Rant About It...

October 28 - Top 16 Gainers, Quantum, CTS, Unisys Leads The Way

2009-10-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Company name	Symbol	Market cap	Last price	Volume	Quote change (%)
Quantum Corporation	QTM	419.56M	1.98	13.32M	21.47
CTS Corporation	CTS	308.25M	9.10	402,390.00	19.89
Unisys Corporation	UIS	1.04B	28.17	1.95M	17.03
Anika Therapeutics, Inc.	ANIK	83.15M	7.27	407,309.00	15.21
Quaker Chemical Corporation	KWR	222.32M	20.12	205,892.00	14.25
Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc.	PEET	418.01M	32.22	622,984.00	13.97
Direxion Daily Emr Mkts Bear 3x Shs(ETF)	EDZ	36.86M	7.39	10.09M	13.69
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bear 3X (ETF)	DRV	2.11M	23.15	2.32M	12.27
NutriSystem Inc.	NTRI	656.73M	21.23	3.43M	12.15
Orion Energy Systems, Inc.	OESX	76.89M	3.54	332,232.00	12.03
Waste Services, Inc.	WSII	277.06M	5.99	488,051.00	11.75
CIT Group, Inc. PRFD 'A'	CIT-A	14.24M	1.06	1.02M	11.58
ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc.	ZIOP	69.51M	3.19	168,128.00	10.76
Insituform Technologies, Inc.	INSU	771.16M	19.86	503,011.00	10.70
NCI Building Systems, Inc.	NCS	170.40M	1.89	13.05M	10.53
CIT Group Inc.	CIT	415.57M	1.06	128.36M	10.41

Recent Updates On Gold: Some Technical Analysis

2009-10-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

The recent pullback in gold has lined up the technicals for a good entry point to catch the rest of the move.

Here is the video

Bright Spots In The Market...Visa, DeVry and Nutrisystem

2009-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

The market's cautious bias that began last week has picked up a bit of momentum.

As for today's market, earnings are once again becoming a key factor. The bright spots from today's results includes Visa (V), DeVry (DV) and Nutrisystem (NTRI). On the not-so-hot list were the results from SAP (SAP), Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) and Massey Energy (MEE).

The commodity sector is seeing some heavy selling hit shares of Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM), U.S. Steel (X), Peabody Energy (BTU) and BHP Billiton (BHP). Where is that money going? How about into shares of AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ), which are both trading on the upside. Treasuries (TLT) are slightly higher on the weakness in stocks, while Oil (USO) and Gold (GLD) prices drop.

Source: Dividend.com

19 October - Top 20 Small Cap Gainer

2009-10-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Company name	Symbol	Market cap	Last price	Volume	Quote change (%)
RADCOM Ltd.	RDCM	8.88M	2.17	363,883.00	85.47
Aehr Test Systems	AEHR	13.42M	1.58	344,079.00	23.44
China Technology Development Group Corp.	CTDC	54.30M	3.48	585,577.00	22.11
New Generation Biofuels Holdings, Inc.	NGBF	33.81M	1.15	268,003.00	15.00
China Mass Media Corp. (ADR)	CMM	112.23M	4.70	215,461.00	14.91
DRI Corporation	TBUS	30.16M	2.62	1.23M	14.91
TM Entertainment & Media, Inc.	TMI	115.05M	9.20	264,498.00	14.29
New Oriental Energy & Chemical Corp.	NOEC	16.43M	1.30	347,538.00	14.05
Openwave Systems Inc.	OPWV	237.12M	2.84	1.82M	12.25
China GrenTech Corporation Limited (ADR)	GRRF	127.00M	5.38	2.24M	12.08
RELM Wireless Corporation	RWC	51.36M	3.83	332,962.00	11.99
Enterra Energy Trust (USA)	ENT	96.80M	1.50	409,278.00	11.11
BioFuel Energy Corp.	BIOF	46.07M	1.38	302,290.00	10.40
Simcere Pharmaceutical Group	SCR	527.84M	8.65	277,757.00	10.19

Dow Pushed Below 10K As Bank of America Fails To Impress

2009-10-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Investors decided that they would be selling shares this morning as earnings from Bank of America (BAC), General Electric (GE) and IBM Corp (IBM) failed to live up to street expectations.

It will be interesting to see if there are enough buyers out there that can push the Dow average back above the 10,000 level to close the week. Wall Street analysts were out in force this morning, making positive calls on shares of CME Group (CME), Safeway (SWY) and Walgreen Co. (WAG), while being negative on companies like Allegheny Technologies (ATI), Nokia (NOK) and William-Sonoma (WSM).

Elsewhere in the market, we are seeing stocks like Mattel (MAT) rally after their earnings report. Also McDonald's (MCD) and Kraft Foods (KFT) are higher. On the flipside, sellers are dumping shares of U.S. Steel (X), Black & Decker (BDK) and State Street (STT).

Gold (GLD) and Treasury (TLT) prices are higher, while Oil (USO) prices pull back slightly, following yesterday's big gains.

Source: Dividend.com

DSW, Polaris, Fairchild Semiconductor, Cypress Semiconductor All Guide Higher

2009-10-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

TempurPedic Raises Guidance
TempurPedic International Inc. (TPX) said it expects 2009 earnings of $1.00 to $1.05 per share on revenue of $790.0 million to $805.0 million. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $0.70 to $0.90 per share on revenue of $700.0 million to $740.0 million and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.87 per share on revenue of $736.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2009.

SuccessFactors Guides Higher
SuccessFactors (SFSF) said it expects third quarter revenue of $38.2 million to $38.7 million. The company's previous guidance was revenue of $37.2 million to $37.5 million and the current consensus estimate is revenue of $37.6 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.

IBM Guides Higher
International Business Machine (IBM) said it now expects 2009 earnings of at least $9.85 per share. The company's previous guidance was earnings of at least $9.70 per share and the current consensus earnings estimate is $9.77 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Brooks Automation Guides Higher
Brooks Automation Inc. (BRKS) said it now expects fourth quarter revenue of approximately $64.0 million. The company's previous guidance was revenue of approximately $54.9 million and the current consensus estimate is revenue of $56.1 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.

