Best Dividend Stocks To Buy For 2017: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

The Future of Marijuana Policy: Southwest

The southwest is one of the most interesting regions in the U.S. regarding marijuana legalization, with Coloardo providing a great example of successful policy implementation to the rest of the country. Further legalization in the southwest would provide a huge market for cannabis companies and a great platform for growth.

Check out the list of states below that either have pending legislation or a potential 2014 ballot initiative.

Nevada (Recreational): Marijuana advocates are gathering signatures for a petition to legalize recreational marijuana use. The measure requires 102,000 signatures, and if met, would send the bill to the legislature in 2015. If the initiative does not get two-thirds of lawmakers to vote in favor, then it would be passed on to the voters in 2016, where it is projected to get broad support.

Outside of the current legislative realm, Stephen Frye (D), a long time marijuana activist, is running for Governor. Dr.Frye, a former professor at the UNR School of medicine, wrote the book "Monumental Fiasco: Our Drug War," which cites 25 reasons to bring the war on drugs to an end. Frye claims that marijuana is "the safest recreational, over-the-counter or prescription drug in history," and has made it quite clear that if elected, recreational legalization is on his agenda.

See also: The Future of Marijuana Policy: Northwest

These steps towards legitimate legalization are great, but 420 Investor Alan Brochstein notes that the structure of Nevada's medical marijuana law is basically de facto recreational legalization. "You can lie, and get high." Dr.Reefer, an evaluation center in Las Vegas for prospective medical marijuana patients, advertises a 99% approval rate, with a money-back guarantee for patients that are not approved. For a little more money, Dr.Reefer provides a "No Medical Records Required" approval option.

Nevada has a lot to gain through the legalization of marijuana, including tax revenue and increased tourism. The 420 Investor has heard rumors of a potential tourist complex geared towards marijuana users that could be built in Las Vegas following legalization. The complex is rumored to contain a growth facility, lounge/restaurant, museum, and head shop.

Along with this potential tourist destination, marijuana companies have shown interest in bringing operations to Nevada. Terra Technologies (OTC: TRTC) announced that they've applied for a Nevada license to operate a cannabis business, and if legalization efforts succeed, many industry leaders are expected to follow.

Utah (Medical): Utah Governor Gary Herber (R ) signed Charlee's Law over the weekend, which will allows epileptics trial access to a seizure preventing cannabis oil. The law is named after 6 year Charlee Nelson, who passed away from Batten Disease days after the legislature recognized her on the house floor.

Honorable Mentions:

Arizona (Recreational): There is a ballot initiative hopeful that is actively seeking signatures, but due to the lack of financial backing the minimum signature requirement will most likely not be met. This initiative has a more realistic chance for 2016.

New Mexico (Recreational): A recreational legalization bill was introduced in the state Senate, but further action has been postponed indefinitely.

**This is part two of a five-part series that covers every region of the United States. Check back soon to see the pending legislation/ballot initiatives in the Midwest**

Posted-In: 420 investor arizona cannabis Las Vegas marijuana marijuana reform Nevada UtahNews Emerging Markets Politics Markets General Best of Benzinga

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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sony: All Set for Growth

With the requirement of storage rising, manufacturers of storage media are focused on acquiring a bigger market share. This rise is attributed to the space hungry customers and growth of sales in smart phones, cloud environment and data centers. Sony (SNE) is one company focusing in a bigger bite of the growing storage market and also challenging its various competitors like SanDisk and Samsung on various fronts. Sony has a diverse product portfolio and is also into flash memory storage devices.

Since Sony is manufacturer of various devices and most of these devices need primary or secondary storage. Sony's flash drives and SSD's suffice the requirement of storage in the devices manufactured by Sony, and also as OEM for various other manufacturers. Forward integration of the flash drives and SSD helps Sony to benefit the sales of these storage drives from in house demand.

Sony Mobile is a subsidiary of Sony, it manufactures Smartphones and this has helped growth sales of storage drives manufactured by Sony. The company is also in no doubt for its mobile products and communication (MP&C) growth.

The following factors are driving SSD growth:

New generation Notebooks and Ultrabooks prefer to use SSD rather than conventions HDD. Price decrease of NAND has made SSDs more affordable and hence leading to higher demand. Big data requirement in data centers is also driving SSD growth. Customer's appetite increasing for storage on their Smartphone and tablets

Financial aspects

The Company recently released its Q3-2013 results. The results recorded growth in the revenue. The results are influenced by increased sale of its smartphones and also Play Station 4 that was launched. The revenue increased by 23.9% ($22,979 million) as compared to year ago quarter. The increase was also mainly due to the favorable impact of foreign currency. Sales increased by 5% year-on-year on constant currency basis.

The company's operating income was $860 million which also recorded a growth. The company recorded significant improvement in Home Entertainment and Sound. The losses in the television segment also decreased. The growth in the income mainly was again due to the improvement in all business segments of Sony and launch of PlayStation-4.

Road ahead

Future of any company is always dependant on its past decision and strategies. In recent years, Sony released various models of premium smartphones which did not have any external storage slots. The integration of storage devices helped Sony increase its margins and boost its own in-house demand.

After its recent success in Smartphone's, Sony further plans to expand its portfolio with more Smartphone's and tablets. This means that there will be higher in house consumption of memory cards at Sony.

With PlayStation 4 already recording many success stories the demand for extended memory storage also helps Sony to boost it sales.

Sony also plans to launch new series of Television. It is focused on the high density TV market and the LED TV market. These products will also help Sony with a brighter future and the journey of 2014 seems to be rosy for Sony.

Competitor

Samsung (SSNLF) provides major competition to Sony to acquire market share for many products that are manufactured by both the companies. The company has also launched its latest Smartphone Samsung S5 on 27-Mar-2015 in Indian market, one of the fastest growing smartphone markets in the world. The price of this phone is targeted to be around $850 will be an important factor to compete against Sony Xperia Z2 which is expected to be on a lower price range with almost same features.

Samsung had posted revenue of $54.95 billion, but the operating profit of $7.7 billion was down by 18% from the previous quarter. This decline in profit is for the first time in last two years. Samsungs's major revenue is from its mobile division which again there was a decline in profit.

Conclusion

Sony is placed well in this market through its product innovations, launch and acquisitions. The company is also trading at an inexpensive trailing P/E multiple and analysts are expecting solid growth going forward. Hence, Sony looks like a good investment if you prefer to go for long.

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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Top 10 High Tech Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top 10 High Tech Companies To Invest In Right Now: Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc., incorporated on August 27, 2003, is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in and owning net-leased healthcare facilities. The Company conducts substantially all of its business through MPT Operating Partnership, L.P. The Company acquires and develops healthcare facilities and leases the facilities to healthcare operating companies under long-term net leases, which require the tenant to bear the costs associated with the property. The Company also makes mortgage loans to healthcare operators collateralized by their real estate assets. In addition, the Company selectively makes loans to certain of its operators through its taxable REIT subsidiaries. In September 2013, Medical Properties Trust Inc completed the acquisition of the real estate of three acute care hospitals operated by IASIS Healthcare LLC.

As of February 18, 2013, the Company's portfolio consists of 82 properties: 69 facilities (of the 74 facilities that the Company owns) are leased to 23 tenants, five are under development, and the remainder are in the form of mortgage loans to three operators. The Company's owned facilities consist of 27 general acute care hospitals, 24 long-term acute care hospitals, 15 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, two medical office buildings, and six wellness centers. The non-owned facilities on which the Company has made mortgage loans consist of three general acute care facilities, two long-term acute care hospitals, and three inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. At December 31, 2012, no one property accounted for more than 5% of the Company's total assets.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had leases with 22 hospital operating companies, eight mortgaged loans, six under development, and one property under re-development cover! ing 82 facilities. Ernest leased 12 of these facilities pursuant to a master lease agreement. The master lease agreement has a 20-year t erm with three five-year extension options and provides for ! an initial rental rate of 9%, with consumer price-indexed increases, limited to a 2% floor and 5% ceiling annually thereafter. At December 31, 2012, these facilities had an average remaining lease term of approximately 19 years. In addition to the master lease, the Company holds a mortgage loan on four facilities owned by affiliates of Ernest.

