Monday, March 30, 2015

Citigroup Inc (C) Q3 Earnings Preview: Can Citi Survive Fixed Income Blow?

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) will issue its third quarter results via press release at approximately 8 a.m. (ET) on Oct. 15, 2013. At 11 a.m. (ET), results will be reviewed via live webcast and teleconference.

Citigroup is a global diversified financial services holding company whose businesses provide consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services. Citi has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi has approximately 260,000 full time employees.

Wall Street expects Citi to earn $1.06 a share flat with last year, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Citi has managed to beat Street view thrice in the past four quarters.

The consensus view dropped significantly in the past 90 days when it was estimated to be $1.16 a share. In the last 30 days, five analysts have cut their earnings view on Citi.

Quarterly revenues, however, are expected to increase 34.6 percent to $18.77 billion from $13.95 billion a year-ago.

By now, most investors have received the cautious third quarter message on both FICC trading and US mortgage originations. Mortgage banking activity slowed faster than prior expectations as higher mortgage rates led to a plunge in refinancing activity and much lower gain on sale margins

"We are roughly 20% below consensus on Q3 and expect to see consensus numbers falling into results. Looking out further, we are roughly 5% below consensus – we suspect driven by a more cautious outlook on FICC trading," UBS analyst Derek De Vries wrote in a note to clients.

While much of the investor concern on Citi this summer focused on emerging markets, the US mortgage business is a bigger headwind to growth in the second half.

Meanwhile, Citi will be less aggressive in releasing provision reserves – so more of the decline could fall to the bottom line at Citi than at peers.

FICC (Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodit! ies) trading faced difficult third quarter trading environment and longer term profitability questions. That said, Citi is expected to generate an economic return in the business this year and could emerge as one of a small handful of "bulge bracket" firms benefiting from higher market shares.

By comparison, the Transaction Services business is extremely attractive with Citi earning roughly a 70 percent ROE in what are currently depressed market conditions.

"Our forecasts call for FICC trading down 25% year on year and 17% quarter on quarter, so we think we have captured the difficult environment. We also highlight that the transaction services business continues to under earn as low rates are particularly difficult for this business line.

Meanwhile, investors would focus on the bank's investment banking performance, loan growth amid tough operating environment.

Among the key developments in the quarter, a federal judge approved Citi's $730 million settlement with bondholders, who claimed that the bank misled them about its exposure to billions of dollars of subprime mortgage assets prior to the financial crisis.

The bank also agreed to pay $395 million to mortgage guarantor Freddie Mac to settle potential future repurchase claims for faulty mortgages.

For the second quarter, Citi reported net income of $4.18 billion or $1.34 per share, up from $2.95 billion or 95 cents per share in the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.25 while it was $1.00 last year.

Revenues for the quarter climbed to $20.48 billion from $18.4 billion. Excluding items, second-quarter revenues increased 8 percent to $20 billion.

Wall Street remains bullish on Citi shares as 24 out of the 29 analysts covering the stock rate it as "buy" or "strong buy." Three analysts recommend "hold," while two have a "sell" rating on the stock, which trades at 9 times its 2014 consensus earnings estimate. 

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Google's Online Shopping Heats Up: An Amazon Threat?

You'd think the world's biggest search engine company would have a harder time keeping a secret. There have been hints for a while that Google (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) might be sniffing around Amazon.com's (NASDAQ: AMZN  ) online retail territory, but no one could tell whether this was fact or fiction, until now.

According to TechCrunch, Google has begun testing Shopping Express, its same-day delivery service. The service is only available to Google employees in the San Francisco Bay area, but it is still generating buzz throughout the industry. Google is no stranger to trying new products in specific locations only to have them go nowhere fast. Shopping Express could be different, and if it is, it could be a huge boon for a company that's already a juggernaut.

Those lucky Google employees
Is Google starting up its own store with Shopping Express? Technically, no. So far, the service simply provides Google's technical support to a number of retailers, including Target. According to a message from Google's PR department, Shopping Express will be free for one year, as long as you're a member. For non-members, it's $4.99 per delivery, per store. Other sources claim that Google's pricing is still in flux, and will be for some time.

Why it's different this time
Google has dabbled in a number of creative tech ventures lately, and that's not even including Google Glasses. The almighty search engine has tried to get into the connection business with its super-fast service, Google Fiber. It might be an exciting concept, but progress has been slow for Fiber -- so far the service is only available in parts of the Kansas City area, and right now Google only has plans to expand it to other parts of Kansas, and Austin.

So why should Shopping Express be any different? There are two possible reasons. First, Google already has the built-in tech infrastructure necessary to let clients conduct e-commerce, even if it's as extreme as same-day shipping. In contrast, with Fiber, in order to get this service off the ground, Google has an exorbitant amount of installation work to do.

Second, Google needs to work fast or Amazon will be out of its reach. The e-tailer has built 40 enormous warehouses in three years that will help make shipping even faster and easier than before. Even if its margins are whisper-thin, the company made $61 billion in revenue last year, which resulted in $4 billion of cash flow from operations. There's no reason it won't continue to build more warehouses, and make itself more efficient.

Amazon not-so Prime?
Once Google works the kinks out of its pricing, it could have a breakthrough on its hands. A strategic alliance with Target is no small potatoes, and Google is well equipped to handle the heavy-duty shipping concerns for a company of this size, and others. Still, this company may have redefined the search engine, but Amazon redefined what it means to shop. Google's going to have to work pretty hard to do a better job at something Amazon already does exceptionally well: same-day shipping.

It's more important than ever to understand each piece of Google's sprawling empire. In The Motley Fool's premium research report on Google, we break down the risks and potential rewards for Google investors. Simply click here now to unlock your copy of this invaluable resource.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Hot Performing Stocks To Buy For 2015

Hot Performing Stocks To Buy For 2015: Quantum Energy Inc (QEGY)

Quantum Energy, Inc. (Quantum), incorporated on February 5, 2004, is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of oil and gas properties. As of February 28, 2010, the Company did not generate any revenues from its business operations.

The Company has acquired interests in oil and gas properties. The properties are located in the Barnett Shale area of West Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    Last Friday, small cap energy or mining stocks Yukon Gold Corporation (OTCMKTS: YGDC) and Quantum Energy Inc (OTCMKTS: QEGY) surged 323.5% and 41.2%, respectively, while 1st NRG Corp (OTCMKTS: FNRC) sank 25%. However, it should also be mentioned that two of these small cap stocks have been the subject of paid promotions. With that in mind, will these small cap energy or mining stocks deliver some more Christmas cheer this week? Here is a closer look and a reality check:

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/hot-performing-stocks-to-buy-for-2015-3.html

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Best Canadian Stocks To Buy For 2014

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 Canadian mineral explorer Turquoise Hill Resources (NYSE: TRQ  ) sank 12% today after receiving notification from the government of Mongolia that project financing for Oyu Tolgoi will now require approval by the Mongolian parliament.

So what: Unfortunately for Turquoise, and parent company Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO  ) , the Mongolian parliament is currently in summer recess and the approval process will take plenty of time even after that, so all work on the underground development will be put on hold indefinitely. Given that Oyu Tolgoi is Turquoise's primary operation -- total capital invested in the mine to March 31 was about $6 billion -- the delay represents a huge setback for management and raises plenty of uncertainty for shareholders. �

Now what: Management will naturally do what it can in the meantime. "Operations of the open-pit mine, commissioning of the concentrator, and the ongoing export of concentrate from Oyu Tolgoi will continue," wrote Turquoise Hill in a statement. Of course, when you couple the Mongolian government's seemingly unstable policies with Turquoise's sector average P/E, the trade-offs between risks and rewards at this point look particularly unfavorable.� �

Best Food Stocks To Watch For 2015: CF Industries Holdings Inc. (CF)

CF Industries Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, CF Industries, Inc., manufactures and distributes nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer products, serving agricultural and industrial customers worldwide. It operates in two segments, Nitrogen and Phosphate. The Nitrogen segment principally offers ammonia, granular urea, urea ammonium nitrate solution, urea liquor, diesel exhaust fluid, and aqua ammonia. The Phosphate segment primarily offers diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. The company also owns 50% interests in the GrowHow UK Limited, a nitrogen products producer in the United Kingdom; Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited, an ammonia producer; and KEYTRADE AG, a global fertilizer trading company. CF Industries Holdings� customers include cooperatives and independent fertilizer distributors primarily in the midwestern United States. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Tomi Kilgore]

    Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan(POT) rose 0.5%, Mosaic(MOS) gained 0.1% and Intrepid Potash(IPI) climbed 0.7%. In addition, CF Industries Holdings(CF) tacked on 1.4% and Agrium(AGU.T) advanced 1.1%.

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    In trading on Tuesday, basic materials shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.13 percent. Top gainers in the sector included AuRico Gold (NYSE: AUQ), up 4.9 percent, and CF Industries Holdings (NYSE: CF), up 5.3 percent.

Best Canadian Stocks To Buy For 2014: SAP AG(SAP)

SAP AG provides business software primarily in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific Japan region. The company?s products includes SAP Business Suite software, which supports large organizations in their core business operations, such as supplier relationship, production, warehouse management, sales, administration, and customer relationship; SAP Business All-in-One, a business management software that assists midsize companies in managing various business functions, including financials, human resources, procurement, inventory, manufacturing, logistics, product development, sales, and marketing; SAP Business One, a business management application for small businesses; and SAP Business ByDesign, an on-demand solution for integrated business management applications. Its products also comprises SAP BusinessObjects Edge business intelligence and enterprise performance management solutions; Xcelsius, a data visualization software; Crystal Reports, which helps users design interactive reports; Sybase IQ, an optimized analytics server designed to deliver results for business intelligence, analytics, data warehousing, and reporting solutions; SAP solutions for sustainability; and SAP NetWeaver technology platform, which integrates information and business processes across various technologies and organizational structures. In addition, the company offers industry and solution-focused, business transformation, information technology transformation, custom development, and support services; and program, project management, quality assurance, and education and certification services. It sells its products through its subsidiaries and resellers. SAP AG has a strategic relationship with Cap Gemini S.A. to develop and deploy enterprise mobility solutions. The company was formerly known as SAP Aktiengesellschaft Systeme, Anwendungen, Produkte in der Datenverarbeitung. SAP AG was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Walldorf , Germany.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By David Goldman]

    Federighi's first big major appearance at an Apple event was in 2013, when he presented iOS 7 at the 2013 WWDC. He rejoined Apple in 2009 after spending about a decade at SAP's (SAP) Ariba unit. He first came to Apple in 1996 as part of the company's purchase of Jobs' NeXT.

