Market Pressures_

Copper has moved down to test support which held and is now in a move up. Gold made an attempt at a new move up but failed. Silver is in neutral.

Crude oil is in the move down. Natural Gas is moving counter to crude, but without enthusiasm.

The US 30 year Treasury Bond moved up in price to the expect targets and is now in a retracement down.

The US Dollar futures are in a pullback after the big move to 94.76. The 25×5 moving average support is at 93.26.

________________

S&P 500 Futures_

Monthly – Three months of higher highs and lower lows. Trade pressures are up but turned down. volumes closed the month of May as neutral for the fourth month in a row. In the move down from the 2662 short confirmation level. The next target down is 2304. A close above 2883 would confirm any weekly move higher.

Weekly – In the move up off the April 6th low. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. Still in the short move down off the 2803 entry. The next target down is 2589. A close above 2796 would confirm any daily move higher.

Daily – Grinding sideways since May 14th trying to get through the multiple layers of resistance. Trade pressures have risen up into the neutral zone. Volumes are mixed bearish one day bullish the next, a sign of the contest between the bears and bulls at these resistance levels.

The prior high of May 14th is 2741 and the 2753 upside target are the next barriers.

A close below the 25×5 moving average at 2701 would signal anew move lower.

The Navellier Top 5 Stocks for June are resting after a nice move up in May.

Navellier says – As I mentioned earlier, our Top 5 stocks had a stunning month. On average, they rallied 11.6%, far outpacing the broader market. So, this month, we’re keeping the same lineup. As a reminder, our Top 5 stocks are selected according to their Quantitative Grades.

Given the narrowing market, my Quantitative Grade has become one of my most important metrics. It measures the institutional buying pressure supporting our stocks. Like individual investors, large institutional investors, such as corporations, cities or school systems, invest in stocks for income. These large institutional clients buy large chunks of a stock. Typically, the more attractive a stock currently is to institutional investors, the better the stock will perform in the near term.

So if you’re looking for good stocks to buy and hold during the bumpy summer months, I recommend that you start with this month’s new buys, then these Top 5 stocks.

ABIOMED, Inc.

ABIOMED, Inc. (ABMD) rises to the top spot on the Buy List, and it’s no secret why. Over the past month, the medical devices company has surged 31%. ABIOMED is the only medical devices company that provides technologies that replace or assist the pumping function of a failing heart.

This is a big deal because heart disease accounts for some 800,000 deaths in the U.S. alone each year. So ABIOMED provides a life-saving service to tens of thousands of patients and their families. Given strong demand for medical devices to treat heart disease, ABIOMED’s business is booming. This was demonstrated in its latest earnings report, which covered the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal 2018.

For the fourth quarter, net income soared 147% to $36.8 million, or $0.83 per share. Excluding special items, adjusted earnings came in at $0.80 per share. Over the same period, revenue improved 40% to $174.4 million. Analysts were expecting $0.64 EPS on $164.3 million in revenue, so ABIOMED posted a whopping 25% earnings surprise and a 6.1% sales surprise.

For FY 2018, net income surged 115% to $112.2 million, or $2.54 per share. Excluding special items, adjusted earnings came in at $2.45 per share. Over the same period, revenue jumped 33% to $593.7 million. ABIOMED also beat analysts’ estimates for FY 2017; with a Street view of $2.30 EPS on $583.7 million in revenue, the company posted a 6.5% earnings surprise and a 1.7% sales surprise.

ABIOMED released a strong outlook for FY 2019. The company is targeting revenues between $740 million and $770 million, or between 25% and 30% annual sales growth. ABIOMED also expects operating margin to range between 28% and 30%. ABMD remains a tremendous monopolistic play, and I recommend that you add shares up to $424.

SOM Technicals:

3-30-18: Closed at 290.99. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. On the 25×5 moving average as support. The next target up is 323.10.

4-7-18: Closed at 286.22. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are neutral. the Next target up is 323.10

4-14-18: Closed at 297.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 323.10.

4-21-18: Closed at 305.92. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 323.10.

4-27-18: Closed at 300.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 323.10.

5-5-18: Closed at 349.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. the next target up is 359.38. 

5-11-18: Closed at 372.70. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 412.00.

5-19-18: Closed at 384.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 412.

5-26-18: Closed at 391.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. the next target up is 412.00.

6-3-18: Closed at 392.25. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 412.00.