Affiliates of Prime Healthcare Services, Inc. (Prime) leased 11 facilities pursuant to master lease agreements. The master leases are for 10 years commencing July 3, 2012 and contain two renewal options of five years each. The initial lease rate is generally consistent with the blended average rate of the prior lease agreements. However, the annual escalators, which in the prior leases were limited, have been increased to reflect 100% of CPI increases, along with a 2% minimum floor. The master leases include repurchase options substantially similar to those in the prior leases, including provisions establishing minimum rep urchase prices equal to the Company's total investment. In addition to leases, the Company holds mortgage loans on three facilities owned by affiliates of Prime.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Brad Thomas]
A Bank of America (BOA) downgrade sends Medical Properties Trust (MPW) tumbling. The bank cut the shares to Underperform from Neutral citing the REIT's YTD outperformance relative to the sector overall (it has outpaced healthcare REITs two to one). Put simply, funds from operations "multiple expansion has exceeded fundamental trends." SA contributor Brad Thomas claims MPW is an example of mispriced risk.
[By Eric Volkman]
It was an impressive quarter for Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW ) . In its Q1 report, revenues amounted to $58 million, up 42% from! the $41 ! million in the same period the previous year. Attributable net profit advanced much more strongly, growing 148% to $26 million ($0.18 per diluted share) from Q1 2012's figure of $11 million ($0.08). Funds from operations -- a key metric for real estate investment trusts -- came in at $35 million ($0.25 per diluted share) on a normalized basis, compared with $22 million ($0.18) in the year-ago quarter.
[By Rich Duprey]
Real estate investment trust Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW ) announced yesterday its second-quarter dividend of $0.20 per share, the same rate it's paid since 2008.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-10-high-tech-companies-to-invest-in-right-now.html

Friday, March 28, 2014

King Digital's Debut Overshadows Otherwise Strong Week for IPOs

While King Digital Entertainment(KING) PLC's sluggish start stole the initial-public-offering headlines this week, a handful of other deals suggest demand for newly listed stocks remains strong.

Mascots dressed as characters from King Digital’s Candy Crush Saga. REUTERS

Of the five IPOs to price so far this week, King was the only one missing the moderate first-day gains many market experts see as a sign of a well-run offering.

Private-school operator Nord Anglia Education Inc.(NORD), which debuted for trading alongside King on Wednesday, rose 13% its first day and is up 7.7% on Thursday.

Biotechnology startup Applied Genetic Technologies Corp.(AGTC), which started trading this morning, was up 20% as of mid-afternoon. Square 1 Financial Inc.(SQBK), an operator of commercial banks focused on serving venture-capital and private-equity firms, jumped 12%. Human-resources outsourcing business TriNet Group Inc.(TNET) climbed 19%

To some bankers and fund managers, a first-day gain of around 10% to 20% suggests bankers struck a good balance in getting the company (and, sometimes, existing shareholders) a good price while leaving some meat on the bone for fund managers buying shares in the deal.

5 Best Promising Stocks To Invest In Right Now

King, by contrast, slumped 16% Wednesday for the biggest opening-day slide of the year. Its slide continued Thursday, with shares off 2.2% in mid-afternoon trading.

Including the deals that are already out the door, 11 U.S.-listed IPOs are slated to price this week, the second-highest tally for any week this year, according to Dealogic. The week's IPOs expected to raise a combined $2.1 billion, which would mark the second-biggest week for dollar volume in 2014.

Up ahead is the debut of CBS Outdoor Americas Inc.(cbso), a billboard-advertising business that CBS Corp. is spinning off. The company expects the deal to raise about $621 million after Thursday's close.

It's also an active period for sales of stock in already-public companies. Among other deals, Apollo Global Management LLC(APO) and other insiders in Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.(SFM) are offering 15 million shares—a roughly $511 million stake—in the grocer late Thursday.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now

In times of economic hardship, those willing to sell goods at a reduced price may find a great growth opportunity. Over the past years, discount stores such as Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) and Target Corp (TGT) have been able to increase their market share, largely due to a rise in low income consumers. As both firms seem to follow similar roads, including the incursion into the food business and expansion outside the U.S., Target seems to be merely following in Costco�� footsteps.

Global Presence and Membership Fee

Costco operates a membership warehouse club in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Australia. Apart from selling food, fuel and general merchandise, the firm generates large profits from its membership fees. Only consumers willing to pay the annual fee can take advantage of the company�� wholesale prices. Its well-planned business model has landed Costco a narrow economic moat, derived from its loss-leader capabilities in the food and fuel sectors, and its increasing buying power.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: Infinera Corporation(INFN)

Infinera Corporation provides optical networking equipment, software, and services to communications service providers, Internet content providers, cable operators, and subsea network operators worldwide. Its products include digital transport node (DTN) platform that utilizes photonic integrated circuit technology to enable digital processing and management of data with the capability to generate wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) wavelengths and to add, drop, switch, manage, protect, and restore network traffic digitally; line systems that provide the management communications channel between network nodes and allow customers to manage capacity on network; and ATN platform that is used to extend the digital optical network architecture benefits of the DTN platform, and used as standalone WDM access systems. The company also provides IQ Network Operating System, an embedded software operating system that enables customers to simplify and speed up the tasks they perfor m to deliver, differentiate, and manage services; and a set of standards-based network and element management tools and operations support system integration interfaces to manage DTN and ATN platforms. In addition, it offers various product support services, including hardware and software technical support, installation and deployment, spares management, first line maintenance, on-site technical support, product technical training, and extended product warranties. The company?s customers include competitive carriers, multiple system operators, incumbent carriers, research and education/government organizations, and resellers. Infinera Corporation markets and sells its products and related support services primarily through its direct sales force, as well as through distribution or support partners. The company, formerly known as Zepton Networks, was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Alex Planes]
What: Shares of Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN ) , which bottomed out at a nearly 14% loss earlier today, are sitting on a nearly 8% loss as of this writing after the company failed to impress Wall Street with improved guidance despite a double beat on its earnings report last evening.
[By Rick Munarriz]
We can start with Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN ) .�The provider of digital optical networking systems posted an adjusted net loss of $0.06 a share on $124.6 million in revenue. Analysts were holding out for a deficit of $0.07 a share on $119.7 million in revenue.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: EMCOR Group Inc. (EME)

EMCOR Group, Inc. provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services primarily to commercial, industrial, utility, and institutional customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers various electrical and mechanical systems, including electric power transmission and distribution systems, such as power cables, conduits, distribution panels, transformers, generators, uninterruptible power supply systems, and related switch gear and controls; premises electrical and lighting systems, including fixtures and controls; low-voltage systems comprising fire alarms, and security and process control systems; voice and data communications systems, including fiber-optic and low-voltage cabling systems; and roadway and transit lighting and fiber-optic lines. It also provides heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and clean-room process ventilation systems; fire protection systems; plumbing, processing, and piping systems; controls and filtration systems; water and wastewater treatment systems; central plant heating and cooling systems; cranes and rigging; millwrighting; and steel fabrication, erection, and welding systems. In addition, the company offers facilities services comprising industrial maintenance and services; outage services to utilities and industrial plants; commercial and government site-based operations and maintenance; military base operations support; mobile mechanical maintenance and services; floor care and janitorial; landscaping, lot sweeping, and snow removal; facilities and vendor management; call center; building systems installation and support; and technical consulting and diagnostic services. Further, it provides small modification and retrofit projects; retrofit projects; and program development, management, and maintenance services for energy systems. EMCOR Group, Inc. was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Eric Volkman]
EMCOR Group (NYSE: EME ) is growing the old-fashioned way -- with the purchase of outside assets. The company announced�that it will acquire the privately held RepconStrickland, a Texas-based firm it describes as "a leading provider of recurring turnaround and specialty services to the North American refinery and petrochemical markets."
[By Seth Jayson]
When judging a company's prospects, how quickly it turns cash outflows into cash inflows can be just as important as how much profit it's booking in the accounting fantasy world we call "earnings." This is one of the first metrics I check when I'm hunting for the market's best stocks. Today, we'll see how it applies to EMCOR Group (NYSE: EME ) .