  • [By Julianne Pepitone]

    But we also included Chinese tech titans Baidu (BIDU) and Sina (SINA), European heavyweights SAP (SAP) and ARM Holdings (ARMH) and leaders in more specialized industries such as video game companies Activision Blizzard (ATVI) and Electronic Arts (EA), security firm Symantec (SYMC, Fortune 500) and online travel king Priceline (PCLN, Fortune 500).

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) is expected to report its Q1 earnings at $0.60 per share on revenue of $3.85 billion.

    PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) is projected to report its Q1 earnings at $1.87 per share on revenue of $3.63 billion.

  • [By Vinay Singh]

    One of Oracle�� arch-rivals, SAP (SAP), has been experimenting with various cloud strategies and trying to incorporate a business suite to the cloud of late. In its recent results, it announced growth of 25% in software and cloud subscription revenue. Its revolutionary HANA platform has been driving excellent growth in the past few quarters. In the first quarter, HANA tripled its revenue as compared to same period last year, that testified to its potential to make it big in the industry. Oracle�� weaker than expected results negatively affected SAP�� share price as investors grew apprehensive on the industry's prospects.

Best Canadian Stocks To Buy For 2014: Talisman Energy Inc.(TLM)

Talisman Energy Inc., an upstream oil and gas company, engages in the exploration, development, production, transportation, and marketing of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. It primarily operates in North America, the North Sea, and southeast Asia. The company was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Aimee Duffy]

    A fond farewell?
    Many companies have abandoned capital expenditure plans in other plays to put more money behind their Eagle Ford ventures. Reuters recently reported that Talisman Energy (NYSE: TLM  ) is considering selling its 74,000-acre stake in the play, potentially looking to raise a whopping $2 billion. Given the money that companies are willing to pour into the Eagle Ford, it just might find a buyer. Talisman's joint venture with Statoil (NYSE: STO  ) is targeting production of 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent by the end of this year, which would double last year's number.

  • [By Chris Ciovacco]

    Sometimes the most attractive energy assets aren't found in the ground but listed on the stock exchange. Billionaire businessman Carl Icahn is one investor seeing value in energy companies. The hedge fund manager recently announced his purchase of 60 million shares in the Canadian oil and gas producer, Talisman Energy (TLM). Icahn has built up a nearly 6 percent stake in the Calgary-based energy producer, worth a whopping $300 million. Even though the company has been a perennial underperformer, after Icahn's tweet, the stock climbed to the highest level in more than a year.

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Shares of Talisman Energy (NYSE: TLM) jumped more than 8% in after-hours trading after Carl Icahn disclosed a stake in the company. Talisman Energy shares surged 8.94% to $13.89 in the after-hours trading session.

Best Canadian Stocks To Buy For 2014: Everest Re Group Ltd.(RE)

Everest Re Group, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, underwrites reinsurance and insurance in the United States (the U.S.), Bermuda, and international markets. The company operates in five segments: U.S. Reinsurance, U.S. Insurance, Specialty Underwriting, International, and Bermuda. The U.S. Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies within the United States. The U.S. Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance primarily through general agents, brokers, and surplus lines brokers in the U.S. The Specialty Underwriting segment writes accident and health, marine, aviation, and surety business within the U.S. and worldwide through brokers and directly with ceding companies. The International segment offers non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance. The Bermuda segment provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and cas ualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers through brokers and directly with ceding companies, as well as offers reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets. The company was founded in 1973 and is based in Liberty Corner, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Marc Bastow]

    Reinsurance and insurance underwriters Everest Re Group (RE) raised its dividend 56% to 75 cents per share, payable on Dec. 18 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 4.
    RE Dividend Yield: 1.92%

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

T-Mobile’s John Legere Hits AT&T and Verizon Shareholders Where It Hurts

John Legere has shaken up the wireless industry. Source: Wikimedia Commons

For those following the wireless industry closely, you probably know John Legere. For those who don't, he is the CEO of T-Mobile (NYSE: TMUS  ) who has developed a cult following through his brash demeanor and willingness to take on the industry giants. From his (at times) NSFW commentary to his consumer friendly "Un-carrier" policies, he's been a breath of fresh air for the industry.

One thing Legere appears to be familiar with is Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals -- or BHAGs. Last year, he famously declared T-Mobile would edge out rival Sprint (NYSE: S  ) to be the third largest U.S. carrier by subscribers in 2014. While the numbers are still out for the final quarter, as of September, T-Mobile was within striking distance, trailing by just 2 million with 53 million subscribers to Sprint's 55 million. For proper perspective, at the start of 2014, T-Mobile trailed by nearly 8.5 million subscribers.

It's important to note that even with this incredible subscriber growth, T-Mobile -- and low-growth Sprint -- are far behind industry heavyweights, Verizon (NYSE: VZ  ) and AT&T (NYSE: T  )  which each have more than 115 million wireless subscribers. However, Legere is not one to rest on his laurels. On a blog post outlining his 2015 predictions, Legere announces his next BHAG: to beat Verizon's legendary LTE network.

T-Mobile filling its coverage gaps could put further pricing pressure on Verizon
If there's one thing T-Mobile has been faulted for, it's network coverage. In the blog post, Legere himself even references coverage gaps. But according to the blog, Legere argues his network is the fastest when compared head-to-head in areas T-Mobile serves, and the company will cover 300 million people with its network in 2015. With Verizon boasting of an LTE network that covers nearly 97% of Americans (approximately 303 million people), the two networks will be similar in that regard if T-Mobile executes on its plan for this year.

Beyond that, T-Mobile has reoriented the wireless industry with a focus on the end consumer. And many of these customer-friendly Un-carrier policies -- unlimited data, no domestic overage penalties, and data charge carve outs for streaming music services -- force other carriers to match its moves, offer compensating discounts, or risk potentially losing subscribers.

A short-term zero sum game
For shareholders, this is essentially a zero sum game -- at least in the short term. Any discount on wireless prices is money that will no longer flow down to shareholders' pockets as new subscribers become increasingly harder to come by amid saturation and competition. The competitive landscape has quickly changed in this industry.

In late 2013, Verizon famously appeared unapologetic for its industry-leading high rates with its CEO stating, "[W]e never have and never will lead on price." CEO Lowell McAdam went on to criticize unlimited data plans on the basis they are "unsustainable."

But what a difference a year can make -- last month the company's stock tumbled when it admitted that promotions were putting a dent in its margins and EPS. The company may not be leading, but it is definitely competing as a result of Sprint and T-Mobile's low cost and unlimited data plans. AT&T also warned investors of tighter fourth-quarter margins and increased churn due to new competition.

As a long-term-oriented shareholder in both AT&T and Verizon, I'm personally willing to sit on these income-producing giants, while they fight competition and monetize video, among other opportunities. But for those following the wireless industry, one thing's for sure: John Legere's effect on the industry cannot be denied.

Monday, March 23, 2015

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014

On Wednesday, Jefferies analyst Philip Ng reported that he sees additional upside for International Paper Company (IP).

On Tuesday, IP announced a $1.5 billion share buyback program and a 17% dividend increase. Following these reports, the analyst reported that he believes this buyback program has not reflected analyst earnings estimates.

Ng commented: “While IP is up 24% YTD (S&P 500: up 18%), it has lagged its containerboard peers and we believe now that the mgmt has proved it’s committed in returning cash back to shareholders, the stock should break out of its trading range.”

10 Best Building Product Stocks To Invest In 2015: UPM-Kymmene Corporation (UPM1V)

UPM-Kymmene Corporation is a Finland-based paper and forest products company. The Company operates, along with its subsidiaries, in three segments: the Energy and Pulp segment is divided into three units: Energy, which includes the Company�� hydropower plant and shares in energy companies; Pulp, which includes the Company�� pulp mills, and Foster and Timber, which includes forests, wood procurement, sawmills and further processing; the Paper segment includes the Company�� paper mills, producing magazine paper, newsprint, fine papers, and specialty papers, and the Engineered materials segment is structured into two units: Label, which includes label-stock factories and slitting, and distribution terminals, and Plywood, which includes plywood mills. The Company�� other operations include the wood plastic composite unit, development units and logistic services. On October 2, 2013, it completed the sale of the wood processing mill in Aigrefeuille d'Aunis, to Groupe FP Bois. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Corinne Gretler]

    UPM-Kymmene Oyj (UPM1V) fell 3.9 percent to 12.18 euros. UBS AG lowered Europe�� second-largest papermaker to sell from neutral. The brokerage said that demand for the company�� product will not recover in Europe and that the industry will probably reduce its capacity next year.

  • [By Tom Stoukas]

    UPM-Kymmene (UPM1V), a rival maker of paper, dropped 1.9 percent to 10.23 euros.

    Aryzta surged 4 percent to 60.45 Swiss francs, the biggest gain since March 28. The owner of bakery brands including Delice de France and Otis Spunkmeyer posted full-year revenue of 4.5 billion euros ($6.1 billion), beating analysts��estimates of 4.43 billion euros. The company also forecast a double-digit percentage gain in 2014 earnings.

