Sunday, May 31, 2015

Mind Your Manners: Business Rules Get a 21st Century Update

Top 10 Medical Stocks To Own Right Now

Colleagues at work shaking hands Getty Images NEW YORK -- Much has changed about workplace and business etiquette since Emily Post was dispensing advice herself. Post died in 1960, but her family has carried on her love of good manners through the Emily Post Institute in Burlington, Vermont. The latest from the Posts is a third edition of "The Etiquette Advantage in Business," released this month by William Morrow. Great-great-granddaughter Lizzie Post said an update was needed to take into account the explosion in social media and digital communications, along with a more casual work environment in many fields. Some highlights: Social Media and Smartphones When you make a mistake, 'fess up. Post recalled a recent radio show call-in question that went something like this: "'I butt-dialed all of my business contacts while on a 10-hour hike over the weekend. What do I do and is there a term other than butt-dial that I can use?' We say purse- or pocket-dial work, too, and apologize immediately using whatever communication you usually use for each contact." Generally, she said, avoid the urge to get all loosey-goosey. Use email, private message, text and voice mail very, very carefully. "Unless you would feel comfortable posting it on a bulletin board in your town or screaming it to everybody that you know, don't do it," Post said. Hugs and Kisses "I'm always surprised at how much there is of this when I'm doing business. I'm getting hugs and a kiss on the cheek as a hello. Usually it's after the very first meeting. The very first meeting is still usually a handshake." But Post is a fan of hugs and kisses on the job after the first meeting, depending on your field. "I like feeling like I'm doing business with a person who I have a personal connection with. I know many people who want to keep professional professional and they don't want to be hugging somebody that down the line they might have to say, 'Look, we can't work with you anymore.'" Brainstorming Such think sessions have an etiquette all their own. Post warns against passively trying to control through rejection, where a participant brings no ideas to the table but spends the time pooh-poohing the ideas of others. "Sure, there are going to be some ideas that you knock down for a certain reason, whether they conflict with a contract or it's nothing like what the client is going to want, that sort of thing," she said. "But a brainstorming session needs to be the kind of open environment where you let things marinate, you let them percolate. It's one of those places where being the negative Nelly, being the person who's saying no, no, no, no all the time does not make you a team player and it does not make you smarter than everybody else. For me, that is the most annoying person to have on a team." Working From Home You may know exactly how you want this to go, Post said, but your friends and neighbors may have other ideas. "It's really important to lay boundaries with friends, lovers, neighbors. Let them know, 'This really is my work day and I do need to focus and be focused and dropping by just isn't something I can accommodate. I'd love to see you at 5.' " Does that go for spouses, too? Is it OK for an at-office spouse to leave chores for the home-office spouse? "No, not without talking about it first. You need to talk about it ahead of time, because that really is a work day," she said. Post advises making a schedule and sticking to it. And she's not an advocate of staying in PJs. "Take a shower, get dressed. It's still your work day."

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Top 10 Oil Service Stocks For 2016

Top 10 Oil Service Stocks For 2016: Stoneridge Inc.(SRI)

Stoneridge, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design and manufacture of engineered electrical and electronic components, modules, and systems for the medium and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural, and off-highway vehicle markets primarily in North America and Europe. The company operates in two segments, Electronics and Control Devices. The Electronics segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, and driver information systems, as well as electrical distribution systems, principally wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution. Its products collect, store, and display vehicle information, such as speed, pressure, maintenance data, trip information, operator performance, temperature, distance traveled, and driver messages related to vehicle performance. In addition, this segment?s power distribution systems regulate, coordinate, and direct the operation of the electrical system within a vehicle. The Control Devices segment designs and manufactures products that monitor, measure, or activate a specific function within the vehicle. This segment?s product lines include sensors, which are employed in a range of vehicle systems, such as the emissions, safety, power train, braking, climate control, steering, and suspension systems; switches that transmit signal to activate or deactivate selected functions; and electromechanical actuator products, which enable original equipment manufacturers to deploy power functions in a vehicle. Stoneridge, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Warren, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [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 Stoneridge (NYSE: SRI  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-10-oil-service-stocks-for-2016.html

Friday, May 29, 2015

Hot Supermarket Stocks To Invest In 2016

Hot Supermarket Stocks To Invest In 2016: Air France KLM SA (AFLYY.PK)

Air France-KLM SA (Air France-KLM), incorporated on April 23, 1947, is an airline engaged in the business of passenger transportation. It has four segments: Passenger, Cargo, Maintenance and Other. The Companys primary business is to hold direct or indirect interests in the capital of air transport companies and, more generally, in any companies in France or elsewhere whose purpose is related to the air transport business. Air France-KLM activities also include cargo, aeronautics maintenance and other air-transport related activities including, principally, catering and charter services. At March 31, 2011, the Air France-KLM group fleet consists of 609 aircraft, of which 593 were operational. At March 31, 2011, 274 aircraft were fully owned (45% of the fleet), 117 aircraft were under finance lease representing 19% of the fleet and 218 under operating lease representing 36% of the fleet.

Passenger

Passenger operating revenues primarily come from passenger transportation services on scheduled flights with the Companys airline code, including flights operated by other airlines under code-sharing agreements. They also include commissions paid by SkyTeam alliance partners, code-sharing revenues, revenues from excess baggage and airport services supplied by the Companys to third party airlines and services linked to information technology (IT) systems.

Cargo

Cargo operating revenues come from freight transport on flights under the companies codes, including flights operated by other partner airlines under code-sharing agreements. Other cargo revenues are derived principally from sales of cargo capacity to third parties. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, the Company transported more than 1.5 million tons of cargo, of which 66% in the bellies of passenger aircraft and 33% in the cargo fleet, to a network of approximately 254 destinations in approximately 111 countri! es. Air Fra nce-KLM Cargo has a product range organized around four product families, Equation, Cohesion, Variation and Dimension.

Maintenance

Maintenance operating revenues are generated through maintenance services provided to other airlines and customers globally. The Companys two engine shops are located in Amsterdam and Paris. CFM56 engine shops support the fleet of CFM56-5 power plants in the world, with nearly 400 engines operated by numerous airlines. CF6-80E1 provides full-service maintenance. KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) provides an alternative to the manufacturers services in terms of overhaul and services on this engine with its offering supported by technological infrastructure.

Other

The revenues from this segment come primarily from catering supplied by the Company to third-party airlines and to charter flights operated primarily by Transavia. The catering business is regrouped around Servair, an Air France subsidiary which generates more than 90% of the revenues of this activity, and KLM Catering Services, a subsidiary of KLM.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By El Torero]

    The airline will undoubtedly pounce on the likely failings of rival companies, though this is also an area where easyJet will be eager to move in. Spanair is gone as is Malev Zrt, two former Ryanair rivals. Air France-KLM (AFLYY.PK) and Iberia are in trouble, among other European airlines. Ryanair will take advantage of such weaknesses in its aim of becoming Europe's out-and-out dominant short-haul carrier. As other airlines cut routes, airports are now looking to Ryanair to take up the newly available airport space. As a result of this, with "opportunities opening up in Germany, Scandinavia and Central Europe" in particular, Ryanair's deputy chief executive, Howard Millar sees the Irish company increase its market share from 15 percent to 20 percent before the end of the decade.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/hot-supermarket-stocks-to-invest-in-2016.html

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now

It didn't take long for DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH  ) to respond after�SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son called the DISH counteroffer for Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S  ) "incomplete and illusory."

Today the satellite pay-TV provider filed a letter with the Federal Communications Commission pointing to media reports about a Department of Justice investigation into charges of bribery by telecommunications equipment provider UTStarcom (NASDAQ: UTSI  ) , also known as UTSI. The DOJ says the company gave $7 million to Chinese government officials in return for telecommunications sales contracts. In 2009 UTStarcom admitted to bribery and agreed to pay $1.5 million.

The bribery, a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, was alleged to have taken place at least partly during the time that the SoftBank CEO was in charge of UTSI.

"The affiliation between SoftBank and UTSI seems to have been close. Specifically, Mr. Masayoshi Son was Chairman of the Board of UTSI ... [during a period in] which a portion of the conduct in question occurred," DISH wrote in its filing. "Dish believes that this information is relevant to the public interest analysis of the proposed transaction, and that it is incumbent upon the proposed transferee SoftBank to provide a full explanation of these matters."

Hot Solar Companies To Own For 2016: Houston Wire & Cable Co (HWCC)

Houston Wire & Cable Company, incorporated in 1997, provides wire and cable and related services to the United States market. The Company offers its customers with a single-source solution for wire and cable, hardware and related services. The Company offers products in categories of wire and cable, including continuous and interlocked armor cable, control and power cable, electronic wire and cable, flexible and portable cords, instrumentation and thermocouple cable, lead and high temperature cable, medium voltage cable, premise and category wire and cable, wire rope and wire rope slings, as well as nylon slings, chain, shackles and other related hardware. It also offers private branded products, including its brand LifeGuard, a low-smoke, zero-halogen cable. On January 1, 2011, the acquired companies were merged into HWC Wire & Cable Company.