Cypress Semiconductor Guides Above Estimates
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (CY) said during its conference call it expects fourth quarter non-GAAP earnings of $0.10 to $0.11 per share on revenue of $180.0 million to $185.0 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.09 per share on revenue of $178.9 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

PETsMART Ups Guidance
PETsMART Inc. (PETM) said it now expects third quarter earnings of $0.25 to $0.29 per share and fiscal year earnings of $1.43 to $1.51 per share. The company's previous guidance was third quarter earnings of $0.20 to $0.24 per share and fiscal year earnings of $1.37 to $1.45 per share. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.22 per share for the quarter ending October 31, 2009 and earnings of $1.42 per share for the year ending January 31, 2010.

Fairchild Semiconductor Guides Above Estimates
Fairchild Semiconductor (FCS) said it expects fourth quarter revenue of $333.0 million to $343.0 million. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $327.7 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

DSW Ups Guidance
DSW Inc. (DSW) said it now expects 2010 earnings of $0.70 to $0.80 per share. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $0.37 to $0.45 per share and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.45 per share for the year ending January 31, 2010.

Polaris Industries Guides Earnings Above Estimates
Polaris Industries Inc. (PII) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $1.19 to $1.25 per share on revenue of $434.6 million to $460.8 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.13 per share on revenue of $448.1 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Cytec Industries Raises Guidance, but Remains Inline with Estimates
Cytec Industries Inc. (CYT) said it expects 2009 earnings of $0.80 to $1.00 per share. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $0.60 to $0.90 per share and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.81 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Safeway Reaffirms
Safeway Inc. (SWY) said it continues to expect 2009 earnings of $1.70 to $1.90 per share. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.73 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Amphenol Guides Revenue Above Estimates
Amphenol Corp. (APH) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $0.47 to $0.49 per share on revenue of $720.0 million to $735.0 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.47 per share on revenue of $707.8 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Valmont Industries Guides Below Estimates
Valmont Industries Inc. (VMI) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of approximately $1.09 per share. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.12 per share for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Callaway Golf Guides Below Estimates
Callaway Golf Company (ELY) said it expects a third quarter loss of approximately $0.25 per share on revenue of approximately $191.0 million. The current consensus estimate is a loss $0.18 per share on revenue of $195.0 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.

CryptoLogic Guides Below Estimates
CryptoLogic Ltd. (CRYP) said it expects third quarter revenue of approximately $9.6 million. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $12.4 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.

Cubist Pharmaceuticals Lowers CUBICIN Guidance
Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CBST) said it now expects CUBICIN sales for 2009 of $520.0 million to $525.0 million. The company's previous guidance was for CUBICIN sales of $520.0 million to 540.0 million. The current consensus estimate is for total revenue of $564.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Baxter Guides Below Fourth quarter Estimates
Baxter International Inc. (BAX) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $1.02 to $1.04 per share. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.05 per share for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Source: http://www.earningswhispers.com/

Is There Anything Like Perfect Portfolio

2009-10-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Perfect Portfolio

There is a saying which has been attributed to a fictional Chinese storyteller named Kai Lung and it goes like this, “May you live in interesting times”.

Well my friends, we do live in interesting times, very interesting times. With China holding the largest share of US debt, inflation just around the corner, and no light at the end of the tunnel for the unemployed - these are interesting times.

So what’s going to be the best plan of action for your money in the next three years? Is the value of your portfolio going to be cut in half, or is it going to double? I have my game plan in place, do you have yours?

Introducing “The Perfect Portfolio”

I’ve given a lot of thought as to what’s going to happen in the next three years. Specifically, what I am going to do with my own portfolio and my own money. I have scoped out several markets that I think are going to offer excellent opportunities, no matter what happens to the economy. Yes, you heard me right. No matter what happens to the economy, I believe that this “Perfect Portfolio” will work for you in the next 36 months whether you have 10,000 or 10,000,000 million dollars.

In this video I show you exactly the number of trades you would’ve made with the “Perfect Portfolio”.

We back tested the portfolio using our “Trade Triangle” technology for 42 months through some of the toughest, most difficult markets the world has ever seen. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results of these two portfolios.

Is there such a thing as a perfect portfolio? Maybe or maybe not, but there are certain times, and this is one those times, that it is practically a no brainer in how to make money in the market. That is why we call this approach “The Perfect Portfolio”

It doesn’t matter if you have $10,000 or $10,000,000. It’s all percentages and this approach has averaged 6% a month over the last 42 months in some of the toughest economic time on record.

Right about now you might be saying to yourself, “Man this has got to be super risky and they must be swinging for the fences or using some highly speculative option plays, or worse yet, futures.” It is none of these. In fact, the approach downright conservative and in some cases only makes 1 trade a year. Now I understand that this is not going to make your broker happy, but whose money is it anyway?!

Okay, let’s get started. I promise I will show you how these gains were generated and how you can easily replicate this approach. No one can guarantee 6 percent per month returns, but what I can guarantee is that this approach is proactive. There are very few trades and it works!

You are going to be shocked and quite frankly disbelieving that anything this simple can work. Then you’ll say to yourself, “Hey, I can do that!”

October 15: Top 20 Small Cap Gainer

2009-10-15T15:06:00.001-07:00

Company name	Symbol	Market cap	Quote change (%)	Last price	Volume
Royale Energy, Inc.	ROYL	27.30M	47.93	3.21	2.85M
Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation	MHR	91.41M	34.13	2.24	1.20M
Rubio's Restaurants, Inc.	RUBO	77.67M	29.00	7.74	686,122.00
CIT Group, Inc. PRFD 'A'	CIT-A	15.02M	26.32	1.44	1.57M
CEL-SCI Corporation	CVM	239.28M	25.00	1.60	23.33M
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.	OPTT	85.26M	24.07	8.35	1.68M
Hudson Highland Group, Inc.	HHGP	108.47M	23.26	4.08	151,636.00
Linktone Ltd. (ADR)	LTON	107.26M	23.19	2.55	3.80M
Solta Medical Inc.	SLTM	128.73M	20.09	2.69	1.44M
Gray Television, Inc.	GTN	138.06M	19.83	2.84	2.43M
Maguire Properties Inc PRFD 'A'	MPG-A	74.49M	19.70	7.90	172,799.00
Cubic Energy, Inc.	QBC	80.84M	17.92	1.25	219,983.00
Retail Ventures, Inc.	RVI	345.99M	16.47	7.07	563,041.00
Sunrise Senior Living, Inc.	SRZ	272.41M	16.27	5.36	5.17M
Silverleaf Resorts, Inc.	SVLF	53.02M	15.83	1.39	1.20M
Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. (ADR)	HRAY	139.28M	14.73	6.31	176,753.00
Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.	LIOX	162.65M	13.82	2.80	713,223.00
OMNI Energy Services Corp.	OMNI	35.46M	13.42	1.69	178,317.00
Pixelworks, Inc.	PXLW	54.79M	12.36	4.09	596,637.00
China North East Petroleum Hldng Ltd.	NEP	109.56M	12.02	5.22	1.45M

