Financial Tides -- A Stock Market Investing Newsletter by Jim Van Meerten: 2014-03-09

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Today's Best Large Caps

Today I used Barchart to sort the S&P 500 Large Cap Index to find the 5 stocks with the best technical indicators and charts. I first sorted the Index for new high frequency in the last month and accepted only stocks that hit new highs in at least 50% of the last month's trading sessions. Next I skipped over the stocks that didn't have positive gains in the last week and month. ( I skipped over a lot of stocks). Last I used the Flipchart feature to review the charts. This process had me rejecting far more stocks than I accepted.

Today's list includes PPL Corp (PPL), Kroger (KR), SouthWest Airlines (LUV), Host Marriott Financial Trust (HST) and CR Brad (BCR):

PPL Corp (PPL)

Barchart technical indicators:

100% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new high and up 3.97% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 69.94%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 31.97
Recently traded at 32.77 with a 50 day moving average of 30.87

Kroger (KR)

Barchart technical indicators:

64% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 17.47% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 74.66%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 43.20
Recently traded at 43.91 with a 50 day moving average of 38.93

SouthWest Airlines (LUV)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 12.630% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 73.42%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 23.13
Recently traded at 23.92 with a 50 day moving average of 21.51

Host Marriott Financial Trust (HST)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 7.37% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 70.99%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 20.50
Recently traded at 20.59 with a 50 day moving average of 19.22

CR Bard (BCR)

Barchart technical indicators:

80% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
11 new highs and up 4.12% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 61.87%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 142.89
Recently traded at 144.92 with a 50 day moving average of 136.83

Friday, March 14, 2014

Jack in the Box - Barchart's Chart of the Day

Jack In The Box (JACK) is the Barchart Chart of the Day. The fast food stock has a Trend Spotter buy signal, Weighted Alpha of 91.30+ and gained 79.77% in the last month.

The Chart of the Day is Jack In The Box (JACK). I found the stock by sorting the All Time High List for new high frequency in the last month and skipped the stock that didn't have positive gains in the last week and month. I also skipped a few stocks that had skyrocketing gains because there is no way they can maintain that kind of momentum. Lastly I used the Flipchart feature to review the charts. Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 1/15 the stock gained 20.04%

JACK is a quick-service hamburger restaurant chain. Their restaurants offer a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted at the adult fast-food consumer. The Jack in the Box menu features a variety of hamburgers, specialty sandwiches, salads, Mexican food, finger foods and side items.

Barchart's Opinion trading systems are listed below. Please note that the Barchart Opinion indicators are updated live during the session every 10 minutes and can therefore change during the day as the market fluctuates. The indicator numbers shown below therefore may not match what you see live on the Barchart.com web site when you read this report.

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 15.80% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 79.33%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 59.70
Recently traded at 61.14 with a 50 day moving average of 53.28

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $2.61 billion
P/E 31.63
Revenue predicted to be down 1.60% this year but up again by 1.70% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 28.60% this year, an additional 14.50% next year and continue to increase by 15.50% annually for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 4 strong buy, 2 buy and 7 hold recommendations on this stock
Financial strength is B+

Looks good for the near term. Use the 50 day moving average for signs of weakness and the 100 day moving average for exit points.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Global Payments - Barchart's Chart of the Day

Global Payments (GPN) is the Barchart Chart of the Day. The electronic payment processing company has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 54.90+ and gained 46.10% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day is Global Payments (GPN). I found the stock by sorting the All Time High List for new high frequency in the last month, then eliminated the stocks that weren't trading above their 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages. Lastly I used the Flipchart feature to review the charts to find the one that I liked. Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 2/21 the stock gained 3.30%.