6-8-18: Closed at 409.77. Trade pressures are up but turning over. Volumes are neutral. Traded to the 412.00 target and now experiencing profit taking.

6-16-18: Closed at 443.58. Trade pressure are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 463.97.

6-22-18: Closed at 427.29. Trade pressures are up but rolling over. Volumes are now bearish. The next target up is 463.97. Support is the 25×5 moving average at 411.26.

Northrop Grumman Corp.

Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) is the aerospace and defense giant that has the distinction of being the longest held position on the Blue Chip Growth Buy List. Since I recommended it in March 2014, the stock has soared 175%! And it shows no signs of slowing down.

This is a big year for Northrop Grumman, now that it has acquired aerospace and defense company Orbital ATK (OA) for $7.8 billion. This deal merges two of the largest D.C.-area public companies that have some of the biggest government contracts, and more importantly, improves U.S. technology as it relates to space, missiles and munitions.

And this acquisition builds upon an already strong foundation of sales and earnings. In its recent first-quarter earnings announcement, Northrop Grumman hiked up its earnings forecast for 2018. The company is now expecting earnings per share to range between $15.40 and $15.65, up from its previous guidance of $15.00 EPS to $15.25 EPS. The revised guidance represents between 16.0% and 17.8% annual earnings growth.

The other thing I love about Northrop Grumman is that it has a healthy dividend yield of 1.3%. Recently, the company approved a 9% increase in its quarterly dividend. Shareholders of record on June 4 will receive $1.20 per share on June 20. As I mentioned earlier, dividend increases help to provide a foundation under our stocks, and NOC is no exception. With its excellent blend of growth and value, I consider NOC a Strong Buy up to $355 per share.

SOM Technicals:

3-30-18: Closed at 349.12. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 361.68.

4-7-18: Closed at 352.99. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral.

4-14-18: Closed at 350.00. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 361.69.

4-21-18: Closed at 355.92. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish to neutral. The next target up is 361.59.

4-28-18: Closed at 322.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is the 200 day moving average at 307.

5-5-18: Closed at 313.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish to bearish. at the 200 day moving average.

5-11-18: Closed at 325.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now neutral. The next target up is 364.72.

5-19-18: Closed at 330.00. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral to bullish. The next target up is 361.72.

5-26-18: Closed at 331.90. Trade pressures are just up out of the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. the next target up is 361.72.

6-3-18: Closed at 329.99. Trade pressures are still in the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 361.72.

6-8-18: Closed at 338.63. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 361.72.

6-16-18: Closed at 321.62. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next support down is the moving average at 317.17.

6-22-18: Closed at 312.04. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. Support is a the prior low pivot at 302.85.

S&P Global, Inc.

S&P Global, Inc. (SPGI) makes its fourth consecutive appearance on the Top 5 list. S&P Global provides intelligence, data and analytics, enabling business leaders around the world to make more informed decisions. With multiple divisions, including S&P Market Intelligence, S&P Global Ratings, S&P Dow Jones Indices and S&P Global Platts, the company has evolved into the leading provider of credit ratings, and is relied on by countless financial professionals for its data and custom indices.

The big thing in the works for S&P Global is its recent acquisition of Kensho Technologies, Inc. Kensho provides global banks and financial institutions with analytics, artificial intelligence, data visualization systems and machine learning. S&P Global purchased Kensho for $550 million, which was the largest acquisition price for an artificial intelligence company so far.

The acquisition is expected to be profitable in 2019 and is already broadening S&P Global’s impressive portfolio of offerings. A few weeks ago, the company announced that S&P Global Market Intelligence platform users can now access information on privately held companies. This data linking project was made possible by Kensho’s machine learning algorithms, as well as through a partnership with company database Crunchbase.

I’m excited to see what other kinds of innovations come out of the Kensho acquisition. In the meantime, SPGI has excellent forecasted sales and earnings. For the current quarter, analysts are calling for 6.6% annual sales growth and 24.4% annual earnings growth. And S&P Global is expected to keep up the pace over the next several quarters.

As a reminder, SPGI recently went ex-dividend on Friday, May 25. Shareholders of record will receive $0.50 per share on June 12. At current prices, SPGI has a 1.0% annual dividend yield. I recommend you buy this Conservative stock up to $214 per share.

SOM Technicals:

2-25-18: Closed at 191.67. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 203.26.

3-2-18: Closed at 189.02. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 203.26.

