Thursday, July 30, 2015

5 Best Healthcare Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now

SAN FRANCISCO �� It's difficult writing a column while holding your nose, but I'll give it the old college try.

Repugnant as the task may be, it's necessary to fill in the general public on the travails of Tom Perkins, co-founder of venerable venture-capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Perkins had the unmitigated gall �� OK, inexplicable ignorance �� to compare the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany with the Occupy Movement and recent anti-gentrification protests against the tech industry here.

In a letter to the Wall Street Journal this weekend, Perkins used the term kristallnacht to describe what's happening to the nation's 1%. "This is a very dangerous drift in our American thinking," Perkins wrote. "Kristallnacht was unthinkable in 1930; is its descendent 'progressive' radicalism unthinkable now?"

Top 10 European Companies To Invest In 2016: Doral Financial Corporation (DRL)

Doral Financial Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Doral Bank that provides retail banking services to general public and institutions. It operates through four segments: Puerto Rico, the United States, Liquidating Operations, and Treasury. The company accepts deposits; obtains borrowings; originates and invests in loans, including residential real estate mortgage loans; invests in mortgage-backed securities and other investment securities; and offers traditional banking services. It also offers commercial and construction loan products; and purchases assigned interests in senior credit facilities from the syndicated leverage loan market in the United States. In addition, the company provides consumer loans, such as consumer credit, personal loans, loans on savings deposits, and other consumer loans. Further, it offers commercial real estate loans; commercial loans, including lines of credit and term facilities, and working capital for specific purposes, su ch as to finance the purchase of assets, equipment, or inventory; and construction lending products, as well as industrial and land loans. Additionally, the company originates, purchases, and sells mortgage loans; and offers property, casualty, life, and title insurance products primarily to its mortgage loan customers. It operates a network of 26 branches in Puerto Rico; 3 branches in the metropolitan area of New York; and 5 branches in the northwest area of Florida. Doral Financial Corporation was founded in 1972 and is based San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Udovich]

    For investors looking for exposure to the US commonwealth of Puerto Rico, banking stocks Doral Financial Corp (NYSE: DRL), First Bancorp (NYSE: FBP), OFG Bancorp (NYSE: OFG) and Popular Inc (NASDAQ: BPOP) offer the best bet as these Puerto Rico stocks trade on major US exchanges rather than the OTC. However, it should be mentioned that there has been a slowdown in Puerto Rico��s economy which has also shrunk in five of the past seven fiscal years. Then last�February, Puerto Rico��s debt was cut to speculative grade by the three largest credit-rating companies while�Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla has proposed a series of budget cuts to help tackle the island��s mounting debt load -including the freezing public workers�� salaries and the closing about 100 schools.

5 Best Healthcare Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: IN Media Corp (IMDC)

IN Media Corporation, formerly Tres Estrellas Enterprises, Inc., incorporated on March 5, 2007, is a development-stage company. The Company focuses on providing integrated Internet protocol television (IPTV) services for platform providers for any device from large screen televisions to handheld mobile phones. It provides a combination of hardware, software, manufacturing and content services for platform providers to either complete their offerings or provide an all-in-one solution. On October 16, 2009, the Company executed an agreement between In-Media Corporation (In-Media) and the Company, subsequent to which In-Media was merged into the Company.

The Company��s partnerships with platform providers, such as Comcast, AT&T, DirecTV, provide an installed base of customers, as well as allowing platform providers to be the billing and service interface to customers. The Company is focusing on its first implementation in China through its Chinese distributor, which will include provision of set top boxes (STB)-related system support, reference platforms and technology, and access to over 4,000 titles of Hollywood and Bollywood movies.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    Small cap stocks IN Media Corp (OTCMKTS: IMDC), Epazz Inc (OTCMKTS: EPAZ) and Polaris International Holdings (OTCMKTS: PIHN) have been busy developing new devices/products or making acquisitions. Moreover, at least two of these small cap stocks have been the subject of paid promotions or investor relations types of activities. Keeping that in mind, will new devices/products or acquisitions help these small caps along with their investors or traders? Here is a closer look:

5 Best Healthcare Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: National-Oilwell Inc.(NOV)

National Oilwell Varco, Inc. designs, constructs, manufactures, and sells systems, components, and products used in oil and gas drilling and production; provides oilfield services and supplies; and distributes products, and provides supply chain integration services to the upstream oil and gas industry worldwide. Its Rig Technology segment offers offshore and onshore drilling rigs; derricks; pipe lifting, racking, rotating, and assembly systems; rig instrumentation systems; coiled tubing equipment and pressure pumping units; well workover rigs; wireline winches; wireline trucks; cranes; and turret mooring systems and other products for floating production, storage and offloading vessels, and other offshore vessels and terminals. The company?s Petroleum Services & Supplies segment provides various consumable goods and services to drill, complete, remediate, and workover oil and gas wells and service pipelines, flowlines, and other oilfield tubular goods. It also manufacture s, rents, and sells products and equipment for drilling operations, including drill pipe, wired drill pipe, transfer pumps, solids control systems, drilling motors, drilling fluids, drill bits, reamers and other downhole tools, and mud pump consumables. In addition, this segment provides oilfield tubular services comprising the provision of inspection and internal coating services; equipment for drill pipe, line pipe, tubing, casing, and pipelines; and coiled tubing pipes and composite pipes. Its Distribution Services segment sells maintenance, repair and operating supplies, and spare parts to drill site and production locations. The company primarily serves drilling contractors, shipyards and other rig fabricators, well servicing companies, pressure pumping companies, oil and gas companies, supply stores, and pipe-running service providers. National Oilwell Varco, Inc. was founded in 1862 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Wallace Witkowski]

    Energy-services companies reporting this week include National Oilwell Varco Inc. (NOV) �and Ensco PLC (ESV) .�Other energy earnings this week include ConocoPhillips (COP) ,�Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) , Hess Corp. (HES) , Phillips 66 (PSX) , and Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MRO) �

  • [By Arjun Sreekumar]

    National Oilwell Varco
    Another potential winner is National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV  ) , the single largest supplier of rig equipment to the oil and gas industry. Through decades of smart acquisitions, it has grown to become the most dominant, low-cost provider of rig equipment for the world's largest drillers, commanding a whopping 60% market share. �

  • [By Tony Daltorio]

    But the best investment in this sector, according to Moors, is National Oilwell Varco Inc. (NYSE: NOV).

