The Wall Street Journal reported that, in an attempt to move past its takeover battle with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ: YHOO) is planning a reorganization. People familiar with the matter said executives are discussing a plan to centralize numerous product groups into a global-product organization. Details may be announced next week.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that an internal feud at Live Nation Inc (NYSE: LYV) over strategy may soon be resolved, as the concert promoter is reportedly negotiating the exit of chairman Michael Cohl.
OTHER PAPERS:
A recommendation by an Australian commission to open Rio Tinto Group's (NYSE: RTP) Pilbara railway to third parties could cost $30B if the idea is implemented, Rio contended and the Australian reported. The National Competition Commission, which advises Australian governments on infrastructure issues, has suggested that Fortescue Metals Group be given access to certain rail lines operated by Rio Tinto.
WEB SITES:
A joint investigation by CBC News and the Canadian Press found one-third of people shot by Taser International Inc's (NASDAQ: TASR) Tasers reportedly required some medical attention, Engadget reported.
TechCrunch confirmed that Joshua Schachter, the founder of delicious, will resign from Yahoo!. Sources believe the near-stalled development of the new version of delicious may have played a part in his resignation.
Today's good news really came from issues outside of economic numbers. Many are starting to think the end of the rate cut cycle is near because of inflation concerns, and even oil saw a nice drop of over $2.00 per barrel today. The Labor Department showed weekly jobless claims for unemployment benefits declined by 33,000 last week to 342,000, and that was slightly better than expectations. The Commerce Department gave really bad news though, as new home sales fell by 8.5% in March to an annual rate of 526,000 houses, the worst in more than fifteen years. Median home prices slid more than in almost 40 years. Below are the unofficial closing levels:
Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) managed to climb up after opening soft as many noted there wasn't much sizzle to its guidance the stock after it blew past earnings yesterday. That didn't last and shares rose by more than 4% to $169.60 in the last minutes of the day.
Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR) fourth quarter earnings fell 20% to $176 million or 46 cents per share, as it took a hit from the closure of its business making cleaner burning coal for tax credits. The company posted revenue of $4.1 billion. Excluding the loss from the discontinued operations, Marriott says it earned $236 million, or 62 cents per share, beating the 62 cents expected by analysts.
UBS AG (NYSE: UBS) on Thursday posted a fourth-quarter net loss -- the first since 1997 -- of $11.28 billion, and a loss for the entire year, due to investments in U.S. subprime mortgages. It said it expected more problems in 2008. The results were inline with previous guidance. UBS shares are down some 5.75% in premarket trading.
Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) said Thursday it created a joint venture to be formed by June with Tata Industries Ltd. to make more than $500 million in aerospace components.
Taser International Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR) reported that fourth-quarter earnings doubled, reaching $4.7 million, or 7 cents a share, on 61% higher revenue. Sales rose to $31 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected a profit of 7 cents per share on $29 million of sales.
News out of TASER International Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR) has been ... how shall I put it ... somewhat odd as of late.
First, a few days ago, we heard of Taser Parties. Indeed, like Tupperware Parties, Taser Parties have women gather in someone's home. They get a demo of the recent TASER C2 and even try it out for themselves (on targets, not each other). While this isn't exactly a TASER official marketing strategy, rather a saleswoman's vision, it may not be a stretch to see the stun gun maker endorsing this as one sales tactic out of many.
In fact, TASER has already adopted the concept for its booth at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, where Taser Parties were held. TASER didn't just throw "parties" at CES, but brought Playboy Playmates to ... ahem ... sign autographs.
But wait, that's not all in the odd tidbits realm. At CES, TASER also showcased designer colors for the TASER C2 in addition to the classic black model: fire-engine red, blue, silver or pink. Pink, by the way, in some sort of a "girl power" thing is actually the company's biggest seller. The company also unveiled a new Taser holster in leopard print with a built-in 1 GB MP3 player (preloaded with songs from AC/DC, Shock G, Lightning Bolt and S.T.U.N. ... not really). The reason for the MP3 player, you may ask? "You're more likely to carry it, and it will be there when you need it," VP of communications Steve Tuttle said. How's that for marketing?
Consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level in two years in November, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.
The figure was 76.1, above the 75 expected by economists but below October's 80.9 level, according to a Reuters report. What a shock.
This holiday season, many consumers aren't feeling that thankful for the worst housing market in 16 years -- according to the National Association of Realtors, housing prices fell in one-third of U.S. cities. Gas prices reaching $4 per gallon is further spooking people already nervous about the volatile stock market and the weak dollar. Oh, let's not forget about the prospect of $100 oil.
"We're facing extreme price increases in energy, and it's clear the consumer is becoming more aware of the pressures being put on them,'' Lindsey Piegza, an analyst at FTN Financial, told Bloomberg News. "I don't expect a collapse in spending, but it will be very weak for the holidays.''
Story Stocks or Fairy Tales? Some companies' growth potential causes investors to go weak in the knees, as they did for Crocs. Here are some signs of a hot prospect that's headed for an unhappy ending. As investors look for the next Google or Apple they look to story stocks like Crocs along with Jones Soda, First Solar, Krispy Kreme, Taser, Sirius & XM, Under Armour and more in hopes of making a killing in the stock market. Story Stocks or Fairy Tales? Also: Are These 11 Stocks 'The Next Big Thing'?
