Best Dividend Stocks For 2014: February 2014

Friday, February 21, 2014

10 greatest threats to global economy in 2014

The World Economic Forum on Thursday released its Global Risks 2014 report.

"Taking a 10-year outlook, the report assesses 31 risks that are global in nature and have the potential to cause significant negative impact across entire countries and industries if they take place," is how the WEF describes the report in a statement accompanying its release.

"The risks are grouped under five classifications — economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and technological — and measured in terms of their likelihood and potential impact," the statement says.

The report canvasses the views of 700 experts from around the world. Ten of what the WEF calls the "global risks of highest concern" for 2014 are as follows:

Fiscal crises in key economies

"Fiscal crises feature as the top risk in this year's Global Risks report. Advanced economies remain in danger, while many emerging markets have seen credit growth in recent years, which could fuel financial crises. A fiscal crisis in any major economy could easily have cascading global impacts."

Structurally high unemployment/underemployment

"Unemployment appears second overall, as many people in both advanced and emerging economies struggle to find jobs. Young people are especially vulnerable – youth unemployment is as high as 50% in some countries and underemployment (with low-quality jobs) remains prevalent, especially in emerging and developing markets."

World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab.(Photo: Fabrice Coffrini, AFP/Getty Images)

Water crises

"Environmental risks feature prominently on this year's list. Water crises, for instance, rank as the third highest concern, illustrating a continued and growing awareness of the global wate! r crisis as a result of mismanagement and increased competition for already scarce water resources."

Severe income disparity

"Closely associated in terms of societal risk, income disparity is also among the most worrying issues. Concerns have been raised about the squeezing effect the financial crisis had on the middle classes in developed economies, while globalization has brought about a polarization of incomes in emerging and developing economies."

Failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation

"Even as governments and corporations are called upon to speed up greenhouse gas reduction, it is clear that the race is on not only to mitigate climate change but also to adapt. Failure to adapt has the biggest effect on the most vulnerable, especially those in least developed countries."

Greater incidence of extreme weather events (e.g. floods, storms, fires)

"Climate change is the key driver of uncertain and changing weather patterns, causing an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. The Global Risks 2014 report draws attention to the combined implications of these environmental risks on key development and security issues, such as food security and political and social instability, ranked 8th and 10th respectively."

Global governance failure

"The risk of global governance failure, which lies at the heart of the risk map, was viewed by respondents as one of the risks that is most connected to others. Weak or inadequate global institutions, agreements or networks, combined with competing national and political interests, impede attempts to cooperate on addressing global risks."

Food crises

"One of the top societal risks in the report, food crises occur when access to appropriate quantities and quality of food and nutrition becomes inadequate or unreliable. Food crises are strongly linked to the risk of climate change and related factors."

Failure of a major financial mechanism/institution

"Over ! five year! s after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the failure of a major financial mechanism or institution also features among the risks that respondents are most concerned about, as uncertainty about the quality of many banks' assets remains."

Profound political and social instability

"At number 10 is the risk that one or more systemically critical countries will experience significant erosion of trust and mutual obligations between states and citizens. This could lead to state collapse, internal violence, regional or global instability and, potentially, military conflict."

READ THE FULL REPORT: Global Risks 2014 (Ninth Edition)

The WEF's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, begins next week on Jan. 22.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

German business activity reaches near 3-year high

German business activity grew at the fastest rate in almost three years in February, suggesting Europe's biggest and strongest economy continued to accelerate during the first quarter of the year.

The survey results from data provider Markit on Thursday followed a weak report on French business activity during the same month, and is a new sign that Germany is outpacing other euro nations as the bloc's economy stages a fragile recovery from its fiscal crisis.

Markit's composite purchasing managers' index, a monthly gauge of activity across the German manufacturing and services sectors, rose to 56.1 in February, a 32-month high, from 55.5 in January.

A reading above 50 indicates month-to-month expansion in activity. France's equivalent gauge showed activity shrinking.

"The recovery in the euro zone's largest economy is looking more and more sustainable, underpinned by the strongest rate of job creation in just over two years," said Oliver Kolodseike, economist at Markit.

Growth accelerated in Germany's services sector, but ebbed in manufacturing.

Germany's economy grew 0.4% during the final three months of 2013, picking up slightly from the previous quarter. The euro-zone economy as a whole grew 0.3%.

Write to Alex Brittain at alex.brittain@wsj.com

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

3 Health Care Stocks Under $10 Moving Higher

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- At Stockpickr, we track daily portfolios of stocks that are the biggest percentage gainers and the biggest percentage losers.

>>5 Big Trades to Take This Year

Stocks that are making large moves like these are favorites among short-term traders because they can jump into these names and try to capture some of that massive volatility. Stocks that are making big-percentage moves either up or down are usually in play because their sector is becoming attractive or they have a major fundamental catalyst such as a recent earnings release. Sometimes stocks making big moves have been hit with an analyst upgrade or an analyst downgrade.

Regardless of the reason behind it, when a stock makes a large-percentage move, it is often just the start of a new major trend -- a trend that can lead to huge profits. If you time your trade correctly, combining technical indicators with fundamental trends, discipline and sound money management, you will be well on your way to investment success.

>>5 Stocks Insiders Love Right Now

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at a several stocks under $10 that are making large moves to the upside.

Sophiris Bio

Sophiris Bio (SPHS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of products for the treatment of urological diseases. This stock closed up 8.2% to $4.08 in Thursday's trading session.

Thursday's Range: $3.75-$4.19

52-Week Range: $3.50-$17.68

Thursday's Volume: 164,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 35,043

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy for Repeat Gains in 2014

From a technical perspective, SPHS spiked sharply higher here right above some near-term support at $3.61 with above-average volume. This move pushed shares of SPHS into breakout territory, since the stock took out some near-term overhead resistance at $3.90. Shares of SPHS managed to close just below its 50-day moving average at $4.10 with shares finishing the trading session at $4.09. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if SPHS manages to take out Thursday's high of $4.19 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SPHS as long as it's trending above Thursday's low of $3.75 or above more near-term support at $3.61 and then once it sustains a move or close above $4.19 with volume that hits near or above 35,043 shares. If we get that move soon, then SPHS will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to $4.85. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give SPHS a chance to tag its next major overhead resistance levels at $5.11 to $5.91.

BioScrip

BioScrip (BIOS) provides home infusion and other home care services, and pharmacy benefit management services in the U.S. This stock closed up 1% to $7.43 in Thursday's trading session.

Thursday's Range: $7.13-$7.49

52-Week Range: $5.61-$17.62

Thursday's Volume: 1.69 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 1.46 million

>>5 Stocks Rising on Unusual Volume

From a technical perspective, BIOS trended modestly higher here right above some near-term support at $7 with above-average volume. This stock recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $6.95 to $6.99 right above its 50-day moving average of $6.64. Shares of BIOS have now started to spike higher off those support levels and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if BIOS manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $7.45 to $7.69 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in BIOS as long as it's trending above $7 or above its 50-day at $6.64 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 1.46 million shares. If that breakout hits soon, then BIOS will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $8.53 to $9.

Neogenomics

Neogenomics (NEO) operates a network of cancer-focused testing laboratories providing genetic and molecular testing services to hospitals, pathologists, oncologists, urologists, other clinicians and researchers, and other laboratories in the U.S. This stock closed up 3.5% to $4.12 in Thursday's trading session.

Thursday's Range: $3.94-$4.18

52-Week Range: $2.05-$4.20

Thursday's Volume: 752,111

Three-Month Average Volume: 267,386

>>Invest Like a Venture Capitalist With These 5 Stocks

From a technical perspective, NEO jumped higher here with above-average volume. This move briefly pushed shares of NEO into breakout territory, since the stock flirted with some past overhead resistance at $4.15. Shares of NEO tagged an intraday high of $4.19 before closing at $4.12. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if NEO can manage to take out Thursday's high of $4.19 to its 52-week high at $4.20 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in NEO as long as it's trending above Thursday's low of $3.94 or above its 50-day a5 $3.67 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 267,386 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then NEO will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $5 to $5.50.

To see more stocks that are making notable moves higher, check out the Stocks Under $10 Moving Higher portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now

NEW YORK (AP) ��Pizza Hut plans to start offering pizza by the slice for the first time in two test locations this week, as the chain looks to keep pace with trendy competitors offering quick, made-to-order pies.

The chain says the two locations ��one in York, Neb. and Pawtucket, R.I. ��will open on Tuesday.

A slice will cost between $2 and $3 and take three to four minutes to heat up. They'll be made with new recipes more in line with the thinner pies sold in the Northeast.

The tests reflect how established restaurant chains are scrambling to reinvent themselves to keep pace with a rapidly changing industry. Diners are increasingly flocking to places such as Chipotle, where they feel they can get restaurant-quality food for just a little more than they would pay at fast-food chains such as Burger King.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Darden Restaurants Inc (DDN)

Darden Restaurants, Inc., incorporated on March 30, 1995, is a company owned and operated full service restaurant company. As of May 26, 2013, the Company operated through subsidiaries 2,138 restaurants in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it operated 2,105 restaurants in all 50 states, including 822 Olive Garden, 678 Red Lobster, 430 LongHorn Steakhouse, 49 The Capital Grille, 44 Yard House, 33 Bahama Breeze, 31 Seasons 52, nine Eddie V's Prime Seafood, six test synergy restaurants (which house both a Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurant in the same building) and three Wildfish Seafood Grille restaurants. As of May 26, 2013, it operated 33 restaurants, including 27 Red Lobster and six Olive Garden restaurants in Canada.

Through subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates all of its restaurants in the United States and Canada, except for three restaurants located in Florida and three restaurants in California, which are owned jointly by the Company and third parties, and managed by the Company, and five franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico. As of May 26, 2013, it also had 37 restaurants operated by independent third parties pursuant to area development and franchise agreements, including 23 Red Lobster restaurants in Japan, five LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in Puerto Rico, four Red Lobster restaurants and two Olive Garden restaurants in the Middle East region (a Red Lobster in Dubai, a Red Lobster in Qatar, a Red Lobster and an Olive Garden in Kuwait, a Red Lobster and an Olive Garden in Abu Dhabi), and two Olive Garden restaurants and one The Capital Grille restaurant in Mexico City.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is a full service dining Italian restaurant operator in the United States. Olive Garden�� menu includes a variety of authentic Italian foods featuring fresh ingredients and a wine list that includes a selection of wines imported from Italy. The menu includes flatbreads and other appetizers; soups, salad and garlic breadsticks; bak! ed pastas; sauteed specialties with chicken, seafood and fresh vegetables; grilled meats, and a variety of desserts. Olive Garden also uses coffee imported from Italy for its espresso and cappuccino.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is a full service dining seafood specialty restaurant operator in the United States. It offers a menu featuring fresh fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops and other seafood in a casual atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of specialty seafood and non-seafood entrees, appetizers and desserts. Red Lobster maintains different lunch and dinner menus and different menus across its trade areas.

LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants are full-service establishments serving both lunch and dinner. With locations in 38 states, primarily in the Eastern half of the United States, LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants feature a range of menu items, including signature fresh steaks and chicken, as well as salmon, shrimp, ribs, pork chops, burgers and prime rib.

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille has locations in metropolitan cities in the United States. The Capital Grille offers seafood flown in daily and culinary specials created by its chefs. The restaurants feature a wine list offering over 350 selections, personalized service, and private dining rooms.

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze restaurants bring guests the feeling of a Caribbean escape, offering the food, drinks and atmosphere found in the islands. The menu features fresh seafood, chicken and steaks, as well as signature specialty drinks.

Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is a grill and wine bar with menus offering a dining experience that celebrates living well. It offers an international wine list of more than 90 wines, with approximately 60 available by the glass. Its private dining rooms create the ideal environment for many social and business events, the Chef's Table provides a setting for chef-hosted cust! omizable ! food and wine pairing events, while the piano bar, featuring live music every night.

Eddie V's

Eddie V's opened in 2000 with an emphasis on prime seafood creations, USDA prime beef and chops, and fresh oyster bar selections. The ambiance is sophisticated and contemporary, with live nightly music in the V-Lounge.

Synergy Restaurants

Synergy restaurant houses both a Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurant in the same building, but with separate front doors, dining rooms and brand-specific menus. It opened a second synergy test location during the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO)

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc., incorporated on December 9, 2010, is a McDonald�� franchisee. As of December 31, 2010, the Company operated or franchised 1,755 McDonald��-branded restaurants, which represented 6.7% of McDonald�� total franchised restaurants globally. It operates McDonald��-branded restaurants under two different operating formats, Company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants. As of December 31, 2010, of its 1,755 McDonald��-branded restaurants in the territories, 1,292 (or 74%) were Company-operated restaurants and 463 (or 26%) were franchised restaurants. It generates revenues from two sources: sales by Company-operated restaurants and revenues from franchised restaurants, which consist of rental income, which is based on the greater of a flat fee or a percentage of sales reported by franchised restaurants. As of December 31, 2010, it owned the land for 510 of its restaurants (totaling approximately 1.2 million square meters) and the buildings for all but 12 of its restaurants. It divides its operations into four geographical divisions: Brazil; the Caribbean division, consisting of Aruba, Curacao, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas; North Latin America division (NOLAD), consisting of Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama, and South Latin America division (SLAD), consisting of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. As of December 31, 2010, 35.1% of its restaurants were located in Brazil, 29.7% in SLAD, 27.1% in NOLAD and 8.1% in the Caribbean division. The Company conducts its business through its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary Arcos Dorados B.V.

Company-Operated and Franchised Restaurants

The Company operates its McDonald��-branded restaurants under two basic structures: Company-operated restaurants operated by the Company and franchised restaurants operated by franchisees. Under both operating alternatives the real estate location may ! either be owned or leased by the Company. It owns, fully manages and operates the Company-operated restaurants and retains any operating profits generated by such restaurants, after paying operating expenses and the franchise and other fees owed to McDonald�� under the Master Franchise Agreements (MFAs). In Company-operated restaurants, it assumes the capital expenditures for the building and equipment of the restaurant and, if it owns the real estate location, for the land as well. Under its franchise arrangements, franchisees provide a portion of the capital required by initially investing in the equipment, signs, seating and decor of their restaurants, and by reinvesting in the business over time. It is required by the MFAs to own the real estate or to secure long-term leases for franchised restaurant sites. It subsequently leases or subleases the property to franchisees.

In exchange for the lease and services, franchisees pay a monthly rent to the Company, based on the greater of a fixed rent or a certain percentage of gross sales. In addition to this monthly rent, it collects the monthly continuing franchise fee, which generally is 5% of the United States dollar equivalent of the restaurant�� gross sales, and pays these fees to McDonald�� pursuant to the MFAs. However, if a franchisee fails to pay its monthly continuing franchise fee, it remains liable for payment in full of these fees to McDonald��. As of December 31, 2010, it was engaged in several joint ventures, which collectively owned 24 restaurants, in Argentina, Chile and Colombia.

Restaurant Categories

The Company classifies its restaurants into one of four categories: freestanding, food court, in-store and mall stores. Freestanding restaurants are the type of restaurant, which have ample indoor seating and include a drive-through area. Food court restaurants are located in malls and consist of a front counter and kitchen and do not have their own seating area. In-store restaurants are part ! of a larg! er building and resemble freestanding restaurants, except for the lack of a drive-through area. Mall stores are located in malls like food court restaurants, but have their own seating areas. As of December 31, 2010, 808 (or 46.2%) of its restaurants were freestanding, 359 (or 20.5%) were food court, 265 (or 15.1%) were in-stores and 319 (or 18.2%) were mall stores. In addition, it has four non-traditional stores, such as food carts.

Reimaging

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had completed the reimaging of 308 of 1,569 restaurants. Many of the reimaging projects include the addition of McCafe locations to the restaurant. It has developed system-wide guidelines for the interior and exterior design of reimaged restaurants.

McCafe Locations and Dessert Centers

McCafe locations are stylish, separate areas within restaurants where customers can purchase a range of customizable beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, hot and iced premium coffees and hot chocolate. As of December 31, 2010, there were 267 McCafe locations in the Territories, of which 12% were operated by franchisees. Argentina, with 71 locations, has McCafe locations, followed by Brazil, with 67 locations. In addition to McCafe locations, it has Dessert Centers. Dessert Centers operate from existing restaurants, but depend on them for supplies and operational support. As of December 31, 2010, there were 1,306 Dessert Centers in the Territories.

Product Offerings

The Company�� menus feature three tiers of products: affordable entry-level options, such as its Big Pleasures, Small Prices or Combo del Dia (Daily Extra Value Meal) offerings, core menu options, such as the Big Mac, Happy Meal and Quarter Pounder, and premium options, such as Big Tasty or Angus premium hamburgers and chicken sandwiches and low-calorie or low-sodium products, which are marketed through common platforms rather than as individual items. These platforms can be based on the ty! pe of pro! ducts, such as beef, chicken, salads or desserts, or on the type of customer targeted, such as the children�� menu.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Rich Duprey]
Latin American McDonald's franchisee�Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO ) announced today its second-quarter dividend of $0.0596�per share on its Class A and Class B stock, slightly lower than the steady rate of $0.0597 per share it's paid since 2011.

Top 10 Gold Stocks To Watch Right Now: Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO.N)

Company-Operated and Franchised Restaurants

The Company operates its McDonald��-branded restaurants under two basic structures: Company-operated restaurants operated by the Company and franchised restaurants operated by franchisees. Under both operating alternatives the real estate location m! ! ay either be owned or leased by the Company. It owns, fully manages and operates the Company-operated restaurants and retains any operating profits generated by such restaurants, after paying operating expenses and the franchise and other fees owed to McDonald�� under the Master Franchise Agreements (MFAs). In Company-operated restaurants, it assumes the capital expenditures for the building and equipment of the restaurant and, if it owns the real estate location, for the land as well. Under its franchise arrangements, franchisees provide a portion of the capital required by initially investing in the equipment, signs, seating and decor of their restaurants, and by reinvesting in the business over time. It is required by the MFAs to own the real estate or to secure long-term leases for franchised restaurant sites. It subsequently leases or subleases the property to franchisees.

In exchange for the lease and services, franchisees pay a monthly rent to the Comp any, based on the greater of a fixed rent or a certain percentage of gross sales. In addition to this monthly rent, it collects the monthly continuing franchise fee, which generally is 5% of the United States dollar equivalent of the restaurant�� gross sales, and pays these fees to McDonald�� pursuant to the MFAs. However, if a franchisee fails to pay its monthly continuing franchise fee, it remains liable for payment in full of these fees to McDonald��. As of December 31, 2010, it was engaged in several joint ventures, which collectively owned 24 restaurants, in Argentina, Chile and Colombia.

Restaurant Categories

The Company classifies its restaurants into one of four categories: freestanding, food court, in-store and mall stores. Freestanding restaurants are the type of restaurant, which have ample indoor seating and include a drive-through area. Food court restaurants are located in malls and consist of a front counter and kitchen and do not have their own seating area. In-store restaurants are! pa! rt o! f a l! arger building and resemble freestanding restaurants, except for the lack of a drive-through area. Mall stores are located in malls like food court restaurants, but have their own seating areas. As of December 31, 2010, 808 (or 46.2%) of its restaurants were freestanding, 359 (or 20.5%) were food court, 265 (or 15.1%) were in-stores and 319 (or 18.2%) were mall stores. In addition, it has four non-traditional stores, such as food carts.

Reimaging

McCafe Locations and Dessert Centers

Product Offerings

The Company�� menus feature three tiers of products: affordable entry-level options, such as its Big Pleasures, Small Prices or Combo del Dia (Daily Extra Value Meal) offerings, core menu options, such as the Big Mac, Happy Meal and Quarter Pounder, and premium options, such as Big Tasty or Angus premium hamburgers and chicken sandwiches and low-calorie or low-sodium products, which are marketed through common platforms rather t han as individual items. These platforms can be base! d on the!! type of ! products, such as beef, chicken, salads or desserts, or on the type of customer targeted, such as the children�� menu.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Noodles & Co (NDLS.O)

Noodles & Company, incorporated on December 19, 2002, is a casual restaurant concept offering lunch and dinner. The Company offers noodle and pasta dishes, staples of many cuisines, with the goal of delivering fresh ingredients and flavors globally under one roof from Pad Thai to Mac & Cheese. The Company�� globally inspired menu includes a variety of cooked-to-order dishes, including noodles and pasta, soups, salads and sandwiches, which are served on china by its friendly team members.

As of May 28, 2013, including the 16 Company owned restaurants and one franchise restaurant opened in 2013. The Company opened 39 new company owned restaurants and six franchise restaurants. In 2012, the Company began using Your World Kitchen to describe the breadth of its offering and its customers' dining experience.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc (FRGI)

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (Fiesta Restaurant Group), incorporated on April 27, 2011, owns, operates and franchises two fast-casual restaurant brands, Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana. The Company's Pollo Tropical restaurants offer a range of tropical and Caribbean inspired food, while the Company's Taco Cabana restaurants offers a range of fresh, authentic Mexican food. As of December 30, 2012 , the Company owned and operated a total of 251 restaurants across four states, which included 91 Pollo Tropical and 160 Taco Cabana restaurants. The Company franchises its Pollo Tropical restaurants internationally. As of December 30, 2012 , the Company had 35 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants located in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Honduras, Trinidad, the Bahamas, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama and on several college campuses in Florida. As of December 30, 2012 , the Company had eight Taco Cabana franchised restaurants located in Georgia, New Mexico and Texas.