    He calls it the "one company that stands to benefit most directly from what is happening in the equipment sector."

5 Best Healthcare Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: comScore Inc.(SCOR)

comScore, Inc. provides a range of digital analytics solutions primarily in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company offers its customers with information regarding usage of their online properties and those of their competitors, coupled with information on consumer demographic characteristics, attitudes, lifestyles, and offline behavior solutions through its digital media measurement platforms. Its digital media measurement platforms consist of proprietary databases and a computational infrastructure that measures, analyzes, and reports on digital activity. The company also provides audience analytics tools that measure the size, behavior, and characteristics of Internet users on PCs, mobile devices, and tablets, as well as insight into online advertising; and advertising analytics products, such as AdEffx, Media Planner 2.0, and Campaign Essentials, which provide solutions for developing, executing, and evaluating online advertising campaigns, as well as valida ted campaign essentials that provide intelligence regarding validated impressions. In addition, it offers Web analytics products and solutions, as well as Web analytics platform that integrates data from multiple sources, including Web, mobile, video, and social media interactions; and mobile and network analytics products, such as comprehensive market intelligence and network solutions to mobile carriers with information on network optimization and capacity planning, customer experience, and market intelligence. The company serves Internet service providers, investment banks, media and digital agencies, consumer banks, wireless carriers, pharmaceutical makers, credit card issuers, and consumer packaged goods companies. comScore, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    comScore deserves a touchdown
    Investment banker Cantor Fitzgerald upped its rating on market researcher comScore (NASDAQ: SCOR  ) to "buy" this morning, predicting the stock will hit $20 within a year. As StreetInsider.com reports today, Cantor is endorsing comScore because "the company seems to be gaining traction with new offerings, including validated Campaign Essentials (vCE), Digital Analytix, and Media Metrix Multi-Platform."

  • [By Evan Niu, CFA]

    What: Shares of comScore (NASDAQ: SCOR  ) scored major gains today, up by as much as 24% after the company reported first-quarter earnings.

  • [By DAILYFINANCE]

    Ross D. Franklin/APAmazon.com employee Hugh Johnson Jr. packs up a box at an Amazon.com warehouse earlier this month. Americans waited until the last minute to buy holiday gifts, but retailers weren't prepared for the spike in sales. Heavy spending in the final days of the mostly lackluster season sent sales up 3.5 percent between Nov. 1 and Tuesday, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, which tracks payments but doesn't give dollar figures. Online shopping led the uptick, with spending up 10 percent to $38. 91 billion between Nov. 2 and Sunday, research firm ComScore (SCOR) said. "We always have last-minute Charlies, but this year even people who normally complete shopping earlier completed shopping later," said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at market research firm NPD Group. The late surge caught companies off guard. UPS (UPS) and FedEx (FDX) failed to deliver some packages by Christmas due to a combination of poor weather and overloaded systems, leaving some unhappy holiday shoppers. Justin Londagin and his wife ordered their 7-year-old son a jersey of Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks from NFL's website on Dec. 19. They paid $12.95 extra for two-day shipping to get it to their Augusta, Kan., home before Christmas, but it didn't arrive in time. "We had to get creative and wrote him a note from Santa to tell him that the jersey fell out of the sleigh and Santa will get it to him as soon as he could," he said. Amazon.com (AMZN) is offering customers with delayed shipments a refund on their shipping charges and $20 toward a future purchase. And other retailers such as Macy's said they are looking into the situation. The last-minute surge this year solidifies the increasing popularity of online shopping, which accounts for about 10 percent of sales during the last three months of the year. It also underscores the challenges that companies face delivering on the experience, particularly during the holiday shopping season that runs

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Top 10 Consumer Service Stocks To Own For 2016

Top 10 Consumer Service Stocks To Own For 2016: Dollar/Yen (YY)

YY Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates an online social platform in the People's Republic of China. It provides YY Client, a personal computer based user software that offers real-time access to user-created online social activities groups. The company also offers Web-based YY that enables users to conduct real-time interactions on the Web without any downloads or installations; and Mobile YY, a smartphone application. In addition, it operates Duowan.com, a game media Website that provides information on online games and other resources for users and online game players. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Another earnings short-squeeze prospect is China-based online social platform operator YY Inc. (YY), which is set to release numbers on Tuesday after the market close. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect YY Inc. to report revenue of $152.54 million on earnings of 76 cents per share.

    The current short interest as a percentage of the float for YY Inc. is very high at 15.3%. That means that out of 27.61 million shares in the tradable float, 4.22 million shares are sold short by the bears. This is a large short interest on a stock with a very low tradable float. Any bullish earnings news could easily set off a large short-squeeze post-earnings that forces the bears to close out some of their short positions.