3-11-18: Closed at 194.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 203.26.

3-17-18: Closed at 192.51. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. Support is the 25×5 at 189.

3-23-18: Closed at 186.49. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. Has just broken the 25×5 support. The next target down is 185.18, then 177.41.

3-30-18: Closed at 191.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. Consolidating at the 185 target.

4-7-18: Close at 189.74. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. Consolidating at the 185 downside target.

4-14-18: Closed at 190.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. Need a close above the downtrend resistance line at 196.38.

4-21-18: Closed at 192.96. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are now bearish. Support at 190.67.

4-27-18: Closed at 187.07. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is the 177.41 level.

5-5-18: Closed at 192.17. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now bullish. A new long entry at 192.04.

5-11-18: Closed at 199.99. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 204.16.

5-19-18: Closed at 197.92. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are now neutral. the next target up is 204.16

5-26-18: Closed at 200.34. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are mixed bearish to bullish. The next target up is 204.16.

6-3-18: Closed at 200.32. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are now neutral. The next target up is 204.16.

6-8-18: Closed at 206.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 216.28.

6-16-18; Closed at 208.68. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 209.09.

6-22-18: Closed at 206.35. Trade  pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 215.08. Support is at the 25×5 moving average at 201.71.

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Company (BA) continues its winning streak on the Top 5 list, returning for the second-consecutive month. As you know, Boeing is a premier aerospace company and manufacturer of commercial jetliners, along with defense, space and security systems. It is best known for its commercial aircraft, including the 737, which is a favorite of domestic airlines like Southwest, United Airlines and American Airlines. Boeing also has a strong international presence, with customers in 150 countries.

And it seems like every week Boeing wins another big order for its airplanes and helicopters. Last quarter, Boeing made 184 commercial deliveries and its backlog increased to $486 billion, including more than 5,800 commercial airplanes. Boeing beat analysts’ sales expectations by 5.4% and earnings projections by a stunning 41.1%.

Boeing plans to keep up the momentum for the rest of 2018. This year, Boeing expects full-year sales between $96 billion and $98 billion, or 2.8% to 4.9% annual sales growth. Full-year core earnings per share are now expected to be between $14.30 and $14.50, or 38.8% to 40.8% annual earnings growth.

Along with its strong earnings prospects, Boeing also offers a 2.0% annual dividend yield. The stock recently went ex-dividend on May 10. Shareholders of record will receive $1.71 per share on June 1. I must also mention that Boeing is in the process of buying back $18 billion of its stock. I expect that BA will maintain its altitude through the bumpy summer months, so I recommend you add this Moderately Aggressive stock up to $390 per share.

SOM Technicals:

4-27-18: Closed at 340.00. Trade pressures are up but declining to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. Holding at the 25×5 support of 331.00.

5-5-18: Closed at 334.43. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now bullish. The next long entry is 345.83.

5-11-18: Closed at 342.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes have closed as neutral. The next target up is 371.60.

5-19-18: Closed at 351.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 371.60.

5-26-18: Closed at 360.09. Trade pressures are up.Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 372.40.

6-3-18: Closed at 356.72. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 372.48.

6-8-18: Closed at 369.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 372.49.

6-16-18: Closed at 357.88. Trade pressures have turned down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next support down is the lower median line at 345.00.

6-22-18: Closed at 338.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 335.98.

XPO Logistics, Inc.

XPO Logistics, Inc. (XPO) rounds out this month’s Top 5 list. As a refresher, XPO is a leading global logistics company that helps customers manage their goods more efficiently throughout their supply chains. Through its two reporting segments—Transportation and Logistics—XPO Logistics helps over 50,000 customers improve their productivity and lower costs. Just last week, Gartner, Inc. named XPO Logistics as a leader in third-party logistics worldwide. It recognized XPO for its extensive service offerings and infrastructure, as well as its ability to anticipate customer needs.

XPO shares rallied nearly 10% this month, on the strength of its excellent first-quarter earnings report. Compared with Q1 2017, net income skyrocketed 243% to $66.9 million, or $0.50 per share. Excluding special items, adjusted earnings per share was $0.61. This beat the $0.51 consensus EPS estimate by a whopping 19.6%. Over the same period, sales jumped 18.4% to $4.19 billion. Analysts were looking for $3.92 billion in revenue, so XPO posted a 6.9% sales surprise.

