Option traders appear to be setting up for a bullish move on CA Technologies (CA). Traders plowed into 4,799 new call option contracts -- 13.87 times the average volume -- on the stock on Thursday. And we know that traders were eager to get into this trade because 98% of the trades came in on the "ask" price.

CA Technologies closed Thursday at $18.13. The stock has dropped 7.64% during the past month, but it is currently sitting at support just above $18.

Continue reading Option Traders Buying CA Technologies Calls and Tibco Puts

Option Traders Buying CA Technologies Calls and Tibco Puts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• JPMorgan upgraded Coca-Cola (KO) to overweight from neutral due to valuation and expectations that developed market volume should improve. The firm raised its target price for shares to $66.
• BB&T upgraded Nordson (NDSN) to buy from hold and has an $82 price target on the stock. The firm believes certain drivers of Nordson's Advanced Tech unit are becoming more secular vs. cyclical and that the company's EBIT margins can go higher.
• Credit Suisse upgraded Embraer (ERJ) to outperform from underperform, citing the positive announcements from the Famborough Air Show. The firm raised its price target to $37 from $21.
• Universal Health (UHS) was upgraded to outperform from sector perform at RBC Capital.
• Mead Johnson (MJN) was upgraded to conviction buy from buy at Goldman.
• Coventry Health (CVH) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Leerink.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: ALU, CHL, EXC, GENZ, KO, NDSN, NSW, SJM, TXN ...

Analyst Calls: ALU, CHL, EXC, GENZ, KO, NDSN, NSW, SJM, TXN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Before the Bell: Futures Advance on Deal News

Before the Bell: Futures Advance on Deal News originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 17 May 2010 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Wells Fargo upgraded Universal Health (UHS) to outperform from market perform to reflect the company's potential acquisition of Psychiatric Solutions (PSYS). The firm sees a 60% chance of Universal Health acquiring Psychiatric Solutions and estimates the deal would be accretive.
• Oppenheimer upgraded Lamar Advertising (LAMR) to outperform from perform following the company's Q1 results and Q2 guidance as it expects growth to pick up in Q3. The firm has a $44 price target for shares.
• UBS upgraded Las Vegas Sands (LVS) to buy from neutral based on valuation and Singapore outlook. The firm raised its price target to $28 from $24.
• Priceline.com (PCLN) was upgraded to buy from hold at ThinkEquity.
• Alcoa (AA) Was upgraded to outperform from market perform at BMO Capital.
• Brookfield Asset Management (BAM) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AA, ALK, FYSIS, LAMR, LEAP, LVS, MSFT, PCLN, RIG, UHS ...

Analyst Calls: AA, ALK, FYSIS, LAMR, LEAP, LVS, MSFT, PCLN, RIG, UHS ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 May 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Deutsche Bank upgraded Research in Motion (RIMM) to hold from sell to reflect the company's Q3 results and guidance. The firm raised its target price on shares to $75 from $60.
• Keefe Bruyette upgraded Northern Trust (NTRS) and State Street (STT) to outperform from market perform to reflect valuation and favorable longer-term secular trends. The firm keeps a $58 price target on Northern Trust and a $51 target on State Street.
• UBS upgraded Universal Health (UHS) to buy from neutral and raised its target to $38 from $31. The firm said hospital checks indicate bad debt has not increased vs. Q3 and that Universal Health should report an in-line to better-than-expected Q4.
• Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) was upgraded to hold from sell at Kaufman Bros.
• Whiting Petroleum (WLL) was raised to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo.
• BP Plc (BP) was upgraded at Goldman to buy from neutral.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: RIMM, NTRS, STT, UHS, POT, BCR, O, JCI, GPS, WMG

Analyst Calls: RIMM, NTRS, STT, UHS, POT, BCR, O, JCI, GPS, WMG originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Jefferies upgraded Quicksilver (NYSE: KWK) to Buy from Hold as it believes the company has many options to resolve its liquidity crisis. The firm expects shares to move towards its $10 NAV estimate and raised its target price to $10 from $7.
• Deutsche Bank upgraded Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) to Hold from Sell following the Q1 results as the company's margins are holding up better than previously thought. The firm raised its target price on shares to $31 from $21.
  
