Today the market tried to make it eight days in a row for a positive close, but didn't quite pull it off. The markets had been soft much of the day but the flatline was something hard to predict until literally until right at the closing bell. Many overseas markets were lower on the day.

Here were today's closing bell levels:

Dow Jones 12,239.89 +6.74 (0.06%)
S&P 500 1,320.88 -3.69 (-0.28%)
Nasdaq 2,789.07 -7.98 (-0.29%)

Continue reading Closing Bell: Almost an Eight-Day Run (NYX, RL, CSC, KO, WWWW)

Closing Bell: Almost an Eight-Day Run (NYX, RL, CSC, KO, WWWW) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Computer Sciences (CSC) -- our top pick for 2011 -- is a global leader in providing information technology and related services to commercial accounts and government agencies," says Sy Harding.

The editor of Street Smart Report explains, "In our view, the wind is likely to be at the company's back as the economic recovery continues to strengthen over the next two years.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Computer Sciences (CSC)

Top Picks 2011: Computer Sciences (CSC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Computer Sciences Corp. Boosts Dividend and Starts Buyback

Computer Sciences Corp. Boosts Dividend and Starts Buyback originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Plans. They're something other people make, right? And what's the use of a plan when the stock market is so volatile? You can watch a stock take years to rise well above where you bought it, only to see all that gain lost in a matter of hours. Plans. Who needs them? You do. Especially you.

Investors need plans and discipline more than ever. It's been a tough few years. No one knows how long this recession will last, but having a plan that is almost (nothing is absolute in investing) bulletproof will help you get through the roughest days, weeks, months, even years of turmoil. Here's where you start:

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Do You Have a Plan?

Comfort Zone Investing: Do You Have a Plan? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Jefferies upgraded Computer Sciences (CSC) to buy from hold and raised its target to $53 from $47. The analyst said Computer Sciences' valuation has created one of the best LBO opportunities in several years and could provide a five year IRR of 25+%.
• Keefe Bruyette upgraded Comerica (CMA) to outperform from market perform, citing strength of the company's capital. The firm raised its target for shares to $44 from $43.
• RBC Capital upgraded Nokia (NOK) to outperform from sector perform and raised its price target to $14 from $12. The firm upgraded shares based on valuation, reduced execution risk on software development, and potential catalysts from new devices based on Symbian^3. RBS upgraded Nokia to buy from hold after the company named Stephen Elop as CEO.
• Allstate (ALL) was upgraded to buy from hold at Citigroup.
• Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) was upgraded to buy from neutral at BofA/Merrill.
• Moody's (MCO) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at Piper Jaffray.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: BCR, BUD, CLX, CMA, CSC, CSCO, DELL, LEN, MCO, NOK, TRV ...

Analyst Calls: BCR, BUD, CLX, CMA, CSC, CSCO, DELL, LEN, MCO, NOK, TRV ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Janney Montgomery upgraded MasterCard (MA) to buy from neutral. The firm has a $250 price target on the stock.
• Lazard upgraded Frontline (FRO) to hold from sell following the better than expected Q1 report.
• Knight Capital (NITE) was upgraded at BMO Capital to outperform from market perform. The firm cites valuation and improved fundamentals for the downgrade. The firm has an $18 price target on the stock.
• Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) was upgraded to overweight from equal weight at Barclays.
• Carnival (CCL) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Goldman.
• Computer Sciences (CSC) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel Nicolaus.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: MA, FRO, NITE, RDS.A, CCL, DWA, VLCM, WEN, C, PG, ENOC ...

Analyst Calls: MA, FRO, NITE, RDS.A, CCL, DWA, VLCM, WEN, C, PG, ENOC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 21 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• UBS raised its Global LED demand estimates and upgraded Cree (CREE) to buy from neutral, citing lower margin risk and increased LED lighting growth. The firm raised its target to $92 from $60.
• Wells Fargo upgraded Juniper (JNPR) to outperform from market perform. The firm believes the company is beginning to generate multifaceted growth as a result of increased carrier traffic and impressive products.
• RBC Capital upgraded LHC Group (LHCG) to outperform from sector perform. RBC expects the company to increase 2010 guidance due to the passage of health care reform and raised its target for shares to $39 from $35.
• TransDigm (TDG) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.
• WebMD (WBMD) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Goldman.
• Houston Wire & Cable (HWCC) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Baird.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AA, AMP, BLUD, CREE, CSC, JNPR, LHGC, MWW, TDG ...

Analyst Calls: AA, AMP, BLUD, CREE, CSC, JNPR, LHGC, MWW, TDG ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There may be one positive thing that came out of the recent cyberattack on Google (GOOG). That good thing would be a very timely spotlight on the issue of computer network security. When we consider the almost instantaneous carnage that one talented hacker or code writer could inflict upon almost any data system, the prudent investor might do well to investigate the opportunities presented by such a scenario.