    From a technical perspective, YY is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been uptrending over the last few weeks, with shares moving higher from its low of $67.10 to its recent high of $86 a share. During that uptrend, shares of YY have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technic! al price action. That move has now pushed shares of YY within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade post-earnings.

    If you're bullish on YY, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $85 to $86 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that registers near or above its three-month average action of 1.53 million shares. If that breakout develops post-earnings, then YY will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $92 to its all-time high at $96.39 a share. Any high-volume move above $96.39 a share will then give YY a chance to tag or trend north of $100 a share.

    I would simply avoid YY or look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout and then

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    YY (NASDAQ: YY) shares dropped 1.89% to $79.95 in pre-market trading after the company announced a proposed offering of $400 million convertible senior notes.

  • [By Tom Taulli]

    So what are the overlooked social stocks to take a look at? Here are the top three:

    YY (YY)

    Based in China, YY (YY) operates a social media platform that allows users to communicate in real-time via voice, text and video. Some of the activities include karaoke, online games, music concerts and even e-learning.

  • [By MONEYMORNING]

    Just look at what happened with YY Inc. (ADR) (Nasdaq: YY). The firm went public in December 2012, and KWEB got on board.

    In fact, the fund has invested 3.4% of its assets in YY, which despite the market's recent weakness is up nearly 450% since the stock began trading in the U.S.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-10-consumer-service-stocks-to-own-for-2016.html

Friday, July 24, 2015

Best European Companies To Watch For 2016

Best European Companies To Watch For 2016: TotalFinaElf S.A.(TOT)

TOTAL S.A., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated oil and gas company worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Upstream, Downstream, and Chemicals. The Upstream segment engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. It also involves in the transportation, trade, and marketing of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as in LNG re-gasification and natural gas storage operations. In addition, this segment engages in the shipping and trade of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); power generation from gas-fired power plants, nuclear, or renewable energies; production, trade, and marketing of coal, as well as in solar power systems and technology operations. As of December 31, 2010, it had combined proved reserves of 10,695 Mboe of oil and gas. The Downstream segment involves in refining, marketing, trading, and shipping crude oil and petroleum products. It also produces a range of specialty products, s uch as lubricants, LPG, jet fuel, special fluids, bitumen, marine fuels, and petrochemical feedstock. This segment holds interests in 24 refineries located in Europe, the United States, the French West Indies, Africa, and China, as well as operates a network of 17,490 service stations. The Chemicals segment produces base chemicals, including petrochemicals and fertilizers, as well as engages in rubber processing, resins, adhesives, and electroplating activities. TOTAL S.A. was founded in 1924 and is based in Paris, France.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Syme thinks BG (BRGYY), Total (TOT), ConocoPhillips (COP) and BP (BP) make better bets. He explains why:

    What works in this environment? We see the best opportunities around companies with strong growth credentials (BG, Total, ConocoPhillips) and those that are quick to a! lign with the needs of shareholders at this point in the cycle (BG, BP, Total and ConocoPhillips) – all Buys.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    HSBC’s Gordon Gray and team think it’s time to start buying big oil companies like Total (TOT), Chevron (CVX) and BP (BP). In a report released yesterday, they explained why:

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-european-companies-to-watch-for-2016-2.html

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Top 10 Logistics Stocks For 2016

Top 10 Logistics Stocks For 2016: Quicksilver Resources Inc. (KWK)

Quicksilver Resources Inc., an independent oil and gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of onshore oil and gas in North America. The company focuses primarily on unconventional reservoirs, such as fractured shales, coal beds, and tight sands. It owns producing oil and natural gas properties principally in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, as well as in Alberta and British Columbia. The company primarily holds interests in assets covering an area of approximately 140,000 net acres located in the Barnett Shale, Fort Worth basin, north Texas; exploratory licenses covering an area of approximately 130,000 net acres located in the Horn River basin of northeast British Columbia; and assets covering an area of approximately 36,929 net undeveloped acres located in the Horseshoe Canyon, southern and central Alberta. As of December 31, 2011, it had total proved reserves of approximately 2.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivale nts. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Vanina Egea]

    Backed by the successful performance registered for fiscal year 2013, Southwestern Energy announced the acquisition of approximately 312,000 net acres in northwest Colorado targeting crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas contained in the Niobrara formation from Quicksilver Resources (KWK) and SWEPI LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) for approximately $180 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.

  • [By Aaron Levitt]

    Over the long term, analysts speculate that FST will sell off the remaining chunk of its non-core properties in order to focus strictly on the Eagle Ford. If it's successful, the current share price of this $3.30 could be m! ore valuable than a winning lotto ticket.

    Energy Stocks Under $10 to Buy Now: Quicksilver Resources (KWK)

    Quicksilver Resources (KWK) is the last name on our list of cheap energy stocks under $10 … and it could also be one of the best rocket-ship plays for rising natural gas. KWK focuses primarily on unconventional reservoirs, such as shale formations, coal beds and tight sands. As such, about 99% of the company’s production comes from natural gas and NGLs.

