BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Options Update: Netflix Volatility Near Nine-Month Lows; Shares Near Record High]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/11/options-update-netflix-volatility-near-nine-month-lows-shares/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/11/options-update-netflix-volatility-near-nine-month-lows-shares/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/11/options-update-netflix-volatility-near-nine-month-lows-shares/#commentsFiled under: ,

Netflix (NFLX) overall option implied volatility is at 45, according to Track Data, below its 26-week average of 52, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Panera Bread (PNRA) overall option implied volatility is at 37, according to Track Data, above its 26-week average of 32 into its release of Q4 results, suggesting larger price movement.

Options Update is by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Options Update: Netflix Volatility Near Nine-Month Lows; Shares Near Record High originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsNetflixNFLXoptionsPaneraPNRAFri, 11 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: AA, AMD, AMR, AZN, CIT, GSK, HPQ, M, NVDA, PCX, SPWRA ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) to buy from neutral at UBS.
  • Fluor (FLR) to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan.
  • Macy's (M) to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.
  • Canadian Solar (CSIQ), JA Solar (JASO) and HeartWare (HTWR) to buy from hold at Auriga.
  • Ashford Hospitality (AHT) to outperform from market perform at FBR Capital.
  • RenaissanceRe (RNR) to buy from neutral at Janney Capital.
  • DCT Industrial (DCT) to market perform from underperform at Wells Fargo.
  • Coeur d'Alene Mines (CDE) and Silver Standard (SSRI) to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.
  • Weatherford (WFT), Hercules (HERO), GulfMark Offshore (GLF), Tidewater (TDW) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to buy from hold, and Diamond Offshore (DO) to hold from underperform, at Jefferies.
  • Ritchie Bros. (RBA) to buy from neutral at BofA/Merrill.
  • AstraZeneca (AZN) to buy from hold at Citigroup.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AA, AMD, AMR, AZN, CIT, GSK, HPQ, M, NVDA, PCX, SPWRA ...

Analyst Calls: AA, AMD, AMR, AZN, CIT, GSK, HPQ, M, NVDA, PCX, SPWRA ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAACIAHTAlcoaAMDAMRanalyst upgradesAstraZenecaAYIAZNCDECITCSIQDCTDiamond OffshoreDOdowngradesFLRFluorFXCMGlaxoSmithKlineGLFGSKGulfMarkHEROHewlett-PackardHPQHYWRinitiationsinthenewsJASOLPXMMacysMassey EnergyMEEMindspeedMSPDMTNNVDANvidiaPanera BreadPatriot CoalPDEPNRARBARNRSeadrillSPWRASSRISunPowerTDWTexas RoadhouseTidewaterTXRHVail ResortsWFTWLTTue, 11 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: AMD, BLK, CSX, DKS, GME, HGSI, HON, KEY, NSC, STP, ZION ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/17/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • Goldman upgraded CSX (CSX) to neutral from sell.
  • General Cable (BGC) was upgraded to buy from hold at KeyBanc.
  • Morgan Stanley upgraded Chart Industries (GTLS) and Dresser Rand (DRC) to overweight from equal weight.
  • Blackrock (BLK) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at Macquarie.
  • Credit Suisse upgraded Zions Bancorp (ZION) to neutral from underperform and GameStop (GME) to outperform from neutral.
  • Honeywell (HON) was upgraded to outperform from sector perform at RBC Capital.
  • Panera Bread (PNRA) was upgraded to buy from neutral at SunTrust.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AMD, BLK, CSX, DKS, GME, HGSI, HON, KEY, NSC, STP, ZION ...