Continue reading Attack on Google Highlights Cyber Security Issue

Attack on Google Highlights Cyber Security Issue originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Keefe Bruyette upgraded TD AmeriTrade (AMTD) to outperform from market perform on valuation following the recent sell-off in shares. The firm has a $22.50 price target on the stock.
• Stifel upgraded Saia (SAIA) to buy from hold based on valuation, operating leverage and increased possibility of a large industry consolidation event in the next few months. The firm has an $18 target on the stock.
• Citigroup upgraded Atlas Pipeline Holdings (AHD) to hold from sell to reflect valuation and an improved outlook for commodity prices. The firm raised its target on shares to $6 from 50 cents.
• Manpower (MAN) was upgraded to buy from neutral at BofA/Merrill.
• IAMGOLD (IAG) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS.

Continue reading Analyst Upgrades, Downgrades and Initiations: AMTD, AOL, CHTT, CSC, IMAX, SAIA, WRC ...

Analyst Upgrades, Downgrades and Initiations: AMTD, AOL, CHTT, CSC, IMAX, SAIA, WRC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In this week's (November 9) Preview Section of Barron's (subscription required) I was surprised to find that on Wednesday (11/9) it is noted that Computer Sciences (CSC), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Macy's (M) reported "profits." How do they know this?

On other days they refer to the "earnings" of various companies reporting. Perhaps I am splitting hairs, perhaps it is editorial haste (like you might find on our site), or perhaps there is no difference in some people's minds? From my perspective there is a difference between earnings and profits. Every quarter, public companies report their earnings. They do not always report a profit.

Continue reading Sunday Funnies: Barron's predicting profits?

Sunday Funnies: Barron's predicting profits? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• Kaufman Bros. upgraded Computer Sciences (NYSE: CSC) and Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) to Buy from Hold on better demand trends as it believes overall enterprise IT spending is turning more positive. The firm raised its target on Computer Sciences to $62 from $54 and on Cognizant to $45 from $42.
• Citigroup upgraded E-Trade (NASDAQ: ETFC) to Buy from Hold as it believes loan less trends have improved and the company could potentially be acquired. Citi raised its target on shares to $2.30 from $1.50.
• Auriga upgraded Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) to Buy from Hold as it believes consensus expectations for 2010 are too low, but admits the company's Q1 results could be fairly weak. Auriga believes Microsoft is coming up to its "most powerful product cycle in many years" and raised its price target on shares to $30 from $24.
• Motorola (NYSE: MOT) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS.
• Fidelity Southern (NASDAQ: LION) was upgraded to Neutral from Reduce at SunTrust.
• Sonoco Products (NYSE: SON) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AA, ETFC, FIATY, MOT, MSFT, POT ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AA, ETFC, FIATY, MOT, MSFT, POT ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Goldman upgraded shares of Daimler (NYSE: DAI) to Buy from Neutral as it believes the company's restructuring and greater visibility on its outlook could be positive for the stock.
  
• JP Morgan upgraded shares of Goodyear Tire (NYSE: GT) and Cooper Tire (NYSE: CTB) to Overweight from Neutral on expectations that industry volumes will improve in the coming quarters.
  
• Friedman Billings upgraded Websense (NASDAQ: WBSN) following the company's better than expected preliminary Q1 results. The firm maintains a $17 target on shares.
• Ruby Tuesday (NYSE: RT) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at KeyBanc.
  
• Portfolio Recovery (NASDAQ: PRAA) was raised to Buy from Neutral at SunTrust.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DAI, GT, DB, FIATY, TXN ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DAI, GT, DB, FIATY, TXN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• JP Morgan upgraded Alcoa (NYSE: AA) to Overweight from Neutral and added shares to its Focus List. The analyst said the equity offering and dividend cut provide enough "liquidity insurance" to make it through 2009 and now views risk/reward as attractive.
  
• Deutsche Bank upgraded Asbury Automotive (NYSE: ABG) to Buy from Hold as it finds the current valuation attractive and thinks the company's cost savings will drive upside in a recovery. The firm raised its target price to $7 from $5.50.
  
• Barclays upgraded Beckman Coulter (NYSE: BEC) to Overweight from Equal Weight. Following their healthcare conference and management meetings, the firm sees increased visibility into revenues.
• Waddell & Reed (NYSE: WDR) was raised to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  
• Nokia (NYSE: NOK) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse.
  
• Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) was lifted to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AA, NOK, EXPE, MTB, CSC ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AA, NOK, EXPE, MTB, CSC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Stocks in the news: BBY, AXP, GM, PRU, M, AMAT, BBBY, LVS, MSFT

Stocks in the news: BBY, AXP, GM, PRU, M, AMAT, BBBY, LVS, MSFT originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Office Depot (NYSE: ODP) closed at $13.81 Thursday, near a six-year low.

ODP has a market cap of $3.7 billion. ODP has long term debt of $581 million. ODP reported total September 2007 revenue of $3.9 billion. ODP has been frequently mentioned buyout candidate over the last two years.

ODP overall option implied volatility of 59 is above its 26-week average of 49 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Computer Sciences (NYSE: CSC) closed at$39.20 Thursday.

