J.C. Penney's Friday Pop -- Is It Time to Get Into the Shares?

The lowest weekly initial jobless claims figure in seven years was not enough to lift U.S. stocks on Thursday, with the benchmark S&P 500 and the narrower Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) down 0.9% and 1%, respectively. Unusually, the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC  ) was less volatile than the former two indexes, losing just 0.8%. In company-specific news, it appears that disappointing results from Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT  ) and Kohl's this morning weighed on the retail sector today, including J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP  ) , which fell 2.8%. But J.C. Penney shares will make that up -- and more -- tomorrow, as the shares surged by nearly a fifth in today's after-hours session on better-than-expected first-quarter results. Is it time for investors to take a look at this turnaround story?

On the numbers: J.C. Penney beat Wall Street's expectations for revenues and earnings per share, as the following table demonstrates.

 

Actual/ Year-on-year growth (decline)

Analysts' c onsensus estimate

Revenues	$2.8 billion 6.3%	$2.7 billion
Earnings-per-share	($1.15) (27.2%)	($1.25)

Source: J.C. Penney, Thomson FN

A same-store sales increase of 6.2% is impressive compared to its larger (and more stable) rivals – U.S. same-store sales at Walmart were flat, for example. However, this is partially a reflection of the challenges J.C. Penney faces and, consequently, greater volatility in its operating results.

Nevertheless, the company's outlook for the full year was pretty upbeat, including a mid-single-digit increase in same-store sales, significantly improved gross margin versus 2013, and free cash flow at breakeven. Moreover, the company appears to have warded off the risk of a cash crunch with an increased credit facility of $2.35 billion.

Where does that leave investors?
In early February when J.C. Penney announced its first instance of quarterly same-store sales growth in two-and-a-half years, I nevertheless wrote that individual investors ought to avoid the stock. Since the publication of that article on Feb. 4, the stock is up by nearly two-thirds – and that doesn't even include the pop the shares will experience tomorrow.

Was I wrong? In a very basic sense, the answer is, "Obviously, yes." In hindsight, it's now clear that the pessimism surrounding the stock was culminating as I was writing the article (literally so -- the shares put in their 52-week low of $4.90 on the publication date.) However, it's worth reviewing the rationale I invoked at the time, which had nothing to do with trying to second-guess investor sentiment:

Turnarounds are very difficult to pull off. Turnarounds in the brutally competitive retail sector are even more challenging, and the results can't always be maintained -- at which point, another turnaround becomes necessary. J.C. Penney belongs in the "too hard" pile – investors would be better off focusing their limited time and resources on outstanding, durable businesses.

Furthermore, one decent quarter does not diminish the challenges still ahead for J.C. Penney. The company isn't expected to earn a profit this year or the next; meanwhile, larger, profitable competitors -- bricks-and-mortar and online -- aren't exactly standing still. J.C. Penney may provide market-beating returns for investors who are either lucky, or a combination of knowledgeable and dedicated (or all three), but I continue to think the shares are generally unsuitable for individual investors.

Your credit card may soon be completely worthless
The plastic in your wallet is about to go the way of the typewriter, the VCR, and the eight-track tape player. When it does, a handful of investors could stand to get very rich. You can join them -- but you must act now. An eye-opening new presentation reveals the full story on why your credit card is about to be worthless -- and highlights one little-known company sitting at the epicenter of an earth-shaking movement that could hand early investors the kind of profits we haven't seen since the dot-com days. Click here to watch this stunning video.

Is Finra pulling its efforts to be the SRO for advisers?

Finra chief executive Richard G. Ketchum

Call it the question that won't go away.

Is the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. pursuing a campaign, either directly or indirectly, to become the self-regulatory organization for registered investment advisers?

Nearly two years ago, Finra made a strong effort on Capitol Hill to promote legislation that would shift regulation of investment advisers to a self-regulatory organization from the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was no secret that Finra wanted to become that SRO.

Since the bill died at the end of 2012, Finra has repeatedly maintained that it is no longer trying to expand its reach from brokers to investment advisers.

Last Friday, Finra chairman and chief executive Richard G. Ketchum was more emphatic, suggesting that the regulator had finally given up.

“I cannot foresee a time when Finra is going to pursue this,” Mr. Ketchum said in an interview.

He said that a gap in regulatory coverage exists for investment advisers but that Finra won't be the one to fill it.

“That's not to say, if it was posed that the right thing to do was to have somebody do a private regulation, that we wouldn't consider it,” Mr. Ketchum said.

“What we're really interested in right now is the SEC getting more resources,” he said. “We don't foresee a time when there's a response that involves an SRO.”

(Don't miss: Investment adviser lobbyist: Finra will renew effort to become adviser SRO)

In the past, such assurances haven't been enough to soothe investment advisers who are suspicious of Finra's intentions and don't want it to become their SRO.

They say that such oversight would increase regulatory burdens and compliance fees.

More importantly, they contend, Finra's rules-based regulation is anathema to the fiduciary-duty standard that advisers must meet.

Neil Simon, vice president of government relations at the Investment Adviser Association, said that he is pleased that Finra supports increased SEC funding.

But he isn't convinced that it has abandoned its adviser SRO effort completely.

“If an opportunity presents itself, even if not initiated by Finra, I suspect they would seek to gain authority over advisers,” Mr. Simon said. “I think Finra views advisers as both a regulatory and revenue opportunity.”

If Finra were to assume adviser oversight, the regulatory fees would bolster its budget and give it wider scope at a time when the brokerage industry is shrinking. Finra suf! fered an $89.2 million operating loss in 2012 but scratched out a $10.5 million profit thanks to fee increases.

In 2012, a bill was introduced in the House Financial Services Committee by its then-chairman, Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., that would establish one or more SROs for advisers.

(See also: Finra advisory group could accelerate regulator's move toward 'best-interests' regime)

He asserted that such a change was crucial for investor protection because, as the SEC acknowledged, it had the resources to examine annually less than 10% of the nearly 11,000 registered advisers. But Mr. Bachus couldn't get a vote on the bill in his own committee.OPTION IN PLAY

In this Congress, which began in January 2013, the House financial panel is headed by Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, who has shown no interest in an SRO bill.

But lawmakers also have denied the SEC the budget increases that it says it needs for adviser oversight, keeping the SRO option in play.

Even though Finra halted its lobbying effort, it has made moves since the demise of the bill that would help position it to become the investment adviser regulator.

For instance, Mr. Ketchum has been stressing to brokerage firms to act in the best interests of their clients, which sounds a lot like the fiduciary standard. Legally, brokers need only meet a suitability standard for giving investment advice.

The theme was implicit in a conflicts-of-interest report that Finra released last fall.

Also, Finra has put an examination emphasis on 401(k) rollovers to individual retirement accounts and other areas normally under the purview of adviser regulators.

Finra has mimicked the SEC in other ways. For instance, it has established a cost-benefit-analysis office to evaluate the economic impact of its rules — a move that is likely to please Republican lawmakers, who have hammered the SEC on the topic.

Also, like the SEC, Finra has established an investor issues committee to amplify the voice of retail investors within the organization.

In recent months, Finra also has been particularly responsive to Congress. It responded to criticism from senators of both parties about the process by which brokers can sanitize their records on the Finra database BrokerCheck.

Finra promised Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., that it would propose a rule prohibiting arbitration settlements made contingent on expungement.

Mr. Ketchum argues that these moves simply make Finra a better broker regulator.

“Each of them, I think, goes at our twin goals of trying to be an aggressive, investor-focused regulator who's well-informed and understands the industry,”! ; he said.

Regulatory experts and investment adviser advocates take Finra at its word that it isn't lobbying to become the adviser SRO.

But they say that Finra is incrementally strengthening its argument.

“Finra is slowly addressing one criticism after another of the way they operate,” said a state regulator, who asked not be identified. “The long-term plan for Finra is to offer itself as an outsourcing option to government regulation.”

The Financial Services Institute Inc., which represents independent broker-dealers, is working with Finra on what it calls a “Finra improvements” initiative that addresses several areas — from cost-benefit analysis to exams and arbitration.'NIMBLE AND RESPONSIVE'

FSI chief executive Dale Brown credited Mr. Ketchum with being open to outside input.

Top Oil Companies To Own In Right Now

Mr. Brown also said that Finra's evolution could bolster its chances of one day regulating advisers.

“That possibility is out there,” he said.

“I'm not sure they've changed the long-term view that that's a role they would like to take on,” Mr. Brown said. “Those moves also make it more nimble and responsive, and hopefully a more effective regulator.”

A former Finra official said that these moves don't necessarily indicate that it is angling to become the adviser regulator.

“My gut tells me it's not a concerted effort,” said George Friedman, owner of an eponymous consulting firm and former director of arbitration at Finra. “These are things that have come in the natural course of Finra's investor protection mission.”

But Mr. Friedman agrees that addressing the shortcomings cited by detractors can only help Finra if it seeks to become the adviser regulator down the road.

“If critics could point to a litany of problems that have not been solved, that could be a major concern,” he said.

Investor advocates embrace Finra's effort to address those criticisms, regardless of whether it is pursuing a larger political gain.