Encouraged by these strong results, XPO Logistics reaffirmed its 2018 guidance. This year, the company expects adjusted earnings of at least $1.6 billion and free cash flow of $1 billion. Meanwhile, analysts are calling for 74.4% annual earnings growth and 8.3% sales growth. XPO Logistics is widely recognized as a market leader, and it has plenty of upside potential in 2018. I recommend you add this Moderately Aggressive stock up to $118 per share.

SOM Technicals:

3-30-18: Closed at 101.81. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 109.37.

4-7-18: Closed at 96.26. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 109.37.

4-14-18: Closed at 99.40. Trade pressures are still neutral. Volumes are bullish to neutral. The next target up is 109.37.

4-21-18: Closed at 104.44. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. Touched the 109.37 target and now pulling back. Support at 101.24.

4-27-18: Closed at 98.10. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is the 92.55.

5-5-18: Closed at 101.24. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now bullish. After reaching the 109.37 target pulled back to 91.64. The 109.37 is the next target up.

5-11-18: Closed at 109.07. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. the next target up is 119.00.

5-19-18: Closed at 109.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 119.00

5-26-18: Closed at 108.81. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are still bullish. The next target up is 119.00.

6-3-18: Closed at 106.67. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish to neutral. The next target up is 119.00. Support is the 25×5 moving average at 105.52.

6-3-18: Closed at 111.28. Trade pressures are rising in the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.00.

6-16-18: Closed at 113.88. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.00.

6-22-18: Closed at 108.76. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. At support, next support at 101.00.

Market Pressures_

Copper is now in a new move lower. Gold is moving higher. Silver still wants to go higher, but can’t get going.

Crude is in a retracement. Natural gas finally broke out to the upside.

The Us 30 Year Treasury Bonds are in a move up to the first target. Expect consolidation.

The Us Dollar futures are still in rally mode, but showing some divergences.

______________

S&P 500 Futures_

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662 short confirmation level. Trade pressures are still up but turning down. Volumes closed the month of April as neutral. The next target down is 2304. A close above 2883 would confirm and weekly move higher.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 level. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 2589. A close above 2796 would confirm any daily move higher.

Daily – Flat. In the  retracement move up inside the longer cycle down move. Trade pressures are up but moving down toward the neutral zone. Volumes have changed from bullish to bearish.

The next target up is 2753. This target is also in the midst of a cluster of resistance lines. expect a pullback, but any breakout to the upside should be significant.

The Navellier Top 5 have had a big week to the upside. Navellier is recommending a move to smaller capitalization companies to focus more on domestic earnings as the US Dollar rises.

Market Pressures_

Copper took a loss in the long trade. Gold as well. Trade pressures are stuck at neutral. Silver as well.

Crude oil remains in the move up. Natural gas remains without direction.

The US 30 year Treasury Bond has broken support.

The US dollar futures have resumed the move up after a brief pull back.

_____________

S&P 500 Future_

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662 confirmation level. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes closed the month of April as neutral. The next target down is 2304. A close above 2883 would confirm any weekly move higher.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 level. Trade pressures are now up. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 2589. This rally needs to close above 2796 to confirm any daily move higher.

Daily – Flat. In the move up inside the monthly and weekly downward pressures. Trade pressures are up but tuning down. Volumes have turned to neutral.

In this move up from the 2629 level. The next target up is 2753.

There are downward pressures from time cycles until the 25th of May. A close below 2680 would signal lower once again.

As this quarter’s earnings season draws to a close, the Navellier Top 5 virtual portfolio continues the move up with slightly more than $13,000 in gains this calendar year.

#Market Pressures_

Copper is in a new long trade. Gold is also in a new long trade. Silver looks similar to Gold but the weekly pressures are in conflict.

Crude Oil has reached the upside target. Natural gas has no direction.

The US 30yr Treasury Bond futures are up in a retracement of the previous move down.

The US Dollar futures are at the target highs. Expect consolidation or retracement here.

____________

S&P 500 Futures_  #S&P500futures

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662 short confirmation level. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes closed the month of April as neutral. The next target down is 2304. A close above 2883 would confirm any weekly move up.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 short confirmation level. Trade pressures are now up. Volumes have changed from bearish to bullish. The next target down is 2589. A close above 2796 would confirm any daily move up.

Daily – Flat. Closed at 2732. In retracement move up from the 2629 long entry level. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish.

