BloggingStocks

Earnings highlights: Boeing, Coca-Cola, eBay, Microsoft, Pfizer, UAL, Yahoo! ...

Trey Thoelcke — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings reports, Microsoft (MSFT), Yahoo! (YHOO), Apple Inc (AAPL), eBay (EBAY), Pfizer (PFE), Coca-Cola (KO), AT and T (T), Altria Group (MO), BB and T (BBT), Boeing Co (BA), duPont(E.I.)deNemours (DD), Hasbro Inc (HAS), AMR Corp (AMR), UAL Corp (UAUA), Wells Fargo (WFC)

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

Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) Q3 earnings beat by a penny but sales fell short of expectations; shares fell.
AMR Corp. (NYSE: AMR) reported a Q3 net loss and plunging revenue but also raised $4 billion in cash.
BB&T Corp. (NYSE: BBT) topped Q3 earnings expectations but said bad-loan provisions nearly doubled.
Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) missed estimates and posted a Q3 loss due to delays for a couple of jet products.
Capital One Financial Corp. (NYSE: COF) shares rose after it reported better-than-expected Q3 numbers.
Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) posted a better-than-expected Q3 profit but sales fell short, and shares fell.

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Boeing, Coca-Cola, eBay, Microsoft, Pfizer, UAL, Yahoo! ...

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Altria (MO) lower as 3Q revenue disappoints

Brent Archer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings reports, Bad news, Altria Group (MO), Options, Technical Analysis

Altria (NYSE: MO - option chain) stock is trading lower Wednesday after the company reported an adjusted third-quarter profit this morning 48 cents per share, topping analysts' forecasts by a penny. However, shares of the stock are declining in today's trading, as the company's third-quarter revenue fell to $4.32 billion, missing analysts' projections of $4.66 billion. After the stock moved up strongly into earnings, traders needed the results to be really strong to sustain the upward momentum. 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 MO.

This morning, MO opened at $18.37. So far today the stock has hit a high of $18.43 and a low of $18.11. As of 11:50, MO is trading at $18.26, down 40 cents (-2.1%). The chart for MO looks bullish and S&P gives MO a positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.

Continue reading Altria (MO) lower as 3Q revenue disappoints

Altria (MO) lower as 3Q revenue disappoints originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where should granny put $50,000?

Sheldon Liber — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Getting started, McDonald's (MCD), Diageo plc (DEO), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ), Altria Group (MO), Novartis AG ADS (NVS), Automatic Data Proc (ADP), Kellogg Co (K), Consolidated Edison (ED), General Mills (GIS), Procter and Gamble (PG), Merck and Co (MRK), Duke Energy (DUK), Personal finance, S and P 500, Stocks to Buy, Southern Company (SO), Annaly Capital Management (NLY)

One of my wonderful friends, Ms. P, asked me for some guidance on how she might allocate $50,000 currently earning peanuts in a money market account. Though she is decades from becoming a grandmother, after a brief discussion about her financial parameters, it became clear to me that she was looking for a "granny fund."

In reality, my recommendations would be suitable, and perhaps desirable, for many passive investors as well.

The $50,000 is a portion of money Ms. P has set aside to purchase a home, which might happen in six months, but could also be pushed out further, depending on the economy and her situation. Basically, she wants to cover all her bases because she might need the money at any time and does not want to be caught short, while at the same time she would like to generate some revenue without taking any big risks.

Continue reading Where should granny put $50,000?

Where should granny put $50,000? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flavored cigarettes off the shelves

Tom Johansmeyer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Altria Group (MO)

As of Tuesday, you'll have to cross a border to buy a clove. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ban on flavored cigarettes went into effect and prohibits the sale of candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes. Authorized under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the measure is intended to reduce the number of children who take up the habit.

Under the new ban, cigarettes that include "an artificial or natural flavor (other than menthol) or an herb or spice" cannot be sold in the United States. The long, but not exhaustive list of flavors, consists of strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon, pineapple, vanilla, coconut, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, cherry and coffee.

Continue reading Flavored cigarettes off the shelves

Flavored cigarettes off the shelves originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Closing Bell: Bulls start getting drunk (MO, AIG, BA, C, HOG, IMMU)

Jon Ogg — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Citigroup Inc. (C), Altria Group (MO), Boeing Co (BA), Amer Intl Group (AIG), Harley-Davidson (HOG)

This morning's revised GDP and still high jobless claims were of no concern to the bulls. After a key DJIA component had news, and after interest perked back up in the financial stocks, traders forgot about selling and just started buying all over again. Seven days in a row of an up market is becoming a normal event, it seems.