Pollo Tropical

The Company's Pollo Tropical restaurants offer tropical and Caribbean inspired menu items, featuring grilled chicken marinated in the Company's blend of tropical fruit juices and spices. The Company's diverse menu also includes a line of TropiChops (a casserole bowl of grilled chicken, roast pork or grilled vegetables served over white, brown or yellow rice and red or black beans and topped with a range of condiments and sauces), a range of chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, roast pork, grilled ribs and wings offered with a range of salsas, sauces and Caribbean style made from scratch side dishes, including black beans and rice, Yucatan fries and sweet plantains, as well as menu items, such as french fries, corn and salads. The Company also offers Hispanic desserts, such as flan and tres leches, and at certain locations, the Company offers a range of sangria, wine and beer.

The Company's Pollo Tropical restaurants feature signature dining areas. In additiona, the Company's Pollo Tropical restaurants ! provide its guests the option of take-out, as well as the convenience of drive-thru windows. The Company's Pollo Tropical restaurants are open for lunch, dinner and late night orders seven days per week. As of December 30, 2012, its company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants were freestanding buildings. The Company's typical free-standing Pollo Tropical restaurant ranges from 2,800 to 3,500 square feet and provide interior seating for approximately 70 guests. As of December 30, 2012 , the Company owned and operated a total of 91 Pollo Tropical restaurants, of which 89 were located in Florida and two were located in Georgia. The Company is franchising its Pollo Tropical restaurants internationally. As of December 30, 2012, the Company had 35 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants located in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Honduras, Trinidad, the Bahamas, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama and on college campuses in Florida. The Company also has agreements for the future development of franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in Tobago, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Guatemala and India.

Taco Cabana

The Company's Taco Cabana restaurants serve Mexican food, including flame-grilled beef and chicken fajitas served on sizzling iron skillets, quesadillas, hand-rolled flautas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fresh-made flour tortillas, a selection of made from scratch salsas and sauces, customizable salads served in a Cabana bowl, traditional Mexican and American breakfasts and other Mexican dishes. The Company's Taco Cabana restaurants also offer a range of beverage choices, including soft drinks, frozen margaritas and beer.

The Company's Taco Cabana restaurants feature interior dining areas, as well as semi-enclosed and outdoor patio areas. In addition, the Company's Taco Cabana restaurants provide its guests the option of take-out. The Company's freestanding Taco Cabana restaurants average approximately 3,500 square feet (exclusive of the exterior dining area) and provide seating for approximatel! y 80 gues! ts, with additional outside patio seating for approximately 50 guests. As of December 30, 2012, its company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants were freestanding buildings. As of December 30, 2012, the Company owned and operated 160 Taco Cabana restaurants, of which 156 are located in Texas and four in Oklahoma.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Roberto Pedone]
Fiesta Restaurant Group (FRGI) owns, operates and franchises fast-casual restaurants under the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana brand names. This stock closed up 10.5% to $34.73 in Friday's trading session.

Friday's Volume: 552,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 220,525

Volume % Change: 140%

From a technical perspective, FRGI ripped sharply higher here right off some near-term support at $30.89 and back above its 50-day moving average of $34.23 with strong upside volume. This move pushed shares of FRGI into breakout territory, since the stock took out some near-term overhead resistance at $33.14. Shares of FRGI are now starting to move within range of triggering another key breakout trade. That trade will hit if FRGI manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance at $35.73 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in FRGI as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $34.23 or above $33 and then once it sustains a move or close above $35.75 with volume that hits near or above 220,525 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then FRGI will set up to re-test or possibly take out its all-time high at $38.84. Any high-volume move above that level will then give FRGI a chance to trend north of $40.
[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 Fiesta Restaurant Group (Nasdaq: FRGI ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.
[By WWW.GURUFOCUS.COM]
Fiesta Restaurant Group (FRGI) was the Fund's best performing position in the fourth quarter and for all of 2013. Over the past year the stock g ained over 240 percent and added 212 basis points of return. The fast-food chain has con tinued to restructure after spinning off Burger King restaurants and is now successfully ach ieving organic growth. We continue to believe the stock is undervalued and expect further growth ahead.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Burger King Worldwide Inc (BKW)

Burger King Worldwide, Inc., incorporated on April 2, 2012, is a fast food hamburger restaurant, under the Burger King brand. The Company generates revenues from three sources: franchise revenues, consisting primarily of royalties based on a percentage of sales reported by franchise restaurants and fees paid by franchisees; property income from properties that it leases or subleases to franchisees, and retail sales at Company restaurants. In September 2012, it sold 41 Company-owned BURGER KING restaurants in Singapore to Rancak Selera Sdn Bhd. As of December 31, 2012, it owned or franchised a total of 12,997 restaurants in 86 countries and United States territories. In April 2013, it announced the sale of Burger King Restaurants of Canada (BKRC), including 94 Company owned BURGER KING restaurants in the Canada market to Redberry Investments Corp.

The Company operates in the FFHR category of the quick service restaurant (QSR), segment of the restaurant industry. In the United States, the QSR segment is the segment of the restaurant industry and has demonstrated steady growth over a long period of time. The Company launched four new menu platforms (salads, wraps, smoothies and desserts) and expanded its chicken, coffee and ancillary menu platforms. It has established a data driven marketing process, which is focused on driving restaurant sales and traffic, while targeting a broader consumer base with more inclusive messaging to reach women, parties with children and seniors.

United States and Canada (U.S. and Canada)

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 7,293 franchise restaurants and 183 Company restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company refranchised 752 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, bringing the region to 98% franchised. During the year ended December 31, 2012, it also continued to implement its Four Pillars strategy to improve comparable sales growth and franchise profitability by enhancing its Menu, Marke! ting Communications, Image, and Operations.

Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 2,989 franchise restaurants and 132 Company restaurants in EMEA. While in Germany continues with 684 restaurants as of December 31, 2012, Turkey and Russia are two of its growing markets with net openings of 78 restaurants and 47 restaurants, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 1,290 franchise and 100 Company restaurants in LAC. In 2011, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Vinci Partners for Brazil and granted franchise and development rights to the joint venture. The Company received a minority stake and board seats in the joint venture without deploying its own capital.

Asia Pacific (APAC)

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 1,007 franchise and 3 Company restaurants in APAC. As of December 31, 2012,the Company had 357 restaurants in Australia. It contributed 44 Company restaurants in China. In September 2012, the Company sold 38restaurants to Rancak Selera, the Burger King franchisee in Malaysia.

The Company competes with McDonald�� Corporation, Wendy�� Company, Carl�� Jr., Jack in the Box and Sonic.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Asit Sharma]
Last week,�Wendy's� (NASDAQ: WEN ) announced in its second-quarter earnings report that it will sell 425 company-operated stores to franchisees. This will reduce the number of company-owned and -operated stores in the Wendy's system from 22% to 15%. �Coupled with earnings that beat expectations, Wendy's stock rose more than 8.5% on the day of the announcement. After a few years of rather aimless wandering while McDonald's (NYSE: MCD ) increased its dominance, and Burger King� (NYSE: BKW ) returned to the public markets courtesy of merger-savvy Brazilian billionaires, is Wendy's poised to excite investors again?
[By David Goodboy]
I was pleasantly surprised that a Dunkin' Donuts I recently visited in South Carolina offered free Wi-Fi, a lounge area full of leather chairs, a variety of coffee flavors, sandwiches and, of course, donuts that are vastly superior to Starbucks' offerings. During my travels recently, I have noticed Dunkin' Donuts sprouting up in the same general areas as established Starbucks locations. This strategy resembles Burger King's (NYSE: BKW) pursuit of McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) locations.
[By Asit Sharma]
Burger King Worldwide's (NYSE: BKW ) refranchising strategy seemed to pay off in the third quarter of 2013, as the company's net income was up significantly over the prior year. In the video below, Fool contributor Asit Sharma reviews the benefits and risks of Burger King's push to be the only major global burger chain operating on a 100% franchisee model. Asit acknowledges the benefits of Burger King's current structure, and outlines the long-term risks as well. In addition, he discusses whether now is a good time to take a position in Burger King stock.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Noodles & Co (NDLS)

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Ben Rooney]
There were three other consumer focused companies that more than doubled: sandwich shop Potbelly (PBPB), organic grocery store Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) and Noodles & Co. (NDLS), a casual dining chain.

Top Restaurant Companies To Watch In Right Now: Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Darden), incorporated in March 1995, is a company owned and full-service restaurant company. As of May 27, 2012, the Company operated through subsidiaries 1,994 restaurants in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it operated 1,961 restaurants in all 50 states, including 677 Red Lobster, 786 Olive Garden, 386 LongHorn Steakhouse, 46 The Capital Grille, 30 Bahama Breeze, 23 Seasons 52, eight Eddie V's Prime Seafood and three Wildfish Seafood Grille restaurants, and two test synergy restaurants, which house both a Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurant in the same building. In Canada, the Company operated 33 restaurants, including 27 Red Lobster and six Olive Garden restaurants. Through subsidiaries, it owns and operates all of its restaurants in the United States and Canada, except for three restaurants located in Central Florida that is owned by joint ventures it manages. On November 14, 2011, it acquired eight Eddie V's Prime Seafood restaurants and three Wildfish Seafood Grille restaurants.

As of May 27, 2012, the Company had 28 restaurants outside the United States and Canada operated by independent third parties pursuant to area development and franchise agreements, including five LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in Puerto Rico, 22 Red Lobster restaurants in Japan, and one Red Lobster restaurant in Dubai. During fiscal year ended May 27, 2012, it opened 89 net new restaurants in the United States and Canada.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is a full-service dining seafood specialty restaurant operator in the United States. It offers a menu featuring fresh fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops and other seafood. The menu includes a variety of specialty seafood and non-seafood entrees, appetizers and desserts. Red Lobster maintains different lunch and dinner menus and different menus across its trade areas.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is a full service dining Italian restaurant operator in the United Stat! es. Olive Garden�� menu includes a range of authentic Italian foods featuring fresh ingredients and a wine list that includes a selection of wines imported from Italy. The menu includes flatbreads and other appetizers, soups, salad and garlic bread sticks, baked pastas, sauted specialties with chicken, seafood and fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and a variety of desserts. Olive Garden also uses coffee imported from Italy for its espresso and cappuccino.

LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants are full-service establishments serving both lunch and dinner. With locations in 35 states, primarily in the Eastern half of the United States, LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants feature a range of menu items, including signature fresh steaks, as well as salmon, shrimp, chicken, ribs, pork chops, burgers and prime rib.

The Capital Grille

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze restaurants bring guests the feeling of a Caribbean escape, offering the food, drinks and atmosphere found in the islands. The menu features Caribbean-inspired seafood, chicken and steaks, as well as signature specialty drinks. During fiscal 2012, it opened four Bahama Breeze restaurant.

Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is a grill and wine bar with seasonally inspired menus offering ingredients to meals that are lower in calories than comparable restaurant meals. It offers a wine list of more than 90 wines with approximately 60 available by the glass. As of May 27, 2012, there were 23 Seasons 52 restaurants in the United States.

Synergy restaurant

Synergy restaurant houses both a Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurant in the same building, but ! with sepa! rate front doors, dining rooms and brand-specific menus. It opened a second synergy test location during fiscal 2012.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Rick Aristotle Munarriz]
Bloomberg via Getty ImagesSteelcase, a leading maker of office furniture, reports this week; its earnings are a bellwether of how corporate America is faring. You can never know in advance all the news that will move the market in a given week, but some things you can see coming. From a pair of leading office furniture companies reporting on the same day to a popular used-car seller showing off its showroom, here are some of the things that will help shape the week that lies ahead on Wall Street. Monday -- New Energy for the New Week: The new trading week kicks off with FuelCell Energy (FCEL) reporting. The builder of fuel cell power plants reports its latest quarterly results after the market closes on Monday. It's been 10 years since FuelCell completed its first commercial fuel cell plant installation. Business is starting to pick up, as it has as many orders over the past two years combined as it did during the eight previous years combined. Revenue should continue to grow as FuelCell grows closer to profitability. Tuesday -- Lone Wolf: Disney's (DIS) "The Lone Ranger" was a flop earlier this year. It failed to break $90 million in domestic box office receipts, and the $260 million it amassed in gross ticket sales worldwide wasn't enough to offset its massive production budget and cinematic distribution. Disney had fared well with Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski before. The two teamed up for the blockbuster success of Disney's "The Pirates of the Caribbean" movie series. It convinced a jaded audience to return to the local multiplex for a movie about swashbucklers. But it couldn't revive the Western genre this time around. Despite being a box office bomb, "The Lone Ranger" will get a chance at new life in the home market. It comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday. Wednesday -- Office Space: When it comes to stocks, it's safe to say that Steelcase (SCS) and Herman Miller (MLHR) aren't exactly the busy bees of the exchanges. On a typical day you w
[By Reuters]
Alamy Activist investor Barington Capital Group said Monday it was disappointed with a recent plan by Darden Restaurants (DRI) to spin off its Red Lobster chain to enhance shareholder value. Barington, which leads a shareholders' group that owns a stake of more than 2 percent in the chain, said in a statement it views Darden's plan "as incomplete and inadequate." "Darden's board of directors and management team are focused on creating value for all Darden shareholders," a spokesman said in a statement. "We are confident that our plan, together with actions we are taking to enhance guest experiences and reinvigorate demand, will lead to improved performance in our restaurants and substantially increase value for all Darden shareholders." New York-based Barington, which has previously urged Darden management to break up the company and explore spinning off its real estate properties, said it was particularly disappointed that Darden's plan failed to unlock value from the company's real estate holdings. Barington estimates that Darden's real estate could be worth $4 billion. Barington has recommended Darden explore creating a publicly traded real estate investment trust to get full value for the real estate assets. Barington also said it believes that just separating Red Lobster from the rest of Darden will still leave the company with too many brands. "Unfortunately, Darden's proposed plan appears to us to be more of an attempt to do the minimum necessary to maintain the status quo than an effort to formulate a truly comprehensive strategy to improve long-term shareholder value," the fund said its statement. Barington recommends that Darden split into two companies: one for Olive Garden and Red Lobster, and the other for its higher growth brands, including LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Yard House and Bahama Breeze. Darden, which manages eight restaurant brands, has become too large and complex to compete with its rivals, Barington has said.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015

Getty Images Wandering through the produce section of your local store can sometimes feel like running a gauntlet of uneasy moral choices. Organic or non-organic, cheap vs. expensive, locally grown or long-distance food, it often seems like every piece of fruit comes packaged with a set of uncomfortable choices ... and the wrong ones can lead to higher costs and poorer health. In general, the answer is that compromise can be your friend. If your main goal is eating healthily, sometimes you'll need to pay more -- and sometimes you'll need to buy food that was grown halfway across the country. The key is realizing when you need to make an exception, and when you don't. With that in mind, here are a few pointers to help you eat your best without breaking the bank. When You Should Buy Organic ... and When You Shouldn't Worry With all the horror stories surrounding pesticides and fertilizers, it's easy to understand why so many people have switched to organic fruits and vegetables. Organic veggies are grown without synthetically created chemical pesticide and fertilizers, genetically engineered proteins and ingredients, or sewage sludge, and they're not irradiated. For people who don't want their grapes to come with a side order of industrial chemicals, this can be a huge relief. The thing is, as great as buying organic sounds, it doesn't always matter. For many fruits and vegetables, their skins and peels, plus standard preparation techniques, provide a natural barrier to pesticides. The Environmental Working Group, a corporation that focuses on sustainability, has identified "the Dirty Dozen" and "the Clean 15" -- 12 fruits and vegetables that you should try to buy organic, and 15 for which -- health-wise -- it doesn't matter. The Dirty Dozen are strawberries, cherries, lettuce, grapes, spinach, bell peppers, celery, peaches, apples, nectarines, pears, and potatoes. For some, like strawberries and spinach, it's easy to see how their thin skins make them extra vulnerable to pests and diseases -- and, at the same time, easily contaminated by chemicals. Others, like peaches and apples, are tree fruits, which are liberally sprayed with pesticides. It also doesn't help that the dirty dozen are among the most popular fruits and veggies -- which means that they are grown in huge monoculture farms, which tend to use more chemicals. The Clean 15 are asparagus, avocados, cabbage, cantaloupe, sweet corn, eggplant, grapefruit, kiwi, mangoes, mushrooms, onions, papayas, pineapples, frozen sweet peas, and sweet potatoes. In some cases, such as pineapples and cantaloupe, it's easy to see how thick skins could protect the fruits from pests and chemicals. In other cases, like onions, natural pesticides probably help things along. As for eggplants and asparagus, the fact that they are less popular means that they are grown in smaller tracts -- which have fewer of the problems that are generally associated with vast monocultures. How Many Roads Must Your Food Drive Down? Another common ethical food question is locally grown vs. long-distance produce. Trucking fruits and vegetables across the country, shipping them by boat -- or, worse, flying them -- releases tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year. As an added plus, locally-grown food takes less time to get to your table -- which means that it can often be more nutritious and have fewer chemicals than non-local foods. There are also other issues. In terms of sustainability and economic growth, locally-grown foods support your local economy, especially if you buy them from independent farmers. They can also support food diversity, as small farms are less likely to rely on monocultures. And then there's the fact that fresher foods often taste better. Of course, a lot can depend on where you live. Many areas -- including my home in New York -- can have very limited offerings in the winter. If I was a strict locavore, my December diet would lean heavily toward late season veggies, hardy, easily-preserved veggies like cabbages and potatoes, with frozen and pickled food thrown in for variety. And the pickles and frozen peas, of course, have their own problems, including large amounts of salt and lower levels of nutrients. For that matter, the way your food is raised may have a major impact on its carbon footprint. As James E. McWilliams noted in Forbes, lamb production in New Zealand is less carbon-intensive than those in Great Britain, -- so much so that shipping lamb from the land of kiwis and hobbits is still less environmentally damaging than growing it in England. The same is true for those of us in the U.S.: often, it's less environmentally damaging to ship food from overseas farms than grow it locally. When it comes right down to it, eating well is more important than eating local, which means that, if you have to decide between a locally-grown turnip and a non-local lemon in the middle of cold season, you're probably better off with the lemon. In other words, eat local if you can afford it, and import it when you can't.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: American Petro-Hunter Inc (AAPH.PK)

American Petro-Hunter Inc., incorporated on January 24, 1996, is an oil and natural gases exploration and production company with projects in Kansas and Oklahoma. As of March 15, 2012, the Company has two producing wells in Kansas and six producing wells in Oklahoma. The Company also has rights for the exploration and production of oil and gas on an aggregate of approximately 6,230 acres in those states. On January 4, 2011, the Company announced plans to drill the NOS227 Well as a direct offset to the NOJ26 Well.

On March 25, 2011, the Company announced that the Company had acquired a working interest in an additional 2,000 acres located in Payne County in northern Oklahoma, near the Company�� Yale Prospect. The project has been named North Oklahoma Mississippi Lime Project. On May 16, 2011, the Company announced that drilling operations had commenced at the Company�� first horizontal well, NOM1H. The Company owns a 25% Working Interest in the lease. On June 29, 2011, the Company announced that NOM1H had begun commercial production. On July 18, 2011, the Company announced drilling plans for a total of 11 horizontal wells at the North Oklahoma Project. On July 20, 2011, the Company announced the acquisition of a 40% working interest in the South Oklahoma Project on 3,000 acres of land in south-central Oklahoma.

On February 6, 2012, the Company announced that the Company had drilled a total of 1,988 feet in the horizontal well segment penetrating into the 100 plus foot thick Mississippi pay zone. As of March 2012, there are nine locations left to drill on the acreage. The Company's crude oil production is sold to N.C.R.A. in MacPherson Kansas and Sunoco in Oklahoma. The Company sells natural gas through such pipeline to DCP Midstream, LP of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: First Uranium Corp Com Npv (FIU.TO)

First Uranium Corporation engages in the development and operation of uranium and gold projects in South Africa. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Top 10 Cheapest Stocks To Own For 2015: NB&T FINANCIAL GROUP INC(NBTF)

NB&T Financial Group, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for The National Bank and Trust Company that provides commercial banking and financial services to individuals and corporate customers in southwestern Ohio. The company offers various deposit products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and term certificate accounts. Its loan portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, such as loans to automobile dealers and loans guaranteed by the small business administration; loans secured by commercial real estate; real estate construction loans for constructing commercial and residential buildings; agricultural loans, including loans to finance farm operations, equipment purchases, and land acquisition; loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate and multifamily real estate; and consumer installment loans, such as home equity loans, automobile loans, recreational vehicle loans, and overdraft protection. The company also offers credit card services; and trust services that consists of trust administration, investment purchase and management, estate planning and administration, tax and financial planning, and employee benefit plan administration. As of December 31, 2010, it operated a main office in Wilmington, as well as 23 full-service branch offices and 1 remote drive-through automated teller machine facility in Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Highland, Montgomery, Warren, and Cuyahoga counties in Ohio. The company was founded in 1859 and is based in Wilmington, Ohio.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Prometic Life Sciences Inc (PLI.TO)

