LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK - option chain) stock is falling today after the company announced a weak forecast for Q2 revenue last Thursday after the close. Today's weakness in oil futures is also not helping LDK stock. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on LDK.

This morning, LDK opened at $10.20. So far today the stock has hit a low of $9.66 and a high of $10.52. As of 12:15, LDK is trading at $9.87, down $1.04 (-9.5%). The chart for LDK looks bearish and S&P gives LDK a negative 2 STARS (out of 5) sell ranking.

TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO - option chain) stock is falling today after the U.S. Court of Appeals granted the request of EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS) to stay the contempt order imposed by the U.S. District Court pending the outcome of SATS's appeal. TIVO says it is confident that it will win the appeal.. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on TIVO.

This morning, TIVO opened at $9.13. So far today the stock has hit a low of $9.05 and a high of $9.79. As of 11:45, TIVO is trading at $9.22, down $1.55 (-14.4%). The chart for TIVO looks neutral and S&P gives TIVO a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ - option chain) shares are trading higher today after the company posted a first-quarter profit of 33 cents per share, topping analysts' forecasts of 32 cents per share. 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 STZ.

STZ opened this morning at $13.18. So far today the stock has hit a low of $13.02 and a high of $14.19. As of 12:20, STZ is trading at $13.84 up $1.16 (9.2%). The chart for STZ looks bullish and S&P gives STZ a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

American International Group (NYSE: AIG) has pulled itself out of penny-stock territory after its shareholders approved a 1-for-20 reverse stock split on Tuesday. However, the shares are swallowing some losses today nonetheless, as investors reshuffle their portfolios following the adjustment. AIG opened today at $19.65 after falling as low as $13 in premarket action.

CEO Edward Liddy reassured shareholders at the company's annual meeting that he's confident a new CEO and chairman will be named shortly. The bailed-out insurance issue also named some new directors to its board, at least seven of whom were recommended and approved by the U.S. Treasury Department or its trustees.

Schnitzer Steel (NASDAQ: SCHN - option chain) stock is falling today after the company reported a third-quarter loss this morning of $1.53 million, or 5 cents per share. Analysts had expected the company to report a profit of 16 cents per share. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on SCNH.

This morning, SCHN opened at $56.99. So far today the stock has hit a low of $52.40 and a high of $57.00. As of 12:00, SCHN is trading at $52.88, down $7.33 (-12.2%). The chart for SCHN looks bullish.

This is a continuation of a theme I have been writing about this year involving stock options referred to as naked puts.

This allows investors to take a position in a stock, most often below its current price, but depending on market sentiment. That sentiment remains relatively negative so the spreads are attractive.

I have been following BHP Billiton Ltd ADR (NYSE: BHP) the largest mining company in the world, with headquarters in Australia, for a while but I do not own the stock today. I view all mining companies as an opportunity because I think the diversified raw materials they control are the best hedge against inflation. I do not think inflation is imminent, but with the extreme increases in money supply and debt being created I do not think it will be avoidable a few years out.

Elan Corp (NYSE: ELN - option chain) stock is falling today after Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) reported another serious brain infection in a patient being treated with Tysabri. Tysabri is a MS drug whose revenues are shared by BIIB and ELN. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on ELN.

This morning, ELN opened at $7.37. So far today the stock has hit a low of $6.87 and a high of $7.49. As of 11:15, ELN is trading at $6.88, down 48 cents (-6.5%). The chart for ELN looks neutral and S&P gives ELN a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

State Street Corp. (NYSE: STT) said today that its State Street Bank & Trust Co. unit received a Wells Notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The notice, which indicates that civil charges may be brought against the company, relates to disclosures and management of certain fixed-income strategies during 2007 and previous periods.

Some investors have accused State Street of misleading them about the risks involved in mortgage-related investments. A legal reserve fund worth $625 million was established in 2007 to cover investor claims, and $418 million has already been paid out. The firm says it is currently cooperating with the SEC, as well as state and other regulators.

