STOCK SHORT SQUEEZE!!

2008-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

THIS SITE WILL NO LONGER BE MAINTAINED, PLEASE SEE MY MAIN SITE ALPHATRENDS

2008-06-08T15:18:00.001-07:00

2008-05-02T16:09:00.001-07:00

2008-05-02T16:07:00.001-07:00

Alphatrends Back UP

2008-04-27T16:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Howard, Fly and Dr. Brett for directing listeners here.

Thanks Google!!!!

2008-04-26T14:47:00.001-07:00

Guilty Until Proven Innocent!

Apparently that is the policy at Blogger (owned by GOOG). I have maintained my Alphatrends blog for over two years with over 1,500 posts and now I have been shut down as of yesterday.

Here is the so-called problem.
Alphatrends "has been locked by Blogger's spam-prevention robots"

After searching around the net for remedies for this problem I have found that GOOG does this on a regular basis and it can take weeks for them to get around to fixing their mistake. They seem to have little concern for interrupting the legitimate blogs while they heroically fight spam blogs (with their robots) which most people ignore.

I have requested the "Unlock review" and have heard nothing back from them. It is also nearly impossible to find anyone to complain to at Google. I have had similar customer service problems with GOOG owned Youtube and Google Video.
Meanwhile I hope that my alphatrends readers will find my videos and other updates here if I can enlist the help of any fellow blog writers to get the word out it would be greatly appreciated.

Here is Friday's video.

Very Nice

2008-03-05T11:56:00.001-08:00

TXCO Resources Inc (TXCO)

2008-02-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

is close to all time highs and that has to have the short sellers nervous, especially with headlines like this THIS

TXCO Resources Inc., formerly The Exploration Company of Delaware, Inc., is engaged in the exploration, exploitation, development, production and acquisition of onshore domestic oil and gas reserves. The Company's oil and gas enterprise interests are located in the Maverick Basin in Southwest Texas, and the Marfa Basin of West Texas. The Company's principal products are crude oil and natural gas. Generally, the Company sells all of its oil and gas under short-term contracts that can be terminated with 30 days notice, or less. The Company operates and directs the drilling of oil and gas wells and also participates in non-operated wells. As operator, the Company contracts service companies, such as drilling contractors, cementing contractors, for specific tasks. In some non-operated wells, the Company participates as an overriding royalty interest owner. In April 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Output Exploration LLC, a privately held exploration and production firm.

Sequenom, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:SQNM)

2008-01-11T06:23:00.001-08:00

Shares of SQNM have held up really well in a downward market, if I were one the people who are short a combined 1.5 million shares I would be nervous. It is a biotech company and those stocks are prone to volatile swings so be sure to have an exit strategy in mind if it moves lower. I like the stock above 9.40 with a stop just under 9.00.

Sequenom, Inc. is a genetics company engaged in the provision of genetic analysis products and services that translate genomic science into solutions for the biomedical research, molecular medicine, agricultural and non-invasive prenatal testing markets. The Company’s MassARRAY system, comprising of hardware, software applications, and consumable chips and reagents, is a high-performance nucleic acid analysis platform that quantitatively and precisely measures genetic target material and variations therein. Its contract research services business provides genetic analysis services to customers as a complement and as an alternative to its systems product offerings

It May Be Time

2007-12-26T05:57:00.001-08:00

For China Sunergy (CSUN) to catch up to some of the other solar plays. The stock held above 10.00 since the last post (see below) and now it looks ready for a move from the rising 10 DMA.

Turbochef Technologies (OVEN)

2007-12-21T05:01:00.000-08:00

recently reported TURBO CHARGED EARNINGS The maker of fast cook ovens has been a target of short sellers for a while but with the stock poised for a breakout, those shorts appear to be pressing their luck. I am looking for the stock to make a run for the 20 dollar level and I am long the January 17.50 calls. I think a reasonable stop is near 15.50.

TurboChef Technologies, Inc. (TurboChef) provides equipment, technology and services focused on the high-speed preparation of food products. The Company has three primary commercial oven models: C3, Tornado and High h Batch ovens. The Company’s speed cook ovens employ combinations of heating technologies, such as convection, air impingement, microwave energy and other advanced methods, to cook food products at speeds up to 12 times faster than conventional heating methods. In addition to its primary products and services, TurboChef offers certain consumables related to its ovens, such as ceramic platters, cooking utensils and oven cleaners, and replacement parts for its ovens, in each case to support its customers’ use of its ovens. The Company’s commercial ovens are used by a diverse base of foodservice operators, including quick-service and full-service restaurants, hotels, stadiums, coffee shops and convenience stores.

China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (ADR) (Public, NASDAQ:CSUN)

2007-12-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

Solar stocks have been on a huge tear recently and one China Sunergy has not kept up with some of the others. The large short position could become trouble for the skeptics in the near term. I own a little and plan on adding to it. A stop below the 50 dma just under 10.00 seems to make sense.

China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (China Sunergy) is a manufacturer of solar cell products in the People’s Republic of China. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through CEEG (Nanjing) PV-Tech Co. Ltd., operating subsidiary. China Sunergy manufactures its solar cells from silicon wafers utilizing crystalline silicon solar cell technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. As of May 17, 2007, the Company produced both mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline silicon solar cells. As of December 2006, the Company had six solar cell manufacturing lines with an aggregate production capacity of 192 megawatts per year, assuming the use of 156-millimeter, mono-crystalline silicon wafers. The Company sells its solar cell products to Chinese and overseas module manufacturers and system integrators, who assemble the solar cells into solar modules and solar power systems for use in various markets.

Capstone Turbine (CPST)

2007-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

has not shown strength for entry above 1.30. On Monday I sold the small position I was holding from Friday. I Continue to watch this one closely but the overall weak market environment doesn't favor these stocks right now.

Microturbines

2007-11-11T05:28:00.001-08:00

are the business of Capstone MicroTurbine (CPST) and it is not just and alternative energy concept, the company is showing some impressive growth. Second Quarter Revenue of $7.2 Million Increased 145% from Same Period Last Year and 28% from Prior Quarter You can see the full earnings report from November 8 HERE

The monthly chart shows a longer term consolidation and big moves often come from such periods of low volatility.

The shorts have been steadily covering since but maybe they will panic with the remaining 10 million shares?

The stock needs a catalyst here, especially with such a weak market. On Monday evenings show, Cramer is supposed to reveal some of his "green plays". In November 05, he mentioned the stock and it ran from 2.50 to 4.50 in just a couple OF DAYS Now the stock is $1.25. Will he mention it again and motivate buyers to pushi it past short term resistance at 1.30 which would pressure the shorts?

I own a little bit (bought some on Friday) but will wait for a push past resistance at 1.30 before I establish a real position. Once it clears 1.30 I dont see any reason to risk more than a dime.