Hidden Mortgage Fees As foreclosures continue to plague the subprime market, a little-known industry practice is further hurting homeowners who are already having trouble keeping up with their ballooning mortgage payments: excessive and questionable fees. Struggling Homeowners Faced With Hidden Mortgage Fees | SmartMoney.com
The Greatest Givers BusinessWeek's fifth annual ranking of the top U.S. philantropists include 16 people who gave over $100 million this year. The top giver this year is billionaire investor Warren Buffett who has committed $31 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Greatest Givers In Pictures: 50 Most Generous Philanthropists Also: Philanthropy Hall of Fame which includes Paul Newman, Bob Geldof, Bono, Oprah, Jimmy Carter, Lance Armstrong and more.
YUM will report EPS after the close on October 8th. CIBC says "YUM's solid global portfolio leaves it on-track to meet annual guidance. We also look for a div and potential buyback increase in 2H07." YUM July option implied volatility of 34 is above its 26-week average of 27 and below a level prior to its previous EPS release in July according to Track Data, suggesting flat near term EPS risk.
Taser (NASDAQ: TASR) 81cents to $17.39 on more unconfirmed rumors of contracts wins:
Recent unconfirmed chatter is circulating about a French government win. TASR October option implied volatility of 64 is above its 26-week average of 55 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.
Daily options update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.
MOST NOTEWORTHY: Taser Int'l (TASR), Motorola (MOT), Advantest (ATE), STMicroelectronics (STM) and Joy Global (JOYG) were today's noteworthy upgrades:
Merriman upgraded shares of Taser Int'l (NASDAQ: TASR) to Buy from Hold on valuation following the 25% decline in price since late July, accelerating law enforcement demand and upside potential from the recently launched personal TASER C2.
Lehman upgraded shares of Motorola (NYSE: MOT) to Overweight from Equal Weight as they believe increased production and opex progress in Q3 could signal a turnaround at the company's phone unit.
Jefferies upgraded Advantest (NYSE: ATE) to Hold from Underperform on valuation.
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) was upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform on valuation at Bernstein.
Stifel upgraded shares of Joy Global (NASDAQ: JOYG) to Buy from Hold following the in line Q3 report as they believe bad news is reflected in valuation...
OTHER UPGRADES:
Idacorp (NYSE: IDA) was upgraded to Market Perform from Under Perform at Wachovia.
UBS upgraded TDK Corp (NYSE: TDK) to Neutral from Sell.
Wedbush raised Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) to Buy from Hold, with a $35 target, and DSW Inc. (NYSE: DSW) to Hold from Sell, with a $29 target.
LabCorp (NYSE: LH) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Cowen.
Yahoo Inc's (NASDAQ: YHOO) top sales executive, Gregory Coleman, is leaving the company in the latest reorganization move by President Susan Decker. The reorganization is aimed to merge sales into a broader division working with customers and partners. paidContent.org got their hands on the internal memo President Decker sent out. Some interesting points there.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Volkswagen AG are discussing the possibility of building an "iCar" that would feature products by Apple.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) of Canada will cut about 1,000 jobs, equivalent to one shift of production at a truck plant in Oshawa, Ontario, in January as pick-up sales continue to slump. The plant produces the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-up trucks. The plant employs more than 3,000 workers.
Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD) posted a second-quarter profit that fell 40% from a year ago to $176 million, or $1.17 a share, but beat analyst forecast of $1.13 a share. The company blamed the profit fall on an increased level of discounting in the period. Revenue for the period declined to $12.2 billion. Same-store sales, declined 4.1% in the quarter -- fell 4.3% at Sears and dropped 3.8% at Kmart stores. SHLD shares are down 4.5% in premarket trading (8:12 a.m.).
Taser (NASDAQ: TASR) shares are up 2.94% in premarket trading (8:18 a.m.) after Merriman Curhan Ford upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy.
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) yesterday said it will buy a small Chicago-based IM technology company.
Real world, futuristic technology plays can be had in the recently declared working partnership between Taser International (NASDAQ: TASR) and iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT). The team is developing machines and equipment which could revolutionize the worlds of the military, security and law enforcement, all the while seeking to take real people (in their own bodies) out of harms way.
By forming this working alliance, Taser and iRobot have accomplished two very significant things. First, iRobot has deeply jammed their foot in the door of a market sector which will only grow larger. By taking advantage of the position already secured by Taser, iRobot has eliminated years of marketing work which would have been required to gain for themselves the same position. Second, by teaming with iRobot, Taser has fulfilled a grand desire to enhance product mobility and they have done it without the time and massive capital investment which would have been required to accomplish it alone.
If you're looking for a long-term technology play with relative safety, I'd say this working alliance provides a couple good ones and remember, you're hearing that from the biggest bear on the block. ;)
TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) is about to put its XREP Extended Range Electro-Muscular Projectile shotgun shells into field testing, according to Engadget. The standard 12-gauge shells have three fins on its end, similar to an arrow, and have four barbs at its tip. Upon firing, the shell, moving at approximately 300 feet per second, hits the target with same amount of juice the handheld X26 provides, but now at distance of up to 100 feet away.