  • [By Aimee Duffy]

    Not for everyone
    Even in these MLP-friendly times, some companies ultimately decide not to take their business to the Street. Quicksilver Resources (NYSE: KWK  ) planned to spin off its subsidiary, Quicksilver Production Partners, into an oil and gas MLP this year, but withdrew its plans in May after recording quarter after quarter of dismal results.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-10-logistics-stocks-for-2016.html

Friday, July 10, 2015

Top Consumer Service Stocks To Buy Right Now

Top Consumer Service Stocks To Buy Right Now: Sonora Gold and Silver Corp (SOC)

Sonora Gold & Silver Corp. (Sonora) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada focused on exploration and development of precious metal projects. The Company's blocks include Los Pavitos, the Christina and the Brenda, all located in the state of Sonora, Mexico and each consisting of 10,000 hectares in size. Sonora is exploring for commercially exploitable mineral deposits and is focused on deposits located in Tanzania, Africa. The Negese property covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometres located in the Negese Area in Kilindi District, Tanzania. As of January 31, 2012, operational focus has been primarily on the exploration of gold and silver mineral properties with the objective of identifying commercially exploitable mineralization. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Triska Hamid]

    In Abu Dhabi, researchers at the ATIC-SRC Center of Excellence for Energy Efficient Electronic Systems (ACE4S), a center jointly established by the Advanced Technology Investment Company and the Semiconductor Research Corporation, are working on the development of systems on chip (SOC) and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMs) in health care.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-consumer-service-stocks-to-buy-right-now-2.html

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Hot Life Sciences Companies To Invest In 2015

With shares of�Corning Inc.�(NYSE:GLW) trading at around $16.35, is GLW an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE or STAY AWAY? Let�� analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

C = Catalyst for the Stock�� Movement

Corning has been making new 52-week highs as of late, but is this trend sustainable? In this stock market environment, anything is possible. However, that doesn�� mean all moves are justifiable.

Corning Incorporated produces and sells specialty glasses, ceramics, and related materials worldwide. It operates through five segments: Display Technologies, Telecommunications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials, and Life Sciences.

Corning has a diverse revenue base. There is currently high demand for tablets and smartphones, Gorilla Glass has received many positive reviews, Q1 estimates were recently beat, there have been cost and efficiency improvements, revenue has increased for three consecutive years, and the stock is at a good valuation, trading at 14 times earnings, while the industry trades at 19 times earnings. However, when you look at the breakdown for the last quarter, there is good reason for caution. The only segment that showed improvement was Life Sciences. Corning is confident in future growth, but that doesn�� mean confidence will lead to actual results.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: Johnson Controls Inc.(JCI)

Johnson Controls, Inc. engages in building efficiency, automotive experience, and power solutions businesses worldwide. Its building efficiency business designs, produces, markets, and installs integrated heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, as well as building management systems, controls, and security and mechanical equipment. This business also provides technical services, energy management consulting, and operations of real estate portfolios for the non-residential buildings market. In addition, this business offers residential air conditioning and heating systems, and industrial refrigeration products. The company?s automotive experience business designs and manufactures interior products and systems for passenger cars and light trucks, including vans, pick-up trucks, and sport/crossover utility vehicles. It offers seating systems and components; cockpit systems comprising instrument panels and clusters, information displays, and body controllers; overh ead systems, such as headliners and electronic convenience features; floor consoles; and door systems. This business also produces automotive interior systems for original equipment manufacturers. Its power solutions business produces lead-acid automotive batteries serving automotive original equipment manufacturers and the general vehicle battery aftermarket. This business produces lead-acid batteries, as well as offers absorbent glass mat and lithium-ion battery technologies to power hybrid vehicles. The company was formerly known as Johnson Electric Service Company and changed its name to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1974. Johnson Controls, Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    But the big problem for Magna has come from Europe. Rival Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI  ) , which gets more of its revenue from Europe than from North America, has seen poor conditions in Europe weigh on its overall results. That's consistent with the big problems that major customers Ford (NYSE: F  ) and General Motors (NYSE: GM  ) have seen in their own European sales figures, with Ford having lost $1.75 billion last year in Europe and expecting that figure to balloon upward to $2 billion for 2013. Although GM managed to reduce its European losses in the first quarter to just $175 million, both it and Ford have a lot of work to do in order to get their operations on the continent back to profitability.

  • [By Aimee Duffy]

    Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI  ) employs 25,000 people in China, and it was recently one of only 36 companies to be voted a "Top Employer" by the Corporate Research Foundation. Obscure awards aside, the company has a big-time opportunity in China and investors stand to benefit handsomely.�

Hot Life Sciences Companies To Invest In 2015: Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO)

Brown & Brown, Inc., a diversified insurance agency, engages in the marketing and sale of insurance products and services in the United States. Its Retail division provides insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public entity, professional, and individual customers. This division offers property insurance relating to physical damage to property, and resultant interruption of business or extra expense caused by fire, windstorm, or other perils; casualty insurance relating to legal liabilities, workers� compensation, and commercial and private passenger automobile coverage; fidelity and surety bonds; group and individual life, accident, disability, health, hospitalization, medical, and dental insurance, as well as provides risk management and loss control surveys and analysis, and consultation services. The company�s National Programs division offers professional liability and related package insurance products for dentists, lawyers, accountants, o ptometrists, opticians, insurance agents, financial service representatives, benefit administrators, real estate brokers, real estate title agents, and escrow agents. This division also markets its products and services to specific industries, trade groups, public and quasi-public entities, and market niches through independent agents. The company�s Wholesale Brokerage division markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance products and services to retail insurance agencies; and reinsurance products and services to insurance companies. Its Services division offers insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services for the workers� compensation and various liability arenas; medicare set-aside services; and social security disability and medicare benefits advocacy services. Brown & Brown, Inc. was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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

    We also added a new position in insurance broker Brown & Brown (BRO) when the stock fell below $29 in February. The company's business model generates high operating margins and strong free cash flow. We expect management to remain disciplined acquirers of culturally compatible companies. In the meantime, Brown & Brown would benefit from an increase in insurable exposure units in the middle-market economy. Said more simply, as "Main Street" recovers, Brown & Brown should do well.From Wallace Weitz (Trades, Portfolio)'s first quarter 2014 report.Also check out: Wallace Weitz Undervalued Stocks Wallace Weitz Top Growth Companies Wallace Weitz High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Wallace Weitz keeps buying Currently 0.00/512345

    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes)

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    Brown & Brown's� (NYSE: BRO  ) �Q1 results have been released. For the quarter, net profit notched a new quarterly record at just over $60 million ($0.41 per diluted share), up 22% from the $49 million ($0.34) in the same period the previous year. Total revenue also improved over that time frame, coming in at $335 million against Q1 2012's figure of $302 million.

