed a month above since March 2009.Headlining equity news this morning, Continental Airlines Inc. ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) and UAL Corp. ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) announced this morning that they are merging in an all-stock deal. Under terms of the agreement, CAL shareholders will receive 1.05 shares of United common stock for each Continental share they own. United shareholders will own roughly 55% of the combined company. The combined airline behemoth is expecting annual cost savings of $1 billion to $1.2 billion by 2013. Jeff Smisek, Continental's CEO, will head the combined company, while Glen Tilton, CEO of UAL, will serve as a non-executive chairman. The newly merged company will operate under the United Airlines name and the marketing brand will be a combination of both. Finally, Loews Corp. ([L](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=L&selected=L)) ) said it swung to a first-quarter net profit of $420 million, or 99 cents per share, from a net loss of $647 million, or $1.49 per share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue was $3.71 billion for the period. Analysts were expecting earnings of 96 cents per share. L shares were up fractionally heading into the open. Earnings Preview On the earnings front, The Clorox Co. ([CLX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CLX&selected=CLX)) ), Arrow Electronics Inc. ([ARW](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ARW&selected=ARW)) ), CNA Financial Corp. ([CAN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAN&selected=CAN)) ), Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. ([IART](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IART&selected=IART)) )., SYSCO Corp. ([SYY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SYY&selected=SYY)) ), Pitney Bowes Inc. ([PBI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PBI&selected=PBI)) ) and Yamana Gold Inc. ([AUY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AUY&selected=AUY)) ) are slated to release their quarterly earnings reports. Keep your browser at [SchaeffersResearch.com](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/) for more news as it breaks. Economic Calendar [ISM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ISM&selected=ISM)Market Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ([CBOE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBOE&selected=CBOE)) ) saw 1,691,760 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 1,029,855 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio arrived at 0.61, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.48. [Volatility indices](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov1.gif) [NYSE and Nasdaq summary](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov2.gif)The volume data shown above is from the Nasdaq and NYSE exchanges only. It does not include regional volume activity, which means that other daily volume quotes you see may be higher. [Dow, S&P and Nasdaq futures](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov3.gif) Every morning, our research staff analyzes the prior day and the overnight markets, and monitors the morning wires to give you an accurate preview of the day to come. If you enjoyed today's edition of Opening View, sign up [here](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=O&CODE=SIRG07D) for free daily delivery, straight to your inbox, before the opening bell. Overseas Trading Overseas trading is in poor shape this morning, as none of the 10 foreign indexes that we track are in positive territory. The cumulative average return on the collective stands at a loss of 0.53%. Trading in Asia finished in the red on fears that Greece will face stiff political challenges, while fresh steps by China to cool its economy added to near-term uncertainty. Turning to Europe, trading was weak on thin volume, with banks falling on concerns a massive bailout package for Greece may face political problems and on doubts about whether Greece can sustain the tough austerity measures. Markets in the U.K were closed for a holiday. Overseas market information comes to you courtesy of [Schaeffer's Daily Bulletin](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=D&CODE=UB08FREE14) . [Overseas markets](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov4.gif)Currencies and Commodities The U.S. dollar has gained ground on the euro in the wake of the $146 billion Greek aid package, as the deal was still not enough to assuage fears over European sovereign debt. In pre-market trading, the U.S. Dollar Index has gained 0.38% to trade at 82.18. As a result of the dollar's strength, gold futures are basically flat in London, adding a mere 30 cents to $1,181 an ounce. Finally, crude futures have edged 14 cents higher to $86.29 per barrel in pre-market trading. [Currencies and commodities](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov5.gif)**Unusual Put and Call Activity:For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our [Education Center](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/) topics on [Option Volume](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?ID=220#220) and [Open Interest Configurations](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?id=221) . [Unusual options activity - puts](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov6.gif) [Unusual options activity - calls](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov7.gif) [Click here for the new spring issue of SENTIMENT magazine](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/redirect.aspx?CODE=SIRMAG10DGENERAL&PAGE=1)** All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of any SIR publication is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 25.7778 Stock Price 2 days before: 25.4003 Stock Price 1 day before: 25.4735 Stock Price at release: 25.4823 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	21.8631
Symbol: CAL Security: Caleres, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: CBOE\|Markets\|CLX\|SYY\|ARW\|GS\|SPX\|IART\|PBI\|L Title: Opening View: DJIA Leaves April Behind, Looks to Higher Ground in May Type: News Publication: Schaeffer Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 07:57:00 Article: The Dow Jones Industrial Average's ([DJIA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DJIA&selected=DJIA)) ) eight-week winning streak came to an end last week, as a confluence of weak economic data, Goldman Sachs ([GS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GS&selected=GS)) ) fallout, a massive oil spill in the Gulf, and concern over European sovereign debt sent investors running for the sidelines. Still, the bulls claimed a couple small victories, as the DJIA held above the 11,000 level, marking its third consecutive positive monthly close, and the first monthly close above this region since August 2008. Look for support to hold in the area, while short-term resistance may manifest in the 11,150 area. The S&P 500 Index ([SPX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPX&selected=SPX)) ), meanwhile, is clinging to support in the 1,180 region, with potential resistance at 1,220. There appears to be a positive bias heading into the open, as the DJIA and the SPX are trading 32 points and 3.4 points above fair value, respectively. Finally, the CBOE Market Volatility Index ([VIX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VIX&selected=VIX)) ) soared nearly 20% on Friday, allowing the VIX to close the week above its 10-week and 20-week trendlines for the first time since early February. That said, the fear index is still staring up at its 10-month moving average, which the VIX has not closed a month above since March 2009.Headlining equity news this morning, Continental Airlines Inc. ([CAL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAL&selected=CAL)) ) and UAL Corp. ([UAUA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=UAUA&selected=UAUA)) ) announced this morning that they are merging in an all-stock deal. Under terms of the agreement, CAL shareholders will receive 1.05 shares of United common stock for each Continental share they own. United shareholders will own roughly 55% of the combined company. The combined airline behemoth is expecting annual cost savings of $1 billion to $1.2 billion by 2013. Jeff Smisek, Continental's CEO, will head the combined company, while Glen Tilton, CEO of UAL, will serve as a non-executive chairman. The newly merged company will operate under the United Airlines name and the marketing brand will be a combination of both. Finally, Loews Corp. ([L](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=L&selected=L)) ) said it swung to a first-quarter net profit of $420 million, or 99 cents per share, from a net loss of $647 million, or $1.49 per share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue was $3.71 billion for the period. Analysts were expecting earnings of 96 cents per share. L shares were up fractionally heading into the open. Earnings Preview On the earnings front, The Clorox Co. ([CLX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CLX&selected=CLX)) ), Arrow Electronics Inc. ([ARW](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ARW&selected=ARW)) ), CNA Financial Corp. ([CAN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CAN&selected=CAN)) ), Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. ([IART](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IART&selected=IART)) )., SYSCO Corp. ([SYY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SYY&selected=SYY)) ), Pitney Bowes Inc. ([PBI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PBI&selected=PBI)) ) and Yamana Gold Inc. ([AUY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=AUY&selected=AUY)) ) are slated to release their quarterly earnings reports. Keep your browser at [SchaeffersResearch.com](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/) for more news as it breaks. Economic Calendar [ISM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ISM&selected=ISM)Market Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ([CBOE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBOE&selected=CBOE)) ) saw 1,691,760 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 1,029,855 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio arrived at 0.61, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.48. [Volatility indices](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov1.gif) [NYSE and Nasdaq summary](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov2.gif)The volume data shown above is from the Nasdaq and NYSE exchanges only. It does not include regional volume activity, which means that other daily volume quotes you see may be higher. [Dow, S&P and Nasdaq futures](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov3.gif) Every morning, our research staff analyzes the prior day and the overnight markets, and monitors the morning wires to give you an accurate preview of the day to come. If you enjoyed today's edition of Opening View, sign up [here](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=O&CODE=SIRG07D) for free daily delivery, straight to your inbox, before the opening bell. Overseas Trading Overseas trading is in poor shape this morning, as none of the 10 foreign indexes that we track are in positive territory. The cumulative average return on the collective stands at a loss of 0.53%. Trading in Asia finished in the red on fears that Greece will face stiff political challenges, while fresh steps by China to cool its economy added to near-term uncertainty. Turning to Europe, trading was weak on thin volume, with banks falling on concerns a massive bailout package for Greece may face political problems and on doubts about whether Greece can sustain the tough austerity measures. Markets in the U.K were closed for a holiday. Overseas market information comes to you courtesy of [Schaeffer's Daily Bulletin](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=D&CODE=UB08FREE14) . [Overseas markets](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov4.gif)Currencies and Commodities The U.S. dollar has gained ground on the euro in the wake of the $146 billion Greek aid package, as the deal was still not enough to assuage fears over European sovereign debt. In pre-market trading, the U.S. Dollar Index has gained 0.38% to trade at 82.18. As a result of the dollar's strength, gold futures are basically flat in London, adding a mere 30 cents to $1,181 an ounce. Finally, crude futures have edged 14 cents higher to $86.29 per barrel in pre-market trading. [Currencies and commodities](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov5.gif)**Unusual Put and Call Activity:For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our [Education Center](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/) topics on [Option Volume](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?ID=220#220) and [Open Interest Configurations](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?id=221) . [Unusual options activity - puts](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov6.gif) [Unusual options activity - calls](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100503ov7.gif) [Click here for the new spring issue of SENTIMENT magazine](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/redirect.aspx?CODE=SIRMAG10DGENERAL&PAGE=1)** All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of any SIR publication is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 22.5459 Stock Price 2 days before: 22.5796 Stock Price 1 day before: 23.2205 Stock Price at release: 23.1388 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	20.7956