Here were today's unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 9,576.47 +32.95 (0.35%)
S&P 500 1,030.91 +2.79 (0.27%)
Nasdaq 2,028.09 +3.66 (0.18%)

Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades
Top Day Trader Stocks

Continue reading Closing Bell: Bulls start getting drunk (MO, AIG, BA, C, HOG, IMMU)

Closing Bell: Bulls start getting drunk (MO, AIG, BA, C, HOG, IMMU) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cramer on BloggingStocks: Copper inventory build threatens the cyclicals

Jim Cramer — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: China, Market matters, Johnson and Johnson (JNJ), Altria Group (MO), Chesapeake Energy (CHK), Hershey Co (HSY), Merck and Co (MRK), U.S. Steel (X), BHP Billiton Ltd ADR (BHP), Freep't McMoRan Copper (FCX), Commodities, Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), Cramer on BloggingStocks

From TheStreet.com Network

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says the plunge in China overnight is being blamed on the industrial metal, so expect some carry-over.

It turns out copper was the metric. Drats, I thought it was the dollar or oil. I thought we were supposed to buy the cyclicals on earnings being better than expected. I thought we might be buying the minerals and the steels and the oils off the morning proxy of the Baltic Freight Index, known as the Baltic Fright Index in the days when it kept going down, and kept us out of the Freeports (NYSE: FCX) (Cramer's Take) and Vales (NASDAQ: VALE) (Cramer's Take) and Union Pacifics (NYSE: UNP) (Cramer's Take) and U.S. Steels (NYSE: X) (Cramer's Take).

Silly me.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Copper inventory build threatens the cyclicals

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Copper inventory build threatens the cyclicals originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most Californians clamor for a tobacco tax increase

Beth Gaston Moon — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors, Consumer experience, Altria Group (MO), Recession, Financial Crisis

Ahhh ... California. Home of the Beach Boys, Napa Valley, and, just recently, IOUs. Indeed, the Golden State is in dire financial straits, and looking for any way out. One suggestion? Tax the smokers. A recent poll of state voters shows 70% in favor of a $1.50-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax.

Breaking down the numbers across party lines, 78% of Democrats, 75% of independents, and 65% of Republicans approve of such a measure. But Republican leadership remains opposed to the idea. A spokeswoman told reporters "Tax increases aren't the answer. Neither is tying programs with increasing costs to a tax source that is declining."

Continue reading Most Californians clamor for a tobacco tax increase

Most Californians clamor for a tobacco tax increase originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Serious Money: Six stocks paying over 6% yields: VZ, DUK, MO, KMP, BWP, NLY

Sheldon Liber — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Altria Group (MO), Verizon Communications (VZ), Duke Energy (DUK), Loews Corporation (L), Boardwalk Partners (BWP), Annaly Capital Management (NLY), Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (KMP)

The following list of solid dividend payers are not likely to get anyone excited about future growth prospects like some small cap tech company with a hot IPO, but in these uncertain times being able to diversify into a reliable dividend paying stock might work while you ride out the economic storm.

Bank money market accounts, CD's and treasuries are not all that compelling right now. While it is wise to keep some cash handy in these places, you need not put all your resources there.

Earlier today my colleague Steven Halpern posted a story on the safest dividend payer in the DJIA and
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) paying 6.1% was his conclusion. I recently posted about this stock pointing out the benefits of the communications companies, see: Chasing Value: AT&T and VZ, high yield plus safety

It is to be expected that a utility would show up on the list, given the strong recurring revenue and cash-flow and
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) paying 6.39% is that company. I have written many positive posts about Duke and my view has not changed.

Continue reading Serious Money: Six stocks paying over 6% yields: VZ, DUK, MO, KMP, BWP, NLY

Serious Money: Six stocks paying over 6% yields: VZ, DUK, MO, KMP, BWP, NLY originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Philip Morris shells out $224.7 million for Swedish Match unit

Elizabeth Harrow — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Deals, Competitive strategy, Altria Group (MO)

Tobacco titan Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) is snapping up the South African operations of Swedish Match for a cool 1.75 billion rand, or roughly $224.7 million. The acquisition is part of PM's broader strategy to gain a foothold in the smokeless tobacco arena. Currently, Swedish Match South Africa is the market leader in the South African pipe tobacco and snuff categories.