Summary FROM GOOG FINANCE
Capstone Turbine Corporation (Capstone) develop, manufacture, market and service microturbine technology solutions for use in stationary distributed power generation applications, including cogeneration (combined heat and power (CHP) and combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP), resource recovery and secure power. Its microturbines can be used as generators for hybrid electric vehicle applications and allow customers to produce power onsite. Capstone's 30 kilowatt (Model C30) and 60 and 65-kilowatt (C60 Series) products are designed to produce electricity for commercial and small industrial users. The Model C30 product can be fueled by various sources, including natural gas, propane, sour gas, renewable fuels, such as landfill or digester gas, kerosene and diesel. The C60 Series can be fueled by natural gas or renewable fuels, such as landfill or digester gas

Because I Write It!!

2007-10-31T12:32:00.001-07:00

It started as an experiment because I wasn't sure I would stick with it. I am surprised that only two people ever asked me if I was the author because of how often I mention short squeezes at Alphatrends. I also wanted to see if yahoo paid more than google for advertising but I will just say that the data is inconclusive. I will probably continue posting short squeeze ideas at ALPHATRENDS

Brian

UPDATES

2007-10-31T06:58:00.001-07:00

CYTR
CytRx Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:CYTR)
In the post below this one I wrote "I would suggest taking at least partial profits here (4.50) and look to re establish a full position at lower prices." I was referring to CYTR, but omitted the symbol if you are still in the stock I would suggest exiting as it looks like the stock has failed. A slae of the stock here will just cost profits but when these heavily shorted bitechs begin to fail I want to stay clear.

MBLX
Metabolix, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:MBLX)
This stock has had a great run in the last few days and if you haven't take partial profites yet I would suggestyou do so here above 28.00. Remember there are earnings due on Monday and I will be 100% OUT of the stock by that point. Holding through earnings when I am going solely on the chart makes no sense.

BQI
Oilsands Quest Inc. (Public, AMEX:BQI)
This stock is getting some good upside action today at 5.25 and I would now suggest you raise your stop to break even or better.

Oil Tar Sands

2007-10-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

is the business of Oilsands Quest. The stock moved to Nasdaq from the bulliten board in August of 2006 so the weekly chart below includes that trade data. It looks like the stock could head back towards the 9.00 level. An initial stop will go near 4.78 for me. I would suggest taking at least partial profits here (4.50) and look to re establish a full position at lower prices.

THE Fractal Nature OF STOCKS IS SHOWN IN THESE TWO TIMEFRAMES

Oilsands Quest Inc., formerly CanWest Petroleum Corp., through its subsidiaries, is focused on business opportunities in the oil and gas sector, and in particular the oil sands and oil shale sectors in western Canada. The Company operates through its primary subsidiary, Oilsands Quest Sask Inc. (OQI Sask). OQI Sask was established as the operating subsidiary of the Company to primarily explore for and develop oil sands deposits in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Company owns 100% of OQI Sask. It is focused on the exploration, delineation and ultimate exploitation of bitumen through the activities being conducted by OQI Sask. The Company’s subsidiaries include Township Petroleum Corporation (Township), Western Petrochemicals Corp. (WPC), Stripper Energy Services Inc. (Stripper) and Anhydride Petroleum (USA) Inc. (Anhydride USA).

CYTR

2007-10-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Im raising the stop to 3.74

Mebabolix (MBLX)

2007-10-25T06:17:00.001-07:00

This stock is close to breaking out to all time highs and if it does, none of the 2+ million shares short will be in a winning position which may force some buyins. The company is due to report earnings on Monday November 5 so beware... I'm considering buying call options just in case the shorts have it right and the earnings reaction is negative.

Metabolix, Inc. is a biotechnology company that develops and focuses to commercialize alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics, fuels and chemicals. Its first platform, which will be commercialized through a joint venture with Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), is a large-scale microbial fermentation system for producing a family of naturally occurring polymers known as polyhydroxyalkanoates, (Natural Plastic). The Company’s second technology platform, which is in an early stage, is a biomass biorefinery system using switchgrass to co-produce both Natural Plastic and biomass feedstock for the production of power or liquid fuels, such as ethanol or other biofuels

Microvision (MVIS) Update

2007-10-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

The strength above 4.75 never materialzed, looks like the shorts are in control for now. I'll get interested agin above 4.50. I'm also raising the stop in CYTR to 3.42 which is just above breakeven.

Cytrx Corp (CYTR)

2007-10-19T06:18:00.001-07:00

is getting some early action, keep a close eye on it. I'm raising the stop slightly to 3.37. Also keep your eye on Microvision (MVIS) it hasn't take out the 4.70 level yet but it did successfully test the 200 day moving avarage again and there are some bidders in the stock this morning.

Microvision, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:MVIS)

2007-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

The shorts tried to push this one lower today but buyers came and provided support above the 200 day moving average. If the stock can trade back above 4.75 those shorts may scramble to cover as they realize their opportunity was missed and that could push the stock back up towards 5.50-6.00. For more information about this company, check the Fly blog in the links on the right.

Microvision, Inc. (Microvision) is a developer of miniature display and imaging engines based upon its integrated photonics module (IPM) architecture. The IPM utilizes the Company’s knowledge in two dimensional micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) light scanning technologies, lasers, optics and electronics to create a video or still image. The Company has entered into development agreements with commercial and United States government customers to develop prototype and demonstration units based on its light scanning technologies. Microvision was established to acquire, develop, manufacture and market light scanning technology, which projects images using a single beam of light. Microvision has one commercial product, Flic, a hand-held bar code scanner. In addition, Microvision has produced and delivered various demonstration units using Microvision's display technology. In January 2006, Microvision sold certain shares of its Lumera common stock

CytRx Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:CYTR)

2007-10-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

As we saw with NPSP, these small biotch stocks can be dangerous which is why you have to be careful about your position size. Shares of CYTR look like they may be getting close to breaking past resistance and that should make the shorts pretty uncomfortable (: I may buy a little bit here with a stop near 3.35 and then add to the position if the stock can make a higher high by breaking the trendline which defines an inverted head and shoulders pattern.

CytRx Corporation (CytRx) is a biopharmaceutical research and development company engaged in developing human therapeutic products based primarily upon its small molecule molecular chaperone co-induction technology. The Company has completed a Phase IIa clinical trial of its principle small molecule product candidate, arimoclomol, for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Company is also are engaged in developing therapeutic products based upon ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi), which has the potential to treat an array of diseases by interfering with the expression of targeted disease-associated genes. In order to fully realize the potential value of its RNAi technologies, in January 2007, the Company transferred to RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation, its majority-owned subsidiary, substantially all of its RNAi-related technologies and assets.

Biotech Stocks

2007-10-05T11:37:00.001-07:00

like NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:NPSP) often attract large short positions because of doubtful science. I don't know anything about the company but the chart looks great.

NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of small molecule drugs and recombinant proteins. The Company’s portfolio of approved drugs and product candidates are primarily for the treatment of bone and mineral disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and central nervous system disorders. Its product portfolio consists of one United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product, another product candidate that has been granted marketing approval in Europe, and is the subject of an approvable letter from the FDA in response to a new drug application NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. filed in May 2005, a product candidate that is the subject of a pivotal Phase III clinical study, and other product candidates in various stages of clinical development and preclinical development. On March 14, 2007, NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it was restructuring the Company.

Online Resources Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCC)

2007-10-02T14:51:00.001-07:00

If this stock can trade above the short term resistance at 13.45 it looks to me like it will break out on the weekly timeframe too. A stop below the rising 50 day MA and the recent low near 12.45 looks reasonable. If the upside builds here, the shorts should have a difficult time covering their position.

Online Resources Corporation provides outsourced, Web-based financial technology services branded to over 2,600 financial institution, biller, card issuer and creditor clients. With four business lines in two primary vertical markets, the Company serves over 9 million billable consumer and business end-users. End-users may access and view their accounts online and perform various Web-based, self-service functions. They may also make electronic bill payments and funds transfers, utilizing its real-time debit architecture, Automated Clearing House and other payment methods. The Company also provides professional services, including software solutions, which enable various deployment options, a range of customization and other services. As of December 31, 2006, it derived 10% of its revenues from account presentation, 70% from payments, 10% from relationship management and 10% from professional services, custom software solutions and other revenues

Capstone Turbine Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:CPST)

2007-09-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Volume is starting to build in CPST and a move above 1.40 is where the byers may get aggressive in this heavily shorted stock.

Capstone Turbine Corporation (Capstone) develop, manufacture, market and service microturbine technology solutions for use in stationary distributed power generation applications, including cogeneration (combined heat and power (CHP) and combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP), resource recovery and secure power. Its microturbines can be used as generators for hybrid electric vehicle applications and allow customers to produce power onsite. Capstone's 30 kilowatt (Model C30) and 60 and 65-kilowatt (C60 Series) products are designed to produce electricity for commercial and small industrial users. The Model C30 product can be fueled by various sources, including natural gas, propane, sour gas, renewable fuels, such as landfill or digester gas, kerosene and diesel. The C60 Series can be fueled by natural gas or renewable fuels, such as landfill or digester gas.

ParkerVision, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:PRKR)

2007-09-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

The short sellers look like they are in trouble with this one. Look at teh days to cover! I'm looking for the stock to trade up towards 18.00 but if it drops below 14.40 I'll take a small loss.

Summary
ParkerVision, Inc. operates in the business of wireless technologies and products. The Company designs, develops and markets wireless semiconductors, based on its wireless radio frequency (RF) technology for use in semiconductor circuits for wireless radio applications. the Company’s immediate focus is on securing licensing agreements for its Direct2RFPower (d2p) RF transmit chain technology. Its primary target customers are top tier mobile handset manufacturers and their key semiconductor suppliers

Cogent, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:COGT)

2007-09-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

The volume has been increasing in shares of Cogent (COGT) on the up days and it looks like the stock is working through supply at 15.50. If the stock can trade above 15.50 it is going to put a lot of shorts in a bad position. The chart looks like there isn't much potential for resistance until the mid-2005 lows near 20.50. If it breaks out I wouldnt risk more than a dollar.

Summary
Cogent, Inc. is a provider of automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) and other fingerprint biometrics solutions to governments, law enforcement agencies and other organizations worldwide. Its AFIS solutions enable customers to capture fingerprint images electronically, encode fingerprints into searchable files and compare a set of fingerprints to a database of potentially millions of fingerprints in seconds. Cogent offers biometrics solutions to the government sector, which consists of federal, state, local and foreign governments and agencies. The Company’s products for the government sector are principally AFIS solutions, and its products for the commercial sector are other fingerprint biometric solutions principally based on its application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology. At the core of each of its products is its Image Flow Processing, Data Flow Computing and Information Fusion software.

News on Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA)

2007-09-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

has the stock gapping higher. How do you think it feels to be short?

*UPDATE 10:45 AM Eastern*
I'm out. Looks like the shorts were able to push the stock lower and they are now in control. I'm focused on the action in ISIS now.

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:ARNA)

2007-09-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Early stage biotech stocks can be very volatile, lets hope that the 10+ million shares of shorts have gotten it wrong in this stock. They've got a Phase III drug for obesity, I bet a drug like that would have FAT profit margins, there is certainly a huge appetite for the drug. The company spoke at a biotech conference today here's what the CNBC guy thought.
CNBC guy thought.

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Arena) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the discovery, development and commercialization oral drugs in four therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, central nervous system, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The Company’s advanced drug candidate, lorcaserin hydrochloride (lorcaserin), is being investigated in a Phase III clinical trial program for the treatment of obesity. It has a pipeline of compounds that target known and orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and includes compounds being evaluated independently and with its partners, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc.Arena’s other lead internal development programs include APD125 and APD791. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company initiated dosing in a Phase II clinical trial of APD125, which is an orally available drug candidate that it discovered and has the potential to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve sleep maintenance.

SulphCo, Inc. (Public, AMEX:SUF)

2007-08-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

From what I can tell, there is a lot of doubt about this company and what they do. If that is true then the shorts may be justified in their large bet against the stock. For now, the stock looks poised to continue higher and that short position won't feel too good if the stock trades up through 6.00. I think I'll buy a little with a stop near 5.40

Summary from Google Finance
SulphCo, Inc. (SulphCo) is a development-stage company engaged in the business of developing and commercializing its technology for the upgrading of crude oil by reducing its relative density, its viscosity, and its sulfur and nitrogen content. The Company’s process (Sonocracking) is based upon the use of high-power ultrasonics, the application of high-energy, high-frequency sound waves, which alters the molecular structure of the crude oil. This decreases the relative density and the viscosity of crude oil and correspondingly increases the amount of lighter oils that can be recovered during the refinery processes. Other beneficial changes to the crude oil as a result of the Sonocracking technology include a reduction in the weight percentage of sulfur, as well as a reduction in the parts per million of nitrogen. The markets for SulphCo’s Sonocracking technology and its Sonocracker units are crude oil producers and refiners.

ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:ISIS)

2007-08-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

It looks like the shorts are in trouble here!

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company exploiting ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based drug discovery technologies to create a class of drugs to treat important diseases. The Company, with its primary technology, antisense, creates inhibitors, called oligonucleotides, designed to hybridize, with a high degree of specificity to their RNA target and modulate the production of specific proteins associated with disease. Separately, within the Company’s Ibis Biosciences, Inc. subsidiary, Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has developed a biosensor system, called the Ibis T5000 Biosensor System, which can simultaneously identify from a sample a range of infectious organisms without needing to know beforehand what might be present in the sample. The Company is commercializing the Ibis T5000 Biosensor System for use in biodefense, forensics, epidemiological surveillance, infectious disease research, hospital-associated infection control.

Short Squeeze Time Again?