Once price cleared the 2682 prior high pivot, then it was a quick three day move to test the 2718 resistance, as expected.

The next target up is 2753. There is thicket of resistance levels here and the commentariat suggests the market is over-priced at these levels. So could expect some consolidation and retracement here in the futures.

However, Navellier Research continues to expect better earnings performance. If true, then any correction should be muted. The Navellier Top 5 Stock portfolio that South Ocean follows is up more $12,000. This virtual $100,000 investment is out-performing the S&P by a nice margin.

Market Pressures_

Copper may have finished the downward retracement. Both Gold and Silver are showing signs of a turn upward.

Crude is very near the 62% move target. Natural Gas has no direction.

The US 30yr Treasury Bond futures are in a move back to the 145-00 levels.

The US Dollar futures are responding upward to the money flows into the dollar.

__________________

S&P 500 Futures

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662 level. Trade pressures are down. Volumes closed the Month of April as neutral. The next target down is 2304. A close above 2883 would confirm any weekly move higher.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 short confirmation level. Trade pressures have risen into the neutral zone. Volumes have changed from neutral to bearish. The next target down is 2589. A close above 2796 would confirm any daily move higher.

Daily – Flat. In the move down from the 2661 short level. Trade pressures are now up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish.

The prior 2592 downside target has been tested four times in this March and April time frame, including the breakdown to the 2562 lows. Price would now appear to be mounting a second test of the 2718 upside resistance. The Thursday low is a higher low. Now need to break above the 4/30 high of 2682.

With the Friday close at 2664, the next target up on the 60 min chart is at 2681. Expect resistance there. Wide bars are the order of the day.

The volatility seems to reside in the equity indices. The commodities are in a wait mode.

Navellier Research Top 5 Picks have moved up nicely on the earnings reports.

Market Pressures_

Copper has pulled back to possible support, Gold and silver have moved down in response to the rise in interest rates and a the North and South Korean peace efforts.

Crude oil is consolidating after a two week run. Natural gas was stopped at the downtrend resistance line.

The US 30 year Treasury Bond has moved up off the February lows.

The US Dollar futures have broken above the March $90 high pivot.

___________________

S&P 500 Futures_

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662 short confirmation level. Trade pressures are up but continue the rollover. Volumes closed the Month of March as neutral. The next target down is 2304. Need a close above the old high at 2883 to confirm any weekly move higher.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 short confirmation. Trade pressures are down but rising to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 2569. Need a close above the 2796 to confirm a daily move higher.

Daily – Flat. The retracement down started after the break of the 2568 short entry was triggered. Trade pressures have risen into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral, indicating equal buying and selling volumes.

Price stopped short of the 2590 expected downside target. The prior long entry of 2615 acted as support and produced the ensuing three day move up.

Any follow thru of the on the upside should retest the prior resistance at 2718.

The time cycle started with the February lows should end in this first week of May and could be the setup for a new leg up to test the strength of that 2718 resistance. If this fails then those lower targets at 2590 and 2560 can be met quickly.

Based on the pressures both these scenarios are equally likely. The hourly pressures are up.

The Navellier Top 5 Stocks have dropped IPGP and Added BA. This virtual portfolio has given up the prior gains in line with the market averages. The Expected sales increases and the expected earnings gains for these stocks all out-pace the market averages.

 

(from Navellier Research, pls do your own due diligence)
The following is provided by Navellier with technical comment from South Ocean Management –

https://navelliergrowth.investorplace.com/

Northrop Grumman Corp.

Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) is the aerospace and defense juggernaut that has shaped aviation history—and is positioned to shape its future. Recently, Northrop Grumman acquired aerospace and defense company Orbital ATK (OA) for $7.8 billion. This deal merges two of the largest D.C.-area public companies that have some of the biggest government contracts, and more importantly, improves U.S. technology as it relates to space, missiles and munitions.

This acquisition builds upon an already strong base for sales and earnings, as indicated by Northrop Grumman’s first-quarter earnings report. Compared with the year ago quarter, earnings per share jumped 14% to $4.21 while sales rose 5% to $6.7 billion. Analysts were expecting $3.64 EPS on $6.61 billion in revenue, so Northrop Grumman posted a 15.7% earnings surprise and a 1.4% sales surprise.

Northrop Grumman also increased its earnings outlook for 2018. The company is now expecting earnings per share to range between $15.40 and $15.65, up from its previous guidance of $15.00 EPS to $15.25 EPS. The revised guidance represents between 16.0% and 17.8% annual earnings growth.