The Company�� products are used in repair and replacement, also known as maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and related projects, larger-scale projects in the utility, industrial and infrastructure markets and a diverse range of industrial applications, including communications, energy, engineering and construction, general manufacturing, mining, construction, oilfield services, infrastructure, petrochemical, transportation, utility, wastewater treatment, marine construction and marine transportation. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company served approximately 6,000 customers.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [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 Houston Wire & Cable (Nasdaq: HWCC  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: Motorola Solutions Inc (MSI)

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (Motorola Solutions), incorporated March 9, 1973, provides communication infrastructure, devices, software and services. The Company provides these products and services for enterprise and government customers worldwide. The Company operates in two segments: Government and Enterprise. The Government segment includes sales of public safety communications systems, commercial two-way radio systems and devices, software and services. The Enterprise segment includes sales of rugged and enterprise-grade mobile computers and tablets, laser/imaging/RFID-based data capture products, wireless local area network (WLAN) and integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN) infrastructure, software and services. In January 2014, the Company announced that it has acquired Twisted Pair Solutions, a provider of push-to-talk over broadband applications for secure, real-time communication anywhere, on any device.

Government

The Government segment designs, manufactures, sells, and provides services around voice and data communications systems, devices, security products and applications. These products and services are sold to a range of customers, including government, public safety and first responder agencies, as well as commercial customers who operate private communications networks and manage a mobile workforce.

The Company offer a portfolio of network infrastructure, devices, applications and services, based on Association for Public Safety Communications Officials 25 (APCO), terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA), and digital mobile radio (DMR) standards, as well as broadband technologies (Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and WiFi). Its products and services are sold stand alone, as well as part of an integrated system. In addition, Motorola Solutions offer critical applications in the public safety command center, including voice, computer aided dispatch and multimedia/video. The Company�� service offering includes mobility consulting, system design and installatio! n, network and device management and product support.

The Company competes with Cassidian/EADS, Harris, Hytera, Kenwood, Sepura and Tait.

Enterprise

The Enterprise segment designs, manufactures, sells and provides services around WLAN infrastructure, rugged and enterprise-grade advanced data capture and mobile computing devices, security products and applications. These are sold to a range of enterprise customers, including those in retail and hospitality, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, energy and utilities, education and healthcare. Motorola Solutions offers a portfolio of devices, infrastructure, applications and services, which include rugged and enterprise-grade mobile computers and tablets, laser/imager/RFID based data capture devices and kiosks, WLAN switches/controllers and access points, network and device management software, network and device security software, voice-based devices and software, and systems based iDEN technology.

The Company competes with Apple, Aruba, Bluebird, Cisco, Datalogic, Honeywell, Hewlett Packard, Intermec, Psion, Panasonic and Samsung.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Whitney Kisling]

    Companies from Accenture to Juniper Networks Inc. (JNPR) and Motorola Solutions Inc. (MSI) have predicted sales that trailed analyst estimates. The industry is 9.1 percent cheaper than the S&P 500 (SPX), a bigger discount than seven of the nine other industries, behind only energy and financial stocks.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: PositiveID Corp (PSID)

PositiveID Corporation (PositiveID), incorporated in November 2001, is engaged in developing, marketing and selling radio frequency identification (RFID), systems used for the identification of people in the healthcare market. PositiveID is focused on providing health and security identification tools to protect consumers and businesses, operating in two segments: HealthID and ID Security. The Company�� HealthID segment is focused on the development of four products, which includes the GlucoChip, iglucose, Easy Check and the rapid flu detection system. Its ID Security segment includes the identity security suite of products, sold through its NationalCreditReport.com brand and its Health Link personal health record (PHR) business. In July 2011, it completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of NationalCreditReport.com. On May 23, 2011, the Company acquired all of the interest of MicroFluidic Systems (MicroFluidic). In November 2013, the Company sold its interest in VeriTeQ Corporation (VeriTeQ).

HealthID Segment

PositiveID�� HealthID segment product GlucoChip is a glucose-sensing microchip is developed in conjunction with Receptors LLC (Receptors). Iglucose is a self-contained unit that automatically queries a diabetic user�� data-capable glucometer for blood glucose data and sends that data via encrypted text messaging to the iglucose online database. Easy Check is a non-invasive breath glucose detection system, based on the correlation of acetone in exhaled breath to blood glucose levels. The rapid flu detection system is also developed in conjunction with Receptors. The Company�� HealthID segment also includes the VeriMed system, which uses an implantable passive RFID microchip (the VeriChip) that is used in patient identification applications. Each implantable microchip contains a verification number that is read when it is scanned by its scanner.

ID Security Segment

PositiveID�� NationalCreditReport.com business offers consu! mers a range of identity security products and services primarily on a subscription basis. These services help consumers protect themselves against identity theft or fraud and understand and monitor their credit profiles and other personal information, which include credit reports, credit monitoring and credit scores. The Company has Health Link PHR business.

Healthcare Products

PositiveID�� Healthcare products include the GlucoChip, a product that combines a glucose-sensing microtransponder. The Company has partnered with Receptors to develop an in-vivo glucose sensor to detect glucose levels in the human body. In conjunction with Receptors, the Company has completed Phase I and Phase II development of the glucose-sensing microchip and are in Phase III development. The Easy Check breath glucose test, as of January 31, 2012 is under development, is a non-invasive glucose detection system that measures acetone levels in a patient�� exhaled breath. The iglucose system uses machine to machine technology to automatically communicate a diabetic�� glucose readings to the iglucose online database.

MicroFluidic Systems

MicroFluidic specializes in the production of automated instruments for a range of applications in the detection and processing of biological samples, ranging from rapid medical testing to airborne pathogen detection for homeland security. MicroFluidic�� substantial portfolio of related to sample preparation and rapid medical testing applications are the portfolio of virus detection and diabetes management products.

Identity Security Products and Services

National Credit Report.com, LLC (NCRC) is engaged in the consumer provision of credit reports, credit score and credit monitoring products. This business provides a medium for consumers to retrieve and review their credit history, as well as monitor their credit files with one or all three of the major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUni! on. The C! ompany�� products and services are offered to consumers on a monthly subscription basis.

Health Link Personal Health Record and Other Applications

Health Link is a patient-controlled, online repository to store personal health information, such as medications, allergies, family history, previous surgeries, vaccinations and lab results. Health Link also connects the patient to a multitude of customized materials, such as personalized health education and online connectivity to caregivers. Patients can also utilize Health Link to connect with numerous Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems that are accessible through Microsoft HealthVault and Google Health. In conjunction with Raytheon Microelectronics Espana, the Company developed an eight millimetre microchip, which has functionality that is substantially equivalent to the VeriChip.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By James E. Brumley]

    Ever heard of PositiveID Corp. (OTCMKTS:PSID)? Most people haven't, so don't worry if it's an unfamiliar name. What's surprising is that PSID is still a little unfamiliar to the masses at this stage of the Ebola game. It's not just a worry that we only have to worry about domestically. It's now spreading within the United States, which is a whole different ball game than preventing it from getting to the United States. This presents a real risk of pandemic spreading within our borders. PositiveID can help.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: Audience Inc (ADNC)

Audience, Inc., incorporated on May 24, 2011, is a provider of voice and audio solutions that improve voice quality and the user experience in mobile devices. The Company�� solutions include hardware-accelerated digital signal processors (DSPs), and audio codecs and associated algorithms for noise suppression in mobile devices. Its computational auditory scene analysis (CASA) maps the sound separation functions in human hearing, into a computational framework. The Company�� platform consists of its DSPs and audio codec, analog and mixed signal circuits and algorithms for voice isolation and noise suppression.

The Company also provides its AuViD graphical design tools to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Company had sold over 250 million processors to its OEM customers as of December 31, 2012. In addition to the mobile device market, the Company�� voice and audio technology is also applicable to a range of other market segments, including automobile infotainment systems, digital cameras, digital televisions, headsets and set top boxes.

The Company�� product portfolio supports both analog and digital interfaces. As of December 31, 2012, the Company offered eS515, eS325, eS305, eS310, eS110, A1028 and A1026 custom voice and audio processors for device platforms, including smartphones, feature phones and media tablets. eS515 is a third generation voice and audio processor with an integrated audio codec, featuring support of three-microphones; eS325is a third generation voice and audio processor that features simultaneous three microphone processing; eS305 is a second generation voice and audio processor utilizing new hardware acceleration architecture and algorithms for far-field, wideband communications and capable of advanced speech recognition assist, and uses an all digital interface; eS310, provides similar capabilities to the eS305; eS110 is a first generation narrowband voice processor designed for real-time communications and far-field as well as near-field u! se with features such as acoustic echo cancelation, voice equalization and automatic gain control; A1026, is a first generation narrowband voice processor designed for real-time communications and typical near-field use, and A1028, which is a first generation narrowband voice processor designed for real-time communications and far-field, as well as near-field use.

The Company derives its revenue primarily from the sale of voice and audio processors to OEMs, which incorporate them into mobile devices. As of December 31, 2012, OEMs, CMs and distributors worldwide had purchased more than 250 million of its processors and incorporated them in over 140 mobile device models.