“If their goal is to become the adviser SRO by being responsive to investors and critics who raise legitimate issues, that works for me. It's a lot better than competing to be the SRO by doing whatever the industry wants,” said Barbara Roper, director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America and a member of Finra's Investor Issues Committee.

“I don't care about motivation,” she said. “I care about how they approach investor protection issues.”

In any case, the political atmosphere for an adviser SRO bill may no! t become more favorable for Finra for a while, according to Duane Thompson, senior policy analyst at fi360 Inc., a fiduciary-duty training company.

“The only way I could see that happening is if there's another huge Madoff-type scandal that galvanizes Congress to do something,” he said.

Emerging markets bloodbath highlights up-and-comer ETFs

Bloomberg News

Nearly $20 billion has flowed out of emerging-market exchange-traded funds in the last 13 months ($10 billion in just the past six weeks). But a handful of ETFs focused on these volatile markets have taken in about $6.5 billion.

These ETFs avoided outflows in large part because they weren't favorites of the “hot money” jumping in and out of markets in search of short-term returns. ETF giants iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM; $30.8 billion) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (VWO; $40 billion) provided two favorite ways for speculative investors to place bets; those funds account for over 80% of the money leaving the sector. The smaller emerging-market ETFs that gained assets did so because they're attractive to long-term investors looking for innovative ways to get exposure to developing markets.

Best Transportation Stocks To Buy For 2016

That's not to say these ETFs aren't risky — just about all emerging-market investing is.

Here’s a look at five up-and-comers, in order of inflows:

1. iShares Core MSCI Emerging Market

Hot Diversified Bank Companies To Buy For 2015

November 21, 2013: U.S. equity markets opened higher Thursday morning following a better-than-expected report on new claims for jobless benefits. Fed chair-designate Janet Yellen�� appointment has passed out of a Senate committee and is headed for a confirmation vote by the full Senate sometime after the Thanksgiving holiday. Yellen�� all-but-certain confirmation may have played a bigger role in the stronger equity indexes than did the employment report.

European, Asian, and Latin American markets all closed mixed again today.

Friday�� calendar includes speeches by Kansas Cit Fed President Elizabeth George and Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo and the following scheduled data releases and events (all times Eastern):

10:00 a.m. – Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) 10:00 a.m. – E-commerce retail sales 11:00 a.m. – Kansas City Fed manufacturing index

Here are the closing bell levels for Thursday:

S&P500 1795.85 (+14.48; +0.81%) DJIA 16009.99 (+109.17; +0.69%) NASDAQ 3969.15 (+47.88; +1.22%) 10YR TNOTE 2.792% (+0.125) Gold $1,243.60 (-14.40; -1.1%) WTI Crude oil $95.44 +1.59; +1.7%) Euro/Dollar: 1.3482 (+0.0042; +0.31%)

Big Earnings Movers: Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) is down 3.5% at $64.19. Sears Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHLD) is down 2.9% at $59.93 on a wider loss and tepid outlook. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) is up 14.1% at $70.57 indicating that investors liked the results posted after markets closed on Wednesday. Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR) is down 4.5% at $56.28. Abercrombie & Fitch Inc. (NYSE: ANF) is down 0.1% at $34.97.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Watch Right Now: ProShares UltraShort FTSE China 25 (FXP)

ProShares UltraShort FTSE/Xinhua China 25 (the Fund) seeks daily investment results that correspond to twice (200%) the inverse (opposite) of the daily performance of the FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (the Index). The Index consists of 25 of the largest and most liquid Chinese stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). This free float-adjusted Index caps the weight of any of constituent stock at 10% to ensure broad representation of the Chinese economy. The Fund takes positions in securities and/or financial instruments that, in combination, should have similar daily return characteristics as -200% of the daily return of the Index. The Index is a price return index. The Fund�� investment advisor is ProShare Advisors LLC. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By pamatlarge]

  Three short ETFs are designed to profit from China�� economic downward slide. The ProShares Short FTSE China 25 (YXI), an unleveraged ETF, holds shares in iShares FTSE China Large-Cap (FXI) swaps. Investors looking to magnify their returns can choose from two leveraged short ETFs: ProShares Ultra Short FTSE China 25 (FXP) and Direxion Daily China Bear 3x Shares (YANG). Both ProShares Ultra Short and Direxion Daily hold shares that increase in value three times faster than an unleveraged ETF. The downside is that the per share price of these leveraged ETFs also drops three times faster.

Hot Diversified Bank Companies To Buy For 2015: Akorn Inc.(AKRX)

Akorn, Inc. engages in the manufacture and marketing of diagnostic and therapeutic ophthalmic pharmaceuticals products, niche hospital drugs, and injectable pharmaceuticals in the United States and internationally. It offers products in various specialty areas, including ophthalmology, antidotes, anti-infectives, pain management, anesthesia, and vaccines. The company?s Ophthalmic segment markets diagnostic products, including mydriatics and cycloplegics, anesthetics, topical stains, gonioscopic solutions, angiography dyes, and others primarily for use in the office setting. This segment also offers therapeutic products, such as antibiotics, steroids, steroid combinations, glaucoma medications, decongestants/antihistamines, and anti-edema medications to wholesalers, chain drug stores, and other national account customers; and non-pharmaceutical products, which include various artificial tear solutions, preservative-free lubricating ointments, and eyelid cleansers. In addit ion, the Ophthalmic segment provides a line of over-the-counter dry eye and other eye health products principally under the TheraTears brand name through a chain drug stores and big box retailers, as well as directly to optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other eye care practitioners and clinics. The company?s Hospital Drugs and Injectables segment provides a line of niche hospital drug and injectable pharmaceutical products comprising antidotes, anti-infectives, controlled substances for pain management and anesthesia, and other pharmaceutical products to hospitals through the wholesale distribution channel. Its Contract Services segment manufactures ophthalmic and injectable pharmaceutical products for third party pharmaceutical customers based on their specifications. The company serves physicians, optometrists, hospitals, wholesalers, group purchasing organizations, pharmacy chains, and other pharmaceutical companies. Akorn, Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  What: Shares of Akorn (NASDAQ: AKRX  ) �-- a hybrid generic and branded drug developer -- shed as much as 15% of their value after the company reported disappointing first-quarter results.

Hot Diversified Bank Companies To Buy For 2015: AMN Healthcare Services Inc(AHS)

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. provides healthcare staffing and clinical workforce management solutions in the United States. The company?s Nurse and Allied Healthcare Staffing segment provides staffing solutions for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, including medical, surgical, specialty, licensed practical or vocational, and advanced practice nurses, as well as surgical technologists and dialysis technicians. This segment also offers allied health professionals under the Med Travelers, Club Staffing, and Rx Pro Health brand names to acute-care hospitals and other healthcare facilities, such as skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation clinics, and retail and mail-order pharmacies. These allied health professionals include physical, surgical, respiratory, and occupational therapists, as well as medical and radiology technologists, speech pathologists, rehabilitation assistants, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. Its Locum Tenens Staffing segment places physic ians of various specialties, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and dentists on a temporary basis as independent contractors with various healthcare organizations, including hospitals, medical groups, occupational medical clinics, individual practitioners, networks, psychiatric facilities, government institutions, and managed care entities. The company?s Physician Permanent Placement Services segment provides permanent physician placement services to hospitals, healthcare facilities, and physician practice groups under the Merritt Hawkins and Kendall & Davis brand names. This segment also offers specialty offerings, including internal medicines, family practices, and surgeries. Its Home Healthcare Services segment provide home healthcare services to individuals with acute-care illness, long-term chronic health conditions, permanent disabilities, terminal illnesses, and post-procedural needs. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in S an Diego, California.

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 AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE: AHS  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

• [By Sean Williams]

  What: Shares of AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE: AHS  ) , a health care staffing solutions company, jumped as much as 11% after reporting its third-quarter earnings results.

Hot Diversified Bank Companies To Buy For 2015: Partner Communications Company Ltd.(PTNR)

Partner Communications Company Ltd. provides various telecommunications services in Israel. It offers cellular telephony services on GSM/GPRS and UMTS/HSDPA networks. The company also provides basic services, including domestic mobile calls, international dialing, roaming, voice mail, short message services, intelligent network services, content based on its cellular portal, data and fax transmission, and other services. In addition, it offers Internet services provider services that provides access to the Internet, as well as home WiFi networks; value added services, such as anti-virus and anti-spam filtering; and transmission services; and Web video on demand services, music tracks, and games. Further, the company provides voice over broadband and primary rate interface fixed-line telephone services; and data capacity services. Additionally, it offers content services comprising voice mail, text, and multimedia messaging, as well as downloadable wireless data application s, including ring tones, music, games, and other informational content; and sells handsets, phones, routers, and related equipment. The company markets its products through its sales centers, business sales representatives, traditional networks of specialized dealers, and non-traditional networks of retail chains and stores under the Orange brand name. Partner Communications Company Ltd. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Rosh Ha-ayin, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Telecommunications services shares jumped around 1.19 percent in today’s trading. Top gainers in the sector included NQ Mobile (NYSE: NQ), China Unicom (Hong Kong) (NYSE: CHU), and Partner Communications Company (NASDAQ: PTNR).