ProMetic Life Sciences Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of small molecule therapeutics and protein technologies. The company operates in two segments, Therapeutics and Protein Technology. The Therapeutics segment develops various therapeutic products for various medical needs in the field of fibrosis, anemia, neutropenia, cancer, and autoimmune diseases/inflammation, as well as certain nephropathies. Its lead product includes PBI-1402, an orally active low molecular weight synthetic drug candidate for the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia, cancer related anemia, and anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. This segment also engages in developing various compounds, including PBI-0110, PBI-1393, PBI-1522, PBI-1668, and PBI-1737 for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases; and PBI-4050, PBI-4265, PBI-4283, PBI-4299, and PBI-4419 compounds for the treatment of hematology disorders. The P rotein Technology segment provides Plasma Protein Purification System, a solution for the extraction and purification of therapeutic proteins from human plasma; bioseparation products based on applications of its patented Mimetic Ligand technology for various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies; and prion capture/pathogen removal technology platform that improves the safety profile of blood products and blood-derived therapeutics. The company was formerly known as Innovon Life Sciences Holdings Limited and changed its name to ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. in May 1998. ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Laval, Canada.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: (FTE.AX)

Forte Energy NL engages in the exploration, evaluation, and development of uranium and energy-related projects worldwide. It holds 7 uranium exploration licences covering 8,103 square kilometers in the Republic of Mauritania, West Africa; and 4 uranium prospecting permits for uranium and rare earth elements covering 847 square kilometers located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. The company was formerly known as Murchison United NL and changed its name to Forte Energy NL in November 2008. Forte Energy NL is based in West Perth, Australia.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Paragon Shipping Inc.(PRGN)

Paragon Shipping Inc. provides shipping transportation services worldwide. The company engages in the ocean transportation of various drybulk cargoes and containers. Its fleet consists of 11 drybulk vessels with a total carrying capacity of 747,994 dwt. The company was founded in 2006 and is based in Voula, Greece.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Roberto Pedone]
Another under-$10 name shipping player that's starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Paragon Shipping (PRGN), which is engaged in transporting drybulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along shipping routes worldwide. This stock has been on fire so far in 2013, with shares up sharply by 114%.

If you take a look at the chart for Paragon Shipping, you'll notice that this stock just recently took out its 50-day moving average of $4.19 a share with strong upside volume. Shares of PRGN are showing relative strength today, despite the overall market weakness, which shows this stock is in strong demand at current levels. This move is now starting to push shares of PRGN within range of triggering a big breakout trade

Market players should now look for long-biased trades in PRGN if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance at $4.90 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above that level with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 25,811 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then PRGN will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 52-week high at $5.70 a share. If that level gets taken out with volume, then PRGN could easily tag its next major overhead resistance levels at $7 to $8.35 a share.

Traders can look to buy PRGN off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its 50-day moving average of $4.19 a share, or below its 200-day moving average at $3.74 a share. One can also buy PRGN off strength once it clears $4.90 a share with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point. I would add to either position once PRGN takes out its 52-week high at $5.70 a share with strong upside volume flows.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Carbo Ceramics Inc. (CRR)

CARBO Ceramics Inc. manufactures and supplies resin-coated ceramic and resin-coated sand proppants primarily used in the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas and oil wells in the United States and internationally. The company offers proppants, including CARBOHSP and CARBOPROP designed for use in deep gas wells; CARBOLITE used in medium depth oil and gas wells; CARBOECONOPROP; CARBOHYDROPROP used to enhance performance in slickwater fracture treatments; CARBOBOND LITE for oil and natural gas wells that are subject to the risk of proppant flow-back; and CARBOBOND RCS, a conductivity proppant. It also provides fracture simulation software, as well as offers fracture design, engineering, and consulting services to oil and natural gas companies. In addition, the company provides a range of technologies for spill prevention, containment, countermeasures, and geotechnical monitoring, as well as offers monitoring systems and services for bridges, buildings, tunnels, dams, slopes, e mbankments, volcanoes, landslides, mines, and construction projects primarily for customers in auto racing teams, surveyors, experimental physicists, radio astronomers, and naval architects markets. It principally sells its products and services to operators of oil and natural gas wells, and oilfield service companies. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Maxx Chatsko]
Over the last two weeks, we have looked at a number of catalysts and risks for the world's largest ceramic proppant manufacturer CARBO Ceramics (NYSE: CRR ) . The list includes:
[By John Udovich]
Yesterday, small cap fracking stock CARBO Ceramics Inc (NYSE: CRR) surged 28.32% after reporting earnings while fracking peer U.S. Silica Holdings Inc (NYSE: SLCA) jumped 9.50% and Hi-Crush Partners LP (NYSE: HCLP) rose 3.20%��no doubt on positive sentiment. However, are investors missing anything with CARBO Ceramics and�is it too late to get in on the action there?

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Kestrel Gold Inc (KGC.V)

Kestrel Gold Inc., a gold exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral properties primarily in Canada and Argentina. It primarily explores for gold and copper deposits. The company�s principal properties include the King Solomon Dome project located in Yukon Territory, Canada; and the Huachi project located in the Andean Pre-cordillera mountains of the San Juan Province of Argentina. It also holds 100% interest in the Condoryacu and Maria Amalia mining properties in Argentina. The company was formerly known as Bling Capital Corp. and changed its name to Kestrel Gold Inc. in June 2010. Kestrel Gold Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd (NPD)

China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Ltd. operates retail drugstores in the People?s Republic of China. The company?s drugstores provide pharmacy services and other merchandise, including prescription drugs; over-the-counter drugs; nutritional supplements, such as healthcare supplements, vitamins, minerals, and dietary products; herbal products, including drinkable herbal remedies and packages of assorted herbs for making soup; and private label products. Its stores also offer personal care products, such as skin care, hair care, and beauty products; family care products, including portable medical devices for family use, birth control products, and early pregnancy test products; and convenience products, such as soft drinks, packaged snacks, other consumables, cleaning agents, and stationeries, as well as seasonal and promotional items. The company operates its stores under the China Nepstar brand name. As of December 31, 2009, its store network comprised 2,479 retail drugstores located in approximately 71 cities in Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Liaoning, Shandong, Hunan, Fujian, Sichuan, and Hubei provinces, as well as in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Beijing municipalities of the People?s Republic of China. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, the People?s Republic of China.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Key Tronic Corporation(KTCC)

Key Tronic Corporation, doing business as KeyTronicEMS Co., together with its subsidiaries, provides electronic manufacturing services (EMS) to original equipment manufacturers primarily in the United States, Mexico, and China. Its EMS services include product design, surface mount technologies for printed circuit board assembly, tool making, precision plastic molding, liquid injection molding, automated tape winding, prototype design, and full product builds. The company also manufactures keyboards and other input devices for personal computers. Key Tronic markets its products and services primarily through its direct sales department aided by field sales people and distributors. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Lisa Levin]
Computer Peripherals: This industry rose 2.21% by 10:15 am ET. The top performer in this industry was Key Tronic (NASDAQ: KTCC), which gained 0.3%. Key Tronic's trailing-twelve-month ROE is 14.57%.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Enhanced Oil Resources Inc. (EOR.V)

Enhanced Oil Resources Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, development, operation, and exploration of crude oil and gas properties in the United States. The company produces oil and gas from three Permian Basin crude oilfields located in eastern New Mexico, as well as from oilfield properties located near Abilene, Texas. It produces oil and gas through infill drilling and enhanced recovery techniques utilizing CO2 injection. The company was formerly known as Ridgeway Petroleum Corp. and changed its name to Enhanced Oil Resources Inc. in June 2007. Enhanced Oil Resources Inc. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.(KTOS)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, services, and solutions in the United States. The company?s Kratos Government Solutions segment offers various services comprising weapon systems sustainment, lifecycle support, and extension; command, control, communications, computing, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services, including cybersecurity, cyberwarfare, information assurance, and situational awareness solutions; military range operations and technical services; missile, rocket, and weapons systems test and evaluation; mission launch services; modeling and simulation; unmanned aerial vehicle products and technology; advanced network engineering and information technology services; and public safety, security, and surveillance systems integration. Its Public Safety & Security segment provides independent integrated solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical information, and security and su rveillance systems. This segment?s solutions consists of designing, installing, and servicing building technologies that protect people, critical infrastructure, assets, information, and property in various areas, such as the design, engineering, and operation of command and control centers; design, engineering, deployment, and integration of access control; building automation and control; communications; digital and closed circuit television security and surveillance; fire and life safety; maintenance services; and product support services. The company primarily serves the United States government agencies, including the department of defense, classified agencies, intelligence agencies, other national security agencies, and homeland security related agencies. The company was formerly known as Wireless Facilities, Inc. and changed its name to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. in September 2007. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, Cali fornia.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By William Patalon III]
Since we recommended Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS) back on June 6, the stock has soared nearly 40%.

And we believe there's more to come.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Compagnie St.gobain(COD.L)

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes building materials worldwide. The company?s Innovative Materials segment offers flat glass, solar energy solutions, special glass for photovoltaic applications, photovoltaic panels and sub-assemblies, and electrochrome glass. This segment also engages in processing glass for the building industry and domestic appliances, and for the automotive and mass transit markets; and provides high-performance materials that comprise ceramics, plastics, abrasives, textile solutions, performance polymers, and glass fabrics, as well as NOVELIO glassfibre wallcoverings and particulate filters. Its Construction Products segment offers interior solutions, such as plasterboard and lightweight construction systems; gypsum plasters, including formulated plasters for building and industrial applications; ceiling systems comprising insulating and acoustic solutions; and other products for interior fittings, as well as glass wool, rock wool, and insulating foams. This segment also provides exterior solutions consisting of asphalt shingle tiles for roofing, poly vinyl chloride clapboard, fiber cement sidings, barriers, balustrades, and terrace materials; external wall rendering, floor-tiling products, technical mortars, and insulation systems; and taps and other plumbing equipment, as well as ductile cast iron piping for drinking water distribution, irrigation, sanitation, and rain-water drainage. The company?s Building Distribution segment distributes building materials; plumbing, heating, and sanitary ware products; and tiles. Its Packaging segment offers glass containers, makes bottles, and jars for foodstuffs and beverages. The company was founded in 1665 and is based in Courbevoie, France.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Ilookabout Corp(ILA.V)

iLOOKABOUT Corp. provides geo-coded image products that help commercial enterprises to explore, map, and manage with visual data. It offers iLOOKABOUT StreetScape, a geocoded image product that creates images for multiple user applications, supported by a proprietary storage and security system; and DropZone, a photo upload application, which enables the clients to upload their database of images with pre-set parameters and croppings to iLOOKABOUT for standardizing, organizing, and storing. The company also provides professional programming and development services; and geo-coding street-level image data collection, processing, and geo-coding services. iLOOKABOUT intends to build its image database in North America and Europe; and to license its image data to governments and related agencies, as well as to businesses in various industries, such as real estate, insurance, government agencies, utilities, property assessment, and financial institutions. The company was founde d in 2000 and is headquartered at London, Canada.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Gta Corpfin Capital Inc (GTA.V)

GTA Resources and Mining Inc. operates as a resource exploration company. The company primarily explores for gold. It owns Auden Property, which is located in Northern Ontario. The company was formerly known as GTA CorpFin Capital Inc. and changed its name to GTA Resources and Mining Inc. in June 2010. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Burlington, Canada.