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014: Domtar Corp (UFS)

Domtar Corporation, incorporated on August 16, 2006, designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a range of fiber-based products, including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers and adult incontinence products. The Company operates in three business segments: Pulp and Paper, Distribution and Personal Care. Its Pulp and Paper segment consists of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of communication, specialty and packaging papers, as well as softwood, fluff and hardwood market pulp. The Company�� Distribution segment includes the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of its paper products and those of other manufacturers. These products include business and printing papers, certain industrial products and printing supplies. Its Personal Care segment consists of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of adult incontinence products.The Company is an integrated marketer and manufacturer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America for a variety of customers, including merchants, retail outlets, stationers, printers, publishers, converters and end-users. The Company produces incontinence care products marketed primarily under the Attends brand. The Company owns and operates Ariva. On May 10, 2012, the Company acquired EAM Corporation. In June 2013, the Company announced the completion of its acquisition of Xerox Corp paper and print media products business in the United States and Canada. In July 2013, Domtar Corp announced that completion of the acquisition of Associated Hygienic Products (AHP) from DSG International. In January 2014, the Company acquired Laboratorios Indas, SAU.

Pulp and Paper

The Company produces 4.2 million metric tons of hardwood, softwood and fluff pulp at 12 of its 13 mills. The majority of its pulp is consumed internally to manufacture paper and consumer products, with the balance being sold as market pulp. The Company also purchases papergrade pulp from third parties. The Company has 10 pulp and paper mills (eight in the! United States and two in Canada), with an annual paper production capacity of approximately 3.4 million tons of uncoated freesheet paper. Its paper manufacturing operations are supported by 15 converting and distribution operations, including a network of 12 plants located offsite of its paper making operations. In addition, it has forms manufacturing operations at three offsite converting and distribution operations. Approximately 81% of its paper production capacity is in the United States, and the remaining 19% is located in Canada.

The Company produces market pulp in excess of its internal requirements at its three non-integrated pulp mills in Kamloops, Dryden, and Plymouth, as well as at its pulp and paper mills in Espanola, Ashdown, Hawesville, Windsor, Marlboro and Nekoosa. The Company sells approximately 1.6 million metric tons of pulp per year depending on market conditions. Approximately 50% of its trade pulp production capacity is in the United States, and the remaining 50% is located in Canada. The fiber used by its pulp and paper mills in the United States is hardwood and softwood, both being readily available in the market from multiple third-party sources. The fiber used at its Windsor pulp and paper mill is hardwood originating from a variety of sources, including purchases on the open market in Canada and the United States, contracts with Quebec wood producers��marketing boards, public land where it has wood supply allocations and from its private lands. The softwood and hardwood fiber for its Espanola pulp and paper mill and the softwood fiber for its Dryden pulp mill, is obtained from third parties, directly or indirectly from public lands, through designated wood supply allocations for the pulp mills. The fiber used at the Company�� Kamloops pulp mill is all softwood, originating from third-party sawmilling operations in the southern-interior part of British Columbia.

The Company uses various chemical compounds in its pulp and paper manufacturing facili! ties that! it purchases, primarily on a central basis, through contracts. For pulp manufacturing, it uses numerous chemicals, including caustic soda, sodium chlorate, sulfuric acid, lime and peroxide. For paper manufacturing, it also uses several chemical products, including starch, precipitated calcium carbonate, optical brighteners, dyes and aluminum sulfate. It owns power generating assets, including steam turbines, at all of its integrated pulp and paper mills, as well as hydro assets at four locations: Espanola, Ottawa-Hull, Nekoosa and Rothschild. The Company�� business papers include copy and electronic imaging papers, which are used with ink jet and laser printers, photocopiers and plain-paper fax machines, as well as computer papers, preprinted forms and digital papers. These products are primarily for office and home use. The Company�� commercial printing and publishing papers include uncoated freesheet papers, such as offset papers and opaques. These uncoated freesheet grades are used in sheet and roll fed offset presses across the spectrum of commercial printing end-uses, including digital printing. Its publishing papers include tradebook and lightweight uncoated papers used primarily in book publishing applications, such as textbooks, dictionaries, catalogs, magazines, hard cover novels and financial documents. Design papers, a sub-group of commercial printing and publishing papers, have features of color, brightness and texture and are targeted towards graphic artists, design and advertising agencies, primarily for special brochures and annual reports. These products also include base papers that are converted into finished products, such as envelopes, tablets, business forms and data processing/computer forms.

The Company also produces paper for several specialty and packaging markets. These products consist primarily of base stock for thermal printing, flexible packaging, food packaging, medical gowns and drapes, sandpapers backing, carbonless printing, labels and other coating a! nd lamina! ting applications. The Company also manufactures papers for industrial and specialty applications, including carrier papers, treated papers, security papers and specialized printing and converting applications. The Company sells business papers primarily to paper stationers, merchants, office equipment manufacturers and retail outlets. The Company distributes uncoated commercial printing and publishing papers to end-users and commercial printers, mainly through paper merchants, as well as selling directly to converters. The Company sells its specialty and packaging papers mainly to converters, who apply a further production process, such as coating, laminating, folding or waxing to its papers before selling them to a variety of specialized end-users.

Distribution

The Company's Distribution business involves the purchasing, warehousing, sale and distribution of the Company's various products and those of other manufacturers. These products include business, printing and publishing papers and certain packaging products. These products are sold to diverse customer base, which includes small, medium and large commercial printers, publishers, quick copy firms, catalog and retail companies and institutional entities. The Company's Distribution business operates in the United States and Canada under a single banner and umbrella name, Ariva. Ariva operates throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest areas from 16 locations in the United States, including 12 distribution centers serving customers across North America.

Personal Care

The Company's Personal Care business sells and manufactures adult incontinence products and distributes disposable washcloths marketed primarily under the Attends brand name. The Company is a supplier of adult incontinence products sold into North America and Northern Europe, selling to hospitals (acute cares) and nursing homes (long-term care) and the Company has a growing presence in the homecare and retail channels. The C! ompany op! erates two manufacturing facilities, with each having the ability to produce multiple product categories. The Company also has a research and development facility and production lines which manufacture high quality airlaid and ultrathin laminated absorbent cores.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    On Wednesday, Xerox announced that it has received a binding offer from French paper company Antalis to buy Xerox's European paper and�print media�products business. This follows Xerox's March announcement that it had agreed to sell its U.S. and Canadian paper operations to Canada's Domtar (NYSE: UFS  ) .

  • [By Saibus Research]

    Weyerhaeuser is the largest forest products real estate investment trust in the United States. Weyerhaeuser grows and harvests trees, builds homes and makes a range of forest products essential to everyday lives. The company has undergone a dramatic level of strategic and organizational level change over the past several years in the wake of its debt-funded hostile takeover of Willamette Industries in 2002. In 2006, Weyerhaeuser agreed to spin off its fine paper business under a split-off transaction with Domtar (UFS). Under the terms of the deal, Weyerhaeuser would spin-off the fine paper business and the business would merge with Domtar Inc to create Domtar Corporation. Weyerhaeuser has four business segments as follows:

  • [By Maxx Chatsko]

    CAPS, a stock-tracking game developed by The Motley Fool, is a great way to keep track of long-term picks even when they fall off of your watchlist.�In the following video, Fool.com contributor and active CAPS community member, Maxx Chatsko, explains why he hasn't given up on his CAPS pick of�Domtar� (NYSE: UFS  ) . He believes this company's progress has not been adequately rewarded by the market in the last six months, but feels as confident as ever that it presents a great opportunity for investors hunting for a great dividend or an undervalued and under-the-radar growth opportunity. You can follow all of his CAPS picks by clicking on the link in the disclosure below.�

  • [By Rich Duprey]

    Specialty paper maker�Domtar� (NYSE: UFS  ) �wrote it all down yesterday: it�will pay a�regular quarterly dividend�of $0.55 per share that's 22% higher than the $0.45 per share payout it made last quarter. Shareholders of record on June 14 will receive the new dividend rate at the close of business on July 15.

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014: Iberpapel Gestion SA (IBG)

Iberpapel Gestion SA is a Spain-based holding company engaged in the paper industry. The Company operates through three divisions: Forestry, involved in the acquisition and cultivation of eucalyptus plantations in Argentina, Uruguay and Spain; Industrial, focused on the production of bleached pulp and paper products, and Commercial, specialized on the distribution of products such as printing and photocopy paper, offset paper, light-coated paper, laser printing paper, paper bags and envelopes. The Company�� subsidiaries include Distribuidora Papelera SA, Moliner Dominguez y Cia SA, Ibereucaliptos SA, Papelera Guipuzcoana de Zicunaga SA, Central de Suministros de Artes Graficas Papel SA and Copaimex SA, among others. The Company�� major shareholders include ONCHENA, SL and BESTINVER GESTION, SA. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Holly LaFon]

    The top contributing stock for the quarter was Saft Groupe (XPAR:SAFT).� The company has two main divisions: the Specialty Battery Group (SBG), which makes lithium batteries for various end markets including satellites, utility meters and military applications; and the Industrial Battery Group (IBG), which produces rechargeable nickel and lithium-ion batteries for industrial back-up power, aviation, rail, telecom and energy storage industries.�

  • [By GURUFOCUS]

    The top contributing stock for the quarter was Saft Groupe (XPAR:SAFT).� The company has two main divisions: the Specialty Battery Group (SBG), which makes lithium batteries for various end markets including satellites, utility meters and military applications; and the Industrial Battery Group (IBG), which produces rechargeable nickel and lithium-ion batteries for industrial back-up power, aviation, rail, telecom and energy storage industries.�

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014: Greif Inc (GEF)

Greif, Inc., incorporated on January 25, 1926, is a producer of industrial packaging products and services with manufacturing facilities located in over 50 countries. The Company offers a line of industrial packaging products, such as steel, fiber and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and reconditioned containers, and services such as container lifecycle management, blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. It also produces containerboard and corrugated products for niche markets in North America. It sells timber to third parties from its timberland in the south-eastern United States. It has four segments: Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services, Flexible Products & Services, Paper Packaging and Land Management.