The Company competes with Maxim, ON Semiconductor, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Wolfson Microelectronics plc, DSP Group, Inc. and Yamaha Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [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 Audience (Nasdaq: ADNC  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: Zoom Technologies Inc (ZOOM)

Zoom Technologies, Inc. (Zoom), incorporated on February 29, 2002, is engaged in design, production, marketing, sales, and support of broadband and dial-up modems, voice over Internet Protocol or (VoIP) products and services, Bluetooth wireless products, and other communication-related products. The Company through its wholly owned holding-company subsidiary, Gold Lion Holding Limited (Gold Lion) is the owner of 100% of Profit Harvest Corporation Ltd. (Profit Harvest) and through Gold Lion's wholly owned subsidiary, Jiangsu Leimone Electronics Co., Ltd. (Jiangsu Leimone) is the owner of 80% of Tianjin Tong Guang Group Digital Communication Co., Ltd. (TCB Digital). The Company through its subsidiaries is engaged in manufacturing, research and development, and sales of electronic and telecommunication products for the latest generation mobile phones, wireless communication circuitry, and related software products. On January 4, 2011, the Company acquired 100% ownership of Celestial Digital Entertainment, Ltd., (CDE). During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired 55% of Portables.

TCB Digital is engaged in electronic and telecommunication product design, development, and manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) customers and for its own products under the brand name of Leimone. The Company offers electronic manufacturing service (EMS) to both domestic and global customers including Samsung, Beijing Tianyu Langtong, CECT, Danahar and Spreadtrum. Its primary products include mobile phones, wireless telecommunication modules, digital cameras, cable television (TV) set-top boxes and global positioning system ( GPS) equipment.

The Company has developed mobile phones and Smartphones based on both of the main network technologies: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and beginning in 2010 also 3G CDMA2000 capable products. As of December 31, 2011, the Company markets its mobile phone products through di! stributors in China and also supplies GSM, CDMA and 3G CDMA2000 mobile phones to customers, including one of China's main mobile operators, China Telecom. The Company through its Portables subsidiary operates a wholesale distributor business for T-Mobile products and services in the United States. The Company also has the right to sell branded mobile handsets including those carrying the Zoom brand name and related peripherals in the retail stores managed by Portables under the agreement with T-Mobile.

The Company competes with Bird Ningbo Co., Ltd, Haier Telecom Co. Ltd., Konka Group Co., Ltd, Lenovo Group Limited, TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited, LG Electronics Ltd., Motorola Inc., Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications (China) Co., Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lauren Pollock]

    Shares of Zoom Technologies Inc.(ZOOM) soared� 37% to $5.90 after the Chinese mobile and telecommunications investor inked an all-stock deal to acquire an online business travel provider.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: Nokia Oyj (NOK1V)

Nokia Oyj is a Finland-based company engaged in the manufacture of mobile devices and networks. It operates three business segments. Devices & Services segment is divided into two areas, Smart Devices, focused on Nokia�� advanced products, such as smart phones, product development and marketing; and Mobile Phones, active in the area of mass market entry and feature phones, affordable smart phones, services, and applications. It also includes net sale of spare parts. Location & Commerce (HERE) segment develops location-based products and services for consumers, as well as platform services and local commerce services for the Group. Additionally, it provides content and map data to NAVTEQ�� customers. Nokia Siemens Networks segment provides a portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, and professional services, such as consultancy, systems integration, deployment and maintenance. In August 2013, it acquired Siemens AG's whole stake in Nokia Siemens Networks. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Caroline Chen]

    Activist funds generally acquire equity stakes in companies and try to force management and boards to make changes that boost share prices and investor returns. New York-based Third Point was founded by Loeb and this year disclosed stakes in companies including Sony, Nokia Oyj (NOK1V) and Sotheby��.

  • [By Tom Stoukas]

    Alcatel Lucent SA (ALU) jumped 6.3 percent to 2.69 euros. Nokia Oyj (NOK1V), which is set to become a manufacturer focusing on wireless networks after the sale of its handset business, is evaluating a linkup with the French company, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch In Right Now: TomTom NV (TMOAF.PK)

TomTom NV is the Netherlands-based supplier of location and navigation products and services. The Company�� offer includes maps, speed cameras, portable navigation devices (PND), fleet management services (FMS), and smart phone applications. It consists of four customer-facing segments: Consumer, Automotive, Business Solutions and Licensing. The Consumer segment is engaged in the sale of PNDs, speed cameras, maps and other related navigation services to end customers. Automotive sells in-dash navigation solutions, speed cameras, grade maps and services to companies in automotive segment, as well as PNDs for fitness products. The Business solutions segment provides fleet management services and solutions, such as fleet trackers, to fleet owners. Licensing sells digital maps, mobile applications and other content to customers within multiple market segments. The Company operates in over 35 countries worldwide. In July 2013, it acquired Coordina (Gestion Electronica Logistica, S.L.). Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Genesis Housing]

    Nokia's HERE division is worth E1bn assuming a similar market cap as TomTom (TMOAF.PK) but offers significant upside as maps become the next platform for e-commerce. Assuming Nokia's net cash position declines to E2bn at Q3 from E4.1bn in Q2 (given the E1.7bn NSN deal as well as incremental cash burn due to supporting product launches), the combined value of Nokia's Net Cash, HERE division and NSN division is in line with the current market cap of Nokia.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Prepare Now for When the New MyRA Becomes "TheirRA"

In his recent State of the Union Address, President Obama unveiled something new: a retirement savings account to "help" Americans build a nest egg, coining it the "MyRA."

Something immediately felt wrong about the proposal... but I couldn't put my finger on it.

So I researched the new MyRA and found details to help you understand just how it works.

But I also saw some potential dangers there that you need to prepare for now...

What MyRA Really Means

Like most government programs, getting to their essence can take some sifting. So I've distilled here what I think are the principal components of MyRA.

Individuals earning up to $129,000 and couples earning up to $191,000 are eligible if their employers offer the account; The minimum initial contribution is $25, then at least $5 through payroll deductions; The maximum contribution is $5,500 per year ($6,500 if over 50 years of age); Once the balance reaches $15,000 or has existed 30 years, it must be rolled into a Roth IRA; Total contributions to a person's IRAs cannot exceed $5,500 annually; Like a Roth IRA, withdrawals will grow and be redeemable tax-free; Principal can be redeemed any time, but earnings withdrawn before age 59 ½ are taxable and subject to 10% penalty; and Only one investment available: Treasury bonds paying variable interest-rate return MyRA Is Set to Lose the Inflation Battle

Essentially, the MyRA is like a Roth IRA that your employer opens for you, allowing for low individual contribution requirements.

But if that's what you want, you can already set up your own Roth IRA with a no-fee, no-minimum account requirement at discount brokers like TD Ameritrade or E*Trade. And then your investment options are practically limitless.

In his speech, Obama said that "MyRA guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in." So let's look at the underlying investment a little more closely.

Your MyRA contributions would go into a variable interest rate bond investment, comparable to the Government Securities Fund in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees.

That fund's recently been paying 2.5%, which admittedly is way better than the 1% you can get from the highest yielding savings accounts. And that looks OK, until you consider... inflation.

Consumer InflationRight now official U.S. inflation has been 1.5% through the 12 months ended December 2013. If instead we look at a truer inflation rate, like the more realistic one calculated by ShadowStats, the emerging picture is altogether different.

Shadowstats finds inflation running at 5%, rather than the more benign "official" 1.5%. At 5% inflation, MyRA investors will be losing 2.5% annually.

With interest rates near all-time historic lows, odds are rates will go higher, not lower. And as interest rates rise, the MyRA could find it increasingly challenging to offer an attractive return to investors.

You've Just Become the Government's New Lender

It's no secret that the United States is running out of buyers for its bonds.

China, the largest foreign owner, has been reducing its purchases and has repeatedly said it has enough. Nations worldwide engaged in their own quantitative easing are busy buying their own bonds. Now, the Fed itself has begun the tapering process.

As the U.S. debt and deficits continue to balloon, the government is desperate for a new source of funding. Obama's proposed MyRA looks to Americans to buy up its "junk bonds."

In fact, new demand for bonds is so badly needed, it's easy to see how the MyRA could eventually move from voluntary to mandatory.

Account holders would automatically contribute through payroll deductions, funding the government's IOUs. And those won't pay out for decades until retirement.

This sounds a lot like another government scheme from which Americans can't opt out: Social Security.

Eventually, the need to fund a mushrooming debt could lead to compulsory government bond buying in retirement accounts. At first, it might be 10% to 20% of all new contributions, then perhaps 10% to 20% of existing balances. With over $5 trillion in U.S. retirement accounts, it's easy to see how a mandate for 20% (or more) directed into Treasuries will help extend and pretend.

Consider that Japan's debt to GDP ratio is 140%, already way above the 100% level considered problematic. This is possible in large part because so much of the national debt is held by its own citizens rather than foreigners.

So it's not a huge stretch to imagine America heading down the same path.

Eventually, retirement accounts could even be at risk of partial or even outright confiscation as debt levels become increasingly unsustainable. A desperate government will look to take desperate actions.

Top Heal Care Stocks For 2016

If you think I'm exaggerating, consider what's happened elsewhere.