Top 5 Trucking Stocks For 2015: Dycom Industries Inc.(DY)

Dycom Industries, Inc. provides specialty contracting services in the United States and Canada. The company?s services include engineering services, which comprise the design of service area concept boxes, terminals, buried and aerial drops, transmission and central office equipment, administration of feeder and distribution cable pairs, and fiber cable routing and design for telephone companies; and make-ready studies, strand mapping, field walk-out, computer-aided radio frequency design and drafting, and fiber cable routing and design for cable television multiple system operators. The company also provides construction, maintenance, and installation of splice fiber, copper, and coaxial cables to telephone companies; installation and maintenance of customer premise equipment, including set top boxes and cable modems to cable television multiple system operators; and premise wiring services, which include installation, repair, and maintenance of telecommunications infrast ructure within improved structures to various corporations, and state and local governments. In addition, Dycom offers underground utility locating services, such as locating telephone, cable television, power, water, sewer, and gas lines to various utility companies. Further, it provides construction and maintenance services for electric utilities and others, which include installing and maintaining overhead and underground power distribution lines, as well as maintenance and installation of underground natural gas transmission and distribution systems. The company was founded in 1969 and is based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of Harsco have gained 4.7% to $26.43 today at 1:16 p.m., outpacing other construction & engineering companies. Dycom (DY) has advanced 0.5% to $30, KBR Inc. (KBR) has ticked up 0.1% to $33.03, Worthington Industries�(WOR) has risen 2.8% to $38.85�and Tutor Perini (TPC) has rallied 3.6% to $22.46.
[By Seth Jayson]
Dycom Industries (NYSE: DY ) reported earnings on May 21. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended April 27 (Q3), Dycom Industries beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.
[By Brian Pacampara]
What: Shares of telecom contractor Dycom Industries (NYSE: DY ) climbed 11% today after its quarterly results and outlook topped Wall Street expectations.
[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 Dycom Industries (NYSE: DY ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Violin Memory Changes Its Tune

NEW YORK (The Deal) -- Investment bankers figuring out how much to price an initial public offering at usually try to do right by their client, both on the upside and on the potential downside.

It's a question of striking the right balance. Either the range tends toward underpricing, so that the company ends up with less than it should by rights expect; or overpricing, leaving the underwriter with unsold shares and, possibly a damaged image for its client in the market debut, as was famously Morgan Stanley's dilemma in taking Facebook (FB) public.

But if the company and its bankers know offers are already on the table, that might have unintended effects on the newly public company.

Such may have been the case with computer flash storage drive maker Violin Memory (VMEM) which had suitors knocking at the door prior to its September IPO -- and still does, according to someone familiar with the situation. Buyout interest around Violin has increased even more so now that the company has jettisoned its founder and CEO and brought in an executive with all the earmarks of someone well-versed at selling tech companies. The companies that had been talking to Santa Clara, Calif.-based Violin Memory include some of the biggest in enterprise technology service providers: Hewlett-Packard (HP), Seagate Technology (STX), IBM (IBM), Samsung Electronics Co. and EMC (EMC), an industry source said. At least one had gone so far as to provide Violin Memory with a term sheet, albeit one that was contingent on due diligence and hedged with conditions, the person said. Violin Memory did not respond to a request for comment. Hewlett-Packard and Seagate said it was company policy not to comment on rumor or speculation. Samsung could not be reached for comment, while IBM and EMC did not respond to requests for comment. In fact, Hewlett-Packard already had an agreement in place to resell Violin Memory products, but the company ended the arrangement in the fall of 2012, ostensibly in favor of the 3Par products it acquired in 2010 as part of a $2.3 billion deal. Despite the buyout interest, Violin went public in September. Barely three months later, founder and CEO Donald Basile was let go by his board. The IPO was rocky. After pricing at $9 per share on Sept. 26 to raise $162 million before expenses, the stock opened at $7.50 and closed at $7.02 on its first day of trading. Making matter worse was Violin Memory's first earnings report as a public company: a net loss of $34 million for the third quarter of 2013 on revenue that was up 37%, to $28.3 million, year-over-year as compared to a $25 million net loss for the same period a year earlier. (The company has yet to turn a profit.)

Stock quotes in this article: VMEM, DELL, HP

The less than stellar earnings report led JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst Mark Moskowitz to downgrade the stock. The price practically halved -- going from a close of $6 on Nov. 21 to $3.11 the following day. (JPMorgan was also the lead underwriter on the stock offering; Deutsche Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays plc, Baird & Co. and Pacific Crest Securities Inc. were co-underwriters.)

Though reports linked Basile's ousting to the unprepossessing IPO, one person familiar with the situation said it was more about the decision to go public when suitors were already knocking on the doors. "[Basile] insisted on the IPO," that person said.

Basile did not respond to an e-mailed request to discuss his tenure at Violin Memory.

Activist hedge fund Clinton Group Inc., which claims to have a "meaningful stake," said in a letter to Violin Memory's board on the occasion of Basile's ouster, that at least one of those potential buyers had made an offer "at a valuation far in excess of the IPO valuation" -- about $736.4 million based on the company's outstanding shares, not including various stock options. Clinton Group's own estimation was that a strategic acquirer would be willing to pay at least between $400 and $500 million, or between $6 and $7 per share. These are heady times for valuations for flash-based storage systems, which is becoming ever more important as companies' need for storage capacity and speed increase, especially as more take to the cloud. IBM bought Texas Memory Systems Inc. in 2012 for undisclosed terms, in a deal that one source said was valued at 8 times to 12 times revenue. And, as Clinton Group noted in its letter, Cisco Systems Inc.'s deal to buy solid-state memory company Whiptail Technologies Inc. for $415 million came in at mid-teens times revenue, while privately owned Peer Storage was recently reportedly valued at more than $1 billion in its last fundraising round. Then, there is peer Nimble Storage Inc., currently trading at 20 times its third-quarter revenue of about $33.4 million. The issue for Violin Memory is one of those factors favored by activist investors as they evaluate whether they have a case for a sale at a company: ability to scale. Clinton Group, which said it believes that Violin Memory produces a best-in-kind flash memory product, wrote in its Dec. 19 letter that the chances for the company succeeding as a standalone against its big rivals wasn't good, its technology could be exploited best by "putting it in the hands of an industry player with an existing global sales and marketing infrastructure and an established customer base." New Violin Memory CEO Kevin DeNuccio has already said that he will expand the company's indirect marketing efforts. Moreover, DeNuccio also brings M&A experience to the table. He was the CEO of Redback Networks when it was sold to Ericsson AB in 2006 for $2.1 billion. Sources predict DeNuccio will barely have time to finish furnishing his corner office before another potential suitor shows up at his door. That suitor is likely to be Dell Inc., the newly private company that has staked a lot on its enterprise business, according to an industry insider. Dell declined to comment.

Stock quotes in this article: VMEM, DELL, HP

Friday, February 7, 2014

Toys"R"Us to Open for 87 Hours

Retailers have opened early on Thanksgiving and kept locations open until midnight in November and December to draw customers in what increasingly appears to be a year of weak holiday sales. Toys”R”Us topped those practices as it announced it will keep its stores open 87 hours in a row. The decision could well cause a chain reaction across many of the country’s largest retailers, especially those that sell any products for children.

Toys”R”Us announced:

With one week to go before kids everywhere are snug in their beds with visions of toys, games and dolls dancing in their heads, Toys"R"Us® today announced that its stores nationwide will remain open for 87 consecutive hours, ensuring last-minute shoppers get their #WishinAccomplished. Beginning at 6am on Saturday, December 21 and continuing through 9pm Christmas Eve*, gift-givers can shop day and night for all of the toys kids want most, including those that can only be found at Toys"R"Us.

By making the move, Toys”R”Us has acknowledged that the race for retail sales that began on November as a marathon has become a sprint, and retailers, particularly those that have had trouble drawing customers, are out of time. In the retail world, when the time that matters most is the holidays, running out of it means the end of the possibility for these retailers to have a good year. Soon, retailers will face months of slower store traffic in the early part of 2014.

Customers will not have to wait long to see if other large retailers will match the Toys”R”Us hours. Toy sales are obviously a staple of year-end success. The largest retailers, particularly Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), have been promoting deals on video games, children’s clothes and sporting goods for young people on their websites. Walmart.com in particular has posted discounts on a wide array of toys and children’s apparel.

Walmart does have the advantage over many retailers because so many of its locations are open 24 hours a day. For the balance of the retail industry that relies on toy sales, Toys”R”Us has changed the rules of the game.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

How to watch the Olympics on your phone or tablet

NEW YORK — Four years ago at the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver, NBC streamed just two events live — ice hockey and curling. All 15 venues will be live streamed at the games that begin Thursday in Sochi.

You won't need to be glued to a TV set to watch, or even sit in front of a personal computer, which was the way you had to catch the live stream from Vancouver. This time around, you can check out the action from Sochi on your smartphone or tablet.

Diehards of sports that for the most part have been ignored in prime time will be able to rely on mobile devices to see what's going on as it happens. And if you miss that breathtaking ski jump or biathlon competition you can catch an encore starting at 3 p.m. ET on demand, though in some cases you won't be able to watch a full replay on your phone or tablet until the event is shown to NBC's prime time TV viewers. (Sochi is nine hours ahead of the East Coast U.S. viewer.)

NBC has the exclusive U.S. rights to the Olympic videos — streaming, highlight clips, archiving and video on demand. The digital broadcast feeds will be produced by NBC directly, or come from the host Olympic Broadcasting Service.

To help deliver the Olympics, NBC is partnering with Microsoft on the latter's Windows Azure cloud computing technology. Over the 18-day course of these games, NBC will stream more than 1,000 hours live.

Microsoft's Steve Clayton says you'll be able to see every second of all 98 events if you choose. "Sometimes (TV) networks only show what's most popular," says Clayton, who edits the "Next at Microsoft" blog.

Putting things in perspective, consider that Apple's iPad, which led the ensuing explosion in the tablet market, hadn't reached consumers by the time the Vancouver games commenced in February 2010. By the Summer Olympics in London, all the competition was live-streamed on mobile devices. And video-watching on a tablet was actually two times that of video-watching on a smartphone.

NBC's Winter Olympics app.(Photo: NBC)

You can follow the Sochi games digitally on NBCOlympics.com or on the NBC Sports Live Extra app — available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. The Live Extra app is free and getting a refresh in time for the Olympics. It also covers other sports NBC is involved in, including the NHL, PGA Tour and Triple Crown Horse Racing.

But here's an important point: To access most of the live streams, you'll have to be an authenticated cable, satellite or telco customer — via the TV Everywhere initiative that some media providers have been pushing. For now, when you click on the Sochi section in advance of the games, you can watch spotlighted videos, such as an interview with U.S. Biathlete Tracy Barnes explaining why she gave up her Olympics spot to her twin sister Lanny.