Rigid Industrial Packaging and Services

In the Rigid Industrial Packaging and Services, the Company is a provider of rigid industrial packaging products, including steel, fiber and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and reconditioned containers, and services, such as container lifecycle management, blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. It sells industrial packaging products to customers in industries, such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral, among others.

Flexible Products and Services segment

In the Flexible Products and Services segment, the Company is a producer of flexible intermediate bulk containers and a North American provider of industrial and consumer multiwall bag products. Its flexible intermediate bulk containers consist of a polypropylene-based woven fabric that is partly produced at its production sites, as well as sourced from strategic regional sup! pliers. Its industrial and consumer multiwall bag products are used to ship a range of industrial and consumer products, such as seed, fertilizers, chemicals, concrete, flour, sugar, feed, pet foods, popcorn, charcoal and salt, primarily for the agricultural, chemical, building products and food industries.

Paper Packaging segment

In the Paper Packaging segment, the Company sells containerboard, corrugated sheets and other corrugated products to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. Its corrugated container products are used to ship such products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, building products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications. Operations related to industrial and consumer multiwall bag products have been reclassified to Flexible Products and Services segment.

Land Management segment

In the Land Management segment, the Company is focused on the active harvesting and regeneration of the United States timber properties to achieve long-term yields. It also sells, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, HBU land and development land. As of October 31, 2013, it owned approximately 252,475 acres of timber property in the southeastern United States and approximately 10,300 acres of timber property in Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Geoff Gannon]

    For those of you wondering if Greif Brothers Cooperage has any relation to Greif (GEF) ��yes. It has every relation. It�� the same exact company. And it�� still in pretty much the same business. They used to just make barrels. Now they make all kinds of different drums, containers, etc. That�� not a very big change for a company to make over 60 years or so.

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014: Fibria Celulose SA (FBR)

Fibria Celulose S.A. (Fibria), formerly Votorantim Celulose e Papel S.A., incorporated on July 25, 1941, is a producer of market pulp. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Fibria produced 5,054 kilotons of eucalyptus pulp (including 50.0% of the pulp production of Veracel). The Company also produces coated and uncoated paper, carbonless paper and thermal paper at its Piracicaba paper mill, located in the State of Sao Paulo with an annual production capacity of 190 kilotons. During 2010, it produced 115 kilotons of paper products and recorded consolidated net revenues. Fibria produces bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp at three pulp mills, the Aracruz pulp mill located in the State of Espirito Santo, which has an annual production capacity of 2.3 million tons; the Tres Lagoas pulp mill located in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, which has an annual production capacity of 1.3 million tons, and the Jacarei pulp mill located in the State of Sao Paulo, which has an annual production capacity of 1.1 million tons. The Company has a 50% interest in Veracel, which owns and operates a pulp mill in the municipality of Eunapolis, State of Bahia, with an annual production capacity of 1.1 million tons.

Pulp

Fibria produces bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp from planted eucalyptus trees. Bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp is a range of hardwood pulp. Eucalyptus is a hardwood tree, and its pulp has short fibers and is generally suited to manufacturing tissue, coated and uncoated printing and writing paper and coated packaging boards. Short fibers are optimal for manufacturing wood-free paper with good printability, smoothness, brightness and uniformity. Market pulp is the pulp sold to producers of paper products. Kraft pulp is pulp produced in a chemical process using sulphate. During 2010, it produced 5,054 kilotons of pulp (including 50.0% of the pulp production of Veracel).

Paper

During 2010, Fibria produced 115 kilotons of paper. The Company produced coated printing an! d writing paper, which is a coated woodfree paper used for promotional materials, folders, internal sheets and cover of magazines, books, tabloids, inserts and mailing; uncoated printing and writing paper, which is a uncoated woodfree paper in reels and sheets; carbonless paper, which is used to produce multi-copy forms, POS, invoices and other applications in place of traditional carbon paper, and thermal paper, which is traditionally used in fax machines; POS, bar code labels, toll tickets, water and gas bills and receipts for automated teller machines (ATMs) and credit card machines. It manufactures thermal paper products with technology licensed byOji Paper Co., Ltd (Oji Paper).

The Company competes with APRIL, Arauco, APP, Georgia Pacific, CMPC, Sodra, Stora Enso, Weyerhaeuser and Suzano.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Fibria Celulose (NYSE: FBR  ) reported earnings on July 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

    The 10-second takeaway
    For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Fibria Celulose met expectations on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014: Rock-Tenn Co (RKT)

Rock-Tenn Company (RockTenn), incorporated on September 20, 1985, is a North America's integrated manufacturer of corrugated and consumer packaging. The Company operates locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Puerto Rico and China. The Company operates in three segments: Corrugated Packaging, consisting of its containerboard mills and its corrugated converting operations; Consumer Packaging, consisting of its coated and uncoated paperboard mills, consumer packaging converting operations and merchandising display facilities, and Recycling, which consists of its recycled fiber brokerage and collection operations. On June 22, 2012, the Company acquired Mid South Packaging LLC. On October 28, 2011, the Company acquired four entities doing business as GMI Group.

Corrugated Packaging Segment

The Company is a producer of linerboard and corrugated medium (containerboard) measured by tons produced and a producer of graphics pre-printed linerboard in North America. It operates an integrated system, which manufactures containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging and preprinted linerboard for sale to industrial and consumer products manufacturers and corrugated box manufacturers. It produces a range of corrugated containers designed to protect, ship, store and display products made to its customers' merchandising and distribution specifications. It also converts corrugated sheets into corrugated products ranging from one-color protective cartons to point-of-purchase packaging. Corrugated packaging is used to provide protective packaging for shipment and distribution of food, paper, health and beauty and other household, consumer, commercial and industrial products and in the case of graphically enhanced corrugated packaging for retail sale, particularly in club store locations and retail sale. It also provides structural and graphic design, engineering services, and custom and standard automated packaging machines, offering customers turn-key instal! lation, automation, line integration and packaging solutions. It feeds linerboard and corrugated medium into corrugators, which flutes the medium to specified sizes, glues the linerboard and fluted medium together and slits and cuts the resulting corrugated paperboard into sheets to customer specifications. Its container board mills and corrugated container operations are integrated with its containerboard production used internally by its corrugated container operations. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), sales of corrugated packaging products to external customers accounted for 65.7% of its net sales.

Consumer Packaging Segment

The Company operates an integrated system of coated recycled mills and a bleached paperboard mill, which produces paperboard for its folding carton operations and third parties. The Company is a manufacturer of folding cartons in North America measured by net sales. Its folding cartons are used to package food, paper, health and beauty and other household consumer, commercial and industrial products for retail sale. It also manufactures express mail envelopes for the overnight courier industry. Folding cartons protect customers��products during shipment and distribution and employ graphics to promote them at retail. It manufactures folding cartons from recycled and virgin paperboard, laminated paperboard and substrates with specialty characteristics, such as grease masking and microwaveability. It prints, coats, die-cuts and glues the cartons to customer specifications. It ships finished cartons to customers for assembling, filling and sealing. It employs a range of offset, flexographic, gravure, backside printing, and coating and finishing technologies. It supports its customers with package development, innovation and design services and package testing services.

The Company manufactures temporary and permanent point-of-purchase displays. The Company designs, manufactures and packs temporary displays for sal! e to cons! umer products companies. These displays are used as marketing tools to support new product introductions and specific product promotions in mass merchandising stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, home improvement stores and other retail locations. It also designs, manufactures and pre-assemble permanent displays for the same categories of customers. It makes temporary displays from corrugated paperboard. It provides contract packing services, such as multi-product promotional packing and product manipulation, such as multipacks and onpacks. The Company manufactures lithographic laminated packaging for sale to its customers, which require packaging with graphics and strength characteristics.

The Company operates an integrated system of specialty recycled paperboard mills, which includes its Seven Hills Paperboard LLC (Seven Hills) joint venture. Its specialty recycled paperboard mills, excluding Seven Hills, produce paperboard for its solid fiber interior packaging converting operations and third parties, and its Seven Hills joint venture manufactures gypsum paperboard liner for sale to its joint venture partner. It sells its specialty recycled paperboard to manufacturers of solid fiber interior packaging, tubes and cores, and other paperboard products. It also converts specialty paperboard into book covers and other products. Its 65% owned subsidiary, RTS, designs and manufactures solid fiber and corrugated partitions and die-cut paperboard components. It manufactures and sells its solid fiber and corrugated partitions principally to glass container manufacturers and producers of beer, food, wine, spirits, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and to the automotive industry. During fiscal 2012, sales of consumer packaging products to external customers accounted for 27.5% of its net sales.