2007-08-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

The markets have experienced a dramatic decline lately but there are still some stocks which are holding up nicely that may be supported by big short positions. One such stock is Alkermes, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:ALKS)

Here's what they do

Alkermes, Inc (Alkermes) is a biotechnology company that develops products based on drug delivery technologies. The Company has two commercial products: RISPERDAL CONSTA (risperidone) long-acting injection, is a long-acting atypical antipsychotic medication approved for use in schizophrenia, and marketed worldwide by Janssen-Cilag (Janssen), a wholly owned division of Johnson & Johnson. VIVITROL (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension), is a once-monthly injectable medication approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence and marketed in the United States primarily by Cephalon, Inc. (Cephalon). The Company’s pipeline includes extended-release injectable, pulmonary, and oral products for the treatment of prevalent, chronic diseases such as central nervous system disorders, addiction and diabetes.

Paychex Inc (PAYX)

2007-08-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

If you bought PAYX on strength as I suggested on July 24, I would now suggest you raise your stop to at least breakeven.

Long SQUEEZE!!

2007-08-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

The shorts have had their way over the last 2 weeks and the obvious breakdown is why I have posted very few ideas. I will be scouring more potential trades, but the long side is quite dangerous now.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Public, NYSE:STP)

2007-07-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Oil continues to rally and many other solar stocks are trending into new high territory (FSLR, SPWR). Shares of STP are holding nicely above prior resistance in the 38.50-39.00 range and it looks like the shorts will begin to feel some real pain above 41.50-42.00

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Suntech) is a solar energy company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets a variety of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. It also provides PV system integration services in China. The Company's products are used in a variety of applications in various markets for both on-grid electricity generation and off-grid use, such as standalone lighting for street lamps, garden lamps, telecommunications relay stations, and mobile phone networks worldwide, including a number of European countries, such as Germany and Spain, as well as China and the United States. Suntech sells its products outside of China primarily through distributors and in China primarily to module manufacturers and end users directly. As of December 31, 2006, the average conversion efficiency rates of the Company's monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon PV cells reached 16.8% and 15.6%, respectively. On August 11, 2006, Suntech acquired a 66.88% interest in MSK Corporation.

The Bull Has Been Wounded

2007-07-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

which makes squeezes unlikely for right now, when I have identified LOW RISK situations I will alert you, until then I will not post ideas for the sake of making a post.

Paychex, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:PAYX)

2007-07-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for some strength above 43.35 to get long PAYX, 10 million shares short can't feel too good right now!!

Paychex, Inc. provides payroll and integrated human resource and employee benefits outsourcing solutions for small to medium-sized businesses in the United States. Its Payroll and Human Resource Services product lines offer a portfolio of products and services that help clients to meet their payroll and human resource needs. Its Payroll services are provided through either its Core Payroll or Major Market Services, and include payroll processing, payroll tax administration services, employee payment services, and other payroll-related services, including regulatory compliance (new hire reporting and garnishment processing). Its Human Resource Services include human resource administrative services, which include Paychex Premier Human Resources and its Professional Employer Organization; retirement services administration; workers' compensation insurance administration; employee benefits administration; time and attendance solutions, and other human resource products and services.

Tellabs, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:TLAB)

2007-07-23T05:54:00.001-07:00

Takeover!! I'm out above 14.00. Nice quick trade!

Basin Water, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:BWTR) PROFIT TIME!!

2007-07-19T19:04:00.001-07:00

don't be greedy, it is time to take profits. This has been a great run in a short time, we will visit it again but now is time to take the profits. Biggest volume occurs at turning points, the big volume today was the shorts covering, now who would buy? Don't be a pig, cash in now!

Powerwave Technologies (PWAV)

2007-07-19T11:46:00.001-07:00

is breaking out. It has a big short positions, see the June 19 post on this one.

Tellabs, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:TLAB)

2007-07-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

looks ready for a continued move higher after the recent break past resistance near 11.50. The short sellers added 8 million shares to their position below 11.74 and now that the stock is holding above that prior high they are beginning to feel the pain of being wrong. This one could get moving here.

Tellabs, Inc. is engaged in designing and marketing equipment to telecommunications service providers worldwide. The Company also provides deployment and professional services to support its products. Its products and services enable its customers to deliver wireline and wireless voice, data and video services to business and residential customers. Tellabs sells its products in the United States and internationally (both under the Tellabs brand and under private labels) through its field sales force and selected distributors. The Company has three segments: Broadband, Transport and Services. Its customer base includes incumbent local exchange carriers, wireless service providers, independent operating companies, local telephone administrations (post, telephone and telegraph administrations), original equipment manufacturers, cable operators, alternate service providers, competitive local exchange carriers, Internet service providers, government agencies and system integrators.

Basin Water, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:BWTR)

2007-07-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

How do you think it feels to be short? HEHEHE! OR how about OSTK today!

PREVIOUS POST

Asyst Technology Corp (ASYT)

2007-07-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

has broken past resistance and it looks like the stock could be headed much higher. The short position in this stock is 3.1 million shares. A stop near 7.22 makes sense.

MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:MIPS)

2007-07-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

The weekly chart shows that shares of MIPS just cleared some resistance from the last five months near the 9.25 level and now if the stock can push past the year high at 10.00, it looks ready for a quick pop up towards 12-13. You might want to check when earnings are due, that could provide the catalyst. Whatever the "reason" for a push past 10.00, there will be 3.8 million shares in a losing position courtesy of our friends the short sellers, hopefully they will panic and chase the stock higher.

Here's what they do, from Google Finance;
MIPS Technologies, Inc. develops embedded processors and related intellectual property for use in markets, such as digital consumer, wired and wireless communications, including broadband access, office automation, security and automotive markets. The Company has developed standards for both 32-bit and 64-bit computing. It licenses its industry-standard MIPS32 and MIPS64 instruction-set architectures, application specific extensions, core designs and other related intellectual property to semiconductor companies and system original equipment manufacturers. MIPS Technologies, Inc. has more than 155 license agreements with more than 105 companies around the world offering more than 280 processor-based chips for the embedded market.

ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:ISIS)

2007-07-12T10:37:00.001-07:00

This is more of a momentum short play than recent ones where I have attempted to identify movers before they turn into momemtum plays. I don't really trust little biotech stocks like this one because when I read their descriptions (see below) all I get from them is that is complicated science which is way above my head. What I like here is the stock is holding up very well after a recent rally (shorts bidding before they have to chase?) and there are a lot of recent shorts in the stock who may look to mininmize their losses.

If you are still holding SIFY, you are greedier than I am. I will look to repurchase at some point over the next several days.

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company exploiting ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based drug discovery technologies to create a class of drugs to treat important diseases. The Company, with its primary technology, antisense, creates inhibitors, called oligonucleotides, designed to hybridize, with a high degree of specificity to their RNA target and modulate the production of specific proteins associated with disease. Separately, within the Company’s Ibis Biosciences, Inc. subsidiary, Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has developed a biosensor system, called the Ibis T5000 Biosensor System, which can simultaneously identify from a sample a range of infectious organisms without needing to know beforehand what might be present in the sample. The Company is commercializing the Ibis T5000 Biosensor System for use in biodefense, forensics, epidemiological surveillance, infectious disease research, hospital-associated infection control.