In just the last five years, there have been government confiscations of retirement assets in no fewer than six countries, including Argentina and Poland, as I alluded to in a November article.

In that piece, I said:

Back in January 2010, Bloomberg BusinessWeek reported, "The Obama administration is weighing how the government can encourage workers to turn their savings into guaranteed income streams following a collapse in retiree accounts when the stock market plunged."

Then in February this year, the Washington Times reported: "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray recently mentioned these [401(k)] accounts in a recent interview, stating 'That's one of the things we've been exploring and are interested in, in terms of whether and what authority we have.'"

As follow-up, I mentioned that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was considering the potential of a "'capital levy' - a one-off tax on private wealth - as an exceptional measure to restore debt sustainability."

And if you think this could never happen in the good ol' U.S. of A., consider that back in 1933, President Roosevelt seized privately held gold by signing into law Executive Order 6102.

FDR's official motive was to "provide relief in the existing national emergency in banking, and for other purposes." Desperate times, desperate measures.

The Best Way to Keep Your Retirement Yours

What can you possibly do to protect yourself? Here's where thinking "outside the box" is vital.

The alternatives are simple, but they do require some effort and planning.

There are updates to some key points I've alluded to in the past: there are three basic things to do, and they apply equally to both good and bad times.

Own and invest in hard assets like gold, silver, energy, and real estate. You can buy physical precious metals; you can buy physically backed ETFs; you can own quality resource equities, including your own home; and you can own income-producing properties and land. Assets in non-retirement accounts are more difficult to expropriate. Hold plenty of cash. Cash is king, despite the risks of inflation. Hold it as a bank balance, but watch FDIC deposit insurance limits, and consider diversifying into other currencies. Be sure, however, to hold some physical cash as well, as this could be crucial during a "bank holiday." Hold assets internationally. This is largely the same as in owning hard assets, as above, but in another country. Consider opening a foreign bank account. It's not easy for Americans - thanks to FATCA - but holding something outside your country of residence makes it tougher for a desperate government to grab.

Remember, as government debt grows to even more unmanageable levels, and interest rates cause most government income to service the debt, they will become increasingly desperate.

Sidestep the trap.

Don't let your MyRA become Uncle Sam's.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Why America's Crude Oil Export Ban Should Be Lifted

To export or not to export American oil? That was the question explored yesterday at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Analysts and business leaders from both sides of the debate presented the pros and cons of lifting the decades-long ban on exports of domestic crude. Whether or not to lift that ban, in the face of exploding supplies of American crude oil, is a tough question with a complex answer.

But as you'll see, the answer is this: the ban should be lifted.

Yes, the U.S. is producing oil at levels not seen in decades. But we still have to import roughly 40% of our needs. So it would seem, on its face, that there would be no point in ending the ban. The wrinkle comes in the reality that not all crude oil is the same. Some is heavy, some is light. Some is "sour," with high sulfur content, other is "sweet."

Much of the boomtime oil flowing out of the Eagle Ford shale of Texas and the Bakken formation of North Dakota is relatively light and is easy to refine in refineries that are not terribly complex.

Top 5 Media Stocks To Invest In 2016

The problem is that U.S. oil refineries were not ready for this kind of high-quality oil. Over the past decade (before the shale oil boom) refiners spent tens of billions to optimize their plants based on the assumption that their crude oil supplies would be getting heavier and more sour — like Canadian oil sands or heavy oil from Venezuela and Mexico. To process that gunk you need more complex refineries with hydrotreaters and cokers.

As it turns out, the refiners made the wrong upgrades at precisely the wrong time. After already sinking so much capital to optimize their plants for heavy crudes, they can't easily turn around and just gulp up the light crudes that American drillers are producing. Even factoring in higher transportation costs it makes more sense for them to import heavy crudes from other parts of the world rather than to use the lighter shale oil.

Naturally, with less demand for their product at home, the U.S. shale producers want to be able to export their oil to less complex overseas refineries where they can get higher prices. One of the most vociferous proponents of lifting the ban is Harold Hamm, the billionaire founder and CEO of Continental Resources Continental Resources, one of the biggest producers in the Bakken. Hamm gave his testimony to the senate yesterday, explaining that contrary to popular belief U.S. oil is being exported, but as refined fuels, not crude oil.

"Unlike exports of crude oil, exports of gasoline and other refined products are not restricted. Under current law, our government is subsidizing some U.S. refiners – many of which are foreign-owned – by giving them the ability to buy American oil at artificially low prices yet sell petroleum products into higher-priced global markets," says Hamm. "In fact, with exports approaching 4 million barrels per day, petroleum products are America's second leading export, making up 9 percent of the U.S. total."

Industry insiders have told me, laughingly, that some of the refined product being exported is pretty darn close to light crude. "All you have to do is spit in it and you can call it a refined product," one executive said. What the oil drillers object to is that when it comes to exporting such lightly processed petroleum products, it's the refiners, not them, who make the extra margin. Lifting the export ban will allow drillers to grab some of that extra margin by sidestepping the refiners and selling their crude directly to the global market, like what Hamm wants to do.

As for fears that allowing oil exports would drive up prices at the pump? How could it as long as refiners continue to export massive amounts of excess gasoline and diesel? Furthermore, explained Amy Jaffe, executive director of energy and sustainability at the University of California, Davis, exporting American crude could help lower world oil prices by  diluting OPEC's market share and pricing power.

Says Hamm: "Major oil companies are exporting refined petroleum products like gasoline and diesel with no limitations. Why shouldn't independent producers be allowed to do the same? Are we to be their milk cows forever? This would be equivalent to telling American farmers they can't export their wheat, yet allowing Pillsbury to export all the processed flour they want."

The export ban should be lifted.

Leading the Next Industrial Revolution | March 26-28, 2014 | J.W. Marriott | Chicago, Illinois

Forbes will be hosting a Reinventing America Summit March 26-28, 2014, which will bring together 300 top industrial executives, entrepreneurs, academics and elected officials who are leading the country's next Industrial Revolution.

Please join us (more information is here).

Also on Forbes:

The World's Biggest Oil Companies

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Top Warren Buffett Companies To Own For 2016

Top Warren Buffett Companies To Own For 2016: Westport Innovations Inc(WPRT)

Westport Innovations Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of low-emission engine and fuel system technologies that enable light, medium, heavy-duty, and high-horsepower petroleum-based fuel engines to use natural gas and alternative fuels. The company designs, produces, and sells alternative fuel engines, systems, and components for automotive and industrial markets. It also designs, engineers, and produces natural gas engines for the urban buses, refuse collection trucks, and conventional trucks and tractors, as well as for specialty vehicles. In addition, the company offers 15 litre natural gas engines for the heavy-duty trucking market, as well as is involved in the engineering, design, and marketing of natural gas-enabling technology for the heavy-duty diesel engine and truck market. Westport Innovations Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jason Hall]

    It looks like Westport Innovations  (NASDAQ: WPRT  ) management is pulling out all the stops to reduce costs and right the ship. The Vancouver-based natural gas engine expert just reported its third-quarter results and, frankly, the management team has a heck of a lot to do to turn things around.

  • [By Jason Hall]

    What: After today's 7% drop, Investors in natural gas engine tech expert Westport Innovations  (NASDAQ: WPRT  ) have been hammered down 58% during the past six weeks. The falling stock price is a product of bad business results, and greater macro fears. On September 30, Westport revised its guidance for the full year down a whopping 25%, and stated that it would fall short of its goal of adjusted EBITDA-positive results for its three operating segments. Management cited Europe -- its biggest market f! or its core business -- remained soft, along with Russia and China, as well as delays in its co-development agreements with heavy-duty truck and engine makers to bring its high-pressure, direct-injection, or HPDI, technology to the market. 

  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    Looking for some fresh trading ideas in a market environment that isn't offering many? Take a look at MEDNAX Inc. (NYSE:MD) and Westport Innovations Inc. (NASDAQ:WPRT). Though they're pointed in different directions, both MD and WPRT appear to be on the verge of trade-worthy moves. The fact that the two are nearly mirror images of one another is strictly coincidental.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-warren-buffett-companies-to-own-for-2016.html

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Top Food Stocks To Own Right Now

Top Food Stocks To Own Right Now: Danone SA (DANOY)

Danone SA, incorporated on February 2, 1899, is a France-based company engaged in food processing activities. The Company operates in four business lines, including Fresh Dairy Products, Waters, Baby Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. The Fresh Dairy Products business line's brands are Danone, Actimel, Activia, Danacol and Vitalinea. The Water business line offers brands, such as Evian, Volvic, Aqua, Bonafont, Font Vella and Lanjaron. The Baby Nutrition business line include Bledina, Gallia, Nutricia, Cow & Gate, Milupa, Mellin and Dumex brands. Medical nutrition business includes Nutricia, Nutrini, Nutrison, Fortimel, FortiCare, Fortisip, Neocate and Infatrini brands. As of December 31, 2009, the Company acquired Danone Clover and a 26.85% interest in Micropharma. In December 2010, the Company and Unimilk announced the finalization of the merger of their Fresh Dairy Product businesses.

