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[Analyst Calls: AA, AAPL, ATHR, BKS, CL, CLX, EL, HBAN, NCR, NVDA, XRTX ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/05/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/05/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/05/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • TCF Financial (TCB) to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank.
  • Exelon (EXC) to market perform from underperform at Wells Fargo.
  • Nvidia (NVDA) and Boyd Gaming (BYD) upgraded to overweight from equal weight at Barclays.
  • Estee Lauder (EL) to buy from neutral at UBS.
  • Webster Financial (WBS) to buy from hold at Jefferies.
  • Skilled Healthcare (SKH) to outperform from market perform at Morgan Keegan.
  • Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR) to outperform from market perform at Leerink.
  • NCR Corp. (NCR) to outperform from neutral at Wedbush.
  • Barnes & Noble (BKS) to neutral from underperform and Pioneer Natural (PXD) to outperform from neutral at Credit Suisse.
  • Autodesk (ADSK) to buy from neutral at Goldman.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AA, AAPL, ATHR, BKS, CL, CLX, EL, HBAN, NCR, NVDA, XRTX ...

Analyst Calls: AA, AAPL, ATHR, BKS, CL, CLX, EL, HBAN, NCR, NVDA, XRTX ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAAAPLAbercrombieACORADSKAlcoaanalyst upgradesANFAppleAtherosATHRAutodeskAvonAVPBarnes and NobleBENBKSCEPHCLCloroxCLXColgateCXOdowngradesELEntergyEstee LauderETREXCExelonFEFirstEnergyGOROHBANinitiationsinthenewsJACKJack in the BoxLegg MasonLMNBLNCRNVDANvidiaPXDSKHSolarfunSOLFSTJTCBWBSXRTXXyratexZIONWed, 05 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: ATW, CIEN, DE, GMCR, GPN, MEE, MT, POT, SNDK, SO, TSO ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • SanDisk (SNDK) was upgraded to outperform from neutral at RW Baird.
  • JPMorgan resumed Potash (POT) at overweight, up from neutral.
  • Ariba (ARBA) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Roth Capital.
  • Cirrus Logic (CRUS) was upgraded to buy from hold at Jefferies.
  • Morgan Stanley upgraded Tesoro (TSO) to overweight from equal weight.
  • Solarfun Power (SOLF) was upgraded to buy from hold at Auriga.
  • Barclays upgraded Ciena (CIEN) to overweight from equal weight.
  • Optimer Pharm (OPTR) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at JMP Securities.
  • Argo Group (AGII) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at FBR Capital.
  • BofA/Merrill upgraded Green Mountain (GMCR) to buy from underperform and Southern Company (SO) to neutral from underperform.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: ATW, CIEN, DE, GMCR, GPN, MEE, MT, POT, SNDK, SO, TSO ...

Analyst Calls: ATW, CIEN, DE, GMCR, GPN, MEE, MT, POT, SNDK, SO, TSO ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AGIIanalyst upgradesARBAArcelorMittalATWAtwood OceanicsCIENCienaCirrus LogicCRUSDeeredowngradesGMCRGPNGreen MountaininitiationsinthenewsMassey EnergyMEEMFCMTOPTRPotashSanDiskSLXPSNDKSOSolarfun PowerSOLFTesoroTGETSOUNTKYGEYingli GreenMon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: China and Selling Meet Head On (CSCO, AIB, SOLF, BA, INTC, AAPL, NVDA)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/12/closing-bell-china-and-selling-meet-head-on-csco-aib-solf-ba/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/12/closing-bell-china-and-selling-meet-head-on-csco-aib-solf-ba/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/12/closing-bell-china-and-selling-meet-head-on-csco-aib-solf-ba/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today was partly a China-tightening day and it was also a big flush out of commodities. There was follow-on selling in technology and many high-flyers were the biggest losers on no news at all. Stocks, bonds, and commodities all sold off despite better consumer confidence. If anything, today might even have some hallmarks of a sentiment shift in the market.