"This financially attractive acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for our business in South Africa," said Jean-Claude Kunz, PM's president of Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa. "We firmly believe that merging the two businesses will provide us with the talent, infrastructure, and expertise to further build and grow our portfolio of strong brands in this important market."

Continue reading Philip Morris shells out $224.7 million for Swedish Match unit

Philip Morris shells out $224.7 million for Swedish Match unit originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China gets ready for a mega IPO

Tom Taulli — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Altria Group (MO)

While not attracting many headlines, a variety of major companies have raised large amounts of capital lately, such as HCA, Dole Foods and Altria (NYSE: MO). However, the capital source has been mostly the debt markets.

But as things ease up, might equity investors warm up to new offerings?

Well, we should find out fairly soon. China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd., which is the largest manufacturer of extrude aluminum, is planning a public offering on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The company wants to raise about $1.6 billion. No doubt, it would be the largest equity offering for the year.

Keep in mind that China's government has pumped huge amounts of liquidity into the economy. And investors have responded -- by buying up shares.

Continue reading China gets ready for a mega IPO

China gets ready for a mega IPO originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Options Update: Cigarette manufacturer's volatility low after price increases

Paul Foster — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Altria Group (MO), Options

Lorillard (NYSE: LO) closed at $57.35. LO, Altria Group (NYSE: MO), and Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI) have recently announced an increase in cigarette prices. LO April and June option implied volatility of 47 is below its 26-week average of 51, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

RAI closed at $33.54. RAI April and August option implied volatility of 37 near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

MO closed at $16.60. MO April and September option implied volatility of 35 is below its 26-week average of 40, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

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

Options Update: Cigarette manufacturer's volatility low after price increases originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cramer on BloggingStocks: What to buy in the Dow

Jim Cramer — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: Dell (DELL), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Wal-Mart (WMT), Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), Market matters, McDonald's (MCD), AT and T (T), Caterpillar (CAT), Citigroup Inc. (C), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ), Alcoa Inc (AA), Altria Group (MO), Bank of America (BAC), Verizon Communications (VZ), Freep't McMoRan Copper (FCX), DJIA, Stocks to Buy, Cramer on BloggingStocks

From TheStreet.com Network

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer identifies the eight Dow components that will become too cheap not to buy.

When I arrived at my worst-case view that the Dow could reach 5320, my first reaction wasn't, "Look out below." It was more like, "Wait a second, how much I would like to buy these stocks at those levels?" Then I started thinking, "What do I do if it gets there and I am not in? Will it stay down there? Is it right to avoid a market that's cut by almost two-thirds in such a short period of time when some companies with really good earnings power might be selling at prices that we might never see again?"

But which ones?

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: What to buy in the Dow

Cramer on BloggingStocks: What to buy in the Dow originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Good to Great to Bankruptcy: Jim Collins' book revisited

Zac Bissonnette — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Walgreen Co (WAG), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Altria Group (MO), Kroger Co (KR), Kimberly-Clark (KMB), Nucor Corp (NUE), Books, Wells Fargo (WFC)

Back in 2001, Jim Collins had a monster of a business bestseller with his book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap. . . and Others Don't. In it, Collins explored companies that have become hugely successful and found that success generally comes as a result of focusing resources on things that you're good at instead of mindlessly diversifying.

Arkansas Business writer Jeff Hankins read the book again to see how the companies profiled have weathered the downturn. The companies profiled were Abbot Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), Kroger (NYSE: KR), Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB), Walgreens (NYSE: WAG), Altria (NYSE: MO), Nucor (NYSE: NUE), Pitney Bowes (NYSE: PBI), Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and tragically, Fannie Mae and Circuit City. Gilette was eliminated from contention because of a merger.

Continue reading From Good to Great to Bankruptcy: Jim Collins' book revisited

From Good to Great to Bankruptcy: Jim Collins' book revisited originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Altria (MO) falls on new legal precedent

Brent Archer — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Major movement, Bad news, Law, Altria Group (MO), Options, Technical Analysis

Altria (NYSE: MO - option chain) stock is falling today after a Florida jury found that the death of a smoker was caused by his addiction to cigarettes. MO's subsidiary Philip Morris now is involved in the second phase of the trial , which is to decide who is at fault for his addiction. This is the first case in which an individual smoker's family sued a tobacco company for death by cigarette addiction. This is a tough precedent for MO and the cigarette industry, as it opens the industry up to potentially limitless civil suits from individual smokers.