In Europe the Company's main markets are France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom, Poland and Russia. The Company's product Actimel, the probiotic dairy product, if consumed daily, helps to strengthen the organism's natural defenses. The Waters business line includes activities focused on natural or flavored mineral water and on fruit-flavored or tea drinks, with a positioning concerned with health benefits. The Company's baby nutrition business line's activities consist mainly of producing food for newborns and babies (infant milk formula, follow-on milk, and growing up milk). It also offers a diverse range of products for

children aged 6 to 36 months. Specially developed and clinically tested formulas have also been developed for babies suffering from milk protein intolerance. The Medical Nutrition business line develops nutritional products adapted to specific needs, namely those of hospitalized patients, in order! to prevent malnutrition and to improve its consumers daily life.

The Co mpany competes with Nestle, PepsiCo, Coca-cola, Abbott, Mead! Johnson and Fresenius.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jose Pagliery and Sophia Yan]

    Volkswagen (VLKAF) recalled 384,141 vehicles in China after a 2013 consumer rights' broadcast. State media have also targeted Starbucks (SBUX), Japan's Nikon, British drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GLAXF) and French dairy company Danone (DANOY) in recent years.

  • [By Jamal Carnette]

    More than just Os
    The American public's seemingly insatiable desire for lean protein in an "on-the-go" form will help General Mills going forward. They have a strong brand with the controlling acquisition of Yoplait, but have yet to parlay that brand recognition to rival Groupe Danone's (NASDAQOTH: DANOY  ) Dannon brand, and privately held Chobani's lock on the "Greek Yogurt Craze." I'd encourage management to make this a priority; matter of fact, I'd consider this a microcosm of management's execution effectiveness. I'm willing to give this some time to materialize, because the company has executed so well over the last couple of years from both an operations and capital allocation standpoint.

  • [By Jeff Reeves]

    Take the widely held Fidelity Worldwide Fund (FWWFX), which has 30% of its assets invested in Europe. Holdings include Swiss bank UBS (UBS), German automaker Volkswagen (VLKAY) and French food and consumer products giant Danone (DANOY).

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-food-stocks-to-own-right-now-3.html

Friday, May 22, 2015

Best Construction Material Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Best Construction Material Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Holcim Ltd (HOLN)

Holcim Ltd (Holcim) is a Switzerland-based holding company that specializes in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of building materials. The Company operates four business segments, including Cement, Aggregates, Other construction materials and services, and Corporate. The Cement segment is engaged in the development of cement and comprises clinker and other cementitious materials, among others. The Aggregates business segment includes crushed stone, gravel and sand. The Other construction materials and services business segment comprises ready-mix concrete, concrete products, asphalt, construction and paving, and trading, among others. Additionally, other construction materials and services segment provides environmental services, including waste management, among others. The Corporate segment is engaged in holding activities and general management. It operates through subsidiaries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, North America, Africa and Middle East regions . Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

    Holcim Ltd. (HOLN) lost 0.9 percent to 68.15 francs in Zurich. Bank of America Corp.s Merrill Lynch unit cut its rating on the worlds largest cement maker to underperform, similar to a sell recommendation, from neutral. Merrill Lynch cited the companys exposure to emerging markets.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/best-construction-material-stocks-to-invest-in-right-now-2.html

Thursday, May 21, 2015

5 Best Cheapest Stocks To Watch For 2016

5 Best Cheapest Stocks To Watch For 2016: Graham Corp (GHM)

Graham Corporation (Graham), incorporated on March 7, 1983, designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the energy industry which includes the oil refining, petrochemical, as well as cogeneration, nuclear and alternative power markets. It design and manufacture custom-engineered ejectors, pumps, surface condensers and vacuum systems as well as supplies and components for inside the reactor vessel and outside the containment vessel of nuclear power facilities. Its equipment is also used in nuclear propulsion power systems for the defense industry and can be found in other diverse applications such as metal refining, pulp and paper processing, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, pharmaceutical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. The Company's two wholly owned subsidiaries include Graham Vacuum and Heat transfers Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

The Company's products are used in a range of industrial process applicatio ns, including Chemical and Petrochemical Processing, such as ethylene, methanol and nitrogen producing plants, plastics, resins and fibers plants and petrochemical intermediate plants, and Power Generation /Alternative Energy, such as propulsion systems for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and other nuclear- powered vessels, air conditioning and water heating systems and liquefied natural gas production facilities. The Company's principal customers are in the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and power generating industries, and are users of the Company's products in their manufacturing, refining and power generation processes, large engineering companies that build installations for companies in such industries, and/or the original equipment manufacturers, who combine its products with their equipment prior to its sale to end users.

The Company compet! es with Gardner Denver, Inc., GEA Wiegand GmbH, Edwards, Ltd, Korting Hannover AG, Croll Reynolds Com pany, Inc, Schutte Koerting, Gardner Denver, Inc, DongHwa En! tec Co., Ltd, Hangzhou Turbine Equipment Co., Chem Process Systems, Mazda (India), Oeltechnik GmbH, KEMCO, Holtec, Thermal Engineering International, SPX Heat Transfer, Chem Process Systems, Mazda (India)., Ambassador, Alfa Laval AB, APV, Xylem, Dubose, Consolidated, Tioga, Nova, Joseph Oats and Energy & Process.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rick Munarriz]

    Friday
    The market is typically quiet on Friday, but don't tell that to Graham (NYSEMKT: GHM  ) . The maker of custom-engineered ejectors, pumps, condensers, vacuum systems, and heat exchangers reports on Friday morning. Analysts see profitability almost quadrupling to $0.31 a share, and revenue soaring 48%.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/5-best-cheapest-stocks-to-watch-for-2016.html

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Advisers plan to focus on efficiency, but can I suggest another goal?

resolution, adviser, clients, sei

Financial advisers are looking toward 2014 as the year to make their businesses run like well-oiled machines.

At industry events and cocktail parties, they sound determined to find ways of making their firms more efficient.

They're talking about plans to examine workflows and create systematic processes that offer a repeatable client experience. Many also are looking at whether being part of an advisory team would be more cost-effective, and are considering mergers.

“Advisers are saying they want to make sure that they're more efficient instead of just pursuing growth for growth's sake,” said John Anderson, head of practice management for SEI Advisor Network, which recently polled 800 financial advisers.

Having benefited the past few years from stock market growth — the S&P 500 is up 30% so far in 2013 — advisers are skeptical about it's continuing and are looking at other ways to shore up their practices. Most already face shrinking profit margins due to increases in the cost of personnel, compliance and technology, Mr. Anderson said.

The Financial Planning Association recognizes advisers' keen interest in cost savings and making the best use of their time. Next year, it will issue a series of practice management reports, and the first will focus on time management, according to Valerie Porter, the FPA's director of practitioner services.

I agree advisers should be focusing on these core business practices … however, there's more to the story.

Hot India Stocks To Watch For 2016

Advisers should also be looking to do more in 2014 to bring on younger clients — and that's not something that ever seems to land high on advisers' list of resolutions.

About two-thirds of advisers' clients are 50 and up, and 30% are 65 and older, according to the FPA's inaugural practice management adviser survey out last week. Surprisingly, only 45% of advisers are actively targeting new clients.

Since older clients are more likely to be drawing down on their assets instead of accumulating them, it seems to be in an adviser's best interests — I dare say it should be a business priority — to round up some clients who will be adding to the pot for another 20 years.

Some firms have been successful in recent years at hiring younger advisers to concentrate on forming a relationship with their clients' children and reaching out to y! ounger clients. Mr. Anderson points out that a 60-year-old adviser talking with a 30-year-old prospect just won't have that similarity of experience that a 30- to 40-year-old adviser can establish with a younger individual.

In 2014, I will be looking for new ways advisers are reaching out to younger clients and how they are using technology and new business models to provide them services in a cost-effective way. Please send me any new ideas on this that you come across or put into action next year.

Meanwhile, another business issue lurks that advisers don't appear interested in addressing — succession planning.

The FPA survey found that only about a quarter of advisers have a succession plan, even though 40% of advisers plan to retire in the next 14 years.

Most advisers I spoke with are content to put off thinking about that difficult issue until 2015.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

At the Close: No New High Today as Stocks Dip

For four straight days, the S&P 500 hit new all-time highs. Today, it rested.

AFP

The S&P 500 fell 0.5% to 1,746.38, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.4% to 15,413.33.

There was little news driving stocks lower. Some reports had China letting money-market rates rise, potentially slowing its growth. Credit Suisse’s Andrew Garthwaite and team worry that China’s economic growth has peaked and its impact on cyclical stocks:

…the main downside risk to an otherwise optimistic global macro and market
scenario remains Chinese GDP growth. We would like to stress that while we stick with our long-standing underweight of mining (and its related plays), we believe investors should continue to overweight cyclicals and beta, although the call now is much tougher than it was when we raised cyclicals to overweight in May and banks to overweight in July.