Barchart technical indicators:

64% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
15 new highs and up 5.77% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 60.00%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 71.65
Recently traded at 71.08 with a 50 day moving average of 68.05

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $5.18 billion
P/E 18.49
Dividend yield .11%
Revenue projected to grow 7.10% this year and another 6.70% next year
Earnings estimated to increase by 12.10% this year, an additional 10.30% next year and continue to increase annually at a rate of 12.10% each year for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 5 strong buy, 6 buy, 17 hold and 2 under perform recommendations on the stock
Financial Strength is A

As the economy recovers electronic payment processing should increase. Use the 50 day moving averages for signs of weakness and the 100 day moving average for profit preservation.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

FelCor Lodging Trust - Barchart's Chart of the Day

FelCor Lodging Trust (FCH) is the Barchart Chart of the Day. The All Suite REIT has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 71.60+ and gained 71.27% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day is FelCor Lodging Trust (FHC). I found the stock by sorting the All Time High List for new high frequency in the last month and then eliminated the stocks that didn't have positive gains in the last week and month. Finally I used the Flipchart feature to review the charts. Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 2/26 the stock gained 10.01%.

FCH, a real estate investment trust, is one of the nation's largest owners of upper-upscale, all-suite hotels. FelCor's diversified portfolio of hotels and resorts are flagged under global brands such as: Doubletree , Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, Renaissance, Sheraton, Westin and Holiday Inn.

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
15 new highs and up 15.37% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 76.45%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 8.89
Recently traded at 9.20 with a 50 day moving average of 8.34

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $1.14 billion
P/E 23.36
Dividend yield .88%
Revenue projected to grow 1.10% this year and another 5.20% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 41.00% this year, 47.30% next year and continue to increase at an annual rate of 10.00% for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 1 strong buy, 2 buy, 5 hold and a single under perform recommendation on the stock
Financial strength is C+

As the economy improves occupancy level should improve. Use the 50 day moving avers age to gauge weakness and the 100 day moving average to preserve gains.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Constellation Brands - Barchart's Chart of the Day

Constellation Brands (STZ) is the Chart of the Day. The alcohol beverage company has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 86.69+ and gained 90.84% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day is Constellation Brands (STZ). I found the company by sorting the All Time High list for new high frequency in the last month. I skipped any stocks not having a positive gain for the last week and month then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts. Since the Trend spotter signaled a buy on 1/8 the stock is up 9.58%.

STZ is a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands, with a broad portfolio across the wine, spirits and imported beer categories. The Company is the largest multi-category supplier of beverage alcohol in the United States; a leading producer and exporter of wine from Australia and New Zealand; and both a major producer and independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom. Well-known brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Corona Extra, Pacifico, St. Pauli Girl, Black Velvet, and Fleischmann's.

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
15 new highs and up 8.93% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 73.19%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 82.78%
Recently traded at 83.95 with a 50 day moving average of 77.86

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $15.90 billion
P/E 28.81
Revenue projected to grow 74.00% this year and another 22.30% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 45.70% this year, an additional 23.80% next year and continue to increase at an annual rate of 14.80% for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 4 strong buy, 4 buy, 2 hold and 2 under perform recommendations on the stock
Financial strength is B+

As long as the world keeps drinking this stock should hold up nicely. Use the 50 day moving average for a sign of weakness and the 100 day moving average for an exit point.

Monday, March 10, 2014

First Business Financial Services

First Business Financial Services (FBIZ) is Barchart's Chart of the Day. The state bank holding company has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 87.60+ and gained 87.42% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day is First Business Financial Services (FBIZ). I found the stock by sorting the All Time High list for new high frequency in the last month. I skipped the stocks that didn't have positive gains in the last week and month, then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts.

First Business Financial Services is the parent of the First Business family of companies, managing shareholder relations and providing access to capital for our operating entities. It provides its subsidiaries with cost-effective corporate services including human resources, finance, information technology, and marketing. Its companies include First Business Bank, First Business Bank - Milwaukee, First Business Trust & Investments, First Business Leasing, LLC, and First Business Capital Corp.

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
16 new highs and up 17.32% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 88.28%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 45.41
Recently traded at 46.80 with a 50 day moving average of 40.29

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $183.46
P/E 12.82
Dividend yield 1.88%
Revenue predicted to grow 5.90% this year and another 5.00% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 6.30% this year, an additional 6.50% next year and continue to increase at an annual rate of 5.00% for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 1 strong buy and 2 buy recommendations on the stock
Financial Strength is B

Solid increases in both revenue and earnings should mean increase in price. Watch the 50 day moving average for momentum weakness and use the 100 day moving average for an exit point.