Top Low Price Companies To Buy For 2014: Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL)

Hormel Foods Corporation processes, markets, and sells consumer-branded meat and food products. The company operates in five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Specialty Foods, and International & Other. The Grocery Products segment offers shelf-stable food products, including canned luncheon meats, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, stews, chilies, hash, meat spreads, flour and corn tortillas, salsas, and tortilla chips in the retail market. The Refrigerated Foods segment provides branded and unbranded pork and beef products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers. The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment offers branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers. The Specialty Foods segment is involved in the packaging and sale of various sugar and sugar substitute products, salt and pepper products, liquid portion products, dessert mixes, ready-to-drink products, sports nutrition products, g elatin products, and private label canned meats to retail and foodservice customers. This segment also processes, markets, and sells nutritional food products and supplements to hospitals, nursing homes, and other marketers of nutritional products. The International and Other segment manufactures, markets, and sells its products internationally. Hormel Foods Corporation sells its products through sales personnel, as well as through independent brokers and distributors primarily in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, England, Japan, Mexico, Micronesia, the Philippines, and South Korea. The company was formerly known as George A. Hormel & Company and changed its name to Hormel Foods Corporation in January 1995. Hormel Foods Corporation was founded in 1891 and is based in Austin, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Jonathan Yates]
Based in Minnesota, C.H. Robinson Worldwide offers global transportation services. It�is one of the largest holdings of Mairs & Power Growth, an excellent mutual fund that has a fondness for companies in Minnesota. Others include Hormel (NYSE: HRL) and 3M (NYSE: MMM). That is fine company for a medium cap like C.H. Robinson Worldwide to be associated with.
[By Alex Planes]
Lovely Spam, wonderful Spam
Hormel (NYSE: HRL ) first registered the trademark for Spam (a spiced ham in a can, if you've been living under a rock these past few decades) on May 11, 1937. The product has been a big hit for Hormel, particularly on the Pacific Rim -- Hawaiians eat 7 million cans per year, Southeast Asians give Spam gift packs as wedding presents, and a restaurant called the Spam Jam (serving nothing but spam, of course) emerged in the Philippines to capitalize on the national taste. I wonder if the menu at the Spam Jam reads like the dialogue to that Monty Python sketch that launched the term into the cultural zeitgeist. "I'll have Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, baked beans, Spam, Spam, and Spam."
[By Dan Caplinger]
One reason why Shuanghui might have noticed Smithfield came from the pork producer's March quarterly report, when the company topped estimates due largely to the strength of its packaged-meat business. That report had some major shareholders calling for Smithfield to break up its business into multiple parts, separating its more lucrative packaged-meat business from hog production and its international operations. Hormel (NYSE: HRL ) , which focuses primarily on the packaged side of the business, boasted a higher earnings multiple than Smithfield, spurring calls for Smithfield to unlock potential value.
[By Dividends4Life]
Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Hormel Foods Corp. is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: News Corporation(NWS)

News Corporation operates as a diversified media company worldwide. Its Cable Network Programming segment produces and licenses news, business news, sports, general entertainment, and movie programming for distribution through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite operators primarily in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The company?s Filmed Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in entertainment media, as well as produces and licenses television programming worldwide. Its Television segment operates 27 broadcast television stations in the United States. The company?s Direct Broadcast Satellite Television segment distributes programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. Its Publishing segment provides newspapers and information services, such as publishing national newspapers in the United Kingdom, approximately 146 newspape rs in Australia, and a metropolitan and a national newspaper in the United States; book publishing services, including the publishing of English language books worldwide; and integrated marketing services comprising the publishing of free-standing inserts, which are marketing booklets containing coupons, rebates, and other consumer offers, as well as provides in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the United States and Canada. The company also sells advertising, sponsorships, and subscription services on the company?s various digital media properties and outdoor advertising space on various media primarily in Russia and eastern Europe; and provides data systems and professional services that enable teachers to use data to assess student progress and deliver individualized instructions. News Corporation was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By CNNMoney Staff]
News Corp (NWS) shares jumped following quarterly earnings that beat expectations.

Shares of Outerwall Inc. (OUTR), which produces Redbox and Coinstar dispensers, surged 12% on news that the company plans to buy back $350 million worth of stock.
[By Holly LaFon]
A good example of knowing the investment universe would be News Corporation (NWS). Several years ago we had a big position in Liberty Media which itself was a large shareholder of News Corporation, so we studied the company thoroughly. In 2008 News Corp�� shares fell with the decline in the market and the media sector got hit especially hard. We took the opportunity to establish a position in the shares when the price became attractive. As we like to say at the firm, ��t�� almost all about the price.��/p>
[By Julianne Pepitone]
The Times isn't the only newspaper to lose its star tech columnist recently. Last month, news broke that Walt Mossberg will leave his post covering consumer tech at Wall Street Journal. The move comes after the newspaper's parent company News Corp. (NWS) did not renew its contract with AllThingsD, the tech site that Mossberg co-created with Kara Swisher.
[By Lawrence Meyers]
In retrospect, all of these purchases make sense. Would News Corporation (NWS) studio subsidiary 20th Century Fox have made more sense for Indy’s new home? What about Time Warner (TWX) conglomerate�� Warner Bros.? Or maybe Lionsgate Entertainment (LGE)? No, no, and no.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: First Financial Corporation Indiana(THFF)

First Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides various financial services. Its deposit products include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings accounts, time deposits, and certificates of deposit. The company?s loan portfolio comprises commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; residential loans; and consumer loans. It also provides mortgage lending; lease financing; trust account and depositor services; and insurance services, such as property and casualty insurance, surety bonds, employee benefit plans, life insurance, and annuities. The company operates 54 branches in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. First Financial Corporation was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By James E. Brumley]
What do Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:PSEC), Astec Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTE), and First Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:THFF) have in common? Not much, on the surface. In fact, were it not for something very specific to one particular person (me), they'd have nothing in common at all. This week though, THFF, ASTE, and PSEC all have at least one thing in common, and that's the fact that they're all going into my mental/hypothetical portfolio.
[By Doug Hughes]
Doug Hughes: Sure, there is another one. The next one, the symbol would be (THFF). They're in Indiana, a very large bank. First Federal Financial Corporation. Again, their book value is $27.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: Embarr Downs Inc (EMBR)

Embarr Downs, Inc. is a development-stage company. The Company's business is the buying, selling and racing of thoroughbreds that can race in the allowance and stakes levels of thoroughbred racing. The Company intends to acquire 4-6 horses in its claiming division before acquiring horses for its allowance/stakes division. These 4-6 horses will provide the Company with revenue and a foundation to build out a stakes level stable. The Company�� main focus will be acquiring horses that will be capable of racing in stake races throughout the Country. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks IDGlobal Corp (OTCMKTS: IDGC), Embarr Downs Inc (OTCMKTS: EMBR) and SourcingLink.net, Inc (OTCMKTS: SNET) have been getting some extra attention in various investment newsletters or investor alerts lately as at least two of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions or other types of investor relations activities. Of course, there is nothing wrong with properly disclosed promotions or investor relations activities. But just how hot are these two small cap stocks? Here is a closer look and a quick reality check:

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: TFS Financial Corporation(TFSL)

TFS Financial Corporation operates as a holding company for Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland. The company provides retail consumer banking, including mortgage lending, deposit gathering, and other financial services in Ohio and Florida. Its deposit accounts consist of savings accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, certificates of deposit accounts, individual retirement accounts, and other qualified plan accounts. The company also offers residential real estate mortgage loans, home equity loans, lines of credit, residential construction loans, and consumer loans. It operates 39 full-service branches and 8 loan production offices. TFS Financial Corporation, through its subsidiary, Third Capital, Inc. engages in net lease transactions of commercial buildings; maintains minority investments in private equity funds, and provide escrow and settlement services; and reinsures private mortgage insurance on residential mortgage loans. The company w as founded in 1938 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Jim Royal]
The special situation
For those of you following my Special Situations portfolio, Investors Bancorp is in a spot similar to First Financial Northwest (NASDAQ: FFNW ) and TFS Financial (NASDAQ: TFSL ) , both of which are featured substantially in the portfolio. While Investors Bancorp is still only a partially demutualized thrift (like TFS Financial today), it will soon become a fully public institution, like First Financial.