The bulls however, are still delighting in the Fed’s delayed tapering. S&P Capital IQ’s Alec Young credits the government shutdown for boosting risk appetite. He writes:

Ironically, had the shutdown been very short, it would have had a less positive impact on stocks in that it wouldn't have pushed out Fed tapering expectations. By lasting a little over two weeks, the shutdown ended soon enough to avert investors worst debt ceiling worries while still persisting long enough to materially interrupt the flow of government economic data and modestly depress Q4 growth, thereby shifting consensus Fed tapering expectations from December to March. As such, the political impasse managed to reinforce the "not too hot, not too cold" goldilocks economic dynamic that's been a key pillar of the current bull market. Investors are left with an economy that continues to expand steadily enough to help companies meet modest EPS expectations, while still remaining too feeble to engender any near-term tapering worries. In short, goldilocks is alive and well.

Expect the markets to battle it out in the days to come.

C.R. Bard (BCR) gained 7% to $135.80 after the medical device company beat earnings.

Lithia Motors (LAD) fell8.3% to $63.31 despite beating earnings forecasts on lower guidance.

Monarch Casino & Resort (MCRI) fell 15% to $18.71 after revenue missed forecasts today.

Stamps.com (STMP) fell 6.2% today ahead of its earnings results. It beat earnings after the close today.

Top 10 Canadian Stocks To Watch For 2016

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Monday, May 18, 2015

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Watch Right Now

In the past few weeks, we��e focused on some of the challenges facing Canada�� LNG export projects. Meanwhile, progress continues toward getting landlocked Canadian crude to fast-growing Asian markets. This week, the country�� federal government finally approved Enbridge Inc�� (TSX: ENB, NYSE: ENB) CAD7.9 billion Northern Gateway project.

The company�� nearly 1,200 kilometer pipeline will have the capacity to move as much as 525,000 barrels of oil per day from the resource-rich province of Alberta to a deepwater port on Canada�� west coast.

Northern Gateway is key to Canada�� eventual diversification of its export markets. At present, the US absorbs 99 percent of the country�� crude oil exports, often at discounted prices.

Indeed, the spread between the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude and Western Canada Select is currently USD20.75, or a discount of 19.5 percent for Canadian crude. Over the past year, the differential between the two benchmarks has been as wide as USD42.00 and as narrow as USD12.00.

Top 5 Stocks To Buy Right Now: SEACOR Holdings Inc (CKH)

SEACOR Holdings Inc, incorporated on November 7, 1989, is a global provider of equipment and services primarily supporting the offshore oil and gas and marine transportation industries. The Company offers customers a diversified suite of services, including offshore marine, aviation, inland river, marine transportation, crisis and emergency management preparedness and response solutions, commodity trading and logistics and offshore and harbor towing. On March 19, 2012, J.F. Lehman & Company acquired National Response Corporation and its affiliated businesses NRC Environmental Services, SEACOR Response, and SEACOR Environmental Products (collectively NRC) from the Company. In January 2013, the Company sold its energy trading division, SEACOR Energy Inc. to Par Petroleum Corporation. On January 31, 2013, it completed the spin off its Era Group Inc unit (Era).

Offshore Marine Services

The Company�� Marine operates a diversified fleet of vessels, servicing the offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and production industry worldwide.The Company�� marine provides its customers with the assembly of offshore vessel services in the global offshore oil and gas industry, including transport of personnel, platform supply, offshore accommodation, intervention, maintenance and repair support, standby safety services, anchor handling and mooring services, wind farm support, lift boat services, offshore construction support, well enhancement support, and lightering services.

Aviation Services

The Company�� aviation services subsidiary, Era Group (Era), is the helicopter operators globally. ra supports the oil and gas industry in the United States Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and internationally. Era provides air medical services, firefighting support, flightseeing tours in Alaska, and Search and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. Era's affiliate, Era Training Center, offers flight training services. Era also markets and distributes specialty helicopter! equipment and accessories.

Inland River Services

The Company�� Inland River Services group owns and operates modern river transportation equipment; owns covered and open hopper barges, 10,000 and 30,000 barrel tank barges, deck barges, inland river towboats and smaller harbor boats; and provides ancillary services along the United States Inland River Waterways and the Parana-Paraguay and the Magdalena River Systems in South America. SCF Marine operates a fleet of hopper barges along the United States Inland River Waterways and South America, transporting agricultural, industrial, and project cargoes. The liquid division, Supercritical Fluid (SCF) Liquids, is a integrated towboat and tank barge company, specializing in the transportation of chemical, clean, and dirty products. Gateway Terminals is among the newest ethanol and petroleum storage terminals on the Mississippi River, with a capacity of 400,000 barrels and the ability to receive and transfer products by barge, unit train, and truck.

Marine Transportation Services

The Company�� ocean shipping and harbor towing subsidiary, SEACOR Ocean Transport, is an owner and operator of equipment engaged in oil transportation, bunkering, harbor towing, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal support, short sea shipping and logistics, and third-party ship management services. Through all aspects of its operations, SEACOR Ocean Transport focuses to provide its customers with marine transportation solutions.

Commodity Trading and Logistics

The Company�� Commodity Trading and Logistics group specializes in the purchase, storage, transportation, and sale of agricultural and energy commodities, which include renewable fuels, blendstocks, sugar, rice, and salt. The Agricultural group is primarily focused on the global sourcing and logistics of sugar, rice, salt, and other dry bulk products. The Energy group is primarily focused on the domestic trading and transportation of physical e! thanol an! d clean blendstocks.

Harbor and Offshore Towing Services

The Company�� ocean shipping and harbor towing subsidiary, SEACOR Ocean Transport, is an operator of equipment engaged in oil transportation, bunkering, harbor towing, LNG terminal support, short sea shipping and logistics, and third-party ship management services. The harbor towing services group, Seabulk Towing, is a tugboat operator with operations along the Gulf Coast and Southeastern seaboard port system from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to Port Arthur, Texas. Seabulk Island Transport owns and operates four ocean tugs and five ocean liquid tank barges.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Traders Reserve]

    For investors who want a piece of this developing trend, Transocean and Seadrill are two of the bigger players in this arena. Other offshore drillers/rig operators are Noble (NE) and Ensco (ESV). Companies that provide services to offshore drillers and benefit from increases in exploration and drilling activity are Gulfmark Offshore (GLF), Hornbeck (HOS), Seacor (CKH) and Tidewater (TDW).

  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Margins matter. The more Seacor Holdings (NYSE: CKH  ) keeps of each buck it earns in revenue, the more money it has to invest in growth, fund new strategic plans, or (gasp!) distribute to shareholders. Healthy margins often separate pretenders from the best stocks in the market. That's why we check up on margins at least once a quarter in this series. I'm looking for the absolute numbers, so I can compare them to current and potential competitors, and any trend that may tell me how strong Seacor Holdings's competitive position could be.

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Watch Right Now: Legacy Oil + Gas Inc (LEGPF.PK)

Legacy Oil + Gas Inc. (Legacy) is engaged in exploration, exploitation and development drilling for oil and natural gas reserves. Legacy's wholly owned subsidiary, Legacy Oil & Gas ND, Inc., holds properties and operates in the State of North Dakota. Its Southeast Saskatchewan properties are located in an area ranging from approximately 130 to 290 kilometers southeast of the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Legacy has an average working interest of approximately 75% in 24,576 gross (18,647 net) acres of undeveloped land at Taylorton. It has an average working interest of approximately 70% in 32,959 gross (22,938 net) acres of undeveloped land in the Viewfield Bakken play with properties at Stoughton, Heward and Star Valley. On January 1, 2011, it amalgamated with its wholly owned subsidiaries Legacy VRI Ltd. and Legacy TV Ltd. In April 2013, it closed the acquisition of Villanova Oil Corp. (Villanova) and the acquisition of light oil assets. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Value Digger]

    To open up new Cardium opportunities, Manitok is also expanding to the Southern Alberta Foothills, where it plans to drill the first well of the farm-in with Legacy Oil & Gas (LEGPF.PK) before year end. Legacy Oil has a 99% average working interest in the Farm-in Lands prior to Manitok earning. Manitok will pay 100% of the cost to drill, complete and equip one horizontal Cardium oil well in order to earn 70% of Legacy's working interest, in a small block of land within the Farm-in Lands. If Manitok drills, completes and equips 3 horizontal Cardium oil wells at 100% of the cost, it will earn the entire 70% of working interest in Legacy's Farm-in Lands.

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Watch Right Now: Etablissements Maurel et Prom SA (MAU)

Etablissements Maurel et Prom SA is a France-based company engaged in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons (oil and gas), and in oil drilling activities. Its main activities comprise geological surveys, seismic acquisition and processing, geophysical interpretation and drilling. The Company pursues its activities mainly in Africa and Latin America, but it also has its businesses in Gabon, Senegal, Congo, Mozambique, Syria, Tanzania, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, France and Italy. Maurel & Prom SA operates through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including M&P Venezuela SAS, Prestoil Kouilou, Maurel & Prom Peru Holdings, Maurel & Prom Tanzanie Ltd and Panther Eureka SRL, among others. In December, 2013, the Company the acquisition of all of the shares of Caroil SAS (excluding the South American business of Caroil) from Tuscany International Drilling Inc. and has sold all of its 109,000,000 common shares of Tuscany to an entity incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Riddhi Kharkia]

    Since I have touched the topic of metrics, it is worthwhile to note that Twitter�� monthly active users (MAU) number stands at 57 million as compared to approximately 1.23 billion MAUs for Facebook. Monthly active user growth ticked up just 6% for Twitter on a sequential basis, while monthly active users fell 8% year over year. Even in terms of quarterly results, Facebook was miles ahead of Twitter, which was also a factor behind the sell-off in Twitter stock.

