The proxy statement for flailing Atlantic City casino operator Trump Entertainment Resorts (NASDAQ: TRMP) is out. Just for fun, I'm including below the stock chart the company showed investors in its 10-K filed with the SEC -- which provides evidence of what a destroyer of value this company has been since its predecessors reorganized in 2005.

And yet its namesake, Donald J. Trump, has made quite a bit of money as it bleeds red.

Mr. Trump was paid $2 million for serving as chairman in 2007 -- a sum that I would say is completely undeserved, given the company's lack of performance while he devoted his time to sparring with Rosie O'Donnell on daytime talk shows. And then there's this gem:

This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think about Ivanka Trump, and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

Ivanka Trump, 26, daughter of Donald Trump, is an heir apparent to her dad's real estate and entertainment holdings. Her business title is the vice president of real estate development and acquisitions at the Trump Organization, which is a holding company for many of Trump's businesses (Trump's casinos are part of Trump Entertainment Resorts (NASDAQ: TRMP).

Ivanka, while arguably the most famous of Trump's children, isn't his only heir apparent. Her siblings Donald, Jr., and Eric are also currently executive vice presidents, according to Wikipedia. But she stands out as the one likely to claim the top job given her love of the limelight -- she is a frequent cover girl and has appeared on the Apprentice -- as well as her oft-proclaimed drive to succeed in business.

However, I for one am getting sick of all the talk about her heir apparent status. Money-losing casinos, licensing deals for everything from hotels to cologne, and a TV show that's been in rapid decline since the end of its first season? That empire? What's second prize, 50 shares of Bear Stearns?

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

• BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. (NYSE: BJ) beat fourth-quarter estimates on lower costs and strong sales.
• Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) first-quarter profit doubled on strong sales, lifting the sector.
• Clean Harbors Inc. (NASDAQ: CLHB) trounced expectations as it completes acquisitions.
• Del Monte Foods Co. (NYSE: DLM) beat estimates on cost cutting and raised its guidance.
• HSBC Holdings PLC ADS (NYSE: HBC) profit soared in 2007, beating analysts' expectations.
• Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) lowered its first quarter earnings forecast, citing weak chip prices.
• LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. (NYSE: LF) narrowed its losses for the fourth quarter and full year.
• LKQ Corp. (NASDAQ: LKQX) beat fourth-quarter estimates and raised its guidance.
• Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY) widened its losses in both the fourth quarter and full year.
• Staples Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) reported a solid fourth quarter and increased its annual dividend.
• TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) posted a smaller-than-expected fourth-quarter loss due to licensing deals.
• Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMP) fourth-quarter and full-year losses widened.
• Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) beat earnings expectations but matched revenue estimates.

Also, Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) struggles to maintain profitability against competitor Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE: HPQ). See Timothy Sykes's take on Warren Buffett's annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) shareholders. And Zac Bissonnette is interested in where earnings actually come from.

Upcoming results to watch for include Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), Boston Beer Co. (NYSE: SAM), J. Crew Group Inc. (NYSE: JCG), Jones Soda Co. (NASDAQ: JSDA), Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), and Men's Wearhouse Inc. (NYSE: MW).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

New York-based Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS), the operator of Saks Fifth Avenue department stores, reported that its fourth-quarter profit almost doubled, helped by solid sales, cost controls, and one-time gains.

Earnings came to $39.5 million, or 26 cents per share, during the period that ended February 2, compared with $21.5 million, or 14 cents per share, in the same period of the prior year. Sales rose almost 5% to $999.7 million in the fourth quarter. Analysts had expected EPS of 20 cents on revenue of $993.61 million, according to a survey by Thomson Financial.

For the year, Saks earned $47.5 million, or 31 cents per share, compared with $53.7 million, or 40 cents per share, a year earlier. Sales rose to $3.28 billion, almost 12% higher than the previous year.

"I remain very positive about the long-term prospects for the luxury sector and specifically for our Saks Fifth Avenue business, " said Chief Executive Stephen Sadove. However, privately-held Neiman Marcus Inc., which reported fiscal second-quarter results today, saw only a modest rise of 8% in profits and 6% in revenue.

Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMP) shares are on the rise after today's quarterly report, as the company announced higher profit on lower costs. Trump earned 21 cents per share on the quarter, 50% above analysts' expectations of 14 cents per share. If you think that the company 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 TRMP.

After hitting a one-year high of $23.80 in November 2006, the stock tumbled to a 52-week low of $5.15 in August. TRMP opened this morning at $7.98. So far today the stock has hit a low of $7.83 and a high of $8.66. As of 11:05, TRMP is trading at $8.26, up $0.50 (6.4%). The chart for TRMP looks bullish and steady, while S&P gives the stock its highest 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy rating.

Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: TRMP) calls active at higher volatility on renewed chatter:

TRMP was recently up 39 cents to $7.06 on renewed and unconfirmed takeover chatter. TRMP announced on July 2nd that its board of directors ended talks with potential acquirers. TRMP call option volume of 1,439 contracts compared to put volume of 219 contracts. TRMP September option implied volatility off 97 was above its 26-week average of 56 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

ConAgra (NYSE: CAG) October implied volatility elevated at 31 into earnings per share (EPS) announcement:

CAG confirmed previously issued EPS and sales for 2008 on Septebmer 6th. CAG is expected to report EPS in late September. CAG announced on September 5th that it would remove the flavoring chemical diacetyl in the manufacturing of its microwave popcorn. CAG call option volume of 6,815 contracts compared to put volume of 8,182 contracts. CAG October option implied volatility of 31 was above its 26-week average of 20, according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

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

Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX)

Amazing. Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), that big online retailer, sees the flix for the net. The shares keep rising for the online DVD rental company-up about 15%, highest since January-- even if their discs do come a little scratched. More than that though is while new subscribers are coming on; it's not exactly going gangbusters. Still, 6.8M is a whole lot of subscribers. Will Amazon, or someone else, overpay?