Monday, March 24, 2014

5 Best Cheap Stocks To Watch Right Now

5 Best Cheap Stocks To Watch Right Now: The Travelers Companies Inc.(TRV)

The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides various commercial and personal property and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals primarily in the United States. The company operates in three segments: Business Insurance; Financial, Professional, and International Insurance; and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers property and casualty products and services, such as commercial multi-peril, property, general liability, commercial auto, and workers? compensation insurance. It operates in six groups: Select Accounts, which serves small businesses; Commercial Accounts that serves mid-sized businesses; National Accounts, which serves large companies; Industry-Focused Underwriting that serves targeted industries; Target Risk Underwriting, which serves commercial businesses requiring specialized product underwriting, claims handling, and risk management services; and Special ized Distribution that offers products to customers through licensed wholesale, general, and program agents. The Financial, Professional, and International Insurance segment provides surety and financial liability coverage, which uses a credit-based underwriting process; and property and casualty products primarily in the United States., the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals. It distributes its products through independent agents, sponsoring organizations, joint marketing arrangements with other insurers, and direct marketing. The company was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Dividends4Life]
Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I ! consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description: 1. Avg. High Yield Price 2. 20-Year DCF Price 3. Avg. P/E Price 4. Graham Number CINF is trading at a discount to only 3.) above. The stock is trading at a 36.8% premium to its calculated fair value of $34.96. CINF did not earn any Stars in this section. Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description: 1. Free Cash Flow Payout 2. Debt To Total Capital 3. Key Metrics 4. Dividend Growth Rate 5. Years of Div. Growth 6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% CINF earned two Stars in this section for 1.) and 2.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1954 and has increased its dividend payments for 54 consecutive years. Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description: 1. NPV MMA Diff. 2. Years to > MMA The NPV MMA Diff. of the $62 is below the $500 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as CINF has. If CINF grows its dividend at 1.2% per year, it will take 5 years to equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 3.68%. Memberships and Peers: CINF is a member of the S&P 500, a Dividend Aristocrat, a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index and a Divid
[By Jon C. Ogg]
Travelers Companies Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is down! by 8.2% ! year to date, and it is down 10% from its 52-week high and all-time high of $91.68. What is almost funny here is that most investors never even think about Travelers as a DJIA component. It is considered the forgotten DJIA stock, and its market cap is only $29 billion. Trading at $82.60, the consensus analyst target price of $89.80 implies upside of 8%. And then there is the 2.4% dividend to consider.
[By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of American International Group have dropped 1.7% to $49.67 at 1:19 p.m. today, while American Financial Group (AFG) has, dropped 0.2% to $57.23, HCC Insurance (HCC) is little changed at $45.12, Travelers (TRV) has dipped 0.1% to $83.52 and Chubb (CB) is off 0.1% at $86.58.
[By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of Johnson & Johnson have fallen 1.8% to $93.36 today, helping to contribute to a weaker Dow today. Other big Dow losers include Travelers (TRV), which is off 1.7% at $84.98 and Verizon Communications (VZ), which has dropped 1.6% to $47.56.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/5-best-cheap-stocks-to-watch-right-now.html

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Top 5 Companies To Watch In Right Now

Top 5 Companies To Watch In Right Now: NeurogesX Inc.(NGSX)

NeurogesX, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in developing and commercializing pain management therapies. The company offers Qutenza for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, and for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in non-diabetic adults. It also develops NGX-1998, which has completed Phase 2 clinical study, is a topical liquid formulation of high concentration capsaicin to treat neuropathic pain conditions; and acetaminophen prodrugs that is in preclinical stage for use in acute pain, including traumatic pain, post-surgical pain, and fever. The company was formerly known as Advanced Analgesics, Inc. and changed its name to NeurogesX, Inc. in September 2000. NeurogesX, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Mateo, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By CRWE]
Today, NGSX remains (0.00%) +0.000 at $.0054 thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 11:59AM EDT July 18, 2013).

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. previously reported it has acquired two neuropathic pain management assets from NeurogesX, Inc. (OTCBB: NGSX). Qutenza® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. The Company also acquired NP-1998, a Phase 3 ready, prescription strength capsaicin topical solution, being assessed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. NP-1998 was previously referred to as NGX-1998.
[By CRWE]
Today, NGSX has shed (-6.67%) down -0.0005 at $.0070 with 29,206 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 10:44AM EDT July 17, 2013), but don't let this get you down.

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. previously reported it has acquired two neuropathic pain management assets from NeurogesX, Inc. (OTCBB: NGSX). Qutenza® is approved by the U.S. Food! and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. The Company also acquired NP-1998, a Phase 3 ready, prescription strength capsaicin topical solution, being assessed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. NP-1998 was previously referred to as NGX-1998.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-companies-to-watch-in-right-now.html

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Data Points to Strong Wage Boost, Support for Fed Policy: Merrill

Growth in employment and compensation could influence the Federal Reserve’s next move, according to a Merrill Lynch research report.

Unexplained rise in withheld taxes after adjusting for special factors. Source: BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research. A report released Wednesday by Merrill Lynch says the latest federal withholding tax figures suggest wages and salaries “have increased substantially” over the past few months, and these numbers “could influence” the Federal Reserve’s short-term policies.

“The surge in wage income should bring comfort to the Fed in removing accommodation and helps our short-duration bias,” rates strategists Marcus Huie and Priya Misra of Bank of America-Merrill Lynch explained. “If the data is primarily driven by employment increases, then the unemployment rate could see further substantial declines ahead. If instead it is due at least in part to wage inflation, there could be a concern over the approach of NAIRU.”

(NAIRU, the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment, refers to a level of unemployment below which inflation rises.)

The Merrill experts say that wage and salary increases can indicate either a jump in in the numbers of employed persons or a rise in cash compensation. “So far, the evidence from the February employment report appears to suggest more of the former,” the report said.

The latest withholding-tax information is significant, because it provides a timely snapshot of nationwide payroll volumes. This data, though, tends to fluctuate both during the week and over the month.

In their work, BofA-Merrill researchers use regression analysis to correct for these systematic fluctuations and other special factors. (See chart.)

“Recent data has shown that withheld taxes are running about $30 billion per month over the trend, as compared to Q4 2013 when withheld taxes ran close to trend,” they stated. The upsurge, which began in December, was interrupted in January and February — most likely due to the cold weather — and then “resumed its strong performance in the last several weeks.”

How is the Fed likely to interpret the latest withholding-tax figures, and is it focusing more on wage and salary increases or a rise in cash compensation?

“At the margin, the Fed might be more sensitive to wage-inflation pressures,” Huie and Misra noted. However, data set to be released in the next few month — on wages and salaries, nonfarm payroll and average hourly earning — should shed light on which of the two scenarios is most significant, they add.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Fed changes guidance on raising rates

As Janet Yellen led her first press conference as Chair of the Federal Reserve, the Fed gave new guidance Wednesday about when it will raise short-term interest rates, sparking a modest selloff on Wall Street.

The Fed said it would no longer use a threshold of a 6.5% unemployment rate before it would start to raise short-term interest rates, instead using a combination of employment and inflation indicators.

The Fed also said it would wind down its economic stimulus as expected, saying it will trim its monthly bond purchases by another $10 billion to $55 billion despite recent weakness in the U.S. economy and global turmoil.

"The Fed and Yellen delivered exactly what was expected: Continued the taper, kept short-term rate hikes on hold, tweaked the language of the statement a bit," says Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com.

The Fed's statement said that rates could remain low for "a considerable time" after its bond purchases end. When asked, Yellen said "a considerable time" was about six months, which sparked a brief market selloff.

Economists expressed surprise that Wall Street would react negatively to the Fed's new guidance. "That still puts us in mid-2015, which isn't much of a surprise," says John Lonski, team managing director at Moody's Analytics.

The central bank downgraded its economic outlook slightly following bad weather that has crimped first-quarter growth, but policymakers also expect a more rapid decline in the unemployment rate.

MARKETS: Stocks dive after Fed policy moves

FIRST TAKE: Fed will still keep rates low a long time

The Fed expects economic growth of 2.8% to 3% this year, down from its December projection of 2.8% to 3.2%. It also slightly lowered its growth forecast for 2015 to 3% to 3.2%.

The unemployment rate, now 6.7%, is projected to fall to 6.1% to 6.3% by year's end. The Fed's previous year-end forecast was 6.3% to 6.6%, but the rate has been dropping much faster than expected.

The Fed! said the change in its guidance on interest rates "does not indicate any change in policy." Fed policymakers still expects to keep interest rates to stay near zero until 2015 after driving them down to that level during the 2008 financial crisis.

FULL TEXT: Federal Reserve's statement

In its statement, the Fed said it "will assess progress—both realized and expected—toward its objectives of maximum employment and 2% inflation." Inflation has been running well below the Fed's 2% target.

"This assessment will take into account a wide range of information, including measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial developments," the Fed added.

Minnesota Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota dissented from the statement, suggesting that the removal of the unemployment threshold "weakens the credibility" of the Fed's commitment to increase economic growth and inflation. Kocherlakota, one of the Fed's more pro-growth policymakers, has called for lowering the threshold to 5.5%.

With today's action on its purchases of treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities, the central bank has now cut the bond-buying by $10 billion a month at three consecutive meetings since December, lowering the purchases from $85 billion monthly. It is expected to end entirely by the end of the year, barring any setbacks for the economy.