The Best of the NASDAQ1 100

Today I used Barchart to sort the NASDAQ 100 Index to find the stocks with the best technical indicators and charts. First I sorted for new high frequency in the last month. Next I skipped the stocks that didn't have positive gains for the last week and month and didn't have a Trend Spotter buy. Lastly I used the Flipchart feature to find the charts I liked.

Today's list includes Fastenal (FAST), Texas Instruments (TXN), Linear Technology (LLTC), Tripadvisor (TRIP), Altera (ALTR):

Fastenal (FAST)

Barchart technical indicators:

64% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
15 new highs and up 11.03% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 70.4%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 48.38
Recently traded at 49.01 with a 50 day moving average of 46.12

Texas Instruments (TXN)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
15 new highs and up 8.09% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 70.25%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 45.42
Recently traded at 45.76 with a 50 day moving average of 43.52

Linear Technology (LLTC)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
14 new highs and up 8.17% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 72.26%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 47.29
Recently traded at 47.91 with a 50 day moving average of 45.54

Tripadvisor (TRIP)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
14 new highs and up 28.15% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 80.54%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 105.09
Recently traded at 107.72 with a 50 day moving average of 87.95

Altera (ALTR)

Barchart technical indicators:

88% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
13 new highs and up 7.67% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 69.15%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 36.00
Recently traded at 36.59 with a 50 day moving average of 33.71

BARCHART MORNING CALL 3/10

BARCHART MORNING CALL

Monday, March 10th, 2014View Older Reports

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OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS

March E-mini S&Ps (ESH14 -0.12%) this morning are down -0.09% as weak Chinese trade data questions the strength of the global economy, while European stocks are up +0.63% on increased M&A activity and after European investor confidence rose. China Feb exports unexpectedly fell -18.1% y/y, the biggest decline in 4-1/2 years, which fueled concern about the strength of the Chinese economy. The Eurozone Mar Sentix investor confidence climbed to a 2-3/4 year high and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc gained over 3% and helped lift European stocks after Daimler AG said it will sell a 50% stake in an engine joint venture to Rolls-Royce. Asian stocks closed mostly lower: Japan -1.01%, Hong Kong -1.75%, China -3.25%, Taiwan -0.56%, Australia -0.93%, Singapore -0.31%, South Korea -1.12%, India +0.07%. China's Shanghai Stock Index dropped to a 1-1/2 month low on an unexpected decline in China Feb exports and Japanese stocks closed lower after Japan Q4 GDP was revised lower. Commodity prices are mostly lower. Apr crude oil (CLJ14 -1.32%) is down -1.23%. Apr gasoline (RBJ14 -0.88%) is down -0.84%. Apr gold (GCJ14 -0.10%) is down -0.11%. May copper (HGK14 -2.08%) is down -1.80% at a 7-1/4 month low as weaker-than-expected China trade data fuels concern about Chinese copper demand. Agriculture prices are weaker. The dollar index (DXY00 +0.08%) is up +0.05%. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.04%. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.04%. June T-note prices (ZNM14 -0.06%) are unchanged.
The China Feb trade balance unexpectedly posted a -$22.99 billion deficit, the biggest deficit in 2-year as expectations were for a +$14.50 billion surplus. Feb exports tumbled -18.1% y/y, weaker than expectations of +7.5% and the biggest decline in 4-1/2 years. Feb imports rose +10.1% y/y, better than expectations of +7.6% y/y and the most in 7-months.
The China Feb CPI rose +2.0% y/y, less than expectations of +2.1% y/y and matched the smallest increase in 16-months. Feb PPI fell -2.0% y/y, a bigger decrease than expectations of -1.9% y/y and the biggest decline in 7-months.
China Feb new loans rose +664.5 billion yuan, less than expectations of +730.0 billion yuan.
The Eurozone Mar Sentix investor confidence rose +0.6 to 13.9, slightly less than expectations of +0.7 to 14.0, but still the highest in 2-3/4 years.
Japan Q4 GDP was revised lower to +0.7% q/q annualized from the previously reported +0.9% q/q annualized. The Q4 deflator was revised up to -0.3% y/y from the originally reported -0.4% y/y.