Analyst Calls: AMD, BLK, CSX, DKS, GME, HGSI, HON, KEY, NSC, STP, ZION ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDanalyst upgradesBGCBKEBlackrockBLKBon-TonBONTCODECSXDGIDicksDKSdowngradesDRCDRQFIREFirst SolarFSLRGamestopGMEGTLSHGSIHONHoneywellinitiationsinthenewsJA SolarJASOKEYKeyCorpKRONorfolk SouthernNSCPaneraPNRAPTENSpansionSTPSuntechViaSatVSATZIONZions BancorpWed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: CTV, CVX, EAT, FCX, ICE, MAR, MW, TRV, WLP ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/26/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/26/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/26/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades
  • Verisk (VRSK) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo.
  • Marriott (MAR) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Bernstein.
  • Jefferies upgraded Teekay (TK) and Tsakos Energy (TNP) to Buy from Hold.
  • Cadence Design (CDNS) was upgraded to sector perform from underperform at RBC Capital.
  • BofA/Merrill upgraded NV Energy (NVE) to buy from underperform and Education Realty Trust (EDR) to neutral from underperform.
  • Men's Wearhouse (MW) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel.
  • William Blair upgraded Atheros (ATHR) to outperform from market perform.
  • Freeport McMoran (FCX) was upgraded to buy from hold at Argus.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: CTV, CVX, EAT, FCX, ICE, MAR, MW, TRV, WLP ...

Analyst Calls: CTV, CVX, EAT, FCX, ICE, MAR, MW, TRV, WLP ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AGUanalyst upgradesATHRBrinkerCDNSChevronCintasCommScopeCTASCTVCVSCVXdowngradesDRHEATEDRELONESRXEXPDFCXFreeport McMoranFRTICEinitiationsIntercontinental ExchangeinthenewsLCAPALSTZAMARMarriottMedcoMens WearhouseMHSMWNATNordic American TankerNVEPaneraPNRAQUADSFLTeekayTKTNPTravelersTRVVRSKWellpointWLPTue, 26 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Put Writer Bets on Solid Support for Panera Bread Co.]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/14/put-writer-bets-on-solid-support-for-panera-bread-co/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/14/put-writer-bets-on-solid-support-for-panera-bread-co/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/14/put-writer-bets-on-solid-support-for-panera-bread-co/#commentsFiled under: ,

Less than an hour into today's session, Panera Bread Company (PNRA) was already racking up heavy put volume. Roughly 5,233 contracts changed hands within the first half-hour of trading, easily outpacing the stock's predicted put activity. Most of the volume was evenly split between two near-term strikes, with one speculator looking for PNRA to remain above $75 during the next month.

Specifically, the security's August 70 put and August 75 put each traded more than 2,500 contracts this morning, with volume well outpacing open interest at both strikes -- suggesting that new positions are being opened. It appears that the trader is selling the August 75 puts and buying the August 70 puts, which means we're looking at a short put spread, or credit spread.

Continue reading Put Writer Bets on Solid Support for Panera Bread Co.

Put Writer Bets on Solid Support for Panera Bread Co. originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit spreadfeaturedhedgeoptionsPanera Bread CompanyPNRAputsshort put spreadtechnical analysisWed, 14 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality']]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/31/panera-pnra-a-case-study-in-quality/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/31/panera-pnra-a-case-study-in-quality/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/31/panera-pnra-a-case-study-in-quality/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"Quality is a big reason why Panera Bread (PNRA) has not only survived but prospered during this economic slowdown," says Alexander Green.

The editor of The Oxford Club explains, "I prefer to buy from -- and invest in -- companies that compete primarily on the basis of quality.

"Why? Because quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. In short, Panera is a case study in how to attract customers -- and shareholders -- the right way. Customers tend to patronize those firms with a reputation for meeting or exceeding expectations. Plus, satisfied customers are an excellent source of referrals.

Continue reading Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality'

Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 31 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexander Greenfeaturedfood chain stocksOxford Cluboxford club communiquepanera breadpnrarestaurant stockssteven halpernthestockadvisors.comMon, 31 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Coming soon: The Burger King of the future]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/coming-soon-the-burger-king-of-the-future/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/coming-soon-the-burger-king-of-the-future/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/coming-soon-the-burger-king-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Burger King Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BKC) announced plans Wednesday to overhaul its 12,000 locations worldwide. The fast-food giant is seeking a sleeker, futuristic look that includes LCD-screen menus, rotating chandeliers, and corrugated metal and brick accents (see pictures at the above link) on the inside, as well as metal canopies and additional signs on the exterior.

