BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[AIG's Taiwan unit draws interest of private equity firms]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/30/aigs-taiwan-unit-draws-interest-of-private-equity-firms/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/30/aigs-taiwan-unit-draws-interest-of-private-equity-firms/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/30/aigs-taiwan-unit-draws-interest-of-private-equity-firms/#commentsFiled under: , ,

American International Group (NYSE: AIG), once the world's largest insurer, is selling assets outside the U.S. to repay a government bailout. The Carlyle Group, KKR, JC Flowers, and other U.S. private equity firms and Asian financial groups are reported to be interested in AIG's Taiwanese unit Nan Shan Life Insurance Co.

"Everyone hopes this is going to be a fire sale as AIG is in a difficult situation," said a local partner of Standard & Poor's.

Continue reading AIG's Taiwan unit draws interest of private equity firms

AIG's Taiwan unit draws interest of private equity firms originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIGCarlyleINGinsurersinthenewsJC FlowersKKRMorgan StanleyMSNan Shan LifePrudentialPUKTue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to unload Razorfish, Publicis looking?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/29/microsoft-to-unload-razorfish-publicis-looking/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/29/microsoft-to-unload-razorfish-publicis-looking/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/29/microsoft-to-unload-razorfish-publicis-looking/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has engaged investment bank Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) to help it unload digital agency Razorfish. Publicis (OTC: PGPEF) is looking for targets in the online ad space and could be a possible bidder.

Razorfish has been valued at $600 million to $700 million, based on a top line of approximately $400 million for its last fiscal year and peer margins of 12% to 13%. The company boasts 2,000 employees and clients that include Audi, Nike (NYSE: NKE) and Kraft (NYSE: KFT). Microsoft bought the company as part of a $6 billion deal to acquire aQuantive. At the time, Razorfish was known as Avenue A Razorfish, as the result of a merger sealed in the wasteland known as the "dotcom bust."

Continue reading Microsoft to unload Razorfish, Publicis looking?

Microsoft to unload Razorfish, Publicis looking? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewskftmicrosoftmorgan stanleyMorganStanleymsmsftnkeomnicomomnicomgrouppublicispublicisgrouprazorfishwppwpp groupWppGroupMon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[M&A plunges, investment banks find money elsewhere]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/manda-plunges-investment-banks-find-money-elsewhere/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/manda-plunges-investment-banks-find-money-elsewhere/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/manda-plunges-investment-banks-find-money-elsewhere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mergers and acquisitions aren't delivering the fees that investment bankers used to enjoy, but fortunately, the money's coming from elsewhere. Data from Thomson Reuters reports a 29% increase in capital markets and M&A fees for the first time in more than a year. Share sales (e.g., rights offerings) were where dealmakers found the action. In the shrinking M&A space, Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) has taken the lead spot.

Since there are fewer banks in the marketplace than there were a year ago -- and they have less money -- the capital is starting to come from elsewhere. Because they aren't lending at their previous pace, companies are issuing bonds and equity to replenish their coffers. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), for example, raked in more than $23 billion from the bond market to fund its acquisition of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), and Roche nabbed Genentech with the help of a $30 billion debt issuance.

Continue reading M&A plunges, investment banks find money elsewhere

M&A plunges, investment banks find money elsewhere originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit marketsdebt marketequityequity issuancegoldman sachsgsinitial public offeringipoiposjpmjpmorganMAmergersmergers and acquisitionsmorgan stanleymspfepfizerthomson reuterswyewyethFri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Another day of excuses to sell (BA, GS, MS, MGM, ORCL, SPEX]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/24/closing-bell-another-day-of-excuses-to-sell-ba-gs-ms-mgm-o/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/24/closing-bell-another-day-of-excuses-to-sell-ba-gs-ms-mgm-o/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/24/closing-bell-another-day-of-excuses-to-sell-ba-gs-ms-mgm-o/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The FOMC decision to keep rates at near-zero and risk inflation ahead did little to spur any excitement from equity traders. Or maybe that was just an excuse to sell after Warren Buffett said there are no green shoots out there.