The program is aimed at holding down long-term interest rates and spurring economic and job growth.

Since the Fed began the purchases in September 2012, the unemployment rate has fallen from 8.1%. Although job growth slowed markedly in December and January from a monthly pace of 200,000-plus last fall, payroll gains improved to 175,000 in February.

Despite the markets' brief tantrum over her definition of a "considerable period," experts gave Yellen generally good marks on her first press conference. "Yellen has a lot of experience handling herself with the press, and she's ! doing a g! ood job explaining what the issues are," says Krishna Memani, chief investment officer of OppenheimerFunds.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Bloomberg Media seeks broader audience with new…

Bloomberg L.P., the financial data and news empire controlled by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, laid out Wednesday its expansion strategy under new media group chief Justin Smith, targeting a broader audience with new topic-specific websites, international licensing of its magazines and more video.

In a blog post, Smith, who came on board last year as CEO of Bloomberg Media Group, said his unit needs to maximize "a series of unique corporate advantages," including a business model that doesn't rely on advertising. "Bloomberg Media's greatest potential has yet to still be realized," he wrote. "As our traditional competitors buckle under their own legacy weight, we are unencumbered."

While it employs more than 2,400 journalists, nearly all of its revenue -- about $8.3 billion in 2013 -- comes from selling data-rich desktop terminals to time-sensitive finance professionals. "Seizing this opportunity will require long-term investment and a large appetite for transformation, risk, as well as a tolerance for intermittent failure," wrote Smith, who gained his digital-media guru reputation at Atlantic Media.

Justin Smith became CEO of Bloomberg Media Group in 2013, overseeing magazines, digital media properties and the TV network.(Photo: Dave Cross)

Smith covets an audience beyond the narrow and elite corridors of the finance industry, and broadening access to its vast library of content to new readers is a top priority. Bloomberg bought BusinessWeek in 2009 to tiptoe into a more mainstream segment of the business journalism market, and its efforts at resuscitating the struggling magazine have won plaudits from media critics. "We must go further by decisively shifting our focus to global business in order to att! ract and engage an even broader audience of business decision makers," Smith wrote.

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Among its plans:

* New websites. It will launch sites that will focus on specific topics to "go bolder and deeper" in coverage and signal "to consumers outside of finance that Bloomberg has the media products for them." He didn't identify the topics.

Casual business story readers now access Bloomberg's stories through Bloomberg.com and Businessweek.com, but Bloomberg needs to do a better job differentiating the two brands, Smith said.

* Video and TV programming. Bloomberg will invest in producing more business video content. Segments from Bloomberg TV, its cable network that trails competitors in ratings, will be integrated more broadly onto its websites.

* Licensing magazines. Its print magazines will be licensed abroad more aggressively, Smith said. Bloomberg Markets, which publishes stories about financial markets, will expand its "editorial focus" to a wider financial professional audience, he said.

Bloomberg Pursuits, a quarterly magazine about luxury spending, will increase the number of print issues. It didn't specify the target number. Its brand and stories will be featured on TV and at events.

* More radio stations. Bloomberg currently offers radio coverage in New York and Boston and plans to launch in more cities. It didn't specify target markets.

* Design. Bloomberg Businessweek's assertive design sensibilities will be applied to other magazines and websites.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Top 5 Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Top 5 Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Apple Inc.(AAPL)

Apple Inc., together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, as well as sells related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications worldwide. The company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers, and value-added resellers. In addition, it sells third-party Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and peripherals through its online and retail stores; and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. The company sells its products to consumer, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, government, and creative markets. As of September 25, 2010, it had 317 retail stores, including 233 stores in the United States and 84 stores internationally. The company, formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc., was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Rahul Chattaraj]
The mighty Apple (AAPL) has greatly reaped benefits from its epic innovation –iPhone. Smartphones have been around us in various forms since early 2000. But, right from its introduction in 2007, till the present day Apple has made millions by revolutionizing the smartphone experience, the latest and the greatest contribution being made by the iPhone 5S.
[By Andrew Tonner]
On the surface this seems slightly absurd. How could a market that began less than five years ago with Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL ) introduction of the iPad in 2010 be approaching mass-market saturation? Fast forward to toda! y and both Apple and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) have carved out dominant portions of what's now become a truly global market.
[By Tim Beyers, Nathan Alderman, and Ellen Bowman]
Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) wants Android in everything. Will Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) respond with iOS-powered scarves? Who stands to profit more from the release of the highly anticipated Xbox One game, Titanfall? And does Lady Sif's ratings-boosting appearance on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. mean we'll see more Asgardians soon? Ellen Bowman, Nathan Alderman, and Tim Beyers have these stories and more in this week's episode of 1-Up on Wall Street!

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-blue-chip-stocks-to-invest-in-right-now.html

Monday, March 17, 2014

Top Cheapest Stocks To Own Right Now

Top Cheapest Stocks To Own Right Now: Corewafer Industries Inc (WAFR)

COREwafer Industries, Inc., formerly Action Products International, incorporated on January 7, 1981, is a holding company that acquires or merges with companies with growth opportunity. The company's business model is to bring together companies that deliver complimentary technology and services. The Company's products and services include Logistics & Transportation and Software & Technology.

Logistics & Transportation

Northeast Expedite Logistics, LLC (NEEL) is a provider of global logistics services, which includes a domestic service center and exclusive and non-exclusive agents. The Company's customers include retail and wholesale, electronics, and manufacturing companies around the world. With industrial production increasing year-over-year, the shortage of qualified drivers and trusted shipping partners is apparent in mid-markets for local deliveries. As the economy improves, orders for delivery and logistics. The Company provide founda tional shipping and coordination services between suppliers and destination businesses and warehouses, and the Company operate efficiently through cloud based tracking.

Software & Technology

The Company has a particular focus within technology on semiconductor testing. To enable success of its software and technology vertical, the Company acquired Core Wafer Systems, Inc. Core Wafer Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation, creates software, software algorithms, and hardware that are used in the testing and data mining of the commonly used semiconductor components. Core Wafer ensures these components, created by semiconductor manufacturers, leave the factory in a working state after having been tested. Core Wafer helps ensure that products are manufactured within specification and won't suddenly fail for the end consumer. The Company is working to i! ntegrate the operations and financial records of Core Wafer with those of the Company.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks COREwafer Industries Inc (OTCMKTS: WAFR), DC Brands International, Inc (OTCMKTS: HRDN) and PV Enterprises International (OTCMKTS: PVEC) surged 82.86%, 33.33% and 25%, respectively, last Friday – meaning investors or traders got a nice Christmas present. Moreover, these small cap stocks have been the subject of minimal paid stock promotions. But will these three small cap stocks continue to deliver a good performance into and after the holidays? Here is a quick reality check before you get overly excited:
[By Peter Graham]
Nyxio Technologies Corp (OTCMKTS: NYXO), COREwafer Industries Inc (OTCMKTS: WAFR) and NanoTech Entertainment, Inc (OTCMKTS: NTEK) are three small cap stocks in some very diverse industries. In fact, one of these stocks just bought a 3D ice sculpture business. So will investors see their investment melt with that small cap stock along with the other two? Here is a closer look to help you decide for yourself:

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-cheapest-stocks-to-own-right-now-2.html

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Keurig Green Mountain Going Global?

Keurig Green Mountain Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) announced Friday morning that it has "updated" its agreement with Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX), eliminating Starbucks' exclusive deal to offer super-premium coffee in the K-Cups used by the company's Keurig brewing system. In exchange, Starbucks will get "improved business terms, including significantly expanded Starbucks K-Cup pack and variety types."

Shortly after that announcement, Keurig revealed a new multi-year manufacturing an distribution agreement for Peet's-branded coffee and tea in K-Cup packs. Peet's currently sells its single-cup offerings in more than 12,000 U.S. stores.

But what's most interesting about the deal is that Peet's is owned by German consumer products giant Joh. A. Benckiser (JAB). The German firm paid $1 billion for Peet's in July of 2012, but also owns D.E. Master Blenders 1753 and Caribou Coffee. D.E. Master Blenders 1753 makes single-serving pads for Nestle's Nespresso machines.

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It's not a big stretch to think that if K-Cup sales go well in the U.S., JAB may strike a deal with Keurig for the much larger D.E. Master Blenders 1753 to package and distribute K-Cups in the 44 countries that the Netherlands-based beverage company services. D.E. Master Blenders 1753 is considerably smaller than Starbucks, but privately held JAB owns an 80% interest in cosmetics firm Coty Inc. and a number of other consumer brands. The company has deep pockets and the $11 billion or so it spent on acquiring its coffee businesses indicates that it is not fooling around here. JAB can definitely play in the big leagues.