The new upscale design, called 20/20, is expected to cost franchisees between $300,000 to $600,000 per restaurant. Some 60 locations have already been remodeled, including in Miami, Mexico City, Edinburgh, and Shanghai, and 75 more are expected to be completed by the end of 2010. All new restaurants will be built using the 20/20 design.

Continue reading Coming soon: The Burger King of the future

Coming soon: The Burger King of the future originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BKCBurger KingChipotleCMGinthenewsMCDMcDonaldsPaneraPNRAYUMYum BrandsWed, 07 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Short City Update: Panera Bread, Cal-Maine Foods - cover each short]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/23/short-city-update-panera-bread-cal-maine-foods-cover-each-sh/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/23/short-city-update-panera-bread-cal-maine-foods-cover-each-sh/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/23/short-city-update-panera-bread-cal-maine-foods-cover-each-sh/#commentsFiled under:

An update: a decision to close two short positions - due to the probability of higher-than-expected U.S. GDP growth in Q3/Q4, and the impact that better economic recovery would have on consumer spending.

The two closed positions: Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA), recommended on May 29, 2009 at a price of $52.65, and Cal-Maine Foods (NYSE: CALM), recommended on the same day at a price of $23.21.

Continue reading Short City Update: Panera Bread, Cal-Maine Foods - cover each short

Short City Update: Panera Bread, Cal-Maine Foods - cover each short originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cal-Maine FoodsCALMPanera BreadPNRAWed, 23 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: China-led drop offers a time to buy ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/19/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-china-led-drop-offers-a-time-to-buy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/19/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-china-led-drop-offers-a-time-to-buy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/19/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-china-led-drop-offers-a-time-to-buy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says even stocks without exposure to that country will probably be on sale today.

If China has pulled back 20%, do we have to pull back 20%, even though they were up 80% and we are up 9%? Are we so in lock step now that when China catches a cold, we are the ones with pneumonia?

I don't think so. It's such an easy story to stretch out, though you can see that our Freeports (NYSE: FCX) (Cramer's Take) and our Exxons (NYSE: XOM) (Cramer's Take) can get hammered.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: China-led drop offers a time to buy

Cramer on BloggingStocks: China-led drop offers a time to buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplbbtbhpbmycchinaesrxffcxfeaturedjim cramerJimCramerpnrapottgtunpwenxomWed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The week in preview: Some expected earnings winners]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/26/the-week-in-preview-some-expected-earnings-winners/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/26/the-week-in-preview-some-expected-earnings-winners/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/26/the-week-in-preview-some-expected-earnings-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The earnings crunch rolls on this coming week, with quarterly reports expected from Coach Inc. (NYSE: COH), Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), Kellogg (NYSE: K), MasterCard (NYSE: MA), Motorola (NYSE: MOT), Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S), Travelers (NYSE: TRV), Time Warner (NYSE: TWX), U.S. Steel (NYSE: X), Viacom (NYSE: VIA), Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), and many others.

Below are some reporting companies for which analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters have high hopes. What does that mean? Well, all of them are expected to report double-digit earnings grown in the most recent quarter. They have tended to offer positive surprises in recent quarters. They have long-term EPS growth forecasts of greater than 10%, and they have earnings multiples that are higher than their industry or sector averages, or higher than at least one top competitor. And they all have First Call consensus recommendations to buy.

Continue reading The week in preview: Some expected earnings winners

The week in preview: Some expected earnings winners originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFLAflacFirst SolarFSLRGMCRGreen Mountain CoffeeMAMasterCardOReilly AutomotiveORLYPanera BreadPNRASRCLStericycleSTRAStrayer EducationSun, 26 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Save money, give stock to charity!]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/16/save-money-give-stock-to-charity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/16/save-money-give-stock-to-charity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/16/save-money-give-stock-to-charity/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Surviving this recession is foremost on peoples' minds, but giving to charity is especially important in times like these. So how can you effectively give while preserving your net worth?

If you plan on liquidating any profitable, or taxable, positions in the stock market thanks to the current uptrend and also want to give to your favorite charity, the strategy outlined below is key to optimizing your gift, as well as your capital.