While I believe that cigarette stocks are well-suited to our current environment, Phillip Morris International (NYSE: PM), a former subsidiary of MO, looks much more attractive to me, due in part to its lower exposure to the American legal system. PM is off by only 0.6% today compared to MO' s 3.5%. If you think Altria 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 MO.

Continue reading Altria (MO) falls on new legal precedent

Altria (MO) falls on new legal precedent originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 dividend stocks for this market, best buys in bonds & America's most miserable cities - Today in Money 2/10

Allan Halprin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:10:00 EST

Filed under: General Motors (GM), Money and Finance Today, Altria Group (MO), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), Goldman Sachs Group (GS), BP p.l.c. ADS (BP)

In the News:

· Treasury Secretary Geithner Unveils Overhaul of Bailout Program Today

· General Motors to Cut 10,000 More Jobs This Year

· Struggling Bank UBS to Cut 2,000 More Jobs

· Analyst Says 1,000 More Banks Could Fail

· Goldman Sachs Moves Tech Meeting From Las Vegas

· Ticketmaster & Live Nation Agree to Merge

· China's Auto Sales Top U.S. for First Time

· 25% of Companies Plan Salary Freeze This Year

· Thousands May Be Affected By Peanut Butter Recall, Doctors Believe

· Direct Mail Credit Card Offers Plummet in Recession

5 Dividend Stocks for This Market
These picks have generous yields - and a history of dividend hikes. They include BP, Altria, Vodafone, PPG Industries and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
http://www.smartmoney.com/Investing/Stocks/5-Dividend-Stocks-for-This-Market/

Continue reading 5 dividend stocks for this market, best buys in bonds & America's most miserable cities - Today in Money 2/10

5 dividend stocks for this market, best buys in bonds & America's most miserable cities - Today in Money 2/10 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earnings highlights: Ford, P&G, Wells Fargo, Starbucks, DuPont, Halliburton and others

Trey Thoelcke — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings reports, Starbucks (SBUX), Ford Motor (F), 3M Corporation (MMM), Halliburton (HAL), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Altria Group (MO), Black and Decker (BDK), ConocoPhillips (COP), Procter and Gamble (PG), Verizon Communications (VZ), duPont(E.I.)deNemours (DD), Amgen Inc (AMGN), Honeywell Intl (HON), Wells Fargo (WFC)

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

Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) Q4 profit rose on higher prices, and its forecast matched expectations.
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) Q4 earnings grew on cost cutting but revenue remained flat.
Black & Decker Corp. (NYSE: BDK) shares tanked after the dismal Q4 report, and it announced job cuts.
Carpenter Technology Corp. (NYSE: CRS) Q2 numbers resulted in a downgrade from one analyst.
ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) reported a Q4 loss due to writedowns from recent acquisitions.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) swung to a bigger-than-expected Q4 loss and its revenue fell as well.
Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) swung to a Q4 loss on acquisition costs but reaffirmed its guidance.

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Ford, P&G, Wells Fargo, Starbucks, DuPont, Halliburton and others

Earnings highlights: Ford, P&G, Wells Fargo, Starbucks, DuPont, Halliburton and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Closing Bell: Markets down after four days of gains; MO, XOM, DRYS, MMM, EK, F

Jon Ogg — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: After the bell, Ford Motor (F), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Market matters, Altria Group (MO), Eastman Kodak (EK)

If you thought that four days of rallying was too much, it looks like the traders did too. Financials took a breather after critics started panning the BAD BANK theory. We also had much weaker durable goods and wider jobless claims to pour fuel on the fire. Here are today's closing unofficial bell levels:
DJIA: 8,147.73 (-2.72%)
S&P500: 845.10 (-3.32%)
NASDAQ: 1,507.84 (-3.24%)
Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades

Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) suspended its share buyback plan after its net earnings fell sharply. Maybe investors will have to decide if a dividend north of 7% is finally enough. This stock was just above the flat-line at $16.83 right before the close.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Markets down after four days of gains; MO, XOM, DRYS, MMM, EK, F

Closing Bell: Markets down after four days of gains; MO, XOM, DRYS, MMM, EK, F originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stocks in the news: SBUX, F, LLY, MMM, LLY, MO, QCOM, ALL, WFC ...