October 14: Top 20 Small Cap Gainers

2009-10-15T02:09:00.001-07:00

Company name	Symbol	Market cap	Last price	Volume	Quote change (%)
China INSOnline Corp.	CHIO	59.60M	1.49	4.48M	49.00
Orsus Xelent Technologies Inc.	ORS	36.90M	1.24	3.90M	44.19
Active Power, Inc.	ACPW	83.07M	1.25	3.75M	37.36
Authentidate Holding Corp.	ADAT	56.93M	1.66	388,048.00	27.69
LJ International, Inc.	JADE	75.38M	3.29	4.21M	27.03
Kandi Technolgies Corp.	KNDI	59.68M	2.99	334,501.00	24.58
ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc.	ZIOP	78.45M	3.60	1.68M	24.57
Cosi, Inc.	COSI	35.55M	0.87	449,354.00	20.85
TravelCenters of America LLC	TA	115.18M	6.91	791,294.00	19.55
PowerSecure International, Inc.	POWR	151.51M	8.80	801,022.00	18.44
KV Pharmaceutical Company	KV.A	193.80M	3.88	790,265.00	18.29
Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc	FRZ	127.04M	5.65	866,776.00	17.22
Maguire Properties, Inc.	MPG	128.55M	2.68	8.42M	16.02
Emmis Communications Corporation	EMMS	48.77M	1.32	1.05M	15.79
ExpressJet Holdings, Inc.	XJT	60.01M	3.84	473,258.00	15.32
CIT Group Inc.	CIT	415.61M	1.06	122.88M	15.22
Callon Petroleum Company	CPE	46.01M	2.12	1.34M	15.22
Radio One, Inc.	ROIAK	85.12M	1.50	2.07M	14.50
NaviSite, Inc.	NAVI	96.15M	2.70	375,062.00	14.41
Clearfield, Inc.	CLFD	55.99M	4.69	589,795.00	14.39

Xilinx, Abbott Labs Guide Higher, Host Hotels & Resorts Guides Inline

2009-10-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Avago Technologies Raises Guidance
Avago Technologies (AVGO) said it now expects fourth quarter revenue of approximately $417.5 million. The company's previous guidance was revenue of $388.4 million to $399.3 million, but there currently are no revenue estimates for the quarter ending November 1, 2009.

Xilinx Guides Revenue Above Estimates
Xilinx Inc. (XLNX) said it expects third quarter revenue of $439.8 million to $456.4 million. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $422.5 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

WD-40 Guides Earnings Above Estimates
WD-40 Company (WDFC) said it expects 2010 earnings of $1.80 to $1.95 per share on revenue of $298.0 million to $318.0 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.74 per share on revenue of $299.1 million for the year ending August 31, 2010.

Abbott Labs Raises Guidance
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) said it now expects 2009 earnings of $3.70 to $3.72 per share. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $3.65 to $3.70 per share and the current consensus earnings estimate is $3.69 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009.

AptarGroup Guides Inline
AptarGroup Inc. (ATR) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $0.43 to $0.48 per share. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.46 per share for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Landstar System Guides Inline
Landstar System Inc. (LSTR) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $0.37 to $0.42 per share on revenue of approximately $500.7 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.40 per share on revenue of $507.9 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Datalink Guides Inline
Datalink Corp. (DTLK) said it expects fourth quarter non-GAAP earnings of $0.03 to $0.07 per share on revenue of $45.0 million to $49.0 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.06 per share on revenue of $48.0 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2009.

Host Hotels & Resorts Guides Inline
Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (HST) said it now expects 2009 funds from operaitons of $0.46 to $0.51 per share, including items of $0.25 per share. The current consensus FFO estimate is $0.49 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Source: http://www.earningswhispers.com/

Central Banks Favor Euro Over Dollar

2009-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dollar Reaches Breaking Point as Banks Shift Reserves

Central banks flush with record reserves are increasingly snubbing dollars in favor of euros and yen, further pressuring the greenback after its biggest two- quarter rout in almost two decades.

Policy makers boosted foreign currency holdings by $413 billion last quarter, the most since at least 2003, to $7.3 trillion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Nations reporting currency breakdowns put 63 percent of the new cash into euros and yen in April, May and June, the latest Barclays Capital data show. That’s the highest percentage in any quarter with more than an $80 billion increase.

World leaders are acting on threats to dump the dollar while the Obama administration shows a willingness to tolerate a weaker currency in an effort to boost exports and the economy as long as it doesn’t drive away the nation’s creditors. The diversification signals that the currency won’t rebound anytime soon after losing 10.3 percent on a trade-weighted basis the past six months, the biggest drop since 1991.

....

America’s currency has been under siege as the Treasury sells a record amount of debt to finance a budget deficit that totaled $1.4 trillion in fiscal 2009 ended Sept. 30.

....

“The diversification out of the dollar will accelerate,” said Fabrizio Fiorini, a money manager who helps oversee $12 billion at Aletti Gestielle SGR SpA in Milan. “People are buying the euro not because they want that currency, but because they want to get rid of the dollar. In the long run, the U.S. will not be the same powerful country that it once was.”

....

Bill Gross, who runs the $186 billion Pimco Total Return Fund, the world’s largest bond fund, said in June that dollar investors should diversify before central banks do the same on concern that the U.S.’s budget deficit will deepen.

“The world is changing, and the dollar is losing its status,” said Aletti Gestielle’s Fiorini. “If you have a 5- year or 10-year view about the dollar, it should be for a weaker currency.”

The best/simplest way to benefit from this dollar down-trend is buy Gold. There are alot of interesting gold miner stocks that could uptrend with dollar weakness. However a Gold ETF provides the safest bet out there. Do your research on SPDR Gold Trust (GLD).