Here were today's unofficial closing bell levels:

DJIA: 11,192.58 (-90.52)
S&P 500: 2,518.21 (-37.31)
NASDAQ: 1,199.21 (-14.33)

Top Stock Analyst Calls
Next Week's Top Earnings

Continue reading Closing Bell: China and Selling Meet Head On (CSCO, AIB, SOLF, BA, INTC, AAPL, NVDA)

Closing Bell: China and Selling Meet Head On (CSCO, AIB, SOLF, BA, INTC, AAPL, NVDA) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLBACSCOINTCNVDASOLFFri, 12 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Solarfun Notches 52-Week High After Q2 Earnings]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/08/03/solarfun-notches-52-week-high-after-q2-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/08/03/solarfun-notches-52-week-high-after-q2-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/08/03/solarfun-notches-52-week-high-after-q2-earnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SOLF logoSolarfun Power Holdings (SOLF - option chain) shares are rising today after the company announced Q2 earnings this morning, posting a profit of $40.2 million, or 11 cents per share. Excluding one-time items, SOLF earned 59 cents per share on revenue of $258.5 million. Analysts had forecast a profit of 25 cents per share on revenue of $212.8 million. Also helping the stock was news that South Korea-based Hanwha Chemical has agreed to take a 49.99% stake in the company, worth about $370 million. 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 SOLF.

SOLF opened this morning at $12.30. So far today the stock has hit a low of $10.87 and a high of $12.30. As of 12:30, SOLF is trading at $10.97 up 0.72 (7.0%). The chart for SOLF looks neutral and S&P gives SOLF a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

Continue reading Solarfun Notches 52-Week High After Q2 Earnings

Solarfun Notches 52-Week High After Q2 Earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaearningsinthenewsInvestors Observeroptionssolar powerSolarfunSOLFTue, 03 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DKS, GPS, NFLX, SPWRA, TIF ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Analyst upgrades:

  • Merriman upgraded Sunpower (NASDAQ: SPWRA) two levels to Buy from Sell after transitioning coverage. The firm believes Sunpower is emerging from the current recession as the CleanTech leader and has a $38-$48 price range on shares.
  • Citigroup upgraded Varian Medical (NYSE: VAR) to Buy from hold as it believes capex pressure and health care reform uncertainty is priced into shares, and demand will return as hospital budgets stabilize. Citi raised its target on shares to $45 from $36.
  • FBR Capital upgraded Gap (NYSE: GPS) to Outperform from Market Perform following the Q2 results to reflect product improvement and ongoing inventory control. The firm raised its target on shares to $24 from $18.
  • Schnitzer Steel (NASDAQ: SCHN) was upgraded to Neutral from Sell at UBS.
  • UDR Inc. (NYSE: UDR) was upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform at Wells Fargo.
  • The Buckle (NYSE: BKE) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Roth Capital.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DKS, GPS, NFLX, SPWRA, TIF ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: DKS, GPS, NFLX, SPWRA, TIF ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analyst upgradesAPWRASTIBEZBKEBXSCSUNDKSdowngradesFSLRGPSinitiationsLZNFLXPWERWTSCHNSOLFSPWRATBNKTIFUDRVARVRFri, 21 Aug 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The week in preview: Earnings expectations for techs, Canadian banks]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/24/the-week-in-preview-earnings-expectations-for-techs-canadian-b/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/24/the-week-in-preview-earnings-expectations-for-techs-canadian-b/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/24/the-week-in-preview-earnings-expectations-for-techs-canadian-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Results for the tech stocks in last week's preview were a mixed bag, some beats, some misses, some in line. By and large, expectations for tech companies reporting results this week remain high, though. Here's what analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial are anticipating in the way of earnings, as compared to the same period of the previous year.

Continue reading The week in preview: Earnings expectations for techs, Canadian banks

