Yesterday, this blog touted Apple (AAPL) – primarily because of their sexy new iphone. But Jim Cramer says no to lawsuit-beleaguered Steve Jobs’ empire. So, today let’s pull up our sofas and potato chips and dissect what the popular cable sage has delivered. However, we must insist that the first step in Mr. Cramer’s process ought to be “listen to PowerOptions’ Podcast” as an antecedent to getting rich.
Apple (AAPL) Rolls Out New iPhone
Apple (AAPL), in a much-anticipated release, unleashed the iPhone on consumers last Tuesday. The Washington Post reported even the most avid enthusiasts were surprised by the features of the new phone saying it was better than expected.
Profits Jump for ALCOA (AA) – Covered Call – Debit Spread
Alcoa Inc. (AA), a New York based aluminum producer, said yesterday its fourth-quarter profits increased 60 percent. The company cited strong aluminum prices and increased demand as chief among the reasons for the positive results.The company’s net income increased to $359 million from $224 million in the same period last year. The results included the savings from the elimination of 6,700 jobs. The jobs were eliminated as part of a restructuring initiative.
TiVO Partners for Profits – Covered Call
TiVo Inc. (TiVO), the leader in television digital video recorders, announced its partnership with Roxio, a leader in digital media software and subsidiary of Sonic Solutions (SNIC), has yielded the widely anticipated TiVoToGo for the Macintosh operating system. TiVo subscribers with broadband connected TiVo DVRs will be able to transfer programs recorded and stored on their TiVO DVRs to their Macs. The users can also burn the recorded programs to a DVD and enjoy them on portable iPod devices.
Trimble Navigation (TRMB) Knows Where It’s Going
Trimble Navigation (TRMB) announced late last month its software will be used in the establishment of a national Global Positioning System, or GPS, infrastructure network in the south of Poland. The company’s network will be utilized by professionals in the surveying and engineering fields to obtain high accuracy (with resolution down to the centimeter) global positioning without the use of base stations or specialized software. Experts say this will significantly increase efficiency and productivity.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (RUTH) Sizzles
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Inc. (RUTH) stated in an announcement last Thursday it expects a 40-plus percent increase in fourth-quarter sales. The increase will be primarily due to company-owned restaurant sales and because the comparable period last year was a week shorter.
Precision Castparts (PCP) Reaches All Time High
Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP) reached an all-time high Wednesday after an analyst with Credit Suisse raised the target price for the stock to $87. The stock closed Wednesday at $81.40.
Nucor (NUE) to Buy Harris Steel – Covered Calls
Nucor Corp. (NUE), a manufacturer of steel products, announced on 2 January 2007 it has offered $1.07 billion for Harris Steel Group (HSG.TO), a Canadian steel manufacturer. Harris Steel’s board is recommending investors accept the all-cash bid.
January Effect – Stock Trading Insurance
In a previous article, “Portfolio Management: Stock Insurance”, we explained how to insure a position or portfolio of positions against a large loss by using protective put options. In article, “January Effect – Part 2”, we explained the theory behind The January Effect. Basically, The January Effect is theorized to be a result of investors selling loser stocks in order to realize tax losses near the end of a year. After the loser stocks have been depressed from the tax loss selling and the selling of the loser stocks subsides, the prices of the stocks begin to recover after the start of a new year.
Terex (TEX) Makes the S&P 500
Shares of Terex Corp, (TEX) hit a new 52-week high of $66.48 Wednesday December 27th. The stock is being buoyed by its recent placement on the S&P 500 and sector-wide analyst “Buy” ratings.