Melly Alazraki — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:18:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings reports, Starbucks (SBUX), Amazon.com (AMZN), Ford Motor (F), 3M Corporation (MMM), Allstate Corp (ALL), Altria Group (MO), QUALCOMM Inc (QCOM), Lilly (Eli) (LLY), Wells Fargo (WFC)

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) posted a loss of $5.9 billion, or $2.46 per share, in the fourth quarter, but it said that it still has no plans to seek federal aid unless economic conditions worsen. Ford burned through $5.5 billion in cash during the quarter. Excluding one-time items, Ford lost $1.37 per share, below estimates of a loss of $1.30 per share. Revenue fell to $29.2 billion, down from $45.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2007. Ford's shares are gaining nearly 2.5% in premarket trading. Fifteen minutes after the open, Ford shares were 2.2% lower.

Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) reported worse-than-expected quarterly results late Wednesday after the close, as its quarterly profit dropped 69%. It also also announced 6,700 more job cuts and plans to close 300 stores. As the company has been hurt by tighter consumer spending, it said it will not provide any sales or earnings guidance. SBUX shares are defclining over 4% in premarket trading. Fifteen minutes after the open, SBUX shares were flattish.

Continue reading Stocks in the news: SBUX, F, LLY, MMM, LLY, MO, QCOM, ALL, WFC ...

Stocks in the news: SBUX, F, LLY, MMM, LLY, MO, QCOM, ALL, WFC ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best 10 stocks for 2009, Once in a lifetime refinancing opportunity, beware Wal-Marts discount trap - Today in Money 12/18

Allan Halprin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Dell (DELL), Pfizer (PFE), Wal-Mart (WMT), Ford Motor (F), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ), Money and Finance Today, Altria Group (MO), FedEx Corp (FDX), Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (POT)

In the News:

· White House Reportedly Wants Auto Bailout By Christmas

· Obama Team Weighs Up to $850 Billion Economic Jolt

· Oil Falls Below $40/Barrel, Lowest Level Since Summer of 2004

· Obama Expected to Name Mary Shapiro as New SEC Chief

· Chrysler 10 Shut All 30 Plants for at Least a Month

· Ford Also Extends Holiday Shut Down at Plants

· British Airways, Qantas Merger Talks Collapse

· FedEx Posts Profit, Plans $1 Billion in Cuts

· Britian's Woolworths to Close all Stores By Early January With 30,000 Jobs Gone

· Borrowers Rushing to Refinance Loans as Rates Drop to Lowest Levels Since the 1960's

Once in a Lifetime Refinancing Opportunity
Mortgage rates have dropped sharply over the past few weeks. They are at their lowest levels since the 1960's. But is refinancing right for you? It might be, but there are caveats. Jim Cramer takes a closer look at who it makes sense for now.
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/home-auto/buying-home/cramer-once-lifetime-refinancing-opportunity
Also: Some People Getting 30-Year Mortgages Under 5%
Calculator: Should I Refinance?

10 Best Stocks for 2009
We're mired in the grizzliest bear market in decades. But the good news is that stocks have been marked down to holiday-sale levels. Here are ten stocks FORTUNE thinks are poised for strong returns in 2009 and beyond. They include Altria, Annaly Capital Management, Dell, Devon Energy, Diamond Offshore, Fluor, Johnson & Johnson, Medco Healthcare, Pfizer and Potash.

Continue reading Best 10 stocks for 2009, Once in a lifetime refinancing opportunity, beware Wal-Marts discount trap - Today in Money 12/18

Best 10 stocks for 2009, Once in a lifetime refinancing opportunity, beware Wal-Marts discount trap - Today in Money 12/18 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Altria (MO) slips on Supreme Court ruling

Brent Archer — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:36:00 EST

Filed under: Bad news, Industry, Law, Altria Group (MO), Options, Technical Analysis

Altria (NYSE: MO - option chain) shares have slid lower today after the US Supreme Court ruled against the Phillip Morris USA in a "light" cigarette case. The ruling allows MO to be sued for deceptive advertising of light cigarettes, which in reality are no better than normal ones. If you think that the stock won't rise by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged trade on MO.

This morning, MO opened at $15.71. So far today the stock has hit a low of $14.96 and a high of $15.88. As of 12:40, MO is trading at $15.26, down 8 cents (-0.5%). The chart for MO looks bullish and S&P gives MO a positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy ranking.

For a bearish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a March bear-call credit spread above the $18 range. A bear-call credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of call options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make an 11.1% return in three months as long as MO is below $18 at March expiration. Altria would have to rise by more than 17% before we would start to lose money.

MO hasn't been above $18 since early November and shown resistance around $16 recently.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in MO.

Altria (MO) slips on Supreme Court ruling originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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