The week in preview: Earnings expectations for techs, Canadian banks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AEOAmerican EagleApplied SignalAPSGBank of MontrealBank of Nova ScotiaBGPBIGBIg LotsBMOBNSBordersBrown ShoeBWSCanadian Imperial Bank of CommerceChicosChina FinanceCHSCMCOCOCorinthian CollegesDAKTDaktronicsDel MonteDeliasDellDLIADLLRDLMDLTRDollar FinancialDollar TreeDollarFinancialearningsearnings reportsENEREnergy Conversion DevicesESLEsterlinefeaturedFinlayFNLYFREDFredsHEIHEICOJRJCKnightsbridgeLabargeLBMarvellMens WearhouseMRVLMWNovellNOVLOmnivisionOSIOSISOVTIPETMPetSmartRoyal Bank of CanadaRYSAFMSanderson FarmsSearsSFDSGICSHLDSIGMSigma DesignsSilicon GraphicsSLHSmithfield FoodsSolarfunSoleraSOLFTalbotsTDTIFTiffanyTLBToronto-Dominion BankVLCCFZaleZLCSun, 24 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst initiations: SOLF, BMRN and DNA]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/analyst-initiations-solf-bmrn-and-dna/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/analyst-initiations-solf-bmrn-and-dna/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/analyst-initiations-solf-bmrn-and-dna/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Solarfun Power, BioMarin Pharmaceutical and Genentech were today's noteworthy initiations:
  • Jefferies initiated Solarfun Power (NASDAQ:SOLF) with a Buy rating and $18 target. The firm believes the one-third stake purchased by Good Energies and new management hires could generate operational momentum and that declining silicon costs may help margins.
  • BioMarin Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ:BMRN) was started at Oppenheimer with a Perform rating. The firm recommends waiting for Street estimates on Kuvan sales to moderate and for positive pipeline signals before adding to positions.
  • Genentech (NYSE:DNA) was initiated at Citigroup with a Buy rating and $91 target. The firm believes several studies could lead to robust growth and points out the company's Q2 results showed Avastin reaccelerating due to growth in breast cancer.
OTHER INITIATIONS:
  • Goldman reinstated Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS) with a Neutral rating.
  • Zebra Tech (NASDAQ:ZBRA) was initiated with a Hold rating at KeyBanc.
  • Rodman & Renshaw assumed coverage of Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CORT) with an Outperform rating and $8 target.
  • AuthenTec (NASDAQ:AUTH) was initiated at JP Morgan with an Overweight rating and at Canaccord Adams with a Hold rating and $10 target.

Analyst initiations: SOLF, BMRN and DNA originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analyst initiationsAnalystInitiationsAUTHBRMNCORTDNAinthenewsSOLFSPLSZBRAThu, 17 Jul 2008 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[For low priced stocks, focus on the pumps]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/02/for-low-priced-stocks-focus-on-the-pumps/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/02/for-low-priced-stocks-focus-on-the-pumps/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/02/for-low-priced-stocks-focus-on-the-pumps/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As I wrote a few weeks ago, traders and fans of low priced stocks should ignore fallen blue chips like Ford Motor Co (NYSE: F) and Sirius Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and focus more on smaller volatile stocks like China Precisions Steel Inc (NASDAQ: CPSL) and Solarfun Power Holdings (NASDAQ: SOLF). Not just because fallen blue chip stocks are all about guessing major business trends and the time lags involved with pricing those into their stocks -- good luck with that -- but because these lesser known plays offer much more predictability due to their speculative nature.

Earnings, profit margins, product potential is all well and good for long-term investors in higher-priced names, but here in the gutter of the stock market (also known as penny stock land), those variables are highly irrelevant to predicting hourly, daily and even weekly price swings. Down here it's all about self fulfilling prophecies, pumping and message board hype.

Take for example, Middlebrook Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MBRK), mercilessly pumped by TheStreet.com's Adam Feuerstein for the past several months as a takeover candidate, as his sources indicate bidders in the $6 to $8 range. Now he might be right -- not that it's going to matter to the SEC -- and while he certainly can't compete with CNBC, in terms of effectiveness, his credibility and frequent teasing have predictably pumped this stock up a solid 20-30% so far.

Continue reading For low priced stocks, focus on the pumps

For low priced stocks, focus on the pumps originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpslffeaturedimbllnwmbrksirisolftim sykesTimSykesMon, 02 Jun 2008 12:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: Home Depot, Gap, Lenovo, Air France, Activision, Suntech and others]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/24/earnings-highlights-home-depot-gap-lenovo-activision-air-fr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/24/earnings-highlights-home-depot-gap-lenovo-activision-air-fr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/24/earnings-highlights-home-depot-gap-lenovo-activision-air-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

Additional earnings highlights:
Hewlett-Packard, Target, Barnes & Noble, Campbell, Staples and others
Ford, Hormel, Limited Brands, Intuitive Surgical, PetSmart and others

Upcoming results to watch for include Borders (NYSE: BGP), Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL), TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO), Big Lots (NYSE: BIG), Costco (NASDAQ: COST), Dell (NASDAQ: DELL), HJ Heinz (NYSE: HNZ), Sears (NASDAQ: SHLD), Lions Gate (NYSE: LGF), and Tiffany (NYSE: TIF).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

Earnings highlights: Home Depot, Gap, Lenovo, Air France, Activision, Suntech and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 24 May 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAir FranceATVIBJBJs WholesaleCanadian SolarCSIQearningsearnings reportsFLFoot LockerGapGPSHDHome DepotINTUIntuitKLMLenovoLNVGYLOWLowesNetEase.comNTESSaksSKSSolarfunSOLFSTPSuntechSat, 24 May 2008 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Suntech Power (STP) delivers solid quarter; SOLF downgrade affects sector]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/suntech-power-stp-delivers-solid-quarter-solf-downgrade-affec/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/suntech-power-stp-delivers-solid-quarter-solf-downgrade-affec/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/suntech-power-stp-delivers-solid-quarter-solf-downgrade-affec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Suntech Power Holdings Co. (NYSE: STP), which saw its stock surge some 150% in 2007, didn't have such a good 2008 so far with its stock plunging about 44% year-to-date. But since setting a 52-week low of $28.19 on March 22, the stock has rebounded nicely, up over 55%. Roller coaster or what?!