Hot Life Sciences Companies To Invest In 2015: Interleukin Genetics Inc (ILIU.PK)

Interleukin Genetics, Inc., incorporated on March 28, 2000, is a personalized health company, which develops genetic tests to provide information to manage health and specific health risks. The Company�� business focuses on personalized health, by providing genetic tests with clinical value. Its tests are made available through marketing partners or directly to end users. The Company's primary business focus and strategy is to continue the Company's commercialization efforts with its PST genetic test. In addition, the Company plans to continue to develop and sells tests for its own business needs under the Inherent Health brand.

The Company's genetic tests that are being commercialized includes PST is a genetic test, which analyzes genetic variations associated with inflammation and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for more severe periodontal disease; Weight Management Genetic Test determines whether a low fat, low carbohydrate or balanced diet may normal or vigorous exercise, which is needed to lose existing body fat; Bone Health Genetic Test is designed to identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis; Heart Health Genetic Test is designed to identify genetic predisposition to excess inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart attack, and Wellness Select Genetic Test allows buyers to purchase any combination of Inherent Health genetic tests at a discounted price. The Company is also focusing its genetic test development efforts on the development of an Osteoarthritis, or OA, genetic test to identify individuals at increased risk for severe OA.

Genetic Test for Risk of Periodontal Disease

PST is a genetic test that analyzes genetic variations associated with inflammation and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for more severe periodontal disease. The PST genetic test identifies specific polymorphisms (genetic variations) in genes that! regulate the production of interleukin cytokines.Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is well-established as one of the critical regulators of periodontal disease, and studies in non-human primates have shown that drugs specifically blocking IL-1 alone or IL-1 plus TNFa reduces tissue destruction even when the bacterial challenge is not reduced.

Inherent Health Brand of Genetic Tests

The Company's Weight Management Genetic Test helps take the guesswork out of finding an effective diet and exercise solution by revealing actionable steps to achieve weight goals based on genetics. The test provides new information beyond traditional assessments, so that nutritional intake and fitness routines can be tailored for improved, sustainable results. This test identifies five SNPs in four human genes: fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2); adrenergic receptor beta 2 (ADRB2 two variations); adrenergic receptor beta 3 (ADRB3); and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR- ). These markers are involved in certain physiological pathways relating to body weight. Certain patterns of markers are associated with differential response to certain diet and exercise regimens.

The Company has conducted a number of studies that demonstrate a gene-diet interaction based on the multi-locus patterns . In the original study, 311 overweight/obese (body mass index, 27-40 kg/m2), nondiabetic, premenopausal, generally healthy women were randomly assigned for 12 months to either the Atkins-like ( low carbohydrate), Zone-like (low carbohydrate), LEARN-like (balanced), or Ornish-like (low fat) diets for the primary purpose of losing weight. The data collected in that study included dietary intake assessment (three unannounced 24-hour recalls for each time point administered by a dietitian and analyzed using NDS-R, University of Minnesota), anthropometric measures including weight, and related physiological variables, all collected at baseline, two, six, and 12 months.

Bone Health Genetic T! est

The Company's Bone Health Genetic Test is designed to identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis. Although it typically starts later in life, early intervention can help prevent osteoporosis. Preventive measures can reduce the risk for bone loss and fractures, which in the case of vertebral fractures leads to a hunched over appearance. The test identifies a SNP in each of three genes involved in processes that affect bone; estrogen receptor alpha (ER1 Xba1), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Certain patterns of variations are associated with increased risk of spine fracture and/or low bone mineral density. The test can be used as an aid to making diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices to maintain and improve bone health.

Nutritional Needs Genetics Test

The Company's Nutritional Needs Genetics Test is designed to identify DNA variations in genes crucial to B-vitamin metabolism and the ability to manage oxidative stress. Individuals with certain variations in these genes may be at increased risk for ineffective utilization of B-vitamins and potential for cell damage caused by oxidative stress, both of which can in some cases lead to increased risk for certain diseases. The test identifies the presence or absence of human genotypic markers methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and transcobalamin II (TCN2) involved in vitamin B metabolism and markers superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione S-transferase 1 deletions (GSTM1), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) in response to oxidative stress. Certain variations are associated with less efficient B-vitamin metabolism or reduced activity of endogenous anti-oxidant systems. The test may be used to aid individuals in deciding whether to supplement their diet with B vitamins and/or antioxidants.

Genetic Test Pipeline

The Company is focusing! its gene! tic test development efforts on programs, including Osteoarthritis Genetic Test. OA is the common adult joint disease, increasing in frequency and severity in all aging populations. The estimated U.S. prevalence is 20-40 million patients or five times that of rheumatoid arthritis. The Company's OA program plans to investigate whether interleukin gene variations together with several other inflammatory gene variations is associated with the occurrence of multi-joint OA for the development of a genetic risk assessment test.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Brian Marckx]

    Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU.PK) develops genetic tests focused on personal health. Through applied genetics research and scientific collaborations, the company has made significant progress in understanding how genetic make-up can affect an individual's predisposition and risk of suffering from certain diseases. Interleukin's research has specifically focused on a form of genetic variation called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and how it can have an impact on a person's health. The company has applied this knowledge in the development of genetic tests focused on areas such as weight management, cardiovascular health and periodontal disease. Interleukin sells its Inherent Health line of tests, which launched in 2009, to the consumer market and maintains a CLIA-certified lab at its headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, where consumers send test samples for processing.