• Deutsche Bank also upgraded Universal Health (NYSE: UHS) following the company's better than expected Q1 results. Shares were lifted to Buy from Hold and the firm raised its target on the stock to $60 from $45.
• Barclays (NYSE: BCS) was raised to Buy from Reduce at Nomura.
  
• Orient-Express (NYSE: OEH) was lifted to Neutral from Underweight at JP Morgan.
  
• CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) was upgraded at Goldman to Conviction Buy from Buy.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: KWK, BCS, CVS, BAC ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: KWK, BCS, CVS, BAC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Jefferies upgraded HMS Holdings (NASDAQ: HMSY) to Buy from Hold on valuation as they believe the recent weakness provides an attractive entry point. The firm keeps a $36 price target on shares.
  
• Credit Suisse believes Universal Health (NYSE: UHS) is well positioned to gain market share, that earnings risk from the Las Vegas market is manageable, and that the balance sheet provides flexibility. The firm upgraded shares to Outperform from Neutral and raised their target to $48 from $46.
  
• UBS upgraded RF Micro (NASDAQ: RFMD) to Buy from Neutral citing checks that indicate strengthening momentum, impact from recent restructuring, and expected debt reduction. The analyst raised RFMD estimates above consensus and upped the price target to $3 from $1.10.
• Liberty Capital (NASDAQ: LCAPA) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Deutsche Bank.
  
• Tesoro (NYSE: TSO) was raised to Hold from Sell at Soleil.
  
• SunTrust (NYSE: STI) was lifted at Keefe Bruyette to Outperform from Market Perform.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: HMSY, TSO, CTX, HOG, BBY, NOC, TWX

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: HMSY, TSO, CTX, HOG, BBY, NOC, TWX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Stocks little lower; GE, C, F, TSN, UHS, IMCL ...

Closing Bell: Stocks little lower; GE, C, F, TSN, UHS, IMCL ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• Barclays upgraded the Integrated Oil sector to Positive from Neutral citing valuations. Note that Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) was upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight based on valuation.
  
• After Force Protection (NASDAQ: FRPT) reported that its 1H08 sales increased more than 200%, Stanford thinks that Force Protection could be poised for several new opportunities in 2009 and they believe the company's risk is already priced into the stock; the firm raised Force Protection to Hold from Sell.
  
• Cowen expects eHealth (NASDAQ: EHTH) to benefit from the steady decline in employer-sponsored health insurance offered by small businesses and reduced regulatory risk, among other reasons. The firm upgraded shares to Outperform from Neutral.
• Allied Capital (NYSE: ALD) was upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform at BMO Capital.
  
• Caris upgraded Carmike Cinemas (NASDAQ: CKEC) to Above Average from Average.
  
• International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE: IFF) was upgraded to Neutral from Underweight at JP Morgan.

Continue reading Analyst calls: XOM, PHG, THC, BSX, CCI, ALD . . .

Analyst calls: XOM, PHG, THC, BSX, CCI, ALD . . . originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Earnings highlights: Ciena, Staples, Intel, Tivo, Trump, Del Monte and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) is one of the largest for-profit hospital firms in the United States. It owns and operates acute care hospitals, behavioral health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and radiation oncology centers across the country. The facilities provide general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, emergency room care, radiology, oncology, diagnostic care, coronary care, pediatric care, pharmacy, and behavioral health services. Competitors include Community Health Systems (NYSE: CYH) and Tenant Healthcare (NYSE: THC).

The company pleased investors last week, when it reported Q4 EPS of 74 cents. That was four cents above the average Street estimate. Revenues of $1.19 billion effectively matched the analyst view. Management also guided FY08 EPS to $3.37-$3.42 ($3.37 consensus). Deutsche Securities subsequently reiterated its "buy" rating on the shares and boosted its price target to $63.

Continue reading Universal Health Services (UHS): Share price forms bullish 'flag'

Universal Health Services (UHS): Share price forms bullish 'flag' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• William Blair believes Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) has the best growth profile in large-cap biotechnology and initiated shares with an Outperform rating.

• Citigroup views Sysco (NYSE: SYY) as the dominant leader in the foodservice distribution industry, initiating shares with a Buy rating, and feels the company will continue to take market share from its peers. The firm thinks the current valuation reflects the perception that Sysco may perform poorly in the near-term, which they disagree with.

• Wachovia started Kinetic Concepts (NYSE: KCI) with a Market Perform, citing competitive pressures and mature markets for its rating.

• Wachovia is positive on BioMimetic Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BMTI), initiating shares with an Outperform, based on strong rhPDGF technology, strategy, and management team.

• Wachovia is positive on Lifecell Corp's (NASDAQ: LIFC) Strattice, a porcine tissue matrix, which improves the company's international exposure and provides opportunities in new markets, initiating shares with an Outperform...

• Credit Suisse initiated Community Health (NYSE: CYH) and Universal Health (NYSE: UHS) with Outperform ratings, LifePoint (NASDAQ: LPNT) with a Neutral rating, and Health Management (NYSE: HMA) and Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC) with Underperform ratings.

Analyst initiations: CELG, SYY, THC and UHS originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Credit Suisse upgraded the cable and satellite sector to Market Weight based on cable's solid long-term strategic position, attractive valuations and expectations that new industry that new industry consolidation will continue. Additionally, the firm upgraded Mediacom Communications Corp (NASDAQ: MCCC) to Outperform from Market Perform and Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) to Outperform from Underperform.
• Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) was upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JP Morgan, as the firm believes the company has reached an inflection point following the company's plans to cut capital expenditure by around $2.5B and return $15B to shareholders through a buyback program. Wachovia upgraded shares of Wal-Mart to Outperform from Market Perform citing management's plans to slow U.S. store growth, reduce cap-ex and increase share buybacks. Morgan Stanley upgraded Wal-Mart to Overweight from Equal Weight and to Overweight from Neutral at HSBC.
  
• Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) was upgraded to Sector Outperformer from Sector Performer at CIBC World Markets to reflect optimism on the company's product portfolio and margin progress. They believe the company's focus on margins and not share should lead to a higher long-term margin model.

• Bear Stearns upgraded Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) to Outperform from Peer Perform, citing attractive risk/reward, shares of Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE: UHS) to Peer Perform from Underperform based on expected near-term upside to estimates and Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ONXX) to Outperform from Peer Perform.
• Merrill Lynch upgraded shares of Moody's Corp. (NYSE: MCO) to Neutral from Sell and shares of Mobile TeleSystems (NYSE: MBT) to Buy from Neutral.
• Thomas Weisel upgraded shares of NaviSite Inc. (NASDAQ: NAVI) to Overweight from Neutral citing valuation.

Analyst upgrades 6-4-07: Wal-Mart's quad upgrade, MOT, SIRI originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) was upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at Prudential and raised their target to $105 from $100 after their checks indicated a late March launch of Leopard, which is sooner than expected. Prudential believes Leopard will serve as a catalyst for Mac sales.

• Matrix USA upgraded shares of Comcast Corp (NASDAQ: CMCSA) to Hold from Sell as they believe the successful roll out of "triple play" product offering is driving sales growth.

• Crosstex Energy LP (NASDAQ: XTEX) was upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse based on valuation.

• Citigroup upgraded shares of Seagate Technology Holdings (NYSE: STX) to Buy from Hold on valuation as they believe Friday's sell-off on concerns that Apple will use NAND Flash rather than disk drives in the next-generation video iPod was overdone. Citigroup doubts Apple will broadly move to NAND flash this year.

• Jefferies upgraded shares of Universal Health Services Inc (NYSE: UHS) to Buy from Hold with a $67 target as they believe industry fundamentals are strong for behavioral health and the valuation is attractive at current levels.

• Brean Murray upgraded shares of Scientific Games Corp (NASDAQ: SGMS) to Hold from Sell. The firm does not expect Scientific Games to hit its 2008 guidance of $2.00, but recognizes the long-term growth prospects should begin to flow to the bottom line.

• Credit Suisse upgraded the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc (NYSE: CME) to Outperform from Neutral on valuation.

• Baird upgraded Thomas Properties Group (NASDAQ: TPGI) to Outperform from Neutral.

• Bear Stearns upgraded Group Danone ADS (NYSE: DA) to Outperform from Peer Perform.

Analyst upgrades 3-05-07: Apple upgraded to Overweight at Prudential originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.