Well, today, the maker of photovoltaic cells and modules said first-quarter earnings more than doubled on 76% higher revenue. Earnings reached $55.8 million, or 33 cents an American depositary share, beating analysts estimates of 28 cents. Revenue reached $434.5 million. Gross margins also expanded nicely and Suntech reiterated revenue estimates for 2008.

Early in the morning, STP shares jumped over 7% in premarket trading in response to the report but have not kept this up. Shares are now trading at $45.73, down over 1%, probably declining with the rest of the sector following Goldman Sachs's downgrade of Solarfun (NASDAQ: SOLF) to Sell from Neutral. SOLF shares are down over 18% taking LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL) and Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ) down with it -- 5%, 8% and 13% respectively, to name but a few.

Continue reading Suntech Power (STP) delivers solid quarter; SOLF downgrade affects sector

Suntech Power (STP) delivers solid quarter; SOLF downgrade affects sector originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 22 May 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian solarCanadianSolarcsiqearninginthenewsldkldk solarLdkSolarsolarfunsolfstpsuntech powerSuntechPowertslThu, 22 May 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Option Update: Solarfun Power volatility and shares collapse after EPS and downgrade]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-and-shares-collapse-aft/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-and-shares-collapse-aft/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/22/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-and-shares-collapse-aft/#commentsFiled under:

Solarfun Power (NASDAQ: SOLF) is recently down $4.81 to $21.66. Goldman Sachs says, "Premium valuation unwarranted; downgrade to Sell." SOLF manufactures PV cells and PV modules. SOLF June option implied volatility of 100 is below a level of 127 prior to Q1 EPS on May 21 and near its 26-week average of 99 according to Track Data.

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

Option Update: Solarfun Power volatility and shares collapse after EPS and downgrade originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 22 May 2008 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>option implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilitySolarfun PowerSolarfunPowerSOLFThu, 22 May 2008 13:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Option Update; Solarfun Power volatility at 127; Q1 08 revenue up 529%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-at-127-q1-08-revenue-u/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-at-127-q1-08-revenue-u/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-at-127-q1-08-revenue-u/#commentsFiled under:

Solarfun Power (NASDAQ: SOLF) is recently up $3.71 to $28.95 in pre-open trading.

SOLF reported Q1 EPS of 32 cents versus consensus estimates of 16 cents. SOLF reported Q1 net revenue of $171 million, an increase of 529% from the fourth quarter of 2007.

SOLF is a manufactures PV cells and PV modules.

SOLF June option implied volatility of 127 is above its 26-week average of 98 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risk.

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

Option Update; Solarfun Power volatility at 127; Q1 08 revenue up 529% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 May 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilitySolarfun PowerSolarfunPowersolfWed, 21 May 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-market movers (SOLF) (CCL)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/pre-market-movers-solf-ccl/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/pre-market-movers-solf-ccl/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/21/pre-market-movers-solf-ccl/#commentsFiled under:

Solarfun Power (NASDAQ:SOLF) is up 19% on good earnings.

Adolor (NASDAQ:ADLR) is up 19% after getting approval for marketing of one of its drugs.

Red Robin Gourmet (NASDAQ:RRGB) is down almost 7% on poor earnings.

Carnival (NYSE:CCL) is off 3.5% without any visible news.

Stocks may trade differently in the pre-market than they do in the regular session.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Pre-market movers (SOLF) (CCL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 May 2008 07:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ADLRCCLRRGBSOLFWed, 21 May 2008 07:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Step aside popular stocks, it's time for smaller more volatile plays]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/step-aside-popular-stocks-it-s-time-for-smaller-more-volatile-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/step-aside-popular-stocks-it-s-time-for-smaller-more-volatile-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/step-aside-popular-stocks-it-s-time-for-smaller-more-volatile-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Forget about overwhelmingly random stock market noise and small daily percentage moves exemplified by the likes of all the most popular names such as Yahoo! Inc (Nasdaq: YHOO), Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C), Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE), Google Inc (Nasdaq: GOOG) and Apple Inc (Nasdaq: AAPL). Don't be fooled by the all-too-frequent daily commentary-those stocks are really only good for long-term investors and the few truly professional traders out there.