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Watch Right Now: Flotek Industries Inc (FTK)

Flotek Industries, Inc. (Flotek), incorporated on May 17, 1985, is a diversified global supplier of drilling and production related products and services. Its core focus is oilfield specialty chemicals and logistics, down-hole drilling tools and down-hole production tools used in the energy and mining industries. Flotek operates in three segments: Chemicals and Logistics, Drilling Products and Artificial Lift. The Company operates using third party agents in Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. In May 2013, Flotek Industries Inc through its wholly owned subsidiary acquired the entire share capital of Florida Chemical Co Inc.

Chemicals and Logistics

The chemical business provides oil and natural gas field specialty chemicals for use in drilling, cementing, stimulation and production activities. The Company�� specialty chemicals are manufactured to withstand a range of down-hole pressures, temperatures and other well-specific conditions. Flotek operates two laboratories, a technical services laboratory and a research and development laboratory, which focus on design, development and testing of new chemical formulations and enhancement of existing products, often in cooperation with the customers. Its micro-emulsions are stable mixtures of oil, water and surface active agents, forming complex nano-fluids, in which the molecules are organized into nanostructures. The micro-emulsions are composed of renewable plant derived cleaning ingredients and oils and are biodegradable. Flotek�� logistics business designs, project manages and operates automated bulk material handling and loading facilities. These bulk facilities handle oilfield products, including sand and other materials for well-fracturing operations, dry cement and additives for oil and gas well cementing, and supply materials used in oilfield operations.

Drilling Products

Flotek is a provider of down-hole drilling tools used in the oilfield, min! ing, water-well and industrial drilling activities. It manufactures, sells, rents and inspects specialized equipment for use in drilling, completion, and production and workover activities. The rental tools include stabilizers, drill collars, reamers, wipers, jars, shock subs, wireless survey, and measurement while drilling (MWD) tools and mud-motors. Equipment sold primarily includes mining equipment, centralizers and drill bits. Flotek focuses its product marketing primarily in the Southeast, Northeast, Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States, with international sales conducted through third party agents.

Artificial Lift

Flotek provides pumping system components, electric submersible pumps (ESPs), gas separators, production valves and services. The products address the needs of coal bed methane and traditional oil and gas production to move gas, oil and other fluids from the producing horizon to the surface. The Artificial Lift products employ technologies to improved performance. The Petrovalve product optimizes pumping efficiency in horizontal completions, heavy oil and wells with high liquid to gas ratios. Artificial Lift products are manufactured in China, assembled domestically and distributed globally.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By David Smith]

    Flotek Industries (NYSE: FTK  )
    The smallest member of the trio, with a market cap of about $815 million, Flotek operates on the services side of the energy sector. As I've previously pointed out to Fools, it also constitutes a rare instance wherein the analysts who monitor the company all accord it strong buy ratings. But with Flotek's share price having risen by more than 40% year to date, it is difficult to contest that unanimous confidence.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Top Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now

Arizona based quick restaurant chain Walmart (WMT) is again under the strict scrutiny of the media as it is being accused of false advertising claims and overcharging customers in New York for the products of Coca Cola (KO). The New York attorney general has asked the retail giant to pay a penalty of $66,000. Let�� take a look at what�� going on.

What�� going on?

On Father�� Day the retail chain giant charged $3.50 for 12-packs of soft drinks instead of $3, as advertised during the promotions. When one of the buyers questioned the employees about the hike in price, one of the employees responded by saying that the hike was due to "sugar tax." In New York there is no such thing as "sugar tax." When another buyer brought the error to the notice of a staff member, he completely denied it by saying that the advertisement was published in a national newspaper and was not applicable in New York.

This action was programmed by the executives at Walmart because, if it was an error when it was brought to the notice of the staff, they should have immediately looked into the matter and stopped it, but they kept on doing it. Meanwhile whatever extra income they were making was going into the pocket of the retail outlet. When Walmart was questioned about it, they denied it and lied over the matter. Walmart sold nearly 66,000 12-packs of Coca-Cola products which means nearly 800,000 colas.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now: El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO)

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., formerly EPL Holdings, Inc., incorporated in 1999, own, operate and franchise restaurants specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2005 (fiscal 2005), the Company's restaurant system had 340 restaurants, consisting of 146 company-operated and 194 franchised restaurants, located principally in California, with additional restaurants in Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Illinois. In fiscal 2005, the Company closed one company-operated and one franchised restaurant and it opened six company-operated and seven franchised restaurants. The Company's restaurant is a freestanding building ranging from approximately 2,200 to 2,600 square feet with seating for approximately 60 customers and offering drive-thru convenience.

The Company's menu features flame-grilled chicken and includes approximately 50 items, most of which it prepares from scratch. The Company serves a range of individual and family-size chicken meals, which include flour or corn tortillas, salsas and a range of side orders, such as Spanish rice and pinto beans. In addition, the Company offers a range of Mexican-inspired entrees featuring marinated, flame-grilled chicken as the central ingredient, including its specialty Pollo Bowl, Pollo Salads, signature burritos, chicken quesadillas, chicken tortilla soup and chicken tacos.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

    www.elpolloloco.com One of this year's hottest initial public offerings is a quick-service restaurant chain that prides itself on its grilled citrus-marinated chicken. El Pollo Loco (LOCO) has seen its stock more than double since it went public at $15 in July. The California-based eatery had its first chance to impress investors with its first quarterly report as a public company on Thursday. It didn't disappoint. Sales inched 6.3 percent higher to $86.9 million, fueled primarily by a 5.4 percent increase in system-wide comparable-restaurant sales. Adjusted earnings climbed 10 percent to $6.1 million -- or 16 cents a share. The results were in line with analyst targets of 16 cents a share in net income on $86.4 million in sales. This isn't the kind of monster growth that investors associate with stocks that double within two months of storming out of the IPO gate, but El Pollo Loco now has the ammo to begin expanding its reach beyond the 401 locations open at the end of June. For investors, El Pollo Loco offers an opportunity to cash in on the fast-casual trend that's been faring better than traditional fast-food chains or casual-dining establishments. Spreading Its Wings Going public has its challenges. It forces companies to live up to Wall Street's quarterly expectations, and that can often get in the way of carrying out long-term growth plans. However, trading publicly gives a company the ability to tap equity markets to raise capital. It also helps validate brands, and that's a pretty big deal for a consumer-facing restaurant operator that relies on third-party franchisees to help build out its empire. A majority of its eateries -- 233 locations, or 58 percent -- are owned and operated by franchisees. Expansion has been slow until now. El Pollo Loco had 347 locations when it originally tried but ultimately failed to go public in 2006. Growing your store count by 16 percent through eight years isn't very impressive. El Pollo Loco had 398 restauran

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.(NASDAQ: LOCO) shares gained 3.69% to $21.63 in the pre-market trading session. Jefferies upgraded El Pollo Loco from Hold to Buy and lowered the price target from $30.00 to $27.00.

Top Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now: Habit Restaurants Inc (HABT)

The Habit Restaurants, Inc. is a fast-casual restaurant company. The Company is engaged in preparing char-grilled burgers and sandwiches. The Company offers tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade albacore tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it offers prepared salads and a selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Company prepares its burgers with char-grilled preparation, topped with caramelized onions and fresh produce. The Company offers burgers, paired with fries, and offers a range of non-burger items, such as grilled albacore sandwich made with sushi-grade tuna, grilled chicken sandwich topped with crisp bacon and ripe avocado, Cobb salad, offered with a variety of dressings, and tempura green beans. As of October 20, 2014, the Company operates 99 restaurants in 10 markets in four states. The Company has operations in California, including Bay area, Central California, Greater La, Inland Empire, Orange County, Sacramento, San Diego; Arizona; Utah and New Jersey. The Company�� wholly-owned subsidiaries include The Habit Restaurants, LLC and the Continuing LLC.

The Company�� Char burgers menu includes Double Char burger, Mushroom Swiss Char, Teriyaki Char burger, Barbecue (BBQ) Bacon Char burger and Santa Barbara Style. Its Sandwich menu includes Chicken, Tri-tip, Albacore Tuna, Veggie burger, Chicken club and Pastrami. It offers a range of salads, including Garden salad, Grilled chicken salad, Grille Chicken Caesar and BBQ chicken salad. In addition, it offers a range of shakes and malts, which consists of Shakes, including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, mocha, coffee flavors; Malts, including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, mocha, coffee flavors; Cones and Sundaes, including Vanilla ice cream, Hershey's chocolate, whipped cream and nuts. Additionally, it offers French fries, Onion rings, Sweet potato fries, Side salad, Side Caesar salad, Tempura green beans, Chicken nuggets and Grilled cheese.