Recycling Segment

The Company�� recycled fiber brokerage and collection operations provide a strategic advantage to its mills. Its recycling operations procure recovered paper (or! recycled! fiber) for its paper mills, as well as for third parties from factories, warehouses, commercial printers, office complexes, grocery and retail stores, document storage facilities, paper converters and other wastepaper collectors. It handles a range of grades of recovered paper, including old corrugated containers, office paper, box clippings, newspaper and print shop scraps. It operates recycling facilities, which collects, sorts, grades and bales recovered paper and after sorting and baling, it transfer recovered paper to its paperboard mills for processing, or sell it to the United States manufacturers of paperboard, as well as manufacturers of tissue, newsprint, roofing products and insulation and to export markets. It also collects aluminum and plastics for resale to manufacturers of these products. Its waste reduction services extract additional recyclables from the waste stream by working with customers. In addition, it operates a nationwide fiber marketing and brokerage system, which serves regional and national accounts, as well as its recycled paperboard and containerboard mills and sells scrap materials from its converting businesses and mills. Brokerage contracts provide bulk purchasing. Its recycling facilities are located close to its recycled paperboard and containerboard mills, ensuring availability of supply with reduced shipping costs. During fiscal 2012, sales to external customers accounted for 6.8% of its net sales.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ray Merola]

    International Paper Co Share Price versus Competitors RockTenn (RKT), MeadWestvaco Corp (MWV), Packaging Corporation of America (PKG), and S&P 500 (March 2009-to-date)

  • [By Sean Williams]

    Boring doesn't always mean "buy"
    You may have heard me mention recently that boring industries can often make the most profitable industries. That is generally true, but it's not a rule! This is why packaging products maker Rock-Tenn (NYSE: RKT  ) has found its way onto my "sell-now" radar.

10 Best Paper Stocks For 2014: Resolute Forest Products Inc (RFP)

Resolute Forest Products Inc., AbitibiBowater Inc., is a global forest products company. The Company�� products include newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp and wood products. The Company owns or operates pulp and paper mills and wood products facilities in the United States, Canada and South Korea. On November 7, 2011, it began doing business as Resolute Forest Products. As of December 31, 2011, it owned or operated 18 pulp and paper mills and 23 wood products facilities in the United States, Canada and South Korea. The Company�� segments include newsprint, coated papers, specialty papers, market pulp and wood products. On January 14, 2011, it acquired the noncontrolling interest in Augusta Newsprint Company (ANC). In April 2012, the Company held approximately 48.8% of the outstanding shares of Fibrek Inc. In December 2012, the Company purchased Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited. oklyn Power Corporation. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Saibus Research]

    Consolidation has been incremental in the paper and forest products industry. In May 2012, Resolute Forest Products (RFP) (formerly AbitibiBowater) announced that it had acquired 50.1% of Fibrek and acquired the remaining 49.9% in August. 2011 saw International Paper (IP) announce a hostile takeover of Temple-Inland and after offering $32/share in cash as well as the assumption of $600M of TIN's debt, IP was able to close the deal in February 2012. 2011 also saw Rock-Tenn (RKT) acquire Smurfit-Stone to create the number two player in the linerboard segment with 20% market share, trailing only International Paper's 40%. We see these moves as a prudent step to consolidation in the industry as certain types of paper such as newsprint and uncoated free sheet (office paper) are seeing falling demand due to increased use of digital resources.

  • [By George Putnam]

    Resolute Forest Products (RFP), formerly known as AbitibiBowater, entered into bankruptcy in early 2009, weighed down by roughly $6 billion in debt.

  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Calling all cash flows
    When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Resolute Forest Products (NYSE: RFP  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Top 5 Freight Stocks To Watch For 2015

Top 5 Freight Stocks To Watch For 2015: Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)

Heartland Express, Inc. (Heartland), incorporated on August 8, 1986, is a short-to-medium haul truckload carrier. The Company provides regional dry van truckload services through its regional terminals plus its corporate headquarters. The Company transports freight for shippers and generally earns revenue based on the number of miles per load delivered. The Company's primary traffic lanes are between customer locations east of the Rocky Mountains. The Company is a holding company of Heartland Express Inc. of Iowa, Heartland Express Services, Inc., Heartland Express Maintenance Services, Inc. and A & M Express, Inc. Heartland operates nine specialized regional distribution operations in Atlanta, Georgia; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Chester, Virginia; Columbus, Ohio; Jacksonville, Florida; Kingsport, Tennessee; Olive Branch, Mississippi; Phoenix, Arizona, and Seagoville, Texas. The Company operates maintenance facilities at all regional distribution operating centers along wit h shop only locations in Fort Smith, Arkansas and O'Fallon, Missouri. In November 2013, Heartland Express Inc acquired 100% of the stock of Gordon Trucking, Inc.

The Company's operations department is responsible for maintaining the continuity between the customer's needs and Heartland's ability to meet those needs by communicating customer's expectations to the fleet management group. They are charged with development of customer relationships, ensuring service standards, coordinating proper freight-to-capacity balancing, trailer asset management, and daily tactical decisions pertaining to matching the customer demand with the appropriate capacity within geographical service areas. They assign orders to drivers based on well-defined criteria, such as driver safety and United States Department of Transportation (the DOT) compliance, customer nee! ds and service requirements, on-time service, equipment utilization, driver time at home, operational effici ency, and equipment maintenance needs. Fleet management is r! esponsible for driver management and development. Their responsibilities include meeting the needs of the drivers within the standards that have been set by the organization and communicating the requirements of the customers to the drivers on each order to ensure successful execution. Serving the short-to-medium haul market (500 miles average length of haul in 2012) permits the Company to use primarily single, rather than team drivers and dispatch loads directly from origin to destination without an intermediate equipment change other than for driver scheduling purposes.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Shares of Heartland Express (HTLD) rose today despite being cut by Stifel Nicolaus for valuation reasons.

    Bloomberg News

    Shares of Heartland Express have gained 50% this year, trumping the 38% rise in Con-Way (CNW) and the 29% advance in J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) but lagging Old Dominion Freight Lines (ODFL) and Swift Transportation (SWFT).

    That big gain was enough for Stifel’s John Larkin say no mas and cut his rating on Heartland Express. They explain why:

    Downgrading from Buy to Hold as the company’s shares appear fully and fairly valued. In fact, shares have recently traded through our 12-month fair value estimate of $19 (or 16.0x our 2015 EPS estimate of $1.15 plus ~$0.68 per share NPV of future cash tax benefits).

    Rating change is primarily valuation based as well as from our view that most transportation equities are trading ahead of the still mediocre underlying freight market fundamentals.

    BB&T’s Thomas Albrecht and team, who upgraded Heartland Express to Buy from Hold yesterday, explain why they think the stock will do just fine regardless of the economy:

    Heartland is an intriguing play upon both a slow-growth e! conomy an! d a rapidly growing one (along with tight capacity). Many carriers are only able to thrive in the latter environment. With HTLD we believe that even in a sluggish economy it has a self-generating EPS story through the integration and growth of Gordon. Q3’13, a very difficult quarter for TL carriers, saw HTLD post a 79.3% OR versus 83.3%.

    The timing of the Gordon deal seems ideal, similar to the Great Coastal acquisition in mid-2002. Back then the TL market was stabilizing, but had yet to really take off, which occurred in the back half of 2003. Those 4-5 quarters allowed HTLD to assess customers, integrate operations, consolidate facilities and get ready for the next cycle. By the time that occurred HTLD was ready to take advantage of the capacity

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Heartland Express (HTLD) has dropped 2.2% to $19.12 after it was cut to Hold from Buy at Stifel Nicolaus.

    Allergan (AGN) was upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Wells Fargo.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-freight-stocks-to-watch-for-2015-2.html

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Treasurys extend drop after weak 10-year note sale

NEW YORK (MarketWatch)—Treasury yields extended a push higher Wednesday after a weak auction of benchmark notes, putting the 3-year Treasury note yield on track to close above 1% for the first time in three years.

The shorter-term yield, which is sensitive to shifts in expectations about Federal Reserve monetary policy, has been on the rise as investors recalibrate forecasts toward earlier hikes to the central bank's key lending rates.

/quotes/zigman/4868286/delayed 3_YEAR 1.03, +0.08, +8.20% 3-year Treasury note yield

The Fed is set to release minutes of its last policy meeting at 2 p.m. Eastern, which may shed light on whether the central bank is thinking about when and how it will lift rates. The Fed is committed to a near-zero policy rate until the labor market improves further and inflation stabilizes.

The 3-year yield (3_YEAR) , which rises as prices fall was up 2.5 basis points on the day at 1.023%; the last time it closed above 1% was in April 2011.

Nonetheless, investors still view rate-hike timing as more subdued than the consensus outlook published by the Fed. Futures contracts tied to the fed funds rate project the first rate hike occurring in June 2015, according to CME FedWatch.

"The gap between the market view of rates and the Fed's summary of economic projections is smaller than it was a few weeks ago but it's still wide, suggesting the market is discounting [the Fed] significantly," said Jake Lowery, portfolio manager with Voya Investment Management.

Treasurys extended a fall after a weak auction of $21 billion in 10-year Treasury notes (10_YEAR) , where non-dealers bought a smaller portion of the debt than during recent sales. After the auction, benchmark note yield was up 2.5 basis points at 2.590%.

The 5-year note (5_YEAR)  yield was up 3 basis points at 1.727% while the 30-year bond (30_YEAR)  yield rose a basis point to 3.393%. The differential between them narrowed to the least since 2009 in what's known as a flattening yield curve.

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Monday, March 16, 2015

Top 5 New Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top 5 New Companies To Invest In Right Now: Zinco Do Brasil Inc (ZNBR)

Zinco do Brasil Inc., formerly TurkPower Corporation, incorporated on November 4, 2004, has been a Turkish-American consulting and service operations firm and junior mining company. TurkPower offered its domestic and international clients consulting services and plans to act as a full service operator for wind, hydro, solar, coal and geothermal energy parks in Turkey.

In November 2011, the Company ceased all operations in Turkey. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012 (fiscal 2012) the Company impaired its entire mining company investment.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    Small cap mining stocks Discovery Minerals Ltd (OTCMKTS: DSCR), Zinco Do Brasil Inc (OTCMKTS: ZNBR) and Amalgamated Gold and Silver Inc (OTCMKTS: BCHS) have been getting some extra attention lately as one stock surged last Friday while the other two are or have been in the past, the subject of paid promotions. It goes without saying though that small cap mining stocks tend to be riskier than your average stock. But do these three small cap mining stocks have what it takes to produce a mother lode for investors? Here is a deeper dig into all three:

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-5-new-companies-to-invest-in-right-now-2.html

Just How Overbought is the S&P 500?