This was on the heels of a solid durable goods number and on the heels of weak new home sales. It seems that news is just an excuse to pare down positions now in case we get that solid pullback so many traders were hoping for. Here are today's closing bell levels:

Dow 8,299.86 -23.05 (-0.28%)
S&P 500 900.92 +5.82 (0.65%)
Nasdaq 1,792.34 +27.42 (1.55%)

Top 10 Analyst Calls

Continue reading Closing Bell: Another day of excuses to sell (BA, GS, MS, MGM, ORCL, SPEX

Closing Bell: Another day of excuses to sell (BA, GS, MS, MGM, ORCL, SPEX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MGMSPEXWed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley volatility low into EPS]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/15/options-update-goldman-sachs-and-morgan-stanley-volatility-low/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/15/options-update-goldman-sachs-and-morgan-stanley-volatility-low/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/15/options-update-goldman-sachs-and-morgan-stanley-volatility-low/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) closed at $145.64. GS is expected to report Q2 EPS soon. GS June 145 straddle is priced at $6.10, July 145 straddle is priced at $15.50. GS July option implied volatility of 45 is below its 26-week average of 75, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) closed at $29.70. MS is expected to report Q2 EPS soon. MS June 30 straddle is priced at $1.75, July 30 is priced at $4.05. MS July option implied volatility of 54 is below its 26-week average of 91, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

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

Options Update: Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley volatility low into EPS originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GSinthenewsMSoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityMon, 15 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fed to okay TARP repayment for some banks, appoint a Pay Czar]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/08/fed-to-okay-tarp-repayment-for-some-banks-appoint-a-pay-czar/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/08/fed-to-okay-tarp-repayment-for-some-banks-appoint-a-pay-czar/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/08/fed-to-okay-tarp-repayment-for-some-banks-appoint-a-pay-czar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This morning, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected announce that some banks will be allowed to repay the money lent to them under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Some of the banks expected to receive approval are Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), American Express (NYSE: AXP), Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), State Street (NYSE: STT) and U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB). All of these banks have expressed interest in repaying the government.

What is interesting is that there will be yet another Czar joining the White House, a "Repayment Czar," (what is the deal with the media's fascination with Russian royalty?) or as the administration will call the position, the "Special Master for Compensation."

Continue reading Fed to okay TARP repayment for some banks, appoint a Pay Czar

Fed to okay TARP repayment for some banks, appoint a Pay Czar originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axpbbtgsinthenewsjpmmsObama administrationObamaAdministrationsttTARPTARP moneyTARP repaymentTarpMoneyTarpRepaymentTim GeithnerTimGeithnerusbMon, 08 Jun 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Comfort Zone Investing: Remember IPOs? They're back ... sorta]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/30/comfort-zone-investing-remember-ipos-theyre-back-sorta-h/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/30/comfort-zone-investing-remember-ipos-theyre-back-sorta-h/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/30/comfort-zone-investing-remember-ipos-theyre-back-sorta-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

IPO. Initial public offering. Or as they used to be known among the Wall Street cynics: "It's probably overpriced." Not any more. Nothing that is too expensive will fly these days. In fact, if it's not a bargain, don't bother to talk with the bankers. Investors want history, especially ones with increasing sales and profits.

The year 2009 has already produced more IPOs than all of 2008. Sound impressive? Here are the numbers: this year there have been seven. So there aren't a lot of companies going public right now, but still, there are some. And most of them are doing well.

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Remember IPOs? They're back ... sorta

Comfort Zone Investing: Remember IPOs? They're back ... sorta originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 May 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Comfort Zone InvestingDGIDigitalGlobeFACfeaturedinitial public offeringIPOsOPENOpenTableRosetta StoneRSTTed AllrichWFCSat, 30 May 2009 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, JCG, BKC, LVLT, NWS ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/29/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-jcg-bkc-lvlt/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/29/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-jcg-bkc-lvlt/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/29/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-jcg-bkc-lvlt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:

  • Keefe Bruyette upgraded Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) to Outperform from market Perform after transferring coverage to a new analyst. The firm expects Morgan to benefit from the pending joint venture with Smith Barney and improvements in its operating environment.
  • FBR Capital upgraded Winn-Dixie (NASDAQ: WINN) to Outperform from Market Perform as it believes the company is executing well and shares are cheap at current levels. The firm keeps a $16.50 target on the stock.
  • Baird believes Polaris's (NYSE: PII) consensus expectations and valuation are too low and that the company will expand beyond powersports. The firm upgraded shares to Outperform from Neutral and raised their target to $37 from $32.
  • J. Crew (NYSE: JCG) was upgraded to Neutral from Sell at Goldman.
  • Lexmark (NYSE: LXK) was upgraded to Equal Weight from Underweight at Barclays.
  • Global Hunter upgraded Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) to Buy from Neutral.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, JCG, BKC, LVLT, NWS ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, JCG, BKC, LVLT, NWS ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 29 May 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athnbigbkccmisphjcgkimlkxlvltmsnwspiiqcomseestartlmwinnFri, 29 May 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: Perspective is key ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/25/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-perspective-is-key/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/25/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-perspective-is-key/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/25/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-perspective-is-key/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says journalists will shout that today's data is all-important ... every day. Take it with a grain of salt.