Symbol: DO Security: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Unknown Title: Monday Losers: Gulf Drillers Face Hurdles Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-03 11:14:00 Article: Until emergency crews can stem the flow of oil that is leaking from the broken well-head in the gulf, other drilling firms will continue to see their shares under pressure. The Obama administration has signaled that additional drilling permits may not be issued in the region, which is bad news for any firms that had ambitious plans for gulf coast exploration. For example, shares of McMoran Exploration ([MMR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MMR&selected=MMR)) ) are down another -10% in today's trading after a similar dip on Friday. In fact, MMR has shed nearly half its value in the last six weeks, partially due to persistent weakness in natural gas prices as well.Other firms affected include: Gulf coast equipment provider Cal-Dive International ([DVR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DVR&selected=DVR)) ) , which took it on the chin Thursday and Friday but is holding its own today; Diamond Offshore ([DO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DO&selected=DO)) ) , which is now down more than -10% in the last three sessions; and Transocean ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) , which is off nearly -4% today after falling more than -7% in each of the prior two sessions. Of course, if the oil spill is capped more quickly than is currently expected, and sentiment for renewed drilling returns, these stocks are likely to see a healthy snap back. It would help to also have natural gas prices firm, though we are a few months away from the peak summer season, when demand for natural gas spikes. Any demand boost, coupled with gulf-related supply constraints, could be the catalysts this group needs.------------------------------------The flooding in Nashville, Tenn., this past weekend is likely to generate large losses for many local businesses, especially those that rely on tourism. Gaylord Entertainment ([GET](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GET&selected=GET)) ) announced that its landmark Opryland complex will be closed for at least several months. If the levee breaks, then the complex could suffer even greater damage - in excess of the $50 million its insurance policy would reimburse.Shares of Gaylord had made a remarkable run as the company's convention business showed signs of a solid rebound. But shares are off by double-digits today, and investors should not seek to use the weakness as a buying opportunity as shares still remain pricey in relation to profits. Management is likely to be unable to quantify the extent of the flooding damage in this evening's earnings release.------------------------------------After last week's resolution of the Puerto Rican banking crisis, a pair of stocks are feeling the heat - for the opposite reason. The FDIC auctioned off the assets of three weakened banks, and Doral Financial ([DRL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DRL&selected=DRL)) ) is seeing its stock plunge by a third after failing to win any of the bids for the assets. Often, a buyer of distressed assets can yield great returns by acquiring new branches and picking off the best loans in the portfolio. Doral's investors were hoping to benefit from the FDIC's auction, which was tailor-made to please investors. But Oriental Financial Group ([OFG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=OFG&selected=OFG)) ) is also off sharply today, falling nearly -10%. Oriental was one of the winning bidders, and investors didn't appreciate being on the winning side of the bid, either. Go figure.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 84.2438 Stock Price 2 days before: 79.5936 Stock Price 1 day before: 79.3463 Stock Price at release: 76.2098 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0014	59.8251
Symbol: ALT Security: Altimmune, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: PSR\|Markets\|XOM\|MINT\|SMMU Title: The Shot Heard 'Round the ETF World Type: News Publication: Nathan Slaughter Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-04 07:12:00 Article: I'm not much of a country music fan. But I've always liked David Allan Coe's rendition of You Never Even Called Me By My Name . As the lyrics tell us, the song was written by the late, great Steve Goodman, who considered it the perfect Country & Western song.But Coe argued that it fell short. After all, the song said nothing about mama, or trucks, or prison -- topics that no self-respecting country ballad could do without. That critique prompted Goodman to add a final verse about mama's unfortunate demise in the rain, the perfect ending to what both agreed was the perfect song. I'm reminded of this because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) just got their own final verse and may now be the perfect investment vehicle. These funds have always offered razor-thin fees, transparent portfolios, intra-day liquidity and stellar tax efficiency. But until now, they haven't had a true portfolio manager calling the shots.And in my book, the greatest funds usually have a captain at the helm, particularly in inefficient emerging markets that require careful navigation.Fans of passive management might view this as heresy: How can an ETF newsletter editor prefer an active portfolio manager to a fixed index ? Wasn't the entire industry built from the Bogle-esque notion that investors could do just fine sticking with low-cost funds tied to static benchmarks like the S&P 500? Answer: Yes, it was.But once upon a time, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) was just an obscure PC company, and ESPN was created to broadcast University of Connecticut basketball games. Clearly, times change, and the ETF world continues to evolve and branch out from its roots on an almost daily basis.Sure, you can still track the S&P or the good-old Dow Jones if you like. But you can get the same thing with a low-cost mutual fund from Vanguard and save yourself the commissions and trading fees. Limiting your ETF exposure to these plain-vanilla indexes is like dining at an extravagant seafood buffet and nibbling on a cracker. I'm not sure where or how it first became fashionable to base key market barometers on size alone. We would never walk into an auto dealership and ask for the heaviest car on the lot. But there are trillions of dollars in assets linked to a small handful of behemoths like Exxon Mobil ([XOM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=XOM&selected=XOM)) ) simply because of their market cap girth -- with no regard for valuation, profit margins, returns on equity or any other fundamental measure.Years ago Wisdom Tree recognized that traditional indexing methodology systematically pumped more dollars into overvalued stocks that had risen and less into undervalued stocks that had fallen. So much for "buy low, sell high." To sidestep that fundamental flaw, the company began weighting index components by more intuitive metrics like earnings and dividends.Others have followed. RevenueShares, for example, assigns weightings based on sales -- the more cash a company brings in, the louder its voice in the index. Last I checked, the firm's funds were clobbering the market at the small, mid and large-cap levels through both growth and value-led market cycles.Still other issuers like PowerShares have used powerful quantitative tools to develop narrow, quasi-active indexes that cherry pick potential leaders and weed out laggards. And we've even seen ETFs that target stock buybacks, profit from M&A arbitrage, and replicate hedge fund strategies.We've come a long way from the pioneer days in the mid-1990s. But this latest step in the evolutionary process is arguably the biggest -- true active ETFs.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Nathan Slaughter Editor: Market Advisor, The ETF AuthorityThis group of funds is still in its infancy, but the 20 or so active funds now on the market have already attracted more than $340 million in assets. Expect that total to be measured in the billions in the near future.I've warned time and again that most fund managers charge exorbitant fees for the privilege of delivering mediocre performance. And indeed they do. But some stand head and shoulders above the crowd.Look at guys like Bill Gross, whose Pimco Total Return has topped 96% of all bond funds during the past 15 years, or Brian Rogers, who has steered T. Rowe Price Equity Income to a cumulative gain of +1,259% since the fund's inception in 1985. These seasoned pros more than earn their paychecks and they're a big reason why mutual fund assets still dwarf ETF assets by a wide margin . But evolution is usually a slow process. The tide is turning, forcing Pimco and T. Rowe Price (among others) to throw their hats into the ETF ring. Even staunch indexers like iShares will soon be testing the active waters.I'm not sure how David Allan Coe feels -- but adding professional, alpha generating portfolio managers to the steady rhythm of an ETF sure sounds like music to my ears.[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) Nathan SlaughterEditor: Market Advisor, The ETF AuthorityP.S. -- I'll keep tabs on these funds going forward, highlighting favorites for my newsletter, The ETF Authority. To learn more about the newsletter, click here. And to sign up for my free ETF course, go here.Disclosure: Nathan Slaughter does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 49.9949 Stock Price 2 days before: 50.1034 Stock Price 1 day before: 50.1061 Stock Price at release: 50.0952 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	50.4477
