Non-farm payrolls came in higher than analysts' forecasts and the unemployment rate fell to 8.8%. That good news sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average to a new 2011 high. At midday the Dow was up 78 points to 12,397 -- as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Except for a brief sell-off to the 11,500 level, the market has moved quickly to regain lost ground and is now at new highs. Last week the USDA's crop report was bullish for grains. It's not surprising that Caterpillar (CAT) led the charge, up 1.7%. But there are always some losers. Office Depot (ODP) fell 11% after reporting a fourth quarter loss and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD), which also had a fourth quarter loss, fell 17%.

So I haven't been fully behind the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD) thesis. Sorry, it's just the way I am; I haven't been able to gather the amount of courage that is necessary to allow me to buy this low-priced equity.

Yet the stock is firmly above its 52-week low of $2.56. It rose 4.7% on Friday, settling out at a quote of $4.46. That price may be well below the 52-week high of $5.15, but it doesn't matter to the speculators who bought ahead of the second-quarter earnings report that was posted after the bell this past Thursday. They made money.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD) is not a stock I'm likely to buy. It's a single-digit equity, and the company has had its problems over the years. And even though it has seen its share of run-ups in the recent past, as the this chart indicates, I still am reticent to trade it (although, as a trading vehicle, I'm sure some of the Wall Street pros love it).

What does the most recent fundamental data say about the business? Actually, it isn't too bad, for the most part. Net income went up 100% to 6 cents per share in Q1, and same-store sales rose 3.4%, according to this BusinessWeek.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• Advance Auto Parts Inc. (AAP) was downgraded due to concerns about its 2010 earnings outlook.
• Analogic Corp. (ALOG) received an analyst's downgrade after it reported weaker-than-expected earnings.
• AutoZone Inc. (AZO) strong Q1 results beat earnings expectations, but shares rose only a little.
• BWAY Holding Co. (BWY) received an analyst's upgrade following release of its Q4 results.
• Casey's General Stores Inc. (CASY) topped Q2 earnings estimates but lower revenue fell short.
• Ciena Corp. (CIEN) shares plummeted after it fell short of its earnings expectations for Q4.

Doughnut dean Krispy Kreme (KKD) baked up its third-quarter earnings, revealing a net loss of four cents per share. The quarterly earnings reflect provisions for the settlement of litigation and related legal costs, which totaled three cents per share. A year ago, Krispy Kreme lost nine cents per share in the third quarter.

Krispy Kreme's president and CEO noted, "Our results continued to improve year-over-year in the third quarter ... Our improved results are evidence of progress in implementing our strategic initiatives, which have us on a path toward building a growing, profitable business that is sustainable for the long term."

Here are some highlights from last week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) earnings prospects and declining sales resulted in a downgrade.
• America's Car-Mart Inc. (NASDAQ: CRMT) stronger-than-expected Q1 results led shares to a four-year high.
• ArcSight Inc. (NASDAQ: ARST) reported strong Q1 numbers on increasing demand for cyber security.
• Brown-Forman Inc. (NYSE: BF.B) Q1 results easily topped expectations despite a decline in revenue.
• Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) posted a Q3 loss but revenue improved sequentially, and shares rose.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD) reported results for the second quarter on Thursday after the bell. I haven't been a huge fan of this company, but I will concede that some of the data in the release is interesting. Maybe even encouraging.

The same-store sales went up 5.9% -- they were terrible last year at this time. Same-store sales are, as we all know, a very key metric for a business like Krispy Kreme. And the performance served as a positive counterargument to the 12% decrease in the top line.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) lowered its 2009 earnings guidance, initially sending the share price lower.
• Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) reported a bigger-than-expected Q2 net loss as revenues sank.
• Collective Brands Inc. (NYSE: PSS) saw Q1 earnings and sales decline, but beat Wall Street estimates.
• Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) earnings prospects led Goldman Sachs analysts to increase its forecasts.
• Guess? Inc. (NYSE: GES) weak Q1 results topped estimates and it offered guidance that pleased investors.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts' (NYSE: KKD) stock has had a nice run of late. It's doubled so far on the year-to-date frame. Is there something to this story? Before, there was nothing. Krispy Kreme has been a very troubled business, and it would be very difficult to convince me otherwise. But, have things changed?

Well, net income did drop in Q1. Krispy Kreme said it made t $0.03 per share. Last year at this time, the doughnut guru earned $0.06 per share. Although the profit decline isn't attractive, I liked the comps. Same-store sales at company locations increased over 2%.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Analogic Corp. (NASDAQ: ALOG) Q1 earnings plunged well below expectations due to costs.
• CKE Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: CKR) solid Q3 earnings were in line with analysts expectations.
• Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) beat Q1 expectations and same-stores sales increased.
• Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE: DOW) lowered its guidance and announced layoffs and factory closings.
• Eastman Kodak Co. (NYSE: EK) withdrew its guidance due in part to weak consumer spending.
• Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) lowered its outlook due to weaker-than-expected holiday sales.
• Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) offered a full-year profit forecast that missed analysts' expectations.
• FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) lowered its earnings guidance and announced price increases.
• FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) reported a deeper-than-expected loss but topped sales estimates.
• H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) Q2 net loss was in line with expectations but revenue fell short.
• Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE: HIG) raised its full-year forecast, doubling the share price.
• Hooker Furniture Corp. (NASDAQ: HOFT) shares sold off following disappointing Q3 results and outlook.
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE: KKD) reported a deeper-than-expected Q3 loss on increased costs.