We are always thinking about things that could happen, without thinking about things that have already happened. Consider that JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) (Cramer's Take), Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) (Cramer's Take) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) (Cramer's Take) want to pay back almost $50 billion in TARP money. People yawn at that. How about the fact that Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) (Cramer's Take) and Key (NYSE: KEY) (Cramer's Take) can even refinance; I thought they would be seized, for heaven's sake. How about that Professor Rube, the guy from NYU, was calling for the nationalization of all banks because they are insolvent, which presumably includes Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) (Cramer's Take), when the bank turns around and raises $30 billion? Maybe Professor Rube thinks that money doesn't count and we would be doing better if Bank of America were to become something like "The U.S. Postal Service and Bank of America"?

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Perspective is key

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Perspective is key originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacfeaturedfitbgmgsjim cramerJimCramerjpmkeymsMon, 25 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TARP warrants show banks may reap ruthless profits]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/24/tarp-warrants-show-banks-may-reap-ruthless-profits/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/24/tarp-warrants-show-banks-may-reap-ruthless-profits/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/24/tarp-warrants-show-banks-may-reap-ruthless-profits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Can our government waste the taxpayers money or what? This time its a mere $10 billion. Banks are negotiating to reclaim warrants they granted in return for the TARP monies. Old National Bancorp (NYSE: ONB) was the first to negotiate a deal with the Treasury. The bank bought back its warrants for $1.2 million. They may have been worth $5.81 million. Now, isn't this the sweetest deal you can imagine. The banks are getting a pile of free money.

If the Treasury follows the Old National Bancorp deal, it would save Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) $2.03 billion, Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) $1.48 billion, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) $1.46 billion, Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) $983 million, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) $965 million, and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) $693 million.

Continue reading TARP warrants show banks may reap ruthless profits

TARP warrants show banks may reap ruthless profits originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 24 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BACBank of AmericaCitigroupGoldman SachsGSinthenewsJack ReedJPMJPMorganLinus WilsonMorgan StanleyMSOld National BancorpONBTARPWells FargoWFCSun, 24 May 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Bull & Bears look equally confused (APP, AXP, HD, MS, PALM, STT)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/19/closing-bell-bull-and-bears-look-equally-confused-app-axp-hd/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/19/closing-bell-bull-and-bears-look-equally-confused-app-axp-hd/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/19/closing-bell-bull-and-bears-look-equally-confused-app-axp-hd/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We saw at least five directional changes throughout the day in the stock market, so the close still left people wondering what the day really was. The housing data was weaker than expected, and today marked the first day that the VIX went under 30. Here are today's unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 8,476.36 -27.72 (-0.33%)
S&P 500 908.34 -1.37 (-0.15%)
Nasdaq 1,734.54 +2.18 (0.13%)

Top Analyst Calls

Continue reading Closing Bell: Bull & Bears look equally confused (APP, AXP, HD, MS, PALM, STT)

Closing Bell: Bull & Bears look equally confused (APP, AXP, HD, MS, PALM, STT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 19 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APPcredit cardsCreditCardspalm prePalmPreSTTvixTue, 19 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Before the bell: Stocks poised for mixed open after disappointing housing report]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/19/before-the-bell-stocks-poised-for-higher-open-housing-financia/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/19/before-the-bell-stocks-poised-for-higher-open-housing-financia/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/19/before-the-bell-stocks-poised-for-higher-open-housing-financia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With Home Depot beating earnings estimates and some financial firms asking to repay TARP loans, U.S. stock futures climbed, as Wall Street was set to open higher Tuesday. While investors are looking to extend the previous session's rally, feeling there are signs of stability in the financial and housing sectors, upcoming housing data could still change things.

[Update: Stock futures reversed course after a disappointing housing report that showed starts and permits unexpectedly fell to record lows in April.]

Continue reading Before the bell: Stocks poised for mixed open after disappointing housing report

Before the bell: Stocks poised for mixed open after disappointing housing report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 19 May 2009 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 19 May 2009 07:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LEN, RDC, FFIN, SII, AN, ACHN, UA, LULU, JST]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-len-rdc-ffin-si/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-len-rdc-ffin-si/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-len-rdc-ffin-si/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Citigroup upgraded Lennar (NYSE: LEN) to Buy from Hold as it believes the company's near-term liquidity profile is improved following the $400M debt issuance. The firm raised its target price to $12 from $11.
  • Jefferies upgraded Rowan Companies (NYSE: RDC) to Buy from Hold as it believes jack-up drillers will continue to outperform deepwater names. The firm raised its target price to $27 from $20.
  • Keefe Bruyette upgraded First Financial (NASDAQ: FFIN) to Market Perform from Underperform to reflect more positive loan data for the Texas banks. The firm raised its target price on shares to $44 from $38.
  • MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) was upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JP Morgan.
  • Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) was upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at JMP Securities.
  • Brinker (NYSE: EAT) was upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Barclays.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LEN, RDC, FFIN, SII, AN, ACHN, UA, LULU, JST