Symbol: BZH Security: Beazer Homes USA, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: CBOE\|Markets\|SIRI\|DUK\|SU\|SBAC\|MRK\|MRO\|THC\|PFE\|FDP\|VNO\|ADM\|MA\|SPX\|CHK\|TAP\|TRI\|CVS Title: Opening View: DJIA, SPX Mired in Trading Ranges Type: News Publication: Schaeffer Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-04 07:55:00 Article: Judging by its trading activity during the past couple of weeks, it appears that the Dow Jones Industrial Average ([DJIA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DJIA&selected=DJIA)) ) has settled into a 200-point trading range between support at 11,000 and resistance near 11,200. The average came close to tagging both levels on Monday, but, given the direction of futures trading this morning, the Dow could retest 11,000 by midday. The S&P 500 Index ([SPX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPX&selected=SPX)) ), meanwhile, has been locked between the 1,185 and 1,215 levels since early April. Heading into the open, futures on the DJIA and SPX are trading 45 points and 6 points below fair value, respectively. On the sentiment front, Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White noted in Monday Morning Outlook this weekend that 50% of all analyst rankings tracked by Zacks are currently "buys." This figure has eclipsed the most recent peak of 49%, set in mid-2006, but is still far from the extremes of 70% plus seen during the dot-com bubble. While rising bullish sentiment can be a sign of short-term weakness, we believe that these readings are consistent with the market finally accepting the current rally.In earnings news, Pfizer Inc. ([PFE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PFE&selected=PFE)) ) reported adjusted first-quarter net income of 60 cents per share, as revenue increased 54% to $16.8 billion. Wall Street was looking for earnings of 53 cents per share and revenue of $16.6 billion. Looking ahead, Pfizer expects 2010 adjusted earnings of $2.10 per share to $2.20 per share, compared to the consensus estimate for $2.20 per share. However, the company said that it's reducing its 2012 revenue target by $800 million to reflect higher health care costs. The stock has added nearly 2% in pre-market trading. Elsewhere, Sirius XM Radio Inc. ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ) said it swung to a first-quarter profit of $41.6 million, or a penny per share, from a loss of $238.8 million, or 7 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose to $663.8 million from $587 million. The company projected net subscriber additions of more than 500,000 for the full year, with $2.7 billion in adjusted revenue. SIRI shares are down more than 2% in electronic trading.Finally, CVS Caremark Corp. ([CVS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVS&selected=CVS)) ) reported a first-quarter profit of $771 million, or 56 cents per share, on revenue of $23.76 billion. Adjusted earnings were 60 cents per share. Wall Street was looking for earnings of 58 cents per share on sales of $24.07 billion. The company also hiked the low end of its 2010 guidance by 3 cents to a range of $2.77 per share to $2.84 per share. CVS has added roughly 1.3% in pre-market activity. Earnings Preview On the earnings front, Archer Daniels Midland Co. ([ADM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ADM&selected=ADM)) ), ArvinMeritor Inc. ([ARM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ARM&selected=ARM)) ), Beazer Homes USA Inc. ([BZH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BZH&selected=BZH)) ), Duke Energy Corp. ([DUK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DUK&selected=DUK)) ), Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. ([FDP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FDP&selected=FDP)) ), Marathon Oil Corp. ([MRO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MRO&selected=MRO)) ), MasterCard Inc. ([MA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MA&selected=MA)) ), Merck & Co. Inc. ([MRK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MRK&selected=MRK)) ), Molson Coors Brewing Co. ([TAP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TAP&selected=TAP)) ), Tenet Healthcare Corp. ([THC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=THC&selected=THC)) ), Suncor Energy Inc. ([SU](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SU&selected=SU)) ), Thomson Reuters Corp. ([TRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TRI&selected=TRI)) ), Vornado Realty Trust ([VNO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=VNO&selected=VNO)) ), Cephalon Inc. ([CEPH](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CEPH&selected=CEPH)) ), Chesapeake Energy Corp. ([CHK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CHK&selected=CHK)) ), Evergreen Solar Inc. ([ESLR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ESLR&selected=ESLR)) ), SBA Communications Corp. ([SBAC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SBAC&selected=SBAC)) ), and True Religion Apparel Inc. ([TRLG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TRLG&selected=TRLG)) ) are slated to release their quarterly earnings reports. Keep your browser at [SchaeffersResearch.com](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/) for more news as it breaks. Economic Calendar [ISM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ISM&selected=ISM)Market Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ([CBOE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBOE&selected=CBOE)) ) saw 1,674,493 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 891,203 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio arrived at 0.53, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.48. [Volatility indices](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov1.gif) [NYSE and Nasdaq summary](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov2.gif)The volume data shown above is from the Nasdaq and NYSE exchanges only. It does not include regional volume activity, which means that other daily volume quotes you see may be higher. [Dow, S&P and Nasdaq futures](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov3.gif) Every morning, our research staff analyzes the prior day and the overnight markets, and monitors the morning wires to give you an accurate preview of the day to come. If you enjoyed today's edition of Opening View, sign up [here](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=O&CODE=SIRG07D) for free daily delivery, straight to your inbox, before the opening bell. Overseas Trading Overseas trading is in poor shape this morning, as none of the 10 foreign indexes that we track are in positive territory. The cumulative average return on the collective stands at a loss of 0.97%. In Asia, stocks pulled back from early gains despite a strong session on Wall Street. China returned from a long weekend holiday to trade lower following tightening measures from the country's central bank. Japan remained closed for the Golden Week holidays. European stocks fell sharply, as mounting doubts over Greece's bailout and fears of contagion to other euro zone countries rattled investors. Overseas market information comes to you courtesy of [Schaeffer's Daily Bulletin](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=D&CODE=UB08FREE14) . [Overseas markets](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov4.gif)Currencies and Commodities The U.S. dollar continued to gain ground on the euro in overseas trading, with the European currency falling to a fresh one-year low versus the greenback. Furthermore, another spike in fear surrounding European sovereign debt has added a safe-haven bid to the dollar's upside this morning. In pre-market trading, the U.S. Dollar Index has gained 0.47% to trade at 82.74. The combination of a stronger dollar and concerns over tomorrow's supply data has sent crude futures back below the 85 mark. Specifically, crude futures had dropped $1.29 to $84.90 per barrel in electronic trading. Finally, gold futures are trending higher amid continued European uncertainty. At last check, futures were up $4.20 at $1,187.50 an ounce in London. [Currencies and commodities](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov5.gif)**Unusual Put and Call Activity:For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our [Education Center](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/) topics on [Option Volume](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?ID=220#220) and [Open Interest Configurations](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?id=221) . [Unusual options activity - puts](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov6.gif) [Unusual options activity - calls](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100504ov7.gif) [Click here for the new spring issue of SENTIMENT magazine](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/redirect.aspx?CODE=SIRMAG10DGENERAL&PAGE=1)** All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of any SIR publication is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 6.73145 Stock Price 2 days before: 6.71853 Stock Price 1 day before: 6.72405 Stock Price at release: 6.61032 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	4.88184
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Media Stock Upgrades, Downgrades – SIRI, SNI, TWX, TV, CVC, BSY, IPG, MORN Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-04 08:40:00 Article: Changes in the media industry and company earnings have resulted in a number of upgrades and downgrades to newspaper, broadcast and internet communication stocks this week. Stock upgrades include Sirius XM Radio ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ), Scripps Networks Interactive ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ), Time Warner ([TWX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TWX&selected=TWX)) ), Grupo Televisa ([TV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TV&selected=TV)) ) and Cablevision Systens ([CVC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVC&selected=CVC)) ). Stock downgrades include British Sky Broadcasting Group ([BSY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BSY&selected=BSY)) ), Interpublic Group ([IPG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IPG&selected=IPG)) ) and Morningstar ([MORN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MORN&selected=MORN)) ).Here's a complete breakdown of the media stocks upgraded or downgraded last week in Louis Navellier's proprietary stock ranking database, Portfolio Grader. Portfolio Grader uses a simple letter-based system for stock upgrades and downgrades, where A is "strong buy" and F is "strong sell." All of these stock upgrades and stock downgrades are current as of May 3, 2010: Stock Upgrades - CVC, CJR, GSOL, TV, JRN, LAMR, MEG, SNI, SIRI, TWX SymbolCompany NameMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )Grade This WeekGrade Last Week CVC Cablevision Systems Corp. $8.3 A - Strong Buy B - Buy CJR Corus Entertainment Inc. $1.6 B - Buy C - Hold GSOL Global Sources Ltd. $0.3 C - Hold D - Sell TV Grupo Televisa $11.7 C - Hold D - Sell JRN Journal Communications Inc. $0.3 B - Buy C - Hold LAMR Lamar Advertising Co. $3.4 C - Hold D - Sell MEG Media General Inc. $0.3 B - Buy C - Hold SNI Scripps Networks Interactive $7.5 B - Buy C - Hold SIRI Sirius XM Radio Inc. $4.6 A - Strong Buy B - Buy TWX Time Warner Inc. $38.3 B - Buy C - Hold**Sirius XM Radio ([SIRI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SIRI&selected=SIRI)) ) was upgraded from a B grade or a "Buy" in Portfolio Grader last week to an A grade or "Strong Buy" this week in anticipation of its May 4 earnings report. Sirius XM is a satellite radio provider that has seen its SIRI stock soar about 50% since April 1. With analysts expecting earnings to pretty much break even, a small profit from SIRI stock this week could bode well for the stock's performance after earnings. Time Warner Inc. ([TWX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TWX&selected=TWX)) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's stock database. TWX stock is also set to report earnings this week, on Wednesday May 5. Time Warner has seen at least 7 upwards revisions to earnings estimates in the last month, resulting in the stock upgrade. Grupo Televisa ([TV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TV&selected=TV)) ), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a media company in Mexico and elsewhere internationally with a focus on Spanish language television. TV stock was upgraded this week to a C grade or "Hold" from a D grade or "Sell" last week. Cablevision ([CVC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CVC&selected=CVC)) ), a regional television provider that serves 5 million households and businesses in the New York metropolitan area, saw its CVC stock upgraded this week from a B grade or a "Buy" in Portfolio Grader last week to an A grade or "Strong Buy" this week in anticipation of earnings. Cablevision reports earnings on Thursday, May 6. Scripps Network Interactive ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's stock database. in The SNI stock upgrade was in anticipation of earnings. Scripps Network Interactive also reports earnings on Thursday, May 6.Stock Downgrades - ASCMA, BSY, IPG, MORN, WPPGY Symbol**Company NameMarket Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) )This WeekLast Week ASCMA Ascent Media Corp. $0.4 D - Sell C - Hold BSY British Sky Broadcasting Group $16.4 C - Hold B - Buy IPG Interpublic Group Of Cos. $4.3 D - Sell C - Hold MORN Morningstar Inc. $2.3 F - Strong Sell C - Hold WPPGY WPP Plc ADR $13.3 C - Hold B - Buy**Morningstar Inc . ([MORN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MORN&selected=MORN)) ) was downgraded from a C grade or "Hold" to the worst grade in Portfolio Grader this week - F, or "Strong Sell." Morningstar Inc. provides [investment research](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity) Market uncertainty in the wake of the Goldman Sachs scandal and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is weighing on retail investors and on MORN stock. This is why Morningstar was downgraded. British Sky Broadcasting ([BSY](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BSY&selected=BSY)) ) provides pay television broadcast services in the United Kingdom and Ireland. BSY stock was downgraded this week to a C grade or "Hold" from a B grade or "Buy" last week. Interpublic Group** ([IPG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IPG&selected=IPG)) ) provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. IPG stock reported poor earnings last week and was subsequently downgraded in Louis Navellier's stock ranking database. The company fell from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a D grade or "Sell." About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . Stock Price 4 days before: 21.3758 Stock Price 2 days before: 21.0773 Stock Price 1 day before: 21.0948 Stock Price at release: 20.5148 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	18.4829