Keurig's shares are up about 7.6% in late afternoon trading at $114.28 in a 52-week range of $52.58 to $124.42.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Top Chemical Stocks To Own Right Now

Top Chemical Stocks To Own Right Now: MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation (MX)

MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation designs and manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products for high-volume consumer applications. It operates in three segments: Display Solutions, Power Solutions, and Semiconductor Manufacturing Services. The Display Solutions segment offers source and gate drivers, and timing controllers that cover a range of flat panel displays used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), 3D and organic light emitting diode televisions and displays, notebooks, and mobile communications and entertainment devices. The Power Solutions segment develop, manufactures, and markets power management solutions, including metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, power modules, analog switches, LED drivers, DC-DC converters, voice coil motor drivers, and linear regulators. This segment offers its products for a range of devices, including LCD, LED, 3D televisions, smartphones, mobile phones, desktop PCs, notebooks , tablet PCs, and other consumer electronics, as well as for industrial applications, such as power suppliers, LED lighting, and home appliances. The Semiconductor Manufacturing Services segment manufactures various products comprising display drivers, LED drivers, audio encoding and decoding devices, microcontrollers, touch screen controllers, RF switches, park distance control sensors for automotives, electronic tag memories, and power management semiconductors. This segment offers semiconductor manufacturing services to fabless analog and mixed-signal semiconductor companies. MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation provides its products and services to consumer electronics OEMs, subsystem designers, and contract manufacturers through a direct sales force, as well as through a network of authorized agents and distributors in the United States, Korea, Taiwan, Chin! a, Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Wallace Witkowski]
Shares of MagnaChip Semiconductor Corp. (MX) fell 13% to $12.50 on moderate volume after the company said it incorrectly stated revenue and has to restate its financial statements going back to 2011. Also, the company withdrew its guidance for the fourth quarter.
[By Brian Pacampara]
Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, consumer gadget chip maker MagnaChip Semiconductor (NYSE: MX ) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-chemical-stocks-to-own-right-now-2.html

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Best Cheap Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Best Cheap Stocks To Invest In Right Now: CVS Corporation(CVS)

CVS Caremark Corporation operates as a pharmacy services company in the United States. The company?s Pharmacy Services segment provides a range of pharmacy benefit management services, including mail order pharmacy services, specialty pharmacy services, plan design and administration, formulary management, and claims processing; and drug benefits to eligible beneficiaries under the Federal Government?s Medicare Part D program. This segment primarily serves employers, insurance companies, unions, government employee groups, managed care organizations and other sponsors of health benefit plans, and individuals. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 44 retail specialty pharmacy stores, 18 specialty mail order pharmacies, and 4 mail service pharmacies located in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. This segment operates business under the CVS Caremark Pharmacy Services, Caremark, CVS Caremark, CarePlus CVS/pharmacy, CarePlus, RxAmerica, Accordant, and TheraCom names. The company?s Retail Pharmacy segment sells prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, beauty products and cosmetics, seasonal merchandise, greeting cards, and convenience foods through its pharmacy retail stores and online, as well as offers film and photo finishing, and health care services. This segment operated 7,182 retail drugstores located in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia; and 560 retail health care clinics in 26 states and the District of Columbia under the MinuteClinic name. It has a strategic alliance with Alere, L.L.C. for the management of disease management program offerings that cover chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. CVS Caremark Corporation was founded in 1892 and is based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Bloomberg]
Matthew Staver/Bloomberg via Getty Images Cerberus Capital Management's $9 billion deal to merge Safeway (SWY) with Albertsons is a bet that a larger supermarket chain can better fend off an attack on the grocery business by big-box stores and online retailers. Safeway, the No. 2 grocery-store operator in the U.S., agreed Thursday to be acquired by Cerberus's Albertsons for about $40 a share. The deal will unite two chains with locations across the country -- especially in the West -- and narrow Kroger's (KR) lead as the nation's top supermarket company. Cerberus, a private-equity firm that has spent years investing in the supermarket industry, will use the new company's heft to combat a growing array of threats. Big-box retailers such as Walmart Stores (WMT) and warehouse clubs are increasingly targeting grocery customers, using their size and breadth of products to attract shoppers. Online food sellers and delivery services, including Amazon.com (AMZN), also have made neighborhood supermarkets less essential than before. "This merger will improve our competitive position," Safeway Chief Executive Officer Robert Edwards, who will be in charge of the combined company, said Thursday on a conference call. "Our customers will benefit from significant cost saving synergies and a stronger management team." Safeway shares fell as much as 6.3 percent to $37 in extended trading, reflecting concerns the deal may not close at the current price. The shares had increased 21 percent this year through the close of regular trading Thursday, outpacing the 1.6 percent gain of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Blackhawk Network As part of the agreement, investors will get $32.50 a share in cash, plus stock in Safeway's gift-card unit Blackhawk Network Holdings (HAWK), according to a statement Thursday. Safeway, based in Pleasanton, Calif., had said last month that it was in talks about a sale of the company. Assuming a diluted share count of about 235 million shares,

[By GURUFOCUS] Health! care stocks in the Fund had a strong fourth quarter and year. CVS (CVS)'s 26% performance for the quarter is reflective of the fact that 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and will for the next 15 years. Businesses that are able to serve this growing segment with improving service, innovation, technology, product quality and value should continue to win.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-cheap-stocks-to-invest-in-right-now-2.html

Posted by Zhong Kuizhen at 12:32 PM No comments:
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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Netflix (NFLX) Overtakes YouTube

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Netflix (NFLX) surpassed Google's (GOOG) YouTube as the top online video service for the first time in three years.

According to a survey of 1,000 online users done by RBC Capital Markets, 44% used Netflix to watch television programs and movies, compared to 43% for YouTube. Last year the numbers were 37% and 40% in favor of YouTube.

Must Read: Warren Buffett's 10 Favorite Stocks
STOCKS TO BUY: TheStreet Quant Ratings has identified a handful of stocks that can potentially TRIPLE in the next 12 months. Learn more.
Streaming service competitor Hulu was a distant third at 27%, down from 28% last year. Amazon Plus (AMZN), while coming in fourth with 22%, saw an increase from last year's 15% mark.

In conjunction with a larger market share in the U.S., RBC's U.K. survey -- which polled 1,500 users -- shows that the video streaming service continues to be popular across the pond. Some 22% of respondents are using the service, compared to 15% for U.K. competitor LOVEFilm.

In the report published Sunday, RBC's Mark Mahaney had high hopes for the future of Netflix, saying "Our key survey findings support the conclusion that Netflix offers an increasingly compelling consumer value proposition in the U.S."

"We continue to believe that Netflix has achieved (a) level of sustainable scale, growth, and profitability that isn't currently factored into its stock price. Netflix is on track to become an Internet video utility."

Netflix closed Monday's trading session down 1.88% at $439.95, but is up 0.10% in after-hours trading.

----------

Seperately, TheStreet Ratings team rates NETFLIX INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate NETFLIX INC (NFLX) a BUY. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income and expanding profit margins. Although no company is perfect, currently we do not see any significant weaknesses which are likely to detract from the generally positive outlook." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 8.3%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 24.3%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. Powered by its strong earnings growth of 507.69% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 146.26% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Turning to the future, naturally, any stock can fall in a major bear market. However, in almost any other environment, the stock should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed nice gains in the past year. NETFLIX INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past year. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, NETFLIX INC increased its bottom line by earning $1.85 versus $0.29 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.09 versus $1.85). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Internet & Catalog Retail industry. The net income increased by 513.1% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $7.90 million to $48.42 million. The gross profit margin for NETFLIX INC is currently very high, coming in at 82.25%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 4.12% is above that of the industry average. You can view the full analysis from the report here: NFLX Ratings Report STOCKS TO BUY: TheStreet Quant Ratings has identified a handful of stocks that can potentially TRIPLE in the next 12 months. Learn more.
Stock quotes in this article: NFLX, GOOG, AMZN

Posted by Zhong Kuizhen at 4:05 PM No comments:
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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Top 5 International Stocks For 2015

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of RealD (NYSE: RLD  ) plunged for real today, down by 17% at the low, after the company announced disappointing box office sales for June.

So what: The company said that box office sales in June for RealD-enabled screens was approximately $291 million, of which $158 million was domestic and $133 million was international. Revenue for the fiscal quarter should be around $838 million, of which $431 million was domestic and $407 million was international.

