Hello Friends!  Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice!  As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.

Earlier today I wrote about how I sold a portion of my Harris (HRS) at a gain giving me the "permission slip" to add a new position.  So I had a nickel in my pocket waiting to be spent!  Now I know you are going to point out how the Dow is plunging (as I write it is down 360.92 points or a (2.64)% drop), and how the NASDAQ is also dropping (as I write it is down 76.42 points for a (2.70)% decline).  But a nickel is a nickel.  And in almost every market there are stocks that are moving higher for a reason.

Anyhow, that's my excuse :).  Frankly, I just don't have any self-control!

BMC Software (BMC) was making the list of top % gainers on the NYSE. Of course, now it too is not as strong as earlier, and now, just before the close is trading at $34.12, up $.44 or 1.31% on the day.  I went ahead and purchased 210 shares of BMC for my Trading account at $34.38.

I probably should have sat on my hands :).

BMC SOFTWARE (BMC) IS RATED A BUY

Very briefly, yesterday after the close of trading BMC announced 2nd quarter 2008 results.  Earnings for the quarter came in at $78 million or $.39/diluted share, ahead of last year's $58 million or $.28/share last year.  Non-GAAP earnings, taking out special one-time items, were even higher.  Revenue for the quarter came in at $421 million, up 9% over last year's results.  More importantly perhaps, the company beat expectations.  And they also raised guidance. These are all important factors and it is rather impressive that BMC was able to advance at all in such a broad correction as we experienced today.

Longer-term, the Morningstar.com "5-Yr Restated" financials on BMC look strong with especially impressive revenue growth the past four years, increasing earnings, and actually decreasing outstanding shares.  Free cash flow is solidly positive and balance sheet appears strong.

Finally, the "point & figure" chart on BMC from StockCharts.com appears reasonably strong without appearing over-extended.

So maybe I shouldn't have bought anything today.  But then again, just like when I sell a stock I don't really feel like selling when everything is moving higher, if I have a signal to buy, well, I guess I should be buying when I have a signal.  And BMC seemed to fit the bill.  Wish me luck!

Thanks again for dropping by!  If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them on the blog or email me at bobsadviceforstocks@lycos.com.  If you get a chance, be sure and drop by my Covestor Page or visit my SocialPicks Page where all of my picks are reviewed! 

Bob