Symbol: DIN Security: Dine Brands Global, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Unknown Title: Tuesday Losers: A Winner in Disguise? Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-04 11:28:00 Article: If you simply looked at the -20% drop in shares of Leapfrog ([LF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LF&selected=LF)) ) this morning, you'd think that the educational toy maker had lost its way. Yes, the company's quarterly sales and profit results trailed forecasts, but they still represented a sharp improvement from year-ago results. Considering many investors had written this company off as a goner just 18 months ago when sales were in freefall and operating losses were seemingly open-ended, +42% year-over-year sales growth in the first quarter has to be considered a victory.Of course, some of the shareholder base exiting the stock this morning jumped in when Leapfrog posted scorching results last quarter, which is the company's seasonally most important period. But make no mistake, management has helped fuel a remarkable turnaround by maintaining investments in R&D that are now paying off. Rivals such as Mattel ([MAT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MAT&selected=MAT)) ) and Hasbro ([HAS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HAS&selected=HAS)) ) have had a number of years now to try and dethrone Leapfrog and its various "edutaining" platforms (the nexus of entertainment and education). Now that Leapfrog looks healthier - and not likely to be quashed by competitors-investors have a chance to buy into a name that appears poised for respectable 15% to 20% sales growth, and more robust profit growth. Leapfrog remains on track to boost per-share profits back toward the $0.50 mark by next year, and once management outlines the roadmap for future R&D plans (as they often do each summer), then shares may rise toward a 20 times multiple on projected 2011 profits, or $10 a share. That's some 80% ahead of today's lower trading price. (Notably, analysts at Needham & Co. just raised their 2011 profit forecasts above that $0.50 consensus, to $0.60).[Image](https://www.nasdaq.com/sites/acquia.prod/files/ARP-Inline-Image.png) -- David Sterman Contributor StreetAuthority------------------------------------Investors in Alvarion (Nasdaq: ALVR) are abandoning ship. The Tel Aviv-based company has held so much promise, but another weak quarter has led some to question whether the company can ever build a head of steam. Alvarion makes WiMax equipment, which is used to deliver high-speed internet access - just like with WiFi, but over entire regions. Around the globe, WiMax has garnered a great deal of buzz, with backing from firms like Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) and Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) . Here at home, Clearwire (Nasdaq: CLWR) is betting its entire business plan on WiMax.But WiMax has company. A technology called LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is gaining increasing favor with incumbent wireless service providers, though WiMax has a 12-18 month head start on deployments. But that head start isn't boosting Alvarion, which actually saw sales decline sequentially in the most recent quarter. Shares are off roughly -15% this morning, continuing a slide that began three weeks ago.Value investors may be tempted to bottom-fish, as the company's $103 million cash stash is almost half of the company's value. But there's no hurry. Shares are likely to mark time for at least another quarter as management cuts staff and re-positions the company's marketing efforts. That said, Alvarion has long been the subject of buyout rumors, so anything can happen. ------------------------------------Many firms have the bad luck to report fairly impressive quarterly results on a day when the markets are down sharply. These stocks are feeling gravity's pull. Yet these weak trading days are a great source of ideas for new investments that have been oversold in a market downdraft. Companies that are reporting decent results, yet are seeing their shares fall by more than 5% include Domino's Pizza ([DPZ](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DPZ&selected=DPZ)) ) , Westlake Chemical ([WLK](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WLK&selected=WLK)) ) , and DineEquity ([DIN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DIN&selected=DIN)) ) .-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 42.8299 Stock Price 2 days before: 41.2768 Stock Price 1 day before: 41.4385 Stock Price at release: 37.6458 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0015	32.708
Symbol: SD Security: SandRidge Energy, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: CBOE\|Markets\|CROX\|CI\|COST\|ED\|H\|RIG\|BIG\|BEBE\|MGM\|SPX Title: Opening View: DJIA, SPX Grasping for Support Type: News Publication: Schaeffer Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-06 07:55:00 Article: Despite the recent sell-off, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ([DJIA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DJIA&selected=DJIA)) ) continues to tread water near support at the 10,800 level and its 10-week moving average. That said, the current pullback is only about half the size of the Dow's drop of about 5.6% in late January and early February. The S&P 500 Index ([SPX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SPX&selected=SPX)) ) is in a similar situation, hovering just above support in the 1,160 area. However, the SPX has fallen further below its 10-week moving average. Heading into the open, the bulls may get a reprieve, as futures on the DJIA and the SPX are trading roughly 29 points and 3.5 points above fair value, respectively. Finally, the 21-day moving average of the Chicago Board Options Exchange ([CBOE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBOE&selected=CBOE)) ) single-session put/call ratio has moved higher during the past two sessions, a signal last seen on Feb. 25.The retail sector will be front and center this morning, following the release of same-store sales data. Specifically, Costco Wholesale Corp. ([COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST)) ) reported April same-store sales rose 11%, as net sales rose 13% to $5.83 billion. Excluding higher gasoline prices and the benefit of stronger foreign currencies, total same-store sales rose 4%. Shares of COST are up nearly 1% in pre-market trading. Elsewhere, Big Lots Inc. ([BIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BIG&selected=BIG)) ) said first-quarter sales rose 8.1% to $1.22 billion. What's more, same-store sales rose 6%, arriving at the higher end of the company's guidance for a 4% to 6% increase. In electronic trading, BIG is trading flat to fractionally lower.In earnings news, Transocean Ltd. ([RIG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RIG&selected=RIG)) ) posted a first-quarter profit of $2.09 per share, as revenue slid to $2.6 billion. Analysts had forecast earnings of $2.14 per share on revenue of $2.66 billion. RIG has risen more than 2% in pre-market trading.Finally, Hot Topic Inc. ([HOTT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HOTT&selected=HOTT)) ) narrowed guidance for its first quarter to a loss of 3 cents to 4 cents per share, compared with prior expectations for a loss of 2 cents to 5 cents per share. The company also noted that April same-store sales fell 12.5%. Analysts had expected same-store sales to drop 7.9%. HOTT is off nearly 5% in electronic trading. Earnings Preview On the earnings front, CIGNA Corp. ([CI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CI&selected=CI)) ), Cincinnati Bell Inc. ([CBB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBB&selected=CBB)) ), DIRECTV ([DTV](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DTV&selected=DTV)) ), Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. ([DPS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DPS&selected=DPS)) ), El Paso Corp. ([EP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=EP&selected=EP)) ), Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. ([FSYS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=FSYS&selected=FSYS)) ), SandRidge Energy Inc. ([SD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SD&selected=SD)) ), Hyatt Hotels Corp. ([H](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=H&selected=H)) ), MGM MIRAGE ([MGM](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=MGM&selected=MGM)) ), Plains Exploration & Production Co. ([PXP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PXP&selected=PXP)) ), Omnicare Inc. ([OCR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=OCR&selected=OCR)) ), Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. ([SNI](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SNI&selected=SNI)) ), Sara Lee Corp. ([SLE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=SLE&selected=SLE)) ), Warner Music Group Corp. ([WMG](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=WMG&selected=WMG)) ), bebe stores inc. ([BEBE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BEBE&selected=BEBE)) ), Blue Nile Inc. ([NILE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NILE&selected=NILE)) ), Consolidated Edison Inc. ([ED](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ED&selected=ED)) ), Crocs Inc. ([CROX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CROX&selected=CROX)) ), General Cable Corp. ([BGC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=BGC&selected=BGC)) ), Kraft Foods Inc. ([KFT](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KFT&selected=KFT)) ), Leap Wireless International Inc. ([LEAP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LEAP&selected=LEAP)) ), and STEC Inc. ([STEC](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=STEC&selected=STEC)) ) are slated to release their quarterly earnings reports. Keep your browser at [SchaeffersResearch.com](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/) for more news as it breaks. Economic CalendarMarket Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ([CBOE](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=CBOE&selected=CBOE)) ) saw 1,842,132 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 1,291,757 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio arrived at 0.70, while the 21-day moving average rose to 0.51. [Volatility indices](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov1.gif) [NYSE and Nasdaq summary](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov2.gif)The volume data shown above is from the Nasdaq and NYSE exchanges only. It does not include regional volume activity, which means that other daily volume quotes you see may be higher. [Dow, S&P and Nasdaq futures](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov3.gif) Every morning, our research