U.S. STOCK PREVIEW

This week's U.S. economic schedule is light and is weighted towards the end of the week with Feb retail sales, Feb PPI, and the early-March U.S. consumer confidence report. There is only one of the Russell 1000 companies that report earnings today: Urban Outfitters (consensus $0.54).
Equity conferences this week include: BIO-Europe Spring Conference on Mon, Offshore Production Technology Summit 2014 on Mon, Credit Suisse Global Services Conference on Mon-Tue, Deutsche Bank Media, Internet & Telecom Conference on Mon-Wed, CeBIT 2014 on Mon-Wed, 27th International Copper Conference on Tue, ROTH Capital Partners Conference on Tue, Susquehanna Chemicals Conference on Tue, International Strategy Investment Group Industrial Conference on Tue, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer & Retail Conference on Tue-Wed, Piper Jaffray Technology, Media & Telecommunications Conference on Tue-Wed, J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Industrials Conference on Mon-Wed,
Barclays Global Healthcare Conference on Tue-Thu, Goldman Sachs Agribusiness Conference on Wed, Mitsubishi Oil & Gas Conference on Wed, Barclays Select Series US & EMEA Utilities Sector Update Conference on Wed, Citi Asset Management, Broker Dealer & Exchanges Conference on Wed, Citi Asset Management Conference on Wed, J.P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant & Leisure Management Access Forum on Wed-Thu,
UBS Global Consumer Conference on Wed-Thu, RBC Capital Market Consumer and Retail Conference on Wed-Thu, and Barclays Select Insurance Forum on Thu.

OVERNIGHT U.S. STOCK MOVERS

Ferrellgas Partners (FGP +1.30%) reported Q2 adjusted EPS of 76 cents, below consensus of 85 cents.
D.R. Horton (DHI -1.63%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Buy' at Citigroup.
Wells Fargo downgraded the Financials sector to 'Market Weight' from 'Overweight' citing weakening earnings momentum.
KB Home (KBH -2.05%) was downgraded to 'Underperform' from 'Buy' at BofA/Merrill.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM +0.95%) was upgraded to 'Outperform' from 'Market Perform' at BMO Capital.
Alcatel-Lucent (ALU -2.14%) was upgraded to 'Outperform' from 'Market Perform' at BMO Capital.
athenahealth (ATHN -3.06%) was downgraded to 'Underperform' from 'Perform' at Oppenheimer.
Staples (SPLS +1.15%) was downgraded to 'Hold' from 'Buy' at BB&T.
The WSJ reported that Boeing (BA -0.25%) said a problem caused by a change in wing-maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' manufacturing process had caused hairline cracks in the wings on some of its yet-to-be-delivered 787 Dreamliner jets, requiring 42 aircraft to be inspected and delaying deliveries to airlines.
Glazer Capital reported a 7.6% passive stake in Pacer (PACR unch) .
Moody's Investors Service raised its outlook on the Netherlands' 'Aaa' government bond ratings to stable from negative.
Luxor Capital Group reported a 5.6% passive stake in Conn's (CONN -1.02%) .
Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY +1.32%) lowered guidance on Q4 EPS to $1.57-$1.61 from $1.60-$1.67, weaker than consensus of $1.65.
Haynes International (HAYN -0.02%) announced a price increase of 3%-5% on all product forms effective immediately
SAC Capital reported a 5.0% passive stake in Walter Investment (WAC -4.35%) .
JP Morgan reported a 10.6% passive stake in United Online (UNTD -1.42%) .