Now, you may have noticed that NOC shares pulled back after the earnings announcement. Some are overreacting to the fact that Northrop Grumman didn’t raise its 2018 cash flow guidance, which currently stands at between $2.0 billion and $2.3 billion. In my opinion, this is just an excuse to take profits, and not a very good one at that. The fact remains that Northrop Grumman beat analysts’ estimates, and it guided well above the Street’s earnings expectations for 2018.

This is a company that I’ve held in Blue Chip Growth for over four years now, and that’s because it has rock solid fundamentals, thanks to an extensive portfolio of technologies and capabilities. It also doesn’t hurt that NOC has a solid 1.3% annual dividend yield and a strong track record of dividend increases. Keeping this in mind, I consider NOC an excellent buy on the dip. Buy this Conservative stock up to $344 per share.

SOM Technicals:

3-30-18: Closed at 349.12. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 361.68.

4-7-18: Closed at 352.99. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral.

4-14-18: Closed at 350.00. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 361.69.

4-21-18: Closed at 355.92. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish to neutral. The next target up is 361.59.

4-28-18: Closed at 322.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is the 200 day moving average at 307.

5-5-18: Closed at 313.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish to bearish. at the 200 day moving average.

5-11-18: Closed at 325.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now neutral. The next target up is 364.72.

5-19-18: Closed at 330.00. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral to bullish. The next target up is 361.72

ABIOMED, Inc.

ABIOMED, Inc. (ABMD) is another monopolistic play that has been performing well on our Buy List. After all, this is the only medical devices company that provides technologies that replace or assist the pumping function of a failing heart. This is a big deal because heart disease accounts for some 800,000 deaths in the U.S. alone each year. So ABIOMED provides a life-saving service to tens of thousands of patients and their families.

ABIOMED is best known for its Impella devices, which are the world’s smallest heart pumps. Impella is often a safe treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure that have been turned down for open heart surgery. Last year, ABIOMED announced that it surpassed 50,000 patients who are treated with Impella devices in the U.S.

Given strong demand for medical devices to treat heart disease, ABIOMED’s business is booming. ABIOMED is on deck to release its fiscal fourth-quarter results on Thursday, May 3. And it’s shaping up to be a strong report. Analysts are forecasting $0.64 EPS on $164.3 million in revenue, representing 93.9% annual earnings growth and 31.8% annual sales growth.

Then again, analysts have revised the consensus EPS estimate 14.3% higher over the past 90 days. This indicates that analysts are struggling to nail down the company’s profit potential, and that ABIOMED will likely post blowout earnings, as it has for the past three quarters running. So, in the days leading up to its next earnings announcement, I recommend that you add this Moderately Aggressive stock up to $324 per share.

SOM Technicals:

3-30-18: Closed at 290.99. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. On the 25×5 moving average as support. The next target up is 323.10.

4-7-18: Closed at 286.22. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are neutral. the Next target up is 323.10

4-14-18: Closed at 297.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 323.10.

4-21-18: Closed at 305.92. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 323.10.

4-27-18: Closed at 300.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 323.10.

5-5-18: Closed at 349.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. the next target up is 359.38. 

5-11-18: Closed at 372.70. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 412.00.

5-19-18: Closed at 384.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 412.

The Boeing Company

After just one month on the Buy List, The Boeing Company (BA) has already skyrocketed to the Top 5 list. Boeing is a premier aerospace company and manufacturer of commercial jetliners, along with defense, space and security systems. It is best known for its commercial aircraft, including the 737, which is a favorite of domestic airlines like Southwest, United Airlines and American Airlines. Boeing also has a strong international presence, with customers in 150 countries. And it seems like every week Boeing wins another big order for its airplanes and helicopters.

So it’s no surprise that Boeing released strong first-quarter results this past week. During the first quarter, Boeing made 184 commercial deliveries and its backlog increased to $486 billion, including more than 5,800 commercial airplanes. As a result, first-quarter revenues rose 6% year-over-year to $23.38 billion, compared with $21.96 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts were expecting sales of $22.24 billion.

First-quarter earnings from operations jumped 30% year-over-year to $2.88 billion, while net earnings soared 57% year-over-year to $2.48 billion. Core earnings per share surged 68% year-over-year to $3.64, up from $2.17 in the first quarter of 2017. The consensus estimate was for earnings of $2.58 per share, so Boeing posted a stunning 41.1% earnings surprise.