Though giving cash to causes is the most popular form of charity, desperate times call for creative measures, and any type of gift will be gladly accepted. By giving stock directly to charity, and bear in mind that the stock must be in your portfolio for one year or more as short-term capital gains are not applicable, you not only avoid capital gains taxes on your gains, but you can actually use the gift of your stock as a tax deduction. Hence, the cost of your gift is lower than giving cash directly. Think of it as an overall investment for yourself and the charity.

Continue reading Save money, give stock to charity!

Save money, give stock to charity! originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algtbdsicharity donationsCharityDonationscpsiddupfeaturedicuimygnpalmpnrargldrosttevavrxTue, 16 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer stocks to sell now: #3 -- Landry's Restaurants (LNY)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/07/consumer-stocks-to-sell-now-3-landrys-restaurants-lny/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/07/consumer-stocks-to-sell-now-3-landrys-restaurants-lny/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/07/consumer-stocks-to-sell-now-3-landrys-restaurants-lny/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Consumer stock to sell: Landry's Restaurants (LNY)One of the first movers seeing an uptick in spending due to increased consumer confidence is the restaurant space. Only a few diehards really like to stay home and cook. Dining out is a great way to escape. Even better is going to a restaurant for a meal that's affordable.

The fact that dining has suffered during this recession is indicative of how bad things really have been.

Given that confidence is rising, it's no surprise then that Landry's Restaurants (NYSE: LNY) has almost tripled in value since hitting bottom in early March.

Continue reading Consumer stocks to sell now: #3 -- Landry's Restaurants (LNY)

Consumer stocks to sell now: #3 -- Landry's Restaurants (LNY) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChipotleCMGconsumer stocksJamie DlugoschLandrys RestaurantsLNYMCDMcDonaldsPaneraPNRAstocks to sellSun, 07 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Short City: Panera Bread, Cal-Maine Foods]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/28/short-city-panera-bread-cal-maine-foods/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/28/short-city-panera-bread-cal-maine-foods/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/28/short-city-panera-bread-cal-maine-foods/#commentsFiled under:

Investor and trader Mishko Janusevich had a mantra that he used to repeat while outlining the top, new stock shorts that appeared that day, as determined by technical indicators.

He would stand next to the overhead projected stock chart at the front of the trading room, point to the stock chart and recite, "You see this stock? You see that it's dropped $8 in past two days? You think it can't drop any more? SELL THAT STOCK it's dropping more!!"

Short these shares if you can tolerate high-risk and are an experienced investor that does not remove Buy/Stop Losses.

Continue reading Short City: Panera Bread, Cal-Maine Foods

Short City: Panera Bread, Cal-Maine Foods originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 28 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cal-Maine FoodsCALMPanera BreadPNRAThu, 28 May 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: Restaurants right for the taking ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/15/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-restaurants-right-for-the-taking/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/15/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-restaurants-right-for-the-taking/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/15/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-restaurants-right-for-the-taking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says Panera is one company that has plenty of room for expansion.

If the restaurant stocks are stabilizing after a real downturn that has lasted for several weeks, this group -- a leadership group from the fall when gasoline fell in price -- is going to have a wicked move back.

I like Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) (Cramer's Take), which never broke down. This is one in which technicians signaled weakness, with Top Gun Rick Bensignor and I going head to head on "Mad Money." He was right that it initially would downtick, but I think it is bottoming along with McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) (Cramer's Take). It's got the growth and it has good tumbling raw costs. The dollar's going the way for both stocks.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Restaurants right for the taking

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Restaurants right for the taking originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 15 May 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bkccpkidpzdrieatfeaturedjim cramerJimCramermcdpnrayumFri, 15 May 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/24/food-for-thought-best-buys-in-food-and-beverage/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/24/food-for-thought-best-buys-in-food-and-beverage/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/24/food-for-thought-best-buys-in-food-and-beverage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a difficult economic environment, it is often wise for investors to consider stocks in more defensive and relatively recession-resistant sectors. And one such area is food and beverage stocks.

As the long-standing market maxim goes, consumers can pull back on spending for vacations, remodeling, and new cars, but they still need to eat and drink.