MARKET COMMENTS

Mar E-mini S&Ps (ESH14 -0.12%) this morning are down -1.75 points (-0.09%). The S&P 500 on Friday jumped to a fresh record high early after U.S. Feb non-farm payrolls rose +175,000, more than expectations of +149,000. Stock prices fell back, however, and closed little changed on increased geopolitical tensions in Ukraine after the U.S. sent six F-15 fighter jets to Lithuania and 12 F-16s to Poland. Another negative for stocks was the first corporate bond default in China as China’s Shanghai Chaori Solar Energy Science & Technology Company failed to pay full interest due on its bonds, which fueled Chinese economic concerns. Closes: S&P 500 +0.05%, Dow Jones +0.19%, Nasdaq 100 -0.47%.
Jun 10-year T-notes (ZNM14 -0.06%) this morning are unch. Jun 10-year T-note futures prices on Friday tumbled to a 5-week low after U.S. Feb non-farm payrolls rose more than expected. T-note prices were also undercut by comments from New York Fed President Dudley who said he sees a “reasonably favorable” outlook for the U.S. economy. Closes: TYM4 -15.00, FVM4 -11.75.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.08%) this morning is up +0.036 (+0.05%). EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.0005 (-0.04%). USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.04 (+0.04%). The dollar index on Friday recovered from a 4-1/4 month low and closed higher as the stronger-than-expected increase in U.S. Feb non-farm payrolls boosted speculation the Fed will continue to taper QE3. EUR/USD surged to a 2-1/3 year high on short covering spurred on by reduced expectations for the ECB to expand monetary stimulus measures. USD/JPY posted a 1-1/2 month high on speculation the Fed will continue to taper stimulus while the BOJ expands its stimulus, which undercut the yen: Dollar index +0.056 (+0.07%), EUR/USD +0.00153 (+0.11%), USD/JPY +0.217 (+0.21%).
Apr WTI crude oil (CLJ14 -1.32%) this morning is down -1.26 (-1.23%) and Apr gasoline (RBJ14 -0.88%) is down -0.0250 (-0.84%). Apr crude and gasoline prices on Friday closed higher. Bullish factors included (1) the larger-than-expected increase in U.S. Feb payrolls, and (2) upbeat comments from New York Fed President Dudley who said he sees a “reasonably favorable” outlook for the U.S. economy. Closes: CLJ4 +1.02 (+1.00%), RBJ4 +0.0283 (+0.96%).

GLOBAL EVENT CALENDAR03/10/2014

US	0615 ET	Philadelphia Fed President Charles Plosser and BOF Governor Christian Noyer speak on a panel at a conference in Paris titled Monetary Policy and Banks and the Rise of Global Protectionism.
	1100 ET	USDA weekly grain export inspections.
	1200 ET	Mar WASDE crop production report.
JPN	0030 ET	Japan Feb bankruptcies, Jan -7.49% y/y.
	0100 ET	Japan Feb eco watchers survey current expected -0.6 to 54.1, Jan 54.7. Feb eco watchers survey outlook expected +1.5 to 50.5, Jan 49.0.
	2300 ET	Bank of Japan announces results of 2-day policy meeting.
EUR	0530 ET	Eurozone Mar Sentix investor confidence expected +0.7 to 14.0, Feb 13.3.
UK	0530 ET	UK Feb Lloyds employment confidence, Jan -2.
	2001 ET	UK Feb BRC sales like-for-like expected +1.8% y/y, Jan +3.9% y/y.

U.S. STOCK CALENDAR03/10/2014

Company Name	Ticker	Time	Period
International Game Technology	IGT US	Annual General Meeting
McDonald's Corp	MCD US	February 2014 Sales and Revenue Release	2014
Navistar International Corp	NAV US	Annual General Meeting
Hospitality Properties Trust	HPT US	Annual General Meeting	Y 2014
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd	SLXP US	FDA Adcomm, Relistor subcu, opioid-induced constipation in chronic pain patient
Senior Housing Properties Trust	SNH US	Annual General Meeting	Y 2014
Healthcare Trust of America Inc	HTA US	Special Meeting