staff analyzes the prior day and the overnight markets, and monitors the morning wires to give you an accurate preview of the day to come. If you enjoyed today's edition of Opening View, sign up [here](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=O&CODE=SIRG07D) for free daily delivery, straight to your inbox, before the opening bell. Overseas Trading Overseas trading is mixed this morning, as five of the 10 foreign indexes that we track are in positive territory. The cumulative average return on the collective arrives at a loss of 0.79%. In Asia, stocks fell, led by Tokyo and Shanghai, as more signs emerged that the fallout from the Greek debt crisis could spread. Meanwhile, European shares bounced back, recovering earlier sharp falls as strong results from BNP Paribas boosted the banking sector. Overseas market information comes to you courtesy of [Schaeffer's Daily Bulletin](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/ajax/SchaefferEzineSignUp.aspx?ezine=D&CODE=UB08FREE14) . [Overseas markets](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov4.gif)Currencies and Commodities The U.S. dollar has been on fire during the past couple of sessions, given the renewed concern about European sovereign debt. In fact, the U.S. Dollar Index hit an annual high just shy of the 85 level in overseas trading this morning. At last check, the index was up 0.24% at 84.29, pulling back slightly from earlier highs. In commodities, crude futures are hovering just above breakeven, adding 10 cents to $80.07 per barrel in electronic trading. Finally, gold futures are benefiting from safe-haven buying once again, with the malleable metal jumping $9.60 to $1,184.60 an ounce in London. [Currencies and commodities](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov5.gif)**Unusual Put and Call Activity:For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our [Education Center](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/) topics on [Option Volume](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?ID=220#220) and [Open Interest Configurations](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/schaeffersu/content/expectational+analysis+sentiment+option+volume+and+put/call+volume+ratio/Education.aspx?id=221) . [Unusual options activity - puts](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov6.gif) [Unusual options activity - calls](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/images/commentary/2010/100506ov7.gif) [Click here for the new spring issue of SENTIMENT magazine](http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/redirect.aspx?CODE=SIRMAG10DGENERAL&PAGE=1)** All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of any SIR publication is strictly prohibited. Stock Price 4 days before: 7.5382 Stock Price 2 days before: 7.56752 Stock Price 1 day before: 7.27756 Stock Price at release: 7.18384 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0006	6.99
Symbol: HAIN Security: The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: ANF\|Markets Title: Thursday Losers: Hain Lacks Organic Growth Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-06 11:17:00 Article: In a bid to keep growing, some companies resort to a steady stream of acquisitions. But appearances can be quite deceptive, as these deals often come with newly-issued shares and/or rising debt, both of which can impede per-share profits from growing. This "inorganic growth" strategy has been the hallmark of Hain Celestial (Nasdaq: HAIN) , which, ironically, is a leading purveyor of organic food and beverages. Every year, Hain makes a few deals and looks like a growth company, until you see that bottom-line results are often disappointing.They're at it again. Hain released fiscal third-quarter results Wednesday evening that trailed sales and profit forecasts. Indeed, year-over-year sales fell -16% on an apples-to-apples basis, and are likely to stay negative in coming quarters, despite the inclusion of recent acquisitions. Shares are off more than -13% in Thursday trading. The negative sales trends come at a time when organic foods have been in vogue. But organic foods cost more, and many cash-strapped consumers have been switching back to foods that don't carry the organic label. Analysts currently expect sales to rebound around +5% in this fiscal year that begins in July, though that forecast anticipates continued tuck-in acquisitions. They see profits rebounding a more robust +15% next year, but that forecast looks increasingly aggressive, as Hain's acquisitions no longer seem to boost profits when a higher share count is factored in.In coming sessions, shares should come under further pressure as analysts' estimates ratchet lower, and growth-oriented fund managers move on to stocks that possess real "organic" growth.------------------------------------JDS Uniphase (Nasdaq: JDSU) was the ultimate poster child for the dot.com implosion ten years ago. Shares briefly surpassed $1,000 in the Nasdaq meltup, but eventually made their way down to $2. More recently, shares have started to perk up again, making it look like JDSU is a Comeback Kid. But after the company posted weak fiscal third-quarter results on Wednesday evening, shares are off around -15% today.This time around, shares look to have suffered a much more temporary setback. Although fiscal third-quarter sales were a bit light, the company's salesmen were busy inking new deals, which should enable JDS Uniphase to post sharply higher results in the current quarter. It's not often that you see a stock slide while management issues sales guidance that is more than +10% above consensus forecasts, and represents a +20% sequential improvement.So why are investors dumping the stock? In large part, it's a function of heightened expectations. Investors recently bid up the stock in hopes of a blow-out quarter. The "whisper number" had JDS Uniphase bagging sales of around $360 million, well above the published forecasts of around $340 million. (Actual sales came in even lower at $332 million). Despite the weak results, the robust forward outlook from management should lead analysts' to raise their profit forecasts for the current quarter by a few cents. And fiscal (June) 2011 profits now look set to be about 20% higher than the current $0.53 a share forecast, based on yet-to-be-revised assumptions for gross margins and operating expenses. Today's sell-off looks overdone, and as investors digest an increasingly robust outlook, shares should move their way back to the 52-week high of $14, which is some 20% above current levels.------------------------------------A host of retailers are taking it on the chin after tepid sales reports. Same-store sales at Abercrombie & Fitch ([ANF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=ANF&selected=ANF)) ) fell -7%, pushing its shares down by a similar percentage. Retailer Liz Claiborne ([LIZ](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LIZ&selected=LIZ)) ) stands out as the sector's top laggard, dropping more than -10% on weak results. Most retailers begin to report quarterly results next week, and after the robust rebound the sector has posted over the last year, less-than-stellar results - or an uninspiring forecast - could lead to profit-taking.-- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 19.833 Stock Price 2 days before: 20.72 Stock Price 1 day before: 20.49 Stock Price at release: 17.92 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0006	22.5626
Symbol: NR Security: Newpark Resources, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: KO\|Markets\|PEP Title: Friday Losers: Hansen Stayed at the Dance Too Long Type: News Publication: David Sterman Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-07 11:07:00 Article: Throughout much of the last decade, Hansen Natural (Nasdaq: HANS) dominated the lists of potential buyout candidates. The beverage maker was seeing tremendous demand for its various juices and sodas, especially its Monster energy drink, right at a time when the largest beverage firms such as Coca-Cola ([KO](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KO&selected=KO)) ) and Pepsi ([PEP](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PEP&selected=PEP)) ) were snapping up hot brands to bolster their own sales. As a result, Hansen generally garnered massive valuations under the notion that the big boys would pay a big premium for the company.The rumor mill cooled in late 2007, when the potential buyers made it clear that they weren't looking to do a deal for Hansen. Shares eventually fell sharply enough to move valuations back in line with peers, but they staged a nice rebound in recent quarters. But Hansen released first quarter earnings Thursday night that should put the buyout rumors to rest once and for all. Sales are no longer growing, thanks in part to massive competition, along with a rapidly maturing environment for energy drinks. First quarter sales fell -3% while per share profits of $0.35 trailed the consensus forecast by -24%. That has pushed the stock down -15% in Friday trading. Management blamed the shortfall on a decision by customers to make large purchases in the prior quarter -- an unusual explanation clearly not anticipated by the analyst community. However, in the company's conference call, it became evident that the Monster energy drinks are losing market share to rival Red Bull. Look for analysts to aggressively ratchet down their estimates for the next three quarters. At this point, shares are dead money, for at least the next three months, until management can show that market share for its Monster drink has stabilized.------------------------------------Technology firms tend to carry large cash balances and no debt. These firms live in a boom-and-bust world, and cash means survival in the bad times. Strangely, many small companies that service the energy exploration market never learned that lesson. They often carry very high debt loads, even though the industry enters a periodic funk every few years.Shares of Trico Marine (Nasdaq: TRMA) have shed more than a third of their value Friday morning after announcing a larger-than-expected loss, which has led to a cash crisis. Investors should keep an eye on the balance sheets of other heavily-leveraged firms in this industry such as Newpark Resources ([NR](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NR&selected=NR)) ) and Parker Drilling ([PKD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=PKD&selected=PKD)) ) . At a minimum, these firms have to pay very high interest rates to secure debt, which can sharply impede profit growth. Parker Drilling, for example, recently had to pay more than 9% interest on a newly-issued bond. As Trico Marine's plunge tells us, investors in boom-and-bust industries should stick with the best balance sheets.------------------------------------The term "smart grid" has become quite popular, as the Obama administration has expressed plans to boost the efficiency and intelligence of our nation's power transmission networks. But investors should take a cautious note from Thursday night's earnings release from Echelon (Nasdaq: ELON) . The company was an early entrant in the field of remote meter-reading and industrial process monitoring software. A key contract with Italy's largest utility gave the impression that Echelon's technology would see far wider deployment. It never happened and now, that major Italian contract is nearing completion. EnerNOC (Nasdaq: ENOC) a younger rival just posted +53% year-over-year quarterly sales growth, while Echelon posted a slight drop in sales. The key difference: EnerNOC invested far more heavily to build a more robust suite of products that are saving utilities some real dough. While shares of Echelon are best avoided at this point, investors still have a chance to load up on EnerNOC, as that firm produced strong results, but its shares have barely budged. (We profiled EnerNOC in this piece.) -- David StermanContributorStreetAuthorityDisclosure: David Sterman does not own shares of any security mentioned in this article. © Copyright 2001-2010 StreetAuthority, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Stock Price 4 days before: 7.2739 Stock Price 2 days before: 7.45 Stock Price 1 day before: 7.42199 Stock Price at release: 6.47963 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0008	6.21796