Quite overbought, says MKM Partners’ Jonathan Krinsky:

AP

SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) 14 Day RSI is now 75.5, or the highest reading since Sep. 2012. Closing at current levels would be the 85th highest reading for the SPY daily RSI dating back to 1995. Considering there have been ~5k trading days, that puts the current overbought reading in the top 1.7% of all occurrences over the last 20yrs. While overbought readings in strong uptrends can, and often do persist, we should also realize where we are in the short-term. If today closes positive, SPY would be up 14 of the last 17 days. 2 of the 3 down days were -0.05%, and -0.07% (essentially flat). The SPX is now 8.3% above its 200 DMA, which is within a few points of the largest spread in 2014. Of course this spread can get much wider (12% in May 2013), but we have to ask what is the risk/reward over the next few

What does that mean for stocks? Krinsky breaks it down:

If today closes with SPY RSI above 75, it would be the 100th such occurrence since 1995. Average returns 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 days later are all negative, albeit not by much. Roughly 30% of those occurrences were in 1995. While some may compare the current market to 1995, in many ways it was a statistical outlier. If we take out 1995, the returns were slightly worse. Looking more recently, returns since 2009 drop off even further. Since 2009, there have been 17 days where daily RSI closed > 75. 15 of 17 times, SPY was lower five days later, by an average of -0.55%. The best return five days later was +0.55%, while the worst was -2.06

Best Supermarket Companies To Buy For 2015

If you’re a trader, this could be very important. But for anyone with even a slightly longer-term horizon, a 2.1% drop shouldn’t seem like the end of the world.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Top New Stocks To Buy Right Now

Top New Stocks To Buy Right Now: SolarCity Corp (SCTY)

SolarCity Corporation (SolarCity), incorporated on June 21, 2006, is engaged in the design, installation and sale or lease of solar energy systems to residential and commercial customers, or sale of electricity generated by solar energy systems to customers. The Company sells renewable energy to its customers. As of December 12, 2012, the Company served customers in 14 states. The Companys residential customers are individual homeowners and homeowners. The Companys commercial customers represent several business sectors, including technology, retail, manufacturing, agriculture, nonprofit and houses of worship. The Company has installed solar energy systems for several government entities, including the the United States Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy, and the Department of Homeland Security. The Company purchases major components, such as solar panels and inverters directly from multiple manufacturers. As of September 30, 2012, its primary solar panel suppliers we re Trina Solar Limited, Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited and Kyocera Solar, Inc., among others, and its primary inverter suppliers were Power-One, Inc., SMA Solar Technology, AG, Schneider Electric SA, Fronius International GmbH and SolarEdge Technologies, among others.

Solar Energy Products

The Companys solar energy products include Solar Energy Systems, and SolarLease and power purchase agreement finance products. The major components of its solar energy systems include solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical current. Most of its solar energy customers choose to purchase energy from the Company pursuant to one of two payment structures: a SolarLease or a power purchase agreement. In both structures, the Company charges customers a monthly fee for the power produced by its solar energy systems. In the lease structure, this monthly payment is pre-determined and includes a production guarantee. In the power purchase agreement ! structure, the Company charges customers a fee per kilowatt! hour based on the amount of electricity actually produced by the solar energy system.

Energy Efficiency Products and Services

The Companys energy efficiency products and services include home energy evaluation and energy efficiency upgrades. The Company sells home energy efficiency evaluations to new solar energy system customers and existing customers. The Companys energy efficiency upgrade products and services address heating and cooling, air sealing, duct sealing, water heating, insulation, furnaces, weatherization, pool pumps and lighting. As of December 12, 2012, the Company had completed over 13,000 home energy evaluations and performed more than 2,000 energy efficiency upgrades.

Other Energy Products and Services

The Companys other energy products and services include electric vehicle charging and energy storage. The Company installs electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment that it sources from thir d parties. SolarCity markets EV equipment to residential and commercial customers through retail partnerships with companies, such as The Home Depot, and through EV manufacturers and dealerships, such as its partnership with Tesla Motors, Inc. The Company is developing a battery management system built on its solar energy monitoring communications backbone. As of December 12, 2012, the Company had over 100 energy storage pilot projects under contract. As of December 12, 2012, the Company had sold over 750 charging stations.

Enabling Technologies

The Companys enabling technologies include SolarBid Sales Management Platform, SolarWorks Customer Management Software, Energy Designer, Home Performance Pro and SolarGuard and PowerGuide Proactive Monitoring Solutions. SolarBid is a sales management platform, which incorporates a database of rate information by utility, sun exposure, roof orientation and a range of other factors to enable a detailed anal ysis ! and custo! mized graphical presentation of each customer! s savin! gs.

SolarWorks is the software platform the Company uses to track and manage project. Energy Designer is a software application its field engineering auditors use to collect pertinent site-specific design details on a tablet computer. Home Performance Pro is its energy efficiency evaluation platform that incorporates the United States Department of Energys Energy Plus simulation engine. Home Performance Pro collects and stores details of a buildings construction and energy use. SolarGuard and PowerGuide provide its customers a view of their homes or businesss energy generation and consumption.

The Company competes with American Solar Electric, Inc., Astrum Solar, Inc., Petersen Dean, Inc., Real Goods Solar, Inc., REC Solar, Inc., Sungevity, Inc., Trinity Solar, Inc., Verengo, Inc., SunRun Inc. and Ameresco, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Travis Hoium]

    What: Shares of First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR  ) dropped as much as 10% today, dragging the rest of the industry down with it. SolarCity (NASDAQ: SCTY  ) dropped as much as 11% and SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR  ) fell 7% in early trading.

  • [By Travis Hoium]

    This follows a convertible notes offering at SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR  ) and a proposed convertible notes offering at SolarCity (NASDAQ: SCTY  ) . Convertible notes aren't a share offering, but they can be converted into shares at a specified price, so there's an equity component for investors.

  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    SolarCity (SCTY) engages in the design, installation and sale or lease of solar energy systems to residential and commercial customers, and government entities in the U.S. This stock closed up 4.7% at $35.84 in Monday's trading session.

    Monday's Volume: 3.64 million

    Three-Month Average Volume: 2.42 million

    Volume % Change: 145%

    From a technical perspective,! SCTY bou! nced sharply higher here right above some near-term support at $34.12 with above-average volume. This stock has been uptrending for the last few weeks, with shares moving higher from its low of $28.31 to its recent high of $37.87. During that move, shares of SCTY have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of SCTY within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if SCTY manages to take out its 50-day moving average at $37.82 and then once it takes out its recent high at $37.87 with high volume.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SCTY as long as it's trending above some key near-term support at $34.12 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that's near or above 2.42 million shares. If that breakout hits soon, then SCTY will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $43 to $45.60.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-new-stocks-to-buy-right-now.html

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy Right Now

NEW YORK ��How will we watch TV in five years?

It's an apropos question fresh off the International CES trade show in Las Vegas, where lust-worthy Ultra High-Definition 4K televisions were ubiquitous. CES is also where I moderated a panel on that very topic, with top TV executives from Starz, Twitter and Verizon.

The question goes beyond the physical TV that will anchor your home theater. It touches on how you'll find what to watch, how you'll pay to watch it, and how and where it will be delivered. The broadband pipe will be faster. Your social networks will remain major influences. And you can expect the usual mix of pricey-to-produce glitz and popular series, cheaper homegrown-type videos and everything in between ��including, of course, live news and sports.

TV TECH: These Vizio sets could soon be the most advanced on the market

Top Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: S&P Smallcap 600(PH)

Parker Hannifin Corporation manufactures fluid power systems, electromechanical controls, and related components worldwide. Its Industrial segment offers pneumatic and electromechanical components, and systems; filters, systems, and instruments to monitor and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors that control, transmit, and contain fluid; hydraulic components and systems for builders and users of industrial and mobile machinery and equipment; critical flow components for process instrumentation, healthcare, and ultra-high-purity applications; and static and dynamic sealing devices. This segment sells its products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their replacement markets in the manufacturing, transportation, and processing industries. The company?s Aerospace segment provides flight control systems and components, including hydraulic, electrohydraulic, electric backup hydraulic, electrohydrostatic, and electro -mechanical components for precise control of aircraft rudders, elevators, ailerons, and other aerodynamic control surfaces. It also provides electronics thermal management heat rejection systems, and single-phase and two-phase heat collection systems for radar, ISAR, and power electronics. This segment markets its products primarily to OEMs in the commercial, military, and general aviation markets, as well as to end users. Its Climate and Industrial Controls segment offers systems and components primarily for use in the mobile and stationary refrigeration, and air conditioning industry; and in fluid control applications in various industries, such as processing, fuel dispensing, beverage dispensing, and mobile emissions. This segment serves OEMs and their replacement markets. Parker-Hannifin Corporation markets its products through direct-sales employees, independent distributors, wholesalers, and sales representatives. The company was founded in 1918 and is headquartered i n Cleveland, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Stephen Rosenman]

    Can you really take a company's yearly guidance seriously? Who can predict future events a year from now? It's so hard most companies skip the ordeal. Who can blame them? So many unforeseen events can derail a company's guidance. Yet, a few daredevil companies continue giving their yearly outlook. As far as I'm concerned, that's akin to writing the front page of next year's Wall Street Journal. I've already highlighted how Caterpillar (CAT) and Parker Hannifin (PH) - two excellent companies - almost never get their yearly guidance right.