Now what: The June sales were down sequentially from $345 million in May, which bodes poorly considering how important the summer is for Hollywood. Consumer interest in 3-D movies may be waning, as consumers may be becoming pickier about what they watch in the format since the prices are higher. RealD received a handful of analyst downgrades today following the figures.
Top 5 International Stocks For 2015: Clicksoftware Technologies Ltd (CKSW)

ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd. (ClickSoftware), incorporated in 1979, is a provider of software products and solutions for workforce management and optimization for the service sector. The Company derives revenues from the licensing of its software products and the provision of consulting and support services. It also generates revenues from Cloud-based solutions. under software as a service (SaaS) model. ClickSoftware�� solutions are grouped into four main suites which together comprise its Service Optimization Suite: Field Service Daily Suite, Mobility Suite, Roster (Shift Planning) Suite and Forecasting and Planning Suite. Additionally, it offers variations of its products for certain vertical markets, including Mid-Market Package - Installation, Maintenance and Repair Services (ClickIMRS) and Service Tycoon. Its products include: ClickSchedule, ClickAnalyze, ClickLocate, ClickContact, ClickRoster, ClickPlan, and ClickForecast. In March 2014, the Company acquired Xora Inc., a cloud-based mobile workforce management.
Field Service Daily Suite covers automatic decision making and optimization support to manage field service operations: commencing from appointment booking and scheduling during the period around the day of service, followed by real time scheduling and optimization during the day of service and culminating with reports and business metrics analytics after the day of service. Roster (Shift Planning) Suite covers shift planning needs for both the manager, as well as the employee to optimize the balance between staffing levels needed for serving customers and managing labor costs, and employee preferences. This suite is offered in several configurations for different industry verticals ranging from police forces to contact centers, and more. Mobility Suite covers the needs of the mobile individual and back-office staff for field data communication, such as sending jobs from the back office to the person�� hand-held device, and the person�� ability to accept/decline the ! job, report on progress and job completion, as well as capturing customers��signatures, or sending the person�� own time sheet to the back office. Geography support, such as travel guidance and information about underground equipment are also covered.
ClickSchedule optimizes service scheduling and routing to improve workforce productivity by balancing customer, service and asset resources, and organizational preferences, including contractual commitments, priority, drive time, skills, and service and asset resources availability. ClickAnalyze provides reporting, monitoring and service business analytics for workforce performance measurement and strategic decision support. It enables analysis of key performance indicators, including resource productivity, operational costs, and responsiveness to customers.
ClickLocate (LBS) captures the location information of a field service engineer and/or his or her vehicle obtained via GPS or other technology and integrates it with ClickSchedule for use in optimized scheduling. LBS then enables service organizations to improve their service operations by allowing them to make decisions and take actions based on location information, including near real-time engineer locations. ClickContact is a customer interaction management solution that enables self-service appointment booking, order updating, automatic customer notifications and customer satisfaction surveying. From scheduling the initial appointment through enabling a post-service follow-up survey, ClickContact provides customer interaction management throughout the service lifecycle.
ClickRoster provides interactive and automated workforce shift planning based on forecasted workload by quantities and skill requirements, rules and regulations, working contracts, engineer skills, calendar and preferences. ClickPlan provides interactive and automated workforce planning for staffing and deployment of the field workforce based on forecasted workload. It is designed ! to enable! service organizations to resolve workforce shortages and surpluses weeks and months in advance. ClickForecast provides field service workload forecasting to enable companies to project workforce capacity. It enables service managers, marketing, and sales to determine the demand levels of customers, and to create multiple forecast scenarios, each with different business assumptions. (ClickIMRS) is a pre-configured package that has been tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized companies. ClickIMRS features pre-configured scheduling and reporting that reduces the expense, time and effort required to custom-design and program schedules and reports. In addition, the ready-to-use reports provide insight into service operations and streamline decision-making on the part of both service management and dispatchers.

ClickSoftware Cloud Services include two Web-based offerings of its complete Service Optimization Suite. ClickCloud offers medium and market enterprise customers an alternative to on-premises deployment of the Service Optimization Suite. ClickCloud also enables a hybrid information technology (IT) model, which is a solution comprised of a mix of Cloud and on-premises deployment ClickExpress offers the customers to be up and running within a relatively short period of time, with its products.
Advisors' Opinion:
[By Evan Niu, CFA]
What: Shares of ClickSoftware (NASDAQ: CKSW  ) have plunged today by as much as 13% after the company warned that second-quarter results would fall short of expectations.

[By Sean Williams]
Optimize your buying
Software companies these days are being judged not just by how many new contracts they gained during the current quarter, but by how well they're prepared to deal with the transition to cloud platforms. Supply-chain and workforce-optimization software developer ClickSoftware Technologies (NASDAQ: CKSW  ) looks well poised to take advantage of these trends and has no business, in my opinion, being anywhere near a 52-week low.

Top 5 International Stocks For 2015: Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings(LH)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as an independent clinical laboratory company in the United States. The company offers a range of testing services used by the medical profession in routine testing, patient diagnosis, and in the monitoring and treatment of disease, as well as specialty testing services. Its routine tests include blood chemistry analyses, urinalyses, blood cell counts, thyroid tests, Pap tests, HIV tests, microbiology cultures and procedures, and alcohol and other substance-abuse tests. The company?s specialty tests and related services comprise viral load measurements, genotyping and phenotyping, and host genetic factors for managing and treating HIV infections; cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic, biochemical, and molecular genetic tests for diagnostic genetics; oncology tests for diagnosing and monitoring certain cancers and treatments; clinical trials testing for pharmaceutical companies, which conducts clinical research trials on diag nostic assays; forensic identity testing used in criminal proceedings and parentage evaluation services, as well as testing services in reconstruction cases; allergy testing; and occupational testing for the detection of drug and alcohol abuse. Its customers include independent physicians and physician groups, hospitals, managed care organizations, governmental agencies, employers, pharmaceutical companies, and other independent clinical laboratories. The company operates a network of 51 primary laboratories and approximately 1,700 patient service centers. In addition, it delivers a co-branded electronic health records Lite solution for physician practices. The company works with university, hospital, and academic institutions, such as Duke University, The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Minnesota, and Yale University to license and commercialize new diagnostic tests. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Burlingto n, North Carolina.
Advisors' Opinion:
[By Monica Wolfe]
Over the past week Chris Davis (Trades, Portfolio) of Davis Selected Advisers added to his holdings in Laboratory Corporation of America (LH).� The guru upped his stake 21.11% by purchasing 1,666,957 shares of the company�� stock.� He bought these shares at an average price of $91.37 per share, and since then the price per share is up about 1% to $92.57 per share.

[By Seth Jayson]
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (NYSE: LH  ) reported earnings on July 19. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

[By Daniel Lauchheimer]
EXAS began their pivotal DeeP-C trial earlier this year, with 10,000 patients enrolled around the USA. Success in this trial formed a pivotal fulcrum for EXAS -- success would mean commercialization, and revenue, but failure means, well failure. In April, EXAS submitted the final module of this trial, and it reported significantly worse results than expected causing the company to sink 40%. Additionally, as reported in a detailed five part series, Seeking Alpha Contributor Alpha Exposure reported on the inflated numbers both in terms of scientific research data and market projections -- yet another reason to give investors pause before they decide to invest in EXAS. Additionally, EXAS has not formed a meaningful partnership with other molecular diagnostic companies. True, it formed a partnership with LabCorp (LH), but this partnership doesn't focus on the heart of EXAS product (and thus provide it with a measure of validation), but on a commercialization post approval.

Top Insurance Stocks For 2015: Travelzoo Inc(TZOO)

Travelzoo Inc., an Internet media company, together with its subsidiaries, publishes travel and entertainment deals from travel and entertainment companies, and local businesses in North America and Europe. Its publications and products include the Travelzoo Websites, such as travelzoo.com, travelzoo.ca, travelzoo.co.uk, travelzoo.de, www.travelzoo.es, and travelzoo.fr; the Travelzoo Top 20 e-mail newsletter; and the Newsflash e-mail alert service. The company also operates SuperSearch, a pay-per-click travel search tool; Travelzoo Network, a network of third-party Websites that list deals published by Travelzoo; and Fly.com, a travel search engine that allows users to find the best prices on flights from various airlines and online travel agencies. In addition, it provides Local Deals and Getaways services that allow its subscribers to purchase vouchers for deals from local businesses, such as spas, hotels, and restaurants through the Travelzoo Website. As of December 31, 2011, the company?s advertiser base included approximately 2,000 travel companies, entertainment companies, and local businesses, including airlines, hotels, cruise lines, vacations packagers, tour operators, destinations, car rental companies, travel agents, theater and performing arts groups, restaurants, spas, and activity companies. Travelzoo Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:
[By Rich Smith]
If you are a Travelzoo (NASDAQ: TZOO  ) shareholder but own fewer than 25 shares, management would really appreciate it if you would just go away.