Hot Life Sciences Companies To Invest In 2015: Lindsay Corp (LNN)

Lindsay Corporation incorporated on January 7, 1974, is a provider of range of water management and road infrastructure products and services. The Company operates in two segments: Irrigation and Infrastructure. The Company�� irrigation segment includes the manufacture and marketing of center pivot, lateral move, and hose reel irrigation systems, which are used principally in the agricultural industry. The irrigation segment also manufactures and markets repair and replacement parts for its irrigation systems and controls, and designs, manufactures and services water pumping stations and controls for the agriculture, golf, landscape and municipal markets. The Company�� infrastructure segment includes the manufacture and marketing of moveable barriers, specialty barriers, crash cushions and end terminals, road marking and road safety equipment, large diameter steel tubing, railroad signals and structures, and outsourced manufacturing services. The Company�� principal infrastructure manufacturing facilities are located in Rio Vista, California, Milan, Italy, and Omaha, Nebraska. In August 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Claude Laval Corp.

Irrigation Segment

The Company manufactures and markets its center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems in the United States and internationally under its Zimmatic brand. The Company also manufactures and markets separate lines of center pivot and lateral move irrigation equipment for use on smaller fields under its Greenfield and hose reel travelers under the Perrot and Greenfield brands in Europe and South Africa. The Company also produces or markets irrigation controls, chemical injection systems and remote monitoring and control systems, which it sells under its GrowSmart brand. In addition to whole systems, the Company manufactures and markets repair and replacement parts for its irrigation systems and controls. The Company also designs, manufactures and services water pumping stations and! controls for the agriculture, golf, landscape and municipal markets.

The Company�� irrigation systems are primarily of the standard sized center pivot type, with a small portion of its products consisting of the lateral move type. Both are automatic, continuous move systems consisting of sprinklers mounted on a water carrying pipeline, which is supported approximately 11 feet off the ground by a truss system suspended between moving towers. The Company also manufactures and distributes mini-pivots and hose reel travelers. The Company also markets pivot monitoring and control systems, which include remote telemetry and a Web or personal computer-hosted data acquisition and monitoring application. These systems allow growers to monitor their pivot system, accumulate data on the operation of the system, and control the pivot from a remote location by logging onto an Internet Website. The pivot monitoring and control systems are marketed under the GrowSmart brand and product name FieldNET.

In the United States, the Company sells its irrigation systems, including Zimmatic, to over 200 independent dealer locations, who resell to their customer, the farmer. Dealers assess their customer�� requirements, assemble and erect the system in the field, and provide additional system components, primarily relating to water supply (wells, pumps, pipes) and electrical supply (on-site generation or hook-up to power lines). Lindsay dealers generally are local agribusinesses, many of which also deal in related products, such as well drilling and water pump equipment, farm implements, grain handling and storage systems, and farm structures. The Company has production and sales operations in France, Brazil and China, as well as distribution and sales operations in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and sales operations in Central America and the Middle East serving the European, South American, Chinese, African, Australian, New Zealand, Central American and Middle Eastern markets, respect! ively.

Infrastructure Segment

The Company�� Quickchange Moveable Barrier (QMB) system consists of three parts: T-shaped concrete barriers that are connected to form a continuous wall; a Barrier Transfer Machine (BTM), capable of moving the barrier laterally across the pavement, and the variable length barriers necessary for accommodating curves. The BTM employs an inverted S-shaped conveyor mechanism that lifts the barrier, moving it laterally before setting it back on the roadway surface. The QMB system is useful in busy commuter corridors and at choke points, such as bridges and tunnels. QMB systems can also be deployed at roadway or roadside construction. The Company offers a range of equipment lease options for QMB systems and BTM equipment used in construction applications.

The Company offers a line of redirective and non-redirective crash cushions, which are at locations, such as toll booths, freeway off-ramps, medians and roadside barrier ends, bridge supports, utility poles and other fixed roadway hazards. The Company�� primary crash cushion products cover a range of lengths, widths, speed capacities and application accessories and include brand names, such as TAU, Universal TAU-II, TAU-B_NR, ABSORB 350 and Walt. In addition to these products the Company also offers guardrail end terminal products such as the X-Tension and TESI systems. The Company also offers specialty barrier products, such as the SAB, ArmorGuard, PaveGuard and DR46 portable barrier and/or barrier gate systems. The gates are generally used to create openings in barrier walls of various types for both construction and incident management purposes. The DR46 is an energy absorbing barrier to shield motorcyclists from impacting guardrail posts.