One can also place bullish/bearish bets on dollar buying PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish (UUP) or PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bearish (UDN)

Stocks I Will Be Watching - October 8

2009-10-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Seagate, ConAgra Guides Higher, Carnival Below Estimates

2009-09-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Seagate Technology Guides Higher
Seagate Technology (STX) said it now expects fiscal first quarter revenue to be at or slightly above the high-end of its previous guidance range of $2.40 to $2.60 billion. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter ending October 3, 2009.

ConAgra Foods Raises Guidance
ConAgra Foods Inc. (CAG) said it now expects fiscal 2010 earnings to approacth $1.70 per share. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $1.63 to $1.66 per share and the current consensus earnings estimate is $1.66 per share for the year ending May 31, 2010.

FactSet Research Systems Guides Above Estimates
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS) said it expects first quarter earnings of $0.73 to $0.75 per share on revenue of $152.0 million to $157.0 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.72 per share on revenue of $152.2 million for the quarter ending November 30, 2009.

Brocade Narrows Guidance
Brocade Communications Systems (BRCD) said during its Analyst Day conference it now expects fiscal 2009 non-GAAP earnings of $0.49 to $0.52 per share on revenue of $1.94 billion to $1.96 billion. The company's previous guidance was for earnings of $0.48 to $0.52 per share on revenue of $1.90 billion to $2.0 billion and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.51 per share on revenue of $1.95 billion for the year ending October 31, 2009.

PAETEC Guides Inline
PAETEC Holding Corp. (PAET) said it expects 2009 revenue of $1.575 billion to $1.585 billion. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $1.58 billion for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Lowe's Companies Provides Fiscal 2010 Guidance
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) said it continues to expect fiscal year earnings of $1.13 to $1.21 per share on revenue of $43.89 billion to $44.85 billion. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.20 per share on revenue of $46.86 billion for the year ending January 31, 2010. The company said it expects fiscal 2010 earnings of $1.24 to $1.34 per share on revenue of $45.21 billion to $46.64 billion. The current consensus earnings estimate is $1.33 per share on revenue of $48.48 billion for the year ending January 31, 2011.

Carnival Sees Fourth Quarter Earnings Below Estimates
Carnival Corp. (CCL) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $0.16 to $0.20 per share. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.23 per share for the quarter ending November 30, 2009.

Source: EarningsWhispers.com

Lincoln Educational, Molex, Ocular Science Raises Guidance

2009-09-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Ocular Sciences Raises and Narrows Guidance
Ocular Sciences, Inc (OCLR) said it now expects first quarter revenue of $82.0 million to $87.0 million. The company's previous guidance was revenue of $76.0 million to $84.0 million and the current consensus estimate is revenue of $80.0 million for the quarter ending September 26, 2009.

Lincoln Educational Services to Exceed Estimates
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) said it expects to exceed its previous guidance for third quarter earnings of $0.34 to $0.36 per share on revenue of $134.0 million to $138.0 million. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.36 per share on revenue of $138.4 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.

Molex Raises Guidance
Molex Inc. (MOLX) said it expects first quarter earnings of $0.12 to $0.16 per share on revenue of $650.0 million to $665.0 million. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $0.04 to $0.10 per shar eon revenue of $590.0 million to $630.0 million and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.08 per share on revenue of $605.3 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2009.

SYNNEX Guides Inline
SYNNEX Corp. (SNX) said it expects fourth quarter earnings of $0.72 to $0.75 per share on revenue of $2.025 billion to $2.125 billion. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.72 per share on revenue of $2.03 billion for the quarter ending November 30, 2009.

PNM Resources Raises Guidance, but Remains Inline with Estimates
PNM Resources Inc. (PNM) said it now expects 2009 earnings of $0.54 to $0.73 per share. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $0.40 to $0.55 per share and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.55 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Developers Diversified Realty Lowers Guidance
Developers Diversified Realty (DDR) said it now expects 2009 funds from operations of $1.90 to $2.00 per share. The company's previous guidance was for FFO of 2.00 to $2.15 per share, but the current consensus FFO estimate is $0.76 per share for the year ending December 31, 2009, which may not be comparable to the company's guidance.

Activision Blizzard Reaffirms
Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ATVI) said it continues to expect 2009 non-GAAP earnings of approximately $0.63 per share on revenue of approximately $4.50 billion. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.65 per share on revenue of $4.58 billion for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Source: EarningsWhispers.com

Stocks I Wish I Had Shorted

2009-09-17T13:36:00.001-07:00

RAME crashed 9% today. Volume faded nicely. Was a good short.

NCOC spiked from 75cents to 1.50$ in matter of few days. 100% up move. After topping out at 1.50$, it started selling off. First red day (when stock price when below yesterdays close), it made a good short. The stock followed up this selling with 2 more days of selling. Missed this one completely.

LXRX is a biotech stock up on drug news. However got overextended from 1.60$ to $3.50. Another 100%+ move. Unsustainable. Profit taking and short sellers brought it back to reality. Had perfect afternoon fade the very first day of the spike. This led to more panic selling. If support of @2 is breached, this one goes down further.

FNET was up on no real news. Up from 1.20$ to 3.60$. 300% move. Unsustainable. Faded in the afternoon the same day it spiked. Similar to LXRX, more selling pressure in the next 2 days. Down 9% today. Missed opportunity. However shares were hard to borrow...

AXAS was up on no news other than as an oil play. Brokeout nicely at 1.25$ to 1.80$. Not up alot. So not the ideal short. But faded nicely in the afternoon. Potential for follow through selling. Shares available to short.

CUR up from 1.10$ to 1.30$ which was perfect breakout to 1.80$. Again not up alot, but perfect fading volume. However thinly traded today and looked bit choppy. Potential for follow through selling.

DIET was perfect pump dump candidate. Up from 1.00$ to 3.00$. 300% move. Unsustainable. Finally cracked. Got back to back selling. 21% down today. Was great short yesterday on break of @2.50 and also today with break of @2

Missed Opportunities To Short

2009-09-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

GVBP was classic pump and dump. However no shares were available today to short. Really frustrating and sad to see a classic pump and dump in action and nothing to do about it.

EDAP broke past @4.50 support. Was fading all day. Easy short. Missed it completely due to focusing on other trades. Set alerts in the trading tool next time to avoid such misses.

DIET another pump and dump. Went straight down into the open. (from @2.6 to @2.2). Did not want to short after it was already down soo much. Just ended up watching. Sucks !!

Fakeouts Stopped Me Out On All Trades

2009-09-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Buying on round number breaks didnt work out today.

