Stocks in Focus: Apple, Intel, Maytag, and More

Strategic Insights -

As the May 23 edition of Schaeffer's S&P 500 Index Hot Stocks highlights, Apple Computer (NASDAQ:AAPL), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Maytag (NYSE:MYG), Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD), and BMC Software (NYSE:BMC) are among the top-performing stocks in the S&P 500 Index. With earnings season winding down and economic reports few and far between, investors are taking risks in the market, driven by last week's positive turn. As a result, about three-fourths of the 500 SPX components are trading in positive territory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple Computer (NASDAQ:AAPL) has spiked up over five percent and is trading at its highest level since mid-April, following reports that the company is in talks with Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) to discuss a switch in technology.
  • Maytag (NYSE:MYG) shares are in positive territory as the company readies itself for a move into the private sector, with the possibility of owing a $40 million termination fee if its merger with private equity concern Ripplewood Holdings LLC were to dissolve.
  • Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) , the new team combining Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Kmart, has rallied nearly five percent to tag a new annual peak of 150.15, with no news driving the surge.
  • Eaton (ETN) has spiked up over three percent, taking out its 10-week moving average for the first time since mid-March, following an upgrade to "neutral" from "underweight" by J.P. Morgan.
  • BMC Software (NYSE:BMC) reiterated its fourth-quarter earnings results, expecting a range between a one-cent loss and earnings of three cents per share, excluding items.
  • Family Dollar (FDO) and Big Lots (BLI) are trading almost two percent lower, possibly due to profit-taking activity after impressive gains during last week's market rally.

Statistics:

  • AAPL shares have spiked up over five percent today, trading at their highest level since mid-April.
  • Maytag (NYSE:MYG) shares have gained positive territory as the company readies itself for a move into the private sector.
  • Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) has rallied nearly five percent to tag a new annual peak of 150.15.
  • Eaton (ETN) has spiked up over three percent, taking out its 10-week moving average for the first time since mid-March.
  • BMC Software (NYSE:BMC) expects earnings to be between a one-cent loss and earnings of three cents per share, excluding items.
  • Family Dollar (FDO) and Big Lots (BLI) are trading almost two percent lower, possibly due to profit-taking activity.

Sources:

  • Schaeffer's S&P 500 Index Hot Stocks, May 23 edition.
  • The Wall Street Journal.
  • Smith Barney.
  • Zacks.
  • J.P. Morgan.
  • BMC Software press release.
  • Family Dollar and Big Lots trading data.