TheStreet.com Power Stock Rankings

During the week of Nov. 26, TheStreet.com's readers searched for these 10 stocks more than any others. This week, new entrants Countrywide Financial(CFC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), VMWare(VMW - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) and Advanced Micro Devices(AMD - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) join the list as investors seek reasons for their recent price swoons.

As he does every week, research associate Patrick Schultz makes the buy, sell or hold call on each stock in the order of its search popularity.

1. E*Trade Financial(ETFC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr): The key news coming from the online financial services company was the $2.5 billion investment from Citadel. The company was able to divest itself of its $3 billion asset-backed portfolio and got a much-needed $1.6 billion cash infusion. This looks positive for ETFC shares, but a lot more hurdles lie ahead.

Top 10 Most Searched Stocks on TheStreet.com, Dec. 4

Let me emphasize that what is good for Citadel may not be good for current ETFC shareholders. Citadel purchased the asset-backed portfolios at fire sale prices (26 cents on the dollar) and highly diluted the shareholder base. It is very possible that Ken Griffin and company will turn ETFC around, but I think there are easier plays out there. -- SELL

2. Citigroup(C - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr): The financial goliath got a vote of confidence when the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority bought a $7.5 billion stake in the company. This transaction will give a much-needed lift to sentiment on Citi and the rest of the financial sector. I am sticking with this one. -- BUY

3. Countrywide Financial (CFC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr): I have a new name for this company that more accurately reflects the fundamentals and trading: Mine Field Financial. If you enjoy taking your leisurely Sunday walks across a local mine field, then this is the stock for you. -- SELL

4. VMWare (VMW - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr): This stock has been absolutely hammered since the beginning of November, ending the month down more than 30%. The adoption and hype of virtualization is just starting, and I would be a buyer of this stock at these discounted levels. As an added bonus, I would also buy EMC(EMC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), which owns 86% of VMW shares. -- BUY

5. Apple(AAPL - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr): The stock has made a nice run over the past two weeks, and I hope you bought some at the lower levels. At that time, I said Apple should be bought "after being a victim of recent market weakness." Now, I see no reason to pay up. -- HOLD