Now, why on earth would anyone invest in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD)? Sure, if you were bored one day and wanted to do some gambling because you couldn't make it to a casino, then you maybe could use a little bit of your risk capital to fool around with the everyday gyrations of the shares. Other than that, there's no reason to consider this once-hot stock of yesteryear.

As one might expect, Krispy Kreme reported a GAAP loss for the third quarter. The red ink was worth $0.09 per share, which was eight pennies worse than the previous year's quarter. The press release talks about a few factors that affected the dismal showing. Let's see, increased commodity costs led to higher doughnut-mix prices. Shortening was also more expensive. Then there was the increase in gasoline prices. Of course, the release was quick to point out that fuel prices did retreat recently, so I don't think the company will be able to use that excuse next time around. Krispy Kreme has a load of problems that go beyond the macro environment. Simply put, it's a mess of a company that needs to get its turnaround act in order.

Stepping away from the bleak GAAP picture for a moment, I will say that Krispy Kreme did improve its free-cash-flow prospects. Net cash from operations saw an increase, and capital expenditures saw a decrease. That may be a welcome improvement, but in no way does that mean I suddenly see value in this business. Krispy Kreme's brand equity needs a radical jumpstart, and I'm simply inclined to pass on the stock.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.

The clock is ticking and the pollsters are bouncing around faster than ever with varying results. My latest wager was not on a stock, but a box of 24 doughnuts with a friend who thinks McCain will win the election.

Given the post-Palin slide of the McCain campaign we have been hearing about for the past six weeks, I thought this was a sure thing. Then we learn -- not so fast folks! -- things can change.

Presidential Race Tightens, AP Poll Says Wow, I'll say, they can change. Is this a case of "better the devil we know than the angel we don't"? Although many voters have a throw the bums out mentality, putting Republicans out of favor for the moment, in times of crises perhaps people are rethinking whether they would not prefer the familiar to the enchanting.

This seems to be the election of the enchanted so far. Barack Obama and John McCain were underdogs at the beginning of the presidential primaries but have withstood their critics harshest blows and came out on top.

Brother, can you spare a nickel?

In a sign of the oh-so-like- the-Great-Depression times, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD) franchises in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon, along with other related franchisees in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, are selling coffee for five cents. The one-per-customer-per-visit bargain is being named the Krispy Kreme New Deal.

I love the concept. Dunkin Donuts has been offering lattes and breakfast sandwiches for 99 cents in the afternoons to boost traffic in the slow time; and Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) is about to roll out a "gold card" good for 10% discounts on all products. The card, which carries a $25 annual membership fee, is not a credit card but is a parallel program with the regular Starbucks gift card, which allow you to receive bonuses (a free flavoring or other upgrade for your latte beverage, for instance).

Unfortunately, the two simultaneous and mutually exclusive card programs are confusing and a scant benefit. Customers used to buy 10, get one free punch cards at independent coffee houses will see quickly that paying for a 10% discount is hardly a great deal.

Another volatile week had passed over Wall Street, but by the end of it investors started breathing a sigh of relief in anticipation of the bailout plan. Those hopes were shattered Thursday night. Many believe that if the bailout plan doesn't get approved soon, the landscape on Wall Street will be very different, changing even more than it already has. The consequences of a financial meltdown would reverberate throughout the economy, here and globally.

Once again, BloggingStocks bloggers have looked at different stocks, trying to find the ones you may want to consider during these troubled times should you find yourself with some extra cash. Nerves of steel are a requirement for any investor these days.

Here are some picks from the past week:

Johnson and Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) - not only do Ron Rowland and Brandon Clay remind us that Johnson and Johnson was rated the world's most respected company, Cramer says that JNJ "is a super stock. Well managed, great earnings, good pipeline ..."

Monsanto (NYSE: MON) - as the undisputed leader in the genetically modified (GM) seed industry, Yiannis Mostrous and Roger Conrad think long-term-oriented investors will be rewarded handsomely with Monsanto.

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) and JP Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) - Joe Lazzaro thinks these banks' sizes may be what would save them as the they are simply too big to fail. Cramer agrees both banks stand to gain much and will do very well if the bailout is approved. With the recent acquisition of Washington Mutual Inc. (NYSE: WM), Jon Berr thinks John Pierpont Morgan would have been proud of Jamie Dimon.

Troubled business Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD) wants to use one of America's favorite treats -- ice cream -- to help bring it back to its glory days. The ice cream will be a soft-serve concoction, and the hope is that it will add another dimension of value for Krispy Kreme's patrons beyond the core doughnut portfolio. I guess the former pastry star thinks that if you're not in the mood for a doughnut, maybe you're in the mood for ice cream. (Full disclosure: I don't like ice cream!)

You know, I can't really criticize the effort. Seems like a simple enough way for Krispy Kreme to expand its base of offerings. But will it suddenly set the company on a path of unfettered growth? I can't say I see that. From an investor's point of view, Krispy Kreme is the same stock to be avoided as it was before I read about this ice-cream initiative. In fact, it was only recently that I took a look at the company's earnings and realized that I remained a bear on the business. I still think investors would be better off looking at ideas such as McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) and Burger King (NYSE: BKC) before Krispy Kreme. Yeah, they're not big on doughnuts, but they do well with burgers and fries, and they're a better way to play chains that sell less-than-healthy foodstuffs.

The ice cream plan is definitely a worthwhile experiment. But if management is just going to throw it on the menu without launching an aggressive advertising campaign in support, then I'm not sure how much good it can actually do. I've seen turnaround plans before that try to exploit some new product or project but fail to give it a proper push. We'll have to see what kind of push Krispy Kreme goes for with its ice cream, but I'm still not a buyer of the stock.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.