Top 5 International Stocks For 2015: SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY)

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (the Fund) seeks to replicate the price and yield of the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index (the Index). The Index is designed to measure the performance of 50 highest dividend yielding S&P Composite 1500 constituents that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 25 years. These stocks have both capital growth and dividend income characteristics.
The Fund utilizes a passive or indexing approach and attempts to approximate the investment performance of its benchmark index, by investing in a portfolio of stocks intended to replicate the Index. SSgA Funds Management, Inc. acts as the Adviser of the Fund.
Advisors' Opinion:
[By Dan Caplinger]
So if two single people each earned $200,000, they wouldn't be subject to the Obamacare tax at all. But if they got married, then $150,000 of their total income of $400,000 would get taxed, with an additional tax liability of $1,350. Similar situations with investment income could lead to a much larger marriage penalty, as the investment tax rate is more than quadruple the rate for wages.�Investors in dividend-oriented ETFs Vanguard High Dividend Yield (NYSEMKT: VYM  ) , SPDR S&P Dividend (NYSEMKT: SDY  ) , and iShares DJ Select Dividend (NYSEMKT: DVY  ) should therefore take care to consider tax-favored investment vehicles for their investments.

[By John Maxfield]
So what does this mean for investors? To me, this chart reveals the roadmap for a successful investment strategy. Assuming GDP grows at 2% to 3%, your investment portfolio could as well, simply by investing in the SPDR S&P 500 (NYSEMKT: SPY  ) ETF. Want to juice those returns? Go instead for the SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (NYSEMKT: SDY  ) , which tracks the S&P High-Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. And in purchasing these, to control for the variations, it'd be prudent to use dollar-cost averaging -- that is, buying the same dollar amount of the index each month or year come rain or shine.

[By Todd Rosenbluth, Senior Director, S&P Capital IQ]
The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) is the largest of the four. It owns companies that have increased dividends every year for at least 20 years. Its portfolio has 83 individual stocks with a median market capitalization of $13 billion.

[By Vaughan Scully]
Investors who would like to gain exposure to the Aristocrats may want to consider the ProShares S&P 500 Aristocrats ETF (NOBL), which tracks the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. The fund has attracted almost $12.5 billion in assets since launching in October, 2013. Also, State Street's SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats index.

Top 5 International Stocks For 2015: Con-way Inc (CNW)

Con-way Inc. (Con-way), incorporated in 1958, provides transportation, logistics and supply-chain management services for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial and retail customers. Con-way�� business units operate in regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight transportation, contract logistics and supply-chain management, multimodal freight brokerage, and trailer manufacturing. Con-way is divided into four segments: Freight, Logistics, Truckload, and Other. At December 31, 2011, Con-way Freight operated 286 freight service centers, of which 144 were owned and 142 were leased. At December 31, 2011, Con-way Freight owned and operated approximately 9,200 tractors and 26,400 trailers, including tractors held under capital lease agreements.
Freight
The Freight segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Freight business unit. Con-way Freight is a less-than-truckload (LTL) motor carrier that utilizes a network of freight service centers to provide day-definite regional, inter-regional and transcontinental less-than-truckload freight services throughout North America. LTL carriers transport shipments from multiple shippers utilizing a network of freight service centers combined with a fleet of line-haul and pickup-and-delivery tractors and trailers. Freight is picked up from customers and consolidated for shipment at the originating service center. Freight is consolidated for transportation to the destination service centers or freight assembly centers. At Freight assembly centers, freight from various service centers can be reconsolidated for transportation to other freight assembly centers or destination service centers. From the destination service center, the freight is delivered to the customer. Typically, LTL shipments weigh between 100 and 15,000 pounds. In 2011, Con-way Freight�� average weight per shipment was 1,305 pounds.
Logistics
The Logistics segment consists of the operating results o! f the Menlo Worldwide Logistics business unit. Menlo Worldwide Logistics develops contract-logistics solutions, which can include managing complex distribution networks, and providing supply-chain engineering and consulting, and multimodal freight brokerage services. Menlo Worldwide Logistics��supply-chain management offerings are primarily related to transportation-management and contract-warehousing services. Transportation management refers to the management of asset-based carriers and third-party transportation providers for customers��inbound and outbound supply-chain needs through the use of logistics management systems to consolidate, book and track shipments. Contract warehousing refers to the optimization and operation of warehouses for customers using technology and warehouse-management systems to reduce inventory carrying costs and supply-chain cycle times. For several customers, contract-warehousing operations include light assembly or kitting operations.
Menlo Worldwide Logistics provides its services using a customer- or project-based approach when the supply-chain solution requires customer-specific transportation management, single-client warehouses, and/or single-customer technological solutions. However, Menlo Worldwide Logistics also utilizes a shared-resource, process-based approach that leverages a centralized transportation-management group, multi-client warehouses and technology to provide scalable solutions to multiple customers. Additionally, Menlo Worldwide Logistics segments its business based on customer type. At December 31, 2011, Menlo Worldwide Logistics operated 76 warehouses in North America, of which 55 were leased by Menlo Worldwide Logistics and 21 were leased or owned by clients of Menlo Worldwide Logistics. Outside of North America, Menlo Worldwide Logistics operated an additional 63 warehouses, of which 48 were leased by Menlo Worldwide Logistics and 15 were leased or owned by clients. Menlo Worldwide Logistics owns and operates a small fleet of tr! actors an! d trailers to support its operations, but primarily utilizes third-party transportation providers for the movement of customer shipments.
Truckload
The Truckload segment consists of the operating results of the Con-way Truckload business unit. Con-way Truckload is a full-truckload motor carrier that utilizes a fleet of tractors and trailers to provide short- and long-haul, asset-based transportation services throughout North America. Con-way Truckload provides dry-van transportation services to manufacturing, industrial and retail customers while using single drivers as well as two-person driver teams over long-haul routes, with each trailer containing only one customer�� goods. This origin-to-destination freight movement limits intermediate handling and is not dependent on the same network of locations utilized by LTL carriers. On average, Con-way Truckload transports shipments more than 800 miles from origin to destination. Under its regional service offering, Con-way Truckload transports truckload shipments of less than 600 miles, including local-area service for truckload shipments of less than 100 miles.
Con-way Truckload offers through-trailer service into and out of Mexico through all major gateways in Texas, Arizona and California. For a shipment with an origin or destination in Mexico, Con-way Truckload provides transportation for the domestic portion of the freight move, and a Mexican carrier provides the pick-up, linehaul and delivery services within Mexico. At December 31, 2011, Con-way Truckload operated five owned terminals with bulk fuel, tractor and trailer parking, and in some cases, equipment maintenance and washing facilities. In addition, Con-way Truckload also utilizes various drop yards for temporary trailer storage throughout the United States. At December 31, 2011, Con-way Truckload owned and operated approximately 2,700 tractors and 8,000 trailers, including tractors held under capital lease agreements.
Other
! The Other! reporting segment consists of the operating results of Road Systems, a trailer manufacturer, and certain corporate activities for which the related income or expense has not been allocated to other reporting segments, including results related to corporate re-insurance activities and corporate properties. Road Systems primarily manufactures and refurbishes trailers for Con-way Freight and Con-way Truckload.
Advisors' Opinion:
[By Dan Caplinger]
Navistar hasn't been entirely locked out of the trucking market, though. The company won several contracts from the Defense Department in support of its military vehicles, including its MaxxPro mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored vehicle. On the commercial front, Navistar won part of an order in May from trucking company Con-Way (NYSE: CNW  ) , which purchased 200 ProStar vehicles from the company. Still, the fact that rival Paccar (NASDAQ: PCAR  ) got an even bigger portion of the Con-Way order is just one more sign of the ongoing struggles Navistar faces.

[By Rich Smith]
Con-Way (NYSE: CNW  ) announced that after polling its drivers for feedback on various truck manufacturers and models, it has decided to refresh its truck fleet with 525 new tractors -- 325 Kenworth T680s from Paccar, and another 200 Navistar ProStars.

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