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy Right Now: Ford Motor Credit Company(F)

Ford Motor Company primarily develops, manufactures, distributes, and services vehicles and parts worldwide. It operates in two sectors, Automotive and Financial Services. The Automotive sector offers vehicles primarily under the Ford and Lincoln brand names. This sector markets cars, trucks, and parts through retail dealers in North America, and through distributors and dealers outside of North America. It also sells cars and trucks to dealers for sale to fleet customers, including daily rental car companies, commercial fleet customers, leasing companies, and governments. In addition, this sector provides retail customers with a range of after-sale vehicle services and products in the areas, such as maintenance and light repair, heavy repair, collision repair, vehicle accessories, and extended service contracts under the Ford Service, Lincoln Service, Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Extended Service Plan, and Motorcraft brand names. The Financial Services sector offers vari ous automotive financing products to and through automotive dealers. It offers retail financing, which includes retail installment contracts for new and used vehicles; direct financing leases; wholesale financing products that comprise loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory; loans to dealers to finance working capital, purchase real estate dealership, and/or make improvements to dealership facilities; and other financing products, as well as provides insurance services. Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 and is based in Dearborn, Michigan.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Rosevear]

    Pickup sales have been booming lately, and GM's big marketing push for its all-new trucks looks likely to add fuel to an already blazing fire. In this video, Fool.com contributor John Rosevear looks at GM's latest launch plans ���nd at why�Ford (NYSE: F  ) , the leader in pickup sales, is delighted to welcome its archrival to the Texas pickup wars.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Weekend news likely prompts a negative reaction Monday, but Tues-Wed could go either way. GM stock could respond well if March share meets/beats expectations and if GM were to make adequate statements explaining concerns and offering remedies (OnStar can play role here). A sub-17% share and/or more negative revelations could pressure the stock further. We enter the week with a buy-on-weakness approach but acknowledge that this latest escalation adds ST market share risk. Thus, we also look to add positions in Buy-rated Ford (F) (possible ST share gains) and [American Axle & Manufacturing (AXL)] (pulled back + Q2 schedules appear intact).

  • [By John Rosevear and Rex Moore]

    Ford's� (NYSE: F  ) 2015 Mustang was unveiled in a series of events all over the world last week. In six different cities on four continents, Ford hosted events featuring members of the Mustang's design team and senior executives, giving analysts and media members an up-close look at the new car and the thinking that went into its design.�

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy Right Now: Kohl's Corporation(KSS)

Kohl?s Corporation operates department stores in the United States. The company?s stores offer private and exclusive, as well as national branded apparel, footwear, and accessories for women, men, and children; soft home products, such as sheets and pillows; and housewares primarily to middle-income customers. As of January 29, 2011, it operated 1,089 stores in 49 states. The company also offers on-line shopping on its Web site at Kohls.com. Kohl?s Corporation was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Patricio Kehoe]

    Negative macroeconomic trends, such as consumer credit contraction, housing market downturn, and increases in commodity costs, have negatively affected the retail industry. Yet the economic downturn, which followed the 2008 financial crisis, has not hit all retailers equally. Whereas Sears Holdings Corporation (SHLD) has struggled to grow, Kohl�� Corp (KSS) is expected to continue on its positive growth trajectory.

  • [By Michael Carter]

    J.C. Penney's (NYSE: JCP  ) stock fell more than 50% in the past 12 months and has increasingly underperformed the market for more than a decade. A few weeks ago, first-quarter earnings beat estimates and showed some signs of improvement. However, is J.C. Penney showing real improvement over other big-name rivals like Kohl's (NYSE: KSS  ) and Target (NYSE: TGT  ) ? Or was J.C. Penney's recent quarter just a fluke?

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    As you might imagine, Macy’s miss has hit other department stores (I assume because if Macy’s isn’t able to beat, how will anyone else?). Nordstrom (JWN) has fallen 1.2% to $67.92, Dillard’s (DDS) has fallen 3% to $116.09 and Kohl’s (KSS) is off 2.2% at $54.69.

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy Right Now: Ur Energy Inc(URG)

Ur-Energy Inc., an exploration stage junior mining company, engages in the identification, acquisition, evaluation, exploration, and development of uranium mineral properties. The company has 13 projects located in Wyoming and Nebraska, the United States; and 3 exploration projects located in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada. Its landholdings cover approximately 90,000 acres in the United States and approximately 140,000 acres in Canada. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By The Energy Report]

    DS: Two of our top picks are Cameco Corp. (CCJ) and Ur-Energy Inc. (URG). For Cameco, we've got a $25/share target and an outperform rating. This company is the industry's go-to, the blue chip uranium company. It's organically growing very low-cost operations, which are for the most part in very safe jurisdictions. It has a lower-risk approach to contracts, with a targeted pricing mix of about 40% fixed-pricing and 60% market-related pricing in the contract book. The company's got a solid balance sheet. We think it's going to end Q3/13 with about $800M in working capital and another $2 billion [$2B] in undrawn lines of credit. It's also diversified across the nuclear fuel chain, with exposure not only to its core uranium mining business but also with nuclear fuel services, like conversion and fuel fabrication. It's got a stake in the Bruce nuclear power plant as well as a newly bolted-on uranium trading business, so it's quite diversified. On top of that, Cameco pays a 2% dividend. We think it offers a very attractive risk/reward proposition at these levels.

  • [By John Udovich]

    Small cap nuclear fuel stock USEC Inc (NYSE: USU) is up some 300% this week���meaning its worth taking a closer look at the company along with the performance potential uranium or nuclear stock peers Uranium Resources, Inc (NASDAQ: URRE), Denison Mines Corp (NYSEMKT: DNN), Ur-Energy Inc (NYSEMKT: URG) and Uranerz Energy Corp (NYSEMKT: URZ).

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy 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 Anh HOANG]

    While Rite Aid is considered a good turnaround story, its bigger peers�CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS  ) and Walgreen (NYSE: WAG  ) are seen as having better-established businesses with more stable operating performances. Let's take a closer look at Rite Aid to see whether or not it is a good buy compared to the competition.

  • [By John Udovich]

    Walgreen Company. Drug store chain Walgreen Company was praised by Faith Driven Consumer for its significant emphasis on philanthropy and service in its local communities. However, Walgreen Company was also criticized for�supporting the Chicago Foundation for Women (which teaches women and girls ��bout services, including abortion��, for partnering with the�the United Way (which indirectly gives to Planned Parenthood), for having a 100%�score from the Human Rights Campaign�� Corporate Equality Index�and for being the parent company of drugstore.com, which sells pornographic DVDs as well as other sexually explicit items. Faith Driven Consumer sees CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS) as the more a ��aith-friendly option.��For investors though, Walgreen Company is up 55.7% since the start of the year and up 120.9% over the past five years while CVS Caremark is up 46.8% since the start of the year and up 163.3% over the past five years���meaning the�latter�has been a�better choice even for faithless�investors.

  • [By Lauren Pollock]

    CVS Caremark Corp.(CVS) agreed to buy medical provider Coram LLC from Apria Healthcare Group Inc. for roughly $2.1 billion, continuing its push into the specialty-drug market. Coram provides infusion therapies–giving medicine through a needle or catheter

  • [By Kelley Wright]

    Based on this criteria, here are our current Timely Ten selections:

    Chevron Corp. (CVX)��ielding 3.3%

    CVS Caremark (CVS)��ielding 1.6%

    Coca-Cola (KO)��ielding 2.9%

    Baxter International (BAX)��ielding 3.0%

    Walgreen (WAG)��ielding 2.3%

    McDonalds Corp. (MCD)��ielding 3.3%

    PepsiCo (PEP)��ielding 2.8%

    ExxonMobil (XOM)��ielding 2.9%

    Occidental Petroleum (OXY)��ielding 2.7%

    Wal-Mart Stores (WMT)��ielding 2.5%

    Subscribe to Investment Quality Trends here��/P>

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy Right Now: Progress Software Corporation(PRGS)

Progress Software Corporation operates as an enterprise software company worldwide. Its products include Progress OpenEdge platform, which offers development tools, application servers, application management tools, and an embedded database; Progress Orbix to address enterprise integration problems with standards-based solutions; and Progress ObjectStore, an object data management system to store data faster than relational database management system or file-based storage system. The company?s products also comprise Progress Responsiveness Process Management suite for business users; Progress Control Tower, an interactive business control panel; Progress Sonic, which comprises an enterprise messaging system and the enterprise service buses; Progress Actional that provides operational and business visibility, root cause analysis, and policy-based security and control of services; Progress Apama, which offers tools for creating, testing, and deploying strategies for applicat ions, including algorithmic trading, market aggregation, smart order routing, market surveillance and monitoring, and risk management; Progress Savvion BusinessManager, a business process management software; and Fuse products that provide customers with access to professional open source integration and messaging software. In addition, it offers Progress DataDirect Connect products, which provide data connectivity components; Progress DataDirect Shadow to provide foundation architecture for standards-based mainframe integration; and Progress Data Services product set that offers data integration for distributed applications. Further, the company provides maintenance, consulting, training, and customer support services. Progress Software Corporation sells its products to independent software vendors, original equipment manufacturers, and system integrators through direct sales force and independent distributors. The company was founded in 1981 and is based in Bedford, Massac husetts.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Garrett Cook]

    In trading on Friday, technology shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.31 percent. Top gainers in the sector included Aware (NASDAQ: AWRE), up 15.4 percent, and Progress Software (NASDAQ: PRGS), up 7.7 percent.

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    In trading on Friday, technology shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.15 percent. Top gainers in the sector included Aware (NASDAQ: AWRE), up 15.9 percent, and Progress Software (NASDAQ: PRGS), up 10.5 percent.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Progress Software (NASDAQ: PRGS) shares tumbled 11.15 percent to $22.82 after the company issued a weak Q1 forecast.

    FireEye (NASDAQ: FEYE) was also down, falling 9.35 percent to $81.20 after the company's secondary offering lead to fear on the street.