Bought CHINA @3.00 hoping the break would last. It never did. Stopped out @2.83

Lesson 1: Wait for volume to build up before going long. Fakeout did it for me.
Lesson 2: Stuck to my stop loss. Not disappointed about the trade. Plain bad luck. Stop loss was below yesterdays low.

Bought JAZZ @10.01 on break of $10, hoping for follow through movement. Couldnt keep above 10, after few tries. Fakeout. Stopped out @9.77.

Lesson 1: Good trade idea of waiting for break of 10. Unfortunately didnt hold. No disappointment. Stayed disciplined and got out.

Bought OPXA @4.20 and @4.07 = @4.14 average on alert services. Huge sell orders at @4.25 didnt let the stock go higher. Put stop loss at @3.94 (below low of the day). However wouldnt budge of the $4 mark and stayed weak all afternoon. Sold at loss @4.03

Lesson 1: Dont follow alert services blindly. Get out sooner if it doesnt act the way it is supposed to, to cut losses even faster. Small losses ok. Can be made up in one big trade.

All in all, pretty lousy day for me. 3 Trades, 3 Losers. On the positive note, stayed disciplined and got out with smaller losses. Done for the day !! Will start fresh tomorrow.

Mercer International Pops 50%, but Repros Therapeutics down 14%

2009-08-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Mercer International (MERC) 52% HIGHER; since announcing it's Q2 results on July 29, share of Mercer have skyrocketed more than 340%.

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA) 5% HIGHER; rose after the close on Friday. This morning's report was that ARIAD and its co-plaintiffs announced that the Court of Appeals granted their petition for rehearing 'En Banc' in the Lilly NF-kB patent lawsuit. Shares were up about 2% at $2.17 as many traders sold the news.

Electro-Optical Sciences, Inc. (MELA) 19% HIGHER; was a big winner after being featured in this weekend's "unusual suspects" after Barron's highlighted its skin cancer testing. Shares were up 20% at $9.53 ahead of the close and shares hit a new 52-week high above $10.00 earlier in the trading day.

Capstone Turbine Corp (CPST) 8% HIGHER; on receiving order worth more than $2 million

Repros Therapeutics (RPRX) 14.0% LOWER; correcting today following a 50% jump on Friday. Shares have fallen below the $1 level today.

Titan International (TWI) 7.0% LOWER; announced earlier that it will halt output of its 13-foot tires as the company has said some of the tires have failed earlier at several oil-sands mines. The company has said it will resume output of this tire by the end of August.

ExpressJet Holdings Inc (XJET) crashed 12% LOWER

Himax Technologies (HIMX) dropped 10.5% LOWER

Open Text (OTEX) 5.5% LOWER; falling today following Thursday night's Q4 results and the ensuing wave of analyst calls.

After Hour Movers - 18th Aug

2009-08-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Spreadtrum Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPRD) 22.2% HIGHER; reports a Q2 loss of $0.15 compared to $0.11 profit for the same period last year. Revenue in the second quarter totaled US$16.2 million, representing an increase of 97% from US$8.2 million in 1Q09 and down 60% from US$40.2 million in 2Q08.

Vantage Drilling Company (NYSE: VTG) 20.4% LOWER; announced that it intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, 46,500,000 of its ordinary shares. In connection with this offering, Vantage will grant the underwriters an option to purchase 6,975,000 additional ordinary shares to cover any over-allotments. Vantage intends to use proceeds from this offering, as well as the proceeds from the financing for its Aquamarine Driller, to finance the final construction payment for the Aquamarine Driller, and to use the remainder for general corporate purposes and working capital.

Candela Corp. (Nasdaq: CLZR) 15% HIGHER; reports Q4 EPS of $0.02, compared to ($0.10) in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter was $31.4 million, versus $37.4 million in Q408.

iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS) 9.5% HIGHER; today announced that its board of directors has authorized an extraordinary cash dividend of $0.32 per share. The cash dividend is payable September 17, 2009 to stockholders of record as of August 31, 2009.

La-Z-Boy Inc. (NYSE: LZB) 7.7% HIGHER; reports Q1 adj-EPS of $0.05, 10 cents better than the analyst estimate of ($0.05). Revenue for the quarter was $262.7 million, versus the consensus of $255.14 million.

Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq: KTCC) 7.3% HIGHER; reports Q4 EPS of $0.03 compared to $0.25 for the same period last year. Sales were $45.5 million, versus the consensus of $57.3 million. Sees Q1 EPS of $0.01-$0.03 on sales of $41-$44 million.

American Dental Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADPI) 7.2% LOWER; announced today that it has commenced a public offering of 2,260,000 shares of common stock. American Dental Partners will grant the underwriter in the offering an option to purchase up to 339,000 additional shares of common stock at the same price per share to cover any over-allotments.

Longtop Financial (NYSE: LFT) 4.2% LOWER; reports Q1 EPS of $0.20, ex-items, 1 cent lower than the analyst estimate of $0.21. Revenue for the quarter was $28.5 million, versus the consensus of $27.16 million. Sees Q2 adj-EPS of $0.37, versus the Street estimate of $0.37, on sales of $37.5 million, versus the consensus of $36.80 million. Raises its FY10 non-GAAP EPS guidance to about $1.22, versus the consensus of $1.19, on sales of about $145 million, which compares to the Street estimate of $143.46 million.

Giant Interactive (NYSE: GA) 3% LOWER; reports Q2 EPS of $0.15, 1 cent better than the analyst estimate of $0.14. Revenue for the quarter was $53.3 million, versus the consensus of $52.99 million. Sees Q3 revs of RMB310-RMB345 million.

Source: StreetInsider

GreenHunter, China GrenTech Pops As Cardica, LJ International Get Buried

2009-08-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

GreenHunter Energy (Amex: GRH) 70% HIGHER; For the second quarter of 2009, the Company reported net income to common shareholders, including one-time events, of $4.45 million ($0.13 per fully diluted common share) on total revenues of $1.7 million, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million ($0.37 loss per fully diluted common share) on total revenues of $468 thousand in the second quarter of 2008.

China GrenTech (Nasdaq: GRRF) 47% HIGHER; reports Q2 EPS of $0.08, 6 cents better than the analyst estimate of $0.02. Revenue for the quarter was $62 million, versus the consensus of $46.93 million.

