Manitowoc (MTW - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced this morning that it plans to refinance some of its senior secured debt by selling about $400 million in senior unsecured notes. MTW also said it paid down $470 million in debt in 2009, about $20 million more than it expected. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on MTW.

MTW opened this morning at $13.62. So far today the stock has hit a low of $13.50 and a high of $14.60. As of 12:00, MTW is trading at $13.99 up 94 cents (7.2%). The chart for MTW looks bullish and S&P gives MTW a positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.

Eagle Bulk Shipping (NASDAQ: EGLE) closed at $5.27. EGLE October call option implied volatility closed at 65, puts at 71; below its 26-week average of 114, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price risk.

Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW) closed at $6.76. MTW, a provider of lifting equipment, will participate in the Morgan Stanly Global Industrials Unplugged Conference on September 1. MTW September option implied volatility is at 70, October is at 73; below its 26-week average of 99, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

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

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

• Acuity Brands Inc. (NYSE: AYI) reported lower Q1 earnings that still beat analysts' expectations.
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) reported unimpressive Q3 results but shares rose anyway.
• Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) warned of lower Q4 earnings due to lower oil prices and narrow margins.
• Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ) Q3 earnings tumbled on on restructuring costs and weaker sales.
• Family Dollar Stores Inc. (NYSE: FDO) topped Q1 earnings expectations as consumers seek bargains.
• Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) lowered its Q4 revenue guidance once more due to lower demand.
• LDK Solar Co. (NYSE: LDK) cut its Q4 revenue outlook as clients asked for delayed shipments.
• Manitowoc Co. (NYSE: MTW) said profit will likely come in at the low end of its previous guidance range.
• Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON) reported strong Q1 numbers and raised its full-year guidance.
• Neogen Corp. (NASDAQ: NEOG) posted its 63rd-consecutive profitable quarter, helped by an acquisition.
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (NASDAQ: RMCF) posted dismal Q3 numbers on economic downturn.
• Sears Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHLD) higher-than-expected December sales prompted raised guidance.
• Supervalu Inc. (NYSE: SVU) reported a Q3 loss because of hefty one-time charges, but topped estimates.
• Walmart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) cut its Q4 forecast after lower-than-expected December sales.
• Williams-Sonoma Inc. (NYSE: WSM) forecast lower-than-expected Q4 earnings on weak December sales.

For more earnings highlights, see Time Warner, Satyam, Google, KB Home, Mosaic and others

Upcoming earnings releases include Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA), Infosys (NASDAQ: INFY), Linear Technologies (NASDAQ: LLTC) , Xilinx (NASDAQ: XLNX), Genentech (NYSE: DNA), Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), Marshall & Ilsley (NYSE: MI), Sealy (NYSE: ZZ), Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

Enodis plc, which got its start in 1910, is a global supplier of food and beverage equipment. Actually, it's been a tasty company for several suitors.

And now Enodis will have a new owner: Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW). The company outbid Illinois Tool Works Inc (NYSE: ITW) and has agreed to pay $2.7 billion for the firm.

Enodis has a strong global footprint, assembling a large portfolio of quality brands, such as Delfield, Frymaster, Garland, Ice-o-matic, Scotsman and so on. What's more, the company has top-notch clients like Burger King (NYSE: BKC) and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

However, on its face, Enodis looks like a mature company, with little growth ahead of it. But the fact remains that the company is poised nicely for opportunities in emerging markets, especially in Asia.

Even so, Manitowoc is certainly paying a premium for Enodis. Perhaps that's why Wall Street is a bit concerned, as Manitowoc's stock has gone from $44.75 to $30.83 since April.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates MergerBook.com.

Readers of this space know that the investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models and a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. With the above in mind, Manitowoc is worth an evaluation.

Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW) is a diversified manufacturer of cranes, food service equipment, and marine vessels.

Analysts really like MTW's crane business, which in 2006 accounted for 76% of earnings and 81% of revenue. Analysts continue to see robust demand for MTW's cranes from Asia and Europe, particularly from emerging market countries in this regions.

Analysts also like MTW's food service business and marine division; the former is likely to see continued strong demand for refrigeration machines and equipment; the latter, adequate demand for commercial seafaring vessels. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for MTW are $3.41/$3.90.