Symbol: GES Security: Guess', Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: MAS\|Markets\|SCHW\|CF\|BBY\|GE\|SLB\|FIS\|CNX\|AFL\|BTU Title: Dividend Stock Leaders and Laggards from the Week of May 3-7 (DPS, BTU, SLB, BBY, GE, DOW, more) Type: News Publication: Dividend.com Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-08 07:48:00 Article: Here are some of the biggest dividend stock winners and losers from the week that just ended. CompanyFri. CloseWeekly% ChangeAdministaff Inc. ([ASF](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/staffing-and-outsourcing-services/asf-administaff/)) ).46+15.00%Fidelity National Information Services Inc. ([FIS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/business-services/fis-fidelity-national-information-services/)) ).76+9.40%Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc ([DPS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/consumer-goods/beverages-soft-drinks/dps-dr-pepper-snapple-group/)) ).72+9.14%Best Buy Co. Inc. ([BBY](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/electronics-stores/bby-best-buy/)) ).03-9.86%General Electric Company ([GE](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/conglomerates/conglomerates-general/ge-general-electric/)) ).88-10.50%Charles Schwab Corporation (The) ([SCHW](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/investment-brokerage-national/schw-charles-schwab-corp/)) ).22-10.73%Schlumberger ([SLB](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/oil-and-gas-equipment-and-services/slb-schlumberger/)) ).86-11.99%Peabody Energy Corporation ([BTU](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/industrial-metals-and-minerals/btu-peabody-energy/)) ).93-12.39%CF Industries Holdings Inc. ([CF](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/agricultural-chemicals/cf-cf-industries/)) ).30-12.39%Aflac ([AFL](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/financial/accident-and-health-insurance/afl-aflac/)) ).27-13.13%Consol Energy ([CNX](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/industrial-metals-and-minerals/cnx-consol-energy/)) ).34-14.19%Masco Corporation ([MAS](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/industrial-goods/lumber-wood-production/mas-masco-corp/)) ).66-15.83%Bucyrus International Inc. ([BUCY](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/industrial-goods/farm-and-construction-machinery/bucy-bucyrus-international/)) ).36-16.72%Dow Chemical ([DOW](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/basic-materials/chemicals-major-diversified/dow-dow-chemical/)) ).50-17.29%Guess? Inc. ([GES](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/services/apparel-stores/ges-guess-inc/)) ).61-18.01% Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the [Best Dividend Stocks](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stocks/best-dividend-stocks.php) , as well as a detailed explanation of [our ratings system here](http://www.dividend.com/dividend-stock-rating-system.php) . Created by Dividend.com Stock Price 4 days before: 46.0776 Stock Price 2 days before: 41.2038 Stock Price 1 day before: 39.985 Stock Price at release: 37.6116 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0008	33.2344
Symbol: IMAX Security: IMAX Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: T\|Markets Title: The Best Movie Stock for the 3D Craze (IMAX, DLB, DIS, NWS, LGF, DWA) Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-08 08:11:00 Article: One of my favorite small cap stocks to buy right now is IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: [IMAX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IMAX&selected=IMAX) ). There's a lot of hopes in the film industry and on Wall Street that this is the summer 3D films will at last come into their own. That means this could be the breakout period for IMAX stock as the company goes from small cap stock to a big time entertainment star. The success of 3D films could also consequently help media stocks Dolby Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: [DLB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DLB&selected=DLB) ) which does movie sound systems, and studios like The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: [DIS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DIS&selected=DIS) ), News Corporation (NASDAQ: [NWS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NWS&selected=NWS) ), Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: [LGF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LGF&selected=LGF) ) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (N ASDAQ: [DWA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DWA&selected=DWA) ) among others.But IMAX is far and away my favorite movie stock right now to benefit from the 3D boom. Here are the details: Imax corporation is a relatively small company with a market cap of less than $1 billion, but its technology is so innovative that this stock is a household name. This stock makes and leases projection and sound systems for over 350 giant-screen IMAX theaters in more than 40 countries. The theaters are owned by commercial operators or nonprofits like museums and science centers, but owners must pay maintenance and royalty fees to IMAX for this truly amazing movie technology. The company's formats include IMAX Dome where screens reach heights of up to 80 feet, and IMAX 3D where images literally come right off the screen and into the audience. This is truly the next step in movie technology. Recently, IMAX saw phenomenal success thanks to the 3-D sci-fi movie Avatar that has smashed all previous movie records. The company is up over 30% so far in 2010 with a lot of potential still left. The tally for Avatar is currently $2 billion and counting, with the DVD still selling like hotcakes now that the movie has moved out of theaters! That makes me incredibly confident that the millions who have gone to an IMAX theater to see the stunning Avatar flick will return to see Iron Man 2 and other summer blockbusters in the same format. This means IMAX will continue to deliver big profits well into the summer.That gives IMAX stock a good longer-term outlook on top of what was a spectacular quarterly earnings report thanks to Avatar. IMAX stock posted a record earnings report at the end of April that included profit of $26.6 million or 42 cents a share in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $2.6 million or 6 cents a year earlier.That's success you can take to the bank. I recommend IMAX for any investor looking to cash in on the 3D movie craze this summer.As of this writing, Louis Navellier owned IMAX in his Emerging Growth newsletter. [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])Related Articles: [Media Stocks News Corp., Time Warner May Slip After Earnings (NWS, TWX, AAPL)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/paul_ausick/articles/earnings-time-warner-twx-news-corp-nws-media-stocks-aapl.html?cp=msn&cc=synd&cs=investorplace) [U-Verse Is Saving AT&T Inc. ( ](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/at_t-uverse-t-stock-verizon-communications-vz-sprint-nextel-s-telecom.html) [T](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=T&selected=T) ) Wireline Business [Is Oprah Worth More Than Google? (GOOG, DISCA, PG, CMCSA, NWS, TWX, VIA, CBS, LEE, NYT, GCI, MNI)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/oprah-google-goog-discovery-communications-disca-pg-cmcsa-nws-twx-via-cbs-lee-nyt-gci-mni.html)5 Small Cap Stocks to Buy Now Small, innovative companies are watching their earnings explode - and they are the next ten-baggers. Investing pro Louis Navellier reveals his secrets to identifying these small cap innovators, plus five of his favorite small cap stocks - [get their names FREE here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=SQ3132) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.4297 Stock Price 2 days before: 18.9945 Stock Price 1 day before: 18.5789 Stock Price at release: 17.6144 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0008	16.3874
Symbol: IMAX Security: IMAX Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: T\|Markets Title: The Best Movie Stock for the 3D Craze (IMAX, DLB, DIS, NWS, LGF, DWA) Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-08 08:11:00 Article: One of my favorite small cap stocks to buy right now is IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: [IMAX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IMAX&selected=IMAX) ). There's a lot of hopes in the film industry and on Wall Street that this is the summer 3D films will at last come into their own. That means this could be the breakout period for IMAX stock as the company goes from small cap stock to a big time entertainment star. The success of 3D films could also consequently help media stocks Dolby Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: [DLB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DLB&selected=DLB) ) which does movie sound systems, and studios like The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: [DIS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DIS&selected=DIS) ), News Corporation (NASDAQ: [NWS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NWS&selected=NWS) ), Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: [LGF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LGF&selected=LGF) ) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (N ASDAQ: [DWA](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DWA&selected=DWA) ) among others.But IMAX is far and away my favorite movie stock right now to benefit from the 3D boom. Here are the details: Imax corporation is a relatively small company with a market cap of less than $1 billion, but its technology is so innovative that this stock is a household name. This stock makes and leases projection and sound systems for over 350 giant-screen IMAX theaters in more than 40 countries. The theaters are owned by commercial operators or nonprofits like museums and science centers, but owners must pay maintenance and royalty fees to IMAX for this truly amazing movie technology. The company's formats include IMAX Dome where screens reach heights of up to 80 feet, and IMAX 3D where images literally come right off the screen and into the audience. This is truly the next step in movie technology. Recently, IMAX saw phenomenal success thanks to the 3-D sci-fi movie Avatar that has smashed all previous movie records. The company is up over 30% so far in 2010 with a lot of potential still left. The tally for Avatar is currently $2 billion and counting, with the DVD still selling like hotcakes now that the movie has moved out of theaters! That makes me incredibly confident that the millions who have gone to an IMAX theater to see the stunning Avatar flick will return to see Iron Man 2 and other summer blockbusters in the same format. This means IMAX will continue to deliver big profits well into the summer.That gives IMAX stock a good longer-term outlook on top of what was a spectacular quarterly earnings report thanks to Avatar. IMAX stock posted a record earnings report at the end of April that included profit of $26.6 million or 42 cents a share in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $2.6 million or 6 cents a year earlier.That's success you can take to the bank. I recommend IMAX for any investor looking to cash in on the 3D movie craze this summer.As of this writing, Louis Navellier owned IMAX in his Emerging Growth newsletter. [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected])Related Articles: [Media Stocks News Corp., Time Warner May Slip After Earnings (NWS, TWX, AAPL)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/paul_ausick/articles/earnings-time-warner-twx-news-corp-nws-media-stocks-aapl.html?cp=msn&cc=synd&cs=investorplace) [U-Verse Is Saving AT&T Inc. ( ](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jeff_reeves/at_t-uverse-t-stock-verizon-communications-vz-sprint-nextel-s-telecom.html) [T](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=T&selected=T) ) Wireline Business [Is Oprah Worth More Than Google? (GOOG, DISCA, PG, CMCSA, NWS, TWX, VIA, CBS, LEE, NYT, GCI, MNI)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/jim_woods/oprah-google-goog-discovery-communications-disca-pg-cmcsa-nws-twx-via-cbs-lee-nyt-gci-mni.html)5 Small Cap Stocks to Buy Now Small, innovative companies are watching their earnings explode - and they are the next ten-baggers. Investing pro Louis Navellier reveals his secrets to identifying these small cap innovators, plus five of his favorite small cap stocks - [get their names FREE here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=SQ3132) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.4297 Stock Price 2 days before: 18.9945 Stock Price 1 day before: 18.5789 Stock Price at release: 17.6144 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0008	16.3874