Rentech (AMEX: RTK) 22% HIGHER; upside momentum resumes today. Since receiving approval to modify specs for commercial jet fuel to a 50/50 blend on August 6, shares have surged more than 200%. The stock is trading on extremely heavy volume.

Newcastle Investment (NYSE: NCT) 20% HIGHER; continuing higher today following yesterday's break above the $1.00 level. Before yesterday, shares of Newcastle had not been above $1 since mid-May.

Cardica (Nasdaq: CRDC) 24% LOWER; reports Q2 loss of $0.22, 1 cent better than the analyst estimate of ($0.23). Revenue for the quarter was $1.2 million, versus the consensus of $2.91 million.

LJ International Inc. (NASDAQ: JADE) 22% LOWER; reports Q2 EPS of $0.01, compared to ($0.01) in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter was $22.4 million, versus $31.1 million in Q208.

Jinpan International Ltd. (Nasdaq: JST) 18% LOWER; reports Q2 EPS of $1.07, versus the analyst estimate of $0.65 and compared to a gain of $0.74 in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter was $40.9 million, versus the consensus of $44.30 million. Sees FY09 EPS of $2.75-$2.85, versus the consensus of $2.84 and sales of $154-$159 million, which compares to the Street estimate of $180.99 million.

Wuhan General Group (WUHN) 13% LOWER, maker of industrial blowers and turbines in China, reported second quarter earnings of 18 thousand dollars, rounding to breakeven per share. That's compared to earnings of 5.5 million, or 12 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Revenue plunged 44 and a half percent year over year, and was down 4.1 percent quarter over quarter. The company said that the slowdown in the steel industry reduced demand for its products, but that business looks like it is starting to pick up again. On Friday morning, shares were down 14 and a half percent.

Satcon Technology Corporation (SATC) 12% LOWER, a provider of distributed power solutions to the renewable energy markets, reported a loss of 13 cents per share for the quarter. That's compared to a loss of 18 cents in the same quarter last year. Revenue fell 31% year over year. CEO Steve Rhoades cited the lack of available financing for large scale solar projects as a reason for the challenging quarter. Shares were trading more than 9 and a half percent lower early Friday.

Intel, Motorola, Capital One Popped While Yum & Fifth Street Dived

2009-07-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Alcatel-Lucent shares rose 14%. Merrill Lynch raised its rating on the telecom-equipment maker to buy from neutral, saying the stock is oversold after falling 20% from its recent peak. The broker told clients that its upgrade isn't a call on the quarter, although it does expect a sequential improvement in operating margins through the rest of the year.

AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. shares gained 7.9% after being upgraded to buy from hold at Standard & Poor's. "We think results will benefit from a lower headcount and cost controls following cuts in the past year, boosting margins," added analyst Matthew Albrecht in a note to investors. S&P raised its 2009 earnings estimate to $1.34 from 73 cents a share, and increased its price target to $25 from $19.

Altera Corp. shares rose 4.6% after the firm reported a second-quarter profit of $47.4 million, or 16 cents a share, down from $98 million, or 32 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Quarterly revenue was $279.2 million against the prior year's $360 million. Excluding tax expense of 4 cents a share, the manufacturer of programmable logic devices earned 20 cents a share in the latest period.

ASML Holding N.V. shares gained 4.7%. The Dutch maker of chip-manufacturing equipment swung to a second-quarter loss from a year-earlier profit on 67% lower net sales. The loss was 104 million euros ($145 million), or 0.24 euro a share, compared with net income of 192 million euros, or 0.44, in the year-earlier quarter.

Bemis Co. Inc. shares rose 5.3%. The Neenah, Wis.-based packaging and materials company said it expects to earn 47 cents a share in the second quarter, up from its original estimate of 35 to 43 cents a share. For the year, Bemis said it expects to make $1.68 to $1.75 a share, up from $1.50 to $1.70 a share previously.

Capital One Financial Corp. shares jumped 13% after the company said delinquencies eased slightly in June. The company said the rate of its accounts 30 days or more delinquent dipped modestly to 4.77% in June, down from 4.9% in May.

Gannett Co. shares soared 30%. The largest newspaper publisher in the nation said Wednesday that it swung to a second-quarter profit, although revenue remained under pressure because of the weak economic environment. The publisher of USA Today said its quarterly profit came in at $70.5 million, or 30 cents a share, in the quarter ended June 28. It lost $2.29 billion, or $10.03 a share, in the year-earlier quarter.

Intel Corp. shares rose 8%. The computer-chip maker reported a second-quarter loss of $398 million, or 7 cents a share, compared with a profit of $1.6 billion, or 28 cents, for the year-earlier period. Revenue was $8.02 billion, down from $9.47 billion. Adjusted profit, which excludes a fine imposed by the European Commission, was 18 cents a share. Read more about Intel.

Lubrizol Corp. shares gained 5.7% after an announcement that it expects second-quarter earnings of about $1.92 a share, including a restructuring and impairment charge of about 10 cents a share.

Motorola shares rose 6.6% and Nokia rose 7%, leading telecommunications stocks broadly higher.

Research In Motion Ltd. shares gained 6.3%. The company told shareholders it will sponsor the rock band U2's 360 Tour in an effort to win over more consumers.

Worthington Industries shares rose 5%. It reported a fourth-quarter loss of $13.7 million, or 17 cents a share, from net income of $53.9 million, or 68 cents a share in the year-ago period. Excluding items, the Columbus, Ohio metal processing company lost 2 cents a share. Sales fell 46% to $471.6 million.

Fifth Street Finance Corp. shares fell 4.5%. The firm, which caters to small and medium-sized companies, estimated second-quarter net investment income at 34 to 36 cents a share, compared with 33 cents in the previous quarter. Separately, the company plans a secondary offering of 6.5 million common shares. The underwriters will have an option on 975,000 more shares if demand for the offering requires.

Lufkin Industries Inc. shares lost 4%. The Texas provider of oilfield-pumping units reported that second-quarter earnings fell 79% on 29% lower sales. Net income was $4.5 million, or 30 cents a share, compared with $21.2 million, or $1.42, in the year-earlier quarter. Adjusted per-share earnings from continuing operations for the latest period were 40 cents. Sales fell to $123.7 million from $174.5 million. To cut costs and improve its competitive position, Lufkin has cut its workforce 16% this year, placed some operations on short workweeks, and eliminated overtime pay.