Sify Limited (ADR) (Public, NASDAQ:SIFY)

2007-07-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

This stock had a great day today and I think it should continue for another day or so on this leg higher. Did you see REDF today? REDF and SIFY trade very similarly and when REDF started moving a couple of days ago I checked the chart and short position in SIFY and 5 minutes later decided to post it. Good ideas aren't always the result of in depth market research.

Finisar Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:FNSR)

2007-07-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

has nearly 30 million shares bet against it as of June 15th. With the stock moving past resistance, things could get interesting on the upside in the short term.

Finisar Corporation is a provider of optical subsystems and components that connect local area networks (LANs), storage area networks (SANs) and metropolitan area networks. Finisar's optical subsystems consist primarily of transceivers, which provide the fundamental optical-electrical interface for connecting the equipment used in building these networks. Its line of optical components consists primarily of packaged lasers and photodetectors used in transceivers, primarily for LAN and SAN applications. Finisar also provides network performance test and monitoring systems to original equipment manufacturers for testing and validating equipment designs and, to a lesser degree, to operators of networking and storage data centers for testing, monitoring and troubleshooting the performance of their installed systems. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2006, Finisar acquired I-TECH Corp and InterSAN, Inc., and completed the purchase of certain assets of Big Bear Networks, Inc.

Sify Limited (ADR) (Public, NASDAQ:SIFY)

2007-07-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

is an internet company based in India (see full description below) and it looks like the long consolidation could be about to end. I would consider this stock for purchase above 9.10.

Did you see the action in OSTK today? NICE!!

Keep an eye on WRSP too, it is looking ready to go.

Sify Limited (Sify), formerly known as Satyam Infoway Limited, is an integrated Internet, network and electronic commerce services company in India, offering end-to-end solutions with a range of services delivered over a common Internet backbone infrastructure. Its services enable its business and consumer customers to communicate, transmit and share information, access online content and conduct business remotely using the Company's private data network or the Internet. Sify's Internet and network services include corporate network/data services, Internet access services, online portal and content offerings, and other services. Sify conducts substantially all of its business in India. Its subsidiaries include Sify Communications Limited (formerly Safescrypt Limited), Indiaworld Communications Limited, and Sify Networks Private Limited. As of March 31, 2006, the Company operated 171 points of presence serving more than 250 cities across India. In June 2006, Sify acquired Globe Travels.

Asyst Technologies (ASYT)

2007-07-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

This stock looks like it could be headed for a breakout which could push the price up towards the 10 dollar level if the short sellers become motivated.

Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Asyst) develops, manufactures, sells and supports integrated hardware and software automation systems primarily for the semiconductor, and for the flat panel display (FPD), manufacturing industries. Asyst operates through two segments: the automated material handling systems (AMHS) segment and the Fab Automation Product segment. The AMHS, which consists principally of the entire Asyst Shinko, Inc (ASI) operations, includes automated transport and loading systems, semiconductor and flat panel display products. The Fab Automation Product segment, which consists principally of the entire ATI operations, includes interface products, auto-identification (ID) systems, substrate-handling robotics, sorters, connectivity software and CFT

Worldspace Inc (WRSP)

2007-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

If this stock can trade above 5.70 those shorts could drive the stock all the way up towards 10.00. Keep and eye on OSTK today it looks ready to go!

Worldspace, Inc. provides satellite-based digital radio service, known as Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). The Company’s infrastructure supports a satellite-only service and is a fully operational system consisting of three elements: two geostationary satellites, AfriStar and AsiaStar; the associated ground systems that provide content to and control the satellites, and the receivers owned by its customers. It provides radio programming, including a range of music, news, sports and entertainment channels. It also broadcasts WorldSpace-developed programming. During the year ended December 31, 2006, it introduced seven new channels, which include Surabhi (Marathi Regional Music and Lifestyle), Umang (Gujarati Regional Music and Lifestyle), Falak (Urdu Regional Music and Lifestyle), Fox Sports Radio (United States Sports Talk), RMC Info (French Sports), Disso FM (Music and Information for the Mouride Community) and AFEXPAT (Music, News and Info for the Pulaar and Sonike Communities).

Basin Water Inc (BWTR)

2007-06-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

trades only 200,000 shares/ day on average and that makes the 3.8 million share short position difficult to cover. The volume has been increasing lately and it looks like the stock could get going soon. I thik a stop under 7.00 makes sense.

Basin Water, Inc. designs, builds and implements systems for the treatment of contaminated groundwater. The Company has developed a ion-exchange treatment system that reduces groundwater contaminant levels. Basin Water, Inc. markets its system to utilities, cities, municipalities, special districts, real estate developers and other organizations that supply water, collectively referred to as water providers, for use in treating groundwater sources. The Company has 75 systems on order or under contract in California, Arizona and New Jersey with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 105,000 acre-feet per year, or approximately 94.2 billion gallons per year. Its customers include American Water, Aqua America, California Water Service Group and American States Water Company.

Solar Cells, Solar Panels and Fiber Optics

2007-06-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

are the business of Emcore Corp (EMKR) and many of the stocks in that group are showing strong upward momentum. This stock looks like it has made a nice longer term bottom and now those short sellers could be in big trouble.

Here's the company description from GOOGLE FINANCE

EMCORE Corporation (EMCORE) offers a portfolio of compound semiconductor- based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite, solar and wireless communications markets. The Company's solutions include optical components and subsystems for fiber-to-the-premise, cable television and high-speed data and telecommunications networks; solar cells, solar panels and fiber optic ground station links for global satellite communications, and radio frequency transistor materials. Through its joint venture participation in GELcore, LLC, EMCORE develops and commercializes high-brightness light emitting diode technology for use in the general and specialty illumination markets. It operates in three segments: Fiber Optics, Photovoltaics, and Electronic Materials and Devices (EMD). On August 21, 2006, the Company's EMD segment was acquired by IQE plc. In August 2006, EMCORE sold its 49% membership interest in GELcore, LLC. On April 13, 2007, it acquired Opticomm Corporation

Powerwave Technologies (PWAV)

2007-06-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

What a great looking chart, I wouldn't want to be short! But there apparently are a lot of people who are looking for it to go lower, maybe they know something? I'm just going by the chart, if this stock can trade above 6.80, I think those shorts are gonna get roasted!! Set an alert or maybe buy calls?

Here's a description of their business from Google Finance

Powerwave Technologies, Inc. (Powerwave) is a global supplier of end-to-end wireless solutions for wireless communications networks. The Company’s business consists of the design, manufacture and marketing and sale of products to improve coverage, capacity and data speed in wireless communications networks, including antennas, boosters, combiners, filters, radio frequency power amplifiers, repeaters, tower-mounted amplifiers and coverage solutions. These products are utilized in wireless networks throughout the world, which support voice and data communications by use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices. Powerwave sells such products to both original equipment manufacturers, who incorporate its products into their base stations and directly to individual wireless network operators for deployment into their existing networks. During the year ended December 31, 2006, its largest customer was Nokia, who accounted for approximately 21% of its net sales.