• [By Eddie Staley]

  Telecommunications services shares jumped around 1.19 percent in today’s trading. Top gainers in the sector included NQ Mobile (NYSE: NQ), China Unicom (Hong Kong) (NYSE: CHU), and Partner Communications Company (NASDAQ: PTNR).

• [By Garrett Cook]

  In trading on Monday, telecommunications services shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.35 percent. Meanwhile, top decliners in the sector included Cellcom Israel Ltd. (NYSE: CEL), down 5 percent, and Partner Communications Company Ltd. (NASDAQ: PTNR), off 3.9 percent.

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Another under-$10 wireless telecom player that's starting to move within range of triggering a major breakout trade is Partner Communications (PTNR), a telecommunications company, provides cellular and fixed-line telecommunication services in Israel. This stock is off to a strong start in 2013, with shares up sharply by 29%.

  If you take a look at the chart for Partner Communications, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways for the last month, with shares moving between $7.28 on the downside and $7.96 on the upside. Shares of PTRN are bucking the overall market weakness today as the stock starts to move within range of triggering a breakout trade above the upper-end of its sideways trading chart pattern.

  Market players should now look for long-biased trades in PTNR if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $7.80 to $7.85 a share and then once it clears its 52-week high at $7.96 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that registers near or above its three-month average volume of 107,303 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then PTNR will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $10 to $12.20 a share.

  Traders can look to buy PTNR off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $7.38 to $7.28, or below its 50-day at $6.97 a share. One can also buy PTNR off strength once it clears those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

15 Best Finance Tweets of the Year: 2013

Every day, there are some 500 million tweets posted on Twitter — about 5,700 per second, according to the site. It’s impossible to craft a definitive list of the best tweets of the year, but here are some of the best from the business world that crossed ThinkAdvisor's radar.

In 2013, the Twitterati helped nudge Bitcoin into the public consciousness as both a controversial new investment and a punchline; kept investors informed as the Nasdaq suffered an unprecedented, hours-long meltdown; and posted live updates as legislators failed to reach a spending deal and shut down the federal government for 16 days.

They also dished out a well-deserved mocking to JPMorgan Chase, fresh off the announcement of a $13 billion mortgage settlement when it had the chutzpah to suggest a Q&A session on career advice with a bank executive.

Meanwhile, bond king Bill Gross found silliness on the trading floor, Larry Summers did not become the next Federal Reserve chairman, and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron called for spending cuts in a gold-laden throne room — making a bigger fool of himself than millions of tweeters ever could.

We can laugh at Bitcoin but real guys, in real basements, are losing real fake money right now.

To the person who found my website my googling "Should I cash in my 401k to pay off student loans?" the answer is No... you shouldn't

Gross: Opening bell ceremonies rather comical really. People clapping for themselves making money. For now that is.

I'm going to start writing things like "3.5 reasons the market is going to up and and down over the next 3.5 days"

Have they tried turning it off and on again? #nasdaq

Larry Summers begrudgingly pretends he is not the best candidate for every job on Earth http://t.co/oAHjZFIaIz

The #NSA walks into a bar. Bartender: "Got a new joke for you." NSA: "Heard it."

"The market is saying it doesn't like Summers, Syria, Tapering" - the market is a f***ing nuthouse full of deranged robots and QE addicts.

This photo of David Cameron calling for spending cuts is fundamentally hilarious. http://t.co/FN5BFBNwaz pic.twitter.com/Iu1itlZexd

It's that time of year again. Crisp fall air, football, jumping in piles of leaves, pumpkin pie, government shutdowns....

You can shut down the government, but you can't shut down my Twitter fe

If it's a legitimate budget dispute... RT @TheStalwart: The legislative body has a way of shutting down

Would you rather negotiate with 1 horse-sized Eric Holder, or 100 duck-sized Eric Holders? #AskJPM

I have Mortgage Fraud, Market Manipulation, Credit Card Abuse, Libor Rigging and Predatory Lending AM I DIVERSIFIED? #AskJPM

The Ayn Rand Institute just emailed me to offer free Rand books for my students. Apparently the market price is wrong & subsidies are needed

---

Check out these related stories on ThinkAdvisor:

Top 5 Oil Stocks For 2015

Popular Posts: 9 Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy NowBiggest Movers in Energy Stocks Now – CHK KOG CLD PXDHottest Technology Stocks Now – GTAT N WDAY AMAT Recent Posts: Biggest Movers in Healthcare Stocks Now – LCI STJ CYH SIRO Biggest Movers in Financial Stocks Now – ENV KCG MFC CIM Biggest Movers in Technology Stocks Now – CGNX ADVS SYNA HIMX View All Posts 10 Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy Now

This week, 10 oil and gas stocks are improving their overall rating on Portfolio Grader. Each of these rates an “A” (“strong buy”) or “B” overall (“buy”).

Top Recreation Stocks To Watch For 2016: Hydrocarb Energy Corp (HECC)

Hydrocarb Energy Corp., formerly Duma Energy Corp., incorporated on April 12, 2005, is a natural resource exploration and production company engaged in the exploration, acquisition and development of oil and gas properties in the United States. The Company maintains an aggregate of approximately 395 gross (217 net) developed acres and approximately 6,120 gross (4,456 net) undeveloped acres, pursuant to leases or acquisitions. Of that acreage, it maintains approximately 176 gross (132 net) developed acres in Louisiana, 219 gross (85 net) developed acres in Texas, 4,614 gross (3,123 net) undeveloped acres in Illinois, 160 gross (150 net) undeveloped acres in Louisiana, and 1,346 gross (1,183 net) undeveloped acres in Texas. The interest holding properties of the Company include The Welder Lease (Barge Canal), Texas; South Delhi/Big Creek Field, Louisiana; The Holt Lease; The Strahan Lease; Janssen Lease, Texas; Koliba Lease, Texas, and Illinois. As of July 31, 2010, the Company had a total of six gross (five net) producing oil wells and one gas well. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Hydrocarb Corporation.

The Welder Lease (Barge Canal), Texas

The Company owns a 100% working interest (90% after payout) and a 72.5% net revenue interest (65.25% after payout) in approximately 81 acres of an oil and gas lease (the Welder Lease). This lease is located in Calhoun County, Texas. Effective January 1, 2010, it acquired the remaining 10% working in the Welder Leases from Treydan Corporation and owned 100% of the working interest. As of July 31, 2010, two wells were producing gas and oil from the property. The wells were operated using a gas lift system. A third well was utilized for salt water disposal. The wells have additional proven non-producing zones behind pipe. The Company focuses to develop the proved developed non-producing (PDNP) zones as producing horizons deplete.

South Delhi/Big Creek Field, Louisiana

! On August 24, 2006, the Company entered into an assignment of oil and gas interests purchase agreement with Energy Program Accompany, LLC (the EPA Purchase Agreement). At the time of the acquisition, one of four wells on the Holt lease and the one well on the Strahan lease were producing assets. The lease consists of the Holt Lease, the Strahan Lease and the McKay Lease (no longer owned). The Company owns a 97% working interest and an 81.25% net revenue interest in approximately 136 acres in Franklin Parish, Louisiana (the Holt Lease). As of July 31, 2010, the Company produced oil from the Holt No.�� 10 and 22 wells. The Holt No. 4 and 24 wells were off-line pending workover or offset drilling. The Holt No. 15 well was utilized as a salt water disposal well. Pursuant to the EPA Purchase Agreement, we acquired a 100% working interest and an 81.25% net revenue interest in approximately 40 acres in Richland Parish, Louisiana (the Strahan Lease). As of July 31, 2010, it produced oil from the Strahan No. 1 well. As of July 31, 2010, the Janssen A-1 well produced between 250-300 mcf gas per day and approximately six barrels per day of condensate.

Koliba Lease, Texas

The Koliba Lease property is located near the Company�� Welder lease and has one shut-in oil/gas well. The well previously produced 30 one stock tank barrel (Bbls) oil per day plus water. The well is in close proximity to the Company�� Welder gas sales line and salt water disposal system. The Koliba No. 2 well was drilled June 2010 and found to be slightly down-dip from the No.1 well. The Company elected to plug the No. 2.