To verify your credentials, go to NBCOlympics.com/LiveExtra on each device you plan to use to watch. You'll be prompted to download the NBC Sports Live app if you haven't already done so, and must sign in with the user name and password issued by your TV provider. (A lengthy Pay TV provider list shows up in the app). NBC says that starting Feb. 6, some cable and telco customers will be verified automatically when they use their devices at home. That would be nice if it works as promised — there were authentication hassles during the London Olympics.

NBC concedes it didn't always make a splash in London serving up the kind of viral video content on its Olympics website that consumers wanted to see, such as when German diver Stephan Feck landed flat on his back during the competition. It will place a bar down the left side of the NBCOlympics.com site that aims to make it easier to find any memorable video highlights (or lowlights) from Russia.

! NBC is al! so producing fresh digital-only programming. One that sounds promising is called Gold Zone, in which NBC plans to whip you around from event to event showing the most popular live action between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET. Think of it as the rough Olympics version of NFL Red Zone, the popular gridiron channel in which you're taken to live feeds of all the football games taking place on a Sunday, just as a team in those games threatens to score. In Gold Zone, you might be taken from a freestyle skiing final to the final moments of a crucial hockey match.

NBC also plans a digital-only Olympic Ice studio show with news and highlights from figure skating events.

While you can watch live action on your phone or tablet, for many people the mobile device will continue to serve as a second screen while you're watching on TV at home. NBC reports that about a third of its viewers who watched the Vancouver Olympics on TV simultaneously accessed Olympics content on another device. By London that figure climbed to 54%. The Sochi games could reach two-thirds.

In addition to its live streaming app, NBC launched a second app that promises to deliver results and show video highlights too. It is designed to be more of a companion to the network's prime time TV broadcast. You can consult TV listings, follow a live blog and more.

NBC Sports executive Rick Cordella says all the streaming in London not only didn't cannibalize TV ratings, but had an inverse effect, with people wanting more. He claims NBC (with Microsoft's help) is up to the task of scaling the high quality multiple concurrent feeds that will make the streaming experience go smoothly in Russia. NBC can handle up to 25 concurrent feeds and deliver speeds up to 5.5 megabits per second, he says.

"What we're seeing here is a rising tide of digital viewership and we're pretty bullish on what we'll do in Soch," he says.

Let the games begin.

Email: ebaig@usatoday.com; Follow@edbaig on Twitter.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now

Although business headlines still tout earnings numbers, many investors have moved past net earnings as a measure of a company's economic output. That's because earnings are very often less trustworthy than cash flow, since earnings are more open to manipulation based on dubious judgment calls.

Earnings' unreliability is one of the reasons Foolish investors often flip straight past the income statement to check the cash flow statement. In general, by taking a close look at the cash moving in and out of the business, you can better understand whether the last batch of earnings brought money into the company, or merely disguised a cash gusher with a pretty headline.

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 Healthways (Nasdaq: HWAY ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Michael Page International(MPI.L)

Michael Page International plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a specialist recruitment consultancy in the United Kingdom, the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company sources permanent, contract, temporary, and interim talent for multi-nationals, and small and medium enterprises. It provides services in the areas of accounting, actuarial, tax, and treasury; agency; buying and merchandising; construction; consultancy, strategy, and change; design and education; engineering and manufacturing; executive search; facilities management; financial services and banking; health and social care; hospitality and leisure; human resources; insurance; legal; life sciences; logistics; marketing; mining and resources; oil and gas; policy; procurement and supply chain; property; public sector; retail operations and retail banking; sales; secretarial; and technology. The company was formerly known as Michael Page Group Plc and changed its na me to Michael Page International plc in February 2001. Michael Page International plc was founded in 1976 and is based in Weybridge, the United Kingdom.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: V.F. Corporation(VFC)

V.F. Corporation designs and manufactures, or sources from independent contractors various apparel and footwear products primarily in the United States and Europe. The company offers apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, skateboard-inspired and surf-inspired footwear, backpacks, luggage, handbags and accessories, outdoor apparel, travel accessories, and women?s active wear primarily under the Vans, The North Face, JanSport, Eastpak, Kipling, Napapijri, Reef, Eagle Creek, and lucy brands; and denim and casual bottoms, and tops principally under Wrangler, Lee, Riders, Rustler, and Timber Creek by Wrangler brands. Its products also include occupational, athletic, and licensed apparel primarily under the Red Kap, Bulwark, Majestic, MLB, NFL, and Harley-Davidson brands; men?s fashion sportswear, denim bottoms, sleepwear, underwear, as well as handbags, luggage, backpacks, and accessories principally under the Nautica and Kipling brands; and denim and casual bottoms, sportswear, acce ssories, men?s apparel and footwear, and women?s sportswear primarily under the 7 For All Mankind, John Varvatos, Splendid, and Ella Moss brands. The company sells its products to specialty stores, department stores, national chains, and mass merchants primarily through its sales force, independent sales agents, and distributors. V.F. Corporation was founded in 1899 and is based in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Nicole Seghetti]
1. VF (NYSE: VFC )
Through economic (and consumer waistline) recessions and expansions, the company behind North Face apparel and 7 For All Mankind jeans has increased its dividend for an impressive 40 years! VF pays a modest 1.9% dividend yield, but don't let that dupe you. The company has increased its dividend by 248% over the past decade, outpacing the Consumer Price Index nearly tenfold.
[By Sue Chang]
VF Corp. (VFC) �is likely to report earnings of $3.78 a share in the third quarter.
[By Mark Lin]
It is an open secret that most of our branded shoes are manufactured in China because of lower labor costs. However, China's position as a global low-cost production hub could change in the future as the nation faces inflationary wage pressures. Footwear and apparel brands like Nike (NYSE: NKE ) , VF Corp (NYSE: VFC ) and Under Armour (NYSE: UA ) are seeking alternative ways of staying cost competitive in light of such trends.

Best Medical Stocks To Buy Right Now: DLF Ltd (DLF)

DLF Limited is engaged in the business of colonization and real estate development. The Company�� primary business is development of residential, commercial and retail properties. The operations of the Company span all aspects of real estate development, from the identification and acquisition of land, to planning, execution, construction and marketing of projects. The Company is also engaged in the business of generation of power, provision of maintenance services, hospitality and recreational activities and life insurance. The development business of the Company includes Homes and Commercial Complexes. The Homes business caters to three segments of the residential market: Super Luxury, Luxury and Premium. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the sale of its 74% stake in the insurance joint venture with Prudential Financial, Inc. to Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL) and its group entities.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Unit Corporation(UNT)

Unit Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the contract drilling, oil and natural gas, and mid-stream businesses in the United States. The company?s Contract Drilling segment engages in land contract drilling of onshore oil and natural gas wells for oil and natural gas companies in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and North Dakota. Its Oil and Natural Gas segment is involved in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties located primarily in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota, as well as in Arkansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and a small portion in Canada. As of December 31, 2011, this segment had approximately 121 gross proved undeveloped wells. The company?s Mid-Stream segment buys, sells, gathers, processes, and treats natural gas. It operates 3 natural gas treatment plants, 10 operating processing plants, 35 active gathering systems, and 934 miles of pipeline in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The company operates a fleet of 127 drilling rigs. Unit Corporation was founded in 1963 and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Robert Rapier]
Having said that, I can’t find anything in the article archives about Unit Corp. (NYSE: UNT). Unit describes itself as a diversified energy company engaged in the exploration for and production of oil and natural gas, the acquisition of producing oil and natural gas properties, the contract drilling of onshore oil and natural gas wells, and the gathering and processing of natural gas.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Brown(n)

N Brown Group plc operates as an Internet and catalogue home shopping company in the United Kingdom. The company principally offers womenswear, menswear, footwear, household, and electrical products, as well as provides insurance services. It also operates in the Republic of Ireland, Germany, and the United States. The company was founded in 1859 and is based in Manchester, the United Kingdom.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By MarketWatch]
Discussing cloud-computing stocks, the Barron�� article also said: ��ndustry leader Salesforce.com (CRM) � doesn�� earn a profit based on GAAP earnings that includes its stock compensation expense and yet it has a market value of $34 billion. Other hot plays with 2014 price/sales ratios above 10 and no GAAP earnings include Workday, NetSuite (N) , and ServiceNow (NOW) .��
[By Alex Jordon]
He already owns a good chunk of NetSuite (N), whose revenue grew 35% last quarter, beating earnings estimates by $0.03 a share. Ellison's been profiting from the cloud while dismissing its significance. With the Salesforce agreement his company is, too. (Fool)

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Transurban Group(TCL.AX)

Transurban Group engages in the development, operation, and maintenance of toll roads in Australia and the United States. It operates various roads, such as CityLink, Victoria in Australia; Hills M2 Motorway, Lane Cove Tunnel, M1 Eastern Distributor, M5 Motorway, and Westlink M7, New South Wales in Australia; and Pocahontas 895 and Capital Beltway Express in the United States. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Yahoo! Inc.(YHOO)

Yahoo! Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital media company that delivers personalized digital content and experiences through various devices worldwide. It offers online properties and services to users; and a range of marketing services to businesses. The company?s communications and communities offerings include Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Messenger, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, Flickr, and Connected TV, which provide a range of communication and social services to users and small businesses enabling users to organize into groups and share knowledge, common interests, and photos. Its search products comprise Yahoo! Search and Yahoo! Local, available free to users to navigate the Internet and discover content. The company?s marketplaces offerings and services include Yahoo! Shopping, Yahoo! Travel, Yahoo! Real Estate, Yahoo! Autos, and Yahoo! Small Business, which allow users to research specific topics, products, services, or areas of interest by review ing and exchanging information, obtaining contact details, or considering offers from providers of goods, services, or parties with similar interests. Its media offerings comprise Yahoo! Homepage, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Finance, My Yahoo!, Yahoo! Toolbar, Yahoo! Entertainment & Lifestyles, Yahoo! Contributor Network, and Yahoo! Pulse, which are designed to engage users with online content and services on the Web. The company also offers marketing services, such as display and search advertising, listing-based services, and commerce-based transactions to advertisers. In addition, it provides software and platform offerings for third-party developers, advertisers, and publishers, such as Yahoo! Developer Network, Yahoo! Open Strategy, Yahoo! Application Platform, Yahoo! Updates, Yahoo! Query Language, and Yahoo! Search BOSS. The company has strategic alliances with Nokia and ABC News, Inc. Yahoo! Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Californi a.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Douglas A. McIntyre]
Google has two advantages over most media as a means to deliver a marketing message. The first is its size. Based on comScore data for October, Google sites�had 194.1 million unique visitors in the United States. And this is only traffic to desktop computers. The search company’s reach sits second to Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) sites�by this�comScore�yardstick. Yahoo! had 195.8 million unique visitors in October.
[By Barbara Kollmeyer]
Investors also may be looking for follow-up as shares of Facebook Inc. (FB) and Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) �each rose to new 52-week highs on Tuesday, while Twitter Inc. (TWTR) �reached a fresh all-time high.
[By Rick Aristotle Munarriz]
AP/Kathy Willens Companies can make brilliant moves, but there are plenty of times when things don't work out quite as planned. From single-serve coffee giant Green Mountain taking aim at the full-pot business, to Apple paying the price for the iPhone 5c's poor sales, here's a rundown of the week's best and worst in the business world. Facebook (FB) -- Winner Shares of the leading social networking website operator hit new highs on Thursday after it posted another quarter of blowout results. Facebook now sees 1.23 billion unique monthly visitors, 16 percent ahead of where the site's traffic was at a year earlier. Folks are also coming more often, with daily active users up 22 percent. The company has done a great job of monetizing both its desktop site and its mobile app. Online ad revenue soared 74 percent during the quarter. The market was clicking the "Like" button when the report came out, sending the shares 14 percent higher on Thursday. Apple (AAPL) -- Loser These days, Apple lives and dies by the iPhone, and that explains why the stock took a hit on Tuesday after it reported weak sales for its new smartphone. Apple sold a little more than 51 million iPhones during the holiday quarter. This is certainly an impressive number, but analysts were hoping for closer to 56 million devices. The culprit in the shortfall is clearly the iPhone 5c. We know this because it's the one that was readily available after the pricier iPhone 5s sold out during the debut weekend for both products. It was confirmed this week when Apple reported a healthy uptick in average selling prices for its iPhone, implying that the more expensive smartphone was the hotter seller. Apple was trying to make a dent in the entry-level market with the iPhone 5c, but consumers weren't wowed by its pastel colors, its plastic shell, and specs that were inferior to the iPhone 5s, which sold for just $100 more. SodaStream (SODA) -- Winner It was a busy week for SodaStream as it bounced back fr