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Retail Stock Upgrades, Downgrades (M, KSS, HD, JWN, URBN, RL, GPS) Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-10 04:53:00 Article: Stock upgrades and stock downgrades in the retail sector indicate and improving sales environment, according to investment adviser Louis Navellier. The renowned growth stock investor has upgraded 18 major retailers this week including Macy's Inc. (NYSE: [M](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=M&selected=M) ), Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: [KSS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KSS&selected=KSS) ), The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: [HD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HD&selected=HD) ), Nordstrom Inc . (NYSE: [JWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JWN&selected=JWN) ), Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: [URBN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=URBN&selected=URBN) ) and Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: [RL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RL&selected=RL) ) in his proprietary database of about 5,000 leading publicly traded stocks. Navellier downgraded only two retail stocks this week, Gap Inc. (NYSE: [GPS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GPS&selected=GPS) ) and Luxottica Group SpA (NYSE: [LUX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUX&selected=LUX) ). Macy's Inc. (NYSE: [M](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=M&selected=M) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's Portfolio Grader stock ranking database. Recent sales for M stock show that the combined March/April period increased 6.1%. Discount department store owner Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: [KSS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KSS&selected=KSS) ) boosted its first-quarter outlook last week as revenue climbs faster than expected. As a result, KSS stock was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" this week from a D grade or "Sell" in last week's Portfolio Grader rankings.Dow Jones Industrial Average component The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: [HD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HD&selected=HD) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week. HD stock announced last week that itis creating more than 300 jobs with the opening of a new distribution center in Ohio.Last week, Nordstrom Inc . (NYSE: [JWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JWN&selected=JWN) ), reported a 7.5 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended May 1, 2010 compared with the four-week period ended May 2, 2009. Those strong sales for JWN stock resulted in an upgrade from Louis Navellier, from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week. ****Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: [URBN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=URBN&selected=URBN) ) was upgraded from a B grade last week to Portfolio Grader's highest ranking of an A or "strong buy" this week. That's because last week URBN stock reported first quarter earnings that included an 11% jump in revenue.Here's a complete list of this week's Portfolio Grader [stock upgrades and stock downgrades](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-macys-m-kohls-kss-home-depot-hd-jwn-urbn-rl-gps-lux-deck-josb-sks-cost-ltd-tjx.html) for the week of May 10, 2010: Symbol Company Name Market Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) This Week 's Grade Last Week's Grade ANN AnnTaylor Stores Corp. $1.3 A - Strong Buy B - Buy CAB Cabela's Inc. $1.3 B - Buy D - Sell CHS Chico's FAS Inc. $2.5 B - Buy C - Hold DECK Deckers Outdoor Corp. $1.6 A - Strong Buy B - Buy DBRN Dress Barn Inc. $2.0 A - Strong Buy B - Buy GPS Gap Inc. $15.1 C - Hold B - Buy HD Home Depot Inc. $56.8 B - Buy C - Hold JCG J. Crew Group Inc. $2.7 A - Strong Buy B - Buy JOSB Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. $1.1 B - Buy C - Hold KSS Kohl's Corp. $16.5 C - Hold D - Sell LUX Luxottica Group S.p.A. $11.3 D - Sell C - Hold M Macy's Inc. $9.2 B - Buy C - Hold JWN Nordstrom Inc. $8.7 B - Buy C - Hold PVH Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. $2.8 A - Strong Buy B - Buy RL Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. $8.2 B - Buy C - Hold SKS Saks Inc. $1.4 B - Buy C - Hold SBH Sally Beauty Holdings Inc. $1.6 C - Hold D - Sell TBL Timberland Co. $1.1 B - Buy C - Hold URBN Urban Outfitters Inc. $5.9 A - Strong Buy B - Buy WWW Wolverine World Wide Inc. $1.4 B - Buy C - HoldAccording to a [retail sales](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/paul_ausick/articles/retail-sales-april-costco-cost-target-tgt-ltd-tjx-kss-sks-jwn-aro-gps-anf.html) report last week, wet weather in April combined with an earlier Easter and one less shopping day conspired to reduce sales for the month for most retailers. However, some major retailers still projected a profitable quarter as they have been able to stem discounting and work through inventories. Among the April retail sales winners were Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: [COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST) ), Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE: [LTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LTD&selected=LTD) ) and The TJX Companies Inc. ** (NYSE: [TJX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TJX&selected=TJX) ).About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected]?body=http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html)******More Portfolio Grader stock analysis:5/3 [Media Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - SIRI, SNI, TWX, TV, CVC, BSY, IPG, MORN](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/siri-sirius-xm-twx-time-warner-cvc-cjr-gsol-tv-jrn-lamr-meg-sni-ascma-bsy-ipg-morn-wppgy-stock-upgrade-downgrade.html) 4/26: [Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html) [12 Hi-Tech Penny Stocks to Buy - LSCC, LTXC, TSEM, MTSN, CNXT, ACLS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/penny-stocks-semiconductor-lscc-ltxc-tsem-mtsn-cnxt-acls-vimc-ikan-mosy-fsii-pdfs-axti.html) 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html)5 Small Cap Stocks to Buy Now Small, innovative companies are watching their earnings explode - and they are the next ten-baggers. Investing pro Louis Navellier reveals his secrets to identifying these small cap innovators, plus five of his favorite small cap stocks - [get their names FREE here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=SQ3132) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.9483 Stock Price 2 days before: 18.395 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.2133 Stock Price at release: 19.2569 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0013	17.7672
Symbol: B Security: Barnes Group Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: Markets Title: Retail Stock Upgrades, Downgrades (M, KSS, HD, JWN, URBN, RL, GPS) Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-10 04:53:00 Article: Stock upgrades and stock downgrades in the retail sector indicate and improving sales environment, according to investment adviser Louis Navellier. The renowned growth stock investor has upgraded 18 major retailers this week including Macy's Inc. (NYSE: [M](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=M&selected=M) ), Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: [KSS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KSS&selected=KSS) ), The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: [HD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HD&selected=HD) ), Nordstrom Inc . (NYSE: [JWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JWN&selected=JWN) ), Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: [URBN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=URBN&selected=URBN) ) and Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: [RL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RL&selected=RL) ) in his proprietary database of about 5,000 leading publicly traded stocks. Navellier downgraded only two retail stocks this week, Gap Inc. (NYSE: [GPS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GPS&selected=GPS) ) and Luxottica Group SpA (NYSE: [LUX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUX&selected=LUX) ). Macy's Inc. (NYSE: [M](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=M&selected=M) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's Portfolio Grader stock ranking database. Recent sales for M stock show that the combined March/April period increased 6.1%. Discount department store owner Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: [KSS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KSS&selected=KSS) ) boosted its first-quarter outlook last week as revenue climbs faster than expected. As a result, KSS stock was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" this week from a D grade or "Sell" in last week's Portfolio Grader rankings.Dow Jones Industrial Average component The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: [HD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HD&selected=HD) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week. HD stock announced last week that itis creating more than 300 jobs with the opening of a new distribution center in Ohio.Last week, Nordstrom Inc . (NYSE: [JWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JWN&selected=JWN) ), reported a 7.5 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended May 1, 2010 compared with the four-week period ended May 2, 2009. Those strong sales for JWN stock resulted in an upgrade from Louis Navellier, from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week. ****Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: [URBN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=URBN&selected=URBN) ) was upgraded from a B grade last week to Portfolio Grader's highest ranking of an A or "strong buy" this week. That's because last week URBN stock reported first quarter earnings that included an 11% jump in revenue.Here's a complete list of this week's Portfolio Grader [stock upgrades and stock downgrades](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-macys-m-kohls-kss-home-depot-hd-jwn-urbn-rl-gps-lux-deck-josb-sks-cost-ltd-tjx.html) for the week of May 10, 2010: Symbol Company Name Market Cap ([B](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=B&selected=B)) ) This Week 's Grade Last Week's Grade ANN AnnTaylor Stores Corp. $1.3 A - Strong Buy B - Buy CAB Cabela's Inc. $1.3 B - Buy D - Sell CHS Chico's FAS Inc. $2.5 B - Buy C - Hold DECK Deckers Outdoor Corp. $1.6 A - Strong Buy B - Buy DBRN Dress Barn Inc. $2.0 A - Strong Buy B - Buy GPS Gap Inc. $15.1 C - Hold B - Buy HD Home Depot Inc. $56.8 B - Buy C - Hold JCG J. Crew Group Inc. $2.7 A - Strong Buy B - Buy JOSB Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. $1.1 B - Buy C - Hold KSS Kohl's Corp. $16.5 C - Hold D - Sell LUX Luxottica Group S.p.A. $11.3 D - Sell C - Hold M Macy's Inc. $9.2 B - Buy C - Hold JWN Nordstrom Inc. $8.7 B - Buy C - Hold PVH Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. $2.8 A - Strong Buy B - Buy RL Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. $8.2 B - Buy C - Hold SKS Saks Inc. $1.4 B - Buy C - Hold SBH Sally Beauty Holdings Inc. $1.6 C - Hold D - Sell TBL Timberland Co. $1.1 B - Buy C - Hold URBN Urban Outfitters Inc. $5.9 A - Strong Buy B - Buy WWW Wolverine World Wide Inc. $1.4 B - Buy C - HoldAccording to a [retail sales](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/paul_ausick/articles/retail-sales-april-costco-cost-target-tgt-ltd-tjx-kss-sks-jwn-aro-gps-anf.html) report