Corinthian Colleges, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:COCO)

2007-06-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

The educational company broke past resistance on a surge in volue 2 weeks ago and briefly traded above the 2006 high of 15.36. Now that the stock has backed off those highs and consolidated it looks ready for a steadier climb higher. I'm thinking the stock can make up to at least 20/share, but with 10.7 million shares short and most of them likely losing money things could get very exciting on the upside! I don't see any reson for a stop of more than about a dollar.

Summary
Corinthian Colleges, Inc. (Corinthian) is a for-profit, post-secondary education companies in the United States and Canada, with more than 64,500 students enrolled as of June 30, 2006. As of June 30, 2006, the Company operated 95 colleges in 26 states and 33 colleges in seven Canadian provinces. It offers a variety of diploma programs and associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees through five operating divisions in the United States and Canada. The divisions include the Corinthian Schools division (CSI), Titan Schools division (TSI), Florida Metropolitan University division (FMU), CDI Education division (CDI) and Pegasus division. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, Corinthian opened three branch campuses.

NICE!!!

2007-06-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

CNBC pointing out the big short position in OSTK! Wait a minute, shouldn't CNBC be faded? I don't know but the more people aware the better the chances, I guess. That's what stops are for!

I'd Be Nervous...

2007-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

if I was short shares of Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK)! It is looking good right here at 19.20.

How bout that CONN!!
Raising my stop to breakeven.

Entry in CONN

2007-06-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Shares of Conns Inc (CONN) traded above 28.50 and gave us an entry. I plan on protecting my position with a stop at 27.50

Conns Inc (CONN)

2007-06-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

It looks like this company is in the same type of business as Best Buy and Circuit City, see the full description below.

There are some huge bets against this stock and if the stock can clear 28.50 I think I'll buy some with a stop near 27.75. It looks like at least 3.5 million shares of the shorted stock are under water and if the momentum turns back up it could get ugly for the shorts.

Conn's, Inc. is a specialty retailer of home appliances and consumer electronics. It sells major home appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and ranges, and a variety of consumer electronics, including projection, plasma and liquid crystal display flat panel televisions, camcorders, digital cameras and home theater products. Conn's also sells home office equipment, lawn and garden equipment, mattresses and furniture, and it continues to introduce additional product categories for the home and for consumer entertainment, such as Moving Picture Expert Group layer-three players. Conn's offers over 2,500 product items at good-better-best price points representing such brands as General Electric, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag, LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, Apple, Serta, Ashley, Lane, Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Poulan, Husqvarna and Toro. As of January 31, 2007, the Company operated 62 retail and clearance stores located in Texas and Louisiana.

Watch This

2007-06-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Position Updates

2007-06-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

AMSC was stopped out with a gain of $1.00 or 6.47%
MVIS is still open from 4.30 with a stop currently at 5.30, this stock remains strong
OSTK we are in at 18.55 with a stop at 17.90
ARTG is open from 2.74 with a stop currently at 2.68
BOOM was stopped out with a loss of $0.60 or 1.65% yesterday
CNET we are still long from 9.20 with a stop at 8.80
LCAV we are long from 45.60 with a stop currently at 44.70

Bear Attack!

2007-06-07T10:31:00.001-07:00

They're Not Always Wrong

2007-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

This blog focuses on finding situations where the shorts appear to have it wrong and the stock gets away from them on the upside. The thing is, short sellers aren't stupid, nor do they give up very easily. From November 15 to March 14, shorts added 14 million shares to their short position in Dendreon Corp (DNDN). On March 30, things went horribly wrong for those short sellers as the stock began a two week rally which saw the stock rise 4 fold! While I am sure there were some badly wounded bears during that rally, they didn't all cover. In fact, over the next 2 months the shorts added another 15 milllion shares at higher prices...good move so far. Shares of DNDN will continue to be volatile with such a big short position which makes it worth watching for aggressive traders but from bigger picture perspective, the large failed move seems to have emboldened the shorts and a longer term sustainable rally will only materialize from very postiive news, the chart does not seem to be anticipating any such move right now.

LCA-Vision Inc (LCAV)

2007-06-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

has consolidated in a narrow range over the last three months and it looks like buyers are getting aggressive again. Buying the stock at current levels makes sense to me with a stop near 44.00.

Here's a description of their business from Google Finance-

LCA-Vision Inc. (LCA-Vision) is engaged in the provision of fixed-site laser vision correction services at its LasikPlus vision centers. Its vision centers provide the staff, facilities, equipment and support services for performing laser vision correction that employ laser technologies to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The Company’s vision centers are supported mainly by independent, board-certified ophthalmologists and credentialed optometrists, as well as other health care professionals. The ophthalmologists perform the laser vision correction surgery in the Company's vision centers, and either ophthalmologists or optometrists conduct pre-procedure evaluations and post-operative follow-ups in-center. During the year ended December 31, 2006, LCA-Vision owned and operated 60 LasikPlus fixed-site laser vision correction centers generally located in metropolitan markets in the United States and also a joint venture in Canada.

Position Updates

2007-06-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were stopped out of JADE with a gain of $0.10/ share of .08%. This is our second position to be stopped out of (first one was ASVI with a gain of $0.35/share or 2.04%). We now have the following open positions, note that some of the stops have been adjusted slightly.

AMSC purchased @15.30 stop 16.45
MVIS purchased @4.40 stop at 5.30
OSTK purchased @18.55 stop at 17.90
ARTG purchased @2.74 stop at 2.68
BOOM purchased @36.40 stop at 35.80
CNET purchased @9.20 stop at 8.80

DepoMed, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:DEPO)

2007-06-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

this stock scared the longs early Monday morning, but buyers took back the momentum of the stock and it looks like a successful shakeout that could lead to higher prices. Based on last months average daily volume, the 4.5 millions share short position would take 14.5 days to cover, NICE!! A stop near 3.90 looks safe.