Victims who so foolishly attempt to grab the projectile to pull it off will experience a wonderful sensation of what Taser called "overpowering Neuro Muscular Incapacitation" for 20 seconds. Ouch.
Despite being down 52 cents today, shares of TASER have doubled since April. Expectations for TASER to expand its product line in France have given shares a significant catalyst. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co believes investors should be more careful about choosing their entry point going forward, but still sees upside opportunities in the stock.
Field testing is expected to last 6-12 months before TASER comes out with a full production release. I, along with others who enjoy a good laugh, can not wait to see new footage of analysts who want to get shot by the new Taser product so they can fully understand the power of the non-lethal weapon.
In what may be the coolest bit of news to hit the wires all week, Taser International Inc (NASDAQ: TASR) and iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ: IRBT) have announced their intentions to form an alliance to create an army of T-1000 robots. Okay, not exactly. The actual announcement read:
"Under the terms of this alliance the two companies will work collaboratively to develop a new robotic capability utilizing TASER technologies. This combination of capabilities will allow law enforcement, federal, and military users to employ TASER technology from an iRobot platform at a safe distance to engage, incapacitate, and control dangerous suspects without exposing those personnel, the suspect, or bystanders to unnecessary risks, the companies said.
As the first step in this alliance, the two companies have integrated TASER X26 electronic control device technology into the iRobot PackBot Explorer."
This is still exciting news for both Taser and iRobot. It signals that both companies are aware of the limited markets for their niche products -- the Taser stun gun and the Roomba -- and are actively seeking to broaden their scope. How successful will this alliance be? Only after we see a prototype of the iRobot PackBot Explorer with Taser x26 electronic control device technology will we know for sure. But hopefully not as successful as the T-1000.
The market is down today as investors weigh the consequences of a rising interest rates, but not all stocks are getting taking a hit. As always, even in down markets some stocks are going to flourish, and today three of the stocks that have been able to look a down market in the face while climbing to new highs are Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX), Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (NASDAQ: JOSB) and TASER International, Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR).
Let's take a quick look at why each of these stocks have been able to trade up to new highs:
1) Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) finished the day up 0.2% to $91.18 up $0.21 after setting a new 52 week high earlier in the session up at $93.58. Here is a stock that has been on fire lately, and was pushed to a new high today after positive comments on the stock from Jim Cramer. As Brent Archer pointed out earlier today, Cramer just plain loves Crocs. Citing that the recent consumer frenzy surrounding CROX products has led to inventory problems to to the point where stores just can't seem to keep the shoes on the shelves. If you think that CROX is expensive now with shares up over $90 a share, Cramer thinks that this is the beginning of a much larger move to the upside once analysts start taking notice and initiating coverage on this stock. It seems like everyone is talking about Crocs these days and don't be surprised to see more upside out of this one.
2) Jos. A. Bank Clothiers was able to trade up to a new 52 week high today of $46.15 and ended up finishing out the session at $43.99 up 0.3% on the day after strong earnings and a broker upgrade. Last night after the market close JOSB posted its first quarter earnings and the company showed a strong 42% jump in profit to $8.4 million. At this level, the stock earned 45 cents per share which easily beat the 41 cents per share that analysts had been expecting. Following last nights strong showing, the stock also benefited today from an upgrade by First Albany which lifted their rating on the stock from a "sell" to a "neutral".
"Taser International (NASDAQ: TASR), a maker of stun-guns used for police work, corrections, and personal defense" is a new trade from technician Melvin Pasternak in The Swing Trader.
On a split-adjusted basis, the stock peaked in the mid-$30s in 2004. The advisor notes, "Dogged by bad publicity about its guns, it declined to just above $5 per share in October 2005." The shares then rallied to the $11 range in the spring of 2006, he points out, and have been trading in a broad range between $6 and $10 since that time.
However, in late May, he notes, TASR "blew through important resistance just above $10 on volume about double normal weekly levels." In addition, he says, "This past week, the stock added to its gains and probed key resistance just above $11 before retreating." Volume, he adds, was again very strong.
For the more technically-inclined, the advisor explains that the stock has broken a relative strength downtrend line, and that line is "convincingly above its own moving average for the first time in many months." In addition, he notes that the stock's MACD is on a buy signal. With the shares breaking out of a multi-month base, he believes they are posted to move higher.
To determine the possible upside, the tecnician looks at the stock's base, which he notes it $3 in height. He says, "According to the measuring principle, the stock should now reach about $13 per share."
For more stock picks from the leading financial newsletter advisors, visit Steven Halpern's free daily website, TheStockAdvisors.com.
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MAJOR PAPERS:
Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: 
Consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level in two years in November, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.
YUM! Brands
Real world, futuristic technology plays can be had in the recently declared 
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Check your bank's safety rating
Crocs shares tank on updated guidance
Earnings preview: Does Kraft have the recipe for a successful quarter?