Yum Brands Inc. shares dropped 5.2%. The operator of fast-food restaurant chains including KFC and Pizza Hut reported a sharply higher second-quarter profit, fueled by lower expenses and international growth. And it affirmed that it expects to earn an adjusted $2.10 a share in 2009. Read more about Yum's earnings.

Inflation At The Consumer Level Rose By 0.7 Percent

2009-07-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

The market moved broadly higher at the open this morning as positive earnings reports outweighed lack lackluster economic data.
The Commerce Department said inflation at the consumer level rose by 0.7 percent last month, slightly higher than the 0.6 percent increase that economists were expecting. It was the biggest one-month gain since a 0.7 percent increase last July. The big jump was seen as a temporary blip, however.
Inflation is not expected to be a problem any time soon given a severe recession which is keeping a lid on wage pressures.
The Federal Reserve reported production at the nation's factories, mines and utilities fell 0.4 percent last month as the recession crimped demand for a wide range of manufactured goods, including cars, machinery and household appliances. The decline, however, was not as bad as May.
Industrial activity posted a revised 1.2 percent drop then, which turned out to be slightly worse than first reported.
Oil prices rose to near $61 a barrel as investors looked to a weekly inventory report for clues on U.S. gasoline demand.

Stocks Covered In Today’s NewsBites…
Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO), Yum Brands Inc (YUM), J B Hunt Transport Services Inc (JBHT), Lennar Corp (LEN) and Brinker International Inc (EAT), Altera Corp (ALTR), Newmont Mining Corp Holding Co (NEM), Forest Oil Corporation (FST), ON Semiconductor (ONNN), AngloGold Ashanti Ltd (AU), Owens Illinois Inc (OI), Toll Brothers (TOL), Sealed Air (SEE), Werner Enterprises Inc (WERN) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MTU).

Today’s News Leaders…
Intel Corporation (INTC), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Campbell Soup Co (CPB), Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) and Alcon Inc (ACL) top the lists of companies with news today.

Analyst Favorites…
CSX Corporation (CSX), Netflix Inc (NFLX), Aeropostale Inc (ARO), Celanese Corp (CE) and Collective Brands Inc (PSS).

Select ETFs and HOLDRs…
iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund (EWZ), Oil Service HOLDRS Trust (OIH), iShares DJ US Basic Materials Sector Index Fund (IYM), Market Vectors Steel Index Fund (SLX) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE).

Tip of the day…
Listen to the experts. Listen but don't blindly follow. Use what they say as the beginning of your research. No matter how great a trade looks, if it does not fit into your goals and tolerances then it's not for you.

Tyco Electronics Guide Higher, United Technologies Reaffirms

2009-06-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Positive Guidance

Tyco Electronics Ups Guidance
Tyco Electronics Ltd. (TEL) said it now expects third quarter earnings of $0.10 to $0.17 per share, excluding items, on revenue of $2.45 billion to $2.55 billion. The company's previous guidance was earnings of $0.01 to $0.06 per share on revenue of $2.35 billion to $2.45 billion and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.03 per share on revenue of $2.42 billion for the quarter ending June 26, 2009.

O2Micro Guides Above Estimates
O2Micro International Ltd. (OIIM) said it expects second quarter revenue of approximately $34.0 million. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $26.4 million for the quarter ending June 30, 2009.

Inline Guidance

Majesco Entertainment Raises Revenue Guidance to be Inline with Estimates
Majesco Entertainment Company (COOL) said it continues to expect 2009 earnings of $0.10 to $0.14 per share but now expects revenue of $80.0 million to $85.0 million. The company's previous guidance was revenue of $75.0 million to $80.0 million and the current consensus earnings estimate is $0.14 per share on revenue of $81.5 million for the year ending October 31, 2009.

Illinois Tool Works Reaffirms
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) said it continues to expect second quarter earnings of $0.25 to $0.37 per share, excluding items. The current consensus earnings estimate is $0.30 per share for the quarter ending June 30, 2009.

United Technologies Reaffirms
United Technologies Corp. (UTX) said it continues to expect 2009 earnings of $4.00 to $4.50 per share on revenue of approximately $55.0 billion. The current consensus earnings estimate is $4.08 per share on revenue of $54.15 billion for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Negative Guidance

Basic Energy Services Warns
Basic Energy Services Inc. (BAS) said it expects second quarter revenue of $116.0 million to $119.1 million. The current consensus estimate is revenue of $145.3 million for the quarter ending June 30, 2009.

Jazz Pharma, Maguire Properties Soar, Hartford Plummet

2009-06-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s ($4.23, +$1.59, +60.23%) sodium oxybate showed meaningful improvement in treating the pain and the main symptoms associated with fibromyalgia in Phase III studies. The company had already announced positive results from the trials late last year, saying preliminary results achieved their endpoints.

Maguire Properties Inc. ($1.57, +$0.50, +46.73%), a struggling Los Angeles real-estate investment trust, sold a newly developed office building in Irvine, Calif., for about $160 million, a price representing an estimated 40% discount to its construction cost.

Six Flags Inc. (SIXF, $0.15, -$0.11, -42.05%), one of the world's largest amusement-park chains, will be mostly owned by its lenders if a bankruptcy judge approves a deal negotiated between the company and its debt holders. The theme-park company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early Saturday amid a mountain of debt topping $2 billion and a looming $300 million payment due to preferred stockholders in August.

BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (BDSI, $7.62, +$0.86, +12.72%) has reached an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration and a review team regarding the company's new-drug application for the treatment of cancer-related pain, signaling approval could be near.

Columbia Banking System Inc. (COLB, $10.71, -$1.89, -15%), a bank-holding company, said it expects a larger second-quarter loss than analysts expected. The company plans to increase its loan-loss provision in the quarter because of continuing declines in real estate values.

In addition to the $3.4 billion it is seeking from the Treasury, Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG, $11.50, -$1.45, -11.20%) said Friday that it will sell up to $750 million in stock to further bolster its capital position as it prepares to report more investment losses in the second quarter.

Innospec Inc. (IOSP, $10.18, -$0.47, -4.41%) said its board approved a stockholder rights plan to protect against takeover efforts. The chemical company said it believes the value of its business isn't reflected in its share price, which could make it vulnerable to a hostile takeover.

Lincoln National Corp. (LNC, $16.47, -$1.28, -7.21%) said Monday it is aiming to raise $2.1 billion in capital, including a $600 million common stock offering, as part of its broader program to bolster capital levels and reduce debt. The insurance holding company also announced plans Monday to sell $500 million in senior debt and $950 million in preferred stock under the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program.