last week, wet weather in April combined with an earlier Easter and one less shopping day conspired to reduce sales for the month for most retailers. However, some major retailers still projected a profitable quarter as they have been able to stem discounting and work through inventories. Among the April retail sales winners were Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: [COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST) ), Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE: [LTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LTD&selected=LTD) ) and The TJX Companies Inc. ** (NYSE: [TJX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TJX&selected=TJX) ).About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . [Tell us what you think here.](mailto:[email protected]?body=http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html)******More Portfolio Grader stock analysis:5/3 [Media Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - SIRI, SNI, TWX, TV, CVC, BSY, IPG, MORN](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/siri-sirius-xm-twx-time-warner-cvc-cjr-gsol-tv-jrn-lamr-meg-sni-ascma-bsy-ipg-morn-wppgy-stock-upgrade-downgrade.html) 4/26: [Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html) [12 Hi-Tech Penny Stocks to Buy - LSCC, LTXC, TSEM, MTSN, CNXT, ACLS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/penny-stocks-semiconductor-lscc-ltxc-tsem-mtsn-cnxt-acls-vimc-ikan-mosy-fsii-pdfs-axti.html) 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html)5 Small Cap Stocks to Buy Now Small, innovative companies are watching their earnings explode - and they are the next ten-baggers. Investing pro Louis Navellier reveals his secrets to identifying these small cap innovators, plus five of his favorite small cap stocks - [get their names FREE here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=SQ3132) ! Stock Price 4 days before: 19.9483 Stock Price 2 days before: 18.395 Stock Price 1 day before: 19.2133 Stock Price at release: 19.2569 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0013	17.7672
Symbol: IMAX Security: IMAX Corporation Related Stocks/Topics: DIS\|Markets\|DLB\|NWS\|T Title: The Best Movie Stock for the 3D Craze (IMAX, DLB, DIS, NWS, LGF, DWA) Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-10 09:18:00 Article: One of my favorite small cap stocks to buy right now is IMAX Corporation ([IMAX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=IMAX&selected=IMAX)) ). There's a lot of hopes in the film industry and on Wall Street that this is the summer 3D films will at last come into their own. That means this could be the breakout period for IMAX stock as the company goes from small cap stock to a big time entertainment star. The success of 3D films could also consequently help media stocks Dolby Laboratories Inc. ([DLB](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DLB&selected=DLB)) ) which does movie sound systems, and studios like The Walt Disney Company ([DIS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=DIS&selected=DIS)) ), News Corporation ([NWS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=NWS&selected=NWS)) ), Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. ([LGF](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LGF&selected=LGF)) ) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (N ASDAQ: DWA) among others.But IMAX is far and away my favorite movie stock right now to benefit from the 3D boom. Here are the details: Imax corporation is a relatively small company with a market cap of less than $1 billion, but its technology is so innovative that this stock is a household name. This stock makes and leases projection and sound systems for over 350 giant-screen IMAX theaters in more than 40 countries. The theaters are owned by commercial operators or nonprofits like museums and science centers, but owners must pay maintenance and royalty fees to IMAX for this truly amazing movie technology. The company's formats include IMAX Dome where screens reach heights of up to 80 feet, and IMAX 3D where images literally come right off the screen and into the audience. This is truly the next step in movie technology. Recently, IMAX saw phenomenal success thanks to the 3-D sci-fi movie Avatar that has smashed all previous movie records. The company is up over 30% so far in 2010 with a lot of potential still left. The tally for Avatar is currently $2 billion and counting, with the DVD still selling like hotcakes now that the movie has moved out of theaters! That makes me incredibly confident that the millions who have gone to an IMAX theater to see the stunning Avatar flick will return to see Iron Man 2 and other summer blockbusters in the same format. This means IMAX will continue to deliver big profits well into the summer.That gives IMAX stock a good longer-term outlook on top of what was a spectacular quarterly earnings report thanks to Avatar. IMAX stock posted a record earnings report at the end of April that included profit of $26.6 million or 42 cents a share in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $2.6 million or 6 cents a year earlier.That's success you can take to the bank. I recommend IMAX for any investor looking to cash in on the 3D movie craze this summer.As of this writing, Louis Navellier owned IMAX in his Emerging Growth newsletter. Tell us what you think here. Related Articles: - Media Stocks News Corp., Time Warner May Slip After Earnings (NWS, TWX, AAPL) - U-Verse Is Saving AT&T Inc. ([T](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=T&selected=T)) ) Wireline Business - Is Oprah Worth More Than Google? (GOOG, DISCA, PG, CMCSA, NWS, TWX, VIA, CBS, LEE, NYT, GCI, MNI) Stock Price 4 days before: 18.9949 Stock Price 2 days before: 17.6144 Stock Price 1 day before: 18.389 Stock Price at release: 18.381 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0013	16.2757
Symbol: WWW Security: Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Related Stocks/Topics: M\|Markets\|JWN\|GPS\|PVH\|COST\|CHS\|HD\|URBN\|KSS\|DECK\|SBH\|TJX\|RL\|B Title: Retail Stock Upgrades, Downgrades (M, KSS, HD, JWN, URBN, RL, GPS) Type: News Publication: Louis Navellier Publication Author: Unknown Date: 2010-05-10 11:35:00 Article: Stock upgrades and stock downgrades in the retail sector indicate and improving sales environment, according to investment adviser Louis Navellier. The renowned growth stock investor has upgraded 18 major retailers this week including Macy's Inc. (NYSE: [M](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=M&selected=M) ), Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: [KSS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KSS&selected=KSS) ), The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: [HD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HD&selected=HD) ), Nordstrom Inc . (NYSE: [JWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JWN&selected=JWN) ), Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: [URBN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=URBN&selected=URBN) ) and Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: [RL](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=RL&selected=RL) ) in his proprietary database of about 5,000 leading publicly traded stocks. Navellier downgraded only two retail stocks this week, Gap Inc. (NYSE: [GPS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=GPS&selected=GPS) ) and Luxottica Group SpA (NYSE: [LUX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LUX&selected=LUX) ). Macy's Inc. (NYSE: [M](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=M&selected=M) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week in Louis Navellier's Portfolio Grader stock ranking database. Recent sales for M stock show that the combined March/April period increased 6.1%. Discount department store owner Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: [KSS](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=KSS&selected=KSS) ) boosted its first-quarter outlook last week as revenue climbs faster than expected. As a result, KSS stock was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" this week from a D grade or "Sell" in last week's Portfolio Grader rankings.Dow Jones Industrial Average component The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: [HD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=HD&selected=HD) ) was upgraded from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week. HD stock announced last week that it is creating more than 300 jobs with the opening of a new distribution center in Ohio.Last week, Nordstrom Inc . (NYSE: [JWN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=JWN&selected=JWN) ), reported a 7.5 percent increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended May 1, 2010 compared with the four-week period ended May 2, 2009. Those strong sales for JWN stock resulted in an upgrade from Louis Navellier, from a C grade or "Hold" last week to a B grade or "Buy" this week. ****Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: [URBN](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=URBN&selected=URBN) ) was upgraded from a B grade last week to Portfolio Grader's highest ranking of an A or "strong buy" this week. That's because last week URBN stock reported first quarter earnings that included an 11% jump in revenue.Here's a complete list of this week's Portfolio Grader [stock upgrades and stock downgrades](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-macys-m-kohls-kss-home-depot-hd-jwn-urbn-rl-gps-lux-deck-josb-sks-cost-ltd-tjx.html) for the week of May 10, 2010: According to a [retail sales](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/paul_ausick/articles/retail-sales-april-costco-cost-target-tgt-ltd-tjx-kss-sks-jwn-aro-gps-anf.html) report last week, wet weather in April combined with an earlier Easter and one less shopping day conspired to reduce sales for the month for most retailers. However, some major retailers still projected a profitable quarter as they have been able to stem discounting and work through inventories. Among the April retail sales winners were Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: [COST](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=COST&selected=COST) ), Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE: [LTD](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=LTD&selected=LTD) ) and The TJX Companies Inc. ** (NYSE: [TJX](http://quotes.nasdaq.com/asp/SummaryQuote.asp?symbol=TJX&selected=TJX) ).About Portfolio Grader: Every Sunday, renowned growth stock adviser Louis Navellier runs a fundamental analysis on the top 5,000 Wall Street companies. Armed with this research, Navellier offers a rating for each company reflected as a simple letter grade, with A being "strong buy" and F being "strong sell." [Portfolio Grader's stock data is free and open to the public, and can be accessed online here](http://www.investorplace.com/order/?sid=CK3108) . **More Portfolio Grader stock analysis: - 5/3 [Media Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - SIRI, SNI, TWX, TV, CVC, BSY, IPG, MORN](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/siri-sirius-xm-twx-time-warner-cvc-cjr-gsol-tv-jrn-lamr-meg-sni-ascma-bsy-ipg-morn-wppgy-stock-upgrade-downgrade.html) - 4/26: [Goldman Sparks Financial Stock Upgrades, Downgrades - BAC, BAM, WFC, UBS, CS, GS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrade-downgrade-are-ab-bac-bam-nyb-amtd-zion-amp-cs-gs-hcbk-mtu-ntrs-trow-ubs-wfc.html) - [12 Hi-Tech Penny Stocks to Buy - LSCC, LTXC, TSEM, MTSN, CNXT, ACLS](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/penny-stocks-semiconductor-lscc-ltxc-tsem-mtsn-cnxt-acls-vimc-ikan-mosy-fsii-pdfs-axti.html) - 4/19 small cap stock upgrades: [ALTR, HCBK, GOLD, WAT, PRE, MXIM (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/small-cap-stocks-upgrades-altr-hcbk-gold-wat-pre-mxim.html) - 4/19 large cap stock upgrades: [BA, BP, CS (click for complete list of stocks to buy)](http://www.investorplace.com/experts/louis_navellier/articles/stock-upgrades-bp-boeing-ba-credit-suisse-earnings.html) Stock Price 4 days before: 29.9937 Stock Price 2 days before: 28.5652 Stock Price 1 day before: 29.5394 Stock Price at release: 29.2689 Risk-Free Rate at release: 0.0013	27.6946

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