Looking forward to fiscal year 2018, Boeing maintained its current sales outlook and updated its core earnings forecast. The company still expects full-year sales between $96 billion and $98 billion, or 2.8% to 4.9% annual sales growth. Full-year core earnings per share are now expected to be between $14.30 and $14.50, up from previous guidance of $13.80 to $14.00. Overall, Wall Street cheered the better-than-expected first-quarter report and increased full-year guidance.

Along with its strong earnings prospects, Boeing also offers a 2.0% annual dividend yield. And Boeing should announce its next quarterly dividend any day now. In the meantime, continue adding this Moderately Aggressive stock up to $369 per share.

SOM Technicals:

4-27-18: Closed at 340.00. Trade pressures are up but declining to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. Holding at the 25×5 support of 331.00.

5-5-18: Closed at 334.43. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now bullish. The next long entry is 345.83.

5-11-18: Closed at 342.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes have closed as neutral. The next target up is 371.60.

5-19-18: Closed at 351.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 371.60.

S&P Global Inc.

S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) continues its winning streak on the Top 5 list, returning for the third-consecutive month. As a refresher, S&P Global provides intelligence, data and analytics, enabling business leaders around the world to make more informed decisions. With multiple divisions, including S&P Market Intelligence, S&P Global Ratings, S&P Dow Jones Indices and S&P Global Platts, the company has evolved into the leading provider of credit ratings, and is relied on by countless financial professionals for its data and custom indices.

The past few weeks have been a busy time for S&P Global Inc. First, the company announced that it had completed its acquisition of Kensho Technologies, Inc. Kensho provides global banks and financial institutions with analytics, artificial intelligence, data visualization systems and machine learning. S&P Global purchased Kensho for $550 million, which was the largest acquisition price for an artificial intelligence company so far. The acquisition is expected to be profitable in 2019 and should broaden S&P Global’s already impressive portfolio of offerings.

Then, on Thursday, S&P Global announced first-quarter results that beat analysts’ expectations. Compared with the year ago quarter, earnings increased 24% to $509 million, or $2.00 per share. Meanwhile, sales rose 8% year-on-year to $1.57 billion. Analysts called for $1.97 EPS on $1.53 billion in revenue, so S&P Global Inc. posted a 1.5% earnings surprise and a 2.6% sales surprise.

The company also reaffirmed its full-year adjusted earnings guidance. S&P Global expects adjusted earnings per share to range between $8.45 and $8.60. This is in line with the Street view and represents between 22.6% and 24.8% annual earnings growth.

I must also mention that S&P Global has a long history of rewarding shareholders, having paid a consistent quarterly dividend for nearly 38 years. At current prices, SPGI has a 1.1% annual dividend yield; the company should announce its next quarterly dividend in the coming days. So if you haven’t already, I recommend that you buy this Conservative stock up to $200 per share.

SOM Technicals:

2-25-18: Closed at 191.67. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 203.26.

3-2-18: Closed at 189.02. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 203.26.

3-11-18: Closed at 194.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 203.26.

3-17-18: Closed at 192.51. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. Support is the 25×5 at 189.

3-23-18: Closed at 186.49. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. Has just broken the 25×5 support. The next target down is 185.18, then 177.41.

3-30-18: Closed at 191.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. Consolidating at the 185 target.

4-7-18: Close at 189.74. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. Consolidating at the 185 downside target.

4-14-18: Closed at 190.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. Need a close above the downtrend resistance line at 196.38.

4-21-18: Closed at 192.96. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are now bearish. Support at 190.67.

4-27-18: Closed at 187.07. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is the 177.41 level.

5-5-18: Closed at 192.17. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now bullish. A new long entry at 192.04.

5-11-18: Closed at 199.99. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 204.16.

5-19-18: Closed at 197.92. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are now neutral. the next target up is 204.16

XPO Logistics Corp.

XPO Logistics Corp. (XPO) is a leading global logistics company that helps customers manage their goods more efficiently throughout their supply chains. Through its two reporting segments—Transportation and Logistics—XPO Logistics helps over 50,000 customers improve their productivity and lower costs.