Here's what they do from Google Finance-
Depomed, Inc. (Depomed) is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of products that are based on its oral drug delivery technologies. Depomed has developed two commercial products: GLUMETZA (metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets), which is a once-daily treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes that it jointly commercializes in the United States with King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and ProQuin XR (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride extended release tablets), which is a once-daily treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections that Esprit Pharma, Inc. markets in the United States. Depomed has also developed Gabapentin GR, an extended release form of gabapentin. In addition, the Company has other product candidates in earlier stages of development, including a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease

CNET Networks, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:CNET)

2007-06-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

is an interactive media company that builds brands for people and the things. It covers topics, such as technology, entertainment, business, food and parenting. The Company’s brands include CNET, GameSpot, MP3.com, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Webshots, CHOW and Urban Baby. The Company operates through two segments: U.S. Media and International Media. U.S. Media consists of an online media network focused on topics, such as technology, entertainment, community and business. International Media includes media properties under several of the same brands as its sites in the United States, with other brands represented in markets, such as China and the United Kingdom and several print publications in China. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the International segment of CNET Networks made five acquisitions: Western IT Networking Co., Ltd, XCar Power Technology & Trade Co., Ltd., GoCar, Goosto and Silicon.de GMBH.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE STOCK LOOKS LIKE IT IS READY FOR AN UPSIDE BREAK PAST RESISTANCE WHICH MIGHT BE THE CATALYSTS FOR SHORTS TO RUN FOR THE HILLS! I'M BUYING SOME HERE (MAYBE SOME CALLS TOO) WITH A STOP NEAR 8.45

Positions Update

2007-06-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

AMSC in 15.30 current stop 16.45 could get going above 18.00
MVIS in 4.40 current stop 5.30
OSTK in 18.55 current stop 17.90 getting interesting, could go above 19.20
ASVI in 17.10 stopped out + $0.35
JADE in 11.50 raise the stop to 11.60
ARTG in 2.74 raise the stop to 2.68
BOOM in 36.40 current stop 35.30

Dynamic Materials Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:BOOM)

2007-05-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

has had a history of toying with the short sellers and it now looks like the stock could be ready to break higher and put the pressure on the skeptics once again.

According to a friend I met online these are a few potential catalysts to motivate buyers.
-The company has an annual meeting scheduled for June 6.
-During which they will announce the annual dividend, which I believe will be significantly increased over last year.
-Also, they are approving an increase to the authorized, but not available shares. It is just enough to cover a stock split and new executive compensation options.
-They will update investors on the Mt Braddock facility expansion. They are doubling capacity and I have information that it is completed... and they have been unlocking backorders at a record pace. 2Q earns should crush estimates.
-They will also provide updates on supply chain solutions (metals have been tight) and I believe this is fixed, hence the announcement of the recent contract win being shipped by 4Q. They could not have done that without fixed supply chain.

You can read more of this work on his BOOM BLOG

Here's what they do, from GOOGLE FINANCE

Dynamic Materials Corporation provides products and services requiring explosive metalworking. It operates in two segments: Explosive Metalworking or DMC Clad and AMK Welding. Detaclad is the trade name, under which DMC Clad markets its explosion-welded clad products. DMC Clad’s products are used in critical applications in a variety of industries, including upstream oil and gas, oil refinery, chemical and petrochemical, hydrometallurgy, aluminum production, shipbuilding, power generation and industrial refrigeration. The Company’s Explosive Metalworking operations are located in Pennsylvania, France and Sweden. Through its AMK Welding segment, the Company also provides advanced welding services, primarily to the power turbine and aircraft engine manufacturing industries. AMK Welding is a specialized welding subcontracting shop for complex shapes used principally in gas turbines and aircraft engines. AMK Welding’s operations are conducted at its South Windsor, Connecticut facility.

UPDATED STOPS

2007-05-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

We have had some big winners in the short history of this blog (thanks short sellers!).

Below are approximate entry prices and current stops
AMSC in 15.30 new stop 16.45
MVIS in 4.40 new stop 5.30
OSTK in 18.55 new stop 17.90
ASVI in 16.00 new stop 17.45 (nice move today)
JADE in 11.50 new stop 11.40
ARTG in 2.74 maintain stop at 2.63

E-Commerce Software Products

2007-05-29T17:18:00.001-07:00

that's the business of Art Technology Group (ARTG). Sounds like a good business to be in doesn't it? The short sellers apparently don't thinks so, but a look at the chart shows that the buyers seem to have the upper hand in this stock and buying the stock near current levels with a stop at 2.35 looks like a good bet for a move up towards last year's highs near 4.00. I haven't done any fundamental research, does anyone have any idea why the short sellers are so aggressive on this stock?

Here's the description from Google Finance

Art Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) develops and markets a suite of e-commerce software products, as well as provides related services, including support and maintenance, education, application hosting, professional services and proactive conversion solutions. Through its subsidiary, eStara, Inc. (eStara), ATG delivers OnDemand services for multi-channel interaction. Its Click to Call and Click to Chat services provides online businesses with proactive conversion solutions for enhancing online sales and support. eStara solutions allow customers to initiate a conversation with a sales person or customer care agent by clicking a button on a Website, e-mail, banner advertisement or directory listing, and eStara’s Call Tracking solutions allow advertisers to track the source of each in-bound call, as well as information about callers. In October 2006, ATG acquired eStara, Inc., a provider of proactive conversion solutions for enhancing online sales and support initiatives.

Gemstones and Diamond Jewelry - JADE

2007-05-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

is the business of LJ International (JADE), but who cares, look at that chart! That's the story that matters, buyers are in control of this stock but stubborn shorts aren't convinced of the bullish case. The stock is trading just below all time highs and it looks like as long as the stock can stay above 10.25 the shorts may regret their sales. I think I'm going to buy some of this one and risk about a dollar.

If you do care, here is a description of their business from Gooogle Finance-

LJ International Inc. (LJ International) designs, manufactures, markets and sells precious and semi-precious gemstones, as well as diamond jewelry. The Company also offers high-end pieces set in yellow gold, white gold, platinum or sterling silver and adorned with semi-precious stones, diamonds, pearls and precious stones. LJ International distributes mainly to fine jewelers, department stores, jewelry chains in the United States, and electronic and specialty retailers throughout North America and Western Europe. The Company also owns certain commercial and residential properties located in Hong Kong, which are held primarily for investment purposes. LJ International has expanded into the retail sales line of business involving direct sales to consumers in China through company-owned retail stores under the brand name ENZO. As of December 31, 2005 the Company operates eight ENZO retail stores in Hong Kong and China.

Superconductors, Imaging Engines, Online Shopping & Rubber Track Machines

2007-05-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

On Monday I sugested looking at American Superconductor Corp (AMSC), the stock exploded higher that day and it appears shorts may have experienced their first bout of real fear! The short position increased by 5000,000 shares from April to May, that looks like a bad move! At this point I would think 15.45 is a good spot for a stop on long positions.

On Tuesday we looked at shares of Microvision, Inc (MVIS) and the stock made a nice run for 2 days. On Thursday it paused slightly with the market selloff but came roaring back on Friday. The short sellers did slightly decrease their position last month but with lighter volume last month it makes it more difficult for them to cover their stupid bet!! A stop near 4.30 seems right for this one. The Ant & Sons blog has a good analysis of a potential catalyst to get the shorts buying.

The short position in Overstock.com, Inc. (OSTK) was little changed last month and the stock still looks poised for upside from here. A stop near 17.30 makes sense.

The short position in shares of A.S.V., Inc (ASVI) was also little changed last month and the stock still looks like it has great upside potential with limited risk by placing a stop near 16.00

Enjoy the long weekend fellow squeezers!