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LEN, RDC, FFIN, SII, AN, ACHN, UA, LULU, JST originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AchillionACHNAllegheny EnergyAlleghenyEnergyAMCCANAnglogoldApplied MicroAppliedMicroAUAutoNationAYEBrinkerbrinker internationalBrinkerInternationalDean FoodsDeanFoodsDFEATFFINFirst FinancialFirstFinancialGILDgileadgilead sciencesGileadSciencesj. crewJ.CrewJCGJinpan InternationalJinpanInternationalJSTLENLennarMGMMGM MirageMgmMirageMorgan StanleyMorganStanleyMSRDCRowan CompaniesRowanCompaniesSIISmith InternationalSmithInternationalUAUnder ArmourUnderArmourMon, 18 May 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: The bonus era is over ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/14/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-the-bonus-era-is-over/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/14/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-the-bonus-era-is-over/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/14/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-the-bonus-era-is-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says the government's sweeping plan to regulate compensation will cripple the public banks.

You should quit and go to work at a small hedge fund or private broker.
There. That's the memo you should be receiving right now if you work at Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) (Cramer's Take) or Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) (Cramer's Take) or JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) (Cramer's Take) (in private banking) or Credit Suisse (NYSE: CS) (Cramer's Take) or anyone else that is pubic. The days of the "bonus" are over if you are at a public firm. The days when you did well and they sat down and figured your cut are gone. The American people, led by President Obama, won't stand for it.

I don't know how else to read the extension of the pay scrutiny from TARP banks to non-TARP banks. It just isn't going to be worth it unless you aren't in the public space. The bonus era is over.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: The bonus era is over

Cramer on BloggingStocks: The bonus era is over originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 May 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>csfeaturedgsjim cramerJimCramerjpmmsThu, 14 May 2009 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[MBIA sued by other banks for splitting units]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/14/mbia-sued-by-other-banks-for-splitting-units/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/14/mbia-sued-by-other-banks-for-splitting-units/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/14/mbia-sued-by-other-banks-for-splitting-units/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In yesterday's online edition of The Wall Street Journal, it was reported that MBIA (NYSE: MBI) is facing lawsuits from a group of 18 different financial institutions. The lawsuit was filed in New York State court and includes the likes of J.P. Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), and UBS (NYSE: UBS).

These banks are claiming that the way MBIA split its municipal bond insurance business earlier this year was "an unlawful attempt to escape" its contractual obligations to cover losses from mortgage securities. In addition to the split earlier this year, MBIA shifted $5 billion to a municipal bond insurance company.

Continue reading MBIA sued by other banks for splitting units

MBIA sued by other banks for splitting units originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 May 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacbanksinthenewsjpmlawsuitlegal dramalegal troublesLegalDramaLegalTroublesMBIAmsmunicipal bond insurance businessMunicipalBondInsuranceBusinessubsThu, 14 May 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: A bevy of bank offerings ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/12/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-a-bevy-of-bank-offerings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/12/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-a-bevy-of-bank-offerings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/12/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-a-bevy-of-bank-offerings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says we should closely monitor the situation as more banks raise capital with equity.

What really did happen Friday? I keep thinking about this because, surely, if you saw how well the Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) (Cramer's Take) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) (Cramer's Take) deals behaved, didn't you, as a bank player, have to presume that there would be and will be more offerings?

If Wells Fargo went up 6, isn't it reasonable to presume that Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE: BK) (Cramer's Take), KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) (Cramer's Take), Capital One (NYSE: COF) (Cramer's Take), BB&T (NYSE: BBT) (Cramer's Take) and no doubt all of the others, would do the same? Who wouldn't take advantage of this? Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) (Cramer's Take)? Suntrust (NYSE: STI) (Cramer's Take)?

Why did they rally so much?