Illinois

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010, the Company entered into numerous oil and gas leases in Jefferson and other counties in Illinois. As of July 31, 2010, these leases total approximately 2,994 gross acres, pursuant to which the Company has a working interest of 100% and a net revenue interest of 87.5%. It has an additional 1,620 gross acres under lea! se in Ill! inois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  The experts have spoken, and investors would do well to listen (and read between the lines). While Hydrocarb Energy Corp. (OTCBB:HECC) may not be poised to become the next Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), it is poised to follow in the footsteps of Tullow Oil Plc (OTCMKTS:TUWOY) [long story - more on that below]. Perhaps more bullish than anything right now, however, is that other, independent observers are starting to take notice, and think HECC shares could be worth nearly three times as much as where they're trading now within the foreseeable future.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  It may seem trite (and a little dated) on the surface, but Warren Buffett's sage advice stands as tall today as it did the first time her ever said it.... "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." And, to say investors have been fearful of oil names like Kosmos Energy Ltd (NYSE:KOS), Africa Oil Corp. (CVE:AOI), and Hydrocarb Energy Corp. (OTCBB:HECC) of late would be an understatement. Not only have all three been pressured against a backdrop of plunging oil prices, HECC, KOS, and AOI have been doubly pressured because a big piece of what they do within their oil exploration exploits is done in Africa, where oil's recent volatility has been particularly disruptive. As Buffett� has accurately explained so many times in the past though, trends have a funny way of ending right around the time most investors are certain they'll never end.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  It's the market's tacit way of saying it expects oil to rebound firmly in the foreseeable future, even if the professionals aren't explicitly saying it. With that being the case, true contrarian speculators - the ones who put their money where their mouth is - may want to consider small cap oil play Hydrocarb Energy Corp. (OTCBB:HECC) as a high-potential way of playing oil's recovery in 2015.

Top 5 Oil Stocks For 2015: 1st NRG Corp (FNRC)

1st NRG Corp., incorporated on January 18, 1988, is an exploration and production company. The Company is engaged in the development of the Clabaugh Ranch Field, which is a project developing and producing coal bed methane reserves (CBM). This project includes a development of 6,025 gross acres in the Powder River Basin in northeast Wyoming. The Company is expanding its activities into unconventional shale through a participation agreement covering approximately 7,000 acres initially and subsequently acquired acreage covering an Area of Mutual Interest in South Eastern Ohio. Its production revenues are entirely from the natural gas produced at Clabaugh Ranch.

The targeted coal seams in the Powder River Basin are part of the Tongue River Member of the Fort Union formation and have been mapped as natural resource developments and exploration have occurred throughout the region. The Company has 42 drilled wells, which have encountered developed coal seams in the Werner, Upper and Lower Smith, Wyodak/Anderson Lower, Gates and Wall formations. In total the Company has identified 515 separate coals seams for development of which only 126 (42 wells X 3 seams) have been completed.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  What�� the Catch With Quantum Energy Inc? According to various disclosures, transactions of $2k and $3.5k have or will occur to mention Quantum Energy in various investment newsletters. On Friday, Quantum Energy released the pricing of its recently announced $5,000,000 BDC funding to be arranged by Data Capital Corp (DCC) where the latter has agreed to assist the former in the formation of a Business Development Company (BDC) by forming Quantum Funding, Inc. as a BDC to raise an initial $5,000,000. Upon receipt of the funding, Quantum Funding, Inc. will then be acquired as a subsidiary by QEGY in a share exchange where the $5,000,000 subsidiary will be acquired for 10,000,000 shares of newly issued restricted common stock for a valuation of $0.50 cents per share. Otherwise and early in the month, Quantum Energy announced it was shifting its focus from the West Texas Barnett Shale fields to North Dakota with the opening of an office in Williston, North Dakota. However, a quick look on Google Finance (as there are no up to date financials on Yahoo! Finance) reveals Quantum Energy has no revenues; a net loss of $0.01M (most recent reported quarter), net income of $2.01M and a net loss of $0.02M for the past three fiscal quarters; and $0.01M in cash to cover $0.34M in current liabilities at the end of last August. Then again, the recent financing deal could get things moving for Quantum Energy next year.

  1st NRG Corp (OTCMKTS: FNRC) Gives a Drilling and Production Update

  Small cap 1st NRG Corp is an exploration and production company currently developing and producing coal bed methane reserves (CBM) in Wyoming. On Friday, 1st NRG Corp fell 25% to $0.0003 for a market cap of $5.02 million plus FNRC is down 97.1% since the start of the year and down 99.8% since July 2010 according to Google Finance.

Top 5 Oil Stocks For 2015: CAMAC Energy Inc (CAK)

CAMAC Energy Inc. (CAMAC), incorporated on December 12, 1979, is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused on energy resources in Africa. Its asset portfolio consists of nine production and exploration licenses in four countries covering an area of 43,000 square kilometers (approximately 10 million acres), including existing production and other projects offshore Nigeria, as well as exploration licenses with hydrocarbon potential onshore and offshore Kenya, offshore Gambia, and offshore Ghana.

Nigeria

The Company owns 100% of the economic interests under a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and related assets, contracts and rights pertaining to those certain Oil Mining Leases 120 and 121 (OMLs 120 and 121) including the producing Oyo Field which is located in deep-water (200-500 meters) approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) offshore Nigeria. In September 2013, drilling operations commenced on the Oyo-7 well in OML 120. In October 2013, the preliminary results from the Oyo-7 well were announced. Based on logging while drilling (LWD) data, the well encountered gross oil pay of 133 feet (net oil pay of 115 feet) and gross gas pay of 103 feet (net gas pay of 93 feet) in the gas cap from the producing Pliocene reservoir, with reservoir. The top of the reservoir was penetrated at 5,564 feet.

Kenya

The Kenya PSCs for blocks L1B and L16 each provide for an initial exploration period of two years with specified minimum work obligations during that period. The Company conducts, for each block, a gravity and magnetic survey and acquire, process and interpret two dimensional (2D) seismic data. The gravity and magnetic survey on blocks L1B and L16 was completed in April 2013. The Company has the right to apply for up to two additional two-year exploration periods with specified additional minimum work obligations, including the acquisition of three dimensional (3D) seismic data and the drilling of one exploratory well on each block du! ring each such additional period. In December 2013, the Company initiated an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study in blocks L1B and L16 in order to obtain the license to carry out a 2D seismic survey.

The Kenya PSCs for blocks L27 and L28 each provide for an initial exploration period of three years with specified minimum work obligations during that period. The Company conducts, for each block, a regional geological and geophysical study, acquire 2D seismic data and acquire, process and interpret 3D seismic data. The Company has the right to apply for up to two additional two-year exploration periods with specified additional minimum work obligations, including the drilling of one exploratory well on each block, during each such additional period. CAMAC is participating in a multi-client combined gravity / magnetic and 2D seismic survey which is underway in blocks L27 and L28.

The Gambia

The Gambia Licenses for both blocks provide for an initial exploration period of four years with specified minimum work obligations during that period. The Company conducts, for each block, a regional geological study, acquire process and interpret 750 square kilometers of 3D seismic data, drill one exploration well to the total depth of 5,000 meters below mean sea level and evaluate drilling results. The Company has the right to apply for up to two additional two-year exploration periods with specified additional minimum work obligations, including the drilling of one exploration well during each additional period for each block.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Bieglmeier]

  But, we'll take a look at CAMAC Energy Inc (NYSEMKT:CAK).� Since the odds are you haven't heard of CAK, the company is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused on energy resources in Africa. Its asset portfolio consists of nine production and exploration licenses in four countries covering an area of 43,000 square kilometers (approximately 10 million acres), including existing production and other projects offshore Nigeria, as well as exploration licenses with hydrocarbon potential onshore and offshore Kenya, offshore Gambia, and offshore Ghana.

Top 5 Oil Stocks For 2015: Precision Drilling Corp (PDS)

Precision Drilling Corporation (Precision) is a provider of contract drilling and completion and production services primarily to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in Canada and the United States. The Company operates in two segments: Contract Drilling Services, and Completion and Production Services. In Canada, the Contract Drilling Services segment includes land drilling services, directional drilling services, procurement and distribution of oilfield supplies and the manufacture and refurbishment of drilling and service rig equipment, and the Completion and Production Services segment includes service rigs for well completion and workover services, snubbing services, camp and catering services, wastewater treatment services and the rental of oilfield surface equipment, tubulars, well control equipment and wellsite accommodations. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lee Jackson]

  Precision Drilling Corp. (NYSE: PDS) is Canada’s leading oilfield services firm, which provides contract drilling, well servicing and strategic support services to its customers. The company was formed as a private drilling contractor in the early 1950s and has grown on the back of fleet expansion and acquisitions, most notably the $2 billion purchase of Grey Wolf in 2008. The company pays investors a 2.1% dividend. The Jefferies price objective goes from $11 to $13. The consensus stands at $12.78. The stock closed Friday at $10.39.

Raymond James Tops Estimates as Profits Grow 40%

Raymond James Financial (RJF) said sales for the quarter ending Sept. 30 grew 5% from last year and 1 % from the prior quarter to $1.12 billion, topping estimates.

Net income of $117.5 million, or $0.82 per share, topped last year’s results by 41% and last quarter’s by 40%.

“Results this quarter were lifted by a beneficial tax rate and better than expected results in Capital Markets and Raymond James Bank,” said CEO Paul Reilly, in a press release.

The firm’s Private Client Group revenues grew 7% from the prior year quarter to $742.5 million, but were down slightly from last quarter (when the unit had sales of $745 million.)

The unit’s pretax income, though, grew 26% from last year and 10% from the preceding quarter to $64.6 million, “as profitability benefited from continued realization of operating efficiencies, particularly related to technology expenses,” the company says.

10 Best Insurance Stocks To Invest In Right Now

PCG assets grew 4% from last quarter to $403 billion, while fee-based assets expanded 6% to $155 billion.

The firm has 6,197 advisors in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, down 4 from the prior quarter and 13 from last year.

“Retention levels remain very high for the legacy Morgan Keegan financial advisors offered retention packages,” the company explained in a statement. Plus, advisor recruiting is at a “healthy” pace in both the employee and independent contractor channels.

“I am very proud of our team of associates and financial advisors for achieving record results this year, especially given the choppy economic environment and the intense work required to successfully execute the Morgan Keegan integration,” Reilly said.

The company hosted its annual Raymond James Women's Symposium this week in St. Petersburg, which was attend by nearly 200 of its female reps and 19 prospective advisors. 

---

Check out Not Enough Women in the Industry: Raymond James Execs on ThinkAdvisor.

Hot High Dividend Stocks For 2016

Hot High Dividend Stocks For 2016: Rewards Nexus Inc (ERNI)

Rewards Nexus Inc., formerly NIS Holdings Corp., incorporated on June 21, 2004, through its subsidiaries, operates in the loyalty/rewards industry. The Company has launched the Earn IQ rewards program, a consumer loyalty platform-coupled with marketing and advertising services for various industries.

The Company provides consumers with opportunities to interact and engage with online and mobile products. It primarily focuses on various business sectors, including the customer loyalty management market, the gift card industry, the online food ordering industry, and the marketing consulting industry

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Rewards Nexus Inc (OTCMKTS: ERNI), MyEcheck Inc (OTCMKTS: MYEC) and ITonis Inc (OTCMKTS: ITNS) fell 29.6%, 18.92% and 9.09%, respectively, last Friday. Moreover, some of these small cap stocks are already making big moves again this morning - perhaps in part because they have all been the subject of recent paid promotions. So where are these small cap heading this week and for the long term? Here is a quick reality check:

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-high-dividend-stocks-for-2016.html

Top 10 Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2016

Top 10 Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2016: CSS Industries Inc (CSS)

CSS Industries, Inc. (CSS), incorporated on November 5, 1923, is a company primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, procurement, distribution and sale of seasonal and all occasion social expression products, principally to mass market retailers. These seasonal and all occasion products include gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, gift card holders, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, decorative tissue paper, decorations, classroom exchange Valentines, decorative ribbons and bows, floral accessories, Halloween masks, costumes, make-up and novelties, Easter egg dyes and novelties, craft and educational products, stickers, memory books, stationery, journals, notecards, infant and wedding photo albums, scrapbooks, and other gift items that commemorate lifes celebrations. In September 5, 2012, it sold the Halloween portion of its Paper Magic business to Gemmy Industries (HK) Limited.

CSS product provides its retail customers the opportunity to use a single ven dor for much of their seasonal product requirements. A substantial portion of CSS products are manufactured, packaged and/or warehoused in 10 facilities located in the United States, with the remainder purchased primarily from manufacturers in Asia and Mexico. The Companys products are sold to its customers by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers representatives. The Companys principal operating subsidiaries include Paper Magic Group, Inc. (Paper Magic), Berwick Offray LLC (Berwick Offray) and C.R. Gibson, LLC (C.R. Gibson). CSS designs, manufactures, procures, distributes and sells a range of seasonal consumer products primarily through the mass market distribution channel. Christmas products include gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, gift card holders, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, decorative tissue paper and decorations. CSS Valentine product offerings! includ e classroom exchange Valentine cards and other related Valentine products, while its Easter product offerings include Dudleys brand of Easter egg dyes and related Easter seasonal products. CSS also designs and markets decorative ribbons and bows, all occasion boxed greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, gift boxes, gift card holders, decorative and waxed tissue, decorative films and foils, stickers, memory books, stationery, journals, notecards, infant and wedding photo albums, scrapbooks, floral accessories and other gift and craft items to its mass market, craft, specialty and floral retail and wholesale distribution customers, and teachers' aids and other learning oriented products to the education market through mass market retailers, school supply distributors and teachers' stores. Key brands include Paper Magic, Berwick, Offray, C.R. Gibson, Markings, Creative Papers, Tapestry, Dudleys, Don Post Studios, Eureka, Learning Playground, Stickerfitti and iota. Key bran ds include Paper Magic, Berwick, Offray, C.R. Gibson, Markings, Creative Papers, Tapestry, Seastone, Dudleys, Eureka, Learning Playground and Stickerfitti.

CSS operates 10 manufacturing and/or distribution facilities located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Alabama and Texas. Its boxed greeting cards are produced by Asian manufacturers to the Companys specifications. Halloween make-up and Easter egg dye products are manufactured in Asia to specific formulae by contract manufacturers who meet regulatory requirements for the formularization and packaging of such products. Ribbons and bows are primarily manufactured and warehoused in seven facilities located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. Memory books, stationery, journals and notecards, infant and wedding photo albums, scrapbooks, and other gift items are imported from Asian manufacturers and warehoused and distributed from a distribution facility in Florence, A labama. Floral accessories, including pot covers, foil, wax! ed tissue! , shred, aisle runners, corsage bags and other paper and film products, are manufactured in a facility located in Milford, New Hampshire and Juarez, Mexico. Manufacturing includes gravure and flexo printing, waxing and converting. Products are warehoused and distributed from a distribution facility in Berwick, Pennsylvania. Other products including, but not limited to, decorative tissue paper, all occasion gift wrap, gift tags, gift bags, gift boxes, gift card holders, classroom exchange Valentine products, Halloween masks, costumes and novelties, Easter products, decorations and school products are designed to the specifications of CSS and are imported primarily from Asian manufacturers.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Gifts makerCSS Industries (NYSE: CSS  ) announced yesterday its second-quarter dividend of $0.15 per share, the same rate it's paid since 2008.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-10-specialty-retail-companies-to-own-for-2016.html

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015

Popular Posts: 5 Stocks Ready to Bloom in SpringGoogle Stock Split Is All Good For GOOG Investors3 Top-Rated Stocks to Buy on Any Dips Recent Posts: Alcoa Stock is Starting to Shine (AA) 3 Stocks to Buy Now That Spring is In the Air General Motors Stock Is Stalled (GM) View All Posts

Staid and stodgy Alcoa (AA) is trying real hard to turn into a growth stock. The company has been grabbing investors��attention lately as we head into next week�� earnings season.

5 Best Oil Service Stocks To Watch For 2016: Alliance One International Inc (AOI)

Alliance One International, Inc., incorporated on October 19, 1994, is a leaf tobacco merchant. The Company is engaged in purchasing, processing, packing, storing and shipping tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products globally. The Company deals primarily in flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos that is used in international brand cigarettes. The Company�� revenues are primarily comprised of sales of processed tobacco and fees charged for processing and related services to these manufacturers of tobacco products. The Company does not manufacture cigarettes or other consumer tobacco products.

Tobacco is primarily purchased directly from suppliers with small quantities still sold at auction. In non-auction markets, the Company purchases tobacco directly from suppliers and the Company assumes the risk of matching the quantities and grades required by its customers to the entire crop it must purchase under contract. The Company purchases tobacco in more than 35 countries. During the year ended March 31, 2013 (fiscal 2013), approximately 30% of the Company�� purchases of tobacco were from the South America operating segment, approximately 5% were from the Value Added Services operating segment and approximately 65% from the Other Regions operating segment.

The Company processes tobacco to meet each customer's specifications as to quality, yield, chemistry, particle size, moisture content and other characteristics. Unprocessed tobacco is a semi-perishable commodity that generally must be processed within a relatively short period of time to prevent fermentation or deterioration in quality. The Company processes tobacco in more than 35 owned and third-party facilities around the world including Argentina, Brazil, China, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Guatemala, India, Tanzania, the United States, Malawi, Thailand, Germany, Indonesia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. These facilities encompass all export locations of flue-cured, burley and oriental tobaccos! . In addition, the Company has entered into contracts, joint ventures and other arrangements for the purchase of tobacco grown in substantially all other countries that produce export-quality flue-cured and burley tobacco. The Company also sells a small amount of processed but unthreshed flue-cured and burley tobacco in loose-leaf and bundle form to certain customers. In 2013, Alliance One delivered approximately 41% of its tobacco sales to customers in Europe and approximately 19% to customers in the United States. In 2013, these Belgium sales accounted for 20% of sales to customers in Europe. The Company ships tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products located in approximately 90 countries around the world as designated by these manufacturers.

The Company competes with Japan Tobacco, Inc. (JTI), Philip Morris International, Inc. (PMI), and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sally Jones] ng>Predictability: 1 out of 5 Stars

  Down 12% over 12 months, Alliance One International Inc. has a market cap of $251.53 million; its shares were traded at around $2.86, which is 2.4% above its 52-week low. The P/E ratio is 65.10, and the P/B ratio is 0.80.

  Alliance One is a tobacco leaf supplier serving the world's largest cigarette manufacturers. The company purchases, processes, packs, stores and ships tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Alliance One deals mainly in tobacco types used in international brand cigarettes. As a tobacco leaf merchant, Alliance One purchases tobacco grown in over 45 countries and serves cigarette manufacturers in over 90 countries.

  The company reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, with a net loss of $36.9 million, down further from a net loss in the same quarter last year of 30.7 million. The net loss translates to $(0.42) per basic share for the reporting quarter.

  Historical share pricing, revenue and net income:

  [ Enlarge Image ]

  Guru Action: As of June 30, 2013, Seth Klarman holds 7,669,969 shares, valued at $29.14 million, and weighting his portfolio at 0.72%. In the second quarter, he sold 461,625 shares at an average price of $3.74 for a loss of 23.5%.

  In six quarters of double-digit losses, Klarman has averaged a loss of 31% on 5,800,000 shares bought at an average price of $4.17 per share. He has averaged a loss of 38% on 1,798,473 shares sold at an average price of $4.59 per share.

  Seth Klarman is one of six gurus holding AOI as of June 30, 2013, and there is recent insider trading.

  Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC)

  Predictability: 1 out of 5 Stars

  Down 54% over 12 months, Kinross Gold Corporation has a market cap of $5.32 billion; its shares were traded at around $4.66, 2.8% above its 52-week low. The P/B ratio is 0.80. The dividend yield is 3.44%.

  Kinross Gold Corporati

• [By John Emerson]

  Camtek was an automated optical inspection (AOI) company that designed and manufactured inspection systems for printed circuit boards (PCB). Further, they were in the process of designing systems to inspect semiconductors as well. The logic for investing in AOI companies was simple: Many circuit boards still employed visual inspection and circuits were getting smaller every year.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  It may seem trite (and a little dated) on the surface, but Warren Buffett's sage advice stands as tall today as it did the first time her ever said it.... "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." And, to say investors have been fearful of oil names like Kosmos Energy Ltd (NYSE:KOS), Africa Oil Corp. (CVE:AOI), and Hydrocarb Energy Corp. (OTCBB:HECC) of late would be an understatement. Not only have all three been pressured against a backdrop of plunging oil prices, HECC, KOS, and AOI have been doubly pressured because a big piece of what they do within their oil exploration exploits is done in Africa, where oil's recent volatility has been particularly disruptive. As Buffett� has accurately explained so many times in the past though, trends have a funny way of ending right around the time most investors are certain they'll never end.

• [By John Emerson]

  As noted previously, I rode the elevator up and then back down on Camtek (CAMT), a tiny Israeli automated optical inspection (AOI) company. By late 2008 the company had fallen to below $1 per share. Both of Camtek�� larger rivals, RTEC and ORBK, had dropped to absurdly low levels by November 2008. I used the opportunity to switch out of CAMT and some of my other losing propositions in favor of these superior companies. In the process, I created a large amount of tax loss carry-forwards which would allow me to minimize my future taxation when I decided to sell these cyclical entities.

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015: Fujitsu Ltd (FJTSY)

Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu), incorporated on June 20, 1935, is engaged in providing solutions in the field of information and communication technology. Along with multifaceted services provision, its business consists of the development, manufacture, sales and maintenance of the high-quality products and electronic devices that make these services possible. The Company operates in three segments: technology solutions, ubiquitous products solutions and device solutions. On June 4, 2009, Fujitsu introduced the docomo PRIME series F-09A mobile handset. On July 15, 2009, Fujitsu announces acquisition of shares in information technology (IT) subsidiary of AUTOBACS SEVEN. In October 2010, the Company and Toshiba Corporation announced that they have completed the merger of their mobile phone businesses. Effective August 15, 2013, Intel Corp acquired Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products Inc, from Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd.

Technology solutions

Fujitsu provides solutions/system integration services focused on information system consulting and integration, and infrastructure services centered on outsourcing services (complete information system operation and management). Fujitsu offers system products, such as servers and storage systems, which form the backbone of information systems, along with network products, such as mobile phone base stations, optical transmission systems and other communications infrastructures. Its services include system integration (system construction), consulting, front-end technologies (automated teller machines (ATMs)), outsourcing services (datacenters, IT operation/management, software as a service (SaaS), application operation/management and business process outsourcing), network services (business networks, distribution of Internet/mobile content), system support services (maintenance and surveillance services for information systems and networks) and security solutions (installation of information systems an! d networks).

Ubiquitous products solutions

Fujitsu offers the personal computers (PCs), mobile phones and other products indispensable for realizing the emerging ubiquitous networked society. In PCs, along with more conventional desktop and notebook models, the Company develops netbooks and products with security features, providing a global lineup that allows customers to choose the product for their application. In mobile phones, it provide a variety of products that include high-performance models featuring specs and water resistance, separable mobile phone handset, and products created from collaborations with brands. Its products include PCs, mobile phones and optical transceiver modules.

Device solutions

LSI devices and electronic components comprise Fujitsu�� Device Solutions. Fujitsu Semiconductor, the Fujitsu operating company in semiconductors, provides LSI devices found in products, such as digital home appliances, automobiles, mobile phones and servers. The Company�� subsidiaries Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu Component Limited, along with FDK Corporation, provide semiconductor packages and other electronic components, as well as structural components, such as batteries, relays and connectors. Its products include LSI devices, electronic components (semiconductor packages), batteries and structural components (relays and connectors).

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks weakened in early Thursday trading as the yen rose and Wall Street ended mixed, with the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) falling 1.2% to 15,929.74 after a 1.9% advance a day earlier. With the yen (USDJPY) slightly firmer than in the previous session, some investors sold currency-sensitive exporters, with Fanuc Corp. (JP:6954) (FANUF) down 2%, Kyocera Corp. (JP:6971) (KYOCF) off 1.9%, and Fujitsu Ltd. (JP:6702) (FJTSY) losing 2.3%. News that China would lift a ban on some sales of videogame consoles had sent shares of Nintendo Co. (JP:7974) (NTDOF) shooting 11% higher on Wednesday, but apparent profit-taking sent the stock down 4.2% in early Thursday action. Shares of rival Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) , however, followed with a 4% rise, also possibly buoyed by a Nikkei Asian Review report that it was planning a "smartphone offensive" in the U.S. and China. Canon Inc. (JP:7751) (CAJ) fell 2% on a separate Nikkei report that the company's 2013 operating profit would miss forecasts. Toshiba Corp. (JP:6502) (TOSYY)

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks rose in early Monday trading, with weaker-than-expected trade data pushing the yen lower, which in turn helped some export stocks. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) added 1% to 14,704.36, with the broader Topix up 0.8%, also enjoying support from gains Friday in the U.S. After data showing exports grew less than analysts had projected, the dollar (USDJPY) moved back above the 98-yen level, sending some exporters climbing, with a 2.2% rise for Fujitsu Ltd. (JP:6702) (FJTSY) , a 1.2% improvement for Alps Electric Co. (JP:6770) , and a 1% bump for Toyota Motor Corp. (JP:7203) (TM) . Shares of Suzuki Motor Corp. (JP:7269) (SZKMF) added 2.9% after a Nikkei report saying the company would record its highest-ever operating profit for the April-September half. Retailers were also a strong spot Monday, with J. Front Retailing Co. (JP:3086) up 2%, online marketplace Rakuten Inc. (JP:4755) (RKUNF) adding 2.4%, and 7-Eleven operator Seven & I Holdings Co. (JP:3382) (SVNDF) ahead by 1.4%.

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015: Synutra International Inc.(SYUT)

Synutra International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and distribution of dairy based nutritional products primarily in the People?s Republic of China. The company offers powdered infant and adult formula products for adults and children under the Super, U-Smart, My Angel, Mingshan, and Helanruniu brand names; prepared baby food for babies and children under the Huiliduo brand name; and nutritional ingredients and supplements, such as chondroitin sulfate, microencapsulated Docosahexanoic Acid, and Arachidonic Acid. It also sells milk powder, whey protein, and raw milk to industrial customers. The company markets its products under Shengyuan or Synutra brands. It sells its products through sales and distribution network covering 30 provinces and provincial-level municipalities in China. Synutra International, Inc. is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Synutra International (Nasdaq: SYUT  ) is expected to report Q4 earnings on June 13. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

  The 10-second takeaway
  Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Synutra International's revenues will contract -9.1% and EPS will decrease -84.6%.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Synutra International (Nasdaq: SYUT  ) reported earnings on June 13. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q4), Synutra International missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015: Vishay Intertechnology Inc. (VSH)

Vishay Intertechnology Inc. designs, manufactures, and supplies discrete semiconductors and passive components. The company operates in five segments: MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors & Inductors, and Capacitors. The MOSFETs segment offers low- and medium-voltage TrenchFET MOSFETs, high-voltage planar MOSFETs, high voltage Super Junction MOSFETs, power integrated circuits, and integrated function power devices. The Diodes segment provides rectifiers, small signal diodes, protection diodes, thyristors/silicon-controlled rectifiers, and power modules. The Optoelectronic Components segment offers infrared (IR) emitters and detectors, IR remote control receivers, optocouplers, solid-state relays, optical sensors, light-emitting diodes, seven-segment displays, and IR data transceiver modules. The Resistors & Inductors segment provides film, wirewound, power metal strip, variable, and non-linear resistors, as well as battery management shunts, chip fuses, ne tworks/arrays, magnetics, and connectors. The Capacitors segment offers tantalum, ceramic, film, power, heavy-current, and aluminum capacitors. The company�s semiconductor components are used for various functions, including power control, power conversion, power management, signal switching, signal routing, signal blocking, signal amplification, two-way data transfer, one-way remote control, and circuit isolation; and passive components are used to restrict current flow, suppress voltage increases, store and discharge energy, control alternating current and voltage, filter out unwanted electrical signals, and perform other functions. It serves industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, power supplies, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Vishay Intertechnology offers its products to the manufacturers primarily in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE: VSH  ) reported earnings on April 30. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 30 (Q1), Vishay Intertechnology beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

• [By Anna Prior]

  Vishay Intertechnology Inc.(VSH) said that it has reached a deal to buy Taiwan’s Capella Microsystems Inc. for about $205 million, as it looks to broaden its optical sensors business.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  When most investors think of optical sensor makers, they tend to think of larger names like Honeywell International Inc.� (NYSE:HON) or Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE:VSH). And well they should. VSH is a $2 billion company, and HON is a $71.5 billion organization. The fact is, however, there are a few small cap stocks in the optical sensor space that are worth a look, and one of them is worth a very close look right now for a very clear reason... Advanced Photonix, Inc. (NYSEMKT:API).

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015: Barclays PLC (BARC)

Barclays PLC (Barclays) is a global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services. The Company�� operations include its overseas offices, subsidiaries and associates. The Company operates in eight segments: UK Retail and Business Banking (UK RBB), Europe Retail and Business Banking (Europe RBB), Africa Retail and Business Banking (Africa RBB), Barclaycard, Barclays Investment Bank, Barclays Corporate Banking, Wealth and Investment Management, and Head Office and Other Operations. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

  Experian (EXPN) lost 2.8 percent for the biggest decline on the FTSE 100 Index after Goldman Sachs Group Inc. recommended selling the credit-reference company�� shares. Speedy Hire Plc (SDY) tumbled the most since January 2009 after the construction-equipment leasing company reported accounting irregularities and its chief executive officer resigned. Barclays Plc (BARC) advanced 2.3 percent, pushing a gauge of banks higher.

• [By Sarah Jones]

  Barclays Plc (BARC) led a selloff by U.K. lenders as Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. sold half of its stake in the bank. EasyJet Plc (EZJ) lost 4.1 percent as the carrier reported passenger numbers for May. Johnson Matthey Plc (JMAT) rallied 6.3 percent after posting pretax profit that beat analysts��estimates.

• [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

  Barclays Plc (BARC) fell to a one-month low as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. sold a stake in the lender. Fiat SpA lost 6.5 percent as Chrysler Group LLC went in for a vehicle recall. France Telecom SA (FTE) rose after its Orange Business Services unit won a five-year deal to deploy a private network for Heineken NV. Johnson Matthey Plc (JMAT) jumped to its highest price in at least 23 years after posting full-year profit that beat estimates.

• [By Cordell Eddings]

  Treasuries are rising along with stocks as economists say the Fed will keep suppressing borrowing costs to support the world�� largest economy after a 16-day government shutdown slowed growth. While government debt was a haven as the U.S. endured the worst recession in seven decades, primary dealers such as Barclays Plc (BARC) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. say the gains this month show that the Fed�� $85 billion of monthly bond purchases are masking the risk of owning fixed-income securities as the recovery in America takes hold.

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015: Atwood Oceanics Inc. (ATW)

Atwood Oceanics, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in offshore drilling, and the completion of exploratory and developmental oil and gas wells. The company owns semisubmersible rigs, semisubmersible tender assist rigs, jack-up drilling rigs, and submersible drilling rigs. As of November 22, 2010, it operated nine mobile offshore drilling units located in offshore southeast Asia, offshore Africa, offshore Australia, offshore South America, and the Mediterranean Sea. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  There's no foolproof way to know the future for Atwood Oceanics (NYSE: ATW  ) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before your stock craters as a result.

• [By Charles Mizrahi]

  Companies rely on third party contractors, such as Atwood Oceanics (ATW) to provide rigs in these deep-water environments. High utilization rates have resulted in rig shortages, creating upward pressure on prices. Atwood's largest customers include Chevron (Australia), Noble, and Kosmos Energy Ghana.

• [By Aaron Levitt]

  For investors, focusing on the stocks right in the middle could be the key to long-term outperformance and portfolio gains. Here are five midcap energy stocks to buy now:

  Midcap Energy Stocks To Buy #1: Atwood Oceanics (ATW)

  The offshore contract drilling sector is dominated by larger firms like Transocean (RIG) and Noble (NE). However, with a market cap of just $3 billion, Atwood Oceanics (ATW) could be in the sweet spot for investors looking at midcap energy stocks.

Top 10 Healthcare Equipment Stocks For 2015: FreightCar America Inc (RAIL)

FreightCar America, Inc. (America) is engaged in manufacturing of aluminum-bodied railcars in North America. America is also a manufacturer of coal cars. During the year ended December 31, 2011(2011), the Company was specialized in the production of coal cars, which represented 93% of its deliveries of railcars. The Company also refurbishes and rebuilds railcars and sells forged, cast and fabricated parts for all of the railcars it produces, as well as those manufactured by others. During 2011, its primary customers were railroads, shippers and financial institutions, which represented 83%, 2% and 1%, respectively, of its total sales attributable to each type of customer. During 2011, it delivered 6,188 railcars, including 4,500 aluminum-bodied coal cars. It offers railcar leasing and refurbishment alternatives to its customers. Through its newly formed subsidiary FreightCar Rail Services, LLC (FCRS), it provides railcar repair and maintenance, inspections, and railcar fleet management services for all types of freight railcars. Its railcar manufacturing facilities are located in Danville, Illinois and Roanoke, Virginia.

The Company also leases freight cars through its JAIX Leasing Company subsidiary. In addition, the Company manufactures coal cars for export to Latin America and manufactures intermodal railcars for export to the Middle East. With operations in Colorado, Indiana and Nebraska, it services freight cars and unit coal trains utilizing rail corridors in the Midwest and Western regions of the United States. The Company designs and manufactures aluminum-bodied and steel-bodied railcars that transport a range of various products. It manufactures two primary types of coal cars, such as gondolas and open-top hoppers. The BethGon is the aluminum-bodied coal gondola railcar segment, which is used in North America. Its aluminum bodied open-top hopper railcar, the AutoFlood, is a five-pocket coal car equipped with a bottom discharge gate mechanism. AutoFlood II and AutoFlood III design! incorporates the automatic rapid discharge system, the MegaFlo door system and a mechanism that uses an over-center locking design, enabling the cargo door to close with tension rather than by compression.

The Company also manufactures a range of other types of aluminum and steel-bodied coal cars, including triple hopper, hybrid aluminum/stainless steel hoppers and gondolas and flat bottom gondola railcars. The Company�� portfolio of other railcar types include the AVC Aluminum Vehicle Carrier design, which is used to transport commercial and light vehicles (automobiles and trucks) from assembly plants and ports to rail distribution centers; the Articulated Bulk Container railcar designed to carry dense bulk products, such as waste products in 20 foot containers; Intermodal Double Stack railcars, including a stand-alone, 40 foot well car and the DynaStack articulated, 5-unit, 40 foot and 3-unit, 53 foot well cars for transportation of containers; a Small Cube Covered Hopper railcar, which is used to transport products, such as roofing granules, fly ash, sand and cement; a Mill Gondola Railcar, which is used to transport steel products and scrap; Slab and Coil steel railcars, which is designed for transportation of steel slabs and coil steel products, respectively; Flat Railcars, Bulkhead Flat Railcars and Centerbeam Flat Railcars, which is designed to transport a range of products, including machinery and equipment, steel and structural steel components (including pipe), forest products and other bulky industrial products; a Woodchip Gondola Railcar, which is designed to haul woodchips and municipal waste, and a range of non-coal carrying open top hopper railcars designed to carry aggregates, iron ore, taconite pellets, petroleum coke and other bulk commodities.

The Company has established a licensing arrangement with a railcar manufacturer in Brazil pursuant to which its technology is used to produce various types of railcars in Brazil. In addition, it manufacture coal car! s for exp! ort to Latin America and have manufactured intermodal railcars for export to the Middle East. Railroads outside of North America have a range of track gauges that are sized differently than in North America, which requires it, in some cases, to alter manufacturing specifications for foreign sales. The Company has added 10 new or redesigned products to its portfolio in the last five years, including the AVC, slab and coil steel railcar, triple hopper and hybrid aluminum/stainless steel railcars, ore cars, ballast cars and aggregate cars. The Company�� manufacturing process involves four basic steps: fabrication, assembly, finishing and inspection. In its fabrication processes, it employ standard metal working tools, many of which are computer controlled. Each assembly line typically involves 15 to 20 manufacturing positions, depending on the complexity of the particular railcar design. It uses mechanical fastening in the fitting and assembly of its aluminum-bodied railcar parts, while it uses welding for the assembly of its steel-bodied railcars.

The Company competes with Trinity Industries, Inc., National Steel Car Limited, The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and American Railcar Industries, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By SA Pro Top Ideas]

  Stock Movers and Great Calls
  Alpha-Rich long and short ideas regularly move stocks and identify stocks that are about to move. Some notable recent calls subscribers had early access to:

  On July 24, Mike Williams explained why FreightCar America's (RAIL) shares could double by 2015 as it returned to historic profitability. Shares are +16.3% to date after a strong earnings report this week. Read article » Vince Martin said on June 17 that Cray's (CRAY) sell-off after Q1 earnings was way overdone, offering investors a great deal. After a strong earnings report last week, shares now stand +45% from where they were before the article. Read article »

  To Come Today
  Don't forget to check your SA Pro dashboard later today for the latest Alpha-Rich ideas. Any thoughts to share on the latest Alpha-Rich ideas? Leave a comment here.
  
  SA Pro Editors
  …............
  
  The SA Pro team is Eli Hoffmann (Editor in Chief), Rachael Granby (Editorial Product Manager), Daniel Shvartsman, Samir Patel, Michael McDonald, and Jeffrey Fischer (Senior Pro Editors). You can reach us at pro-editors@seekingalpha.com.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  FreightCar America (NASDAQ: RAIL  ) has found an executive to lead its finance team. The company announced that it appointed Charles Avery as its CFO, vice president of finance, and treasurer, replacing Joseph McNeely. Avery will take up his position on Aug. 1.

CF Industries’ CEO Wilson Announces Retirement; Successor Named (CF)

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) announced early on Monday that its Chairman and Chief Executive Office Stephen R. Wilson will step down and retire as CEO effective January 1, 2014.

W. Anthony Will, CF Industries’ Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution, has been selected to succeed Wilson as CEO on January 1, 2014. Mr. Wilson will remain with the company as a director and serve as non-executive chairman.

Mr. Will joined CF Industries in 2007 as the company’s first vice president of corporate development. He was promoted to his present position in 2009 and has been responsible for annual production of 15 million tons of fertilizer and its distribution through some 70 locations.

Top 5 Semiconductor Stocks For 2016

CF Industries Holdings shares were up $5.47, or 2.82%, during pre-market trading on Monday. The stock is down 4.59% year-to-date.

Top 5 Japanese Companies For 2014

Japanese car major Toyota, the world's top selling automaker, raised its earnings forecast Tuesday as quarterly profit and sales far outpaced Wall Street's expectations.

Toyota's profit for the October-December quarter totaled a better-than-expected 525.4 billion yen ($5.2 billion), up dramatically from 99.9 billion yen a year earlier.

Quarterly sales jumped 24% to 6.585 trillion yen ($64.2 billion).

Analysts polled by FactSet had expected a 437 billion yen ($4.3 billion) quarterly profit.

Toyota cited a depreciating yen as one factor in the strong results.

The upbeat outlook underlines a continuing recovery at Toyota, whose production was battered by a tsunami and earthquake in March 2011 in northeastern Japan.

Toyota's Japan-listed shares closed down nearly 6% on Tuesday. The firm's strong earnings report was issued after the close of markets there, which fell sharply.

Hot Heal Care Companies To Watch For 2015: Avalon Holdings Corp (AWX)

Avalon Holdings Corporation (Avalon) is a subsidiary of American Waste Services, Inc. (AWS). Avalon operates in two business segments: waste management services and golf and related operations. The waste management services segment includes waste disposal brokerage and management services and captive landfill management operations. The golf and related operations segment includes the operation and management of golf courses, fitness centers, tennis, spa services, dining and banquet facilities and a travel agency. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the net operating revenues of the waste management services segment represented approximately 81% of its total segments��net operating revenues. During 2011, the net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment represented approximately 19% of its total segments��net operating revenues.

Waste Management Services

Avalon�� waste management subsidiaries provide hazardous and nonhazardous waste brokerage and management services and captive landfill management services. Waste management services are provided to industrial, commercial, municipal and governmental customers primarily in selected north-eastern and mid-western United States markets. American Waste Management Services, Inc. (AWMS) assists customers with managing and disposing of wastes at approved treatment and disposal sites based upon a customer�� needs. American Landfill Management, Inc. (ALMI) is a landfill management company that provides technical and operational services to customers owning captive disposal facilities. A captive disposal facility only disposes of waste generated by the owner of such facility. ALMI provides turnkey services, including daily operations, facilities management and management reporting for its customers. As of December 31, 2011, ALMI manages one captive disposal facility located in Ohio. In addition, American Construction Supply, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ALMI, sells construction mats.

Gol! f and Related Operations

Avalon�� golf and related operations segment operates golf courses and related facilities and a travel agency. Avalon Lakes Golf, Inc. (ALGI) owns and operates a Pete Dye designed championship golf course located in Warren, Ohio. ALGI generates revenue from membership dues, greens fees, cart rentals, merchandise, and food and beverage sales. TBG, Inc. (TBG), a subsidiary of ALGI, entered into a long-term agreement with Squaw Creek Country Club to lease and operate its golf course and related facilities. In addition to a championship golf course, the Squaw Creek facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse that includes a fitness center, dining and banquet facilities. TBG generates its revenue in the same manner as ALGI, but also generates revenues from tennis. Avalon Travel, Inc., a subsidiary of ALGI, owns and operates a travel agency which generates its revenue from booking travel reservations. Avalon�� golf courses are located in Warren, Ohio, Vienna, Ohio and Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Geoff Gannon] company that is in two different businesses.

  It has a golf course business that is not profitable but has a lot of assets. And then it has a waste management business that is profitable. But doesn�� have a lot of assets.

  This is the sort of situation where I would pay a lot of attention to the balance sheet. You aren�� really double counting in a stock like this. The assets are not producing the earnings. They could be separated from the business.

  Unfortunately, this is a controlled company. And not a good activist target.

  But you will find situations like Gyrodyne (GYRO) and Syms (SYMSQ) where at some point the company�� entire value really depended on its balance sheet.

  Obviously when looking at things like real estate you don�� go by what it says on the balance sheet. You try to find a note on depreciation that breaks out land, buildings, etc. And gives information about how the company depreciates its property.

  And ��of course ��you look at the ��roperties��item in the 10-K. In the U.S., you then use the information you��e gathered to check county land records and things like that for more information about the property.

  Generally, you want to:

  路 Find out when the company bought the property

Top 5 Japanese Companies For 2014: Resolute Forest Products Inc (RFP)

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

• [By Seth Jayson]

  There's no foolproof way to know the future for Resolute Forest Products (NYSE: RFP  ) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before your stock craters as a result.

Top 5 Japanese Companies For 2014: Unwired Planet Inc (UPIP)

Unwired Planet, Inc. (Unwired Planet), formerly Openwave Systems Inc., incorporated on December 16, 1994, is an intellectual property and technology licensing company. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had patent portfolio of approximately 200 issued United States and foreign patents and approximately 75 pending applications, many of which is considered foundational to mobile communications. In May 2012, the Company officially changed name to Unwired Planet, Inc.

On February 1, 2012, the Company sold its location business to Persistent Telecom Solutions Inc. On April 30, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its mediation and messaging product businesses to Openwave Mobility, Inc. The Company generates revenue by licensing its patented innovations and technologies to companies that develop mobile communications software infrastructure or hardware and/or develop mobile communications products.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James E. Brumley]

  If you'd rather spend your hard-earned dollars on some bargain-priced stocks rather than face the Black Friday mania at the malls (wise choice, by the way), then you've come to the right place. And, you may want to start you bargain hunt with Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLX) and Unwired Planet Inc. (NASDAQ:UPIP). Both names have been unduly beaten up in recent weeks, and better still, it looks like UPIP and MBLX, are ready to recover... in spades. That's an important detail, as a bargain is only a bargain if it's something actually worth owning. Take a look.

• [By Wallace Witkowski]

  Shares of Unwired Planet Inc. (UPIP) �jumped 75% to $2.27 on heavy volume after Lenovo Group (HK:0992) �said it would buy about 21 patent families from Unwired for $100 million.

Top 5 Japanese Companies For 2014: Silicom Ltd(SILC)

Silicom Ltd. engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and support of connectivity solutions for a range of servers and server based systems in the North America, Europe, and internationally. The company primarily offers high-end server networking cards with and without bypass that are known as server adapters. Its server adapters are used in various applications that include security appliances, wide area network optimization appliances, load balancing and traffic management appliances, network-attached storage, video on demand servers, content delivery servers, Internet service providers/Web hosting, and high end computing. Silicom Ltd. also offers intelligent and programmable cards, such as encryption acceleration cards and redirector cards; intelligent stand alone bypass units; 10 Gbps products with and without bypass; and server to appliance converters. It markets its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers. The company was founded in 1987 and is based in Kfar Sava, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Silicom (NASDAQ: SILC) jumped 33.10% to $61.88 as the company announced upbeat quarterly results.

  Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) moved up 16.86% to $389.98 after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results.

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Silicom (NASDAQ: SILC) shares reached a new 52-week high of $60.71 as the company announced upbeat quarterly results.

  Posted-In: 52-Week HighsNews Intraday Update Markets Movers

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Silicom (Nasdaq: SILC  ) reported earnings on July 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Silicom beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.