Updated Short Interest Numbers

2007-05-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

are now available at the nasdaq website, see direct link on right hand side.
Here are the updated short positions for the stocks mentioned this week.

MY FAULT

2007-05-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

I warned you yesterday that this blog being launched after such a strong rally was a contrary indicator and today we get the strongest selloff since February. I hope you locked in some of the quick gains in AMSC and MVIS, that's just common sense. I do not think those stocks are done going higher, it is just being defensive and as I always hear Brian at ALPHATRENDS say "defense wins this game".

Rubber Track Machines and Related Accessories

2007-05-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

that is the unexciting business of A.S.V., Inc. (ASVI). What is exciting is the thought of what might happen to the price of the stock if there was a catalyst that would motivate the people who sold short 6.2 million shares of the stock to cover! Based on the 30 day average volume of 168,676, it would take them 37 days to buy all that stock back. Anyone have an idea of what that catalyst might be? I don't but if you do, please share in the comments area. For now I think it is worth buying a little with a protective stop just under 16.

Here's the rest of the description of this boring company from Google Finance (I didn't read it)

A.S.V., Inc. (ASV) designs, manufactures and sells rubber track machines and related accessories, attachments and traction products. It has three product lines, the Posi-Track product line, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) undercarriage product line and the Loegering product line. Posi-Track products are machines used in the construction, agricultural, landscaping, rental, military, and other markets. The OEM Undercarriages are sold to Caterpillar Inc. as a primary component on its Multi-Terrain Loader product line. Loegering is a manufacturer of traction products for wheeled skid-steers and also provides attachments for the skid-steer market. In January 2006, it introduced two models in its Posi-Track product line, the SR-70 and SR-80. In October 2006, ASV introduced a track utility vehicle in its Posi-Track product line, the Scout SC-50, which features a 50 horsepower diesel engine, cab seating for two and a flatbed rear deck with the capacity to carry two tons of cargo.

CONTRARY INDICATOR?

2007-05-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

OK, let me point it out before someone else does. A brand new blog about short squeezes as the S&P 500 reaches for all time highs after a close to 10% rally over the last 2 months? It does reek of amateurism and lets be realistic, the first two stocks jumped 20% this week. No one is that good, not even broker A. AMSC and MVIS were just lucky right? I don't know, but the profits spend the same whether it is luck or skill. Preservation of capital is the number one rule in this game and the shorts have severly misplayed their hand. The shorts will have their day, it just doesn't look like it will be soon. Protect your profits and don't let yourself become feed for the bears when the market does turn.

Overstock.com Inc (OSTK) looking primed for a squeeze!

2007-05-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Overstock.com, Inc (OSTK) is a controversial company, just ask Herb Greenburg. Largely due to management issues (ability to execute their business plan and questeions about the competence of their CEO) the stock has attracted and maintained a large short position. The fundamental guys may be right, but it looks like the tide is turning for the stock and buyers appear close to dominating the action once again, particularly if the stock can trade above $20.00. Volume has been low over the last month but is picking up again with some buying over the last week. The adage "don't short a dull market" applies to individual issues as well as the market and the days to cover now stands at just under 25 days. If there is a dramatic change when the May numbers are released in the morning I will post an update. I'm going to buy some of this one and maybe take some September 20 calls at about $1.50.

Here's a description of the fundamental nonsense from Google Finance.

Overstock.com, Inc. is an online closeout retailer offering discount brand name merchandise, including bed-and-bath goods, home decor, kitchenware, watches, jewelry, electronics and computers, sporting goods, apparel, designer accessories and travel services, among other products. The Company also sells books, magazines, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), videocassettes and video games (BMMG), and it operates as part of its Website an online auction site, which is a marketplace for the buying and selling of goods and services. The Company offers approximately 36,000 products under multiple shopping tabs on its main Website, plus almost 500,000 media products on its BMMG tab. The Company’s shopping business includes both a direct business and a fulfillment partner business. Products from its direct segment and fulfillment partner segment are available to both consumers and businesses through its Wholesale bulk purchase program.

Short Interest Data

2007-05-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

is out today for the NYSE, it will be released for the Nasdaq tomorrow. What stands out the most to me is the short interest in the iShares Russell 2000 (IWM), this index has been hitting new highs for the last three plus years and the index now has THE LARGEST short position of any NYSE stock (second is Ford). As of May 15, the outstanding short position is 237,133,225 shares, that is a little over 19.5 BILLION dollars short the index!! Is it fuel for the fire, or are we headed for disaster? The chart indicates further upside.

Microvision Inc (MVIS) Found Support, Ready to Rally?

2007-05-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Microvision Inc (MVIS) looks like it found support and could be ready to rally from here. I wonder how many of those 4.1 million shares sold short are in a winning position? HEHEHE!!! The stock looks ready for a push up towards 6.20.

Broker A at Fly On WallStreet has a large position in the stock and he has a lot of good information about the stock if you search his site.

Here is the description of the company from Google Finance:

Microvision, Inc. (Microvision) is a developer of miniature display and imaging engines based upon its integrated photonics module (IPM) architecture. The IPM utilizes the Company’s knowledge in two dimensional micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) light scanning technologies, lasers, optics and electronics to create a video or still image. The Company has entered into development agreements with commercial and United States government customers to develop prototype and demonstration units based on its light scanning technologies. Microvision was established to acquire, develop, manufacture and market light scanning technology, which projects images using a single beam of light. Microvision has one commercial product, Flic, a hand-held bar code scanner. In addition, Microvision has produced and delivered various demonstration units using Microvision's display technology. In January 2006, Microvision sold certain shares of its Lumera common stock.

AMSC Squeeze Is On!

2007-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

American Superconductor (AMSC) Looking Good!!

2007-05-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

The shorts are getting fried, that is good if you are long like me. I will share some more of my favorite squeeze ideas in the coming days, be sure to check back.

American Superconductor (AMSC) Squeeze Coming?

2007-05-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

This stock is knocking at multi year highs and it looks like the shorts are trapped. Almost 6 million shares short with an average volume of 380k means it would take the short sellers 15.65 days of buying to cover! Earnings are due on Thursday, maybe the company will provide a catalyst in their comments that triggers a breakout and a good old fear driven bout of panic buying by the shorts?

Here is the description of what the company does from Google Finance.

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) is an electricity solutions company. AMSC develops and manufactures products to improve the cost, efficiency and reliability of systems that generate, deliver and use electric power. AMSC conducts its operations through three business units: AMSC Wires, a developer and manufacturer of HTS wire; SuperMachines, a designer and manufacturer of rotating machines based on its HTS wire, including electric motors, generators and synchronous condensers, and Power Electronic Systems, a designer and manufacturer of power electronic converters and integrated power electronic systems that increase power grid reliability and throughput. On January 5, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Windtec. Windtec is operated by the Company's Power Electronic Systems business unit. In May 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Power Quality Systems, Inc.