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT) is under fire today after the firm lowered its second-quarter earnings outlook. Late Thursday, POT said it now expects earnings per share of 70 cents, compared to its prior outlook of $1.10 to $1.50 per share.

The company chalked up its slashed guidance to "substantially lower than forecasted potash sales volumes due to deferral of purchases by customers around the world and lower realized prices for phosphate fertilizers."

POT's full second-quarter results will be reported on July 23. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters are looking for a profit of 81 cents per share, on average.

Leading domestics retailer Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) closed more than 9% higher today after the one-two punch of a well-received earnings report and a brokerage upgrade. The company announced first-quarter results of 34 cents per share, a whopping nine cents better than analysts were expecting. Revenue edged 2.8% higher year over year. The one gray lining was same-store sales numbers, which drifted 1.6% lower during the reporting period.

Reacting to this after-the-close earnings report, Cowen & Co. upgraded the shares this morning to "neutral" from "underperform." The brokerage noted that BBBY has been able to cut advertising expenses now that its chief competitor, LInens n' Things, has filed for bankruptcy. Cowen also notes that BBBY has reduced its payroll expenses.

Sina (NASDAQ: SINA - option chain) shares are rising today after the company was upgraded by Deutsche Bank from Sell to Hold with a price target of $31. This action comes even though Deutsche thinks that Sina's deal for Focus Media Holdings (NASDAQ: FMCN) is getting more likely to fall through. 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 SINA.

SINA opened this morning at $30.22. So far today the stock has hit a low of $30.09 and a high of $32.60. As of 11:35, SINA is trading at $32.42 up $2.42 (8.1%). The chart for SINA looks bullish.

E*Trade Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: ETFC) has garnered three upgrades in as many days this week. On Monday, Fox-Pitt upped the equity from Underperform to In Line, while FBR on Tuesday raised its opinion from Underperform to Outperform. Raymond James rounded out the trifecta on Wednesday, hiking its rating on ETFC from Underperform to Market Perform.

Judging by this rush of analyst love, Wall Street seems to think the worst is over for E*Trade. However, most of this week's commentary falls under the category of "damning with faint praise." For example, Fox-Pitt said they now believe ETFC is more likely to be acquired by another firm than to file bankruptcy, and Raymond James observed that the stock has "limited downside" -- hardly a bold statement for an equity that settled Wednesday at $1.23.

PetSmart (NASDAQ: PETM - option chain) shares are rising today after the company boosted its quarterly dividend to 10 cents per share from 3 cents per share. PetSmart also announced it is planning a $350 million stock buyback. 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 PETM.

PETM opened this morning at $21.11. So far today the stock has hit a low of $20.41 and a high of $21.19. As of 11:20, PETM is trading at $20.72 up 0.74 (3.7%). The chart for PETM looks bullish and S&P gives PETM a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON) pleasantly surprised the Street with a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit. This morning, the company reported quarterly net income of $694 million, or $1.25 per share, besting analysts' expectations for a profit of $1.18 per share. Net sales arrived at $3.2 billion, down 11% from the year-ago period.

Additionally, Monsanto said it will create a separate division for its herbicides business, in order to "better align spending and working capital needs." The firm will also undergo a restructuring that will result in 900 lost jobs, or less than 4% of its global workforce. The change will translate to a fourth-quarter charge of roughly $350 million, or 41 cents to 47 cents per share.

Boeing (NYSE: BA - option chain) stock is falling today after the company postponed the first flight of its 787 Dreamliner again to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft. The maiden voyage of the plane is already two years behind its original schedule. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on BA.

This morning, BA opened at $44.39. So far today the stock has hit a low of $42.52 and a high of $44.50. As of 12:25, BA is trading at $42.77, down $4.13 (-8.6%). The chart for BA looks neutral and S&P gives BA a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.