CKE Restaurants (CKR)
 The company, perhaps best known for its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s concepts, served up its third-quarter earnings yesterday after the bell.

It put up a dime a share, which was in line with expectations. But I think the release lacked punch. For example, its same-store sales at company-operated stores were up 0.9%. Not terrible, but not terrific. I don’t know - I’m not feeling the love with this one right now.

Question: At this point, why wouldn’t I just pony up for McDonald’s (MCD), which just the other day put up a 7.7% global comp increase for the month of November?

Ciena (CIEN)
 What a mess. The Maryland-based equipment company released its fourth-quarter numbers.

It posted an adjusted loss of a dime a share - way below the $0.06 per share profit the Street had been looking for.

The following line from the release really stood out: “At this time, our best estimate is that our fiscal first-quarter 2009 revenue will be in a range of $170 million to $185 million.” And that’s a problem in my book, because the revenue estimate I’m seeing is $190.45 million.

Long story short, I think the stock gets a smacking in today’s session. And no - I have no plans to bottom-fish.

General Motors (GM)
 Real quick update: The House apparently okayed a bailout for the automakers. However, the chatter is that it could be real tough getting this thing through the Senate.

But sooner or later, in spite of all the hand-wringing and grandstanding, I really do believe that a bailout will get done in some form or another - and for better or worse. I don’t think that the Republicans want to be viewed, rightly or wrongly, as the Grinch heading into the holiday season.

Have a great day!