In that light, I turned to nine leading newsletter advisors who serve up their current favorite ideas in the food and beverage sector:

Continue reading Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage

Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aipcalex greenAlexGreenamerican italian pastaAmericanItalianPastabeverage stocksbill martinBillMartinbullmarket.comcabot top tenchangewave investingcoffeecommodity trend alertCommodityTrendAlertdefensive stocksDefensiveStocksdennis slothowerdeodiageoelizabeth harrowElizabethHarrowfeaturedfood stocksFoodStocksipath dow jones aig coffee etnIpathDowJonesAigCoffeeEtnj.m. smuckJ.m.Smuckjojonas elmerrajiJonasElmerrajiliquor stocksLiquorStocksmcdmcdonaldsmike cintoloMikeCintolooxford clubpanera breadPaneraBreadpnrarecession stocksRecessionStocksrestaurant stocksrhino stock reportRhinoStockReportschaeffer investment researchSchaefferInvestmentResearchsjmstealth stocksthestockadvisors.comtoby smithTobySmithwfmiwhole foods marketWholeFoodsMarketFri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LNC, AZN, APOL, PNRA ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-lnc-azn-apol-pn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-lnc-azn-apol-pn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-lnc-azn-apol-pn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Banc of America/Merrill upgraded Lincoln National (NYSE: LNC) to Buy from Underperform and raised its target to $17 from $10 citing expectations that the company will "qualify for and accept TARP funding."
  • Credit Suisse upgraded AU Optronics (NYSE: AUO) to Outperform from Neutral as it believes inventory levels are low end demand is better than expected.
  • JP Morgan upgraded Shaw Group (NYSE: SGR) to Overweight from Neutral. The firm views the recent pullback in shares as a buying opportunity given the company's attractive nuke position and expected ramp in government spending.
  • Patterson-UTI Energy (NASDAQ: PTEN) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  • Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) was raised to Overweight from Market Weight at Thomas Weisel.
  • Stryker (NYSE: SYK) was lifted to Sector Perform from Underperform at RBC Capital.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LNC, AZN, APOL, PNRA ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LNC, AZN, APOL, PNRA ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abxapolavoaznbbepcovesiffggesholxkndllncolnomtrpnraptensgrsyksyyTue, 21 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: The seductive pull of the early cycle ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/20/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-the-seductive-pull-of-the-early-cycle/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/20/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-the-seductive-pull-of-the-early-cycle/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/20/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-the-seductive-pull-of-the-early-cycle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer is seeing signs of a coming boom, but he's still being cautious here.

If you had to define the early cycle, if you had to outline what stocks should be soaring coming out of a recession into a boom and which ones should be faltering, you would have to say the action in this market in the last month is the quintessential behavioral pattern.

What are the components of the early cycle? First, it's the homebuilders. As is typical coming out of a recession, the stocks precede the bottom of housing. That's exactly what's happening with the lowest permits and highest affordability and best mortgage rates and massive inventory. Everywhere, except on Wall Street reporting, the bottom is bursting out. When you read the lead story in the Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer, and it is all about the thousands of prospective homebuyers heading south to pick up condos and homes for half of what they were worth two years ago -- or even less -- and you know that virtually no one has broken ground in the Sunshine State in a year, you can bet that the bottom's actually behind us. This housing market has wiped out all but the most stable private builders and even the public ones are merging as we know from Pulte (NYSE: PHM) (Cramer's Take) and Centex (NYSE: CTX) (Cramer's Take). So, in the next cycle, you can see some profitability developing year over year even though the new homes don't have much margin because the foreclosed homes next door are going for a song. And don't believe this won't change the dynamic of future foreclosures. In most areas, rent is higher than the interest on mortgages, so you will find that second or third job needed to stay in your home. The incentive structure's radically different than a year ago.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: The seductive pull of the early cycle