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: A bevy of bank offerings

Cramer on BloggingStocks: A bevy of bank offerings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 12 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbtbkdowfeaturedfitbgsjim cramerJimCramerkeylvsmsspgstiwfcTue, 12 May 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, BBC, DOW, COST, VLO, WSM ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-bbc-dow-cost/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-bbc-dow-cost/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-bbc-dow-cost/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:

  • FBR Capital upgraded KBW, Inc (NYSE: KBW) to Market Perform from Underperform as it sees increased capital-raising opportunities for small and mid-sized banks and believes the company's quarter is off to a strong start. The firm raised its target price to $23 from $18.
  • Pali Capital upgraded Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) to Buy from Neutral on expectations the company's strategic shift towards advisory, distribution and retail will be monetized sooner than expected and its capital markets business is gaining traction. The firm set a $33 target on the stock.
  • Baird upgraded Stericycle (NASDAQ: SRCL) to Outperform from Neutral and raised its target to $58 from $55 based on valuation predictable earnings, and its market leading platform.
  • Apollo Investment (NYSE: AINV) was raised to Outperform from Market Perform at Keefe Bruyette.
  • HSBC Holdings (NYSE: HBC) was lifted at Goldman to Buy from Neutral.
  • Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, BBC, DOW, COST, VLO, WSM ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, BBC, DOW, COST, VLO, WSM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ainvcostcovcyoudowhbcjllkbwmsmumvsnsrclstmtleovlovnuswsmMon, 11 May 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: Put an end to the leaks ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/08/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-put-an-end-to-the-leaks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/08/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-put-an-end-to-the-leaks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/08/cramer-on-bloggingstocks-put-an-end-to-the-leaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says they tainted a good series of bank tests.

Sometimes the playing field is so unlevel that it makes no sense to play. That's how I felt about these leaks.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) (Cramer's Take) went from being "Mr. Clean" on Wednesday to "Mr. Dirty" on Thursday. The company went from having bountiful equity that drove the stock up a point, to needing bountiful equity, which it filed for Thursday night. No apologies from anyone, not the leakers or the leakees. I never heard or read the phrase "it was incorrectly reported" even though that was totally the case.

Same with State Street (NYSE: STT) (Cramer's Take). Here's one that went from needing capital, to not needing capital, to needing capital, and then to having too much capital so it can start paying back the TARP funds all in one 24-hour news cycle.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Put an end to the leaks

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Put an end to the leaks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 May 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacfeaturedjim cramerJimCramermsstress testStressTeststtFri, 08 May 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Before the bell: Futures higher after stress test, better-than-expected jobs report]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/08/before-the-bell-futures-higher-after-stress-test-ahead-of-jobs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/08/before-the-bell-futures-higher-after-stress-test-ahead-of-jobs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/08/before-the-bell-futures-higher-after-stress-test-ahead-of-jobs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

U.S. stock futures rose Friday morning after the government put speculations to rest by revealing the results of the stress test on 19 of the nation's largest banks. There were no surprises or much news above what had been leaked. Investors will also focus of the nonfarm payroll report today to get a better picture of U.S. employment.

[Update 8:40: Employers cut 539,000 jobs in April, much less than expected. Unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent.]

As Wall Street is poised for a higher open, investors are still digesting the details of the stress test as ten banks of the 19 tested must raise a total of $75 billion in new capital to withstand possible future losses. Not surprising, Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) needs by far the most -- $33.9 billion. Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) needs $13.7 billion, GMAC LLC $11.5 billion, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) $5.5 billion and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) $1.8 billion.

Continue reading Before the bell: Futures higher after stress test, better-than-expected jobs report

Before the bell: Futures higher after stress test, better-than-expected jobs report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 May 2009 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredFri, 08 May 2009 07:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BAC, FITB, RTP, SYMC, MS, T, VZ ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/07/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-bac-fitb-rtp-sy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/07/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-bac-fitb-rtp-sy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/07/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-bac-fitb-rtp-sy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Morgan Stanley said Bank of America's (NYSE: BAC) capital needs are largely known and shares are trading "cheaply despite reduced downside risk." The firm upgraded shares to Overweight from Underweight and raised the price target to $25 from $16. Shares were also upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Baird citing manageable capital needs and attractive risk/reward.
  • Keefe Bruyette upgraded Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB) to Outperform from Market Perform on valuation as it views the stock as inexpensive despite the recent rally. The firm has an $8 target on the stock.
  • Banc of America/Merrill upgraded Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to Buy from Neutral as it believes fewer hedging losses could bring upside over the next few quarters.
  • Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP) was raised to Overweight from Neutral at Barclays.
  • EnerNOC (NASDAQ: ENOC) was lifted to Buy from Neutral at Janney Montgomery.
  • Westpac Banking (NYSE: WBK) was upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BAC, FITB, RTP, SYMC, MS, T, VZ ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: BAC, FITB, RTP, SYMC, MS, T, VZ ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amlnamscbacbmrnenocericfitblygmsninybrtpsymctvzwbkThu, 07 May 2009 12:00:00 EST