CSC is scheduled to report EPS on February 4. CSC

February option implied volatility of 44 is above its 26-week average of 33 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options update 1-25-08: Office Depot volatility elevated originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Bear Stearns Companies (NYSE: BSC) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Banc of America to reflect weaker fixed income trends, challenges in prime-brokerage and asset management, and no positive catalysts. They feel the stock is "dead money" for the next 6-12 months.
  
• Morgan Stanley lowered Omnicare Inc's (NYSE: OCR) rating to Underweight from Equal Weight citing the Department of Justice's inquiry into the company's business practices.
• Suntrust believes Street expectations for Kforce Inc (NASDAQ: KFRC) may be too optimistic given a potential slowdown in finance and accounting temporary staffing volumes and downgraded shares to Neutral from Buy.
• Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at Citigroup to reflect a more negative industry outlook, recent pipeline setbacks and the negative court ruling related to the Protonix litigation.

• EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) was removed from Goldman's Conviction Buy List.
• Stanford downgraded shares of Alabama National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ALAB) to Hold from Buy.
• Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at Sandler.

Analyst downgrades 9-7-07: BSC, OCR, KFRC and WYE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Bear Stearns upgraded shares of Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) to Outperform from Peer Perform, with a $36 target, after the quarterly results as they believe revenue growth is sustainable and diversified. Bear expects Cisco to benefit from significant new product cycles over the next two years and believes investments in emerging markets are beginning to pay off.
  

• Merriman upgraded Finisar (NASDAQ: FNSR) to Buy from Neutral to reflect the improved outlook at their top customer, Cisco.

• Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC) was upgraded to Hold from Sell at Stifel, as the firm expects shares to remain range bound.

• Pali Capital raised shares of Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) to Buy from Neutral with a $55 target on valuation as they believe the bad news is already priced in.

• Cascade (NYSE: CAE) was upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform at Rodman & Renshaw on valuation.

• Warner Music (NYSE: WMG) was upgraded to Buy from Sell with a $13 target at Citigroup.

• Citigroup also upgraded shares of Copa Holdings (NYSE: CPA) to Buy from Hold with a $71 target.

• Baird upgraded shares of Parkway Properties (NYSE: PKY) to Outperform from Neutral on valuation.

• Computer Sciences (NYSE: CSC) was raised to Hold from Underperform at Jefferies on valuation and improvement in bookings.

• Morgan Stanley upgraded ABB Ltd (NYSE: ABB) to Overweight from Equal Weight.

Analyst upgrades 8-08-07: BBY, CSCO, THC and WMG originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Computer Sciences(NYSE:CSC) call volume and volatility spikes on renewed speculation. CSC is recently up .97 to $61.27 on unconfirmed deal chatter Blackstone(NYSE:BX) or Hewlett Packard (NYSE:HPQ) will make a bid. CSC is frequently chatted as being sold to IBM (NYSE:IBM), Lockheed Martin(NYSE:LMT), United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) or private equity after Apollo Managements' bid for the CSC failed in the spring of 2006. CSC July 62.5 calls have traded 126 times on transaction volume of 3,459 contracts above its open interest of 2,356 contracts. CSC August option implied volatility of 36 is above its 26-week average of 25 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Option volume leaders today are: Novastar Financial (NASDAQ:NFI) and Apple Computer (NASDAQ:AAPL).

Daily Option Update is provided by Stock Options Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Option update 7-17-07: Computer Sciences call volume and volatility spikes on renewed speculation originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) to hold mid-June sales call at 4:30pm.

• PDUFA date for Sanofi-Aventis SA's (NYSE: SNY) Acomplia for weight loss.
• Nike Inc (NYSE: NKE) to report Q4 earnings; conference call at 5pm.
• Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ: ORCL) to report Q4 earnings; conference call at 5pm.

• Covansys Corporation (NASDAQ: CVNS) to hold a special shareholder meeting at 9am in Detroit on the acquisition by Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC).
• Sierra Health Services Inc (NYSE: SIE) to hold special shareholder meeting at 4pm in Las Vegas on proposed acquisition by UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: UNH).
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc (NASDAQ: BBBY) to report Q1 earnings; conference call at 5pm.

• Palm Inc (NASDAQ: PALM) to report Q4 earnings; conference call at 4:30pm.
• Research in Motion Limited (NASDAQ: RIMM) to report Q1 earnings; conference call at 5pm.

• Finish Line Inc (NASDAQ: FINL) to report Q1 earnings; conference call at 8:30am.

Market highlights for next week: Covansys holds special shareholder meeting originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the market being propelled upward due to private equity and corporate acquisitions, investors should not stay on the sidelines. Rather, they should target private equity's next frontier -- IT services. Of the companies in this sector, Unisys Corp. (NYSE: UIS), Perot Systems Corp. (NYSE: PER) and Ingram Micro, Inc. (NYSE: IM) may be worth examining.

A few months ago, I suggested several sectors and companies that private equity could target next. On Friday, TheStreet.com reiterated one of those sectors -- IT services. Here's how much seven such companies have gone up or down since my March 29th post along with their market capitalizations ranked by their Price/Earnings to Earnings Growth (PEG) ratios:

Continue reading Investing in private equity's next frontier

Investing in private equity's next frontier originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 21 May 2007 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.