Limited Brands Inc. (LTD, $12.48, -$0.33, -2.58%) said it is looking to raise $500 million through a private placement of senior notes due 2019 as the retailer looks to pay down debt. The company joins a host of other companies issuing notes as they look to raise cash.

Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (SNTA, $2.54, -$0.17, -6.27%) will see its cancer-drug venture with GlaxoSmithKline PLC end within 90 days, putting the treatment further into question after a late-stage trial was stopped earlier this year amid mortality concerns.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Service lowered its credit ratings on TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW, $9.36, -$0.86, -8.41%) further into junk territory, saying weak light vehicle sales through 2010 would result in the auto-parts maker using more cash than previously estimated.

Pops And Drops - Savient, Hoku Lead The Way

2009-06-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Shares of Savient Pharmaceuticals ($9.28, +$3.35, +56.49%) jumped as the Food and Drug Administration released its briefing documents ahead of a panel meeting Tuesday to discuss approval of gout treatment Krystexxa. Analysts said the FDA comments appeared to be positive.

Hoku's ($3.15, -$1.23, -28.08%) fiscal first-quarter loss narrowed despite sharply lower revenue, but the alternative-energy company warned it is having trouble raising capital to continue as a going concern over the next 12 months.

William Blair raised its investment rating on Sonic ($3.57, +$0.41, +12.97%) to outperform from market perform, saying the company is well poised to capitalize on the nation's switch to digital television, which is supposed to be completed Friday. Sonic's digital move distribution system, CinemaNow, is an attractive option and the fact that overall digital viewership is increasing should benefit Sonic.

KeyBanc raised its rating on TriMas Corp. (TRS, $4.27, +$0.36, +9.21%), a manufacturer of engineered and applied products, to buy from hold, citing an improving risk/reward profile and overdone covenant and liquidity concerns.

EZCorp Inc. (EZPW, $11.08, -$1.81, -14.04%) cut its earnings guidance for the next two quarters and the fiscal year, as the recession has less of a positive effect on demand for loans and previously owned merchandise than the pawnshop operator expected

E*Trade Financial Corp. (ETFC, $1.88, +$0.22, +13.25%) shares soared, up for the fourth straight session since Dow Jones Newswires said the company is in talks with Citadel to provide capital. On Tuesday, E*Trade said Citadel Chief Executive Kenneth Griffin would join its board. While nothing was disclosed today, JMP Securities says Citadel news is an indication that the hedge fund-giant isn't willing to let E*Trade "fade into the night." However, JMP said any aid doesn't necessarily make E*Trade a better investment for common shareholders.

Finisar Corp.'s (FNSR, $0.78, -$0.07, -8.04%) fiscal fourth-quarter loss narrowed on a smaller goodwill write-down, but revenue and margins continued to reflect the economic downturn.

F.N.B. Corp.'s (FNB, $6.06, +$0.26, +4.48%) capital needs have been addressed following its capital-raising earlier this week, KBW said as it boosted the stock's rating to outperform. KBW said, despite dilutive impact to earnings, the raise was a "longer-term positive" for stock, boosting TCE ratio, supporting organic growth opportunities and providing flexibility for bank to consider repaying TARP. It also added it believes FNB's dividend is safe.

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG, $12.88, -$1.20, -8.52%) announced plans to sell up to $750 million in stock as the insurer formally announced it will participate in the Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program. Fellow insurer Lincoln National Corp. (LNC, $17.53, -$1.42, -7.49%) also traded lower.

Human Genome Sciences (HGSI, $2.89, -$0.30, -9.41%) shares fell as Lazard Capital said the probability that its LymphoStat-B will succeed in phase III trials for lupus is "extremely low," while Barclays calls the upside on the drug's phase II data overdone. Lazard Capital downgraded its investment rating on Human Genome shares to sell from hold, criticizing several aspects of trial's design.

Nutrisystem Inc. (NTRI, $13.96, -$1.59, -10.23%) said it will take about $4.6 million in charges and write-downs during the second quarter related to cost-cutting and its decision to write off its investment in ZeroWater. The provider of weight-management and fitness products has been taking steps to cut pretax costs up to $8 million this year amid declines in consumer spending associated with the global recession. Nutrisystem will record $1 million in charges from recent layoffs.

Shares of Pain Therapeutics Inc. (PTIE, $5.32, +$0.33, +6.61%) rose Friday, although analysts said they haven't heard of anything fundamental that could be driving the gains. Analysts told Dow Jones Newswires their best guess for the share movement was that investors are focusing on an upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration meeting to discuss Remoxy, a proposed pain pill from Pain Therapeutics and King Pharmaceuticals Inc. (KG, $10.10, +$0.33, +3.38%).

KeyBanc cut the stock-investment rating of Quicksilver Resources Inc. (KWK, $12.50, -$0.68, -5.16%) to hold from buy, saying the shares have had a good run. The firm cited the company's year-to-date appreciation, its valuation and the lack of near-term catalysts.

European Union regulators Friday confirmed they have started a settlement procedure with U.S.-based Rambus Inc. (RMBS, $17.22, +$2.13, +14.12%) over an alleged antitrust violation. As part of the proposed settlement, Rambus has offered royalty cuts for five years for its chip technology customers, the European Commission said.

Saks Inc. (SKS, $4.35, +$0.59, +15.69%) gained after Deutsche Bank upgraded its investment rating on the high-end retailer's shares to buy from hold, and set a $7 price target. The firm says strategies are in place to return operating margins to prior levels.

Schawk Inc. (SGK, $7.46, -$0.38, -4.85%) swung to a fourth-quarter loss, although the company said it won credit amendments that resolve concerns about its covenant compliance. Schawk, which produces branded packaging for clients, also predicted fiscal-year revenue of $440 million to $450 million, a decline of 9% to 11% from the year earlier.

Investors have shown strong interest in Tenet Healthcare Corp.'s (THC, $3.25, -$0.24, -6.88%) note buyback, tendering $891.4 million in outstanding senior notes by the early tender date as part of the hospital operator's offer to buy back up to $1 billion in notes maturing in 2014.

UTStarcom Inc. (UTSI, $1.94, -$0.21, -9.77%) said it would cut its work force by more than half and outsource its manufacturing to improve cash flow, as the handset maker continues trimming its operations.