The Company offers preformed tape and a line of road safety accessory products. The preformed tape is used primarily in temporary applications, such as markings for work zones, street crossings, and road center lines or boundaries. The road s! afety equ! ipment consists of plastic and rubber products used for delineation, slowing traffic, and signaling. The Company also manages a testing laboratory, Safe Technologies, Inc., that performs testing of safety products. The Company�� Diversified Manufacturing and Tubing business unit (Diversified Manufacturing) manufactures and markets large diameter steel tubing and railroad signals and structures, and provides outsourced manufacturing and production services for other companies. The Company�� customer base includes certain industrial companies and railroads. The Company�� primary infrastructure market includes moveable concrete barriers, delineation systems, guardrails and similar protective equipment. The United States roadway infrastructure market includes projects, such as new roadway construction, bridges, tunnels, maintenance and resurfacing, and the purchase of rights-of-way for roadway expansion and development of technologies for relief of roadway congestion.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Kell var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach(func]

    Lindsay Corp.(LNN) said fiscal second-quarter revenue and earnings fell as the company’s irrigation business remains mired in a sales slump. The company’s results underperformed Wall Street expectations.

  • [By Benjamin Shepherd]

    Steve Halpern: Now, one investment idea in the sector that you like is the area of water management. Could you tell us about Lindsay Corp. (LNN)?

  • [By Jacob Roche]

    In 2008, only about 14% of cropland in the U.S. was irrigated, and less than half of that was done with high-efficiency center pivot systems, like the kind Valmont and its competitor Lindsay (NYSE: LNN  ) sell, so farmers have been scrambling to upgrade their equipment to deal with increasingly bad weather. This presents a big opportunity for Valmont, which gets about 28% of sales from irrigation equipment. The opportunity is even bigger for Lindsay, which gets about two-thirds of its sales from irrigation equipment.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Best Managed Healthcare Companies To Own In Right Now

Best Managed Healthcare Companies To Own In Right Now: Daimler AG (DDAIF)

Daimler AG (Daimler), incorporated on May 6, 1998, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells a range of automotive products, mainly passenger cars, trucks, vans and buses. It also provides financial and other services relating to its automotive businesses. The Company offers its automotive products and related financial services primarily in Western Europe and in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) region, which consists of the United States, Canada and Mexico. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company derived approximately 46% of its revenue from sales in Western Europe and 21% from sales in the United States. It operates in five segments: Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services. Its other business interests consist primarily of its equity investments in the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (EADS) and in Tognum AG. In October 2009, Deutsche Bank AG completed the disposal of its interest in the Company. In June 2011, Daimler AG and Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC had secured around 94% interest in Tognum AG-DJ.

Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz Cars designs, produces and sells Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, Maybach luxury sedans and smart micro compact passenger cars. During 2009, Mercedes-Benz Cars contributed approximately 51% of the Company's revenue. The Company offers Mercedes-Benz passenger cars with a range of diesel and gasoline engines. Under the AMG brand, it offers versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles with V8 or V12 engines in all classes, except in the A-, B-, R-, GL- and GLK-Classes. The Mercedes-Benz passenger car product range consists of S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, A-/B-Classes and ML-/R-/G-/GL-/GLK-Classes.

The S-Class is a line of luxury sedans, which are availa! ble in short and long wheelbase versions. In June 2009, the Company introduced a new generation of the S-Class sedans, including a hybrid version, the new S 400 BlueHYBRID. The S-Class sed! ans are complemented by the CL, a top-of-the-line two-door coupe, and the SL, a luxury roadster. The E-Class is a line of luxury sedans, coupes, convertibles and station wagons. It also offers the CLS, a four-door coupe based on the E-Class. The C-Class is a line of compact luxury sedans and station wagons. The CLC Sports Coupe and the SLK, a two-seat roadster, complement the C-Class product family.

The A-Class is a front wheel drive compact and the B-Class is a front wheel drive 4-door Compact Sports Tourer (CST). The Company does not offer the A- and B-Classes in the United States. The ML-Class is a line of sport utility vehicles with permanent all-wheel drive. The R-Class is a line of SUV Tourers, which is available in a short and a long wheelbase version. The GL-Class is a line of seven seat luxury sport utility vehicles. The GLK-Class is a line of compact sport utility vehicles. The G-Class is a line of cross country vehicles with permanent four-wheel driv e that come in a short and a long wheelbase version, and as a convertible. Under the Maybach brand, the Company offers a line of luxury sedans with outstanding luxury, comfort, and individuality. Maybach sedans are available in a short and a long wheelbase version, including the Maybach 57S and 62S as sportier variations. The smart brand represents a micro compact car concept. It offers two models, the smart fortwo coupe and the smart fortwo cabrio.

Daimler Trucks

Daimler Trucks manufactures and sells trucks and specialty vehicles under the brand names Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses and Fuso. During 2009, Daimler Trucks contributed approximately 21% of its revenue. During 2009, the Company ceased production of trucks under the Sterling brand name. The Company's European Mercedes-Ben! z truck l! ines consist of the Actros and the Axor in the heavy-duty category, the Atego in the medium-duty category, and the specialty v ehicles Econic and Zetros. The Unimog, a four-wheel drive ve! hicle for! special purpose applications, complements the line-up. In Turkey and Brazil, it manufactures heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks for the respective local and certain export markets. Its Mercedes-Benz trucks range from 6 metric tons gross vehicle weight (GVW) to 41 metric tons GVW.

The Company's United States subsidiary, Daimler Trucks North America LLC, manufactures trucks and buses (based on truck chassis) in Classes 3 through 8 (from 9,000 lbs. GVW to 160,000 lbs. GVW) and sells them under the Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Built Buses brand names, primarily in the NAFTA region. It also manufactures chassis for trucks, buses, walk-in vans and motor homes in Classes 3 through 7 (from 10,000 lbs. GVW to 33,000 lbs. GVW). During 2009, Freightliner introduced a new version of the Coronado, an on-highway truck. It Japan-based subsidiary, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), offers a truck portfolio and several bus lines, primarily for the Jap anese and other Asian markets. The line-up includes the Canter trucks (light-duty), the Fighter trucks (medium-duty) and the Super Great trucks (heavy-duty) and also certain bus models (Rosa and Aero). MFTBC also sells trucks in Africa, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States.

Mercedes-Benz Vans

Mercedes-Benz Vans designs, manufactures and sells vans under the brand names Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner. During 2009, Mercedes-Benz Vans contributed approximately 8% of its revenue. The Company offers three lines of Mercedes-Benz vans between 1.9 metric tons (t) and 7.5t gross vehicle weight (GVW): the Vario, the Vito/Viano and the Sprinter. In the NAFTA region it sells the Sprinter under the Freightliner brand name and, since January 1, 2010, also under the Mercedes-Benz brand name. As of Dece! mber 31, ! 2009, subsidiaries of Chrysler Holding LLC sold the Sprinter in the United States under the Dodge and Freightliner brand names, and in C anada under the Dodge brand name.

Daimler Buse! s

!

Daimler Buses is a global supplier in the worldwide bus market. During 2009, Daimler Buses contributed approximately 5% of the Company's revenue. Its product portfolio includes city buses, coaches, intercity buses, midi buses and bus chassis. It sells complete buses under the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands in Europe, under the Mercedes-Benz brand name in Mexico, and under the Setra and Orion brand names in the United States and Canada. In addition, Daimler Buses produces and sells worldwide a range of bus chassis under the brand name Mercedes-Benz.

Daimler Financial Services

The Company's financial services activities contributed approximately 15% of its revenue during 2009. It consists principally of financing and leasing services supporting its Mercedes-Benz and other vehicle businesses. The financial services the Company offers consist mainly of customized financing and leasing packages for its retail and wholesale customers in the au tomotive sector. It also provides financing to its dealers for vehicle inventory and property, plant and equipment purchases, and it offers insurance brokerage and fleet management services, including dealer property and casualty insurance. In Germany, the Company operates a licensed bank, the Mercedes-Benz Bank. The Mercedes-Benz Bank offers financial services to its customers and employees in Germany. These services include leasing and sales financing services, car savings plans, credit cards and demand deposit accounts. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Bank operates branches in Great Britain and Spain to refinance the local dealer portfolios.

The Company competes with BMW, Volkswagen, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, PSA, Renault, Tata Motors, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Scania, Iveco, Volvo, DAF, Navistar Int! ernationa! l, Paccar, Hino, Isuzu, MAN Commercial Vehicles, Irisbus and Agrale.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Katie Spence]

    Two of the biggest luxury auto brands in the world are throwing their respective hats into the electric-car ring. In one corner is BMW's (NASDAQOTH: BAMXF  ) i3. In the other corner is Daimler's (NASDAQOTH: DDAIF  ) Mercedes-Benz B-Class. So, which one will end up the EV winner?

  • [By Alexander MacLennan]

    We talk a lot about the growing middle class in China, but the growing wealth of the rich elite is also a valuable market. Luxury automakers know this well and have been reacting with billions in investment. Late last month, Daimler AG (NASDAQOTH: DDAIF  ) announced that it and its joint-venture partner would spend 1 billion euros to double production of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This comes as demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles continues to rise, with deliveries rising 57% in the first two months of this year.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-managed-healthcare-companies-to-own-in-right-now-2.html

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy Right Now

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy Right Now: Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (HMY)

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited engages in the exploration, extraction, processing, and smelting of gold in South Africa and Papua New Guinea. The company has approximately 10 underground operations; and various surface operations, including an open cast mine and 9 processing plants, which are located in goldfields in the Witwatersrand basin of South Africa, as well as the Kraaipan Greenstone Belt. It also explores for silver, copper, and molybdenum through its Papua New Guinea projects. The company also owns interest in various exploration and development prospects, and 1 operating mine primarily at the Hidden Valley and Wafi Golpu projects; and a 100% interests in 3 projects, including the Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands, Amanab in the Sandaun province, and Tari in the Southern Highlands province in Papua New Guinea. As of June 30, 2012, its prospecting interest comprised 75,249 hectares in South Africa and 898,400 hectares in Papua New Guinea. Harmony Gold Mini ng Company Limited was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Randfontein, South Africa.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    Basic Materials shares gained around 0.24 percent in trading on Wednesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included Harmony Gold Mining Company (NYSE: HMY), up 4.1 percent, and Thompson Creek Metals Company (NYSE: TC), up 3.8 percent. In trading on Wednesday, cyclical consumer goods & services shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.36 percent.

  • [By Rich Duprey]

    Mining operations have long been subject to the vagaries of strikes and violence in South Africa. Harmony Gold (NYSE: HMY  ) suspended its operations at Kusasalethu because of security concerns, Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI  ) lost 35,000 ounc! es of production and had its credit rating reduced by Standard & Poor's because of labor unrest (and reduced its full-year production forecast by 200,000 ounces), and Xstrata has had to halt activity several times as a result of union violence.

  • [By Roland Head]

    Harmony Gold Mining Company  (NYSE: HMY  ) gained 4.7% to $4.62 last week, despite reporting a quarterly loss of $0.47 per share, missing a Bloomberg consensus forecast of $0.53 per share. The firm said that it will cut capital expenditure and corporate costs by a total of $200 million this year, and, while its share price fell following the results, it recovered sharply on Friday to end the week higher.

  • [By Jon C. Ogg]

    Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMY) was downgraded to Sell from an already cautious Neutral rating at UBS.

    Mosaic Co. (NYSE: MOS) was downgraded to Underweight from Neutral at HSBC.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-10-rising-stocks-to-buy-right-now-5.html