If you're neither, focus more on market inefficiencies because not only are they more predictable, but they're ideal for smaller investors and traders thanks to their illiquidity. Meaning the market offers up these high profit probability opportunities that the big boys can't and won't take advantage of-they're strictly for us little guys.

I'm talking about price moves created by the quirks of the finance industry itself-namely the media circus, stock promoters and hype that influence the great derided microcap market. For example, when a CNBC reporter inadvertently suckers amateurs by pumping a penny stock (good short selling opportunity as the stock is now down 50% in a month) or when a stock promoter is paid to hype a stock (another one down 50%+ in one month since).

Continue reading Step aside popular stocks, it's time for smaller more volatile plays

Step aside popular stocks, it's time for smaller more volatile plays originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdyCPSLfeaturedfppMXCPDOsolftimothy sykesTimothySykeswall streetWallStreetMon, 19 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Option Update: Solarfun Power volatility up into EPS & outlook]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-up-into-eps-and-outlook/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-up-into-eps-and-outlook/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/19/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-up-into-eps-and-outlook/#commentsFiled under:

Solarfun Power (NASDAQ: SOLF) is scheduled to report Q1 EPS on May 21.

SOLF, a manufacturer of PV cells and PV modules, closed at $22.84 Friday.

SOLF June option call implied volatility is at 123, puts are at 134; above its 26-week average of 96 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risk.

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

Option Update: Solarfun Power volatility up into EPS & outlook originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 May 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>implied volatilityImpliedVolatilitySolarfun PowerSolarfunPowersolfMon, 19 May 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Why LDK Solar (LDK) is not a buy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/14/why-ldk-solar-ldk-is-not-a-buy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/14/why-ldk-solar-ldk-is-not-a-buy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/14/why-ldk-solar-ldk-is-not-a-buy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LDK Solar Co. (NYSE: LDK) is one strange solar stock. Yesterday, on a day when other solar companies like Solarfun Power Holdings (NASDAQ: SOLF), Canadian Solar Inc (NASDAQ: CSIQ), First Solar Inc (NASDAQ: FSLR) and JA Solar Holdings (NASDAQ: JASO) were all strong and despite earnings coming in at the high end of expectations and guidance solidly ahead of estimates, their stock was down. Not only was it down, but it also tried rebounding, only to fail. Not good at all for the bull case.

Experience has taught me to respect the price action the day after earnings. So when I see LDK trying to break out of a now 5-month old range, pretty much between $30 and $40 -- yes it was up to $50 in January and $20 in March, but those are outliers -- this is a very bearish sign. It's so bearish that I suspect that unless solar plays really heat up again, this stock will need many more weeks or months to break $40, and even then, it's got a ton of resistance all over the place due to bitter buyers in at much higher prices who will be looking to cut their losses.

Continue reading Why LDK Solar (LDK) is not a buy

Why LDK Solar (LDK) is not a buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 May 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CSIQfeaturedFSLRJASOLDKLDK Solar Co.LdkSolarCo.solar stocksSolarStocksSOLFWed, 14 May 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Option Update: Solarfun Power volatility low into EPS & outlook]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-low-into-eps-and-outlook/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-low-into-eps-and-outlook/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/option-update-solarfun-power-volatility-low-into-eps-and-outlook/#commentsFiled under:

Solarfun Power (NASDAQ: SOLF) is scheduled to report Q1 EPS on May 21. SOLF over all option implied volatility of 75 is below its 26-week average of 94 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price risk.

Oil Services Holders (AMEX: OIH) volatility is low at 33 on $122 oil.

NASDAQ 100 (NASDAQ: QQQQ) overall implied volatility is at 24; the 26-week average is 28.

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

Option Update: Solarfun Power volatility low into EPS & outlook originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 May 2008 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>OIHOil Services Holders-OIHOilServicesHolders-oihoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityQQQQSolarfun PowerSolarfunPowerSOLFWed, 07 May 2008 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Why investors should never get starstruck]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/27/why-investors-should-never-get-starstruck/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/27/why-investors-should-never-get-starstruck/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/27/why-investors-should-never-get-starstruck/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last month at the Sundance Film Festival, I saw some great movies, partied it up a bit and schmoozed with celebrities. Perhaps it's the pseudo-celebrity status that came with my TV show or the $300,000+ personal loss I took on an investment I truly believed in, but I never get starstruck anymore. Not with celebrities and definitely not with companies. And as an investor, you can learn from this. I'll explain.

While at the festival, I bumped into "celebrity" Maria Bello, and my ability to have a casual conversation with her led to an interesting encounter highlighted by some flirting and several great pictures (see them all HERE).

Ms. Bello barely gave starstruck, incredibly crazed, fans the time of day; after all, nobody -- celebrity or not -- can really take anybody who's screaming and crying in awe of their presence very seriously. So, while it was a fun moment for me, I couldn't help but think how this related to the stock market.

Continue reading Why investors should never get starstruck

Why investors should never get starstruck originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplfeaturedfslrgooggsjasoMaria BelloMariaBellomersolftim sykesTimSykesWed, 27 Feb 2008 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Solar stocks are ready to heat up]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/30/solar-stocks-are-aligned-to-heat-up/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/30/solar-stocks-are-aligned-to-heat-up/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/30/solar-stocks-are-aligned-to-heat-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Over the past few months, solar stocks have had more than their fair share of ups and downs. Last month, they were so volatile it seemed as if I was writing an article about another solar play every other day, introducing investors to the sector by casting the characters in a fictional movie to be called Solar's Eleven, encouraging buying on breakouts in this article, and warning investors to drop them as if they were poorly selling music artists in this article. (Yes, I go over the top sometimes, but it's all to help you better understand how the stock market works.)

I know buy and hold investors don't understand how I can change my mind so quickly about the same companies, but as you can tell from the charts of stocks like Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ: ESLR), Solarfun (NASDAQ: SOLF), DayStar Technologies (NASDAQ: DSTI), Akeena Solar (NASDAQ: AKNS), Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ) and China Sunenergy (NASDAQ: CSUN), remaining nimble is key to profiting from this sector's volatility. In fact, only JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO) and MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR) have managed to hold near their highs.

So, what changed? Perception. While these companies all still have great potential, they are speculative and in bear markets, speculative stocks, especially those that don't continuously put out spectacular news, get crushed -- as shareholders in Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Baidu.com (NASDAQ: BIDU) and VMware (NYSE: VMW) have learned the hard way.

Continue reading Solar stocks are ready to heat up

Solar stocks are ready to heat up originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLBIDUCSIQESLRfeaturedFSLRJASOSOLSolarSOLFSTPVMWWFRWed, 30 Jan 2008 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[10 stocks to buy amidst all the turmoil]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/09/10-stocks-to-buy-amidst-all-the-turmoil/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/09/10-stocks-to-buy-amidst-all-the-turmoil/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/09/10-stocks-to-buy-amidst-all-the-turmoil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shopping list Update: See the latest posts about stocks to buy from BloggingStocks.

After nailing the top in Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and warning investors this would be a painful year, I've been getting hundreds of emails from people asking me what to do next? As if suddenly after two correct predictions, I'm Nostradamus or David Blaine!

Make no mistake, I'm neither a forecaster nor a magician, I'm just a trader who bases his decisions around these key elements: a distrust of everyone and every company on Wall Street (made easier by the likes of MBIA (NYSE: MBI), E*Trade (NASDAQ: ETFC) and Countrywide Financial (NYSE: CFC); a respect, bordering on religion, for charts and a quick trigger finger if the charts turn against me. I know people want longer term predictions, but I believe those to be 100% guessing games and potentially hazard to your investment health. Pregnant women should avoid them at all costs. Just kidding, it's fine for some people, but I like to make my predictions and cash out, so I can enjoy stress-free weekends if you catch my drift.

So, here's what I see right now: two weeks in and we're already halfway to my 10%-down market prediction, and Apple is down 15% (take that you stereotypical cheerleaders, go date some football players)! The markets are definitely rolling over, and while it's usually a long, drawn-out process, the charts seem to have little concern for what's normal as all the major indices have formed perfect head-and-shoulders patterns (a very bearish sign) and investors are rightfully freaking out.

Continue reading 10 stocks to buy amidst all the turmoil

10 stocks to buy amidst all the turmoil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AKNSBEAVBOOMCCFCCNQRDSTIELMGfeaturedinvestingLULUMERNVDASIGMsmall capsSmallCapsSOLFstocksTLEOTROWVPRTWed, 09 Jan 2008 10:10:00 EST