Lately, XPO Logistics has been on a roll with its product expansions and updates. First, it is in the process of expanding its Drive XPO mobile technology to Europe. Drive XPO is a mobile app that gives carriers visibility across transportation modes and carrier operations are integrated with daily productivity tools. After successfully launching Drive XPO in the U.S., XPO Logistics is taking the app abroad.

And, a few weeks ago, XPO Logistics unveiled cloud-based software that enables transportation companies to track truck and rail freight in real-time. XPO Connect software will provide tracking data to better determine capacity, spot rates and load assignments. The goal of the new software is to create more efficiency in supply chains and reduce cargo jams in warehouses. XPO Logistics’ management noted that 50 merchants and 500 carriers tested XPO Connect.

In our more digital world, more and more clients want real-time information about their shipments. Consumers already have real-time tracking for their personal packages, so it’s not surprising that shipping companies want the same real-time tracking for their trucks and freight. And XPO Connect is one of the few software products out there to provide this type of data tracking.

More and more companies are turning to XPO for supply chain solutions, and this is making a big impact on the company’s bottom line. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait long until its next earnings report; XPO is scheduled to release first-quarter results on Wednesday, May 2. The Street view is for $0.51 EPS on $3.92 billion in revenue. Compared with the year ago quarter, this represents 70% earnings growth and 10.7% sales growth. I expect XPO to do even better, especially considering the company’s long-running track record of earnings surprises. So before May 2, I recommend that you pick up shares of this Moderately Aggressive stock up to $105.

SOM Technicals:

3-30-18: Closed at 101.81. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 109.37.

4-7-18: Closed at 96.26. Trade pressures are in the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 109.37.

4-14-18: Closed at 99.40. Trade pressures are still neutral. Volumes are bullish to neutral. The next target up is 109.37.

4-21-18: Closed at 104.44. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. Touched the 109.37 target and now pulling back. Support at 101.24.

4-27-18: Closed at 98.10. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is the 92.55.

5-5-18: Closed at 101.24. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now bullish. After reaching the 109.37 target pulled back to 91.64. The 109.37 is the next target up.

5-11-18: Closed at 109.07. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. the next target up is 119.00.

5-19-18: Closed at 109.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 119.00

Market Pressures_

Copper has reached the profit target and is in retracement. Gold is in a new long move up. Silver has also broken to the upside.

Crude came close to the upside target but now looks to be in a retracement move down. Natural Gas is quiet.

The Us 30 year T-Bonds are selling down in  response to the rates rising.

The US Dollar is show steady strength.

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S&P 500 Futures_

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662. level. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes closed the month Of March as neutral. The next target down is 2304. A close above the old high of 2883 would confirm a weekly move higher.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 short confirmation. Trade pressures are down but turning up into the neutral zone. The next target down is 2569. A close above the 2796 would confirm a daily move higher.

Daily – Flat. Still in the move up from the 2615 long entry level. The move was stopped at the expected resistance levels and the upside 2718 profit target. Trade pressures are up, but turning down. Volumes are now bearish.

A close below 2658 would signal a retracement inside this move up. If so, the next target down is the prior downside target of 2590.

The Navellier Research stock picks are reporting earnings these next weeks and are showing early earnings increases. The Virtual Portfolio of the Navellier Top 5 is up about 8% from the 1st of the calendar year.

Market Pressures_

Copper made a move up but pulled back into the weekend before meeting the first profit target. Gold rallied into the War talk but also retreated before the weekend. Silver is looking higher. No one wants to take the weekend event risk.

Crude rallied to the expected targets. Natural gas is dormant.

The US Treasury bonds made a second move up to the prior target.

The US Dollar futures are in a slow move up. Don’t know the impact of a new Syrian front in this never ending military adventure.

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S&P 500 Futures_

Monthly – In the move down from the 2662 short confirmation level. Trade pressures are up but turned down. Volumes closed the month of March as neutral. The next target down is 2304. A close above 3103 would confirm a weekly move up.

Weekly – In the move down from the 2803 short confirmation level. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 2534. A close above 2786 would confirm a daily move up.

Daily – Flat. In the move up form the 2615 long entry level. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish.

The next target up is 2718.

The 25×5 moving average upside resistance is at 2675. The downtrend resistance line is at 2753. So this confluence of targets and resistance lines is going to be difficult to get thru. But if is is broken to the upside, it will be earnings driven and sustainable.

The next targets down are the prior low at 2552 and the next downside target at 2457.

The Navellier portfolio begins earnings reports this next week.