Rackable Systems Inc (NASDAQ: RACK)

Which came first: The ongoing takeover rumors or the higher stock price? Or was it that Dell Inc (NASDAQ: DELL) is said to be after Rackable, a provider of servers and storage products for high density data center deployments. Rack it up.

Feldman Mall Properties Inc (NYSE: FMP)

Word is that this real estate investment trust will look for a sale, combo or merger. They said the venerable firm of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. will help them "explore strategic alternatives." Then the stock went up.

STILL FLYING AROUND

Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc (NASDAQ: TRMP)

Dennis Gomes, whose name surfaced in March, is a one time gaming exec and regulator. He's signed a confidentiality agreement to have a look see at the firm's Atlantic City casinos. Separately, Las Vegas' Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) has also been mentioned as a possible contender.

YRC Worldwide Inc (NASDAQ: YRCW)

The CEO of this Kansas-based transportation service provider has been quoted as saying that a takeover is possible. An LBO is likely. This week the shares have actively been trading up.

Dollar Tree Stores Inc (NASDAQ: DLTR)

Imagine a dollar tree where the stock keeps going up, up, up. Well, here it is, once again, a subject of takeover talk.

BUZZ

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X): Russia's Severstal may be prowling around...Plains Exploration & Production Company (NYSE: PXP): Takeover candidate's stock is sharply higher... Micron Technology Inc (NYSE: MU): Blackstone has interest...Ameristar Casinos Inc (NASDAQ: ASCA): A hot stock and takeover rumors abound...Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA): Remains an LBO candidate...The First Marblehead Corporation (NYSE: FMD): The student loan business is booming and earnings growth is strong, but who would buy it?...Marriott International Inc (NYSE: MAR): A target? But where's the movement?...Oakley Inc (NYSE: OO) as a target has been around and around, and now some say it will be bought by Luxottica Group (NYSE: LUX).

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Openwave Systems Inc (NASDAQ: OPWV), Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc (NASDAQ: TRMP) and Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co (NASDAQ: LEND) were today's noteworthy downgrades:

• Openwave Systems Inc (NASDAQ: OPWV) was downgraded to Underperform from Buy at Needham, as the firm no longer believes the company's assets and balance sheet are worth $11/share and expects the franchise to be again disrupted due to layoffs and asset sales. Openwave was also downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at JP Morgan, to Hold from Buy at Wedbush after no superior bid emerged to Harbinger's, and to Sector Underperformer from Outperformer at CIBC World Markets, which cited reduced prospects of a buyout.

• Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc (NASDAQ: TRMP) was downgraded to Underperform from Peer Perform at Bear Stearns citing valuation as upside from a takeout at current levels is remote.

• Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co (NASDAQ: LEND) was downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform at Keefe Bruyette & Woods following its acquisition by Lone Star for $400M.

OTHER DOWNGRADES:

• Bebe Stores Inc (NASDAQ: BEBE) was downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform at Friedman Billings citing new merchandise that lacks a significant casual component to drive business, tough comps, aggressively planned inventory levels for 2H, and the potential for sustained negative comps during the next few quarters.

• Friedman Billings also downgraded Aladdin Knowledge Systems Limited (NASDAQ: ALDN) to Market Perform from Outperform based on valuation and challenges in the U.S. market.

• General Mills Inc (NYSE: GIS) was downgraded to Peer Perform from outperform at Bear Stearns on valuation and concerns with the turnaround plan for Big G cereal division.

Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).

Tonight on CNBC's MAD MONEY, Jim Cramer was in the mood to do a little gambling, and explained his positive outlook on Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMP). Cramer has been behind the casino stock last year when it was $16.85, but now it is $22.05.

It has $4 to $5 upside from here. Next week the company is presenting in Pennsylvania to build a casino in Fairmount Park, in Philadelphia. He thinks the decision will come in December and it has a better than 50/50 chance of being approved. Public sentiment should drive it up, and the news potential just isn't in the stock. He loves the gambling and gaming sector because the house always wins. He likes the remodelled resort and add-on project. The new CEO has brought in technology to get more out of customers. He said this is not a Vegas or Macau play, but it is in Atlantic City and A.C. has been making a big comeback. Cramer said a partnership with WYNN was sort of denied. The new casino being built close to it is actually good rather than bad.

There is also a real estate shortage in A.C., and TRMP owns a lot land around there. Cramer thinks that TRMP is worth $24 for the casino alone, Philly is worth $4 to $5 if it goes through, and the rest of land is worth $4 to $5 so the entire worth of the company is $32 to $34 per share to him. Cramer did say that you have to be very careful and you can only buy on pullbacks because it is thin volume and will run up too much if evryone piles in.

TRMP closed up 0.3% at $22.05 in normal trading, but it went up 4% to $22.95 in after-hours.

[Photo LeLuMus]