The Company�� restaurants are furnished with natural l! ight, hardwood accents, polished stone countertops and a dining area featuring vinyl booths, high-top tables and community table seating. The Company offers destination for a range of occasions, including lunch options, after-school hangouts, a social venue and restaurant for families. The Company also provides Habit Trucks to provide Char burgers at events. Each truck is equipped with a kitchen, digital menu board, and sound system. The Habit Truck can book with a food minimum of approximately $1250 regardless of the guest count.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

    christianz1969/Flickr Americans lately have been transferring their love of fast-casual restaurant food to stocks of companies in the segment. Late last month, "better burger" specialist The Habit Restaurants (HABT) launched an initial public offering that doubled in price within hours of hitting the market. Like a meal from one of The Habit's more traditional fast-food rivals, though, the feeling of satisfaction didn't last: The shares started to drop after the initial euphoria. But that isn't stopping other fast-casual operators from listing on the exchange. They're finding, though, what works in the kitchen isn't necessarily successful on the market. IPOh Yes IPOs of fast-casual chain operators are coming to the market faster than you can get a refill at a soda machine. This year alone has seen the market debut not only of The Habit, but also the Mediterranean-flavored Zoe's Kitchen (ZOES) and West Coast chicken griller El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO), among others. Like The Habit, the stocks of the latter two saw impressive first-day rises (although they didn't pop quite as high as those of the burger purveyor). Why the excitement? Some of it can certainly be ascribed to the IPO market itself, which has had a frothy year. As of this writing, 262 companies have gone public, a 25 percent rise over the same period of 2013. In terms of total proceeds from IPOs, 2014 is set to be the best year for at least the past decade. Building a Better Burrito But likely a bigger factor is that the fast-casual segment has one great model that investors are hoping the newcomers can at least partially replicate -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG). Since going public in 2006, the stock of the now-ubiquitous chain has gone through the roof. Its IPO was priced at $22 a share and doubled in its first day of trading. Since then, its shares have ballooned -- at the moment, they trade at nearly $660, for a hard-to-believe 2,900-plus-percent rise from the issue price. It's not t

Top Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now: Potbelly Corp (PBPB)

Potbelly Corporation, incorporated on June 5, 2001, is a neighborhood sandwich concept offering toasty warm sandwiches, signature salads and other fresh menu items. Its sandwiches, salads and hand-dipped milkshakes are all made fresh to order and its cookies are baked fresh each day. As of June 30, 2013, it had a domestic base of 286 shops in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Of these, the Company operates 280 shops and franchisees operate six shops. In addition, there are 12 franchised shops in the Middle East.

The Company�� menu features items made from ingredients such as fresh vegetables, hearth-baked bread and all-natural chicken (without preservatives or artificial flavors). The Company also uses whole muscle turkey, ham and roast beef, rather than chopped and formed deli meats. Its menu includes toasty warm sandwiches, signature salads, soups, chili, sides, desserts and, in its breakfast locations, breakfast sandwiches and steel cut oatmeal. Its sandwiches can be customized with a variety of toppings, including its Potbelly hot peppers that are made with a combination of spices. Customers can also order off-menu sandwiches and variations on our sandwiches, including the Wrecking Ball (A Wreck plus meatballs), the Lucky Seven (which includes all seven of its sliced meat choices) and the Cheeseburger (the Meatball with cheddar cheese and no marinara). Customers may order any of its salads without meat for a vegetarian option and may customize a salad as they desire. Salads come with a choice of dressing, including Potbelly Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Buttermilk Ranch and Non-Fat Vinaigrette.

The Company offers soups, chili and side dishes. Different soups are offered daily, including varieties such as Broccoli Cheddar, Chicken Noodle, Loaded Baked Potato, Chicken Enchilada and Spicy Southwest Veggie. It has vegan soup options, including Garden Vegetable and Spicy Black Bean. Its chili is available seven days a week and is a hearty recipe of ground beef, k! idney beans, onions and bell peppers sweetened with a touch of molasses. Additionally, customers can choose side dishes of coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, potato chips or a whole dill pickle. Its classic shake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee and Oreo, and its smoothies include real fruit, such as bananas and strawberries. Its varieties of cookies are baked fresh in each shop daily and include Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Cherry Granola cookies. Customers can also order an ice cream sandwich, with their choice of cookies and ice cream, or its signature chocolate and caramel Dream Bar.

The Company competes with Chipotle, Jimmy John��, Panera Bread and Subway.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lauren Pollock]

    Potbelly Corp.'s(PBPB) third-quarter profit slid 15% as higher expenses more than offset a jump in revenue–the first quarterly results the sandwich chain unveiled since debuting on the public market last month. Shares jumped, as Potbelly’s adjusted profit for the quarter exceeded expectations.

Top Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now: Sodexo SA (SW)

Sodexo SA, (formerly Sodexho Alliance SA), is a global provider of services in three primary business areas: The On-site Services Solutions offer various services that range from food services to construction management, reception to the maintenance of scanners and laboratory equipment, management of data centers, leisure cruises and provides housekeeping to rehabilitation services at correctional facilities. The Motivation Solutions division provides passes and vouchers, comprising Restaurant Pass, Gift Pass, Sport Pass, Training Voucher, Service Card and Book Card, among others. The Company also provides Personal and Home Services in the form of childcare, tutoring, concierge services and in-home service care facilities. The Company is present in 80 countries in a number of geographic areas, such as North America, South America, Continental Europe and United Kingdom and Ireland. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Glenwoods]

    Recently giant food conglomerate, Cargill announced it had partnered with the Swiss biosynthetic pharmaceutical company, Evolva (EVE:SW), to develop a more consistent and less expensive stevia sweetener via Evolva�� microbial fermentation-based process.� This is big news for the future of stevia because a microbial fermentation-based process does not have to rely on soil conditions or weather, and stevia can be manufactured anywhere, thus having the potential of guaranteeing an endless supply line of stevia.� Through the microbial fermentation, the manufacturer has the capability to process the key sweet individual components of stevia using low-cost plant sugars, and allows for the individual components of stevia, regardless of how minute, to be developed creating blends in any volume, which then could open the door for these manufacturers to fine-tune its stevia to local tastes.� But what would be most attractive is that, because the fermentation process does not require the entire plant, the method could conceivably shave upwards of 70% off the cost of producing stevia extracts.�

Top Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now: Planet Platinum Ltd (PPN)

Planet Platinum Limited is an Australia-based company engaged in the operation of Showgirls Bar 20 and the on-going rental of property in Elsternwick. The Company operates in two segments: hospitality and entertainment and property rental businesses. The Company�� hospitality and entertainment segment comprises operations of Showgirls Bar 20 in Melbourne and is engaged in the nightclub through the provision of beverages and adult entertainment. Property segment comprise maintaining of rental property at Home Street, Elsternwick. The Company continues to receive lease rentals from its Home Street property. The investment property is located at 12 Home Street, Elsternwick Victoria. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Tabitha Jean Naylor]

    Americans consume a lot of chicken. It estimated that Americans consume about 81 pounds of poultry per year, per capita. With there being upwards of 310 million people living in the United States, it is no wonder why poultry production is big business. Two of the biggest names in poultry production are Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) and Pilgrim's Pride (NASDAQ: PPN).

Top Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now: Blue Water Global Group Inc (BLUU)

Blue Water Global Group, Inc. (Blue Water), incorporated on March 3, 2011, is a development-stage company. The Company focuses on developing a chain of casual dining restaurants in tourist destinations throughout the Caribbean region. The Company's initial restaurant is going to be called Blue Water Bar & Grill and will be located in St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies.

As of February 7, 2013, the Company did not operate any restaurant properties, and did not have any ownership or leaseholds in any restaurant properties. As of February 7, 2013, the Company did not have any ownership or leaseholds in any restaurant properties.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    Small cap stocks Naturalnano Inc (OTCMKTS: NNAN), Global Payout, Inc (OTCMKTS: GOHE) and Blue Water Global Group Inc (OTCBB: BLUU) were either jumping higher or diving lower yesterday. To complicate matters for investors, two of these small cap stocks have been subjects of disclosures about paid promotion or investor relation campaigns. So what will these three small caps do for the rest of this week? Here is a closer look to help you decide on a trading or investing strategy:

  • [By Peter Graham]

    Small cap stocks Caribbean International Holdings (OTCMKTS: CIHN), Blue Water Global Group Inc (OTCBB: BLUU) and Metrospaces Inc (OTCMKTS: MSPC) have been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters and all three have focused their activities in the Caribbean or South America. However, all three have been the subject of paid promotions which have helped to get them mentions in various investment newsletters. With that in mind, will bets on the Caribbean or South America pay off big for these three small cap stocks and their investors? Here is a quick reality check:

  • [By Peter Graham]

    Last Friday, small cap Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group Inc (OTCMKTS: DBMM) surged 22.22% while Blue Water Global Group Inc (OTCBB: BLUU) sank 18.42% and Medina International Holdings, Inc (OTCMKTS: MIHI) sank 50%. However, one of these small caps (Blue Water Global Group) appears to be reversing course in early morning trading today. So with it and the rest of these small cap stocks either sink or swim in trading this week? Here is a closer look to help you decide on an investing or trading strategy: