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Step up to Nike (NKE): A 'great company'

"The conditions are in place for a 'Best Buy' opportunity," says Jim Stack, whose buy signal should receive special attention give the accuracy of his sells signals which side-stepped the bear market.

In addition, the money manager and editor of Investech Market Analyst is beginning to increase his equity positions, such as Nike (NYSE: NKE). He states, "With a portfolio of iconic brands, an identified growth strategy, recognized innovation, and sound financial footing, Nike fits the bill of being a great company."

"Very rarely do we have all these conditions in place – that's only occurred five times in the last 45 years. Historically, this means we should give the growing evidence of a new bull market every benefit of doubt.

Continue reading Step up to Nike (NKE): A 'great company'

Under Armour (UA) and VMware (VMW): Short squeeze candidates?

"Under Armour (NYSE: UA) and VMware (NYSE: VMW) both have the potential for a short squeeze in coming months," says Paul Tracy in StreetAuthority Market Advisor.

"VMware is a market leader in software virtualization. Companies typically do not use the full computing power of their servers, and when not in use, that server sits idle.

"Virtualization technology allows IT managers to use that underutilized capacity -- running software across the organization's entire base of servers. Thus, virtualization is a key cost-cutting technology.

"VMware has a short interest ratio of 11.7 and a freely traded float of just 50 million shares. If all those shorts try to cover, the stock looks likely to be in short supply. Meanwhile, trading at 36 times 2009 earnings estimates with a long-term growth rate of 45%, VMW doesn't look overpriced.

"Under Armour (NYSE: UA) makes clothing (along with sports equipment) targeting the athletic and outdoor-oriented market. Specifically, the company makes clothes designed to wick moisture away from the skin and keep the wearer at a comfortable temperature, regardless of weather conditions.

"Meanwhile, the stock has seen strong earnings growth despite the slowdown in consumer spending -- earnings surged 42% in the fourth quarter. And management recently announced its looking for revenues to reach $765-775 million in 2008, representing around a 27% increase over 2007 levels.

"With a forward P/E of 23 and a long-term growth rate of 25%, UA looks inexpensive. With a float of less than 32 million shares and a short interest ratio approaching 12, Under Armour looks like a prime short-squeeze candidate."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Under Armour (UA): Contrary technician is a 'raging bull'

With earnings due out tomorrow, only those comfortable with potential near-term volatility should consider Mark Fightmaster's recommendation for Under Armour (NYSE: UA). Nevertheless, the analyst with Schaeffer's Investment Research says, "I am a raging bull when it comes to this athletic apparel firm."

He explains, "Under Armour has a lot going for it. UA darn near has the market cornered when it comes to performance apparel. Its marketing is aggressive and catchy, and it was the innovator, not the imitator."

"Walk into your local sporting goods store or look at UA's internet site," he notes, and "check out the ducats you need to shell out for one of the company's shirts."

The advisor continues, "Okay, now let's take a look at UA's technical merits and see if my bullish enthusiasm is warranted. The shares are positioned above potential support at their 50-week moving average. Since its inception, UA has finished just one week below this trendline, which is rapidly ascending into the technical picture to provide support."

Continue reading Under Armour (UA): Contrary technician is a 'raging bull'

Symbol Lookup
IndexesChangePrice
DJIA-154.4810,309.92
NASDAQ-37.612,138.44
S&P 500-19.141,091.49

Last updated: November 27, 2009: 01:57 PM

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