Top 10 Cheap Companies To Buy 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 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 Dan Caplinger]

    Travelers (NYSE: TRV  ) is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings report on Tuesday, and in the absence of some of the massive disasters that the company has had to endure in previous years, all signs point to positive results for the insurance giant. As Travelers earnings start climbing higher, though, investors want to know how long the good times can last.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now

We are recommending the speculative shares of a small Australian miner with big dreams; this company spans the globe, headquartered in Brisbane, partnered in Tokyo, and operating in Argentina, notes Frida Ghitis, contributing editor to Global Investing.

Orocobre (OROCF) (TSX:ORL) aims to be a big lithium producer of future green fuel lithium. The lithium market is on fire, as Elon Musk's electric car company Tesla (TSLA) is stepping on the accelerator and massively increasing production.

Orocobre is highly speculative and never made any money. But it has a seal of approval via its Japanese partner, Toyota Tsusho, a sub of the car maker. Toyota needs lithium supplies for batteries in its best-selling Prius hybrid and other electric cars.

In Argentina's Olaroz project, OROCF owns 66%, Toyota 25%, and the Jujuy Provincial government mining firm the rest.

Jujuy authorities demanded a stake to let a foreign firm exploit national resources at a time when President Cristina Fernandez was nationalizing foreign companies. For Jujuy, the result was the partnership deal.

Top Oil Service Stocks For 2015: Duckwall-Alco Stores Inc.(DUCK)

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. operates as a regional broad line retailer in the central United States. The company operates ALCO stores that offer a line of merchandise consisting of approximately 35,000 items, including automotive, commodities, crafts, domestics, electronics, furniture, hardware, health and beauty aids, housewares, jewelry, pre-recorded music and video, sporting goods, seasonal items, stationery, and toys, as well as ladies?, men?s, and children?s apparel and shoes. As of March 1, 2012, it operated 216 ALCO stores in 23 states. The company was founded in 1901 and is based in Abilene, Kansas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Geoff Gannon]

    Stocks trading at or below book value ��not counting goodwill ��are the easiest to understand. Whether we are talking about DreamWorks or Avalon Holdings or Duckwall ALCO (DUCK) or J.W. Mays (MAYS), if a stock is trading around book value your next step is to figure out how book value is calculated.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now: Global X China Materials ETF (CHIM)

Global X China Materials ETF (the Fund) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the S-BOX China Materials Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index is a free float adjusted, liquidity tested and market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure performance of the investable universe of companies in the Materials sector of the Chinese economy, as defined by Structured Solutions AG. Global X Management Company, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By pamatlarge]

    Investors looking to short a particular sector can choose from several Global X long ETFs. The Global X China Consumer ETF (CHIQ) concentrates its investments in consumer cyclical goods and consumer defense goods. The Global X China Energy ETF (CHIE) primarily holds stocks in coal, oil and utility companies. The Global X China Financials ETF (CHIX) only invests in financial services companies and real estate companies. The Global X China Industrials ETF (CHII) holds stocks in industrial companies and basic materials companies. The Global X China Materials ETF (CHIM) invests in basic materials stocks. The Global X China Technology ETF (CHIB) holds technology stocks as the core of its investments. All of these ETFs are particularly sensitive to sector downturns and general economic contractions.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now: Energy Partners Ltd. (EPL)

EPL Oil & Gas, Inc. operates as an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. The company�s operations primarily focuses on the U.S. Gulf of Mexico shelf on state and federal waters offshore Louisiana. As of December 31, 2012, it had estimated proved reserves of 77.4 million barrels of oil equivalent, as well as interests in 37 producing fields located in the Gulf of Mexico shelf region. The company was formerly known as Energy Partners, Ltd. and changed its name to EPL Oil & Gas, Inc. in September 2012. EPL Oil & Gas, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By CRWE]

    EPL Oil & Gas, Inc. (NYSE:EPL) will present at the New Frontiers in Energy Conference 2012 hosted by Westlake Securities on September 25, 2012 at 8:45 a.m. Central time in Austin, Texas. Gary C. Hanna, EPL’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will provide a financial and operational overview on the Company during the presentation.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now: Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCLAF)

Coca-Cola Amatil Limited (CCA) with its subsidiaries is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of carbonated soft drinks, still and mineral waters, fruit juices, coffee and other alcohol-free beverages. CCA operates in four business segments: The Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and Indonesia and PNG segments. CCA is also engaged in the processing and marketing of fruits, vegetables and other food products, and the manufacture and distribution of alcohol ready-to-drink products, and the distribution of premium spirits and beer brands. The Company�� principal operations are in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). On January 13, 2012, the sale of CCA�� 50% interest in Pacific Beverages to SABMiller was completed. On February 21, 2011, the Company acquired Vending business, a non-alcohol beverage in Australia. On September 7, 2012, CCA acquired an 89.6% shareholding in Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Ltd (Paradise Beverages). Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By MARKETWATCH]

    LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Australian stocks seesawed in early Monday trade, with gains for miners and energy names helping support the market, as the S&P/ASX 200 (AU:XJO) sat 0.1% higher at 5,325.90 after changing direction several times. Official Chinese data showing manufacturing holding its growth rate in October appeared to help some miners, as did gains for some commodity prices. Shares of Rio Tinto Ltd. (AU:RIO) (RIO) rose 0.5%, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (AU:FMG) (FSUMF) added 0.7%, Oz Minerals Ltd. (AU:OZL) (OZMLF) advanced 1%, and Whitehaven Coal Ltd. (AU:WHC) improved by 1.9%. Likewise, an advance for gold futures sent Newcrest Mining Ltd. (AU:NCM) (NCMGF) rallying 3.4%, and Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd. (AU:KCN) (KSKGF) up 2.9%. Energy shares also traded higher, with Oil Search Ltd. (AU:OSH) (OISHF) up 1.3%, and Karoon Gas Australia Ltd. (AU:KAR) (KRNGF) adding 1.7%. On the downside, retailers were mostly lower, with David Jones Ltd. (AU:DJS) (DVDJF)

  • [By MARKETWATCH]

    LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Australian stocks rose modestly in early Tuesday trade, with the market reacting to a mixed batch of earnings. The S&P/ASX 200 (AU:XJO) added 0.2% to 5,391.80, with BHP Billiton Ltd. (AU:BHP) (BHP) rising 1.7% after its July-December profit almost doubled from a year earlier, beating forecasts. However, smaller rival Arrium Ltd. (AU:ARI) (ARRMF) added 2.5% after reporting a swing back to profit. Other miners got a bump up from rising commodity prices, as Newcrest Mining Ltd. (AU:NCM) (NCMGF) gained 2.3% and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (AU:FMG) (FSUMF) added 1.2%, though Oz Minerals Ltd. (AU:OZL) (OZMLF) slipped 0.4%. Shares of Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. (AU:CCL) (CCLAF) slumped 5.1% after the drinks firm saw a more than 80% drop in 2013 profit, weighed by a writedown on its fruit-processing business. Packaging firm Amcor Ltd. (AU:AMC) (AMCRF) lost 4.6% after its fiscal-first-half profit fell by about a third.

  • [By Daniel Inman]

    Also in Sydney, Coca-Cola Amatil (AU:CCL) � (CCLAF) �dropped 4.7% after warning that its fiscal 2014 operating profit was likely to fall 5% to 7% on the previous year.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now: WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (DEM)

WisdomTree Emerging Markets High-Yielding Equity Fund (the Fund) seeks to track the performance of the WisdomTree Emerging Markets High-Yielding Equity Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of emerging market stocks with relatively high dividend yields. The Index is created by selecting the top 30% of Index constituents ranked by dividend yield from the WisdomTree Emerging Markets Dividend Index. Companies eligible for inclusion in the Index must be incorporated in and have their shares listed on a major stock exchange in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand or Turkey. Companies must have paid at least $5 million in cash dividends on their common stock in the 12 months prior to the most recent Index measurement date. Companies are weighted in the Index based on regular cash dividends paid. The Index includes large-capitalization, mid-capitalization and small-capitalization securities.

The Fund employs a passive management or indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the Index. The Fund attempts to invest all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the Index. The Fund generally uses a representative sampling strategy to track the Index. The Fund�� investment advisor is WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By George Putnam, Editor, New Generation Research, Inc.]

    WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity (DEM) takes a somewhat different approach because it focuses quite heavily on dividend yield.

    As a result, the fund has an attractive 4.2% yield. Financial services is the fund's largest sector exposure, followed by energy, basic materials, and communications.

  • [By Genia Turanova]

    WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income ETF (DEM) is designed to track the performance of the high-yielding subset of the dividend paying segment of 18 emerging-markets nations.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now: MicroFinancial Incorporated(MFI)

Microfinancial Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, operates as a specialized commercial finance company that provides microticket equipment leasing and rental, and other financing services in the United States. The company provides financing alternatives, and leases and rents commercial equipment to start-up and established businesses for use in their daily operations. It leases water filtration systems, food service equipment, security equipment, point-of-sale cash registers, salon equipment, health care and fitness equipment, and automotive equipment. The company primarily sources its originations through a network of independent equipment vendors, sales organizations, and other dealer-based origination networks. Microfinancial Incorporated was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Magic Diligence]

    One stock that has been in the official Magic Formula (MFI) screen for the past month or so has piqued my interest: Kraft (KRFT).

    The MFI screens, particularly the $50 million screen, are usually reserved for deep value stocks. Usually you find stocks in here suffering serious adverse business developments (LQDT, NSR, etc.), operate in out-of-favor industries (APOL, STRA, etc.), have volatile and difficult-to-predict future prospects (PDLI comes to mind), or are just simply cheap quantitatively (CSCO, COH, et.al.).

  • [By Gerrit De Vynck]

    Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (MFI), the Canadian producer of foods from hamburgers to frozen pasta, has drawn bids for its bread unit from Grupo Bimbo SAB, Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) and several private-equity firms, three people with knowledge of the matter said.