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Piper Jaffray Companies(PJC)

Piper Jaffray Companies provides investment banking, institutional brokerage, asset management, and related financial services to corporations, private equity groups, public entities, non-profit entities, and institutional investors in the United States, Asia, and Europe. The company raises capital through equity financings; provides advisory services, primarily relating to mergers and acquisitions for its corporate clients; underwrites debt issuances; and offers financial advisory and interest rate risk management services. Its public finance investment banking capabilities focus on state and local governments, as well as healthcare, higher education, housing, hospitality, transportation, and commercial real estate industries, as well as operates in business and financial services, clean technology and renewables, consumer, and industrial growth, as well as media, telecommunications, and technology industries. The company also offers equity and fixed income advisory and t rade execution services for institutional investors, and government and non-profit entities; and is involved in proprietary trading, as well as has equity sales and trading relationships with institutional investors. In addition, it provides asset management services to separately managed accounts, private funds or partnerships, and open-end and closed-end registered investment companies or funds; and offers an array of investment products comprising small and mid-cap value equity, and master limited partnerships focused on the energy industry, as well as fixed income. Further, the company engages in merchant banking activities, which comprises proprietary debt or equity investments in late stage private companies, and investments in private equity and venture capital funds, as well as other firm investments and forfeiture of stock-based compensation. Piper Jaffray Companies was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Rich Smith]
Investment banker Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC ) expanded its municipal debt business Wednesday, when it purchased Seattle-Northwest Securities in a transaction valued at approximately $21 million.
[By Sean Williams]
What: Shares of investment banking and asset management firm Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC ) sank as much as 11% after reporting disappointing second-quarter earnings results.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Cembre(CMB.MI)

Cembre S.p.A. and its subsidiaries engage in the manufacture and sale of electric compression connectors and related installation tools in Europe. Its products include electrical connectors for copper and aluminum cables; crimping and cutting tools, including mechanical, hydraulic, cordless hydraulic, hydraulic heads, die selector, and bench press tools; hydraulic pumps, hydraulic units, wire strippers, and accessories; cable accessories, such as terminal blocks, plastic and metal cable glands and accessories, and cable ties and clips; and identification and labeling products and software for railway applications. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Brescia, Italy. Cembre S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Lysne S.p.A.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Alta Natural Herbs & Supplem (AHS.V)

Alta Natural Herbs & Supplements Ltd. engages in the manufacture and conversion of dietary supplements and neutraceuticals for the natural health products industry primarily in Canada. It operates as a contract manufacturer/converter of raw material powders, including conversion from powders to capsules, and to bottling and packaging. The company's neutraceuticals primarily include herbal, botanical, and marine-based neutraceuticals. Alta Natural Herbs & Supplements Ltd. was incorporated in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Canada.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Photon Group Ltd(PGA.AX)

Photon Group Limited provides marketing and communications services in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. The company offers integrated marketing services, including retail marketing and merchandising, advertising, public relations, graphic design, digital printing, production of sales promotion material, communications planning, events management, direct marketing, and market research services. Its International Agencies segment provides specialized marketing services, which comprise public relations, communications strategy, and research and data analytics. The company?s Australian Agencies segment offers marketing services to Australian clients, including advertising, direct marketing, promotional campaigns, consumer research, public relations, and stakeholder communications. Its Australian Field Marketing segment provides outsourced merchandising and point-of-sale marketing services. The company?s Search Marketing segment offers U.S. facing search marketing services. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Surry Hills, Australia.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Vision-Sciences Inc.(VSCI)

Vision-Sciences, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products for endoscopy primarily in the United States and Europe. The company operates through two segments, Medical and Industrial. The Medical segment designs, manufactures, and sells endoscopy-based products, including flexible endoscopes, and sheath or EndoSheath disposable for ear, nose and throat (ENT), Urology, and pulmonology markets. This segment sells its endoscopy systems and related products to various end users consisting of ENT doctors, urologists, gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, bariatric surgeons, pulmonologists and other airway management doctors in hospitals, medical clinics, and physicians? private offices. The Industrial segment designs, manufactures, and markets flexible borescopes under the Machida brand to various users, primarily in the aircraft engine manufacturing and aircraft engine maintenance industries. This segment offers various products comprising modular, slim levers, knobs, battery operated portable flexible borescopes, industrial videoscopes, and portable video processors primarily for use in the inspection of aircraft engines, casting parts, and ground turbines. The company sells its products through direct sales representatives in the United States and independent distributors internationally. Vision-Sciences, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Orangeburg, New York.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: China Biologic Products Inc.(CBPO)

China Biologic Products, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of human plasma-based biopharmaceutical products to hospitals and inoculation centers in the People?s Republic of China. It offers Human Albumin for the treatment of shock caused by blood loss trauma or burn; raised intracranial pressure caused by hydrocephalus or trauma; oedema or ascites caused by hepatocirrhosis and nephropathy; and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, as well as for the prevention and treatment of low-density-lipoproteinemia. The company also offers Human Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin for the prevention of measles and contagious hepatitis; Human Immunoglobulin and Human Immunoglobulin for Intravenous Injection products for original immunoglobulin deficiency, secondary immunoglobulin deficiency, and auto-immune deficiency diseases; and Thymopolypeptides Injection that is used in the treatment of various original and sec ondary T-cell deficiency syndromes, auto-immune deficiency diseases, and a range of cell immunity deficiency diseases, as well as assists in the treatment for tumors. In addition, it provides Human Rabies Immunoglobulin primarily for passive immunity from bites or claws by rabies or other infected animals; Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin for the prevention and therapy of tetanus; and Placenta Polypeptide that is used for the treatment of cell immunity deficiency diseases, viral infection, and leucopenia caused by various reasons, as well as assists in postoperative heating. The company?s products under development comprise Human Prothrombin Complex Concentrate; Human Coagulation Factor VIII; Human Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (PH4) for Intravenous Injection; Human Fibrinogen; Varicella Hyperimmune Globulins; and Human Immunoglobulin for Intravenous Injection. The company is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: McMoRan Exploration Company (MMR)

McMoRan Exploration Co. engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of oil and natural gas in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico and onshore in the Gulf Coast area of the United States. It is involved in lifting oil and natural gas to the surface; and gathering, treating, and processing hydrocarbons to extract liquids, such as ethane, propane, butane, and natural gasolines from natural gas. The company also provides exploration and production technologies, including the incorporation of 3-D seismic interpretation, offshore drilling to total depths, and horizontal drilling. As of December 31, 2012, it owned or controlled interests in 1,003 oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico, and onshore Louisiana and Texas covering approximately 511,000 net acres. The company had estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves totaling 219.9 billion cubic feet equivalent. McMoRan Exploration Co. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisi ana.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By David Smith]
As we move into June, the company's attention is being directed to the combination of starting its huge Grasberg copper and gold facility in Indonesia, following a pair of accidents, and buttoning up its purchase of Houston-based energy producer Plains Exploration and Production Company. At the same time, its preparing to close on its planned acquisition of McMoRan Exploration (NYSE: MMR ) , an event that's expected to occur early next week.
[By David Smith]
The pending purchases
Aside from its current core metals operations, Freeport is in the process of acquiring a pair of independent oil and gas producers, Plains Exploration & Production (NYSE: PXP ) and McMoRan Exploration (NYSE: MMR ) . In December, Freeport announced that it would pay 0.6531 shares of its common stock and $25 in cash for each outstanding share of Plains. In addition, for McMoRan it stated that it would pay $14.75 in cash and 1.15 units of a royalty trust that will hold a 5% overriding royalty interest in McMoRan's shallow water and ultra-deepwater prospects.
[By Matt DiLallo]
While it has diversity among metals, the company is also in the final stages of adding even more diversity among commodities. It has pending deals to acquire both McMoRan Exploration (NYSE: MMR ) and Plains Exploration and Production (NYSE: PXP ) . When the deals close, Freeport will shift its revenue mix from 100% mining related to around 75% mining and 25% oil and gas. That makes the company a truly diversified economic indicator as copper, oil, and natural gas are much more important to our economy than aluminum.
[By Rich Duprey]
While there was a lot of grousing, the miner was returning to its roots as a multiline resources company -- it will also be purchasing McMoRan Exploration (NYSE: MMR ) , a driller it had spun out in the 1990s -- after a series of mishaps and deadly accidents at its huge Grasberg mine, it could be the drilling operations that Freeport relies upon to see it through.

Best High Tech Companies To Own In Right Now: Cascadero Copper Corp (CCD.V)

Cascadero Copper Corporation, a development stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in British Columbia, Ontario, and Argentina. It primarily focuses on gold, silver, copper, and base metal properties. The company holds 100% interest in the Toodoggone project with 75 converted mineral tenures comprising 31,409.35 hectares located in the Toodoggone River region of north central British Columbia. It also holds the right to acquire a 100% interest in 18 gold properties in the Sudbury, Timmins, and Swayze areas of Ontario. In addition, the company holds 50% interest in 14 project areas consisting of 226,000 hectares located in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca in Argentina. Cascadero Copper Corporation was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in North Vancouver, Canada.