Cramer on BloggingStocks: The seductive pull of the early cycle originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtalvanaxpazoccelgcofctbctxcvseateftcffeaturedfmergildgisgmgpshnzhsyjcijcpjim cramerJimCramerjnsjnyjwnkkmxkssmmnropbypeppgphmpnrarostschwshldtgttjxtrowunwagyumMon, 20 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The week in preview: Coke versus Pepsi]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/08/the-week-in-preview-coke-versus-pepsi/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/08/the-week-in-preview-coke-versus-pepsi/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/08/the-week-in-preview-coke-versus-pepsi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's about that time again: Pepsi vs. Coke. No, not another taste test or another Battle of the Brands. It's time for the next quarterly results from these two soft drink titans.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters anticipate that PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP), global beverage and snack food giant, will report fourth-quarter earnings this week that are 9.1% higher that a year ago, or $0.88 per share. Revenue is expected to total $12.8 billion, which is 3.9% higher than last year. For the full year, the profit is expected to be $3.67 per share on revenue of $43.4 billion, up from $3.38 per share on $39.5 billion in 2007. PepsiCo's earnings met or beat estimates in four of the past five quarters, but missed by only two cents per share in the third quarter. The consensus recommendation of analysts remains to buy PEP. The share price fell to a 52-week low in January and is now 24.4% lower than it was a year ago. During the fourth quarter, PepsiCo declared a $0.42 per share quarterly dividend, agreed to acquire a Spitz International, and announced investments in China and Mexico.

Continue reading The week in preview: Coke versus Pepsi

The week in preview: Coke versus Pepsi originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbercrombieAETAetnaAMATANFApplied MaterialsArcelorMittalBeazer HomesBuffalo Wild WingsBWLDBZHCAKECCECheesecake FactoryChinaCoca-ColaCoinstarCokeCrayCSTRDean FoodsDFDirecTVDTVearningsENEREnergy Conversion DevicesHASHasbroInnophosIPHSKOMARMarriottMcAfeeMexicoMFEMolson CoorsMTNATNordic American TankerNYSE EuronextNYXPanera BreadPBGPEPPepsiPepsi BottlingPepsicoPNRASpitzSprite GreenTAPUBSWhirlpoolWHRSun, 08 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Franchises feel the pinch]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/29/franchises-feel-the-pinch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/29/franchises-feel-the-pinch/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/29/franchises-feel-the-pinch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With few job opportunities, people are looking at starting up franchises. In fact, I recently talked to someone who said that the upcoming Franchise Expo conference has seen a doubling of registrations.

But according to the Wall Street Journal [a paid publication], there are signs that the credit crunch is taking a toll on franchises.

After all, the upfront costs for a franchise can be significant. Moreover, there are the expenses for upkeep and maintenance.

Some of the franchises that are looking to pull back on expansion include major operators like Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA) and so on as different finance firms such as GE's (NYSE: GE) capital arm and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) are showing some restraint and putting a squeeze on financing.

Basically, until the capital markets stabilize and credit gets back to normal, it can be tough times for those who want to jump into the franchise game.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He is also the founder of BizEquity, a valuation website

Franchises feel the pinch originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacFranchisesgeinthenewspnrasoncMon, 29 Sep 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: Restaurant shake-up will favor nimble players]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/14/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-restaurant-shake-up-eill-favor-nimble/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/14/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-restaurant-shake-up-eill-favor-nimble/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/14/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-restaurant-shake-up-eill-favor-nimble/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says that as consumers try to stretch their dining dollar, Darden, Yum! and McDonald's will benefit.

We all know we are overstored in this country and over-restauranted. There are tons of players -- so many that the competition got too hard. Now they collapse. That Uno might miss a payment, that Bennigan's and Steak & Ale are going away, that Bakers Square and Village Inn have filed for bankruptcy: All say the industry is in big trouble.

But ask yourself, if you are Darden (NYSE: DRI) (Cramer's Take), do you think this is a good or bad development? If you are Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) (Cramer's Take), do you think that this, at last, is your time? How about McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) (Cramer's Take)? Room to go more upscale, perhaps?

We read all of these horrible articles every day about restaurants, and yet we see that the stocks of Yum! and Darden hang in great, particularly the first, which gave hideous guidance and yet is now higher than it was before it told people commodity costs were hurting it. McDonald's? How many stocks just hit their 52-week high?

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Restaurant shake-up will favor nimble players

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Restaurant shake-up will favor nimble players originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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